File No. 2-96520
File No. 811-4261
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
Form N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 X
Pre-Effective Amendment No. ____
Post-Effective Amendment No. 19
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT
OF 1940 X
Amendment No. 19
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
(Exact Name as Specified in Charter)
6300 Lamar Avenue, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66202-4200
(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code (913) 236-2000
Sharon K. Pappas, P. O. Box 29217, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective
_____ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
__X__ on March 31, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b)
_____ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
_____ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
_____ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
_____ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
_____ this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date
for a previously filed post-effective amendment
==================================================================
DECLARATION REQUIRED BY RULE 24f-2 (a) (1)
The issuer has registered an indefinite amount of its securities under the
Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2(a)(1). Notice for the
Registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 was filed on February 25, 1997.
<PAGE>
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
===================================
Cross Reference Sheet
=====================
Part A of
Form N-1A
Item No. Prospectus Caption
- --------- ------------------
1 ........................ Cover Page
2(a) ..................... Expenses
(b) ..................... An Overview of the Fund
(c) ..................... An Overview of the Fund
3(a) ..................... Financial Highlights
(b) ..................... *
(c) ..................... Performance
(d)...................... Performance; About Your Account
4(a) ..................... About the Investment Principles of the Fund; About
the Management and Expenses of the Fund
(b) ..................... About the Investment Principles of the Fund
(c) ..................... An Overview of the Fund; About the Investment
Principles of the Fund
5(a) ..................... About the Management and Expenses of the Fund
(b)...................... Inside Back Cover; About the Management and
Expenses of the Fund
(c) ..................... About the Management and Expenses of the Fund
(d) ..................... Inside Back Cover; About the Management and
Expenses of the Fund
(e) ..................... Inside Back Cover; About the Management and
Expenses of the Fund
(f) ..................... About the Management and Expenses of the Fund
(g)(i)................... *
(g)(ii).................. About the Management and Expenses of the Fund
5A........................ **
6(a) ..................... About the Management and Expenses of the Fund
(b) ..................... *
(c) ..................... *
(d) ..................... About the Management and Expenses of the Fund
(e) ..................... About Your Account
(f)...................... About Your Account
(g) ..................... About Your Account
(h) ..................... About the Management and Expenses of the Fund
7(a) ..................... Inside Back Cover; About Your Account
(b) ..................... About Your Account
(c) ..................... About Your Account
(d) ..................... About Your Account
(e) ..................... *
(f) ..................... About the Management and Expenses of the Fund
8(a) ..................... About Your Account
(b) ..................... *
(c) ..................... About Your Account
(d) ..................... About Your Account
9 ........................ *
Part B of
Form N-1A
Item No. SAI Caption
- --------- -----------
10(a) ..................... Cover Page
(b) ..................... *
11 ........................ Cover Page
12 *
13(a) ..................... Goals and Investment Policies
(b) ..................... Goals and Investment Policies
(c) ..................... Goals and Investment Policies
(d) ..................... Goals and Investment Policies
14(a) ..................... Directors and Officers
(b) ..................... Directors and Officers
(c) ..................... Directors and Officers
15(a) ..................... *
(b) ..................... *
(c) ..................... Directors and Officers
16(a)(i) .................. Investment Management and Other Services
(a)(ii) ................. Directors and Officers
(a)(iii) ................ Investment Management and Other Services
(b) ..................... Investment Management and Other Services
(c) ..................... *
(d) ..................... Investment Management and Other Services
(e) ..................... *
(f) ..................... Investment Management and Other Services
(g) ..................... *
(h) ..................... Investment Management and Other Services
(i) ..................... *
17(a) ..................... Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
(b) ..................... *
(c) ..................... Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
(d) ..................... Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
(e) ..................... *
18(a) ..................... Other Information
(b) ..................... *
19(a) ..................... Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares
(b) ..................... Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares
(c) ..................... Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares
20 ........................ Taxes
21(a) ..................... Investment Management and Other Services
(b) ..................... Investment Management and Other Services
(c) ..................... *
22(a) ..................... *
(b)(i) .................. Performance Information
(b)(ii) ................. Performance Information
(b)(iii) ................ *
(b)(iv) ................. Performance Information
23 ........................ Financial Statements
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Not Applicable or Negative Answer
**Included in Annual Report to Shareholders
<PAGE>
Please read this Prospectus before investing, and keep it on file for future
reference. It sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that you
ought to know before investing.
Additional information has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is contained in a Statement of Additional Information ("SAI")
dated March 31, 1997. The SAI is available free upon request to the Fund or
Waddell & Reed, Inc., the Fund's underwriter, at the address or telephone number
below. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and you will
not be aware of all facts unless you read both this Prospectus and the SAI.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.
Class A Shares
This Fund seeks a high total return through investments in precious metals,
minerals-related securities or U.S. Government Securities.
This Prospectus describes one class of shares of the Fund -- Class A Shares.
Prospectus
March 31, 1997
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66201-9217
913-236-2000
800-366-5465
<PAGE>
Table of Contents
AN OVERVIEW OF THE FUND......................................3
EXPENSES........................................................5
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS............................................6
PERFORMANCE.....................................................8
Explanation of Terms ..........................................8
ABOUT WADDELL & REED............................................9
ABOUT THE INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND....................10
Investment Goals and Principles ..............................10
Risk Considerations ........................................12
Securities and Investment Practices ..........................12
ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT.............................................20
Ways to Set Up Your Account ..................................20
Buying Shares ................................................21
Minimum Investments ..........................................30
Adding to Your Account .......................................30
Selling Shares ...............................................31
Shareholder Services .........................................33
Personal Service ...........................................33
Reports ....................................................33
Exchanges ..................................................33
Automatic Transactions .....................................33
Distributions and Taxes ......................................34
Distributions ..............................................34
Taxes ......................................................35
ABOUT THE MANAGEMENT AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND..................37
WRIMCO and Its Affiliates ....................................38
Breakdown of Expenses ........................................39
Management Fee .............................................39
Other Expenses .............................................40
<PAGE>
An Overview of the Fund
The Fund: This Prospectus describes the Class A shares of United Gold &
Government Fund, Inc., an open-end, diversified management investment company.
Goals and Strategies: United Gold & Government Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") seeks a
high total return through investments in precious metals, minerals-related
securities or U.S. Government Securities. The Fund's portfolio will generally
include minerals-related securities and gold, silver and platinum during periods
of actual or expected inflation or when the environment for investment in
precious metals appears to be favorable, and U.S. Government Securities during
periods of actual or expected disinflation or low inflation. See "About the
Investment Principles of the Fund" for further information.
Management: Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company ("WRIMCO") provides
investment advice to the Fund and manages the Fund's investments. WRIMCO is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Waddell & Reed, Inc. WRIMCO, Waddell & Reed, Inc.
and its predecessors have provided investment management services to registered
investment companies since 1940. See "About the Management and Expenses of the
Fund" for further information about management fees.
Distributor: Waddell & Reed, Inc. acts as principal underwriter and distributor
of the shares of the Fund.
Purchases: You may buy Class A shares of the Fund through Waddell & Reed, Inc.
and its account representatives. The price to buy a Class A share of the Fund
is the net asset value of a Class A share plus a sales charge. See "About Your
Account" for information on how to purchase Class A shares.
Redemptions: You may redeem your shares at net asset value. When you sell your
shares, they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them. See "About
Your Account" for a description of redemption and reinvestment procedures.
Who May Want to Invest: The Fund is designed for investors who are willing to
accept significant risks with the opportunity to participate in potentially high
returns. You should consider whether the Fund fits with your particular
investment objectives.
Risk Considerations: The Fund is subject to significant risks associated with
gold and other minerals-related securities, foreign securities and precious
metals. The value of the Fund's investments and the income generated will vary
from day to day, generally reflecting changes in interest rates, market
conditions and other company and economic news. Performance will also depend on
WRIMCO's skill in selecting investments. See "About the Investment Principles
of the Fund" for information about the risks associated with the Fund's
investments.
<PAGE>
Expenses
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy or sell shares
of a fund.
Maximum sales load
on purchases 5.75%
(as a percentage of offering price)
Maximum sales load
on reinvested
dividends None
Deferred sales load None
Redemption fees None
Exchange fee None
Annual Fund operating expenses (as a percentage of average net assets).
Management fees 0.71%
12b-1 fees 0.25%
Other expenses1 0.92%
Total Fund operating expenses2 1.88%
Example: You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming
(1) 5% annual return3 and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
1 year $ 75
3 years $113
5 years $153
10 years $265
The purpose of this table is to assist you in understanding the various costs
and expenses that a shareholder of the Class A shares of the Fund will bear
directly or indirectly. The example should not be considered a representation
of past or future expenses; actual expenses may be greater or lesser than those
shown. For a more complete discussion of certain expenses and fees, see
"Breakdown of Expenses."
1Expense information has been restated to reflect the current shareholder
servicing fee which became effective April 1, 1996.
2Retirement plan accounts may be subject to a $2 fee imposed by the plan
custodian for use of the Flexible Withdrawal Service.
3Use of an assumed annual return of 5% is for illustration purposes only and is
not a representation of the Fund's future performance, which may be greater or
lesser.
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
The following information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent accountants, with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996, and by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, with respect to all
other fiscal years, and should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and notes thereto, together with the report of Deloitte & Touche LLP,
which is included in the SAI.
For a Class A share outstanding throughout each period.*
<TABLE>
For the fiscal year ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1966 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of period ..... $8.75 $8.19 $9.97 $5.70 $6.63 $6.68 $8.66 $7.47 $7.95 $6.83
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Income from investment
operations:
Net investment income ... 0.06 0.24 0.05 0.04 0.06 0.15 0.11 0.16 0.17 0.14
Net realized and
unrealized gain
(loss) on
investments ........... 0.32 0.56 (1.78) 4.27 (0.93) (0.05) (1.97) 1.20 (0.48) 1.93
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total from investment
operations .............. 0.38 0.80 (1.73) 4.31 (0.87) 0.10 (1.86) 1.36 (0.31) 2.07
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Less distributions:
Dividends from net
investment income ..... (0.06) (0.24) (0.05) (0.04) (0.06) (0.15) (0.12) (0.17) (0.17) (0.13)
Distributions from
capital gains ......... (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.82)
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total distributions ....... (0.06) (0.24) (0.05) (0.04) (0.06) (0.15) (0.12) (0.17) (0.17) (0.95)
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Net asset value,
end of period ........... $9.07 $8.75 $8.19 $9.97 $5.70 $6.63 $6.68 $8.66 $7.47 $7.95
===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Total return** ............ 4.33% 9.80% -17.36% 75.82% -13.18% 1.47% -21.59% 18.42% -3.92% 30.36%
Net assets, end of period
(000 omitted) ........... $30,811 $32,733 $37,422 $46,908 $27,136 $40,587 $54,371 $83,154 $99,460 $119,894
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets .............. 1.84% 1.66% 1.59% 1.69% 1.88% 1.57% 1.56% 1.42% 1.42% 1.20%
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets ... 0.66% 2.55% 0.57% 0.48% 0.90% 2.11% 1.43% 1.91% 2.14% 1.81%
Portfolio turnover rate*** 101.34% 164.21% 64.89% 84.00% 61.50% 112.80% 82.42% 89.92% 100.19% 107.00%
Average commission
rate paid ............... $0.0294
*On February 19, 1996, the Fund began offering Class Y shares to the public. Fund shares outstanding prior to that date were
designated Class A Shares.
**Total return calculated without taking into account the sales load deducted on an initial purchase.
***This rate is, in general, calculated by dividing the average value of the Fund's portfolio securities during the period into
the lesser of its purchases or sales of securities in the period, excluding short-term securities and bullion.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Performance
Mutual fund performance is commonly measured as total return. The Fund may
also advertise its performance by showing performance rankings. Performance
information is calculated and presented separately for each class of Fund
shares.
Explanation of Terms
Total Return is the overall change in value of an investment in the Fund
over a given period, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and other
distributions. A cumulative total return reflects actual performance over a
stated period of time. An average annual total return is a hypothetical rate of
return that, if achieved annually, would have produced the same cumulative total
return if performance had been constant over the entire period. Average annual
total returns smooth out variations in performance; they are not the same as
actual year-by-year results. Non-standardized total return may not reflect
deduction of the applicable sales charge or may be for periods other than those
required to be presented or may otherwise differ from standardized total return.
Total return quotations that do not reflect the applicable sales charge will
reflect a higher rate of return.
Performance Rankings are comparisons of the Fund's performance to the
performance of other selected mutual funds, selected recognized market
indicators such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the Dow Jones
Industrial Average, or non-market indices or averages of mutual fund industry
groups. The Fund may quote its performance rankings and/or other information as
published by recognized independent mutual fund statistical services or by
publications of general interest. In connection with a ranking, the Fund may
provide additional information, such as the particular category to which it
relates, the number of funds in the category, the criteria upon which the
ranking is based, and the effect of sales charges, fee waivers and/or expense
reimbursements.
All performance information that the Fund advertises or includes in
information provided to present or prospective shareholders is historical in
nature and is not intended to represent or guarantee future results. The value
of the Fund's shares when redeemed may be more or less than their original cost.
The Fund's recent performance and holdings will be detailed twice a year in
the Fund's annual and semiannual reports, which are sent to all Fund
shareholders.
<PAGE>
About Waddell & Reed
Since 1937, Waddell & Reed has been helping people make the most of
their financial future by helping them take advantage of various financial
services. Today, Waddell & Reed has over 2500 account representatives located
throughout the United States. Your primary contact in your dealings with
Waddell & Reed will be your local account representative. However, the Waddell
& Reed shareholder services department, which is part of the Waddell & Reed
headquarters operations in Overland Park, Kansas, is available to assist you and
your Waddell & Reed account representative. You may speak with a customer
service representative by calling the telephone number listed on the inside back
cover.
<PAGE>
About the Investment Principles of the Fund
Investment Goals and Principles
The goal of the Fund is to seek a high total return to investors. The Fund
seeks to achieve this goal by investing in (i) minerals-related securities and
gold, silver and platinum during periods of actual or expected inflation, (ii)
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Securities") during periods of actual or
expected disinflation or low inflation, and (iii) gold, silver and platinum
during periods when the environment for investment in precious metals appears to
be favorable. Minerals-related securities are securities that offer an
investment participation in the mining, processing, production, exploration,
refining or sales of gold, platinum, silver or hydrocarbons. There is no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its goal.
During past inflationary periods, minerals-related securities and precious
metals, such as gold, silver and platinum, generally have increased in value,
while the value of debt securities has tended to decrease due to rising interest
rates. Conversely, during periods of disinflation or low inflation, the value
of debt securities has generally increased, while the value of minerals-related
securities and precious metals has decreased. Low inflation is considered to be
generally in the 3% to 6% range, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Also,
during periods of declining stock prices, the prices of gold, silver and
platinum may increase or remain stable, while the value of minerals-related
securities may be subject to a general decline experienced by the stock market
as a whole. Based on these historical trends, WRIMCO will attempt to anticipate
inflationary and disinflationary periods and manage the Fund's investments in a
manner designed to achieve the Fund's goal.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund will not invest in other than
(i) those minerals-related securities that are related to the mining,
processing, production, exploration, refining or sales of gold, (ii) U.S.
Government Securities, and/or (iii) gold, silver and platinum if thereafter less
than 65% of its total assets would be invested in these investments. The Fund
may invest in securities other than minerals-related securities, U.S. Government
Securities and gold, silver or platinum, subject to this 65% test and to the
other restrictions set forth in this Prospectus and the SAI.
It is a fundamental policy of the Fund to concentrate its investments
(i.e., invest more than 25% of its assets) in an industry related to gold and
other minerals during periods of actual or anticipated inflation and up to 100%
of its assets may be so invested. During periods of actual or expected
disinflation or low inflation, up to 100% of the Fund's assets may be invested
in U.S. Government Securities of varying maturities and not more than 25% of the
Fund's assets will be invested in gold and other minerals-related securities.
When the Fund is invested in minerals-related securities, it is anticipated that
a substantial portion, and up to 100%, of its assets will be invested in foreign
securities. See "Foreign Securities." The securities that the Fund may own
include debt securities, preferred stock, common stock and convertible
securities.
WRIMCO believes that this strategy will allow the Fund to achieve a higher
total return than could be achieved if it remained invested in minerals-related
securities and precious metals during periods of low inflation or disinflation
because the income and value of minerals-related securities and precious metals
might decline during periods of disinflation or low inflation. During such
periods, WRIMCO expects that higher income can be achieved and that capital will
be better preserved by investing in U.S. Government Securities. It is expected
that, during periods of disinflation and low inflation, a greater portion of the
total return of the Fund will be attributable to income achieved through
investment in U.S. Government Securities. It is expected that, during
inflationary periods, a greater portion of the total return of the Fund will be
attributable to appreciation from investment in minerals-related securities and
precious metals.
WRIMCO will evaluate numerous economic and monetary factors in making a
determination as to whether the economy is in or is likely to enter into an
inflationary or disinflationary period. Among the factors WRIMCO will evaluate
are changes in governmental fiscal and monetary policy, rates of changes in the
Consumer Price Index, and actual and anticipated changes and rate of change in
the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to other key foreign currencies, short-
and long-term interest rates, and the money supply. For example, when WRIMCO
believes that the economy is in an inflationary cycle or an inflationary cycle
is expected because of rising interest rates, a decline in the value of the U.S.
dollar, and a higher rate of change in the Consumer Price Index, the Fund
generally will concentrate in minerals-related securities. On the other hand,
when interest rates are declining, the value of the U.S. dollar is increasing,
and the rate of change in the Consumer Price Index is declining, the Fund
generally will invest in U.S. Government Securities. However, WRIMCO will take
into account factors other than those given in these examples and WRIMCO's
subjective judgment of all factors it deems relevant precludes the application
of any formulas or mechanical determinations in assessing the state of the
economy. WRIMCO's evaluation takes into consideration political instability in
certain parts of the world as well as domestic and international economic
factors.
Risk Considerations
There are risks inherent in any investment. The Fund is subject to varying
degrees of market risk, financial risk and, in some cases, prepayment risk.
Market risk is the potential for fluctuations in the price of the security or
other asset because of market factors. Because of market risks, you should
anticipate that the share price of the Fund will fluctuate. Financial risk is
based on the financial situation of the issuer. The financial risk of the Fund
depends on the credit quality of the underlying securities. Prepayment risk is
the possibility that, during periods of falling interest rates, a debt security
with a high stated interest rate will be prepaid prior to its expected maturity
date.
Because the Fund owns different types of investments, its performance will
be affected by a variety of factors. The value of the Fund's investments and
the income it generates will vary from day to day, generally reflecting changes
in interest rates, market conditions, and other company and economic news.
The Fund may also invest in certain derivative instruments, including
options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency
contracts, indexed securities, stripped securities and mortgage-backed
securities. The use of derivative instruments involves special risks. See
"Risks of Derivative Instruments" for further information on the risks of
investing in these instruments.
Investments in minerals-related securities and precious metals are
considered speculative and involve substantial risks and special considerations,
including the following:
Risk of Price Fluctuations. Metals and minerals prices are affected by
various factors such as economic conditions, political events, monetary policies
and other factors. As a result, prices of minerals-related securities and of
gold, silver and platinum may fluctuate sharply.
Concentration of Source of Gold Supply and Control of Gold Sales. The six
largest producers of gold are the Republic of South Africa, the United States,
Australia, Commonwealth of Independent States (the "CIS," formerly the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics), Canada and China. Economic, social and political
conditions and objectives prevailing in these countries may have a direct effect
on the production and marketing of newly-produced gold and sales of central bank
gold holdings. In South Africa, the activities of companies engaged in gold
mining are subject to the policies adopted by the Ministry of Mines. The
Reserve Bank of South Africa, as the sole authorized sales agent for South
African gold, has an influence on the price and timing of sales of South African
gold. As South Africa is the largest producer of gold, social upheaval and
related economic difficulties in South Africa may, from time to time, influence
the price of gold and the share values of mining companies involved in South
Africa and elsewhere. Investors should understand the special considerations
and risks related to an investment emphasis in securities of South African
issuers and its potential effects on the Fund's per share value. The Fund may
invest up to 100% of its assets in securities of South African issuers.
Unpredictable International Monetary Policies, Economic and Political
Conditions. There is the possibility that, under unusual international monetary
or political conditions, the Fund's assets might be less liquid or that the
change in value of its assets might be more volatile than would be the case with
other investments. In particular, the price of gold is affected by direct and
indirect use of it to settle net deficits and surpluses between nations.
Because the prices of metals and minerals may be affected by unpredictable
international monetary policies and economic conditions, there may be greater
likelihood of a more dramatic impact upon the market price of the Fund's
investments than of other investments.
Foreign Securities. A major portion of the Fund's assets will usually be
invested in foreign securities during periods of actual or anticipated
inflation. See "Foreign Securities" below.
Failure to Anticipate Changes in Economic Cycles. In addition to the risks
discussed above, the Fund's investment success will be dependent to a high
degree on WRIMCO's ability to anticipate the onset and termination of
inflationary and disinflationary cycles. A failure to anticipate a
disinflationary cycle could result in the Fund's assets being disproportionately
invested in minerals-related securities. Conversely, a failure to predict an
inflationary cycle could result in the Fund's assets being disproportionately
invested in U.S. Government Securities. The Fund's investment success will be
dependent to a high degree on the validity of the premise that the values of
minerals-related securities will move in a different direction than the values
of U.S. Government Securities during periods of inflation or disinflation. If
the values of both types of securities move down during the same period of time,
the value of the shareholder's investment will decline rather than stabilize or
increase, as anticipated, regardless of whether the Fund is invested in
minerals-related securities or U.S. Government Securities.
Securities and Investment Practices
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of
instruments in which the Fund may invest, and strategies WRIMCO may employ in
pursuit of the Fund's investment goal. A summary of risks associated with these
instrument types and investment practices is included as well.
WRIMCO might not buy all of these instruments or use all of these
techniques to the full extent permitted by the Fund's investment policies and
restrictions unless it believes that doing so will help the Fund achieve its
goal.
Certain of the investment policies and restrictions of the Fund are
noted above; others are stated below. A fundamental policy of the Fund may not
be changed without the approval of the shareholders of the Fund. Operating
policies may be changed by the Board of Directors without the approval of the
affected shareholders. The goal of the Fund is a fundamental policy. Unless
otherwise indicated, the types of securities and other assets in which the Fund
may invest, the proportions of its assets that the Fund may invest in each such
type and other policies are operating policies.
Policies and limitations are typically considered at the time of purchase;
the sale of instruments is usually not required in the event of a subsequent
change in circumstances.
Please see the SAI for further information concerning the following
instruments and associated risks and the Fund's investment policies and
restrictions.
Precious Metals. The ownership of precious metals may allow the Fund to
take advantage of those periods of time when the outlook for the price of gold,
silver and platinum is favorable while the outlook for the share prices of
minerals-related securities may be unfavorable. For example, during periods of
declining stock prices, the price of gold may increase or remain stable, while
the value of gold-related securities may be subject to the same general decline
experienced by the stock market as a whole. Under these or similar
circumstances, the ability of the Fund to purchase and hold gold, silver or
platinum will allow it to benefit from a potential increase in the price of
precious metals or stability in the price of such metals at a time when the
value of minerals-related securities may be declining.
The Fund's ability to purchase platinum may allow the Fund to invest in
platinum without the risks associated with owning shares of South African and
CIS companies engaged in the production of platinum. While the Fund is
authorized to invest in South African and CIS issuers, investments in South
Africa and in the CIS are subject to the risks associated with the unsettled
political and social conditions prevailing in that country and neighboring
countries.
The Fund anticipates that gold, silver and platinum will be purchased in
the form of bullion or coins or in the form of vault or other negotiable
receipts representing ownership of these metals. The Fund may incur expenses
for the shipping, storage and insurance of precious metals it purchases.
Precious metals prices are affected by various factors, such as economic
conditions, political events and monetary policies. As a result, the price of
gold, silver or platinum may fluctuate widely. The sole source of return to the
Fund from such investments will be gains realized on sales; a negative return
will be realized if the metal is sold at a loss. Investments in precious metals
do not provide a yield.
The Fund's direct investment in precious metals may be limited by tax
considerations. See "Taxes" in the SAI.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not
invest more than 25% of its total assets in gold, silver and platinum.
Equity Securities. Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an
issuer. This ownership interest often gives an investor the right to vote on
measures affecting the issuer's organization and operations. Although common
stocks and other equity securities have a history of long-term growth in value,
their prices tend to fluctuate in the short term, particularly those of smaller
companies. The equity securities in which the Fund invests may include
preferred stock that converts to common stock either automatically or after a
specified period of time or at the option of the issuer.
Debt Securities. Bonds and other debt instruments are used by issuers to
borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or variable
rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed at maturity. Some debt
securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest, but are
purchased at a discount from their face values. The debt securities in which
the Fund invests may include debt securities whose performance is linked to a
specified equity security or securities index.
Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest
rates and varying degrees of quality. As a general matter, however, when
interest rates rise, the values of fixed-rate debt securities fall and,
conversely, when interest rates fall, the values of fixed-rate debt securities
rise. The values of floating and adjustable-rate debt securities are not as
sensitive to changes in interest rates as the values of fixed-rate debt
securities. Longer-term bonds are generally more sensitive to interest rate
changes than shorter-term bonds.
U.S. Government Securities are high-quality instruments issued or
guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Treasury or by an agency or
instrumentality of the U.S. Government. Not all U.S. Government Securities are
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some are backed by
the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are backed by
discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agencies'
obligations; while others are supported only by the credit of the
instrumentality. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency
issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment.
Zero coupon bonds do not make interest payments; instead, they are sold at
a deep discount from their face value and are redeemed at face value when they
mature. Because zero coupon bonds do not pay current income, their prices can
be very volatile when interest rates change. In calculating its dividends, the
Fund takes into account as income a portion of the difference between a zero
coupon bond's purchase price and its face value.
Subject to its investment restrictions, the Fund may invest in debt
securities rated in any rating category of the established rating services,
including securities in the lowest rating category (such as those rated D by
Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies ("S&P") and C by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("MIS")). In addition, the Fund will treat
unrated securities judged by WRIMCO to be of equivalent quality to a rated
security to be equivalent to securities having that rating. Debt securities
rated at least BBB by S&P or Baa by MIS are considered to be investment grade
securities. Securities rated BBB or Baa may have speculative characteristics.
Debt securities rated D by S&P or C by MIS are in payment default and are
regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing. Credit ratings for individual securities may change from
time to time, and the Fund may retain a portfolio security whose rating has been
changed. See the SAI for additional information about non-investment grade debt
securities.
Policies and Restrictions: In the case of U.S. Government Securities
issued by an agency or instrumentality that are not backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States, the Fund will invest in such securities only when
WRIMCO is satisfied that the credit risk with respect to such agency or
instrumentality is acceptable.
Preferred Stock. The Fund may invest in preferred stock rated in any
rating category by an established rating service and unrated preferred stock
judged by WRIMCO to be of equivalent quality.
Convertible Securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note,
preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a
prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a
particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible
security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the
dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is
redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible securities have unique investment
characteristics in that they generally have higher yields than those of common
stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower yields than comparable
nonconvertible securities, are less subject to fluctuation in value than the
underlying stock because they have fixed income characteristics, and provide the
potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common
stock increases.
The value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest
rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing
as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors
also may have an effect on the convertible security's investment value.
Policies and Restrictions: The Fund does not intend to invest more than
5% of its assets in non-investment grade debt securities.
Foreign Securities and foreign currencies can involve significant risks in
addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments. The value of securities
denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, and of dividends and interest
from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies
strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets
generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and
prices on some foreign markets can be highly volatile. Many foreign countries
lack uniform accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those applicable
to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information
regarding an issuer's financial condition and operations. In addition, the
costs of foreign investing, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions
and custodial costs, are generally higher than for U.S. investments.
Foreign markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets.
Foreign issuers, brokers and securities markets may be subject to less
government supervision. Foreign security trading practices, including those
involving the release of assets in advance of payment, may involve increased
risks in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a broker-dealer, and
may involve substantial delays. It may also be difficult to enforce legal
rights in foreign countries.
Investing abroad also involves different political and economic risks.
Foreign investments may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to
the interests of U.S. investors, including the possibility of expropriation or
nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on U.S.
investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or convert currency into U.S.
dollars, or other government intervention. There may be a greater possibility
of default by foreign governments or foreign government-sponsored enterprises.
Investments in foreign countries also involve a risk of local political,
economic, or social instability, military action or unrest, or adverse
diplomatic developments. There is no assurance that WRIMCO will be able to
anticipate these potential events or counter their effects.
The considerations noted above generally are intensified for investments in
developing countries. A developing country is a nation that, in WRIMCO's
opinion, is likely to experience long-term gross domestic product growth above
that expected to occur in the United States, the United Kingdom, France,
Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada. Developing countries may have relatively
unstable governments, economies based on only a few industries and securities
markets that trade a small number of securities.
Certain foreign securities impose restrictions on transfer within the
United States or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to transfer
restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign
securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
When purchasing foreign securities, the Fund may purchase American
Depository Receipts, which are certificates issued by U.S. depositories
representing the right to receive securities of a foreign issuer deposited with
that or another depository, and may also purchase securities of a foreign issuer
directly in the foreign market.
Policies and Restrictions: The Fund may purchase an unlimited amount of
foreign securities. The Fund currently intends to limit its investment in
obligations of any single foreign government to less than 25% of its total
assets.
Options, Futures and Other Strategies. The Fund may use certain options
and indexed securities to attempt to enhance income or yield or may attempt to
reduce the overall risk of its investments by using certain options, futures
contracts, forward currency contracts and certain other strategies described
herein. The strategies described below may be used in an attempt to manage
certain risks of the Fund's investments that can affect fluctuation in its net
asset value.
The Fund's ability to use these strategies may be limited by market
conditions, regulatory limits and tax considerations. The Fund might not use
any of these strategies, and there can be no assurance that any strategy that is
used will succeed. The risks associated with such strategies are described
below. Also see the SAI for more information on these instruments and
strategies and their risk considerations.
Options. The Fund may engage in certain strategies involving options to
attempt to enhance the Fund's income or yield or to attempt to reduce the
overall risk of its investments. A call option gives the purchaser the right to
buy, and obligates the writer to sell, the underlying investment at the agreed
upon exercise price during the option period. A put option gives the purchaser
the right to sell, and obligates the writer to buy, the underlying investment at
the agreed upon exercise price during the option period. Purchasers of options
pay an amount, known as a premium, to the option writer in exchange for the
right under the option contract.
Options offer large amounts of leverage, which will result in the Fund's
net asset value being more sensitive to changes in the value of the related
investment. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for
exchange-listed options. The market for options that are not listed on an
exchange may be less active than the market for exchange-listed options. The
Fund will be able to close a position in an option it has written only if there
is a market for the put or call. If the Fund is not able to enter into a
closing transaction on an option it has written, it will be required to maintain
the securities subject to the call or the collateral underlying the put until a
closing purchase transaction can be entered into or the option expires.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may purchase
and write (sell) put and call options only on U.S. Government Securities (except
that the Fund may write call options on securities whether or not they are U.S.
Government Securities) and the options on futures contracts described below,
subject to certain restrictions that are set forth in the SAI.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may write calls on securities only if the
calls are covered calls (i.e., the Fund must own the related investments or
other investments acceptable for escrow arrangements).
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may only purchase or write options if
they are listed on a domestic securities or commodities exchange or quoted on
the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations system
("Nasdaq"), except the Fund may purchase optional delivery standby
commitments.
The Fund will only write puts on securities when it would be willing to
purchase the underlying security at the exercise price.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. When the Fund
purchases a futures contract, it incurs an obligation to take delivery of a
specified amount of the obligation underlying the contract at a specified time
in the future for a specified price. When the Fund sells a futures contract, it
incurs an obligation to deliver the specified amount of the underlying
obligation at a specified time in return for an agreed upon price.
When the Fund writes an option on a futures contract, it becomes obligated,
in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract at a
specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. If the Fund
has written a call, it assumes a short futures position. If it has written a
put, it assumes a long futures position. When the Fund purchases an option on a
futures contract, it acquires a right in return for the premium it pays to
assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call
and a short position if the option is a put).
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may only buy
and sell futures contracts relating to U.S. Government Securities ("U.S.
Government Securities Futures") and options thereon. As a fundamental policy,
the Fund may buy and sell only listed options on U.S. Government Securities
Futures.
Forward Contracts and Currencies. The Fund may enter into forward currency
contracts for the purchase or sale of a specified currency at a specified future
date either with respect to specific transactions or with respect to portfolio
positions in order to minimize the risk to the Fund from adverse changes in the
relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. For example, when
WRIMCO anticipates purchasing or selling a security, the Fund may enter into a
forward contract in order to set the exchange rate at which the transaction will
be made. The Fund also may enter into a forward contract to sell an amount of a
foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's securities
positions denominated in such currency. The Fund may also use forward contracts
in one currency or a basket of currencies to attempt to hedge against
fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if
WRIMCO anticipates that there will be a correlation between the two currencies.
Successful use of forward currency contracts will depend on WRIMCO's skill
in analyzing and predicting currency values. Forward contracts may
substantially change the Fund's investment exposure to changes in currency
exchange rates, and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not
perform as WRIMCO anticipates. There is no assurance that WRIMCO's use of
forward currency contracts will be advantageous to the Fund or that it will
hedge at an appropriate time.
Currency conversion involves dealer spreads and other costs, although
commissions usually are not charged.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not have
more than 15% of the value of its assets committed to the consummation of
forward currency contracts. As a fundamental policy, the Fund will not enter
into forward currency contracts or maintain a net exposure to forward currency
contracts where the consummation of such contracts would obligate the Fund to
deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of its portfolio
securities or other assets denominated in that currency.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may hold foreign currency only in
connection with forward currency contracts, only up to four business days, as
well as in connection with the purchase or sale of foreign securities, but not
otherwise.
Generally, the Fund will not enter into a forward currency contract with a
term of greater than one year.
Indexed Securities. The Fund may purchase indexed securities, which are
securities the value of which varies in relation to the value of other
securities, securities indices, currencies, precious metals or other
commodities, or other financial indicators. Indexed securities typically, but
not always, are debt securities or deposits whose value at maturity or coupon
rate is determined by reference to a specific instrument or statistic. The
performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the performance
of the security, currency, or other instrument to which they are indexed, and
may also be influenced by interest rate changes in the U.S. and abroad. At the
same time, indexed securities are subject to the credit risks associated with
the issuer of the security, and their values may decline substantially if the
issuer's creditworthiness deteriorates. Indexed securities may be more volatile
than the underlying instruments.
Mortgage-Backed and Other Asset-Backed Securities are bonds backed by
specific types of assets. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or
indirect interests in pools of underlying mortgage loans that are secured by
real property. U.S. Government mortgage-backed securities are issued or
guaranteed as to principal and interest (but not as to market value) by the
Government National Mortgage Association, Fannie Mae (formerly the Federal
National Mortgage Association), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or other
government-sponsored enterprises. Other mortgage-backed securities are
sponsored or issued by private entities, including investment banking firms and
mortgage originators.
Mortgage-backed securities may be composed of one or more classes and may
be structured either as pass-through securities or collateralized debt
obligations. Multiple-class mortgage-backed securities are referred to in this
prospectus as "CMOs." Some CMOs are directly supported by other CMOs, which in
turn are supported by mortgage pools. Investors typically receive payments out
of the interest and principal on the underlying mortgages. The portions of
these payments that investors receive, as well as the priority of their rights
to receive payments, are determined by the specific terms of the CMO class.
For example, interest-only ("IO") classes are entitled to receive all or a
portion of the interest, but none (or only a nominal amount) of the principal
payments, from the underlying mortgage assets. If the mortgage assets
underlying an IO experience greater than anticipated principal prepayments, then
the total amount of interest payments allocable to the IO class, and therefore
the yield to investors, generally will be reduced. In some instances, an
investor in an IO may fail to recoup all of his or her initial investment, even
if the security is government guaranteed or considered to be of the highest
quality. Conversely, principal-only ("PO") classes are entitled to receive all
or a portion of the principal payments, but none of the interest, from the
underlying mortgage assets. PO classes are purchased at substantial discounts
from par, and the yield to investors will be reduced if principal payments are
slower than expected. IOs, POs and other CMOs involve special risks, and
evaluating them requires special knowledge.
When interest rates go down and homeowners refinance their mortgages,
mortgage-backed bonds may be paid off more quickly than investors expect. When
interest rates rise, mortgage-backed bonds may be paid off more slowly than
originally expected. Changes in the rate or "speed" of these prepayments can
cause the value of mortgage-backed securities to fluctuate rapidly.
Other asset-backed securities are similar to mortgage-backed securities,
except that the underlying assets are different. These underlying assets may be
nearly any type of financial asset or receivable, such as motor vehicle
installment sales contracts, home equity loans, leases of various types of real
and personal property and receivables from credit cards.
The yield characteristics of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
differ from those of traditional debt securities. Among the major differences
are that interest and principal payments are made more frequently and that
principal may be prepaid at any time because the underlying mortgage loans or
other assets generally may be prepaid at any time. Generally, prepayments on
fixed-rate mortgage loans will increase during a period of falling interest
rates and decrease during a period of rising interest rates. Mortgage- and
asset-backed securities may also decrease in value as a result of increases in
interest rates and, because of prepayments, may benefit less than other bonds
from declining interest rates. Reinvestments of prepayments may occur at lower
interest rates than the original investment, thus adversely affecting a Fund's
yield. Actual prepayment experience may cause the yield of a mortgage-backed
security to differ from what was assumed when the Fund purchased the security.
The market for privately issued mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
is smaller and less liquid than the market for U.S. Government mortgage-backed
securities. CMO classes may be specially structured in a manner that provides
any of a wide variety of investment characteristics, such as yield, effective
maturity and interest rate sensitivity. As market conditions change, however,
and especially during periods of rapid or unanticipated changes in market
interest rates, the attractiveness of some CMO classes and the ability of the
structure to provide the anticipated investment characteristics may be
significantly reduced. These changes can result in volatility in the market
value, and in some instances reduced liquidity, of the CMO class.
Risks of Derivative Instruments. The use of options, futures contracts,
options on futures contracts, and forward contracts, and the investment in
indexed securities, stripped securities and mortgage-backed securities involve
special risks, including (i) possible imperfect or no correlation between price
movements of the portfolio investments (held or intended to be purchased)
involved in the transaction and price movements of the instruments involved in
the transaction, (ii) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for any
particular instrument at a particular time, (iii) the need for additional
portfolio management skills and techniques, (iv) losses due to unanticipated
market price movements, (v) the fact that, while such strategies can reduce the
risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain, or even result in
losses, by offsetting favorable price movements in investments involved in the
transaction, (vi) incorrect forecasts by WRIMCO concerning interest or currency
exchange rates or direction of price fluctuations of the investment involved in
the transaction, which may result in the strategy being ineffective, (vii) loss
of premiums paid by the Fund on options it purchases, and (viii) the possible
inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time when it
would otherwise be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for the Fund
to sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time, due to the need for the
Fund to maintain "cover" or to segregate securities in connection with such
transactions and the possible inability of the Fund to close out or liquidate
its position.
