<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
PROSPECTUS -- JUNE 1, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND ("EMERGING MARKETS FUND") seeks long-term growth of
capital by investing primarily in equity securities of companies in emerging
markets.
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND ("LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND") seeks capital
appreciation by investing primarily in equity and debt securities of a broad
range of Latin American issuers.
There can be no assurance that the Emerging Markets Fund or the Latin American
Growth Fund (each a "Fund," and collectively, the "Funds") will achieve its
investment objective.
The Funds are managed by A I M Advisors, Inc. ("AIM") and are sub-advised and
sub-administered by INVESCO (NY), Inc. (the "Sub-adviser"). AIM and the
Sub-adviser and their worldwide asset management affiliates provide investment
management and/or administrative services to institutional, corporate and
individual clients around the world. AIM and the Sub-adviser are both indirect
wholly owned subsidiaries of AMVESCAP PLC. AMVESCAP PLC and its subsidiaries are
an independent investment management group that has a significant presence in
the institutional and retail segment of the investment management industry in
North America and Europe, and a growing presence in Asia.
The Funds are designed for long term investors and not as trading vehicles. The
Funds do not represent a complete investment program, nor are they suitable for
all investors. The Funds may invest significantly in lower quality and unrated
foreign government bonds whose credit quality is generally considered the
equivalent of U.S. corporate debt securities commonly known as "junk bonds."
Investments of this type are subject to a greater risk of loss of principal and
interest. An investment in either Fund should be considered speculative and
subject to special risk factors, related primarily to the Funds' investments in
emerging markets and Latin America. Purchasers should carefully assess the risks
associated with an investment in either Fund.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information an investor should know
before investing and should be read carefully and retained for future reference.
A Statement of Additional Information for each Fund dated June 1, 1998, has been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and, as supplemented
or amended from time to time, is incorporated by reference. The Statement of
Additional Information is available without charge by writing to the Funds at 50
California Street, 27th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111, or by calling (800)
347-4246. It is also available, along with other related materials, on the SEC's
Internet web site (http://www.sec.gov).
FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED BY,
ANY BANK, NOR ARE THEY FEDERALLY INSURED OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
An investment in either Fund offers the following advantages:
/ / Access to Securities Markets Around the World
/ / Low $500 Minimum Investment
/ / Alternative Purchase Plan
/ / Automatic Dividend and Other Distribution Reinvestment at No Additional
Sales Charge
/ / Exchange Privileges with the Corresponding Classes of the Other AIM/GT Funds
/ / Reduced Sales Charge Plans
/ / Dollar Cost Averaging Program
/ / Automatic Investment Plan
/ / Systematic Withdrawal Plan
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL (800) 824-1580 OR CONTACT YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER.
[LOGO]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
PASSED ON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Prospectus Page 1
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
---------
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary........................................................................ 3
Financial Highlights...................................................................... 8
Investment Objectives and Policies........................................................ 12
Risk Factors.............................................................................. 18
How to Invest............................................................................. 23
How to Make Exchanges..................................................................... 31
How to Redeem Shares...................................................................... 33
Shareholder Account Manual................................................................ 35
Calculation of Net Asset Value............................................................ 36
Dividends, Other Distributions and Federal Income Taxation................................ 36
Management................................................................................ 38
Other Information......................................................................... 43
</TABLE>
Prospectus Page 2
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information appearing in the body of this Prospectus. Cross-references in the
summary are to headings in the body of this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
The Funds: The Emerging Markets Fund is a diversified series, and the Latin American Growth Fund is a
non-diversified series of AIM Investment Funds, Inc. (the "Company").
Investment Objectives: The Emerging Markets Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
The Latin American Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Principal Investments: The Emerging Markets Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of
companies in emerging markets.
The Latin American Growth Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in equity and debt
securities issued by Latin American companies and governments.
Principal Risk Factors: There is no assurance that either Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Funds' net asset
values will fluctuate, reflecting fluctuations in the market value of their portfolio holdings.
Each Fund will invest primarily in foreign securities. Investments in foreign securities involve
risks relating to political and economic developments abroad and the differences between the
regulations to which U.S. and foreign issuers are subject. Individual foreign economies also may
differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates
will affect a Fund's net asset value, earnings and gains and losses realized on sales of securities.
Securities of foreign companies may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of
securities of comparable U.S. companies.
Each Fund may engage in certain foreign currency, options and futures transactions to attempt to
hedge against the overall level of investment and currency risk associated with its present or
planned investments. Such transactions involve certain risks and transaction costs.
The Emerging Markets Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in below investment grade debt
securities. There is no limitation on the percentage of the Latin American Growth Fund's total assets
that may be invested in such securities. Investments of this type are subject to a greater risk of
loss of principal and interest.
See "Investment Objectives and Policies" and "Risk Factors."
</TABLE>
Prospectus Page 3
<PAGE>
AIM GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM GLOBAL LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
(Continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Investment Managers: AIM and the Sub-adviser and their worldwide asset management affiliates provide investment management
and/or administrative services to institutional, corporate and individual clients around the world.
AIM and the Sub-adviser are both indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of AMVESCAP PLC. AMVESCAP PLC and
its subsidiaries are an independent investment management group that has a significant presence in
the institutional and retail segment of the investment management industry in North America and
Europe, and a growing presence in Asia. AIM was organized in 1976 and, together with its affiliates,
currently advises approximately 90 investment company portfolios. AIM advises the Funds and other
investment company portfolios which are sub-advised by the Sub-adviser ("AIM/GT Funds"). On May 29,
1998, AMVESCAP PLC acquired the Asset Management Division of Liechtenstein Global Trust AG, which
included the Sub-adviser and certain other affiliates. AIM also serves as the investment adviser to
other mutual funds, which are not sub-advised by the Sub-adviser, that are part of The AIM Family of
Funds-Registered Trademark- ("The AIM Family of Funds," and together with the AIM/GT Funds, the "AIM
Funds").
Alternative Purchase Plan: Investors may select Class A or Class B shares, each subject to different expenses and a different
sales charge structure. Each class has distinct advantages and disadvantages for different investors,
and investors should choose the class that best suits their circumstances and objectives. See "How to
Invest."
Class A Shares: Offered at net asset value plus any applicable sales charge (maximum is 4.75% of public offering
price) and subject to 12b-1 service and distribution fees at the annualized rate of 0.50% of the
average daily net assets of Class A shares.
Class B Shares: Offered at net asset value with no initial sales charge (a maximum contingent deferred sales charge
of 5% of net asset value at the time of purchase or sale, whichever is less, is imposed on certain
redemptions made within six years of date of purchase) and subject to 12b-1 service and distribution
fees at the annualized rate of 1.00% of the average daily net assets of Class B shares.
Shares Available Through: Class A and Class B shares are available through broker/dealers, banks and other financial service
entities ("Financial Institutions") that have entered into agreements with the Funds' distributor,
A I M Distributors Inc. ("AIM Distributors"). Shares also may be acquired by sending an application
directly to GT Global Investor Services, Inc. ("The Transfer Agent") or through exchanges of shares
as described below. See "How to Invest" and "Shareholder Account Manual."
Exchange Privileges: Shares may be exchanged for shares of other AIM/GT Funds. See "How to Make Exchanges" and
"Shareholder Account Manual."
</TABLE>
THE AIM FAMILY OF FUNDS, THE AIM FAMILY OF FUNDS AND DESIGN (I.E., THE AIM
LOGO), AIM AND DESIGN, AIM, AIM LINK, AIM INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS, AIMFUNDS.COM, LA
FAMILIA AIM DE FONDOS AND LA FAMILIA AIM DE FONDOS AND DESIGN ARE REGISTERED
SERVICE MARKS AND INVEST WITH DISCIPLINE AND AIM BANK CONNECTION ARE SERVICE
MARKS OF A I M MANAGEMENT GROUP INC.
Prospectus Page 4
<PAGE>
AIM GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM GLOBAL LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
(Continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Redemptions: Shares may be redeemed through Financial Institutions that sell shares of the Funds or the Funds'
Transfer Agent. See "How to Redeem Shares" and "Shareholder Account Manual."
Dividends and Other Dividends are paid annually from net investment income and realized net short-term capital gain;
Distributions: other distributions are paid annually from net capital gain and net gains from foreign currency
transactions, if any.
Reinvestment: Dividends and other distributions may be reinvested automatically in Fund shares of the distributing
class or in shares of the corresponding class of other AIM/GT Funds without a sales charge.
First Purchase: $500 minimum ($100 for individual retirement accounts ("IRAs") and reduced amounts for certain other
retirement plans).
Subsequent Purchases: $100 minimum ($25 for IRAs and reduced amounts for certain other retirement plans).
Net Asset Values: Quoted daily in the financial section of most newspapers.
Other Features:
Class A Shares: Letter of Intent Dollar Cost Averaging Program
Quantity Discounts Automatic Investment Plan
Right of Accumulation Systematic Withdrawal Plan
Reinstatement Privilege Portfolio Rebalancing Program
Class B Shares: Systematic Withdrawal Plan Portfolio Rebalancing Program
Automatic Investment Plan Dollar Cost Averaging Program
</TABLE>
Prospectus Page 5
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
(Continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
SUMMARY OF INVESTOR COSTS. The expenses and maximum transaction costs associated
with investing in the Class A and Class B shares of the Emerging Markets Fund
are reflected in the following tables (1):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION COSTS (2):
Maximum sales charge on purchases (as a % of offering price)....................................... 4.75% None
Sales charges on reinvested distributions to shareholders.......................................... None None
Maximum deferred sales charge (as a % of net asset value at time of purchase or sale, whichever is
less)............................................................................................. None 5.00%
Redemption charges................................................................................. None None
Exchange fees...................................................................................... None None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (3):
(AS A % OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
Investment management and administration fees...................................................... 0.98% 0.98%
12b-1 distribution and service fees................................................................ 0.50% 1.00%
Other expenses (after reimbursements and waivers).................................................. 0.52% 0.52%
----------- -----------
Total Fund Operating Expenses...................................................................... 2.00% 2.50%
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
</TABLE>
HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE OF EFFECT OF EXPENSES (6):
An investor would have directly or indirectly paid the following expenses at the
end of the periods shown on a $1,000 investment in the Fund, assuming a 5%
annual return:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ONE THREE FIVE TEN
YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS
---- ----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Shares (4).............................................................. $67 $108 $151 $289
Class B Shares
Assuming a complete redemption at end of period (5)......................... $77 $111 $157 $286
Assuming no redemption...................................................... $26 $ 79 $135 $286
</TABLE>
- ------------------
(1) THESE TABLES ARE INTENDED TO ASSIST INVESTORS IN UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS
COSTS AND EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND. Long-term
shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum
front-end sales charges permitted by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") rules regarding investment companies.
(2) Sales charge waivers are available for Class A and Class B shares, and
reduced sales charge purchase plans are available for Class A shares. The
maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge on Class B shares applies to
redemptions during the first year after purchase. The charge generally
declines by 1% annually thereafter, reaching zero after six years. See "How
to Invest."
(3) Expenses are based on the Fund's fiscal year ended October 31, 1997 restated
to reflect AIM's undertaking to limit the Fund's expenses (exclusive of
brokerage commissions, taxes, interest and extraordinary expenses) to the
annual rate of 2.00% and 2.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's
Class A and Class B shares, respectively. "Other expenses" include custody,
transfer agency, legal, audit and other operating expenses. Without
reimbursements and waivers, "Other expenses" and "Total Fund Operating
Expenses" would have been 0.70% and 2.18%, respectively, for Class A Shares
and 0.70% and 2.68%, respectively, for Class B Shares of the Fund. See
"Management" herein and the Statement of Additional Information for more
information. The Fund also offers Advisor Class shares, which are not
subject to 12b-1 distribution and service fees, to certain categories of
investors. See "How to Invest."
(4) Assumes payment of maximum sales charge by the investor.
(5) Assumes deduction of the applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
(6) THE "HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE" IS NOT A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. THE FUND'S ACTUAL EXPENSES, AND AN INVESTOR'S DIRECT AND INDIRECT
EXPENSES, MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. The tables and the
assumption in the Hypothetical Example of a 5% annual return are required by
regulation of the SEC applicable to all mutual funds. The 5% annual return
is not a prediction of and does not represent the Fund's projected or actual
performance.
Prospectus Page 6
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
(Continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
SUMMARY OF INVESTOR COSTS. The expenses and maximum transaction costs associated
with investing in the Class A and Class B shares of the Latin America Growth
Fund are reflected in the following tables (1):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION COSTS (2):
Maximum sales charge on purchases of shares (as a % of offering price)............................. 4.75% None
Sales charges on reinvested distributions to shareholders.......................................... None None
Maximum deferred sales charge (as a % of net asset value at time of purchase or sale, whichever is
less)............................................................................................. None 5.00%
Redemption charges................................................................................. None None
Exchange fees...................................................................................... None None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (3):
(AS A % OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
Investment management and administration fees...................................................... 0.98% 0.98%
12b-1 distribution and service fees................................................................ 0.50% 1.00%
Other expenses (after reimbursements and waivers).................................................. 0.52% 0.52%
----------- -----------
Total Fund Operating Expenses...................................................................... 2.00% 2.50%
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
</TABLE>
HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE OF EFFECT OF EXPENSES (6):
An investor would have directly or indirectly paid the following expenses at the
end of the periods shown on a $1,000 investment in the Fund, assuming a 5%
annual return:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ONE THREE FIVE TEN
YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS
---- ----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Shares (4).............................................................. $67 $108 $151 $276
Class B Shares
Assuming a complete redemption at end of period (5)......................... $77 $111 $157 $286
Assuming no redemption...................................................... $26 $ 79 $135 $286
<FN>
- ------------------
(1) THESE TABLES ARE INTENDED TO ASSIST INVESTORS IN UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS
COSTS AND EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN THE FUND. Long-term
shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum
front-end sales charges permitted by the NASD rules regarding investment
companies.
(2) Sales charge waivers are available for Class A and Class B shares, and
reduced sales charge purchase plans are available for Class A shares. The
maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge on Class B shares applies to
redemptions during the first year after purchase. The charge generally
declines by 1% annually thereafter, reaching zero after six years. See "How
to Invest."
(3) Expenses are based on the Fund's fiscal year ended October 31, 1997
restated to reflect the current expense limits. "Other expenses" include
custody, transfer agency, legal, audit and other operating expenses. AIM
has undertaken to limit the Fund's expenses (exclusive of brokerage
commissions, taxes, interest and extraordinary expenses) to the annual rate
of 2.00% and 2.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's Class A
and Class B shares, respectively. Without reimbursements and waivers,
"Other Expenses" and "Total Fund Operating Expenses" would have been 0.58%
and 2.06%, respectively, for Class A shares and 0.58% and 2.56% for Class B
Shares of the Fund. See "Management" herein and the Statement of Additional
Information for more information. The Fund also offers Advisor Class
shares, which are not subject to 12b-1 distribution and service fees, to
certain categories of investors. See "How to Invest."
(4) Assumes payment of maximum sales charge by the investor.
(5) Assumes deduction of the applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
(6) THE "HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE" IS NOT A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. THE FUND'S ACTUAL EXPENSES, AND AN INVESTOR'S DIRECT AND INDIRECT
EXPENSES, MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. The tables and the
assumption in the Hypothetical Example of a 5% annual return are required
by regulation of the SEC applicable to all mutual funds. The 5% annual
return is not a prediction of and does not represent the Fund's projected
or actual performance.
</TABLE>
Prospectus Page 7
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The tables below provide condensed financial information concerning income and
capital changes for one Class A and Class B share of each Fund. This information
is supplemented by the financial statements and accompanying notes appearing in
the Statement of Additional Information. The financial statements and notes for
the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand
L.L.P., independent accountants, whose report thereon also is included in the
Statement of Additional Information.
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
(FORMERLY GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A+
--------------------------------------------------------------
MAY 18, 1992
(COMMENCE-
MENT OF
YEAR ENDED OCT. 31, OPERATIONS)
------------------------------------------------ TO OCT. 31,
1997(D) 1996(D) 1995(D) 1994 1993 1992
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance:
Net asset value, beginning of period.... $ 14.26 $ 13.85 $ 18.81 $ 14.42 $ 11.10 $ 11.43
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss).......... -- 0.11 0.13 (0.02) 0.02* 0.07*
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments................ (2.05) 0.30 (4.32) 4.68 3.38 (0.40)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
Net increase (decrease) from
investment operations.............. (2.05) 0.41 (4.19) 4.66 3.40 (0.33)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
Distributions:
From net investment income............ -- -- -- (0.01) (0.08) --
From net realized gain on
investments.......................... -- -- (0.77) (0.26) -- --
In excess of net investment income.... (0.01) -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
Total distributions................. (0.01) -- (0.77) (0.27) (0.08) --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
Net asset value, end of period.......... $ 12.20 $ 14.26 $ 13.85 $ 18.81 $ 14.42 $ 11.10
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
Total investment return (c)............. (14.45)% 2.96% (23.04)% 32.58% 30.9% (2.9)%(a)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's).... $113,319 $224,964 $252,457 $417,322 $187,808 $84,558
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets..................... (0.01)% 0.76% 0.89% (0.11)% 0.1%* 1.7%*(b)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
With expense reductions............... 2.10% 1.96% 2.12% 2.06% 2.4%* 2.4%*(b)
Without expense reductions............ 2.18% 2.08% 2.14% N/A N/A N/A
Portfolio turnover rate +++............. 150% 104% 114% 100% 99% 32%(b)
Average commission rate per share paid
on portfolio transactions +++.......... $ 0.0015 $ 0.0040 N/A N/A N/A N/A
</TABLE>
- ------------------
+ All capital shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 1993 were
reclassified as Class A shares.
+++ Portfolio turnover and average commission rates are calculated on the basis
of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares
issued.
* Includes reimbursement by the Sub-adviser of Fund operating expenses of
$0.02 for the year ended October 31, 1993 and for the period from May 18,
1992 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1992, respectively. Without
such reimbursements, the expense ratios would have been 2.61% and 2.91% and
the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been
(0.11)% and 1.21% for the year ended October 31, 1993 and for the period
from May 18, 1992 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1992,
respectively.
(a) Not annualized.
(b) Annualized.
(c) Total investment return does not include sales charges.
(d) These selected per share data were calculated based upon average shares
outstanding during the period.
N/A Not Applicable.
Prospectus Page 8
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B++
----------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED OCT. 31,
----------------------------------------------
1997(D) 1996(D) 1995(D) 1994
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................................... $ 14.02 $ 13.68 $ 18.68 $ 14.39
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)................................................. (0.08) 0.04 0.06 (0.12)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments....................... (2.00) 0.30 (4.29) 4.67
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations......................... (2.08) 0.34 (4.23) 4.55
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Distributions:
From net investment income................................................... -- -- -- --
From net realized gain on investments........................................ -- -- (0.77) (0.26)
In excess of net investment income........................................... -- -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total distributions........................................................ -- -- (0.77) (0.26)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period................................................. $ 11.94 $ 14.02 $ 13.68 $ 18.68
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total investment return (c).................................................... (14.91)% 2.49% (23.37)% 31.77%
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's)........................................... $ 127,658 $ 216,004 $ 225,861 $ 291,289
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets.................... (0.51)% 0.26% 0.39% (0.61)%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
With expense reductions...................................................... 2.60% 2.46% 2.62% 2.56%
Without expense reductions................................................... 2.68% 2.58% 2.64% N/A
Portfolio turnover rate +++.................................................... 150% 104% 114% 100%
Average commission rate per share paid on portfolio transactions +++........... $ 0.0015 $ 0.0040 N/A N/A
<CAPTION>
APRIL 1, 1993
TO OCT. 31,
1993
-------------
<S> <C>
Per share operating performance:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................................... $ 11.47
-------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)................................................. --**
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments....................... 2.92
-------------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations......................... 2.92
-------------
Distributions:
From net investment income................................................... --
From net realized gain on investments........................................ --
In excess of net investment income........................................... --
-------------
Total distributions........................................................ --
-------------
Net asset value, end of period................................................. $ 14.39
-------------
-------------
Total investment return (c).................................................... 25.5% (a)
-------------
-------------
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's)........................................... $ 32,318
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets.................... (0.4)% **(b)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
With expense reductions...................................................... 2.9% **(b)
Without expense reductions................................................... N/A
Portfolio turnover rate +++.................................................... 99%
Average commission rate per share paid on portfolio transactions +++........... N/A
</TABLE>
- ------------------
++ Commencing April 1, 1993, the Fund began offering Class B shares.
+++ Portfolio turnover and average commission rates are calculated on the basis
of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares
issued.
** Includes reimbursement by the Sub-adviser of Fund operating expenses of
$0.02. Without such reimbursements, the expense ratio would have been
(3.63)% and the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would
have been (0.76)%.
(a) Not annualized.
(b) Annualized.
(c) Total investment return does not include sales charges.
(d) These selected per share data were calculated based upon average shares
outstanding during the period.
N/A Not Applicable.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE MONTHLY AMOUNT AVERAGE MONTHLY NUMBER
OF DEBT OF REGISTRANT'S AVERAGE AMOUNT
AMOUNT OF DEBT OUTSTANDING SHARES OF DEBT PER
OUTSTANDING AT DURING THE OUTSTANDING SHARE DURING
YEAR ENDED END OF PERIOD PERIOD DURING THE PERIOD THE PERIOD
- ------------------------------ --------------- ------------------------ ------------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
October 31, 1997.............. $6,184,000 $2,568,627 26,177,077 $0.0981
</TABLE>
Prospectus Page 9
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
(FORMERLY GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A+
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUG. 13, 1991
(COMMENCE-
MENT OF
YEAR ENDED OCT. 31, OPERATIONS)
--------------------------------------------------------- TO OCT. 31,
1997(A) 1996(A) 1995(A) 1994(A) 1993(A) 1992 1991
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating Performance:
Net asset value, beginning of period.... $ 17.95 $ 15.38 $ 26.11 $ 19.78 $ 15.59 $ 16.45 $ 14.29
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss).......... 0.11 0.09 0.15 (0.08) 0.18* 0.25* 0.01*
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments................ 1.44 2.59 (9.28) 6.75 5.21 (0.98) 2.15
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) from
investment operations.............. 1.55 2.68 (9.13) 6.67 5.39 (0.73) 2.16
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------------
Distributions:
From net investment income............ -- (0.08) -- (0.19) (0.12) (0.13) --
From net realized gain on
investments.......................... -- -- (1.60) (0.15) (1.08) -- --
In excess of net investment income.... -- (0.03) -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------------
Total distributions................. -- (0.11) (1.60) (0.34) (1.20) (0.13) --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------------
Net asset value, end of period.......... $ 19.50 $ 17.95 $ 15.38 $ 26.11 $ 19.78 $ 15.59 $ 16.45
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------------
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------------
Total investment return (d)............. 8.52% 17.52% (37.16)% 34.10% 37.1% (4.5)% 15.1%(b)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------------
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------------
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's).... $159,496 $177,373 $182,462 $336,960 $129,280 $94,085 $125,038
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets..................... 0.52% 0.46% 0.86% (0.29)% 1.3%* 1.3%* 1.2%*(c)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
With expense reductions............... 1.96% 2.03% 2.11% 2.04% 2.4%* 2.4%* 2.4%*(c)
Without expense reductions............ 2.06% 2.10% 2.12% N/A N/A N/A N/A
Portfolio turnover rate +++............. 130% 101% 125% 155% 112% 159% None
Average commission rate per share paid
on portfolio transactions +++.......... $0.0007 $0.0005 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
</TABLE>
- ------------------
+ All capital shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 1993 were
reclassified as Class A shares.
+++ Portfolio turnover and average commission rates are calculated on the basis
of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares
issued.
* Includes reimbursement by the Sub-adviser of Fund operating expenses of
$0.02, $0.04 and $0.01 for the years ended October 31, 1993 and 1992 and for
the period from August 13, 1991 (commencement of operations) to October 31,
1991, respectively. Without such reimbursements, the expense ratios would
have been 2.49%, 2.62% and 3.42% and the ratios of net investment income to
average net assets would have been 1.25%, 1.07% and 0.l5% for the years
ended October 31, 1993 and 1992 and for the period from August 13, 1991 to
October 31, 1991, respectively.
(a) These selected per share data were calculated based upon average shares
outstanding during the period.
(b) Not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Total investment return does not include sales charges.
N/A Not Applicable.
Prospectus Page 10
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B++
----------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED OCT. 31,
----------------------------------------------
1997(A) 1996(A) 1995(A) 1994(A)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating Performance:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................................... $ 17.78 $ 15,21 $ 25.94 $ 19.75
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)................................................. 0.01 -- 0.06 (0.22)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments....................... 1.44 2.59 (9.19) 6.74
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations......................... 1.45 2.59 (9.13) 6.52
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Distributions:
From net investment income................................................... -- (0.01) -- (0.18)
From net realized gain on investments........................................ -- -- (1.60) (0.15)
In excess of net investment income........................................... -- (0.01) -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total distributions........................................................ -- (0.02) (1.60) (0.33)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period................................................. $ 19.23 $ 17.78 $ 15.21 $ 25.94
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total investment return (d).................................................... 8.04% 17.02% (37.42)% 33.33%
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's)........................................... $ 133,448 $ 137,400 $ 134,527 $ 211,673
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets.................... 0.02% (0.04)% 0.36% (0.79)%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
With expense reductions...................................................... 2.46% 2.53% 2.61% 2.54%
Without expense reductions................................................... 2.56% 2.60% 2.62% N/A
Portfolio turnover rate +++.................................................... 130% 101% 125% 155%
Average commission rate per share paid on portfolio transactions +++........... $ 0.0007 $ 0.0005 N/A N/A
<CAPTION>
APRIL 1, 1993
TO OCT. 31,
1993(A)
-------------
<S> <C>
Per Share Operating Performance:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................................... $ 16.26
-------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)................................................. (0.07)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments....................... 3.56
-------------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations......................... 3.49
-------------
Distributions:
From net investment income................................................... --
From net realized gain on investments........................................ --
In excess of net investment income........................................... --
-------------
Total distributions........................................................ --
-------------
Net asset value, end of period................................................. $ 19.75
-------------
-------------
Total investment return (d).................................................... 21.5%(b)
-------------
-------------
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's)........................................... $ 13,576
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets.................... (0.7)% (c)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
With expense reductions...................................................... 2.9% (c)
Without expense reductions................................................... N/A
Portfolio turnover rate +++.................................................... 112%
Average commission rate per share paid on portfolio transactions +++........... N/A
</TABLE>
- ------------------
++ Commencing April 1, 1993, the Fund began offering Class B shares.
+++ Portfolio turnover and average commission rates are calculated on the basis
of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares
issued.
(a) These selected per share data were calculated based upon average shares
outstanding during the period.
(b) Not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Total investment return does not include sales charges.
N/A Not Applicable.
------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE MONTHLY AMOUNT AVERAGE MONTHLY NUMBER
OF DEBT OF REGISTRANT'S AVERAGE AMOUNT
AMOUNT OF DEBT OUTSTANDING SHARES OF DEBT PER
OUTSTANDING AT DURING THE OUTSTANDING SHARE DURING
YEAR ENDED END OF PERIOD PERIOD DURING THE PERIOD THE PERIOD
- ------------------------------ --------------- ------------------------ ------------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
October 31, 1997.............. $3,238,000 $1,519,383 16,973,475 $0.0895
</TABLE>
Prospectus Page 11
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
AND POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EMERGING MARKETS FUND
The Emerging Markets Fund's investment objective is long-term growth of capital.
Under normal circumstances, the Emerging Markets Fund seeks its objective by
investing at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies in
emerging markets. The Emerging Markets Fund may invest in the following types of
equity securities: common stock, preferred stock, securities convertible into
common stock, rights and warrants to acquire such securities and substantially
similar forms of equity with comparable risk characteristics.
For purposes of the Emerging Markets Fund's operations, "emerging markets"
consist of all countries determined by the Sub-adviser to have developing or
emerging economies and markets. These countries generally include every country
in the world except the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and
most countries located in Western Europe. See "Investment Objective and
Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information for a complete list of all
the countries that the Emerging Markets Fund does not consider to be emerging
markets.
For purposes of the Emerging Markets Fund's policy of normally investing at
least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of issuers in emerging
markets, the Emerging Markets Fund will consider investment in the following
emerging markets:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Algeria Hong Kong Peru
Argentina Hungary Philippines
Bolivia India Poland
Botswana Indonesia Portugal
Brazil Israel Republic of
Bulgaria Ivory Coast Slovakia
Chile Jamaica Russia
China Jordan Singapore
Colombia Kazakhstan Slovenia
Costa Rica Kenya South Africa
Cyprus Lebanon South Korea
Czech Malaysia Sri Lanka
Republic Mauritius Swaziland
Dominican Mexico Taiwan
Republic Morocco Thailand
Ecuador Nicaragua Turkey
Egypt Nigeria Ukraine
El Salvador Oman Uruguay
Finland Pakistan Venezuela
Ghana Panama Zambia
Greece Paraguay Zimbabwe
</TABLE>
Although the Emerging Markets Fund considers each of the above-listed countries
eligible for investment, it will not be invested in all such markets at all
times. Moreover, investing in some of those markets currently may not be
desirable or feasible, due to the lack of adequate custody arrangements for the
Emerging Markets Fund's assets, overly burdensome repatriation and similar
restrictions, the lack of organized and liquid securities markets, unacceptable
political risks or for other reasons.
As used in this Prospectus, an issuer in an emerging market is an entity: (i)
for which the principal securities trading market is an emerging market, as
defined above; (ii) that (alone or on a consolidated basis) derives 50% or more
of its total revenues from business in emerging markets, provided that, in the
Sub-adviser's view, the value of such issuer's securities will tend to reflect
emerging market developments to a greater extent than developments elsewhere; or
(iii) organized under the laws of, or with a principal office in, an emerging
market.
The Emerging Markets Fund may also invest up to 35% of its total assets in (i)
debt securities of government or corporate issuers in emerging markets; (ii)
equity and debt securities of issuers in developed countries, including the
United States; (iii) securities of issuers in emerging markets not included in
the list of emerging markets above, if investing therein becomes feasible and
desirable subsequent to the date of this Prospectus; and (iv) cash and money
market instruments.
The Emerging Markets Fund invests in those emerging markets that the Sub-adviser
believes have strongly developing economies and in which the markets are
becoming more sophisticated. In selecting investments, the Sub-adviser seeks to
identify those countries and industries where economic and political factors,
including currency movements, are likely to produce above-average growth rates.
The Sub-adviser then invests in those companies in such countries and industries
that are best positioned and managed to take advantage of these economic and
political factors. The Emerging Markets Fund ordinarily will be invested in the
securities of issuers in at least three different
Prospectus Page 12
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
emerging markets. In evaluating investments in securities of issuers in
developed markets, the Sub-adviser will consider, among other things, the
business activities of the issuer in emerging markets and the impact that
developments in emerging markets are likely to have on the issuer.
The Sub-adviser believes that the issuers of securities in emerging markets
often have sales and earnings growth rates that exceed those in developed
countries and that such growth rates may in turn be reflected in more rapid
share price appreciation. Accordingly, the Sub-adviser believes that the
Emerging Markets Fund's policy of investing in equity securities of companies in
emerging markets may enable the Fund to achieve results superior to those
produced by mutual funds with similar objectives that invest solely in equity
securities of issuers domiciled in the United States and/or in other developed
markets.
INVESTMENTS IN DEBT SECURITIES. The Emerging Markets Fund may invest in debt
securities of governmental and corporate issuers in emerging markets. Emerging
market debt securities often are rated below investment grade or not rated by
U.S. rating agencies. The Emerging Markets Fund may invest up to 20% of its
total assets in debt securities rated below investment grade. Investment in
below investment grade debt securities involves a high degree of risk and can be
speculative. These debt securities are the equivalent of high yield, high risk
bonds, commonly known as "junk bonds." See "Risk Factors -- Risks Associated
with Debt Securities."
If the rating of a debt security held by the Emerging Markets Fund drops below a
minimum rating considered acceptable by the Sub-adviser, the Fund will dispose
of any such security as soon as practicable and consistent with the best
interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
Growth of capital in debt securities may arise as a result of favorable changes
in relative foreign exchange rates, in relative interest rate levels and/ or in
the creditworthiness of issuers. The receipt of income from debt securities
owned by the Emerging Markets Fund is incidental to its objective of long-term
growth of capital.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES. In the interest of preserving shareholders'
capital, the Sub-adviser may employ a temporary defensive investment strategy if
it determines such a strategy to be warranted due to market, economic, or
political conditions. Under a defensive strategy, the Emerging Markets Fund
temporarily may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash (U.S. dollars, foreign
currencies, multinational currency units) and/or high quality debt securities or
money market instruments of U.S. or foreign issuers. In addition, for temporary
defensive purposes, most or all of its investments may be made in the United
States and denominated in U.S. dollars. To the extent the Fund employs a
temporary defensive strategy, it will not be invested so as to achieve directly
its investment objective. In addition, pending investment of proceeds from new
sales of Fund shares or to meet ordinary daily cash needs, the Fund temporarily
may hold cash (U.S. dollars, foreign currencies or multinational currency units)
and may invest any portion of its assets in money market instruments. For a
description of money market instruments in which the Funds or the Portfolio may
invest, see "Temporary Defensive Strategies" in the Investment Objectives and
Policies section of the Statement of Additional Information.
LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
The Latin American Growth Fund's investment objective is capital appreciation.
The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in the securities of
a broad range of Latin American issuers. The Fund may invest in common stock,
preferred stock, rights, warrants and securities convertible into common stock,
and other substantially similar forms of equity securities with comparable risk
characteristics, as well as bonds, notes, debentures or other forms of
indebtedness that may be developed in the future. Normally, the Fund will invest
a majority of its assets in equity securities. The Fund may also invest up to
35% of its total assets in a combination of equity and debt securities of U.S.
issuers.
For purposes of this Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, the Latin American
Growth Fund defines Latin America to include the following countries: Argentina,
the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana,
Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, the Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama,
Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela. Under
current market conditions, the Latin American Growth Fund expects to invest
primarily in securities issued by companies and governments in Mexico, Chile,
Brazil and Argentina. The Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in
any of these four
Prospectus Page 13
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
countries but does not expect to invest more than 60% of its total assets in any
one country.
The Latin American Growth Fund defines securities of Latin American issuers to
include: (a) securities of companies organized under the laws of, or having a
principal office located in, a Latin American country; (b) securities of
companies that derive 50% or more of their total revenues from business in Latin
America, provided that, in the Sub-adviser's view, the value of such issuers'
securities reflect Latin American developments to a greater extent than
developments elsewhere; (c) securities issued or guaranteed by the government of
a country in Latin America, its agencies or instrumentalities, or
municipalities, or the central bank of such country; (d) U.S. dollar-denominated
securities or securities denominated in a Latin American currency issued by
companies to finance operations in Latin America; and (e) securities of Latin
American issuers, as defined herein, in the form of depositary shares. For
purposes of the foregoing definition, the Fund's purchases of securities issued
by companies outside of Latin America to finance their Latin American operations
will be limited to securities the performance of which is materially related to
such company's Latin American activities.
In allocating investments among the various Latin American countries, the
Sub-adviser looks principally at the stage of industrialization, potential for
productivity gains through economic deregulation, the impact of financial
liberalization and monetary conditions and the political outlook in each
country. In allocating assets between equity and debt securities, the
Sub-adviser will consider, among other factors: the level and anticipated
direction of interest rates; expected rates of economic growth and corporate
profits growth; changes in Latin American government policy including regulation
governing industry, trade, financial markets, and foreign and domestic
investment; substance and likely development of government finances; and the
condition of the balance of payments and changes in the terms of trade. In
evaluating investments in securities of U.S. issuers, the Sub-adviser will
consider, among other factors, the issuer's Latin American business activities
and the impact that development in Latin America may have on the issuer's
operations and financial condition.
Certain sectors of the economies of certain Latin American countries are closed
to equity investments by foreigners. Further, due to the absence of securities
markets and publicly owned corporations and due to restrictions on direct
investment by foreign entities in certain Latin American countries, the Latin
American Growth Fund may be able to invest in such countries solely or primarily
through governmentally approved investment vehicles or companies. In addition,
the portion of the Fund's assets invested directly in Chile may be less than the
portion invested in other Latin American countries because, at present, capital
directly invested in Chile normally cannot be repatriated for at least one year.
As a result, the Fund currently intends to limit most of its Chilean investments
to indirect investments through American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") and
established Chilean investment companies, the shares of which are not subject to
repatriation restrictions.
INVESTMENTS IN DEBT SECURITIES. Under normal circumstances, the Latin American
Growth Fund may invest up to 50% of its total assets in debt securities. There
is no limitation on the percentage of its assets that may be invested in debt
securities that are rated below investment grade. Investment in below investment
grade debt securities involves a high degree of risk and can be speculative.
These debt securities are the equivalent of high yield, high risk bonds,
commonly known as "junk bonds." Most debt securities in which the Fund will
invest are not rated; if rated, it is expected that such ratings would be below
investment grade. However, the Fund will not invest in debt securities that are
in default in payment as to principal or interest. See "Risk Factors -- Risks
Associated with Debt Securities."
The Latin American Growth Fund may invest in "Brady Bonds," which are debt
restructurings that provide for the exchange of cash and loans for newly issued
bonds. Brady Bonds have been issued by the countries of Albania, Argentina,
Brazil, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Jordan,
Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Uruguay, Venezuela and
Vietnam, and are expected to be issued by other emerging market countries. As of
the date of this Prospectus, the Fund is not aware of the occurrence of any
payment defaults on Brady Bonds. Investors should recognize, however, that Brady
Bonds do not have a long payment history. In addition, Brady Bonds are often
rated below investment grade.
The Fund may invest in either collateralized or uncollateralized Brady Bonds.
U.S. dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be
Prospectus Page 14
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
fixed rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are collateralized in full
as to principal by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity as
the bonds. Interest payments on such bonds generally are collateralized by cash
or securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at
least one year of rolling interest payments or, in the case of floating rate
bonds, initially is equal to at least one year's rolling interest payments based
on the applicable interest rate at the time of issuance and is adjusted at
regular intervals thereafter.
Capital appreciation in debt securities may arise as a result of a favorable
change in relative foreign exchange rates, in relative interest rate levels and/
or in the creditworthiness of issuers. The receipt of income from debt
securities owned by the Latin American Growth Fund is incidental to its
objective of capital appreciation.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES. The Latin American Growth Fund may invest up to
100% of its assets in cash (U.S. dollars, foreign currencies, multinational
units) and/or high quality debt securities or money market instruments to
generate income to defray its expenses, for temporary defensive purposes and
pending investment in accordance with its investment objective and policies. In
addition, the Fund may be primarily invested in U.S. securities for temporary
defensive purposes or pending investment of the proceeds of sales of new Fund
shares. The Fund may assume a temporary defensive position when, due to
political, market or other factors broadly affecting Latin American markets, the
Sub-adviser determines that opportunities for capital appreciation in those
markets would be significantly limited over an extended period or that investing
in those markets presents undue risk of loss. For a full description of money
market instruments, see "Temporary Defensive Strategies" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES OF EMERGING MARKETS FUND AND LATIN AMERICAN
GROWTH FUND
INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES OR VEHICLES. The Funds may be able to
invest in certain countries solely or primarily through governmentally
authorized investment vehicles or companies, some of which may be investment
vehicles or companies that are advised by the Sub-adviser or its affiliates
("Affiliated Funds"). Pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940
Act"), a Fund generally may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the
aggregate in shares of other investment companies and up to 5% of its total
assets in any one investment company, as long as each investment does not
represent more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of the acquired
investment company at the time of investment.
Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial
premiums above the value of such investment companies' portfolio securities and
is subject to limitations under the 1940 Act and market availability. The Funds
do not intend to invest in such investment companies unless, in the judgment of
the Sub-adviser, the potential benefits of such investment justify the payment
of any applicable premium or sales charge. As a shareholder in an investment
company, a Fund would bear its ratable share of that investment company's
expenses, including its advisory and administration fees. At the same time the
Fund would continue to pay its own management fees and other expenses. AIM and
the Sub-adviser will waive their advisory fees to the extent that a Fund invests
in an Affiliated Fund.
SECURITIES LENDING. The Funds may lend their portfolio securities to
broker/dealers or to other institutional investors. Securities lending allows a
Fund to retain ownership of the securities loaned and, at the same time,
enhances a Fund's total return. At all times a loan is outstanding, a Fund's
borrower must maintain with the Fund's custodian collateral consisting of cash,
U.S. government securities or certain irrevocable letters of credit equal to the
value of the borrowed securities plus any accrued interest or such other
collateral as permitted by a Fund's investment program and regulatory agencies,
and as approved by the Board. Each Fund limits its loans of portfolio securities
to an aggregate of 30% of the value of its total assets, measured at the time
any such loan is made. The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other
extensions of secured credit, consist of possible delays in receiving additional
collateral or in recovery of the loaned securities and possible loss of rights
in the collateral should the borrower fail financially.
PRIVATIZATIONS. The governments in some emerging markets and Latin American
countries have been engaged in programs of selling part or all of their stakes
in government owned or controlled enterprises ("privatizations"). The
Sub-adviser believes that privatizations may offer opportunities for significant
capital appreciation and intends to invest
Prospectus Page 15
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
assets of the Funds in privatizations in appropriate circumstances. In certain
emerging markets and Latin American countries, the ability of foreign entities
such as the Funds to participate in privatizations may be limited by local law,
or the terms on which the Funds may be permitted to participate may be less
advantageous than those afforded local investors. There can be no assurance that
Latin American governments and governments in emerging markets will continue to
sell companies currently owned or controlled by them or that privatization
programs will be successful.
BORROWING. It is a fundamental policy of each Fund that it may borrow an amount
up to 33 1/3% of its total assets in order to meet redemption requests.
Borrowing may cause greater fluctuation in the value of the Funds' shares than
would be the case if the Funds did not borrow, but also may enable the Funds to
retain favorable securities positions rather than liquidating such positions to
meet redemptions. It is a nonfundamental policy of each Fund, that the Funds
will not purchase securities during times when outstanding borrowings represent
5% or more of each Fund's total assets.
WHEN-ISSUED AND FORWARD COMMITMENT SECURITIES. The Funds may purchase debt
securities on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell such securities on
a "forward commitment" basis in order to hedge against anticipated changes in
interest rates and prices. The price, which is generally expressed in yield
terms, is fixed at the time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for
the securities take place at a later date. When-issued securities and forward
commitments may be sold prior to the settlement date, but the Funds will
purchase or sell when-issued securities and forward commitments only with the
intention of actually receiving or delivering the securities, as the case may
be. No income accrues on securities that have been purchased pursuant to a
forward commitment or on a when-issued basis prior to delivery to the Funds. If
a Fund disposes of the right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its
acquisition or disposes of its right to deliver or receive against a forward
commitment, it may incur a gain or loss. At the time a Fund enters into a
transaction on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, that Fund will
segregate cash or liquid securities equal to the value of the when-issued or
forward commitment securities with its custodian bank and will mark to market
daily such assets. There is a risk that the securities may not be delivered and
that the Fund may incur a loss.
OPTIONS, FUTURES AND FORWARD CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. Each Fund may use forward
currency contracts, futures contracts, options on securities, options on
indices, options on currencies and options on futures contracts to attempt to
hedge against the overall level of investment risk normally associated with the
portfolio. These instruments are often referred to as "derivatives," which may
be defined as financial instruments whose performance is derived, at least in
part, from the performance of another asset (such as a security, currency or an
index of securities). Each Fund may enter into such instruments up to the full
value of its portfolio assets. See "Risk Factors -- Options, Futures and Forward
Currency Transactions" herein and "Options, Futures and Currency Strategies" in
the Statement of Additional Information.
To attempt to hedge against adverse movements in exchange rates between
currencies, each Fund may enter into forward currency contracts for the purchase
or sale of a specified currency at a specified future date. Such contracts may
involve the purchase or sale of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar or
may involve two foreign currencies. Each Fund may enter into forward currency
contracts either with respect to specific transactions or with respect to its
portfolio positions. Each Fund also may purchase and sell put and call options
on currencies, futures contracts on currencies and options on such futures
contracts to hedge against movements in exchange rates.
Only a limited market, if any, currently exists for options and futures
transactions relating to currencies of most emerging markets and most Latin
American markets, to securities denominated in such currencies or to securities
of issuers domiciled or principally engaged in business in such emerging
markets. To the extent that such a market does not exist, the Sub-adviser may
not be able to effectively hedge its investment in such markets.
Each Fund may purchase and sell put and call options on securities to hedge
against the risk of fluctuations in the prices of securities held by the Fund or
that the Sub-adviser intends to include in the Fund's portfolio. The Funds also
may purchase and sell put and call options on indices to hedge against overall
fluctuations in the securities markets generally or in a specific market sector.
Prospectus Page 16
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
Further, a Fund may sell stock index futures contracts and may purchase put
options or write call options on such futures contracts to protect against a
general stock market decline or a decline in a specific market sector that could
adversely affect the Fund's portfolio. A Fund also may purchase stock index
futures contracts and purchase call options or write put options on such
contracts to hedge against a general stock market or market sector advance and
thereby attempt to lessen the cost of future securities acquisitions. A Fund may
use interest rate futures contracts and options thereon to hedge the debt
portion of its portfolios against changes in the general level of interest
rates.
OTHER INFORMATION. The investment objective of the Emerging Markets Fund and of
the Latin American Growth Fund may not be changed without the approval of a
majority of the respective Fund's outstanding voting securities. A "majority of
the Fund's outstanding voting securities" means the lesser of (i) 67% of the
shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares
are represented, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares. In addition,
the Emerging Markets Fund and the Latin American Growth Fund each have adopted
certain investment limitations as fundamental policies which also may not be
changed without shareholder approval. A complete description of these
limitations is included in the Statement of Additional Information. Unless
specifically noted, the Emerging Markets Fund's and the Latin American Growth
Fund's investment policies described in this Prospectus and in the Statement of
Additional Information may be changed by the Company's Board of Directors
without shareholder approval. If a percentage restriction on investment or
utilization of assets in an investment policy or restriction is adhered to at
the time an investment is made, a later change in percentage ownership of a
security or kind of securities resulting from changing market values or a
similar type of event will not be considered a violation of a Fund's investment
policies or restrictions.
The Funds are authorized to engage in Short Sales, although they currently have
no intention of doing so, and may purchase American Depository Receipts,
American Depository Shares, Global Depository Receipts and European Depository
Receipts. See "Short Sales" and "Depository Receipts," respectively, in the
Investment Objectives and Policies section of the Statement of Additional
Information.
Prospectus Page 17
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
RISK FACTORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL. There is no assurance that either Fund will achieve its investment
objective. Investing in either Fund entails a substantial degree of risk and an
investment in either Fund should be considered speculative. Investors are
strongly advised to consider carefully the special risks involved in emerging
markets and Latin America, which are in addition to the usual risks of investing
in developed markets around the world.
Each Fund's net asset value will fluctuate, reflecting fluctuations in the
market value of its portfolio positions and its net currency exposure. Equity
securities, particularly common stocks, generally represent the most junior
position in an issuer's capital structure and entitle holders to an interest in
the assets of an issuer, if any, remaining after all more senior claims have
been satisfied. The value of equity securities held by each Fund will fluctuate
in response to general market and economic developments, as well as developments
affecting the particular issuers of such securities.
EMERGING MARKETS FUND. Investing in emerging markets involves risks relating to
potential political and economic instability within such markets and the risks
of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the
imposition of restrictions on foreign investment and on repatriation of capital
invested. In the event of such expropriation, nationalization or other
confiscation, the Emerging Markets Fund could lose its entire investment in that
market.
Economies in individual emerging markets may differ favorably or unfavorably
from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product,
rates of inflation, currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource self-
sufficiency and balance of payments positions. Many emerging market countries
have experienced high rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid
fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have negative
effects on the economies and securities markets of certain countries with
emerging markets.
Emerging markets generally are dependent heavily upon international trade and,
accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by trade
barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and
other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which
they trade.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent than in
the U.S. and other major markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring
and regulation of emerging markets and the activities of investors in such
markets, and enforcement of existing regulations has been extremely limited. In
addition, the securities of non-U.S. issuers generally are not registered with
the SEC, nor are the issuers thereof usually subject to the SEC's reporting
requirements. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information
about foreign securities and issuers than is available with respect to U.S.
securities and issuers. Foreign companies generally are not subject to uniform
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and
requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The Emerging
Markets Fund's net investment income and/or capital gains from its foreign
investment activities may be subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes.
In addition, brokerage commissions, custodial services and other costs relating
to investment in foreign markets generally are more expensive than in the United
States, particularly with respect to emerging markets. Such markets have
different settlement and clearance procedures. 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 the Emerging Markets Fund to make intended securities purchases due
to settlement problems could cause the Emerging Markets Fund to miss attractive
investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security caused by
settlement problems could result either in losses to the Emerging Markets Fund
due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the
Emerging Markets Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could
result in possible liability to the purchaser.
The securities markets of emerging countries are substantially smaller, less
developed, less liquid and
Prospectus Page 18
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
more volatile than the securities markets of the developed countries. The risk
also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or more emerging
markets as a result of which trading of securities may cease or may be
substantially curtailed and prices for the Emerging Markets Fund's portfolio
securities in such markets may not be readily available. Section 22(e) of the
1940 Act permits a registered investment company, such as the Emerging Markets
Fund, to suspend redemption of its shares for any period during which an
emergency exists, as determined by the SEC. Accordingly, when the Emerging
Markets Fund believes that circumstances dictate, it will promptly apply to the
SEC for a determination that such an emergency exists within the meaning of
Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. During the period commencing from the Emerging
Markets Fund's identification of such conditions until the date of any SEC
action, the Emerging Markets Fund's portfolio securities in the affected markets
will be valued at fair value determined in good faith by or under the direction
of the Company's Board of Directors.
LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND. The Latin American Growth Fund is classified under
the 1940 Act as a "non-diversified" fund. As a result, the Latin American Growth
Fund will be able to invest in a fewer number of issuers than if it were
classified under the 1940 Act as a "diversified" fund. To the extent that the
Latin American Growth Fund invests in a smaller number of issuers, the value of
its shares may fluctuate more widely and it may be subject to greater investment
and credit risk with respect to its portfolio.
Investing in securities of Latin American issuers involves risks relating to
potential political and economic instability of certain Latin American countries
and the risks of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and
property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investment and on
repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such expropriation,
nationalization or other confiscation, the Latin American Growth Fund could lose
its entire investment in any such country.
The securities markets of Latin American countries are substantially smaller,
less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets
in the United States. Disclosure and regulatory standards are in many respects
less stringent than U.S. standards. Furthermore, there is a lower level of
monitoring and regulation of the markets and the activities of investors in such
markets, and enforcement of existing regulations has been extremely limited.
The limited size of many Latin American securities markets and limited trading
volume in issuers compared to volume of trading in U.S. securities could cause
prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the quality of
the securities. For example, limited market size may cause prices to be unduly
influenced by traders who control large positions. Adverse publicity and
investors' perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may
decrease the value and liquidity of portfolio securities, especially in these
markets.
Further, there is a risk that an emergency situation may arise in one or more
Latin American markets as a result of which prices for portfolio securities in
such markets may not be readily available. Accordingly, when the Latin American
Growth Fund believes that circumstances dictate, it will follow the procedures
as described above concerning the Emerging Markets Fund.
The economies of individual Latin American countries may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as the rate of growth of
gross domestic product, the rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource
self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Most Latin American 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 Latin American countries. Furthermore, certain
Latin American countries may impose withholding taxes on dividends payable to
the Latin American Growth Fund at a higher rate than those imposed by other
foreign countries. This may reduce the Latin American Growth Fund's investment
income available for distribution to shareholders.
Companies in Latin America are subject to accounting, auditing and financial
standards and requirements that differ, in some cases significantly, from those
applicable to U.S. companies. There is substantially less publicly available
information about Latin American companies and the governments of Latin American
countries than there is about U.S. companies and the U.S. Government.
Certain Latin American countries are among the largest debtors to commercial
banks and foreign
Prospectus Page 19
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
governments. At times certain Latin American countries have declared moratoria
on the payment of principal and/or interest on external debt. The Fund may
invest in debt securities, including Brady Bonds, issued as part of debt
restructurings and such debt is to be considered speculative. There is a history
of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities
issuing Brady Bonds.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DEBT SECURITIES. The value of the debt securities held by
the Emerging Markets Fund or by the Latin American Growth Fund generally will
vary inversely with market interest rates. If interest rates in a market fall,
the Funds' debt securities issued by governments or companies in that market
ordinarily will increase in value. If market interest rates increase, however,
the debt securities owned by the Funds in that market will likely decrease in
value.
The Emerging Markets Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt
securities rated below investment grade and the Latin American Growth Fund may
invest up to 50% of its total assets in debt securities of any rating. Such
investments involve a high degree of risk.
Debt rated Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") is considered by
Moody's to have speculative characteristics. Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC or C by
Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P"), and
debt rated Ba, B, Caa, Ca or C by Moody's is regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. While such
lower quality debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics,
these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions. Debt rated C by Moody's or S&P is the lowest rated debt that is not
in default as to principal or interest and such issues so rated can be regarded
as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment
standing. Lower quality debt securities are also generally considered to be
subject to greater risk than securities with higher ratings with regard to a
deterioration of general economic conditions. These foreign debt securities are
the equivalent of high yield, high risk bonds, commonly known as "junk bonds."
Ratings of debt securities represent the rating agency's opinion regarding their
quality and are not a guarantee of quality. Rating agencies attempt to evaluate
the safety of principal and interest payments and do not evaluate the risks of
fluctuations in market value. Also, rating agencies may fail to make timely
changes in credit ratings in response to subsequent events, so that an issuer's
current financial condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates.
The market values of lower quality debt securities tend to reflect individual
developments of the issuer to a greater extent than do higher quality
securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of
interest rates. In addition, lower quality debt securities tend to be more
sensitive to economic conditions and generally have more volatile prices than
higher quality securities. Issuers of lower quality securities are often highly
leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of
financing. For example, during an economic downturn or a sustained period of
rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of lower quality securities may
experience financial stress. 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 may also be adversely affected by
specific developments affecting the issuer, such as the issuer's inability to
meet specific projected business forecasts or the unavailability of additional
financing. Similarly, certain emerging market and Latin American governments
that issue lower quality debt securities are among the largest debtors to
commercial banks, foreign governments and supranational organizations such as
the World Bank, and may not be able or willing to make principal and/or interest
repayments as they come due. The risk of loss due to default by the issuer is
significantly greater for the holders of lower quality securities because such
securities are generally unsecured and may be subordinated to the claims of
other creditors of the issuer.
Lower quality debt securities frequently have call or buy-back features which
would permit an issuer to call or repurchase the security from the Funds. In
addition, the Funds may have difficulty disposing of lower quality securities
because they may have a thin trading market. There may be no established retail
secondary market for many of these securities, and either Fund anticipates that
such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or
institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market also may have an
adverse impact on market prices of such instruments and may
Prospectus Page 20
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
make it more difficult for the Funds to obtain accurate market quotations for
purposes of valuing the Funds' portfolios. The Funds may also acquire lower
quality debt securities during an initial underwriting or which are sold without
registration under applicable securities laws. Such securities involve special
considerations and risks.
In addition to the foregoing, factors that could have an adverse effect on the
market value of lower quality debt securities in which the Funds may invest
include: (i) potential adverse publicity; (ii) heightened sensitivity to general
economic or political conditions; and (iii) the likely adverse impact of a major
economic recession.
A Fund may also incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek
recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or interest on its portfolio
holdings, and a Fund may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default.
Debt securities issued by governments in emerging or Latin American markets can
differ from debt obligations issued by private entities in that remedies from
defaults generally must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting government,
and legal recourse is therefore somewhat diminished. Political conditions, in
terms of a government's willingness to meet the terms of its debt obligations,
also are of considerable significance. There can be no assurance that the
holders of commercial bank debt may not contest payments to the holders of debt
securities issued by governments in emerging or Latin American markets in the
event of default by the governments under commercial bank loan agreements.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES. The Emerging Markets Fund may invest up to 15% of its net
assets, and the Latin American Growth Fund may invest up to 10% of its net
assets in securities for which no readily available market exists, so-called
"Illiquid Securities." The Latin American Growth Fund may invest in joint
ventures, cooperatives, partnerships and state enterprises and other similar
vehicles which are illiquid (collectively, "Special Situations"). The Sub-
adviser believes that carefully selected investments in Special Situations could
enable the Latin American Growth Fund to achieve capital appreciation
substantially exceeding the appreciation the Fund would realize if it did not
make such investments. However, in order to limit investment risk, the Latin
American Growth Fund will invest no more than 5% of it total assets in Special
Situations.
Illiquid securities may be more difficult to value than liquid securities and
the sale of illiquid securities generally will require more time and result in
higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than the
sale of liquid securities. Moreover, illiquid securities often sell at a price
lower than similar securities that are liquid.
CURRENCY RISK. Because the Emerging Markets Fund and the Latin American Growth
Fund may invest substantially in securities denominated in currencies other than
the U.S. dollar, and since the Funds may hold foreign currencies, each Fund will
be affected favorably or unfavorably by exchange control regulations or changes
in the exchange rates between such currencies and the U.S. dollar. Changes in
currency exchange rates will influence the value of each Fund's shares, and also
may affect the value of dividends and interest earned by the Funds and gains and
losses realized by the Funds. Currencies generally are evaluated on the basis of
fundamental economic criteria (e.g., relative inflation and interest rate levels
and trends, growth rate forecasts, balance of payments status and economic
policies) as well as technical and political data. Exchange rates are determined
by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets. These forces
are affected by the international balance of payments and other economic and
financial conditions, government intervention, speculation and other factors. If
the currency in which a security is denominated appreciates against the U.S.
dollar, the dollar value of the security will increase. Conversely, a decline in
the exchange rate of the currency would adversely affect the value of the
security expressed in dollars.
Many of the currencies of emerging market and Latin American countries have
experienced steady devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar, and major
devaluations have historically occurred in certain countries. Any devaluations
in the currencies in which a Fund's portfolio securities are denominated may
have a detrimental impact on the Fund.
Some countries also may have fixed currencies whose values against the U.S.
dollar are not independently determined. In addition, there is a risk that
certain countries may restrict the free conversion of their currencies into
other currencies. Further, certain currencies may not be internationally traded.
OPTIONS, FUTURES AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. Although either Fund is
authorized to enter
Prospectus Page 21
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
into options, futures and forward currency transactions, a Fund might not enter
into any such transactions. Options, futures and foreign currency transactions
involve certain risks, which include: (1) dependence on the Sub-adviser's
ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities,
fluctuations in the general securities markets and movements in interest rates
and currency markets; (2) imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between
movements in the price of forward contracts, options, futures contracts or
options thereon and movements in the price of the currency or security hedged or
used for cover; (3) the fact that skills and techniques needed to trade options,
futures contracts and options thereon or to use forward currency contracts are
different from those needed to select the securities in which the Funds invest;
(4) lack of assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any
particular option, futures contract or option thereon at any particular time;
(5) the possible loss of principal under certain conditions; and (6) the
possible inability of a Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time
when it would otherwise be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for a
Fund to sell a security at a disadvantageous time, due to the need for the Fund
to maintain "cover" or to set aside securities in connection with hedging
transactions.
Prospectus Page 22
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
HOW TO INVEST
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL. Shares of a Fund may be purchased through Financial Institutions, some
of which may charge the investor a transaction fee. That fee will be in addition
to the sales charge payable by the investor, with respect to Class A shares.
Some of these Financial Institutions (or their designees) may be authorized to
accept purchase orders on behalf of the Fund. All purchase orders will be
executed at the public offering price next determined after the purchase order
is received, which includes any applicable sales charge for Class A shares.
