GLOBAL EQUITY FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND
IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
June 1, 1997
[LOGO]
MUTUAL FUNDS
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI Developing Countries Fund, IAI International Fund
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
FUND EXPENSE INFORMATION.....................................................3
FUND DIRECTORS...............................................................3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS.........................................................4
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES............................................6
OTHER FUND INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES.............................................10
FUND RISK FACTORS............................................................15
MANAGEMENT...................................................................20
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE.......................................................21
COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND PRICING...................................22
PURCHASE OF SHARES...........................................................23
RETIREMENT PLANS.............................................................24
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN....................................................25
REDEMPTION OF SHARES.........................................................25
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE...........................................................26
AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE PLAN......................................................27
AUTHORIZED TELEPHONE TRADING.................................................27
SYSTEMATIC CASH WITHDRAWAL PLAN..............................................28
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX STATUS......................................28
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK..................................................30
COUNSEL AND AUDITORS.........................................................30
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT......................31
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.......................................................31
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI Developing Countries Fund, IAI International Fund
PROSPECTUS DATED JUNE 1, 1997
IAI Developing Countries Fund ("Developing Countries Fund") and IAI
International Fund ("International Fund") are separate portfolios of IAI
Investment Funds III, Inc., an open-end diversified management investment
company authorized to issue its shares of common stock in more than one series.
Developing Countries Fund seeks to achieve its objective of long-term capital
appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities of companies domiciled
or otherwise having substantial operations in developing countries. There can be
no assurance that Developing Countries Fund's investment objective will be
achieved.
International Fund's primary objective is capital appreciation, with current
income (principally from dividends) being the secondary objective. International
Fund will endeavor to achieve its objectives by investing, under normal
circumstances, at least 95% of its portfolio in equity and equity-related
securities of non-United States issuers.
Investing in Developing Countries Fund or International Fund involves
significant risks and considerations not normally associated with a fund which
invests primarily in securities of U.S. issuers and may be considered
speculative. Shares of either Developing Countries Fund or International Fund
are not designed to be a complete investment program. See "Fund Risk Factors" on
page 13.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information which a prospective
investor should know about each Fund before investing and it should be retained
for future reference. A "Statement of Additional Information" dated June 1, 1997
which provides a further discussion of certain areas in this Prospectus and
other matters which may be of interest to some investors, has been filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference.
For a free copy, call or write the Funds at the address or telephone number
shown on the inside back cover of this Prospectus.
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.
- -2-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI Developing Countries Fund, IAI International Fund
FUND EXPENSE INFORMATION
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
- --------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Developing Countries International
Fund Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales Load Imposed on Purchases............... None None
Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends.... None None
Redemption Fees*.............................. None None
Exchange Fees................................. None None
- ----------------------------------------
<FN>
* Each Fund charges a $10.00 fee for the payment of redemption proceeds by wire.
</FN>
</TABLE>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Developing Countries International
Fund Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee.............................. 2.00% 1.65%
Rule 12b-1 Distribution Fee................. None None
Other Expenses.............................. None None
-------------------------------------------
Total Fund Operating Expenses 2.00% 1.65%
___________________________________________
</TABLE>
Example:
Based upon the levels of Total Fund Operating Expenses listed above, you would
pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a five percent
annual return and redemption at the end of each period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
------ ------- ------- --------
Developing Countries Fund $20 $63 $108 $233
International Fund $17 $52 $ 90 $195
</TABLE>
The purpose of the above table is to assist you in understanding the various
costs and expenses that an investor in the Funds will bear directly or
indirectly. Because of a change in each Fund's fee structure during the last
fiscal year, the information in the table has been restated to reflect each
Fund's current fees. The information with respect to International Fund reflects
a fee break based on the Fund's size. The example should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or
less than those shown.
FUND DIRECTORS
Madeline Betsch Noel P. Rahn
W. William Hodgson J. Peter Thompson
George R. Long Charles H. Withers
-3-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following information has been audited by KMPG Peat Marwick LLP, independent
auditors, whose report is included in each Fund's Annual Report. The financial
statements in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference in (and are a part
of) the Statement of Additional Information. Such Annual Report may be obtained
by shareholders on request from a Fund at no charge.
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Period from
2/10/95***
Year Ended to
1/31/97 1/31/96
------- -------
Net asset value
Beginning of period $10.56 $10.00
------------------ ------------------
Operations
Net investment income .05 --
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) .46 .83
------------------ ------------------
Total from operations .51 .83
------------------ ------------------
Distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income (.06) --
Net realized gains (.63) (.27)
----------------- -----------------
Total distributions (.69) (.27)
------------------ ------------------
Net asset value
End of period $10.38 $10.56
================== ==================
Total investment return * 5.22% 8.53%
Net assets at end of period (000's omitted) $11,982 $7,357
Ratios
Expenses to average daily net assets** 2.00% 2.15%+
Expenses to average daily net assets
(net of expenses paid indirectly)** 2.00% 2.00%+
Net investment income to average net assets** 0.52% 0.04%+
Average brokerage commission rate**** $0.0057 N/A
Portfolio turnover rate 61.0% 41.9%
(excluding short-term securities)
- ----------------------------------------
<FN>
* Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a
share during the period and assumes reinvestment of all distributions at net
asset value.
** The Fund's adviser voluntarily waived $17,765 and $45,293 in expenses
for the year ended January 31, 1997 and the period ended January 31, 1996,
respectively. If the Fund had been charged these expenses, the ratio of expenses
to average daily net assets would have been 2.17% and 3.42%, respectively, and
the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets would have
been 0.35% and (1.23%), respectively. For the fiscal year ended January 31,
1996, the ratio of expenses to average daily net assets includes expenses paid
indirectly by the Fund.
*** Commencement of operations.
**** Beginning in fiscal 1997, the Fund is required to disclose an average
brokerage commission rate. The comparability of rates between domestic and
foreign equities may be affected by the fact that commission rates per share can
vary significantly among foreign countries.
+ Annualized
</FN>
</TABLE>
- -4-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
INTERNATIONAL FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Period from
April 1, 1994
Years Ended to
January 31, January 31,
Years ended March 31,
--------- ---------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
1997 1996 1995(2) 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988(1)
--------- --------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ -------
Net asset value
Beginning of period $13.24 $12.06 $13.45 $11.22 $11.02 $10.75 $10.70 $10.99 $9.82 $10.02
------------ ---------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ------- ------ -------
Operations:
Net investment income
(loss) .24 .19 .11 .06 .06 .15 .30 .11 .12 (.01)
Net realized and
unrealized gains
(losses) .08 2.17 (.62) 2.56 .60 .67 (.11) .52 1.15 (.19)
------------ ---------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- -------
Total from operations 1.32 2.36 (.51) 2.62 .66 .82 .19 .63 1.27 (.20)
------------ ---------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- -------
Distributions to
shareholders from:
Net investment income (.28) (.16) -- (.34) (.04) (.22) - (.13) (.10) --
Net realized gains (1.17) (1.02) (.88) (.05) (.42) (.33) (.14) (.79) -- --
------------ ---------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- -------
Total distributions (1.45) (1.18) (.88) (.39) (.46) (.55) (.14) (.92) (.10) --
------------ ---------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- -------
Net asset value
End of period $12.11 $13.24 $12.06 $13.45 $11.22 $11.02 $10.75 $10.70 $10.99 $9.82
============ ========== ========== ======== ======== ======== ========= ======== ======== ========
Total investment return* 2.39% 20.15% (4.14%) 23.85% 6.18% 8.10% 1.87% 5.59% 12.99% (1.80%)
Net assets at end of period
(000's omitted) $116,191 $151,663 $136,474 $134,796 $59,248 $36,239 $34,421 $29,872 $16,374 $11,883
Ratios
Expenses to average net
assets**
1.65% 1.66% 1.72%+ 1.74% 1.91% 2.00% 1.73% 1.88% 2.10% 2.10%+
Expenses to average
net assets 1.65%** 1.66% N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
(net of expenses paid
indirectly)
Net investment income
(loss) to average net
assets** 1.56% 1.12% 1.04%+ 0.87% 1.42% 1.39% 2.79% 1.01% 1.20% (.20%)+
Average brokerage
commission rate*** $0.0157 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Portfolio turnover rate
(excluding short-term
securities) 32.1% 39.2% 27.6% 50.9% 28.6% 35.1% 41.3% 32.9% 71.0% 53.0%
- --------------------------
<FN>
* Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a
share during the period and assumes reinvestment of all distributions at net
asset value.
** For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1996, the ratio of expenses to
average net assets includes expenses paid indirectly by the Fund.
*** Beginning in fiscal 1997, the Fund is required to disclose an average
brokerage commission rate. The comparability of rates between domestic and
foreign equities may be affected by the fact that commission rate per share can
vary significantly among foreign countries.
+ Annualized
(1) Period from April 23, 1987 (commencement of operations) to March 31,
1988.
(2) Reflects fiscal year-end change from March 31 to January 31.
</FN>
</TABLE>
-5-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
AND POLICIES
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
FUND
The investment objective of Developing Countries Fund is to provide long-term
capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing
primarily in equity securities of companies domiciled or otherwise having
substantial operations in developing countries. Such objective may not be
changed without shareholder approval. There can be no assurance that Developing
Countries Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Under normal conditions, at least 65% of Developing Countries Fund's total
assets will be invested in securities of companies domiciled or otherwise having
substantial operations in developing countries. Developing countries include
those generally considered to be developing or emerging by the World Bank or the
International Finance Corporation, as well as countries that are classified by
the United Nations or otherwise regarded by their authorities as developing.
Countries presently not considered developing are: Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom
and the United States. Developing Countries Fund may also invest in securities
of companies that derive 50% or more of their total revenue from either goods or
services produced in developing countries or sales made in such developing
countries and companies that maintain 50% or more of their assets in developing
countries. Determinations as to eligibility will be based on publicly available
information and inquiries made to the companies.
Developing Countries Fund will not necessarily seek to diversify investments on
a geographic basis or on the basis of the level of economic development of any
particular country. Developing Countries Fund focuses on equity securities,
however, it may also invest in other types of instruments including debt
securities. Developing Countries Fund has established no minimum rating criteria
for the debt securities in which it may invest, and such securities may not be
rated at all for creditworthiness. Securities rated in the medium to lower
rating categories of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and
unrated securities of comparable quality are predominantly speculative with
respect to the capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with
the terms of the security and generally involve a greater volatility of price
than securities in higher rating categories. Such securities are commonly
referred to as junk bonds. Developing Countries Fund does not currently intend
to invest more than 5% of its net assets in junk bonds. See "Investment
Objective and Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information for
additional information regarding ratings of debt securities. In purchasing such
securities, the Fund will rely on IAI's judgment, analysis and experience in
evaluating the creditworthiness of an issuer of such securities. IAI will take
into consideration, among other things, the issuer's financial resources, its
sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, its operating history, the
quality of
- -6-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
the issuer's management and regulatory matters. The Fund does not intend to
purchase debt securities that are in default or which IAI believes will be in
default.
Developing Countries Fund can use various techniques to increase or decrease its
exposure to changing security prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates,
commodity prices, or other factors that affect security values. These techniques
include buying and selling options and futures contracts, entering into currency
exchange contracts or swap agreements, purchasing indexed securities, and
selling securities short. Further information regarding such techniques is
contained in the Statement of Additional Information.
INTERNATIONAL FUND
The primary investment objective of International Fund is capital appreciation
with current income (principally from dividends) being a secondary objective.
International Fund pursues its objectives by investing, under normal
circumstances, at least 95% of the value of its net assets in equity and
equity-related securities of non-United States issuers. Such objectives may not
be changed without shareholder approval. There can be no assurance that
International Fund will achieve its investment objectives.
International Fund invests primarily in equity securities which have the
potential for above-average capital appreciation. Equity securities in which
International Fund will invest include, but are not limited to, common stocks,
securities convertible into common stock, preferred stock, partnership interests
and other equity participations. From time to time, International Fund may also
invest up to 20% of its net asets in the securities of companies with market
capitalizations less than $1 billion.
When the anticipated total return from debt securities significantly exceeds the
anticipated total return from foreign equity securities, up to 50% of
International Fund's portfolio may be comprised of cash, cash equivalents, bonds
and other debt securities of both United States and foreign issuers including:
(a) Bonds and other fixed income securities of United States issuers which
are rated within the four highest grades ("investment grade") by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P").
(b) Corporate notes, bonds and other debt securities (such as Eurocurrency
instruments) of non-United States issuers judged by IAI as being equivalent in
repayment security to investment grade domestic obligations, provided that no
more than 35% of International Fund's portfolio will be invested in foreign
corporate debt securities with maturities of greater than one year at the time
of investment.
(c) United States dollars or securities with maturities of one year or less
of, or guaranteed by, the United States Government, its agencies and
instrumentalities.
-7-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
(d) Foreign currencies or securities of, or guaranteed by, foreign
governments or the agencies or instrumentalities of foreign governments, or
securities issued by supranational agencies (such as the World Bank) that are
equivalent in repayment security to investment grade domestic obligations,
provided that not more than 35% of International Fund's portfolio will be
invested in foreign government obligations having a maturity of greater than one
year from the date of investment.
(e) Short-term debt instruments of domestic and foreign issuers such as
commercial paper, bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, and
repurchase agreements for such securities (provided that International Fund will
not invest in foreign repurchase agreements and provided further that the Fund
may not invest more than 10% of its total assets in domestic repurchase
agreements and may invest in such repurchase agreements for defensive purposes
only). The commercial paper purchased by the Fund will consist only of (i)
obligations rated either Prime-2 or better by Moody's or A-2 or better by S&P,
or (ii) unrated or foreign obligations issued by companies considered by IAI to
offer equivalent repayment security.
International Fund is not required to maintain any particular geographical or
currency mix of its investments. Therefore, at any particular time,
International Fund's investment portfolio may be substantially or primarily
invested in securities of one or more selected markets where it appears that the
available return from investments in such markets will equal or exceed the
return available from investments in securities of other markets. Under normal
circumstances, however, International Fund currently intends to invest a
significant portion of its assets in countries that generally are representative
of the market capitalization of the securities of the countries comprising the
Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australia, Far East ("EAFE") Index,
an unmanaged index of foreign common stocks. The following table sets forth the
approximate weighting of the EAFE Index based upon relative market
capitalizations of securities in countries comprising the EAFE Index as of
January 31, 1997, as well as the composition of International Fund's portfolio
as of the same date:
- -8-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
IAI International Fund EAFE Index
---------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------
AFRICA
South Africa 1% 0%
EUROPE
Belgium 3 1
Denmark -- 1
France 12 7
Germany 5 8
Ireland 1 1
Italy -- 3
Netherlands 7 5
Spain 3 2
Turkey 1 0
United Kingdom 16 19
FAR EAST
Australia 6 3
Hong Kong 6 4
Indonesia 1 0
Israel 1 0
Japan 20 30
Malaysia 2 3
New Zealand 3 1
Singapore -- 1
South Korea 1 0
Taiwan 1 0
Thailand 1 0
LATIN AMERICA
Argentina -- 0
Brazil 1 0
Chile 1 0
Mexico 2 0
OTHER COUNTRIES -- 11
CASH 5
----------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------
TOTAL 100% 100%
----------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------
</TABLE>
In making the allocation of assets among the various markets throughout the
world, International Fund considers such factors as prospects for relative
economic growth between foreign countries, expected levels of inflation and
interest rates, government policies influencing business conditions, the range
of individual investment opportunities available to international investors, and
other pertinent financial, tax, social, political and national factors, all in
relation to the prevailing prices of securities in each country or region.
Nearly all foreign securities in which International Fund will invest will be
issued by foreign corporations or traded on foreign stock exchanges.
International Fund may from time to time invest more than 50% of its total
assets in Japan, although not less than four different foreign economies will,
under normal circumstances, at any time be represented in International Fund's
portfolio. Other economies in which management anticipates that International
Fund may from time to time concentrate more than 25% of its total assets include
the United Kingdom and Germany.
As discussed above, International Fund may from time to time concentrate more
than 25% of its total assets in the economy of Japan. The following section
includes a general discussion of the economy of Japan. Although the Fund may
concentrate more than 25% of its assets in the United Kingdom and German
economies, it does not expect to do so in the upcoming fiscal year. A discussion
of the economies of the United Kingdom and Germany is set forth in the Statement
of Additional Information.
-9-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
Reporting, accounting and auditing standards in Japan, the United Kingdom and
Germany differ from American standards in important respects. Corporations in
such countries generally do not provide all of the disclosures required by U.S.
law and accounting practice, and such disclosure may be less timely than
required by such laws and practices.