For a hedging strategy to be completely effective, the price change of the
hedging instrument must equal the price change of the investment being hedged.
The risk of imperfect correlation of these price changes increases as the
composition of the Fund's portfolio diverges from instruments underlying a
hedging instrument. Such equal price changes are not always possible because
the investment underlying the hedging instruments may not be the same investment
that is being hedged. WRIMCO will attempt to create a closely correlated hedge
but hedging activity may not be completely successful in eliminating market
value fluctuation.
WRIMCO may use derivative instruments, including securities with embedded
derivatives, for hedging purposes to adjust the risk characteristics of the
Fund's portfolio of investments and may use some of these instruments to adjust
the return characteristics of the Fund's portfolio of investments. An embedded
derivative is a derivative that is part of another financial instrument.
Embedded derivatives typically, but not always, are debt securities whose return
of principal or interest, in part, is determined by reference to something that
is not intrinsic to the security itself. The use of derivative techniques for
speculative purposes can increase investment risk. If WRIMCO judges market
conditions incorrectly or employs a strategy that does not correlate well with
the Fund's investments, these techniques could result in a loss, regardless of
whether the intent was to reduce risk or increase return. These techniques may
increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash
relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed. In addition, these techniques
could result in a loss if the counterparty to the transaction does not perform
as promised or if there is not a liquid secondary market to close out a position
that the Fund has entered into.
The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets, due to
the differences in the natures of those markets, are subject to distortion. Due
to the possibility of distortion, a correct forecast of general interest rate,
foreign currency exchange rate or stock market trends by WRIMCO may still not
result in a successful transaction. WRIMCO may be incorrect in its expectations
as to the extent of various interest or foreign currency exchange rate movements
or stock market movements or the time span within which the movements take
place.
Options and futures transactions may increase portfolio turnover rates,
which results in correspondingly greater commission expenses and transaction
costs and may result in certain tax consequences.
New financial products and risk management techniques continue to be
developed. The Fund may use these instruments and techniques to the extent
consistent with its goal, investment policies and regulatory requirements
applicable to investment companies.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions are trading practices in
which payment and delivery for the securities take place at a future date. The
market value of a security could change during this period, which could affect
the Fund's yield.
When purchasing securities on a delayed-delivery basis, the Fund assumes
the rights and risks of ownership, including the risk of price and yield
fluctuations. When the Fund has sold a security on a delayed-delivery basis,
the Fund does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the
security. If the other party to a delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver
or pay for the securities, the Fund could miss a favorable price or yield
opportunity, or could suffer a loss.
Policies and Restrictions: The Fund may only purchase U.S. Government
Securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, or sell them on a
delayed-delivery basis.
Repurchase Agreements. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys a security
at one price and simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price.
Delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults or
becomes insolvent.
Restricted Securities and Illiquid Investments. Restricted securities
are securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale.
Restricted securities may be illiquid due to restrictions on their resale.
Certain restricted securities may be determined to be liquid in accordance with
guidelines adopted by the Fund's Board of Directors.
Illiquid investments may be difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable
price. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or may be costly
to the Fund.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not
purchase restricted securities, except that the Fund may invest up to 5% of its
total assets in restricted foreign securities.
The Fund may not purchase a security if, as a result, more than 10% of its
net assets would consist of illiquid investments.
Diversification. Diversifying the Fund's investment portfolio can reduce
the risks of investing. This may include limiting the amount of money invested
in any one issuer or, on a broader scale, in any one industry. As described
above, however, the Fund intends to concentrate in gold and other minerals-
related securities.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not buy a
security if, as a result, it would own more than 10% of the voting securities or
any class of securities of an issuer, or if more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in securities of that issuer.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not buy a security if, as a result,
more than 25% of the Fund's total assets would then be invested in securities of
companies in any one industry; however, the Fund intends to concentrate in gold
and other minerals-related securities.
Borrowing. If the Fund borrows money, its share price may be subject to
greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off.
If the Fund makes additional investments while borrowings are outstanding,
this may be considered a form of leverage.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not
borrow for investment purposes. As a fundamental policy, the Fund may borrow
money only from banks, as a temporary measure or for extraordinary or emergency
purposes but only up to 5% of its total assets. The Fund does not intend to
borrow for temporary measures; however, it may borrow to cover redemptions or
settlements of securities transactions.
Lending. Securities loans may be made on a short-term or long-term basis
for the purpose of increasing the Fund's income. This practice could result in
a loss or a delay in recovering the Fund's securities. Loans will be made only
to parties deemed by WRIMCO to be creditworthy.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not lend
more than 30% of its assets at any one time, and such loans must be on a
collateralized basis in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Other Instruments may include warrants and securities of closed-end
investment companies. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would
bear its pro rata share of that investment company's expenses, which could
result in duplication of certain fees, including management and administrative
fees.
Policies and Restrictions: The Fund may invest up to 2% of its assets in
warrants. Warrants acquired in units or attached to other securities are not
considered for purposes of computing this limitation.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may buy shares of other investment
companies that do not redeem their shares only if it does so in a regular
transaction in the open market and only if not more than 10% of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in these shares, or as part of a merger or
consolidation. The Fund does not intend to invest more than 5% of its assets in
such securities.
<PAGE>
About Your Account
The different ways to set up (register) your account are listed below.
Ways to Set Up Your Account
- -------------------------------------------------
Individual or Joint Tenants
For your general investment needs
Individual accounts are owned by one person. Joint accounts have two or more
owners (tenants).
- -------------------------------------------------
Business or Organization
For investment needs of corporations, associations, partnerships, institutions
or other groups
- -------------------------------------------------
Retirement
To shelter your retirement savings from taxes
Retirement plans allow individuals to shelter investment income and capital
gains from current taxes. In addition, contributions to these accounts may be
tax deductible.
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) allow anyone of legal age and under 70
1/2 with earned income to invest up to $2,000 per tax year. For 1997, the
maximum for an investor and his or her spouse is $4,000 ($2,000 for each
spouse) or, if less, the couple's combined earned income for the taxable
year.
Rollover IRAs retain special tax advantages for certain distributions from
employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEP - IRAs) provide small business owners
or those with self-employed income (and their eligible employees) with many
of the same advantages as a Keogh, but with fewer administrative
requirements.
Keogh Plans allow self-employed individuals to make tax-deductible
contributions for themselves up to 25% of their annual earned income, with a
maximum of $30,000 per year.
401(k) Programs allow employees of corporations of all sizes to contribute a
percentage of their wages on a tax-deferred basis. These accounts need to be
established by the administrator or trustee of the plan.
403(b) Custodial Accounts are available to employees of public school systems
or certain types of charitable organizations.
457 Accounts allow employees of state and local governments and certain
charitable organizations to contribute a portion of their compensation on a
tax-deferred basis.
Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees (SIMPLE Plans) can be established
by small employers to contribute to their employees' retirement accounts and
involve fewer administrative requirements than 401(k) or other qualified
plans generally.
- -------------------------------------------------
Gifts or Transfers to a Minor
To invest for a child's education or other future needs
These custodial accounts provide a way to give money to a child and obtain
tax benefits. An individual can give up to $10,000 a year per child without
paying Federal transfer tax. Depending on state laws, you can set up a
custodial account under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act ("UGMA") or the Uniform
Transfers to Minors Act ("UTMA").
- -------------------------------------------------
Trust
For money being invested by a trust
The trust must be established before an account can be opened, or you may use a
trust form made available by Waddell & Reed. Contact your Waddell & Reed
account representative for the form.
- -------------------------------------------------
Buying Shares
You may buy shares of the Fund through Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its account
representatives. To open your account you must complete and sign an
application. Your Waddell & Reed account representative can help you with any
questions you might have.
The price to buy a share of the Fund, called the offering price, is
calculated every business day.
The offering price of a Class A share (price to buy one Class A share) is
the Fund's Class A net asset value ("NAV") plus the sales charge shown in the
table below.
Sales
Sales Charge
Charge as
as Approx.
PercentPercent
of of
Size of Offering Amount
Purchase Price Invested
- -----------------------
Under
$100,000 5.75% 6.10%
$100,000
to less
than
$200,000 4.75 4.99
$200,000
to less
than
$300,000 3.50 3.63
$300,000
to less
than
$500,000 2.50 2.56
$500,000
to less
than
$1,000,0001.50 1.52
$1,000,000
to less
than
$2,000,0001.00 1.01
$2,000,000
and over 0.00 0.00
The Fund's Class A NAV is the value of a single share. The Class A NAV is
computed by adding, with respect to that class, the value of the Fund's
investments, cash and other assets, subtracting its liabilities, and then
dividing the result by the number of Class A shares outstanding.
The securities in the Fund's portfolio that are listed or traded on an
exchange are valued primarily using market quotations or, if market quotations
are not available, at their fair value in a manner determined in good faith by
or at the direction of the Board of Directors. Bonds are generally valued
according to prices quoted by a third-party pricing service. Short-term debt
securities are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Other
assets are valued at their fair value by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors.
The Fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (the
"NYSE") is open. The Fund normally calculates the NAVs of its shares as of the
later of the close of business of the NYSE, normally 4 p.m. Eastern time, or the
close of the regular session of any other securities or commodities exchange on
which an option held by the Fund is traded.
The Fund may invest in securities listed on foreign exchanges which may
trade on Saturdays or on customary U.S. national business holidays when the NYSE
is closed. Consequently, the NAV of Fund shares may be significantly affected
on days when the Fund does not price its shares and when you have no access to
the Fund.
When you place an order to buy shares, your order will be processed at the
next offering price calculated after your order is received and accepted. Note
the following:
Orders are accepted only at the home office of Waddell & Reed, Inc.
All of your purchases must be made in U.S. dollars.
If you buy shares by check, and then sell those shares by any method other
than by exchange to another fund in the United Group, the payment may be
delayed for up to ten days to ensure that your previous investment has
cleared.
When you sign your account application, you will be asked to certify
that your Social Security or other taxpayer identification number is correct and
whether you are subject to backup withholding for failing to report income to
the Internal Revenue Service.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. reserves the right to reject any purchase orders,
including purchases by exchange, and it and the Fund reserve the right to
discontinue offering Fund shares for purchase.
Lower sales charges are available by combining additional purchases of
Class A shares of any of the funds in the United Group, to the extent otherwise
permitted, except United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., United Cash Management,
Inc., United Government Securities Fund, Inc. and United Municipal High Income
Fund, Inc., with the NAV of Class A shares already held ("rights of
accumulation") and by grouping all purchases of Class A shares made during a
thirteen-month period ("Statement of Intention"). Class A shares of another
fund purchased through a contractual plan may not be included unless the plan
has been completed. Purchases by certain related persons may be grouped.
Additional information and applicable forms are available from Waddell & Reed
account representatives.
Class A shares may be purchased at NAV by the Directors and officers of the
Fund, employees of Waddell & Reed, Inc., employees of their affiliates, account
representatives of Waddell & Reed, Inc. and the spouse, children, parents,
children's spouses and spouse's parents of each such Director, officer, employee
and account representative. Purchases of Class A shares in certain retirement
plans and certain trusts for these persons may also be made at NAV. Purchases
of Class A shares in a 401(k) plan having 100 or more eligible employees and
purchases of Class A shares in a 457 plan having 100 or more eligible employees
may be made at NAV. Shares may also be issued at NAV in a merger, acquisition
or exchange offer made pursuant to a plan of reorganization to which the Fund is
a party.
Minimum Investments
To Open an Account $500
For certain exchanges $100
For certain retirement accounts and accounts opened with Automatic Investment
Service $50
For certain retirement accounts and accounts opened through payroll deductions
for or by employees of WRIMCO, Waddell & Reed, Inc. and their affiliates $25
To Add to an Account
For certain exchanges $100
For Automatic Investment Service $25
Adding to Your Account
Subject to the minimums described under "Minimum Investments," you can make
additional investments of any amount at any time.
To add to your account, make your check payable to Waddell & Reed, Inc.
Mail the check along with:
the detachable form that accompanies the confirmation of a prior purchase by
you or your year-to-date statement; or
a letter stating your account number, the account registration and that you
wish to purchase Class A shares of the Fund.
Mail to Waddell & Reed, Inc. at the address printed on your confirmation or
year-to-date statement.
Selling Shares
You can arrange to take money out of your Fund account at any time by
selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares.
The redemption price (price to sell one Class A share) is the Fund's Class
A NAV.
To sell shares, your request must be made in writing.
Complete an Account Service Request form, available from your Waddell &
Reed account representative, or write a letter of instruction with:
the name on the account registration;
the Fund's name,
the Fund account number;
the dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed; and
any other applicable requirements listed in the table below.
Deliver the form or your letter to your Waddell & Reed account
representative, or mail it to:
Waddell & Reed, Inc.
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66201-9217
Unless otherwise instructed, Waddell & Reed will send a check to the
address on the account.
Special Requirements for Selling Shares
Account Type Special Requirements
Individual or The written instructions must
Joint Tenant be signed by all persons
required to sign for
transactions, exactly as their
names appear on the account.
Sole The written instructions must
Proprietorship be signed by the individual
owner of the business.
UGMA, UTMA The custodian must sign the
written instructions
indicating capacity as
custodian.
Retirement The written instructions must
Account be signed by a properly
authorized person.
Trust The trustee must sign the
written instructions
indicating capacity as
trustee. If the trustee's
name is not in the account
registration, provide a
currently certified copy of
the trust document.
Business or At least one person authorized
Organization by corporate resolution to act
on the account must sign the
written instructions.
Conservator, The written instructions must
Guardian or be signed by the person
Other Fiduciary properly authorized by court
order to act in the particular
fiduciary capacity.
When you place an order to sell shares, your shares will be sold at the
next NAV calculated after receipt of a written request for redemption in good
order by Waddell & Reed, Inc. at its home office. Note the following:
If more than one person owns the shares, each owner must sign the written
request.
If you hold a certificate, it must be properly endorsed and sent to the Fund.
If you recently purchased the shares by check, the Fund may delay payment of
redemption proceeds. You may arrange for the bank upon which the purchase
check was drawn to provide to the Fund telephone or written assurance,
satisfactory to the Fund, that the check has cleared and been honored. If no
such assurance is given, payment of the redemption proceeds on these shares
will be delayed until the earlier of 10 days or the date the Fund is able to
verify that your purchase check has cleared and been honored.
Redemptions may be suspended or payment dates postponed on days when the NYSE
is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when trading on the NYSE is
restricted or as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Payment is normally made in cash, although under extraordinary conditions
redemptions may be made in portfolio securities.
The Fund reserves the right to require a signature guarantee on certain
redemption requests. This requirement is designed to protect you and Waddell &
Reed from fraud. The Fund may require a signature guarantee in certain
situations such as:
the request for redemption is made by a corporation, partnership or
fiduciary;
the request for redemption is made by someone other than the owner of record;
or
the check is being made payable to someone other than the owner of record.
The Fund will accept a signature guarantee from a national bank, a
federally chartered savings and loan or a member firm of a national stock
exchange or other eligible guarantor in accordance with procedures of the Fund's
transfer agent. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem at NAV all shares of the Fund owned
or held by you having an aggregate NAV of less than $500. The Fund will give
you notice of its intention to redeem your shares and a 60-day opportunity to
purchase a sufficient number of additional shares to bring the aggregate NAV of
your shares to $500.
You may reinvest without charge all or part of the amount you redeemed by
sending to the Fund the amount you want to reinvest. The reinvested amounts
must be received by the Fund within thirty days after the date of your
redemption. You may do this only once as to Class A shares of the Fund.
Under the terms of the 401(k) prototype plan which Waddell & Reed, Inc. has
available, the plan may have the right to make a loan to a plan participant by
redeeming Fund shares held by the plan. Principal and interest payments on the
loan made in accordance with the terms of the plan may be reinvested by the
plan, without payment of a sales charge, in Class A shares of any of the funds
in the United Group in which the plan may invest.
Shareholder Services
Waddell & Reed provides a variety of services to help you manage your
account.
Personal Service
Your local Waddell & Reed account representative is available to provide
personal service. Additionally, the Waddell & Reed Customer Services staff is
available to respond promptly to your inquiries and requests.
Reports
Statements and reports sent to you include the following:
confirmation statements (after every purchase, other than those purchases
made through Automatic Investment Service, and after every exchange, transfer
or redemption)
year-to-date statements (quarterly)
annual and semiannual reports (every six months)
To reduce expenses, only one copy of annual and semiannual reports will
be mailed to your household, even if you have more than one account with the
Fund. Call the telephone number listed on the inside back cover if you need
copies of annual or semiannual reports or historical account information.
Exchanges
You may sell your Class A shares and buy Class A shares of other funds in
the United Group. You may exchange only into funds that are legally registered
for sale in your state of residence. Note that exchanges out of the Fund may
have tax consequences for you. Before exchanging into a fund, read its
prospectus.
The Fund reserves the right to terminate or modify these exchange
privileges at any time, upon notice in certain instances.
Automatic Transactions
Flexible withdrawal service lets you set up monthly, quarterly, semiannual
or annual redemptions from your account.
Regular Investment Plans allow you to transfer money into your Fund account
automatically. While Regular Investment Plans do not guarantee a profit and
will not protect you against loss in a declining market, they can be an
excellent way to invest for retirement, a home, educational expenses and other
long-term financial goals.
Certain restrictions and fees imposed by the plan custodian may also apply
for retirement accounts. Speak with your Waddell & Reed account representative
for more information.
Regular Investment Plans
Automatic Investment Service
To move money from your bank account to an existing Fund account
Minimum Frequency
$25 Monthly
Funds Plus Service To move money from United Cash Management, Inc. to the Fund
whether in the same or a different account
Minimum Frequency
$100 Monthly
Distributions and Taxes
Distributions
The Fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income and
net capital gains to shareholders each year. Ordinarily, dividends are
distributed from the Fund's net investment income, which includes accrued
interest, earned discount, dividends and other income earned on portfolio assets
less expenses, quarterly in March, June, September and December. Net capital
gains (and any net gains from foreign currency transactions) ordinarily are
distributed in December. The Fund may make additional distributions if
necessary to avoid Federal income or excise taxes on certain undistributed
income and capital gains.
Distribution Options. When you open an account, specify on your
application how you want to receive your distributions. The Fund offers three
options:
1. Share Payment Option. Your dividend and capital gains distributions will
be automatically paid in additional Class A shares of the Fund. If you do
not indicate a choice on your application, you will be assigned this
option.
2. Income-Earned Option. Your capital gains distributions will be
automatically paid in Class A shares, but you will be sent a check for each
dividend distribution.
3. Cash Option. You will be sent a check for your dividend and capital gains
distributions.
For retirement accounts, all distributions are automatically paid in Class
A shares.
Taxes
The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify for treatment as
a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, so that it will be relieved of Federal income tax on that part of its
investment company taxable income (consisting generally of net investment
income, net short-term capital gain and net gains from certain foreign currency
transactions) and net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain
over net short-term capital loss) that are distributed to its shareholders.
There are certain requirements that the Fund must follow in order to avoid
Federal taxation. In its effort to adhere to these requirements, the Fund may
have to limit its investment activity in some types of instruments.
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the Fund
will be taxed. If your account is not a tax-deferred retirement account, you
should be aware of the following tax implications:
Taxes on distributions. Dividends from the Fund's investment company
taxable income generally are taxable to you as ordinary income, whether received
in cash or paid in additional Fund shares. Distributions of the Fund's net
capital gains, when designated as such, are taxable to you as long-term capital
gains, whether received in cash or paid in additional Fund shares and regardless
of the length of time you have owned your shares. The Fund notifies you after
each calendar year-end as to the amounts of dividends and other distributions
paid (or deemed paid) to you for that year. Under certain circumstances, the
Fund may elect to permit shareholders to take a credit or deduction for foreign
income taxes paid by the Fund. The Fund will notify you of any such
election.
A portion of the dividends paid by the Fund, whether received in cash or
paid in additional Fund shares, may be eligible for the dividends-received
deduction allowed to corporations. The eligible portion may not exceed the
aggregate dividends received by the Fund from U.S. corporations. However,
dividends received by a corporate shareholder and deducted by it pursuant to the
dividends-received deduction are subject indirectly to the alternative minimum
tax.
Withholding. The Fund is required to withhold 31% of all dividends,
capital gains distributions and redemption proceeds payable to individuals and
certain other noncorporate shareholders who do not furnish the Fund with a
correct taxpayer identification number. Withholding at that rate from dividends
and capital gains distributions also is required for such shareholders who
otherwise are subject to backup withholding.
Taxes on transactions. Your redemption of Fund shares will result in
taxable gain or loss to you, depending on whether the redemption proceeds are
more or less than your adjusted basis for the redeemed shares (which normally
includes any sales charge paid). An exchange of Fund shares for shares of any
other fund in the United Group generally will have similar tax consequences.
However, special rules apply when you dispose of Fund shares through a
redemption or exchange within ninety days after your purchase thereof and
subsequently reacquire Fund shares or acquire shares of another fund in the
United Group without paying a sales charge due to the thirty-day reinvestment
privilege or exchange privilege. See "About Your Account." In these cases, any
gain on the disposition of the original Fund shares would be increased, or loss
decreased, by the amount of the sales charge you paid when those shares were
acquired, and that amount will increase the adjusted basis of the shares
subsequently acquired. In addition, if you purchase Fund shares within thirty
days before or after redeeming other Fund shares (regardless of class) at a
loss, part or all of that loss will not be deductible and will increase the
basis of the newly-purchased shares.
The foregoing is only a summary of some of the important Federal tax
considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders; see the SAI
for a more detailed discussion. There may be other Federal, state or local tax
considerations applicable to a particular investor. You are urged to consult
your own tax adviser.
<PAGE>
About the Management and Expenses of the Fund
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc. is a mutual fund: an investment that
pools shareholders' money and invests it toward a specified goal. In technical
terms, the Fund is an open-end, diversified management investment company
organized as a corporation under Maryland law on February 28, 1985.
The Fund is governed by a Board of Directors, which has overall
responsibility for the management of its affairs. The majority of directors are
not affiliated with Waddell & Reed, Inc.
The Fund has two classes of shares. In addition to the Class A shares
offered by this Prospectus, the Fund has issued and outstanding Class Y shares
which are offered by Waddell & Reed, Inc. through a separate prospectus. Class
Y shares are designed for institutional investors. Class Y shares are not
subject to a sales charge on purchases and are not subject to redemption fees.
Class Y shares are not subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee. Additional information
about Class Y shares may be obtained by calling the telephone number listed on
the inside back cover or by writing to Waddell & Reed, Inc. at the address on
the inside back cover of this Prospectus.
The Fund does not hold annual meetings of shareholders; however, certain
significant corporate matters, such as the approval of a new investment advisory
agreement or a change in a fundamental investment policy, which require
shareholder approval will be presented to shareholders at a meeting called by
the Board of Directors for such purpose.
Special meetings of shareholders may be called for any purpose upon receipt
by the Fund of a request in writing signed by shareholders holding not less than
25% of all shares entitled to vote at such meeting, provided certain conditions
stated in the Bylaws of the Fund are met. There will normally be no meeting of
the shareholders for the purpose of electing directors until such time as less
than a majority of directors holding office have been elected by shareholders,
at which time the directors then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for
the election of directors. To the extent that Section 16(c) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), applies to the Fund, the
directors are required to call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of
voting upon the question of removal of any director when requested in writing to
do so by the shareholders of record of not less than 10% of the Fund's
outstanding shares.
Each share (regardless of class) has one vote. All shares of the Fund vote
together as a single class, except as to any matter for which a separate vote of
any class is required by the 1940 Act, and except as to any matter which affects
the interests of one or more particular classes, in which case only the
shareholders of the affected classes are entitled to vote, each as a separate
class. Shares are fully paid and nonassessable when purchased.
WRIMCO and Its Affiliates
The Fund is managed by WRIMCO, subject to the authority of the Fund's Board
of Directors. WRIMCO provides investment advice to the Fund and supervises the
Fund's investments. Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its predecessors served as
investment manager to each of the registered investment companies in the United
Group of Mutual Funds, except United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc., since 1940 or
the inception of the company, whichever was later, and to TMK/United Funds, Inc.
since that fund's inception, until January 8, 1992, when it assigned its duties
as investment manager and assigned its professional staff for investment
management services to WRIMCO. WRIMCO has also served as investment manager for
Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. since its inception in September 1992, and United
Asset Strategy Fund, Inc. since it commenced operations in March 1995.
Michael L. Avery is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management
of the Fund. Mr. Avery has held his Fund responsibilities since February 1,
1994. He is Senior Vice President of WRIMCO, Vice President of Waddell & Reed
Asset Management Company, an affiliate of WRIMCO, Vice President of the Fund and
Vice President of other investment companies for which WRIMCO acts as investment
manager. Mr. Avery has served as the portfolio manager for investment companies
managed by Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its successor, WRIMCO, since February 1,
1994, has served as the director of research of Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its
successor, WRIMCO, since August 1987, and has been an employee of Waddell &
Reed, Inc. and its successor, WRIMCO, since June 1981. Other members of
WRIMCO's investment management department provide input on market outlook,
economic conditions, investment research and other considerations relating to
the Fund's investments.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. serves as the Fund's underwriter and as underwriter
for each of the other funds in the United Group of Mutual Funds and Waddell &
Reed Funds, Inc., and acts as the principal underwriter and distributor for
variable life insurance and variable annuity policies issued by United Investors
Life Insurance Company for which TMK/United Funds, Inc. is the underlying
investment vehicle.
Waddell & Reed Services Company acts as transfer agent ("Shareholder
Servicing Agent") for the Fund and processes the payments of dividends. Waddell
& Reed Services Company also acts as agent ("Accounting Services Agent") in
providing bookkeeping and accounting services and assistance to the Fund and
pricing daily the value of its shares.
WRIMCO and Waddell & Reed Services Company are subsidiaries of Waddell &
Reed, Inc. Waddell & Reed, Inc. is a direct subsidiary of Waddell & Reed
Financial Services, Inc., a holding company, and an indirect subsidiary of
United Investors Management Company, a holding company, and Torchmark
Corporation, a holding company.
WRIMCO places transactions for the portfolio of the Fund and in doing so
may consider sales of shares of the Fund and other funds it manages as a factor
in the selection of brokers to execute portfolio transactions.
Breakdown of Expenses
Like all mutual funds, the Fund pays fees related to its daily operations.
Expenses paid out of the Fund's assets are reflected in its share price or
dividends; they are neither billed directly to shareholders nor deducted from
shareholder accounts.
The Fund pays a management fee to WRIMCO for providing investment advice
and supervising its investments. The Fund also pays other expenses, which are
explained below.
Management Fee
The management fee of the Fund is calculated by adding a group fee to a
specific fee. It is accrued and paid to WRIMCO daily.
The specific fee is computed on the Fund's net asset value as of the close
of business each day at the annual rate of .30 of 1% of its net assets. The
group fee is a pro rata participation based on the relative net asset size of
the Fund in the group fee computed each day on the combined net asset values of
all the funds in the United Group at the annual rates shown in the following
table:
Group Fee Rate
Annual
Group Net Group
Asset Level Fee Rate
(all dollars For Each
in millions) Level
- ------------ --------
From $0
to $750 .51 of 1%
From $750
to $1,500 .49 of 1%
From $1,500
to $2,250 .47 of 1%
From $2,250
to $3,000 .45 of 1%
From $3,000
to $3,750 .43 of 1%
From $3,750
to $7,500 .40 of 1%
From $7,500
to $12,000 .38 of 1%
Over $12,000 .36 of 1%
Growth in assets of the United Group assures a lower group fee rate.
The combined net asset values of all of the funds in the United Group
were approximately $15.1 billion as of December 31, 1996. Management fees for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 were 0.71% of the Fund's average net
assets.
Other Expenses
While the management fee is a significant component of the Fund's annual
operating costs, the Fund has other expenses as well.
The Fund pays the Accounting Services Agent a monthly fee based on the
average net assets of the Fund for accounting services. With respect to its
Class A shares, the Fund pays the Shareholder Servicing Agent a monthly fee for
each Class A shareholder account that was in existence at any time during the
month, and a fee for each account on which a dividend or distribution had a
record date during the month.
The Fund has adopted a Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act
with respect to its Class A shares. Under the Plan, the Fund may pay monthly a
fee to Waddell & Reed, Inc. in an amount not to exceed .25% of the Fund's
average annual net assets of its Class A shares. The fee is to be paid to
reimburse Waddell & Reed, Inc. for amounts it expends in connection with the
provision of personal services to Class A shareholders and/or maintenance of
Class A shareholder accounts. In particular, the Service Plan and a related
Service Agreement between the Fund and Waddell & Reed, Inc. contemplate that
these expenditures may include costs and expenses incurred by Waddell & Reed,
Inc. and its affiliates in compensating, training and supporting registered
account representatives, sales managers and/or other appropriate personnel in
providing personal services to Class A shareholders and/or maintaining Class A
shareholder accounts; increasing services provided to Class A shareholders by
office personnel located at field sales offices; engaging in other activities
useful in providing personal services to Class A shareholders and/or the
maintenance of Class A shareholder accounts; and in compensating broker-dealers
who may regularly sell Class A shares, and other third parties, for providing
Class A shareholder services and/or maintaining Class A shareholder accounts.
A portfolio turnover rate is, in general, the percentage computed by taking
the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a year and dividing
it by the monthly average of such securities during the year, excluding certain
short-term securities and bullion. Since the turnover rate of the Fund will be
affected by a number of factors, the Fund is unable to predict what rate the
Fund will have in any particular period or periods, although such rate is not
expected to exceed 100%. However, the rate could be substantially higher or
lower in any particular period. The factors that may affect the rate include
moving from a position emphasizing gold and other minerals-related securities to
a position emphasizing U.S. Government Securities or vice versa and the possible
necessary sales of securities to meet redemptions. The Fund may engage in
short-term trading and have a high portfolio turnover.
<PAGE>
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.
Custodian Underwriter
UMB Bank, n.a. Waddell & Reed, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri 6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Legal Counsel Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP 66201-9217
1800 Massachusetts Avenue, N. W. (913) 236-2000
Washington, D. C. 20036 (800) 366-5465
Independent Accountants Shareholder Servicing Agent
Deloitte & Touche LLP Waddell & Reed Services Company
Kansas City, Missouri 6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Investment Manager Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Waddell & Reed Investment 66201-9217
Management Company (913) 236-2000
6300 Lamar Avenue (800) 366-5465
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas Accounting Services Agent
66201-9217 Waddell & Reed
(913) 236-2000 Services Company
(800) 366-5465 6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66201-9217
(913) 236-2000
(800) 366-5465
Our INTERNET address is:
http://www.waddell.com
<PAGE>
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.
Class A Shares
PROSPECTUS
March 31, 1997
The United Group of Mutual Funds
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.
United Cash Management, Inc.
United Continental Income Fund, Inc.
United Funds, Inc.
United Bond Fund
United Income Fund
United Accumulative Fund
United Science and Technology Fund
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.
United Government Securities Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund II, Inc.
United International Growth Fund, Inc.
United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc.
United New Concepts Fund, Inc.
United Retirement Shares, Inc.
United Vanguard Fund, Inc.
NUP1013(3-97)
printed on recycled paper
<PAGE>
Please read this Prospectus before investing, and keep it on file for future
reference. It sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that you
ought to know before investing.
Additional information has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is contained in a Statement of Additional Information ("SAI")
dated March 31, 1997. The SAI is available free upon request to the Fund or
Waddell & Reed, Inc., the Fund's underwriter, at the address or telephone number
below. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and you will
not be aware of all facts unless you read both this Prospectus and the SAI.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.
Class Y Shares
This Fund seeks a high total return through investment s in precious metals,
minerals-related securities or U.S. Government securities.
This Prospectus describes one class of shares of the Fund -- Class Y Shares.
Prospectus
March 31, 1997
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66201-9217
913-236-2000
800-366-5465
<PAGE>
Table of Contents
AN OVERVIEW OF THE FUND.........................................3
EXPENSES........................................................5
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS............................................6
PERFORMANCE.....................................................7
Explanation of Terms ..........................................7
ABOUT WADDELL & REED............................................8
ABOUT THE INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND.....................9
Investment Goals and Principles ...............................9
Risk Considerations ........................................11
Securities and Investment Practices ..........................13
ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT.............................................26
Buying Shares ................................................26
Minimum Investments ..........................................28
Adding to Your Account .......................................28
Selling Shares ...............................................28
Telephone Transactions .......................................30
Shareholder Services .........................................30
Personal Service ...........................................30
Reports ....................................................30
Exchanges ..................................................31
Distributions and Taxes ......................................31
Distributions ..............................................31
Taxes ......................................................32
ABOUT THE MANAGEMENT AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND..................34
WRIMCO and Its Affiliates ....................................35
Breakdown of Expenses ........................................36
Management Fee .............................................36
Other Expenses .............................................37
<PAGE>
An Overview of the Fund
The Fund: This Prospectus describes the Class Y shares of United Gold &
Government Fund, Inc., an open-end, diversified management investment company.
Goals and Strategies: United Gold & Government Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") seeks a
high total return through investments in precious metals, minerals-related
securities or U.S. Government Securities. The Fund's portfolio will generally
include minerals-related securities and gold, silver and platinum during periods
of actual or expected inflation or when the environment for investment in
precious metals appears to be favorable, and U.S. Government Securities during
periods of actual or expected disinflation or low inflation. See "About the
Investment Principles of the Fund" for further information.
Management: Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company ("WRIMCO") provides
investment advice to the Fund and manages the Fund's investments. WRIMCO is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Waddell & Reed, Inc. WRIMCO, Waddell & Reed, Inc.
and its predecessors have provided investment management services to registered
investment companies since 1940. See "About the Management and Expenses of the
Fund" for further information about management fees.
Distributor: Waddell & Reed, Inc. acts as principal underwriter and distributor
of the shares of the Fund.
Purchases: You may buy Class Y shares of the Fund through Waddell & Reed, Inc.
and its account representatives. The price to buy a Class Y share of the Fund
is the net asset value of a Class Y share. There is no sales charge incurred
upon purchase of Class Y shares of the Fund. See "About Your Account" for
information on how to purchase Class Y shares.
Redemptions: You may redeem your shares at net asset value. When you sell your
shares, they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them. See "About
Your Account" for a description of redemption procedures.
Who May Want to Invest: The Fund is designed for investors who are willing to
accept significant risks with the opportunity to participate in potentially high
returns. You should consider whether the Fund fits with your particular
investment objectives.
Risk Considerations: The Fund is subject to significant risks associated with
gold and other minerals-related securities, foreign securities and precious
metals. The value of the Fund's investments and the income generated will vary
from day to day, generally reflecting changes in interest rates, market
conditions and other company and economic news. Performance will also depend on
WRIMCO's skill in selecting investments. See "About the Investment Principles
of the Fund" for information about the risks associated with the Fund's
investments.
<PAGE>
Expenses
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy or sell shares
of a fund.
Maximum sales load
on purchases None
Maximum sales load
on reinvested
dividends None
Deferred
sales load None
Redemption fees None
Exchange fee None
Annual Fund operating expenses (as a percentage of average net assets).4
Management fees 0.71%
12b-1 fees None
Other expenses 0.59%
Total Fund operating expenses 1.30%
Example: You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming
(1) 5% annual return5 and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
1 year $ 13
3 years $ 41
5 years $ 71
10 years $157
The purpose of this table is to assist you in understanding the various costs
and expenses that a shareholder of the Class Y shares of the Fund will bear
directly or indirectly. The example should not be considered a representation
of past or future expenses; actual expenses may be greater or lesser than those
shown. For a more complete discussion of certain expenses and fees, see
"Breakdown of Expenses."
4Expense ratios are based on the management fees and other Fund-level
expenses of the Fund for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, and the
expenses attributable to the Class Y shares that are anticipated for the current
year based on annualization of the Class Y expenses incurred during the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996. Actual expenses may be greater or lesser than
those shown.
5Use of an assumed annual return of 5% is for illustration purposes only and is
not a representation of the Fund's future performance, which may be greater or
lesser.
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
The following information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent accountants, and should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and notes thereto, together with the report of Deloitte & Touche LLP,
included in the SAI.
For a Class Y share outstanding throughout the period:
For the
period
from 2/27/96*
through
12/31/96
--------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $9.35
-----
Income from investment
operations:
Net investment
income .......... 0.09
Net realized and
unrealized loss
on investments... (0.26)
-----
Total from investment
operations ........ (0.17)
-----
Less dividends from
net investment
income........... (0.11)
-----
Net asset value,
end of period ..... $9.07
=====
Total return ....... -1.88%
Net assets, end of
period (000
omitted) ......... $516
Ratio of expenses
to average net
assets ............ 1.18%**
Ratio of net
investment income
to average net
assets ............ 1.30%**
Portfolio
turnover rate ..... 101.34%**
Average commission
rate paid ........ $0.0294
*Commencement of operations.
**Annualized.
<PAGE>
Performance
Mutual fund performance is commonly measured as total return. The Fund may
also advertise its performance by showing performance rankings. Performance
information is calculated and presented separately for each class of Fund
shares.
Explanation of Terms
Total Return is the overall change in value of an investment in the Fund
over a given period, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and other
distributions. A cumulative total return reflects actual performance over a
stated period of time. An average annual total return is a hypothetical rate of
return that, if achieved annually, would have produced the same cumulative total
return if performance had been constant over the entire period. Average annual
total returns smooth out variations in performance; they are not the same as
actual year-by-year results. Non-standardized total return may be for periods
other than those required to be presented or may otherwise differ from
standardized total return.
Performance Rankings are comparisons of the Fund's performance to the
performance of other selected mutual funds, selected recognized market
indicators such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the Dow Jones
Industrial Average, or non-market indices or averages of mutual fund industry
groups. The Fund may quote its performance rankings and/or other information as
published by recognized independent mutual fund statistical services or by
publications of general interest. In connection with a ranking, the Fund may
provide additional information, such as the particular category to which it
relates, the number of funds in the category, the criteria upon which the
ranking is based and the effect of sales charges, fee waivers and/or expense
reimbursements.
All performance information that the Fund advertises or includes in
information provided to present or prospective shareholders is historical in
nature and is not intended to represent or guarantee future results. The value
of the Fund's shares when redeemed may be more or less than their original cost.
The Fund's recent performance and holdings will be detailed twice a year in
the Fund's annual and semiannual reports, which are sent to all Fund
shareholders.
<PAGE>
About Waddell & Reed
Since 1937, Waddell & Reed has been helping people make the most of
their financial future by helping them take advantage of various financial
services. Today, Waddell & Reed has over 2500 account representatives located
throughout the United States. Your primary contact in your dealings with
Waddell & Reed will be your local account representative. However, the Waddell
& Reed shareholder services department, which is part of the Waddell & Reed
headquarters operations in Overland Park, Kansas, is available to assist you and
your Waddell & Reed account representative. You may speak with a customer
service representative by calling the telephone number listed on the inside back
cover.