Orders received by the Transfer Agent before the close of regular trading on the
New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, unless
weather, equipment failure or other factors contribute to an earlier closing
time), on any Business Day will be executed at the public offering price for the
applicable class of shares determined that day. Orders received by authorized
institutions (or their designees) before the close of regular trading on the
NYSE on a Business Day will be deemed to have been received by a Fund on such
day and will be effected that day, provided that such orders are transmitted to
the Transfer Agent prior to the time set for receipt of such orders. A "Business
Day" is any day Monday through Friday on which the NYSE is open for business.
Financial Institutions are responsible for forwarding the investor's order to
the Transfer Agent so that it will be received prior to the required time.
The minimum initial investment is $500 ($100 for IRAs and $25 for custodial
accounts under Section 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), and other tax-qualified employer-sponsored retirement
accounts, if made under a systematic investment plan providing for monthly
payments of at least that amount). The minimum for additional purchases is $100
($25 for IRAs, Code Section 403(b)(7) custodial accounts and other tax-qualified
employer-sponsored retirement accounts, as mentioned above). THE FUNDS AND AIM
DISTRIBUTORS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY PURCHASE ORDER AND TO SUSPEND THE
OFFERING OF SHARES FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. In particular, the Funds and AIM
Distributors may reject purchase orders or exchanges by investors who appear to
follow, in the Sub-adviser's judgment, a market-timing strategy or otherwise
engage in excessive trading. See "How to Make Exchanges -- Limitations on
Purchase Orders and Exchanges."
WHEN PLACING PURCHASE ORDERS, INVESTORS SHOULD SPECIFY WHETHER THE ORDER IS FOR
CLASS A OR CLASS B SHARES OF A FUND. ALL PURCHASE ORDERS THAT FAIL TO SPECIFY A
CLASS WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE INVESTED IN CLASS A SHARES. AIM DISTRIBUTORS WILL
REJECT ANY ORDER FOR PURCHASE OF MORE THAN $250,000 FOR CLASS B SHARES.
PURCHASES THROUGH THE TRANSFER AGENT. After an initial investment is made and a
shareholder account is established through a Financial Institution, at the
investor's option, subsequent purchases may be made directly through the
Transfer Agent. See "Shareholder Account Manual." Investors may also make an
initial investment in a Fund and establish a shareholder account directly
through the Transfer Agent by completing and signing an Account Application
accompanying this Prospectus. Investors should mail to the Transfer Agent the
completed Application together with a check to cover the purchase in accordance
with the instructions provided in the Shareholder Account Manual. Purchases will
be executed at the public offering price next determined after the Transfer
Agent has received the Account Application and check. Subsequent investments do
not need to be accompanied by an application.
Investors also may purchase shares of the Funds by bank wire. Bank wire
purchases will be effected at the next determined public offering price after
the bank wire is received. A wire investment is considered received when the
Transfer Agent is notified that the bank wire has been credited to a Fund. The
investor is responsible for providing prior telephonic or facsimile notice to
the Transfer Agent that a bank wire is being sent. An investor's bank may charge
a service fee for wiring money to the Funds. The Transfer Agent currently does
not charge a service fee for facilitating wire purchases, but reserves the right
to do so in the future. Investors desiring to open an account by bank wire
should call the Transfer Agent at the appropriate toll-free number provided in
the Shareholder Account Manual to obtain an account number and detailed
instructions.
CERTIFICATES. Physical certificates representing a Fund's shares will not be
issued unless a written request is submitted to the Transfer Agent. Shares of
Prospectus Page 23
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
a Fund are recorded on a register by the Transfer Agent, and shareholders who do
not elect to receive certificates have the same rights of ownership as if
certificates had been issued to them. Redemptions and exchanges by shareholders
who hold certificates may take longer to effect than similar transactions
involving non-certificated shares because the physical delivery and processing
of properly executed certificates is required. ACCORDINGLY, THE FUNDS RECOMMEND
THAT SHAREHOLDERS DO NOT REQUEST ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE CLASSES. The primary difference between the classes of
each Fund's shares offered through this Prospectus lies in their sales charge
structures and ongoing expenses, as summarized below. Class A and Class B shares
of a Fund represent interests in the same Fund and have the same rights, except
that each class bears the separate expenses of its 12b-1 distribution plan and
normally has exclusive voting rights with respect to such plan, each class can
experience other minor expense differences and, in addition to different sales
charges, each class has a separate exchange privilege.
The decision as to which class of shares is more beneficial to an investor
depends on the amount invested, the intended length of time the investment is
held and the investor's personal situation. Large investments may qualify for a
reduced Class A sales charge. Investors in Class B shares have 100% of the
purchase invested immediately. Consult your financial adviser. Financial
Institutions may receive different levels of compensation for selling a
particular class of shares.
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES. Advisor Class shares are offered through a separate
prospectus to (a) trustees or other fiduciaries purchasing shares for employee
benefit plans that are sponsored by organizations that have at least 1,000
employees; (b) any account with assets of at least $10,000 if (i) a financial
planner, trust company, bank trust department or registered investment adviser
has investment discretion over the account and (ii) the account holder pays such
person as compensation for its advice and other services an annual fee of at
least .50% of the assets in the account; (c) any account with assets of at least
$10,000 if (i) the account is established under a "wrap fee" program and (ii)
the account holder pays the sponsor of the program an annual fee of at least
.50% of the assets in the account; (d) accounts advised by INVESCO (NY), Inc. or
one of the companies formerly affiliated with Liechtenstein Global Trust AG,
provided such accounts were invested in Advisor Class shares of any of the
AIM/GT Funds on June 1, 1998; and (e) any of the companies composing or
affiliated with AMVESCAP PLC.
PURCHASING CLASS A SHARES
Each Fund's public offering price for Class A shares is the next determined net
asset value per share (see "Calculation of Net Asset Value") plus a sales charge
determined in accordance with the following schedule:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEALER
INVESTOR'S SALES CHARGE CONCESSION
-------------------------------- ---------------
AS A AS A AS A
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
AMOUNT OF OF THE OF THE OF THE
INVESTMENT PUBLIC NET PUBLIC
IN SINGLE OFFERING AMOUNT OFFERING
TRANSACTION PRICE INVESTED PRICE
- ------------------ --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than
$50,000......... 4.75% 4.99% 4.00%
$50,000 but less
than $100,000... 4.00 4.17 3.25
$100,000 but less
than $250,000... 3.75 3.90 3.00
$250,000 but less
than $500,000... 2.50 2.56 2.00
$500,000 but less
than
$1,000,000...... 2.00 2.04 1.60
</TABLE>
PURCHASES OF $1,000,000 OR MORE ARE AT NET ASSET VALUE, SUBJECT TO A CONTINGENT
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OF 1% IF SHARES ARE REDEEMED PRIOR TO 18 MONTHS FROM THE
DATE SUCH SHARES WERE PURCHASED. AIM Distributors may pay a dealer concession
and/or advance a service fee on such transactions. Shares purchased prior to
June 1, 1998 without a sales charge based on the aggregate purchase amount equal
to at least $500,000 are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge for the
first year after their purchase equal to 1% of the lower of the original
purchase price or the net asset value of such shares at the time of redemption.
Reductions in the initial sales charges shown in the sales charge tables
(quantity discounts) apply to purchases of Class A shares of the AIM Funds that
are otherwise subject to an initial sales charge, provided that such purchases
are made by a "purchaser" as hereinafter defined. To receive a reduction in the
initial sales charge, at the time of purchase, investors must give their
Financial Institution, the Transfer Agent or AIM Distributors sufficient
information to permit confirmation of qualification. Purchases of Class B shares
of the AIM Funds will not be taken into account in determining whether a
purchase qualifies for a reduction in initial sales charges for Class A shares.
Prospectus Page 24
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
The term "purchaser" means:
/ / an individual and his or her spouse and children, including any trust
established exclusively for the benefit of any such person; or a pension,
profit-sharing, or other benefit plan established exclusively for the
benefit of any such person, such as an IRA, Roth IRA, a single-participant
money- purchase/profit-sharing plan or an individual participant in a 403(b)
Plan (unless such 403(b) plan qualifies as the purchaser as defined below);
/ / a 403(b) plan, the employer/sponsor of which is an organization described
under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, provided that:
a. the employer/sponsor must submit contributions for all participating
employees in a single contribution transmittal (i.e., the funds will not
accept contributions submitted with respect to individual participants);
b. each transmittal must be accompanied by a single check or wire transfer;
and
c. all new participants must be added to the 403(b) plan by submitting an
application on behalf of each new participant with the contribution
transmittal;
/ / a trustee or fiduciary purchasing for a single trust, estate or single
fiduciary account (including a pension, profit-sharing or other employee
benefit trust created pursuant to a plan qualified under Section 401 of the
Code) and 457 plans, although more than one beneficiary or participant is
involved;
/ / a Simplified Employee Pension ("SEP"), Salary Reduction and other Elective
Simplified Employee Pension Account ("SARSEP"), a Savings Incentive Match
Plan for Employees IRA ("SIMPLE IRA") where the employer has notified AIM
Distributors in writing that all of its related employee SEP, SARSEP or
SIMPLE IRA accounts should be linked;
/ / any other organized group of persons, whether incorporated or not, provided
the organization has been in existence for at least six months and has some
purpose other than the purchase at a discount of redeemable securities of a
registered investment company; or
/ / the discretionary advised accounts of AIM or A I M Capital Management, Inc.
("AIM Capital").
SALES CHARGE WAIVERS -- CLASS A SHARES. The following persons may purchase Class
A shares of the Funds through AIM Distributors without payment of an initial
sales charge: (a) A I M Management Group Inc. ("AIM Management") and its
affiliated companies; (b) any current or retired officer, director, trustee or
employee, or any member of the immediate family (including spouse, children,
parents and parents of spouse) of any such person, of AIM Management or its
affiliates or of certain mutual funds which are advised or managed by AIM; or
any trust established exclusively for the benefit of such persons; (c) any
employee benefit plan established for employees of AIM Management or its
affiliates; (d) any current or retired officer, director, trustee or employee,
or any member of the immediate family (including spouse, children, parents and
parents of spouse) of any such person, or of CIGNA Corporation or of any of its
affiliated companies, or of First Data Investor Services Group; (e) any
investment company sponsored by CIGNA Investments, Inc. or any of its affiliated
companies for the benefit of its directors' deferred compensation plans; (f)
discretionary advised clients of AIM or AIM Capital; (g) registered
representatives and employees of dealers who have entered into agreements with
AIM Distributors (or financial institutions that have arrangements with such
dealers with respect to the sale of shares of the AIM Funds and any member of
the immediate family (including spouse, children, parents and parents of spouse)
of any such person, provided that purchases at net asset value are permitted by
the policies of such person's employer; (h) certain broker-dealers, investment
advisers or bank trust departments that provide asset allocation, similar
specialized investment services or investment company transaction services for
their customers, that charge a minimum annual fee for such services, and that
have entered into an agreement with AIM Distributors with respect to their use
of the AIM Funds in connection with such services; (i) employees of Triformis
Inc.; (j) shareholders of any of the AIM/GT Funds as of April 30, 1987 who since
that date continually have owned shares of one or more of the AIM/GT Funds; (k)
certain former AMA Investment Advisers' shareholders who became shareholders of
the AIM Health Care Fund in October 1989, and who have continuously held shares
in the AIM/GT Funds since that time; and (l) former or current Class A
shareholders of The AIM Family of Funds, but only to the extent that their
purchase order is entered with an instruction to have all or a portion of the
proceeds from a concurrent redemption of Class A shares of The AIM Family of
Funds (on which a sales charge was paid) invested in Class A shares of the Fund.
In addition, shares of any AIM/GT Fund may be purchased at net asset value,
without payment of a sales charge, by pension, profit-sharing or other employee
benefit plans created pursuant to a
Prospectus Page 25
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
plan qualified under Section 401 of the Code or plans under Section 457 of the
Code, or employee benefit plans created pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code
and sponsored by nonprofit organizations defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the
Code. Such plans will qualify for purchases at net asset value provided that (1)
the total amount invested in the plan is at least $1,000,000, (2) the sponsor
signs a $1,000,000 Letter of Intent, (3) such shares are purchased by an
employer-sponsored plan with at least 100 eligible employees, or (4) all of the
plan's transactions are executed through a single financial institution or
service organization who has entered into an agreement with AIM Distributors
with respect to their use of the AIM/GT Funds in connection with such accounts.
Section 403(b) plans sponsored by public educational institutions will not be
eligible for net asset value purchases based on the aggregate investment made by
the plan or the number of eligible employees. Participants in such plans will be
eligible for reduced sales charges based solely on the aggregate value of their
individual investments in the applicable AIM/GT Fund. AIM Distributors may pay
investment dealers or other financial service firms for share purchases of the
AIM/GT Funds sold at net asset value to an employee benefit plan in accordance
with this paragraph as follows: 1% of the first $2 million of such purchases,
plus 0.80% of the next $1 million of such purchases, plus 0.50% of the next $17
million of such purchases, and plus 0.25% of amounts in excess of $20 million of
such purchases.
FOR ANY FUND NAMED ON THE COVER PAGE OF THIS PROSPECTUS, AIM DISTRIBUTORS AND
ITS AGENTS RESERVE THE RIGHT AT ANY TIME (1) TO WITHDRAW ALL OR ANY PART OF THE
OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS; (2) TO REJECT ANY PURCHASE OR EXCHANGE ORDER
OR TO CANCEL ANY PURCHASE DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF THE PURCHASE PRICE; (3) TO
INCREASE, WAIVE OR LOWER THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS; OR (4) TO MODIFY
ANY OF THE TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE OF SHARES OF SUCH FUND. For any Fund
named on the cover page, AIM Distributors and its agents will use their best
efforts to provide notice of any such actions through correspondence with
broker-dealers and existing shareholders, supplements to the AIM/GT Funds'
prospectuses, or other appropriate means, and will provide sixty (60) days'
notice in the case of termination or material modification to the exchange
privilege discussed under the caption "How to Make Exchanges."
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE. Shareholders who redeem their Class A shares in a Fund
have a one-time privilege of reinstating their investment by investing the
proceeds of the redemption at net asset value without a sales charge in Class A
shares of the Fund and/or one or more of the other AIM/GT Funds. The Transfer
Agent must receive from the investor or the investor's broker/dealer within 180
days after the date of the redemption both a written request for reinvestment
and a check not exceeding the amount of the redemption proceeds. The
reinstatement purchase will be effected at the net asset value per share next
determined after such receipt. Gain on the redemption is taxable notwithstanding
exercise of the reinvestment privilege (although loss thereon might not be
deductible as a result of such exercise). See "Dividends, Other Distributions
and Federal Income Taxation."
REDUCED SALES CHARGE PLANS -- CLASS A SHARES. Class A shares of the Funds may be
purchased at reduced sales charges either through the Right of Accumulation or
under a Letter of Intent. Investors should contact their Financial Institution
or the Transfer Agent for more information.
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION. Pursuant to the Right of Accumulation, investors are
permitted to purchase shares of the Funds at the sales charge applicable to the
total of (a) the dollar amount then being purchased plus (b) the dollar amount
of the investor's concurrent purchases of other AIM Funds (other than AIM Dollar
Fund, AIM Cash Reserve Shares of AIM Money Market Fund and AIM Tax-Exempt Cash
Fund) plus (c) the price of all shares of AIM/GT Funds (other than shares of AIM
Global Dollar Fund, AIM Cash Reserve Shares of AIM Money Market Fund and AIM
Tax-Exempt Cash Fund) already held by the investor. To receive the Right of
Accumulation, at the time of purchase investors must give their Financial
Institution, the Transfer Agent or AIM Distributors sufficient information to
permit confirmation of qualification. THE FOREGOING RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION
APPLIES ONLY TO CLASS A SHARES OF THE FUNDS AND OTHER AIM FUNDS (OTHER THAN AIM
DOLLAR FUND).
LETTER OF INTENT. In executing a Letter of Intent ("LOI") an investor indicates
an aggregate investment amount he or she intends to invest in Class A shares of
the Funds and the Class A shares of other AIM Funds (other than shares of AIM
Dollar Fund, AIM Cash Reserve Shares of AIM Money Market Fund and AIM Tax-Exempt
Cash Fund) in the following thirteen months. The LOI is included as part of the
Account Application located at the end of this Prospectus. The sales charge
applicable to that aggregate amount then becomes
Prospectus Page 26
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
the applicable sales charge on all purchases made concurrently with the
execution of the LOI and in the thirteen months following that execution. If an
investor executes an LOI within 90 days of a prior purchase of AIM/GT Fund Class
A shares (other than AIM Dollar Fund), the prior purchase may be included under
the LOI and an appropriate adjustment, if any, with respect to the sales charges
paid by the investor in connection with the prior purchase will be made, based
on the then-current net asset value(s) of the pertinent Fund(s). To receive a
reduction in the initial sales charge, at the time of purchase, investors must
give their Financial Institution, the Transfer Agent or AIM Distributors
sufficient information to permit confirmation of qualification.
If at the end of the thirteen month period covered by the LOI the total amount
of purchases does not equal the amount indicated, the investor will be required
to pay the difference between the sales charges paid at the reduced rate and the
sales charges applicable to the purchases actually made. Shares having a value
equal to 5% of the amount specified in the LOI will be held in escrow during the
thirteen month period (while remaining registered in the investor's name) and
are subject to redemption to assure any necessary payment to AIM Distributors of
a higher applicable sales charge.
Investors should be aware that either Fund may, in the future, suspend the
offering of its shares although not for previously established LOIs. The Latin
American Growth Fund has previously suspended the offering of its shares. If all
ongoing sales of either Fund shares are suspended, however, an LOI executed in
connection with the offering of that Fund's shares may continue to be completed
by the purchase of shares of one or more other AIM/GT Funds (other than AIM
Dollar Fund).
For purposes of an LOI, any registered investment adviser, trust company or bank
trust department which exercises investment discretion and which intends within
thirteen months to invest $500,000 or more can be treated as a single purchaser,
provided further that such entity places all purchase and redemption orders.
Such entities should be prepared to establish their qualifications for such
treatment. THE FOREGOING LOI APPLIES ONLY TO CLASS A SHARES OF THE FUNDS AND
OTHER AIM/GT FUNDS (OTHER THAN AIM DOLLAR FUND).
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE. A CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OF 1%
APPLIES TO PURCHASES OF CLASS A SHARES OF $1,000,000 OR MORE THAT ARE REDEEMED
WITHIN 18 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF PURCHASE. This charge will be 1% of the lesser
of the value of the shares redeemed (excluding reinvested dividends and capital
gain distributions) or the total original cost of such shares. In determining
whether a contingent deferred sales charge is payable, and the amount of any
such charge, shares not subject to the contingent deferred sales charge are
redeemed first (including shares purchased by reinvested dividends and capital
gains distributions and amounts representing increases from capital
appreciation), and then other shares are redeemed in the order of purchase. No
such charge will be imposed upon exchanges unless the shares acquired by
exchange are redeemed within 18 months of the date the shares were originally
purchased. For purposes of computing this 18 MONTH PERIOD, shares of any AIM/GT
Fund which were acquired through an exchange of shares which previously were
subject to the 1% contingent deferred sales charge will be credited with the
period of time such exchanged shares were held. The charge will be waived in the
following circumstances: (l) redemptions of shares by employee benefit plans
("Plans") qualified under Sections 401 or 457 of the Code, or Plans created
under Section 403(b) of the Code and sponsored by nonprofit organizations as
defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, where shares are being redeemed in
connection with employee terminations or withdrawals, and (a) the total amount
invested in a Plan is at least $1,000,000, (b) the sponsor of a Plan signs a
letter of intent to invest at least $1,000,000 in one or more of the AIM Funds,
or (c) the shares being redeemed were purchased by an employer-sponsored Plan
with at least 100 eligible employees; provided, however, that Plans created
under Section 403(b) of the Code which are sponsored by public educational
institutions shall qualify under (a), (b) or (c) above on the basis of the value
of each Plan participant's aggregate investment in the AIM Funds and not on the
aggregate investment made by the Plan or on the number of eligible employees;
(2) redemptions of shares following the death or post-purchase disability, as
defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code, of a shareholder or a settlor of a
living trust; (3) redemptions of shares purchased at net asset value by private
foundations or endowment funds where the initial amount invested was at least
$1,000,000; (4) redemptions of shares purchased by an investor in amounts of
$1,000,000 or more where such investor's dealer of record, due to the nature of
the investor's account, notifies AIM Distributors prior to the time of
investment that the dealer waives the payments otherwise payable to the dealer
by AIM Distributors; and (5) pursuant to a Systematic Withdrawal Plan, provided
that amounts withdrawn under such
Prospectus Page 27
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
plan do not exceed on an annual basis 12% of the value of the shareholder's
investment in Class A shares at the time the shareholder elects to participate
in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan. Shareholders who purchased $500,000 or more
of Class A shares prior to June 1, 1998 are entitled to certain waivers of the
contingent deferred sales charge on those shares as described in the Statement
of Additional Information under "Information Relating to Sales and Redemptions
- -- Sales Charge Waivers for Shares Purchased Prior to June 1, 1998."
PURCHASING CLASS B SHARES
Each Fund's public offering price for Class B shares is the next determined net
asset value per share. See "Calculation of Net Asset Value." No initial sales
charge is imposed. A contingent deferred sales charge, however, is imposed on
certain redemptions of Class B shares. Because Class B shares are sold without
an initial sales charge, the Fund receives the full amount of the investor's
purchase payment.
Class B shares may be redeemed on any business day at the net asset value per
share next determined following receipt of the redemption order, less the
applicable contingent deferred sales charge shown in the table below. No
deferred sales charge will be imposed (i) on redemptions of Class B shares
following six years from the date such shares were purchased, (ii) on Class B
shares acquired through reinvestments of dividends and distributions
attributable to Class B shares or (iii) on amounts that represent capital
appreciation in the shareholder's account above the purchase price of the Class
B shares.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES
CHARGE AS % OF DOLLAR
YEARS SINCE PURCHASE MADE AMOUNT SUBJECT TO CHARGE
- --------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C>
First...................... 5%
Second..................... 4%
Third...................... 3%
Fourth..................... 3%
Fifth...................... 2%
Sixth...................... 1%
Seventh and Following...... None
</TABLE>
In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is applicable, it will
be assumed that a redemption is made first, of any shares held in the
shareholder's account that are not subject to such charge; second, of shares
derived from reinvestment of dividends and distributions; third, of shares held
for more than six years from the date such shares were purchased; and fourth, of
shares held less than six years from the date such shares were purchased. The
applicable sales charge will be applied against the lesser of the current market
value of shares redeemed or their original cost.
For example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares at $10 per share for a cost
of $1,000. Subsequently, the shareholder acquired 15 additional shares through
dividend reinvestment. During the second year after the purchase, the investor
decided to redeem $500 of his or her investment. Assuming at the time of the
redemption a net asset value of $11 per share, the value of the investor's
shares would be $1,265 (115 shares at $11 per share). The contingent deferred
sales charge would not be applied to the value of the reinvested dividend
shares. Therefore, the 15 shares currently valued at $165 would be redeemed
without a contingent deferred sales charge. The number of shares needed to fund
the remaining $335 of the redemption would equal 30.455. Using the lower of cost
or market price to determine the contingent deferred sales charge the original
purchase price of $10 per share would be used. The contingent deferred sales
charge calculation would therefore be 30.455 shares times $10 per share at a
contingent deferred sales charge rate of 4% (the applicable rate in the second
year after purchase) for a total contingent deferred sales charge of $12.18.
Class B shares that are acquired pursuant to the exchange privilege during a
tender offer by AIM Floating Rate Fund ("Floating Rate Fund") will be subject,
in lieu of the contingent deferred sales charge described above, to a contingent
deferred sales charge equivalent to the early withdrawal charge on the common
stock of the Floating Rate Fund. The purchase of Class B shares of the Fund will
be deemed to have occurred at the time of the initial purchase of the Floating
Rate Fund's common stock.
For federal income tax purposes, the amount of the contingent deferred sales
charge will reduce the gain or increase the loss, as the case may be, realized
on a redemption. The amount of any contingent deferred sales charge will be
payable to AIM Distributors.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE WAIVERS. Contingent deferred sales charges on
Class B shares will be waived on redemptions (1) following the death or
post-purchase disability, as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code, of a
shareholder or a settlor of a living trust (provided AIM Distributors is
notified of such death or post-purchase disability at the time of the redemption
request and is provided with satisfactory evidence of such death or
post-purchase disability), (2) in connection
Prospectus Page 28
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
with certain distributions from individual retirement accounts, custodial
accounts maintained pursuant to Code Section 403(b), deferred compensation plans
qualified under Code Section 457 and plans qualified under Code Section 401
(collectively, "Retirement Plans"), (3) pursuant to a Systematic Withdrawal
Plan, provided that amounts withdrawn under such plan do not exceed on an annual
basis 12% of the value of the shareholder's investment in Class B shares at the
time the shareholder elects to participate in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan,
(4) effected pursuant to the right of a Fund to liquidate a shareholder's
account if the aggregate net asset value of shares held in the account is less
than the designated minimum account size described in this Prospectus and (5)
effected by AIM of its investment in Class B shares.
Waiver category (1) above applies only to redemptions of Class B shares held at
the time of death or initial determination of post-purchase disability. Waiver
category (2) above applies only to redemptions resulting from:
(i) required minimum distributions to plan participants or beneficiaries who
are age 70 1/2 or older, and only with respect to that portion of such
distributions which does not exceed 12% annually of the participant's or
beneficiary's account value in a particular AIM/GT Fund;
(ii) in-kind transfers of assets where the participant or beneficiary notifies
AIM Distributors of such transfer no later than the time such transfer
occurs;
(iii) tax-free rollovers or transfers of assets to another Retirement Plan
invested in Class B shares of one or more AIM Funds;
(iv) tax-free returns of excess contributions or returns of excess deferral
amounts; and
(v) distributions upon the death or disability (as defined in the Code) of the
participant or beneficiary.
Shareholders who purchased Class B shares prior to June 1, 1998 are entitled to
certain waivers of the contingent deferred sales charge on those shares as
described in the Statement of Additional Information under "Information Relating
to Sales and Redemptions -- Sales Charge Waivers for Shares Purchased Prior to
June 1, 1998."
PROGRAMS APPLICABLE TO CLASS A
AND CLASS B SHARES
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN. Investors may purchase either Class A or Class B
shares of the Emerging Markets Fund or Latin American Growth Fund through the
Automatic Investment Plan. Under this Plan, an amount specified by the
shareholder of $100 or more (or $25 for IRAs, Code Section 403(b)(7) custodial
accounts and other tax-qualified employer-sponsored retirement accounts) on a
monthly or quarterly basis will be sent to the Transfer Agent from the
investor's bank for investment in either the Emerging Markets Fund or Latin
American Growth Fund. Investors should be aware that the Emerging Markets Fund
or Latin American Growth Fund may suspend the offering of its shares in the
future, although not the previously established Automatic Investment Plans. If a
suspension of all sales is made, automatic investments will not be accepted
until the offering is recommenced. Participants in the Automatic Investment Plan
should not elect to receive dividends or other distributions from the Funds in
cash. A sales charge will be applied to each automatic monthly purchase of Class
A shares in an amount determined in accordance with the Right of Accumulation
privilege described above. To participate in the Automatic Investment Plan,
investors should complete the appropriate portion of the Supplemental
Application provided at the end of this Prospectus. Investors should contact
their Financial Institution or AIM Distributors for more information.
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING PROGRAM. Investors may purchase either Class A or Class B
shares of a Fund through the Dollar Cost Averaging Program whereby a shareholder
invests the same dollar amount each month. Accordingly, the investor purchases
more shares when a Fund's net asset value is relatively low and fewer shares
when a Fund's net asset value is relatively high. This can result in a lower
average cost-per-share than if the shareholder followed a less systematic
approach. Dollar cost averaging does not assure a profit and does not protect
against loss in declining markets. Because such a program involves continuous
investment in securities regardless of fluctuating price levels of such
securities, investors should consider their financial ability to continue
purchases when prices are declining.
A participant in the Dollar Cost Averaging Program first designates the size of
his or her monthly investment in a Fund ("Monthly Investment") after
participation in the Program begins. The Monthly Investment must be at least
$1,000. The investor then will make an initial investment of at least $10,000 in
the AIM Dollar Fund. Thereafter, each month an amount equal to the specified
Monthly Investment automatically will be redeemed from the AIM Dollar Fund and
invested in Fund shares. A sales charge will be applied to each automatic
Prospectus Page 29
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
monthly purchase of Class A Fund shares in an amount determined in accordance
with the Right of Accumulation privilege described above. Investors should be
aware that the Emerging Markets Fund or Latin American Growth Fund may suspend
the offering of its shares in the future, although not for shareholders who are
participants in the Dollar Cost Averaging Program at that time. If a suspension
of all sales is made, the Funds will not accept Monthly Investments. Investors
should contact their Financial Institution or AIM Distributors for more
information.
PORTFOLIO REBALANCING PROGRAM. The Portfolio Rebalancing Program ("Program")
permits eligible shareholders to establish and maintain an allocation across a
range of AIM/GT Funds. The Program automatically rebalances holdings of AIM/ GT
Funds to the established allocation on a periodic basis. Under the Program, a
shareholder may predesignate, on a percentage basis, how the total value of his
or her holdings in a minimum of two, and a maximum of ten, AIM/GT Funds
("Personal Portfolio") is to be rebalanced on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual,
or annual basis.
Rebalancing under the Program will be effected through the exchange of shares of
one or more AIM/ GT Funds in the shareholder's Personal Portfolio for shares of
the same class(es) of one or more other AIM/GT Funds in the shareholder's
Personal Portfolio. See "How to Make Exchanges." If shares of the AIM/GT Fund(s)
in a shareholder's Personal Portfolio have appreciated during a rebalancing
period, the Program will result in shares of AIM/GT Fund(s) that have
appreciated most during the period being exchanged for shares of AIM/GT Fund(s)
that have appreciated least. SUCH EXCHANGES ARE NOT TAX-FREE AND MAY RESULT IN A
SHAREHOLDER'S REALIZING A GAIN OR LOSS, AS THE CASE MAY BE, FOR FEDERAL INCOME
TAX PURPOSES. See "Dividends, Other Distributions and Federal Income Taxation."
Participation in the Program does not assure that a shareholder will profit from
purchases under the Program, nor does it prevent or lessen losses in a declining
market.
The Program will automatically rebalance the shareholder's Personal Portfolio on
the 28th day of the last month of the period chosen (or the immediately
preceding business day if the 28th is not a business day), subject to any
limitations below. The Program will not execute an exchange if the variance in a
shareholder's Personal Portfolio for a particular AIM/GT Fund would be 2% or
less. In predesignating percentages, shareholders must use whole percentages and
totals must equal 100%. Shareholders participating in the Program may not
request issuance of physical certificates representing a Fund's shares. The
AIM/GT Funds and AIM Distributors reserve the right to modify, suspend, or
terminate the Program at any time on 60 days' prior written notice to
shareholders. A request to participate in the Program must be received in good
order at least five business days prior to the next rebalancing date. Once a
shareholder establishes the Program for his or her Personal Portfolio, a
shareholder cannot cancel or change which rebalancing frequency, which AIM/ GT
Funds or what allocation percentages are assigned to the Program, unless
canceled or changed in writing and received by the Transfer Agent in good order
at least five business days prior to the rebalancing date. Shareholders
participating in the Program may also participate in the Right of Accumulation,
Letter of Intent, and Dollar Cost Averaging programs. Certain Financial
Institutions may charge a fee for establishing accounts relating to the Program.
Investors should contact their Financial Adviser or AIM Distributors for more
information.
Prospectus Page 30
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
HOW TO MAKE EXCHANGES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares of a Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same class of any other
AIM/GT Fund, based on their respective net asset values without imposition of
any sales charges, provided that the registration remains identical. Exchange
requests received in good order by the Transfer Agent before the close of
regular trading on the NYSE on any Business Day will be processed at the net
asset value calculated on that day.
EXCHANGES ARE NOT TAX-FREE AND MAY RESULT IN A SHAREHOLDER REALIZING A GAIN OR
LOSS, AS THE CASE MAY BE, FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. See "Dividends, Other
Distributions and Federal Income Taxation." In addition to the Funds, the AIM/GT
Funds include the following:
- AIM AMERICA VALUE FUND
- AIM DEVELOPING MARKETS FUND
- AIM DOLLAR FUND
- AIM EUROPE GROWTH FUND
- AIM GLOBAL CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FUND
- AIM GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
- AIM GLOBAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- AIM GLOBAL GROWTH & INCOME FUND
- AIM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE FUND
- AIM GLOBAL HIGH INCOME FUND
- AIM GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
- AIM GLOBAL RESOURCES FUND
- AIM GLOBAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND
- AIM INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
- AIM JAPAN GROWTH FUND
- AIM MID CAP GROWTH FUND
- AIM NEW DIMENSION FUND
- AIM NEW PACIFIC GROWTH FUND
- AIM SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND
- AIM STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
- AIM WORLDWIDE GROWTH FUND
An investor interested in making an exchange should contact his or her Financial
Institution or the Transfer Agent to request the prospectus of the other mutual
fund(s) being considered. Certain Financial Institutions may charge a fee for
handling exchanges. The terms of the exchange offer may be modified at any time,
on 60 days' prior written notice.
EXCHANGES BY TELEPHONE. A shareholder may give exchange instructions to the
shareholder's Financial Institution or the Transfer Agent by telephone at the
appropriate toll-free number provided in the Shareholder Account Manual.
Exchange orders will be accepted by telephone provided that the exchange
involves only uncertificated shares on deposit in the shareholder's account or
for which certificates have previously been deposited. Shareholders
automatically have telephone privileges to authorize exchanges. The Funds, AIM
Distributors and the Transfer Agent will not be liable for any loss or damage
for acting in good faith upon instructions received by telephone and reasonably
believed to be genuine. The Funds employ reasonable procedures to confirm that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine prior to acting upon
instructions received by telephone, including requiring some form of personal
identification, providing written confirmation of such transactions, and/or tape
recording of telephone instructions.
EXCHANGES BY MAIL. Exchange orders should be sent by mail to the shareholder's
Financial Institution or to the Transfer Agent at the address set forth in the
Shareholder Account Manual.
EXCHANGES WITH THE AIM FAMILY OF FUNDS. Currently no exchanges are permitted
between the Funds and funds of The AIM Family of Funds. However, it is
anticipated that such exchanges will be offered prior to October 1, 1998. In
addition, as of the date of this prospectus, Class A shares of a Fund may be
redeemed and the proceeds invested without the imposition of a front-end sales
charge in Class A shares of funds of The AIM Family of Funds upon receipt of the
redemption proceeds by the transfer agent of The AIM Family of Funds.
Prospectus Page 31
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
The AIM Family of Funds includes the following funds:
- AIM ADVISOR FLEX FUND
- AIM ADVISOR INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND
- AIM ADVISOR LARGE CAP VALUE FUND
- AIM ADVISOR MULTIFLEX FUND
- AIM ADVISOR REAL ESTATE FUND
- AIM ASIAN GROWTH FUND
- AIM BALANCED FUND
- AIM BLUE CHIP FUND
- AIM CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
- AIM CHARTER FUND
- AIM CONSTELLATION FUND
- AIM EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT FUND
- AIM GLOBAL AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND
- AIM GLOBAL GROWTH FUND
- AIM GLOBAL INCOME FUND
- AIM GLOBAL UTILITIES FUND
- AIM HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL FUND
- AIM HIGH YIELD FUND
- AIM INCOME FUND
- AIM INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT FUND
- AIM INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
- AIM LIMITED MATURITY TREASURY FUND
- AIM MONEY MARKET FUND
- AIM MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
- AIM SELECT GROWTH FUND
- AIM TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND OF CONNECTICUT
- AIM TAX-EXEMPT CASH FUND
- AIM TAX-FREE INTERMEDIATE FUND
- AIM VALUE FUND
- AIM WEINGARTEN FUND
An investor interested in making a net asset value purchase of The AIM Family of
Funds should contact his or her Financial Institution or the Transfer Agent to
request the prospectus of the other mutual fund(s) being considered. Certain
Financial Institutions may charge a fee for handling net asset value purchases.
LIMITATIONS ON PURCHASE ORDERS AND EXCHANGES. The AIM/GT Funds are not intended
to serve as vehicles for frequent trading in response to short-term fluctuations
in the market. Due to the disruptive effect that market-timing investment
strategies and excessive trading can have on efficient portfolio management,
each AIM/GT Fund and AIM Distributors reserve the right to refuse purchase
orders and exchanges by any person or group, if, in the Sub-adviser's judgment,
such person or group was following a market-timing strategy or was otherwise
engaging in excessive trading.
In addition, each AIM/GT Fund and AIM Distributors reserve the right to refuse
purchase orders and exchanges by any person or group if, in the Sub-adviser's
judgment, the Fund would not be able to invest the money effectively in
accordance with that Fund's investment objective and policies or would otherwise
potentially be adversely affected. Although an AIM/GT Fund will attempt to give
investors prior notice whenever it is reasonably able to do so, it may impose
the above restrictions at any time.
Finally, as described above, each AIM/GT Fund and AIM Distributors reserve the
right to reject any purchase order.
Prospectus Page 32
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund shares may be redeemed at their net asset value (subject to any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge for Class B shares or, in limited
circumstances, Class A shares) and redemption proceeds will be sent within seven
days of the execution of a redemption request. If a redeeming shareholder owns
more than one class of shares, the shareholder must specify the class of shares
to be redeemed.
REDEMPTIONS THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. Shareholders with accounts at
Financial Institutions who sell shares of the Funds may submit redemption
requests to such Financial Institutions. If the shares are held in the name of
the Financial Institution, the redemption must be made through the Financial
Institution. Financial Institutions may honor a redemption request either by
repurchasing shares from a redeeming shareholder at the net asset value next
determined after the Financial Institution receives the request or, as described
below, by forwarding such requests to the Transfer Agent (see "How to Redeem
Shares -- Redemptions Through the Transfer Agent"). Redemption proceeds normally
will be paid by check or, if offered by the Financial Institution, credited to
the shareholder's account at the Financial Institution at the election of the
shareholder. Financial Institutions may impose a service charge for handling
redemption transactions placed through them and may have other requirements
concerning redemptions. Accordingly, shareholders should contact their Financial
Institution for more details.
REDEMPTIONS THROUGH THE TRANSFER AGENT. Redemption requests may be transmitted
to the Transfer Agent by telephone or by mail, in accordance with the
instructions provided in the Shareholder Account Manual. Redemptions will be
effected at the net asset value (less any applicable contingent deferred sales
charge for Class B shares or, in limited circumstances, Class A shares) next
determined after the Transfer Agent has received the request or after an
Authorized Institution has received the request, provided that the request is
transmitted to the Transfer Agent prior to the time set for receipt of such
redemption requests. Redemptions will only be effected if the request is
received in good order and accompanied by any required supporting documentation.
Redemption requests will not require a signature guarantee if the redemption
proceeds are to be sent either: (i) to the redeeming shareholder at the
shareholder's address of record as maintained by the Transfer Agent, provided
the shareholder's address of record has not been changed within the preceding
fifteen days; or (ii) directly to a pre-designated bank, savings and loan or
credit union account ("Pre-Designated Account"). ALL OTHER REDEMPTION REQUESTS
MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE OF THE REDEEMING SHAREHOLDER'S
SIGNATURE. A signature guarantee can be obtained from any bank, U.S. trust
company, a member firm of a U.S. stock exchange or a foreign branch of any of
the foregoing or other eligible guarantor institution. A notary public is not an
acceptable guarantor. A shareholder with questions concerning the Funds'
signature guarantee requirement should contact the Transfer Agent.
Shareholders may qualify to have redemption proceeds sent to a Pre-Designated
Account by completing the appropriate section of the Account Application at the
end of this Prospectus. Shareholders with Pre-Designated Accounts should request
that redemption proceeds be sent either by bank wire or by check. The minimum
redemption amount for a bank wire is $500. Shareholders requesting a bank wire
should allow two business days from the time the redemption request is effected
for the proceeds to be deposited in the shareholder's Pre-Designated Account.
See "How to Redeem Shares -- Other Important Redemption Information."
Shareholders may change their Pre-Designated Accounts only by a letter of
instruction to the Transfer Agent containing all account signatures, each of
which must be guaranteed. The Transfer Agent currently does not charge a bank
wire service fee on each wire redemption sent, but reserves the right to do so
in the future. The shareholder's bank may charge a bank wire service fee.
REDEMPTIONS BY TELEPHONE. Redemption requests may be made by telephone by
calling the Transfer Agent at the appropriate toll-free number provided in the
Shareholder Account Manual.
Prospectus Page 33
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
Shareholders who hold certificates for shares may not redeem by telephone.
REDEMPTION REQUESTS MAY NOT BE MADE BY TELEPHONE FOR FIFTEEN DAYS FOLLOWING ANY
CHANGE OF THE SHAREHOLDER'S ADDRESS OF RECORD.
Shareholders automatically have telephone privileges to authorize redemptions.
The Funds, AIM Distributors and the Transfer Agent will not be liable for any
loss or damage for acting in good faith upon instructions received by telephone
and reasonably believed to be genuine. The Funds employ reasonable procedures to
confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine prior to acting
upon instructions received by telephone, including requiring some form of
personal identification providing written confirmation of such transactions,
and/or tape recording of telephone instructions.
REDEMPTIONS BY MAIL. Redemption requests should be mailed directly to the
Transfer Agent at the appropriate address provided in the Shareholder Account
Manual. As discussed above, requests for payment of redemption proceeds to a
party other than the shareholder of record and/or requests that redemption
proceeds be mailed to an address other than the shareholder's address of record
require a signature guarantee. In addition, if the shareholder's address of
record has been changed within the preceding fifteen days, a signature guarantee
is required. Redemptions of shares for which certificates have been issued must
be accompanied by properly endorsed share certificates.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN. Shareholders owning shares in the Funds with a value
of $10,000 or more may participate in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan. A
participating shareholder will receive proceeds from monthly, quarterly or
annual redemptions of Fund shares with respect to either Class A or Class B
shares. No contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed on redemptions made
under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan. The minimum withdrawal amount is $100. The
amount or percentage a participating shareholder specifies to be redeemed may
not, on an annualized basis, exceed 12% of the value of the account, as of the
time the shareholder elects to participate in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan. To
participate in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, investors should complete the
appropriate portion of the Supplemental Application provided at the end of this
Prospectus. Investors should contact their Financial Institution or the Transfer
Agent for more information. With respect to Class A shares, participation in the
Systematic Withdrawal Plan concurrent with purchases of Class A shares may be
disadvantageous to investors because of the sales charges involved and possible
tax implications, and therefore is discouraged. In addition, shareholders who
participate in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan should not elect to reinvest
dividends or other distributions in additional Fund shares. Systematic
withdrawal plans offered by Financial Institutions may have different features.
Accordingly, shareholders should contact their Financial Institution for more
details.
OTHER IMPORTANT REDEMPTION INFORMATION. A request for redemption will not be
processed until all of the necessary documentation has been received in good
order. A shareholder in doubt as to what documents are required should contact
his or her Financial Institution or the Transfer Agent.
Except in extraordinary circumstances and as permitted under the 1940 Act,
payment for shares redeemed by telephone or by mail will be made promptly after
receipt of a redemption request, if in good order, but not later than seven days
after the date the request is executed. Requests for redemption which are
subject to any special conditions or which specify a future or past effective
date cannot be accepted.
If the Transfer Agent is requested to redeem shares for which a Fund has not yet
received good payment, the Fund may delay payment of redemption proceeds until
the Transfer Agent has assured itself that good payment has been collected for
the purchase of the shares. In the case of purchases by check it can take up to
10 business days to confirm that the check has cleared and good payment has been
received. Redemption proceeds will not be delayed when shares have been paid for
by wire or when the investor's account holds a sufficient number of shares for
which funds already have been collected.
A Fund may redeem the shares of any shareholder whose account is reduced to less
than $500 in value through redemptions or other action by the shareholder.
Written notice will be given to the shareholder at least 60 days prior to the
date fixed for such redemption, during which time the shareholder may increase
his or her holdings to an aggregate amount of $500 or more (with a minimum
purchase of $100).
Prospectus Page 34
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT MANUAL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders are encouraged to place purchase, exchange and redemption orders
through their Financial Institutions. Shareholders also may place such orders
directly in accordance with this Manual. See "How to Invest," "How to Make
Exchanges," "How to Redeem Shares" and "Dividends, Other Distributions and
Federal Income Taxation" for more information.
Each Fund's Transfer Agent is GT GLOBAL INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.
INVESTMENTS BY MAIL
Send completed Account Application (if initial purchase) or letter stating Fund
name, class of shares, shareholder's registered name and account number (if
subsequent purchase) with a check to:
AIM/GT Funds
P.O. Box 7345
San Francisco, CA 94120-7345
INVESTMENTS BY BANK WIRE
An investor opening a new account should call 1-800-223-2138 to obtain an
account number. WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF PURCHASE A COMPLETED ACCOUNT APPLICATION
CONTAINING THE INVESTOR'S CERTIFIED TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER MUST BE SENT
TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED ABOVE UNDER "INVESTMENTS BY MAIL." Wire instructions
must state Fund name, class of shares, shareholder's registered name and account
number. Bank wires should be sent through the Federal Reserve Bank Wire System
to:
WELLS FARGO BANK N.A.
ABA 121000248
Attn: GT GLOBAL
Account No. 4023-050701
EXCHANGES BY TELEPHONE
Call the Transfer Agent at 1-800-223-2138.
EXCHANGES BY MAIL
Send complete instructions, including name of Fund exchanging from, class of
shares, amount of exchange, name of the AIM/GT Fund exchanging into,
shareholder's registered name and account number, to:
AIM/GT Funds
P.O. Box 7893
San Francisco, CA 94120-7893
REDEMPTIONS BY TELEPHONE
Call the Transfer Agent at 1-800-223-2138.
REDEMPTIONS BY MAIL
Send complete instructions, including name of Fund, class of shares, amount of
redemption, shareholder's registered name and account number, to:
AIM/GT Funds
P.O. Box 7893
San Francisco, CA 94120-7893
OVERNIGHT MAIL
Overnight mail services do not deliver to post office boxes. To send purchase,
exchange or redemption orders by overnight mail, follow the above instructions
but send to the following address:
GT Global Investor Services, Inc.
California Plaza
2121 N. California Boulevard
Suite 450
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Shareholders with additional questions regarding purchase, exchange and
redemption procedures may call the Transfer Agent at 1-800-223-2138.
Prospectus Page 35
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each Fund calculates its net asset value as of the close of regular trading on
the NYSE (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, unless weather, equipment failure or
other factors contribute to an earlier closing) each Business Day. Each Fund's
asset value per share is computed by determining the value of its total assets
(the securities it holds plus any cash or other assets, including interest and
dividends accrued but not yet received), subtracting all of its liabilities
(including accrued expenses), and dividing the result by the total number of
shares outstanding at such time. Net asset value is determined separately for
each class of shares of each Fund.
Equity securities held by a Fund are valued at the last sale price on the
exchange or in the OTC market in which such securities are primarily traded, as
of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking
any sales, at the last available bid price. Long-term debt obligations are
valued at the mean of representative quoted bid or asked prices for such
securities, or, if such prices are not available, at prices for securities of
comparable maturity, quality and type; however, when the Sub-adviser deems it
appropriate, prices obtained from a bond pricing service will be used.
Short-term debt investments are amortized to maturity based on their cost,
adjusted for foreign exchange translation and market fluctuations, provided that
such valuations represent fair value. When market quotations for futures and
options positions held by a Fund are readily available, those positions are
valued based upon such quotations.
Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily
available are valued at fair value determined in good faith by or under the
direction of the Company's Board of Directors. Securities and other assets
quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars based on the prevailing
exchange rates on that day.
Each Fund's portfolio securities, from time to time, may be listed primarily on
foreign exchanges or OTC markets that trade on days when the NYSE is closed
(such as Saturday). As a result, the net asset value of a Fund may be affected
significantly by such trading on days when shareholders cannot purchase or
redeem shares of that Fund.
The different service and distribution fees borne by each class of shares of
each Fund will result in different net asset values. The net asset value of the
Class B shares of a Fund generally will be lower than that of the Class A shares
of that Fund because of the higher service and distribution fees borne by the
Class B shares. The net asset value of the Advisor Class shares of a Fund
generally will be higher than that of the Class A and Class B shares of that
Fund because of the absence of any service and distribution fees applicable to
the Advisor Class shares. It is expected, however, that the net asset value per
share of Class A and Class B shares of a Fund will tend to converge immediately
after the payment of dividends, which will differ by approximately the amount of
the service and distribution fee accrual differential between the classes.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
AND FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS. Each Fund annually declares and pays as a
dividend all of its net investment income, if any, which includes dividends,
accrued interest and earned discount (including both original issue and market
discounts) less any applicable expenses. Each Fund also annually distributes
substantially all of its realized net capital gains and net gains from foreign
currency transactions, if any. Each Fund may make an additional dividend or
other distribution each year if necessary to avoid a 4% excise tax on certain
undistributed income and gain.
Prospectus Page 36
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
Dividends and other distributions paid by each Fund with respect to all classes
of its shares are calculated in the same manner and at the same time. The per
share income dividends on Class B shares of a Fund will be lower than the per
share income dividends on Class A shares of that Fund as a result of the higher
service and distribution fees applicable to Class B shares; and the per share
income dividends on both such classes of shares of a Fund will be lower than the
per share income dividends on the Advisor Class shares of that Fund as a result
of the absence of any service and distribution fees applicable to Advisor Class
shares. SHAREHOLDERS MAY ELECT:
/ / to have all dividends and other distributions automatically reinvested in
additional Fund shares of the distributing class (or in shares of the
corresponding class of other AIM/GT Funds); or
/ / to receive dividends in cash and have other distributions automatically
reinvested in additional Fund shares of the distributing class (or in shares
of the corresponding class of other AIM/GT Funds); or
/ / to receive other distributions in cash and have dividends automatically
reinvested in additional Fund shares of the distributing class (or in shares
of the corresponding class of other AIM/ GT Funds); or
/ / to receive dividends and other distributions in cash.
Automatic reinvestments in additional shares are made at net asset value without
imposition of a sales charge. IF NO ELECTION IS MADE BY A SHAREHOLDER, ALL
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REINVESTED IN ADDITIONAL
FUND SHARES OF THE DISTRIBUTING CLASS. Reinvestments in another AIM/GT Fund may
only be directed to an account with the identical shareholder registration and
account number. These elections may be changed by a shareholder at any time; to
be effective with respect to a distribution, the shareholder or the
shareholder's broker must contact the Transfer Agent by mail or telephone at
least 15 Business Days prior to the payment date. THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS ARE THE SAME WHETHER THEY ARE
RECEIVED IN CASH OR REINVESTED IN ADDITIONAL SHARES.
Any dividend or other distribution paid by a Fund has the effect of reducing the
net asset value per share on the ex-dividend date by the amount thereof.
Therefore, a dividend or other distribution paid shortly after a purchase of
shares would represent, in substance, a return of capital to the shareholder (to
the extent the distribution is paid on the shares so purchased), even though
subject to income tax, as discussed below.
TAXES. Each Fund intends to continue to qualify for treatment as a regulated
investment company under the Code. In each taxable year that a Fund so
qualifies, the Fund (but not its shareholders) will be relieved of federal
income tax on that part of its investment company taxable income (consisting
generally of net investment income, net gains from certain foreign currency
transactions and net short-term capital gain) and net capital gain (i.e., the
excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) that it
distributes to its shareholders.
Dividends from a Fund's investment company taxable income (whether paid in cash
or reinvested in additional shares) are taxable to its shareholders as ordinary
income to the extent of the Fund's earnings and profits. Distributions of a
Fund's net capital gain, when designated as such, are taxable to its
shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long they have held
their Fund shares and whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional Fund
shares.
Under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, different maximum tax rates apply to a
noncorporate taxpayer's net capital gain depending on the taxpayer's holding
period and marginal rate of federal income tax -- generally, 28% for gain
recognized on securities held for more than one year but not more than 18 months
and 20% (10% for taxpayers in the 15% marginal tax bracket) for gain recognized
on securities held for more than 18 months. Each Fund may divide each net
capital gain distribution into a 28% rate gain distribution and a 20% rate gain
distribution (in accordance with the Fund's holding periods for the securities
it sold that generated the distributed gain), in which event its shareholders
must treat those portions accordingly.
Each Fund provides federal tax information to its shareholders annually,
including information about dividends and capital gain distributions paid during
the preceding year and, under certain circumstances, the shareholders'
respective shares of any foreign taxes paid (directly or indirectly) by the
Fund, in which event each shareholder would be required to include in his or her
gross income his or her pro rata share of those taxes but might be
Prospectus Page 37
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
entitled to claim a credit or deduction for them. The information regarding
capital gain distributions designates the portions thereof subject to the
different maximum rates of tax applicable to noncorporate taxpayers' net capital
gain indicated above.
Each Fund must withhold 31% from dividends, capital gain distributions and
redemption proceeds payable to any individuals and certain other noncorporate
shareholders who have not furnished to the Fund a correct taxpayer
identification number or a properly completed claim for exemption on Form W-8 or
W-9. Withholding at that rate also is required from dividends and capital gain
distributions payable to such shareholders who otherwise are subject to backup
withholding. Fund accounts opened via a bank wire purchase (see "How to Invest
- -- Purchases Through the Transfer Agent") are considered to have uncertified
taxpayer identification numbers unless a completed Form W-8 or W-9 or Account
Application is received by the Transfer Agent within seven days after the
purchase. A shareholder should contact the Transfer Agent if the shareholder is
uncertain whether a proper taxpayer identification number is on file with a
Fund.
A redemption of a Fund's shares may result in taxable gain or loss to the
redeeming shareholder, depending upon whether the redemption proceeds are more
or less than the shareholder's adjusted basis for the redeemed shares (which
normally includes any initial sales charge paid on Class A shares). An exchange
of Fund shares for shares of another mutual fund generally will have similar tax
consequences. However, special tax rules apply when a shareholder (1) disposes
of Class A shares of a Fund through a redemption or exchange within 90 days
after purchase and (2) subsequently acquires Class A shares of the Fund or of
any other mutual fund on which an initial sales charge normally is imposed
without paying that sales charge due to the reinstatement privilege or exchange
privilege. In these cases, any gain on the disposition of the original Class A
shares will be increased, or loss decreased, by the amount of the sales charge
paid when the shares were acquired, and that amount will increase the adjusted
basis of the shares subsequently acquired. In addition, if shares of a Fund are
purchased within 30 days before or after redeeming other Fund shares (regardless
of class) at a loss, all or a part of the loss will not be deductible and
instead will increase the basis of the newly purchased shares.
The foregoing is only a summary of some of the important federal tax
considerations generally affecting each Fund and its shareholders. See "Taxes"
in the Statement of Additional Information for a further discussion. There may
be other federal, state, local or foreign tax considerations applicable to a
particular investor. Prospective investors therefore are urged to consult their
tax advisers.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company's Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the operation of
the Funds. The Company's Board of Directors has approved all significant
agreements between the Company on the one side and persons or companies
furnishing services to the Funds on the other, including the investment advisory
and administrative services agreement with AIM, the investment sub-advisory and
sub-administration agreement with the Sub-adviser, the agreements with AIM
Distributors regarding distribution of each Fund's shares, the custody agreement
with State Street Bank and Trust Company and the transfer agency agreement with
GT Global Investor Services, Inc. The day to day operations of each Fund are
delegated to the officers of the Company, subject always to the objective and
policies of the applicable Fund and to the general supervision of the Company's
Board of Directors. See "Directors and Executive Officers" in the Statement of
Additional Information for information on the Company's Board of Directors.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION. Services provided by AIM and the
Sub-adviser as each Fund's investment managers and administrators include, but
are not limited to, determining the composition of the Fund's portfolio and
placing orders to buy, sell or hold particular securities; furnishing corporate
officers and clerical
Prospectus Page 38
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
staff; providing office space, services and equipment; and supervising all
matters relating to the Fund's operation. For these services, each of the Funds
pays AIM investment management and administration fees, computed daily and paid
monthly, based on its average daily net assets, at the annualized rate of .975%
on the first $500 million, .95% on the next $500 million, .925% on the next $500
million, and .90% on amounts thereafter. Out of the aggregate fees payable by a
Fund, AIM pays the Sub-adviser sub-advisory and sub-administration fees equal to
40% of the aggregate fees AIM receives from each Fund. The investment management
and administration fees paid by the Funds are higher than those paid by most
mutual funds. AIM has undertaken to limit each Fund's expenses (exclusive of
brokerage commissions, taxes, interest and extraordinary expenses) to the annual
rate of 2.00% and 2.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's Class A
and Class B shares, respectively.
The Sub-adviser also serves as each Fund's pricing and accounting agent. For
these services the Sub-adviser receives a fee at an annual rate derived by
applying 0.03% to the first $5 billion of assets of the AIM/GT Funds and 0.02%
to the assets in excess of $5 billion, and allocating the result according to
each Fund's average daily net assets.
AIM, 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77046, serves as the
investment adviser to each Fund pursuant to a master investment advisory
agreement, dated as of May 29, 1998 (the "Advisory Agreement"). AIM was
organized in 1976 and, together with its subsidiaries, manages or advises
approximately 90 investment company portfolios encompassing a broad range of
investment objectives. The Sub-adviser, INVESCO (NY), Inc., 50 California
Street, 27th Floor, San Francisco, California 94111, and 1166 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10036, serves as the sub-adviser to each Fund
pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement dated as of May 29, 1998. Prior
to May 29, 1998, the Sub-adviser was known as Chancellor LGT Asset Management,
Inc. On May 29, 1998, Liechtenstein Global Trust AG ("LGT"), the former indirect
parent organization of the Sub-adviser, consummated a purchase agreement with
AMVESCAP PLC pursuant to which AMVESCAP PLC acquired LGT's Asset Management
Division, which included the Sub-adviser and certain other affiliates. As a
result of this transaction, the Sub-adviser is now an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of AMVESCAP PLC. Prior to the sale, the Sub-adviser and its worldwide
asset management affiliates provided investment management and/or administrative
services to institutional, corporate and individual clients around the world
since 1969.
AIM and the Sub-adviser and their worldwide asset management affiliates provide
investment management and/or administrative services to institutional, corporate
and individual clients around the world. AIM and the Sub-adviser are both
indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of AMVESCAP PLC. AMVESCAP PLC and its
subsidiaries are an independent investment management group that has a
significant presence in the institutional and retail segment of the investment
management industry in North America and Europe, and a growing presence in Asia.
In addition to the investment resources of their San Francisco and New York
offices, AIM and the Sub-adviser draw upon the expertise, personnel, data and
systems of other offices, including investment offices in Atlanta, Boston,
Dallas, Denver, Louisville, Miami, Portland (Oregon), Frankfurt, Hong Kong,
London, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto. In managing the Funds, the
Sub-adviser employs a team approach, taking advantage of its investment
resources around the world.
Prospectus Page 39
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
The investment professionals primarily responsible for the portfolio management
of the Funds are as follows:
EMERGING MARKETS FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
NAME/OFFICE THE FUND PAST FIVE YEARS
- --------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Allan Conway Portfolio Manager Head of Global Emerging Market Equities for the Sub- adviser and
London since 1997 INVESCO GT Asset Management PLC (London) ("GT Asset Management"),
an affiliate of the Sub-adviser, since January 1997. Director of
International Equities at Hermes Investment Management from 1992
to 1997. Portfolio Manager, Head of Overseas Equities at
Provident Mutual from 1982 to 1992.
Hugh Hunter Portfolio Manager Portfolio Manager for the Sub-adviser and GT Asset Management
London since 1997 since June 1997. Head of Quantitative Emerging Strategy at Baring
Asset Management (London) ("Barings") from 1992 to 1997.
Quantitative Analyst at Barings from 1987 to 1992.
Aziz Minhas Portfolio Manager Portfolio Manager for the Sub-adviser and GT Asset Management
London since 1997 since December 1997. Investment Analyst and Senior Investment
Analyst with Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (London) from 1990 to
1997.