Japan is politically organized as a democratic, parliamentary republic and has a
population of approximately 122 million. The Japanese economy is heavily
industrial and export-oriented. Although Japan is dependent upon foreign
economies for raw materials, Japan's balance of payments in recent years has
been strong and positive.
Japan has eight stock exchanges located throughout the country, but over 80% of
all trading is conducted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Prices of stocks listed on the Japanese stock exchange are quoted continuously
during regular business hours. Trading commissions are at fixed scale rates
which vary by the type and the value of the transaction, but can be negotiable
for large transactions.
Securities in Japan are denominated and quoted in yen. Yen are fully convertible
and transferable based on floating exchange rates into all currencies, without
administrative or legal restrictions, for both nonresidents and residents of
Japan.
International Fund may also invest in developing countries, which investments
involve exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and
mature than in the United States, and to political systems which may be less
stable. As stated in the "Investment Objective and Policies" section for
Developing Countries Fund, developing countries include those generally
considered to be developing or emerging by the World Bank or the International
Finance Corporation, as well as countries that are classified by the United
Nations or otherwise regarded by their authorities as developing. In the past,
markets of developing countries have been more volatile than the markets of
developed countries. Such markets, however, often have provided investors with
higher returns on their investments. International Fund will limit its
investments in developing countries not included in the EAFE Index to not more
than 15% of its total assets. For purposes of determining the country of an
issuer for percentage limitation purposes, the Fund considers where an issuer is
domiciled or otherwise has substantial operations.
OTHER FUND INVESTMENT
TECHNIQUES
The ability of the Funds to utilize certain of the investment techniques
discussed below may be subject to limitations and may subject the Funds to
additional risks. Please refer to the section "Fund Risk Factors" below and to
the Statement of Additional Information for more information regarding such
limitations and risks. Unless otherwise indicated herein or in the Statement of
Additional Information, each Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in the
securities listed below.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
In addition to investing in such securities directly, each Fund may invest in
the securities of foreign issuers in the form of sponsored and unsponsored
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global
Depositary Receipts (GDRs) or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers. Generally, such securities evidence ownership of and may be
converted into securities issued by a
- -10-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
foreign corporation. The issuers of unsponsored depository receipts are not
obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and therefore,
there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of
such securities.
FOREIGN INDEX LINKED
INSTRUMENTS
Each Fund may invest in instruments issued by the U.S. or a foreign government
or by private issuers that return principal and/or pay interest to investors in
amounts which are linked to the level of a particular foreign index ("Foreign
Index Linked Instruments"). Foreign Index Linked Instruments may offer higher
yields than comparable securities linked to purely domestic indexes but also may
be more volatile. Foreign Index Linked Instruments are relatively recent
innovations for which the market has not yet been fully developed and,
accordingly, they typically are less liquid than comparable securities linked to
purely domestic indexes. In addition, the value of Foreign Index Linked
Instruments will be affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates or in
foreign interest rates. Foreign currency gains and losses with respect to
Foreign Index Linked Instruments may affect the amount and timing of income
recognized by such Fund.
BRADY BONDS
Each Fund may invest in Brady Bonds and other sovereign debt securities of
countries that have restructured or are in the process of restructuring
sovereign debt pursuant to the Brady Plan. Brady Bonds are debt securities
issued under the framework of the Brady Plan, a mechanism for debtor nations to
restructure their outstanding external indebtedness. Brady Bonds have been
issued only recently and, accordingly, do not have a long payment history.
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES
Each Fund may also invest in zero coupon obligations of the U.S. Government or
its agencies, tax exempt issuers and corporate issuers, including rights to
stripped coupon and principal payments ("STRIPS"). Zero coupon bonds do not make
regular interest payments; rather, they are sold at a discount from face value.
Principal and accreted discount (representing interest accrued but not paid) are
paid at maturity. STRIPS are debt securities that are stripped of their interest
after the securities are issued, but otherwise are comparable to zero coupon
bonds. The market values of STRIPS and zero coupon bonds generally fluctuate in
response to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than do
interest-paying securities of comparable term and quality.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The Developing Countries Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets, while the
International Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets, in securities that
are considered illiquid because of the absence of a readily available market or
due to legal or contractual restrictions. However, certain restricted securities
that are not registered for sale to the general public but that can be resold to
institutional investors may be considered liquid pursuant to guidelines adopted
by the Board of Directors. The institutional trading market
-11-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
is relatively new, and the liquidity of a Fund's investments could be impaired
if trading does not develop or declines.
FOREIGN CURRENCY
TRANSACTIONS
The value of the assets of a Fund as measured in United States dollars or a
foreign currency or currencies may be affected favorably or unfavorably by
changes in foreign currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations, and
each Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between various
currencies. Each Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions
either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign
currency exchange market, or through forward contracts to purchase or sell
foreign currencies. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an
obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may
be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the
parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded
directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their
customers.
Each Fund may enter into foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes only
and may not speculate on the fluctuations of foreign currency exchange rates.
Each Fund may hedge against adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates
between the trade and settlement dates with respect to foreign securities it is
purchasing or during the holding period with respect to foreign securities in
its portfolio. With respect to foreign securities in its portfolio, each Fund
may hedge a maximum of 50% of the value of its investment portfolio by
establishing the value of such securities in U.S. dollars. Additionally, each
Fund may hedge a maximum of 25% of the value of its investment portfolio by
establishing the value of such securities in another foreign currency or
currencies which IAI believes to be more stable than the currencies in which
such securities are denominated.
When a Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security
denominated in a foreign currency, it may desire to establish the cost or
proceeds in U.S. dollars or another foreign currency. By entering into a forward
contract in such currency for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign
currency involved in an underlying security investment, the Fund is able to
protect itself against a possible loss between trade and settlement dates of a
transaction or during the period of an investment in a foreign security
resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between such two
currencies. However, this tends to limit potential gains which might result from
a positive change in such currency relationships. A Fund may also hedge its
foreign currency exchange rate risk by engaging in currency financial futures
and options and forward foreign currency transactions.
When IAI believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a
substantial decline against the U.S. dollar or another foreign currency, it may
enter into a forward contract to sell an amount of foreign currency
approximating the value of some or all of a Fund's portfolio securities
denominated in such foreign currency. The forecasting of short-term currency
-12-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNTIONAL FUND
market movement is difficult and the successful execution of a short-term
hedging strategy is uncertain.
It is impossible to forecast with absolute precision the market value of
portfolio securities at the expiration of a contract. Accordingly, it may be
necessary for a Fund to purchase additional currency on the spot market (and
bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security is less
than the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver when a
decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the foreign currency
in settlement of a forward contract. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on
the spot market some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the
portfolio security if its market value exceeds the amount of foreign currency
the Fund is obligated to deliver.
If a Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting
transaction, the Fund will incur a gain or a loss (as described below) to the
extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices. If a Fund
engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new
forward contract to sell the foreign currency. Should forward prices decline
during the period between the Fund's entering into a forward contract for the
sale of foreign currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for
the purchase of the foreign currency, the Fund would realize a gain to the
extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the
currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the Fund
would suffer a loss to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to
purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell. Although such
contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the
hedged currency, they also tend to limit any potential gain which might result
should the value of such currency increase. A Fund will have to convert its
holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars from time to time. Although
foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a
profit based on the difference (the "spread") between the prices at which they
are buying and selling various currencies.
ADJUSTING INVESTMENT EXPOSURE
Each Fund may, but is not required to, utilize various other investment
strategies as described below to hedge various market risks (such as interest
rates, currency exchange rates, and broad or specific fixed-income market
movements), to manage the effective maturity or duration of a Fund's portfolio
or to enhance potential gain. These strategies may be executed through the use
of derivative contracts. Such strategies are generally accepted as a part of
modern portfolio management and are regularly utilized by many mutual funds and
other institutional investors. Techniques and instruments may change over time
as new instruments and strategies are developed or regulatory changes occur.
In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, a Fund may purchase and
sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities,
fixed-income indices and other financial instruments,
-13-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options thereon, enter into
various interest rate transactions such as swaps and enter into various currency
transactions such as currency forward contracts, currency futures contracts,
currency swaps or options on currencies or currency futures.
Such techniques and instruments may be used without limit to attempt to protect
against possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to be
purchased for a Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency
exchange rate fluctuations, to protect a Fund's unrealized gains in the value of
its portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for
investment purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of a Fund's
portfolio, or to establish a position in the derivatives markets as a temporary
substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities. Some may also be
used to enhance potential gain although no more than 5% of a Fund's assets will
be committed to techniques and instruments entered into for non-hedging
purposes. Any or all of these investment techniques may be used at any time and
in any combination, and there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of
one technique rather than another, as use of any technique or instruments is a
function of numerous variables including market conditions. The ability of a
Fund to utilize these techniques and instruments successfully will depend on
IAI's ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured.
Each Fund will comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing
these strategies, techniques and instruments. Such techniques and instruments
involving financial futures and options thereon will be purchased, sold or
entered into only for bona fide hedging, risk management or portfolio management
purposes and not for speculative purposes.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS
Each Fund reserves the right, as a temporary defensive measure, such as during
periods of adverse market conditions or when equity or debt securities are
deemed overvalued, to hold up to 100% of its total assets in cash or cash
equivalents (in U.S. dollars or foreign currencies) and short-term securities,
including money market securities.
BORROWING
Each Fund may borrow from banks (or through reverse repurchase agreements) for
temporary or emergency purposes. If a Fund borrows money, its share price may be
subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. If a Fund makes
additional investments while borrowings are outstanding, this may be considered
a form of leverage. Each Fund does not intend borrowing to exceed 5% of its net
assets.
CLOSED-END INVESTMENT
COMPANIES
A number of countries have authorized the formation of closed-end investment
companies to facilitate indirect foreign investment in their capital markets.
Each Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of closed-end
investment companies. Shares of certain closed-end investment companies may at
times be acquired only at market prices representing premiums to their net asset
values.
-14-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
In the event that shares acquired at a premium subsequently decline in price
relative to their net asset value or the value of portfolio investments held by
such closed-end companies declines, a Fund and its shareholders may experience a
loss. If a Fund acquires shares of closed-end investment companies, Fund
shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses in such Fund
(including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such
closed-end investment companies.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Funds will dispose of securities without regard to the time they have been
held when such action appears advisable to management either as a result of
securities having reached a price objective, or by reason of developments not
foreseen at the time of the investment decision. Since investment changes
usually will be made without reference to the length of time a security has been
held, a significant number of short-term transactions may result. Accordingly, a
Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate cannot be anticipated and may be
relatively high. High turnover rates (100% or more) increase transaction costs
and may increase taxable capital gains. The Funds' historical portfolio turnover
rates are set forth in the section "Financial Highlights."
Further information regarding these and other techniques is contained in the
Statement of Additional Information.
FUND RISK FACTORS
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK
FACTORS
Developing Countries Fund is designed for aggressive investors interested in the
investment opportunities offered in developing countries. To the extent that
International Fund invests in developing countries, the Fund may be subject to
additional risk. While IAI believes that investing in developing countries
presents the possibility for significant growth over the long-term, it also
entails significant risks. Many investments in developing countries can be
considered speculative, and the price of securities and value of currencies can
be much more volatile than in the more developed markets. This difference
reflects the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and
economies.
Investing in foreign securities typically involves additional risks than
investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are often heightened for
investments in developing countries and include, but are not limited to, the
risk of fluctuations in the value of the currencies in which they are
denominated, including the devaluation of the currencies of such countries
relative to the U.S. dollar, the risk of adverse political and economic
developments and the possibility of expropriation, nationalization or
confiscatory taxation or limitations on the removal of funds or other assets of
the Funds. Additionally, the economies of many developing countries continue to
experience significant problems, including
-15-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
high inflation rates, high interest rates, large external debt and continuing
trade deficits and are characterized by extreme poverty, high unemployment and a
significant dependence on limited industries. Because the Funds will invest in
securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates may affect the value of securities in
the portfolio. Foreign currency exchange rates are determined by forces of
supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets and other economic and
financial conditions affecting the world economy. A decline in the value of any
particular currency against the U.S. dollar will cause a decline in the U.S.
dollar value of a Fund's holdings of securities denominated in such currency
and, therefore, will cause an overall decline in a Fund's net asset value and
net investment income and capital gains, if any, to be distributed in U.S.
dollars to shareholders by such Fund. In many developing countries, there is
less government supervision and regulation of business and industry practices,
stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies than in the United States. In
addition, there also may be less publicly available information about foreign
issuers than domestic issuers, and foreign issuers generally are not subject to
the uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices
and requirements applicable to domestic issuers. The foreign securities markets
of many of the countries in which the Funds may invest may also be smaller, less
liquid and subject to greater price volatility than those in the United States.
As an open-end investment company, each Fund is limited in the extent to which
it may invest in illiquid securities. Further, the Funds may encounter
difficulties or be unable to pursue legal remedies and obtain judgments in
foreign courts. These factors could make foreign investments, especially those
in developing countries, more volatile.
Brokerage commissions, custodial services, and other costs relating to
investment in foreign countries and developing markets are generally more
expensive than in the United States. Such markets have different clearance and
settlement procedures and in certain markets there have been times when
settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities
transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. The inability of
a Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could
cause such Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to
dispose of a portfolio security due to settlement problems could result either
in losses to a Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio
security or, if a Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could
result in possible liability to the purchaser.
Several countries restrict, to varying degrees, foreign investments in their
securities markets. Government and private restrictions take a variety of forms,
including (a) limitations on the amount of funds that may be introduced into or
repatriated from the country (including limitations on repatriation of
investment income and capital gains); (b) prohibitions or substantial
restrictions on foreign investment in certain industries or market sectors, such
as defense, energy and transportation; (c) restrictions
- -16-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
(whether contained in the charter of an individual company or mandated by the
government) on the percentage of securities of a single issuer which may be
owned by a foreign investor; (d) limitations on the types of securities which a
foreign investor may purchase; and (e) restrictions on a foreign investor's
right to invest in companies whose securities are not publicly traded. In some
circumstances, these restrictions may limit or preclude investment in certain
countries or may increase the cost of investing in securities of particular
companies.
A Fund's interest and dividend income from foreign issuers may be subject to
non-U.S. withholding taxes. A Fund also may be subject to taxes on trading
profits or on transfers of securities in some countries. The imposition of these
taxes will increase the cost to a Fund of investing in any country imposing such
taxes. For U.S. tax purposes, U.S. shareholders may be entitled to a credit or
deduction to the extent of any foreign income taxes paid by such Fund. See
"Dividends, Distributions and Tax Status."
Each Fund may purchase sovereign debt instruments issued or guaranteed by
foreign governments or their agencies. Sovereign debt may be in the form of
conventional securities or other types of debt instruments such as loans or loan
participations. The sovereign debt in which a Fund may invest may involve a high
degree of risk, including the risk of default. Governmental entities responsible
for repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal and
interest when due, and may require renegotiations or rescheduling of debt
payments. In addition, prospects for repayment of principal and interest may
depend on political as well as economic factors. A Fund may have limited
recourse in the event of default on a sovereign debt instrument.
Many of the currencies of developing countries have experienced steady
devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar, and major devaluations have
historically occurred in certain countries. Devaluations in the currencies in
which a Fund's portfolio securities are denominated may have a detrimental
impact on such Fund. Some developing countries also may have managed currencies
which are not free floating against the U.S. dollar. In addition, there is a
risk that certain developing countries may restrict the free conversion of their
currencies into other currencies. Further, the currencies of certain developing
countries may not be internally traded.
Many developing countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods
extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid
fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have very negative
effects on the economies and securities markets of certain developing countries.
The governments of many developing countries have exercised and continue to
exercise a significant influence over many aspects of the private sector.
Government actions concerning the economy could have a significant effect on
market conditions and prices and/or yields of securities in which a Fund
invests.