<PAGE>
About the Investment Principles of the Fund
Investment Goals and Principles
The goal of the Fund is to seek a high total return to investors. The Fund
seeks to achieve this goal by investing in (i) minerals-related securities and
gold, silver and platinum during periods of actual or expected inflation, (ii)
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Securities") during periods of actual or
expected disinflation or low inflation, and (iii) gold, silver and platinum
during periods when the environment for investment in precious metals appears to
be favorable. Minerals-related securities are securities that offer an
investment participation in the mining, processing, production, exploration,
refining or sales of gold, platinum, silver or hydrocarbons. There is no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its goal.
During past inflationary periods, minerals-related securities and precious
metals, such as gold, silver and platinum, generally have increased in value,
while the value of debt securities has tended to decrease due to rising interest
rates. Conversely, during periods of disinflation or low inflation, the value
of debt securities has generally increased, while the value of minerals-related
securities and precious metals has decreased. Low inflation is considered to be
generally in the 3% to 6% range, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Also,
during periods of declining stock prices, the prices of gold, silver and
platinum may increase or remain stable, while the value of minerals-related
securities may be subject to a general decline experienced by the stock market
as a whole. Based on these historical trends, WRIMCO will attempt to anticipate
inflationary and disinflationary periods and manage the Fund's investments in a
manner designed to achieve the Fund's goal.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund will not invest in other than
(i) those minerals-related securities that are related to the mining,
processing, production, exploration, refining or sales of gold, (ii) U.S.
Government Securities, and/or (iii) gold, silver and platinum if thereafter less
than 65% of its total assets would be invested in these investments. The Fund
may invest in securities other than minerals-related securities, U.S. Government
Securities and gold, silver or platinum, subject to this 65% test and to the
other restrictions set forth in this Prospectus and the SAI.
It is a fundamental policy of the Fund to concentrate its investments
(i.e., invest more than 25% of its assets) in an industry related to gold and
other minerals during periods of actual or anticipated inflation and up to 100%
of its assets may be so invested. During periods of actual or expected
disinflation or low inflation, up to 100% of the Fund's assets may be invested
in U.S. Government Securities of varying maturities and not more than 25% of the
Fund's assets will be invested in gold and other minerals-related securities.
When the Fund is invested in minerals-related securities, it is anticipated that
a substantial portion, and up to 100%, of its assets will be invested in foreign
securities. See "Foreign Securities." The securities that the Fund may own
include debt securities, preferred stock, common stock and convertible
securities.
WRIMCO believes that this strategy will allow the Fund to achieve a higher
total return than could be achieved if it remained invested in minerals-related
securities and precious metals during periods of low inflation or disinflation
because the income and value of minerals-related securities and precious metals
might decline during periods of disinflation or low inflation. During such
periods, WRIMCO expects that higher income can be achieved and that capital will
be better preserved by investing in U.S. Government Securities. It is expected
that, during periods of disinflation and low inflation, a greater portion of the
total return of the Fund will be attributable to income achieved through
investment in U.S. Government Securities. It is expected that, during
inflationary periods, a greater portion of the total return of the Fund will be
attributable to appreciation from investment in minerals-related securities and
precious metals.
WRIMCO will evaluate numerous economic and monetary factors in making a
determination as to whether the economy is in or is likely to enter into an
inflationary or disinflationary period. Among the factors WRIMCO will evaluate
are changes in governmental fiscal and monetary policy, rates of changes in the
Consumer Price Index, and actual and anticipated changes and rate of change in
the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to other key foreign currencies, short-
and long-term interest rates, and the money supply. For example, when WRIMCO
believes that the economy is in an inflationary cycle or an inflationary cycle
is expected because of rising interest rates, a decline in the value of the U.S.
dollar, and a higher rate of change in the Consumer Price Index, the Fund
generally will concentrate in minerals-related securities. On the other hand,
when interest rates are declining, the value of the U.S. dollar is increasing,
and the rate of change in the Consumer Price Index is declining, the Fund
generally will invest in U.S. Government Securities. However, WRIMCO will take
into account factors other than those given in these examples and WRIMCO's
subjective judgment of all factors it deems relevant precludes the application
of any formulas or mechanical determinations in assessing the state of the
economy. WRIMCO's evaluation takes into consideration political instability in
certain parts of the world as well as domestic and international economic
factors.
Risk Considerations
There are risks inherent in any investment. The Fund is subject to varying
degrees of market risk, financial risk and, in some cases, prepayment risk.
Market risk is the potential for fluctuations in the price of the security or
other asset because of market factors. Because of market risks, you should
anticipate that the share price of the Fund will fluctuate. Financial risk is
based on the financial situation of the issuer. The financial risk of the Fund
depends on the credit quality of the underlying securities. Prepayment risk is
the possibility that, during periods of falling interest rates, a debt security
with a high stated interest rate will be prepaid prior to its expected maturity
date.
Because the Fund owns different types of investments, its performance will
be affected by a variety of factors. The value of the Fund's investments and
the income it generates will vary from day to day, generally reflecting changes
in interest rates, market conditions, and other company and economic news.
The Fund may also invest in certain derivative instruments, including
options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency
contracts, indexed securities, stripped securities and mortgage-backed
securities. The use of derivative instruments involves special risks. See
"Risks of Derivative Instruments" for further information on the risks of
investing in these instruments.
Investments in minerals-related securities and precious metals are
considered speculative and involve substantial risks and special considerations,
including the following:
Risk of Price Fluctuations. Metals and minerals prices are affected by
various factors such as economic conditions, political events, monetary policies
and other factors. As a result, prices of minerals-related securities and of
gold, silver and platinum may fluctuate sharply.
Concentration of Source of Gold Supply and Control of Gold Sales. The six
largest producers of gold are the Republic of South Africa, the United States,
Australia, Commonwealth of Independent States (the "CIS," formerly the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics), Canada and China. Economic, social and political
conditions and objectives prevailing in these countries may have a direct effect
on the production and marketing of newly-produced gold and sales of central bank
gold holdings. In South Africa, the activities of companies engaged in gold
mining are subject to the policies adopted by the Ministry of Mines. The
Reserve Bank of South Africa, as the sole authorized sales agent for South
African gold, has an influence on the price and timing of sales of South African
gold. As South Africa is the largest producer of gold, social upheaval and
related economic difficulties in South Africa may, from time to time, influence
the price of gold and the share values of mining companies involved in South
Africa and elsewhere. Investors should understand the special considerations
and risks related to an investment emphasis in securities of South African
issuers and its potential effects on the Fund's per share value. The Fund may
invest up to 100% of its assets in securities of South African issuers.
Unpredictable International Monetary Policies, Economic and Political
Conditions. There is the possibility that, under unusual international monetary
or political conditions, the Fund's assets might be less liquid or that the
change in value of its assets might be more volatile than would be the case with
other investments. In particular, the price of gold is affected by direct and
indirect use of it to settle net deficits and surpluses between nations.
Because the prices of metals and minerals may be affected by unpredictable
international monetary policies and economic conditions, there may be greater
likelihood of a more dramatic impact upon the market price of the Fund's
investments than of other investments.
Foreign Securities. A major portion of the Fund's assets will usually be
invested in foreign securities during periods of actual or anticipated
inflation. See "Foreign Securities" below.
Failure to Anticipate Changes in Economic Cycles. In addition to the risks
discussed above, the Fund's investment success will be dependent to a high
degree on WRIMCO's ability to anticipate the onset and termination of
inflationary and disinflationary cycles. A failure to anticipate a
disinflationary cycle could result in the Fund's assets being disproportionately
invested in minerals-related securities. Conversely, a failure to predict an
inflationary cycle could result in the Fund's assets being disproportionately
invested in U.S. Government Securities. The Fund's investment success will be
dependent to a high degree on the validity of the premise that the values of
minerals-related securities will move in a different direction than the values
of U.S. Government Securities during periods of inflation or disinflation. If
the values of both types of securities move down during the same period of time,
the value of the shareholder's investment will decline rather than stabilize or
increase, as anticipated, regardless of whether the Fund is invested in
minerals-related securities or U.S. Government Securities.
Securities and Investment Practices
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of
instruments in which the Fund may invest, and strategies WRIMCO may employ in
pursuit of the Fund's investment goal. A summary of risks associated with these
instrument types and investment practices is included as well.
WRIMCO might not buy all of these instruments or use all of these
techniques to the full extent permitted by the Fund's investment policies and
restrictions unless it believes that doing so will help the Fund achieve its
goal.
Certain of the investment policies and restrictions of the Fund are
noted above; others are stated below. A fundamental policy of the Fund may not
be changed without the approval of the shareholders of the Fund. Operating
policies may be changed by the Board of Directors without the approval of the
affected shareholders. The goal of the Fund is a fundamental policy. Unless
otherwise indicated, the types of securities and other assets in which the Fund
may invest, the proportions of its assets that the Fund may invest in each such
type and other policies are operating policies.
Policies and limitations are typically considered at the time of purchase;
the sale of instruments is usually not required in the event of a subsequent
change in circumstances.
Please see the SAI for further information concerning the following
instruments and associated risks and the Fund's investment policies and
restrictions.
Precious Metals. The ownership of precious metals may allow the Fund to
take advantage of those periods of time when the outlook for the price of gold,
silver and platinum is favorable while the outlook for the share prices of
minerals-related securities may be unfavorable. For example, during periods of
declining stock prices, the price of gold may increase or remain stable, while
the value of gold-related securities may be subject to the same general decline
experienced by the stock market as a whole. Under these or similar
circumstances, the ability of the Fund to purchase and hold gold, silver or
platinum will allow it to benefit from a potential increase in the price of
precious metals or stability in the price of such metals at a time when the
value of minerals-related securities may be declining.
The Fund's ability to purchase platinum may allow the Fund to invest in
platinum without the risks associated with owning shares of South African and
CIS companies engaged in the production of platinum. While the Fund is
authorized to invest in South African and CIS issuers, investments in South
Africa and in the CIS are subject to the risks associated with the unsettled
political and social conditions prevailing in that country and neighboring
countries.
The Fund anticipates that gold, silver and platinum will be purchased in
the form of bullion or coins or in the form of vault or other negotiable
receipts representing ownership of these metals. The Fund may incur expenses
for the shipping, storage and insurance of precious metals it purchases.
Precious metals prices are affected by various factors, such as economic
conditions, political events and monetary policies. As a result, the price of
gold, silver or platinum may fluctuate widely. The sole source of return to the
Fund from such investments will be gains realized on sales; a negative return
will be realized if the metal is sold at a loss. Investments in precious metals
do not provide a yield.
The Fund's direct investment in precious metals may be limited by tax
considerations. See "Taxes" in the SAI.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not
invest more than 25% of its total assets in gold, silver and platinum.
Equity Securities. Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an
issuer. This ownership interest often gives an investor the right to vote on
measures affecting the issuer's organization and operations. Although common
stocks and other equity securities have a history of long-term growth in value,
their prices tend to fluctuate in the short term, particularly those of smaller
companies. The equity securities in which the Fund invests may include
preferred stock that converts to common stock either automatically or after a
specified period of time or at the option of the issuer.
Debt Securities. Bonds and other debt instruments are used by issuers to
borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or variable
rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed at maturity. Some debt
securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest, but are
purchased at a discount from their face values. The debt securities in which
the Fund invests may include debt securities whose performance is linked to a
specified equity security or securities index.
Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest
rates and varying degrees of quality. As a general matter, however, when
interest rates rise, the values of fixed-rate debt securities fall and,
conversely, when interest rates fall, the values of fixed-rate debt securities
rise. The values of floating and adjustable-rate debt securities are not as
sensitive to changes in interest rates as the values of fixed-rate debt
securities. Longer-term bonds are generally more sensitive to interest rate
changes than shorter-term bonds.
U.S. Government Securities are high-quality instruments issued or
guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Treasury or by an agency or
instrumentality of the U.S. Government. Not all U.S. Government Securities are
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some are backed by
the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are backed by
discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agencies'
obligations; while others are supported only by the credit of the
instrumentality. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency
issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment.
Zero coupon bonds do not make interest payments; instead, they are sold at
a deep discount from their face value and are redeemed at face value when they
mature. Because zero coupon bonds do not pay current income, their prices can
be very volatile when interest rates change. In calculating its dividends, the
Fund takes into account as income a portion of the difference between a zero
coupon bond's purchase price and its face value.
Subject to its investment restrictions, the Fund may invest in debt
securities rated in any rating category of the established rating services,
including securities in the lowest rating category (such as those rated D by
Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies ("S&P") and C by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("MIS")). In addition, the Fund will treat
unrated securities judged by WRIMCO to be of equivalent quality to a rated
security to be equivalent to securities having that rating. Debt securities
rated at least BBB by S&P or Baa by MIS are considered to be investment grade
securities. Securities rated BBB or Baa may have speculative characteristics.
Debt securities rated D by S&P or C by MIS are in payment default and are
regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing. Credit ratings for individual securities may change from
time to time, and the Fund may retain a portfolio security whose rating has been
changed. See the SAI for additional information about non-investment grade debt
securities.
Policies and Restrictions: In the case of U.S. Government Securities
issued by an agency or instrumentality that are not backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States, the Fund will invest in such securities only when
WRIMCO is satisfied that the credit risk with respect to such agency or
instrumentality is acceptable.
Preferred Stock. The Fund may invest in preferred stock rated in any
rating category by an established rating service and unrated preferred stock
judged by WRIMCO to be of equivalent quality.
Convertible Securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note,
preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a
prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a
particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible
security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the
dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is
redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible securities have unique investment
characteristics in that they generally have higher yields than those of common
stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower yields than comparable
nonconvertible securities, are less subject to fluctuation in value than the
underlying stock because they have fixed income characteristics, and provide the
potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common
stock increases.
The value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest
rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing
as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors
also may have an effect on the convertible security's investment value.
Policies and Restrictions: The Fund does not intend to invest more than
5% of its assets in non-investment grade debt securities.
Foreign Securities and foreign currencies can involve significant risks in
addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments. The value of securities
denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, and of dividends and interest
from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies
strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets
generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and
prices on some foreign markets can be highly volatile. Many foreign countries
lack uniform accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those applicable
to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information
regarding an issuer's financial condition and operations. In addition, the
costs of foreign investing, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions
and custodial costs, are generally higher than for U.S. investments.
Foreign markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets.
Foreign issuers, brokers and securities markets may be subject to less
government supervision. Foreign security trading practices, including those
involving the release of assets in advance of payment, may involve increased
risks in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a broker-dealer, and
may involve substantial delays. It may also be difficult to enforce legal
rights in foreign countries.
Investing abroad also involves different political and economic risks.
Foreign investments may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to
the interests of U.S. investors, including the possibility of expropriation or
nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on U.S.
investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or convert currency into U.S.
dollars, or other government intervention. There may be a greater possibility
of default by foreign governments or foreign government-sponsored enterprises.
Investments in foreign countries also involve a risk of local political,
economic, or social instability, military action or unrest, or adverse
diplomatic developments. There is no assurance that WRIMCO will be able to
anticipate these potential events or counter their effects.
The considerations noted above generally are intensified for investments in
developing countries. A developing country is a nation that, in WRIMCO's
opinion, is likely to experience long-term gross domestic product growth above
that expected to occur in the United States, the United Kingdom, France,
Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada. Developing countries may have relatively
unstable governments, economies based on only a few industries and securities
markets that trade a small number of securities.
Certain foreign securities impose restrictions on transfer within the
United States or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to transfer
restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign
securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
When purchasing foreign securities, the Fund may purchase American
Depository Receipts, which are certificates issued by U.S. depositories
representing the right to receive securities of a foreign issuer deposited with
that or another depository, and may also purchase securities of a foreign issuer
directly in the foreign market.
Policies and Restrictions: The Fund may purchase an unlimited amount of
foreign securities. The Fund currently intends to limit its investment in
obligations of any single foreign government to less than 25% of its total
assets.
Options, Futures and Other Strategies. The Fund may use certain options
and indexed securities to attempt to enhance income or yield or may attempt to
reduce the overall risk of its investments by using certain options, futures
contracts, forward currency contracts and certain other strategies described
herein. The strategies described below may be used in an attempt to manage
certain risks of the Fund's investments that can affect fluctuation in its net
asset value.
The Fund's ability to use these strategies may be limited by market
conditions, regulatory limits and tax considerations. The Fund might not use
any of these strategies, and there can be no assurance that any strategy that is
used will succeed. The risks associated with such strategies are described
below. Also see the SAI for more information on these instruments and
strategies and their risk considerations.
Options. The Fund may engage in certain strategies involving options to
attempt to enhance the Fund's income or yield or to attempt to reduce the
overall risk of its investments. A call option gives the purchaser the right to
buy, and obligates the writer to sell, the underlying investment at the agreed
upon exercise price during the option period. A put option gives the purchaser
the right to sell, and obligates the writer to buy, the underlying investment at
the agreed upon exercise price during the option period. Purchasers of options
pay an amount, known as a premium, to the option writer in exchange for the
right under the option contract.
Options offer large amounts of leverage, which will result in the Fund's
net asset value being more sensitive to changes in the value of the related
investment. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for
exchange-listed options. The market for options that are not listed on an
exchange may be less active than the market for exchange-listed options. The
Fund will be able to close a position in an option it has written only if there
is a market for the put or call. If the Fund is not able to enter into a
closing transaction on an option it has written, it will be required to maintain
the securities subject to the call or the collateral underlying the put until a
closing purchase transaction can be entered into or the option expires.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may purchase
and write (sell) put and call options only on U.S. Government Securities (except
that the Fund may write call options on securities whether or not they are U.S.
Government Securities) and the options on futures contracts described below,
subject to certain restrictions that are set forth in the SAI.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may write calls on securities only if the
calls are covered calls (i.e., the Fund must own the related investments or
other investments acceptable for escrow arrangements).
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may only purchase or write options if
they are listed on a domestic securities or commodities exchange or quoted on
the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations system
("Nasdaq"), except the Fund may purchase optional delivery standby
commitments.
The Fund will only write puts on securities when it would be willing to
purchase the underlying security at the exercise price.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. When the Fund
purchases a futures contract, it incurs an obligation to take delivery of a
specified amount of the obligation underlying the contract at a specified time
in the future for a specified price. When the Fund sells a futures contract, it
incurs an obligation to deliver the specified amount of the underlying
obligation at a specified time in return for an agreed upon price.
When the Fund writes an option on a futures contract, it becomes obligated,
in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract at a
specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. If the Fund
has written a call, it assumes a short futures position. If it has written a
put, it assumes a long futures position. When the Fund purchases an option on a
futures contract, it acquires a right in return for the premium it pays to
assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call
and a short position if the option is a put).
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may only buy
and sell futures contracts relating to U.S. Government Securities ("U.S.
Government Securities Futures") and options thereon. As a fundamental policy,
the Fund may buy and sell only listed options on U.S. Government Securities
Futures.
Forward Contracts and Currencies. The Fund may enter into forward currency
contracts for the purchase or sale of a specified currency at a specified future
date either with respect to specific transactions or with respect to portfolio
positions in order to minimize the risk to the Fund from adverse changes in the
relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. For example, when
WRIMCO anticipates purchasing or selling a security, the Fund may enter into a
forward contract in order to set the exchange rate at which the transaction will
be made. The Fund also may enter into a forward contract to sell an amount of a
foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's securities
positions denominated in such currency. The Fund may also use forward contracts
in one currency or a basket of currencies to attempt to hedge against
fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if
WRIMCO anticipates that there will be a correlation between the two currencies.
Successful use of forward currency contracts will depend on WRIMCO's skill
in analyzing and predicting currency values. Forward contracts may
substantially change the Fund's investment exposure to changes in currency
exchange rates, and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not
perform as WRIMCO anticipates. There is no assurance that WRIMCO's use of
forward currency contracts will be advantageous to the Fund or that it will
hedge at an appropriate time.
Currency conversion involves dealer spreads and other costs, although
commissions usually are not charged.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not have
more than 15% of the value of its assets committed to the consummation of
forward currency contracts. As a fundamental policy, the Fund will not enter
into forward currency contracts or maintain a net exposure to forward currency
contracts where the consummation of such contracts would obligate the Fund to
deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of its portfolio
securities or other assets denominated in that currency.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may hold foreign currency only in
connection with forward currency contracts, only up to four business days, as
well as in connection with the purchase or sale of foreign securities, but not
otherwise.
Generally, the Fund will not enter into a forward currency contract with a
term of greater than one year.
Indexed Securities. The Fund may purchase indexed securities, which are
securities the value of which varies in relation to the value of other
securities, securities indices, currencies, precious metals or other
commodities, or other financial indicators. Indexed securities typically, but
not always, are debt securities or deposits whose value at maturity or coupon
rate is determined by reference to a specific instrument or statistic. The
performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the performance
of the security, currency, or other instrument to which they are indexed, and
may also be influenced by interest rate changes in the U.S. and abroad. At the
same time, indexed securities are subject to the credit risks associated with
the issuer of the security, and their values may decline substantially if the
issuer's creditworthiness deteriorates. Indexed securities may be more volatile
than the underlying instruments.
Mortgage-Backed and Other Asset-Backed Securities are bonds backed by
specific types of assets. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or
indirect interests in pools of underlying mortgage loans that are secured by
real property. U.S. Government mortgage-backed securities are issued or
guaranteed as to principal and interest (but not as to market value) by the
Government National Mortgage Association, Fannie Mae (formerly the Federal
National Mortgage Association), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or other
government-sponsored enterprises. Other mortgage-backed securities are
sponsored or issued by private entities, including investment banking firms and
mortgage originators.
Mortgage-backed securities may be composed of one or more classes and may
be structured either as pass-through securities or collateralized debt
obligations. Multiple-class mortgage-backed securities are referred to in this
prospectus as "CMOs." Some CMOs are directly supported by other CMOs, which in
turn are supported by mortgage pools. Investors typically receive payments out
of the interest and principal on the underlying mortgages. The portions of
these payments that investors receive, as well as the priority of their rights
to receive payments, are determined by the specific terms of the CMO class.
For example, interest-only ("IO") classes are entitled to receive all or a
portion of the interest, but none (or only a nominal amount) of the principal
payments, from the underlying mortgage assets. If the mortgage assets
underlying an IO experience greater than anticipated principal prepayments, then
the total amount of interest payments allocable to the IO class, and therefore
the yield to investors, generally will be reduced. In some instances, an
investor in an IO may fail to recoup all of his or her initial investment, even
if the security is government guaranteed or considered to be of the highest
quality. Conversely, principal-only ("PO") classes are entitled to receive all
or a portion of the principal payments, but none of the interest, from the
underlying mortgage assets. PO classes are purchased at substantial discounts
from par, and the yield to investors will be reduced if principal payments are
slower than expected. IOs, POs and other CMOs involve special risks, and
evaluating them requires special knowledge.
When interest rates go down and homeowners refinance their mortgages,
mortgage-backed bonds may be paid off more quickly than investors expect. When
interest rates rise, mortgage-backed bonds may be paid off more slowly than
originally expected. Changes in the rate or "speed" of these prepayments can
cause the value of mortgage-backed securities to fluctuate rapidly.
Other asset-backed securities are similar to mortgage-backed securities,
except that the underlying assets are different. These underlying assets may be
nearly any type of financial asset or receivable, such as motor vehicle
installment sales contracts, home equity loans, leases of various types of real
and personal property and receivables from credit cards.
The yield characteristics of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
differ from those of traditional debt securities. Among the major differences
are that interest and principal payments are made more frequently and that
principal may be prepaid at any time because the underlying mortgage loans or
other assets generally may be prepaid at any time. Generally, prepayments on
fixed-rate mortgage loans will increase during a period of falling interest
rates and decrease during a period of rising interest rates. Mortgage- and
asset-backed securities may also decrease in value as a result of increases in
interest rates and, because of prepayments, may benefit less than other bonds
from declining interest rates. Reinvestments of prepayments may occur at lower
interest rates than the original investment, thus adversely affecting a Fund's
yield. Actual prepayment experience may cause the yield of a mortgage-backed
security to differ from what was assumed when the Fund purchased the security.
The market for privately issued mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
is smaller and less liquid than the market for U.S. Government mortgage-backed
securities. CMO classes may be specially structured in a manner that provides
any of a wide variety of investment characteristics, such as yield, effective
maturity and interest rate sensitivity. As market conditions change, however,
and especially during periods of rapid or unanticipated changes in market
interest rates, the attractiveness of some CMO classes and the ability of the
structure to provide the anticipated investment characteristics may be
significantly reduced. These changes can result in volatility in the market
value, and in some instances reduced liquidity, of the CMO class.
Risks of Derivative Instruments. The use of options, futures contracts,
options on futures contracts, and forward contracts, and the investment in
indexed securities, stripped securities and mortgage-backed securities involve
special risks, including (i) possible imperfect or no correlation between price
movements of the portfolio investments (held or intended to be purchased)
involved in the transaction and price movements of the instruments involved in
the transaction, (ii) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for any
particular instrument at a particular time, (iii) the need for additional
portfolio management skills and techniques, (iv) losses due to unanticipated
market price movements, (v) the fact that, while such strategies can reduce the
risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain, or even result in
losses, by offsetting favorable price movements in investments involved in the
transaction, (vi) incorrect forecasts by WRIMCO concerning interest or currency
exchange rates or direction of price fluctuations of the investment involved in
the transaction, which may result in the strategy being ineffective, (vii) loss
of premiums paid by the Fund on options it purchases, and (viii) the possible
inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time when it
would otherwise be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for the Fund
to sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time, due to the need for the
Fund to maintain "cover" or to segregate securities in connection with such
transactions and the possible inability of the Fund to close out or liquidate
its position.
For a hedging strategy to be completely effective, the price change of the
hedging instrument must equal the price change of the investment being hedged.
The risk of imperfect correlation of these price changes increases as the
composition of the Fund's portfolio diverges from instruments underlying a
hedging instrument. Such equal price changes are not always possible because
the investment underlying the hedging instruments may not be the same investment
that is being hedged. WRIMCO will attempt to create a closely correlated hedge
but hedging activity may not be completely successful in eliminating market
value fluctuation.
WRIMCO may use derivative instruments, including securities with embedded
derivatives, for hedging purposes to adjust the risk characteristics of the
Fund's portfolio of investments and may use some of these instruments to adjust
the return characteristics of the Fund's portfolio of investments. An embedded
derivative is a derivative that is part of another financial instrument.
Embedded derivatives typically, but not always, are debt securities whose return
of principal or interest, in part, is determined by reference to something that
is not intrinsic to the security itself. The use of derivative techniques for
speculative purposes can increase investment risk. If WRIMCO judges market
conditions incorrectly or employs a strategy that does not correlate well with
the Fund's investments, these techniques could result in a loss, regardless of
whether the intent was to reduce risk or increase return. These techniques may
increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash
relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed. In addition, these techniques
could result in a loss if the counterparty to the transaction does not perform
as promised or if there is not a liquid secondary market to close out a position
that the Fund has entered into.
The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets, due to
the differences in the natures of those markets, are subject to distortion. Due
to the possibility of distortion, a correct forecast of general interest rate,
foreign currency exchange rate or stock market trends by WRIMCO may still not
result in a successful transaction. WRIMCO may be incorrect in its expectations
as to the extent of various interest or foreign currency exchange rate movements
or stock market movements or the time span within which the movements take
place.
Options and futures transactions may increase portfolio turnover rates,
which results in correspondingly greater commission expenses and transaction
costs and may result in certain tax consequences.
New financial products and risk management techniques continue to be
developed. The Fund may use these instruments and techniques to the extent
consistent with its goal, investment policies and regulatory requirements
applicable to investment companies.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions are trading practices in
which payment and delivery for the securities take place at a future date. The
market value of a security could change during this period, which could affect
the Fund's yield.
When purchasing securities on a delayed-delivery basis, the Fund assumes
the rights and risks of ownership, including the risk of price and yield
fluctuations. When the Fund has sold a security on a delayed-delivery basis,
the Fund does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the
security. If the other party to a delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver
or pay for the securities, the Fund could miss a favorable price or yield
opportunity, or could suffer a loss.
Policies and Restrictions: The Fund may only purchase U.S. Government
Securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, or sell them on a
delayed-delivery basis.
Repurchase Agreements. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys a security
at one price and simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price.
Delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults or
becomes insolvent.
Restricted Securities and Illiquid Investments. Restricted securities
are securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale.
Restricted securities may be illiquid due to restrictions on their resale.
Certain restricted securities may be determined to be liquid in accordance with
guidelines adopted by the Fund's Board of Directors.
Illiquid investments may be difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable
price. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or may be costly
to the Fund.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not
purchase restricted securities, except that the Fund may invest up to 5% of its
total assets in restricted foreign securities.
The Fund may not purchase a security if, as a result, more than 10% of its
net assets would consist of illiquid investments.
Diversification. Diversifying the Fund's investment portfolio can reduce
the risks of investing. This may include limiting the amount of money invested
in any one issuer or, on a broader scale, in any one industry. As described
above, however, the Fund intends to concentrate in gold and other minerals-
related securities.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not buy a
security if, as a result, it would own more than 10% of the voting securities or
any class of securities of an issuer, or if more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in securities of that issuer.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not buy a security if, as a result,
more than 25% of the Fund's total assets would then be invested in securities of
companies in any one industry; however, the Fund intends to concentrate in gold
and other minerals-related securities.
Borrowing. If the Fund borrows money, its share price may be subject to
greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off.
If the Fund makes additional investments while borrowings are outstanding,
this may be considered a form of leverage.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not
borrow for investment purposes. As a fundamental policy, the Fund may borrow
money only from banks, as a temporary measure or for extraordinary or emergency
purposes but only up to 5% of its total assets. The Fund does not intend to
borrow for temporary measures; however, it may borrow to cover redemptions or
settlements of securities transactions.
Lending. Securities loans may be made on a short-term or long-term basis
for the purpose of increasing the Fund's income. This practice could result in
a loss or a delay in recovering the Fund's securities. Loans will be made only
to parties deemed by WRIMCO to be creditworthy.
Policies and Restrictions: As a fundamental policy, the Fund may not lend
more than 30% of its assets at any one time, and such loans must be on a
collateralized basis in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Other Instruments may include warrants and securities of closed-end
investment companies. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would
bear its pro rata share of that investment company's expenses, which could
result in duplication of certain fees, including management and administrative
fees.
Policies and Restrictions: The Fund may invest up to 2% of its assets in
warrants. Warrants acquired in units or attached to other securities are not
considered for purposes of computing this limitation.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may buy shares of other investment
companies that do not redeem their shares only if it does so in a regular
transaction in the open market and only if not more than 10% of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in these shares, or as part of a merger or
consolidation. The Fund does not intend to invest more than 5% of its assets in
such securities.
<PAGE>
About Your Account
Class Y shares are designed for institutional investors. Class Y shares
are available for purchase by:
participants of employee benefit plans established under section 403(b) or
section 457, or qualified under section 401, including 401(k) plans, of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), when the plan has 100
or more eligible employees and holds the shares in an omnibus account on the
Fund's records;
banks, trust institutions, investment fund administrators and other third
parties investing for their own accounts or for the accounts of their
customers where such investments for customer accounts are held in an omnibus
account on the Fund's records;
government entities or authorities and corporations whose investment within
the first twelve months after initial investment is $10 million or more; and
certain retirement plans and trusts for employees and account representatives
of Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its affiliates.
Buying Shares
You may buy shares of the Fund through Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its account
representatives. To open your account you must complete and sign an
application. Your Waddell & Reed account representative can help you with any
questions you might have.
The price to buy a share of the Fund, called the offering price, is
calculated every business day.
The offering price of a Class Y share (price to buy one Class Y share) is
the Fund's Class Y net asset value ("NAV"). The Fund's Class Y shares are sold
without a sales charge.
To purchase by wire, you must first obtain an account number by calling 1-
800-366-2520, then mail a completed application to Waddell & Reed, Inc., P. O.
Box 29217, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217, or fax it to 913-236-5044.
Instruct your bank to wire the amount you wish to invest to UMB Bank, n.a., ABA
Number 101000695, W&R Underwriter Account Number 0007978, FBO Customer Name and
Account Number.
To purchase by check, make your check payable to Waddell & Reed, Inc. Mail
the check, along with your completed application, to Waddell & Reed, Inc., P.O.
Box 29217, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217.
The Fund's Class Y NAV is the value of a single share. The Class Y NAV is
computed by adding, with respect to that class, the value of the Fund's
investments, cash and other assets, subtracting its liabilities, and then
dividing the result by the number of Class Y shares outstanding.
The securities in the Fund's portfolio that are listed or traded on an
exchange are valued primarily using market quotations or, if market quotations
are not available, at their fair value in a manner determined in good faith by
or at the direction of the Board of Directors. Bonds are generally valued
according to prices quoted by a third-party pricing service. Short-term debt
securities are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Other
assets are valued at their fair value by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors.
The Fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange (the
"NYSE") is open. The Fund normally calculates the NAVs of its shares as of the
later of the close of business of the NYSE, normally 4 p.m. Eastern time, or the
close of the regular session of any other securities or commodities exchange on
which an option held by the Fund is traded.
The Fund may invest in securities listed on foreign exchanges which may
trade on Saturdays or on customary U.S. national business holidays when the NYSE
is closed. Consequently, the NAV of Fund shares may be significantly affected
on days when the Fund does not price its shares and when you have no access to
the Fund.
When you place an order to buy shares, your order will be processed at the
next offering price calculated after your order is received and accepted. Note
the following:
Orders are accepted only at the home office of Waddell & Reed, Inc.
All of your purchases must be made in U.S. dollars.
If you buy shares by check, and then sell those shares by any method other
than by exchange to another fund in the United Group, the payment may be
delayed for up to ten days to ensure that your previous investment has
cleared.
The Fund does not issue certificates representing Class Y shares of the Fund.
When you sign your account application, you will be asked to certify
that your Social Security or other taxpayer identification number is correct and
whether you are subject to backup withholding for failing to report income to
the Internal Revenue Service.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. reserves the right to reject any purchase orders,
including purchases by exchange, and it and the Fund reserve the right to
discontinue offering Fund shares for purchase.
Minimum Investments
To Open an Account
For a government entity or authority or for a corporation: $10 million
(within
first
twelve
months)
For other
investors: Any amount
Adding to Your Account
You can make additional investments of any amount at any time.
To add to your account by wire: Instruct your bank to wire the amount you
wish to invest, along with the account number and registration, to UMB Bank,
n.a., ABA Number 101000695, W&R Underwriter Account Number 0007978, FBO Customer
Name and Account Number.
To add to your account by mail: Make your check payable to Waddell &
Reed, Inc. Mail the check along with a letter stating your account number, the
account registration and that you wish to purchase Class Y shares of the Fund
to:
Waddell & Reed, Inc.
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
Selling Shares
You can arrange to take money out of your Fund account at any time by
selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares.
The redemption price (price to sell one Class Y share) is the Fund's Class
Y NAV.
To sell shares by telephone or fax: If you have elected this method in
your application or by subsequent authorization, call 1-800-366-5465 or fax your
request to 913-236-5044 and give your instructions to redeem shares and make
payment by wire to your pre-designated bank account or by check to you at the
address on the account.
To sell shares by written request: Complete an Account Service Request
form, available from your Waddell & Reed account representative, or write a
letter of instruction with:
the name on the account registration;
the Fund's name;
the Fund account number;
the dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed; and
any other applicable requirements listed in the table below.
Deliver the form or your letter to your Waddell & Reed account
representative, or mail it to:
Waddell & Reed, Inc.
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66201-9217
Unless otherwise instructed, Waddell & Reed will send a check to the
address on the account.
Special Requirements for Selling Shares
Account Type Special Requirements
Retirement The written instructions must
Account be signed by a properly
authorized person.
Trust The trustee must sign the
written instructions
indicating capacity as
trustee. If the trustee's
name is not in the account
registration, provide a
currently certified copy of
the trust document.
Business or At least one person authorized
Organization by corporate resolution to act
on the account must sign the
written instructions.
When you place an order to sell shares, your shares will be sold at the
next NAV calculated after receipt of a written request for redemption in good
order by Waddell & Reed, Inc. at its home office. Note the following:
If more than one person owns the shares, each owner must sign the written
request.
If you recently purchased the shares by check, the Fund may delay payment of
redemption proceeds. You may arrange for the bank upon which the purchase
check was drawn to provide to the Fund telephone or written assurance,
satisfactory to the Fund, that the check has cleared and been honored. If no
such assurance is given, payment of the redemption proceeds on these shares
will be delayed until the earlier of 10 days or the date the Fund is able to
verify that your purchase check has cleared and been honored.
Redemptions may be suspended or payment dates postponed on days when the NYSE
is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when trading on the NYSE is
restricted, or as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Payment is normally made in cash, although under extraordinary conditions
redemptions may be made in portfolio securities.
The Fund reserves the right to require a signature guarantee on certain
redemption requests. This requirement is designed to protect you and Waddell &
Reed from fraud. The Fund may require a signature guarantee in certain
situations such as:
the request for redemption is made by a corporation, partnership or
fiduciary;
the request for redemption is made by someone other than the owner of record;
or
the check is being made payable to someone other than the owner of record.
The Fund will accept a signature guarantee from a national bank, a
federally chartered savings and loan or a member firm of a national stock
exchange or other eligible guarantor in accordance with procedures of the Fund's
transfer agent. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem at NAV all shares of the Fund owned
or held by you having an aggregate NAV of less than $500. The Fund will give
you notice of its intention to redeem your shares and a 60-day opportunity to
purchase a sufficient number of additional shares to bring the aggregate NAV of
your shares to $500.
Telephone Transactions
The Fund and its agents will not be liable for following instructions
communicated by telephone that they reasonably believe to be genuine. The Fund
will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine. If the Fund fails to do so, the Fund may be liable for
losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Current procedures
relating to instructions communicated by telephone include tape recording
instructions, requiring personal identification and providing written
confirmations of transactions effected pursuant to such instructions.
Shareholder Services
Waddell & Reed provides a variety of services to help you manage your
account.
Personal Service
Your local Waddell & Reed account representative is available to provide
personal service. Additionally, the Waddell & Reed Customer Services staff is
available to respond promptly to your inquiries and requests.
Reports
Statements and reports sent to you include the following:
confirmation statements (after every purchase, exchange, transfer or
redemption)
year-to-date statements (quarterly)
annual and semiannual reports (every six months)
To reduce expenses, only one copy of most annual and semiannual reports
will be mailed to your household, even if you have more than one account with
the Fund. Call the telephone number listed on the inside back cover if you need
copies of annual or semiannual reports or historical account information.
Exchanges
You may sell your Class Y shares and buy Class Y shares of other funds in
the United Group. You may exchange only into funds that are legally registered
for sale in your state of residence. Note that exchanges out of the Fund may
have tax consequences for you. Before exchanging into a fund, read its
prospectus.
The Fund reserves the right to terminate or modify these exchange
privileges at any time, upon notice in certain instances.
Distributions and Taxes
Distributions
The Fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income and net
capital gains to shareholders each year. Ordinarily, dividends are distributed
from the Fund's net investment income, which includes accrued interest, earned
discount, dividends and other income earned on portfolio assets less expenses,
quarterly in March, June, September and December.