Darren Read Portfolio Manager Portfolio Manager for the Sub-adviser and GT Asset Management
London since 1997 since May 1997. Senior Investment Analyst at Hermes from 1995 to
1997. Chartered Accountant in the Financial Markets Division of
Arthur Andersen from 1991 to 1995.
Christine Rowley Portfolio Manager Portfolio Manager for the Sub-adviser, GT Asset Management and
London since 1997 INVESCO GT Asset Management Asia Ltd. (Hong Kong), an affiliate
of the Sub-adviser, since 1992. Analyst with the Bank of England
from 1989 to 1990.
Mark Thorogood Portfolio Manager Portfolio Manager for the Sub-adviser and GT Asset Management
London since 1997 since May 1997. Proprietary Trader for ING-Barings (Hong Kong)
from 1994 to 1997. Analyst and Portfolio Manager for Provident
Mutual from 1987 to 1994.
</TABLE>
LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
NAME/OFFICE THE FUND PAST FIVE YEARS
- --------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Allan Conway Portfolio Manager See description above.
London since 1997
David Manuel Portfolio Manager Portfolio Manager for the Sub-adviser and GT Asset Management
London since 1997 since November 1997. Investment Analyst and Portfolio Manager for
Abbey Life Investment Services Ltd. (Bournemouth) from 1987 to
1997, and Head of Latin American Equities from 1994 to 1997.
</TABLE>
Prospectus Page 40
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
In placing securities orders for the Funds' portfolio transactions, the
Sub-adviser seeks to obtain the best net results. Consistent with its obligation
to obtain the best net results, the Sub-adviser may consider a broker/dealer's
sale of shares of the AIM Funds as a factor in considering through whom
portfolio transactions will be effected. Brokerage transactions may be executed
through affiliates of AIM or the Sub-adviser. High portfolio turnover (over
100%) involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other
transaction costs that the Funds will bear directly and could result in the
realization of net capital gains which would be taxable when distributed to
shareholders.
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES. The Company has entered into master distribution
agreements relating to the Funds (the "Distribution Agreements"), dated May 29,
1998, with AIM Distributors, a registered broker/dealer and a wholly owned
subsidiary of AIM. The address of AIM Distributors is P.O. Box 4739, Houston,
Texas 77210-4739. The Distribution Agreements provide AIM Distributors with the
exclusive rights to distribute shares of the Funds directly and through
Financial Institutions with whom AIM Distributors has entered into agreements.
Under the Distribution Agreements, AIM Distributors acts as the distributor of
Class A, Class B and Advisor Class shares of the Funds. As distributor, AIM
Distributors collects the sales charges imposed on purchases of Class A shares
and any contingent deferred sales charges that may be imposed on certain
redemptions of Class A and Class B shares.
AIM Distributors may elect to re-allow the entire initial sales charge to
dealers for all sales with respect to which orders are placed with AIM
Distributors during a particular period. Dealers to whom substantially the
entire sales charge is re-allowed may be deemed to be "underwriters" as that
term is defined under the Securities Act of 1933.
AIM Distributors may pay sales commissions to dealers and institutions who sell
Class B shares of the Funds at the time of such sales. Payments with respect to
Class B shares will equal 4.00% of the purchase price of the Class B shares sold
by the dealer or institution and will consist of a sales commission equal to
3.75% of the purchase price of the Class B shares sold plus an advance of the
first year service fee of 0.25% with respect to such shares. The portion of the
payments to AIM Distributors under the Class B Plan which constitutes an
asset-based sales charge (0.75%) is intended in part to permit AIM Distributors
to recoup a portion of such sales commissions plus financing costs.
From time to time, AIM Distributors may pay commissions in excess of these
amounts. Commissions are not paid on exchanges or certain reinvestments in Class
B. In addition, with respect to both classes of shares, AIM Distributors makes
ongoing payments to broker/dealers for distribution and service activities in
accordance with the Rule 12b-1 plans described below.
The Latin American Growth Fund has previously suspended the offering of its
shares upon the advice of the Sub-adviser that doing so was in the best
interests of the portfolio management process. As of the date of this
Prospectus, the Latin American Growth Fund has resumed sales of its shares based
upon the Sub-adviser's advice that it is consistent with prudent portfolio
management to do so. However, the Latin American Growth Fund reserves the right
to suspend sales again and Emerging Markets Fund reserves the right to suspend
sales in the future based upon the foregoing portfolio considerations.
In addition, AIM Distributors makes ongoing payments to brokerage firms,
financial institutions (including banks) and others that facilitate the
administration and servicing of shareholder accounts.
In addition to amounts paid to dealers as a dealer concession out of the initial
sales charge paid by investors, AIM Distributors may, from time to time, at its
expense or as an expense for which it may be compensated under a distribution
plan, if applicable, pay a bonus or other consideration or incentive to dealers
who sell a minimum dollar amount of the shares of the AIM Funds during a
specified period of time. In some instances, these incentives may be offered
only to certain dealers who have sold or may sell significant amounts of shares.
At the option of the dealer, such incentives may take the form of payment for
travel expenses, including lodging, incurred in connection with trips taken by
qualifying registered representatives and their families to places within or
outside the United States. The total amount of such additional bonus payments or
other consideration shall not exceed 0.25% of the public offering price of the
shares sold. Any such bonus or incentive programs will not change the price paid
by investors for the purchase of the applicable fund's shares or the amount that
any particular fund will receive as proceeds from such sales. Dealers may not
use sales of the AIM Funds' shares to qualify for any incentives to the extent
that such incentives may be prohibited by the laws of any state.
Prospectus Page 41
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
AIM Distributors may make payments to dealers and institutions who are dealers
of record for purchases of $1 million or more of Class A shares (or shares which
normally involve payment of initial sales charges), which are sold at net asset
value and are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge as follows: 1% of
the first $2 million of such purchases, plus 0.80% of the next $1 million of
such purchases, plus 0.50% of the next $l7 million of such purchases, plus 0.25%
of amounts in excess of $20 million of such purchases.
The Company has adopted a Master Distribution Plan applicable to Class A shares
of the Funds (the "Class A Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, to
compensate AIM Distributors for the purpose of financing any activity that is
intended to result in the sale of Class A shares of the Funds. Under the Class A
Plan, each Fund pays compensation to AIM Distributors at an annual rate of 0.50%
of the average daily net assets of Class A shares of each Fund.
The Company also has adopted a Master Distribution Plan applicable to Class B
shares of the Funds (the "Class B Plan"). Under the Class B Plan, each Fund pays
compensation to AIM Distributors at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average daily
net assets of Class B shares of each Fund.
The Class A Plan and the Class B Plan (together, the "Plans") are designed to
compensate AIM Distributors for certain promotional and other sales-related
costs, and to implement a dealer incentive program that provides for periodic
payments to selected dealers who furnish continuing personal shareholder
services to their customers who purchase and own Class A and Class B shares of a
Fund. Payments also can be directed by AIM Distributors to Financial
Institutions who have entered into service agreements with respect to Class A
and Class B shares of the Funds and who provide continuing personal services to
their customers who own Class A and Class B shares of a Fund. The service fees
payable to selected Financial Institutions are calculated at the annual rate of
0.25% of the average daily net asset value of those Fund shares that are held in
such Institution's customers' accounts that were purchased on or after a
prescribed date set forth in the Plans. Of the aggregate amount payable under
the Plans, payments to Financial Institutions that provide continuing personal
shareholder services to their customers who purchase and own shares of a Fund,
in amounts of up to 0.25% of the average net assets of the Fund attributable to
the customers of such Financial Institutions are characterized as a service fee,
and payments to Financial Institutions in excess of such amount and payments to
AIM Distributors would be characterized as an asset-based sales charge. Payments
under the Plans are subject to any applicable limitations imposed by the rules
of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
The Plans do not obligate the Funds to reimburse AIM Distributors for the actual
expenses AIM Distributors may incur in fulfilling its obligations under the
Plans. Thus, even if AIM Distributors' actual expenses exceed the fee payable to
AIM Distributors thereunder at any time, the Funds will not be obligated to pay
more than that fee. If AIM Distributors' expenses are less than the fee it
receives, AIM Distributors will retain the full amount of the fee.
Under the Plans, AIM Distributors may in its discretion from time to time agree
to waive voluntarily all or any portion of its fee that has not been assigned or
transferred, while retaining its ability to be reimbursed for such fee prior to
the end of each fiscal year.
Under the Plans, certain Financial Institutions which have entered into service
agreements and which sell shares of the Funds on an agency basis, may receive
payments from the Funds pursuant to the respective Plans. AIM Distributors does
not act as principal, but rather as agent for the Funds, in making such
payments. For additional information concerning the operation of the Plans see
"Distribution Services Relating to the Fund" in the Management section of the
Statement of Additional Information.
The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable laws, among other things, generally
prohibit federally chartered or supervised banks from engaging in the business
of underwriting or distributing securities. Accordingly, AIM Distributors
intends to engage banks (if at all) only to perform administrative and
shareholder servicing functions. If a bank were prohibited from so acting, its
shareholder clients would be permitted to remain shareholders, and alternative
means for continuing the servicing of such shareholders would be sought. It is
not expected that shareholders would suffer any adverse financial consequences
as a result of any of these occurrences.
Prospectus Page 42
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
OTHER INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONFIRMATIONS AND REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS. Each time a transaction is made that
affects a shareholder's account in a Fund, the shareholder will receive from the
Transfer Agent a confirmation statement reflecting the transaction.
Confirmations for transactions effected pursuant to a Fund's Automatic
Investment Plan, Systematic Withdrawal Plan and automatic dividend reinvestment
program may be provided quarterly. Shortly after the end of the Funds' fiscal
year on October 31 and fiscal half-year on April 30 of each year, shareholders
will receive an annual and semiannual report, respectively. In addition, the
federal income tax status of distributions made by a Fund to shareholders will
be reported after the end of the calendar year on Form 1099-DIV. Under certain
circumstances, duplicate mailings of the foregoing reports to the same household
may be consolidated.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY. The Company was organized as a Maryland corporation
on October 29, 1987. Prior to May 29, 1998, the Company operated under the name
G.T. Investment Funds, Inc. From time to time, the Company has established and
may continue to establish other funds, each corresponding to a distinct
investment portfolio and a distinct series of the Company's shares. Shares of
each Fund are entitled to one vote per share (with proportional voting for
fractional shares) and are freely transferable. Shareholders have no preemptive
or conversion rights.
On any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders, shares of each Fund will be
voted by a Fund's shareholders individually when the matter affects the specific
interest of that Fund only, such as approval of its investment management
arrangements. In addition, shares of a particular class of a Fund may vote on
matters affecting only that class. The shares of each Fund and the Company's
other funds will be voted in the aggregate on other matters, such as the
election of Directors and ratification of the selection of the Company's
independent accountants.
Normally there will be no annual meeting of shareholders in any year, except as
required under the 1940 Act. The Company would be required to hold a
shareholders meeting in the event that at any time less than a majority of the
Directors holding office had been elected by shareholders. Directors shall
continue to hold office until their successors are elected and have qualified.
Shares of the Company's funds do not have cumulative voting rights, which means
that the holders of a majority of the shares voting for the election of
Directors can elect all the Directors. A Director may be removed upon a majority
vote of the shareholders qualified to vote in the election. Shareholders holding
10% of the Company's outstanding voting securities may call a meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any
Director or for any other purpose. The 1940 Act requires the Company to assist
shareholders in calling such a meeting.
Pursuant to the Company's Articles of Incorporation, it may issue six billion
shares. Of this number, 300 million shares have been classified as shares of
each Fund. One hundred million shares have been classified as Class A shares of
each Fund, one hundred million shares as Class B shares of each Fund, and one
hundred million shares have been classified as Advisor Class shares of each
Fund. These amounts may be increased from time to time in the discretion of the
Board of Directors. Each share of each Fund represents an interest in that Fund
only, has a par value of $0.0001 per share, represents an equal proportionate
interest in that Fund with other shares of that Fund and is entitled to such
dividends and other distributions out of the income earned and gain realized on
the assets belonging to that Fund as may be declared at the discretion of the
Board of Directors. Each Class A, Class B and Advisor Class share of each Fund
is equal in earnings, assets and voting privileges, except as noted above, and
each class bears the expenses, if any, related to the distribution of its
shares. Shares of each Fund, when issued, are fully paid and nonassessable.
Shareholders have been asked to vote on the reorganization of the Company into a
Delaware business trust. If approved by shareholders, it is anticipated that the
reorganization would occur prior to October 1, 1998. If the Company is
reorganized as a Delaware business trust, it is anticipated that Class B shares
of each Fund will convert to
Prospectus Page 43
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
Class A shares approximately eight years following the initial date the Class B
shares were issued.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES. Shareholder inquiries may be made by calling the Funds
toll-free at (800) 223-2138 or by writing to the Funds at 50 California Street,
27th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION. The Funds, from time to time, may include information
on their investment results and/or comparisons of their investment results to
various unmanaged indices or results of other mutual funds or groups of mutual
funds in advertisements, sales literature or reports furnished to present or
prospective shareholders.
In such materials, the Funds may quote their average annual total return
("Standardized Return"). Standardized Return is calculated separately for each
class of shares of each Fund. Standardized Return shows percentage rates
reflecting the average annual change in the value of an assumed investment in
the Fund at the end of one-, five- and ten-year periods, reduced by the maximum
applicable sales charge imposed on sales of Fund shares. If a one-, five- and/or
ten-year period has not yet elapsed, data will be provided as of the end of a
shorter period corresponding to the life of a Fund. Standardized Return assumes
reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions.
In addition, in order to more completely represent the Funds' performance or
more accurately compare such performance to other measures of investment return,
the Funds also may include in advertisements, sales literature and shareholder
reports other total return performance data ("Non-Standardized Return").
Non-Standardized Return reflects percentage rates of return encompassing all
elements of return (i.e., income and capital appreciation or depreciation); it
assumes reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions. Non-Standardized
Return may be quoted for the same or different periods as those for which
Standardized Return is quoted; it may consist of an aggregate or average annual
percentage rate of return, actual year-by-year rates or any combination thereof.
Non-Standardized Return may or may not take sales charges into account;
performance data calculated without taking the effect of sales charges into
account will be higher than data including the effect of such charges.
The Funds' performance data reflects past performance and is not necessarily
indicative of future results. The Funds' investment results will vary from time
to time depending upon market conditions, the composition of their portfolios
and their operating expenses. These factors and possible differences in
calculation methods should be considered when comparing a Fund's investment
results with those published for other investment companies, other investment
vehicles and unmanaged indices. Each Fund's results also should be considered
relative to the risks associated with its investment objective and policies. See
"Investment Results" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Each Fund's annual report contains additional information with respect to its
performance. The annual report is available to investors upon request and free
of charge.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE PROJECT. In providing services to the Funds, AIM, AIM
Distributors, the Transfer Agent and the Sub-adviser rely on internal computer
systems as well as external computer systems provided by third parties. Some of
these systems were not originally designed to distinguish between the year 1900
and the year 2000. This inability, if not corrected, could adversely affect the
services AIM, AIM Distributors, the Transfer Agent and the Sub-adviser and
others provide the Funds and their shareholders.
To address this important issue, AIM, AIM Distributors, the Transfer Agent and
the Sub-adviser have undertaken a comprehensive Year 2000 Compliance Project
(the "Project"). The Project consists of four phases: (i) inventorying every
software and hardware system in use at AIM, AIM Distributors, the Transfer Agent
and the Sub-adviser, as well as remote, third-party systems on which AIM, AIM
Distributors, the Transfer Agent and the Sub-adviser rely; (ii) identifying
those systems that may not function properly after December 31, 1999; (iii)
correcting or replacing those systems that have been so identified; and (iv)
testing the processing of Fund data in all systems. Phase (i) has been
completed; phase (ii) is substantially completed; phase (iii) has commenced; and
phase (iv) is expected to commence during the third quarter of 1998. The Project
is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 1998. Following completion of the
Project, AIM, AIM Distributors and the Sub-adviser will review any systems
subsequently acquired to confirm that they are year 2000 compliant.
Prospectus Page 44
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
TRANSFER AGENT. Shareholder servicing, reporting and general transfer agent
functions for the Funds are performed by GT Global Investor Services, Inc. The
Transfer Agent is an affiliate of the Sub-adviser and AIM, a subsidiary of
Liechtenstein Global Trust, and maintains its offices at California Plaza, 2121
N. California Boulevard, Suite 450, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.
CUSTODIAN. State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA
02110 is custodian of each Fund's assets.
COUNSEL. The law firm of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP, 1800 Massachusetts Avenue,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-1800, acts as counsel to the Company and the Funds.
Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP also acts as counsel to the Sub-adviser and the
Transfer Agent in connection with other matters.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS. The Company's and each Fund's independent accountants
are Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., One Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109. Coopers
& Lybrand L.L.P. will conduct an annual audit of each Fund, assist in the
preparation of each Fund's federal and state income tax returns and consult with
the Company, or Trust, as applicable, and each Fund as to matters of accounting,
regulatory filings, and federal and state income taxation.
MULTIPLE TRANSLATIONS OF THE PROSPECTUS. This Prospectus may be translated into
other languages. In the event of any inconsistency or ambiguity as to the
meaning of any word or phrase contained in a translation, the English text shall
prevail.
Prospectus Page 45
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
NOTES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
AIM/GT FUNDS
AIM DISTRIBUTORS OFFERS A BROAD RANGE OF FUNDS TO COMPLEMENT MANY INVESTORS'
PORTFOLIOS. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A PROSPECTUS ON ANY OF THE FUNDS LISTED
BELOW, INCLUDING FEES, EXPENSES AND THE RISKS OF GLOBAL AND EMERGING MARKET
INVESTING AND THE RISKS OF INVESTING IN RELATED INDUSTRIES, PLEASE CONTACT
YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER OR CALL 1-800-824-1580.
GROWTH FUNDS
/ / GLOBALLY DIVERSIFIED FUNDS
AIM NEW DIMENSION FUND
Captures global growth opportunities by investing directly in the six global
theme funds
AIM WORLDWIDE GROWTH FUND
Invests around the world, including the U.S.
AIM INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
Provides portfolio diversity by investing outside
the U.S.
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
Gives access to the growth potential of developing economies
AIM DEVELOPING MARKETS FUND
Invests in debt and equity securities of developing market issuers
/ / GLOBAL THEME FUNDS
AIM GLOBAL CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES FUND
Invests in companies that manufacture, market, retail, or distribute consumer
products or services
AIM GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
Focuses on the worldwide opportunities from the demand for financial services
and products
AIM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE FUND
Invests in growing health care industries worldwide
AIM GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
Seeks companies that build, improve or maintain a country's infrastructure
AIM GLOBAL RESOURCES FUND
Concentrates on companies that own, explore or develop natural resources
AIM GLOBAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND
Invests in companies worldwide that develop, manufacture or sell
telecommunications services or equipment
/ / REGIONALLY DIVERSIFIED FUNDS
AIM NEW PACIFIC GROWTH FUND
Offers access to the emerging and established markets of the Pacific Rim,
excluding Japan
AIM EUROPE GROWTH FUND
Focuses on investment opportunities in Europe
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
Invests in the emerging markets of Latin America
/ / SINGLE COUNTRY FUNDS
AIM SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND
Invests in equity securities of small U.S. companies
AIM MID CAP GROWTH FUND
Concentrates on medium-sized companies in the U.S.
AIM AMERICA VALUE FUND
Concentrates on equity securities of large cap U.S. companies believed to be
undervalued
AIM JAPAN GROWTH FUND
Provides U.S. investors with direct access to the Japanese market
GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
AIM GLOBAL GROWTH & INCOME FUND
Invests in blue-chip stocks and government bonds from around the world
INCOME FUNDS
AIM GLOBAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
Earns monthly income from global government securities
AIM STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
Allocates its assets among debt securities from the U.S., developed foreign
countries and emerging markets
AIM GLOBAL HIGH INCOME FUND
Invests in debt securities in emerging markets
AIM FLOATING RATE FUND
Invests primarily in senior secured floating rate loans that have the potential
to achieve a high level of current income
MONEY MARKET FUND
AIM DOLLAR FUND
Invests in high quality, U.S. dollar-denominated money market securities
worldwide for stability and preservation of capital
[LOGO]
NO DEALER, SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE
ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC.,
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND, AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND, A I M ADVISORS,
INC., INVESCO (NY), INC. OR A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES
NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY ANY OF
THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT
IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
LEM-PRO-1
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
50 California Street, 27th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 392-6181
Toll Free: (800) 824-1580
Statement of Additional Information
June 1, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information relates to the Class A and Class B
shares of AIM Latin American Growth Fund ("Fund"). The Fund is a non-diversified
series of AIM Investment Funds, Inc. (the "Company"), a registered open-end
management investment company. This Statement of Additional Information, which
is not a prospectus, supplements and should be read in conjunction with the
Fund's current Class A and Class B Prospectus dated June 1, 1998. A copy of the
Fund's Prospectus is available without charge by either writing to the above
address or by calling the Fund at the toll-free telephone number printed above.
A I M Advisors, Inc. ("AIM") serves as the investment manager of and
administrator for, and INVESCO (NY), Inc. (the "Sub-adviser") serves as the
investment sub-adviser and sub-administrator for the Fund. The distributor of
the Fund's shares is A I M Distributors, Inc. ("AIM Distributors"). The Fund's
transfer agent is GT Global Investor Services, Inc. ("GT Services" or the
"Transfer Agent").
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page No.
--------
<S> <C>
Investment Objective and Policies........................................................................................ 2
Options, Futures and Currency Strategies................................................................................. 5
Risk Factors............................................................................................................. 14
Investment Limitations................................................................................................... 18
Execution of Portfolio Transactions...................................................................................... 20
Directors and Executive Officers......................................................................................... 22
Management............................................................................................................... 25
Valuation of Fund Shares................................................................................................. 27
Information Relating to Sales and Redemptions............................................................................ 29
Taxes.................................................................................................................... 33
Additional Information................................................................................................... 35
Investment Results....................................................................................................... 36
Description of Debt Ratings.............................................................................................. 41
Financial Statements..................................................................................................... 43
</TABLE>
[LOGO]
Statement of Additional Information Page 1
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
AND POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Fund is capital appreciation. The Fund will
normally invest at least 65% of its total assets in securities of a broad range
of Latin American issuers. Under current market conditions, the Fund expects to
invest primarily in equity and debt securities issued by companies and
governments in Mexico, Chile, Brazil and Argentina. Though the Fund can normally
invest up to 35% of its total assets in U.S. securities, the Fund reserves the
right to be primarily invested in U.S. securities for temporary defensive
purposes or pending investment of the proceeds of the offering made hereby.
SELECTION OF EQUITY INVESTMENTS
In determining the appropriate distribution of investments among various
countries for the Fund, the Sub-adviser ordinarily considers the following
factors: prospects for relative economic growth between the different countries
in which the Fund may invest; expected levels of inflation; government policies
influencing business conditions; the outlook for interest rates; the outlook for
currency relationships; and the range of the individual investment opportunities
available to international investors.
In analyzing companies for investment by the Fund, the Sub-adviser ordinarily
looks for one or more of the following characteristics: an above-average
earnings growth per share; high return on invested capital; healthy balance
sheet; sound financial and accounting policies and overall financial strength;
strong competitive advantages; effective research and product development and
marketing; efficient service; pricing flexibility; strength of management; and
general operating characteristics which will enable the companies to compete
successfully in their respective marketplaces. In certain countries,
governmental restrictions and other limitations on investment may affect the
maximum percentage of equity ownership in any one company by the Fund. In
addition, in some instances only special classes of securities may be purchased
by foreigners and the market prices, liquidity and rights with respect to those
securities may vary from shares owned by nationals.
There may be times when, in the opinion of the Sub-adviser, prevailing market,
economic or political conditions warrant reducing the proportion of the Fund's
assets invested in equity securities and increasing the proportion held in cash
or short-term obligations denominated in U.S. dollars or other currencies. A
portion of the Fund's assets normally will be held in U.S. dollars or short-term
interest-bearing dollar-denominated securities to provide for ongoing expenses
and redemptions.
The Fund may be prohibited under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "1940 Act") from purchasing the securities of any foreign company that, in
its most recent fiscal year, derived more than 15% of its gross revenues from
securities-related activities ("securities-related companies"). In a number of
Latin American countries, commercial banks act as securities broker/dealers,
investment advisers and underwriters or otherwise engage in securities-related
activities, which may limit the Fund's ability to hold securities issued by
banks. The Fund has obtained an exemption from the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") to permit it to invest in certain of these securities subject
to certain restrictions.
DEBT CONVERSIONS
Several Latin American countries have adopted debt conversion programs, pursuant
to which investors may use external debt of a country, directly or indirectly,
to make investments in local companies. The terms of the various programs vary
from country to country, although each program includes significant restrictions
on the application of the proceeds received in the conversion and on the
remittance of profits on the investment and of the invested capital. The Fund
intends to acquire Sovereign Debt, as defined in the Prospectus, to hold and
trade in appropriate circumstances as described in the Prospectus, as well as to
participate in Latin American debt conversion programs. The Sub-adviser will
evaluate opportunities to enter into debt conversion transactions as they arise
but does not currently intend to invest more than 5% of the Fund's assets in
such programs.
Statement of Additional Information Page 2
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
INVESTMENTS IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES
With respect to certain countries investments by the Fund presently may be made
only by acquiring shares of other investment companies (including investment
vehicles or companies advised by the Sub-adviser or its affiliates ("Affiliated
Funds")) with local governmental approval to invest in those countries. The Fund
may invest in the securities of closed-end investment companies within the
limits of the 1940 Act. These limitations currently provide, in part, that the
Fund may purchase shares of a closed-end investment company unless (a) such a
purchase would cause the Fund to own in the aggregate more than 3 percent of the
total outstanding voting stock of the investment company or (b) such a purchase
would cause the Fund to have more than 5 percent of its total assets invested in
the investment company or more than 10 percent of its total assets invested in
the aggregate in all such investment companies. Investment in such investment
companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of
such companies' portfolio securities. The Fund does not intend to invest in such
funds unless, in the judgment of the Sub-adviser, the potential benefits of such
investments justify the payment of any applicable premiums. The return on such
securities will be reduced by operating expenses of such companies including
payments to the investment managers of those investment companies. With respect
to investments in Affiliated Funds, AIM and the Sub-adviser will waive their
advisory fees to the extent that such fees are based on assets of the Fund
invested in Affiliated Funds. At such time as direct investment in these
countries is allowed, the Fund anticipates investing directly in these markets.
DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS
The Fund may hold securities of foreign issuers in the form of American
Depository Receipts ("ADRs"), American Depository Shares ("ADSs"), Global
Depository Receipts ("GDRs") and European Depository Receipts ("EDRs") or other
securities convertible into securities of eligible foreign issuers. These
securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
securities for which they may be exchanged. ADRs and ADSs are typically issued
by an American bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs, which are sometimes referred
to as Continental Depository Receipts ("CDRs"), are receipts issued in Europe
typically by foreign banks and trust companies that evidence ownership of either
foreign or domestic securities. GDRs are similar to EDRs and are designed for
use in several international financial markets. Generally, ADRs and ADSs in
registered form are designed for use in United States securities markets and
EDRs in bearer form are designed for use in European securities markets. For
purposes of the Fund's investment policies, the Fund's investments in ADRs,
ADSs, GDRs and EDRs will be deemed to be investments in the equity securities
representing securities of foreign issuers into which they may be converted.
ADR facilities may be established as either "unsponsored" or "sponsored." While
ADRs issued under these two types of facilities are in some respects similar,
there are distinctions between them relating to the rights and obligations of
ADR holders and the practices of market participants. A depository may establish
an unsponsored facility without participation by (or even necessarily the
acquiescence of) the issuer of the deposited securities, although typically the
depository requests a letter of non-objection from such issuer prior to the
establishment of the facility. Holders of unsponsored ADRs generally bear all
the costs of such facilities. The depository usually charges fees upon the
deposit and withdrawal of the deposited securities, the conversion of dividends
into U.S. dollars, the disposition of non-cash distributions, and the
performance of other services. The depository of an unsponsored facility
frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications
received from the issuer of the deposited securities or to pass-through voting
rights to ADR holders in respect of the deposited securities. Sponsored ADR
facilities are created in generally the same manner as unsponsored facilities,
except that the issuer of the deposited securities enters into a deposit
agreement with the depository. The deposit agreement sets out the rights and
responsibilities of the issuer, the depository and the ADR holders. With
sponsored facilities, the issuer of the deposited securities generally will bear
some of the costs relating to the facility (such as dividend payment fees of the
depository), although ADR holders continue to bear certain other costs (such as
deposit and withdrawal fees). Under the terms of most sponsored arrangements,
depositories agree to distribute notices of shareholder meetings and voting
instructions, and to provide shareholder communications and other information to
the ADR holders at the request of the issuer of the deposited securities. The
Fund may invest in both sponsored and unsponsored ADRs.
WARRANTS OR RIGHTS
Warrants or rights may be acquired by the Fund in connection with other
securities or separately and provide the Fund with the right to purchase at a
later date other securities of the issuer.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
For the purpose of realizing additional income, the Fund may make secured loans
of portfolio securities amounting to not more than 25% of its total assets.
Securities loans are made to broker/dealers or institutional investors pursuant
to agreements requiring that the loans be continuously secured by collateral at
least equal at all times to the value of the securities lent plus any accrued
interest, "marked to market" on a daily basis. The Fund may pay reasonable
administrative
Statement of Additional Information Page 3
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AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
and custodial fees in connection with loans of its securities. While the
securities loan is outstanding, the Fund will continue to receive the equivalent
of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities, as well as
interest on the investment of the collateral or a fee from the borrower. The
Fund will have a right to call each loan and obtain the securities within the
stated settlement period. The Fund will not have the right to vote equity
securities while they are lent, but it may call in a loan in anticipation of any
important vote. Loans will only be made to firms deemed by the Sub-adviser to be
of good standing and will not be made unless, in the judgment of the
Sub-adviser, the consideration to be earned from such loans would justify the
risk.
COMMERCIAL BANK OBLIGATIONS
For the purposes of the Fund's investment policies with respect to bank
obligations, obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks
are obligations of the issuing bank and may be general obligations of the parent
bank. Such obligations may, however, be limited by the terms of a specific
obligation and by government regulation. As with investment in non-U.S.
securities in general, investments in the obligations of foreign branches of
U.S. banks and of foreign banks may subject the Fund to investment risks that
are different in some respects from those of investments in obligations of
domestic issuers. Although the Fund will typically acquire obligations issued
and supported by the credit of U.S. or foreign banks having total assets at the
time of purchase in excess of $1 billion, this $1 billion figure is not a
fundamental investment policy or restriction of the Fund. For the purposes of
calculation with respect to the $1 billion figure, the assets of a bank will be
deemed to include the assets of its U.S. and non-U.S. branches.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Fund purchases a security
from a bank or recognized securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell
that security to the bank or dealer at an agreed-upon price, date, and market
rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased
security. Although repurchase agreements carry certain risks not associated with
direct investments in securities, including possible decline in the market value
of the underlying securities and delays and costs to the Fund if the other party
to the repurchase agreement becomes bankrupt, the Fund intends to enter into
repurchase agreements only with banks and dealers believed by the Sub-adviser to
present minimal credit risks in accordance with guidelines established by the
Company's Board of Directors. The Sub-adviser will review and monitor the
creditworthiness of such institutions under the Board's general supervision.
The Fund will invest only in repurchase agreements collateralized at all times
in an amount at least equal to the repurchase price plus accrued interest. To
the extent that the proceeds from any sale of such collateral upon a default in
the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund would
suffer a loss. If the financial institution which is party to the repurchase
agreement petitions for bankruptcy or otherwise becomes subject to bankruptcy or
other liquidation proceedings, there may be restrictions on the Fund's ability
to sell the collateral and the Fund could suffer a loss. However, with respect
to financial institutions whose bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings are
subject to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the Fund intends to comply with provisions
under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code that would allow it immediately to resell the
collateral. There is no limitation on the amount of the Fund's assets that may
be subject to repurchase agreements at any given time. The Fund will not enter
into a repurchase agreement with a maturity of more than seven days if, as a
result, more than 10% of the value of its net assets would be invested in such
repurchase agreements and other illiquid investments.
BORROWING AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund's borrowings will not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets, I.E.,
the Fund's total assets at all times will equal at least 300% of the amount of
outstanding borrowings. If market fluctuations in the value of the Fund's
portfolio holdings or other factors cause the ratio of the Fund's total assets
to outstanding borrowings to fall below 300%, the Fund may be required to sell
portfolio securities to restore 300% asset coverage, even though from an
investment standpoint such sales might be disadvantageous. The Fund also may
borrow up to 5% of its total assets for temporary or emergency purposes other
than to meet redemptions. Any borrowing by the Fund may cause greater
fluctuation in the value of its shares than would be the case if the Fund did
not borrow. The Fund's nonfundamental investment limitations prohibit the Fund
from purchasing securities during times when outstanding borrowings represent
more than 5% of its total assets.
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. A reverse repurchase
agreement is a borrowing transaction in which the Fund transfers possession of a
security to another party, such as a bank or broker/dealer in return for cash,
and agrees to repurchase the security in the future at an agreed upon price,
which includes an interest component. The Fund will segregate with a custodian
cash or other liquid securities in an amount sufficient to cover its obligations
under reverse repurchase agreements with broker/dealers. No segregation is
required for reverse repurchase agreements with banks.
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AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
SHORT SALES
The Fund may make short sales of securities, although it has no current
intention of doing so. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a
security in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.
The Fund may make short sales (i) as a form of hedging to offset potential
declines in long positions in securities it owns, or anticipates acquiring, and
(ii) in order to maintain portfolio flexibility.
When the Fund makes a short sale of a security it does not own, it must borrow
the security sold short and deliver it to the broker-dealer or other
intermediary through which it made the short sale. The Fund may have to pay a
fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any
payments received on such borrowed securities.
The Fund's obligation to replace the borrowed security when the borrowing is
called or expires will be secured by collateral deposited with the intermediary.
The Fund will also be required to deposit collateral with its custodian to the
extent, if any, necessary so that the value of both collateral deposits in the
aggregate is at all times equal to at least 100% of the current market value of
the security sold short. Depending on arrangements made with the intermediary
from which it borrowed the security regarding payment of any amounts received by
the Fund on such security, the Fund may not receive any payments (including
interest) on its collateral deposited with such intermediary.
If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short
sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a
loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a gain. Any gain
will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs associated
with the transaction. Although the Fund's gain is limited by the price at which
it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically unlimited.
The Fund will not make a short sale if, after giving effect to such sale, the
market value of the securities sold short exceeds 25% of the value of its total
assets or the Fund's aggregate short sales of the securities of any one issuer
exceed the lesser of 2% of the Fund's net assets or 2% of the securities of any
class of the issuer. Moreover, the Fund may engage in short sales only with
respect to securities listed on a national securities exchange. The Fund may
make short sales "against the box" without respect to such limitations. In this
type of short sale, at the time of the sale the Fund owns the security it has
sold short or has the immediate and unconditional right to acquire at no
additional cost the identical security.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES
The Latin American Growth Fund may invest in the following types of money market
securities (i.e., debt instruments with less than 12 months remaining until
maturity) denominated in U.S. dollars or in the currency of any Latin American
country, which consist of: (a) obligations issued or guaranteed by (i) the U.S.
government or the government of a Latin American country, their agencies or
instrumentalities, or municipalities; (ii) international organizations designed
or supported by multiple foreign governmental entities to promote economic
reconstruction or development ("supranational entities"); (b) finance company
obligations, corporate commercial paper and other short-term commercial
obligations; (c) bank obligations (including certificates of deposit, time
deposits, demand deposits and bankers' acceptances) (d) repurchase agreements
with respect to the foregoing; and (e) other substantially similar short-term
debt securities with comparable risk characteristics.
The Latin American Growth Fund may invest in commercial paper rated as low as
A-3 by Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P")
or P-3 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"). Such obligations are
considered to have an acceptable capacity for timely repayment. However, these
securities may be more vulnerable to adverse effects or changes in circumstances
than obligations carrying higher designations.
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OPTIONS, FUTURES AND CURRENCY
STRATEGIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL RISKS OF OPTIONS, FUTURES AND CURRENCY STRATEGIES
The use of options, futures contracts and forward currency contracts ("Forward
Contracts") involves special considerations and risks, as described below. Risks
pertaining to particular instruments are described in the sections that follow.
(1) Successful use of most of these instruments depends upon the
Sub-adviser's ability to predict movements of the overall securities and
currency markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in
the prices of
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AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
individual securities. While the Sub-adviser is experienced in the use of
these instruments, there can be no assurance that any particular strategy
adopted will succeed.
(2) There might be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation,
between price movements of an instrument and price movements of the
investments being hedged. For example, if the value of an instrument used in
a short hedge increased by less than the decline in value of the hedged
investment, the hedge would not be fully successful. Such a lack of
correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the
investments being hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the
markets in which the hedging instrument is traded. The effectiveness of
hedges using hedging instruments on indices will depend on the degree of
correlation between price movements in the index and price movements in the
investments being hedged.
(3) Hedging strategies, if successful, can reduce risk of loss by wholly
or partially offsetting the negative effect of unfavorable price movements
in the investments being hedged. However, hedging strategies can also reduce
opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive effect of favorable price
movements in the hedged investments. For example, if the Fund entered into a
short hedge because the Sub-adviser projected a decline in the price of a
security in the Fund's portfolio, and the price of that security increased
instead, the gain from that increase might be wholly or partially offset by
a decline in the price of the hedging instrument. Moreover, if the price of
the hedging instrument declined by more than the increase in the price of
the security, the Fund could suffer a loss. In either such case, the Fund
would have been in a better position had it not hedged at all.
(4) As described below, the Fund might be required to maintain assets as
"cover," maintain segregated accounts or make margin payments when it takes
positions in instruments involving obligations to third parties (I.E.,
instruments other than purchased options). If the Fund were unable to close
out its positions in such instruments, it might be required to continue to
maintain such assets or accounts or make such payments until the position
expired or matured. The requirements might impair the Fund's ability to sell
a portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise
be favorable to do so, or require that the Fund sell a portfolio security at
a disadvantageous time. The Fund's ability to close out a position in an
instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends on the existence of a
liquid secondary market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and
willingness of the other party to the transaction ("contra party") to enter
into a transaction closing out the position. Therefore, there is no
assurance that any position can be closed out at a time and price that is
favorable to the Fund.
WRITING CALL OPTIONS
The Fund may write (sell) call options on securities, indices and currencies.
Call options will generally be written on securities and currencies that, in the
opinion of the Sub-adviser are not expected to make any major price moves in the
near future but that, over the long term, are deemed to be attractive
investments for the Fund.
A call option gives the holder (buyer) the right to purchase a security or
currency at a specified price (the exercise price) at any time until (American
style) or on (European style) a certain date (the expiration date). So long as
the obligation of the writer of a call option continues, he may be assigned an
exercise notice, requiring him to deliver the underlying security or currency
against payment of the exercise price. This obligation terminates upon the
expiration of the call option, or such earlier time at which the writer effects
a closing purchase transaction by purchasing an option identical to that
previously sold.
Portfolio securities or currencies on which call options may be written will be
purchased solely on the basis of investment considerations consistent with the
Fund's investment objectives. When writing a call option, the Fund, in return
for the premium, gives up the opportunity for profit from a price increase in
the underlying security or currency above the exercise price, and retains the
risk of loss should the price of the security or currency decline. Unlike one
who owns securities or currencies not subject to an option, the Fund has no
control over when it may be required to sell the underlying securities or
currencies, since most options may be exercised at any time prior to the
option's expiration. If a call option that the Fund has written expires, the
Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium; however, such gain may be
offset by a decline in the market value of the underlying security or currency
during the option period. If the call option is exercised, the Fund will realize
a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security or currency, which will
be increased or offset by the premium received. The Fund does not consider a
security or currency covered by a call option to be "pledged" as that term is
used in the Fund's policy that limits the pledging or mortgaging of its assets.
Writing call options can serve as a limited short hedge because declines in the
value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of the premium
received for writing the option. However, if the security or currency
appreciates to a price higher than the exercise price of the call option, it can
be expected that the option will be exercised and the Fund will be obligated to
sell the security or currency at less than its market value.
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AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
The premium that the Fund receives for writing a call option is deemed to
constitute the market value of an option. The premium the Fund will receive from
writing a call option will reflect, among other things, the current market price
of the underlying investment, the relationship of the exercise price to such
market price, the historical price volatility of the underlying investment, and
the length of the option period. In determining whether a particular call option
should be written, the Sub-adviser will consider the reasonableness of the
anticipated premium and the likelihood that a liquid secondary market will exist
for those options.
Closing transactions will be effected in order to realize a profit on an
outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security or currency from
being called, or to permit the sale of the underlying security or currency.
Furthermore, effecting a closing transaction will permit the Fund to write
another call option on the underlying security or currency with either a
different exercise price, expiration date or both.
The Fund will pay transaction costs in connection with the writing of options
and in entering into closing purchase contracts. Transaction costs relating to
options activity are normally higher than those applicable to purchases and
sales of portfolio securities.
The exercise price of the options may be below, equal to or above the current
market values of the underlying securities or currencies at the time the options
are written. From time to time, the Fund may purchase an underlying security or
currency for delivery in accordance with the exercise of an option, rather than
delivering such security or currency from its portfolio. In such cases,
additional costs will be incurred.
The Fund will realize a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction if
the cost of the transaction is less or more, respectively, than the premium
received from writing the option. Because increases in the market price of a
call option will generally reflect increases in the market price of the
underlying security or currency, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a
call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the
underlying security or currency owned by the Fund.
WRITING PUT OPTIONS
The Fund may write put options on securities, indices and currencies. A put
option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer
(seller) the obligation to buy, the underlying security or currency at the
exercise price at any time until (American style) or on (European style) the
expiration date. The operation of put options in other respects, including their
related risks and rewards, is substantially identical to that of call options.
The Fund would generally write put options in circumstances where the
Sub-adviser wishes to purchase the underlying security or currency for the
Fund's portfolio at a price lower than the current market price of the security
or currency. In such event, the Fund would write a put option at an exercise
price that, reduced by the premium received on the option, reflects the lower
price it is willing to pay. Since the Fund would also receive interest on debt
securities or currencies maintained to cover the exercise price of the option,
this technique could be used to enhance current return during periods of market
uncertainty. The risk in such a transaction would be that the market price of
the underlying security or currency would decline below the exercise price less
the premium received.
Writing put options can serve as a limited long hedge because increases in the
value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of the premium
received for writing the option. However, if the security or currency
depreciates to a price lower than the exercise price of the put option, it can
be expected that the put option will be exercised and the Fund will be obligated
to purchase the security or currency at more than its market value.
PURCHASING PUT OPTIONS
The Fund may purchase put options on securities, indices and currencies. As the
holder of a put option, the Fund would have the right to sell the underlying
security or currency at the exercise price at any time until (American style) or
on (European style) the expiration date. The Fund may enter into closing sale
transactions with respect to such options, exercise them or permit them to
expire.
The Fund may purchase a put option on an underlying security or currency
("protective put") owned by the Fund to protect against an anticipated decline
in the value of the security or currency. Such protection is provided only
during the life of the put option when the Fund, as the holder of the put
option, is able to sell the underlying security or currency at the put exercise
price regardless of any decline in the underlying security's market price or
currency's exchange value. The premium paid for the put option and any
transaction costs would reduce any profit otherwise available for distribution
when the security or currency is eventually sold.
The Fund may also purchase put options at a time when the Fund does not own the
underlying security or currency. By purchasing put options on a security or
currency it does not own, the Fund seeks to benefit from a decline in the market
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AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
price of the underlying security or currency. If the put option is not sold when
it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security or
currency remains equal to or greater than the exercise price during the life of
the put option, the Fund will lose its entire investment in the put option. In
order for the purchase of a put option to be profitable, the market price of the
underlying security or currency must decline sufficiently below the exercise
price to cover the premium and transaction costs, unless the put option is sold
in a closing sale transaction.
PURCHASING CALL OPTIONS
The Fund may purchase call options on securities, indices and currencies. As the
holder of a call option, the Fund would have the right to purchase the
underlying security or currency at the exercise price at any time until
(American style) or on (European style) the expiration date. The Fund may enter
into closing sale transactions with respect to such options, exercise them or
permit them to expire.
Call options may be purchased by the Fund for the purpose of acquiring the
underlying security or currency for its portfolio. Utilized in this fashion, the
purchase of call options would enable the Fund to acquire the security or
currency at the exercise price of the call option plus the premium paid. At
times, the net cost of acquiring the security or currency in this manner may be
less than the cost of acquiring the security or currency directly. This
technique may also be useful to the Fund in purchasing a large block of
securities that would be more difficult to acquire by direct market purchases.
So long as it holds such a call option, rather than the underlying security or
currency itself, the Fund is partially protected from any unexpected decline in
the market price of the underlying security or currency and, in such event,
could allow the call option to expire, incurring a loss only to the extent of
the premium paid for the option.
The Fund also may purchase call options on underlying securities or currencies
it owns to avoid realizing losses that would result in a reduction of its
current return. For example, where the Fund has written a call option on an
underlying security or currency having a current market value below the price at
which it purchased the security or currency, an increase in the market price
could result in the exercise of the call option written by the Fund and the
realization of a loss on the underlying security or currency. Accordingly, the
Fund could purchase a call option on the same underlying security or currency,
which could be exercised to fulfill the Fund's delivery obligations under its
written call (if it is exercised). This strategy could allow the Fund to avoid
selling the portfolio security or currency at a time when it has an unrealized
loss; however, the Fund would have to pay a premium to purchase the call option
plus transaction costs.
Aggregate premiums paid for put and call options will not exceed 5% of the
Fund's total assets at the time of purchase.
The Fund may attempt to accomplish objectives similar to those involved in using
Forward Contracts by purchasing put or call options on currencies. A put option
gives the Fund as purchaser the right (but not the obligation) to sell a
specified amount of currency at the exercise price at any time until (American
style) or on (European style) the expiration date. A call option gives the Fund
as purchaser the right (but not the obligation) to purchase a specified amount
of currency at the exercise price at any time until (American style) or on
(European style) the expiration date. The Fund might purchase a currency put
option, for example, to protect itself against a decline in the dollar value of
a currency in which it holds or anticipates holding securities. If the
currency's value should decline against the dollar, the loss in currency value
should be offset, in whole or in part, by an increase in the value of the put.
If the value of the currency instead should rise against the dollar, any gain to
the Fund would be reduced by the premium it had paid for the put option. A
currency call option might be purchased, for example, in anticipation of, or to
protect against, a rise in the value against the dollar of a currency in which
the Fund anticipates purchasing securities.
Options may be either listed on an exchange or traded in over-the-counter
("OTC") markets. Listed options are third-party contracts (I.E., performance of
the obligations of the purchaser and seller is guaranteed by the exchange or
clearing corporation), and have standardized strike prices and expiration dates.
OTC options are two-party contracts with negotiated strike prices and expiration
dates. The Fund will not purchase an OTC option unless it believes that daily
valuations for such options are readily obtainable. OTC options differ from
exchange-traded options in that OTC options are transacted with dealers directly
and not through a clearing corporation (which guarantees performance).
Consequently, there is a risk of non-performance by the dealer. Since no
exchange is involved, OTC options are valued on the basis of an average of the
last bid prices obtained from dealers, unless a quotation from only one dealer
is available, in which case only that dealer's price will be used. In the case
of OTC options, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will
exist for any particular option at any specific time.
The staff of the SEC considers purchased OTC options to be illiquid securities.
The Fund may also sell OTC options and, in connection therewith, segregate
assets or cover its obligations with respect to OTC options written by the Fund.
The assets used as cover for OTC options written by the Fund will be considered
illiquid unless the OTC options are sold to qualified dealers who agree that the
Fund may repurchase any OTC option it writes at a maximum price to be calculated
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AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
by a formula set forth in the option agreement. The cover for an OTC option
written subject to this procedure would be considered illiquid only to the
extent that the maximum repurchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic
value of the option.
The Fund's ability to establish and close out positions in exchange-listed
options depends on the existence of a liquid market. The Fund intends to
purchase or write only those exchange-traded options for which there appears to
be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that such a
market will exist at any particular time. Closing transactions can be made for
OTC options only by negotiating directly with the contra party or by a
transaction in the secondary market if any such market exists. Although the Fund
will enter into OTC options only with contra parties that are expected to be
capable of entering into closing transactions with the Fund, there is no
assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out an OTC option position
at a favorable price prior to expiration. In the event of insolvency of the
contra party, the Fund might be unable to close out an OTC option position at
any time prior to its expiration.
INDEX OPTIONS
Puts and calls on indices are similar to puts and calls on securities or futures
contracts except that all settlements are in cash and gain or loss depends on
changes in the index in question (and thus on price movements in the securities
market or a particular market sector generally) rather than on price movements
in individual securities or futures contracts. When the Fund writes a call on an
index, it receives a premium and agrees that, prior to the expiration date, the
purchaser of the call, upon exercise of the call, will receive from the Fund an
amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the call is based is
greater than the exercise price of the call. The amount of cash is equal to the
difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the
call times a specified multiple (the "multiplier"), which determines the total
dollar value for each point of such difference. When the Fund buys a call on an
index, it pays a premium and has the same rights as to such call as are
indicated above. When the Fund buys a put on an index, it pays a premium and has
the right, prior to the expiration date, to require the seller of the put, upon
the Fund's exercise of the put, to deliver to the Fund an amount of cash if the
closing level of the index upon which the put is based is less than the exercise
price of the put, which amount of cash is determined by the multiplier, as
described above for calls. When the Fund writes a put on an index, it receives a
premium and the purchaser has the right, prior to the expiration date, to
require the Fund to deliver to it an amount of cash equal to the difference
between the closing level of the index and the exercise price times the
multiplier, if the closing level is less than the exercise price.
The risks of investment in index options may be greater than options on
securities. Because index options are settled in cash, when the Fund writes a
call on an index it cannot provide in advance for its potential settlement
obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying securities. The Fund can
offset some of the risk of writing a call index option position by holding a
diversified portfolio of securities similar to those on which the underlying
index is based. However, the Fund cannot, as a practical matter, acquire and
hold a portfolio containing exactly the same securities as underlie the index
and, as a result, bears a risk that the value of the securities held will vary
from the value of the index.
Even if the Fund could assemble a securities portfolio that exactly reproduced
the composition of the underlying index, it still would not be fully covered
from a risk standpoint because of the "timing risk" inherent in writing index
options. When an index option is exercised, the amount of cash that the holder
is entitled to receive is determined by the difference between the exercise
price and the closing index level on the date when the option is exercised. As
with other kinds of options, the Fund, as the call writer, will not know that it
has been assigned until the next business day at the earliest. The time lag
between exercise and notice of assignment poses no risk for the writer of a
covered call on a specific underlying security, such as common stock, because
there the writer's obligation is to deliver the underlying security, not to pay
its value as of a fixed time in the past. So long as the writer already owns the
underlying security, it can satisfy its settlement obligations by simply
delivering it, and the risk that its value may have declined since the exercise
date is borne by the exercising holder. In contrast, even if the writer of an
index call holds securities that exactly match the composition of the underlying
index, it will not be able to satisfy its assignment obligations by delivering
those securities against payment of the exercise price. Instead, it will be
required to pay cash in an amount based on the closing index value on the
exercise date; and by the time it learns that it has been assigned, the index
may have declined, with a corresponding decline in the value of its securities
portfolio. This "timing risk" is an inherent limitation on the ability of index
call writers to cover their risk exposure by holding securities positions.
If the Fund purchases an index option and exercises it before the closing index
value for that day is available, it runs the risk that the level of the
underlying index may subsequently change. If such a change causes the exercised
option to fall out-of-the-money, the Fund will be required to pay the difference
between the closing index value and the exercise price of the option (times the
applicable multiplier) to the assigned writer.
Statement of Additional Information Page 9
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AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
INTEREST RATE, CURRENCY AND STOCK INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Fund may enter into interest rate or currency futures contracts, and may
enter into stock index futures contracts (collectively, "Futures" or "Futures
Contracts"), as a hedge against changes in prevailing levels of interest rates,
currency exchange rates or stock prices in order to establish more definitely
the effective return on securities or currencies held or intended to be acquired
by the Fund. The Fund's transactions may include sales of Futures as an offset
against the effect of expected increases in interest rates, and decreases in
currency exchange rates and stock prices, and purchases of Futures as an offset
against the effect of expected declines in interest rates, and increases in
currency exchange rates and stock prices.
The Fund will only enter into Futures Contracts that are traded on futures
exchanges and are standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial
instrument. Futures exchanges and trading thereon in the United States are
regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act by the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission ("CFTC"). Futures are exchanged in London at the London International
Financial Futures Exchange.
Although techniques other than sales and purchases of Futures Contracts could be
used to reduce the Fund's exposure to interest rate, currency exchange rate and
stock market fluctuations, the Fund may be able to hedge its exposure more
effectively and at a lower cost through using Futures Contracts.
A Futures Contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by
another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument (security
or currency) for a specified price at a designated date, time and place. An
index Futures Contract provides for the delivery, at a designated date, time and
place, of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the
difference between the index value at the close of trading on the contract and
the price at which the Futures Contract is originally struck; no physical
delivery of the securities comprising the index is made. Brokerage fees are
incurred when a Futures Contract is bought or sold, and margin deposits must be
maintained at all times the Futures Contract is outstanding.
Although Futures Contracts typically require future delivery of and payment for
financial instruments or currencies, Futures Contracts are usually closed out
before the delivery date. Closing out an open Futures Contract sale or purchase
is effected by entering into an offsetting Futures Contract purchase or sale,
respectively, for the same aggregate amount of the identical financial
instrument or currency and the same delivery date. If the offsetting purchase
price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is
more, the Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more
than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, the
Fund realizes a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these
calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to
enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular Futures
Contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an
offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the
margin deposits on the Futures Contract.
As an example of an offsetting transaction, the contractual obligations arising
from the sale of one Futures Contract of September Treasury Bills on an exchange
may be fulfilled at any time before delivery under the Futures Contract is
required (I.E., on a specified date in September, the "delivery month") by the
purchase of another Futures Contract of September Treasury Bills on the same
exchange. In such instance the difference between the price at which the Futures
Contract was sold and the price paid for the offsetting purchase, after
allowance for transaction costs, represents the profit or loss to the Fund.
The Fund's Futures transactions will be entered into for hedging purposes only;
that is, Futures Contracts will be sold to protect against a decline in the
price of securities or currencies that the Fund owns, or Futures Contracts will
be purchased to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities
or currencies it has committed to purchase or expects to purchase.
"Margin" with respect to Futures Contracts is the amount of funds that must be
deposited by the Fund in order to initiate Futures trading and to maintain the
Fund's open positions in Futures Contracts. A margin deposit made when the
Futures Contract is entered into ("initial margin") is intended to assure the
Fund's performance under the Futures Contract. The margin required for a
particular Futures Contract is set by the exchange on which the Futures Contract
is traded and may be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange
during the term of the Futures Contract.
Subsequent payments, called "variation margin," to and from the futures
commission merchant through which the Fund entered into the Futures Contract
will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying security, currency
or index fluctuates making the Futures Contract more or less valuable, a process
known as marking-to-market.
RISKS OF USING FUTURES CONTRACTS. The prices of Futures Contracts are
volatile and are influenced, among other things, by actual and anticipated
changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates, and in stock market
movements, which in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and
national and international political and economic events.
Statement of Additional Information Page 10
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AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
There is a risk of imperfect correlation between changes in prices of Futures
Contracts and prices of the securities or currencies in the Fund's portfolio
being hedged. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends upon
circumstances such as: variations in speculative market demand for Futures and
for securities or currencies, including technical influences in Futures trading;
and differences between the financial instruments being hedged and the
instruments underlying the standard Futures Contracts available for trading. A
decision of whether, when and how to hedge involves skill and judgment, and even
a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of unexpected
market behavior or interest or currency rate trends.
Because of the low margin deposits required, Futures trading involves an
extremely high degree of leverage. As a result, a relatively small price
movement in a Futures Contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, as
well as gain, to the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase, 10% of
the value of the Futures Contract is deposited as margin, a subsequent 10%
decrease in the value of the Futures Contract would result in a total loss of
the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the
account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a loss equal to
150% of the original margin deposit, if the Futures Contract were closed out.
Thus, a purchase or sale of a Futures Contract may result in losses in excess of
the amount invested in the Futures Contract.
Most U.S. Futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in Futures
Contract and options on Futures Contract prices during a single trading day. The
daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a Futures Contract
or option may vary either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at
the end of a trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a
particular type of Futures Contract or option, no trades may be made on that day
at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movement during
a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses, because
the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures Contract
and option prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several
consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt
liquidation of positions and subjecting some traders to substantial losses.
If the Fund were unable to liquidate a Futures or option on Futures position due
to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the imposition of price limits,
it could incur substantial losses. The Fund would continue to be subject to
market risk with respect to the position. In addition, except in the case of
purchased options, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily
variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being
hedged by the Future or option or to maintain cash or securities in a segregated
account.
Certain characteristics of the Futures market might increase the risk that
movements in the prices of Futures Contracts or options on Futures might not
correlate perfectly with movements in the prices of the investments being
hedged. For example, all participants in the Futures and options on Futures
markets are subject to daily variation margin calls and might be compelled to
liquidate Futures or options on Futures positions whose prices are moving
unfavorably to avoid being subject to further calls. These liquidations could
increase price volatility of the instruments and distort the normal price
relationship between the Futures or options and the investments being hedged.
Also, because initial margin deposit requirements in the Futures market are less
onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets, there might be
increased participation by speculators in the Futures markets. This
participation also might cause temporary price distortions. In addition,
activities of large traders in both the Futures and securities markets involving
arbitrage, "program trading" and other investment strategies might result in
temporary price distortions.
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
Options on Futures Contracts are similar to options on securities or currencies
except that options on Futures Contracts give the purchaser the right, in return
for the premium paid, to assume a position in a Futures Contract (a long
position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at
a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon
exercise of the option, the delivery of the Futures position by the writer of
the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the
accumulated balance in the writer's Futures margin account, which represents the
amount by which the market price of the Futures Contract, at exercise, exceeds
(in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise
price of the option on the Futures Contract. If an option is exercised on the
last trading day prior to the expiration date of the option, the settlement will
be made entirely in cash equal to the difference between the exercise price of
the option and the closing level of the securities, currencies or index upon
which the Futures Contract is based on the expiration date. Purchasers of
options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a
loss of the premium paid.
The purchase of call options on Futures can serve as a long hedge, and the
purchase of put options on Futures can serve as a short hedge. Writing call
options on Futures can serve as a limited short hedge, and writing put options
on Futures can serve as a limited long hedge, using a strategy similar to that
used for writing options on securities, foreign currencies or indices.
Statement of Additional Information Page 11
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AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
If the Fund writes an option on a Futures Contract, it will be required to
deposit initial and variation margin pursuant to requirements similar to those
applicable to Futures Contracts. Premiums received from the writing of an option
on a Futures Contract are included in the initial margin deposit.
The Fund may seek to close out an option position by selling an option covering
the same Futures Contract and having the same exercise price and expiration
date. The ability to establish and close out positions on such options is
subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary market.
LIMITATIONS ON USE OF FUTURES, OPTIONS ON FUTURES AND CERTAIN OPTIONS ON
CURRENCIES
To the extent that the Fund enters into Futures Contracts, options on Futures
Contracts, and options on foreign currencies traded on a CFTC-regulated
exchange, in each case other than for BONA FIDE hedging purposes (as defined by
the CFTC), the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish those
positions (excluding the amount by which options are "in-the-money") will not
exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into
account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any contracts the Fund has
entered into. In general, a call option on a Futures Contract is "in-the-money"
if the value of the underlying Futures Contract exceeds the strike, I.E.,
exercise, price of the call; a put option on a Futures Contract is
"in-the-money" if the value of the underlying Futures Contract is exceeded by
the strike price of the put. This guideline may be modified by the Company's
Board of Directors without a shareholder vote. This limitation does not limit
the percentage of the Fund's assets at risk to 5%.