In some countries, the securities of banks or other financial institutions are
among the most actively traded securities. Each
-17-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
Fund is restricted in its ability to invest in securities of an issuer which, in
its most recent year, derived more than 15% of its revenues from "securities
related activities," as defined by the rules under the Investment Company Act of
1940.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH
ADJUSTING INVESTMENT
EXPOSURE
The techniques and instruments described in the section "Adjusting Investment
Exposure", including derivative contracts, have risks associated with them
including possible default by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity
and, to the extent IAI's view as to certain market movements is incorrect, the
risk that the use of such techniques and instruments could result in losses
greater than if they had not been used. Use of put and call options may result
in losses to a Fund, force the sale or purchase of portfolio securities at
inopportune times or for prices higher than (in the case of put options) or
lower than (in the case of call options), current market values, limit the
amount of appreciation a Fund can realize on its investments or cause a Fund to
hold a security it might otherwise sell. The use of currency transactions can
result in a Fund incurring losses as a result of a number of factors including
the imposition of exchange controls, suspension of settlements or the inability
to deliver or receive a specified currency. The use of options and futures
transactions entails certain other risks. In particular, the variable degree of
correlation between price movements of futures contracts and price movements in
the related portfolio position of a Fund creates the possibility that losses on
the hedging instrument may be greater than gains in the value of a Fund's
position. In addition, futures and options markets may not be liquid in all
circumstances and certain over-the-counter options may not have markets. As a
result, in certain markets, a Fund might not be able to close out a transaction
without incurring substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of futures
contracts and options transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the risk
of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time
they tend to limit any potential gain which might result from an increase in
value of such position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for
future contracts would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than
would purchases of options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the
initial premium. Losses resulting from the use of these techniques would reduce
net asset value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if the
techniques and instruments had not been utilized.
RISKS OF LOWER-RATED DEBT
SECURITIES
Developing Countries Fund may invest in debt securities commonly known as "junk"
bonds. Such securities are subject to higher risks and greater market
fluctuations than are lower-yielding, higher-rated securities. The price of junk
bonds has been found to be less sensitive to changes in prevailing interest
rates than higher-rated investments, but is likely to be more sensitive to
adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During an
economic downturn or substantial period of
- -18-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress
which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and
interest payment obligations, to meet their projected business goals or to
obtain additional financing. If the issuers of a fixed-income security owned by
Developing Countries Fund were to default, Developing Countries Fund might incur
additional expenses to seek recovery. The risk of loss due to default by issuers
of junk bonds is significantly greater than that associated with higher-rated
securities because such securities generally are unsecured and frequently are
subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. In addition, periods
of economic uncertainty and change can be expected to result in an increased
volatility of market prices of junk bonds and a concomitant volatility in the
net asset value of a share of Developing Countries Fund.
The secondary market for junk bonds is less liquid than the markets for higher
quality securities and, as such, may have an adverse effect on the market prices
of certain securities. The limited liquidity of the market may also adversely
affect the ability of Developing Countries Fund to arrive at a fair value for
certain junk bonds at certain times and could make it difficult for Developing
Countries Fund to sell certain securities. For a description of Moody's and S&P
ratings, see Appendix A to the Statement of Additional Information.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH
INVESTING IN SMALL COMPANIES
Investing in small companies involves greater risk than is customarily
associated with investments in larger, more established companies due to the
greater business risks of small size, limited markets and financial resources,
narrow product lines and the frequent lack of depth of management. The
securities of small companies are often traded over-the-counter and may not be
traded in volumes typical on a national securities exchange. Consequently, the
securities of small companies may have limited market stability and may be
subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger,
more established companies or the market averages in general. Therefore, to the
extent International Fund invests in small companies, its shares may be subject
to greater fluctuation in value than shares of a conservative equity fund or of
a growth fund which invests entirely in more established stocks.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Each Fund is subject to certain other investment policies and restrictions
described in the Statement of Additional Information, some of which are
fundamental and may not be changed without the approval of the shareholders of
the Fund. As a fundamental policy, with respect to 75% of its total assets, each
Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one issuer. Each
Fund may not invest 25% or more of its assets in any
-19-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
one industry. Each Fund may borrow only for temporary or emergency purposes in
an amount not exceeding one-third of its total assets. Please refer to the
Statement of Additional Information for a further discussion of each Fund's
investment restrictions.
MANAGEMENT
Developing Countries Fund and International Fund were created on February 10,
1995 and April 23, 1987, respectively, as separate portfolios represented by
separate classes of common stock of IAI Investment Funds III, Inc., a Minnesota
corporation created on September 16, 1986. Under Minnesota law, each Fund's
Board of Directors is generally responsible for the overall operation and
management of each Fund. IAI serves as the investment adviser to each Fund. IAI
has delegated to IAI International certain of its responsibilities and
obligations as the Funds' investment adviser pursuant to a written agreement
(the "Subadvisory Agreement"). IAI International is based in London and
maintains a United States representative office with the same address as IAI.
IAI also furnishes investment advice to other concerns including other
investment companies, pension and profit sharing plans, portfolios of
foundations, religious, educational and charitable institutions, trusts,
municipalities and individuals, and has total assets under management in excess
of $16 billion. The ultimate corporate parent of IAI and IAI International is
Lloyds TSB Group plc, a publicly held financial services organization
headquartered in London, England. Lloyds TSB Group plc is one of the largest
personal and corporate financial services groups in the United Kingdom and is
engaged in a wide range of activities including commercial and retail banking.
The address of IAI is that of the Funds.
Pursuant to a written agreement with each Fund (the "Management Agreement"), IAI
provides each Fund with investment advisory services and is responsible for the
overall management of each Fund's business affairs subject to the authority of
the Board of Directors. The Management Agreement also provides that, except for
brokerage commissions and other expenditures in connection with the purchase and
sale of portfolio securities, interest and, in certain circumstances, taxes and
extraordinary expenses, IAI shall pay all of a Fund's operating expenses. As
compensation under the Management Agreement, Developing Countries Fund has
agreed to pay IAI a monthly advisory fee at the initial annual rate of 2.00% of
the Fund's average daily net assets, which fee declines to 1.65% of the Fund's
average daily net assets as the amount of assets in Developing Countries Fund
grows. With respect to International Fund, the Fund has agreed to pay a monthly
advisory fee at the initial annual rate of 1.70% of the Fund's average daily net
assets, which fee declines to 1.30% of the Fund's average daily net assets as
the amount of assets in the International Fund grows. IAI pays IAI International
a portion of its management fees at the annual rate of .625% of average daily
net assets which declines to .50% as the assets in Developing Countries Fund
grows. IAI pays IAI International a portion of its management fee at the annual
rate of
- -20-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
.50% of average daily net assets which declines to .35% as the assets in
International Fund grows. Because IAI is paying Fund operating expenses, these
fees represent each Fund's total expenses. With respect to certain of the
services for which it is responsible under the Management Agreement, IAI may
also pay qualifying broker-dealers, financial institutions and other entities
for providing such services to Fund shareholders. IAI shall not be liable for
any loss suffered by a Fund in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or
negligence in the performance of its duties and obligations.
Roy Gillson and Sookyong Kwak have responsibility for the management of
Developing Countries Fund. Mr. Gillson is IAI International's Chief Investment
Officer and a member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Gillson joined IAI
International in 1983 and has managed Developing Countries Fund since its
inception in February 1995. Ms. Kwak is an Associate Director and has managed
the Fund since June 1996. Ms. Kwak joined IAI International in 1995. From 1989
to 1990, she served as a research analyst with Neuberger & Berman, and from 1990
to 1992 she was employed by Brown Brothers Harriman in a similar capacity. In
1992, Ms. Kwak joined the International Finance Corporation, a private sector of
the World Bank, where she served as a research analyst until 1995.
Mr. Gillson has responsibility for the management of the International Fund and
has managed the Fund since 1990.
Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., IAI may consider sales of shares of a Fund as a factor
in the selection of broker-dealers to execute a Fund's securities transactions.
INVESTMENT
PERFORMANCE
From time to time the Funds may advertise performance data including monthly,
quarterly, yearly or cumulative total return and average annual total return
figures. All such figures are based on historical earnings and performance and
are not intended to be indicative of future performance. The investment return
on and principal value of an investment in the Funds will fluctuate, so that an
investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original
cost.
Total return is the change in value of an investment in a Fund over a given
period, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and capital gains. 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.
For additional information regarding the calculation of such total return
figures, see "Investment Performance" in the
-21-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
Statement of Additional Information. Further information about the performance
of the International Fund is contained in the Fund's Annual Report to
shareholders which may be obtained without charge from the Fund.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to time in advertising
or marketing a Fund's shares, including data on the performance of other mutual
funds, indexes or averages of other mutual funds, indexes of related financial
assets or data, and other competing investment and deposit products available
from or through other financial institutions. The composition of these indexes,
averages or products differs from that of the Funds. The comparison of a Fund to
an alternative investment should be made with consideration of differences in
features and expected performance. A Fund may also note its mention in
newspapers, magazines, or other media from time to time. The Funds assume no
responsibility for the accuracy of such data. For additional information on the
types of indexes, averages and periodicals that might be utilized by the Funds
in advertising and sales literature, see the section "Investment Performance" in
the Statement of Additional Information.
COMPUTATION OF NET
ASSET VALUE AND PRICING
Each Fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is
open. IAI normally calculates a Fund's net asset value ("NAV") as of the close
of business of the NYSE, normally 3 p.m. Central time.
A Fund's NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV is computed by adding up
the value of a Fund's investments, cash, and other assets, subtracting its
liabilities, and then dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding.
A Fund's investments with remaining maturities of 60 days or less may be valued
on the basis of amortized cost. This method minimizes the effect of changes in a
security's market value. Other portfolio securities and assets are valued
primarily on the basis of market quotations or, if quotations are not readily
available, by a method that the Board of Directors believes accurately reflects
fair value. Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the
primary market in which they are traded.
Because of the Funds' need to obtain prices as of the close of trading on
various exchanges throughout the world, the calculation of net asset value does
not take place contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of a
Fund's portfolio securities. For purposes of determining a Fund's net asset
value, all assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currency values
will be converted into U.S. dollar values using current exchange rates. If an
event were to occur after the value of a Fund instrument was so established but
before the net asset value per share is determined which was likely to
materially change the net asset value, such instrument shall be valued using
fair value considerations by the Board of Directors or its delegates.
- -22-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
The offering price (price to buy one share) and redemption price (price to sell
one share) are referred to as a Fund's NAV.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Each Fund offers its shares continually to the public at the net asset value of
such shares. Shares may be purchased directly from a Fund or through certain
security dealers who have responsibility to promptly transmit orders and may
charge a processing fee, provided that the Fund whose shares are being purchased
is duly registered in the state of the purchaser's residence, if required, and
the purchaser otherwise satisfies the Fund's purchase requirements. No sales
load or commission is charged in connection with the purchase of Fund shares.
The minimum initial investment to establish a retail account with the IAI Family
of Funds is $5,000. Such initial investment may be allocated among a Fund and
other funds in the IAI Family of Funds as desired, provided that no less than
$1,000 is allocated to any one fund. The minimum initial investment for IRA
accounts is $2,000, provided that the minimum amount that may be allocated to
any one fund is $1,000. Once the account minimum has been met, subsequent
purchases can be made in a Fund for $100 or more. Such minimums may be waived
for participants in the IAI Investment Club.
Investors may satisfy the minimum investment requirement by participating in the
STAR Program. Participation in the STAR Program requires an initial investment
of $1,000 per Fund and a commitment to invest an aggregate of $5,000 within 24
months. If a STAR Program participant does not invest an aggregate of $5,000 in
the IAI Family of Funds within 24 months, IAI may, at its option, redeem such
shareholder's interest. Investors wishing to participate in the STAR Program
should contact a Fund to obtain a STAR Program application.
To purchase shares, forward the completed application and a check payable to
"IAI Funds" to a Fund. Third party checks will not be accepted for initial
account investments. Upon receipt, your account will be credited with the number
of full and fractional shares which can be purchased at the net asset value next
determined after receipt of the purchase order by a Fund.
Purchases of shares are subject to acceptance or rejection by a Fund on the same
day the purchase order is received and are not binding until so accepted. It is
the policy of the Funds and the Underwriter to keep confidential information
contained in the application and regarding the account of an investor or
potential investor in the Funds.
All correspondence relating to the purchase of shares should be directed to the
office of the Fund, P.O. Box 357, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440 or, if using
overnight delivery, to 3700 First Bank Place, 601 2nd Avenue South, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55402. For assistance in completing the application please contact IAI
Mutual Fund Shareholder Services at 1-800-945-3863.
-23-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
BANK WIRE PURCHASES
Shares may be purchased by having your bank wire federal funds (funds of the
Federal Reserve System) to Norwest Bank Minnesota.
Wire orders will be accepted only on days your bank, the transfer agent, a Fund
and Norwest Bank Minnesota are open for business. The payment must be received
by a Fund before the close of business to be credited to your account that day.
Otherwise, it will be processed the next business day. The wire purchase will
not be considered made until the wired amount is received and the purchase is
accepted by such Fund. If the wire order does not contain the information stated
below, such Fund may reject it. Any delays that may occur in wiring federal
funds, including delays in processing by the banks, are not the responsibility
of such Fund or the transfer agent.
You must pay any charges assessed by your bank for the wire service. If a wire
order is rejected, all money received by the Fund, less any costs incurred by
the Fund or the transfer agent in rejecting it, will be returned promptly.
If the wire order is for a new account, you should call IAI Shareholder Services
at 1-800-945-3863 to advise them of the investment and to obtain an account
number and instructions. The wire should be sent to: Norwest Bank Minnesota,
Routing Number 091000019, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Credit to: IAI Mutual Funds
Account Number 6355002264. It should state the following:
"For further credit to personal account # ______________ (your account number)
for ______________________ (your name) and __________________ (Fund name)."
A completed application must be sent to and received by the Fund before the wire
is sent.
If the wire order is an addition to an existing account, the wire must include
the information required above for the new accounts. As soon as the wire is
sent, you should call IAI Shareholder Services, as described above, and advise
them of your name, your account number and the name of the bank transmitting the
federal funds.
RETIREMENT PLANS
Shares of Developing Countries Fund and International Fund may be an appropriate
investment medium for various retirement plans. Persons desiring information
about establishing an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) (for employed persons
and their spouses) or other retirement plans should contact a Fund at
1-800-945-3863. All retirement plans involve a long-term commitment of assets
and are subject to various legal requirements and restrictions. The legal and
tax implications may vary according to the circumstances of the individual
investor. Therefore, you are urged to consult with an attorney or tax adviser
prior to the establishment of such a plan.
- -24-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
Investors may arrange to make regular investments of $100 or more per fund on a
monthly basis, effective as of the 4th or 18th day of each month (or the next
business day), through automatic deductions from their checking or savings
account. Such investors may, of course, terminate their participation in the
Automatic Investment Plan at anytime upon written notice to a Fund. Any changes
or instructions to terminate existing Automatic Investment Plans must be
received 30 days preceding the day on which the change or termination is to take
place. Investors interested in participating in the Automatic Investment Plan
should complete the Automatic Investment Plan application and return it to a
Fund.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Registered holders of Fund shares may at any time require a Fund to redeem their
shares upon their written request. All correspondence relating to the redemption
of shares should be directed to the office of IAI Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 357,
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440. Shareholders may redeem shares by phone, subject
to a limit of $50,000, provided such shareholders have authorized such Fund to
accept telephone instructions. For assistance in redeeming shares by phone,
please contact the IAI Mutual Funds Shareholder Services at 1-800-945-3863.
Certificates presented for redemption must be endorsed on the back with the
signature of the person whose name appears on the certificate and must be
signature guaranteed. If no certificate has been issued, redemption instructions
must be signed by the person(s) in whose name the shares are registered. If the
redemption proceeds are to be paid or mailed to any person other than the
shareholder of record or if redemption proceeds are in excess of $50,000, a Fund
will require that the signature on the written instructions be guaranteed by a
participant in a signature guarantee program, which may include certain national
banks or trust companies or certain member firms of national securities
exchanges. (Notarization by a Notary Public is NOT ACCEPTED.) If the shares are
held of record in the name of a corporation, partnership, trust or fiduciary, a
Fund may require additional evidence of authority prior to accepting a request
for redemption.
For shareholders who established receiving proceeds by Federal Funds Wire at the
time they opened their account, telephone instructions will be accepted for
redemption of amounts up to $50,000 ($1,000 Minimum) and proceeds will be wired
on the next business day to a predesignated bank account. Wire redemption
requests will only be processed on days your bank, the transfer agent, the Funds
and Norwest Bank Minnesota are open for business.
In order to add this feature to an existing account or to change existing bank
account information, please submit a letter of instructions including your bank
information to IAI Shareholder Services at the address listed in the section
"Additional Information." The letter must be signed by all registered owners,
and their signatures must be guaranteed.
Your account will be charged a fee of $10 each time redemption proceeds are
wired to
-25-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
your bank. Your bank may also charge you a fee for receiving a Federal Funds
Wire.
Neither the transfer agent nor any of the Funds can be responsible for the
efficiency of the Federal Funds wire system or the shareholder's bank.
The redemption proceeds received by the investor are based on the net asset
value next determined after redemption instructions in good order are received
by a Fund. Since the value of shares redeemed is based upon the value of a Fund
investment at the time of redemption, it may be more or less than the price
originally paid for the shares.
Payment for shares redeemed will ordinarily be made within seven days after a
request for redemption has been made. Normally a Fund will mail payment for
shares redeemed on the business day following receipt of the redemption request.