Net capital gains (and any net gains from foreign currency transactions)
ordinarily are distributed in December. The Fund may make additional
distributions if necessary to avoid Federal income or excise taxes on
undistributed income and capital gains.
Distribution Options. When you open an account, specify on your
application how you want to receive your distributions. The Fund offers three
options:
1. Share Payment Option. Your dividend and capital gains distributions will
be automatically paid in additional Class Y shares of the Fund. If you do
not indicate a choice on your application, you will be assigned this
option.
2. Income-Earned Option. Your capital gains distributions will be
automatically paid in Class Y shares, but you will be sent a check for each
dividend distribution.
3. Cash Option. You will be sent a check for your dividend and capital gains
distributions.
For retirement accounts, all distributions are automatically paid in Class
Y shares.
Taxes
The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify for treatment as
a regulated investment company under the Code so that it will be relieved of
Federal income tax on that part of its investment company taxable income
(consisting generally of net investment income, net short-term capital gain and
net gains from certain foreign currency transactions) and net capital gain (the
excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) that are
distributed to its shareholders.
There are certain requirements that the Fund must follow in order to avoid
Federal taxation. In its effort to adhere to these requirements, the Fund may
have to limit its investment activity in some types of instruments.
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the Fund
will be taxed. If your account is not a tax-deferred retirement account, you
should be aware of the following tax implications:
Taxes on distributions. Dividends from the Fund's investment company
taxable income are generally taxable to you as ordinary income, whether received
in cash or paid in additional Fund shares. Distributions of the Fund's net
capital gains, when designated as such, are taxable to you as long-term capital
gains, whether received in cash or paid in additional Fund shares and regardless
of the length of time you have owned your shares. The Fund notifies you after
each calendar year-end as to the amounts of dividends and other distributions
paid (or deemed paid) to you for that year. Under certain circumstances, the
Fund may elect to permit shareholders to take a credit or deduction for foreign
income taxes paid by the Fund. The Fund will notify you of any such
election.
A portion of the dividends paid by the Fund, whether received in cash or
paid in additional Fund shares, may be eligible for the dividends-received
deduction allowed to corporations. The eligible portion may not exceed the
aggregate dividends received by the Fund from U.S. corporations. However,
dividends received by a corporate shareholder and deducted by it pursuant to the
dividends-received deduction are subject indirectly to the alternative minimum
tax.
Withholding. The Fund is required to withhold 31% of all dividends,
capital gains distributions and redemption proceeds payable to individuals and
certain other noncorporate shareholders who do not furnish the Fund with a
correct taxpayer identification number. Withholding at that rate from dividends
and capital gains distributions also is required for such shareholders who
otherwise are subject to backup withholding.
Taxes on transactions. Your redemption of Fund shares will result in
taxable gain or loss to you, depending on whether the redemption proceeds are
more or less than your adjusted basis for the redeemed shares (which normally
includes any sales charge paid). An exchange of Fund shares for shares of any
other fund in the United Group generally will have similar tax consequences.
However, special rules apply when you dispose of Fund shares through a
redemption or exchange within ninety days after your purchase thereof and
subsequently reacquire Fund shares or acquire shares of another fund in the
United Group without paying a sales charge due to the thirty-day reinvestment
privilege or exchange privilege. See "About Your Account." In these cases, any
gain on the disposition of the Fund shares would be increased, or loss
decreased, by the amount of the sales charge you paid when those shares were
acquired, and that amount will increase the adjusted basis of the shares
subsequently acquired. In addition, if you purchase Fund shares within thirty
days before or after redeeming other Fund shares (regardless of class) at a
loss, part or all of that loss will not be deductible and will increase the
basis of the newly-purchased shares.
The foregoing is only a summary of some of the important Federal tax
considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders; see the SAI
for a more detailed discussion. There may be other Federal, state or local tax
considerations applicable to a particular investor. You are urged to consult
your own tax adviser.
<PAGE>
About the Management and Expenses of the Fund
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc. is a mutual fund: an investment that
pools shareholders' money and invests it toward a specified goal. In technical
terms, the Fund is an open-end diversified management investment company
organized as a corporation under Maryland law on February 28, 1985.
The Fund is governed by a Board of Directors, which has overall
responsibility for the management of its affairs. The majority of directors are
not affiliated with Waddell & Reed, Inc.
The Fund has two classes of shares. In addition to the Class Y shares
offered by this Prospectus, the Fund has issued and outstanding Class A shares,
which are offered by Waddell & Reed, Inc. through a separate prospectus. Prior
to February 19, 1996, the Fund offered only one class of shares to the public.
Shares outstanding on that date were designated as Class A shares. Class A
shares are subject to a sales charge on purchases but are not subject to
redemption fees. Class A shares are subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee at an annual
rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund's average net assets attributable to Class A
shares. Additional information about Class A shares may be obtained by calling
the telephone number listed on the inside back cover or by writing to Waddell &
Reed, Inc. at the address on the inside back cover of this Prospectus.
The Fund does not hold annual meetings of shareholders; however, certain
significant corporate matters, such as the approval of a new investment advisory
agreement or a change in a fundamental investment policy, which require
shareholder approval will be presented to shareholders at a meeting called by
the Board of Directors for such purpose.
Special meetings of shareholders may be called for any purpose upon receipt
by the Fund of a request in writing signed by shareholders holding not less than
25% of all shares entitled to vote at such meeting, provided certain conditions
stated in the Bylaws of the Fund are met. There will normally be no meeting of
the shareholders for the purpose of electing directors until such time as less
than a majority of directors holding office have been elected by shareholders,
at which time the directors then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for
the election of directors. To the extent that Section 16(c) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), applies to the Fund, the
directors are required to call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of
voting upon the question of removal of any director when requested in writing to
do so by the shareholders of record of not less than 10% of the Fund's
outstanding shares.
Each share (regardless of class) has one vote. All shares of the Fund vote
together as a single class, except as to any matter for which a separate vote of
any class is required by the 1940 Act, and except as to any matter which affects
the interests of one or more particular classes, in which case only the
shareholders of the affected classes are entitled to vote, each as a separate
class. Shares are fully paid and nonassessable when purchased.
WRIMCO and Its Affiliates
The Fund is managed by WRIMCO, subject to the authority of the Fund's Board
of Directors. WRIMCO provides investment advice to the Fund and supervises the
Fund's investments. Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its predecessors served as
investment manager to each of the registered investment companies in the United
Group of Mutual Funds, except United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc., since 1940 or
the inception of the company, whichever was later, and to TMK/United Funds, Inc.
since that fund's inception, until January 8, 1992, when it assigned its duties
as investment manager and assigned its professional staff for investment
management services to WRIMCO. WRIMCO has also served as investment manager for
Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. since its inception in September 1992, and United
Asset Strategy Fund, Inc. since it commenced operations in March 1995.
Michael L. Avery is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management
of the Fund. Mr. Avery has held his Fund responsibilities since February 1,
1994. He is Senior Vice President of WRIMCO, Vice President of Waddell & Reed
Asset Management Company, an affiliate of WRIMCO, Vice President of the Fund and
Vice President of other investment companies for which WRIMCO acts as investment
manager. Mr. Avery has served as the portfolio manager for investment companies
managed by Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its successor, WRIMCO, since February 1,
1994, has served as the director of research of Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its
successor, WRIMCO, since August 1987, and has been an employee of Waddell &
Reed, Inc. and its successor, WRIMCO, since June 1981. Other members of
WRIMCO's investment management department provide input on market outlook,
economic conditions, investment research and other considerations relating to
the Fund's investments.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. serves as the Fund's underwriter and as underwriter
for each of the other funds in the United Group of Mutual Funds and Waddell &
Reed Funds, Inc., and acts as the principal underwriter and distributor for
variable life insurance and variable annuity policies issued by United Investors
Life Insurance Company for which TMK/United Funds, Inc. is the underlying
investment vehicle.
Waddell & Reed Services Company acts as transfer agent ("Shareholder
Servicing Agent") for the Fund and processes the payments of dividends. Waddell
& Reed Services Company also acts as agent ("Accounting Services Agent") in
providing bookkeeping and accounting services and assistance to the Fund and
pricing daily the value of its shares.
WRIMCO and Waddell & Reed Services Company are subsidiaries of Waddell &
Reed, Inc. Waddell & Reed, Inc. is a direct subsidiary of Waddell & Reed
Financial Services, Inc., a holding company, and an indirect subsidiary of
United Investors Management Company, a holding company, and Torchmark
Corporation, a holding company.
WRIMCO places transactions for the portfolio of the Fund and in doing so
may consider sales of shares of the Fund and other funds it manages as a factor
in the selection of brokers to execute portfolio transactions.
Breakdown of Expenses
Like all mutual funds, the Fund pays fees related to its daily operations.
Expenses paid out of the Fund's assets are reflected in its share price or
dividends; they are neither billed directly to shareholders nor deducted from
shareholder accounts.
The Fund pays a management fee to WRIMCO for providing investment advice
and supervising its investments. The Fund also pays other expenses, which are
explained below.
Management Fee
The management fee of the Fund is calculated by adding a group fee to a
specific fee. It is accrued and paid to WRIMCO daily.
The specific fee is computed on the Fund's net asset value as of the close
of business each day at the annual rate of .30 of 1% of its net assets. The
group fee is a pro rata participation based on the relative net asset size of
the Fund in the group fee computed each day on the combined net asset values of
all the funds in the United Group at the annual rates shown in the following
table:
Group Fee Rate
Annual
Group Net Group
Asset Level Fee Rate
(all dollars For Each
in millions) Level
- ------------ --------
From $0
to $750 .51 of 1%
From $750
to $1,500 .49 of 1%
From $1,500
to $2,250 .47 of 1%
From $2,250
to $3,000 .45 of 1%
From $3,000
to $3,750 .43 of 1%
From $3,750
to $7,500 .40 of 1%
From $7,500
to $12,000 .38 of 1%
Over $12,000 .36 of 1%
Growth in assets of the United Group assures a lower group fee rate.
The combined net asset values of all of the funds in the United Group
were approximately $15.1 billion as of December 31, 1996. Management fees for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 were 0.71% of the Fund's average net
assets.
Other Expenses
While the management fee is a significant component of the Fund's annual
operating costs, the Fund has other expenses as well.
The Fund pays the Accounting Services Agent a monthly fee based on the
average net assets of the Fund for accounting services. With respect to its
Class Y shares, the Fund pays the Shareholder Servicing Agent a monthly fee
based on the average daily net assets of the class for the preceding month.
The Fund also pays other expenses, such as fees and expenses of certain
directors, audit and outside legal fees, costs of materials sent to
shareholders, taxes, brokerage commissions, interest, insurance premiums,
custodian fees, fees payable by the Fund under Federal or other securities laws
and to the Investment Company Institute, and extraordinary expenses including
litigation and indemnification relative to litigation.
A portfolio turnover rate is, in general, the percentage computed by taking
the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a year and dividing
it by the monthly average of such securities during the year, excluding certain
short-term securities and bullion. Since the turnover rate of the Fund will be
affected by a number of factors, the Fund is unable to predict what rate the
Fund will have in any particular period or periods, although such rate is not
expected to exceed 100%. However, the rate could be substantially higher or
lower in any particular period. The factors that may affect the rate include
moving from a position emphasizing gold and other minerals-related securities to
a position emphasizing U.S. Government Securities or vice versa and the possible
necessary sales of securities to meet redemptions. The Fund may engage in
short-term trading and have a high portfolio turnover.
<PAGE>
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.
Custodian Underwriter
UMB Bank, n.a. Waddell & Reed, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri 6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Legal Counsel Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP 66201-9217
1800 Massachusetts Avenue, N. W. (913) 236-2000
Washington, D. C. 20036 (800) 366-5465
Independent Accountants Shareholder Servicing Agent
Deloitte & Touche LLP Waddell & Reed
Kansas City, Missouri Services Company
6300 Lamar Avenue
Investment Manager P. O. Box 29217
Waddell & Reed Investment Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Management Company 66201-9217
6300 Lamar Avenue (913) 236-2000
P. O. Box 29217 (800) 366-5465
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66201-9217 Accounting Services Agent
(913) 236-2000 Waddell & Reed
(800) 366-5465 Services Company
6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66201-9217
(913) 236-2000
(800) 366-5465
Our INTERNET address is:
http://www.waddell.com
<PAGE>
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.
Class Y Shares
PROSPECTUS
March 31, 1997
The United Group of Mutual Funds
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.
United Cash Management, Inc.
United Continental Income Fund, Inc.
United Funds, Inc.
United Bond Fund
United Income Fund
United Accumulative Fund
United Science and Technology Fund
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.
United Government Securities Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund II, Inc.
United International Growth Fund, Inc.
United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc.
United New Concepts Fund, Inc.
United Retirement Shares, Inc.
United Vanguard Fund, Inc.
NUP1013-Y(3-97)
printed on recycled paper
<PAGE>
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
(913) 236-2000
March 31, 1997
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Statement of Additional Information (the "SAI") is not a
prospectus. Investors should read this SAI in conjunction with a prospectus
("Prospectus") for the Class A shares or the Class Y shares, as applicable, of
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") dated March 31, 1997, which may
be obtained from the Fund or its underwriter, Waddell & Reed, Inc., at the
address or telephone number shown above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Performance Information .......................... 2
Goals and Investment Policies .................... 3
Investment Management and Other Services ......... 28
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares ....... 33
Directors and Officers ........................... 49
Payments to Shareholders ......................... 55
Taxes ............................................ 56
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage ............. 60
Other Information ................................ 63
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Waddell & Reed, Inc., the Fund's underwriter, or the Fund may, from time to
time, publish the Fund's total return information and/or performance rankings in
advertisements and sales materials.
Total Return
An average annual total return quotation is computed by finding the average
annual compounded rates of return over the one-, five-, and ten-year periods
that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value.
Standardized total return information is calculated by assuming an initial
$1,000 investment and, for Class A shares, from which the maximum sales load of
5.75% is deducted. All dividends and distributions are assumed to be reinvested
in shares of the applicable class at net asset value for the class as of the day
the dividend or distribution is paid. No sales load is charged on reinvested
dividends or distributions on Class A shares. The formula used to calculate the
total return for a particular class of the Fund is
n
P(1 + T) = ERV
Where : P = $1,000 initial payment
T = Average annual total return
n = Number of years
ERV = Ending redeemable value of the $1,000 investment for the
periods shown.
Non-standardized performance information may also be presented. For
example, the Fund may also compute total return for its Class A shares without
deduction of the sales load in which case the same formula noted above will be
used but the entire amount of the $1,000 initial payment will be assumed to have
been invested. If the sales charge applicable to Class A shares were reflected,
it would reduce the performance quoted for that class.
The average annual total return quotations for Class A shares as of
December 31, 1996, which is the most recent balance sheet included in this SAI,
for the periods shown were as follows:
With Without
Sales LoadSales Load
Deducted Deducted
One-year period from January 1, 1996 to
December 31, 1996: -1.67% 4.33%
Five-year period from January 1, 1991 to
December 31, 1996: 6.37 7.64
Ten year period from January 1, 1987 to
December 31, 1996: 4.86 5.48
Prior to February 19, 1996, the Fund offered only one class of shares to
the public. Shares outstanding on that date were designated as Class A shares.
Since that date, Class Y shares of the Fund have been available to certain
institutional investors.
The aggregate total return quotations for Class Y shares as of December 31,
1996, which is the most recent balance sheet included in this SAI, for the
periods shown were as follows:
Period from February 27, 1996* to
December 31, 1996: -1.88%
*Commencement of operations.
The Fund may also quote unaveraged or cumulative total return for a class
which reflects the change in value of an investment in that class over a stated
period of time. Cumulative total returns will be calculated according to the
formula indicated above but without averaging the rate for the number of years
in the period.
Performance Rankings
Waddell & Reed, Inc. or the Fund also may from time to time publish in
advertisements or sales material performance rankings as published by recognized
independent mutual fund statistical services such as Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc., or by publications of general interest such as Forbes, Money, The Wall
Street Journal, Business Week, Barron's, Fortune, or Morningstar Mutual Fund
Values. Each class of the Fund may also compare its performance to that of
other selected mutual funds or selected recognized market indicators such as the
Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Performance information may be quoted numerically or presented in a table, graph
or other illustration.
All performance information that the Fund advertises or includes in sales
material is historical in nature and is not intended to represent or guarantee
future results. The value of a Fund's shares when redeemed may be more or less
than their original cost.
GOAL AND INVESTMENT POLICIES
The goal and investment policies of the Fund are described in the
Prospectus, which refers to the following investment methods and practices.
Securities - General
The Fund may invest in securities including common stock, preferred stock,
debt securities and convertible securities, as described in the Prospectus.
These securities may include the following described securities from time to
time.
The Fund may purchase debt securities whose principal amount at maturity is
dependent upon the performance of a specified equity security. The issuer of
such debt securities, typically an investment banking firm, is unaffiliated with
the issuer of the equity security to whose performance the debt security is
linked. Equity-linked debt securities differ from ordinary debt securities in
that the principal amount received at maturity is not fixed, but is based on the
price of the linked equity security at the time the debt security matures. The
performance of equity-linked debt securities depends primarily on the
performance of the linked equity security and may also be influenced by interest
rate changes. In addition, although the debt securities are typically adjusted
for diluting events such as stock splits, stock dividends and certain other
events affecting the market value of the linked equity security, the debt
securities are not adjusted for subsequent issuances of the linked equity
security for cash. Such an issuance could adversely affect the price of the
debt security. In addition to the equity risk relating to the linked equity
security, such debt securities are also subject to credit risk with regard to
the issuer of the debt security. In general, however, such debt securities are
less volatile than the equity securities to which they are linked.
The Fund may also invest in a type of convertible preferred stock that pays
a cumulative, fixed dividend that is senior to, and expected to be in excess of,
the dividends paid on the common stock of the issuer. At the mandatory
conversion date, the preferred stock is converted into not more than one share
of the issuer's common stock at the "call price" that was established at the
time the preferred stock was issued. If the price per share of the related
common stock on the mandatory conversion date is less than the call price, the
holder of the preferred stock will nonetheless receive only one share of common
stock for each share of preferred stock (plus cash in the amount of any accrued
but unpaid dividends). At any time prior to the mandatory conversion date, the
issuer may redeem the preferred stock upon issuing to the holder a number of
shares of common stock equal to the call price of the preferred stock in effect
on the date of redemption divided by the market value of the common stock, with
such market value typically determined one or two trading days prior to the date
notice of redemption is given. The issuer must also pay the holder of the
preferred stock cash in an amount equal to any accrued but unpaid dividends on
the preferred stock. This convertible preferred stock is subject to the same
market risk as the common stock of the issuer, except to the extent that such
risk is mitigated by the higher dividend paid on the preferred stock. The
opportunity for equity appreciation afforded by an investment in such
convertible preferred stock, however, is limited, because in the event the
market value of the issuer's common stock increases to or above the call price
of the preferred stock, the issuer may (and would be expected to) call the
preferred stock for redemption at the call price. This convertible preferred
stock is also subject to credit risk with regard to the ability of the issuer to
pay the dividend established upon issuance of the preferred stock. Generally,
convertible preferred stock is less volatile than the related common stock of
the issuer.
Risk Factors of High-Yield Investing
As an operating (i.e., nonfundamental) policy, the Fund does not intend to
invest more than 5% of its assets in non-investment grade debt securities.
Lower-quality debt securities (commonly called "junk bonds") are considered to
be speculative and involve greater risk of default or price changes due to
changes in the issuer's creditworthiness. The market prices of these securities
may fluctuate more than high-quality securities and may decline significantly in
periods of general economic difficulty. While the market for high-yield, high-
risk corporate debt securities has been in existence for many years and has
weathered previous economic downturns, the 1980s brought a dramatic increase in
the use of such securities to fund highly leveraged corporate acquisitions and
restructurings. Past experience may not provide an accurate indication of the
future performance of the high-yield, high-risk bond market, especially during
periods of economic recession. The market for lower-rated debt securities may
be thinner and less active than that for higher-rated debt securities, which can
adversely affect the prices at which the former are sold. Adverse publicity and
changing investor perceptions may decrease the values and liquidity of lower-
rated debt securities, especially in a thinly-traded market.
Valuation becomes more difficult and judgment plays a greater role in
valuing lower-rated debt securities than with respect to securities for which
more external sources of quotations and last sale information are available.
Since the risk of default is higher for lower-rated debt securities, the
research and credit analysis of Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company
("WRIMCO"), the Fund's investment manager, are an especially important part of
managing securities of this type held by the Fund. WRIMCO continuously monitors
the issuers of lower-rated debt securities in the Fund's portfolio in an attempt
to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet
required principal and interest payments.
The Fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to
pursue litigation or otherwise to exercise its rights as a security holder to
seek to protect the interests of security holders if it determines this to be in
the best interest of the Fund's shareholders.
While credit ratings are only one factor WRIMCO relies on in evaluating
high-yield debt securities, certain risks are associated with credit ratings.
Credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not
market value risk.
Specific Securities and Investment Practices
U.S. Government Securities
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Securities") include Treasury Bills (which
mature within one year of the date they are issued), Treasury Notes (which have
maturities of one to ten years) and Treasury Bonds (which generally have
maturities of more than 10 years). All such Treasury securities are backed by
the full faith and credit of the United States.
U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities that issue or guarantee
securities include, but are not limited to, the Federal Housing Administration,
Fannie Mae (formerly, the Federal National Mortgage Association), Farmers Home
Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business
Administration, Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae"), General
Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Home Loan Banks,
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), Farm Credit Banks,
Maritime Administration, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Resolution Funding
Corporation and the Student Loan Marketing Association.
Securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and
instrumentalities are not always supported by the full faith and credit of the
United States. Some, such as securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Banks,
are backed by the right of the agency or instrumentality to borrow from the
Treasury. Others, such as securities issued by the Fannie Mae, are supported
only by the credit of the instrumentality and by a pool of mortgage assets. If
the securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States,
the owner of the securities must look principally to the agency issuing the
obligation for repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the
United States in the event that the agency or instrumentality does not meet its
commitment.
U.S. Government Securities may include mortgage-backed securities issued
by U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities including, but not limited to,
Ginnie Mae, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. These mortgage-backed securities
include "pass-through" securities and "participation certificates." Another
type of mortgage-backed security is a collateralized mortgage obligation
("CMO"). See "Mortgage-Backed Securities." Timely payment of principal and
interest on Ginnie Mae pass-throughs is guaranteed by the full faith and credit
of the United States. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are both instrumentalities of
the U.S. Government, but their obligations are not backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States. It is possible that the availability and the
marketability (i.e., liquidity) of the securities discussed in this section
could be adversely affected by actions of the U.S. Government to tighten the
availability of its credit.
Zero Coupon Bonds
A broker-dealer creates a derivative zero by separating the interest and
principal components of a U.S. Treasury security and selling them as two
individual securities. CATS (Certificates of Accrual on Treasury Securities),
TIGRs (Treasury Investment Growth Receipts), and TRs (Treasury Receipts) are
examples of derivative zeros.
The Federal Reserve Bank creates STRIPS (Separate Trading of Registered
Interest and Principal of Securities) by separating the interest and principal
components of an outstanding U.S. Treasury security and selling them as
individual securities. Bonds issued by the Resolution Funding Corporation
(REFCORP) and the Financing Corporation (FICO) can also be separated in this
fashion. Original issue zeros are zero coupon securities originally issued by
the U.S. Government, a government agency or a corporation in zero coupon form.
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in,
or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property and
include single- and multi-class pass-through securities and collateralized
mortgage obligations. Multi-class pass-through securities and collateralized
mortgage obligations are collectively referred to in this SAI as CMOs. The U.S.
Government mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest include
mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed as to the payment of principal
and interest (but not as to market value) by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, or Freddie
Mac. Other mortgage-backed securities are issued by private issuers, generally
originators of and investors in mortgage loans, including savings associations,
mortgage bankers, commercial banks, investment bankers and special purpose
entities. Payments of principal and interest (but not the market value) of such
private mortgage-backed securities may be supported by pools of mortgage loans
or other mortgage-backed securities that are guaranteed, directly or indirectly,
by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, or they may
be issued without any government guarantee of the underlying mortgage assets but
with some form of non-government credit enhancement. These credit enhancements
do not protect investors from changes in market value.
The Fund may purchase mortgage-backed securities issued by both government
and non-government entities such as banks, mortgage lenders, or other financial
institutions. Other types of mortgage-backed securities will likely be
developed in the future, and the Fund may invest in them if WRIMCO determines
they are consistent with the Fund's goal and investment policies.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities
Stripped mortgage-backed securities are created when a U.S. Government
agency or a financial institution separates the interest and principal
components of a mortgage-backed security and sells them as individual
securities. The holder of the "principal-only" security ("PO") receives the
principal payments made by the underlying mortgage-backed security, while the
holder of the "interest-only" security ("IO") receives interest payments from
the same underlying security.
Asset-Backed Securities
Asset-backed securities have structural characteristics similar to
mortgage-backed securities, as discussed above. However, the underlying assets
are not first lien mortgage loans or interests therein, but include assets such
as motor vehicle installment sales contracts, other installment sale contracts,
home equity loans, leases of various types of real and personal property and
receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements. Such assets are
securitized through the use of trusts or special purpose corporations. Payments
or distributions of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to a certain
amount and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or pool insurance
policy issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the issuer, or other
credit enhancements may be present. The value of asset-backed securities may
also depend on the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool,
the originator of the loans, or the financial institution providing the credit
enhancement. The Fund may invest in asset-backed securities as long as WRIMCO
determines that it is consistent with the Fund's goal and investment policies.
Special Characteristics of Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities.
The yield characteristics of mortgage- and asset-backed securities differ from
those of traditional debt securities. Among the major differences are that
interest and principal payments are made more frequently, usually monthly, and
that principal may be prepaid at any time because the underlying mortgage loans
or other obligations generally may be prepaid at any time. Prepayments on a
pool of mortgage loans are influenced by a variety of economic, geographic,
social and other factors, including changes in mortgagors' housing needs, job
transfers, unemployment, mortgagors' net equity in the mortgaged properties and
servicing decisions. Generally, however, prepayments on fixed-rate mortgage
loans will increase during a period of falling interest rates and decrease
during a period of rising interest rates. Similar factors apply to prepayments
on asset-backed securities, but the receivables underlying asset-backed
securities generally are of a shorter maturity and thus are likely to experience
substantial prepayments. Such securities, however, often provide that for a
specified time period the issuers will replace receivables in the pool that are
repaid with comparable obligations. If the issuer is unable to do so, repayment
of principal on the asset-backed securities may commence at an earlier date.
The rate of interest on mortgage-backed securities is lower than the
interest rates paid on the mortgages included in the underlying pool due to the
annual fees paid to the servicer of the mortgage pool for passing through
monthly payments to certificateholders and to any guarantor, and due to any
yield retained by the issuer. Actual yield to the holder may vary from the
coupon rate, even if adjustable, if the mortgage-backed securities are purchased
or traded in the secondary market at a premium or discount. In addition, there
is normally some delay between the time the issuer receives mortgage payments
from the servicer and the time the issuer makes the payments on the mortgage-
backed securities, and this delay reduces the effective yield to the holder of
such securities.
Yields on pass-through securities are typically quoted by investment
dealers and vendors based on the maturity of the underlying instruments and the
associated average life assumption. The average life of pass-through pools
varies with the maturities of the underlying mortgage loans. A pool's term may
be shortened by unscheduled or early payments of principal on the underlying
mortgages. Because prepayment rates of individual pools vary widely, it is not
possible to predict accurately the average life of a particular pool. In the
past, a common industry practice has been to assume that prepayments on pools of
fixed rate 30-year mortgages would result in a 12-year average life for the
pool. At present, mortgage pools, particularly those with loans with other
maturities or different characteristics, are priced on an assumption of average
life determined for each pool. In periods of declining interest rates, the rate
of prepayment tends to increase, thereby shortening the actual average life of a
pool of mortgage-related securities. Conversely, in periods of rising interest
rates, the rate of prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the actual
average life of the pool. However, these effects may not be present, or may
differ in degree, if the mortgage loans in the pools have adjustable interest
rates or other special payment terms, such as a prepayment charge. Actual
prepayment experience may cause the yield of mortgage-backed securities to
differ from the assumed average life yield.
Variable or Floating Rate Instruments
Variable or floating rate instruments (including notes purchased
directly from issuers) bear variable or floating interest rates and may carry
rights that permit holders to demand payment of the unpaid principal balance
plus accrued interest from the issuers or certain financial intermediaries on
dates prior to their stated maturities. Floating rate securities have interest
rates that change whenever there is a change in a designated base rate while
variable rate instruments provide for a specified periodic adjustment in the
interest rate. These formulas are designed to result in a market value for the
instrument that approximates its par value.
Foreign Securities and Currency
WRIMCO believes that there are investment opportunities as well as risks in
investing in foreign securities. Individual foreign economies may differ
favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy or each other in such matters as
gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-
sufficiency and balance of payments position. Individual foreign companies may
also differ favorably or unfavorably from domestic companies in the same
industry. Foreign currencies may be stronger or weaker than the U.S. dollar or
than each other. WRIMCO believes that the Fund's ability to invest its assets
abroad might enable it to take advantage of these differences and strengths
where they are favorable.
Further, an investment in foreign securities may also be affected by
changes in exchange control regulations (i.e., currency blockage). The Fund may
bear a transaction charge in connection with the exchange of currency. There
may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a
domestic company. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards comparable to those
applicable to domestic companies. Most foreign stock markets have substantially
less volume than the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") and securities of some
foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable domestic companies. There is generally less government regulation of
stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies than in the United States. In
addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility of
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or
diplomatic developments that could adversely affect investments in securities of
issuers located in those countries. If it should become necessary, the Fund
would normally encounter greater difficulties in commencing a lawsuit against
the issuer of a foreign security than it would against a U.S. issuer.
When purchasing foreign securities, the Fund will ordinarily purchase
securities that are traded in the U.S. or purchase American Depository Receipts
("ADRs") which are certificates issued by U.S. depositories representing the
right to receive securities of a foreign issuer deposited with that depository
or a correspondent bank. However, the Fund may purchase the securities of a
foreign issuer directly in foreign markets so long as, in WRIMCO's judgment, an
established public trading market exists. Such investments may increase the
risk with respect to the liquidity of the Fund's portfolio and the Fund's
ability to meet a large number of shareholder redemption requests should there
be economic, political or social turmoil in a country in which the Fund has a
substantial portion of its assets invested or should relations between the
United States and the foreign country deteriorate markedly.
Restricted Securities
The Fund may purchase foreign restricted securities. However, it will not
purchase such restricted securities if as a result of such purchase more than 5%
of its total assets would consist of restricted securities. This is a
fundamental policy that may only be changed with shareholder approval.
Restricted securities are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale
because they are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "1933 Act").
Restricted securities generally can be sold in privately negotiated
transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the 1933 Act, or
in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, the Fund may
be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable
period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time
the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration
statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop,
the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to
seek registration of the security.
There are risks associated with investment in restricted securities in that
there can be no assurance of a ready market for resale. Also, the contractual
restrictions on resale might prevent the Fund from reselling the securities at a
time when such sale would be desirable.
Restricted securities that are traded in foreign markets are often subject
to restrictions that prohibit resale to U.S. persons or entities or permit sales
only to foreign broker-dealers who agree to limit their resale to such persons
or entities. The buyer of such securities must enter into an agreement that,
usually for a limited period of time, it will resell such securities subject to
such restrictions. Restricted securities in which the Fund seeks to invest need
not be listed or admitted to trading on a foreign or domestic exchange and may
be less liquid than listed securities. See "Illiquid Investments."
Lending Securities
One of the ways in which the Fund may try to realize income is by lending
its securities. If the Fund does this, the borrower pays the Fund an amount
equal to the dividends or interest on the securities that the Fund would have
received if it had not loaned the securities. The Fund also receives additional
compensation.
Any securities loans that the Fund makes must be collateralized in
accordance with applicable regulatory requirements (the "Guidelines"). This
policy can only be changed by shareholder vote. Under the present Guidelines,
the collateral must consist of cash, U.S. Government Securities or bank letters
of credit at least equal in value to the market value of the securities loaned
on each day that the loan is outstanding. If the market value of the loaned
securities exceeds the value of the collateral, the borrower must add more
collateral so that it at least equals the market value of the securities loaned.
If the market value of the securities decreases, the borrower is entitled to
return of the excess collateral.
There are two methods of receiving compensation for making loans. The
first is to receive a negotiated loan fee from the borrower. This method is
available for all three types of collateral. The second method, which is not
available when letters of credit are used as collateral, is for the Fund to
receive interest on the investment of the cash collateral or to receive interest
on the U.S. Government Securities used as collateral. Part of the interest
received in either case may be shared with the borrower.
The letters of credit that the Fund may accept as collateral are agreements
by banks (other than the borrowers of the Fund's securities), entered into at
the request of the borrower and for its account and risk, under which the banks
are obligated to pay to the Fund, while the letter is in effect, amounts
demanded by the Fund if the demand meets the terms of the letter. The Fund's
right to make this demand secures the borrower's obligations to it. The terms
of any such letters and the creditworthiness of the banks providing them (which
might include the Fund's custodian bank) must be satisfactory to the Fund.
Under the Fund's current securities lending procedure, the Fund may lend
securities only to broker-dealers and financial institutions deemed creditworthy
by WRIMCO. The Fund will make loans only under rules of the NYSE, which
presently require the borrower to return the securities to the Fund within five
business days after the Fund gives notice to do so. If the Fund loses its
voting rights on securities loaned, it will have the securities returned to it
in time to vote them if a material event affecting the investment is to be voted
on. The Fund may pay reasonable finder's, administrative and custodian fees in
connection with loans of securities.
There may be risks of delay in receiving additional collateral from the
borrower if the market value of the securities loaned goes up, risks of delay in
recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should
the borrower of the securities fail financially.
Some, but not all, of these rules are necessary to meet requirements of
certain laws relating to securities loans. These rules will not be changed
unless the change is permitted under these requirements. These requirements do
not cover the present rules, which may be changed without shareholder vote, as
to: (i) whom securities may be loaned; (ii) the investment of cash collateral;
or (iii) voting rights.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund will not enter into a repurchase transaction that will cause more
than 10% of its net assets to be invested in illiquid investments, which include
repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days. See "Illiquid
Investments." A repurchase agreement is an instrument under which the Fund
purchases a security and the seller (normally a commercial bank or broker-
dealer) agrees, at the time of purchase, that it will repurchase the security at
a specified time and price. The amount by which the resale price is greater
than the purchase price reflects an agreed-upon market interest rate effective
for the period of the agreement. The return on the securities subject to the
repurchase agreement may be more or less than the return on the repurchase
agreement.
The majority of the repurchase agreements in which the Fund would engage
are overnight transactions, and the delivery pursuant to the resale typically
will occur within one to five days of the purchase. The primary risk is that
the Fund may suffer a loss if the seller fails to pay the agreed-upon amount on
the delivery date and that amount is greater than the resale price of the
underlying securities and other collateral held by the Fund. In the event of
bankruptcy or other default by the seller, there may be possible delays and
expenses in liquidating the underlying securities or other collateral, decline
in their value and loss of interest. The return on such collateral may be more
or less than that from the repurchase agreement. The Fund's repurchase
agreements will be structured so as to fully collateralize the loans, i.e., the
value of the underlying securities, which will be held by the Fund's custodian
bank or by a third party that qualifies as a custodian under Section 17(f) of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), is and, during
the entire term of the agreement, will remain at least equal to the value of the
loan, including the accrued interest earned thereon. Repurchase agreements are
entered into only with those entities approved by WRIMCO on the basis of
criteria established by the Board of Directors.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions
The Fund may purchase U.S. Government Securities on a when-issued or
delayed-delivery basis or sell them on a delayed-delivery basis. The U.S.
Government Securities so purchased or sold by the Fund are subject to market
fluctuation; their value may be less or more when delivered than the purchase
price paid or received. For example, delivery to the Fund and payment by the
Fund in the case of a purchase by it, or delivery by the Fund and payment to it
in the case of a sale by the Fund, may take place a month or more after the date
of the transaction. The purchase or sale price are fixed on the transaction
date. The Fund will enter into when-issued or delayed-delivery transactions in
order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the
time of entering into the transaction. No interest accrues to the Fund until
delivery and payment is completed. When the Fund makes a commitment to purchase
U.S. Government Securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, it will
record the transaction and thereafter reflect the value of the securities in
determining its net asset value per share. The U.S. Government Securities so
sold by the Fund on a delayed-delivery basis are also subject to market
fluctuation; their value when the Fund delivers them may be more than the
purchase price the Fund receives. When the Fund makes a commitment to sell U.S.
Government Securities on a delayed-delivery basis, it will record the
transaction and thereafter value the U.S. Government Securities at the sales
price in determining the Fund's net asset value per share.
Ordinarily the Fund purchases U.S. Government Securities on a when-issued
or delayed-delivery basis with the intention of actually taking delivery of the
securities. However, before the U.S. Government Securities are delivered to the
Fund and before it has paid for them (the "settlement date"), the Fund could
sell the U.S. Government Securities if WRIMCO decided it was advisable to do so
for investment reasons. The Fund will hold aside or segregate cash or other
securities, other than those purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery
basis, at least equal to the amount it will have to pay on the settlement date;
these other securities may, however, be sold at or before the settlement date to
pay the purchase price of the when-issued or delayed-delivery securities.
Illiquid Investments
The Fund has an operating policy, which may be changed without shareholder
approval, which provides that the Fund may not invest more than 10% of its net
assets in illiquid investments. Investments currently considered to be illiquid
include: (i) repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days; (ii) fixed
time deposits (including insured deposits) subject to withdrawal penalties other
than overnight deposits (other than deposits payable at principal amount plus
accrued interest on demand or within seven days after demand that, in the
opinion of WRIMCO, have minimal credit risk); (iii) restricted securities not
determined to be liquid pursuant to guidelines established by the Fund's Board
of Directors; (iv) securities for which market quotations are not readily
available; and (v) unlisted options and their underlying collateral.
Indexed Securities
The Fund may purchase securities the value of which varies in relation
to the value of other securities, securities indices, currencies, precious
metals or other commodities or other financial indicators. Indexed securities
typically, but not always, are debt securities or deposits whose value at
maturity or coupon rate is determined by reference to a specific instrument or
statistic. Gold-indexed securities, for example, typically provide for a
maturity value that depends on the price of gold, resulting in a security whose
price tends to rise and fall together with gold prices. Currency-indexed
securities typically are short-term to intermediate-term debt securities whose
maturity values or interest rates are determined by reference to the values of
one or more specified foreign currencies, and may offer higher yields than U.S.
dollar-denominated securities of equivalent issuers. Currency-indexed
securities may be positively or negatively indexed; that is, their maturity
value may increase when the specified currency value increases, resulting in a
security that performs similarly to a foreign-denominated instrument, or their
maturity value may decline when foreign currencies increase, resulting in a
security whose price characteristics are similar to a put on the underlying
currency. Currency-indexed securities may also have prices that depend on the
values of a number of different foreign currencies relative to each other.