FORWARD CONTRACTS
A Forward Contract is an obligation, usually arranged with a commercial bank or
other currency dealer, to purchase or sell a currency against another currency
at a future date and price as agreed upon by the parties. The Fund may either
accept or make delivery of the currency at the maturity of the Forward Contract.
The Fund may also, if its contra party agrees, prior to maturity, enter into a
closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract.
The Fund engages in forward currency transactions in anticipation of, or to
protect itself against, fluctuations in exchange rates. The Fund might sell a
particular foreign currency forward, for example, when it holds securities
denominated in a foreign currency but anticipates, and seeks to be protected
against, a decline in the currency against the U.S. dollar. Similarly, the Fund
might sell the U.S. dollar forward when it holds securities denominated in U.S.
dollars, but anticipates, and seeks to be protected against, a decline in the
U.S. dollar relative to other currencies. Further, the Fund might purchase a
currency forward to "lock in" the price of securities denominated in that
currency that it anticipates purchasing.
Forward Contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between
currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A Forward
Contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at
any stage for trades. The Fund will enter into such Forward Contracts with major
U.S. or foreign banks and securities or currency dealers in accordance with
guidelines approved by the Company's Board of Directors.
The Fund may enter into Forward Contracts either with respect to specific
transactions or with respect to the Fund's portfolio positions. The precise
matching of the Forward Contract amounts and the value of specific securities
will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in
foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value
of those securities between the date the Forward Contract is entered into and
the date it matures. Accordingly, it may be necessary for the Fund to purchase
additional foreign currency on the spot (I.E., cash) 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 and if a decision is
made to sell the security and make delivery of the foreign currency. Conversely,
it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency the
Fund is obligated to deliver. The projection of short-term currency market
movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term
hedging strategy is highly uncertain. Forward Contracts involve the risk that
anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted, causing the
Fund to sustain losses on these contracts and transaction costs.
At or before the maturity of a Forward Contract requiring the Fund to sell a
currency, the Fund may either sell a portfolio security and use the sale
proceeds to make delivery of the currency or retain the security and offset its
contractual obligation to deliver the currency by purchasing a second contract
pursuant to which the Fund will obtain, on the same maturity date, the same
amount of the currency that it is obligated to deliver. Similarly, the Fund may
close out a Forward Contract requiring it to purchase a specified currency by
entering into a second contract, if its contra party agrees, entitling it to
sell the same amount of the same currency on the maturity date of the first
contract. The Fund would realize a gain or loss as a result of entering into
such an offsetting Forward Contract under either circumstance to the extent the
exchange rate or rates between the currencies involved moved between the
execution dates of the first contract and the offsetting contract.
Statement of Additional Information Page 12
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AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
The cost to the Fund of engaging in Forward Contracts varies with factors such
as the currencies involved, the length of the contract period and the market
conditions then prevailing. Because Forward Contracts are usually entered into
on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The use of Forward
Contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the underlying
securities the Fund owns or intends to acquire, but it does establish a rate of
exchange in advance. In addition, while Forward Contract sales limit the risk of
loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currencies, they also limit any
potential gain that might result should the value of the currencies increase.
FOREIGN CURRENCY STRATEGIES -- SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Fund may use options on foreign currencies, Futures on foreign currencies,
options on Futures on foreign currencies and Forward Contracts to hedge against
movements in the values of the foreign currencies in which the Fund's securities
are denominated. Such currency hedges can protect against price movements in a
security that the Fund owns or intends to acquire that are attributable to
changes in the value of the currency in which it is denominated. Such hedges do
not, however, protect against price movements in the securities that are
attributable to other causes.
The Fund might seek to hedge against changes in the value of a particular
currency when no Futures Contract, Forward Contract or option involving that
currency is available or one of such contracts is more expensive than certain
other contracts. In such cases, the Fund may hedge against price movements in
that currency by entering into a contract on another currency or basket of
currencies, the values of which the Sub-adviser believes will have a positive
correlation to the value of the currency being hedged. The risk that movements
in the price of the contract will not correlate perfectly with movements in the
price of the currency being hedged is magnified when this strategy is used.
The value of Futures Contracts, options on Futures Contracts, Forward Contracts
and options on foreign currencies depends on the value of the underlying
currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Because foreign currency transactions
occurring in the interbank market might involve substantially larger amounts
than those involved in the use of Futures Contracts, Forward Contracts or
options, the Fund could be disadvantaged by dealing in the odd lot market
(generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the
underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round
lots.
There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies
or any regulatory requirements that quotations available through dealers or
other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation information
generally is representative of very large transactions in the interbank market
and thus might not reflect odd-lot transactions where rates might be less
favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global,
round-the-clock market. To the extent the U.S. options or Futures markets are
closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant
price and rate movements might take place in the underlying markets that cannot
be reflected in the markets for the Futures contracts or options until they
reopen.
Settlement of Futures Contracts, Forward Contracts and options involving foreign
currencies might be required to take place within the country issuing the
underlying currency. Thus the Fund might be required to accept or make delivery
of the underlying foreign currency in accordance with any U.S. or foreign
regulations regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S.
residents and might be required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated
with such delivery assessed in the issuing country.
COVER
Transactions using Forward Contracts, Futures Contracts and options (other than
options purchased by the Fund) expose the Fund to an obligation to another
party. The Fund will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns either
(1) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities, currencies, or other
options, Forward Contracts or Futures Contracts, or (2) cash, receivables and
short-term debt securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover its
potential obligations not covered as provided in (1) above. The Fund will comply
with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and, if the guidelines
so require, set aside cash or liquid securities.
Assets used as cover or held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the
position in the corresponding Forward Contract, Futures Contract or option is
open, unless they are replaced with other appropriate assets. If a large portion
of the Fund's assets are used for cover or otherwise set aside, it could affect
portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other
current obligations.
Statement of Additional Information Page 13
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AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
RISK FACTORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
Securities may be considered illiquid if the Fund cannot reasonably expect
within seven days to sell the securities for approximately the amount at which
the Fund values such securities. The sale of illiquid securities, if they can be
sold at all, generally will require more time and result in higher brokerage
charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than will the sale of
liquid securities such as securities eligible for trading on U.S. securities
exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Moreover, restricted securities,
which may be illiquid for purposes of this limitation, often sell, if at all, at
a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on
resale.
Illiquid securities include those that are subject to restrictions contained in
the securities laws of other countries. However, securities that are freely
marketable in the country where they are principally traded, but would not be
freely marketable in the United States, will not be considered illiquid. Where
registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the
registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of
the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security
under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse
market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price
than prevailed when it decided to sell.
Not all restricted securities are illiquid. In recent years a large
institutional market has developed for certain securities that are not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), including
private placements, repurchase agreements, commercial paper, foreign securities
and corporate bonds and notes. These instruments are often restricted securities
because the securities are sold in transactions not requiring registration.
Institutional investors generally will not seek to sell these instruments to the
general public, but instead will often depend either on an efficient
institutional market in which such unregistered securities can be readily resold
or on an issuer's ability to honor a demand for repayment. Therefore, the fact
that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public
or certain institutions is not dispositive of the liquidity of such investments.
Rule 144A under the 1933 Act establishes a "safe harbor" from the registration
requirements of the 1933 Act for resales of certain securities to qualified
institutional buyers. Institutional markets for restricted securities have
developed as a result of Rule 144A, providing both readily ascertainable values
for restricted securities and the ability to liquidate an investment to satisfy
share redemption orders. Such markets include automated systems for the trading,
clearance and settlement of unregistered securities of domestic and foreign
issuers, such as the PORTAL System sponsored by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. An insufficient number of qualified institutional
buyers interested in purchasing Rule 144A-eligible restricted securities held by
the Fund, however, could affect adversely the marketability of such portfolio
securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly
or at favorable prices.
With respect to liquidity determinations generally, the Company's Board of
Directors has the ultimate responsibility for determining whether specific
securities, including restricted securities pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933
Act, are liquid or illiquid. The Board has delegated the function of making
day-to-day determinations of liquidity to the Sub-adviser in accordance with
procedures approved by the Company's Board of Trustees. The Sub-adviser takes
into account a number of factors in reaching liquidity decisions, including, but
not limited to: (i) the frequency of trading in the security; (ii) the number of
dealers who make quotes for the security; (iii) the number of dealers that have
undertaken to make a market in the security; (iv) the number of other potential
purchasers; and (v) the nature of the security and how trading is effected
(e.g., the time needed to sell the security, how offers are solicited and the
mechanics of transfer). The Sub-adviser monitors the liquidity of securities in
the Fund's portfolio and periodically reports such determinations to the Board.
Moreover, as noted in the Prospectus, certain securities, such as those subject
to repatriation restrictions of more than seven days, will generally be treated
as illiquid. If the liquidity percentage restriction of the Fund is satisfied at
the time of investment, a later increase in the percentage of illiquid
securities held by the Fund resulting from a change in market value or assets
will not constitute a violation of that restriction. If as a result of a change
in market value or assets, the percentage of illiquid securities held by the
Fund increases above the applicable limit, the Sub-adviser will take
Statement of Additional Information Page 14
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AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
appropriate steps to bring the aggregate amount of illiquid assets back within
the prescribed limitations as soon as reasonably practicable, taking into
account the effect of any disposition on the Fund.
More than 10% of the Fund's total assets may consist of illiquid securities from
time to time either because of adverse events which occur following the purchase
of the securities which cause them to become illiquid or because liquid
securities are sold to meet redemption requests or other needs of the Fund.
Illiquid securities are more difficult to value accurately due to, among other
things, the fact that such securities often trade infrequently or only in
smaller amounts.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
POLITICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC RISKS. Investing in securities of Latin
American companies may entail additional risks due to the potential political,
social and economic instability of certain countries and the risks of
expropriation, nationalization, confiscation or the imposition of restrictions
on foreign investment, convertibility of currencies into U.S. dollars and on
repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such expropriation,
nationalization or other confiscation by any country, the Fund could lose its
entire investment in any such country.
In addition, even though opportunities for investment may exist in Latin
American countries, any change in the leadership or policies of the governments
of those countries or in the leadership or policies of any other government
which exercises a significant influence over those countries, may halt the
expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now
occurring and thereby eliminate any investment opportunities which may currently
exist.
Investors should note that upon the accession to power of authoritarian regimes,
the governments of a number of Latin American countries previously expropriated
large quantities of real and personal property, similar to the property which
will be represented by the securities purchased by the Fund. The claims of
property owners against those governments were never finally settled. There can
be no assurance that any property represented by securities purchased by the
Fund will not also be expropriated, nationalized, or otherwise confiscated. If
such confiscation were to occur, the Fund could lose a substantial portion of
its investments in such countries. The Fund's investments would similarly be
adversely affected by exchange control regulations in any of those countries.
RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC INSTABILITY. Certain countries in which the Fund may
invest may have groups that advocate radical religious or revolutionary
philosophies or support ethnic independence. Any disturbance on the part of such
individuals could carry the potential for widespread destruction or confiscation
of property owned by individuals and entities foreign to such country and could
cause the loss of the Fund's investment in those countries. Instability may also
result from, among other things: (i) authoritarian governments or military
involvement in political and economic decision-making, including changes in
government through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated
with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions; and (iii)
hostile relations with neighboring or other countries. Such political, social
and economic instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which
the Fund invests and adversely affect the value of the Fund's assets.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. Certain countries prohibit or impose
substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly
their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Fund. These restrictions
or controls may at times limit or preclude investment in certain securities and
may increase the cost and expenses of the Fund. For example, certain countries
require prior governmental approval before investments by foreign persons may be
made, or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular
company, or limit the investment by 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. Moreover, the national policies
of certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers or
industries deemed sensitive to national interests. In addition, some countries
require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital
or the proceeds of securities sales by foreign investors. In addition, if there
is a deterioration in a country's balance of payments or for other reasons, a
country may impose restrictions on foreign capital remittances abroad. The Fund
could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required
governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of
other restrictions on investments.
NON-UNIFORM CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STANDARDS AND GOVERNMENTAL
REGULATION. Foreign companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial
standards and requirements that differ, in some cases significantly, from those
applicable to U.S. companies. In particular, the assets, liabilities and profits
appearing on the financial statements of such a company may not reflect its
financial position or results of operations in the way they would be reflected
had such financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles. Most of the foreign securities held by the Fund
will not be registered with the SEC or regulators of any foreign country, nor
will the issuers thereof be subject to the SEC's reporting requirements. Thus,
there will be less available information concerning most foreign issuers of
securities held by the Fund than is available concerning U.S. issuers. In
instances where the financial statements of an issuer are not
Statement of Additional Information Page 15
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AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
deemed to reflect accurately the financial situation of the issuer, the
Sub-adviser will take appropriate steps to evaluate the proposed investment,
which may include on-site inspection of the issuer, interviews with its
management and consultations with accountants, bankers and other specialists.
There is substantially less publicly available information about foreign
issuers, including Latin American companies and the governments of Latin
American countries, than there are reports and ratings published about U.S.
companies and the U.S. government. In addition, where public information is
available, it may be less reliable than such information regarding U.S. issuers.
In addition, for companies that keep accounting records in local currency,
inflation accounting rules in some Latin American countries require, for both
tax and accounting purposes, that certain assets and liabilities be restated on
the company's balance sheet in order to express items in terms of currency of
constant purchasing power. Inflation accounting may indirectly generate losses
or profits. Issuers of securities in foreign jurisdictions are generally not
subject to the same degree of regulation as are U.S. issuers with respect to
such matters as restrictions on market manipulation, insider trading rules,
shareholder proxy requirements and timely disclosure of information.
CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS. Because the Fund under normal circumstances will
invest a substantial portion of its total assets in the securities of foreign
issuers which are denominated in foreign currencies, the strength or weakness of
the U.S. dollar against such foreign currencies will account for part of the
Fund's investment performance. 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 the
Fund's holdings of securities and cash denominated in such currency and,
therefore, will cause an overall decline in the Fund's net asset value and any
net investment income and capital gains derived from such securities to be
distributed in U.S. dollars to shareholders of the Fund. Moreover, if the value
of the foreign currencies in which the Fund receives its income falls relative
to the U.S. dollar between receipt of the income and the making of Fund
distributions, the Fund may be required to liquidate securities in order to make
distributions if the Fund has insufficient cash in U.S. dollars to meet
distribution requirements.
The rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and other currencies is determined
by several factors including the supply and demand for particular currencies,
central bank efforts to support particular currencies, the movement of interest
rates and pace of business activity in the other countries and the United
States, and other economic and financial conditions affecting the world economy.
Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, the Fund
does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars
on a daily basis. The Fund will do so from time to time, and investors should be
aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do
not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the
difference (the "spread") between the prices at which they are buying and
selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency
to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the
Fund desire to sell that currency to the dealer.
Certain Latin American countries may have managed currencies which are
maintained at artificial levels to the U.S. dollar rather than at levels
determined by the market. This type of system can lead to sudden and large
adjustments in the currency which, in turn, can have a disruptive and negative
effect on foreign investors. For example, in late 1994 the value of the Mexican
peso lost more than one-third of its value relative to the dollar. Certain Latin
American countries also may restrict the free conversion of their currency into
foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar. There is no significant foreign
exchange market for certain currencies and it would, as a result, be difficult
for the Fund to engage in foreign currency transactions designed to protect the
value of the Fund's certain interests in securities denominated in such
currencies.
ADVERSE MARKET CHARACTERISTICS. Securities of many foreign issuers may be
less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable U.S.
issuers. In addition, foreign securities markets and brokers are generally
subject to less governmental supervision and regulation than in the United
States, and foreign securities transactions are usually subject to fixed
commissions, which are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S.
transactions. In addition, foreign securities transactions may be subject to
difficulties associated with the settlement of such transactions. Delays in
settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund are
uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make
intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to
miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio
security due to settlement problems either could result in losses to the Fund
due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund
has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible
liability to the purchaser. The Sub-adviser will consider such difficulties when
determining the allocation of the Fund's assets, although the Sub-adviser does
not believe that such difficulties will have a material adverse effect on the
Fund's portfolio trading activities.
A high proportion of the shares of many Latin American companies may be held by
a limited number of persons, which may further limit the number of shares
available for investment by the Fund. A limited number of issuers in most, if
not all,
Statement of Additional Information Page 16
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
Latin American securities markets may represent a disproportionately large
percentage of market capitalization and trading value. The limited liquidity of
Latin American securities markets also may affect the Fund's ability to acquire
or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so. In addition,
certain Latin American securities markets, including those of Argentina, Brazil,
Chile and Mexico, are susceptible to being influenced by large investors trading
significant blocks of securities or by large dispositions of securities
resulting from the failure to meet margin calls when due.
The high volatility of certain Latin American securities markets is evidenced by
dramatic movements in the Brazilian and Mexican markets in recent years. This
market volatility may result in greater volatility in the Fund's net asset value
than would be the case for companies investing in domestic securities. If the
Fund were to experience unexpected net redemptions, it could be forced to sell
securities in its portfolio without regard to investment merit, thereby
decreasing the asset base over which Fund expenses can be spread and possibly
reducing the Fund's rate of return.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AFFECTING EMERGING MARKETS. Emerging securities
markets, such as the markets of Latin America, are substantially smaller, less
developed, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets. The
limited size of emerging securities markets and limited trading volume in
issuers compared to the volume of trading in U.S. securities could cause prices
to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the quality of the
securities. For example, limited market size may cause prices to be unduly
influenced by traders who control large positions. Adverse publicity and
investors' perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may
decrease the value and liquidity of portfolio securities, especially in these
markets. In addition, securities traded in certain emerging markets may be
subject to risks due to the inexperience of financial intermediaries, a lack of
modern technology, the lack of a sufficient capital base to expand business
operations, and the possibility of permanent or temporary termination of
trading.
Settlement mechanisms in emerging securities markets may be less efficient and
reliable than in more developed markets. In such emerging securities markets
there may be share registration and delivery delays or failures.
Most Latin American countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods
extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. This has, in turn, lead to
high interest rates, extreme measures by governments to keep inflation in check
and a generally debilitating effect on economic growth. Inflation and rapid
fluctuations in inflation rates and corresponding currency devaluations have had
and may continue to have negative effects on the economies and securities
markets of certain Latin American countries.
It should be noted that some Latin American countries require governmental
approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of
securities sales by foreign investors. For instance, at present, capital
invested directly in Chile cannot under most circumstances be repatriated for at
least one year. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal
to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the
application to it of other restrictions on investments.
SOVEREIGN DEBT. Sovereign Debt generally offers high yields, reflecting not
only perceived credit risk, but also the need to compete with other local
investments in domestic financial markets. Certain Latin American countries are
among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. A
sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in
a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow
situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient
foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt
service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy towards
the International Monetary Fund and the political constraints to which a
sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debtors may default on their
Sovereign Debt. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected
disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad
to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the
part of these governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be
conditioned on a sovereign debtor's implementation of economic reforms and/or
economic performance and the timely service of such debtor's obligations.
Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance
or repay principal or interest when due, may result in the cancellation of such
third parties' commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may
further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to timely service its debts.
In recent years, some of the Latin American countries in which the Fund expects
to invest have encountered difficulties in servicing their Sovereign Debt. Some
of these countries have withheld payments of interest and/or principal of
Sovereign Debt. These difficulties have also led to agreements to restructure
external debt obligations -- in particular, commercial bank loans, typically by
rescheduling principal payments, reducing interest rates and extending new
credits to finance interest payments on existing debt. In the future, holders of
Sovereign Debt may be requested to participate in similar reschedulings of such
debt.
Statement of Additional Information Page 17
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
The ability of Latin American governments to make timely payments on their
Sovereign Debt is likely to be influenced strongly by a country's balance of
trade and its access to trade and other international credits. A country whose
exports are concentrated in a few commodities could be vulnerable to a decline
in the international prices of one or more of such commodities. Increased
protectionism on the part of a country's trading partners could also adversely
affect its exports. Such events could diminish a country's trade account
surplus, if any. To the extent that a country receives payment for its exports
in currencies other than hard currencies, its ability to make hard currency
payments could be affected.
The occurrence of political, social or diplomatic changes in one or more of the
countries issuing Sovereign Debt could adversely affect the Fund's investments.
The countries issuing such instruments are faced with social and political
issues and some of them have experienced high rates of inflation in recent years
and have extensive internal debt. Among other effects, high inflation and
internal debt service requirements may adversely affect the cost and
availability of future domestic sovereign borrowing to finance governmental
programs, and may have other adverse social, political and economic
consequences. Political changes or a deterioration of a country's domestic
economy or balance of trade may affect the willingness of countries to service
their Sovereign Debt. While the Sub-adviser intends to manage the Fund's
portfolio in a manner that will minimize the exposure to such risks, there can
be no assurance that adverse political changes will not cause the Fund to suffer
a loss of interest or principal on any of its holdings.
Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the volatility of market prices of
Sovereign Debt and in turn, the Fund's net asset value, to a greater extent than
the volatility inherent in domestic securities. The value of Sovereign Debt will
likely vary inversely with changes in prevailing interest rates, which are
subject to considerable variance in the international market. If the Fund were
to experience unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell Sovereign
Debt in its portfolio without regard to investment merit, thereby decreasing its
asset base over which Fund expenses can be spread and possibly reducing its rate
of return.
WITHHOLDING TAXES. The Fund's net investment income from foreign issuers may
be subject to withholding taxes by the foreign issuer's country, thereby
reducing the Fund's net investment income or delaying the receipt of income
where those taxes may be recaptured. See "Taxes."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund has adopted the following investment limitations as fundamental
policies which (unless otherwise noted) may not be changed without approval by
the holders of the lesser of (i) 67% of the Fund's shares represented at a
meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented, and
(ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares.
The Fund may not:
(1) Purchase any security if, as a result of that purchase, 25% or more
of the Fund's total assets would be invested in securities of issuers having
their principal business activities in the same industry, except that this
limitation does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities;
(2) Purchase or sell real estate, except that investments in securities
of issuers that invest in real estate and investments in mortgage-backed
securities, mortgage participations or other instruments supported by
interests in real estate are not subject to this limitation, and except that
the Fund may exercise rights under agreements relating to such securities,
including the right to enforce security interests and to hold real estate
acquired by reason of such enforcement until that real estate can be
liquidated in an orderly manner;
(3) Engage in the business of underwriting securities of other issuers,
except to the extent that the Fund might be considered an underwriter under
the federal securities laws in connection with its disposition of portfolio
securities;
(4) Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities or through
repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this limitation, the
acquisition of bonds, debentures, other debt securities or instruments, or
participations or other interests therein and investments in government
obligations, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances
or similar instruments will not be considered the making of a loan;
Statement of Additional Information Page 18
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
(5) Issue senior securities or borrow money, except as permitted under
the 1940 Act and then not in excess of 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets
(including the amount borrowed but reduced by any liabilities not
constituting borrowings) at the time of the borrowing, except that the Fund
may borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets (not including the
amount borrowed) for temporary or emergency purposes; or
(6) Purchase or sell physical commodities, but the Fund may purchase,
sell or enter into financial options and futures, forward and spot currency
contracts, swap transactions and other financial contracts or derivative
instruments.
Notwithstanding any other investment policy of the Fund, the Fund may invest all
of its investable assets (cash, securities and receivables related to
securities) in an open-end management investment company having substantially
the same investment objective, policies and limitations as the Fund.
For purposes of the Fund's concentration policy contained in limitation (1),
above, the Fund intends to comply with the SEC staff position that securities
issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by any single foreign
government are considered to be securities of issuers in the same industry.
The following operating policies of the Fund are not fundamental policies and
may be changed by vote of the Company's Board of Trustees without shareholder
approval. The Fund may not:
(1) Invest in securities of an issuer if the investment would cause the
Fund to own more than 10% of any class of securities of any one issuer;
(2) Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
management;
(3) Invest more than 10% of its net assets in illiquid securities,
including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily
available market;
(4) Enter into a futures contract, an option on a futures contract, or
an option on foreign currency traded on a CFTC-regulated exchange, in each
case other than for BONA FIDE hedging purposes (as defined by the CFTC), if
the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish all of those
positions (excluding the amount by which options are "in-the-money") exceeds
5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into
account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any contracts the Fund
has entered into;
(5) Make any additional investments while borrowings exceed 5% of the
Fund's total assets;
(6) Purchase securities on margin, provided that the Fund may obtain
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and
sales of securities, and further provided that the Fund may make margin
deposits in connection with its use of financial options and futures,
forward and spot currency contracts, swap transactions and other financial
contracts or derivative instruments; or
(7) Mortgage, pledge, or hypothecate any of its assets, provided that
this shall not apply to the transfer of securities in connection with any
permissible borrowing or to collateral arrangements in connection with
permissible activities.
The Fund has the authority to invest up to 10% of its total assets in shares of
other investment companies pursuant to the 1940 Act. The Fund may not invest
more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company or acquire more
than 3% of the outstanding voting securities of any one investment company.
Investors should refer to the Prospectus for further information with respect to
the Fund's investment objective, which may not be changed without the approval
of the shareholders, and other investment policies, techniques and limitations,
which may be changed without shareholder approval.
Statement of Additional Information Page 19
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO
TRANSACTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject to policies established by the Company's Board of Directors, the
Sub-adviser is responsible for the execution of the Fund's portfolio
transactions and the selection of broker/dealers who execute such transactions
on behalf of the Fund. In executing transactions, the Sub-adviser seeks the best
net results for the Fund, taking into account such factors as the price
(including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the
order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved.
While the Sub-adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates
and spreads, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily
consistent with the best net results. While the Fund may engage in soft dollar
arrangements for research services, as described below, the Fund has no
obligation to deal with any broker/dealer or group of broker/dealers in the
execution of portfolio transactions.
Consistent with the interests of the Fund, the Sub-adviser may select brokers to
execute the Fund's portfolio transactions on the basis of the research and
brokerage services they provide to the Sub-adviser for its use in managing the
Fund and its other advisory accounts. Such services may include furnishing
analyses, reports and information concerning issuers, industries, securities,
geographic regions, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and
performance of accounts; and effecting securities transactions and performing
functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement). Research and
brokerage services received from such brokers are in addition to, and not in
lieu of, the services required to be performed by the Sub-adviser under the
investment management and administration contract. A commission paid to such
broker/dealers may be higher than that which another qualified broker would have
charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that the Sub-adviser
determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of
that particular transaction or the overall responsibility of the Sub-adviser to
the Fund and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by the Fund
will be reasonable in relation to the benefits it received over the long term.
Research services may also be received from dealers who execute Fund
transactions in OTC markets.
The Sub-adviser may allocate brokerage transactions to broker/dealers who have
entered into arrangements under which the broker/dealer allocates a portion of
the commissions paid by the Fund toward payment of its expenses, such as
transfer agent and custodian fees.
Investment decisions for the Fund and for other investment accounts managed by
the Sub-adviser are made independently of each other in light of differing
conditions. However, the same investment decision may occasionally be made for
two or more of such accounts including the Fund. In such cases, simultaneous
transactions may occur. Purchases or sales are then allocated as to price or
amount in a manner deemed fair and equitable to all accounts involved. While in
some cases this practice could have a detrimental effect upon the price or value
of the security as far as the Fund is concerned, in other cases the Sub-adviser
believes that coordination and the ability to participate in volume transactions
will be beneficial to the Fund.
Under a policy adopted by the Company's Board of Directors, and subject to the
policy of obtaining the best net results, the Sub-adviser may consider a
broker/dealer's sale of the shares of the Fund and the other funds for which AIM
or the Sub-adviser serves as investment manager in selecting brokers and dealers
for the execution of portfolio transactions. This policy does not imply a
commitment to execute portfolio transactions through all broker/dealers that
sell shares of the Fund and such other funds.
The Fund contemplates purchasing most foreign equity securities in OTC markets
or 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. The fixed commissions paid in connection with most such
foreign stock transactions generally are higher than negotiated commissions on
United States transactions. There generally is less government supervision and
regulation of foreign stock exchanges and brokers than in the United States.
Foreign security settlements may in some instances be subject to delays and
related administrative uncertainties.
Foreign equity securities may be held by the Fund in the form of ADRs, ADSs,
EDRs, CDRs or securities convertible into foreign equity securities. ADRs, ADSs,
EDRs and CDRs may be listed on stock exchanges, or traded in the OTC markets in
the United States or Europe, as the case may be. ADRs, like other securities
traded in the United States, will be subject to
Statement of Additional Information Page 20
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
negotiated commission rates. The foreign and domestic debt securities and money
market instruments in which the Fund may invest are generally traded in the OTC
markets.
The Fund contemplates that, consistent with the policy of obtaining the best net
results, brokerage transactions may be conducted through certain companies that
are affiliates of AIM or the Sub-adviser. The Company's Board of Directors has
adopted procedures in conformity with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act to ensure
that all brokerage commissions paid to such affiliates are reasonable and fair
in the context of the market in which they are operating. Any such transactions
will be effected and related compensation paid only in accordance with
applicable SEC regulations. For the Fund's fiscal years ended October 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995, the Fund paid aggregate brokerage commissions of $2,719,660,
$2,094,634 and $891,513, respectively.
PORTFOLIO TRADING AND TURNOVER
The Fund engages in portfolio trading when the Sub-adviser has concluded that
the sale of a security owned by the Fund and/or the purchase of another security
of better value can enhance principal and/or increase income. A security may be
sold to avoid any prospective decline in market value, or a security may be
purchased in anticipation of a market rise. Consistent with the Fund's
investment objective, a security also may be sold and a comparable security
purchased coincidentally in order to take advantage of what is believed to be a
disparity in the normal yield and price relationship between the two securities.
Although the Fund does not intend generally to trade for short-term profits, the
securities in the Fund's portfolio will be sold whenever management believes it
is appropriate to do so, without regard to the length of time a particular
security may have been held. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by
dividing the lesser of sales or purchases of portfolio securities by the Fund's
average month-end portfolio value, excluding short-term investments. The Fund's
portfolio turnover rate will not be a limiting factor when the Sub-adviser deems
portfolio changes appropriate. Higher portfolio turnover involves
correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transaction costs that
the Fund will bear directly, and may result in the realization of net capital
gains that are taxable when distributed to the Fund's shareholders. The Fund's
portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997 and 1996
were 130% and 101%, respectively.
Statement of Additional Information Page 21
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company's Directors and Executive Officers are listed below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, POSITION(S) WITH THE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS AND BUSINESS
COMPANY AND ADDRESS EXPERIENCE FOR PAST 5 YEARS
- --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
William J. Guilfoyle*, 39 Mr. Guilfoyle is President, GT Global, Inc. ("GT Global") since 1995; Director, GT Global
Director, Chairman of the Board and since 1991; Senior Vice President and Director of Sales and Marketing, GT Global from May
President 1992 to April 1995; Vice President and Director of Marketing, GT Global from 1987 to 1992;
50 California Street Director, Liechtenstein Global Trust AG (holding company of the various international LGT
San Francisco, CA 94111 companies) Advisory Board since January 1996; Director, G.T. Global Insurance Agency
("G.T. Insurance") since 1996; President and Chief Executive Officer, G.T. Insurance since
1995; Senior Vice President and Director, Sales and Marketing, G.T. Insurance from April
1995 to November 1995; Senior Vice President, Retail Marketing, G.T. Insurance from 1992
to 1993. Mr. Guilfoyle is also a trustee of each of the other investment companies
registered under the 1940 Act that is sub-advised or sub-administered by the Sub-adviser.
C. Derek Anderson, 57 Mr. Anderson is President, Plantagenet Capital Management, LLC (an investment
Director partnership); Chief Executive Officer, Plantagenet Holdings, Ltd. (an investment banking
220 Sansome Street firm); Director, Anderson Capital Management, Inc. since 1988; Director, PremiumWear, Inc.
Suite 400 (formerly Munsingwear, Inc.) (a casual apparel company) and Director, "R" Homes, Inc. and
San Francisco, CA 94104 various other companies. Mr. Anderson is also a trustee of each of the other investment
companies registered under the 1940 Act that is sub-advised or sub-administered by the
Sub-adviser.
Frank S. Bayley, 58 Mr. Bayley is a partner of the law firm of Baker & McKenzie, and serves as a Director and
Director Chairman of C.D. Stimson Company (a private investment company). Mr. Bayley is also a
Two Embarcadero Center trustee of each of the other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act that is
Suite 2400 sub-advised or sub- administered by the Sub-adviser.
San Francisco, CA 94111
Arthur C. Patterson, 54 Mr. Patterson is Managing Partner of Accel Partners (a venture capital firm). He also
Director serves as a director of Viasoft and PageMart, Inc. (both public software companies), as
428 University Avenue well as several other privately held software and communications companies. Mr. Patterson
Palo Alto, CA 94301 is also a trustee of each of the other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act
that is sub-advised or sub-administered by the Sub-adviser.
Ruth H. Quigley, 63 Miss Quigley is a private investor. From 1984 to 1986, she was President of Quigley
Director Friedlander & Co., Inc. (a financial advisory services firm). Miss Quigley is also a
1055 California Street trustee of each of the other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act that is
San Francisco, CA 94108 sub-advised or sub-administered by the Sub-adviser.
</TABLE>
- --------------
* Mr. Guilfoyle is an "interested person" of the Company as defined by the
1940 Act due to his affiliation with the Sub-adviser.
Statement of Additional Information Page 22
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, POSITION(S) WITH THE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS AND BUSINESS
COMPANY AND ADDRESS EXPERIENCE FOR PAST 5 YEARS
- --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
John J. Arthur+, 53 Director, Senior Vice President and Treasurer, A I M Advisors, Inc.;
Vice President Vice President and Treasurer, A I M Management Group Inc., A I M Capital
Management, Inc., A I M Distributors, Inc., A I M Fund Services, Inc.
and Fund Management Company.
Kenneth W. Chancey, 52 Senior Vice President -- Mutual Fund Accounting, the Sub-adviser since
Vice President and 1997; Vice President -- Mutual Fund Accounting, the Sub-adviser from
Principal Accounting Officer 1992 to 1997.
50 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Melville B. Cox, 54 Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, A I M Advisors, Inc., A I M
Vice President Capital Management, Inc., A I M Distributors, Inc., A I M Fund Services,
Inc. and Fund Management Company.
Gary T. Crum, 50 Director and President, A I M Capital Management, Inc.; Director and
Vice President Senior Vice President, A I M Management Group Inc. and A I M Advisors,
Inc.; and Director, A I M Distributors, Inc. and AMVESCAP PLC.
Robert H. Graham, 51 Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, A I M Management Group
Vice President Inc.; Director and President, A I M Advisors, Inc.; Director and Senior
Vice President, A I M Capital Management, Inc., A I M Distributors,
Inc., A I M Fund Services, Inc. and Fund Management Company; Director,
AMVESCAP PLC; Chairman of the Board of Directors and President, INVESCO
Holdings Canada Inc.; and Director, AIM Funds Group Canada Inc. and
INVESCO G.P. Canada Inc.
Helge K. Lee, 52 Chief Legal and Compliance Officer -- North America, the Sub-adviser
Vice President since October 1997; Executive Vice President of the Asset Management
50 California Street Division of Liechtenstein Global Trust since October 1996; Senior Vice
San Francisco, CA 94111 President, General Counsel and Secretary of LGT Asset Management, Inc.,
INVESCO (NY), Inc., GT Global, GT Global Investor Services, Inc. and
G.T. Insurance from May 1994 to October 1996; Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary of Strong/Corneliuson Management, Inc. and
Secretary of each of the Strong Funds from October 1991 through May
1994.
Carol F. Relihan+, 43 Director, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, A I M
Vice President Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, A I M
Management Group Inc.; Director, Vice President and General Counsel,
Fund Management Company; Vice President and General Counsel, A I M Fund
Services, Inc.; and Vice President, A I M Capital Management, Inc. and
A I M Distributors, Inc.
Dana R. Sutton, 39 Vice President and Fund Controller, A I M Advisors, Inc.; and Assistant
Vice President and Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer, Fund Management Company.
Treasurer
</TABLE>
- ------------------
+ Mr Arthur and Ms. Relihan are married to each other.
Statement of Additional Information Page 23
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
The Board has a Nominating and Audit Committee, comprised of Miss Quigley and
Messrs. Anderson, Bayley and Patterson, which is responsible for nominating
persons to serve as Directors, reviewing audits of the Company and its funds and
recommending firms to serve as independent auditors for the Company. Each of the
Trustees and Officers of the Company is also a Director of Trustee and Officer
of AIM Investment Portfolios, Inc., AIM Floating Rate Fund, AIM Series Trust,
AIM Growth Series, AIM Eastern Europe Fund, GT Global Variable Investment Trust,
GT Global Variable Investment Series, Global High Income Portfolio, Global
Investment Portfolio, Floating Rate Portfolio and Growth Portfolio, which are
also registered investment companies advised by AIM and sub-advised by the
Sub-adviser or an affiliate thereof. Each Director, Trustee and Officer serves
in total as a Trustee and Officer, respectively, of 12 registered investment
companies with 47 series managed or administered by AIM or sub-advised and
sub-administered by the Sub-adviser. Each Director who is not a director,
officer or employee of the Sub-adviser or any affiliated company is paid
aggregate fees of $5,000 per annum, plus $300 per Fund for each meeting of the
Board attended, and reimbursed travel and other expenses incurred in connection
with attendance at such meetings. Other Directors and Officers receive no
compensation or expense reimbursement from the Company. For the fiscal year
ended October 31, 1997, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Bayley, Mr. Patterson and Miss
Quigley, who are not directors, officers or employees of the Sub-adviser or any
affiliated company, received total compensation of $38,650, $38,650, $27,850 and
$38,650, respectively, from the Company for their services as Directors. For the
year ended October 31, 1997, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Bayley, Mr. Patterson and Miss
Quigley, who are not directors, officers or employees of the Sub-adviser or any
other affiliated company, received total compensation of $117,304, $114,386,
$88,350 and $111,688, respectively, from the investment companies managed or
administered by AIM and sub-advised or sub-administered by the Sub-adviser for
which he or she serves as a Director or Trustee. Fees and expenses disbursed to
the Directors contained no accrued or payable pension or retirement benefits. As
of May 7, 1998, the Officers and Directors and their families as a group owned
in the aggregate beneficially or of record less than 1% of the outstanding
shares of the Fund or of all the Company's series in the aggregate.
Statement of Additional Information Page 24
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
AIM serves as the Fund's investment manager and administrator under an
investment management and administration contract ("Management Contract")
between the Company and AIM. The Sub-adviser serves as the Fund's sub-adviser
and sub-administrator under a Sub-Advisory and Sub-Administration Agreement
between AIM and the Sub-adviser ("Management Sub-Contract," and together with
the Management Contract, the "Management Contracts"). As investment managers and
administrators, AIM and the Sub-adviser make all investment decisions for the
Fund and administer the Fund's affairs. Among other things, AIM and the
Sub-adviser furnish the services and pay the compensation and travel expenses of
persons who perform the executive, administrative, clerical and bookkeeping
functions of the Company and the Fund, and provide suitable office space,
necessary small office equipment and utilities.
The Management Contracts may be renewed for one-year terms, provided that any
such renewal has been specifically approved at least annually by: (i) the
Company's Board of Directors, or by the vote of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (ii) a majority
of Trustees who are not parties to the Management Contracts or "interested
persons" of any such party (as defined in the 1940 Act), cast in person at a
meeting called for the specific purpose of voting on such approval. The
Management Contracts provide that with respect to the Fund either the Company or
each of AIM or the Sub-adviser may terminate the Management Contracts without
penalty upon sixty (60) days' written notice. The Management Contracts terminate
automatically in the event of their assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Fund paid
investment management and administration fees to the Sub-adviser in the amounts
of $3,538,586, $3,365,375 and $3,913,429, respectively.
Certain Latin American countries require a local entity to provide
administrative services for all direct investments by foreigners. Where required
by local law, the Fund intends to retain a local entity to provide such
administrative services. The local administrator will be paid a fee by the Fund
for its services.
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
The Fund's Class A and Class B shares are continuously offered through the
Fund's principal underwriter and distributor, AIM Distributors, on a "best
efforts" basis pursuant to separate distribution contracts between the Company
and AIM Distributors.
As described in the Prospectus, on May 29, 1998, the Company adopted a Master
Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act relating to the
Class A shares of the Fund (the "Class A Plan"). At the same time, the Company
also adopted a Master Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940
Act relating to Class B shares of the Fund (the "Class B Plan," and together
with the Class A Plan, the "Plans"). The rate of payments by the Funds under the
Plans, as described in the Prospectus, may not be increased without the approval
of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the affected class.
BOTH PLANS. Pursuant to an incentive program, AIM Distributors may enter into
agreements ("Shareholder Service Agreements") with investment dealers selected
from time to time by AIM Distributors for the provision of distribution
assistance in connection with the sale of the Funds' shares to such dealers'
customers, and for the provision of continuing personal shareholder services to
customers who may from time to time directly or beneficially own shares of the
Funds. The distribution assistance and continuing personal shareholder services
to be rendered by dealers under the Shareholder Service Agreements may include,
but shall not be limited to, the following: distributing sales literature;
answering routine customer inquiries concerning the Fund; assisting customers in
changing dividend options, account designations and addresses, and in enrolling
in any of several special investment plans offered in connection with the
purchase of the Fund's shares; assisting in the establishment and maintenance of
customer accounts and records and in the processing of purchase and redemption
transactions; investing dividends and any capital gains distributions
automatically in the Fund's shares; and providing such other information and
services as the Fund or the customer may reasonably request.
Statement of Additional Information Page 25
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
Under the Plans, in addition to the Shareholder Service Agreements authorizing
payments to selected dealers, banks may enter into Shareholder Service
Agreements authorizing payments under the Plans to be made to banks that provide
services to their customers who have purchased shares. Services provided
pursuant to Shareholder Service Agreements with banks may include some or all of
the following: answering shareholder inquiries regarding the Fund and the
Company; performing sub-accounting; establishing and maintaining shareholder
accounts and records; processing customer purchase and redemption transactions;
providing periodic statements showing a shareholder's account balance and the
integration of such statements with those of other transactions and balances in
the shareholder's other accounts serviced by the bank; forwarding applicable
prospectuses, proxy statements, reports and notices to bank clients who hold
Fund shares; and such other administrative services as the Fund reasonably may
request, to the extent permitted by applicable statute, rule or regulation.
Similar agreements may be permitted under the Plans for institutions that
provide recordkeeping for and administrative services to 401(k) plans.
Financial intermediaries and any other person entitled to receive compensation
for selling Fund shares may receive different compensation for selling shares of
one particular class over another.
Under a Shareholder Service Agreement, the Fund agrees to pay periodically fees
to selected dealers and other institutions who render the foregoing services to
their customers. The fees payable under a Shareholder Service Agreement will be
calculated at the end of each payment period for each business day of the Fund
during such period at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net asset
value of the Fund's shares purchased or acquired through exchange. Fees
calculated in this manner shall be paid only to those selected dealers or other
institutions who are dealers or institutions of record at the close of business
on the last business day of the applicable payment period for the account in
which the Fund's shares are held.
Payments pursuant to the Plans are subject to any applicable limitations imposed
by rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). The
Plans conform to rules of the NASD by limiting payments made to dealers and
other financial institutions who provide continuing personal shareholder
services to their customers who purchase and own shares of the Fund to no more
than 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to
the customers of such dealers or financial institutions, and by imposing a cap
on the total sales charges, including asset-based sales charges, that may be
paid by the Fund and its respective classes.
AIM Distributors does not act as principal, but rather as agent for the Fund, in
making dealer incentive and shareholder servicing payments under the Plans.
These payments are an obligation of the Fund and not of AIM Distributors.
The following table discloses payments made by the Fund to their former
distributor, GT Global, Inc. ("GT Global") under the Fund's prior Plans during
the Fund's last fiscal year:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B
AMOUNT PAID AMOUNT PAID
------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Year ended Oct. 31, 1997..................................................... $ 1,011,259 $ 1,587,737
</TABLE>
In approving the Plans, the Directors determined that each Plan was in the best
interests of the shareholders of the Fund. Agreements related to the Plans must
also be approved by such vote of the Directors, including a majority of the
Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Company (as defined in the
1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interests in the
operations of the plans, or in any agreement related thereto.
Each Plan requires that, at least quarterly, the Directors review the amounts
expended thereunder and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Each
Plan requires that so long as they are in effect the selection and nomination of
Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Company will be committed to
the discretion of the Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Company,
as defined in the 1940 Act.
As discussed in the Prospectus, AIM Distributors collects sales charges on sales
of Class A shares of the Fund, retains certain amounts of such charges and
reallows other amounts of such charges to broker/dealers which sell shares. The
following table reviews the extent of such activity on the part of GT Global,
the Fund's former distributor, for the Fund during the periods shown:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SALES CHARGES AMOUNTS AMOUNTS
YEAR ENDED OCT. 31, COLLECTED RETAINED REALLOWED
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1997.......................................................................... $ 168,598 $ 50,871 $ 117,727
1996.......................................................................... 262,651 98,352 164,299
1995.......................................................................... 2,082,087 291,788 1,790,299
</TABLE>
Statement of Additional Information Page 26
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
AIM Distributors receives any contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSCs")
payable with respect to redemptions of Class B shares and certain Class A
shares. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, GT Global, the Fund's former
distributor, collected CDSCs in the amount of $923,769. For the fiscal year
ended October 31, 1996, GT Global, the Fund's former distributor, collected
CDSCs in the amount of $843,024. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995, GT
Global collected CDSCs in the amount of $760,248. Purchases of Class A shares
exceeding $500,000 may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge upon
redemption.
TRANSFER AGENCY AND ACCOUNTING AGENCY SERVICES
The Transfer Agent has been retained by the Fund to perform shareholder
servicing, reporting and general transfer agent functions for the Fund. For
these services, the Transfer Agent receives an annual maintenance fee of $17.50
per account, a new account fee of $4.00 per account, a per transaction fee of
$1.75 for all transactions other than exchanges and a per exchange fee of $2.25.
The Transfer Agent is also reimbursed by the Fund for its out-of-pocket expenses
for such items as postage, forms, telephone charges, stationary and office
supplies. The Sub-adviser serves as the Fund's pricing and accounting agent. For
the fiscal years ended October 31, 1995 and October 31, 1996, and October 31,
1997 the Fund paid accounting services fees to the Sub-adviser of $24,138,
$86,436 and $90,733 respectively.
EXPENSES OF THE FUND
The Fund pays all expenses not assumed by AIM, the Sub-adviser, AIM Distributors
and other agents. These expenses include, in addition to the advisory,
distribution, transfer agency, pricing and accounting agency and brokerage fees
discussed above, legal and audit expenses, custodian fees, directors' fees,
organizational fees, fidelity bond and other insurance premiums, taxes,
extraordinary expenses and the expenses of reports and prospectuses sent to
existing investors. The allocation of general Company expenses and expenses
shared by the Fund and other funds organized as series of the Company with one
another are allocated on a basis deemed fair and equitable, which may be based
on the relative net assets of the Fund or the nature of the services performed
and relative applicability to the Fund. Expenditures, including costs incurred
in connection with the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, which are
capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
applicable to investment companies, are accounted for as capital items and not
as expenses. The ratio of the Fund's expenses to its relative net assets can be
expected to be higher than the expense ratios of funds investing solely in
domestic securities, since the cost of maintaining the custody of foreign
securities and the rate of investment management fees paid by the Fund generally
are higher than the comparable expenses of such other funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VALUATION OF FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As described in the Prospectus, the Fund's net asset value per share for each
class of shares is determined at the close of regular trading on the NYSE
(currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) (unless weather, equipment failure or other
factors contribute to an earlier closing time) on each day for which the NYSE is
open for business. Currently, the NYSE is closed on weekends and on certain days
relating to the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day,
President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Equity securities, including ADRs, ADSs, CDRs, GDRs and EDRs, which are traded
on stock exchanges are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which
such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the
securities are being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid
price. In cases where securities are traded on more than one exchange, the
securities are valued on the exchange determined by the Sub-adviser to be the
primary market. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at
the last available bid price prior to the time of valuation.
Long-term debt obligations are valued at the mean of representative quoted bid
and asked prices for such securities or, if such prices are not available, at
prices for securities of comparable maturity, quality and type; however, when
the Sub-adviser deems it appropriate, prices obtained for the day of valuation
from a bond pricing service will be used. Short-term debt investments are
amortized to maturity based on their cost, adjusted for foreign exchange
translation, provided such valuations represent fair value.
Options on indices, securities and currencies purchased by the Fund are valued
at their last bid price in the case of listed options or, in the case of OTC
options, at the average of the last bid prices obtained from dealers unless a
quotation from
Statement of Additional Information Page 27
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
only one dealer is available, in which case only that dealer's price will be
used. The value of each security denominated in a currency other than U.S.
dollars will be translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate as
determined by the Sub-adviser on that day. When market quotations for futures
and options on futures held by the Fund are readily available, those positions
will be valued based upon such quotations.
Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily
available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the
direction of the Company's Board of Directors. The valuation procedures applied
in any specific instance are likely to vary from case to case. However,
consideration is generally given to the financial position of the issuer and
other fundamental analytical data relating to the investment and to the nature
of the restrictions on disposition of the securities (including any registration
expenses that might be borne by the Fund in connection with such disposition).
In addition, specific factors are also generally considered, such as the cost of
the investment, the market value of any unrestricted securities of the same
class (both at the time of purchase and at the time of valuation), the size of
the holding, the prices of any recent transactions or offers with respect to
such securities and any available analysts' reports regarding the issuer.
The fair value of any other assets is added to the value of all securities
positions to arrive at the value of the Fund's total assets. The Fund's
liabilities, including accruals for expenses, are deducted from its total
assets. Once the total value of the Fund's net assets is so determined, that
value is then divided by the total number of shares outstanding (excluding
treasury shares), and the result, rounded to the nearer cent, is the net asset
value per share.
Any assets or liabilities initially denominated in terms of foreign currencies
are translated into U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate or at the mean of
the current bid and asked prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar last
quoted by a major bank that is a regular participant in the foreign exchange
market or on the basis of a pricing service that takes into account the quotes
provided by a number of such major banks. If none of these alternatives are
available or none are deemed to provide a suitable methodology for converting a
foreign currency into U.S. dollars, the Board of Directors in good faith will
establish a conversion rate for such currency.
Latin American securities trading may not take place on all days on which the
NYSE is open. Further, trading takes place in various foreign markets on days on
which the NYSE is not open. Consequently, the calculation of the Fund's net
asset value may not take place contemporaneously with the determination of the
prices of securities held by the Fund. Events affecting the values of portfolio
securities that occur between the time their prices are determined and the close
of regular trading on the NYSE will not be reflected in the Fund's net asset
value unless the Sub-adviser, under the supervision of the Company's Board of
Directors, determines that the particular event would materially affect net
asset value. As a result, the Fund's net asset value may be significantly
affected by such trading on days when a shareholder cannot purchase or redeem
shares of the Fund.
Statement of Additional Information Page 28
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
INFORMATION RELATING TO SALES AND REDEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAYMENT AND TERMS OF OFFERING
Payment for Class A or Class B shares purchased should accompany the purchase
order, or funds should be wired to the Transfer Agent as described in the
Prospectus. Payment for Fund shares, other than by wire transfer, must be made
by check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank. Checks or money orders must be
payable in U.S. dollars.
As a condition of this offering, if an order to purchase either class of shares
is cancelled due to nonpayment (for example, because a check is returned for
insufficient funds), the person who made the order will be responsible for any
loss incurred by the Fund by reason of such cancellation, and if such purchaser
is a shareholder, the Fund shall have the authority as agent of the shareholder
to redeem shares in his or her account at their then-current net asset value per
share to reimburse the Fund for the loss incurred. Investors whose purchase
orders have been cancelled due to nonpayment may be prohibited from placing
future orders.
The Fund reserves the right at any time to waive or increase the minimum
requirements applicable to initial or subsequent investments with respect to any
person or class of persons. An order to purchase shares is not binding on the
Fund until it has been confirmed in writing by the Transfer Agent (or other
arrangements made with the Fund, in the case of orders utilizing wire transfer
of funds, as described above) and payment has been received. To protect existing
shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to reject any offer for a purchase of
shares by any individual.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN -- CLASS A SHARES AND CLASS B SHARES
To establish participation in the Fund's Automatic Investment Plan ("AIP"),
investors or their broker/dealers should specify whether the investment will be
in Class A shares or Class B shares and send the following documents to the
Transfer Agent: (1) an AIP Application; (2) a Bank Authorization Form; and (3) a
voided personal check from the pertinent bank account. The necessary forms are
provided at the back of the Fund's Prospectus. Provided that an investor's bank
accepts the Bank Authorization Form, investment amounts will be drawn on the
designated dates (monthly on the 25th day or beginning quarterly on the 25th day
of the month the investor first selects) in order to purchase full and
fractional shares of the Fund at the public offering price determined on that
day. If the 25th day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, shares will be
purchased on the next business day. If an investor's check is returned because
of insufficient funds, a stop payment order or the account is closed, the AIP
may be discontinued, and any share purchase made upon deposit of such check may
be cancelled. Furthermore, the shareholder will be liable for any loss incurred
by the Fund by reason of such cancellation. Investors should allow one month for
the establishment of an AIP. An AIP may be terminated by the Transfer Agent or
the Fund upon thirty days' written notice or by the participant, at any time
without penalty, upon written notice to the Fund or the Transfer Agent.
LETTER OF INTENT -- CLASS A SHARES
A Letter of Intent ("LOI") is not a binding obligation to purchase the indicated
amount. While Class A shares are held in escrow under an LOI to ensure payment
of applicable sales charges if the indicated amount is not met, all dividends
and other distributions on the escrowed shares will be reinvested in additional
Class A shares or paid in cash, as specified by the shareholder. If the intended
investment is not completed within the specified thirteen-month period, the
purchaser must remit to AIM Distributors the difference between the sales charge
actually paid and the sales charge which would have been applicable if the total
Class A purchases had been made at a single time. If this amount is not paid to
AIM Distributors within twenty days after written request, the appropriate
number of escrowed shares will be redeemed and the proceeds paid to AIM
Distributors.
Any investor that entered into a LOI prior to June 1, 1998, under which the
indicated amount is not met, will be subject to the sales charge schedule that
was in effect when the LOI was entered into.
A registered investment adviser, trust company or trust department seeking to
execute an LOI as a single purchaser with respect to accounts over which it
exercises investment discretion is required to provide the Transfer Agent with
information establishing that it has discretionary authority with respect to the
money invested (e.g., by providing a copy of the
Statement of Additional Information Page 29
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
pertinent investment advisory agreement). Class A shares purchased in this
manner must be registered with the Transfer Agent so that only the investment
adviser, trust company or trust department, and not the beneficial owner, will
be able to place purchase, redemption and exchange orders.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS ("IRAS") AND OTHER TAX-DEFERRED PLANS
Class A or Class B shares may be purchased as the underlying investment for an
IRA meeting the requirements of sections 408(a), 408A or 530 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"), as well as for qualified retirement
plans described in Code Section 401 and custodial accounts complying with Code
Section 403(b)(7).
IRAS: If you have earned income from employment (including self-employment), you
can contribute each year to an IRA up to the lesser of (1) $2,000 for yourself
or $4,000 for you and your spouse, regardless of whether your spouse is
employed, or (2) 100% of compensation. Some individuals may be able to take an
income tax deduction for the contribution. Regular contributions may not be made
for the year you become 70 1/2 or thereafter. Unless your and your spouse's
earnings exceed a certain level, you also may establish an "education IRA"
and/or a "Roth IRA." Although contributions to these new types of IRAs are
nondeductible, withdrawals from them will be tax-free under certain
circumstances. Please consult your tax adviser for more information. IRA
applications are available from brokers or AIM Distributors.
ROLLOVER IRAS: Individuals who receive distributions from qualified retirement
plans (other than required distributions) and who wish to keep their savings
growing tax-deferred can roll over (or make a direct transfer of) their
distribution to a Rollover IRA. These accounts can also receive rollovers or
transfers from an existing IRA. If an "eligible rollover distribution" from a
qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan is not directly rolled over to an
IRA (or certain qualified plans), withholding at the rate of 20% will be
required for federal income tax purposes. A distribution from a qualified plan
that is not an "eligible rollover distribution," including a distribution that
is one of series of substantially equal periodic payments, generally is subject
to regular wage withholding or withholding at the rate of 10% (depending on the
type and amount of the distribution), unless you elect not to have any
withholding apply. Please consult your tax adviser for more information.
SEP-IRAS: Simplified employee pension plans ("SEPs" or "SEP-IRAs") provide
self-employed individuals (and any eligible employees) with benefits similar to
Keogh plans (I.E., self-employed individual retirement plans) or Code Section
401(k) plans, but with fewer administrative requirements and therefore
potentially lower annual administration expenses.
CODE SECTION 403(b)(7) CUSTODIAL ACCOUNTS: Employees of public schools and most
other tax-exempt organizations can make pre-tax salary reduction contributions
to these accounts.
PROFIT-SHARING (INCLUDING SECTION 401(k)) AND MONEY PURCHASE PENSION
PLANS: Corporations and other employers can sponsor these qualified defined
contribution plans for their employees. A Section 401(k) plan, a type of
profit-sharing plan, additionally permits the eligible, participating employees
to make pre-tax salary reduction contributions to the plan (up to certain
limits).
SIMPLE PLANS: Employers with no more than 100 employees that do not maintain
another retirement plan may establish a Savings Incentive Match Plan for
Employees ("SIMPLE") either as separate IRAs or as part of a Section 401(k)
plan. SIMPLEs are not subject to the complicated nondiscrimination rules that
generally apply to qualified retirement plans.
EXCHANGES BETWEEN FUNDS
Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of the corresponding class of
other AIM/GT Funds, based on their respective net asset values without
imposition of any sales charges, provided the registration remains identical.
The exchange privilege is not an option or right to purchase shares but is
permitted under the current policies of the respective AIM/GT Funds. The
privilege may be discontinued or changed at any time by any of those funds upon
sixty days' written notice to the shareholders of the fund and is available only
in states where the exchange may be made legally. Before purchasing shares
through the exercise of the exchange privilege, a shareholder should obtain and
read a copy of the prospectus of the fund to be purchased and should consider
its investment objective(s).
SALES CHARGE WAIVERS FOR SHARES PURCHASED PRIOR TO JUNE 1, 1998
Class A shares that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and that
were purchased before June 1, 1998 are entitled to the following waivers from
the contingent deferred sales charge otherwise due upon redemption: (1) minimum
required distributions made in connection with an IRA, Keogh Plan or custodial
account under Section 403(b) of the Code or other retirement plan following
attainment of age 70 1/2; (2) total or partial redemptions resulting from a
distribution
Statement of Additional Information Page 30
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
following retirement in the case of a tax-qualified employer-sponsored
retirement plan; (3) when a redemption results from a tax-free return of an
excess contribution pursuant to Section 408(d)(4) or (5) of the Code or from the
death or disability of the employee; (4) redemptions pursuant to the Fund's
right to liquidate a shareholder's account involuntarily; (5) redemptions
pursuant to distributions from a tax-qualified employer-sponsored retirement
plan, which is invested in AIM/GT Funds, which are permitted to be made without
penalty pursuant to the Code, other than tax-free rollovers or transfers of
assets, and the proceeds of which are reinvested in AIM/GT Funds; (6)
redemptions made in connection with participant-directed exchanges between
options in an employer-sponsored benefit plan; (7) redemptions made for the
purpose of providing cash to fund a loan to a participant in a tax-qualified
retirement plan; (8) redemptions made in connection with a distribution from any
retirement plan or account that is permitted in accordance with the provisions
of Section 72(t)(2) of the Code, and the regulations promulgated thereunder; (9)
redemptions made in connection with a distribution from any retirement plan or
account that involves the return of an excess deferral amount pursuant to
Section 401(k)(8) or Section 402(g)(2) of the Code; (10) redemptions made in
connection with a distribution from a qualified profit-sharing or stock bonus
plan described in Section 401(k) of the Code to a participant or beneficiary
under Section 401(k)(2)(B)(IV) of the Code upon hardship of the covered employee
(determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.401(k)-1(d)(2)); and (11)
redemptions made by or for the benefit of certain states, counties or cities, or
any instrumentalities, departments or authorities thereof where such entities
are prohibited or limited by applicable law from paying a sales charge or
commission.