A Fund will not send redemption proceeds until checks (including certified
checks or cashiers checks) received in payment for shares have cleared, which
may take up to ten days or more.
Following a redemption or transfer request, if the value of a shareholder's
interest in a Fund falls below $500, such Fund reserves the right to redeem such
shareholder's entire interest and remit such amount. Such a redemption will only
be effected following: (a) a redemption or transfer by a shareholder which
causes the value of such shareholder's interest in such Fund to fall below $500;
(b) the mailing by such Fund to such shareholder of a notice of intention to
redeem; and (c) the passage of at least six months from the date of such
mailing, during which time the investor will have the opportunity to make an
additional investment in such Fund to increase the value of such investor's
account to at least $500.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
The Exchange Privilege enables shareholders to purchase, in exchange for shares
of a Fund, shares of certain other funds managed by IAI. These funds have
different investment objectives from the Funds. Shareholders may exchange shares
of a Fund for shares of another fund managed by IAI, provided that the fund
whose shares will be acquired is duly registered in the state of the
shareholder's residence and the shareholder otherwise satisfies the fund's
purchase requirements. Although the Funds do not currently charge a fee for use
of the Exchange Privilege, they reserve the right to do so in the future.
Because excessive trading can hurt Fund performance and shareholders, there is a
limit of four exchanges out of each Fund per calendar year per account. Accounts
under common ownership or control, including accounts with the same taxpayer
identification number, will be counted together for purposes of the four
exchange limit. Each Fund reserves the right to temporarily or permanently
terminate the Exchange Privilege of any investor who exceeds this limit. The
limit may be modified for certain retirement plan accounts, as required by the
applicable plan document and/or relevant Department of Labor regulations, and
for Automatic Exchange Plan participants. Each Fund also reserves the right to
refuse or limit exchange purchases by any investor if, in IAI's judgment, such
Fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its
investment
- -26-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
objectives and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected.
Fund shareholders wishing to exercise the Exchange Privilege should notify a
Fund in writing or, provided such shareholders have authorized a Fund to accept
telephone instructions, by telephone. At the time of the exchange, if the net
asset value of the shares redeemed in connection with the exchange is greater
than the investor's cost, a taxable capital gain will be realized. A capital
loss will be realized if at the time of the exchange the net asset value of the
shares redeemed in the exchange is less than the investor's cost. Each Fund
reserves the right to terminate or modify the Exchange Privilege in the future.
AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE
PLAN
Investors may arrange to make regular exchanges of $100 or more between any of
the funds in the IAI Mutual Fund Family on a monthly basis. Exchanges will take
place at the closing price of the fifth day of each month (or the next business
day). Shareholders are responsible for making sure sufficient shares exist in
the Fund account from which the exchange takes place. If there are not
sufficient funds in a Fund account to meet the requested exchange amount, the
Automatic Exchange Plan will be suspended. Shareholders may not close Fund
accounts through the Automatic Exchange Plan. Investors interested in
participating in the Automatic Exchange Plan should complete the Automatic
Exchange Plan portion of their application. For assistance in completing the
application contact IAI Mutual Fund Shareholder Services at 1-800-945-3863.
AUTHORIZED
TELEPHONE TRADING
Investors can transact account exchanges and redemptions via the telephone by
completing the Authorized Telephone Trading section of the IAI Mutual Fund
application and returning it to a Fund. Investors requesting telephone trading
privileges will be provided with a personal identification number ("PIN") that
must accompany any instructions by phone. Shares will be redeemed or exchanged
at the next determined net asset value. Telephone redemption proceeds are
subject to a $50,000 limit and must be made payable to the owner(s) of record
and delivered to the address of record.
In order to confirm that telephone instructions for redemptions and exchanges
are genuine, the Fund has established reasonable procedures, including the
requirement that a personal identification number accompany telephone
instructions. If a Fund or transfer agent fails to follow these procedures, such
Fund may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. To
the extent these reasonable procedures are followed, none of the Funds, their
transfer agent, IAI, or any affiliated broker-dealer will be liable for any
loss, injury, damage, or expense for acting upon telephone instructions believed
to be genuine, and will otherwise not be responsible for the authenticity of any
telephone instructions, and, accordingly, the investor bears the risk of loss
resulting from telephone instructions. All telephone redemptions and exchange
requests will be tape recorded. Telephone redemptions are not permitted on IRA
or Simplified Employee
-27-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI Developing Countries Fund, IAI International Fund
Pension ("SEP") accounts. Please call a Fund for a distribution form.
SYSTEMATIC CASH
WITHDRAWAL PLAN
Each Fund has available a Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan for any investor
desiring to follow a program of systematically withdrawing a fixed amount of
money from an investment in shares of a Fund. Payments under the plan will be
made monthly or quarterly in amounts of $100 or more. Shares will be sold with
the closing price of the 15th of the applicable month (or the next business
day). To provide funds for payment, a Fund will redeem as many full and
fractional shares as necessary at the redemption price, which is net asset
value. The holder of a Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan must have income
dividends and any capital gains distributions reinvested in full and fractional
shares at net asset value.
Payments under this plan, unless pursuant to a retirement plan, should not be
considered income. Withdrawal payments may exceed dividends and distributions
and, to this extent, there will be a reduction in the investor's equity. An
investor should also understand that this plan cannot insure profit, nor does it
protect against any loss in a declining market. Careful consideration should be
given to the amount withdrawn each month. Excessive withdrawals could lead to a
serious depletion of equity, especially during periods of declining market
values. Fund management will be available for consultation in this matter.
Plan application forms are available through the Funds. If you would like
assistance in completing the application contact IAI Mutual Fund Shareholder
Services at 1-800-945-3863.
DIVIDENDS,
DISTRIBUTIONS AND
TAX STATUS
The policy of Developing Countries Fund is to pay dividends from net investment
income and to make distributions of realized capital gains, if any, annually.
The policy of International Fund is to pay dividends from net investment income
semiannually and to make distributions of realized capital gains, if any,
annually. However, provisions in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), may result in additional net investment income and capital gains
distributions by a Fund. When you open an account, you should specify on your
application how you want to receive your distributions. Each Fund offers three
options: Full Reinvestment--your dividend and capital gain distributions will be
automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund; Capital Gains
Reinvestment--your capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested,
but your income dividend distribution will be paid in cash; and Cash--your
income dividends and capital gain distributions will be paid in cash.
Distributions taken in cash can be sent via check or transferred directly to
your account at any bank, savings and loan or credit union that is a member of
the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. Unless indicated
- -28-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
otherwise by the shareholder, each Fund will automatically reinvest all such
distributions into full and fractional shraes at net asset value.
The Funds' Directed Dividend service allows you to invest your dividends and/or
capital gain distributions directly into another IAI Mutual Fund. Contact IAI
Mutual Fund Shareholder Services at 1-800-945-3863 for details.
Each Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter
M of the Code during its current taxable year. If so qualified, such Fund will
not be subject to federal income tax on income that it distributes to its
shareholders.
Distributions by the Funds to shareholders, except distributions to shareholders
not subject to federal income taxation, are generally taxable to the
shareholders, whether received in cash or additional Fund shares. Distributions
paid out of the Funds' net investment income and net short-term capital gains
are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions paid out of the
Funds' net long-term capital gains and designated as such are taxable to
shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time that
they have held their shares in a Fund.
A Fund may be required to pay withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign
countries, generally at rates from 10% to 40%, which would reduce such Fund's
investment income. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United
States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If a Fund has more than 50% of its
assets invested in the stock or securities of foreign corporations at the end of
such Fund's taxable year, the Fund may make an election to allow shareholders
either to claim U.S. foreign tax credits with respect to foreign taxes paid by
the Fund or to deduct such amounts as an itemized deduction on their tax return.
In the event such an election is made, shareholders would have to increase their
taxable income by the amount of such taxes and the Fund would not be able to
deduct such taxes in computing its taxable income.
Alternatively, if the amount of foreign taxes paid by a Fund is not large enough
to warrant its making the election described above, such Fund may claim the
amount of foreign taxes paid as a deduction against its own gross income. In
that case, shareholders would not be required to include any amount of foreign
taxes paid by the Fund in their income and would not be permitted either to
deduct any portion of foreign taxes from their own income or to claim any amount
of foreign tax credit for taxes paid by the Fund.
Information about the tax status of dividends and distributions from a Fund will
be mailed to such Fund's shareholders annually.
In general, upon redemption of shares of a Fund, the shareholder will recognize
taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the
redemption and the shareholder's adjusted basis in such shares. Such gain or
loss will be capital gain or loss for any shareholder who is not a dealer in
securities. Under the Code, the deductibility of capital losses is subject to
certain limitations.
-29-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
The foregoing relates to federal income taxation as in effect as of the date of
the Prospectus. Distributions from net investment income and from net realized
capital gains may also be subject to state and local taxes. For a more detailed
discussion of the federal income tax consequences of investing in shares of a
Fund, see "Tax Status" in the Statement of Additional Information.
DESCRIPTION OF
COMMON STOCK
All shares of each Fund have equal rights as to redemption, dividends and
liquidation, and will be fully paid and nonassessable when issued and will have
no preemptive or conversion rights.
The shares of each Fund have noncumulative voting rights, which means that the
holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of directors can
elect 100% of the directors if they choose to do so. On some issues, such as the
election of directors, all shares of IAI Investment Funds III, Inc. vote
together as one series. On an issue affecting only a particular series, such as
voting on the Management Agreement, only the approval of a particular series is
required to make the agreement effective with respect to such series.
Annual or periodically scheduled regular meetings of shareholders will not be
held except as required by law. Minnesota corporation law does not require an
annual meeting; instead, it provides for the Board of Directors to convene
shareholder meetings when it deems appropriate. In addition, if a regular
meeting of shareholders has not been held during the immediately preceding
fifteen months, shareholders holding three percent or more of the voting shares
of each Fund may demand a regular meeting of shareholders of such Fund by
written notice of demand given to the chief executive officer or the chief
financial officer of such Fund. Within thirty days after receipt of the demand
by one of those officers, the Board of Directors shall cause a regular meeting
of shareholders to be called and held no later than ninety days after receipt of
the demand, all at the expense of such Fund. An annual meeting will be held on
the removal of a director or directors of a Fund if requested in writing by
holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares of a Fund.
The shares of each Fund are transferable by delivery to the Fund of transfer
instructions. Transfer instructions should be delivered to the office of the
Fund. The Fund is not bound to recognize any transfer until it is recorded on
the stock transfer books maintained by the Fund. Certificates representing Fund
shares will not be issued.
COUNSEL AND
AUDITORS
The firm of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 220 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota
55402, provides legal counsel to the Funds. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, 4200 Norwest
Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, serves as independent auditors for the
Funds.
- -30-
<PAGE>
IAI MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND, IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER
AGENT AND DIVIDEND
DISBURSING AGENT
The Custodian for each Fund is Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., Norwest Center,
Sixth and Marquette, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479. Norwest employs foreign
subcustodians and depositories, which were approved by such Fund's Board of
Directors in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, for the purpose of providing custodial services for such
Fund's assets held outside the United States. IAI acts as the Funds' transfer
agent, dividend disbursing agent and IRA Custodian, at P.O. Box 357,
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Each Fund sends to its shareholders a six-month unaudited and an annual audited
financial report, each of which includes a list of investment securities held.
To reduce the volume of mail you receive, only one copy of most Fund reports,
such as the Fund's Annual Report, may be mailed to your household (same surname,
same address). Please call IAI Mutual Fund Shareholder Services at
1-800-945-3863 if you wish to receive additional shareholder reports.
In the opinion of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the use
of this combined prospectus may possibly subject all Funds to a certain amount
of liability for any losses arising out of any statement or omission in this
Prospectus regarding a particular Fund. In the opinion of the Funds' management,
however, the risk of such liability is not materially increased by use of a
combined prospectus.
Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Funds at the telephone number or
mailing address listed on the inside back cover page of this Prospectus. -24-
-31-
<PAGE>
(This page intentionally left blank)
<PAGE>
(This page intentionally left blank)
<PAGE>
(This page intentionally left blank)
<PAGE>
(This page intentionally left blank)
<PAGE>
(This page intentionally left blank)
<PAGE>
TO OPEN
AN ACCOUNT
1.800.945.3863
P.O. Box 357
Minneapollis, MN 55440
OVERNIGHT
DELIVERY
ADDRESS
3700 First Bank Place
601 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55402
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
MUTUAL FUNDS
INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC.
3700 FIRST BANK PLACE, P.O. BOX 357, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55440-0347
USA FAX 612.376.2737
800.945.3863
612.376.2700
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
MUTUAL FUNDS
IAI DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND
IAI INTERNATIONAL FUND
Statement of Additional Information
dated June 1, 1997
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus. This
Statement of Additional Information relates to a Prospectus dated June 1, 1997,
and should be read in conjunction therewith. A copy of the Prospectus may be
obtained from the Fund, 3700 First Bank Place, P.O. Box 357, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55440 (telephone: 1-612-376-2700 or 1-800-945-3863).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Page
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES.............................................2
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS......................................................12
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE.......................................................14
MANAGEMENT...................................................................16
CUSTODIAL SERVICE............................................................21
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND ALLOCATION OF BROKERAGE...........................22
CAPITAL STOCK................................................................23
NET ASSET VALUE AND PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE....................................24
TAX STATUS...................................................................24
LIMITATION OF DIRECTOR LIABILITY.............................................27
APPENDIX A - RATINGS OF DEBT SECURITIES.....................................A-1
</TABLE>
INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC.
3700 FIRST BANK PLACE, P.O. BOX 357, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55440-0357
USA FAX 612.376.2737
800.945.3863
612.376.2700
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective and policies of IAI Developing Countries Fund
("Developing Countries Fund") and IAI International Fund ("International Fund")
are summarized on the front page of the Prospectus and in the text of the
Prospectus under "Investment Objective and Policies." Investors should
understand that all investments are subject to various risks. There can be no
guarantee against loss resulting from an investment in the Funds, and there can
be no assurance that a Fund's investment policies will be successful, or that
its investment objective will be attained. Certain of the investment practices
of the Funds are further explained below.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Each Fund may invest in repurchase agreements relating to the securities in
which it may invest. A repurchase agreement involves the purchase of securities
with the condition that, after a stated period of time, the original seller will
buy back the securities at a predetermined price or yield. A Fund's custodian
will have custody of, and will hold in a segregated account, securities acquired
by such Fund under a repurchase agreement or other securities as collateral. In
the case of a security registered on a book entry system, the book entry will be
maintained in a Fund's name or that of its custodian. Repurchase agreements
involve certain risks not associated with direct investments in securities. For
example, if the seller of the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase
the underlying securities at a time when the value of the securities has
declined, a Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of such securities. In the
event that bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of
the agreement, a Fund's ability to dispose of the collateral to recover its
investment may be restricted or delayed. While collateral will at all times be
maintained in an amount equal to the repurchase price under the agreement
(including accrued interest due thereunder), to the extent proceeds from the
sale of collateral were less than the repurchase price, a Fund could suffer a
loss.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Each Fund may invest in reverse repurchase agreements as a form of
borrowing. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund sells a portfolio
instrument to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash
and agrees to repurchase the instrument at a particular price and time. While a
reverse repurchase agreement is outstanding, a Fund will maintain appropriate
liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover its obligation under
the agreement. The Funds will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with
parties whose creditworthiness has been found satisfactory by Investment
Advisers, Inc. ("IAI"), the Funds' investment adviser and manager or IAI
International Limited (hereinafter references to IAI shall include IAI
International Limited where appropriate), the subadviser to the Funds. Such
transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of a Fund's assets
and may be viewed as a form of leverage. Each Fund does not currently intend to
invest more than 5% of its net assets in reverse repurchase agreements.
SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS
Investing in foreign securities may result in greater risk than that
incurred by investing in domestic securities. There is generally less publicly
available information about foreign issuers comparable to reports and ratings
that are published about companies in the United States. Also, foreign issuers
are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to United
States companies.
-2-
<PAGE>
It is contemplated that most foreign securities will be purchased in
over-the-counter markets or on stock exchanges located in the countries in which
the respective principal offices of the issuers of the various securities are
located, if that is the best available market. Foreign stock markets are
generally not as developed or efficient as those in the United States. While
growing in volume, they usually have substantially less volume than the New York
Stock Exchange, and securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and
more volatile than securities of comparable United States companies. Similarly,
volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United
States and at times volatility of price can be greater than in the United
States. Commissions on foreign stock exchanges are generally higher than
commissions on United States exchanges, although the Funds will endeavor to
achieve the most favorable net results on its portfolio transactions. There is
generally less government supervision and regulation of foreign stock exchanges,
brokers and listed companies than in the United States.
With respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of
adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, expropriation or
confiscatory taxation, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets of
the Funds, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments which
could affect United States investments in those countries. Moreover, individual
foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States'
economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation,
capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments
position.
The dividends and interest payable on certain of a Fund's foreign portfolio
securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, thus reducing the net
amount of income available for distribution to such Fund's shareholders.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
Developing Countries Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in
illiquid securities, and the International Fund may invest up to 15% of its net
assets in illiquid securities. However, certain restricted securities that are
not registered for sale to the general public that can be resold to
institutional investors may be considered liquid pursuant to guidelines adopted
by the Board of Directors. In the case of a Rule 144A Security, such security is
deemed to be liquid if:
(1) IAI reasonably expects to be able to resell the security to a qualified
institutional buyer, as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 144A, who is aware
of the Fund's reliance upon Rule 144A in selling the security without
registration, as required by paragraph (d)(2) of Rule 144A;
(2) the Rule 144A Security is not (a) of the same class as securities
listed on any national securities exchange or quoted in NASDAQ as determined
under paragraph (d)(3)(i) of Rule 144A, or (b) a security of a registered
investment company (other than a closed-end investment company); and
(3) the issuer (a) is a foreign government eligible to register securities
under Schedule B of the Securities Act of 1933, (b) is a company that files
periodic reports under the Securities Act of 1934 on Forms 8-K, 10-Q, 10-K or
20-F or provides information under Rule 12g3-2(b) thereunder, or (c) has agreed
in writing to provide the holder and any prospective purchaser of the Rule 144A
Security with reasonably current financial information as required under
paragraph (d)(4)(i) of Rule 144A.
Other securities are deemed to be liquid if IAI determines that the
security can be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business
at approximately the amount at which the Funds have valued the instrument for
purposes of calculating a Fund's net asset value. In making this determination,
IAI will consider such factors as may be relevant to a Fund's ability to dispose
of the security, including but not limited to, the following factors (none of
which, standing alone, would necessarily be determinative):
1. the frequency of trades and quotes for the security;
2. the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the
number of potential purchasers;
-3-
<PAGE>
3. dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and
4. the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades
(e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting
offers and the mechanics of transfer).
It is not possible to predict with assurance the maintenance of an
institutional trading market for such securities and the liquidity of a Fund's
investments could be impaired if trading declines.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
In order to generate additional income, the Funds may lend portfolio
securities to broker-dealers, banks or other financial borrowers of securities.
As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even
loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail
financially. However, a Fund will only enter into loan arrangements with
broker-dealers, banks or other institutions which IAI or IAI International has
determined are creditworthy under guidelines established by the Funds' Board of
Directors. The Funds may also experience a loss if, upon the failure of a
borrower to return loaned securities, the collateral is not sufficient in value
or liquidity to cover the value of such loaned securities (including accrued
interest thereon). However, a Fund will receive collateral in the form of cash,
United States Government securities, certificates of deposit or other
high-grade, short-term obligations or interest-bearing cash equivalents equal to
at least 102% of the value of the securities loaned. The value of the collateral
and of the securities loaned will be marked to market on a daily basis. During
the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower pays a Fund an amount
equivalent to any dividends or interest paid on the securities and a Fund may
invest the cash collateral and earn additional income or may receive an agreed
upon amount of interest income from the borrower. However, the amounts received
by a Fund may be reduced by finders' fees paid to broker-dealers and related
expenses. Presently, each Fund does not intend to lend more than 5% of its net
assets to broker-dealers, banks, or other financial borrowers of securities.
SWAP AGREEMENTS
Each Fund may enter into swap agreements. Swap agreements can be
individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of
different types of investments or market factors. Depending on their structure,
swap agreements may increase or decrease a Fund's exposure to long- or
short-term interest rates (in the U.S. or abroad), foreign currency values,
mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, or other factors such as
security prices or inflation rates. Swap agreements can take many different
forms and are known by a variety of names. A Fund is not limited to any
particular form of swap agreement if IAI determines it is consistent with such
Fund's investment objectives and policies.
Swap agreements will tend to shift a Fund's investment exposure from one
type of investment to another. For example, if a Fund agrees to exchange
payments in dollars for payments in foreign currency, the swap agreement would
tend to decrease a Fund's exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its
exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. Depending on how they are used,
swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of a Fund's
investments and its share price.
The most significant factor in the performance of swap agreements is the
change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors that determine
the amounts of payments due to and from a Fund. If a swap agreement calls for
payments by a Fund, such Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due.
In addition, if the counterparty's creditworthiness declined, the value of a
swap agreement would be likely to decline, potentially resulting in losses. Each
Fund expects to be able to eliminate its exposure under swap agreements either
by assignment or other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap
agreement with the same party or a similarly creditworthy party.
-4-
<PAGE>
Each Fund will maintain appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial
account to cover its current obligations under swap agreements. If a Fund enters
into a swap agreement on a net basis, it will segregate assets with a daily
value at least equal to the excess, if any, of a Fund's accrued obligations
under the swap agreement over the accrued amount such Fund is entitled to
receive under the agreement. If a Fund enters into a swap agreement on other
than a net basis, it will segregate assets with a value equal to the full amount
of such Fund's accrued obligations under the agreement. Presently, each Fund
does not intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in Swap Agreements.
INDEXED SECURITIES
Each Fund may purchase securities whose prices are indexed to the prices of
other securities, securities indexes, 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.
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. Recent issuers of
indexed securities have included banks, corporations, and certain U.S.
government agencies. IAI will use its judgment in determining whether indexed
securities should be treated as short-term instruments, bonds, stocks, or as a
separate asset class for purposes of a Fund's investment policies, depending on
the individual characteristics of the securities. Indexed securities may be more
volatile than the underlying instruments. Presently, each Fund does not intend
to invest more than 5% of its net assets in indexed securities.
LIMITATIONS ON FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
Each Fund has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the
definition of the term "commodity pool operator" with the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission (CFTC) and the National Futures Association, which regulate
trading in the futures markets, before engaging in any purchases or sales of
futures contracts or options on futures contracts. Each Fund intends to comply
with Section 4.5 of the regulations under the Commodity Exchange Act, which
limits the extent to which a Fund can commit assets to initial margin deposits
and option premiums.
In addition, each Fund will not: (a) sell futures contracts, purchase put
options, or write call options if, as a result, more than 25% of a Fund's total
assets would be hedged with futures and options under normal conditions; (b)
purchase futures contracts or write put options if, as a result, a Fund's total
obligations upon settlement or exercise of purchased futures contracts and
written put options would exceed 25% of its total assets; or (c) purchase call
options if, as a result, the current value of option premiums for call options
purchased by a Fund would exceed 5% of such Fund's total assets. These
limitations do not apply to options attached to or acquired or traded together
with their underlying securities, and do not apply to securities that
incorporate features similar to options.
-5-
<PAGE>
The above limitations on a Fund's investments in futures contracts and
options, and such Fund's policies regarding futures contracts and options
discussed elsewhere in this Statement of Additional Information may be changed
as regulatory agencies permit. With respect to positions in commodity futures or
commodity option contracts which do not come within the meaning and intent of
bona fide hedging in the CFTC rules, the aggregate initial margin and premiums
required to establish such positions will not exceed five percent of the
liquidation value of a Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized
profits and unrealized losses on any such contracts it has entered into; and,
provided further, that in the case of an option that is in-the-money, such
amount may be excluded in computing such five percent.
FUTURES CONTRACTS
When a Fund purchases a futures contract, it agrees to purchase a specified
underlying instrument at a specified future date. When a Fund sells a futures
contract, it agrees to sell the underlying instrument at a specified future
date. The price at which the purchase and sale will take place is fixed when a
Fund enters into the contract. Some currently available futures contracts are
based on specific securities, such as U.S. Treasury bonds or notes, and some are
based on indexes of securities prices, such as the Standard & Poor's 500
Composite Stock Price Index (S&P 500). Futures can be held until their delivery
dates, or can be closed out before then if a liquid secondary market is
available.
The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem
with the value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures
contracts will tend to increase a Fund's exposure to positive and negative price
fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had purchased the
underlying instrument directly. When a Fund sells a futures contract, by
contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move in a direction
contrary to the market. Selling futures contracts, therefore, will tend to
offset both positive and negative market price changes, much as if the
underlying instrument had been sold.
FUTURES MARGIN PAYMENTS
The purchaser or seller of a futures contract is not required to deliver or
pay for the underlying instrument unless the contract is held until the delivery
date. However, both the purchaser and seller are required to deposit "initial
margin" with a futures broker, known as a futures commission merchant (FCM),
when the contract is entered into. Initial margin deposits are typically equal
to a percentage of the contract's value. If the value of either party's position
declines, that party will be required to make additional "variation margin"
payments to settle the change in value on a daily basis. The party that has a
gain may be entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. Initial and
variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing securities on margin for
purposes of a Fund's investment limitations. In the event of the bankruptcy of
an FCM that holds margin on behalf of a Fund, such Fund may be entitled to
return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the
FMC's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to such Fund.
PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS
By purchasing a put option, a Fund obtains the right (but not the
obligation) to sell the option's underlying instrument at a fixed strike price.
In return for this right, a Fund pays the current market price for the option
(known as the option premium). Options have various types of underlying
instruments, including specific securities, indexes of securities prices, and
futures contracts. A Fund may terminate its position in a put option it has
purchased by allowing it to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is
allowed to expire, a Fund will lose the entire premium it paid. If a Fund
exercises the option, it completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the
strike price. A Fund may also terminate a put option position by closing it out
in the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market
exists.
The buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if security
prices fall substantially. However, if the underlying instrument's price does
not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put buyer can
expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium paid, plus related
transaction costs).
-6-
<PAGE>
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put
options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right to
purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option's strike
price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in potential price
increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the cost of the
option if security prices fall. At the same time, the buyer can expect to suffer
a loss if security prices do not rise sufficiently to offset the cost of the
option.
WRITING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS
When a Fund writes a put option, it takes the opposite side of the
transaction from the option's purchaser. In return for receipt of the premium,
such Fund assumes the obligation to pay the strike price for the option's
underlying instrument if the other party to the option chooses to exercise it.
When writing an option on a futures contract a Fund would be required to make
margin payments to an FCM as described above for futures contracts. A Fund may
seek to terminate its position in a put option it writes before exercise by
closing out the option in the secondary market at its current price. If the
secondary market is not liquid for a put option a Fund has written, however,
such Fund must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option
is outstanding, regardless of price changes, and must continue to set aside
assets to cover its position. If security prices rise, a put writer would
generally expect to profit, although its gain would be limited to the amount of
the premium it received.
If security prices remain the same over time, it is likely that the writer
will also profit, because it should be able to close out the option at a lower
price. If security prices fall, the put writer would expect to suffer a loss.
This loss should be less than the loss from purchasing the underlying instrument
directly, however, because the premium received for writing the option should
mitigate the effects of the decline.
Writing a call option obligates a Fund to sell or deliver the option's
underlying instrument, in return for the strike price, upon exercise of the
option. The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of
writing put options, except that writing calls generally is a profitable
strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option
premium, a call writer mitigates the effects of a price decline. At the same
time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying
instrument in return for the strike price, even if its current value is greater,
a call writer gives up some ability to participate in security price increases.
COMBINED POSITIONS
A Fund may purchase and write options in combination with each other, or in
combination with futures or forward contracts, to adjust the risk and return
characteristics of the overall position. For example, a 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.
CORRELATION OF PRICE CHANGES
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 a 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 such Fund's other investments.
-7-
<PAGE>
Options and futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their
underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a 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. A 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 a 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.
LIQUIDITY OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS
There is no assurance a liquid secondary market will exist for any
particular options or futures contract at any particular time. Options may have
relatively low trading volume and liquidity if their strike prices are not close
to the underlying instrument's current price. In addition, exchanges may
establish daily price fluctuation limits for options and futures contracts, and
may halt trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the
limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit
is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible for a Fund to
enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the secondary
market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or
otherwise, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and
potentially could require a Fund to continue to hold a position until delivery
or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a Fund's access
to other assets held to cover its options or futures positions could also be
impaired.
OTC OPTIONS
Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with respect to the
underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and strike price, the
terms of over-the-counter options (options not traded on exchanges) generally
are established through negotiation with the other party to the option contract.
While this type of arrangement allows a Fund greater flexibility to tailor an
option to its needs, OTC options generally involve greater credit risk than
exchange-traded options, which are guaranteed by the clearing organization of
the exchanges where they are traded.
ASSET COVERAGE FOR FUTURES AND OPTIONS POSITIONS
Each Fund will comply with guidelines established by the Securities and
Exchange Commission with respect to coverage of options and futures strategies
by mutual funds, and if the guidelines so require will set aside appropriate
liquid assets in a segregated custodial account in the amount prescribed.
Securities held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the futures or
option strategy is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other suitable
assets. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large
percentage of a Fund's assets could impede portfolio management or a Fund's
ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
ECONOMIES OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND GERMANY
As discussed in the Prospectus, International Fund may from time to time
concentrate more than 25% of its total assets in the economy of Japan. This
section includes a general discussion of the economies of the United Kingdom and
Germany. The economy of Japan is further described in the Prospectus.
UNITED KINGDOM. The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy and
consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The population of the
United Kingdom is approximately 57 million. Industry in the United Kingdom is
predominantly owned in the private sector except for certain state owned
entities in the transportation and energy industries.
-8-
<PAGE>
The financial center of the United Kingdom is London, which is also the
location of the London Stock Exchange. In October of 1986, stock exchange
commission rates were deregulated and stock exchange membership was opened up to
limited companies and to non-residents of the United Kingdom. Additionally, the
Financial Services Act (the "FSA") substantially restructured the U.K.
securities laws and deregulated the London Stock Exchange's own rules. FSA
created a new regulatory body known as the Securities and Investments Board (the
"SIB"), which has the power to delegate certain of its functions to various
self-regulatory organizations, of which the London Stock Exchange is one. Under
the FSA structure, the London Stock Exchange will continue to be largely
self-regulating with fundamentally the same types of self-regulatory rules in
effect prior to FSA.
Stock prices are continuously quoted during business hours on the London
Stock Exchange, and are negotiable, but have formalized for institutions.
Trading commissions in the U.K. are negotiable.
Securities in the United Kingdom are denominated and quoted in "pounds
sterling". Pounds sterling are fully convertible and transferable based on
floating exchange rates into all currencies, without administrative or legal
restrictions, for both non-residents and residents of the United Kingdom.
GERMANY. Germany is a federated republic with a population of approximately
80 million and a democratic parliamentary form of government. The German economy
is organized primarily on the basis of private sector ownership, with the state
exerting major influence through ownership in certain sectors, including
transportation, communication and energy. Unification of West Germany with the
formerly communist controlled East Germany took place in 1990.
Industrial activity makes the largest contribution to the German gross
national product. Although only 5% of German businesses are large-scale
enterprises, such large-scale businesses account for over half of industrial
production and employ over half the industrial labor force. Trading volume,
therefore, tends to concentrate on relatively few companies with both large
capitalizations and broad stock ownership. Historically the German economy has
been strongly export oriented. Privatization of formerly state owned enterprise
in what was once East Germany is in progress, but will make little difference to
the predominance of large scale businesses in overall industrial activity and
the stock market.
German equity securities trade predominantly on the country's eight
independent local stock exchanges, the Frankfurt exchange accounting for 70% of
turnover. Subject to the provisions of pertinent securities law, mainly the
Stock Exchange Law of 1896, as amended, the council, management and other
executive organs of the stock exchanges constitute self-administering and
self-regulatory bodies. The "Working Group of German Stock Exchanges"
headquartered in Frankfurt, of which all eight stock exchanges are members,
addresses all policy and administrative questions of national and international
character.
Prices for active stocks, including those for larger companies are quoted
continuously during stock exchange hours. Less actively traded stocks are quoted
only once a day. Equity shares are normally fully-paid and non-assessable.
Orders for stock executed for large customers on the stock exchanges are
negotiable. A federal stock exchange turnover tax, ranging up to 0.25%, is
levied on all securities transactions other than those between banks acting as
principal. Nonresidents such as the Fund are charged half these rates.
German equity securities are denominated in Deutchemarks. Deutchemarks are
fully convertible and transferable into all currencies, without administrative
or legal restrictions, for both nonresidents and residents of Germany. Since
1974, the Deutchemark has traded on a floating exchange rate basis against all
currencies.