Recent issuers of indexed securities have included banks, corporations and
certain U.S. Government agencies. Certain indexed securities that are not
traded on an established market may be deemed illiquid. The Fund may not invest
more than 25% of its total assets in indexed securities.
Investment in Warrants
The Fund may not invest more than 2% of its assets valued at the lower of
cost or market in warrants. Warrants acquired in units or attached to other
securities are not considered for purposes of computing the 2% limitation.
Warrants are options to purchase equity securities at specific prices valid for
a specific period of time. Their prices do not necessarily move parallel to the
prices of the underlying securities. Warrants have no voting rights, receive no
dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer. Warrants
are highly volatile and, therefore, more susceptible to a sharp decline in value
than the underlying security might be. They are also generally less liquid than
an investment in the underlying shares.
Options, Futures and Other Strategies
General. As discussed in the Prospectus, WRIMCO may use certain options to
attempt to enhance income or yield or may attempt to reduce overall risk of its
investments by using certain options, futures contracts (sometimes referred to
as "futures"), and forward contracts ("forward contracts"). Options, futures,
and forward contracts are sometimes referred to collectively as "Financial
Instruments." The Fund's ability to use a particular Financial Instrument may
be limited by its investment limitations or operating policies. See "Investment
Restrictions."
Hedging strategies can be broadly categorized as "short hedges" and "long
hedges." A short hedge is a purchase or sale of a Financial Instrument intended
partially or fully to offset potential declines in the value of one or more
investments held in the Fund's portfolio. Thus, in a short hedge the Fund takes
a position in a Financial Instrument whose price is expected to move in the
opposite direction of the price of the investment being hedged.
Conversely, a long hedge is a purchase or sale of a Financial Instrument
intended partially or fully to offset potential increases in the acquisition
cost of one or more investments that the Fund intends to acquire. Thus, in a
long hedge the Fund takes a position in a Financial Instrument whose price is
expected to move in the same direction as the price of the prospective
investment being hedged. A long hedge is sometimes referred to as an
anticipatory hedge. In an anticipatory hedge transaction, the Fund does not own
a corresponding security and, therefore, the transaction does not relate to a
security the Fund owns. Rather, it relates to a security that the Fund intends
to acquire. If the Fund does not complete the hedge by purchasing the security
it anticipated purchasing, the effect on the Fund's portfolio is the same as if
the transaction were entered into for speculative purposes.
Financial Instruments on securities generally are used to attempt to hedge
against price movements in one or more particular securities positions that the
Fund owns or intends to acquire. Financial Instruments on debt securities may
be used to hedge either individual securities or broad debt market sectors.
The use of Financial Instruments is subject to applicable regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the several exchanges upon
which they are traded, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC").
In addition, the Fund's ability to use Financial Instruments will be limited by
tax considerations. See "Taxes."
In addition to the instruments, strategies and risks described below and in
the Prospectus, WRIMCO expects to discover additional opportunities in
connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts,
forward contracts and other similar or related techniques. These new
opportunities may become available as WRIMCO develops new techniques, as
regulatory authorities broaden the range of permitted transactions and as new
options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts or
other techniques are developed. WRIMCO may utilize these opportunities to the
extent that they are consistent with the Fund's goal and permitted by the Fund's
investment limitations and applicable regulatory authorities. The Fund's
Prospectus or SAI will be supplemented to the extent that new products or
techniques involve materially different risks than those described below or in
the Prospectus.
Special Risks. The use of Financial Instruments involves special
considerations and risks, certain of which are described below. Risks
pertaining to particular Financial Instruments are described in the sections
that follow.
(1) Successful use of most Financial Instruments depends upon WRIMCO's
ability to predict movements of the overall securities, currency and interest
rate markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in the
prices of individual securities. There can be no assurance that any particular
strategy will succeed.
(2) There might be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between
price movements of a Financial Instrument and price movements of the investments
being hedged. For example, if the value of a Financial Instrument used in a
short hedge increased by less than the decline in value of the hedged
investment, the hedge would not be fully successful. Such a lack of correlation
might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being
hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which Financial
Instruments are traded.
Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded options and
futures contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will
not match the Fund's current or anticipated investments exactly. The Fund may
invest in options and futures contracts based on securities with different
issuers, maturities or other characteristics from the securities in which it
typically invests, which involves a risk that the options or futures position
will not track the performance of the Fund's other investments.
Options and futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their
underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match the Fund's
investments well. Options and futures prices are affected by such factors as
current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the
underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract,
which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation may
also result from differing levels of demand in the options and futures markets
and the securities markets, from structural differences in how options and
futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation
limits or trading halts. The Fund may purchase or sell options and futures
contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge
or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in
volatility between the contract and the securities, although this may not be
successful in all cases. If price changes in the Fund's options or futures
positions are poorly correlated with its other investments, the positions may
fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by
gains in other investments.
(3) If successful, the above-discussed strategies can reduce risk of loss
by wholly or partially offsetting the negative effect of unfavorable price
movements. However, such strategies can also reduce opportunity for gain by
offsetting the positive effect of favorable price movements. For example, if
the Fund entered into a short hedge because WRIMCO projected a decline in the
price of a security in the Fund's portfolio, and the price of that security
increased instead, the gain from that increase might be wholly or partially
offset by a decline in the price of the Financial Instrument. Moreover, if the
price of the Financial Instrument declined by more than the increase in the
price of the security, the Fund could suffer a loss. In either such case, the
Fund would have been in a better position had it not attempted to hedge at all.
(4) As described below, the Fund might be required to maintain assets as
"cover," maintain segregated accounts or make margin payments when it takes
positions in Financial Instruments involving obligations to third parties (i.e.,
Financial Instruments other than purchased options). If the Fund were unable to
close out its positions in such Financial Instruments, it might be required to
continue to maintain such assets or accounts or make such payments until the
position expired or matured. These requirements might impair the Fund's ability
to sell a portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would
otherwise be favorable to do so, or require that the Fund sell a portfolio
security at a disadvantageous time. The Fund's ability to close out a position
in a Financial Instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends on the
existence of a liquid secondary market or, in the absence of such a market, the
ability and willingness of the other party to the transaction ("counterparty")
to enter into a transaction closing out the position. Therefore, there is no
assurance that any position can be closed out at a time and price that is
favorable to the Fund.
Cover. Transactions using Financial Instruments, other than purchased
options, expose the Fund to an obligation to another party. The Fund will not
enter into any such transactions unless it owns either (1) an offsetting
("covered") position in securities or other options, futures contracts,
currencies or forward contracts, or (2) cash and liquid assets with a value
marked-to-market daily sufficient to cover its potential obligations to the
extent not covered as provided in (1) above. The Fund will comply with SEC
guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and will, if the guidelines so
require, set aside cash or liquid assets in a segregated account with its
custodian in the prescribed amount as determined daily.
Assets used as cover or held in a segregated account cannot be sold while
the position in the corresponding Financial Instrument is open, unless they are
replaced with other appropriate assets. As a result, the commitment of a large
portion of the Fund's assets to cover or segregated accounts could impede
portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other
current obligations.
Options. The Fund may write (i.e., sell) call options ("calls") but
only if (i) the investments to which the call relates (the "related
investments") are either securities (whether or not they are U.S. Government
Securities) or futures contracts (see "Futures Contracts and Options Thereon"
below) relating to U.S. Government Securities ("Government Securities Futures");
(ii) the calls are listed on a domestic securities or commodities exchange or
quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations
system ("Nasdaq"); and (iii) the calls are covered, i.e., the Fund owns the
related investments (or other investments acceptable for escrow arrangements)
while the call is outstanding.
The Fund may purchase calls but only if (i) the related investments are
either U.S. Government Securities or Government Securities Futures; and (ii) the
calls are listed on a domestic securities or commodities exchange or quoted on
Nasdaq.
The Fund may purchase put options ("puts") but only if (i) the investments
to which the put relates (the "related investments") are U.S. Government
Securities or Government Securities Futures; and (ii) either (a) the puts are
listed on a domestic securities or commodities exchange or quoted on Nasdaq; or
(b) are "optional delivery standby commitments.
The Fund may write (i.e., sell) puts but only if (i) the related
investments are U.S. Government Securities or Government Securities Futures; and
(ii) the puts are listed on a domestic securities or commodities exchange or
quoted on Nasdaq.
The above limitations on the puts and calls the Fund may write or purchase
are fundamental policies, i.e., rules that may only be changed by a shareholder
vote. The Fund has no fundamental policy as to percentage limitations on its
use of options.
At the present time, no puts or calls of any kind are quoted on
Nasdaq.
The purchase of call options serves as a long hedge, and the purchase of
put options serves as a short hedge. Writing put or call options can enable the
Fund to enhance income or yield by reason of the premiums paid by the purchasers
of such options. However, if the market price of the security underlying a put
option declines to less than the exercise price of the option, minus the premium
received, the Fund would expect to suffer a loss.
Writing call options can also serve as a limited short hedge, because
declines in the value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of
the premium received for writing the option. However, if the security
appreciates to a price higher than the exercise price of the call option, it can
be expected that the option will be exercised and the Fund will be obligated to
sell the security at less than its market value.
Writing put options can serve as a limited long hedge because increases in
the value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of the premium
received for writing the option. However, if the security depreciates to a
price lower than the exercise price of the put option, it can be expected that
the put option will be exercised and the Fund will be obligated to purchase the
security at more than its market value.
The value of an option position will reflect, among other things, the
current market value of the underlying investment, the time remaining until
expiration, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price of the
underlying investment, the historical price volatility of the underlying
investment and general market conditions. Options that expire unexercised have
no value.
The Fund may effectively terminate its right or obligation under an option
by entering into a closing transaction. For example, the Fund may terminate its
obligation under a call or put option that it had written by purchasing an
identical call or put option; this is known as a closing purchase transaction.
Conversely, the Fund may terminate a position in a put or call option it had
purchased by writing an identical put or call option; this is known as a closing
sale transaction. Closing transactions permit the Fund to realize profits or
limit losses on an option position prior to its exercise or expiration.
A type of put that the Fund may purchase is an "optional delivery standby
commitment," which is entered into by parties selling U.S. Government Securities
to the Fund. An optional delivery standby commitment gives the Fund the right
to sell the security back to the seller on specified terms. This right is
provided as an inducement to purchase the security.
Risks of Options on Securities. The Fund is authorized to purchase and
sell listed options. Exchange markets for options on debt securities exist, but
these instruments are primarily traded on the over-the-counter market.
Exchange-traded options in the United States are issued by a clearing
organization affiliated with the exchange on which the option is listed that, in
effect, guarantees completion of every exchange-traded option transaction.
The Fund's ability to establish and close out positions in exchange-listed
options depends on the existence of a liquid market. However, there can be no
assurance that such a market will exist at any particular time.
If the Fund were unable to effect a closing transaction for an option it
had purchased, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit. The
inability to enter into a closing purchase transaction for a covered call option
written by the Fund could cause material losses because the Fund would be unable
to sell the investment used as cover for the written option until the option
expires or is exercised.
Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. The Fund may buy and sell interest
rate futures contracts, but only those relating to U.S. Government Securities
("Government Securities Futures") and options thereon. This limitation of the
Fund's engaging in interest rate futures contracts and options on futures
contracts to those relating to U.S. Government Securities is a fundamental
policy that may only be changed by a shareholder vote. The Fund has no other
fundamental policies as to its use of futures contracts and options on futures
contracts and thus no fundamental policy as to a percentage limit thereon;
however, see below for limitations relating to the CFTC.
The purchase of futures or call options on futures can serve as a long
hedge, and the sale of futures or the purchase of put options on futures can
serve as a short hedge. Writing call options on futures contracts can serve as
a limited short hedge, using a strategy similar to that used for writing call
options on securities or indices. Similarly, writing put options on futures
contracts can serve as a limited long hedge.
Futures strategies also can be used to manage the average duration of the
Fund's fixed-income portfolio. If WRIMCO wishes to shorten the average duration
of the Fund's fixed-income portfolio, the Fund may sell a Government Securities
Future or a call option thereon, or purchase a put option on that Government
Security Future. If WRIMCO wishes to lengthen the average duration of the
Fund's fixed-income portfolio, the Fund may buy a Government Security Future or
a call option thereon, or sell a put option thereon.
No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, at the
inception of a futures contract the Fund is required to deposit "initial margin"
consisting of cash or U.S. Government Securities in an amount generally equal to
10% or less of the contract value. Margin must also be deposited when writing a
call or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange
rules. Unlike margin in securities transactions, initial margin on futures
contracts does not represent a borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a
performance bond or good-faith deposit that is returned to the Fund at the
termination of the transaction if all contractual obligations have been
satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, the
Fund may be required by an exchange to increase the level of its initial margin
payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the
future by regulatory action.
Subsequent "variation margin" payments are made to and from the futures
broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as
"marking-to-market." Variation margin does not involve borrowing, but rather
represents a daily settlement of the Fund's obligations to or from a futures
broker. When the Fund purchases an option on a future, the premium paid plus
transaction costs is all that is at risk. In contrast, when the Fund purchases
or sells a futures contract or writes a call or put option thereon, it is
subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event
of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily
variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when
such sales are disadvantageous.
Purchasers and sellers of futures contracts and options on futures can
enter into offsetting closing transactions, similar to closing transactions in
options, by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the
instrument purchased or sold. Positions in futures and options on futures may
be closed only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary
market. The Fund intends to enter into futures and options on futures only on
exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be a liquid secondary
market. However, there can be no assurance that such a market will exist for a
particular contract at a particular time. In such event, it may not be possible
to close a futures contract or options position.
Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits
on the amount that the price of a futures or an option on a futures contract can
vary from the previous day's settlement price; once that limit is reached, no
trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do
not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for
several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing
liquidation of unfavorable positions.
If the Fund were unable to liquidate a futures contract or options on
futures position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the
imposition of price limits, it could incur substantial losses. The Fund would
continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In
addition, except in the case of purchased options, the Fund would continue to be
required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to
maintain the position being hedged by the future or option or to maintain cash
or securities in a segregated account.
As an operating policy, to the extent that the Fund enters into futures
contracts or options on futures contracts, in each case other than for bona fide
hedging purposes (as defined by the CFTC), the aggregate initial margin and
premiums required to establish those positions (excluding the amount by which
options are "in-the-money" at the time of purchase) will not exceed 5% of the
liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized
profits and unrealized losses on any contracts the Fund has entered into. (In
general, a call option on a futures contract is "in-the-money" if the value of
the underlying futures contract exceeds the strike, i.e., exercise, price of the
call; a put option on a futures contract is "in-the-money" if the value of the
underlying futures contract is exceeded by the strike price of the put.) This
policy does not limit to 5% the percentage of the Fund's assets that are at risk
in futures contracts and options on futures contracts.
Foreign Currency Hedging Strategies--Special Considerations. The Fund may
use foreign currency forward contracts, as described below, to attempt to hedge
against movements in the values of the foreign currencies in which the Fund's
securities are denominated. Such currency hedges can protect against price
movements in a security that the Fund owns or intends to acquire that are
attributable to changes in the value of the currency in which it is denominated.
Such hedges do not, however, protect against price movements in the securities
that are attributable to other causes.
The Fund might seek to hedge against changes in the value of a particular
currency when no forward contracts on that currency are available or such
forward contracts are more expensive than certain other forward contracts. In
such cases, the Fund may seek to hedge against price movements in that currency
by entering into transactions using forward contracts on another currency or a
basket of currencies, the values of which WRIMCO believes will have a high
degree of positive correlation to the value of the currency being hedged. The
risk that movements in the price of the forward contract will not correlate
perfectly with movements in the price of the currency subject to the hedging
transaction is magnified when this strategy is used.
The value of forward contracts depends on the value of the underlying
currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Because foreign currency transactions
occurring in the interbank market might involve substantially larger amounts
than those involved in the use of such forward contracts, the Fund could be
disadvantaged by having to deal in the odd lot market (generally consisting of
transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at
prices that are less favorable than for round lots.
There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign
currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through
dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation
information generally is representative of very large transactions in the
interbank market and thus might not reflect odd-lot transactions where rates
might be less favorable.
Settlement of hedging transactions involving foreign currencies might be
required to take place within the country issuing the underlying currency.
Thus, the Fund might be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying
foreign currency in accordance with any U.S. or foreign regulations regarding
the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and might be
required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated with such delivery
assessed in the issuing country.
Forward Contracts. The Fund may enter into forward contracts to purchase
or sell foreign currencies for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars or another foreign
currency. A forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a
specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (term)
from the date of the forward contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set
at the time of the forward contract. These forward contracts are traded
directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their
customers.
Such transactions may serve as long hedges; for example, the Fund may
purchase a forward contract to lock in the U.S. dollar price of a security
denominated in a foreign currency that the Fund intends to acquire. Forward
contract transactions may also serve as short hedges; for example, the Fund may
sell a forward contract to lock in the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds
from the anticipated sale of a security, dividend or interest payment
denominated in a foreign currency.
The Fund may also use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the
value of existing investments denominated in foreign currency. For example, if
the Fund owned securities denominated in pounds sterling, it could enter into a
forward contract to sell pounds sterling in return for U.S. dollars to hedge
against possible declines in the pound's value. Such a hedge, sometimes
referred to as a "position hedge," would tend to offset both positive and
negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes in security values
caused by other factors. The Fund could also hedge the position by selling
another currency expected to perform similarly to the pound sterling, for
example, by entering into a forward contract to sell Deutsche Marks or European
Currency Units in return for U.S. dollars. This type of hedge, sometimes
referred to as a "proxy hedge," could offer advantages in terms of cost, yield
or efficiency, but generally would not hedge currency exposure as effectively as
a simple hedge into U.S. dollars. Proxy hedges may result in losses if the
currency used to hedge does not perform similarly to the currency in which the
hedged securities are denominated.
The cost to the Fund of engaging in forward contracts varies with factors
such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market
conditions then prevailing. Because forward contracts are usually entered into
on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. When the Fund enters
into a forward contract, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery
of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract. Failure by the
counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the
transaction.
As is the case with futures contracts, purchasers and sellers of forward
contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, similar to closing
transactions on futures contracts, by selling or purchasing, respectively, an
instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold. Secondary markets
generally do not exist for forward contracts, with the result that closing
transactions generally can be made for forward contracts only by negotiating
directly with the counterparty. Thus, there can be no assurance that the Fund
will in fact be able to close out a forward contract at a favorable price prior
to maturity. In addition, in the event of insolvency of the counterparty, the
Fund might be unable to close out a forward contract at any time prior to
maturity. In either event, the Fund would continue to be subject to market risk
with respect to the position, and would continue to be required to maintain a
position in securities denominated in the foreign currency or to maintain cash
or securities in a segregated account.
The precise matching of forward contract amounts and the value of the
securities involved generally will not be possible because the value of such
securities, measured in the foreign currency, will change after the foreign
currency contract has been established. Thus, the Fund might need to purchase
or sell foreign currencies in the spot (cash) market to the extent such foreign
currencies are not covered by forward contracts. The projection of short-term
currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution
of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
Under normal circumstances, consideration of the prospect for currency
parities will be incorporated into the longer term investment decisions made
with regard to overall diversification strategies. However, WRIMCO believes
that it is important to have the flexibility to enter into such forward
contracts when it determines that the best interests of the Fund will be served.
The Fund will enter into forward contracts only for hedging purposes and
has made an undertaking to a State securities commission to this effect.
Risks of Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. The ordinary spreads
between prices in the cash and futures markets (including the options on futures
market), due to differences in the natures of those markets, are subject to the
following factors, which may create distortions. First, all participants in the
futures market are subject to margin deposit and maintenance requirements.
Rather than meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors may close
future contracts through offsetting transactions, which could distort the normal
relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the
futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions
rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to
make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, thus
producing distortion. Third, from the point of view of speculators, the deposit
requirements in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in
the securities market. Therefore increased participation by speculators in the
futures market may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of
distortion, a correct forecast of general interest trends by WRIMCO may still
not result in a successful transaction. WRIMCO may be incorrect in the
expectations as to the extent of various interest rate movements or the time
span within which the movements take place.
Combined Positions. The Fund may purchase and write options in combination
with each other, or in combination with futures contracts, to adjust the risk
and return characteristics of its overall position. For example, the Fund may
purchase a put option and write a call option on the same underlying instrument,
in order to construct a combined position whose risk and return characteristics
are similar to selling a futures contract. Another possible combined position
would involve writing a call option at one strike price and buying a call option
at a lower price, in order to reduce the risk of the written call option in the
event of a substantial price increase. Because combined options positions
involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more
difficult to open and close out.
Turnover. The Fund's options and futures activities may affect its
turnover rate and brokerage commission payments. The exercise of calls or puts
written by the Fund, and the sale or purchase of futures contracts, may cause it
to sell or purchase related investments, thus increasing its turnover rate.
Once the Fund has received an exercise notice on an option it has written, it
cannot effect a closing transaction in order to terminate its obligation under
the option and must deliver or receive the underlying securities at the exercise
price. The exercise of puts purchased by the Fund may also cause the sale of
related investments, also increasing turnover; although such exercise is within
the Fund's control, holding a protective put might cause it to sell the related
investments for reasons that would not exist in the absence of the put. The
Fund will pay a brokerage commission each time it buys or sells a put or call or
purchases or sells a futures contract. Such commissions may be higher than
those that would apply to direct purchases or sales.
Investment Restrictions
Certain of the Fund's investment restrictions are described in the
Prospectus. The following are fundamental policies and, together with certain
restrictions described in the Prospectus, cannot be changed without shareholder
approval. Under these additional restrictions the Fund may not:
(i) Buy real estate nor any nonliquid interest in real estate investment
trusts;
(ii) Buy the securities of any company if it would then own more than 10% of
its voting securities or any class of its securities; or buy the
securities of any company if more than 5% of the Fund's total assets
(valued at market value) would then be invested in that company; or buy
the securities of companies in any one industry if more than 25% of the
Fund's total assets would then be in companies in that industry,
except, as stated in the Prospectus, the Fund intends to concentrate in
gold and other minerals-related securities;
(iii) Buy shares of other investment companies that redeem their shares. The
Fund can buy shares of investment companies that do not redeem their
shares if it does so in a regular transaction in the open market and
then does not have more than one tenth (i.e., 10%) of its total assets
in these shares;
(iv) Make loans other than certain limited types of loans; the Fund can also
buy debt securities that have been sold to the public; it can also lend
its portfolio securities (see "Lending Securities" above) and enter
into repurchase agreements (see "Repurchase Agreements" above);
(v) Invest for the purpose of exercising control or management of other
companies;
(vi) Buy or continue to hold securities if the Fund's Directors or officers
or certain others own too much of the same securities; if any of these
people owns more than one two-hundredths (i.e., .5 of 1%) of the shares
of a company and if the people who own that much or more own one-
twentieth (i.e., 5%) of that company's shares, the Fund cannot buy that
company's shares or continue to own them;
(vii) Participate on a joint, or a joint and several, basis in any trading
account in any securities;
(viii) Sell securities short or buy securities on margin, however, the Fund
may make margin deposits in connection with Government Securities
Futures contracts and options thereon; also, the Fund may not engage in
arbitrage transactions;
(ix) Engage in the underwriting of securities or invest in restricted
securities, except up to 5% of total assets taken at the time of
purchase may be invested in restricted foreign securities. Restricted
securities are securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions
on resale;
(x) Buy commodities except that it may invest up to 25% of its total assets
in gold, silver and platinum and may buy put and call options and
Government Securities Futures. Put and call options and Government
Securities Futures may, for various purposes, be considered to be
"commodities" or "securities" but the Fund may buy them whether they
are "commodities" or "securities." The Fund may also not buy any
minerals-related programs or leases;
(xi) Borrow for investment purposes, that is, to purchase securities or
mortgage or pledge any of its assets; this does not prohibit the escrow
deposits required by put and call transactions. The Fund may borrow
money from banks as a temporary measure or for extraordinary or
emergency purposes but only up to 5% of its total assets.
Portfolio Turnover
A portfolio turnover rate is, in general, the percentage computed by taking
the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a year and dividing
it by the monthly average of the market value of such securities during the
year, excluding certain short-term securities. The Fund's turnover rate may
vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year and may be
affected by cash requirements for the redemption of its shares.
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal years ended December
31, 1996 and 1995 was 101.34% and 164.21%, respectively. Due to economic
conditions in 1985, and in accordance with the Fund's fundamental policies,
WRIMCO determined that the portfolio of the Fund should be invested primarily in
U.S. Government Securities. A high turnover rate will increase transaction
costs and commission costs that will be borne by the Fund and could generate
taxable income or loss.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES
The Management Agreement
The Fund has an Investment Management Agreement (the "Management
Agreement") with Waddell & Reed, Inc. On January 8, 1992, subject to the
authority of the Fund's Board of Directors, Waddell & Reed, Inc. assigned the
Management Agreement and all related investment management duties (and related
professional staff) to WRIMCO, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Waddell & Reed, Inc.
Under the Management Agreement, WRIMCO is employed to supervise the investments
of the Fund and provide investment advice to the Fund. The address of Waddell &
Reed, Inc. and WRIMCO is 6300 Lamar Avenue, P.O. Box 29217, Shawnee Mission,
Kansas 66201-9217. Waddell & Reed, Inc. is the Fund's underwriter.
The Management Agreement permits Waddell & Reed, Inc. or an affiliate of
Waddell & Reed, Inc. to enter into a separate agreement for transfer agency
services ("Shareholder Servicing Agreement") and a separate agreement for
accounting services ("Accounting Services Agreement") with the Fund. The
Management Agreement contains detailed provisions as to the matters to be
considered by the Fund's Board of Directors prior to approving any Shareholder
Servicing Agreement or Accounting Services Agreement.
Torchmark Corporation and United Investors Management Company
WRIMCO is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Waddell & Reed, Inc. Waddell &
Reed, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Waddell & Reed Financial Services,
Inc., a holding company. Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc. is a wholly-
owned subsidiary of United Investors Management Company. United Investors
Management Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torchmark Corporation.
Torchmark Corporation is a publicly-held company. The address of Torchmark
Corporation and United Investors Management Company is 2001 Third Avenue South,
Birmingham, Alabama 35233.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its predecessors served as investment manager to
each of the registered investment companies in the United Group of Mutual Funds,
except United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc., since 1940 or the company's inception
date, whichever was later, and to TMK/United Funds, Inc. since that fund's
inception, until January 8, 1992 when it assigned its duties as investment
manager for these funds (and the related professional staff) to WRIMCO. WRIMCO
has also served as investment manager for Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. since its
inception in September 1992 and United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc. since it
commenced operations in March 1995. Waddell & Reed, Inc. serves as principal
underwriter for the investment companies in the United Group of Mutual Funds and
Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. and serves as the distributor for TMK/United Funds,
Inc.
Shareholder Services
Under the Shareholder Servicing Agreement entered into between the Fund and
Waddell & Reed Services Company (the "Agent"), a subsidiary of Waddell & Reed,
Inc., the Agent performs shareholder servicing functions, including the
maintenance of shareholder accounts, the issuance, transfer and redemption of
shares, distribution of dividends and payment of redemptions, the furnishing of
related information to the Fund and handling of shareholder inquiries. A new
Shareholder Servicing Agreement, or amendments to the existing one, may be
approved by the Fund's Board of Directors without shareholder approval.
Accounting Services
Under the Accounting Services Agreement entered into between the Fund and
the Agent, the Agent provides the Fund with bookkeeping and accounting services
and assistance, including maintenance of the Fund's records, pricing of the
Fund's shares, and preparation of prospectuses for existing shareholders, proxy
statements and certain reports. A new Accounting Services Agreement, or
amendments to an existing one, may be approved by the Fund's Board of Directors
without shareholder approval.
Payments by the Fund for Management, Accounting and Shareholder Services
Under the Management Agreement, for WRIMCO's management services, the Fund
pays WRIMCO a fee as described in the Prospectus.
The management fees paid by the Fund to WRIMCO during the Fund's fiscal
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $238,896, $249,509 and
$312,911, respectively. For purposes of calculating the daily fee the Fund does
not include money owed to it by Waddell & Reed, Inc. for shares which it has
sold but not yet paid the Fund. The Fund accrues and pays this fee daily.
Under the Shareholder Servicing Agreement with respect to Class A shares,
the Fund pays the Agent a monthly fee of $1.3125 ($1.0208 prior to April 1,
1996) for each shareholder account that was in existence at any time during the
prior month, plus $0.30 for each account on which dividend or distribution, of
cash or shares, had a record date in that month. For Class Y shares, the Fund
pays the Agent a monthly fee equal to one-twelfth of .15 of 1% of the average
daily net assets of that Class for the preceding month. The Fund also pays
certain out-of-pocket expenses of the Agent, including long distance telephone
communications costs, microfilm and storage costs for certain documents; forms,
printing and mailing costs; and costs of legal and special services not provided
by Waddell & Reed, Inc., WRIMCO or the Agent.
Under the Accounting Services Agreement, the Fund pays the Agent a monthly
fee of one-twelfth of the annual fee shown in the following table.
Accounting Services Fee
Average
Net Asset Level Annual Fee
(all dollars in millions) Rate for Each Level
------------------------- -------------------
From $ 0 to $ 10 $ 0
From $ 10 to $ 25 $ 10,000
From $ 25 to $ 50 $ 20,000
From $ 50 to $ 100 $ 30,000
From $ 100 to $ 200 $ 40,000
From $ 200 to $ 350 $ 50,000
From $ 350 to $ 550 $ 60,000
From $ 550 to $ 750 $ 70,000
From $ 750 to $1,000 $ 85,000
$1,000 and Over $100,000
Fees paid to the Agent for each of the fiscal years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 was $20,000.
Since the Fund pays a management fee for investment supervision and an
accounting services fee for accounting services as discussed above, WRIMCO and
the Agent, respectively, pay all of their own expenses in providing these
services. Amounts paid by the Fund under the Shareholder Servicing Agreement
are described above. Waddell & Reed, Inc. and affiliates pay the Fund's
Directors and officers who are affiliated with WRIMCO and its affiliates. The
Fund pays the fees and expenses of the Fund's other Directors.
Waddell & Reed, Inc., under an agreement separate from the Management
Agreement, Shareholder Servicing Agreement and Accounting Services Agreement,
acts as the Fund's underwriter, i.e., sells its shares on a continuous basis.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. is not required to sell any particular number of shares,
and thus sells shares only for purchase orders received. Under this agreement,
Waddell & Reed, Inc. pays the costs of sales literature, including the costs of
shareholder reports used as sales literature, and the costs of printing the
prospectus furnished to it by the Fund. The aggregate dollar amounts of
underwriting commissions for Class A shares for the fiscal years ended December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $73,342, $58,922 and $153,080, respectively. The
amounts retained by Waddell & Reed, Inc. for these same periods were $32,592,
$27,322 and $64,858, respectively.
A major portion of the sales charge for Class A shares is paid to account
representatives and managers of Waddell & Reed, Inc. Waddell & Reed. Inc. may
compensate its account representatives as to purchases for which there is no
sales charge.
The Fund pays all of its other expenses. These include the costs of
materials sent to shareholders, audit and outside legal fees, taxes, brokerage
commissions, interest, insurance premiums, custodian fees, fees payable by the
Fund under Federal or other securities laws and to the Investment Company
Institute and nonrecurring and extraordinary expenses, including litigation and
indemnification relating to litigation.
Under a Service Plan for Class A shares (the "Plan") adopted by the Fund
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund may pay Waddell & Reed,
Inc., the principal underwriter for the Fund, a fee not to exceed .25% of the
Fund's average annual net assets attributable to Class A shares, paid monthly,
to reimburse Waddell & Reed, Inc. for its costs and expenses in connection with
the provision of personal services to Class A shareholders of the Fund and/or
maintenance of Class A shareholder accounts.
The Plan and a related Service Agreement between the Fund and Waddell &
Reed, Inc. contemplate that Waddell & Reed, Inc. may be reimbursed for amounts
it expends in compensating, training and supporting registered account
representatives, sales managers and/or other appropriate personnel in providing
personal services to Class A shareholders of the Fund and/or maintaining Class A
shareholder accounts; increasing services provided to Class A shareholders of
the Fund by office personnel located at field sales offices; engaging in other
activities useful in providing personal service to Class A shareholders of the
Fund and/or maintenance of Class A shareholder accounts; and in compensating
broker-dealers, and other third parties, who may regularly sell shares of the
Fund, and other third parties, for providing shareholder services and/or
maintaining shareholder accounts with respect to Class A shares. Service fees
in the amount of $83,576 were paid (or accrued) by the Fund with respect to
Class A shares for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
The Plan and the Service Agreement were approved by the Fund's Board of
Directors, including the Directors who are not interested persons of the Fund
and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operations of the
Plan or any agreement referred to in the Plan (hereafter, the "Plan Directors").
The Plan was also approved by the affected shareholders of the Fund.
Among other things, the Plan provides that (i) Waddell & Reed, Inc. will
provide to the Directors of the Fund at least quarterly, and the Directors will
review, a report of amounts expended under the Plan and the purposes for which
such expenditures were made, (ii) the Plan will continue in effect only so long
as it is approved at least annually, and any material amendments thereto will be
effective only if approved, by the Directors including the Plan Directors acting
in person at a meeting called for that purpose, (iii) amounts to be paid by the
Fund under the Plan may not be materially increased without the vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A shares of the Fund, and (iv)
while the Plan remains in effect, the selection and nomination of the Directors
who are Plan Directors will be committed to the discretion of the Plan
Directors.
Custodial and Auditing Services
The Fund's Custodian is UMB Bank, n.a., Kansas City, Missouri. In
general, it is responsible for holding the Fund's cash and securities. Deloitte
& Touche LLP, Kansas City, Missouri, the Fund's independent accountants, audits
the Fund's financial statements.
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES
Determination of Offering Price
The net asset value of each class of the shares of the Fund is the value of
the assets of that class less the class's liabilities, divided by the total
number of outstanding shares of that class.
Class A shares of the Fund are sold at their next determined net asset
value plus the sales charge described in the Prospectus. The price makeup as of
December 31, 1996 was as follows:
Net asset value per Class A share (Class A
net assets divided by Class A shares
outstanding) ............................. $9.07
Add: selling commission (5.75% of offering
price) ................................... .55
-----
Maximum offering price per Class A share
(Class A net asset value divided by 94.25%) $9.62
=====
The offering price of a Class A share is its net asset value next
determined following acceptance of a purchase order plus the sales charge. The
offering price of a Class Y share is its net asset value next determined
following acceptance of a purchase order. The number of shares you receive for
your purchase depends on the next offering price after Waddell & Reed, Inc.
receives and accepts your order at its principal business office at the address
shown on the cover of this SAI. You will be sent a confirmation after your
purchase which will indicate how many shares you have purchased. Shares are
normally issued for cash only.
Waddell & Reed, Inc. need not accept any purchase order, and it or the Fund
may determine to discontinue offering Fund shares for purchase.
The net asset value per share and offering price are ordinarily computed
once daily on each day that the NYSE is open for trading as of the later of the
close of the regular session of the NYSE or the close of the regular session of
any domestic securities or commodities exchange on which an option or future
held by the Fund is traded. The NYSE annually announces the days on which it
will not be open for trading. The most recent announcement indicates that the
NYSE will not be open on the following days: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day,
Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas Day. However, it is possible that the NYSE may close on other days.
The net asset value will change every business day, since the number of shares
outstanding and the value of the assets changes every business day.
Except as otherwise noted, the securities in the Fund's portfolio that
are listed or traded on a national securities exchange are valued on the basis
of the last sale price on that day or, lacking any sales at a price that is the
mean between the closing bid and asked prices. Securities that are traded over-
the-counter are valued at the mean between bid and asked prices provided by
Nasdaq. Bonds, other than U.S. Government Securities and convertible bonds, are
valued using a third-party pricing system. Convertible bonds are valued using
this pricing system only on days when there is no sale reported. Short-term
debt securities are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market.
Foreign securities that are listed or traded only on a foreign securities
exchange will be valued using the last sale price on that exchange prior to the
computation, or, if no sale is reported at that time, the mean between the bid
and asked prices. Foreign securities represented by American Depository
Receipts listed or admitted to trading on a domestic securities exchange or
traded in the United States over-the-counter market will be valued in the same
manner as domestic exchange listed or over-the-counter securities. Foreign
securities issued or guaranteed by any foreign government or any subdivision,
agency or instrumentality thereof are valued by the same methods indicated above
for the valuation of bonds. As to foreign securities that are quoted in foreign
currencies, such quotation will be converted to U.S. dollars using foreign
exchange rates. When market quotations are not readily available, securities
and other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under
procedures established by and under the general supervision and responsibility
of the Fund's Board of Directors.
As to U.S. Government Securities, the Board of Directors has decided to use
the prices quoted by a dealer in bonds that offers a pricing service to value
U.S. Government Securities. The Board of Directors believes that such a service
does quote their fair value. The Board of Directors, however, may hereafter
determine to use another service or use the bid price quoted by dealers if it
should determine that such service or quotes more accurately reflect the fair
value of U.S. Government Securities held by the Fund.
Gold and silver bullion will be valued at the last spot settlement price on
the Commodity Exchange, Inc., and platinum bullion will be valued at the last
spot settlement price or, if not available, the settlement price of the nearest
contract month on the New York Mercantile Exchange. If prices are not available
on any of these exchanges, the relevant precious metal will be valued at prices
in the bullion market or markets approved by the Board of Directors for that
purpose; if there is no readily available market quotation, then bullion will be
valued at fair value as determined in good faith, by the Board of Directors.
Puts, calls and Government Securities Futures purchased and held by the
Fund are valued at the last sales price thereof on the securities or commodities
exchanges on which they are traded, or, if there are no transactions, at the
mean between bid and asked prices. Ordinarily, the close of option trading on
national securities exchanges is 4:10 P.M. Eastern time and the close of
commodities exchanges is 4:15 P.M. Eastern time. Futures contracts will be
valued by reference to established futures exchanges. The value of a futures
contract purchased by the Fund will be either the closing price of that contract
or the bid price. Conversely, the value of a futures contract sold by the Fund
will be either the closing price or the asked price.
When the Fund writes a put or call, an amount equal to the premium received
is included in the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset, and
an equivalent deferred credit is included in the liability section. The
deferred credit is "marked-to-market" to reflect the current market value of the
put or call. If a call the Fund wrote is exercised, the proceeds received on
the sale of the related investment are increased by the amount of the premium
the Fund received. If the Fund exercised a call it purchased, the amount paid
to purchase the related investment is increased by the amount of the premium
paid. If a put written by the Fund is exercised, the amount the Fund pays to
purchase the related investment is decreased by the amount of the premium it
received. If the Fund exercises a put it purchased, the amount the Fund
receives from the sale of the related investment is reduced by the amount of the
premium it paid. If a put or call written by the Fund expires, it has a gain in
the amount of the premium; if it enters into a closing purchase transaction, the
Fund will have a gain or loss depending on whether the premium was more or less
than the cost of the closing transaction.