Class B shares purchased before June 1, 1998 are subject to the following
waivers from the contingent deferred sales charge otherwise due upon redemption
in addition to the waivers provided for redemptions of currently issued Class B
shares as described in the Prospectus: (1) total or partial redemptions
resulting from a distribution following retirement in the case of a
tax-qualified employer-sponsored retirement; (2) minimum required distributions
made in connection with an IRA, Keogh Plan or custodial account under Section
403(b) of the Code or other retirement plan following attainment of age 70 1/2;
(3) a one-time reinvestment in Class B shares of the Fund within 180 days of a
prior redemption; (4) redemptions pursuant to distributions from a tax-qualified
employer-sponsored retirement plan, which is invested in AIM/GT Funds, which are
permitted to be made without penalty pursuant to the Code, other than tax-free
rollovers or transfers of assets, and the proceeds of which are reinvested in
AIM/GT Funds; (5) redemptions made in connection with participant-directed
exchanges between options in an employer-sponsored benefit plan; (6) redemptions
made for the purpose of providing cash to fund a loan to a participant in a
tax-qualified retirement plan; (7) redemptions made in connection with a
distribution from any retirement plan or account that is permitted in accordance
with the provisions of Section 72(t)(2) of the Code, and the regulations
promulgated thereunder; (8) redemptions made in connection with a distribution
from a qualified profit-sharing or stock bonus plan described in Section 401(k)
of the Code to a participant or beneficiary under Section 401(k)(2)(B)(IV) of
the Code upon hardship of the covered employee (determined pursuant to Treasury
Regulation Section 1.401(k)-1(d)(2)); and (9) redemptions made by or for the
benefit of certain states, counties or cities, or any instrumentalities,
departments or authorities thereof where such entities are prohibited or limited
by applicable law from paying a sales charge or commission.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS
A corporation or partnership wishing to utilize telephone redemption services
must submit a "Corporate Resolution" or "Certificate of Partnership" indicating
the names, titles and the required number of signatures of persons authorized to
act on its behalf. The certificate must be signed by a duly authorized
officer(s), and, in the case of a corporation, the corporate seal must be
affixed. All shareholders may request that redemption proceeds be transmitted by
bank wire upon request directly to the shareholder's predesignated account at a
domestic bank or savings institution if the proceeds are at least $500. Costs in
connection with the administration of this service, including wire charges,
currently are borne by the Fund. Proceeds of less than $500 will be mailed to
the shareholder's registered address of record. The Fund and the Transfer Agent
reserve the right to refuse any telephone instructions and may discontinue the
aforementioned redemption options upon fifteen days' written notice.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
Shareholders owning Class A or Class B shares with a value of $10,000 or more
may establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP"). Under a SWP, a shareholder
will receive monthly or quarterly payments, in amounts of not less than $100 per
payment, through the automatic redemption of the necessary number of shares on
the designated dates (monthly on the 25th day or beginning quarterly on the 25th
day of the month the investor first selects). If the 25th day falls on a
Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the redemption will take place on the prior
business day. Certificates, if any, for the shares being redeemed must be held
by the Transfer Agent. Checks will be made payable to the designated recipient
and mailed within seven days. If the recipient is other than the registered
shareholder, the signature of each shareholder must be guaranteed on the SWP
application (see "How to Redeem Shares" in the Prospectus). A corporation (or
partnership) also must submit
Statement of Additional Information Page 31
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
a "Corporation Resolution" or "Certification of Partnership" indicating the
names, titles and signatures of the individuals authorized to act on its behalf,
and the SWP application must be signed by a duly authorized officer(s) and the
corporate seal affixed.
With respect to a SWP, the maximum annual SWP withdrawal is 12% of the initial
account value. Withdrawals in excess of 12% of the initial account value
annually may result in assessment of a contingent deferred sales charge. See
"How to Invest" in the Prospectus.
Shareholders should be aware that such systematic withdrawals may deplete or use
up entirely the initial investment and result in the realization of long-term or
short-term capital gains or losses. The SWP may be terminated at any time by the
Transfer Agent or the Fund upon thirty days' written notice or by a shareholder
upon written notice to the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Applications and further
details regarding establishment of a SWP are provided at the back of the Fund's
Prospectus.
SUSPENSION OF REDEMPTION PRIVILEGES
The Fund may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment for
more than seven days after a redemption order is received during any period (1)
when the NYSE is closed other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or
trading on the NYSE is restricted as directed by the SEC, (2) when an emergency
exists, as defined by the SEC, which makes it not reasonably practicable for the
Fund to dispose of securities owned by it or fairly to determine the value of
its assets, or (3) as the SEC may otherwise permit.
REDEMPTIONS IN KIND
It is possible that conditions may arise in the future which would, in the
opinion of the Company's Board of Directors, make it undesirable for the Fund to
pay for all redemptions in cash. In such cases, the Board may authorize payment
to be made in portfolio securities or other property of the Fund, so-called
"redemptions in kind." Payment of redemptions in kind will be made in readily
marketable securities. Such securities would be valued at the same value
assigned to them in computing the net asset value per share. Shareholders
receiving such securities would incur brokerage costs in selling any such
securities so received. However, despite the foregoing, the Company has filed
with the SEC an election pursuant to Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act. This means
that the Fund will pay in cash all requests for redemption made by any
shareholder of record, limited in amount with respect to each shareholder during
any ninety-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of
the Fund at the beginning of such period. This election will be irrevocable so
long as Rule 18f-1 remains in effect, unless the SEC by order upon application
permits the withdrawal of such election.
Statement of Additional Information Page 32
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL
To continue to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company ("RIC")
under the Code, the Fund must distribute to its shareholders for each taxable
year at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (consisting generally
of net investment income, net short-term capital gain and net gains from certain
foreign currency transactions) ("Distribution Requirement") and must meet
several additional requirements. These requirements include the following: (1)
the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from
dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from
the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other
income (including gains from options, Futures or Forward Contracts) derived with
respect to its business of investing in securities or those currencies ("Income
Requirement"); (2) at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, at
least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash
items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other
securities, with these other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer,
to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and
that does not represent more than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting
securities; and (3) at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, not
more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in securities
(other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any
one issuer.
Dividends and other distributions declared by the Fund in, and payable to
shareholders of record as of a date in, October, November or December of any
year will be deemed to have been paid by the Fund and received by the
shareholders on December 31 of that year if the distributions are paid by the
Fund during the following January. Accordingly, those distributions will be
taxed to shareholders for the year in which that December 31 falls.
A portion of the dividends from the Fund's investment company taxable income
(whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares) may be eligible for
the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations. The eligible portion
may not exceed the aggregate dividends received by the Fund from U.S.
corporations. However, dividends received by a corporate shareholder and
deducted by it pursuant to the dividends-received deduction are subject
indirectly to the alternative minimum tax.
If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or less, the
loss will be treated as long-term, instead of short-term, capital loss to the
extent of any capital gain distributions received on those shares. Investors
also should be aware that if shares are purchased shortly before the record date
for any dividend or other distribution, the shareholder will pay full price for
the shares and receive some portion of the price back as a taxable distribution.
The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax ("Excise Tax") to the
extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all
of its ordinary income for that year and capital gain net income for the
one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain other amounts.
FOREIGN TAXES
Dividends and interest received by the Fund, and gains realized thereby, may be
subject to income, withholding, or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and
U.S. possessions ("foreign taxes") that would reduce the yield and/or total
return on its securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the
United States may reduce or eliminate foreign taxes, however, and many foreign
countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in respect of investments by
foreign investors. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at
the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations,
the Fund will be eligible to, and may, file an election with the Internal
Revenue Service that will enable its shareholders, in effect, to receive the
benefit of the foreign tax credit with respect to any foreign taxes paid by it.
Pursuant to the election, the Fund would treat those taxes as dividends paid to
its shareholders and each shareholder would be required to (1) include in gross
income, and treat as paid by him, his share of those taxes, (2) treat his share
of those taxes and of any dividend paid by the Fund that represents income from
foreign and U.S. possessions sources as his own income from those sources and
(3) either deduct the taxes deemed paid by him in computing his taxable income
or, alternatively, use the foregoing information in calculating the foreign tax
credit against his federal income tax. The Fund will report to its shareholders
shortly after each taxable year their respective shares of the Fund's foreign
taxes and income from sources within foreign countries and U.S. possessions if
it makes this election. Pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 ("Tax Act"),
individuals who have no more than $300 ($600 for married persons filing jointly)
of creditable foreign taxes included on Form 1099 and all of whose foreign
source income is "qualified passive income" may elect each year to be
Statement of Additional Information Page 33
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
exempt from the extremely complicated foreign tax credit limitation and will be
able to claim a foreign tax credit without having to file the detailed Form 1116
that otherwise is required.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES
The Fund may invest in the stock of "passive foreign investment companies"
("PFICs"). A PFIC is a foreign corporation -- other than a "controlled foreign
corporation" (I.E., a foreign corporation in which, on any day during its
taxable year, more than 50% of the total voting power of all voting stock
therein or the total value of all stock therein is owned, directly, indirectly
or constructively, by "U.S. shareholders," defined as U.S. persons that own,
directly, indirectly or constructively, at least 10% of that voting power) as to
which the Fund is a U.S. shareholder (effective for its taxable year beginning
November 1, 1998) -- that, in general, meets either of the following tests: (1)
at least 75% of its gross income is passive or (2) an average of at least 50% of
its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Under
certain circumstances, the Fund will be subject to federal income tax on a
portion of any "excess distribution" received on, or of any gain from the
disposition of, stock of a PFIC (collectively "PFIC income"), plus interest
thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC income as a taxable dividend to
its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be included in the Fund's
investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will not be taxable to the
Fund to the extent it distributes that income to its shareholders.
If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a "qualified
electing fund" ("QEF"), then in lieu of the foregoing tax and interest
obligation, the Fund would be required to include in income each year its pro
rata share of the QEF's ordinary earnings and net capital gain (I.E., the excess
of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) -- which most
likely would have to be distributed by the Fund to satisfy the Distribution
Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax -- even if those earnings and
gain were not received by the Fund from the QEF. In most instances it will be
very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain
requirements thereof.
Effective for its taxable year beginning November 1, 1998, the Fund may elect to
"mark-to-market" its stock in any PFIC. "Marking-to-market," in this context,
means including in ordinary income each taxable year the excess, if any, of the
fair market value of the stock over the Fund's adjusted basis therein as of the
end of that year. Pursuant to the election, the Fund also will be allowed to
deduct (as an ordinary, not capital, loss) the excess, if any, of its adjusted
basis in PFIC stock over the fair market value thereof as of the taxable
year-end, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains with respect to
that stock included in income by the Fund for prior taxable years. The Fund's
adjusted basis in each PFIC's stock subject to the election will be adjusted to
reflect the amounts of income included and deductions taken thereunder.
Regulations proposed in 1992 would provide a similar election with respect to
the stock of certain PFICs.
NON-U.S. SHAREHOLDERS
Dividends paid by the Fund to a shareholder who, as to the United States, is a
nonresident alien individual, nonresident alien fiduciary of a trust or estate,
foreign corporation or foreign partnership ("foreign shareholder") generally
will be subject to U.S. withholding tax (at a rate of 30% or lower treaty rate).
Withholding will not apply, however, to a dividend paid by the Fund to a foreign
shareholder that is "effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or
business," in which case the reporting and withholding requirements applicable
to domestic shareholders will apply. A distribution of net capital gain by the
Fund to a foreign shareholder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income
tax (at the rates applicable to domestic persons) only if the distribution is
"effectively connected" or the foreign shareholder is treated as a resident
alien individual for federal income tax purposes.
OPTIONS, FUTURES AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
The Fund's use of hedging transactions, such as selling (writing) and purchasing
options and Futures and entering into Forward Contracts, involves complex rules
that will determine, for federal income tax purposes, the amount, character and
timing of recognition of the gains and losses the Fund realizes in connection
therewith. Gains from the disposition of foreign currencies (except certain
gains that may be excluded by future regulations), and gains from options,
Futures and Forward Contracts derived by the Fund with respect to its business
of investing in securities or foreign currencies will qualify as permissible
income under the Income Requirement.
Futures and Forward Contracts that are subject to section 1256 of the Code
(other than those that are part of a "mixed straddle") ("Section 1256
Contracts") and that are held by the Fund at the end of its taxable year
generally will be deemed to have been sold at that time at market value for
federal income tax purposes. Sixty percent of any net gain or loss recognized on
these deemed sales, and 60% of any net gain or loss realized from any actual
sales of Section 1256 Contracts, will be treated as long-term capital gain or
loss, and the balance will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. That
60% portion will qualify for the reduced maximum tax rates on noncorporate
taxpayers' net capital gain enacted by the Tax Act -- 20% (10% for taxpayers in
the 15% marginal tax bracket) for gain recognized on capital assets held for
more than 18 months -- instead of the 28% rate in effect before that
legislation, which now applies to gain recognized on capital
Statement of Additional Information Page 34
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
assets held for more than one year but not more than 18 months, although
technical corrections legislation passed by the House of Representatives late in
1997 would treat it as qualifying therefor.
Section 988 of the Code also may apply to gains and losses from transactions in
foreign currencies, foreign-currency-denominated debt securities and options,
Futures and Forward Contracts on foreign currencies ("Section 988" gains and
losses). Each Section 988 gain or loss generally is computed separately and
treated as ordinary income or loss. In the case of overlap between sections 1256
and 988, special provisions determine the character and timing of any income,
gain or loss. The Fund attempts to monitor section 988 transactions to minimize
any adverse tax impact.
If the Fund has an "appreciated financial position" -- generally, an interest
(including an interest through an option, Futures or Forward Contract or short
sale) with respect to any stock, debt instrument (other than "straight debt") or
partnership interest the fair market value of which exceeds its adjusted basis
- -- and enters into a "constructive sale" of the same or substantially similar
property, the Fund will be treated as having made an actual sale thereof, with
the result that gain will be recognized at that time. A constructive sale
generally consists of a short sale, an offsetting notional principal contract or
Futures or Forward Contract entered into by the Fund or a related person with
respect to the same or substantially similar property. In addition, if the
appreciated financial position is itself a short sale or such a contract,
acquisition of the underlying property or substantially similar property will be
deemed a constructive sale.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of certain federal tax
considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders. Investors are urged to
consult their own tax advisers for more detailed information and for information
regarding any foreign, state and local taxes applicable to distributions
received from the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM was organized in 1976, and along with its subsidiaries, manages or advises
approximately 90 investment company portfolios encompassing a broad range of
investment objectives. AIM is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of A I M
Management Group Inc. ("AIM Management"), a holding company that has been
engaged in the financial services business since 1976. AIM is the sole
shareholder of the Funds' principal underwriter, AIM Distributors. AIM
Management is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AMVESCAP PLC, 11 Devonshire
Square, London, EC2M 4YR, England. AMVESCAP PLC and its subsidiaries are an
independent investment management group that has a significant presence in the
institutional and retail segment of the investment management industry in North
America and Europe, and a growing presence in Asia.
CUSTODIAN
State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), 225 Franklin Street,
Boston, MA 02110, acts as custodian of the Fund's assets. State Street is
authorized to establish and has established separate accounts in foreign
currencies and to cause securities of the Fund to be held in separate accounts
outside the United States in the custody of non-U.S. banks.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Funds' independent accountants are Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., One Post Office
Square, Boston, MA 02109. Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. will conduct an annual audit
of the Fund, assists in the preparation of the Fund's federal and state income
tax returns and consults with the Company and the Fund as to matters of
accounting, regulatory filings, and federal and state income taxation.
The audited financial statements of the Company included in this Statement of
Additional Information have been examined by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. as stated
in their opinion appearing herein and are included in reliance upon such opinion
given upon the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
NAME
Prior to May 28, 1998, the Fund operated under the name of GT Global Latin
America Growth Fund.
Statement of Additional Information Page 35
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
INVESTMENT RESULTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDARDIZED RETURNS
The Fund's "Standardized Returns," as referred to in the Prospectus (see "Other
Information -- Performance Information" in the Prospectus), are calculated
separately for Class A and Class B shares of the Fund, as follows: Standardized
Return (average annual total return ("T")) is computed by using the ending
redeeming value ("ERV") of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 ("P")
over a period of years ("n") according to the following formula as required by
the SEC: P(1+T) to the (n)th power = ERV. The following assumptions will be
reflected in computations made in accordance with this formula: (1) for Class A
shares, deduction of the maximum sales charge of 4.75% from the $1,000 initial
investment; (2) for Class B shares, deduction of the applicable contingent
deferred sales charge imposed on a redemption of Class B shares held for the
period; (3) reinvestment of dividends and other distributions at net asset value
on the reinvestment date determined by the Company's Board of Directors; and (4)
a complete redemption at the end of any period illustrated.
The Standardized Returns for the Class A and Class B shares of the Fund, stated
as average annualized total returns for the periods shown, were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LATIN AMERICA LATIN AMERICA
PERIOD FUND (CLASS A) FUND (CLASS B)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 1997.......................................................... 3.37% 3.04%
Oct. 31, 1992 through Oct. 31, 1997...................................................... 7.01% n/a
April 1, 1993 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997......................... n/a 5.20%
Aug. 13, 1991 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997......................... 7.23% n/a
</TABLE>
NON-STANDARDIZED RETURNS In addition to Standardized Returns, the Fund may also
include in advertisements, sales literature and shareholder reports other total
return performance data ("Non-Standardized Return"). Non-Standardized Return is
calculated separately for Class A and Class B shares of the Fund and may be
calculated according to several different formulas. Non-Standardized Returns may
be quoted for the same or different time periods for which Standardized Returns
are quoted. Non-Standardized Returns may or may not take sales charges into
account; performance data calculated without taking the effect of sales charges
into account will be higher than data including the effect of such charges.
Average annual Non-Standardized Return ("T") is computed by using the ending
redeeming value ("ERV") of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 ("P")
over a period of years ("n") according to the following formula as required by
the SEC: P(1+T) to the (n)th power = ERV. The following assumptions will be
reflected in computations made in accordance with this formula: (1) no deduction
of sales charges; (2) reinvestment of dividends and other distributions at net
asset value on the reinvestment date determined by the Board; and (3) a complete
redemption at the end of any period illustrated.
The average annual Non-Standardized Returns for the Class A and Class B shares
of the Fund, stated as average annualized total returns for the periods shown,
were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LATIN AMERICA LATIN AMERICA
PERIOD FUND (CLASS A) FUND (CLASS B)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 1997.......................................................... 8.52% 8.04%
Oct. 31, 1991 through Oct. 31, 1997...................................................... 8.06% n/a
April 1, 1993 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997......................... n/a 5.56%
Aug. 13, 1991 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997......................... 8.07% n/a
</TABLE>
Aggregate Non-Standardized Return ("T") is computed by using the ending value of
the account ("VOA") of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 ("P")
according to the following formula: T = (VOA/P)-1. Aggregate Non-Standardized
Return assumes reinvestment of dividends and other distributions and, as set
forth below, may or may not take sales charges into account.
Statement of Additional Information Page 36
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
The aggregate Non-Standardized Returns (not taking sales charges into account)
for the Class A and Class B shares of the Fund, stated as aggregate total
returns for the periods shown, were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LATIN AMERICA LATIN AMERICA
PERIOD FUND (CLASS A) FUND (CLASS B)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
April 1, 1993 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997......................... n/a 28.14%
Aug. 13, 1991 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1996......................... 62.00% n/a
</TABLE>
The aggregate Non-Standardized Returns (taking sales charges into account) for
the Class A and B shares of the Fund, stated as aggregate total returns for the
periods shown, were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LATIN AMERICA LATIN AMERICA
PERIOD FUND (CLASS A) FUND (CLASS B)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
April 1, 1993 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997......................... n/a 26.14%
Aug. 13, 1991 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997......................... 54.30% n/a
</TABLE>
IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE ABOUT DATA RELATING TO WORLD EQUITY AND BOND MARKETS
The Fund and AIM Distributors may from time to time in advertisements, sales
literature and reports furnished to present or prospective shareholders, compare
the Fund with the following, among others:
(1) The Consumer Price Index ("CPI"), which is a measure of the average
change in prices over time in a fixed market basket of goods and services
(e.g., food, clothing, shelter, fuels, transportation fares, charges for
doctors' and dentists' services, prescription medicines, and other goods and
services that people buy for day-to-day living). There is inflation risk
which does not affect a security's value but its purchasing power, i.e., the
risk of changing price levels in the economy that affects security prices or
the price of goods and services.
(2) Data and mutual fund rankings published or prepared by Lipper
Analytical Data Services, Inc. ("Lipper"), CDA/Wiesenberger Investment
Company Service ("CDA/Wiesenberger"), Morningstar, Inc. ("Morningstar"),
Micropal, Inc. and/or other companies that rank and/or compare mutual funds
by overall performance, investment objectives, assets, expense levels,
periods of existence and/or other factors. In this regard the Fund may be
compared to its "peer group" as defined by Lipper, CDA/Wiesenberger,
Morningstar and/or other firms, as applicable, or to specific funds or
groups of funds within or outside of such peer group. Lipper generally ranks
funds on the basis of total return, assuming reinvestment of distributions,
but does not take sales charges or redemption fees into consideration, and
is prepared without regard to the consequences. In addition to the mutual
fund rankings, the Fund's performance may be compared to mutual fund
performance indices prepared by Lipper. Morningstar is a mutual fund rating
service that also rates mutual funds on the basis of risk-adjusted
performance. Morningstar ratings are calculated from a fund's three, five
and ten year average annual returns with appropriate fee adjustments and a
risk factor that reflects fund performance relative to the three-month U.S.
Treasury bill monthly returns. Ten percent of the funds in an investment
category receive five stars and 22.5% receive four stars. The ratings are
subject to change each month.
(3) Bear Stearns Foreign Bond Index, which provides simple average
returns for individual countries and gross national product ("GNP") weighted
index, beginning in 1975. The returns are broken down by local market and
currency.
(4) Ibbotson Associates International Bond Index, which provides a
detailed breakdown of local market and currency returns since 1960.
(5) Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, which is a widely
recognized index composed of the capitalization-weighted average of the
price of 500 of the largest publicly traded stocks in the U.S.
(6) Dow Jones Industrial Average.
(7) CNBC/Financial News Composite Index.
(8) Morgan Stanley Capital International World Indices, including, among
others, the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australia, Far East
Index ("EAFE Index"). The EAFE index is an unmanaged index of more than
1,000 companies in Europe, Australia and the Far East.
(9) Morgan Stanley Capital International Latin America Emerging Market
Indices, including the Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Free Latin America
Index (which excludes Mexican banks and securities companies which cannot be
purchased by foreigners) and the Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Global
Latin America Index. Both
Statement of Additional Information Page 37
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
indices include 60% of the market capitalization of the following countries:
Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico. The indices are weighted by market
capitalization and are calculated without dividends reinvested.
(10) Salomon Brothers World Government Bond Index and Salomon Brothers
World Government Bond Index-Non-U.S., each of which is a widely used index
composed of world government bonds.
(11) The World Bank Publication of Trends in Developing Countries
("TIDE"), which provides brief reports on most of the World Bank's borrowing
members. The World Development Report is published annually and looks at
global and regional economic trends and their implications for the
developing economies.
(12) Salomon Brothers Global Telecommunications Index, which is composed
of telecommunications companies in the developing and emerging countries.
(13) Datastream and Worldscope, each of which is an on-line database
retrieval service for information, including international financial and
economic data.
(14) International Financial Statistics, which is produced by the
International Monetary Fund.
(15) Various publications and reports produced by the World Bank and its
affiliates.
(16) Various publications from the International Bank for Reconstruction
and Development.
(17) Various publications produced by ratings agencies such as Moody's
Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc. and Fitch.
(18) Wilshire Associates, which is an on-line database for international
financial and economic data including performance measure for a wide range
of securities.
(19) Bank Rate National Monitor Index, which is an average of the quoted
rates for 100 leading banks and thrifts in ten U.S. cities.
(20) International Financial Corporation ("IFC") Latin American Indices,
which include 60% of the market capitalization in the covered countries and
are market weighted. One index includes dividends and one excludes
dividends.
(21) Various publications from the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development ("OECD").
(22) Average of savings accounts, which is a measure of all kinds of
savings deposits, including longer-term certificates. Savings accounts offer
a guaranteed rate of return on principal, but no opportunity for capital
growth. During a portion of the period, the maximum rates paid on some
savings deposits were fixed by law.
Indices, economic and financial data prepared by the research departments of
various financial organizations, such as Salomon Brothers, Inc., Lehman
Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., Financial Research
Corporation, J. P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Smith Barney Shearson, S.G. Warburg,
Jardine Flemming, The Bank for International Settlements, Asian Development
Bank, Bloomberg, L.P. and Ibbotson Associates, may be used as well as
information reported by the Federal Reserve and the respective Central Banks of
various nations. In addition, AIM Distributors may use performance rankings,
ratings and commentary reported periodically in national financial publications,
including Money Magazine, Mutual Fund Magazine, Smart Money, Global Finance,
EuroMoney, Financial World, Forbes, Fortune, Business Week, Latin Finance, The
Wall Street Journal, Emerging Markets Weekly, Kiplinger's Guide To Personal
Finance, Barron's, The Financial Times, USA Today, The New York Times, Far
Eastern Economic Review, The Economist and Investors Business Digest. The Fund
may compare its performance to that of other compilations or indices of
comparable quality to those listed above and other indices that may be developed
and made available in the future.
Information relating to foreign market performance, capitalization and
diversification is based on sources believed to be reliable but may be subject
to revision and has not been independently verified by the Fund or AIM
Distributors. The authors and publishers of such material are not to be
considered as "experts" under the 1933 Act, on account of the inclusion of such
information herein.
A portion of the performance figures for each market includes the positive or
negative effects of the currency exchange rates effective at December 31 of each
year between the U.S. dollar and currency of the foreign market (e.g., Japanese
Yen, German Deutschemark and Hong Kong Dollar). A foreign currency that has
strengthened or weakened against the U.S. dollar will positively or negatively
affect the reported returns, as the case may be.
Statement of Additional Information Page 38
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
AIM Distributors believes that this information may be useful to investors
considering whether and to what extent to diversify their investments through
the purchase of mutual funds investing in securities on a global basis. However,
this data is not a representation of the past performance of the Fund, nor is it
a prediction of such performance. The performance of the Funds will differ from
the historical performance of relevant indices. The performance of indices does
not take expenses into account, while each Fund incurs expenses in its
operations, which will reduce performance. Each of these factors will cause the
performance of each Fund to differ from relevant indices.
From time to time, the Fund and AIM Distributors may refer to the number of
shareholders in the Fund or the aggregate number of shareholders in all AIM
Funds or the dollar amount of Fund assets under management or rankings by DALBAR
Surveys, Inc. in advertising materials.
AIM Distributors believes the Fund is an appropriate investment for long-term
investment goals, including funding retirement, paying for education or
purchasing a house. AIM Distributors may provide information designed to help
individuals understand their investment goals and explore various financial
strategies. For example, AIM Distributors may describe general principles of
investing, such as asset allocation, diversification and risk tolerance. The
Fund does not represent a complete investment program and the investors should
consider the Fund as appropriate for a portion of their overall investment
portfolio with regard to their long-term investment goals. There is no assurance
that any such information will lead to achieving these goals or guarantee future
results.
From time to time, AIM Distributors may refer to or advertise the names of U.S.
and non-U.S. companies and their products, although there can be no assurance
that any AIM Fund may own the securities of these companies.
Ibbotson Associates of Chicago, Illinois ("Ibbotson") provides historical
returns of the capital markets in the United States, including common stocks,
small capitalization stocks, long-term corporate bonds, intermediate-term
government bonds, long-term government bonds, Treasury bills, the U.S. rate of
inflation (based on the CPI), and combinations of various capital markets. The
performance of these capital markets is based on the returns of different
indices.
AIM Funds may use the performance of these capital markets in order to
demonstrate general risk-versus-reward investment scenarios. Performance
comparisons may also include the value of a hypothetical investment in any of
these capital markets. The risks associated with the security types in any
capital market may or may not correspond directly to those of the Fund. Ibbotson
calculates total returns in the same method as the Fund.
The Fund may quote various measures of volatility and benchmark correlation such
as beta, standard deviation and R(2) in advertising. In addition, the Fund may
compare these measures to those of other funds. Measures of volatility seek to
compare the Fund's historical share price fluctuations or total return to those
of a benchmark.
The Fund may advertise examples of the effects of periodic investment plans,
including the principle of dollar cost averaging programs. In such a program, an
investor invests a fixed dollar amount in a fund at periodic intervals, thereby
purchasing fewer shares when prices are high and more shares when prices are
low. While such a strategy does not assure a profit or guard against loss in a
declining market, the investor's average cost per share can be lower than if
fixed numbers of shares are purchased at the same intervals. In evaluating such
a plan, investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing shares
through periods of low price levels.
The Fund may describe in its sales material and advertisements how an investor
may invest in AIM Funds through various retirement plans or other programs that
offer deferral of income taxes on investment earnings and pursuant to which an
investor may make deductible contributions. Because of their advantages, these
retirement plans and programs may produce returns superior to comparable
non-retirement investments. For example, a $10,000 investment earning a taxable
return of 10% annually would have an after-tax value of $17,976 after ten years,
assuming tax was deducted from the return each year at a 39.6% rate. An
equivalent tax-deferred investment would have an after-tax value of $19,626
after ten years, assuming tax was deducted at a 39.6% rate from the deferred
earnings at the end of the ten-year period. In sales material and
advertisements, the Fund may also discuss these plans and programs. See
"Information Relating to Sales and Redemptions -- Individual Retirement Accounts
("IRAs") and Other Tax-Deferred Plans."
AIM Distributors may from time to time in its sales methods and advertising
discuss the risks inherent in investing. The major types of investment risk are
market risk, industry risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and
inflation risk. Risk represents the possibility that you may lose some or all of
your investment over a period of time. A basic tenet of investing is the greater
the potential reward, the greater the risk.
Statement of Additional Information Page 39
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
From time to time, the Fund and AIM Distributors will quote information
regarding industries, individual companies, countries, regions, world stock
exchanges, and economic and demographic statistics from sources AIM Distributors
deems reliable, including the economic and financial data of financial
organizations, such as:
1) Stock market capitalization: Morgan Stanley Capital International World
Indices, IFC and Datastream.
2) Stock market trading volume: Morgan Stanley Capital International World
Indices and IFC.
3) The number of listed companies: IFC, G.T. Guide to World Equity Markets,
Salomon Brothers, Inc., and S.G. Warburg.
4) Wage rates: U.S. Department of Labor Statistics and Morgan Stanley Capital
International World Indices.
5) International industry performance: Morgan Stanley Capital International
World Indices, Wilshire Associates and Salomon Brothers, Inc.
6) Stock market performance: Morgan Stanley Capital International World
Indices, IFC and Datastream.
7) The Consumer Price Index and inflation rate: The World Bank, Datastream and
IFC.
8) Gross Domestic Product ("GDP"): Datastream and The World Bank.
9) GDP growth rate: IFC, The World Bank and Datastream.
10) Population: The World Bank, Datastream and United Nations.
11) Average annual growth rate (%) of population: The World Bank, Datastream and
United Nations.
12) Age distribution within populations: OECD and United Nations.
13) Total exports and imports by year: IFC, The World Bank and Datastream.
14) Top three companies by country, industry or market: IFC, G.T. Guide to World
Equity Markets, Salomon Brothers Inc., and S.G. Warburg.
15) Foreign Direct Investments to developing countries: The World Bank and
Datastream.
16) Supply, consumption, demand and growth in demand of certain products,
services and industries, including, but not limited to, electricity, water,
transportation, construction materials, natural resources, technology, other
basic infrastructure, financial services, health care services and supplies,
consumer products and services and telecommunications equipment and services
(sources of such information may include, but would not be limited to, The
World Bank, OECD, IMF, Bloomberg and Datastream).
17) Standard deviation and performance returns for U.S. and non-U.S. equity and
bond markets: Morgan Stanley Capital International.
18) Countries restructuring their debt, including those under the Brady Plan:
the Sub-adviser.
19) Political and economic structure of countries: Economist Intelligence Unit.
20) Government and corporate bonds -- credit ratings, yield to maturity and
performance returns: Salomon Brothers, Inc.
21) Dividend yields for U.S. and non-U.S. companies: Bloomberg.
From time to time, AIM Distributors may include in its advertisements and sales
material, information about privatization, which is an economic process
involving the sale of state-owned companies to the private sector.
In advertising and sales materials, AIM Distributors may make reference to or
discuss its products, services and accomplishments. Among these accomplishments
are that in 1983 the Sub-adviser provided assistance to the government of Hong
Kong in linking its currency to the U.S. dollar, and that in 1987 Japan's
Ministry of Finance licensed LGT Asset Management Ltd. as one of the first
foreign discretionary investment management for Japanese investors. Such
accomplishments, however, should not be viewed as an endorsement of the
Sub-adviser by the government of Hong Kong, Japan's Ministry of Finance or any
other government or government agency. Nor do any such accomplishments of the
Sub-adviser provide any assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be
achieved.
Statement of Additional Information Page 40
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT RATINGS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. rates the debt securities issued by various
entities from "Aaa" to "C." Investment grade ratings are the first four
categories:
Aaa -- Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred
to as "gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized
are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such
issues.
Aa -- Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds, because
margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or
fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may
be other elements present which make the long-term risk appear somewhat
larger than the Aaa securities.
A -- Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations.
Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate,
but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment
some time in the future.
Baa -- Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as
medium-grade-obligations, (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor
poorly secured). Interest 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 both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
position characterizes bonds in this class.
B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may
be small.
Caa -- Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may
be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
Ca -- Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.
C -- Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
ABSENCE OF RATING: Where no rating has been assigned or where a rating has been
suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of the
issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
1. An application for rating was not received or accepted.
2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or companies that
are not rated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not published
in Moody's publications.
Statement of Additional Information Page 41
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise, the
effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer available
reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a bond is
called for redemption; or for other reasons.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa to Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the Company 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 Company ranks in the
lower end of its generic rating category.
STANDARD & POOR'S, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., rates the
securities debt of various entities in categories ranging from "AAA" to "D"
according to quality. Investment grade ratings are the first four categories:
AAA -- An obligation rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by S&P.
The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.
AA -- An obligation rated "AA" differs from the highest rated
obligations only in a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A -- An obligation rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations
in higher rated categories.
BBB -- An obligation rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection
parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances
are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C -- Obligations rated "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC," and "C"
are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. "BB"
indicates the least degree of speculation and "C" the highest. While such
obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics,
these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB -- An obligation rated "BB" is less vulnerable to nonpayment than
other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could
lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation.
B -- An obligation rated "B" is more vulnerable to nonpayment than
obligations rated "BB," but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet
its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or
economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness
to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC -- An obligation rated "CCC" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment,
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions
for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the
event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is
not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
CC -- An obligation rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable to
nonpayment.
C -- The "C" rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy
petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on
this obligation are being continued.
D -- An obligation rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating
category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due
even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes
that such payments will be made during such grace period. The "D" rating
also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of
a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
NR: Indicates that no public rating has been requested, that there is
insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a
particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
MOODY'S employs the designation "Prime-1" to indicate commercial paper
having a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.
Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following
characteristics: leading market positions in well-established industries; high
rates of return on funds employed; conservative
Statement of Additional Information Page 42
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset
protection; broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and
high internal cash generation; and well-established access to a range of
financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity. Issues rated
Prime-2 have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt
obligations. This normally will be evidenced by many of the characteristics
cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while
sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while
still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate
liquidity is maintained.
S&P ratings of commercial paper are graded into several categories ranging
from "A1" for the highest quality obligations to "D" for the lowest. Issues in
the "A" category are delineated with numbers 1, 2, and 3 to indicate the
relative degree of safety. A-1 -- This highest category indicates that the
degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to
possess extremely strong safety characteristics will be denoted with a plus sign
(+) designation. 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 designated "A-1."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The audited financial statements of the Funds as of October 31, 1997 and for the
fiscal year then ended appear on the following pages.
Statement of Additional Information Page 43
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL REPORT
To the Shareholders of GT Global Latin America Growth Fund and Board of
Directors of G.T. Investment Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of GT
Global Latin America Growth Fund, one of the funds organized as a series of G.T.
Investment Funds, Inc., including the portfolio of investments, as of October
31, 1997, the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the
statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then
ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period
then ended. These financial statements and the financial highlights are the
responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and the financial highlights based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
October 31, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and the financial highlights referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of GT
Global Latin America Growth Fund as of October 31, 1997, the results of
operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of
the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of
the five years in the period then ended in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
DECEMBER 15, 1997
F1
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE % OF NET
EQUITY INVESTMENTS COUNTRY SHARES (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Services (28.3%)
Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras S.A. (Telebras): ............. BRZL -- -- 10.4
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
ADR{\/} ................................................. -- 208,900 $ 21,203,350 --
Common .................................................. -- 106,900,000 9,502,114 --
Telefonos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. "L" - ADR{\/} ........... MEX 170,500 7,374,125 2.5
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Cifra, S.A. de C.V.: ...................................... MEX -- -- 2.3
RETAILERS-OTHER
"C" ..................................................... -- 3,340,500 5,800,868 --
"B" - ADR{\/} ........................................... -- 335,792 648,079 --
"A" ..................................................... -- 104,372 192,244 --
Compania Anonima Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela (CANTV) -
ADR{\/} .................................................. VENZ 147,400 6,448,750 2.2
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Telefonica del Peru S.A. - ADR{\/} ........................ PERU 254,100 5,018,475 1.7
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo -
SABESP-/- ................................................ BRZL 26,748,622 4,852,798 1.7
BUSINESS & PUBLIC SERVICES
Cia de Telecomunicaciones de Chile S.A. - ADR{\/} ......... CHLE 163,000 4,523,250 1.5
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Telecomunicacoes de Sao Paulo S.A. (TELESP): .............. BRZL -- -- 1.2
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Preferred ............................................... -- 11,109,390 2,902,308 --
Common-/- ............................................... -- 2,802,000 597,306 --
Santa Isabel S.A. - ADR{\/} ............................... CHLE 181,100 3,350,350 1.1
RETAILERS-FOOD
Telecomunicacoes do Rio de Janeiro S.A. (TELERJ)
Preferred ................................................ BRZL 34,694,581 3,304,546 1.1
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Controladora Comercial Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.: ............ MEX -- -- 1.0
RETAILERS-FOOD
UBC ..................................................... -- 2,682,000 2,665,940 --
GDR{\/} ................................................. -- 13,900 276,263 --
Telefonica de Argentina S.A. - ADR{\/} .................... ARG 90,900 2,556,563 0.9
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Grupo Televisa, S.A. de C.V. - GDR-/- {\/} ................ MEX 47,000 1,457,000 0.5
BROADCASTING & PUBLISHING
Supermercados Unimarc S.A. - ADR (Chile){\/} -/- .......... CHLE 33,000 495,000 0.2
RETAILERS-FOOD
------------
83,169,329
------------
Energy (24.6%)
Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras S.A. (Eletrobras): ......... BRZL -- -- 4.7
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
"B" Preferred ........................................... -- 20,252,000 8,762,885 --
Common-/- ............................................... -- 11,999,000 4,843,573 --
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) Preferred ............ BRZL 48,642,000 9,045,365 3.1
OIL
C.A. La Electricidad de Caracas ........................... VENZ 5,672,038 7,456,318 2.5
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Light - Servicos de Electricidade S.A. .................... BRZL 17,602,000 5,843,915 2.0
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F2
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE % OF NET
EQUITY INVESTMENTS COUNTRY SHARES (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Energy (Continued)
Enersis S.A. - ADR{\/} .................................... CHLE 174,500 $ 5,758,500 2.0
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Empresa Nacional de Electricidad S.A. - ADR{\/} ........... CHLE 254,300 5,117,788 1.7
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
YPF S.A. - ADR{\/} ........................................ ARG 148,900 4,764,800 1.6
OIL
Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais (CEMIG) - ADR{\/} .... BRZL 112,200 4,488,000 1.5
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Harken Energy Corp.-/- .................................... US 674,500 4,426,406 1.5
OIL
Chilgener S.A. - ADR{\/} .................................. CHLE 121,819 3,289,113 1.1
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Light - Participacoes S.A. ................................ BRZL 10,585,000 2,707,701 0.9
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Companhia Brasileira de Petroleo Ipiranga S.A.
Preferred ................................................ BRZL 173,785,000 2,522,279 0.9
OIL
Perez Companc S.A. "B" .................................... ARG 377,196 2,362,665 0.8
OIL
Compania Paulista de Forca e Luz .......................... BRZL 5,030,000 736,842 0.3
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
------------
72,126,150
------------
Materials/Basic Industry (13.4%)
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. "A" ................ MEX 2,614,000 11,520,383 3.9
PAPER/PACKAGING
Apasco, S.A. de C.V. ...................................... MEX 1,331,000 8,129,461 2.8
CEMENT
Companhia Vale do Rio Doce Preferred ...................... BRZL 306,600 5,923,966 2.0
METALS - STEEL
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. - ADR{\/} ......... CHLE 95,100 4,933,313 1.7
CHEMICALS
Grupo Industrial Minera Mexico "L" ........................ MEX 1,406,724 4,178,055 1.4
METALS - NON-FERROUS
Industrias Penoles S.A. (CP) .............................. MEX 978,200 3,895,228 1.3
METALS - NON-FERROUS
Corporacion Venezolana de Cementos, S.A.C.A.: ............. VENZ -- -- 0.3
CEMENT
"A" ..................................................... -- 347,758 704,225 --
"B" ..................................................... -- 161,928 324,987 --
------------
39,609,618
------------
Multi-Industry/Miscellaneous (10.6%)
Alfa, S.A. de C.V. "A" .................................... MEX 1,356,600 9,942,984 3.4
CONGLOMERATE
Grupo Carso, S.A. de C.V. "A1" ............................ MEX 1,357,000 8,629,545 2.9
MULTI-INDUSTRY
Sanluis Corporacion, S.A. de C.V.-/- ...................... MEX 830,200 6,442,750 2.2
CONGLOMERATE
Desc, S.A. de C.V. - ADR{\/} .............................. MEX 93,800 3,177,475 1.1
CONGLOMERATE
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F3
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE % OF NET
EQUITY INVESTMENTS COUNTRY SHARES (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Multi-Industry/Miscellaneous (Continued)
Empresas La Moderna, S.A. de C.V. "A"-/- .................. MEX 355,000 $ 1,743,114 0.6
MULTI-INDUSTRY
Commercial Del Plata-/- ................................... ARG 697,410 1,032,786 0.4
CONGLOMERATE
------------
30,968,654
------------
Finance (9.9%)
Uniao Bancos Brasileiras "A" Preferred .................... BRZL 247,114,000 6,271,997 2.1
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Banco LatinoAmericano de Exportaciones S.A. (Bladex)
"E"{\/} .................................................. PAN 89,035 3,539,141 1.2
OTHER FINANCIAL
Banco BHIF - ADR-/-{\/} ................................... CHLE 195,500 3,396,813 1.2
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Grupo Financiero Banorte "B"-/- ........................... MEX 2,279,000 3,138,743 1.1
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Credicorp Ltd. - ADR{\/} .................................. PERU 140,320 2,516,990 0.9
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Provida S.A. -
ADR{\/} .................................................. CHLE 149,900 2,510,825 0.9
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
Banco Provincial S.A. ..................................... VENZ 1,196,992 2,390,332 0.8
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Banco de A. Edwards - ADR{\/} ............................. CHLE 125,100 2,173,613 0.7
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Banco Frances del Rio de la Plata S.A. - ADR{\/} .......... ARG 58,000 1,428,250 0.5
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
ARA, S.A. de C.V.-/- ...................................... MEX 230,000 848,383 0.3
REAL ESTATE
Banco Wiese - ADR{\/} ..................................... PERU 131,400 730,913 0.2
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
------------
28,946,000
------------
Consumer Non-Durables (8.1%)
Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. "B" .............. MEX 1,274,500 9,005,449 3.1
BEVERAGES - ALCOHOLIC
Grupo Industrial Maseca, S.A. de C.V. "B" ................. MEX 4,980,000 4,830,898 1.6
FOOD
Companhia Cervejaria Brahma Preferred ..................... BRZL 6,838,000 4,279,949 1.5
BEVERAGES - ALCOHOLIC
Compania Cervecerias Unidas S.A. - ADR{\/} ................ CHLE 138,800 3,383,250 1.2
BEVERAGES - ALCOHOLIC
Mavesa S.A. - ADR{\/} ..................................... VENZ 147,500 1,106,250 0.4
FOOD
Sudamtex de Venezuela "B" - ADR{\/} ....................... VENZ 53,200 691,600 0.2
TEXTILES & APPAREL
Embotelladora Andina S.A. - ADR{\/} ....................... CHLE 15,000 360,000 0.1
BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC
Cerveceria Backus & Johnston S.A. "T" ..................... PERU 75,905 69,463 --
BEVERAGES - ALCOHOLIC
------------
23,726,859
------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F4
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE % OF NET
EQUITY INVESTMENTS COUNTRY SHARES (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consumer Durables (0.9%)
Brasmotor S.A. Preferred .................................. BRZL 18,327,000 $ 2,576,819 0.9
APPLIANCES & HOUSEHOLD DURABLES
------------ -----
TOTAL EQUITY INVESTMENTS (cost $290,305,760) ................ 281,123,429 95.8
------------ -----
<CAPTION>
NO. OF VALUE % OF NET
RIGHTS COUNTRY RIGHTS (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Telecomunicacoes do Rio de Janeiro S.A. (TELERJ) Rights -
Preferred, expire 11/12/97 ............................... BRZL 1,689,830 22,993 --
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Telecomunicacoes de Sao Paulo S.A. (TELESP) Rights, expire
11/12/97 ................................................. BRZL 513,280 466 --
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
------------ -----
TOTAL RIGHTS (cost $0) ...................................... 23,459 --
------------ -----
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL VALUE % OF NET
FIXED INCOME INVESTMENTS CURRENCY AMOUNT (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Corporate Bonds (0.0%)
Brazil (0.0%)
Companhia Vale do Rio Doce - Non Convertible (cost
$0) .................................................... BRL 276,400 -- --
------------ -----
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $290,305,760) * .................... 281,146,888 95.8
Other Assets and Liabilities ................................ 12,433,174 4.2
------------ -----
NET ASSETS .................................................. $293,580,062 100.0
------------ -----
------------ -----
</TABLE>
- --------------
{\/} U.S. currency denominated.
-/- Non-income producing security.
* For Federal income tax purposes, cost is $290,596,548 and
appreciation (depreciation) is as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized appreciation: $ 26,409,562
Unrealized depreciation: (35,859,222)
-------------
Net unrealized depreciation: $ (9,449,660)
-------------
-------------
</TABLE>
Abbreviations:
ADR--American Depository Receipt
GDR--Global Depository Receipt
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F5
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's Portfolio of Investments at October 31, 1997, was concentrated in the
following countries:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE OF NET ASSETS{d}
-----------------------------
SHORT-TERM
COUNTRY (COUNTRY CODE/CURRENCY CODE) EQUITY & OTHER TOTAL
- -------------------------------------- ----- ------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Argentina (ARG/ARS) .................. 4.2 4.2
Brazil (BRZL/BRL) .................... 34.3 34.3
Chile (CHLE/CLP) ..................... 13.4 13.4
Mexico (MEX/MXN) ..................... 32.0 32.0
Panama (PAN/PND) ..................... 1.2 1.2
Peru (PERU/PES) ...................... 2.8 2.8
United States (US/USD) ............... 1.5 4.2 5.7
Venezuela (VENZ/VEB) ................. 6.4 6.4
----- ------- -----
Total ............................... 95.8 4.2 100.0
----- ------- -----
----- ------- -----
</TABLE>
- --------------
{d} Percentages indicated are based on net assets of $293,580,062.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F6
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS
AND LIABILITIES
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Assets:
Investments in securities, at value (cost $290,305,760) (Note 1)............................. $281,146,888
U.S. currency..................................................................... $ 924
Foreign currencies (cost $44,025)................................................. 44,033 44,957
---------
Receivable for Fund shares sold.............................................................. 14,119,361
Receivable for securities sold............................................................... 4,099,448
Dividends receivable......................................................................... 686,435
Miscellaneous receivable..................................................................... 19,727
-----------
Total assets............................................................................... 300,116,816
-----------
Liabilities:
Payable for loan outstanding (Note 1)........................................................ 3,238,000
Payable for Fund shares repurchased.......................................................... 2,418,769
Payable for investment management and administration fees (Note 2)........................... 305,562
Payable for service and distribution expenses (Note 2)....................................... 233,877
Payable for transfer agent fees (Note 2)..................................................... 174,161
Payable for printing and postage expenses.................................................... 87,242
Payable for professional fees................................................................ 37,498
Payable for custodian fees (Note 1).......................................................... 17,552
Payable for registration and filing fees..................................................... 5,729
Payable for Directors' fees and expenses (Note 2)............................................ 5,654
Payable for fund accounting fees (Note 2).................................................... 5,612
Other accrued expenses....................................................................... 7,098
-----------
Total liabilities.......................................................................... 6,536,754
-----------
Net assets..................................................................................... $293,580,062
-----------
-----------
Class A:
Net asset value and redemption price per share ($159,496,474 DIVIDED BY 8,177,513 shares
outstanding).................................................................................. $ 19.50
-----------
-----------
Maximum offering price per share (100/95.25 of $19.50) *....................................... $ 20.47
-----------
-----------
Class B:+
Net asset value and offering price per share ($133,448,007 DIVIDED BY 6,939,727 shares
outstanding).................................................................................. $ 19.23
-----------
-----------
Advisor Class:
Net asset value, offering price per share, and redemption price per share ($635,581 DIVIDED BY
32,476 shares outstanding).................................................................... $ 19.57
-----------
-----------
Net assets consist of:
Paid in capital (Note 4)..................................................................... $317,756,097
Undistributed net investment income.......................................................... 219,672
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions............... (15,230,114)
Net unrealized depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies... (6,721)
Net unrealized depreciation of investments................................................... (9,158,872)
-----------
Total -- representing net assets applicable to capital shares outstanding...................... $293,580,062
-----------
-----------
<FN>
- --------------
* On sales of $50,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.
+ Redemption price per share is equal to the net asset value per share less
any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F7
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year ended October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Investment income: (Note 1)
Dividend income (net of foreign withholding tax of $266,649).............................. $ 8,471,075
Interest income........................................................................... 530,160
-----------
Total investment income................................................................. 9,001,235
-----------
Expenses:
Investment management and administration fees (Note 2).................................... 3,538,586
Service and distribution expenses: (Note 2)
Class A.................................................................... $ 1,011,259
Class B.................................................................... 1,587,737 2,598,996
-----------
Transfer agent fees (Note 2).............................................................. 1,261,524
Custodian fees (Note 1)................................................................... 196,565
Printing and postage expenses............................................................. 175,200
Fund accounting fees (Note 2)............................................................. 90,733
Audit fees................................................................................ 73,365
Registration and filing fees.............................................................. 64,495
Legal fees................................................................................ 17,155
Directors' fees and expenses (Note 2)..................................................... 13,140
Other expenses (Note 1)................................................................... 215,751
-----------
Total expenses before reductions........................................................ 8,245,510
-----------
Expense reductions (Notes 1 & 6)...................................................... (361,233)
-----------
Total net expenses...................................................................... 7,884,277
-----------
Net investment income....................................................................... 1,116,958
-----------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currencies:
(Note 1)
Net realized gain on investments............................................. 85,442,902
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions........................... (897,287)
-----------
Net realized gain during the year....................................................... 84,545,615
Net change in unrealized depreciation on translation of assets and
liabilities in foreign currencies........................................... 25,640
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments......................... (47,707,162)
-----------
Net unrealized depreciation during the year............................................. (47,681,522)
-----------
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currencies...................... 36,864,093
-----------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations........................................ $37,981,051
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F8
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
OCTOBER 31, OCTOBER 31,
1997 1996
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Decrease in net assets
Operations:
Net investment income.................................................... $ 1,116,958 $ 878,406
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency
transactions............................................................ 84,545,615 (4,964,724)
Net change in unrealized appreciation on translation of assets and
liabilities in foreign currencies....................................... 25,640 608,089
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments...... (47,707,162) 63,484,288
------------- -------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations................... 37,981,051 60,006,059
------------- -------------
Class A:
Distributions to shareholders: (Note 1)
From net investment income............................................... -- (842,524)
In excess of net investment income....................................... -- (381,092)
Class B:
Distributions to shareholders: (Note 1)
From net investment income............................................... -- (93,201)
In excess of net investment income....................................... -- (42,157)
Advisor Class:
Distributions to shareholders: (Note 1)
From net investment income............................................... -- (4,285)
In excess of net investment income....................................... -- (1,938)
------------- -------------
Total distributions.................................................... -- (1,365,197)
------------- -------------
Capital share transactions: (Note 4)
Increase from capital shares sold and reinvested......................... 1,267,100,757 1,551,794,195
Decrease from capital shares repurchased................................. (1,327,093,718) (1,612,200,649)
------------- -------------
Net decrease from capital share transactions........................... (59,992,961) (60,406,454)
------------- -------------
Total decrease in net assets............................................... (22,011,910) (1,765,592)
Net assets:
Beginning of year........................................................ 315,591,972 317,357,564
------------- -------------
End of year *............................................................ $ 293,580,062 $ 315,591,972
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
* Includes undistributed net investment income of......................... $ 219,672 --
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F9
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contained below is per share operating performance data for a share outstanding
throughout each period, total investment return, ratios and supplemental data.
This information has been derived from information provided in the financial
statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A+
----------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------
1997 (A) 1996 (A) 1995 (A) 1994 (A) 1993 (A)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating Performance:
Net asset value, beginning of period.... $ 17.95 $ 15.38 $ 26.11 $ 19.78 $ 15.59
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss).......... 0.11 0.09 0.15 (0.08) 0.18*
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments................ 1.44 2.59 (9.28) 6.75 5.21
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net increase (decrease) from
investment operations.............. 1.55 2.68 (9.13) 6.67 5.39
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Distributions to shareholders:
From net investment income............ -- (0.08) -- (0.19) (0.12)
From net realized gain on
investments.......................... -- -- (1.60) (0.15) (1.08)
In excess of net investment income.... -- (0.03) -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total distributions................. -- (0.11) (1.60) (0.34) (1.20)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period.......... $ 19.50 $ 17.95 $ 15.38 $ 26.11 $ 19.78
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total investment return (d)............. 8.52% 17.52% (37.16)% 34.10% 37.1%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's).... $ 159,496 $ 177,373 $ 182,462 $ 336,960 $ 129,280
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets..................... 0.52% 0.46% 0.86% (0.29)% 1.3%*
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
With expense reductions (Notes 1 &
6)................................... 1.96% 2.03% 2.11% 2.04% 2.4%*
Without expense reductions............ 2.06% 2.10% 2.12% N/A N/A
Portfolio turnover rate++++............. 130% 101% 125% 155% 112%
Average commission rate per share paid
on portfolio transactions++++.......... $ 0.0007 $ 0.0005 N/A N/A N/A
</TABLE>
- ----------------
+ All capital shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 1993 were
reclassified as Class A shares.
++ Commencing April 1, 1993, the Fund began offering Class B shares.
+++ Commencing June 1, 1995, the Fund began offering Advisor Class shares.
++++ Portfolio turnover rate and average commission rate are calculated on
the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the
classes of shares issued.
* Includes reimbursement by Chancellor LGT Asset Management, Inc. of
Fund operating expenses of $0.02 for the year ended October 31, 1993.
Without such reimbursements, the expense ratio would have been 2.49%
and the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would
have been 1.25% for the year ended October 31, 1993.
(a) These selected per share data were calculated based upon average
shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Total investment return does not include sales charges.
N/A Not Applicable.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F10
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (cont'd)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contained below is per share operating performance data for a share outstanding
throughout each period, total investment return, ratios and supplemental data.
This information has been derived from information provided in the financial
statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B++
-------------------------------------------------------------
APRIL 1, 1993
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, TO
---------------------------------------------- OCTOBER 31,
1997 (A) 1996 (A) 1995 (A) 1994 (A) 1993 (A)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating Performance:
Net asset value, beginning of period.... $ 17.78 $ 15.21 $ 25.94 $ 19.75 $ 16.26
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss).......... 0.01 (0.00) 0.06 (0.22) (0.07)
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments................ 1.44 2.59 (9.19) 6.74 3.56
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) from
investment operations.............. 1.45 2.59 (9.13) 6.52 3.49
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Distributions to shareholders:
From net investment income............ -- (0.01) -- (0.18) --
From net realized gain on
investments.......................... -- -- (1.60) (0.15) --
In excess of net investment income.... -- (0.01) -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Total distributions................. -- (0.02) (1.60) (0.33) --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Net asset value, end of period.......... $ 19.23 $ 17.78 $ 15.21 $ 25.94 $ 19.75
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Total investment return (d)............. 8.04% 17.02% (37.42)% 33.33% 21.5% (b)
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's).... $ 133,448 $ 137,400 $ 134,527 $ 211,673 $13,576
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets..................... 0.02% (0.04)% 0.36% (0.79)% (0.7)% (c)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
With expense reductions (Notes 1 &
6)................................... 2.46% 2.53% 2.61% 2.54% 2.9% (c)
Without expense reductions............ 2.56% 2.60% 2.62% N/A N/A
Portfolio turnover rate++++............. 130% 101% 125% 155% 112%
Average commission rate per share paid
on portfolio transactions++++.......... $ 0.0007 $ 0.0005 N/A N/A N/A
<CAPTION>
ADVISOR CLASS+++
-----------------------------------
YEAR ENDED JUNE 1, 1995
OCTOBER 31, TO
--------------------- OCTOBER 31,
1997 (A) 1996 (A) 1995
-------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating Performance:
Net asset value, beginning of period.... $ 17.94 $ 15.40 $ 15.95
-------- ---------- ------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss).......... 0.19 0.17 0.09
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments................ 1.44 2.58 (0.64)
-------- ---------- ------------
Net increase (decrease) from
investment operations.............. 1.63 2.75 (0.55)
-------- ---------- ------------
Distributions to shareholders:
From net investment income............ -- (0.14) --
From net realized gain on
investments.......................... -- -- --
In excess of net investment income.... -- (0.07) --
-------- ---------- ------------
Total distributions................. -- (0.21) --
-------- ---------- ------------
Net asset value, end of period.......... $ 19.57 $ 17.94 $ 15.40
-------- ---------- ------------
-------- ---------- ------------
Total investment return (d)............. 8.91% 18.16% (3.45)%(b)
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's).... $ 636 $ 818 $ 369
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets..................... 1.02% 0.96% 1.36 %(c)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
With expense reductions (Notes 1 &
6)................................... 1.46% 1.53% 1.61 %(c)
Without expense reductions............ 1.56% 1.60% 1.62 %(c)
Portfolio turnover rate++++............. 130% 101% 125 %
Average commission rate per share paid
on portfolio transactions++++.......... $0.0007 $ 0.0005 N/A
</TABLE>
- ----------------
+ All capital shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 1993 were
reclassified as Class A shares.
++ Commencing April 1, 1993, the Fund began offering Class B shares.
+++ Commencing June 1, 1995, the Fund began offering Advisor Class shares.
++++ Portfolio turnover rate and average commission rate are calculated on
the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the
classes of shares issued.
* Includes reimbursement by Chancellor LGT Asset Management, Inc. of
Fund operating expenses of $0.02 for the year ended October 31, 1993.
Without such reimbursements, the expense ratio would have been 2.49%
and the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would
have been 1.25% for the year ended October 31, 1993.
(a) These selected per share data were calculated based upon average
shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Total investment return does not include sales charges.
N/A Not Applicable.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F11
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
GT Global Latin America Growth Fund ("Fund") is a separate series of G.T.