-9-
<PAGE>
NO RATING CRITERIA FOR DEBT SECURITIES
Developing Countries Fund has established no rating criteria for the debt
securities in which it may invest. Therefore, Developing Countries Fund may
invest in debt securities either (a) which are rated in one of the top four
rating categories by a nationally recognized rating organization or which
possess similar credit characteristics ("investment grade securities") or (b)
which are rated below the top four rating categories or which possess similar
credit characteristics ("high yield securities"). Ratings are one of several
factors utilized in performing a credit analysis of issuers.
Issuers of high yield securities may be highly leveraged and may not have
available to them more traditional methods of financing. Therefore, the risks
associated with acquiring the securities of such issuers generally are greater
than is the case with higher rated securities. For example, during an economic
downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, issuers of high yield
securities may be more likely to experience financial stress, especially if such
issuers are highly leveraged. During such periods, such issuers may not have
sufficient revenues to meet their interest payment obligations. The issuer's
ability to service its debt obligations also may be adversely affected by
specific issuer developments or the issuer's inability to meet specific
projected business forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The
risk of loss due to default by the issuer is significantly greater for the
holders of high yield securities because such securities may be unsecured and
may be subordinated to other creditors of the issuer.
High yield securities frequently have call or redemption features which
would permit an issuer to repurchase the security from the Fund. If a call were
exercised by the issuer during a period of declining interest rates, the Fund
likely would have to replace such called security with a lower yielding
security, thus decreasing the net investment income to the Fund and dividends to
shareholders.
Developing Countries Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain high
yield securities because there may be a thin trading market for such securities.
The secondary trading market for high yield securities is generally not as
liquid as the secondary market for higher rated securities. Reduced secondary
market liquidity may have an adverse impact on market price and Developing
Countries Fund's ability to dispose of particular issues when necessary to meet
Developing Countries Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific
economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, which may not be based on
fundamental analysis, also may decrease the value and liquidity of high yield
securities, particularly in a thinly traded market. Factors adversely affecting
the market value of high yield securities are likely to adversely affect
Developing Countries Fund's net asset value. In addition, the Fund may incur
additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default
on a portfolio holding or participate in the restructuring of the obligation.
ADDITIONAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Investors should consider carefully the substantial risks involved with
respect to investing in securities of companies and governments of foreign
nations, which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic
investments. Such risks are heightened with respect to investments in developing
countries. There may be less publicly available information about foreign
companies comparable to the reports and ratings published about companies in the
United States. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, and auditing practices
and requirements may not be comparable to those applicable to United States
companies. Foreign markets typically have substantially less volume than the New
York Stock Exchange and securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and
more volatile than securities of comparable United States companies. Commission
rates in foreign countries, which are generally fixed rather than subject to
negotiation as in the United States, are likely to be higher. In many foreign
countries there is less government supervision and regulation of stock
exchanges, brokers and listed companies than in the United States.
-10-
<PAGE>
Investments in developing countries may be subject to potentially higher
risks than investments in developed countries. These risks include (i) less
social, political and economic stability; (ii) the small current size of the
markets for such securities and the currently low or nonexistent volume of
trading, which may result in a lack of liquidity and in greater price
volatility; (iii) certain national policies which may restrict the Fund's
investment opportunities, including restrictions on investment in issuers or
industries deemed sensitive to national interests; (iv) foreign taxation; (v)
the absence of developed structures governing private or foreign investment or
allowing for judicial redress for injury to private property; (vi) the limited
development and recent emergence, in certain countries, of a capital market
structure or market-oriented economy; and (vii) the possibility that recent
favorable economic developments in certain countries may be slowed or reversed
by unanticipated political or social events in such countries.
Despite the recent dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Communist Party may
continue to exercise a significant role in certain (particularly Eastern
European) countries. To the extent of the Communist Party's influence,
investments in such countries will involve risks of nationalization,
expropriation and confiscatory taxation. The communist governments of a number
of such countries expropriated large amounts of private property in the past, in
many cases without adequate compensation, and there can be no assurance that
such expropriation will not occur in the future. In the event of such
expropriation, a Fund could lose a substantial portion of any investments it has
made in the affected countries. Further, no accounting standards exist in many
developing countries. Finally, even though certain currencies may be convertible
into U.S. dollars, the conversion rates may be artificial to the actual market
values and may be adverse to Fund shareholders.
Certain countries, which do not have market economies, are characterized by
an absence of developed legal structures governing private and foreign
investments and private property. Certain countries require governmental
approval prior to investments by foreign persons, or limit the amount of
investment by foreign persons in a particular company, or limit the investment
of foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of a company that may
have less advantageous terms than securities of the company available for
purchase by nationals.
Authoritarian governments in certain countries may require that a
governmental or quasi-governmental authority to act as custodian of a Fund's
assets invested in such country. To the extent such governmental or
quasi-governmental authorities do not satisfy the requirements of the 1940 Act
to act as foreign custodians of the Fund's cash and securities, a Fund's
investment in such countries may be limited or may be required to be effected
through intermediaries. The risk of loss through governmental confiscation may
be increased in such countries.
A Fund endeavors to buy and sell foreign currencies on as favorable a basis
as practicable. Some price spread on currency exchange (to cover service
charges) may be incurred, particularly when a Fund changes investments from one
country to another or when proceeds from the sale of shares in U.S. dollars are
used for the purchase of securities in foreign countries. Also, some countries
may adopt policies which would prevent a Fund from transferring cash out of the
country, withhold portions of interest and dividends at the source, or impose
other taxes, with respect to a Fund's investments in securities of issuers of
that country. Although a Fund invests only in foreign nations which it considers
as having relatively stable and friendly governments, there is the possibility
of expropriation, nationalization, confiscatory or other taxation, foreign
exchange controls (which may include suspension of the ability to transfer
currency from a given country), default in foreign government securities,
political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect
investments in securities of issuers in those nations.
A Fund may be affected either unfavorably or favorably by fluctuations in
the relative rates of exchange between the currencies of different nations, by
exchange control regulations and by indigenous economic and political
developments. Through a Fund's flexible policy, management endeavors to avoid
unfavorable consequences and to take advantage of favorable developments in
particular nations where from time to time it places a Fund's investments.
-11-
<PAGE>
The exercise of this flexible policy may include decisions to purchase
securities with substantial risk characteristics and other decisions such as
changing the emphasis on investments from one nation to another and from one
type of security to another. Some of these decisions may later prove profitable
and others may not. No assurance can be given that profits, if any, will exceed
losses. However, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence on the part of the investment manager, any losses resulting from the
holding of a Fund's portfolio securities in foreign countries and/or with
securities depositories will be at the risk of the shareholders.
A Fund's ability to reduce or eliminate its futures and related options
positions will depend upon the liquidity of the secondary markets for such
futures and options. Each Fund intends to purchase or sell futures and related
options only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be an active
secondary market, but there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will
exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. Use of stock index
futures and related options for hedging may involve risks because of imperfect
correlations between movements in the prices of the futures or related options
and movements in the prices of the securities being hedged. Successful use of
futures and related options by a Fund for hedging purposes also depends upon the
investment manager's ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of
the market, as to which no assurance can be given.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
As indicated in the Prospectus, each Fund is subject to certain policies
and restrictions which are "fundamental" and may not be changed without
shareholder approval. Shareholder approval consists of the approval of the
lesser of (i) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund, or
(ii) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a meeting if the holders of
more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or
represented by proxy. Limitations 1 through 8 below are deemed fundamental
limitations. The remaining limitations set forth below serve as operating
policies of each Fund and may be changed by the Board of Directors without
shareholder approval.
Each Fund may not:
1. Purchase the securities of any issuer if such purchase would cause the
Fund to fail to meet the requirements of a "diversified company" as defined
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
As defined in the 1940 Act, "diversified company" means a management
company which meets the following requirements: at least 75 per centum of the
value of its total assets is represented by cash and cash items (including
receivables), Government securities, securities of other investment companies,
and other securities for the purposes of this calculation limited in respect of
any one issuer to an amount not greater in value than 5 per centum of the value
of the total assets of such management company and not more than 10 per centum
of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.
2. Purchase the securities of any issuer (other than "Government
securities" as defined under the 1940 Act) if, as a result, more than 25% of the
value of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of
companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry.
For purposes of applying this restriction, a Fund will not purchase
securities, as defined above, such that 25% or more of the value of the Fund's
total assets are invested in the securities of companies whose principal
business activities are in the same industry.
3. Issue any senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act or the
Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
-12-
<PAGE>
4. Borrow money, except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes
provided that such borrowings may not exceed 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund's
net assets (including the amount borrowed). Any borrowings that come to exceed
this amount will be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and
holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33-1/3% limitation. This
limitation shall not prohibit the Fund from engaging in reverse repurchase
agreements, making deposits of assets to margin or guarantee positions in
futures, options, swaps or forward contracts, or segregating assets in
connection with such agreements or contracts.
To the extent a Fund engages in reverse repurchase agreements, because such
transactions are considered borrowing, reverse repurchase agreements are
included in the 33-1/3% limitation.
5. Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the
extent that in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities the Fund
may be deemed to be an underwriter under applicable laws.
6. Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of
securities or other instruments. This restriction shall not prevent the Fund
from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or
securities of companies engaged in the real estate business.
7. Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the
Fund from purchasing or selling options and future contracts or from investing
in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities).
For purposes of applying this restriction, "commodities" shall be deemed to
include commodity contracts.
8. Make loans to other persons except to the extent not inconsistent with
the 1940 Act or the Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. This limitation does not apply to purchases of commercial paper,
debt securities or repurchase agreements, or to the lending of portfolio
securities.
9. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases or sales
of securities and provided that margin payments in connection with transactions
in options, futures, swaps and forward contracts shall not be deemed to
constitute purchasing securities on margin.
10. Sell securities short, unless it owns or has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short, and
provided that transactions in options, swaps and forward futures contracts are
not deemed to constitute selling securities short.
For purposes of applying this restriction, a Fund will not sell securities
short except to the extent that it contemporaneously owns or has the right to
obtain, at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short.
11. Except as part of a merger, consolidation, acquisition, or
reorganization, invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the
securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of the value of its
total assets, in the aggregate, in the securities of two or more investment
companies, or acquire more than 3% of the total outstanding voting securities of
any one investment company.
12. Mortgage, pledge or hypothecate its assets except to the extent
necessary to secure permitted borrowings. This limitation does not apply to
reverse repurchase agreements or in the case of assets deposited to margin or
guarantee positions in futures, options, swaps or forward contracts or placed in
a segregated account in connection with such contracts.
13. Participate on a joint or a joint and several basis in any securities
trading account.
-13-
<PAGE>
14. Developing Countries Fund may not invest more than 10% of its net
assets in illiquid investments. International Fund may not invest more than 15%
of its net assets in illiquid investments.
15. Invest directly in interests (including partnership interests) in oil,
gas or other mineral exploration or development leases or programs, except the
Fund may purchase or sell securities issued by corporations engaging in oil, gas
or other mineral exploration or development business.
Any of the Fund's investment policies set forth under "Investment Objective
and Policies" in the Prospectus, or any restriction set forth above under
"Investment Restrictions" which involves a maximum percentage of securities or
assets (other than Restriction 4) shall not be considered to be violated unless
an excess over the percentage occurs immediately after an acquisition of
securities or utilization of assets and results therefrom. With respect to
Restriction 14, a Fund is under a continuing obligation to ensure that it does
not violate the maximum percentage either by acquisition or by virtue of a
decrease in the value of the Fund's liquid assets.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of
purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the particular fiscal year by the
monthly average of the value of portfolio securities owned by the Fund during
the same fiscal year. "Portfolio securities" for purposes of this calculation do
not include securities with a maturity date of less than twelve (12) months from
the date of investment. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example,
if the lesser of the value of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a
particular year were equal to the average monthly value of the portfolio
securities owned during such year. The Funds' historical portfolio turnover
rates are set forth in the prospectus section "Financial Highlights".
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
Advertisements and other sales literature for each Fund may refer to
monthly, quarterly, yearly, cumulative and average annual total return. Each
such calculation assumes all dividends and capital gain distributions are
reinvested at net asset value on the appropriate reinvestment dates as described
in the Prospectus, and includes all recurring fees, such as investment advisory
and management fees, charged as expenses to all shareholder accounts. Each of
monthly, quarterly and yearly total return is computed in the same manner as
cumulative total return, as set forth below.
Cumulative total return is computed by finding the cumulative rate of
return over the period indicated in the advertisement that would equate the
initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value, according to the
following formula:
CTR = (ERV-P) 100
-----
P
Where: CTR = Cumulative total return;
ERV = ending redeemable value at the end of the period of a
hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of
such period; and
P = initial payment of $1,000
Average annual total return is computed by finding the average annual
compounded rates of return over the periods indicated in the advertisement that
would equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value,
according to the following formula:
-14-
<PAGE>
P(1+T)n = ERV
Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000;
T = average annual total return;
n = number of years; and
ERV = ending redeemable value at the end of the
period of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made
at the beginning of such period.
The table below shows the yearly total return for the Funds for the periods
indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Year Ended 12/31 Developing Countries Fund International Fund
---------------- ------------------------- ------------------
1987 N/A (7.20%)*
1988 N/A 18.00%
1989 N/A 18.40%
1990 N/A (13.10%)
1991 N/A 16.60%
1992 N/A (6.30%)
1993 N/A 39.50%
1994 N/A 0.46%
1995 (.51%)** 9.10%
1996 8.49% 8.43%
-------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Commenced operations on April 23, 1987
** Commenced operations on February 10, 1995
The average annual return of Developing Countries Fund for the one year
period ended January 31, 1997 and from February 10, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through January 31, 1997 was 5.22 and 6.95%, respectively.
The average annual return of International Fund for the one and five year
periods ended January 31, 1997 and from April 23, 1987 (commencement of
operations) through January 31, 1997 was 2.39%, 8.47% and 7.34%, respectively.
In advertising and sales literature, each Fund may compare its performance
with that of other mutual funds, indexes or averages of other mutual funds,
indexes of related financial assets or data, and other competing investment and
deposit products available from or through other financial institutions. The
composition of these indexes, averages or products differs from that of a Fund.
The comparison of a Fund to an alternative investment should be made with
consideration of differences in features and expected performance. A Fund may
also note its mention in newspapers, magazines, or other media from time to
time. However, a Fund assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of such data.
For example, (1) a Fund's performance or P/E ratio may be compared to any
one or a combination of the following: (i) the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index
and Dow Jones Industrial Average so that you may compare a Fund's results with
those of a group of unmanaged securities widely regarded by investors as
representative of the U.S. stock market in general; (ii) other groups of mutual
funds, including the IAI Funds, tracked by: (A) Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc., a widely used independent research firm which ranks mutual funds by
overall performance, investment objectives, and assets; (B) Morningstar, Inc.,
another widely used independent research firm which rates mutual funds; or (C)
other financial or business publications, which may include, but are not limited
to, Business Week, Money Magazine, Forbes and Barron's, which provide similar
information; (iii) The Financial Times (a London based international financial
newspaper)-Actuaries World Indices, including Europe and
-15-
<PAGE>
sub-indices comprising this Index (a wide range of comprehensive measures of
stock price performance for the major stock markets, as well as for regional
areas, broad economic sectors and industry groups); (iv) Morgan Stanley Capital
International Indices, including the EAFE Index; (v) Baring International
Investment Management Limited (an international securities trading, research,
and investment management firm), as a source for market capitalization, GDP and
GNP; (vi) the International Finance Corporation (an affiliate of the World Bank
established to encourage economic development in less developed countries),
World Bank, OECD (Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development) and
IMF (International Monetary Fund) as a source of economic statistics; and (ix)
the performance of U.S. government and corporate bonds, notes and bills. (The
purpose of these comparisons would be to illustrate historical trends in
different market sectors so as to allow potential investors to compare different
investment strategies.); (2) the Consumer Price Index (measure for inflation)
may be used to assess the real rate of return from an investment in a Fund; (3)
other U.S. or foreign government statistics such as GNP, and net import and
export figures derived from governmental publications, e.g., The Survey of
Current Business, may be used to illustrate investment attributes of a Fund or
the general economic business, investment, or financial environment in which a
Fund operates; (4) the effect of tax-deferred compounding on a Fund's investment
returns, or on returns in general, may be illustrated by graphs, charts, etc.
where such graphs or charts would compare, at various points in time, the return
from an investment in a Fund (or returns in general) on a tax-deferred basis
(assuming reinvestment of capital gains and dividends and assuming one or more
tax rates) with the return on a taxable basis; and (5) the sectors or industries
in which a Fund invests may be compared to relevant indices or surveys (e.g.,
S&P Industry Surveys) in order to evaluate a Fund's historical performance or
current or potential value with respect to the particular industry or sector.