Foreign currency exchange rates are generally determined prior to the close
of trading of the regular session of the NYSE. Occasionally events affecting
the value of foreign investments and such exchange rates occur between the time
at which they are determined and the close of the regular session of trading on
the NYSE, which events will not be reflected in a computation of the Fund's net
asset value on that day. If events materially affecting the value of such
investments or currency exchange rates occur during such time period,
investments will be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by or
under the direction of the Board of Directors. The foreign currency exchange
transactions of the Fund conducted on a spot (that is, cash) basis are valued at
the spot rate for purchasing or selling currency prevailing on the foreign
exchange market. This rate under normal market conditions differs from the
prevailing exchange rate in an amount generally less than one-tenth of one
percent due to the costs of converting from one currency to another.
Optional delivery standby commitments are valued at fair value under the
general supervision and responsibility of the Fund's Board of Directors. They
are accounted for in the same manner as exchange-listed puts.
Minimum Initial and Subsequent Investments
For Class A shares, initial investments must be at least $500 with the
exceptions described in this paragraph. A $100 minimum initial investment
pertains to certain exchanges of shares from another fund in the United Group.
A $50 minimum initial investment pertains to purchases for certain retirement
plan accounts. A $50 minimum initial investment also pertains to accounts for
which an investor has arranged, at the time of initial investment, to make
subsequent purchases for the account by having regular monthly withdrawals of
$25 or more made from a bank account. A minimum initial investment of $25 is
applicable to purchases made through payroll deduction for or by employees of
WRIMCO, Waddell & Reed, Inc., their affiliates, or certain retirement plan
accounts. Except with respect to certain exchanges and automatic withdrawals
from a bank account, a shareholder may make subsequent investments of any
amount. See "Exchanges for Shares of Other Funds in the United Group."
For Class Y shares, investments by government entities or authorities or by
corporations must total at least $10 million within the first twelve months
after initial investment. There is no initial investment minimum for other
Class Y investors.
Reduced Sales Charges (Applicable to Class A Shares Only)
Account Grouping
Large purchases of Class A shares are subject to lower sales charges. The
schedule of sales charges appears in the Prospectus for Class A shares. For the
purpose of taking advantage of the lower sales charges available for large
purchases, a purchase in any of categories 1 through 7 listed below made by an
individual or deemed to be made by an individual may be grouped with purchases
in any other of these categories:
1. Purchases by an individual for his or her own account (includes purchases
under the United Funds Revocable Trust Form);
2. Purchases by that individual's spouse purchasing for his or her own account
(includes United Funds Revocable Trust Form of spouse);
3. Purchases by that individual or his or her spouse in their joint account;
4. Purchases by that individual or his or her spouse for the account of their
child under age 21;
5. Purchase by any custodian for the child of that individual or spouse in a
Uniform Gift to Minors Act ("UGMA")or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act
("UTMA") account;
6. Purchases by that individual or his or her spouse for his or her Individual
Retirement Account ("IRA"), Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), salary reduction plan account, provided that
such purchases are subject to a sales charge (see "Net Asset Value
Purchases"), tax sheltered annuity account ("TSA") or Keogh plan account,
provided that the individual and spouse are the only participants in the
Keogh plan; and
7. Purchases by a trustee under a trust where that individual or his or her
spouse is the settlor (the person who establishes the trust).
Examples:
A. Grandmother opens an UGMA account for grandson A; Grandmother has an
account in her own name; A's father has an account in his own name;
the UGMA account may be grouped with A's father's account but may not
be grouped with Grandmother's account;
B. H establishes a trust naming his children as beneficiaries and
appointing himself and his bank as co-trustees; a purchase made in the
trust account is eligible for grouping with an IRA account of W, H's
wife;
C. H's will provides for the establishment of a trust for the benefit of
his minor children upon H's death; his bank is named as trustee; upon
H's death, an account is established in the name of the bank, as
trustee; a purchase in the account may be grouped with an account held
by H's wife in her own name.
D. X establishes a trust naming herself as trustee and R, her son, as
successor trustee and R and S as beneficiaries; upon X's death, the
account is transferred to R as trustee; a purchase in the account may
not be grouped with R's individual account. If X's spouse, Y, was
successor trustee, this purchase could be grouped with Y's individual
account.
All purchases of Class A shares made for a participant in a multi-
participant Keogh plan may be grouped only with other purchases made under the
same plan; a multi-participant Keogh plan is defined as a plan in which there is
more than one participant where one or more of the participants is other than
the spouse of the owner/employer.
Example A: H has established a Keogh plan; he and his wife W are the only
participants in the plan; they may group their purchases made under
the plan with any purchases in categories 1 through 7 above.
Example B: H has established a Keogh plan; his wife, W, is a participant and
they have hired one or more employees who also become participants in
the plan; H and W may not combine any purchases made under the plan
with any purchases in categories 1 through 7 above; however, all
purchases made under the plan for H, W or any other employee will be
combined.
All purchases of Class A shares made under a "qualified" employee benefit
plan of an incorporated business will be grouped. A "qualified" employee
benefit plan is established pursuant to Section 401 of the Code. All qualified
employee benefit plans of any one employer or affiliated employers will also be
grouped. An affiliate is defined as an employer that directly or indirectly
controls or is controlled by or is under control with another employer.
Example: Corporation X sets up a defined benefit plan; its subsidiary,
Corporation Y, sets up a 401(k) plan; all contributions made under
both plans will be grouped.
All purchases of Class A shares made under a simplified employee pension
plan ("SEP"), payroll deduction plan or similar arrangement adopted by an
employer or affiliated employers (as defined above) may be grouped provided that
the employer elects to have all such purchases grouped at the time the plan is
set up. If the employer does not make such an election, the purchases made by
individual employees under the plan may be grouped with the other accounts of
the individual employees described above in "Account Grouping."
Account grouping as described above is available under the following
circumstances.
One-time Purchases
A one-time purchase of Class A shares in accounts eligible for grouping may
be combined for purposes of determining the availability of a reduced sales
charge. In order for an eligible purchase to be grouped, the investor must
advise Waddell & Reed, Inc. at the time the purchase is made that it is eligible
for grouping and identify the accounts with which it may be grouped.
Example: H and W open an account in the Fund and invest $75,000; at the same
time, H's parents open up three UGMA accounts for H and W's three minor
children and invest $10,000 in each child's name; the combined purchase
of $105,000 of Class A shares is subject to a reduced sales load of
4.75% provided that Waddell & Reed, Inc. is advised that the purchases
are entitled to grouping.
Rights of Accumulation
If Class A shares are held in any account and an additional purchase is
made in that account or in any account eligible for grouping with that account,
the additional purchase is combined with the net asset value of the existing
account as of the date the new purchase is accepted by Waddell & Reed, Inc. for
the purpose of determining the availability of a reduced sales charge.
Example: H is a current Class A shareholder who invested in the Fund three years
ago. His account has a net asset value of $80,000. His wife, W, now
wishes to invest $20,000 in Class A shares of the Fund. W's purchase
will be combined with H's existing account and will be entitled to a
reduced sales charge of 4.75%. H's original purchase was subject to a
full sales charge and the reduced charge does not apply retroactively
to that purchase.
In order to be entitled to rights of accumulation, the purchaser must
inform Waddell & Reed, Inc. that the purchaser is entitled to a reduced charge
and provide Waddell & Reed, Inc. with the name and number of the existing
account with which the purchase may be combined.
If a purchaser holds shares which have been purchased under a contractual
plan the shares held under the plan may be combined with the additional purchase
only if the contractual plan has been completed.
Statement of Intention
The benefit of a reduced sales charge for larger purchases of Class A
shares is also available under a Statement of Intention. By signing a Statement
of Intention form, which is available from Waddell & Reed, Inc., the purchaser
indicates an intention to invest, over a 13-month period, a dollar amount which
is sufficient to qualify for a reduced sales charge. The 13-month period begins
on the date the first purchase made under the Statement of Intention is accepted
by Waddell & Reed, Inc. Each purchase made from time to time under the
Statement of Intention is treated as if the purchaser were buying at one time
the total amount which he or she intends to invest. The sales charge applicable
to all purchases of Class A shares made under the terms of the Statement of
Intention will be the sales charge in effect on the beginning date of the 13-
month period.
In determining the amount which the purchaser must invest in
order to qualify for a reduced sales charge under a Statement of Intention, the
investor's Rights of Accumulation (see above) will be taken into account; that
is, Class A shares already held in the same account in which the purchase is
being made or in any account eligible for grouping with that account, as
described above, will be included.
Example: H signs a Statement of Intention indicating his intent to invest in
his own name a dollar amount sufficient to entitle him to purchase
Class A shares at the sales charge applicable to a purchase of
$100,000. H has an IRA account and the Class A shares held under the
IRA in the Fund have a net asset value as of the date the Statement of
Intention is accepted by Waddell & Reed, Inc. of $15,000; H's wife, W,
has an account in her own name invested in another fund in the United
Group which charges the same sales load as the Fund, with a net asset
value as of the date of acceptance of the Statement of Intention of
$10,000; H needs to invest $75,000 in Class A shares over the 13-month
period in order to qualify for the reduced sales load applicable to a
purchase of $100,000.
A copy of the Statement of Intention signed by a purchaser will be returned
to the purchaser after it is accepted by Waddell & Reed, Inc. and will set forth
the dollar amount of Class A shares which must be purchased within the 13-month
period in order to qualify for the reduced sales charge.
If a purchaser holds shares which have been purchased under a contractual
plan, the shares held under the plan will be taken into account in determining
the amount which must be invested under the Statement of Intention only if the
contractual plan has been completed.
The minimum initial investment under a Statement of Intention is 5% of the
dollar amount which must be invested under the Statement of Intention. An
amount equal to 5% of the purchase required under the Statement of Intention
will be held "in escrow." If a purchaser does not, during the period covered by
the Statement of Intention, invest the amount required to qualify for the
reduced sales charge under the terms of the Statement of Intention, he or she
will be responsible for payment of the sales charge applicable to the amount
actually invested. The additional sales charge owed on purchases of Class A
shares made under a Statement of Intention which is not completed will be
collected by redeeming part of the shares purchased under the Statement of
Intention and held "in escrow" unless the purchaser makes payment of this amount
to Waddell & Reed, Inc. within 20 days of Waddell & Reed, Inc.'s request for
payment.
If the actual amount invested is higher than the amount an investor intends
to invest, and is large enough to qualify for a sales charge lower than that
available under the Statement of Intention, the lower sales charge will apply.
A Statement of Intention does not bind the purchaser to buy, or Waddell &
Reed, Inc. to sell, the shares covered by the Statement of Intention.
With respect to Statements of Intention for $2,000,000 or purchases
otherwise qualifying for no sales charge under the terms of the Statement of
Intention, the initial investment must be at least $200,000, and the value of
any shares redeemed during the 13-month period which were acquired under the
Statement of Intention will be deducted in computing the aggregate purchases
under the Statement of Intention.
Statements of Intention are not available for purchases made under an SEP
where the employer has elected to have all purchases under the SEP grouped.
Other Funds in the United Group
Reduced sales charges for larger purchases of Class A shares apply to
purchases of any of the funds in the United Group which are subject to a sales
charge. A purchase of, or shares held, in any of the funds in the United Group
which are subject to the same sales charge as the Fund will be treated as an
investment in the Fund for the purpose of determining the applicable sales
charge. The following funds in the United Group have shares that are subject to
a maximum 5.75% ("full") sales charge as described in the prospectus of each
Fund: United Funds, Inc., United International Growth Fund, Inc., United
Continental Income Fund, Inc., United Vanguard Fund, Inc., United Retirement
Shares, Inc., United High Income Fund, Inc., United New Concepts Fund, Inc.,
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc., United High Income Fund II, Inc. and United
Asset Strategy Fund, Inc. The following funds in the United Group have shares
that are subject to a "reduced" sales charge as described in the prospectus of
each fund: United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., United Government Securities Fund,
Inc. and United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc. For the purposes of obtaining
the lower sales charge which applies to large purchases, purchases in a fund in
the United Group of shares that are subject to a full sales charge may not be
grouped with purchases of shares in a fund in the United Group that are subject
to a reduced sales charge; conversely, purchases of shares in a fund with a
reduced sales charge may not be grouped or combined with purchases of shares of
a fund that are subject to a full sales charge.
United Cash Management, Inc. is not subject to a sales charge. Purchases
in that fund are not eligible for grouping with purchases in any other fund.
Net Asset Value Purchases of Class A Shares
As stated in the Prospectus, Class A shares of the Fund may be purchased at
net asset value by the Directors and officers of the Fund, employees of Waddell
& Reed, Inc., employees of their affiliates, account representatives of Waddell
& Reed, Inc. and the spouse, children, parents, children's spouse's and parents
of each such Director, officer, employee and account representative. "Child"
includes stepchild; "parent" includes stepparent. Purchases of Class A shares
in an IRA sponsored by Waddell & Reed, Inc. established for any of these
eligible purchasers may also be at net asset value. Purchases in any tax
qualified retirement plan under which the eligible purchaser is the sole
participant may also be made at net asset value. Trusts under which the grantor
and the trustee or a co-trustee are each an eligible purchaser are also eligible
for net asset value purchases of Class A shares. "Employees" includes retired
employees. A retired employee is an individual separated from service from
Waddell & Reed, Inc. or affiliated companies with a vested interest in any
Employee Benefit Plan sponsored by Waddell & Reed, Inc. or its affiliated
companies. "Account representatives" includes retired account representatives.
A "retired account representative" is any account representative who was, at the
time of separation from service from Waddell & Reed, Inc., a Senior Account
Representative. A custodian under the Uniform Gifts (or Transfers) to Minors
Act purchasing for the child or grandchild of any employee or account
representative may purchase Class A shares at net asset value whether or not the
custodian himself is an eligible purchaser.
Purchases in a 401(k) plan having 100 or more eligible employees and
purchases in a 457 plan having 100 or more eligible employees may be made at net
asset value.
Reasons for Differences in Public Offering Price of Class A Shares
As described herein and in the Prospectus, there are a number of instances
in which the Fund's Class A shares are sold or issued on a basis other than the
maximum public offering price, that is, the net asset value plus the highest
sales charge. Some of these relate to lower or eliminated sales charges for
larger purchases of Class A shares, whether made at one time or over a period of
time as under a Statement of Intention or right of accumulation. See the table
of sales charges in the Prospectus. The reasons for these quantity discounts
are, in general, that (i) they are traditional and have long been permitted in
the industry and are therefore necessary to meet competition as to sales of
shares of other funds having such discounts, (ii) certain quantity discounts are
required by rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (as
are elimination of sales charges on the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions), and (iii) they are designed to avoid an unduly large dollar
amount of sales charges on substantial purchases in view of reduced selling
expenses. Quantity discounts are made available to certain related persons for
reasons of family unity and to provide a benefit to tax-exempt plans and
organizations.
The reasons for the other instances in which there are reduced or
eliminated sales charges for Class A shares are as follows. Exchanges at net
asset value are permitted because a sales charge has already been paid on the
shares exchanged. Sales of Class A shares without sales charge are permitted to
Directors, officers and certain others due to reduced or eliminated selling
expenses and since such sales may aid in the development of a sound employee
organization, encourage incentive, responsibility and interest in the United
Group and an identification with its aims and policies. Limited reinvestments
of redemptions of Class A shares at no sales charge are permitted to attempt to
protect against mistaken or not fully informed redemption decisions. Class A
shares may be issued at no sales charge in plans of reorganization due to
reduced or eliminated sales expenses and since, in some cases, such issuance is
exempted by the 1940 Act from the otherwise applicable restrictions as to what
sales charge must be imposed. In no case in which there is a reduced or
eliminated sales charge are the interests of existing Class A shareholders
adversely affected since, in each case, the Fund receives the net asset value
per share of all shares sold or issued.
Flexible Withdrawal Service for Class A Shareholders
If you qualify, you may arrange to receive through the Flexible
Withdrawal Service (the "Service") regular monthly, quarterly, semiannual or
annual payments by redeeming on a regular basis Class A shares that you own of
the Fund or of any of the funds in the United Group. It would be a disadvantage
to an investor to make additional purchases of shares while a withdrawal program
is in effect because it would result in duplication of sales charges.
Applicable forms to start the Service are available through Waddell & Reed,
Inc.
To qualify for the Service, you must have invested at least $10,000 in
Class A shares which you still own of any of the funds in the United Group; or,
you must own Class A shares having a value of at least $10,000. The value for
this purpose is the value at the offering price.
You can choose to have your shares redeemed to receive:
1. a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual payment of $50 or more;
2. a monthly payment, which will change each month, equal to one-twelfth
of a percentage of the value of the shares in the Account; (you select the
percentage); or
3. a monthly or quarterly payment, which will change each month or
quarter, by redeeming a number of shares fixed by you (at least five
shares).
Shares are redeemed on the 20th day of the month in which the payment is to
be made, or on the prior business day if the 20th is not a business day.
Payments are made within five days of the redemption.
Retirement plan accounts may be subject to a fee imposed by the plan
custodian for use of their service.
If you have a share certificate for the shares you want to make available
for the Service, you must enclose the certificate with the form initiating the
Service.
The dividends and distributions on shares you have made available for
the Service are reinvested in additional Class A shares. All payments under the
Service are made by redeeming Class A shares, which may involve a gain or loss
for tax purposes. To the extent that payments exceed dividends and
distributions, the number of shares you own will decrease. When all of the
shares in an account are redeemed, you will not receive any further payments.
Thus, the payments are not an annuity or income or return on your
investment.
You may, at any time, change the manner in which you have chosen to have
shares redeemed to any of the other choices originally available to you. You
may, at any time, redeem part or all of the shares in your account; if you
redeem all of the shares, the Service is terminated. The Fund can also
terminate the Service by notifying you in writing.
After the end of each calendar year, information on shares redeemed will be
sent to you to assist you in completing your Federal income tax return.
Exchanges for Shares of Other Funds in the United Group
Class A Share Exchanges
Once a sales charge has been paid on Class A shares of a fund in the
United Group, these shares and any shares added to them from dividends or
distributions paid in shares may be freely exchanged for Class A shares of
another fund in the United Group. The shares you exchange must be worth at
least $100 or you must already own shares of the fund in the United Group into
which you want to exchange.
You may exchange Class A shares you own in another fund in the United Group
for Class A shares of the Fund without charge if (i) a sales charge was paid on
these shares; or (ii) the shares were received in exchange for shares for which
a sales charge was paid; or (iii) the shares were acquired from reinvestment of
dividends and distributions paid on such shares. There may have been one or
more such exchanges so long as a sales charge was paid on the shares originally
purchased. Also, shares acquired without a sales charge because the purchase
was $2 million or more will be treated the same as shares on which a sales
charge was paid.
United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., United Government Securities Fund,
Inc. and United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc. shares are the exceptions and
special rules apply. Class A shares of these funds may be exchanged for Class A
shares of the Fund only if (i) you received those shares as a result of one or
more exchanges of shares on which a sales charge was originally paid, or (ii)
the shares have been held from the date of the original purchase for at least
six months.
Subject to the above rules regarding sales charges, you may have a specific
dollar amount of Class A shares of United Cash Management, Inc. automatically
exchanged each month into Class A shares of the Fund or any other fund in the
United Group. The shares of United Cash Management, Inc. which you designate
for automatic exchange must be worth at least $100 or you must own Class A
shares of the fund in the United Group into which you want to exchange. The
minimum value of shares which you may designate for automatic exchange monthly
is $100, which may be allocated among the Class A shares of different funds in
the United Group so long as each fund receives a value of at least $25. Minimum
initial investment and minimum balance requirements apply to such automatic
exchange service.
You may redeem your Class A shares of the Fund and use the proceeds to
purchase Class Y shares of the Fund if you meet the criteria for purchasing
Class Y shares.
Class Y Share Exchanges
Class Y shares of the Fund may be exchanged for Class Y shares of any other
fund in the United Group.
General Exchange Information
When you exchange shares, the total shares you receive will have the same
aggregate net asset value as the total shares you exchange. The relative values
are those next figured after we receive your exchange request in good order.
These exchange rights and other exchange rights concerning the other funds
in the United Group can in most instances be eliminated or modified at any time
and any such exchange may not be accepted.
Retirement Plans
As described in the Prospectus for Class A shares, your account may be set
up as a funding vehicle for a retirement plan. For individual taxpayers meeting
certain requirements, Waddell & Reed, Inc. offers prototype documents for the
following retirement plans. All of these plans involve investment in shares of
the Fund (or shares of certain other funds in the United Group).
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Investors having earned income
may set up a plan that is commonly called an IRA. Under an IRA, an investor can
contribute each year up to 100% of his or her earned income, up to an annual
maximum of $2,000. For tax years after 1996, the annual maximum is $4,000
($2,000 for each spouse) or, if less, the couple's combined earned income for
the taxable year, even if one spouse had no earned income. The contributions
are deductible unless the investor (or, if married, either spouse) is an active
participant in a qualified retirement plan or if, notwithstanding that the
investor or one or both spouses so participate, their adjusted gross income does
not exceed certain levels.
An investor may also use an IRA to receive a rollover contribution that
is either (a) a direct rollover distribution from an employer's plan or (b) a
rollover of an eligible distribution paid to the investor from an employer's
plan or another IRA. To the extent a rollover contribution is made to an IRA,
the distribution will not be subject to Federal income tax until distributed
from the IRA. A direct rollover generally applies to any distribution from an
employer's plan (including a custodial account under Section 403(b)(7) of the
Code, but not an IRA) other than certain periodic payments, required minimum
distributions and other specified distributions. In a direct rollover, the
eligible rollover distribution is paid directly to the IRA, not to the investor.
If, instead, an investor receives payment of an eligible rollover distribution,
all or a portion of that distribution generally may be rolled over to an IRA
within 60 days after receipt of the distribution. Because mandatory Federal
income tax withholding applies to any eligible rollover distribution which is
not paid in a direct rollover, investors should consult their tax advisers or
pension consultants as to the applicable tax rules. If you already have an IRA,
you may have the assets in that IRA transferred directly to an IRA offered by
Waddell & Reed, Inc.
Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plans. Employers can make
contributions to SEP-IRAs established for employees. An employer may contribute
up to 15% of compensation or $24,000, whichever is less, per year for each
employee.
Keogh Plans. Keogh plans, which are available to self-employed
individuals, are defined contribution plans that may be either a money purchase
plan or a profit sharing plan. As a general rule, an investor under a defined
contribution Keogh plan can contribute each year up to 25% of his or her annual
earned income, with an annual maximum of $30,000.
457 Plans. If an investor is an employee of a state or local government or
of certain types of charitable organizations, he or she may be able to enter
into a deferred compensation arrangement in accordance with Section 457 of the
Code.
TSAs - Custodial Accounts and Title I Plans. If an investor is an employee
of a public school system or of certain types of charitable organizations, he or
she may be able to enter into a deferred compensation arrangement through a
custodian account under Section 403(b) of the Code. Some organizations have
adopted Title I plans, which are funded by employer contributions in addition to
employee deferrals.
401(k) Plans. With a 401(k) plan, employees can make tax-deferred
contributions into a plan to which the employer may also contribute, usually on
a matching basis. An employee may defer each year up to 25% of compensation,
subject to certain annual maximums, which may be increased each year based on
cost-of-living adjustments.
More detailed information about these arrangements and applicable forms are
available from Waddell & Reed, Inc. These plans may involve complex tax
questions as to premature distributions and other matters. Investors should
consult their tax adviser or pension consultant.
Redemptions
The Prospectus gives information as to redemption procedures. Redemption
payments are made within seven days unless delayed because of certain emergency
conditions determined by the SEC, when the NYSE is closed other than for
weekends or holidays, or when trading on the NYSE is restricted. Payment is
made in cash, although under extraordinary conditions redemptions may be made in
portfolio securities. Payment for redemptions of shares of the Fund may be made
in portfolio securities when the Fund's Board of Directors determines that
conditions exist making cash payments undesirable. Redemptions made in
securities will be made only in readily marketable securities. Securities used
for payment of redemptions are valued at the value used in figuring net asset
value. There would be brokerage costs to the redeeming shareholder in selling
such securities. The Fund, however, has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1
under the 1940 Act, pursuant to which it is obligated to redeem shares solely in
cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its net asset value during any 90-day
period for any one shareholder.
Reinvestment Privilege
The Prospectus for Class A shares discusses the reinvestment privilege for
Class A shares under which, if you redeem your Class A shares and then decide it
was not a good idea, you may reinvest. If Class A shares of the Fund are then
being offered, you can put all or part of your redemption payment back into
Class A shares of the Fund without any sales charge at the net asset value next
determined after you have returned the amount. Your written request to do this
must be received within 30 days after your redemption request was received. You
can do this only once as to Class A shares of the Fund. You do not use up this
privilege by redeeming Class A shares to invest the proceeds at net asset value
in a Keogh plan or an IRA.
Mandatory Redemption of Certain Small Accounts
The Fund has the right to compel the redemption of shares held under any
account or any plan if the aggregate net asset value of such shares (taken at
cost or value as the Board of Directors may determine) is less than $500. The
Board of Directors has no intent to compel redemptions in the foreseeable
future. If it should elect to compel redemptions, shareholders who are affected
will receive prior written notice and will be permitted 60 days to bring their
accounts up to the minimum before this redemption is processed.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The day-to-day affairs of the Fund are handled by outside organizations
selected by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has responsibility
for establishing broad corporate policies for the Fund and for overseeing
overall performance of the selected experts. It has the benefit of advice and
reports from independent counsel and independent auditors.
The principal occupation during at least the past five years of each
Director and officer of the Fund is given below. Each of the persons listed
through and including Mr. Wise is a member of the Fund's Board of Directors.
The other persons are officers but not members of the Board of Directors. For
purposes of this section, the term "Fund Complex" includes each of the
registered investment companies in the United Group of Mutual Funds, TMK/United
Funds, Inc. and Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. Each of the Fund's Directors is also
a Director of each of the funds in the Fund Complex and each of the Fund's
officers is also an officer of one or more of the funds in the Fund Complex.
RONALD K. RICHEY*
2001 Third Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35233
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fund and each of the other funds
in the Fund Complex; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Waddell & Reed
Financial Services, Inc., United Investors Management Company and United
Investors Life Insurance Company; Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer of Torchmark Corporation; Chairman of the Board of Directors
of Vesta Insurance Group, Inc.; formerly, Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Waddell & Reed, Inc. Father of Linda Graves, Director of the Fund and each of
the other funds in the Fund Complex.
KEITH A. TUCKER*
President of the Fund and each of the other funds in the Fund Complex;
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Waddell & Reed Financial
Services, Inc.; Chairman of the Board of Directors of WRIMCO, Waddell & Reed,
Inc., Waddell & Reed Services Company, Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company
and Torchmark Distributors, Inc., an affiliate of Waddell & Reed, Inc.; Vice
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President of
United Investors Management Company; Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Torchmark Corporation; Director of Southwestern Life Corporation; formerly,
partner in Trivest, a private investment concern; formerly, Director of Atlantis
Group, Inc., a diversified company.
HENRY L. BELLMON
Route 1
P. O. Box 26
Red Rock, Oklahoma 74651
Rancher; Professor, Oklahoma State University; formerly, Governor of
Oklahoma.
DODDS I. BUCHANAN
905 13th Street
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Advisory Director, The Hand Companies, an actuarial consulting company;
President, Buchanan Ranch Corporation; formerly, Professor and Chairman of
Marketing, College of Business, University of Colorado.
LINDA GRAVES*
1 South West Cedar Crest Road
Topeka, Kansas 66606
First Lady of Kansas; formerly, partner, Levy and Craig, P.C., a law firm.
Daughter of Ronald K. Richey, Chairman of the Board of the Fund and each of the
other funds in the Fund Complex.
JOHN F. HAYES*
20 West 2nd Avenue
P. O. Box 2977
Hutchinson, Kansas 67504-2977
Director of Central Bank and Trust; Director of Central Kansas Bankshares;
Director of Central Properties, Inc.; Chairman, Gilliland & Hayes, P.A., a law
firm; formerly, President, Gilliland & Hayes, P.A.
GLENDON E. JOHNSON
7300 Corporate Center Drive
P. O. Box 020270
Miami, Florida 33126-1208
Director and Chief Executive Officer of John Alden Financial Corporation
and subsidiaries.
WILLIAM T. MORGAN*
928 Glorietta Blvd.
Coronado, California 92118
Retired; formerly, Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of the
Fund and each fund in the Fund Complex then in existence. (Mr. Morgan retired
as Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of the funds in the Fund
Complex then in existence on April 30, 1993); formerly, President, Director and
Chief Executive Officer of WRIMCO and Waddell & Reed, Inc.; formerly, Chairman
of the Board of Directors of Waddell & Reed Services Company; formerly, Director
of Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company, United Investors Management Company
and United Investors Life Insurance Company, affiliates of Waddell & Reed, Inc.
WILLIAM L. ROGERS
1999 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, California 90067
Principal, Colony Capital, Inc., a real estate related investment company;
formerly, partner in Trivest, a private investment concern.
FRANK J. ROSS, JR.*
700 West 47th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64112
Partner, Polsinelli, White, Vardeman & Shalton, a law firm.
ELEANOR B. SCHWARTZ
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64113
Chancellor, University of Missouri-Kansas City; formerly, Interim
Chancellor, University of Missouri-Kansas City.
FREDERICK VOGEL III
1805 West Bradley Road
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217
Retired.
PAUL S. WISE
P. O. Box 5248
8648 Silver Saddle Drive
Carefree, Arizona 85377
Director of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan.
Robert L. Hechler
Vice President and Principal Financial Officer of the Fund and each of the
other funds in the Fund Complex; Vice President, Chief Operations Officer,
Director and Treasurer of Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc.; Executive
Vice President, Principal Financial Officer, Director and Treasurer of WRIMCO;
President, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Director and
Treasurer of Waddell & Reed, Inc.; Director and Treasurer of Waddell & Reed
Asset Management Company; President, Director and Treasurer of Waddell & Reed
Services Company; Vice President, Treasurer and Director of Torchmark
Distributors, Inc.
Henry J. Herrmann
Vice President of the Fund and each of the other funds in the Fund Complex;
Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Director of Waddell & Reed
Financial Services, Inc.; Director of Waddell & Reed, Inc.; President, Chief
Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Director of WRIMCO and Waddell &
Reed Asset Management Company; Senior Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of United Investors Management Company.
Theodore W. Howard
Vice President, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Fund and
each of the other funds in the Fund Complex; Vice President of Waddell & Reed
Services Company.
Sharon K. Pappas
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of the Fund and each of the
other funds in the Fund Complex; Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
of Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Secretary and
General Counsel of WRIMCO and Waddell & Reed, Inc.; Director, Senior Vice
President, Secretary and General Counsel of Waddell & Reed Services Company;
Director, Secretary and General Counsel of Waddell & Reed Asset Management
Company; Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of Torchmark
Distributors, Inc.; formerly, Assistant General Counsel of WRIMCO, Waddell &
Reed Financial Services, Inc., Waddell & Reed, Inc., Waddell & Reed Asset
Management Company and Waddell & Reed Services Company.
Michael L. Avery
Vice President of the Fund and two other funds in the complex; Senior
Vice President of WRIMCO and Vice President of Waddell & Reed Asset Management
Company; formerly, Vice President of Waddell & Reed, Inc.
John M. Holliday
Vice President of the Fund and nine other funds in the Fund Complex; Senior
Vice President of WRIMCO and of Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company;
formerly, Senior Vice President of Waddell & Reed, Inc.
Carl E. Sturgeon
Vice President of the Fund and eleven other funds in the Fund Complex; Vice
President of WRIMCO; formerly, Vice President of Waddell & Reed, Inc.
The address of each person is 6300 Lamar Avenue, P.O. Box 29217, Shawnee
Mission, Kansas 66201-9217 unless a different address is given.
As of the date of this SAI, six of the Fund's Directors may be deemed to
be "interested persons" as defined in the 1940 Act of its underwriter, Waddell &
Reed, Inc., or of WRIMCO. The Directors who may be deemed to be "interested
persons" are indicated as such by an asterisk.
The Board of Directors has created an honorary position of Director
Emeritus, which position a director may elect after resignation from the Board
provided the director has attained the age of 75 and has served as a director of
the funds in the United Group for a total of at least five years. A Director
Emeritus receives fees in recognition of his past services whether or not
services are rendered in his capacity as Director Emeritus, but has no authority
or responsibility with respect to management of the Fund. Messrs. Leslie S.
Wright, Doyle Patterson and Jay B. Dillingham retired as Directors of the Fund
and of each of the funds in the Fund Complex effective April 1, 1996, January 1,
1997 and January 14, 1997, respectively, and each has elected a position as
Director Emeritus. During the Fund's fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, Mr.
Wright received total compensation for his service as a Director of $44,000 from
the Fund Complex and the Fund and aggregate compensation from the Fund of $97.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, Mr. Patterson received
total compensation for his service as a Director of $48,000 from the Fund
Complex and the Fund and aggregate compensation from the Fund of $106. During
the Fund's fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, Mr. Dillingham received total
compensation for his service as a Director of $49,000 from the Fund Complex and
the Fund and aggregate compensation from the Fund of $108.
The funds in the United Group (with exception of United Asset Strategy
Fund, Inc.), TMK/United Funds, Inc. and Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. pay to each
Director a total of $44,000 per year, plus $1,000 for each meeting of the Board
of Directors attended (prior to April 1, 1996, the funds in the United Group
(with the exception of United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.), TMK/United Funds, Inc.
and Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. paid to each Director a fee of $40,000 per year,
plus $1,000 for each meeting attended) and $500 for each committee meeting
attended which is not in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting, other
than Directors who are affiliates of Waddell & Reed, Inc. The fees to the
Directors who receive them are divided among the funds in the United Group,
TMK/United Funds, Inc. and Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. based on their relative
size. The officers are paid by WRIMCO or its affiliates.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the Fund's
Directors received the following fees for service as a director:
Compensation Table
Total
Aggregate Compensation
Compensation From Fund
From and Fund
Director Fund Complex*
------------ ------------
Ronald K. Richey $ 0 $ 0
Keith A Tucker 0 0
Henry L. Bellmon 108 49,000
Dodds I. Buchanan 108 49,000
Linda Graves 108 49,000
John F. Hayes 108 49,000
Glendon E. Johnson 106 48,000
William T. Morgan 108 49,000
William L. Rogers 23 11,000
Frank J. Ross, Jr. 23 11,000
Eleanor B. Schwartz 106 48,000
Frederick Vogel III 108 49,000
Paul S. Wise 108 49,000
*No Fund within the Fund Complex has a bonus, pension, profit sharing or
retirement plan.
The officers are paid by WRIMCO or its affiliates.
Shareholdings
As of February 28, 1997, all of the Fund's Directors and officers as a
group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As of such date
no person owned of record or was known by the Fund to own beneficially 5% or
more of the Fund's outstanding shares.
PAYMENTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
General
There are three sources for the payments the Fund makes to you as a
shareholder of a class of shares of the Fund, other than payments when you
redeem your shares. The first source is net investment income, which is derived
from the dividends, interest and earned discount on the securities the Fund
holds, less expenses (which will vary by class). The second source is net
realized capital gains, which are derived from the proceeds received from the
sale of securities at a price higher than the Fund's tax basis (usually cost) in
such securities attributable to that difference less losses from sales of
securities at a price lower than the Fund's basis therein; these gains can be
either long-term or short-term, depending on how long the Fund has owned the
securities before it sells them. The third source is net realized gains from
foreign currency transactions. The payments made to shareholders from net
investment income, net short-term capital gains and net realized gains from
certain foreign currency transactions are called dividends. Payments, if any,
from long-term capital gains are called distributions.
The Fund pays distributions from net capital gain (the excess of net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). It may or may not
have such gain, depending on whether securities are sold and at what price. If
the Fund has net realized capital gain, it will pay distributions once each
year, in the latter part of the fourth calendar quarter except to the extent it
has prior year net capital losses to offset the gains.
Choices You Have on Your Dividends and Distributions
On your application form, you can give instructions that (i) you want cash
for your dividends and distributions, (ii) you want your dividends and
distributions paid in shares of the Fund of the same class as that with respect
to which they were paid or (iii) you want cash for your dividends and want your
distributions paid in shares of the Fund of the same class as that with respect
to which they were paid. You can change your instructions at any time. If you
give no instructions, your dividends and distributions will be paid in shares of
the Fund of the same class as that with respect to which they were paid. All
payments in shares are at net asset value without any sales charge. The net
asset value used for this purpose is that computed as of the record date for the
dividend or distribution, although this could be changed by the Board of
Directors.
Even if you get dividends and distributions on Class A shares in cash, you
can thereafter reinvest them (or distributions only) in Class A shares of the
Fund at net asset value (i.e., with no sales charge) next determined after
receipt by Waddell & Reed, Inc. of the amount clearly identified as a
reinvestment. The reinvestment must be within 45 days after the payment.
TAXES
General
In order to continue to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment
company ("RIC") under the Code, the Fund must distribute to its shareholders for
each taxable year at least 90% of its investment company taxable income
(consisting generally of net investment income, net short-term capital gains
and net gains from certain foreign currency transactions) and must meet several
additional requirements. These requirements include the following: (1) the
Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from
dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from
the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other
income (including gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with
respect to its business of investing in securities or those currencies ("Income
Requirement"); (2) the Fund must derive less than 30% of its gross income each
taxable year from the sale or other disposition of securities, or any of the
following, that were held for less than three months -- (i) options, futures
contracts or forward contracts (other than those on foreign currencies), or (ii)
foreign currencies (or options, futures contracts or forward contracts thereon)
that are not directly related to the Fund's principal business of investing in
securities (or in options and futures with respect to securities) ("Short-Short
Limitation"); (3) at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, at
least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash
items, U.S. Government Securities, securities of other RICs and other securities
that are limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not
exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and that does not represent
more than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting securities ("50%
Diversification Requirement"); and (4) at the close of each quarter of the
Fund's taxable year, not more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be
invested in securities (other than U.S. Government Securities or the securities
of other RICs) of any one issuer.
Investments in precious metals would have adverse tax consequences for the
Fund and its shareholders if it either (1) derived more than 10% of its gross
income in any taxable year from the disposition of precious metals and from
other income that does qualify under the Income Requirement or (2) held precious
metals in such quantities that the Fund failed to satisfy the 50%
Diversification Requirement for any quarter. The Fund intends to manage its
portfolio so as to avoid failing to satisfy those requirements for these
reasons.
Dividends and distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or
December of any year and payable to shareholders of record on a date in any of
those months are deemed to have been paid by the Fund and received by the
shareholders on December 31 of that year even if they are paid by the Fund
during the following January. Accordingly, those dividends and distributions
will be taxed to the shareholders for the year in which that December 31
falls.
If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or
less, the loss will be treated as long-term, instead of short-term, capital loss
to the extent of any distributions received on those shares. Investors also
should be aware that if shares are purchased shortly before the record date for
a dividend or distribution, the investor will receive some portion of the
purchase price back as a taxable dividend or distribution.
The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax ("Excise Tax") to
the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially
all of its ordinary income for that year and capital gain net income for the
one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain other amounts.
It is the Fund's policy to pay sufficient dividends and distributions
each year to avoid imposition of the Excise Tax. The Fund may defer into the
next calendar year net capital losses incurred between November 1 and the end of
the current calendar year.