Investment Funds, Inc. ("Company"). The Company is organized as a Maryland
corporation and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended ("1940 Act"), as a non-diversified, open-end management investment
company. The Company has thirteen series of shares in operation, each series
corresponding to a distinct portfolio of investments.
The Fund offers Class A, Class B, and Advisor Class shares, each of which has
equal rights as to assets and voting privileges. Class A and Class B each has
exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. Investment
income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, and the common
expenses of the Fund are allocated on a pro rata basis to each class based on
the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of the Fund. Each
class of shares differs in its respective service and distribution expenses, and
may differ in its transfer agent, registration, and certain other class-specific
fees and expenses.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of
significant accounting policies in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of the
financial statements.
(A) PORTFOLIO VALUATION
The Fund calculates the net asset value of and completes orders to purchase,
exchange or repurchase Fund shares on each business day, with the exception of
those days on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed.
Equity securities are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which
such securities are traded, or on the principal over-the-counter market on which
such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the
securities are being valued, or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid
price. In cases where securities are traded on more than one exchange, the
securities are valued on the exchange determined by Chancellor LGT Asset
Management, Inc. ("the Manager") to be the primary market.
Fixed income investments are valued at the mean of representative quoted bid and
ask prices for such investments or, if such prices are not available, at prices
for investments of comparative maturity, quality and type; however, when the
Manager deems it appropriate, prices obtained for the day of valuation from a
bond pricing service will be used. Short-term investments with maturity of 60
days or less are valued at amortized cost adjusted for foreign exchange
translation and market fluctuation, if any.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available (including
restricted securities which are subject to limitations on their sale) are valued
at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the
Company's Board of Directors.
Portfolio securities which are primarily traded on foreign exchanges are
generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on their
respective exchanges, and those values are then translated into U.S. dollars at
the current exchange rates, except that when an occurrence subsequent to the
time a value was so established is likely to have materially changed such value,
then the fair value of those securities will be determined by consideration of
other factors by or under the direction of the Company's Board of Directors.
(B) FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
The accounting records are maintained in U.S. dollars. The market values of
foreign securities, currency holdings, and other assets and liabilities are
recorded in the books and records of the Fund after translation to U.S. dollars
based on the exchange rates on that day. The cost of each security is determined
using historical exchange rates. Income and withholding taxes are translated at
prevailing exchange rates when earned or incurred.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting
from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations
arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are
included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales and
maturities of short-term securities, forward foreign currency contracts, sales
of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and
settlement dates on securities transactions, and the differences between the
amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the
Fund's books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or
paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the
value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at year
end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
(C) REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
With respect to repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund, it is the Fund's
policy to always receive, as collateral, United States government securities or
other high quality debt securities of which the value, including accrued
interest, is at least equal to the amount to be repaid to the Fund under each
agreement at its maturity.
(D) FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS
A forward foreign currency contract ("Forward Contract") is an agreement between
two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set price on a future date. The
market value of the Forward Contract
F12
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
fluctuates with changes in currency exchange rates. The Forward Contract is
marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as
an unrealized gain or loss. When the Forward Contract is closed, the Fund
records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the
time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Forward Contracts
involve market risk in excess of the amount shown in the Fund's "Statement of
Assets and Liabilities." The Fund could be exposed to risk if a counterparty is
unable to meet the terms of the contract or if the value of the currency changes
unfavorably. The Fund may enter into Forward Contracts in connection with
planned purchases or sales of securities, or to hedge against adverse
fluctuations in exchange rates between currencies.
(E) OPTION ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
When the Fund writes a call or put option, an amount equal to the premium
received is included in the Fund's "Statement of Assets and Liabilities" as an
asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently
marked-to-market to reflect the current market value of the option. The current
market value of an option listed on a traded exchange is valued at its last bid
price, or, in the case of an over-the-counter option, is valued at the average
of the last bid prices obtained from brokers. If an option expires on its
stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase
transaction, a gain or loss is realized without regard to any unrealized gain or
loss on the underlying security, and the liability related to such option is
extinguished. If a written call option is exercised, a gain or loss is realized
from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds of the sale are
increased by the premium originally received. If a written put option is
exercised, the cost of the underlying security purchased would be decreased by
the premium originally received. The Fund can write options only on a covered
basis, which, for a call, requires that the fund hold the underlying securities
and, for a put, requires the Fund to maintain in a segregated account cash, U.S.
government securities, or other liquid securities in an amount not less than the
exercise price or otherwise provide adequate cover at all times while the put
option is outstanding. The Fund may use options to manage its exposure to the
stock or bond market and to fluctuations in currency values or interest rates.
The premium paid by the Fund for the purchase of a call or put option is
included in the Fund's "Statement of Assets and Liabilities" as an investment
and subsequently "marked-to-market" to reflect the current market value of the
option. If an option which the Fund has purchased expires on the stipulated
expiration date, the Fund realizes a loss in the amount of the cost of the
option. If the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, the Fund realizes a
gain or loss, depending on whether proceeds from the closing sale transaction
are greater or less than the cost of the option. If the Fund exercises a call
option, the cost of the securities acquired by exercising the call is increased
by the premium paid to buy the call. If the Fund exercises a put option, it
realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security, and the
proceeds from such sale are decreased by the premium originally paid.
The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally
paid. The risk in writing a call option is that the Fund may forego the
opportunity of profit if the market value of the underlying security or index
increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing a put option is that
the Fund may incur a loss if the market value of the underlying security or
index decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there is the risk the
Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid
secondary market.
(F) FUTURES CONTRACTS
A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a
security at a set price on a future date. Upon entering into such a contract the
Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash or securities equal
to the minimum "initial margin" requirements of the exchange on which the
contract is traded. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or
pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of
the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as "variation margin" and are
recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. When the contract is closed,
the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the
value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was
closed. The potential risk to the Fund is that the change in value of the
underlying securities may not correlate to the change in value of the contracts.
The Fund may use futures contracts to manage its exposure to the stock or bond
market and to fluctuations in currency values or interest rates. At October 31,
1997, the fund had no open futures contracts.
(G) SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED INVESTMENT INCOME
Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy
or sell is executed). The cost of securities sold is determined on a first-in,
first-out basis, unless otherwise specified. Interest income is recorded on the
accrual basis. Where a high level of uncertainty exists as to its collection,
income is recorded net of all withholding tax with any rebate recorded when
received. The Fund may trade securities on other than normal settlement terms.
This may increase the risk if the other party to the transaction fails to
deliver and causes the Fund to subsequently invest at less advantageous prices.
(H) TAXES
It is the policy of the Fund to meet the requirements for qualification as a
"regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended ("Code"). It is also the intention of the Fund to make distributions
sufficient to avoid imposition of any excise tax under Section 4982 of the Code.
Therefore, no provision has been made for Federal taxes on income, capital
gains, or unrealized appreciation of securities held, and excise tax on income
and capital gains. The Fund currently has a capital loss carryforward of
$14,939,326, of which $8,211,999 expires in 2003 and $6,727,327 expires in 2004.
(I) DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Distributions to shareholders are recorded by the Fund on the ex-date. Income
and capital gain distributions are determined in
F13
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
accordance with Federal income tax regulations which may differ from generally
accepted accounting principles. These differences are primarily due to differing
treatments of income and gains on various investment securities held by the Fund
and timing differences.
(J) FOREIGN SECURITIES
There are certain additional considerations and risks associated with investing
in foreign securities and currency transactions that are not inherent in
investments of domestic origin. The Fund's investments in emerging market
countries may involve greater risks than investments in more developed markets
and the prices of such investments may be volatile. These risks of investing in
foreign and emerging markets may include foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuations, perceived credit risk, adverse political and economic developments
and possible adverse foreign government intervention.
(K) INDEXED SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in indexed securities whose value is linked either directly
or indirectly to changes in foreign currencies, interest rates, equities,
indices, or other reference instruments. Indexed securities may be more volatile
than the reference instrument itself, but any loss is limited to the amount of
the original investment.
(L) RESTRICTED SECURITIES
The Fund is permitted to invest in privately placed restricted securities. These
securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the
public if the securities are registered. Disposal of these securities may
involve time-consuming negotiations and expense, and prompt sale at an
acceptable price may be difficult.
(M) PORTFOLIO SECURITIES LOANED
At October 31, 1997, stocks with an aggregate value of approximately $32,165,965
were on loan to brokers. The loans were secured by cash collateral of
$34,658,600. For international securities, cash collateral is received by the
Fund against loaned securities in an amount at least equal to 105% of the market
value of the loaned securities at the inception of each loan. This collateral
must be maintained at not less than 103% of the market value of the loaned
securities during the period of the loan. For domestic securities, cash
collateral is received by the Fund against loaned securities in an amount at
least equal to 102% of the market value of the loaned securities at the
inception of each loan. This collateral must be maintained at not less than 100%
of the market value of the loaned securities during the period of the loan. For
the year ended October 31, 1997, the Fund received $315,802 of income from
securities lending which was used to reduce custodian and administrative
expenses.
(N) LINE OF CREDIT
The Fund, along with certain other funds ("GT Funds") advised or administered by
the Manager, has a line of credit with each of BankBoston and State Street Bank
& Trust Company. The
arrangements with the banks allow the Fund and the GT Funds to borrow an
aggregate maximum amount of $200,000,000. The Fund is limited to borrowing up to
33 1/3% of the value of each Fund's total assets. On October 31, 1997, the Fund
had $3,238,000 in loans outstanding.
For the year ended October 31, 1997, the weighted average outstanding daily
balance of bank loans (based on the number of days the loans were outstanding)
for the Fund was $7,810,915, with a weighted average interest rate of 6.37%.
Interest expense for the Fund for the year ended October 31, 1997 was $98,132,
included in "Other Expenses" on the Statement of Operations.
2. RELATED PARTIES
Chancellor LGT Asset Management, Inc. is the Funds Portfolios' investment
manager and administrator. The Fund pays investment management and
administration fees to the Manager at the annualized rate of 0.975% of the first
$500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund; 0.95% of the next $500
million; 0.925% of the next $500 million and 0.90% on amounts thereafter. These
fees are computed daily and paid monthly.
GT Global Inc. ("GT Global"), an affiliate of the Manager, is the Fund's
distributor. The Fund offers Class A, Class B and Advisor Class shares for
purchase.
Class A shares are subject to initial sales charges imposed at the time of
purchase, in accordance with the schedule included in the Fund's current
prospectus. GT Global collects the sales charges imposed on sales of Class A
shares, and reallows a portion of such charges to dealers through which the
sales are made. For the period ended October 31, 1997, GT Global retained
$50,871 of such sales charges. Purchases of Class A shares exceeding $500,000
may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") upon redemption,
in accordance with the Fund's current prospectus. GT Global collected CDSCs in
the amount of $282 for the year ended October 31, 1997. GT Global also makes
ongoing shareholder servicing and trail commission payments to dealers whose
clients hold Class A shares.
Class B shares are not subject to initial sales charges. When Class B shares are
sold, GT Global from its own resources pays commissions to dealers through which
the sales are made. Certain redemptions of Class B shares made within six years
of purchase are subject to CDSCs, in accordance with the Fund's current
prospectus. For the year ended October 31, 1997, GT Global collected CDSCs in
the amount of $923,487. In addition, GT Global makes ongoing shareholder
servicing and trail commission payments to dealers whose clients hold Class B
shares.
Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Company's Board of Directors has
adopted separate distribution plans with respect to the Fund's Class A shares
("Class A Plan") and Class B shares ("Class B Plan"), pursuant to which the Fund
reimburses GT Global for a portion of its shareholder servicing and distribution
expenses. Under the Class A Plan, the Fund may pay GT Global a service fee at
the annualized rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's
Class A shares for GT Global's expenditures incurred in servicing and
maintaining shareholder accounts, and may pay GT Global a distribution fee at
the annualized rate of up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's
Class A shares, less any amounts paid by the Fund as the aforementioned service
fee, for GT Global's expenditures incurred in providing services as distributor.
F14
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
All expenses for which GT Global is reimbursed under the Class A Plan will have
been incurred within one year of such reimbursement.
Pursuant to the Fund's Class B Plan, the Fund may pay GT Global a service fee at
the annualized rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's
Class B shares for GT Global's expenditures incurred in servicing and
maintaining shareholder accounts, and may pay GT Global a distribution fee at
the annualized rate of up to 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's
Class B Shares for GT Global's expenditures incurred in providing services as
distributor. Expenses incurred under the Class B Plan in excess of 1.00%
annually may be carried forward for reimbursement in subsequent years as long as
that Plan continues in effect.
The Manager and GT Global voluntarily have undertaken to limit the Fund's
expenses (exclusive of brokerage commissions, taxes, interest, and extraordinary
expenses) to the maximum annual rate of 2.40%, 2.90%, and 1.90% of the average
net assets of the Fund's Class A, Class B and Advisor Class shares,
respectively. If necessary, this limitation will be effected by waivers by the
Manager of investment management and administration fees, waivers by GT Global
of payments under the Class A Plan and/or Class B Plan and/or reimbursements by
the Manager or GT Global of portions of the Fund's other operating expenses.
Effective November 1, 1997, the Manager and GT Global have undertaken to limit
each Fund's expenses (exclusive of brokerage commissions, taxes, interest, and
extraordinary expenses) to the annual rate of 2.00%, 2.50% and 1.50% of the
average daily net assets of the Fund's Class A, Class B and Advisor Class
shares, respectively. This undertaking may be changed or eliminated in the
future.
GT Global Investor Services, Inc. ("GT Services"), an affiliate of the Manager
and GT Global, is the transfer agent of the Fund. For performing shareholder
servicing, reporting, and general transfer agent services, GT Services receives
an annual maintenance fee of $17.50 per account, a new account fee of $4.00 per
account, a per transaction fee of $1.75 for all transactions other than
exchanges and a per exchange fee of $2.25. GT Services also is reimbursed by the
Fund for its out-of-pocket expenses for such items as postage, forms, telephone
charges, stationery and office supplies.
The Manager is the pricing and accounting agent for the Fund. The monthly fee
for these services to the manager is a percentage, not to exceed 0.03% annually,
of the Fund's average daily net assets. The annual fee rate is derived by
applying 0.03% to the first $5 billion of assets of all registered mutual funds
advised by the Manager and 0.02% to the assets in excess of $5 billion and
allocating the results according to the Funds average daily net assets.
The Company pays each of its Directors who is not an employee, officer or
director of the Manager, GT Global or GT Services $5,000 per year plus $300 for
each meeting of the board or any committee thereof attended by the Director.
3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
For the year ended October 31, 1997, purchases and sales of investment
securities by the Fund, other than short-term investments, aggregated
$439,672,522 and $508,014,202. There were no purchases or sales of U.S.
government obligations for the year ended October 31, 1997.
4. CAPITAL SHARES
At October 31, 1997, there were 6,000,000,000 shares of the Company's common
stock authorized, at $0.0001 par value. Of this amount, 200,000,000 were
classified as shares of the Fund; 400,000,000 were classified as shares of GT
Global Government Income Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT
Global Developing Markets Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT
Global Health Care Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Strategic Income Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Currency Fund (inactive); 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Growth & Income Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global Small
Companies Fund (inactive); 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Natural Resources Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Infrastructure Fund; 400,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Telecommunications Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Emerging Markets Fund; and 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Financial Services Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global High
Income Fund; and 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global Consumer
Products and Services Fund. The shares of each of the foregoing series of the
Company were divided equally into two classes, designated Class A and Class B
common stock. With respect to the issuance of Advisor Class shares, 100,000,000
shares were classified as shares of each of the fifteen series of the Company
and designated as Advisor Class common stock. 1,100,000,000 shares remain
unclassified. Transactions in capital shares of the Fund were as follows:
F15
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
OCTOBER 31,1997 OCTOBER 31, 1996
-------------------------- ----------------------------
CLASS A SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
- -------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shares sold....................................... 46,171,230 $ 937,785,689 76,364,877 $ 1,304,172,875
Shares issued in connection with reinvestment of
distributions................................... -- -- 66,851 1,023,814
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
46,171,230 937,785,689 76,431,728 1,305,196,689
Shares repurchased................................ (47,874,889) (980,118,186) (78,414,835) (1,346,357,898)
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
Net decrease...................................... (1,703,659) $ (42,332,497) (1,983,107) $ (41,161,209)
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
OCTOBER 31, 1997 OCTOBER 31, 1996
-------------------------- ----------------------------
CLASS B SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
- -------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shares sold....................................... 14,424,170 $ 299,346,687 13,503,991 $ 230,324,732
Shares issued in connection with reinvestment of
distributions................................... -- -- 6,914 105,073
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
14,424,170 299,346,687 13,510,905 230,429,805
Shares repurchased................................ (15,210,392) (316,506,347) (14,627,921) (250,064,111)
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
Net decrease...................................... (786,222) $ (17,159,660) (1,117,016) $ (19,634,306)
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
OCTOBER 31, 1997 OCTOBER 31, 1996
-------------------------- ----------------------------
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
- -------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shares sold....................................... 1,448,623 $ 29,968,381 932,074 $ 16,161,478
Shares issued in connection with reinvestment of
distributions................................... -- -- 408 6,223
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
1,448,623 29,968,381 932,482 16,167,701
Shares repurchased................................ (1,461,777) (30,469,185) (910,792) (15,778,640)
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
Net increase (decrease)........................... (13,154) $ (500,804) 21,690 $ 389,061
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------
</TABLE>
5. HOLDINGS OF 5% VOTING SECURITIES OF PORTFOLIO COMPANIES
Investments of 5% or more of an issuer's outstanding voting securities by the
Fund are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an affiliated company.
There were no investments in affiliated companies at October 31, 1997.
Transactions during the year with companies that were affiliates are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET
REALIZED
PURCHASES SALES GAIN DIVIDEND
AFFILIATES COST PROCEEDS (LOSS) INCOME
- -------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Compania Boliviana de Energia Electrica........... $ -- $9,666,400 $2,805,315 $ 44,960
Sanluis Corporacion, S.A. de C.V.................. -- 5,738,935 2,214,183 318,107
</TABLE>
6. EXPENSE REDUCTIONS
The Manager has directed certain portfolio trades to brokers who paid a portion
of the Fund's expenses. For the year ended October 31, 1997, the Fund's expenses
were reduced by $45,431 under these arrangements.
F16
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL LATIN AMERICA GROWTH FUND
NOTES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
AIM/GT FUNDS
AIM DISTRIBUTORS OFFERS A BROAD RANGE OF FUNDS TO COMPLEMENT MANY INVESTORS'
PORTFOLIOS. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A PROSPECTUS ON ANY OF THE FUNDS LISTED
BELOW, INCLUDING FEES, EXPENSES AND THE RISKS OF GLOBAL AND EMERGING MARKET
INVESTING AND THE RISKS OF INVESTING IN RELATED INDUSTRIES, PLEASE CONTACT
YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER OR CALL 1-800-824-1580.
GROWTH FUNDS
/ / GLOBALLY DIVERSIFIED FUNDS
AIM NEW DIMENSION FUND
Captures global growth opportunities by investing directly in the six global
theme funds
AIM WORLDWIDE GROWTH FUND
Invests around the world, including the U.S.
AIM INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
Provides portfolio diversity by investing outside
the U.S.
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
Gives access to the growth potential of developing economies
AIM DEVELOPING MARKETS FUND
Invests in debt and equity securities of developing market issuers
/ / GLOBAL THEME FUNDS
AIM GLOBAL CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES FUND
Invests in companies that manufacture, market, retail, or distribute consumer
products or services
AIM GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
Focuses on the worldwide opportunities from the demand for financial services
and products
AIM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE FUND
Invests in growing health care industries worldwide
AIM GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
Seeks companies that build, improve or maintain a country's infrastructure
AIM GLOBAL RESOURCES FUND
Concentrates on companies that own, explore or develop natural resources
AIM GLOBAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND
Invests in companies worldwide that develop, manufacture or sell
telecommunications services or equipment
/ / REGIONALLY DIVERSIFIED FUNDS
AIM NEW PACIFIC GROWTH FUND
Offers access to the emerging and established markets of the Pacific Rim,
excluding Japan
AIM EUROPE GROWTH FUND
Focuses on investment opportunities in Europe
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
Invests in the emerging markets of Latin America
/ / SINGLE COUNTRY FUNDS
AIM SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND
Invests in equity securities of small U.S. companies
AIM MID CAP GROWTH FUND
Concentrates on medium-sized companies in the U.S.
AIM AMERICA VALUE FUND
Concentrates on equity securities of large cap U.S. companies believed to be
undervalued
AIM JAPAN GROWTH FUND
Provides U.S. investors with direct access to the Japanese market
GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
AIM GLOBAL GROWTH & INCOME FUND
Invests in blue-chip stocks and government bonds from around the world
INCOME FUNDS
AIM GLOBAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
Earns monthly income from global government securities
AIM STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
Allocates its assets among debt securities from the U.S., developed foreign
countries and emerging markets
AIM GLOBAL HIGH INCOME FUND
Invests in debt securities in emerging markets
AIM FLOATING RATE FUND
Invests primarily in senior secured floating rate loans that have the potential
to achieve a high level of current income
MONEY MARKET FUND
AIM DOLLAR FUND
Invests in high quality, U.S. dollar-denominated money market securities
worldwide for stability and preservation of capital
[LOGO]NO DEALER, SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO
GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION
OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY AIM
INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC., AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND, A I M ADVISORS,
INC., INVESCO (NY), INC. OR A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC. THIS STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION
OF ANY OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION
TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH
JURISDICTION.
LATSA703MC
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
50 California Street, 27th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 392-6181
Toll Free: (800) 824-1580
Statement of Additional Information
June 1, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information relates to the Class A and Class B
shares of AIM Emerging Markets Fund ("Fund"). The Fund is a diversified series
of AIM Investment Funds, Inc. (the "Company"), a registered open-end management
investment company. This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a
prospectus, supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Fund's
current Class A and Class B Prospectus dated June 1, 1998. A copy of the Fund's
Prospectus is available without charge by writing to the above address or by
calling the Fund at the toll-free telephone number listed above.
A I M Advisors, Inc. ("AIM") serves as the investment manager of and
administrator for, and INVESCO (NY), Inc. (the "Sub-adviser") serves as the
investment sub-adviser and sub-administrator for, the Fund. The distributor of
the Fund's shares is A I M Distributors, Inc. ("AIM Distributors"). The Fund's
transfer agent is GT Global Investor Services, Inc. ("GT Services" or the
"Transfer Agent").
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page No.
--------
<S> <C>
Investment Objective and Policies........................................................................................ 2
Options, Futures and Currency Strategies................................................................................. 6
Risk Factors............................................................................................................. 14
Investment Limitations................................................................................................... 19
Execution of Portfolio Transactions...................................................................................... 20
Directors and Executive Officers......................................................................................... 22
Management............................................................................................................... 25
Valuation of Fund Shares................................................................................................. 27
Information Relating to Sales and Redemptions............................................................................ 29
Taxes.................................................................................................................... 33
Additional Information................................................................................................... 35
Investment Results....................................................................................................... 36
Description of Debt Ratings.............................................................................................. 41
Financial Statements..................................................................................................... 43
</TABLE>
[LOGO]
Statement of Additional Information Page 1
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
AND POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Fund is long-term growth of capital. The Fund
seeks this objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies in emerging markets. The Fund
does not consider the following countries to be emerging markets: Australia,
Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland,
Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
and United States. The Fund normally may invest up to 35% of its assets in a
combination of (i) debt securities of government or corporate issuers in
emerging markets; (ii) equity and debt securities of issuers in developed
countries, including the United States; (iii) securities of issuers in emerging
markets not included in the list of emerging markets set forth in the Fund's
current Prospectus, if investing therein becomes feasible and desirable
subsequent to the date of the Fund's current Prospectus; and (iv) cash and money
market instruments.
In determining what countries constitute emerging markets, the Sub-adviser will
consider, among other things, data, analysis, and classification of countries
published or disseminated by the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (commonly known as the World Bank) and the International Finance
Corporation.
SELECTION OF EQUITY INVESTMENTS
In determining the appropriate distribution of investments among various
countries and geographic regions for the Fund, the Sub-adviser ordinarily
considers the following factors: prospects for relative economic growth between
the different countries in which the Fund may invest; expected levels of
inflation; government policies influencing business conditions; the outlook for
currency relationships; and the range of the individual investment opportunities
available to international investors.
In analyzing companies in emerging markets for investment by the Fund, the
Sub-adviser ordinarily looks for one or more of the following characteristics:
an above-average earnings growth per share; high return on invested capital;
healthy balance sheet; sound financial and accounting policies and overall
financial strength; strong competitive advantages; effective research and
product development and marketing; efficient service; pricing flexibility;
strength of management; and general operating characteristics which will enable
the companies to compete successfully in their respective marketplaces. In
certain countries, governmental restrictions and other limitations on investment
may affect the maximum percentage of equity ownership in any one company by the
Fund. In addition, in some instances only special classes of securities may be
purchased by foreigners and the market prices, liquidity and rights with respect
to those securities may vary from shares owned by nationals.
Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, the Fund
does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars
on a daily basis. The Fund will do so from time to time, and investors should be
aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do
not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the
difference ("spread") between the prices at which they are buying and selling
various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the
Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund
desire to sell that currency to the dealer.
The Fund may be prohibited under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
("1940 Act") from purchasing the securities of any foreign company that, in its
most recent fiscal year, derived more than 15% of its gross revenues from
securities-related activities ("securities-related companies"). In a number of
countries, commercial banks act as securities broker/dealers, investment
advisers and underwriters or otherwise engage in securities-related activities,
which may limit the Fund's ability to hold securities issued by banks. The Fund
has obtained an exemption from the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") to
permit it to invest in certain of these securities subject to certain
restrictions.
INVESTMENTS IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES
With respect to certain countries investments by the Fund presently may be made
only by acquiring shares of other investment companies (including investment
vehicles or companies advised by the Sub-adviser or its affiliates ("Affiliated
Funds")) with local governmental approval to invest in those countries. The Fund
may invest in the securities of closed-end investment companies within the
limits of the 1940 Act. These limitations currently provide, in part, that the
Fund may
Statement of Additional Information Page 2
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
purchase shares of a closed-end investment company unless (a) such a purchase
would cause the Fund to own in the aggregate more than 3 percent of the total
outstanding voting stock of the investment company or (b) such a purchase would
cause the Fund to have more than 5 percent of its total assets invested in the
investment company or more than 10 percent of its total assets invested in the
aggregate in all such investment companies. Investment in such investment
companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of
such companies' portfolio securities. The Fund does not intend to invest in such
funds unless, in the judgment of the Sub-adviser, the potential benefits of such
investments justify the payment of any applicable premiums. The return on such
securities will be reduced by operating expenses of such companies including
payments to the investment managers of those investment companies. With respect
to investments in Affiliated Funds, AIM and the Sub-adviser waive their advisory
fees to the extent that such fees are based on assets of the Fund invested in
Affiliated Funds. At such time as direct investment in these countries is
allowed, the Fund anticipates investing directly in these markets.
SAMURAI AND YANKEE BONDS
Subject to its fundamental investment restrictions, the Fund may invest in
yen-denominated bonds sold in Japan by non-Japanese issuers ("Samurai bonds"),
and may invest in dollar-denominated bonds sold in the United States by non-U.S.
issuers ("Yankee bonds"). As compared with bonds issued in their countries of
domicile, such bond issues normally carry a higher interest rate but are less
actively traded. It is the policy of the Fund to invest in Samurai or Yankee
bond issues only after taking into account considerations of quality and
liquidity, as well as yield. These bonds would be issued by governments which
are members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development or have
AAA ratings.
DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS
The Fund may hold securities of foreign issuers in the form of American
Depository Receipts ("ADRs"), American Depository Shares ("ADSs"), Global
Depository Receipts ("GDRs") and European Depository Receipts ("EDRs"), or other
securities convertible into securities of eligible foreign issuers. These
securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
securities for which they may be exchanged. ADRs and ADSs typically are issued
by an American bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs, which are sometimes referred
to as Continental Depository Receipts ("CDRs"), are issued in Europe typically
by foreign banks and trust companies and evidence ownership of either foreign or
domestic securities. GDRs are similar to EDRs and are designed for use in
several international financial markets. Generally, ADRs and ADSs in registered
form are designed for use in United States securities markets and EDRs in bearer
form are designed for use in European securities markets. For purposes of the
Fund's investment policies, the Fund's investments in ADRs, ADSs, GDRs and EDRs
will be deemed to be investments in the equity securities representing
securities of foreign issuers into which they may be converted.
ADR facilities may be established as either "unsponsored" or "sponsored." While
ADRs issued under these two types of facilities are in some respects similar,
there are distinctions between them relating to the rights and obligations of
ADR holders and the practices of market participants. A depository may establish
an unsponsored facility without participation by (or even necessarily the
acquiescence of) the issuer of the deposited securities, although typically the
depository requests a letter of non-objection from such issuer prior to the
establishment of the facility. Holders of unsponsored ADRs generally bear all
the costs of such facilities. The depository usually charges fees upon the
deposit and withdrawal of the deposited securities, the conversion of dividends
into U.S. dollars, the disposition of non-cash distributions, and the
performance of other services. The depository of an unsponsored facility
frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications
received from the issuer of the deposited securities or to pass through voting
rights to ADR holders in respect of the deposited securities. Sponsored ADR
facilities are created in generally the same manner as unsponsored facilities,
except that the issuer of the deposited securities enters into a deposit
agreement with the depository. The deposit agreement sets out the rights and
responsibilities of the issuer, the depository and the ADR holders. With
sponsored facilities, the issuer of the deposited securities generally will bear
some of the costs relating to the facility (such as dividend payment fees of the
depository), although ADR holders continue to bear certain other costs (such as
deposit and withdrawal fees). Under the terms of most sponsored arrangements,
depositories agree to distribute notices of shareholder meetings and voting
instructions, and to provide shareholder communications and other information to
the ADR holders at the request of the issuer of the deposited securities. The
Fund may invest in both sponsored and unsponsored ADRs.
WARRANTS OR RIGHTS
Warrants or rights may be acquired by the Fund in connection with other
securities or separately and provide the Fund with the right to purchase at a
later date other securities of the issuer.
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AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
COMMERCIAL BANK OBLIGATIONS
For the purposes of the Fund's investment policies with respect to bank
obligations, obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks
are obligations of the issuing bank and may be general obligations of the parent
bank. Such obligations, however, may be limited by the terms of a specific
obligation and by government regulation. As with investment in non-U.S.
securities in general, investments in the obligations of foreign branches of
U.S. banks and of foreign banks may subject the Fund to investment risks that
are different in some respects from those of investments in obligations of
domestic issuers. Although the Fund typically will acquire obligations issued
and supported by the credit of U.S. or foreign banks having total assets at the
time of purchase in excess of $1 billion, this $1 billion figure is not a
fundamental investment policy or restriction of the Fund. For the purposes of
calculation with respect to the $1 billion figure, the assets of a bank will be
deemed to include the assets of its U.S. and non-U.S. branches.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Fund purchases a security
from a bank or recognized securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell
that security to the bank or dealer at an agreed-upon price, date and market
rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased
security. Although repurchase agreements carry certain risks not associated with
direct investments in securities, including possible decline in the market value
of the underlying securities and delays and costs to the Fund if the other party
to the repurchase agreement becomes bankrupt, the Fund intends to enter into
repurchase agreements only with banks and dealers believed by the Sub-adviser to
present minimal credit risks in accordance with guidelines approved by the
Company's Board of Directors. The Sub-adviser reviews and monitors the
creditworthiness of such institutions under the Board's general supervision.
The Fund will invest only in repurchase agreements collateralized at all times
in an amount at least equal to the repurchase price plus accrued interest. To
the extent that the proceeds from any sale of such collateral upon a default in
the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund would
suffer a loss. If the financial institution which is party to the repurchase
agreement petitions for bankruptcy or otherwise becomes subject to bankruptcy or
other liquidation proceedings, there may be restrictions on the Fund's ability
to sell the collateral and the Fund could suffer a loss. However, with respect
to financial institutions whose bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings are
subject to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the Fund intends to comply with provisions
under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code that would allow it immediately to resell the
collateral. There is no limitation on the amount of the Fund's assets that may
be subject to repurchase agreements at any given time. The Fund will not enter
into a repurchase agreement with a maturity of more than seven days if, as a
result, more than 15% of the value of its net assets would be invested in such
repurchase agreements and other illiquid investments.
BORROWING, REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND "ROLL" TRANSACTIONS
The Fund's borrowings will not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets, I.E.,
the Fund's total assets at all times will equal at least 300% of the amount of
outstanding borrowings. If market fluctuations in the value of the Fund's
portfolio holdings or other factors cause the ratio of the Fund's total assets
to outstanding borrowings to fall below 300%, the Fund may be required to sell
portfolio securities to restore 300% asset coverage, even though from an
investment standpoint such sales might be disadvantageous. The Fund also may
borrow up to 5% of its total assets for temporary or emergency purposes other
than to meet redemptions. Any borrowing by the Fund may cause greater
fluctuation in the value of its shares than would be the case if the Fund did
not borrow.
The Fund's fundamental investment limitations permit the Fund to borrow money
for leveraging purposes. The Fund, however, currently is prohibited, pursuant to
a non-fundamental investment policy, from purchasing securities during times
when outstanding borrowings represent more than 5% of its assets. Nevertheless,
this policy may be changed in the future by vote of a majority of the Company's
Board of Directors. If the Fund employs leverage in the future, it would be
subject to certain additional risks. Use of leverage creates an opportunity for
greater growth of capital but would exaggerate any increases or decreases in the
Fund's net asset value. When the income and gains on securities purchased with
the proceeds of borrowings exceed the costs of such borrowings, the Fund's
earnings or net asset value will increase faster than otherwise would be the
case; conversely, if such income and gains fail to exceed such costs, the Fund's
earnings or net asset value would decline faster than would otherwise be the
case.
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. A reverse repurchase
agreement is a borrowing transaction in which the Fund transfers possession of a
security to another party, such as a bank or broker/dealer in return for cash,
and agrees to repurchase the security in the future at an agreed upon price,
which includes an interest component. The Fund also may engage in "roll"
borrowing transactions which involve the Fund's sale of Government National
Mortgage Association certificates or other securities together with a commitment
(for which the Fund may receive a fee) to purchase similar, but not identical,
securities at a future date. The Fund will segregate with a custodian cash or
other liquid securities
Statement of Additional Information Page 4
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AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
in an amount sufficient to cover its obligations under "roll" transactions and
reverse repurchase agreements with broker/ dealers. No segregation is required
for reverse repurchase agreements with banks.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
For the purpose of realizing additional income, the Fund may make secured loans
of portfolio securities amounting to not more than 30% of its total assets.
Securities loans are made to broker/dealers or institutional investors pursuant
to agreements requiring that the loans continuously be secured by collateral at
least equal at all times to the value of the securities lent plus any accrued
interest, "marked to market" on a daily basis. The Fund may pay reasonable
administrative and custodial fees in connection with loans of its securities.
While the securities loan is outstanding, the Fund will continue to receive the
equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities, as
well as interest on the investment of the collateral or a fee from the borrower.
The Fund has a right to call each loan and obtain the securities within the
stated settlement period. The Fund will not have the right to vote equity
securities while they are being lent, but it will call in a loan in anticipation
of any important vote. Loans only will be made to firms deemed by the
Sub-adviser to be of good standing and will not be made unless, in the judgment
of the Sub-adviser, the consideration to be earned from such loans would justify
the risk.
SHORT SALES
The Fund may make short sales of securities, although it has no current
intention of doing so. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a
security in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.
The Fund may make short sales (i) as a form of hedging to offset potential
declines in long positions in securities it owns, or anticipates acquiring, and
(ii) in order to maintain portfolio flexibility.
When the Fund makes a short sale of a security it does not own, it must borrow
the security sold short and deliver it to the broker/dealer or other
intermediary through which it made the short sale. The Fund may have to pay a
fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any
payments received on such borrowed securities.
The Fund's obligation to replace the borrowed security when the borrowing is
called or expires will be secured by collateral deposited with the intermediary.
The Fund also will be required to deposit collateral with its custodian to the
extent, if any, necessary so that the value of both collateral deposits in the
aggregate is at all times equal to at least 100% of the current market value of
the security sold short. Depending on arrangements made with the intermediary
from which it borrowed the security regarding payment of any amounts received by
the Fund on such security, the Fund may not receive any payments (including
interest) on its collateral deposited with such intermediary.
If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short
sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a
loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a gain. Any gain
will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs associated
with the transaction. Although the Fund's gain is limited by the price at which
it sold the security short, its potential loss theoretically is unlimited.
The Fund will not make a short sale if, after giving effect to such sale, the
market value of the securities sold short exceeds 25% of the value of its total
assets or the Fund's aggregate short sales of the securities of any one issuer
exceed the lesser of 2% of the Fund's net assets or 2% of the securities of any
class of the issuer. Moreover, the Fund may engage in short sales only with
respect to securities listed on a national securities exchange. The Fund may
make short sales "against the box" without respect to such limitations. In this
type of short sale, at the time of the sale the Fund owns the security it has
sold short or has the immediate and unconditional right to acquire at no
additional cost the identical security.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES
The Emerging Markets Fund may invest in the following types of money market
instruments (i.e., debt instruments with less than 12 months remaining until
maturity) denominated in U.S. dollars or other currencies: (a) obligations
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. or foreign governments, their agencies,
instrumentalities or municipalities; (b) obligations of international
organizations designed or supported by multiple foreign governmental entities to
promote economic reconstruction or development; (c) finance company obligations,
corporate commercial paper and other short-term commercial obligations; (d) bank
obligations (including certificates of deposit, time deposits, demand deposits
and bankers' acceptances); (e) repurchase agreements with respect to the
foregoing; and (f) other substantially similar short-term debt securities with
comparable characteristics.
The Emerging Markets Fund may invest in commercial paper rated as low as A-3 by
Standard and Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P") or
P-3 by Moody's Investor Services Inc. ("Moody's") or, if not rated, determined
by the Sub-adviser to be of comparable quality. Obligations rated A-3 and P-3
are considered by S&P and Moody's, respectively, to have an acceptable capacity
for timely repayment. However, these securities may be more vulnerable to
adverse effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying higher
designations.
Statement of Additional Information Page 5
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AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
OPTIONS, FUTURES AND
CURRENCY STRATEGIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL RISKS OF OPTIONS, FUTURES AND CURRENCY STRATEGIES
The use of options, futures contracts and forward currency contracts ("Forward
Contracts") involves special considerations and risks, as described below. Risks
pertaining to particular instruments are described in the sections that follow.
(1) Successful use of most of these instruments depends upon the
Sub-adviser's ability to predict movements of the overall securities and
currency markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in
the prices of individual securities. While the Sub-adviser is experienced in
the use of these instruments, there can be no assurance that any particular
strategy adopted will succeed.
(2) There might be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation,
between price movements of an instrument and price movements of the
investments being hedged. For example, if the value of an instrument used in
a short hedge increased by less than the decline in value of the hedged
investment, the hedge would not be fully successful. Such a lack of
correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the
investments being hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the
markets in which the hedging instrument is traded. The effectiveness of
hedges using hedging instruments on indices will depend on the degree of
correlation between price movements in the index and price movements in the
investments being hedged.
(3) Hedging strategies, if successful, can reduce risk of loss by wholly
or partially offsetting the negative effect of unfavorable price movements
in the investments being hedged. However, hedging strategies can also reduce
opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive effect of favorable price
movements in the hedged investments. For example, if the Fund entered into a
short hedge because the Sub-adviser projected a decline in the price of a
security in the Fund's portfolio, and the price of that security increased
instead, the gain from that increase might be wholly or partially offset by
a decline in the price of the hedging instrument. Moreover, if the price of
the hedging instrument declined by more than the increase in the price of
the security, the Fund could suffer a loss. In either such case, the Fund
would have been in a better position had it not hedged at all.
(4) As described below, the Fund might be required to maintain assets as
"cover," maintain segregated accounts or make margin payments when it takes
positions in instruments involving obligations to third parties (I.E.,
instruments other than purchased options). If the Fund were unable to close
out its positions in such instruments, it might be required to continue to
maintain such assets or accounts or make such payments until the position
expired or matured. The requirements might impair the Fund's ability to sell
a portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise
be favorable to do so, or require that the Fund sell a portfolio security at
a disadvantageous time. The Fund's ability to close out a position in an
instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends on the existence of a
liquid secondary market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and
willingness of the other party to the transaction ("contra party") to enter
into a transaction closing out the position. Therefore, there is no
assurance that any position can be closed out at a time and price that is
favorable to the Fund.
WRITING CALL OPTIONS
The Fund may write (sell) call options on securities, indices and currencies.
Call options generally will be written on securities and currencies that, in the
opinion of the Sub-adviser are not expected to make any major price moves in the
near future but that, over the long term, are deemed to be attractive
investments for the Fund.
A call option gives the holder (buyer) the right to purchase a security or
currency at a specified price (the exercise price) at any time until (American
style) or on (European style) a certain date (the expiration date). As long as
the obligation of the writer of a call option continues, he may be assigned an
exercise notice, requiring him to deliver the underlying security or currency
against payment of the exercise price. This obligation terminates upon the
expiration of the call option, or such earlier time at which the writer effects
a closing purchase transaction by purchasing an option identical to that
previously sold.
Portfolio securities or currencies on which call options may be written will be
purchased solely on the basis of investment considerations consistent with the
Fund's investment objectives. When writing a call option, the Fund, in return
for the
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AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
premium, gives up the opportunity for profit from a price increase in the
underlying security or currency above the exercise price, and retains the risk
of loss should the price of the security or currency decline. Unlike one who
owns securities or currencies not subject to an option, the Fund has no control
over when it may be required to sell the underlying securities or currencies,
since most options may be exercised at any time prior to the option's
expiration. If a call option that the Fund has written expires, the Fund will
realize a gain in the amount of the premium; however, such gain may be offset by
a decline in the market value of the underlying security or currency during the
option period. If the call option is exercised, the Fund will realize a gain or
loss from the sale of the underlying security or currency, which will be
increased or offset by the premium received. The Fund does not consider a
security or currency covered by a call option to be "pledged" as that term is
used in the Fund's policy that limits the pledging or mortgaging of its assets.
Writing call options can serve as a limited short hedge because declines in the
value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of the premium
received for writing the option. However, if the security or currency
appreciates to a price higher than the exercise price of the call option, it can
be expected that the option will be exercised and the Fund will be obligated to
sell the security or currency at less than its market value.
The premium that the Fund receives for writing a call option is deemed to
constitute the market value of an option. The premium the Fund will receive from
writing a call option will reflect, among other things, the current market price
of the underlying investment, the relationship of the exercise price to such
market price, the historical price volatility of the underlying investment, and
the length of the option period. In determining whether a particular call option
should be written, the Sub-adviser will consider the reasonableness of the
anticipated premium and the likelihood that a liquid secondary market will exist
for those options.
Closing transactions will be effected in order to realize a profit on an
outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security or currency from
being called, or to permit the sale of the underlying security or currency.
Furthermore, effecting a closing transaction will permit the Fund to write
another call option on the underlying security or currency with either a
different exercise price, expiration date or both.
The Fund will pay transaction costs in connection with the writing of options
and in entering into closing purchase contracts. Transaction costs relating to
options activity are normally higher than those applicable to purchases and
sales of portfolio securities.
The exercise price of the options may be below, equal to or above the current
market values of the underlying securities or currencies at the time the options
are written. From time to time, the Fund may purchase an underlying security or
currency for delivery in accordance with the exercise of an option, rather than
delivering such security or currency from its portfolio. In such cases,
additional costs will be incurred.
The Fund will realize a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction if
the cost of the transaction is less or more, respectively, than the premium
received from writing the option. Because increases in the market price of a
call option generally will reflect increases in the market price of the
underlying security or currency, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a
call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the
underlying security or currency owned by the Fund.
WRITING PUT OPTIONS
The Fund may write put options on securities, indices and currencies. A put
option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer
(seller) the obligation to buy, the underlying security or currency at the
exercise price at any time until (American style) or on (European style) the
expiration date. The operation of put options in other respects, including their
related risks and rewards, is identical substantially to that of call options.
The Fund generally would write put options in circumstances where the
Sub-adviser wishes to purchase the underlying security or currency for the
Fund's portfolio at a price lower than the current market price of the security
or currency. In such event, the Fund would write a put option at an exercise
price that, reduced by the premium received on the option, reflects the lower
price it is willing to pay. Since the Fund would also receive interest on debt
securities or currencies maintained to cover the exercise price of the option,
this technique could be used to enhance current return during periods of market
uncertainty. The risk in such a transaction would be that the market price of
the underlying security or currency would decline below the exercise price less
the premium received.
Writing put options can serve as a limited long hedge because increases in the
value of the hedged investment would be offset to the extent of the premium
received for writing the option. However, if the security or currency
depreciates to a price lower than the exercise price of the put option, it can
be expected that the put option will be exercised and the Fund will be obligated
to sell the security or currency at more than its market value.
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AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
PURCHASING PUT OPTIONS
The Fund may purchase put options on securities, indices and currencies. As the
holder of a put option, the Fund would have the right to sell the underlying
security or currency at the exercise price at any time until (American style) or
on (European style) the expiration date. The Fund may enter into closing sale
transactions with respect to such options, exercise them or permit them to
expire.
The Fund may purchase a put option on an underlying security or currency
("protective put") owned by the Fund to protect against an anticipated decline
in the value of the security or currency. Such protection is provided only
during the life of the put option when the Fund, as the holder of the put
option, is able to sell the underlying security or currency at the put exercise
price regardless of any decline in the underlying security's market price or
currency's exchange value. The premium paid for the put option and any
transaction costs would reduce any profit otherwise available for distribution
when the security or currency is eventually sold.
The Fund also may purchase put options at a time when the Fund does not own the
underlying security or currency. By purchasing put options on a security or
currency it does not own, the Fund seeks to benefit from a decline in the market
price of the underlying security or currency. If the put option is not sold when
it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security or
currency remains equal to or greater than the exercise price during the life of
the put option, the Fund will lose its entire investment in the put option. In
order for the purchase of a put option to be profitable, the market price of the
underlying security or currency must decline sufficiently below the exercise
price to cover the premium and transaction costs, unless the put option is sold
in a closing sale transaction.
PURCHASING CALL OPTIONS
The Fund may purchase call options on securities, indices and currencies. As the
holder of a call option, the Fund would have the right to purchase the
underlying security or currency at the exercise price at any time until
(American style) or on (European style) the expiration date. The Fund may enter
into closing sale transactions with respect to such options, exercise them or
permit them to expire.
Call options may be purchased by the Fund for the purpose of acquiring the
underlying security or currency for its portfolio. Utilized in this fashion, the
purchase of call options would enable the Fund to acquire the security or
currency at the exercise price of the call option plus the premium paid. At
times, the net cost of acquiring the security or currency in this manner may be
less than the cost of acquiring the security or currency directly. This
technique also may be useful to the Fund in purchasing a large block of
securities that would be more difficult to acquire by direct market purchases.
So long as it holds such a call option, rather than the underlying security or
currency itself, the Fund is partially protected from any unexpected decline in
the market price of the underlying security or currency and, in such event,
could allow the call option to expire, incurring a loss only to the extent of
the premium paid for the option.
The Fund also may purchase call options on underlying securities or currencies
it owns to avoid realizing losses that would result in a reduction of its
current return. For example, where the Fund has written a call option on an
underlying security or currency having a current market value below the price at
which it purchased the security or currency, an increase in the market price
could result in the exercise of the call option written by the Fund and the
realization of a loss on the underlying security or currency. Accordingly, the
Fund could purchase a call option on the same underlying security or currency,
which could be exercised to fulfill the Fund's delivery obligations under its
written call (if it is exercised). This strategy could allow the Fund to avoid
selling the portfolio security or currency at a time when it has an unrealized
loss; however, the Fund would have to pay a premium to purchase the call option
plus transaction costs.
Aggregate premiums paid for put and call options will not exceed 5% of the
Fund's total assets at the time of purchase.
The Fund may attempt to accomplish objectives similar to those involved in its
use of Forward Contracts by purchasing put or call options on currencies. A put
option gives the Fund as purchaser the right (but not the obligation) to sell a
specified amount of currency at the exercise price at any time until (American
style) or on (European style) the expiration date. A call option gives the Fund
as purchaser the right (but not the obligation) to purchase a specified amount
of currency at the exercise price at any time until (American style) or on
(European style) the expiration date. The Fund might purchase a currency put
option, for example, to protect itself against a decline in the dollar value of
a currency in which it holds or anticipates holding securities. If the
currency's value should decline against the dollar, the loss in currency value
should be offset, in whole or in part, by an increase in the value of the put.
If the value of the currency instead should rise against the dollar, any gain to
the Fund would be reduced by the premium it had paid for the put option. A
currency call option might be purchased, for example, in anticipation of, or to
protect against, a rise in the value against the dollar of a currency in which
the Fund anticipates purchasing securities.
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AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
Options may be either listed on an exchange or traded in over-the-counter
("OTC") markets. Listed options are third-party contracts (I.E., performance of
the obligations of the purchaser and seller is guaranteed by the exchange or
clearing corporation), and have standardized strike prices and expiration dates.
OTC options are two-party contracts with negotiated strike prices and expiration
dates. The Fund will not purchase an OTC option unless it believes that daily
valuations for such options are readily obtainable. OTC options differ from
exchange-traded options in that OTC options are transacted with dealers directly
and not through a clearing corporation (which guarantees performance).
Consequently, there is a risk of non-performance by the dealer. Since no
exchange is involved, OTC options are valued on the basis of an average of the
last bid prices obtained from dealers, unless a quotation from only one dealer
is available, in which case only that dealer's price will be used. In the case
of OTC options, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will
exist for any particular option at any specific time.
The staff of the SEC considers purchased OTC options to be illiquid securities.
The Fund may also sell OTC options and, in connection therewith, segregate
assets or cover its obligations with respect to OTC options written by the Fund.
The assets used as cover for OTC options written by the Fund will be considered
illiquid unless the OTC options are sold to qualified dealers who agree that the
Fund may repurchase any OTC option it writes at a maximum price to be calculated
by a formula set forth in the option agreement. The cover for an OTC option
written subject to this procedure would be considered illiquid only to the
extent that the maximum repurchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic
value of the option.
The Fund's ability to establish and close out positions in exchange-listed
options depends on the existence of a liquid market. The Fund intends to
purchase or write only those exchange-traded options for which there appears to
be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that such a
market will exist at any particular time. Closing transactions can be made for
OTC options only by negotiating directly with the contra party or by a
transaction in the secondary market if any such market exists. Although the Fund
will enter into OTC options only with contra parties that are expected to be
capable of entering into closing transactions with the Fund, there is no
assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out an OTC option position
at a favorable price prior to expiration. In the event of insolvency of the
contra party, the Fund might be unable to close out an OTC option position at
any time prior to its expiration.
INDEX OPTIONS
Puts and calls on indices are similar to puts and calls on securities or futures
contracts except that all settlements are in cash and gain or loss depends on
changes in the index in question (and thus on price movements in the securities
market or a particular market sector generally) rather than on price movements
in individual securities or futures contracts. When the Fund writes a call on an
index, it receives a premium and agrees that, prior to the expiration date, the
purchaser of the call, upon exercise of the call, will receive from the Fund an
amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the call is based is
greater than the exercise price of the call. The amount of cash is equal to the
difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the
call times a specified multiple (the "multiplier"), which determines the total
dollar value for each point of such difference. When the Fund buys a call on an
index, it pays a premium and has the same rights as to such call as are
indicated above. When the Fund buys a put on an index, it pays a premium and has
the right, prior to the expiration date, to require the seller of the put, upon
the Fund's exercise of the put, to deliver to the Fund an amount of cash if the
closing level of the index upon which the put is based is less than the exercise
price of the put, which amount of cash is determined by the multiplier, as
described above for calls. When the Fund writes a put on an index, it receives a
premium and the purchaser has the right, prior to the expiration date, to
require the Fund to deliver to it an amount of cash equal to the difference
between the closing level of the index and the exercise price times the
multiplier, if the closing level is less than the exercise price.
The risks of investment in index options may be greater than options on
securities. Because index options are settled in cash, when the Fund writes a
call on an index it cannot provide in advance for its potential settlement
obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying securities. The Fund can
offset some of the risk of writing a call index option position by holding a
diversified portfolio of securities similar to those on which the underlying
index is based. However, the Fund cannot, as a practical matter, acquire and
hold a portfolio containing exactly the same securities as underlie the index
and, as a result, bears a risk that the value of the securities held will vary
from the value of the index.
Even if the Fund could assemble a securities portfolio that exactly reproduced
the composition of the underlying index, it still would not be fully covered
from a risk standpoint because of the "timing risk" inherent in writing index
options. When an index option is exercised, the amount of cash that the holder
is entitled to receive is determined by the difference between the exercise
price and the closing index level on the date when the option is exercised. As
with other kinds of options, the Fund, as the call writer, will not know that it
has been assigned until the next business day at the earliest. The time lag
between exercise and notice of assignment poses no risk for the writer of a
covered call on a specific underlying
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AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
security, such as common stock, because there the writer's obligation is to
deliver the underlying security, not to pay its value as of a fixed time in the
past. So long as the writer already owns the underlying security, it can satisfy
its settlement obligations by simply delivering it, and the risk that its value
may have declined since the exercise date is borne by the exercising holder. In
contrast, even if the writer of an index call holds securities that exactly
match the composition of the underlying index, it will not be able to satisfy
its assignment obligations by delivering those securities against payment of the
exercise price. Instead, it will be required to pay cash in an amount based on
the closing index value on the exercise date; and by the time it learns that it
has been assigned, the index may have declined, with a corresponding decline in
the value of its securities portfolio. This "timing risk" is an inherent
limitation on the ability of index call writers to cover their risk exposure by
holding securities positions.
If the Fund purchases an index option and exercises it before the closing index
value for that day is available, it runs the risk that the level of the
underlying index may subsequently change. If such a change causes the exercised
option to fall out-of-the-money, the Fund will be required to pay the difference
between the closing index value and the exercise price of the option (times the
applicable multiplier) to the assigned writer.
INTEREST RATE AND CURRENCY FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Fund may enter into interest rate or currency futures contracts, and may
enter into stock index futures contracts (collectively, "Futures" or "Futures
Contracts"), as a hedge against changes in prevailing levels of interest rates,
currency exchange rates or stock prices in order to establish more definitely
the effective return on securities or currencies held or intended to be acquired
by the Fund. The Fund's transactions may include sales of Futures as an offset
against the effect of expected increases in interest rates, and decreases in
currency exchange rates and stock prices, and purchases of Futures as an offset
against the effect of expected declines in interest rates, and increases in
currency exchange rates and stock prices.
The Fund will only enter into Futures Contracts that are traded on futures
exchanges and are standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial
instrument. Futures exchanges and trading thereon in the United States are
regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act by the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission ("CFTC"). Futures are exchanged in London at the London International
Financial Futures Exchange.
Although techniques other than sales and purchases of Futures Contracts could be
used to reduce the Fund's exposure to interest rate, currency exchange rate and
stock market fluctuations, the Fund may be able to hedge its exposure more
effectively and at a lower cost through using Futures Contracts.
A Futures Contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by
another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument (security
or currency) for a specified price at a designated date, time and place. An
index Futures Contract provides for the delivery, at a designated date, time and
place, of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the
difference between the index value at the close of trading on the contract and
the price at which the Futures Contract is originally struck; no physical
delivery of the securities comprising the index is made. Brokerage fees are
incurred when a Futures Contract is bought or sold, and margin deposits must be
maintained at all times the Futures Contract is outstanding.
Although Futures Contracts typically require future delivery of and payment for
financial instruments or currencies, Futures Contracts are usually closed out
before the delivery date. Closing out an open Futures Contract sale or purchase
is effected by entering into an offsetting Futures Contract purchase or sale,
respectively, for the same aggregate amount of the identical financial
instrument or currency and the same delivery date. If the offsetting purchase
price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is
more, the Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more
than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, the
Fund realizes a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these
calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to
enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular Futures
Contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an
offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the
margin deposits on the Futures Contract.
As an example of an offsetting transaction, the contractual obligations arising
from the sale of one Futures Contract of September Deutschemarks on an exchange
may be fulfilled at any time before delivery under the Futures Contract is
required (I.E., on a specified date in September, the "delivery month") by the
purchase of another Futures Contract of September Deutschemarks on the same
exchange. In such instance the difference between the price at which the Futures
Contract was sold and the price paid for the offsetting purchase, after
allowance for transaction costs, represents the profit or loss to the Fund.
The Fund's Futures transactions will be entered into for hedging purposes only;
that is, Futures Contracts will be sold to protect against a decline in the
price of securities or currencies that the Fund owns, or Futures Contracts will
be purchased
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AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities or currencies
it has committed to purchase or expects to purchase.
"Margin" with respect to Futures Contracts is the amount of funds that must be
deposited by the Fund in order to initiate Futures trading and to maintain the
Fund's open positions in Futures Contracts. A margin deposit made when the
Futures Contract is entered into ("initial margin") is intended to assure the
Fund's performance under the Futures Contract. The margin required for a
particular Futures Contract is set by the exchange on which the Futures Contract
is traded and may be modified significantly from time to time by the exchange
during the term of the Futures Contract.
Subsequent payments, called "variation margin," to and from the futures
commission merchant through which the Fund entered into the Futures Contract
will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying security, currency
or index fluctuates making the Futures Contract more or less valuable, a process
known as marking-to-market.
RISKS OF USING FUTURES CONTRACTS. The prices of Futures Contracts are
volatile and are influenced, among other things, by actual and anticipated
changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates, and in stock market
movements, which in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and
national and international political and economic events.
There is a risk of imperfect correlation between changes in prices of Futures
Contracts and prices of the securities or currencies in the Fund's portfolio
being hedged. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends upon
circumstances such as: variations in speculative market demand for Futures and
for securities or currencies, including technical influences in Futures trading;
and differences between the financial instruments being hedged and the
instruments underlying the standard Futures Contracts available for trading. A
decision of whether, when, and how to hedge involves skill and judgment, and
even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of
unexpected market behavior or interest or currency rate trends.
Because of the low margin deposits required, Futures trading involves an
extremely high degree of leverage. As a result, a relatively small price
movement in a Futures Contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, as
well as gain, to the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase, 10% of
the value of the Futures Contract is deposited as margin, a subsequent 10%
decrease in the value of the Futures Contract would result in a total loss of
the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the
account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a loss equal to
150% of the original margin deposit, if the Futures Contract were closed out.
Thus, a purchase or sale of a Futures Contract may result in losses in excess of
the amount invested in the Futures Contract.
Most U.S. Futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in Futures
Contract and options on Futures Contract prices during a single trading day. The
daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a Futures Contract
or option may vary either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at
the end of a trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a
particular type of Futures Contract or option, no trades may be made on that day
at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movement during
a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses, because
the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures Contract
and option prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several
consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt
liquidation of positions and subjecting some traders to substantial losses.
If the Fund were unable to liquidate a Futures or option on Futures position due
to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the imposition of price limits,
it could incur substantial losses. The Fund would continue to be subject to
market risk with respect to the position. In addition, except in the case of
purchased options, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily
variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being
hedged by the Future or option or to maintain cash or securities in a segregated
account.
Certain characteristics of the Futures market might increase the risk that
movements in the prices of Futures Contracts or options on Futures might not
correlate perfectly with movements in the prices of the investments being
hedged. For example, all participants in the Futures and options on Futures
markets are subject to daily variation margin calls and might be compelled to
liquidate Futures or options on Futures positions whose prices are moving
unfavorably to avoid being subject to further calls. These liquidations could
increase price volatility of the instruments and distort the normal price
relationship between the Futures or options and the investments being hedged.
Also, because initial margin deposit requirements in the Futures market are less
onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets, there might be
increased participation by speculators in the Futures markets. This
participation also might cause temporary price distortions. In addition,
activities of large traders in both the Futures and securities markets involving
arbitrage, "program trading" and other investment strategies might result in
temporary price distortions.