MANAGEMENT
The names, addresses, positions and principal occupations of the directors and
executive officers of the Funds are given below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Name and Address Age Position Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
- ---------------- --- -------- -------------------------------------------
Noel P. Rahn* 58 Chairman of the Chief Executive Officer and a Director of IAI
3700 First Bank Place Board, President since 1974. Mr. Rahn is also Chairman and President
P.O. Box 357 of the other IAI Mutual Funds and of LifeUSA Funds, Inc.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440
Madeline Betsch 54 Director Currently retired; until April 1994, was
19 South 1st Street Executive Vice President, Director of Client
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 Services, of CME-KHBB Advertising since May
1985, and prior thereto was a Vice President
with Campbell-Mithun, Inc. (advertising
agency) since February 1977.
W. William Hodgson 72 Director Currently retired; served as information
1698 Dodd Road manager for the North Central Home Office of
Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118 the Prudential Insurance Company of America
from 1961 until 1984.
George R. Long 67 Director Chairman of Mayfield Corp. (financial
29 Las Brisas Way consultants and venture capitalists) since
Naples, Florida 33963 1973.
J. Peter Thompson 64 Director Grain farmer in southwestern Minnesota since
Route 1 1974. Prior to that, Mr. Thompson was
Mountain Lake, Minnesota 56159 employed by Paine Webber, Jackson & Curtis,
Incorporated,(a diversified financial services
concern),most recently as Senior Vice President
and General Partner.
-16-
<PAGE>
Name and Address Age Position Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
- ---------------- --- -------- -------------------------------------------
Charles H. Withers 70 Director Currently retired; was Editor of the Rochester
Rochester Post Bulletin Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minnesota from 1960
P.O. Box 6118 through March 31, 1980.
Rochester, Minnesota 55903
Archie C. Black, III 35 Treasurer Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
3700 First Bank Place Officer of IAI and has served IAI in several
P.O. Box 357 capacities since 1987. Mr. Black is also
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440 Treasurer of the other IAI Mutual Funds and of
LifeUSA Funds, Inc.
William C. Joas 34 Secretary Vice President of IAI and has served as an
3700 First Bank Place attorney for IAI since 1990. Mr. Joas is also
P.O. Box 357 Secretary of the other IAI Mutual Funds and LifeUSA
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440 Funds, Inc.
Roy C. Gillson 44 Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Director of IAI
10 Fleet Place Investments International Limited. Mr. Gillson joined IAI
London, England EC4M 7RH, U.K. International in 1983.
Susan J. Haedt 35 Vice President, Vice President of IAI and Director of Fund
3700 First Bank Place Director of Operations. Prior to joining IAI in 1992, Ms.
P.O. Box 357 Operations Haedt served as a Senior Manager at KPMG Peat
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440 Marwick LLP (an international tax, accounting
and consulting firm). Ms. Haedt is also Vice
President, Director of Operations of the other
IAI Mutual Funds and of LifeUSA Funds, Inc.
</TABLE>
* Director who is an interested person (as that term is defined by
the Investment Company Act of 1940) of IAI and the Funds.
Each Fund has agreed to reduced initial subscription requirements for
employees and directors of a Fund or IAI, their spouses, children and
grandchildren. With respect to such persons, the minimum initial investment in
one or more of the IAI Family of Funds is $500; provided that the minimum amount
that can be allocated to any one of the Funds is $250. Subsequent subscriptions
are limited to a minimum of $100 for each of the Funds.
No compensation is paid by the Fund to any of its officers. Directors who
are not affiliated with IAI receive from the IAI Mutual Funds a $15,000 annual
retainer, $2,500 for each Board meeting attended, $3,600 for each Audit
Committee meeting attended (as applicable) and $1,800 for each Securities
Valuation Committee meeting attended. Each Fund will pay its pro rata share of
these fees based on its net assets. Such unaffiliated directors also are
reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings.
-17-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Compensation Aggregate
Compensation from Compensation
from Developing from the 19
Name of Person, Position International Fund* Countries Fund* IAI Mutual Funds**
- ------------------------ ------------------- -------------- ------------------
Betsch, Madeline - Director $2,291 $169 $34,700
Hodgson, W. William - Director $2,291 $169 $34,700
Long, George R. - Director $2,271 $172 $34,700
Thompson, J. Peter - Director $2,291 $169 $34,700
Withers, Charles H. - Director $2,271 $172 $34,700
- -------------------------
</TABLE>
* For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997.
** For the calendar year ended December 31, 1996;
excludes expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings.
The Board of Directors for each of the Funds has approved a Code of Ethics.
The Code permits access persons to engage in personal securities transactions
subject to certain policies and procedures. Such procedures prohibit certain
persons from acquiring of any securities in an initial public offering. In
addition, securities acquired through private placement must be pre-cleared.
Procedures have been adopted which would implement blackout periods for certain
securities, as well as a ban on short-term trading profits. Additional policies
prohibit the receipt of gifts in certain instances. Procedures have been
implemented to monitor employee trading. Each access person is required to
certify annually that they have read and understood the Code of Ethics. An
annual report is provided to the Funds' Board of Directors summarizing existing
procedures and changes, identifying material violations and recommending any
changes needed.
IAI's ultimate corporate parent is Lloyds TSB Group, plc ("Lloyds TSB"), a
publicly-held financial services organization headquartered in London, England.
Lloyds TSB is one of the largest personal and corporate financial services
groups in the United Kingdom, engaged in a wide range of activities including
commercial and retail banking. The principal offices of Lloyds TSB are located
at St. George's House, 6 - 8 Eastcheap, London, EC3M 1LL.
HISTORY
Each Fund is a separate portfolio of IAI Investment Funds III, Inc., a
Minnesota corporation whose shares of common stock are currently issued in two
series (Series A and B). The investment portfolio represented by Series A common
shares is referred to as "IAI International Fund." The investment portfolio
represented by Series B common shares is referred to as "IAI Developing
Countries Fund." On June 25, 1993, International Fund's shareholders approved
amended and restated Articles of Incorporation, which provided that the
registered investment company whose corporate name had been IAI International
Fund, Inc. be renamed "IAI Investment Funds III, Inc."
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Effective April 1, 1996, pursuant to a Management Agreement between each
Fund and IAI, IAI agreed to provide each Fund with investment advice,
statistical and research facilities, and certain equipment and services,
including, but not limited to, office space and necessary office facilities,
equipment, and the services of required personnel and, in connection therewith,
IAI has the sole authority and responsibility to make and execute investment
decisions for each Fund within the framework of a Fund's investment policies,
subject to review by the directors of a Fund. In addition, IAI agreed to provide
or arrange for the provision of all required administrative, stock transfer,
redemption, dividend disbursing, accounting, and shareholder services including,
without limitation, the following: (1) the maintenance of a Fund's accounts,
books and records; (2) the calculations of the daily net asset value in
accordance with a Fund's current Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information; (3) daily and periodic reports; (4) all information necessary to
complete tax returns, questionnaires and other reports requested by a Fund; (5)
the maintenance of stock registry records; (6) the processing of requested
account registration changes, stock
-18-
<PAGE>
certificate issuances and redemption requests; (7) the administration of
payments and dividends and distributions declared by a Fund; (8) answering
shareholder questions, (9) providing reports and other information and (10)
other services designed to maintain shareholder accounts. IAI may also pay
qualifying broker-dealers, financial institutions and other entities that
provide such services. In return for these services, each Fund has agreed to pay
IAI an annual fee as a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets as set
forth below:
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Daily Net Assets Fee IAI Receives Annually
---------------- -------------------------
For the first $100 million 2.00%
For the next $100 - $250 million 1.95%
For the next $250 - $500 million 1.75%
Above $500 million 1.65%
</TABLE>
INTERNATIONAL FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Daily Net Assets Fee IAI Receives Annually
---------------- -------------------------
For the first $100 million 1.70%
For the next $100 - $250 million 1.45%
For the next $250 - $500 million 1.30%
Above $500 million 1.30%
</TABLE>
Under the Management Agreement, except for brokerage commissions and other
expenditures in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities,
interest expense, and, subject to the specific approval of a majority of the
disinterested directors of a Fund, taxes and extraordinary expenses, IAI has
agreed to pay all of a Fund's other costs and expenses, including, for example,
costs incurred in the purchase and sale of assets, taxes, charges of the
custodian of a Fund's assets, costs of reports and proxy material sent to Fund
shareholders, fees paid for independent accounting and legal services, costs of
printing Prospectuses for Fund shareholders and registering a Fund's shares,
postage, insurance premiums, and costs of attending investment conferences. The
Management Agreement further provides that IAI will either reimburse a Fund for
the fees and expenses it pays to directors who are not "interested persons" of a
Fund or reduce its fee by an equivalent amount. IAI is not liable for any loss
suffered by a Fund in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or
negligence in the performance of its duties and obligations.
The following table contains relevant information concerning fees each Fund
paid under the Management Agreement for the period from April 1, 1996 through
January 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Assets* Management Fee IAI Waiver**
----------- -------------- ------------
Developing Countries Fund $ 11,981,607 $ 178,066 $ 698
International Fund $116,191,236 $1,743,676 $8,225
-------------------------------
* As of January 31, 1997
** Resulting from IAI's reduction of its Management Fee in
the amount representing each Fund's pro rata payment of
director's fees and expenses.
</TABLE>
-19-
<PAGE>
PRIOR AGREEMENTS
Effective March 31, 1996, the Investment Advisory Agreement and
Administrative Agreement between each Fund and IAI were terminated and replaced
by the Management Agreement described above. The services provided by IAI under
each of these agreements are substantially similar in nature as those provided
under the new Management Agreement.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, Developing Countries Fund had
agreed to pay IAI an advisory fee at an annual rate of 1.25% of the Fund's
average daily net assets of the first $100,000,000 in assets, 1.10% for the next
$100,000,00 in assets and 1.00% for assets above $400,000,000. Through March 31,
1996, IAI voluntarily agreed to waive certain fees so that total Developing
Countries Fund expenses do not exceed 2.00% of average daily net assets on an
annual basis. International Fund had agreed to pay IAI a monthly fee of 1.00%
per year of International Fund's average month-end net assets for the first
$100,000,000 in assets, 0.85% for the next $100,000,000 in assets, 0.75% for the
next $100,000,000 in assets, and 0.70% for assets above $300,000,000.
The following table contains relevant information concerning fees each
Fund paid under the Advisory Agreement:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Period Advisory Fee Fee Waiver
------ ------------ ----------
Developing Countries Fund 2-1-96 to 3-31-96 $ 1,859 $ 14,495
2-10-95* to 1-31-96 $ 8,362 $ 36,350
International Fund 2-1-96 to 3-31-96 $ 223,539 $ 0
FYE 1-31-96 $1,368,001 $ 0
4-1-94 to 1-31-95** $1,213,486 $ 0
-------------------------------
* Commencement of operations
** Reflects fiscal year-end change from 3-31 to 1-31
</TABLE>
With respect to the Administrative Agreement, Developing Countries Fund was
obligated to pay IAI a monthly fee at the annual rate of .30% of the Fund's
average daily net assets. For the period from January 31, 1996 through March 31,
1996, Developing Countries Fund paid IAI administrative fees of $3,925.
International Fund was obligated to pay IAI a monthly fee equal to .30% of the
Fund's average month-end net assets. For the period from January 31, 1996
through March 31, 1996, International Fund paid IAI administrative fees of
$73,747.
Effective March 31, 1996, each Fund's Plan of Distribution (the "Plan")
terminated. Prior to termination, each Fund had entered into a Distribution and
Shareholder Services Agreement (the "Agreement") with IAI Securities, Inc.
("IAIS"). Pursuant to such Plan and Agreement, each Fund paid IAIS .25% of the
Fund's average month-end net assets (daily net assets for Developing Countries
Fund) to cover expenses incurred by IAIS in connection with the servicing of
shareholder accounts and the distribution of such Fund's shares, subject to the
contractual expense limitations discussed above. For the period from January 31,
1996 through March 31, 1996, Developing Countries Fund paid IAIS $3,272. For the
period from January 31, 1996 through March 31, 1996, International Fund paid
IAIS $61,456. Such distribution fees (along with amounts paid out of IAIS' own
assets) were utilized in connection with the distribution of the Funds' shares
as follows:
-20-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Developing
Countries Fund International Fund
-------------- ------------------
Advertising.......................................... $ 883 $ 16,593
Printing and mailing of prospectuses to other
than current shareholders............................. $ 687 $ 12,906
Payments to brokers or dealers........................ $ 1,047 $ 19,665
Direct payments to sales personnel.................... $ 98 $ 1,843
Other................................................. $ 557 $ 10,449
</TABLE>
ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES
Prior to the termination of the Advisory and Administrative Agreements on
March 31, 1996 as discussed above, each Fund paid all its other costs and
expenses, including, for example, costs incurred in the purchase and sale of
assets, interest, taxes, charges of the custodian of a Fund's assets, costs of
reports and proxy material sent to Fund shareholders, fees paid for independent
accounting and legal services, costs of printing Prospectuses for Fund
shareholders and registering the Fund's shares, postage, fees to directors who
are not "interested persons" of a Fund, distribution expenses pursuant to each
Fund's Rule 12b-1 plan, insurance premiums, costs of attending investment
conferences and such other costs which may be designated as extraordinary. With
respect to International Fund, IAI agreed to reimburse the Fund for expenses
(other than brokerage commissions and other expenditures in connection with the
purchase and sale of portfolio securities, interest expense, and subject to the
specific approval of a majority of the disinterested directors of International
Fund, taxes and extraordinary expenses which exceed on an annual basis, 2.00% of
the International Fund's average month-end net assets (the "expense limit"). IAI
is not liable for any loss suffered by a Fund in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties and
obligations.
DURATION OF AGREEMENTS
Each Management Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment. In addition, each Agreement is terminable at any time without
penalty by the Board of Directors of a Fund or by vote of a majority of a Fund's
outstanding voting securities on not more than 60 days' written notice, and by
IAI (or IAI International) on 60 days' notice to the counterparty. Each
Management Agreement shall continue in effect from year to year only so long as
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by either the Board
of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities, provided that in either event such continuance is also approved by
the vote of a majority of directors who are not parties to the Management
Agreement or interested persons of such parties cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
CUSTODIAL SERVICE
The custodian for the Funds is Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. Norwest Center,
Sixth and Marquette, Minneapolis, MN 55479. Norwest has entered into an
agreement with Morgan Stanley Trust Company, 1 Pierrepont Plaza, Brooklyn, New
York ("Morgan Stanley") which enables Developing Countries Fund and
International Fund to utilize the subcustodian and depository network of Morgan
Stanley. Such agreements, subcustodians and depositories were approved by the
Funds' Board of Directors in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, for the purpose of providing custodial
services for the Funds' assets held outside the United States.
-21-
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND ALLOCATION OF BROKERAGE
Most of the Fund's portfolio transactions are effected with dealers without
the payment of brokerage commissions but at a net price which usually includes a
spread or markup. In effecting such portfolio transactions on behalf of a Fund,
IAI seeks the most favorable net price consistent with the best execution.
Generally, however, a Fund must deal with brokers. IAI selects and (where
applicable) negotiates commissions with the brokers who execute the transactions
for such Fund. The primary criteria for the selection of a broker is the ability
of the broker, in the opinion of IAI, to secure prompt execution of the
transactions on favorable terms, including the reasonableness of the commission
and considering the state of the market at the time. In selecting a broker, IAI
may consider whether such broker provides brokerage and research services (as
defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). IAI may direct Fund
transactions to brokers who furnish research services to IAI. Such research
services include advice, both directly and in writing, as to the value of
securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities,
and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities, as
well as analyses and reports concerning issues, industries, securities, economic
factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of accounts. By
allocating brokerage business in order to obtain research services for IAI, a
Fund enables IAI to supplement its own investment research activities and allows
IAI to obtain the views and information of individuals and research staffs of
many different securities research firms prior to making investment decisions
for a Fund. To the extent such commissions are directed to brokers who furnish
research services to IAI, IAI receives a benefit, not capable of evaluation in
dollar amounts, without providing any direct monetary benefit to the Fund from
these commissions. Generally a Fund pays higher than the lowest commission rates
available.
IAI believes that most research services obtained by it generally benefit
one or more of the investment companies or other accounts which it manages.
Normally research services obtained through commissions paid by the managed fund
investing in common stocks and managed accounts investing in common stocks would
primarily benefit the fund and accounts.
There is no formula for the allocation by IAI of each Fund's brokerage
business to any broker-dealers for brokerage and research services. However, IAI
will authorize a Fund to pay an amount of commission for effecting a securities
transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker would have
charged only if IAI determines in good faith that such amount of commission is
reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services
provided by such broker viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or
IAI's overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which it
exercises investment discretion.