Income from Foreign Securities
Dividends and interest received by the Fund may be subject to income,
withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions
that would reduce the yield on its securities. Tax conventions between certain
countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate these foreign taxes,
however, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in
respect of investments by foreign investors.
The Fund may invest in the stock of "passive foreign investment companies"
("PFICs"). A PFIC is a foreign corporation that, in general, meets either of
the following tests: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive or (2) an
average of at least 50% of its assets produce, or are held for the production
of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, the Fund will be subject to
Federal income tax on a portion of any "excess distribution" received on the
stock of a PFIC or of any gain on disposition of the stock (collectively "PFIC
income"), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC income as
a taxable dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be
included in the Fund's investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will
not be taxable to it to the extent that income is distributed to its
shareholders.
If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a
"qualified electing fund" ("QEF"), then in lieu of the foregoing tax and
interest obligation, the Fund will be required to include in income each year
its pro rata share of the QEF's annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain --
which would have to be distributed to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and
to avoid imposition of the Excise Tax -- even if those earnings and gain were
not distributed to the Fund by the QEF. In most instances it will be very
difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain
requirements thereof.
Pursuant to proposed regulations, open-end RICs, such as the Fund, would be
entitled to elect to "mark-to-market" their stock in certain PFICs. "Marking-
to-market," in this context, means recognizing as gain for each taxable year the
excess, as of the end of that year, of the fair market value of such a PFIC's
stock over the adjusted basis in that stock (including mark-to-market gain for
each prior year for which an election was in effect).
Foreign Currency Gains and Losses
Gains or losses (1) from the disposition of foreign currencies, (2) from
the disposition of a debt security denominated in a foreign currency that are
attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the
date of acquisition of the security and the date of disposition, and (3) that
are attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates that occur between the time
the Fund accrues interest, dividends or other receivables or accrues expenses or
other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund
actually collects the receivables or pays the liabilities, generally are treated
as ordinary income or loss. These gains or losses, referred to under the Code
as "section 988" gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of the
Fund's investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders.
Income from Options, Futures Contracts and Currencies
The use of hedging strategies, such as writing (selling) and purchasing
options and futures contracts and entering into forward contracts, involves
complex rules that will determine for income tax purposes the character and
timing of recognition of the gains and losses the Fund realizes in connection
therewith. Gains from the disposition of foreign currencies (except certain
gains that may be excluded by future regulations), and gains from options,
futures contracts and forward contracts derived by the Fund with respect to its
business of investing in securities or foreign currencies, will qualify as
permissible income under the Income Requirement. However, income from the
disposition of options, futures contracts and forward contracts (other than
those on foreign currencies) will be subject to the Short-Short Limitation if
they are held for less than three months. Income from the disposition of
foreign currencies, and options, futures contracts and forward contracts
thereon, that are not directly related to the Fund's principal business of
investing in securities (or options and futures contracts with respect to
securities) also will be subject to the Short-Short Limitation if they are held
for less than three months.
If the Fund satisfies certain requirements, any increase in value of a
position that is part of a "designated hedge" will be offset by any decrease in
value (whether realized or not) of the offsetting hedging position during the
period of the hedge for purposes of determining whether the Fund satisfies the
Short-Short Limitation. Thus, only the net gain (if any) from the designated
hedge will be included in gross income for purposes of that limitation. The
Fund intends that, when it engages in hedging transactions, they will qualify
for this treatment, but at the present time it is not clear whether this
treatment will be available for all the Fund's hedging transactions. To the
extent this treatment is not available, the Fund may be forced to defer the
closing out of certain options, futures contracts and forward contracts and/or
foreign currency positions beyond the time when it otherwise would be
advantageous to do so, in order for the Fund to continue to qualify as a
RIC.
Any income the Fund earns from writing options is taxed as short-term
capital gain. If the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will
have a short-term capital gain or loss based on the difference between the
premium it received for the option it wrote and the premium it pays for the
option it buys. If an option written by the Fund expires without being
exercised, the premium it received also will be a short-term capital gain. If
such an option is exercised and the Fund thus sells the securities subject to
the option, the premium the Fund receives will be added to the exercise price to
determine the gain or loss on the sale. The Fund will not write so many options
that it could fail to continue to qualify as a RIC.
Certain options and futures contracts in which the Fund may invest may
be "section 1256 contracts." Section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end
of each taxable year, other than section 1256 contracts that are part of a
"mixed straddle" with respect to which the Fund has made an election not to have
the following rules apply, are "marked-to-market" (that is, treated as sold for
their fair market value) for Federal income tax purposes, with the result that
unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized. Sixty
percent of any net gains or losses recognized on these deemed sales, and 60% of
any net realized gains or losses from any actual sales of section 1256
contracts, are treated as long-term capital gains or losses, and the balance is
treated as short-term capital gains or losses. Section 1256 contracts also may
be marked-to-market for purposes of the Excise Tax and for other purposes. The
Fund must distribute any such gains to its shareholders even though it may not
have closed the transactions and received cash to pay the distributions.
Code section 1092 (dealing with straddles) also may affect the taxation of
options and futures contracts in which the Fund may invest. Section 1092
defines a "straddle" as offsetting positions with respect to personal property;
for these purposes, options and futures contracts are personal property.
Section 1092 generally provides that any loss from the disposition of a position
in a straddle may be deducted only to the extent the loss exceeds the unrealized
gain on the offsetting position(s) of the straddle. Section 1092 also provides
certain "wash sale" rules, which apply to transactions where a position is sold
at a loss and a new offsetting position is acquired within a prescribed period,
and "short sale" rules applicable to straddles. If the Fund makes certain
elections, the amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains and
losses from the affected straddle positions will be determined under rules that
vary according to the elections made. Because only a few of the regulations
implementing the straddle rules have been promulgated, the tax consequences of
straddle transactions to the Fund are not entirely clear.
Zero Coupon and Payment-in-Kind Securities
The Fund may acquire zero coupon or other securities issued with original
issue discount. As a holder of those securities, the Fund must include in its
income any original issue discount that accrues on the securities during the
year. Similarly, the Fund must include in its gross income securities it
receives as "interest" on payment-in-kind securities. Because the Fund annually
must distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income,
including any accrued original issue discount and other non-cash income, in
order to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise
Tax, it may be required in a particular year to distribute as a dividend an
amount that is greater than the total amount of cash it actually receives.
Those distributions will be made from the Fund's cash assets or from the
proceeds of sales of portfolio securities, if necessary. The Fund may realize
capital gains or losses from those sales, which would increase or decrease its
investment company taxable income and/or net capital gain. In addition, any
such gains may be realized on the disposition of securities held for less than
three months. Because of the Short-Short Limitation, any such gains would
reduce the Fund's ability to sell other securities or certain options, futures
contracts, forward contracts or foreign currency positions held for less than
three months that it might wish to sell in the ordinary course of its portfolio
management.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
One of the duties undertaken by WRIMCO pursuant to the Management Agreement
is to arrange the purchase and sale of securities for the portfolio of the Fund.
Transactions in securities other than those for which an exchange is the primary
market are generally done with dealers acting as principals or market makers.
Brokerage commissions are paid primarily for effecting transactions in
securities traded on an exchange and otherwise only if it appears likely that a
better price or execution can be obtained. The individual who manages the Fund
may manage other advisory accounts with similar investment objectives. It can
be anticipated that the manager will frequently place concurrent orders for all
or most accounts which the manager has responsibility. Transactions effected
pursuant to such combined orders are averaged as to price and allocated in
accordance with the purchase or sale orders actually placed for each fund or
advisory account.
To effect the portfolio transactions of the Fund, WRIMCO is authorized to
engage broker-dealers ("brokers") which, in its best judgment based on all
relevant factors, will implement the policy of the Fund to achieve "best
execution" (prompt and reliable execution at the best price obtainable) for
reasonable and competitive commissions. WRIMCO need not seek competitive
commission bidding but is expected to minimize the commissions paid to the
extent consistent with the interests and policies of the Fund. Subject to
review by the Board of Directors, such policies include the selection of brokers
which provide execution and/or research services and other services, including
pricing or quotation services directly or through others ("brokerage services")
considered by WRIMCO to be useful or desirable for its investment management of
the Fund and/or the other funds and accounts over which WRIMCO or its affiliates
have investment discretion.
Brokerage services are, in general, defined by reference to Section 28(e)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as including (i) advice, either directly
or through publications or writings, as to the value of securities, the
advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities and the
availability of securities and purchasers or sellers; (ii) furnishing analyses
and reports; or (iii) effecting securities transactions and performing functions
incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement and custody). "Investment
discretion" is, in general, defined as having authorization to determine what
securities shall be purchased or sold for an account, or making those decisions
even though someone else has responsibility.
The commissions paid to brokers that provide such brokerage services may be
higher than another qualified broker would charge for effecting comparable
transactions if a good faith determination is made by WRIMCO that the commission
is reasonable in relation to the brokerage services provided. Subject to the
foregoing considerations WRIMCO may also consider the willingness of particular
brokers and dealers to sell shares of the Fund and other funds managed by WRIMCO
and its affiliates as a factor in its selection. No allocation of brokerage or
principal business is made to provide any other benefits to WRIMCO or its
affiliates.
The investment research provided by a particular broker may be useful only
to one or more of the other advisory accounts of WRIMCO and its affiliates and
investment research received for the commissions of those other accounts may be
useful both to the Fund and one or more of such other accounts. To the extent
that electronic or other products provided by such brokers to assist WRIMCO in
making investment management decisions are used for administration or other non-
research purposes, a reasonable allocation of the cost of the product
attributable to its non-research use is made by WRIMCO.
Such investment research (which may be supplied by a third party at the
instance of a broker) includes information on particular companies and
industries as well as market, economic or institutional activity areas. It
serves to broaden the scope and supplement the research activities of WRIMCO;
serves to make available additional views for consideration and comparisons; and
enables WRIMCO to obtain market information on the price of securities held in
the Fund's portfolio or being considered for purchase.
In placing transactions for the Fund's portfolio, WRIMCO may consider sales
of shares of the Fund and other funds managed by WRIMCO and its affiliates as a
factor in the selection of brokers to execute portfolio transactions. WRIMCO
intends to allocate brokerage on the basis of this factor only if the sale is $2
million or more and there is no sales charge. This results in the consideration
only of sales which by their nature would not ordinarily be made by Waddell &
Reed, Inc.'s direct sales force and is done in order to prevent the direct sales
force from being disadvantaged by the fact that it cannot participate in Fund
brokerage.
During the Fund's fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
the Fund paid brokerage commissions of $181,981, $195,904 and $69,862,
respectively. These figures do not include principal transactions or spreads or
concessions on principal transactions, i.e., those in which the Fund sells
securities to a broker-dealer firm or buys from a broker-dealer firm securities
owned by it.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the transactions,
other than principal transactions, which were directed to broker-dealers who
provided research as well as execution totaled $22,882,281 on which $94,640 in
brokerage commissions were paid. These transactions were allocated to these
broker-dealers by the internal allocation procedures described above.
As of December 31, 1996, the Fund owned J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc.
securities in the aggregate amount of $7,455,000. J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc.
is a regular broker of the Fund.
The Fund, WRIMCO and Waddell & Reed, Inc. have adopted a Code of Ethics
which imposes restrictions on the personal investment activities of their
employees, officers and interested directors.
Buying and Selling With Other Funds
The Fund and one or more of the other funds in the United Group, TMK/United
Funds, Inc. and Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc. or accounts over which Waddell & Reed
Asset Management Company exercises investment discretion frequently buy or sell
the same securities at the same time. If this happens, the amount of each
purchase or sale is divided. This is done on the basis of the amount of
securities each fund or account wanted to buy or sell. Sharing in large
transactions could affect the price the Fund pays or receives or the amount it
buys or sells. However, sometimes a better negotiated commission is available.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Shares of the Fund
The Fund offers two classes of shares: Class A and Class Y. Prior to
February 19, 1996, the Fund offered only one class of shares to the public.
Shares outstanding on that date were designated as Class A shares. Each class
represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund and differ as follows:
each class of shares has exclusive voting rights on matters pertaining to
matters appropriately limited to that class; Class A shares are subject to an
initial sales charge and to an ongoing service fee; each class may bear
differing amounts of certain class-specific expenses; and each class has a
separate exchange privilege. The Fund does not anticipate that there will be
any conflicts between the interests of holders of the different classes of
shares of the Fund by virtue of those classes. On an ongoing basis, the Board
of Directors will consider whether any such conflict exists and, if so, take
appropriate action. Each share of the Fund is entitled to equal voting,
dividend, liquidation and redemption rights, except that due to the differing
expenses borne by the two classes, dividends and liquidation proceeds of Class A
shares are expected to be lower than for Class Y shares of the Fund. Each
fractional share of a class has the same rights, in proportion, as a full share
of that class.
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
DECEMBER 31, 1996
Troy
Ounces Value
BULLION
Gold* .................................. 1,799 $ 664,158
Platinum* .............................. 2,145 792,299
TOTAL BULLION - 4.65% $ 1,456,457
(Cost: $1,548,154)
Shares
COMMON STOCKS
Gold
Australia - 6.68%
Acacia Resources Limited* .............. 200,000 389,501
Newcrest Mining Limited ................ 100,000 397,450
Plutonic Resources Limited ............. 215,000 999,785
Ranger Minerals NL* .................... 100,000 306,037
Total ................................. 2,092,773
Canada - 20.12%
Armada Gold Corporation, Class A* ...... 100,000 91,984
Dayton Mining Corporation* ............. 125,000 830,413
Eldorado Gold Corporation* ............. 53,700 360,666
Euro-Nevada Mining Corporation Limited . 27,200 809,169
Franco-Nevada Mining Corporation Limited 19,600 897,868
Goldcorp Inc., Class A* ................ 30,000 257,337
Greenstone Resources Ltd.* ............. 65,000 756,862
Miramar Mining Corporation* ............ 38,800 169,952
Pangea Goldfields Inc.* ................ 70,700 330,326
Rea Gold Corporation* .................. 115,000 143,561
Repadre Capital Corporation* ........... 90,000 525,624
TVX Gold Inc.* ......................... 115,000 891,250
Triton Mining Corporation* ............. 75,000 239,542
Total ................................. 6,304,554
United States - 6.79%
Newmont Gold Company ................... 20,500 896,875
Santa Fe Pacific Gold Corporation ...... 80,000 1,230,000
Total ................................. 2,126,875
Total Gold - 33.59% 10,524,202
Miscellaneous
Electric, Gas and Sanitary Services - 0.82%
Sonat Inc. ............................ 5,000 257,500
Oil and Gas Extraction - 0.77%
Noble Affiliates, Inc. ................. 5,000 239,375
Total Miscellaneous - 1.59% 496,875
See Notes to Schedule of Investments on page .
<PAGE>
THE INVESTMENTS OF
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
DECEMBER 31, 1996
Shares Value
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS - 35.18%.............. $11,021,077
(Cost: $8,779,662)
PREFERRED STOCKS - 4.68%
Gold
United States
Amax Gold Inc., Series B, Convertible ... 10,000 526,250
Battle Mountain Gold Company, Convertible 10,000 500,000
Hecla Mining Company, Series B,
Convertible ........................... 10,000 440,000
Total ................................. $ 1,466,250
(Cost: $1,493,237)
Principal
Amount in
Thousands
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
United States Treasury:
6.25%, 5-31-2000 ...................... $1,000 1,004,060
5.875%, 6-30-2000 ..................... 2,000 1,985,000
7.25%, 8-15-2004 ...................... 2,000 2,105,000
7.875%, 11-15-2004 .................... 2,500 2,728,125
7.25%, 5-15-2016 ...................... 2,000 2,111,880
TOTAL UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT SECURITIES - 31.71% $ 9,934,065
(Cost: $9,794,944)
TOTAL SHORT-TERM SECURITIES - 23.80%
Repurchase Agreements
J. P. Morgan Securities, 5.5%
Repurchase Agreement dated
12-31-96, to be repurchased
at $7,457,278 on 1-2-97** ............. 7,455 $ 7,455,000
(Cost: $7,455,000)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.02% $31,332,849
(Cost: $29,070,997)
LIABILITIES, NET OF CASH AND OTHER ASSETS - (0.02%) (6,006)
NET ASSETS - 100.00% $31,326,843
Notes To Schedule Of Investments
*Non-income producing.
**Collateralized by $5,833,000 U.S. Treasury Notes, 9.25% due 2-15-2006, market
value and accrued interest aggregate $7,615,913.
See Note 1 to financial statements for security valuation and other significant
accounting policies concerning investments.
See Note 3 to financial statements for cost and unrealized appreciation and
depreciation of investments owned for Federal income tax purposes.
<PAGE>
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
DECEMBER 31, 1996
Assets
Investments -- at value (Notes 1 and 3):
Bullion (cost -- $1,548,154) .................... $ 1,456,457
Securities (cost -- $27,522,843) ................ 29,876,392
-----------
31,332,849
Cash ............................................. 4,094
Receivables:
Interest and dividends .......................... 114,864
Fund shares sold ................................ 8,582
Prepaid insurance premium ........................ 9,757
-----------
Total assets .................................. 31,470,146
-----------
Liabilities
Payable for Fund shares redeemed ................. 89,669
Accrued service fee (Note 2) ..................... 22,500
Accrued transfer agency and
dividend disbursing (Note 2) .................... 15,105
Accrued accounting services fee (Note 2) ......... 1,667
Other ............................................ 14,362
-----------
Total liabilities ............................. 143,303
-----------
Total net assets ............................. $31,326,843
===========
Net Assets
$1.00 par value capital stock
Capital stock ................................... $ 3,455,618
Additional paid-in capital ...................... 38,110,332
Accumulated undistributed income (loss):
Accumulated undistributed net investment income . 4,553
Accumulated net realized loss on investment
transactions .................................. (12,505,512)
Net unrealized appreciation in value of
investments at end of period .................. 2,261,852
-----------
Net assets applicable to outstanding units
of capital.................................... $31,326,843
===========
Net asset value per share (net assets divided
by shares outstanding)
Class A .......................................... $9.07
Class Y .......................................... $9.07
Capital shares outstanding
Class A .......................................... 3,398,707
Class Y .......................................... 56,911
Capital shares authorized .......................... 100,000,000
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Fiscal Year Ended DECEMBER 31, 1996
Investment Income
Income (Note 1B):
Interest ........................................ $ 726,731
Dividends ....................................... 116,072
----------
Total income .................................. 842,803
----------
Expenses (Note 2):
Investment management fee ....................... 238,896
Transfer agency and dividend disbursing - Class A 172,956
Service fee - Class A ........................... 83,576
Registration fees ............................... 42,506
Custodian fees .................................. 23,134
Accounting services fee ......................... 20,000
Audit fees ...................................... 11,966
Shareholder servicing - Class Y ................. 514
Other ........................................... 26,438
----------
Total expenses ................................ 619,986
----------
Net investment income ........................ 222,817
----------
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
on Investments (Notes 1 and 3)
Realized net loss on bullion ..................... (237,455)
Realized net gain on securities .................. 1,564,022
Realized net loss on foreign
currency transactions ........................... (7,070)
----------
Realized net gain on investments ................ 1,319,497
----------
Unrealized depreciation in value of bullion
during the period ............................... (63,459)
Unrealized depreciation in value of securities
during the period ............................... (50,640)
----------
Unrealized depreciation in value of investments
during the period ............................. (114,099)
----------
Net gain on investments ....................... 1,205,398
----------
Net increase in net assets resulting from
operations ................................. $1,428,215
==========
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the fiscal year
ended December 31,
-----------------------
1996 1995
----------- -----------
Decrease in Net Assets
Operations:
Net investment income ............... $ 222,817 $ 893,578
Realized net gain on investments .... 1,319,497 3,257,848
Unrealized depreciation ............. (114,099) (963,302)
----------- -----------
Net increase in net
assets resulting from
operations ....................... 1,428,215 3,188,124
----------- -----------
Dividends to shareholders from
net investment income (Note 1E):*
Class A ............................. (207,679) (900,579)
Class Y ............................. (3,935) ---
----------- -----------
(211,614) (900,579)
----------- -----------
Capital share transactions:
Proceeds from sale of shares:
Class A (1,323,429 and 3,052,102
shares, respectively)............. 12,402,383 25,203,531
Class Y (58,791 and 0
shares, respectively) ............ 548,325 ---
Proceeds from reinvestment of
dividends:
Class A (22,407 and 102,634
shares, respectively) ............ 204,404 885,915
Class Y (433 and 0
shares, respectively) ............ 3,935 ---
Payments for shares redeemed:
Class A (1,689,423 and 3,983,888
shares, respectively)............. (15,760,355) (33,066,367)
Class Y (2,313 and 0
shares, respectively) ............ (21,078) ---
----------- -----------
Net decrease in net assets
resulting from capital
share transactions ............... (2,622,386) (6,976,921)
----------- -----------
Total decrease ................... (1,405,785) (4,689,376)
Net Assets
Beginning of period .................. 32,732,628 37,422,004
----------- -----------
End of period, including undistributed
net investment income of $4,553
and $420, respectively .............. $31,326,843 $32,732,628
=========== ===========
*See "Financial Highlights" on pages - .
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class A Shares
For a Share of Capital Stock Outstanding
Throughout Each Period:
For the fiscal year ended December 31,
--------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net asset value,
beginning of
period ........... $8.75 $8.19 $9.97 $5.70 $6.63
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Income from investment
operations:
Net investment
income........... 0.06 0.24 0.05 0.04 0.06
Net realized and
unrealized gain
(loss) on
investments ..... 0.32 0.56 (1.78) 4.27 (0.93)
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total from investment
operations ....... 0.38 0.80 (1.73) 4.31 (0.87)
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Less dividends from
net investment
income ........... (0.06) (0.24) (0.05) (0.04) (0.06)
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Net asset value,
end of period ..... $9.07 $8.75 $8.19 $9.97 $5.70
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Total return* ...... 4.33% 9.80% -17.36% 75.82% -13.18%
Net assets, end
of period (000
omitted) ......... $30,811$32,733 $37,422$46,908 $27,136
Ratio of expenses
to average net
assets ........... 1.84% 1.66% 1.59% 1.69% 1.88%
Ratio of net invest-
ment income to average
net assets ....... 0.66% 2.55% 0.57% 0.48% 0.90%
Portfolio turnover
rate** ........... 101.34%164.21% 64.89% 84.00% 61.50%
Average commission
rate paid ........ $0.0294
*Total return calculated without taking into account the sales load deducted
on an initial purchase.
**This rate is, in general, calculated by dividing the average value of the
Fund's portfolio securities during the period into the lesser of its
purchases or sales of securities in the period, excluding short-term
securities and bullion.
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class Y Shares
For a Share of Capital Stock Outstanding
Throughout the Period:
For the
period
from 2/27/96*
through
12/31/96
--------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $9.35
-----
Income from investment
operations:
Net investment
income .......... 0.09
Net realized and
unrealized loss
on investments... (0.26)
-----
Total from investment
operations ........ (0.17)
-----
Less dividends from
net investment
income........... (0.11)
-----
Net asset value,
end of period ..... $9.07
=====
Total return ....... -1.88%
Net assets, end of
period (000
omitted) ......... $516
Ratio of expenses
to average net
assets ............ 1.18%**
Ratio of net
investment income
to average net
assets ............ 1.30%**
Portfolio
turnover rate ..... 101.34%**
Average commission
rate paid ........ $0.0294
*Commencement of operations.
**Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
NOTE 1 -- Significant Accounting Policies
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment
company. Its investment objective is to seek a high total return through
investments in precious metals, minerals-related securities or U.S. Government
Securities. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial
statements. The policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
A. Security valuation -- Each stock and convertible bond is valued at the
latest sale price thereof on the last business day of the fiscal period as
reported by the principal securities exchange on which the issue is traded
or, if no sale is reported for a stock, the average of the latest bid and
asked prices. Bonds, other than convertible bonds, are valued using a
pricing system provided by a pricing service or dealer in bonds.
Convertible bonds are valued using this pricing system only on days when
there is no sale reported. Stocks which are traded over-the-counter are
priced using Nasdaq (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated
Quotations System) which provides information on bid and asked or closing
prices quoted by major dealers in such stocks. Gold and silver bullion are
valued at the last spot settlement price for current delivery as calculated
by the Commodity Exchange, Inc. as of the close of that Exchange. Platinum
bullion is valued at the last spot settlement price for current delivery as
calculated by the New York Mercantile Exchange as of the close of that
Exchange. Securities for which quotations are not readily available are
valued as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures
established by and under the general supervision of the Fund's Board of
Directors. Short-term debt securities are valued at amortized cost, which
approximates market.
B. Security transactions and related investment income -- Security
transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or
sell is executed). Securities gains and losses are calculated on the
identified cost basis. Original issue discount (as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code), premiums on the purchase of bonds and post-1984 market
discount are amortized for both financial and tax reporting purposes over
the remaining lives of the bonds. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-
dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities are
recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of the ex-dividend date. Interest
income is recorded on the accrual basis. See Note 3 -- Investment
Securities Transactions.
C. Foreign currency translations -- All assets and liabilities denominated in
foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars daily. Purchases and
sales of investment securities and accruals of income and expenses are
translated at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of the
transaction. For assets and liabilities other than investments in
securities and bullion, net realized and unrealized gains and losses from
foreign currency translations arise from changes in currency exchange
rates. The Fund combines fluctuations from currency exchange rates and
fluctuations in market value when computing net realized and unrealized
gain or loss from investments.
D. Federal income taxes -- It is the Fund's policy to distribute all of its
taxable income and capital gains to its shareholders and otherwise qualify
as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition, the Fund intends to pay distributions as
required to avoid imposition of excise tax. Accordingly, provision has not
been made for Federal income taxes. See Note 4 -- Federal Income Tax
Matters.
E. Dividends and distributions -- Dividends and distributions to shareholders
are recorded by the Fund on the record date. Net investment income
distributions and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance
with income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted
accounting principles. These differences are due to differing treatments
for items such as deferral of wash sales and post-October losses, foreign
currency transactions, net operating losses and expiring capital loss
carryforwards. At December 31, 1996, the Fund reclassified $14,294,514
between additional paid-in-capital and accumulated net realized loss on
investment transactions. Net investment income, net realized gains and net
assets were not affected by this change.
F. Repurchase agreements -- Repurchase agreements are collateralized by the
value of the resold securities which, during the entire period of the
agreement, remains at least equal to the value of the loan, including
accrued interest thereon. The collateral for the repurchase agreement is
held by the Fund's custodian bank.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
NOTE 2 -- Investment Management and Payments to Affiliated Persons
The Fund pays a fee for investment management services. The fee is
computed daily based on the net asset value at the close of business. The fee
consists of two elements: (i) a "Specific" fee computed on net asset value as of
the close of business each day at the annual rate of .30% of net assets and (ii)
a "Group" fee computed each day on the combined net asset values of all of the
funds in the United Group of mutual funds (approximately $15.1 billion of
combined net assets at December 31, 1996) at annual rates of .51% of the first
$750 million of combined net assets, .49% on that amount between $750 million
and $1.5 billion, .47% between $1.5 billion and $2.25 billion, .45% between
$2.25 billion and $3 billion, .43% between $3 billion and $3.75 billion, .40%
between $3.75 billion and $7.5 billion, .38% between $7.5 billion and $12
billion, and .36% of that amount over $12 billion. The Fund accrues and pays
this fee daily.
Pursuant to assignment of the Investment Management Agreement between the
Fund and Waddell & Reed, Inc. ("W&R"), Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company ("WRIMCO"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of W&R, serves as the Fund's
investment manager.
The Fund has an Accounting Services Agreement with Waddell & Reed Services
Company ("WARSCO"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of W&R. Under the agreement,
WARSCO acts as the agent in providing accounting services and assistance to the
Fund and pricing daily the value of shares of the Fund. For these services, the
Fund pays WARSCO a monthly fee of one-twelfth of the annual fee shown in the
following table.
Accounting Services Fee
Average
Net Asset Level Annual Fee
(all dollars in millions) Rate for Each Level
------------------------- -------------------
From $ 0 to $ 10 $ 0
From $ 10 to $ 25 $ 10,000
From $ 25 to $ 50 $ 20,000
From $ 50 to $ 100 $ 30,000
From $ 100 to $ 200 $ 40,000
From $ 200 to $ 350 $ 50,000
From $ 350 to $ 550 $ 60,000
From $ 550 to $ 750 $ 70,000
From $ 750 to $1,000 $ 85,000
$1,000 and Over $100,000
For Class A shares, the Fund also pays WARSCO a monthly per account charge
for transfer agency and dividend disbursement services of $1.3125 for each
shareholder account which was in existence at any time during the prior month
($1.0208 per account prior to April 1, 1996), plus $0.30 for each account on
which a dividend or distribution of cash or shares had a record date in that
month. With respect to Class Y shares, the Fund pays WARSCO a monthly fee at an
annual rate of .15% of the average daily net assets of the class for the
preceding month. The Fund also reimburses W&R and WARSCO for certain out-of-
pocket costs.
As principal underwriter for the Fund's shares, W&R received direct and
indirect gross sales commissions for Class A shares (which are not an expense of
the Fund) of $73,342, out of which W&R paid sales commissions of $40,750 and all
expenses in connection with the sale of Fund shares, except for registration
fees and related expenses.
Under a Service Plan for Class A shares adopted by the Fund pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund may pay monthly a
fee to W&R in an amount not to exceed .25% of the Fund's Class A average annual
net assets. The fee is to be paid to reimburse W&R for amounts it expends in
connection with the provision of personal services to Fund shareholders and/or
maintenance of shareholder accounts.
The Fund paid Directors' fees of $1,357.
W&R is an indirect subsidiary of Torchmark Corporation, a holding company,
and United Investors Management Company, a holding company, and a direct
subsidiary of Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc., a holding company.
NOTE 3 -- Investment Securities Transactions
Purchases of investment securities, other than U.S. Government and short-
term securities, aggregated $24,688,324 while proceeds from maturities and sales
aggregated $21,922,996. Purchases of bullion aggregated $3,596,751 while
proceeds from the sale of bullion aggregated $5,583,967. Purchases of short-
term securities and U.S. Government securities aggregated $555,725,000 and
$2,135,000, respectively. Proceeds from maturities and sales of short-term
securities and U.S. Government securities aggregated $548,920,000 and
$11,607,227, respectively.
For Federal income tax purposes, cost of investments owned at December 31,
1996 was $29,070,997, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $2,261,852, of
which $3,044,127 related to appreciated investments and $782,275 related to
depreciated investments.
NOTE 4 -- Federal Income Tax Matters
For Federal income tax purposes, the Fund realized capital gain net income
of $1,937,369 during the year ended December 31, 1996, which included the effect
of certain losses deferred into the next fiscal year (see discussion below).
These net capital gains were entirely offset by utilization of capital loss
carryforwards. Remaining prior year capital loss carryforwards aggregated
$11,894,711 at December 31, 1996, and are available to offset future capital
gain net income as follows: $563,389 through December 31, 1997; $4,507,530
through December 31, 1998; $1,865,351 through December 31, 1999, and $4,958,441
through December 31, 2000.
Internal Revenue Code regulations permit the Fund to defer into its next
fiscal year net capital losses or net long-term capital losses incurred between
each November 1 and the end of its fiscal year (_post-October losses_). From
November 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996, the Fund incurred net capital losses
of $610,801, which were deferred to the fiscal year ending `December 31, 1997.
NOTE 5 -- Commencement of Multiclass Operations
On February 19, 1996, the Fund was authorized to offer investors a choice
of two classes of shares, Class A and Class Y, each of which has equal rights as
to assets and voting privileges. Class Y shares are not subject to a sales
charge on purchases; they are not subject to a Rule 12b-1 Service Plan and have
a separate transfer agency and dividend disbursement services fee structure. A
comprehensive discussion of the terms under which shares of either class are
offered is contained in the prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information for the Fund. The Fund commenced multiclass operations on February
27, 1996.
Income, non-class specific expenses and realized and unrealized gains and
losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the value of
relative net assets as of the beginning of each day adjusted for the prior day's
capital share activity.
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Shareholders,
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments, of United Gold & Government Fund, Inc., as of
December 31, 1996, the related statements of operations and changes in net
assets for the year then ended, and the financial highlights for the year then
ended. These financial statements and the financial highlights are the
responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and the financial highlights based on our
audit. The financial statements and the financial highlights of the Fund for
each of the years in the four-year period ended December 31, 1995 were audited
by other auditors whose report, dated February 8, 1996, expressed an unqualified
opinion on those statements and financial highlights.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements and the financial highlights
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned at
December 31, 1996 by correspondence with the custodian and broker. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the United Gold &
Government Fund, Inc. as of December 31, 1996, the results of its operations,
the changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for the year then
ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
February 7, 1997
<PAGE>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
---------------------------------
(a) Financial Statements -- United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.
Included in Part B:
-------------------
As of December 31, 1996
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
For the year ended December 31, 1996
Statements of Operations
For the two years ended December 31, 1996
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Schedule I -- Investment Securities as of December 31, 1996
Report of Independent Accountants
Included in Part C:
-------------------
Financial Data Schedule
Other schedules prescribed by Regulation S-X are not filed because the
required matter is not present or is insignificant.
(b) Exhibits:
(1) Articles of Incorporation filed December 21, 1995 as EX-99.B1-ggchartr
to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A*
Articles Supplementary filed December 21, 1995 as EX-99.B1-ggartsup to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A*
(2) By-Laws, as amended, attached hereto as EX-99.B2-ggbylaw
(3) Not applicable
(4) Article FIFTH and Article SEVENTH of the Articles of Incorporation of
Registrant, filed December 21, 1995 as EX-99.B1-charter to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on Form N-
1A*; Article I, Article IV and Article VII of the Bylaws of the
Registrant attached hereto as EX-99.B2-ggbylaw to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A*
(5) Investment Management Agreement filed December 21, 1995 as EX-99.B5-
ggima to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement
on Form N-1A*
Assignment of Investment Management Agreement filed December 21, 1995
as EX-99.B5-ggassign to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A*
(6) Underwriting Agreement filed March 29, 1995 as EX-99.B6-ggua to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A*
(7) Not applicable
(8) Custodian Agreement filed December 21, 1995 as EX-99.B8-ggca to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A*
(9) Shareholder Servicing Agreement attached hereto as EX-99.B9-ggssa
Accounting Services Agreement filed December 21, 1995 as EX-99.B9-
ggasa to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement
on Form N-1A*
Service Agreement filed August 4, 1993 as Exhibit (b)(15) to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A*
Amendment to Service Agreement filed December 21, 1995 as EX-99.B9-
ggsaa to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement
on Form N-1A*
Fund Class A Application filed December 21, 1995 as EX-99.B9-ggappca
to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A*
Fund NAV Application filed March 29, 1995 as EX-99.B9-ggappnav to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A*
Fund Class Y Application filed December 21, 1995 as EX-99.B9-ggappcy
to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A*
Fund Class Y Letter of Understanding filed February 15, 1996 as EX-
99.B9-gglou to Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A*
(10) Not applicable
(11) Consent of Independent Accountants attached hereto as EX-99.B11-
ggconsnt
(12) Not applicable
(13) Not applicable
(14) 1. Qualified Retirement Plan and Trust-Defined Contribution Basic
Plan Document filed December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-1-03bpd to
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A of United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
2. Qualified Retirement Plan-Summary Plan Description filed December
16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-2-03spd to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of United Asset Strategy
Fund, Inc.*
3. Employer Contribution 403(b)-Adoption Agreement filed December
16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-3-403baa to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1
to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of United Asset
Strategy Fund, Inc.*
4. IRC Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan-Adoption Agreement
filed December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-4-457aa to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
5. IRC Section 457-Deferred Compensation Specimen Plan Document
filed December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-5-457bpd to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
6. National Nonstandardized 401(k)Profit Sharing Plan-Adoption
Agreement filed December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-6-ns401aa to Pre-
Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A of United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
7. 401(k) Nonstandardized Profit Sharing Plan-Summary Plan
Description filed December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-7-ns401gs to
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A of United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
8. National Nonstandardized Money Purchase Pension Plan-Adoption
Agreement filed December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-8-nsmppaa to Pre-
Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A of United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
9. National Nonstandardized Profit Sharing Plan-Adoption Agreement
filed December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-9-nspspaa to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
10. Standardized 401(k) Profit sharing Plan-Adoption Agreement filed
December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-10-s401aa to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
11. 401(k) Standardized Profit Sharing Plan-Summary Plan Description
filed December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-11-s401gis to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
12. Universal Simplified Employee Pension Plan-Adoption Agreement
filed December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-12-sepaa to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
13. Universal Simplified Employee Pension Plan-Basic Plan Document
filed December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-13-sepbpd to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
14. National Standardized Money Purchase Pension Plan-Adoption
Agreement filed December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-14-smppaa to Pre-
Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A of United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
15. Standardized Money Purchase pension Plan-Summary Plan Description
filed December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-15-smppgis to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
16. Standardized Profit Sharing Plan-Adoption Agreement filed
December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-16-spspaa to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
17. Standardized Profit Sharing Plan-summary Plan Description field
December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-17-spspgis to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.*
18. 403(b)(7) Tax-sheltered Custodial Account Agreement filed
December 16, 1994 as EX-99.B14-18-tsa to Pre-Effective Amendment
No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of United Asset
Strategy Fund, Inc.*
19. Title I 403(b) Plan Document filed December 16, 1994 as EX-
99.B14-19-ttllpbd to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A of United Asset Strategy
Fund, Inc.*
20. Simple IRA Plan Document filed March 26, 1997 as EX-99.B14-20-
simple to Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A* of United Funds, Inc.
21. Individual Retirement Plan filed March 26, 1997 as EX-99.B14-21-
crp00005 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A* of United Funds, Inc.
(15) Service Plan filed December 21, 1995 as EX-99.B15-ggspca to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A*
(16) Schedule for Computation of Average Annual Total Return Performance
Quotations for Class A shares filed August 4, 1993 as Exhibit (b)(16)
to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A*
Computation of Average Annual Total Return Performance Quotations for
Class Y shares attached hereto as EX-99.B16-ggtrcly
(17) Financial Data Schedule attached hereto as EX-27.B17-ggfds
(18) Multiple Class Plan filed February 15, 1996 as EX-99.B18-ggmcp to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A*
25. Persons Controlled by or under common control with Registrant
-------------------------------------------------------------
None
26. Number of Holders of Securities
-------------------------------
Number of Record Holders as of
Title of Class February 28, 1997
-------------- ------------------------------
Class A Capital Stock 8,762
Class Y Capital Stock 31
27. Indemnification
---------------
Reference is made to Section (7)(c) of Article SEVENTH of the Articles of
Incorporation of Registrant, filed December 21, 1995 as EX-99.B1-charter to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A*
and to Article IV of the Underwriting Agreement filed March 29, 1995 as EX-
99.B6-ggua to Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Registration Statement
on Form N-1A*, both of which provide indemnification. Also refer to
Section 2-418 of the Maryland General Corporation Law regarding
indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents.