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AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
Options on Futures Contracts are similar to options on securities or currencies
except that options on Futures Contracts give the purchaser the right, in return
for the premium paid, to assume a position in a Futures Contract (a long
position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at
a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon
exercise of the option, the delivery of the Futures position by the writer of
the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the
accumulated balance in the writer's Futures margin account, which represents the
amount by which the market price of the Futures Contract, at exercise, exceeds
(in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise
price of the option on the Futures Contract. If an option is exercised on the
last trading day prior to the expiration date of the option, the settlement will
be made entirely in cash equal to the difference between the exercise price of
the option and the closing level of the securities, currencies or index upon
which the Futures Contract is based on the expiration date. Purchasers of
options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a
loss of the premium paid.
The purchase of call options on Futures can serve as a long hedge, and the
purchase of put options on Futures can serve as a short hedge. Writing call
options on Futures can serve as a limited short hedge, and writing put options
on Futures can serve as a limited long hedge, using a strategy similar to that
used for writing options on securities, foreign currencies or indices.
If the Fund writes an option on a Futures Contract, it will be required to
deposit initial and variation margin pursuant to requirements similar to those
applicable to Futures Contracts. Premiums received from the writing of an option
on a Futures Contract are included in the initial margin deposit.
The Fund may seek to close out an option position by selling an option covering
the same Futures Contract and having the same exercise price and expiration
date. The ability to establish and close out positions on such options is
subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary market.
LIMITATIONS ON USE OF FUTURES, OPTIONS ON FUTURES AND CERTAIN OPTIONS ON
CURRENCIES
To the extent that the Fund enters into Futures Contracts, options on Futures
Contracts, and options on foreign currencies traded on a CFTC-regulated
exchange, in each case other than for BONA FIDE hedging purposes (as defined by
the CFTC), the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish those
positions (excluding the amount by which options are "in-the-money") will not
exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into
account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any contracts the Fund has
entered into. In general, a call option on a Futures Contract is "in-the-money"
if the value of the underlying Futures Contract exceeds the strike, I.E.,
exercise, price of the call; a put option on a Futures Contract is
"in-the-money" if the value of the underlying Futures Contract is exceeded by
the strike price of the put. This guideline may be modified by the Company's
Board of Directors without a shareholder vote. This limitation does not limit
the percentage of the Fund's assets at risk to 5%.
FORWARD CONTRACTS
A Forward Contract is an obligation, usually arranged with a commercial bank or
other currency dealer, to purchase or sell a currency against another currency
at a future date and price as agreed upon by the parties. The Fund may either
accept or make delivery of the currency at the maturity of the Forward Contract.
The Fund may also, if its contra party agrees, prior to maturity, enter into a
closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract.
The Fund engages in forward currency transactions in anticipation of, or to
protect itself against, fluctuations in exchange rates. The Fund might sell a
particular foreign currency forward, for example, when it holds securities
denominated in a foreign currency but anticipates, and seeks to be protected
against, a decline in the currency against the U.S. dollar. Similarly, the Fund
might sell the U.S. dollar forward when it holds securities denominated in U.S.
dollars, but anticipates, and seeks to be protected against, a decline in the
U.S. dollar relative to other currencies. Further, the Fund might purchase a
currency forward to "lock in" the price of securities denominated in that
currency that it anticipates purchasing.
Forward Contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between
currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A Forward
Contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at
any stage for trades. The Fund will enter into such Forward Contracts with major
U.S. or foreign banks and securities or currency dealers in accordance with
guidelines approved by the Company's Board of Directors.
The Fund may enter into Forward Contracts either with respect to specific
transactions or with respect to the Fund's portfolio positions. The precise
matching of the Forward Contract amounts and the value of specific securities
will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in
foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value
of those securities between the date the Forward Contract is entered into and
the date it
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AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
matures. Accordingly, it may be necessary for the Fund to purchase additional
foreign currency on the spot (I.E., cash) 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 and if a decision is made to sell the
security and make delivery of the foreign currency. Conversely, it may be
necessary to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency the Fund is
obligated to deliver. The projection of short-term currency market movements is
extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging
strategy is highly uncertain. Forward Contracts involve the risk that
anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted, causing the
Fund to sustain losses on these contracts and transaction costs.
At or before the maturity of a Forward Contract requiring the Fund to sell a
currency, the Fund may either sell a portfolio security and use the sale
proceeds to make delivery of the currency or retain the security and offset its
contractual obligation to deliver the currency by purchasing a second contract
pursuant to which the Fund will obtain, on the same maturity date, the same
amount of the currency that it is obligated to deliver. Similarly, the Fund may
close out a Forward Contract requiring it to purchase a specified currency by
entering into a second contract, if its contra party agrees, entitling it to
sell the same amount of the same currency on the maturity date of the first
contract. The Fund would realize a gain or loss as a result of entering into
such an offsetting Forward Contract under either circumstance to the extent the
exchange rate or rates between the currencies involved moved between the
execution dates of the first contract and the offsetting contract.
The cost to the Fund of engaging in Forward Contracts varies with factors such
as the currencies involved, the length of the contract period and the market
conditions then prevailing. Because Forward Contracts usually are entered into
on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The use of Forward
Contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the underlying
securities the Fund owns or intends to acquire, but it does establish a rate of
exchange in advance. In addition, while Forward Contract sales limit the risk of
loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currencies, they also limit any
potential gain that might result should the value of the currencies increase.
FOREIGN CURRENCY STRATEGIES -- SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Fund may use options on foreign currencies, Futures on foreign currencies,
options on Futures on foreign currencies and Forward Contracts to hedge against
movements in the values of the foreign currencies in which the Fund's securities
are denominated. Such currency hedges can protect against price movements in a
security that the Fund owns or intends to acquire that are attributable to
changes in the value of the currency in which it is denominated. Such hedges do
not, however, protect against price movements in the securities that are
attributable to other causes.
The Fund might seek to hedge against changes in the value of a particular
currency when no Futures Contract, Forward Contract or option involving that
currency is available or one of such contracts is more expensive than certain
other contracts. In such cases, the Fund may hedge against price movements in
that currency by entering into a contract on another currency or basket of
currencies, the values of which the Sub-adviser believes will have a positive
correlation to the value of the currency being hedged. The risk that movements
in the price of the contract will not correlate perfectly with movements in the
price of the currency being hedged is magnified when this strategy is used.
The value of Futures Contracts, options on Futures Contracts, Forward Contracts
and options on foreign currencies depends on the value of the underlying
currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Because foreign currency transactions
occurring in the interbank market might involve substantially larger amounts
than those involved in the use of Futures Contracts, Forward Contracts or
options, the Fund could be disadvantaged by dealing in the odd lot market
(generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the
underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round
lots.
There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies
or any regulatory requirements that quotations available through dealers or
other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation information
generally is representative of very large transactions in the interbank market
and thus might not reflect odd-lot transactions where rates might be less
favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global,
round-the-clock market. To the extent the U.S. options or Futures markets are
closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant
price and rate movements might take place in the underlying markets that cannot
be reflected in the markets for the Futures contracts or options until they
reopen.
Settlement of Futures Contracts, Forward Contracts and options involving foreign
currencies might be required to take place within the country issuing the
underlying currency. Thus, the Fund might be required to accept or make delivery
of the underlying foreign currency in accordance with any U.S. or foreign
regulations regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S.
residents and might be required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated
with such delivery assessed in the issuing country.
Statement of Additional Information Page 13
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AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
COVER
Transactions using Forward Contracts, Futures Contracts and options (other than
options purchased by the Fund) expose the Fund to an obligation to another
party. The Fund will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns either
(1) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities, currencies, or other
options, Forward Contracts or Futures Contracts, or (2) cash, receivables and
short-term debt securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover its
potential obligations not covered as provided in (1) above. The Fund will comply
with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and, if the guidelines
so require, set aside cash or liquid securities.
Assets used as cover or held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the
position in the corresponding Forward Contract, Futures Contract or option is
open, unless they are replaced with other appropriate assets. If a large portion
of the Fund's assets are used for cover or otherwise set aside, it could affect
portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other
current obligations.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RISK FACTORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
Securities may be considered illiquid if the Fund cannot reasonably expect
within seven days to sell the securities for approximately the amount at which
the Fund values such securities. See "Investment Limitations." The sale of
illiquid securities, if they can be sold at all, generally will require more
time and result in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other
selling expenses than the sale of liquid securities such as securities eligible
for trading on U.S. securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets.
Moreover, restricted securities, which may be illiquid for purposes of this
limitation, often sell, if at all, at a price lower than similar securities that
are not subject to restrictions on resale.
Illiquid securities include those that are subject to restrictions contained in
the securities laws of other countries. However, securities that are freely
marketable in the country where they are principally traded, but would not be
freely marketable in the United States, will not be considered illiquid. Where
registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the
registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of
the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security
under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse
market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price
than prevailed when it decided to sell.
Not all restricted securities are illiquid. In recent years a large
institutional market has developed for certain securities that are not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), including
private placements, repurchase agreements, commercial paper, foreign securities
and corporate bonds and notes. These instruments are often restricted securities
because the securities are sold in transactions not requiring registration.
Institutional investors generally will not seek to sell these instruments to the
general public, but instead will often depend either on an efficient
institutional market in which such unregistered securities can be readily resold
or on an issuer's ability to honor a demand for repayment. Therefore, the fact
that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public
or certain institutions is not dispositive of the liquidity of such investments.
Rule 144A under the 1933 Act establishes a "safe harbor" from the registration
requirements of the 1933 Act for resales of certain securities to qualified
institutional buyers. Institutional markets for restricted securities have
developed as a result of Rule 144A, providing both readily ascertainable values
for restricted securities and the ability to liquidate an investment to satisfy
share redemption orders. Such markets include automated systems for the trading,
clearance and settlement of unregistered securities of domestic and foreign
issuers, such as the PORTAL System sponsored by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. An insufficient number of qualified institutional
buyers interested in purchasing Rule 144A-eligible restricted securities held by
the Fund, however, could affect adversely the marketability of such portfolio
securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly
or at favorable prices.
With respect to liquidity determinations generally, the Company's Board of
Directors has the ultimate responsibility for determining whether specific
securities, including restricted securities pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1993
Act, are liquid or illiquid. The Board has delegated the function of making
day-to-day determinations of liquidity to the Sub-
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AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
adviser, in accordance with procedures approved by the Company's Board of
Directors. The Sub-adviser takes into account a number of factors in reaching
liquidity decisions, including, but not limited to: (i) the frequency of trading
in the security; (ii) the number of dealers who make quotes for the security:
(iii) the number of dealers who have undertaken to make a market in the
security; (iv) the number of other potential purchasers; and (v) the nature of
the security and how trading is affected (E.G., the time needed to sell the
security, how offers are solicited and the mechanics of transfer). The
Sub-adviser monitors the liquidity of securities in the Fund's portfolio and
periodically reports on such decisions to the Board. If the liquidity percentage
restriction of the Fund is satisfied at the time of investment, a later increase
in the percentage of illiquid securities held by the Fund resulting from a
change in market value or assets will not constitute a violation of that
restriction. If as a result of a change in market value or assets, the
percentage of illiquid securities held by the Fund increases above the
applicable limit, the Sub-adviser will take appropriate steps to bring the
aggregate amount of illiquid assets back within the prescribed limitations as
soon as reasonably practicable, taking into account the effect of any
disposition on the Fund.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AFFECTING EMERGING MARKETS. Investing in equity
securities of companies in emerging markets may entail greater risks than
investing in equity securities 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 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; and (v) the
absence of developed structures governing private or foreign investment or
allowing for judicial redress for injury to private property. Investing in the
securities of companies in emerging markets, including the markets of Latin
America and certain Asian markets such as Taiwan, Malaysia and Indonesia, may
entail special risks relating to the potential political and economic
instability and the risks of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation or the
imposition of restrictions on foreign investment, convertibility of currencies
into U.S. dollars and on repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such
expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation by any country, the Fund
could lose its entire investment in any such country.
Settlement mechanisms in emerging securities markets may be less efficient and
reliable than in more developed markets. In such emerging securities markets
there may be share registration and delivery delays or failures.
Many emerging market countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods
extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid
fluctuations in inflation rates and corresponding currency devaluations have had
and may continue to have negative effects on the economies and securities
markets of certain emerging market countries.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AFFECTING RUSSIA AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES.
Investing in Russia and Eastern European countries involves a high degree of
risk and special considerations not typically associated with investing in the
United States securities markets, and should be considered highly speculative.
Such risks include: (1) delays in settling portfolio transactions and risk of
loss arising out of the system of share registration and custody; (2) the risk
that it may be impossible or more difficult than in other countries to obtain
and/or enforce a judgement; (3) pervasiveness of corruption and crime in the
economic system; (4) currency exchange rate volatility and the lack of available
currency hedging instruments; (5) higher rates of inflation (including the risk
of social unrest associated with periods of hyper-inflation) and high
unemployment; (6) controls on foreign investment and local practices disfavoring
foreign investors and limitations on repatriation of invested capital, profits
and dividends, and on the Fund's ability to exchange local currencies for U.S.
dollars; (7) political instability and social unrest and violence; (8) the risk
that the governments of Russia and Eastern European countries may decide not to
continue to support the economic reform programs implemented recently and could
follow radically different political and/or economic policies to the detriment
of investors, including non-market-oriented policies such as the support of
certain industries at the expense of other sectors or investors, or a return to
the centrally planned economy that existed when such countries had a communist
form of government; (9) the financial condition of companies in these countries,
including large amounts of inter-company debt which may create a payments crisis
on a national scale; (10) dependency on exports and the corresponding importance
of international trade; (11) the risk that the tax system in these countries
will not be reformed to prevent inconsistent, retroactive and/or exorbitant
taxation; and (12) the underdeveloped nature of the securities markets.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AFFECTING PACIFIC REGION COUNTRIES. Many of the Asia
Pacific region countries may be subject to a greater degree of social, political
and economic instability than is the case in the United States. Such instability
may result from, among other things, the following: (i) authoritarian
governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making,
and changes in government through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular
unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic and social
conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with
Statement of Additional Information Page 15
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AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection. Such
social, political and economic instability could significantly disrupt the
principal financial markets in which a Fund invests and adversely affect the
value of a Fund's assets. In addition, there may be the possibility of asset
expropriations or future confiscatory levels of taxation affecting the Funds.
Several of the Asia Pacific region countries have or in the past have had
hostile relationships with neighboring nations or have experienced internal
insurgency. Thailand has experienced border conflicts with Laos and Cambodia,
and India is engaged in border disputes with several of its neighbors, including
China and Pakistan. An uneasy truce exists between North Korea and South Korea,
and the recurrence of hostilities remains possible. Reunification of North Korea
and South Korea could have a detrimental effect on the economy of South Korea.
Also, China continues to claim sovereignty over Taiwan and recently has
conducted military maneuvers near Taiwan.
The economies of most of the Asia Pacific region countries are heavily dependent
upon international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade
barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners, principally the
United States, Japan, China and the European Community. The enactment by the
United States or other principal trading partners of protectionist trade
legislation, reduction of foreign investment in the local economies and general
declines in the international securities markets could have a significant
adverse effect upon the securities markets of the Asia Pacific region countries.
In addition, the economies of some of the Asia Pacific region countries,
Australia and Indonesia, for example, are vulnerable to weakness in world prices
for their commodity exports, including crude oil.
China recently assumed sovereignty over Hong Kong in July 1997. Although China
has committed by treaty to preserve the economic and social freedoms enjoyed in
Hong Kong for fifty years, the continuation of the current form of the economic
system in Hong Kong will depend on the actions of the government of China. In
addition, such assumption of sovereignty has increased sensitivity in Hong Kong
to political developments and statements by public figures in China. Business
confidence in Hong Kong, therefore, can be significantly affected by such
developments and statements, which in turn can affect markets and business
performance.
In addition, the Chinese sovereignty over Hong Kong also presents a risk that
the Hong Kong dollar will be devaluated and a risk of possible loss of investor
confidence in the Hong Kong markets and dollar. However, factors exist that are
likely to mitigate this risk. First, China has stated its intention to implement
a "one country, two systems" policy, which would preserve monetary sovereignty
and leave control in the hands of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ("HKMA").
Second, fixed rate parity with the U.S. dollar is seen as critical to
maintaining investors' confidence in the transition to Chinese rule and,
therefore, it is anticipated that, in the event international investors lose
confidence in Hong Kong dollar assets, the HKMA would intervene to support the
currency, though such intervention cannot be assured. Third, Hong Kong's and
China's sizable combined foreign exchange reserve may be used to support the
value of the Hong Kong dollar, provided that China does not appropriate such
reserves for other uses, which is not anticipated, but cannot be assured.
Finally, China would be likely to experience significant adverse political and
economic consequences if confidence in the Hong Kong dollar and the territory
assets were to be endangered.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AFFECTING LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES. Most Latin
American 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 Latin American countries. Certain
Latin American countries are also among the largest debtors to commercial banks
and foreign governments. At times certain Latin American countries have declared
moratoria on the payment of principal and/or interest on external debt. In
addition, certain Latin American securities markets have experienced high
volatility in recent years.
Latin American countries may also close certain sectors of their economies to
equity investments by foreigners. Further due to the absence of securities
markets and publicly owned corporations and due to restrictions on direct
investment by foreign entities, investments may only be made in certain Latin
American countries solely or primarily through governmentally approved
investment vehicles or companies.
Certain Latin American countries may have managed currencies that are maintained
at artificial levels to the U.S. dollar rather than at levels determined by the
market. This type of system can lead to sudden and large adjustments in the
currency which, in turn, can have a disruptive and negative effect on foreign
investors. For example, in late 1994, the value of the Mexican peso lost more
than one-third of its value relative to the U.S. dollar.
Statement of Additional Information Page 16
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
CONCENTRATION. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its
assets in securities of issuers located in a particular country or region of the
world, the Fund may be subject to greater risks and may experience greater
volatility than a fund that is more broadly diversified geographically.
POLITICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC RISKS. Investing in securities of non-U.S.
companies may entail additional risks due to the potential political, social and
economic instability of certain countries and the risks of expropriation,
nationalization, confiscation or the imposition of restrictions on foreign
investment, convertibility of currencies into U.S. dollars, and on repatriation
of capital invested. In the event of such expropriation, nationalization or
other confiscation by any country, the Fund could lose its entire investment in
any such country.
In addition, even though opportunities for investment may exist in emerging
markets, any change in the leadership or policies of the governments of those
countries or in the leadership or policies of any other government which
exercises a significant influence over those countries, may halt the expansion
of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring
and thereby eliminate any investment opportunities which may currently exist.
Investors should note that upon the accession to power of authoritarian regimes,
the governments of a number of Latin American countries previously expropriated
large quantities of real and personal property similar to the property which
will be represented by the securities purchased by the Fund. The claims of
property owners against those governments were never finally settled. There can
be no assurance that any property represented by securities purchased by the
Fund will not also be expropriated, nationalized, or otherwise confiscated. If
such confiscation were to occur, the Fund could lose its entire investment in
such countries. The Fund's investments would similarly be adversely affected by
exchange control regulation in any of those countries.
RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC INSTABILITY. Certain countries in which the Fund may
invest may have groups that advocate radical religious or revolutionary
philosophies or support ethnic independence. Any disturbance on the part of such
individuals could carry the potential for widespread destruction or confiscation
of property owned by individuals and entities foreign to such country and could
cause the loss of the Fund's investment in those countries. Instability may also
result from, among other things: (i) authoritarian governments or military
involvement in political and economic decision-making, including changes in
government through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated
with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions; and (iii)
hostile relations with neighboring or other countries. Such political, social
and economic instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which
the Fund invests and adversely affect the value of the Fund's assets.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. Certain countries prohibit or impose
substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly
their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Fund. These restrictions
or controls may at times limit or preclude investment in certain securities and
may increase the cost and expenses of the Fund. For example, certain countries
require prior governmental approval before investment by foreign persons may be
made, or may limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular
company, or may limit the investment by 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. Moreover, the national
policies of certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers
or industries deemed sensitive to national interests. In addition, some
countries require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment
income, capital or the proceeds of securities sales by foreign investors. In
addition, if there is a deterioration in a country's balance of payments or for
other reasons, a country may impose restrictions on foreign capital remittances
abroad. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to
grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the
application to it of other restrictions on investments.
NON-UNIFORM CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STANDARDS AND GOVERNMENTAL
REGULATION. Foreign companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial
standards and requirements that differ, in some cases significantly, from those
applicable to U.S. companies. In particular, the assets, liabilities and profits
appearing on the financial statements of such a company may not reflect its
financial position or results of operations in the way they would be reflected
had such financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles. Most of the foreign securities held by the Fund
will not be registered with the SEC or regulators of any foreign country, nor
will the issuers thereof be subject to the SEC's reporting requirements. Thus,
there will be less available information concerning most foreign issuers of
securities held by the Fund than is available concerning U.S. issuers. In
instances where the financial statements of an issuer are not deemed to reflect
accurately the financial situation of the issuer, the Sub-adviser will take
appropriate steps to evaluate the proposed investment, which may include on-site
inspection of the issuer, interviews with its management and consultations with
accountants, bankers and other specialists. There is substantially less publicly
available information about foreign companies than there are reports and ratings
published about U.S. companies and the U.S. government. In
Statement of Additional Information Page 17
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
addition, where public information is available, it may be less reliable than
such information regarding U.S. issuers. Issuers of securities in foreign
jurisdictions are generally not subject to the same degree of regulation as are
U.S. issuers with respect to such matters as restrictions on market
manipulation, insider trading rules, shareholder proxy requirements and timely
disclosure of information.
CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS. Because the Fund, under normal circumstances, will
invest a substantial portion of its total assets in the securities of foreign
issuers which are denominated in foreign currencies, the strength or weakness of
the U.S. dollar against such foreign currencies will account for part of the
Fund's investment performance. 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 the
Fund's holdings of securities and cash denominated in such currency and,
therefore, will cause an overall decline in the Fund's net asset value and any
net investment income and capital gains derived from such securities to be
distributed in U.S. dollars to shareholders of the Fund. Moreover, if the value
of the foreign currencies in which the Fund receives its income falls relative
to the U.S. dollar between receipt of the income and the making of Fund
distributions, the Fund may be required to liquidate securities in order to make
distributions if the Fund has insufficient cash in U.S. dollars to meet
distribution requirements.
The rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and other currencies is determined
by several factors including the supply and demand for particular currencies,
central bank efforts to support particular currencies, the relative movement of
interest rates and the pace of business activity in the other countries, and the
U.S., and other economic and financial conditions affecting the world economy.
Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, the Fund
does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars
on a daily basis. The Fund will do so from time to time, and investors should be
aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do
not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the
difference ("spread") between the prices at which they are buying and selling
various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the
Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund
desire to sell that currency to the dealer.
ADVERSE MARKET CHARACTERISTICS. Securities of many foreign issuers may be
less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable U.S.
issuers. In addition, foreign securities markets and brokers are generally
subject to less governmental supervision and regulation than in the United
States, and foreign securities transactions are usually subject to fixed
commissions, which are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S.
transactions. In addition, foreign securities transactions may be subject to
difficulties associated with the settlement of such transactions. Delays in
settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund are
uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make
intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to
miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio
security due to settlement problems either could result in losses to the Fund
due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund
has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible
liability to the purchaser. The Sub-adviser will consider such difficulties when
determining the allocation of the Fund's assets, although the Sub-adviser does
not believe that such difficulties will have a material adverse effect on the
Fund's portfolio trading activities.
The Fund may use foreign custodians, which may involve risks in addition to
those related to the use of U.S. custodians. Such risks include uncertainties
relating to: (i) determining and monitoring the financial strength, reputation
and standing of the foreign custodian; (ii) maintaining appropriate safeguards
to protect the Fund's investments and (iii) possible difficulties in obtaining
and enforcing judgments against such custodians.
WITHHOLDING TAXES. The Fund's net investment income from foreign issuers may
be subject to withholding taxes by the foreign issuer's country, thereby
reducing the income or delaying the receipt of income where those taxes may be
recaptured. See "Taxes."
Statement of Additional Information Page 18
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund has adopted the following investment limitations as fundamental
policies which (unless otherwise noted) may not be changed without approval by
the holders of the lesser of (i) 67% of the Fund's shares represented at a
meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented, and
(ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares.
The Fund may not:
(1) Purchase any security if, as a result of that purchase, 25% or more
of the Fund's total assets would be invested in securities of issuers having
their principal business activities in the same industry, except that this
limitation does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities;
(2) Purchase or sell real estate, except that investments in securities
of issuers that invest in real estate and investments in mortgage-backed
securities, mortgage participations or other instruments supported by
interests in real estate are not subject to this limitation, and except that
the Fund may exercise rights under agreements relating to such securities,
including the right to enforce security interests and to hold real estate
acquired by reason of such enforcement until that real estate can be
liquidated in an orderly manner;
(3) Purchase or sell physical commodities, but the Fund may purchase,
sell or enter into financial options and futures, forward and spot currency
contracts, swap transactions and other financial contracts or derivative
instruments;
(4) Engage in the business of underwriting securities of other issuers,
except to the extent that the Fund might be considered an underwriter under
the federal securities laws in connection with its disposition of portfolio
securities;
(5) Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities or through
repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this limitation, the
acquisition of bonds, debentures, other debt securities or instruments, or
participations or other interests therein and investments in government
obligations, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances
or similar instruments will not be considered the making of a loan;
(6) Issue senior securities or borrow money, except as permitted under
the 1940 Act and then not in excess of 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets
(including the amount borrowed but reduced by any liabilities not
constituting borrowings) at the time of the borrowing, except that the Fund
may borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets (not including the
amount borrowed) for temporary or emergency purposes; or
(7) Purchase securities of any one issuer if, as a result, more than 5%
of the Fund's total assets would be invested in securities of that issuer or
the Fund would own or hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of that issuer, except that up to 25% of the Fund's total assets
may be invested without regard to this limitation, and except that this
limitation does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities or to securities issued by
other investment companies.
Notwithstanding any other investment policy of the Fund, the Fund may invest all
of its investable assets (cash, securities and receivables related to
securities) in an open-end management investment company having substantially
the same investment objective, policies and limitations as the Fund.
For purposes of the Fund's concentration policy contained in limitation (1)
above, the Fund intends to comply with the SEC staff position that securities
issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by any single foreign
government or any supranational organizations in the aggregate are considered to
be securities of issuers in the same industry.
The following operating policies of the Fund are not fundamental policies and
may be changed by vote of the Company's Board of Directors without shareholder
approval. The Fund may not:
(1) Invest in securities of an issuer if the investment would cause the
Fund to own more than 10% of any class of securities of any one issuer;
(2) Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
management;
Statement of Additional Information Page 19
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
(3) Enter into a futures contract, an option on a futures contract, or
an option on foreign currency traded on a CFTC-regulated exchange, in each
case other than for BONA FIDE hedging purposes (as defined by the CFTC), if
the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish all of those
positions (excluding the amount by which options are "in-the-money") exceeds
5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into
account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any contracts the Fund
has entered into;
(4) Borrow money except for temporary or emergency purposes (not for
leveraging) not in excess of 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total
assets, except that the Fund may purchase securities when outstanding
borrowings represent less than 5% of the Fund's assets;
(5) Purchase securities on margin, provided that the Fund may obtain
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and
sales of securities, and further provided that the Fund may make margin
deposits in connection with its use of financial options and futures,
forward and spot currency contracts, swap transactions and other financial
contracts or derivative instruments; or
(6) Mortgage, pledge, or hypothecate any of its assets, provided that
this shall not apply to the transfer of securities in connection with any
permissible borrowing or to collateral arrangements in connection with
permissible activities.
Investors should refer to the Prospectus for further information with respect to
the Fund's investment objective, which may not be changed without the approval
of the shareholders, and other investment policies, techniques and limitations,
which may be changed without shareholder approval.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO
TRANSACTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject to policies established by the Company's Board of Directors, the
Sub-adviser is responsible for the execution of the Fund's portfolio
transactions and the selection of brokers and dealers who execute such
transactions on behalf of the Fund. In executing portfolio transactions, the
Sub-adviser seeks the best net results for the Fund, taking into account such
factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer
spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities
of the firm involved. Although the Sub-adviser generally seeks reasonably
competitive commission rates and spreads, payment of the lowest commission or
spread is not necessarily consistent with the best net results. While the Fund
may engage in soft dollar arrangements for research services, as described
below, the Fund has no obligation to deal with any broker/dealer or group of
broker/dealers in the execution of portfolio transactions.
Consistent with the interests of the Fund, the Sub-adviser may select brokers to
execute the Fund's portfolio transactions on the basis of the research and
brokerage services they provide to the Sub-adviser for its use in managing the
Fund and its other advisory accounts. Such services may include furnishing
analyses, reports and information concerning issuers, industries, securities,
geographic regions, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and
performance of accounts; and effecting securities transactions and performing
functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement). Research and
brokerage services received from such brokers are in addition to, and not in
lieu of, the services required to be performed by the Sub-adviser under
investment management and administration contracts. A commission paid to such
brokers may be higher than that which another qualified broker would have
charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that the Sub-adviser
determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of
that particular transaction or the overall responsibility of the Sub-adviser to
the Fund and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by the Fund
will be reasonable in relation to the benefits it received over the long term.
Research services may also be received from dealers who execute Fund
transactions in OTC markets.
The Sub-adviser may allocate brokerage transactions to broker/dealers who have
entered into arrangements under which the broker/dealer allocates a portion of
the commissions paid by the Fund toward payment of its expenses, such as
transfer agent and custodian fees.
Investment decisions for the Fund and for other investment accounts managed by
the Sub-adviser are made independently of each other in light of differing
conditions. However, the same investment decision occasionally may be made for
two or more of such accounts including the Fund. In such cases, simultaneous
transactions may occur. Purchases or sales
Statement of Additional Information Page 20
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
are then allocated as to price or amount in a manner deemed fair and equitable
to all accounts involved. While in some cases this practice could have a
detrimental effect upon the price or value of the security as far as the Fund is
concerned, in other cases the Sub-adviser believes that coordination and the
ability to participate in volume transactions will be beneficial to the Fund.
Under a policy adopted by the Company's Board of Directors, and subject to the
policy of obtaining the best net results, the Sub-adviser may consider a
broker/dealer's sale of the shares of the Fund and the other funds for which AIM
or the Sub-adviser serves as investment manager in selecting brokers and dealers
for the execution of portfolio transactions. This policy does not imply a
commitment to execute portfolio transactions through all broker/dealers that
sell shares of the Fund and such other funds.
The Fund contemplates purchasing most foreign equity securities in
over-the-counter markets or 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. The fixed commissions paid in
connection with most such foreign stock transactions generally are higher than
negotiated commissions on United States transactions. There generally is less
government supervision and regulation of foreign stock exchanges and
broker/dealers than in the United States. Foreign security settlements may in
some instances be subject to delays and related administrative uncertainties.
Foreign equity securities may be held by the Fund in the form of ADRs, ADSs,
EDRs, CDRs or securities convertible into foreign equity securities. ADRs, ADSs,
EDRs and CDRs may be listed on stock exchanges, or traded in the OTC markets in
the United States or Europe, as the case may be. ADRs, like other securities
traded in the United States, will be subject to negotiated commission rates. The
foreign and domestic debt securities and money market instruments in which the
Fund may invest are generally traded in OTC markets.
The Fund contemplates that, consistent with the policy of obtaining the best net
results, brokerage transactions may be conducted through certain companies that
are affiliates of AIM or the Sub-adviser. The Company's Board of Directors has
adopted procedures in conformity with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act to ensure
that all brokerage commissions paid to affiliates are reasonable and fair in the
context of the market in which they are operating. Any such transactions will be
effected and related compensation paid only in accordance with applicable SEC
regulations. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the
Fund paid aggregate brokerage commissions of $3,274,528, $3,648,347 and
$3,307,402, respectively.
PORTFOLIO TRADING AND TURNOVER
The Fund engages in portfolio trading when the Sub-adviser has concluded that
the sale of a security owned by the Fund and/or the purchase of another security
of better value can enhance principal and/or increase income. A security may be
sold to avoid any prospective decline in market value, or a security may be
purchased in anticipation of a market rise. Consistent with the Fund's
investment objective, a security also may be sold and a comparable security
purchased coincidentally in order to take advantage of what is believed to be a
disparity in the normal yield and price relationship between the two securities.
Although the Fund generally does not intend to trade for short-term profits, the
securities in the Fund's portfolio will be sold whenever the Sub-adviser
believes it is appropriate to do so, without regard to the length of time a
particular security may have been held. The portfolio turnover rate is
calculated by dividing the lesser of sales or purchases of portfolio securities
by the Fund's average month-end portfolio value, excluding short-term
investments. The portfolio turnover rate will not be a limiting factor when
management deems portfolio changes appropriate. Higher portfolio turnover
involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transaction
costs that the Fund will bear directly, and may result in the realization of net
capital gains that are taxable when distributed to the Fund's shareholders. For
the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997 and 1996, the Fund's portfolio turnover
rates were 150% and 104%, respectively.
Statement of Additional Information Page 21
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company's Directors and Executive Officers are listed below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, POSITION(S) WITH THE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS AND BUSINESS
COMPANY AND ADDRESS EXPERIENCE FOR PAST 5 YEARS
- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
William J. Guilfoyle*, 39 Mr. Guilfoyle is President, GT Global, Inc. ("GT Global") since 1995; Director,
Director, Chairman of the Board and President GT Global since 1991; Senior Vice President and Director of Sales and Marketing,
50 California Street GT Global from May 1992 to April 1995; Vice President and Director of Marketing,
San Francisco, CA 94111 GT Global from 1987 to 1992; Director, Liechtenstein Global Trust AG (holding
company of the various international LGT companies) Advisory Board since January
1996; Director, G.T. Global Insurance Agency ("G.T. Insurance") since 1996;
President and Chief Executive Officer, G.T. Insurance since 1995; Senior Vice
President and Director, Sales and Marketing, G.T. Insurance from April 1995 to
November 1995; Senior Vice President, Retail Marketing, G.T. Insurance from 1992
to 1993. Mr. Guilfoyle is also a trustee of each of the other investment
companies registered under the 1940 Act, that is sub-advised or sub-administered
by the Sub-adviser.
C. Derek Anderson, 57 Mr. Anderson is President, Plantagenet Capital Management, LLC (an investment
Director partnership); Chief Executive Officer, Plantagenet Holdings, Ltd. (an investment
220 Sansome Street banking firm); Director, Anderson Capital Management, Inc. since 1988; Director,
Suite 400 PremiumWear, Inc. (formerly Munsingwear, Inc.) (a casual apparel company) and
San Francisco, CA 94104 Director, "R" Homes, Inc. and various other companies. Mr. Anderson is also a
trustee of each of the other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act
that is sub-advised or sub-administered by the Sub-adviser.
Frank S. Bayley, 58 Mr. Bayley is a partner of the law firm of Baker & McKenzie, and serves as a
Director Director and Chairman of C.D. Stimson Company (a private investment company).
Two Embarcadero Center Mr. Bayley is also a trustee of each of the other investment companies
Suite 2400 registered under the 1940 Act that is sub-advised or sub- administered by the
San Francisco, CA 94111 Sub-adviser.
Arthur C. Patterson, 54 Mr. Patterson is Managing Partner of Accel Partners (a venture capital firm). He
Director also serves as a director of Viasoft and PageMart, Inc. (both public software
428 University Avenue companies), as well as several other privately held software and communications
Palo Alto, CA 94301 companies. Mr. Patterson is also a trustee of each of the other investment
companies registered under the 1940 Act that is sub-advised or sub-administered
by the Sub-adviser.
Ruth H. Quigley, 63 Miss Quigley is a private investor. From 1984 to 1986, she was President of
Director Quigley Friedlander & Co., Inc. (a financial advisory services firm). Miss
1055 California Street Quigley is also a trustee of each of the other investment companies registered
San Francisco, CA 94108 under the 1940 Act that is sub-advised or sub-administered by the Sub-adviser.
</TABLE>
- --------------
* Mr. Guilfoyle is an "interested person" of the Company as defined by the
1940 Act due to his affiliation with the Sub-adviser.
Statement of Additional Information Page 22
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, POSITION(S) WITH THE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS AND BUSINESS
COMPANY AND ADDRESS EXPERIENCE FOR PAST 5 YEARS
- --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
John J. Arthur+, 53 Director, Senior Vice President and Treasurer, A I M Advisors, Inc.; Vice
Vice President President and Treasurer, A I M Management Group Inc., A I M Capital Management,
Inc., A I M Distributors, Inc., A I M Fund Services, Inc. and Fund Management
Company.
Kenneth W. Chancey, 52 Senior Vice President -- Mutual Fund Accounting, the Sub-adviser since 1997;
Vice President and Vice President -- Mutual Fund Accounting, the Sub-adviser from 1992 to 1997.
Principal Accounting Officer
50 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Melville B. Cox, 54 Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, A I M Advisors, Inc., A I M Capital
Vice President Management, Inc., A I M Distributors, Inc., A I M Fund Services, Inc. and Fund
Management Company.
Gary T. Crum, 50 Director and President, A I M Capital Management, Inc.; Director and Senior Vice
Vice President President, A I M Management Group Inc. and A I M Advisors, Inc.; and Director,
A I M Distributors, Inc. and AMVESCAP PLC.
Robert H. Graham, 51 Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, A I M Management Group Inc.;
Vice President Director and President, A I M Advisors, Inc.; Director and Senior Vice
President, A I M Capital Management, Inc., A I M Distributors, Inc., A I M Fund
Services, Inc. and Fund Management Company; Director, AMVESCAP PLC; Chairman of
the Board of Directors and President, INVESCO Holdings Canada Inc.; and
Director, AIM Funds Group Canada Inc. and INVESCO G.P. Canada Inc.
Helge K. Lee, 52 Chief Legal and Compliance Officer -- North America, the Sub-adviser since
Vice President October 1997; Executive Vice President of the Asset Management Division of
50 California Street Liechtenstein Global Trust AG since October 1996; Senior Vice President, General
San Francisco, CA 94111 Counsel and Secretary of LGT Asset Management, Inc., INVESCO (NY), Inc., GT
Global, GT Global Investor Services, Inc. and G.T. Insurance from May 1994 to
October 1996; Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of
Strong/Corneliuson Management, Inc. and Secretary of each of the Strong Funds
from October 1991 through May 1994.
Carol F. Relihan+, 43 Director, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, A I M Advisors,
Vice President Inc.; Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, A I M Management Group
Inc.; Director, Vice President and General Counsel, Fund Management Company;
Vice President and General Counsel, A I M Fund Services, Inc.; and Vice
President, A I M Capital Management, Inc. and A I M Distributors, Inc.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Dana R. Sutton, 39 Vice President and Fund Controller, A I M Advisors, Inc.; and Assistant Vice
Vice President and Assistant Treasurer President and Assistant Treasurer, Fund Management Company.
</TABLE>
- --------------
+ Mr. Arthur and Ms. Relihan are married to each other.
Statement of Additional Information Page 23
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
The Board of Directors has a Nominating and Audit Committee, comprised of Miss
Quigley and Messrs. Anderson, Bayley and Patterson, which is responsible for
nominating persons to serve as Directors, reviewing audits of the Company and
its funds and recommending firms to serve as independent auditors of the
Company. Each of the Directors and Officers of the Company is also a Director or
Trustee and Officer of AIM Investment Portfolios, Inc., and AIM Floating Rate
Fund, AIM Series Trust, AIM Growth Series, AIM Eastern Europe Fund, GT Global
Variable Investment Trust, GT Global Variable Investment Series, Global
Investment Portfolio, Growth Portfolio, Floating Rate Portfolio and Global High
Income Portfolio, which also are registered investment companies advised by AIM
and sub-advised by the the Sub-adviser or an affiliate thereof. Each Director,
Trustee and Officer serves in total as a Director, Trustee and Officer,
respectively, of 12 registered investment companies with 47 series managed or
administered by AIM and sub-advised or sub-administered by the Sub-adviser. Each
Director who is not a director, officer or employee of the Sub-adviser or any
affiliated company is paid aggregate fees of $5,000 a year, plus $300 per Fund
for each meeting of the Board attended, and reimbursed travel and other expenses
incurred in connection with attendance at such meetings. Other Directors and
Officers receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Company. For
the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Bayley, Mr. Patterson
and Miss Quigley, who are not directors, officers or employees of the
Sub-adviser or any affiliated company, received total compensation of $38,650,
$38,650, $27,850 and $38,650, respectively, from the Company for their services
as Directors. For the year ended October 31, 1997, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Bayley, Mr.
Patterson and Miss Quigley who are not directors, officers or employees of the
Sub-adviser or any other affiliated company received total compensation of
$117,304, $114,386, $88,350 and $111,688, respectively, from the investment
companies managed or administered by AIM and sub-advised or sub-admininstered by
the Sub-adviser for which he or she serves as a Director or Trustee. Fees and
expenses disbursed to the Directors contained no accrued or payable pension, or
retirement benefits. As of May 7, 1998, the Officers and Directors and their
families as a group owned in the aggregate beneficially or of record less than
1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund or of all the Company's series in the
aggregate.
Statement of Additional Information Page 24
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
AIM serves as the Fund's investment manager and administrator under an
investment management and administration contract ("Management Contract")
between the Company and AIM. The Sub-adviser serves as the Fund's sub-adviser
and sub-administrator under a Sub-Advisory and Sub-Administration Agreement
between AIM and the Sub-adviser ("Management Sub-Contract," and together with
the Management Contract, the "Management Contracts"). As investment manager and
administrator, AIM and the Sub-adviser make all investment decisions for the
Fund and administer the Fund's affairs. Among other things, AIM and the
Sub-adviser furnish the services and pay the compensation and travel expenses of
persons who perform the executive, administrative, clerical and bookkeeping
functions of the Company and the Fund, and provide suitable office space,
necessary small office equipment and utilities.
The Management Contracts may be renewed for one-year terms, provided that any
such renewal has been specifically approved at least annually by: (i) the
Company's Board of Directors, or by the vote of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (ii) a majority
of Directors who are not parties to the Management Contracts or "interested
persons" of any such party (as defined in the 1940 Act), cast in person at a
meeting called for the specific purpose of voting on such approval. The
Management Contracts provide that with respect to the Fund either the Company or
each of AIM or the Sub-adviser may terminate the Management Contracts without
penalty upon sixty days' written notice to the other party. The Management
Contracts terminate automatically in the event of their assignment (as defined
in the 1940 Act).
For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Fund paid
investment management and administration fees to the Sub-adviser in the amounts
of $3,907,922, $4,883,626 and $5,410,744, respectively.
Certain emerging market countries require a local entity to provide
administrative services for all direct investments by foreigners. Where required
by local law, the Fund intends to retain a local entity to provide such
administrative services. The local administrator will be paid a fee by the Fund
for its services.
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
The Fund's Class A and Class B shares are offered through the Fund's principal
underwriter and distributor, AIM Distributors, on a "best efforts" basis
pursuant to separate distribution contracts between the Company and AIM
Distributors.
As described in the Prospectus, on May 29, 1998, the Company adopted a Master
Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act relating to the
Class A shares of the Fund (the "Class A Plan"). At the same time, the Company
also adopted a Master Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940
Act relating to Class B shares of the Fund (the "Class B Plan," and together
with the Class A Plan, the "Plans"). The rate of payments by the Funds under the
Plans, as described in the Prospectus, may not be increased without the approval
of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the affected class.
BOTH PLANS. Pursuant to an incentive program, AIM Distributors may enter into
agreements ("Shareholder Service Agreements") with investment dealers selected
from time to time by AIM Distributors for the provision of distribution
assistance in connection with the sale of the Funds' shares to such dealers'
customers, and for the provision of continuing personal shareholder services to
customers who may from time to time directly or beneficially own shares of the
Funds. The distribution assistance and continuing personal shareholder services
to be rendered by dealers under the Shareholder Service Agreements may include,
but shall not be limited to, the following: distributing sales literature;
answering routine customer inquiries concerning the Fund; assisting customers in
changing dividend options, account designations and addresses, and in enrolling
in any of several special investment plans offered in connection with the
purchase of the Fund shares; assisting in the establishment and maintenance of
customer accounts and records and in the processing of purchase and redemption
transactions; investing dividends and any capital gains distributions
automatically in the Fund shares; and providing such other information and
services as the Fund or the customer may reasonably request.
Statement of Additional Information Page 25
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
Under the Plans, in addition to the Shareholder Service Agreements authorizing
payments to selected dealers, banks may enter into Shareholder Service
Agreements authorizing payments under the Plans to be made to banks that provide
services to their customers who have purchased shares. Services provided
pursuant to Shareholder Service Agreements with banks may include some or all of
the following: answering shareholder inquiries regarding the Fund and the
Company; performing sub-accounting; establishing and maintaining shareholder
accounts and records; processing customer purchase and redemption transactions;
providing periodic statements showing a shareholder's account balance and the
integration of such statements with those of other transactions and balances in
the shareholder's other accounts serviced by the bank; forwarding applicable
prospectuses, proxy statements, reports and notices to bank clients who hold
Fund shares; and such other administrative services as the Fund reasonably may
request, to the extent permitted by applicable statute, rule or regulation.
Similar agreements may be permitted under the Plans for institutions that
provide recordkeeping for and administrative services to 401(k) plans.
Financial intermediaries and any other person entitled to receive compensation
for selling Fund shares may receive different compensation for selling shares of
one particular class over another.
Under a Shareholder Service Agreement, the Fund agrees to pay periodically fees
to selected dealers and other institutions who render the foregoing services to
their customers. The fees payable under a Shareholder Service Agreement will be
calculated at the end of each payment period for each business day of the Fund
during such period at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net asset
value of the Fund shares purchased or acquired through exchange. Fees calculated
in this manner shall be paid only to those selected dealers or other
institutions who are dealers or institutions of record at the close of business
on the last business day of the applicable payment period for the account in
which the Fund's shares are held.
Payments pursuant to the Plans are subject to any applicable limitations imposed
by rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). The
Plans conform to rules of the NASD by limiting payments made to dealers and
other financial institutions who provide continuing personal shareholder
services to their customers who purchase and own shares of the Fund to no more
than 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to
the customers of such dealers or financial institutions, and by imposing a cap
on the total sales charges, including asset-based sales charges, that may be
paid by the Fund and its respective classes.
AIM Distributors does not act as principal, but rather as agent for the Fund, in
making dealer incentive and shareholder servicing payments under the Plans.
These payments are an obligation of the Fund and not of AIM Distributors.
The following table discloses payments made by the Fund to their former
distributor, GT Global, Inc. ("GT Global") under the prior plans of distribution
during the Fund's fiscal year ended October 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B
AMOUNT PAID AMOUNT PAID
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Year ended Oct. 31, 1997.................................................................... $ 977,082 $ 2,022,092
</TABLE>
In approving the Plans, the Directors determined that the continuation of each
Plan was in the best interests of the shareholders of the Fund. Agreements
related to the Plans must also be approved by such vote of the Directors,
including a majority of the Directors who are not "interested persons" of the
Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect
financial interests in the operation of the Plans, or in any agreement related
thereto.
Each Plan requires that, at least quarterly, the Directors review the amounts
expended thereunder and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Each
Plan requires that so long as it is in effect the selection and nomination of
Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Company will be committed to
the discretion of the Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Company,
as defined in the 1940 Act.
As discussed in the Prospectus, AIM Distributors collects sales charges on sales
of Class A shares of the Fund, retains certain amounts of such charges and
reallows other amounts of such charges to broker/dealers that sell shares. The
following table reviews the extent of such activity on the part of GT Global,
the Fund's former distributor, for the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SALES CHARGES AMOUNTS AMOUNTS
YEAR ENDED OCT. 31, COLLECTED RETAINED REALLOWED
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1997............................................................................... $ 181,914 $ 39,500 $ 142,414
1996............................................................................... 426,749 118,254 308,495
1995............................................................................... 1,652,309 230,239 1,422,070
</TABLE>
Statement of Additional Information Page 26
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM Distributors receives any contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSCs")
payable with respect to redemption of Class B shares and certain Class A shares.
For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, GT Global, the
Fund's former distributor, collected CDSCs in the amount of $1,115,487,
$1,287,272 and $1,594,794, respectively.
TRANSFER AGENCY AND ACCOUNTING AGENCY SERVICES
The Transfer Agent has been retained by the Fund to perform shareholder
servicing, reporting and general transfer agent functions for the Fund. For
these services, the Transfer Agent receives an annual maintenance fee of $17.50
per account, a new account fee of $4.00 per account, a per transaction fee of
$1.75 for all transactions other than exchanges and a per exchange fee of $2.25.
The Transfer Agent also is reimbursed by the Fund for its out-of-pocket expenses
for such items as postage, forms, telephone charges, stationery and office
supplies. The Sub-adviser also serves as the Fund's pricing and accounting
agent. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997, October 31, 1996 and October
31, 1995, the Fund paid accounting services fees to the Sub-adviser of $103,144,
$125,349 and $33,216, respectively.
EXPENSES OF THE FUND
As described in the Prospectus, the Fund pays all of its own expenses not
assumed by other parties. These expenses include, in addition to the advisory,
distribution, transfer agency, pricing and accounting agency and brokerage fees
discussed above, legal and audit expenses, custodian fees, directors' fees,
organizational fees, fidelity bond and other insurance premiums, taxes,
extraordinary expenses and expenses of reports and prospectuses sent to existing
investors. The allocation of general Company expenses and expenses shared among
the Fund and other funds organized as series of the Company are allocated on a
basis deemed fair and equitable, which may be based on the relative net assets
of the Fund or the nature of the services performed and relative applicability
to the Fund. Expenditures, including costs incurred in connection with the
purchase or sale of portfolio securities, which are capitalized in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to investment
companies, are accounted for as capital items and not as expenses. The ratio of
the Fund's expenses to its relative net assets can be expected to be higher than
the expense ratios of funds investing solely in domestic securities, since the
cost of maintaining the custody of foreign securities and the rate of investment
management fees paid by the Fund generally are higher than the comparable
expenses of such other funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VALUATION OF FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As described in the Prospectus, the Fund's net asset value per share for each
class of shares is determined at the end of regular trading on the New York
Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (currently at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, unless weather,
equipment failure or other factors contribute to an earlier closing time), on
each Business Day as open for business. Currently, the NYSE is closed on
weekends and on certain days relating to the following holidays: New Year's Day,
Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The Fund's portfolio securities and other assets are valued as follows:
Equity securities, including ADRs, ADSs, CDRs, GDRs and EDRs, which are traded
on stock exchanges, are valued at the last sale price on the exchange, or in the
principal over-the-counter market on which such securities are traded, as of the
close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any
sales, at the last available bid price. In cases where securities are traded on
more than one exchange, the securities are valued on the exchange determined by
the Sub-adviser to be the primary market. Securities and assets for which market
quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities which are
subject to limitations as to their sale) are valued at fair value as determined
in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees. Trading in
securities on European and Far Eastern securities exchanges and over-the-counter
markets is normally completed well before the close of the business day in New
York.
Long-term debt obligations are valued at the mean of representative quoted bid
and asked prices for such securities or, if such prices are not available, at
prices for securities of comparable maturity, quality and type; however, when
the Sub-adviser deems it appropriate, prices obtained for the day of valuation
from a bond pricing service will be used. Short-term investments are amortized
to maturity based on their cost, adjusted for foreign exchange translation,
provided such valuations represent fair value.
Statement of Additional Information Page 27
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
Options on indices, securities and currencies purchased by the Fund are valued
at their last bid price in the case of listed options or, in the case of OTC
options, at the average of the last bid prices obtained from dealers unless a
quotation from only one dealer is available, in which case only that dealer's
price will be used. The value of each security denominated in a currency other
than U.S. dollars will be translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing
exchange rate as determined by the Sub-adviser on that day. When market
quotations for futures and options on futures held by the Fund are readily
available, those positions will be valued based upon such quotations.
Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily
available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the
direction of the Company's Board of Directors. The valuation procedures applied
in any specific instance are likely to vary from case to case. However,
consideration generally is given to the financial position of the issuer and
other fundamental analytical data relating to the investment and to the nature
of the restrictions on disposition of the securities (including any registration
expenses that might be borne by the Fund in connection with such disposition).
In addition, specific factors also generally are considered, such as the cost of
the investment, the market value of any unrestricted securities of the same
class (both at the time of purchase and at the time of valuation), the size of
the holding, the prices of any recent transactions or offers with respect to
such securities and any available analysts' reports regarding the issuer.
The fair value of any other assets is added to the value of all securities
positions to arrive at the value of the Fund's total assets. The Fund's
liabilities, including accruals for expenses, are deducted from its total
assets. Once the total value of the Fund's net assets is so determined, that
value is then divided by the total number of shares outstanding (excluding
treasury shares), and the result, rounded to the nearer cent, is the net asset
value per share.
Any assets or liabilities initially denominated in terms of foreign currencies
are translated into U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate or at the mean of
the current bid and asked prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar last
quoted by a major bank that is a regular participant in the foreign exchange
market or on the basis of a pricing service that takes into account the quotes
provided by a number of such major banks. If none of these alternatives are
available or none are deemed to provide a suitable methodology for converting a
foreign currency into U.S. dollars, the Board of Directors in good faith will
establish a conversion rate for such currency.
Securities trading in emerging markets may not take place on all days on which
the NYSE is open. Further, trading takes place in Japanese markets on certain
Saturdays and in various foreign markets on days on which the NYSE is not open.
Consequently, the calculation of the Fund's net asset values therefore may not
take place contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of securities
held by the Fund. Events affecting the values of portfolio securities that occur
between the time their prices are determined and the close of regular trading on
the NYSE will not be reflected in the Fund's net asset value unless the
Sub-adviser, under the supervision of the Company's Board of Directors,
determines that the particular event would materially affect net asset value. As
a result, the Fund's net asset value may be significantly affected by such
trading on days when a shareholder cannot purchase or redeem shares of the Fund.
Statement of Additional Information Page 28
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
INFORMATION RELATING TO SALES
AND REDEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAYMENT AND TERMS OF OFFERING
Payment of Class A or Class B shares purchased should accompany the purchase
order, or funds should be wired to the Transfer Agent as described in the
Prospectus. Payment, other than by wire transfer, must be made by check or money
order drawn on a U.S. bank. Checks or money orders must be payable in U.S.
dollars.
As a condition of this offering, if an order to purchase either class of shares
is cancelled due to nonpayment (for example, because a check is returned for
insufficient funds), the person who made the order will be responsible for any
loss incurred by the Fund by reason of such cancellation, and if such purchaser
is a shareholder, the Fund shall have the authority as agent of the shareholder
to redeem shares in his or her account at their then-current net asset value per
share to reimburse the Fund for the loss incurred. Investors whose purchase
orders have been cancelled due to nonpayment may be prohibited from placing
future orders.
The Fund reserves the right at any time to waive or increase the minimum
requirements applicable to initial or subsequent investments with respect to any
person or class of persons. An order to purchase shares is not binding on the
Fund until it has been confirmed in writing by the Transfer Agent (or other
arrangements made with the Fund, in the case of orders utilizing wire transfer
of funds, as described above) and payment has been received. To protect existing
shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to reject any offer for a purchase of
shares by any individual.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN -- CLASS A SHARES AND CLASS B SHARES
To establish participation in the Fund's Automatic Investment Plan ("AIP"),
investors or their broker/dealers should specify whether the investment will be
in Class A shares or Class B shares and send the following documents to the
Transfer Agent: (1) an AIP Application; (2) a Bank Authorization Form; and (3) a
voided personal check from the pertinent bank account. The necessary forms are
provided at the back of the Fund's Prospectus. Provided that an investor's bank
accepts the Bank Authorization Form, investment amounts will be drawn on the
designated dates (monthly on the 25th day or beginning quarterly on the 25th day
of the month the investor first selects) in order to purchase full and
fractional shares of the Fund at the public offering price determined on that
day. If the 25th day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, shares will be
purchased on the next business day. If an investor's check is returned because
of insufficient funds, a stop payment order or the account is closed, the AIP
may be discontinued, and any share purchase made upon deposit of such check may
be cancelled. Furthermore, the shareholder will be liable for any loss incurred
by the Fund by reason of such cancellation. Investors should allow one month for
the establishment of an AIP. An AIP may be terminated by the Transfer Agent or
the Fund upon thirty days' written notice or by the participant, at any time
without penalty, upon written notice to the Fund or the Transfer Agent.
LETTER OF INTENT -- CLASS A SHARES
A Letter of Intent ("LOI") is not a binding obligation to purchase the indicated
amount. While Class A shares are held in escrow under an LOI to ensure payment
of applicable sales charges if the indicated amount is not met, all dividends
and other distributions on the escrowed shares will be reinvested in additional
Class A shares or paid in cash, as specified by the shareholder. If the intended
investment is not completed within the specified thirteen-month period, the
purchaser must remit to AIM Distributors the difference between the sales charge
actually paid and the sales charge which would have been applicable if the total
Class A purchases had been made at a single time. If this amount is not paid to
AIM Distributors within twenty days after written request, the appropriate
number of escrowed shares will be redeemed and the proceeds paid to AIM
Distributors.
Any investor that entered into a LOI prior to June 1, 1998, under which the
indicated amount is not met, will be subject to the sales charge schedule that
was in effect when the LOI was entered into.
A registered investment adviser, trust company or trust department seeking to
execute an LOI as a single purchaser with respect to accounts over which it
exercises investment discretion is required to provide the Transfer Agent with
information establishing that it has discretionary authority with respect to the
money invested (E.G., by providing a copy of the pertinent investment advisory
agreement). Class A shares purchased in this manner must be registered with the
Transfer
Statement of Additional Information Page 29
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
Agent so that only the investment adviser, trust company or trust department,
and not the beneficial owner, will be able to place purchase, redemption and
exchange orders.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS ("IRAS") AND OTHER TAX-DEFERRED PLANS
Class A or Class B shares may be purchased as the underlying investment for an
IRA meeting the requirements of sections 408(a), 408A or 530 of the Code, as
well as for qualified retirement plans described in Code Section 401 and
custodial accounts complying with Code Section 403(b)(7).
IRAS: If you have earned income from employment (including self-employment), you
can contribute each year to an IRA up to the lesser of (1) $2,000 for yourself
or $4,000 for you and your spouse, regardless of whether your spouse is
employed, or (2) 100% of compensation. Some individuals may be able to take an
income tax deduction for the contribution. Regular contributions may not be made
for the year you become 70 1/2 or thereafter. Unless your and your spouse's
earnings exceed a certain level, you also may establish an "education IRA"
and/or a "Roth IRA." Although contributions to these new types of IRAs are
nondeductible, withdrawals from them will be tax-free under certain
circumstances. Please consult your tax adviser for more information. IRA
applications are available from brokers or AIM Distributors.
ROLLOVER IRAS: Individuals who receive distributions from qualified retirement
plans (other than required distributions) and who wish to keep their savings
growing tax-deferred can roll over (or make a direct transfer of) their
distribution to a Rollover IRA. These accounts can also receive rollovers or
transfers from an existing IRA. If an "eligible rollover distribution" from a
qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan is not directly rolled over to an
IRA (or certain qualified plans), withholding at the rate of 20% will be
required for federal income tax purposes. A distribution from a qualified plan
that is not an "eligible rollover distribution," including a distribution that
is one of series of substantially equal periodic payments, generally is subject
to regular wage withholding or withholding at the rate of 10% (depending on the
type and amount of the distribution), unless you elect not to have any
withholding apply. Please consult your tax adviser for more information.
SEP-IRAS: Simplified employee pension plans ("SEPs" or "SEP-IRAs") provide
self-employed individuals (and any eligible employees) with benefits similar to
Keogh plans (I.E., self-employed individual retirement plans) or Code Section
401(k) plans, but with fewer administrative requirements and therefore
potentially lower annual administration expenses.
CODE SECTION 403(b)(7) CUSTODIAL ACCOUNTS: Employees of public schools and most
other tax-exempt organizations can make pre-tax salary reduction contributions
to these accounts.