Although investment decisions for a Fund are made independently from other
accounts as to which IAI gives investment advice, it may occasionally develop
that the same security is suitable for more than one account. If and when more
than one account simultaneously purchase or sell the same security, the
transactions will be averaged as to price and allocated as to amount in
accordance with arrangements equitable to each Fund and such accounts. The
simultaneous purchase or sale of the same securities by a Fund and other
accounts may have detrimental effects on the Fund, as they may affect the price
paid or received by a Fund or the size of the position obtainable by a Fund.
Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. and subject to the policies set forth in the preceding
paragraphs and such other policies as the Board of Directors of the Fund may
determine, IAI may consider sales of shares of a Fund as a factor in the
selection of broker-dealers to execute the Fund's securities transactions.
-22-
<PAGE>
CAPITAL STOCK
Each Fund is a separate portfolio of IAI Investment Funds III, Inc., a
Minnesota corporation whose shares of common stock are currently issued in two
series (Series A and B). Each share of a series is entitled to participate pro
rata in any dividends and other distributions of such series and all shares of a
series have equal rights in the event of liquidation of that series. The Board
of Directors of IAI Investment Funds III, Inc., is empowered under the Articles
of Incorporation of such company to issue other series of the company's common
stock without shareholder approval. IAI Investment Funds III, Inc., has
authorized 10,000,000,000 shares of $.01 par value common stock to be issued as
Series A common shares, and 10,000,000,000 shares of $.01 par value common stock
to be issued as Series B common shares. As of January 31, 1997, Developing
Countries Fund had 1,154,272 shares outstanding and International Fund has
9,598,043 shares outstanding.
As of April 23, 1997, no person held of record or, to the knowledge of
International Fund, beneficially owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of
International Fund, except as set forth in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
==================================================================================
Name and Address Number of Percent of
of Shareholder Shares Class
==================================================================================
Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis 632,836.45 6.96%
Pension Fund
Attn: Austin T. Ward
226 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55102-2197
Concordia College Corporation Endowment 570,142.402 6.27%
Attn: Mark Lillehaugen
Concordia College
901 South 8th Street
Moorhead, MN 56562
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 539,901.182 5.94%
SPL Custody A/C for Excl Bnft of Cust.
101 Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94104
Superior Officers Council 498,438.532 5.48%
Annuity Fund NYPD
Mr. Bill Kelly
233 Broadway - 8th Floor
New York, NY 10279
</TABLE>
In addition, as of April 23, 1997, the Fund's officers and directors as a
group owned less than 1% of the Fund's outstanding shares.
-23-
<PAGE>
As of April 23, 1997, no person held of record or, to the knowledge of
Developing Countries Fund, beneficially owned more than 5% of the outstanding
shares of Developing Countries Fund, except as set forth in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
==================================================================================
Name and Address Number of Percent of
of Shareholder Shares Class
==================================================================================
Marquette Trust Company as Trustee 92,903.740 8.16%
fbo Investment Advisers, Inc.
Profit Sharing and Pension Plan
13100 Wayzata Blvd., Ste 100
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Congdon Trust 90,073.825 7.91%
807 Lonsdale Building
Duluth, MN 55802
</TABLE>
In addition, as of April 23, 1997, Developing Countries Fund's officers and
directors as a group owned approximately 1.25% of Developing Countries Fund's
outstanding shares.
NET ASSET VALUE AND PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE
The portfolio securities in which each Fund invests fluctuate in value, and
hence, for each Fund, the net asset value per share also fluctuates.
The net asset value per share of a Fund is determined once daily as of the
close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each business day on which
the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, and may be determined on
additional days as required by the Rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The New York Stock Exchange is closed, and the net asset value per
share of a Fund is not determined, on the following national holidays: New
Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
On January 31, 1997, the net asset value and public offering price per
share of Developing Countries Fund was calculated as follows:
NAV = Net Assets ($11,981,607) = $10.38
-----------------------------
Shares Outstanding (1,154,272)
On January 31, 1997, the net asset value and public offering price per
share of International Fund was calculated as follows:
NAV = Net Assets ($116,191,236) = $12.11
-----------------------------
Shares Outstanding (9,598,043)
TAX STATUS
The tax status of the Funds and the distributions of the Funds are
summarized in the Prospectus under "Dividends, Distributions and Tax Status."
-24-
<PAGE>
Because it is expected that no portion of the net investment income of the
Funds will derive from dividends from domestic corporations, it is probable that
no portion of the dividends paid by the Funds will qualify for the 70% deduction
for dividends received under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code").
If Fund shares are sold or otherwise disposed of more than one year from
the date of acquisition, the difference between the price paid for the shares
and the sales price will result in long-term capital gain or loss to the Fund
shareholder if, as is usually the case, the Fund shares are a capital asset in
the hands of the Fund shareholder at that time. However, under a special
provision in the Code, if Fund shares with respect to which a long-term capital
gain distribution has been, or will be, made are held for six months or less,
any loss on the sale or other disposition of such shares will be long-term
capital loss to the extent of such gain distribution.
Ordinarily, distributions and redemption proceeds earned by Fund
shareholders are not subject to withholding of federal income tax. However, each
Fund is required to withhold 31% of a shareholder's distributions and redemption
proceeds upon the occurrence of certain events specified in Section 3406 of the
Code and regulations promulgated thereunder. These events include the failure of
a Fund shareholder to supply the Fund with such shareholder's taxpayer
identification number, and the failure of a Fund shareholder who is otherwise
exempt from withholding to properly document such shareholder's status as an
exempt recipient. Additionally, distributions may be subject to state and local
income taxes, and the treatment thereunder may differ from the federal income
tax consequences discussed above.
Under the Code, each Fund will be subject to a non-deductible excise tax
equal to 4% of the excess, if any, of the amount of investment income and
capital gains required to be distributed pursuant to the Code for each calendar
year over the amount actually distributed. In order to avoid this excise tax,
each Fund generally must declare dividends by the end of each calendar year
representing 98% of each Fund's ordinary income for such calendar year and 98%
of its capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term) for the
twelve-month period ending October 31 of the same calendar year. The excise tax
is not imposed, however, on undistributed income that is already subject to
corporate income tax. It is each Fund's policy not to distribute capital gains
until capital loss carryovers, if any, either are utilized or expire.
The amount of any gain or loss realized by each Fund on closing out a
futures contract may result in a capital gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes. Generally, futures contracts held by each Fund at the close of the
Fund's taxable year will be treated for federal income tax purposes as sold for
their fair market value on the last business day of such year. Forty percent of
any gain or loss resulting from such constructive sale will be treated as
short-term capital gain or loss, and 60% of such gain or loss will be treated as
long-term capital gain or loss. The amount of any capital gain or loss actually
realized by a Fund in a subsequent sale or other disposition of these futures
contracts will be adjusted to reflect any capital gain or loss taken into
account by a Fund in a prior year as a result of the constructive sale of the
contract. Notwithstanding the rules described above, with respect to certain
futures contracts, a Fund may make an election which will have the effect of
exempting all or a part of those identified futures contracts from being treated
for federal income tax purposes as sold on the last business day of a Fund's
taxable year. All or part of any loss realized by a Fund on any closing of a
futures contract may be deferred until all of a Fund's offsetting positions with
respect to the futures contract are closed.
Generally, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company under
Subchapter M of the Code, each Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income
from dividends, interest, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock
or securities. Under the Code, each Fund may include income from options,
futures and forward contracts and other gains derived from the Fund's business
of investing in stock, securities or currencies in determining qualifying income
for purposes of the 90% test. Treasury regulations may exclude foreign currency
gains not directly related to a Fund's principal business of investing in stocks
or securities (or options and futures with respect to stock or securities). It
is impossible to predict what amount of such gains, if any, future Treasury
regulations will exclude from qualifying income.
-25-
<PAGE>
Subchapter M of the Code also requires that less than 30% of each Fund's
gross income for any year be derived from gains realized on the sale or other
disposition of securities, options, futures contracts or forward contracts held
by a Fund for less than three months. This rule, under certain circumstances,
could require the Fund to defer the closing out of futures contracts until after
three months from the date a Fund acquired the contracts, even if it would be
more advantageous to close out the contracts prior to that time. However, a
special rule is provided with respect to certain designated hedging transactions
which has the effect of allowing a Fund to engage in such short-term
transactions in limited circumstances. Any gains realized by a Fund as a result
of the constructive sales of futures contracts held by a Fund at the end of its
taxable year will be treated as derived from the sale of securities held for
three months or more, regardless of the actual period for which a Fund has held
the futures contracts at the end of the year.
Under the Code, dividends of net investment income received from a Fund by
a shareholder who, as to the United States, is a nonresident alien individual,
nonresident fiduciary of a foreign trust or estate, foreign corporation or
foreign partnership ("foreign shareholder") are subject to a withholding tax of
30% (or such lower rate as is prescribed by the income tax convention, if any,
in force between the U.S. and the foreign shareholder's country) without regard
to the amount of gross income that a Fund derives from sources within the United
States. Distributions of net long-term capital gains to a foreign shareholder
will not be subject to U.S. tax unless the foreign shareholder is engaged in a
U.S. trade or business to which the distributions are attributable, the gains
are attributable to the disposition of a United States real property interest,
or, in the case of a foreign shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual,
such foreign shareholder is physically present in the United States for more
than 182 days during the taxable year.
A disposition of shares in a Fund by a foreign shareholder resulting in
alternative minimum taxable income or net United States real property gain to
the foreign shareholder may be subject to U.S. tax and withholding if the shares
constitute United States real property interests under the Code. It is not
expected that the shares of a Fund will constitute such interests, and a Fund
will furnish affidavits to such effect if necessary and appropriate to avoid
application of U.S. tax or withholding on a disposition of shares.
Income received from sources within foreign countries may be subject to
withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between
certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. It
is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax applicable to such
income in advance since the precise amount of a Fund's assets to be invested in
various countries is not known. Any amount of taxes paid by the Fund to foreign
countries will reduce the amount of income available to a Fund for distributions
to shareholders.
If a Fund is liable for foreign taxes, such Fund expects to meet the
requirements of the Code for passing through to its shareholders foreign taxes
paid, but there can be no assurance that a Fund will be able to do so. Under the
Code, if more than 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the close of its
taxable year consist of stock or securities of foreign corporations, a Fund may
file an election with the Internal Revenue Service to pass through to the Fund's
shareholders the amount of foreign taxes paid by the Fund. Pursuant to this
election, shareholders will be required to: (i) include in gross income their
pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by a Fund; (ii) treat their pro rata
share of foreign taxes as paid by them; and (iii) either deduct their pro rata
share of foreign taxes in computing their taxable income or use their share as a
foreign tax credit against U.S. income taxes. No deduction for foreign taxes may
be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Each shareholder
will be notified within 60 days after the close of a Fund's taxable year whether
the foreign taxes paid by a Fund will pass through for that year.
Under the Code, the amount of foreign taxes for which a shareholder may
claim a foreign tax credit is subject to limitation based on certain categories
applicable to the income subjected to foreign tax. Specifically, the available
foreign tax credit must be determined separately with respect to nine categories
of income. Each Fund may have foreign source income allocable to the four
following categories: (i) passive income; (ii) high withholding tax interest;
(iii) dividends from a noncontrolled foreign corporation pursuant to Section 902
of the Code; and (iv) other income not specifically categorized. Of these
categories, a substantial part of a Fund income is likely to constitute passive
income. However, in the absence of specific regulatory guidance on the
application of the income categories, such Fund cannot assure shareholders of
the correctness of any allocation made.
-26-
<PAGE>
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the Code and Treasury
regulations in effect as of the date of the Funds' Prospectus and this Statement
of Additional Information.
LIMITATION OF DIRECTOR LIABILITY
Under Minnesota law, each Fund's Board of Directors owes certain fiduciary
duties to the Fund and to its shareholders. Minnesota law provides that a
director "shall discharge the duties of the position of director in good faith,
in a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best interest of the
corporation, and with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position
would exercise under similar circumstances." Fiduciary duties of a director of a
Minnesota corporation include, therefore, both a duty of "loyalty" (to act in
good faith and act in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interests
of the corporation) and a duty of "care" (to act with the care an ordinarily
prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances).
Minnesota law authorizes corporations to eliminate or limit the personal
liability of a director to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary
damages for breach of the fiduciary duty of "care." Minnesota law does not,
however, permit a corporation to eliminate or limit the liability of a director
(i) for any breach of the director's duty of "loyalty" to the corporation or its
shareholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for authorizing a
dividend, stock repurchase or redemption or other distribution in violation of
Minnesota law or for violation of certain provisions of Minnesota securities
laws, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit. The Articles of Incorporation of IAI Investment Funds III,
Inc., limit the liability of directors to the fullest extent permitted by
Minnesota statutes, except to the extent that such liability cannot be limited
as provided in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (which Act prohibits any
provisions which purport to limit the liability of directors arising from such
directors' willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of their role as directors).
Minnesota law does not eliminate the duty of "care" imposed upon a
director. It only authorizes a corporation to eliminate monetary liability for
violations of that duty. Minnesota law, further, does not permit elimination or
limitation of liability of "officers" of the corporation for breach of their
duties as officers (including the liability of directors who serve as officers
for breach of their duties as officers.) Minnesota law does not permit
elimination or limitation of the availability of equitable relief, such as
injunctive or rescissionary relief. Further, Minnesota law does not permit
elimination or limitation of a director's liability under the Securities Act of
1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and it is uncertain whether and to
what extent the elimination of monetary liability would extend to violations of
duties imposed on directors by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules
and regulations adopted under such Act.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements, included as part of the Funds' 1997 Annual Report
to Shareholders, are incorporated herein by reference. Such Annual Report may be
obtained by shareholders on request from the Funds at no additional charge.
-27-
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A - RATINGS OF DEBT SECURITIES
RATINGS BY MOODY'S
Corporate Bonds
Aaa. Bonds rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the
smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt edge."
Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin
and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to
change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa. Bonds rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known as high
grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A. Bonds rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be
considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa. Bonds rated Baa are considered medium grade obligations; i.e., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal
security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be
lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time.
Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have
speculative characteristics as well.
Ba. Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate, and thereby not well safeguarded
during other good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B. Bonds rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurances of interest and principal payment or maintenance of other
terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa. Bonds rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or
there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca. Bonds rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high
degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C. Bonds rated C are the lowest-rated class of bonds and issued so rated
can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
A-1
<PAGE>
Conditional Ratings. The designation "Con." followed by a rating indicates
bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of some act or the
fulfillment of some condition. These are bonds secured by (a) earnings of
projects under construction, (b) earnings or projects unseasoned in operating
experience, (c) rentals which begin when facilities are completed, or (d)
payments to which some other limiting condition attaches. Parenthetical rating
denotes probable credit stature upon completion of construction or elimination
of basis of condition.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in the Aa and A
classifications of its corporate bond rating system. The modifier 1 indicates
that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the
modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the
issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category. With respect to
municipal securities, those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba, and B groups which
Moody's believes possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by
the symbols Aa1, A1, Baa1, Ba1, and B1.
Commercial Paper
Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be
investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment capacity of rated issuers:
Prime - 1 Superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt
obligations
Prime - 2 Strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt
obligations
Prime - 3 Acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term debt
obligations
If an issuer represents to Moody's that its Commercial Paper obligations
are supported by the credit of another entity or entities, Moody's, in assigning
ratings to such issuers, evaluates the financial strength of the indicated
affiliated corporations, commercial banks, insurance companies, foreign
governments, or other entities, but only as one factor in the total rating
assessment.
RATINGS BY S&P
Corporate Bonds
AAA. Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA. Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the higher rated issues only in small degree.
A. Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.
BBB. Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher-rated categories.
BB. Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial, or
A-2
<PAGE>
economic conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely
interest and principal payments.
B. Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has
the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
BB-rating.
CCC. Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default,
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to
meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of
adverse business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
CC. Debt rated CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.
C. The rating C typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which
assigned an actual or implied CCC-debt rating. The C rating may be used to cover
a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed but debt service payments
are continued.
C1. The rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.
D. Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless S & P believes that such
payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating will be used upon
the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.
In order to provide more detailed indications of credit quality, S&P's bond
letter ratings described above (except for the AAA category) may be modified by
the addition of a plus or a minus sign to show relative standing within the
rating category.
Commercial Paper
A. This highest rating category indicates the greatest capacity for timely
payment. Issues in this category are further defined with the designations 1, 2,
and 3 to indicate the relative degree to safety.
A-1. This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those issues determined to
possess overwhelming safety characteristics are designed A-1+.
A-2. Capacity for timely payments on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designed A-1.
A-3. Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely
repayment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
A-3
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