28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Manager
----------------------------------------------------
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company is the investment manager of
the Registrant. Under the terms of an Investment Management Agreement
between Waddell & Reed, Inc. and the Registrant, Waddell & Reed, Inc. is to
provide investment management services to the Registrant. Waddell & Reed,
Inc. assigned its investment management duties under this agreement to
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company on January 8, 1992. Waddell &
Reed Investment Management Company is not engaged in any business other
than the provision of investment management services to those registered
investment companies as described in Part A and Part B of this Post-
Effective Amendment.
Each director and executive officer of Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company has had as his sole business, profession, vocation or employment
during the past two years only his duties as an executive officer and/or
employee of Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company or its
predecessors, except as to persons who are directors and/or officers of the
Registrant and have served in the capacities shown in the Statement of
Additional Information of the Registrant, and except for Mr. Ronald K.
Richey. Mr. Richey is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Torchmark Corporation, the parent company of Waddell & Reed, Inc., and
Chairman of the Board of United Investors Management Company, a holding
company of which Waddell & Reed, Inc. is an indirect subsidiary. Mr.
Richey's address is 2001 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.
The address of the others is 6300 Lamar Avenue, Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66202-4200.
As to each director and officer of Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company, reference is made to the Prospectus and SAI of this Registrant.
29. Principal Underwriter
---------------------
(a) Waddell & Reed, Inc. is the principal underwriter to the Registrant.
It is also the principal underwriter to the following investment
companies:
United Funds, Inc.
United International Growth Fund, Inc.
United Continental Income Fund, Inc.
United Vanguard Fund, Inc.
United Retirement Shares, Inc.
United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund, Inc.
United Cash Management, Inc.
United Government Securities Fund, Inc.
United New Concepts Fund, Inc.
United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund II, Inc.
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.
TMK/United Funds, Inc.
Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc.
and is depositor of the following unit investment trusts:
United Periodic Investment Plans to acquire shares of United Science
and Energy Fund
United Periodic Investment Plans to acquire shares of United
Accumulative Fund
United Income Investment Programs
United International Growth Investment Programs
United Continental Income Investment Programs
United Vanguard Investment Programs
(b) The information contained in the underwriter's application on form BD,
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is herein incorporated by
reference.
(c) No compensation was paid by the Registrant to any principal
underwriter who is not an affiliated person of the Registrant or any
affiliated person of such affiliated person.
30. Location of Accounts and Records
--------------------------------
The accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Registrant pursuant to Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act and
rules promulgated thereunder are under the possession of Mr. Robert L.
Hechler and Ms. Sharon K. Pappas, as officers of the Registrant, each of
whose business address is Post Office Box 29217, Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66201-9217.
31. Management Services
-------------------
There is no service contract other than as discussed in Part A and B and as
listed in Part C (b)(9) of this Post-Effective Amendment and listed in
response to Item (b)(9) and (b)(15)hereof.
32. Undertakings
------------
(a) Not applicable
(b) Not applicable
(c) The Fund agrees to furnish to each person to whom a prospectus is
delivered a copy of the Fund's latest annual report to shareholders
upon request and without charge.
(d) To the extent that Section 16(c) of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, applies to the Fund, the Fund agrees, if requested
in writing by the shareholders of record of not less than 10% of the
Fund's outstanding shares, to call a meeting of the shareholders of
the Fund for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any
director and to assist in communications with other shareholders as
required by Section 16(c).
- ---------------------------------
*Incorporated herein by reference
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the
requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment pursuant to Rule
485(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Post-Effective
Amendment to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the city of Overland Park, and State of Kansas, on the 26th day
of March, 1997.
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
(Registrant)
By /s/ Keith A. Tucker*
------------------------
Keith A. Tucker, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, and/or the
Investment Company Act of 1940, this Post-Effective Amendment has been signed
below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signatures Title
---------- -----
/s/Ronald K. Richey* Chairman of the Board March 26, 1997
- ---------------------- ----------------
Ronald K. Richey
/s/Keith A. Tucker* President and Director March 26, 1997
- ---------------------- (Principal Executive Officer) ----------------
Keith A. Tucker
/s/Theodore W. Howard* Vice President, Treasurer March 26, 1997
- ---------------------- and Principal Accounting ----------------
Theodore W. Howard Officer
/s/Robert L. Hechler* Vice President and March 26, 1997
- ---------------------- Principal Financial ----------------
Robert L. Hechler Officer
/s/Henry L. Bellmon* Director March 26, 1997
- ---------------------- ----------------
Henry L. Bellmon
/s/Dodds I. Buchanan* Director March 26, 1997
- --------------------- ----------------
Dodds I. Buchanan
/s/Linda Graves* Director March 26, 1997
- ------------------ ----------------
Linda Graves
/s/John F. Hayes* Director March 26, 1997
- ------------------- ----------------
John F. Hayes
/s/Glendon E. Johnson* Director March 26, 1997
- ------------------- ----------------
Glendon E. Johnson
/s/William T. Morgan* Director March 26, 1997
- ------------------- ----------------
William T. Morgan
/s/William L. Rogers* Director March 26, 1997
- ------------------ ----------------
William L. Rogers
/s/Frank J. Ross, Jr.* Director March 26, 1997
- ------------------ ----------------
Frank J. Ross, Jr.
/s/Eleanor B. Schwartz Director March 26, 1997
- ------------------- ----------------
Eleanor B. Schwartz
/s/Frederick Vogel III* Director March 26, 1997
- ------------------- ----------------
Frederick Vogel III
/s/Paul S. Wise* Director March 26, 1997
- ------------------- ----------------
Paul S. Wise
*By
Sharon K. Pappas
Attorney-in-Fact
ATTEST:
Sheryl Strauss
Assistant Secretary
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That each of the undersigned, UNITED FUNDS,
INC., UNITED INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND, INC., UNITED MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.,
UNITED VANGUARD FUND, INC., UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND, INC., UNITED CASH
MANAGEMENT, INC., UNITED NEW CONCEPTS FUND, INC., UNITED GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
FUND, INC., UNITED MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME FUND, INC., UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT
FUND, INC., UNITED HIGH INCOME FUND II, INC., UNITED CONTINENTAL INCOME FUND,
INC., UNITED RETIREMENT SHARES, INC., UNITED ASSET STRATEGY FUND, INC.,
TMK/UNITED FUNDS, INC. AND WADDELL & REED FUNDS, INC. (each hereinafter called
the "Corporation"), and certain directors and officers for the Corporation, do
hereby constitute and appoint KEITH A. TUCKER, ROBERT L. HECHLER, and SHARON K.
PAPPAS, and each of them individually, their true and lawful attorneys and
agents to take any and all action and execute any and all instruments which said
attorneys and agents may deem necessary or advisable to enable each Corporation
to comply with the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, and any rules, regulations, orders or other requirements of
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, in connection
with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, including specifically, but without limitation
of the foregoing, power and authority to sign the names of each of such
directors and officers in his/her behalf as such director or officer as
indicated below opposite his/her signature hereto, to any Registration Statement
and to any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and to any instruments or documents
filed or to be filed as a part of or in connection with such Registration
Statement or amendment or supplement thereto; and each of the undersigned hereby
ratifies and confirms all that said attorneys and agents shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Date: February 5, 1997 /s/Keith A. Tucker
--------------------------
Keith A. Tucker, President
/s/Ronald K. Richey Chairman of the Board February 5, 1997
- -------------------- ----------------
Ronald K. Richey
/s/Keith A. Tucker President and Director February 5, 1997
- -------------------- (Principal Executive ----------------
Keith A. Tucker Officer)
/s/Theodore W. Howard Vice President, Treasurer February 5, 1997
- -------------------- and Principal Accounting ----------------
Theodore W. Howard Officer
/s/Robert L. Hechler Vice President and February 5, 1997
- -------------------- Principal Financial ----------------
Robert L. Hechler Officer
/s/Henry L. Bellmon Director February 5, 1997
- -------------------- ----------------
Henry L. Bellmon
/s/Dodds I. Buchanan Director February 5, 1997
- -------------------- ----------------
Dodds I. Buchanan
/s/Linda Graves Director February 5, 1997
- -------------------- ----------------
Linda Graves
/s/John F. Hayes Director February 5, 1997
- -------------------- ----------------
John F. Hayes
/s/Glendon E. Johnson Director February 5, 1997
- -------------------- ----------------
Glendon E. Johnson
/s/William T. Morgan Director February 5, 1997
- -------------------- ----------------
William T. Morgan
/s/William L. Rogers Director February 5, 1997
- -------------------- ----------------
William L. Rogers
/s/Frank J. Ross, Jr. Director February 5, 1997
- -------------------- ----------------
Frank J. Ross, Jr.
/s/Eleanor Schwartz Director February 5, 1997
- -------------------- ----------------
Eleanor Schwartz
/s/Frederick Vogel III Director February 5, 1997
- -------------------- ----------------
Frederick Vogel III
/s/Paul S. Wise Director February 5, 1997
- -------------------- ----------------
Paul S. Wise
Attest:
/s/Sharon K. Pappas
- --------------------------------
Sharon K. Pappas, Vice President
and Secretary
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. Place of Meeting. All meetings of the stockholders shall be
held at the principal office of the Corporation or at such other place within or
without the State of Maryland as may from time to time be designated by the
Board of Directors and stated in the notice of meeting.
Section 2. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the stockholders of the
Corporation shall be held at such hour as may be determined by the Board of
Directors and as shall be designated in the notice of meeting on such date
within 31 days after the 1st day of June in each year as may be fixed by the
Board of Directors for the purpose of electing directors for the ensuing year
and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before
the meeting. The Corporation shall not be required to hold an annual meeting in
any year in which the election of directors is not required to be acted upon
under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Section 3. Special or Extraordinary Meetings. Special or extraordinary
meetings of the stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called by the
Chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, or by the President or by the Board
of Directors and shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of the request in
writing signed by stockholders holding not less than one fourth in amount of the
entire capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat. Such
request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.
Section 4. Notice of Meetings of Stockholders. Not less than ten days'
and not more than ninety days' written or printed notice of every meeting of
stockholders, stating the time and place thereof (and the general nature of the
business proposed to be transacted at any special or extraordinary meeting),
shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote thereat by leaving the same
with him or at his residence or usual place of business or by mailing it,
postage prepaid and addressed to him at his address as it appears upon the books
of the Corporation.
No notice of the time, place or purpose of any meeting of stockholders need
be given to any stockholder who attends in person or by proxy or to any
stockholder who, in writing executed and filed with the records of the meeting,
either before or after the holding thereof, waives such notice.
Section 5. Record Dates. The Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a
date, not exceeding ninety days and not less than ten days preceding the date of
any meeting of stockholders, and not exceeding ninety days preceding any
dividend payment date or any date for the allotment of rights, as a record date
for the determination of the stockholders entitled to receive such dividends or
rights, as the case may be; and only stockholders of record on such date shall
be entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting or to receive such
dividends or rights, as the case may be.
Section 6. Quorum, Adjournment of Meetings. The presence in person or by
proxy of the holders of record of one-third of the shares of the stock of the
Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, shall
constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders. If at any meeting of
the stockholders there shall be less than a quorum present, the stockholders
present at such meeting may, without further notice, adjourn the same from time
to time until a quorum shall attend, but no business shall be transacted at any
such adjourned meeting except such as might have been lawfully transacted had
the meeting not been adjourned.
Section 7. Voting and Inspectors. At all meetings of stockholders every
stockholder of record entitled to vote thereat shall be entitled to vote at such
meeting either in person or by proxy appointed by instrument in writing
subscribed by such stockholder or his duly authorized attorney. No proxy which
is dated more than three months before the meeting at which it is offered shall
be accepted, unless such proxy shall, on its face, name a longer period for
which it is to remain in force.
All elections shall be had and all questions decided by a majority of the
votes cast at a duly constituted meeting, except as otherwise provided in the
Articles of Incorporation or in these By-Laws or by specific statutory provision
superseding the restrictions and limitations contained in the Articles of
Incorporation or in these By-Laws.
At any election of Directors, the Board of Directors prior thereto may, or,
if they have not so acted, the Chairman of the meeting may, and upon the request
of the holders of ten per cent (10%) of the stock entitled to vote at such
election shall, appoint two inspectors of election who shall first subscribe an
oath or affirmation to execute faithfully the duties of inspectors at such
election with strict impartiality and according to the best of their ability,
and shall after the election make a certificate of the result of the vote taken.
No candidate for the office of Director shall be appointed such Inspector.
The Chairman of the meeting may cause a vote by ballot to be taken upon any
election or matter, and such vote shall be taken upon the request of the holders
of ten per cent (10%) of the stock entitled to vote on such election or matter.
Section 8. Conduct of Stockholders' Meetings. The meetings of the
stockholders shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Directors,
if any, or if he shall not be present, by the President, or if he shall not be
present, by a Vice-President, or if neither the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, the President nor any Vice-President is present, by a chairman to be
elected at the meeting. The Secretary of the Corporation, if present, shall act
as Secretary of such meetings, or if he is not present, an Assistant Secretary
shall so act, if neither the Secretary nor an Assistant Secretary is present,
then the meeting shall elect its secretary.
Section 9. Concerning Validity of Proxies, Ballots, Etc. At every meeting
of the stockholders, all proxies shall be received and taken in charge of and
all ballots shall be received and canvassed by the secretary of the meeting, who
shall decide all questions touching the qualification of voters, the validity of
the proxies, and the acceptance or rejection of votes, unless inspectors of
election shall have been appointed as provided in Section 7, in which event such
inspectors of election shall decide all such questions.
ARTICLE II
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Number and Tenure of Office. The business and property of the
Corporation shall be conducted and managed by a Board of Directors consisting of
that number of Directors named in the Articles of Incorporation, which number
may be increased or decreased as provided in Section 2 of this Article. Each
director shall hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders of the
Corporation next succeeding his election or until his successor is duly elected
and qualifies. Directors need not be stockholders.
Section 2. Increase or Decrease in Number of Directors. The Board of
Directors, by the vote of a majority of the entire Board, may increase the
number of Directors to a number not exceeding twenty, and may elect Directors to
fill the vacancies created by any such increase in the number of Directors until
the next annual meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualify;
the Board of Directors, by the vote of a majority of the entire Board, may
likewise decrease the number of Directors to a number not less than three.
Vacancies occurring other than by reason of any such increase shall be filled as
provided by the Maryland General Corporation Law.
Section 3. Place of Meeting. The Directors may hold their meetings, have
one or more offices, and keep the books of the Corporation outside the State of
Maryland, at any office or offices of the Corporation or at any other place as
they may from time to time by resolution determine, or, in the case of meetings,
as they may from time to time by resolution determine or as shall be specified
or fixed in the respective notices or waivers of notice thereof.
Section 4. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors
shall be held at such time and on such notice, if any, as the Directors may from
time to time determine.
The annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held as soon as
practicable after the annual meeting of the stockholders for the election of
Directors.
Section 5. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors
may be held from time to time upon call of the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, if any, the President or two or more of the Directors, by oral or
telegraphic or written notice duly served on or sent or mailed to each Director
not less than one day before such meeting. No notice need be given to any
Director who attends in person or to any Director who, in writing executed and
filed with the records of the meeting either before or after the holding
thereof, waives such notice. Such notice or waiver of notice need not state the
purpose or purposes of such meeting.
Section 6. Quorum. One-third of the Directors then in office shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, provided that a quorum
shall in no case be less than two Directors. If at any meeting of the Board
there shall be less than a quorum present, a majority of those present may
adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall have been obtained.
The act of the majority of the Directors present at any meeting at which there
is a quorum shall be the act of the Directors, except as may be otherwise
specifically provided by statute, by the Articles of Incorporation or by these
By-Laws.
Section 7. Executive Committee. The Board of Directors may, by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board, elect from the Directors an
Executive Committee to consist of such number of Directors as the Board may from
time to time determine. The Board of Directors by such affirmative vote shall
have power at any time to change the members of such Committee and may fill
vacancies in the Committee by election from the Directors. When the Board of
Directors is not in session, the Executive Committee shall have and may exercise
any or all of the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the
business and affairs of the Corporation (including the power to authorize the
seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it) except
as provided by law and except the power to increase or decrease the size of, or
fill vacancies on the Board. The Executive Committee may fix its own rules of
procedure, and may meet, when and as provided by such rules or by resolution of
the Board of Directors, but in every case the presence of a majority shall be
necessary to constitute a quorum. In the absence of any member of the Executive
Committee the members thereof present at any meeting, whether or not they
constitute a quorum, may appoint a member of the Board of Directors to act in
the place of such absent member.
Section 8. Other Committees. The Board of Directors, by the affirmative
vote of a majority of the entire Board, may appoint other committees which shall
in each case consist of such number of members (not less than two) and shall
have and may exercise such powers as the Board may determine in the resolution
appointing them. A majority of all members of any such committee may determine
its action, and fix the time and place of its meetings, unless the Board of
Directors shall otherwise provide. The Board of Directors shall have power at
any time to change the members and powers of any such committee, to fill
vacancies, and to discharge any such committee.
Section 9. Informal Action by Directors and Committees. Any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or
any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if a written consent to
such action is signed by all members of the Board, or of such committee, as the
case may be.
Section 10. Compensation of Directors. Directors shall be entitled to
receive such compensation from the Corporation for their services as may from
time to time be voted by the Board of Directors.
Section 11. Investment Company Act. No person shall be elected as a
Director of this Corporation if as a result thereof the Corporation would be in
violation of Section 10 of the Investment Company Act of 1940; nor shall any
action be taken pursuant to Section 9 of this ARTICLE if such action is required
to be taken under Section 15 of said Act by vote cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose.
Section 12. Power to Declare Dividends and/or Distributions. The Board of
Directors, from time to time as it may deem advisable, may declare and pay
dividends and/or distributions in shares of the Fund, cash or other property of
the Corporation, as determined by resolution of the Board of Directors out of
any source available for dividends and/or distributions, to the stockholders
according to their respective rights and interests in accordance with the
provisions of the Articles of Incorporation.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
Section 1. Executive Officers. The executive officers of the Corporation
shall be chosen by the Board of Directors as soon as may be practicable after
the annual meeting of the stockholders. These may include a Chairman of the
Board of Directors, and shall include a President, one or more Vice-Presidents
(the number thereof to be determined by the Board of Directors), a Secretary and
a Treasurer. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, and the President
shall be selected from among the Directors. The Board of Directors may also in
its discretion appoint Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers, and other
officers, agents and employees, who shall have such authority and perform such
duties as the Board or the Executive Committee may determine. The Board of
Directors may fill any vacancy which may occur in any office. Any two offices,
except those of President and Vice-President, may be held by the same person,
but no officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than
one capacity, if such instrument is required by law or these By-Laws to be
executed, acknowledged or verified by two or more officers.
Section 2. Term of Office. The term of office of all officers shall be
one year and until their respective successors are chosen and qualify; however,
any officer may be removed from office at any time with or without cause by the
vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.
Section 3. Powers and Duties. The officers of the Corporation shall have
such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, as well
as such powers and duties as may from time to time be conferred by the Board of
Directors or the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL STOCK
Section 1. Certificates of Shares. Each stockholder of the Corporation
shall be entitled to a certificate or certificates for the full shares of the
class of stock of the Corporation owned by them in such form as the Board of
Directors may from time to time prescribe.
Section 2. Transfer of Shares. Shares of the Corporation shall be
transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder thereof in person or
by his duly authorized attorney or legal representative, upon surrender and
cancellation of certificates, if any, for the same number of shares, duly
endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of assignment and transfer, with
such proof of the authenticity of the signature as the Corporation or its agents
may reasonably require, in the case of shares not represented by certificates,
the same or similar requirements may be imposed by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Stock Ledgers. The stock ledgers of the Corporation,
containing the name and address of the stockholders and the number of shares
held by them respectively, shall be kept at the principal offices of the
Corporation or, if the Corporation employs a transfer agent, at the offices of
the transfer agent of the Corporation.
Section 4. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. The Board of Directors
may determine the conditions upon which a new certificate of stock of the
Corporation of any class may be issued in place of a certificate which is
alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed; and may, in their discretion,
require the owner of such certificate or his legal representative to give bond,
with sufficient surety to the Corporation and the transfer agent, if any, to
indemnify it and such transfer agent against any and all loss or claims which
may arise by reason of the issue of a new certificate in the place of the one so
lost, stolen or destroyed.
ARTICLE V
CORPORATE SEAL
The Board of Directors shall provide a suitable corporate seal, in such
form and bearing such inscriptions as it may determine.
ARTICLE VI
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of
Directors.
ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS
The By-Laws of the Corporation may be altered, amended, added to or
repealed by the stockholders or by majority vote of the entire Board of
Directors, but any such alteration, amendment, addition or repeal of the By-Laws
by action of the Board of Directors may be altered or repealed by the
stockholders.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made as of the 1ST day of November, 1992, by and between
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC., and Waddell & Reed Services Company (the
"Agent"), as amended and restated as of April 1, 1996,
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, The Company wishes, as applicable, to appoint the Agent or to
continue the appointment of the Agent to be its shareholder servicing agent
upon, and subject to, the terms and provisions of this Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this
Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
1. Appointment of Agent as Shareholder Servicing Agent for the Company;
Acceptance.
(1) The Company hereby appoints the Agent to act as Shareholder
Servicing Agent for the Company upon, and subject to, the terms and provisions
of this Agreement.
(2) The Agent hereby accepts the appointment as Shareholder Servicing
Agent for the Company and agrees to act as such upon, and subject to, the terms
and provisions of this Agreement.
(3) The Agent may appoint an entity or entities approved by the
Company in writing to perform any portion of Agent's duties hereunder (the
"Subagent").
2. Definitions.
(1) In this Agreement -
(a) The term the "Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940
as amended from time to time;
(b) The term "account" means the shares of the Company
registered on the books of the Company in the name of a shareholder under a
particular account registration number and includes shares subject to
instructions by the shareholder with respect to periodic redemptions and/or
reinvestment in additional shares of any dividends payable on said shares;
(c) The term "affiliate" of a person shall mean a person
controlling, controlled by, or under common control with that person;
(d) The term "Class" shall mean each separate sub-class of a
class of shares of the Company, as may now or in the future exist;
(e) The term "Fund" shall mean each separate class of shares of
the Company, as may now or in the future exist;
(f) The term "officers' instruction" means an instruction given
on behalf of the Company to the Agent and signed on behalf of the Company by any
one or more persons authorized to do so by the Company's Board of Directors;
(g) The term "prospectus" means the prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information of the applicable Fund or Class from time to time in
effect;
(h) The term "shares" means shares including fractional shares
of capital stock of the Company, whether or not such shares are evidenced by an
outstanding stock certificate issued by the Company;
(i) The term "shareholder" shall mean the owner of record of
shares of the Company;
(j) The term "stock certificate" means a certificate
representing shares in the form then currently in use by the Company.
3. Duties of the Agent.
The Agent shall perform such duties as shall be set forth in this
paragraph 3 and in accordance with the practice stated in Exhibit A of this
Agreement or any amendment thereof, any or all of which duties may be delegated
to or performed by one or more Subagents pursuant to Paragraph (3) above.
(1) Transfers.
Subject to the provisions of this Agreement the Agent hereby
agrees to perform the following functions as transfer agent for the Company:
(a) Recording the ownership, transfer, exchange and cancellation
of ownership of shares of the Company on the books of the Company;
(b) Causing the issuance, transfer, exchange and cancellation of
stock certificates;
(c) Establishing and maintaining records of accounts;
(d) Computing and causing to be prepared and mailed or otherwise
delivered to shareholders payment checks and notices of reinvestment in
additional shares of dividends, stock dividends or stock splits declared by the
Company on shares and of redemption proceeds due by the Company on redemption of
shares;
(e) Furnishing to shareholders such information as may be
reasonably required by the Company, including appropriate income tax
information;
(f) Addressing and mailing to shareholders prospectuses, annual
and semi-annual reports and proxy materials for shareholder meetings prepared by
or on behalf of the Company;
(g) Replacing allegedly lost, stolen or destroyed stock
certificates in accordance with and subject to procedures and conditions agreed
upon and set out in officers' instructions;
(h) Maintaining such books and records relating to transactions
effected by the Agent pursuant to this Agreement as are required by the Act, or
by rules or regulations thereunder, or by any other applicable provisions of
law, to be maintained by the Company or its transfer agent with respect to such
transactions; preserving, or causing to be preserved, any such books and records
for such periods as may be required by any such law, rule or regulation;
furnishing the Company such information as to such transactions and at such time
as may be reasonably required by it to comply with applicable laws and
regulations;
(i) Providing such services and carrying out such
responsibilities on behalf of the Company, or imposed on the Agent as the
Company's transfer agent, not otherwise expressly provided for in this Paragraph
3, as may be required by or be reasonably necessary to comply with any statute,
act, governmental rule, regulation or directive or court order, including,
without limitation, the requirements imposed by the Tax Equity and Fiscal
Responsibility Act of 1982 and the Income and Dividend Tax Compliance Act of
1983 relating to the withholding of tax from distributions to shareholders.
(2) Correspondence.
The Agent agrees to deal with and answer all correspondence from
or on behalf of shareholders relating to its functions under this Agreement.
4. Compensation of the Agent.
The Company agrees to pay the Agent for its services under this
Agreement in accordance with the schedule as then in effect set forth in Exhibit
B of this Agreement or any amendment thereof. In addition, the Company agrees
to reimburse the Agent for the following "out-of-pocket" expenses of the Agent
within five days after receipt of an itemized statement of such expenses, to the
extent that payment of such expenses has not been or is not to be made directly
by the Company: (i) costs of stationery, appropriate forms, envelopes, checks,
postage, printing (except cost of printing prospectuses, annual and semi-annual
reports and proxy materials) and mailing charges, including returned mail and
proxies, incurred by the Agent with respect to materials and communications sent
to shareholders in carrying out its duties to the Company under this Agreement;
(ii) long distance telephone costs incurred by the Agent for telephone
communications and microfilm and storage costs for transfer agency records and
documents; (iii) costs of all ancillary and supporting services and related
expenses (other than insurance premiums) reasonably required by and provided to
the Agent, other than by its employees or employees of an affiliate, with
respect to functions of the Company being performed by it in its capacity as
Agent hereunder, including legal advice and representation in litigation to the
extent that such payments are permitted under Paragraph 7 of this Agreement and
charges to Agent made by any Subagent; (iv) costs for special reports or
information furnished on request pursuant to this Agreement and not specifically
required by the Agent by Paragraph 3 of this Agreement; and (v) reasonable costs
and expenses incurred by the Agent in connection with the duties of the Agent
described in Paragraph (3)(1)(i). In addition, the Company agrees to promptly
pay over to the Agent any fees or payment of charges it may receive from a
shareholder for services furnished to the shareholder by the Agent.
Services and operations incident to the sale and distribution of the
Company's shares, including sales communications, confirmations of investments
(not including reinvestment of dividends) and the clearing or collection of
payments will not be for the account or at the expense of the Company under this
Agreement.
5. Right of Company to Inspect Records, etc.
The Company will have the right under this Agreement to perform on
site inspection of records and accounts and to perform audits directly
pertaining to the Company shareholder accounts serviced by the Agent hereunder
at the Agent's or any Subagent's facilities in accordance with reasonable
procedures at the frequency necessary to assure proper administration of the
Agreement. The Agent will cooperate with the Company's auditors or
representatives of appropriate regulatory agencies and furnish all reasonably
requested records and data.
6. Insurance.
The Agent now has the insurance coverage described in Exhibit C,
attached hereto, and the Agent will not take any action to eliminate or decrease
such coverage during the term of this Agreement without receiving the approval
of the Fund in advance of any change, except the Agent, after giving reasonable
notice to the Company, may eliminate or decrease any coverage if the premiums
for such coverage are substantially increased.
7. Standard of Care; Indemnification.
The Agent will at all times exercise due diligence and good faith in
performing its duties hereunder. The Agent will make every reasonable effort
and take all reasonably available measures to assure the adequacy of its
personnel and facilities as well as the accurate performance of all services to
be performed by it hereunder within, at a minimum, the time requirements of any
applicable statutes, rules or regulations or as set forth in the prospectus.
The Agent shall not be responsible for, and the Company agrees to
indemnify the Agent for any losses, damages or expenses (including reasonable
counsel fees and expenses) (i) resulting from any claim, demand, action or suit
not resulting from the Agent's failure to exercise good faith or due diligence
and arising out of or in connection with the Agent's duties on behalf of the
Company hereunder; (ii) for any delay, error or omission by reason of
circumstances beyond its control, including acts of civil or military authority,
national emergencies, labor difficulties (except with respect to the Agent's
employees), fire, mechanical breakdown beyond its control, flood or catastrophe,
acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or failure beyond its control of
transportation, communication or power supply; or (iii) for any action taken or
omitted to be taken by the Agent in good faith in reliance on (a) the
authenticity of any instrument or communication reasonably believed by it to be
genuine and to have been properly made and signed or endorsed by an appropriate
person, (b) the accuracy of any records or information provided to it by the
Company, (c) any authorization or instruction contained in any officers'
instruction, or (d) with respect to the functions performed for the Company
listed under Paragraph 3(1) of this Agreement, any advice of counsel approved by
the Company who may be internally employed counsel or outside counsel, in either
case for the Company and/or the Agent.
In order for the rights to indemnification to apply, it is understood
that if in any case the Company may be asked to indemnify or hold the Agent
harmless, the Company shall be advised of all pertinent facts concerning the
situation in question, and it is further understood that the Agent will use
reasonable care to identify and notify the Company promptly concerning any
situation which presents or appears likely to present a claim for
indemnification against the Company. The Company shall have the option to
defend the Agent against any claim which may be the subject of this
indemnification and, in the event that the Company so elects, it will so notify
the Agent and thereupon the Company shall take over complete defense of the
claim and the Agent shall sustain no further legal or other expenses in such
situation for which the Agent shall seek indemnification under this paragraph.
The Agent will in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case
in which the Company will be asked to indemnify the Agent except with the
Company's prior written consent.
8. Term of the Agreement; Taking Effect; Amendments.
This Agreement shall become effective at the start of business on the
date hereof and shall continue, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, for a
period of one year and from year to year thereafter, provided that such
continuance shall be specifically approved as provided below.
This Agreement shall go into effect, or may be continued, or may be
amended or a new agreement between the Company and the Agent covering the
substance of this Agreement may be entered into only if the terms of this
Agreement, such continuance, the terms of such amendment or the terms of such
new agreement have been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company,
including the vote of a majority of the directors who are not "interested
persons," as defined in the Act, of either party to this Agreement or of Waddell
& Reed Investment Management Company, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval. Such a vote is hereinafter referred to as a
"disinterested director vote."
Any disinterested director vote shall include a determination that (i)
the Agreement, amendment, new agreement or continuance in question is in the
best interests of the Company and its shareholders; (ii) the services to be
performed under the Agreement, the Agreement as amended, new agreement or
agreement to be continued, are services required for the operation of the
Company; (iii) the Agent can provide services the nature and quality of which
are at least equal to those provided by others offering the same or similar
services; and (iv) the fees for such services are fair and reasonable in the
light of the usual and customary charges made by others for services of the same
nature and quality.
9. Termination.
(1) This Agreement may be terminated by the Agent at any time without
penalty upon giving the Company 120 days' written notice (which notice may be
waived by the Company) and may be terminated by the Company at any time without
penalty upon giving the Agent sixty (60) days' written notice (which notice may
be waived by the Agent), provided that such termination by the Company shall be
directed or approved by the vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of the
Company in office at the time or by the vote of the holders of a majority (as
defined in or under the Act) of the outstanding shares of the Company.
(2) On termination, the Agent will deliver to the Company or its
designee all files, documents and records of the Company used, kept or
maintained by the Agent in the performance of its services hereunder, including
such of the Company's records in machine readable form as may be maintained by
the Agent, as well as such summary and/or control data relating thereto used by
or available to the Agent.
(3) In the event of any termination which involves the appointment of
a new shareholder servicing agent, including the Company's acting as such on its
own behalf, the Company shall have the non-exclusive right to the use of the
data processing programs used by the Agent in connection with the performance of
its duties under this Agreement without charge.
(4) In addition, on such termination or in preparation therefore, at
the request of the Company and at the Company's expense the Agent shall provide
to the extent that its capabilities then permit such documentation, personnel
and equipment as may be reasonably necessary in order for a new agent or the
Company to fully assume and commence to perform the agency functions described
in this Agreement with a minimum disruption to the Company's activities.
10. Construction; Governing Law.
The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall
not be deemed to constitute a part hereof. Whenever the context requires, words
denoting singular shall be read to include the plural. This Agreement and the
rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall be construed and
interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Kansas, except to the
extent that the laws of the State of Maryland apply with respect to share
transactions.
11. Representations and Warranties of Agent.
Agent represents and warrants that it is a corporation duly organized
and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Missouri, that
it is duly qualified to carry on its business in the State of Kansas and
wherever its duties require, that it has the power and authority under laws and
by its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to enter into this Shareholder
Servicing Agreement and to perform the services contemplated by this Agreement.
12. Entire Agreement.
This Agreement and the Exhibits annexed hereto constitutes the entire
and complete agreement between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter
hereof, supersedes and merges all prior discussions between the parties hereto,
and may not be modified or amended orally.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereto caused this Agreement to
be duly executed on the day and year first above written.
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
By:_________________________________
Sharon K. Pappas, Vice President
ATTEST:
By:____________________________
Sheryl Strauss, Assistant Secretary
WADDELL & REED SERVICES COMPANY
By:__________________________________
Robert L. Hechler, President
ATTEST:
By:___________________________
Sharon K. Pappas, Secretary
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
A. DUTIES IN SHARE TRANSFERS AND REGISTRATION
1. The Agent in carrying out its duties shall follow general commercial
practices and the Rules of the Stock Transfer Association, Inc. except as they
may conflict or be inconsistent with the specific provisions of the Company's
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, prospectus, applicable Federal and state
laws and regulations and this Agreement.
2. The Agent shall not require that the signature of the appropriate
person be guaranteed, witnessed or verified in order to effect a redemption,
transfer, exchange or change of address except as may from time to time be
directed by the Company as set forth in an officers' instruction. In the event
a signature guarantee is required by the Company, the Agent shall not inquire as
to the genuineness of the guarantee.
3. The Agent shall not replace a lost, stolen or misplaced stock
certificate without requiring and being furnished with an open penalty surety
bond protecting the Company and the Agent against loss.
B. The practices, procedures and requirements specified in A above may be
modified, altered, varied or supplemented as from time to time may be mutually
agreed upon by the Company and the Agent and evidenced on behalf of the Company
by an officers' instruction. Any such change shall not be deemed to be an
amendment to the Agreement within the meaning of Paragraph 8 of the Agreement.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
COMPENSATION
Class A Shares
An amount payable on the first day of each month of $1.3125 for each account of
the Company which was in existence during any portion of the immediately
preceding month and, in addition, to pay to the Agent the sum of $0.30 for each
account for which, during such month, a record date was established for payment
of a dividend, in cash or otherwise (which term includes a distribution),
irrespective of whether such dividend was payable in that month or later or was
payable directly or was to be reinvested.
Class Y Shares
An amount payable on the first day of each month equal to 1/12 of .15 of 1% of
the average daily net assets of the Class for the preceding month.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C
Bond or
Name of Bond Policy No. Insurer
Investment Company 87015196B ICI Mutual
Blanket Bond Form Insurance
Company
Fidelity $18,500,000
Audit Expense 500,000
On Premises 18,500,000
In Transit 18,500,000
Forgery or Alteration 18,500,000
Securities 18,500,000
Counterfeit Currency 18,500,000
Uncollectible Items of Deposit 25,000
Total Limit 18,500,000
Directors and Officers/ 87015196D ICI Mutual
Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance
Insurance Form Company
Total Limit $ 5,000,000
Blanket Lost Instrument Bond 30S100639551 Aetna Life
& Casualty
Blanket Undertaking Lost Instrument
and Waiver of Probate 42SUN339806 Hartford
Casualty
Insurance
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S CONSENT
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.:
We consent to the use in Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to Registration
Statement #2-96520 of our report dated February 7, 1997 appearing in the
Statement of Additional Information, which is a part of such Registration
Statement, and to the reference to us under the caption "Financial Highlights"
appearing in the Prospectuses, which also are a part of such Registration
Statement.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
March 26, 1997
EX-99.B11-ggpwcon
Consent of Independent Accountants
We hereby consent to the use in the Statement of Additional Information
constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the registration
statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") of our report dated
February 8, 1996, relating to the statement of changes in net assets for the
year ended December 31, 1995 and the financial highlights for each of the nine
years in the period ended December 31, 1995 of United Gold & Government Fund,
Inc., which appears in such Statement of Additional Information, and to the
incorporation by reference of our report into the Class A Shares Prospectus and
the Class Y Shares Prospectus which constitutes part of this Registration
Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Financial
Highlights" in the Class A Shares Prospectus and the Class Y Shares Prospectus.
Price Waterhouse LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
March 26, 1997
EX-99.B11-ggpwopin
Report of Independent Accountants
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of changes in net assets and the
financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the changes in
the net assets and financial highlights of the United Gold & Government Fund,
Inc. (the "Fund") for the year ended December 31, 1995 and for each of the nine
years in the period ended December 31, 1995, respectively, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. This statement of changes in net
assets and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial
statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management; our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits, which included confirmation of securities at December 31, 1995 by
correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for
the opinion expressed above. We have not audited the financial statements of
the United Gold & Governments Fund, Inc. for the twelve-month period ended
December 31, 1996.
Price Waterhouse LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
February 8, 1996
UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
The formula used to calculate the total return is:
n
P(1 + T) = ERV
Where : P = $1,000 initial payment
T = Average annual total return
n = Number of years
ERV = Ending redeemable value of the $1,000 investment for the
periods shown.
For the period from February 27, 1997 to
December 31, 1996:
P = $1,000
n = 0.844
ERV = $981.24
T = -2.22%
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT TO
SHAREHOLDERS DATED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000764842
<NAME> UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 29,070,997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 31,332,849
<RECEIVABLES> 123,446
<ASSETS-OTHER> 9,757
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 4,094
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 31,470,146
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 143,303
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 143,303
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 3,455,618
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 38,110,332
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 3,455,618
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 4,553
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (12,505,512)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 2,261,852
<NET-ASSETS> 31,326,843
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 116,072
<INTEREST-INCOME> 726,731
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (619,986)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 222,817
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,319,497
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (114,099)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 1,428,215
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (211,614)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,382,220
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1,691,736)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 22,840
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (1,405,785)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 420
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 238,896
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 619,986
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 33,755,331
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 8.75
<PER-SHARE-NII> .06
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .32
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.06)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 9.07
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.84
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
March 26, 1997
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
450 Fifth Street, N. W.
Judiciary Plaza
Washington, DC. 20549
Re: United Gold & Government Fund, Inc.
Post-Effective Amendment No. 19
Dear Sir or Madam:
In connection with the filing of the above-referenced Post-Effective Amendment,
I hereby represent that the Amendment does not contain disclosures which would
render it ineligible to become effective pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.
Yours truly,
Sharon K. Pappas
General Counsel
SKP:fr