PROFIT-SHARING (INCLUDING SECTION 401(k)) AND MONEY PURCHASE PENSION
PLANS: Corporations and other employers can sponsor these qualified defined
contribution plans for their employees. A Section 401(k) plan, a type of
profit-sharing plan, additionally permits the eligible, participating employees
to make pre-tax salary reduction contributions to the plan (up to certain
limits).
SIMPLE PLANS: Employers with no more than 100 employees that do not maintain
another retirement plan may establish a Savings Incentive Match Plan for
Employees ("SIMPLE") either as separate IRAs or as part of a Section 401(k)
plan. SIMPLES are not subject to the complicated nondiscrimination rules that
generally apply to qualified retirement plans.
EXCHANGES BETWEEN FUNDS
Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of the corresponding class of
other AIM/GT Funds, based on their respective net asset values without
imposition of any sales charges, provided that the registration remains
identical. The exchange privilege is not an option or right to purchase shares
but is permitted under the current policies of the respective AIM/GT Funds. The
privilege may be discontinued or changed at any time by any of those funds upon
sixty days' written notice to the shareholders of the fund and is available only
in states where the exchange may be made legally. Before purchasing shares
through the exercise of the exchange privilege, a shareholder should obtain and
read a copy of the prospectus of the fund to be purchased and should consider
its investment objective(s).
SALES CHARGE WAIVERS FOR SHARES PURCHASED PRIOR TO JUNE 1, 1998
Class A shares that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and that
were purchased before June 1, 1998 are entitled to the following waivers from
the contingent deferred sales charge otherwise due upon redemption: (1) minimum
required distributions made in connection with an IRA, Keogh Plan or custodial
account under Section 403(b) of the Code or other retirement plan following
attainment of age 70 1/2; (2) total or partial redemptions resulting from a
distribution following retirement in the case of a tax-qualified
employer-sponsored retirement plan; (3) when a redemption results
Statement of Additional Information Page 30
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
from a tax-free return of an excess contribution pursuant to Section 408(d)(4)
or (5) of the Code or from the death or disability of the employee; (4)
redemptions pursuant to the Fund's right to liquidate a shareholder's account
involuntarily; (5) redemptions pursuant to distributions from a tax-qualified
employer-sponsored retirement plan, which is invested in AIM/GT Funds, which are
permitted to be made without penalty pursuant to the Code, other than tax-free
rollovers or transfers of assets, and the proceeds of which are reinvested in
AIM/GT Funds; (6) redemptions made in connection with participant-directed
exchanges between options in an employer-sponsored benefit plan; (7) redemptions
made for the purpose of providing cash to fund a loan to a participant in a
tax-qualified retirement plan; (8) redemptions made in connection with a
distribution from any retirement plan or account that is permitted in accordance
with the provisions of Section 72(t)(2) of the Code and the regulations
promulgated thereunder; (9) redemptions made in connection with a distribution
from any retirement plan or account that involves the return of an excess
deferral amount pursuant to Section 401(k)(8) or Section 402(g)(2) of the Code;
(10) redemptions made in connection with a distribution from a qualified
profit-sharing or stock bonus plan described in Section 401(k) of the Code to a
participant or beneficiary under Section 401(k)(2)(B)(IV) of the Code upon
hardship of the covered employee (determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation
Section 1.401(k)-1(d)(2)); and (11) redemptions made by or for the benefit of
certain states, counties or cities, or any instrumentalities, departments or
authorities thereof where such entities are prohibited or limited by applicable
law from paying a sales charge or commission.
Class B shares purchased before June 1, 1998 are subject to the following
waivers from the contingent deferred sales charge otherwise due upon redemption
in addition to the waivers provided for redemptions of currently issued Class B
shares as described in the Prospectus: (1) total or partial redemptions
resulting from a distribution following retirement in the case of a
tax-qualified employer-sponsored retirement; (2) minimum required distributions
made in connection with an IRA, Keogh Plan or custodial account under Section
403(b) of the Code or other retirement plan following attainment of age 70 1/2;
(3) a one-time reinvestment in Class B shares of the Fund within 180 days of a
prior redemption; (4) redemptions pursuant to distributions from a tax-qualified
employer-sponsored retirement plan, which is invested in AIM/GT Funds, which are
permitted to be made without penalty pursuant to the Code, other than tax-free
rollovers or transfers of assets, and the proceeds of which are reinvested in
AIM/GT Funds; (5) redemptions made in connection with participant-directed
exchanges between options in an employer-sponsored benefit plan; (6) redemptions
made for the purpose of providing cash to fund a loan to a participant in a
tax-qualified retirement plan; (7) redemptions made in connection with a
distribution from any retirement plan or account that is permitted in accordance
with the provisions of Section 72(t)(2) of the Code and the regulations
promulgated thereunder; (8) redemptions made in connection with a distribution
from a qualified profit-sharing or stock bonus plan described in Section 401(k)
of the Code to a participant or beneficiary under Section 401(k)(2)(B)(IV) of
the Code upon hardship of the covered employee (determined pursuant to Treasury
Regulation Section 1.401(k)-1(d)(2)); and (9) redemptions made by or for the
benefit of certain states, counties or cities, or any instrumentalities,
departments or authorities thereof where such entities are prohibited or limited
by applicable law from paying a sales charge or commission.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS
A corporation or partnership wishing to utilize telephone redemption services
must submit a "Corporate Resolution" or "Certificate of Partnership" indicating
the names, titles and the required number of signatures of persons authorized to
act on its behalf. The certificate must be signed by a duly authorized
officer(s), and, in the case of a corporation, the corporate seal must be
affixed. All shareholders may request that redemption proceeds be transmitted by
bank wire upon request directly to the shareholder's predesignated account at a
domestic bank or savings institution if the proceeds are at least $500. Costs in
connection with the administration of this service, including wire charges,
currently are borne by the Fund. Proceeds of less than $500 will be mailed to
the shareholder's registered address of record. The Fund and the Transfer Agent
reserve the right to refuse any telephone instructions and may discontinue the
aforementioned redemption options upon fifteen days' written notice.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
Shareholders owning Class A or Class B shares with a value of $10,000 or more
may establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP"). Under a SWP, a shareholder
will receive monthly or quarterly payments, in amounts of not less than $100 per
payment, through the automatic redemption of the necessary number of shares on
the designated dates (monthly on the 25th day or beginning quarterly on the 25th
day of the month the investor first selects). If the 25th day falls on a
Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the redemption will take place on the prior
business day. Certificates, if any, for the shares being redeemed must be held
by the Transfer Agent. Checks will be made payable to the designated recipient
and mailed within seven days. If the recipient is other than the registered
shareholder, the signature of each shareholder must be guaranteed on the SWP
application (see "How to Redeem Shares" in the Prospectus). A corporation (or
partnership) must also submit a "Corporation Resolution" or "Certification of
Partnership" indicating the names, titles and signatures of the individuals
Statement of Additional Information Page 31
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
authorized to act on its behalf, and the SWP application must be signed by a
duly authorized officer(s) and the corporate seal affixed.
With respect to a SWP, the maximum annual SWP withdrawal is 12% of the initial
account value. Withdrawals in excess of 12% of the initial account value
annually may result in assessment of a contingent deferred sales charge. See
"How to Invest" in the Prospectus.
Shareholders should be aware that such systematic withdrawals may deplete or use
up entirely the initial investment and result in the realization of long-term or
short-term capital gains or losses. The SWP may be terminated at any time by the
Transfer Agent or the Fund upon thirty days' written notice or by a shareholder
upon written notice to the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Applications and further
details regarding establishment of a SWP are provided at the back of the Fund's
Prospectus.
SUSPENSION OF REDEMPTION PRIVILEGES
The Fund may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment for
more than seven days after a redemption order is received during any period (1)
when the NYSE is closed other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or
trading on the NYSE is restricted as directed by the SEC, (2) when an emergency
exists, as defined by the SEC, which makes it not reasonably practicable for the
Fund to dispose of securities owned by it or fairly to determine the value of
its assets, or (3) as the SEC may otherwise permit.
REDEMPTIONS IN KIND
It is possible that conditions may arise in the future which would, in the
opinion of the Company's Board of Directors, make it undesirable for the Fund to
pay for all redemptions in cash. In such cases, the Board may authorize payment
to be made in portfolio securities or other property of the Fund, so-called
"redemptions in kind." Payment of redemptions in kind will be made in readily
marketable securities. Such securities would be valued at the same value
assigned to them in computing the net asset value per share. Shareholders
receiving such securities would incur brokerage costs in selling any such
securities so received. However, despite the foregoing, the Company has filed
with the SEC an election pursuant to Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act. This means
that the Fund will pay in cash all requests for redemption made by any
shareholder of record, limited in amount with respect to each shareholder during
any ninety-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net asset
value at the beginning of such period. This election will be irrevocable so long
as Rule 18f-1 remains in effect, unless the SEC by order upon application
permits the withdrawal of such election.
Statement of Additional Information Page 32
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL
To continue to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company ("RIC")
under the Code, the Fund must distribute to its shareholders for each taxable
year at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (consisting generally
of net investment income, net short-term capital gain and net gains from certain
foreign currency transactions) ("Distribution Requirement") and must meet
several additional requirements. These requirements include the following: (1)
the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from
dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from
the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other
income (including gains from options, Futures or Forward Contracts) derived with
respect to its business of investing in securities or those currencies ("Income
Requirement"); (2) at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, at
least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash
items, U. S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other
securities, with these securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an
amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and that
does not represent more than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting securities;
and (3) at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, not more than
25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in securities (other than
U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer.
Dividends and other distributions declared by the Fund in, and payable to
shareholders of record as of a date in, October, November or December of any
year will be deemed to have been paid by the Fund and received by the
shareholders on December 31 of that year if the distributions are paid by the
Fund during the following January. Accordingly, those distributions will be
taxed to shareholders for the year in which that December 31 falls.
A portion of the dividends from the Fund's investment company taxable income
(whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares) may be eligible for
the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations. The eligible portion
may not exceed the aggregate dividends received by the Fund from U.S.
corporations. However, dividends received by a corporate shareholder and
deducted by it pursuant to the dividends-received deduction are subject
indirectly to the alternative minimum tax.
If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or less, the
loss will be treated as long-term, instead of short-term, capital loss to the
extent of any capital gain distributions received on those shares. Investors
also should be aware that if shares are purchased shortly before the record date
for any dividend or other distribution, the shareholder will pay full price for
the shares and receive some portion of the price back as a taxable distribution.
The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax ("Excise Tax") to the
extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all
of its ordinary income for that year and capital gain net income for the
one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain other amounts.
FOREIGN TAXES
Dividends and interest received by the Fund, and gains realized thereby, may be
subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and
U.S. possessions ("foreign taxes") that would reduce the yield and/or total
return on its securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the
United States may reduce or eliminate foreign taxes, however, and many foreign
countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in respect of investments by
foreign investors. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at
the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations,
the Fund will be eligible to, and may, file an election with the Internal
Revenue Service that will enable its shareholders, in effect, to receive the
benefit of the foreign tax credit with respect to any foreign taxes paid by it.
Pursuant to the election, the Fund would treat those taxes as dividends paid to
its shareholders and each shareholder would be required to (1) include in gross
income, and treat as paid by him, his share of those taxes, (2) treat his share
of those taxes and of any dividend paid by the Fund that represents income from
foreign and U.S. possessions sources as his own income from those sources and
(3) either deduct the taxes deemed paid by him in computing his taxable income
or, alternatively, use the foregoing information in calculating the foreign tax
credit against his federal income tax. The Fund will report to its shareholders
shortly after each taxable year their respective shares of the Fund's foreign
taxes and income from sources within foreign countries and U.S. possessions if
it makes this election. Pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 ("Tax
Statement of Additional Information Page 33
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
Act"), individuals who have no more than $300 ($600 for married persons filing
jointly) of creditable foreign taxes included on Form 1099 and all of whose
foreign source income is "qualified passive income" may elect each year to be
exempt from the extremely complicated foreign tax credit limitation and will be
able to claim a foreign tax credit without having to file the detailed Form 1116
that otherwise is required.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES
The Fund may invest in the stock of "passive foreign investment companies"
("PFICs"). A PFIC is a foreign corporation -- other than a "controlled foreign
corporation" (I.E., a foreign corporation in which, on any day during its
taxable year, more than 50% of the total voting power of all voting stock
therein or the total value of all stock therein is owned, directly, indirectly
or constructively, by "U.S. shareholders," defined as U.S. persons that
individually own, directly, indirectly or constructively, at least 10% of that
voting power) as to which the Fund is a U.S. shareholder (effective for its
taxable year beginning November 1, 1998) -- that, in general, meets either of
the following tests: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive or (2) an
average of at least 50% of its assets produce, or are held for the production
of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, the Fund will be subject to
federal income tax on a portion of any "excess distribution" received on, or of
any gain from the disposition of, stock of a PFIC (collectively "PFIC income"),
plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributed the PFIC income as a taxable
dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be included in
the Fund's investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will not be
taxable to the Fund to the extent it distributes that income to its
shareholders.
If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a "qualified
electing fund" ("QEF"), then in lieu of the foregoing tax and interest
obligation, the Fund would be required to include in income each year its pro
rata share of the QEF's ordinary earnings and net capital gain (I.E., the excess
of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) -- which most
likely would have to be distributed by the Fund to satisfy the Distribution
Requirement and to avoid imposition of the Excise Tax -- even if those earnings
and gain were not received by the Fund from the QEF. In most instances it will
be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain
requirements thereof.
Effective for its taxable year beginning November 1, 1998, the Fund may elect to
"mark to market" its stock in any PFIC. "Marking-to-Market," in this context,
means including in ordinary income each taxable year the excess, if any, of the
fair market value of the stock over the Fund's adjusted basis therein as of the
end of that year. Pursuant to the election, the Fund also will be allowed to
deduct (as an ordinary, not capital, loss) the excess, if any, of its adjusted
basis in PFIC stock over the fair market value thereof as of the taxable
year-end, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains with respect to
that stock included in income by the Fund for prior taxable years. The Fund's
adjusted basis in each PFIC's stock subject to the election will be adjusted to
reflect the amounts of income included and deductions taken thereunder.
Regulations proposed in 1992 would provide a similar election with respect to
the stock of certain PFICs.
NON-U.S. SHAREHOLDERS
Dividends paid by the Fund to a shareholder who, as to the United States, is a
nonresident alien individual, nonresident alien fiduciary of a trust or estate,
foreign corporation or foreign partnership ("foreign shareholder") generally
will be subject to U.S. withholding tax (at a rate of 30% or lower treaty rate).
Withholding will not apply, however, to a dividend paid by the Fund to a foreign
shareholder that is "effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or
business," in which case the reporting and withholding requirements applicable
to domestic shareholders will apply. A distribution of net capital gain by the
Fund to a foreign shareholder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income
tax (at the rates applicable to domestic persons) only if the distribution is
"effectively connected" or the foreign shareholder is treated as a resident
alien individual for federal income tax purposes.
OPTIONS, FUTURES AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
The Fund's use of hedging transactions, such as selling (writing) and purchasing
options and Futures and entering into Forward Contracts, involves complex rules
that will determine, for federal income tax purposes, the amount, character and
timing of recognition of the gains and losses the Fund realizes in connection
therewith. Gains from the disposition of foreign currencies (except certain
gains that may be excluded by future regulations), and gain from options,
Futures and Forward Contracts derived by the Fund with respect to its business
of investing in securities or foreign currencies, will qualify as permissible
income under the Income Requirement.
Futures and Forward Contracts that are subject to section 1256 of the Code
(other than those that are part of a "mixed straddle") ("Section 1256
Contracts") and that are held by the Fund at the end of its taxable year
generally will be deemed to have been sold at that time at market value for
federal income tax purposes. Sixty percent of any net gain or loss recognized on
these deemed sales, and 60% of any net gain or loss realized from any actual
sales of Section 1256 Contracts, will be treated as long-term capital gain or
loss, and the balance will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. That
60% portion will qualify for the reduced maximum tax rates on noncorporate
taxpayers' net capital gain enacted by
Statement of Additional Information Page 34
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
the Tax Act -- 20% (10% for taxpayers in the 15% marginal tax bracket) for gain
recognized on capital assets held for more than 18 months -- instead of the 28%
rate in effect before that legislation, which now applies to gain recognized on
capital assets held for more than one year but not more than 18 months.
Section 988 of the Code also may apply to gains and losses from transactions in
foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt securities and options,
Futures and Forward Contracts on foreign currencies ("Section 988" gains and
losses). Each Section 988 gain or loss generally is computed separately and
treated as ordinary income or loss. In the case of overlap between sections 1256
and 988, special provisions determine the character and timing of any income,
gain or loss. The Fund attempts to monitor section 988 transactions to minimize
any adverse tax impact.
If the Fund has an "appreciated financial position" -- generally, an interest
(including an interest through an option, Futures or Forward Contract or short
sale) with respect to any stock, debt instrument (other than "straight debt") or
partnership interest the fair market value of which exceeds its adjusted basis
- -- and enters into a "constructive sale" of the same or substantially similar
property, the Fund will be treated as having made an actual sale thereof, with
the result that gain will be recognized at that time. A constructive sale
generally consists of a short sale, an offsetting notional principal contract or
Futures or Forward Contract entered into by the Fund or a related person with
respect to the same or substantially similar property. In addition, if the
appreciated financial position is itself a short sale or such a contract,
acquisition of the underlying property or substantially similar property will be
deemed a constructive sale.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of certain federal tax
considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders. Investors are urged to
consult their own tax advisers for more detailed information and for information
regarding any foreign, state and local taxes applicable to distributions
received from the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM was organized in 1976, and along with its subsidiaries, manages or advises
approximately 90 investment company portfolios encompassing a broad range of
investment objectives. AIM is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of A I M
Management Group Inc. ("AIM Management"), a holding company that has been
engaged in the financial services business since 1976. AIM is the sole
shareholder of the Funds' principal underwriter, AIM Distributors. AIM
Management is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AMVESCAP PLC, 11 Devonshire
Square, London, EC2M 4YR, England. AMVESCAP PLC and its subsidiaries are an
independent investment management group that has a significant presence in the
institutional and retail segment of the investment management industry in North
America and Europe, and a growing presence in Asia.
CUSTODIAN
State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), 225 Franklin Street,
Boston, MA 02110, acts as custodian of the Fund's assets. State Street is
authorized to establish and has established separate accounts in foreign
currencies and to cause securities of the Fund to be held in separate accounts
outside the United States in the custody of non-U.S. banks.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Fund's independent accountants are Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., One Post Office
Square, Boston, MA 02109. Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. will conduct an annual audit
of the Fund, assist in the preparation of the Fund's federal and state income
tax returns and consult with the Company and the Fund as to matters of
accounting, regulatory filings, and federal and state income taxation.
The audited financial statements of the Company included in this Statement of
Additional Information have been examined by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., as stated
in their opinion appearing herein and are included in reliance upon such opinion
given upon the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
NAME
Prior to May 29, 1998, the Fund operated under the name of GT Global Emerging
Markets Fund.
Statement of Additional Information Page 35
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
INVESTMENT RESULTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDARDIZED RETURNS
The Fund's "Standardized Returns," as referred to in the Prospectus (see "Other
Information -- Performance Information" in the Prospectus), are calculated
separately for Class A and Class B shares of the Fund, as follows: Standardized
Return (average annual total return ("T")) is computed by using the ending
redeeming value ("ERV") of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 ("P")
over a period of years ("n") according to the following formula as required by
the SEC: P(1+T) to the (n)th power = ERV. The following assumptions will be
reflected in computations made in accordance with this formula: (1) for Class A
shares, deduction of the maximum sales charge of 4.75% from the $1,000 initial
investment; (2) for Class B shares, deduction of the applicable contingent
deferred sales charge imposed on a redemption of Class B shares held for the
period; (3) reinvestment of dividends and other distributions at net asset value
on the reinvestment date determined by the Company's Board of Directors; and (4)
a complete redemption at the end of any period illustrated.
The Standardized Returns for the Class A and Class B shares of the Fund, stated
as average annualized total returns for the periods shown, were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EMERGING MARKETS EMERGING MARKETS
PERIOD FUND (CLASS A) FUND (CLASS B)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 1997.................................................... (18.52)% (19.16)%
Oct. 31, 1992 through Oct. 31, 1997................................................ 2.30% n/a
April 1, 1993 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997................... n/a 1.81%
May 18, 1992 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997.................... 1.57% n/a
</TABLE>
NON-STANDARDIZED RETURNS
In addition to Standardized Returns, the Fund may also include in
advertisements, sales literature and shareholder reports other total return
performance data ("Non-Standardized Return"). Non-Standardized Return is
calculated separately for Class A and Class B shares of the Fund and may be
calculated according to several different formulas. Non-Standardized Returns may
be quoted for the same or different time periods for which Standardized Returns
are quoted. Non-Standardized Returns may or may not take sales charges into
account; performance data calculated without taking the effect of sales charges
into account will be higher than data including the effect of such charges.
Average annual Non-Standardized Return ("T") is computed by using the ending
redeeming value ("ERV") of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 ("P")
over a period of years ("n") according to the following formula as required by
the SEC: P(1+T) to the (n)th power = ERV. The following assumptions will be
reflected in computations made in accordance with this formula: (1) no deduction
of sales charges; (2) reinvestment of dividends and other distributions at net
asset value on the reinvestment date determined by the Board; and (3) a complete
redemption at the end of any period illustrated.
The average annual Non-Standardized Returns for the Class A and Class B shares
of the Fund, stated as average annualized total returns for the periods shown,
were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EMERGING MARKETS EMERGING MARKETS
PERIOD FUND (CLASS A) FUND (CLASS B)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 1997.................................................... (14.45)% (14.91)%
Oct. 31, 1992 through Oct. 31, 1997................................................ 3.30% n/a
April 1, 1993 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997................... n/a 2.21%
May 18, 1992 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997.................... 2.48% n/a
</TABLE>
Aggregate Non-Standardized Return ("T") is computed by using the ending value of
the account ("VOA") of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 ("P")
according to the following formula: T = (VOA/P)-1. Aggregate Non-Standardized
Return assumes reinvestment of dividends and other distributions and, as set
forth below, may or may not take sales charges into account.
Statement of Additional Information Page 36
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
The aggregate Non-Standardized Returns (not taking sales charges into account)
for the Class A and Class B shares of the Fund, stated as aggregate total
returns for the periods shown, were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EMERGING MARKETS EMERGING MARKETS
PERIOD FUND (CLASS A) FUND (CLASS B)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
April 1, 1993 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997................... n/a 10.55%
May 18, 1992 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997.................... 14.32% n/a
</TABLE>
The aggregate Non-Standardized Returns (taking sales charges into account) for
the Class A and B shares of the Fund, stated as aggregate total returns for the
periods shown, were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EMERGING MARKETS EMERGING MARKETS
PERIOD FUND (CLASS A) FUND (CLASS B)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
April 1, 1993 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997................... n/a 8.55%
May 18, 1992 (commencement of operations) through Oct. 31, 1997.................... 8.89% n/a
</TABLE>
IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE ABOUT DATA RELATING TO EMERGING EQUITY AND BOND MARKETS
The Fund and AIM Distributors may from time to time in advertisements, sales
literature and reports furnished to present or prospective shareholders, compare
the Fund with the following, among others:
(1) The Consumer Price Index ("CPI"), which is a measure of the average
change in prices over time in a fixed market basket of goods and services
(E.G., food, clothing, shelter, fuels, transportation fares, charges for
doctors' and dentists' services, prescription medicines, and other goods and
services that people buy for day-to-day living). There is inflation risk
which does not affect a security's value but its purchasing power, i.e., the
risk of changing price levels in the economy that affects security prices or
the price of goods and services.
(2) Data and mutual fund rankings published or prepared by Lipper
Analytical Data Services, Inc. ("Lipper"), CDA/Wiesenberger Investment
Company Service ("CDA/Wiesenberger"), Morningstar, Inc. ("Morningstar"),
Micropal, Inc. and/or other companies that rank and/or compare mutual funds
by overall performance, investment objectives, assets, expense levels,
periods of existence and/or other factors. In this regard the Fund may be
compared to its "peer group" as defined by Lipper, CDA/Wiesenberger,
Morningstar and/or other firms as applicable, or to specific funds or groups
of funds within or outside of such peer group. Lipper generally ranks funds
on the basis of total return, assuming reinvestment of distributions, but
does not take sales charges or redemption fees into consideration, and is
prepared without regard to tax consequences. In addition to the mutual fund
rankings, the Fund's performance may be compared to mutual fund performance
indices prepared by Lipper. Morningstar is a mutual fund rating service that
also rates mutual funds on the basis of risk-adjusted performance.
Morningstar ratings are calculated from a fund's three, five and ten year
average annual returns with appropriate fee adjustments and a risk factor
that reflects fund performance relative to the three-month U.S. Treasury
bill monthly returns. Ten percent of the funds in an investment category
receive five stars and 22.5% receive four stars. The ratings are subject to
change each month.
(3) Bear Stearns Foreign Bond Index, which provides simple average
returns for individual countries and gross national product ("GNP")-weighted
index, beginning in 1975. The returns are broken down by local market and
currency.
(4) Ibbotson Associates International Bond Index, which provides a
detailed breakdown of local market and currency returns since 1960.
(5) Standard & Poor's "500" Index, which is a widely recognized index
composed of the capitalization-weighted average of the price of 500 of the
largest publicly traded stocks in the U.S.
(6) Dow Jones Industrial Average.
(7) CNBC/Financial News Composite Index.
(8) Morgan Stanley Capital International World Indices, including, among
others, the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australia, Far East
Index ("EAFE Index"). The EAFE index is an unmanaged index of more than
1,000 companies in Europe, Australia and the Far East.
(9) Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country (AC) World index
("MSCI"). The MSCI is a broad, unmanaged index of global stock prices,
currently comprising 2,500 different issuers, located in 47 countries, and
grouped in 38 separate industries.
Statement of Additional Information Page 37
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
(10) Salomon Brothers World Government Bond Index and Salomon Brothers
World Government Bond Index-Non-U.S., each of which is a widely used index
composed of world government bonds.
(11) The World Bank Publication of Trends in Developing Countries
("TIDE"), which provides brief reports on most of the World Bank's borrowing
members. The World Development Report is published annually and looks at
global and regional economic trends and their implications for the
developing economies.
(12) Salomon Brothers Global Telecommunications Index, which is composed
of telecommunications companies in the developing and emerging countries.
(13) Datastream and Worldscope, each of which is an on-line database
retrieval service for information, including international financial and
economic data.
(14) International Financial Statistics, which is produced by the
International Monetary Fund.
(15) Various publications and reports produced by the World Bank and its
affiliates.
(16) Various publications from the International Bank for Reconstruction
and Development.
(17) Various publications produced by ratings agencies such as Moody's
Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc. and Fitch.
(18) Wilshire Associates, which is an on-line database for international
financial and economic data including performance measure for a wide range
of securities.
(19) Bank Rate National Monitor Index, which is an average of the quoted
rates for 100 leading banks and thrifts in ten U.S. cities.
(20) International Finance Corporation ("IFC") Emerging Markets Data
Base, which provides detailed statistics on stock markets in developing
countries.
(21) Various publications from the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development ("OECD").
(22) Average of savings accounts, which is a measure of all kinds of
savings deposits, including longer-term certificates. Savings accounts offer
a guaranteed rate of return on principal, but no opportunity for capital
growth. During a portion of the period, the maximum rates paid on some
savings deposits were fixed by law.
Indices, economic and financial data prepared by the research departments of
various financial organizations, such as Salomon Brothers, Inc., Lehman
Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., Financial Research
Corporation, J. P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Smith Barney Shearson, S.G. Warburg,
Jardine Flemming, The Bank for International Settlements, Asian Development
Bank, Bloomberg, L.P. and Ibbotson Associates may be used as well as information
reported by the Federal Reserve and the respective Central Banks of various
nations. In addition, AIM Distributors may use performance rankings, ratings and
commentary reported periodically in national financial publications, including
Money Magazine, Mutual Fund Magazine, Smart Money, Global Finance, EuroMoney,
Financial World, Forbes, Fortune, Business Week, Latin Finance, The Wall Street
Journal, Emerging Markets Weekly, Kiplinger's Guide To Personal Finance,
Barron's, The Financial Times, USA Today, The New York Times, Far Eastern
Economic Review, The Economist and Investors Business Digest. Each Fund may
compare its performance to that of other compilations or indices of comparable
quality to those listed above and other indices that may be developed and made
available in the future.
Information relating to foreign market performance, capitalization and
diversification is based on sources believed to be reliable but may be subject
to revision and has not been independently verified by the Fund or AIM
Distributors. The authors and publishers of such material are not to be
considered as "experts" under the 1933 Act, on account of the inclusion of such
information herein.
A portion of the performance figures for each market includes the positive or
negative effects of the currency exchange rates effective at December 31 of each
year between the U.S. dollar and currency of the foreign market (e.g., Japanese
Yen, German Deutschemark and Hong Kong Dollar). A foreign currency that has
strengthened or weakened against the U.S. dollar will positively or negatively
affect the reported returns, as the case may be.
AIM Distributors believes that this information may be useful to investors
considering whether and to what extent to diversify their investments through
the purchase of mutual funds investing in securities on a global basis. However,
this data is not a representation of the past performance of the Fund, nor is it
a prediction of such performance. The performance of the Funds will differ from
the historical performance of relevant indices. The performance of indices does
Statement of Additional Information Page 38
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
not take expenses into account, while each Fund incurs expenses in its
operations, which will reduce performance. Each of these factors will cause the
performance of each Fund to differ from relevant indices.
From time to time, the Fund and AIM Distributors may refer to the number of
shareholders in the Fund or the aggregate number of shareholders in all AIM
Funds or the dollar amount of Fund assets under management or rankings by DALBAR
Surveys, Inc. in advertising materials.
AIM Distributors believes the Fund is an appropriate investment for long-term
investment goals, including funding retirement, paying for education or
purchasing a house. AIM Distributors may provide information designed to help
individuals understand their investment goals and explore various financial
strategies. For example, AIM Distributors may describe general principles of
investing, such as asset allocation, diversification and risk tolerance. The
Fund does not represent a complete investment program and investors should
consider the Fund as appropriate for a portion of their overall investment
portfolio with regard to their long-term investment goals. There is no assurance
that any such information will lead to achieving these goals or guarantee future
results.
From time to time, AIM Distributors may refer to or advertise the names of U.S.
and non-U.S. companies and their products, although there can be no assurance
that any AIM Fund may own the securities of these companies.
Ibbotson Associates of Chicago, Illinois ("Ibbotson") provides historical
returns of the capital markets in the United States, including common stocks,
small capitalization stocks, long-term corporate bonds, intermediate-term
government bonds, long-term government bonds, Treasury bills, the U.S. rate of
inflation (based on the CPI), and combinations of various capital markets. The
performance of these capital markets is based on the returns of different
indices.
AIM Funds may use the performance of these capital markets in order to
demonstrate general risk-versus-reward investment scenarios. Performance
comparisons may also include the value of a hypothetical investment in any of
these capital markets. The risks associated with the security types in any
capital market may or may not correspond directly to those of the Fund. Ibbotson
calculates total returns in the same method as the Fund.
The Fund may quote various measures of volatility and benchmark correlation such
as beta, standard deviation and R(2) in advertising. In addition, the fund may
compare these measures to those of other funds. Measures of volatility seek to
compare the Fund's historical share price fluctuations or total return to those
of a benchmark.
The Fund may advertise examples of the effects of periodic investment plans,
including the principle of dollar cost averaging programs. In such a program, an
investor invests a fixed dollar amount in a fund at periodic intervals, thereby
purchasing fewer shares when prices are high and more shares when prices are
low. While such a strategy does not assure a profit or guard against loss in a
declining market, the investor's average cost per share can be lower than if
fixed numbers of shares are purchased at the same intervals. In evaluating such
a plan, investors should consider their ability to continue purchasing shares
through periods of low price levels.
The Fund may describe in its sales material and advertisements how an investor
may invest in AIM Funds through various retirement plans or other programs that
offer deferral of income taxes on investment earnings and pursuant to which an
investor may make deductible contributions. Because of their advantages, these
retirement plans and programs may produce returns superior to comparable
non-retirement investments. For example, a $10,000 investment earning a taxable
return of 10% annually would have an after-tax value of $17,976 after ten years,
assuming tax was deducted from the return each year at a 39.6% rate. An
equivalent tax-deferred investment would have an after-tax value of $19,626
after ten years, assuming tax was deducted at a 39.6% rate from the deferred
earnings at the end of the ten-year period. In sales material and
advertisements, the Fund may also discuss these plans and programs. See
"Information Relating to Sales and Redemptions -- Individual Retirement Accounts
("IRAs") and Other Tax-Deferred Plans."
AIM Distributors may from time to time in its sales materials and advertising
discuss the risks inherent in investing. The major types of investment risk are
market risk, industry risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and
inflation risk. Risk represents the possibility that you may lose some or all of
your investment over a period of time. A basic tenet of investing is the greater
the potential reward, the greater the risk.
From time to time, the Fund and AIM Distributors will quote information
including but not limited to data regarding: individual countries, regions,
companies, world stock exchanges, and economic and demographic statistics from
sources AIM Distributors deems reliable, including the economic and financial
data of financial organizations, such as:
1) Stock market capitalization: Morgan Stanley Capital International World
Indices, IFC and Datastream.
2) Stock market trading volume: Morgan Stanley Capital International World
Indices and IFC.
Statement of Additional Information Page 39
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
3) The number of listed companies: IFC, G.T. Guide to World Equity Markets,
Salomon Brothers, Inc., and S.G. Warburg.
4) Wage rates: U.S. Department of Labor Statistics and Morgan Stanley Capital
International World Indices.
5) International industry performance: Morgan Stanley Capital International
World Indices, Wilshire Associates and Salomon Brothers, Inc.
6) Stock market performance: Morgan Stanley Capital International World
Indices, IFC and Datastream.
7) The Consumer Price Index and inflation rate: The World Bank, Datastream and
IFC.
8) Gross Domestic Product ("GDP"): Datastream and The World Bank.
9) GDP growth rate: IFC, The World Bank and Datastream.
10) Population: The World Bank, Datastream and United Nations.
11) Average annual growth rate (%) of population: The World Bank, Datastream and
United Nations.
12) Age distribution within populations: OECD and United Nations.
13) Total exports and imports by year: IFC, The World Bank and Datastream.
14) Top three companies by country, industry or market: IFC, G.T. Guide to World
Equity Markets, Salomon Brothers Inc., and S.G. Warburg.
15) Foreign direct investments to developing countries: The World Bank and
Datastream.
16) Supply, consumption, demand and growth in demand of certain products,
services and industries, including, but not limited to electricity, water,
transportation, construction materials, natural resources, technology, other
basic infrastructure, financial services, health care services and supplies,
consumer products and services and telecommunications equipment and services
(sources of such information may include, but would not be limited to, The
World Bank, OECD, IMF, Bloomberg and Datastream).
17) Standard deviation and performance returns for U.S. and non-U.S. equity and
bond markets: Morgan Stanley Capital International.
18) Countries restructuring their debt, including those under the Brady Plan:
the Sub-adviser.
19) Political and economic structure of countries: Economist Intelligence Unit.
20) Government and corporate bonds -- credit ratings, yield to maturity and
performance returns: Salomon Brothers, Inc.
21) Dividend yields for U.S. and non-U.S. companies: Bloomberg.
From time to time, AIM Distributors may include in its advertisements and sales
material, information about privatization, which is an economic process
involving the sale of state-owned companies to the private sector.
In advertising and sales materials, AIM Distributors may make reference to or
discuss its products, services and accomplishments. Among these accomplishments
are that in 1983 the Sub-adviser provided assistance to the government of Hong
Kong in linking its currency to the U.S. dollar, and that in 1987 Japan's
Ministry of Finance licensed GT Asset Management Ltd. as one of the first
foreign discretionary investment managers for Japanese investors. Such
accomplishments, however, should not be viewed as an endorsement of the
Sub-adviser by the government of Hong Kong, Japan's Ministry of Finance or any
other government or government agency. Nor do any such accomplishments of the
Sub-adviser provide any assurance that the Fund's investment objectives will be
achieved.
Statement of Additional Information Page 40
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT RATINGS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. rates the debt securities issued by various
entities from "Aaa" to "C." Investment grade ratings are the first four
categories:
Aaa -- Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred
to as "gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized
are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such
issues.
Aa -- Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because
margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or
fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may
be other elements present which make the long-term risk appear somewhat
larger than the Aaa securities.
A -- Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations.
Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate,
but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment
some time in the future.
Baa -- Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade
obligations, (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured).
Interest 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 both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
position characterizes bonds in this class.
B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may
be small.
Caa -- Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may
be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
Ca -- Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.
C -- Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
ABSENCE OF RATING: Where no rating has been assigned or where a rating has been
suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of the
issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
1. An application for rating was not received or accepted.
2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or companies
that are not rated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not
published in Moody's publications.
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise, the
effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer available
reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a bond is
called for redemption; or for other reasons.
Statement of Additional Information Page 41
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa to Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the Company 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 Company ranks in the
lower end of its generic rating category.
STANDARD & POOR'S, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., rates the
securities debt of various entities in categories ranging from "AAA" to "D"
according to quality. Investment grade ratings are the first four categories:
AAA -- An obligation rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by S&P.
The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.
AA -- An obligation rated "AA" differs from the highest rated
obligations only in a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A -- An obligation rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations
in higher rated categories.
BBB -- An obligation rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection
parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances
are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C -- Obligations rated "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC," and "C"
are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. "BB"
indicates the least degree of speculation and "C" the highest. While such
obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics,
these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB -- An obligation rated "BB" is less vulnerable to nonpayment than
other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could
lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation.
B -- An obligation rated "B" is more vulnerable to nonpayment than
obligations rated "BB," but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet
its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or
economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness
to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC -- An obligation rated "CCC" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment,
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions
for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the
event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is
not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
CC -- An obligation rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable to
nonpayment.
C -- The "C" rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy
petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on
this obligation are being continued.
D -- An obligation rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating
category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due
even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes
that such payments will be made during such grace period. The "D" rating
also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of
a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
NR: Indicates that no public rating has been requested, that there is
insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a
particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
MOODY'S employs the designation "Prime-1" to indicate commercial paper
having a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.
Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following
characteristics: leading market positions in well-established industries; high
rates of return on funds employed; conservative capitalization structure with
moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earnings
coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation; and
well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of
alternate liquidity. Issues rated Prime-2 have a strong ability for repayment of
senior short-term debt obligations. This normally will be evidenced by many of
the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and
coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization
characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external
conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Statement of Additional Information Page 42
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
S&P ratings of commercial paper are graded into several categories ranging
from "A1" for the highest quality obligations to "D" for the lowest. Issues in
the "A" category are delineated with numbers 1, 2, and 3 to indicate the
relative degree of safety. A-1 -- This highest category indicates that the
degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to
possess extremely strong safety characteristics will be denoted with a plus sign
(+) designation. 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 designated "A-1."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The audited financial statements of the Fund as of October 31, 1997 and for the
fiscal year then ended appear on the following pages.
Statement of Additional Information Page 43
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL REPORT
To the Shareholders of GT Global Emerging Markets Fund and
Board of Directors of G.T. Investment Funds, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of GT
Global Emerging Markets Fund, one of the funds organized as a series of G.T.
Investment Funds, Inc., including the portfolio of investments, as of October
31, 1997, the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the
statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then
ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period
then ended. These financial statements and the financial highlights are the
responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and the financial highlights based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and the financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
October 31, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and the financial highlights referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of GT
Global Emerging Markets Fund as of October 31, 1997, the results of its
operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of
the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of
the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
DECEMBER 15, 1997
F1
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE % OF NET
EQUITY INVESTMENTS COUNTRY SHARES (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Energy (18.6%)
LUKoil Holding - ADR{\/} ................................. RUS 68,826 $ 5,764,178 2.4
OIL
Sasol Ltd. ............................................... SAFR 402,507 4,853,515 2.0
ENERGY SOURCES
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) Preferred ........... BRZL 22,113,561 4,112,192 1.7
OIL
Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais (CEMIG) - ADR{\/} ... BRZL 85,389 3,415,560 1.4
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
C.A. La Electricidad de Caracas .......................... VENZ 2,529,153 3,324,761 1.4
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras S.A.-Eletrobras "B" -
ADR{\/} ................................................. BRZL 133,855 2,944,810 1.2
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Chilgener S.A. - ADR{\/} ................................. CHLE 88,263 2,383,101 1.0
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Enersis S.A. - ADR{\/} ................................... CHLE 64,238 2,119,854 0.9
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Empresa Nacional de Electricidad S.A. - ADR{\/} .......... CHLE 100,922 2,031,055 0.8
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Light - Servicos de Electricidade S.A. ................... BRZL 5,020,561 1,666,841 0.7
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Light - Participacoes S.A. ............................... BRZL 6,360,473 1,627,044 0.7
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
YPF S.A. - ADR{\/} ....................................... ARG 49,065 1,570,080 0.7
OIL
The Hub Power Co., Ltd. - GDR-/- {\/} .................... PAK 49,150 1,535,938 0.6
ENERGY SOURCES
Unified Energy Systems - Reg S GDR-/- {c} {\/} ........... RUS 37,000 1,156,246 0.5
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Surgutneftegaz - ADR-/- {\/} ............................. RUS 123,235 1,047,498 0.4
OIL
PTT Exploration and Production Public Co., Ltd. -
Foreign ................................................. THAI 101,800 1,038,259 0.4
OIL
MOL Magyar Olaj-es Gazipari RT - Reg S GDR{c} {\/} ....... HGRY 35,800 774,175 0.3
ENERGY SOURCES
Manila Electric Co. "B" .................................. PHIL 236,700 728,308 0.3
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Mosenergo - 144A ADR{.} {\/} ............................. RUS 15,000 630,000 0.3
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Electricity Generating Public Co., Ltd. - Foreign ........ THAI 329,100 548,500 0.2
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Perez Companc S.A. ....................................... ARG 74,818 468,642 0.2
OIL
Tenaga Nasional Bhd. ..................................... MAL 194,000 419,585 0.2
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Korea Electric Power Corp. - ADR{\/} ..................... KOR 44,271 362,469 0.2
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
BSES Ltd. - Reg. S GDR{c} ................................ IND 19,100 296,050 0.1
ELECTRICAL & GAS UTILITIES
Yukong Ltd. .............................................. KOR 7,543 102,145 --
OIL
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F2
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE % OF NET
EQUITY INVESTMENTS COUNTRY SHARES (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Energy (Continued)
Guangdong Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. "B"+X+ .... CHNA 127,800 $ 72,084 --
ENERGY SOURCES
Pakistan State Oil Co., Ltd. ............................. PAK 20 216 --
OIL
------------
44,993,106
------------
Multi-Industry/Miscellaneous (16.1%)
Barlow Ltd. .............................................. SAFR 407,077 4,104,623 1.7
CONGLOMERATE
Anglo American Corporation of South Africa Ltd. .......... SAFR 82,607 3,572,195 1.5
CONGLOMERATE
Delta Corporation Ltd. (subdivision)-/- .................. ZBBW 2,187,074 3,114,504 1.3
MULTI-INDUSTRY
PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia .............................. INDO 3,075,500 2,869,896 1.2
MULTI-INDUSTRY
Grupo Carso, S.A. de C.V. "A1" ........................... MEX 396,200 2,519,547 1.0
MULTI-INDUSTRY
ITC Ltd.: ................................................ IND -- -- 1.0
MULTI-INDUSTRY
Common ................................................. -- 123,928 1,916,184 --
GDR-/- {\/} ............................................ -- 25,987 475,562 --
The Saudi Arabian Investment Fund Ltd.-/- {\/} ........... UK 211,000 2,110,000 0.9
COUNTRY FUNDS
PT Gudang Garam .......................................... INDO 625,500 1,777,187 0.7
MULTI-INDUSTRY
China Resources Enterprise Ltd. .......................... HK 623,000 1,708,616 0.7
CONGLOMERATE
Malaysian Resources Corp., Bhd. .......................... MAL 2,556,000 1,520,240 0.6
CONGLOMERATE
Shanghai Industrial Holdings Ltd. ........................ HK 339,000 1,508,616 0.6
MULTI-INDUSTRY
Central Asia Regional Growth Fund-/- {\/} ................ IRE 156,000 1,485,120 0.6
COUNTRY FUNDS
NASR (El) City Company For Housing & Construction-/- ..... EGPT 18,870 1,304,195 0.5
MISCELLANEOUS
Billiton PLC-/- .......................................... SAFR 395,102 1,158,199 0.5
CONGLOMERATE
Sanluis Corporacion, S.A. de C.V. ........................ MEX 145,432 1,128,622 0.5
CONGLOMERATE
John Keells Holdings Ltd. ................................ SLNKA 183,000 934,142 0.4
MULTI-INDUSTRY
Empresas La Moderna, S.A. de C.V. "A"-/- ................. MEX 186,000 913,293 0.4
MULTI-INDUSTRY
PT Bimantara Citra ....................................... INDO 965,000 887,047 0.4
MULTI-INDUSTRY
Romanian Growth Fund{\/} ................................. ROM 75,800 784,530 0.3
COUNTRY FUNDS
Koc Holding AS ........................................... TRKY 1,827,500 687,480 0.3
CONGLOMERATE
Rembrandt Group Ltd. ..................................... SAFR 77,200 633,971 0.3
CONGLOMERATE
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F3
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE % OF NET
EQUITY INVESTMENTS COUNTRY SHARES (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Multi-Industry/Miscellaneous (Continued)
Koor Industries Ltd. - ADR{\/} ........................... ISRL 22,315 $ 476,983 0.2
CONGLOMERATE
PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna ............................. INDO 262,000 457,953 0.2
MULTI-INDUSTRY
Discount Investment Corp. ................................ ISRL 12,474 339,811 0.1
MULTI-INDUSTRY
Quinenco S.A. - ADR-/- {\/} .............................. CHLE 21,500 314,438 0.1
CONGLOMERATE
KEC International Ltd.-/- ................................ IND 160,500 162,280 0.1
MISCELLANEOUS
------------
38,865,234
------------
Services (15.6%)
Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras S.A. (Telebras): ............ BRZL -- -- 3.0
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
ADR{\/} ................................................ -- 37,332 3,789,198 --
Common ................................................. -- 38,472,813 3,419,767 --
Telefonos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. "L" - ADR{\/} .......... MEX 122,827 5,312,268 2.2
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Compania Anonima Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela (CANTV) -
ADR{\/ } ................................................ VENZ 85,004 3,718,925 1.5
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Pick'n Pay Stores Ltd.: .................................. SAFR -- -- 1.4
RETAILERS-OTHER
Common ................................................. -- 1,646,589 2,481,865 --
"N" .................................................... -- 719,798 987,665 --
Cia de Telecomunicaciones de Chile S.A. - ADR{\/} ........ CHLE 84,227 2,337,299 1.0
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Telefonica del Peru S.A. - ADR{\/} ....................... PERU 100,740 1,989,615 0.8
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Cifra, S.A. de C.V.: ..................................... MEX -- -- 0.6
RETAILERS-OTHER
"C" .................................................... -- 593,000 1,029,760 --
"A" .................................................... -- 275,000 506,527 --
"B" .................................................... -- 26,656 53,248 --
Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo -
SABESP-/- ............................................... BRZL 7,509,655 1,362,419 0.6
BUSINESS & PUBLIC SERVICES
Telefonica de Argentina S.A. - ADR{\/} ................... ARG 42,183 1,186,397 0.5
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Telecomunicacoes de Sao Paulo S.A. (TELESP) Preferred .... BRZL 3,388,663 885,282 0.4
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
TelecomAsia Corp. - Foreign-/- ........................... THAI 1,521,400 681,224 0.3
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Santa Isabel S.A. - ADR{\/} .............................. CHLE 36,543 676,046 0.3
RETAILERS-FOOD
PT Indosat ............................................... INDO 264,500 598,625 0.3
TELECOM - OTHER
Danubius Hotel and Spa Rt.-/- ............................ HGRY 19,037 595,762 0.2
LEISURE & TOURISM
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F4
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE % OF NET
EQUITY INVESTMENTS COUNTRY SHARES (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Services (Continued)
PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada ......................... INDO 2,073,000 $ 591,873 0.2
BUSINESS & PUBLIC SERVICES
Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. ........................... IND 84,400 588,062 0.2
TELECOM - OTHER
Portugal Telecom S.A. - Registered ....................... PORT 13,630 559,388 0.2
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Sonae Investimentos-Sociedade Gestora de Participacoes
Sociais S.A. ............................................ PORT 14,423 539,017 0.2
RETAILERS-OTHER
Migros Turk T.A.S. ....................................... TRKY 479,400 503,132 0.2
RETAILERS-FOOD
Investec-Consultoria Internacional S.A.-/- ............... PORT 15,692 490,933 0.2
BROADCASTING & PUBLISHING
Super Sol Ltd. ........................................... ISRL 127,545 367,036 0.2
RETAILERS-FOOD
Advanced Info. Service - Foreign ......................... THAI 68,300 366,985 0.2
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
Indian Hotels Co., Ltd. .................................. IND -- -- 0.1
LEISURE & TOURISM
GDR-/- {\/} ............................................ -- 20,200 348,450 --
Common ................................................. -- 3,000 48,573 --
Konsortium Perkapalan Bhd. ............................... MAL 182,000 341,694 0.1
TRANSPORTATION - SHIPPING
Pakistan Telecommunications Co., Ltd. - GDR-/- {\/} ...... PAK 3,700 299,700 0.1
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
Guangshen Railway Co., Ltd. .............................. HK 924,000 286,882 0.1
TRANSPORTATION - ROAD & RAIL
Vimpel-Communications - ADR-/- {\/} ...................... RUS 8,500 278,375 0.1
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
BEC World Public Co., Ltd. - Foreign ..................... THAI 53,000 276,866 0.1
BROADCASTING & PUBLISHING
Estabelecimentos Jeronimo Martins & Filho, Sociedade
Gestora de Participacoes Sociais S.A. ................... PORT 4,141 270,885 0.1
RETAILERS-OTHER
Himachal Futuristic Communications Ltd. .................. IND 450,000 241,423 0.1
TELECOM - OTHER
PT Matahari Putra Prima .................................. INDO 1,109,000 216,240 0.1
RETAILERS-APPAREL
------------
38,227,406
------------
Materials/Basic Industry (15.5%)
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. "A" ............... MEX 1,012,344 4,461,588 1.8
PAPER/PACKAGING
SA Iron & Steel Industrial Corp., Ltd. (ISCOR) ........... SAFR 6,948,244 3,611,353 1.5
METALS - STEEL
Suez Cement Co. - Reg S GDR{c} {\/} ...................... EGPT 169,935 3,526,151 1.5
CEMENT
Sappi Ltd. ............................................... SAFR 427,859 2,713,035 1.1
FOREST PRODUCTS
Helwan Portland Cement Co.-/- ............................ EGPT 104,210 2,199,138 0.9
CEMENT
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F5
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE % OF NET
EQUITY INVESTMENTS COUNTRY SHARES (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Materials/Basic Industry (Continued)
Ameriyah Cement Co.-/- ................................... EGPT 84,386 $ 2,134,469 0.9
CEMENT
Industrias Penoles S.A. (CP) ............................. MEX 452,187 1,800,625 0.7
METALS - NON-FERROUS
Torah Portland Cement Co.-/- ............................. EGPT 60,900 1,665,794 0.7
CEMENT
De Beers Centenary AG - Linked Unit ...................... SAFR 68,900 1,644,432 0.7
MISC. MATERIALS & COMMODITIES
Apasco S.A. .............................................. MEX 254,481 1,554,315 0.6
CEMENT
North Cairo Flour Mills-/- ............................... EGPT 30,170 1,313,282 0.5
MISC. MATERIALS & COMMODITIES
Helioplis Housing-/- ..................................... EGPT 8,500 1,162,750 0.5
BUILDING MATERIALS & COMPONENTS
Pannonplast Rt. .......................................... HGRY 18,188 999,145 0.4
MISC. MATERIALS & COMMODITIES
Pohang Iron & Steel Co., Ltd.: ........................... KOR -- -- 0.5
METALS - STEEL
ADR{\/} ................................................ -- 52,475 852,719 --
Common ................................................. -- 2,580 114,060 --
Paints & Chemical Industry-/- ............................ EGPT 20,500 687,413 0.3
CHEMICALS
Grupo Industrial Minera Mexico "L" ....................... MEX 231,300 686,975 0.3
METALS - NON-FERROUS
Cimpor-Cimentos de Portugal, SGPS S.A. ................... PORT 23,585 597,004 0.2
CEMENT
Cosco Pacific Ltd. ....................................... HK 462,000 537,904 0.2
PAPER/PACKAGING
Hindalco Industries Ltd. ................................. IND 19,350 505,218 0.2
METALS - NON-FERROUS
Siam Cement Co., Ltd. - Foreign .......................... THAI 57,200 486,627 0.2
CEMENT
Israel Chemicals Ltd. .................................... ISRL 386,976 485,117 0.2
CHEMICALS
Maanshan Iron and Steel Co. "H"+X+ ....................... CHNA 2,874,000 457,312 0.2
METALS - STEEL
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. - ADR{\/} ........ CHLE 8,500 440,938 0.2
CHEMICALS
PT Aneka Tambang-/- ...................................... INDO 940,000 366,574 0.2
METALS - NON-FERROUS
Dhan Fibres Ltd.-/- ...................................... PAK 4,273,000 325,286 0.1
CHEMICALS
Turk Sise ve Cam Fabrikalari AS-/- ....................... TRKY 3,564,000 306,035 0.1
GLASS
HI Cement Corp. .......................................... PHIL 3,197,000 291,464 0.1
CEMENT
Engro Chemicals Pakistan Ltd. ............................ PAK 85,412 269,787 0.1
CHEMICALS
Agros Holding S.A.-/- .................................... POL 11,876 249,123 0.1
MISC. MATERIALS & COMMODITIES
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F6
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE % OF NET
EQUITY INVESTMENTS COUNTRY SHARES (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Materials/Basic Industry (Continued)
Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd. .................................. MAL 229,000 $ 222,878 0.1
BUILDING MATERIALS & COMPONENTS
Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A. - ADR{\/} ............ PERU 11,800 211,663 0.1
METALS - NON-FERROUS
PT Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Corp. Tbk ..................... INDO 517,000 198,015 0.1
PAPER/PACKAGING
Associated Cement Cos., Ltd. ............................. IND 5,086 163,542 0.1
CEMENT
Fauji Fertilizer Co., Ltd. ............................... PAK 71,900 160,119 0.1
MISC. MATERIALS & COMMODITIES
Dewan Salman Fibre Ltd.-/- ............................... PAK 4 3 --
CHEMICALS
------------
37,401,853
------------
Finance (15.1%)
State Bank of India Ltd. ................................. IND 646,650 4,679,037 1.9
BANKS-REGIONAL
Uniao Bancos Brasileiras "A" Preferred ................... BRZL 155,867,458 3,956,070 1.6
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
ABSA Group Ltd. .......................................... SAFR 631,687 3,742,844 1.5
BANKS-REGIONAL
Egyptian American Bank SAE-/- ............................ EGPT 72,790 2,344,266 1.0
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Provida S.A. -
ADR{\/} ................................................. CHLE 114,258 1,913,822 0.8
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
Malayan Banking Bhd. ..................................... MAL 401,800 1,556,990 0.6
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Banco LatinoAmericano de Exportaciones S.A. (Bladex)
"E"{\/} ................................................. PAN 36,337 1,444,396 0.6
OTHER FINANCIAL
Global Menkul Degerler AS-/- ............................. TRKY 60,574,257 1,403,558 0.6
SECURITIES BROKER
Banco de A. Edwards - ADR{\/} ............................ CHLE 74,184 1,288,947 0.5
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Credicorp Ltd. - ADR{\/} ................................. PERU 67,200 1,205,400 0.5
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Aksigorta A.S. ........................................... TRKY 14,655,000 1,138,555 0.5
INSURANCE - MULTI-LINE
Commercial International Bank ............................ EGPT -- -- 0.4
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
144A GDR{.} {\/} ....................................... -- 37,000 804,750 --
Common ................................................. -- 14,000 323,853 --
Liberty Life Association of Africa Ltd. .................. SAFR 36,900 920,582 0.4
INSURANCE-LIFE
Banco Frances del Rio de la Plata S.A. - ADR{\/} ......... ARG 34,978 861,333 0.4
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Turkiye Is Bankasi (Isbank) "C" .......................... TRKY 8,527,300 825,208 0.3
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Kookmin Bank - GDR-/- {\/} ............................... KOR 100,650 644,160 0.3
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
BPI-SGPS S.A. ............................................ PORT 27,269 613,475 0.3
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F7
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE % OF NET
EQUITY INVESTMENTS COUNTRY SHARES (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Finance (Continued)
Thai Farmers Bank Public Co., Ltd. - Foreign ............. THAI 205,700 $ 562,861 0.2
BANKS-REGIONAL
SM Prime Holdings, Inc. .................................. PHIL 2,860,800 505,326 0.2
REAL ESTATE
Yapi ve Kredi Bankasi AS ................................. TRKY 16,419,347 501,299 0.2
BANKS-REGIONAL
C.G. Smith Ltd. .......................................... SAFR 109,100 476,320 0.2
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
Nedcor Ltd. .............................................. SAFR 22,000 461,954 0.2
BANKS-REGIONAL
Bank Hapoalim Ltd. ....................................... ISRL 191,250 452,638 0.2
BANKS-REGIONAL
Metroplex Bhd. ........................................... MAL 1,242,000 432,779 0.2
REAL ESTATE
JSC Kazkommertsbank Co. - GDR-/- {\/} .................... KAZ 19,530 410,130 0.2
BANKS-REGIONAL
Muslim Commercial Bank Ltd.-/- ........................... PAK 379,600 388,174 0.2
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Bank Leumi Le - Israel ................................... ISRL 242,645 372,565 0.2
BANKS-REGIONAL
Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS ............................... TRKY 6,533,800 338,410 0.1
BANKS-REGIONAL
Bank Slaski S.A. ......................................... POL 5,773 336,758 0.1
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Belle Corp.-/- ........................................... PHIL 3,542,000 322,917 0.1
REAL ESTATE
Ayala Land, Inc. "B" ..................................... PHIL 670,000 262,464 0.1
REAL ESTATE
Banco Santander Chile - ADR{\/} .......................... CHLE 18,800 244,400 0.1
BANKS-REGIONAL
Land and House Public Co., Ltd. - Foreign ................ THAI 273,000 237,687 0.1
REAL ESTATE
Malaysian Assurance Alliance Bhd. ........................ MAL 79,100 142,565 0.1
INSURANCE - MULTI-LINE
Bangkok Bank Public Co., Ltd. - Foreign .................. THAI 39,600 137,910 0.1
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
C & P Homes, Inc. ........................................ PHIL 1,487,000 112,266 0.1
REAL ESTATE
HDFC Bank Ltd. ........................................... IND 500 1,118 --
BANKS-MONEY CENTER
Housing Development Finance Corp.-/- ..................... IND 5 422 --
OTHER FINANCIAL
------------
36,368,209
------------
Consumer Non-Durables (9.0%)
South African Breweries Ltd. ............................. SAFR 158,112 4,207,554 1.7
BEVERAGES - ALCOHOLIC
Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. "B" ............. MEX 530,710 3,749,927 1.5
BEVERAGES - ALCOHOLIC
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F8
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE % OF NET
EQUITY INVESTMENTS COUNTRY SHARES (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consumer Non-Durables (Continued)
Gruma S.A. "B"-/- ........................................ MEX 678,283 $ 2,664,393 1.1
FOOD
Eastern Tobacco Co.-/- ................................... EGPT 99,245 2,488,422 1.0
TOBACCO
Companhia Cervejaria Brahma Preferred .................... BRZL 3,909,129 2,446,752 1.0
BEVERAGES - ALCOHOLIC
C.G. Smith Foods Ltd. .................................... SAFR 123,000 1,764,449 0.7
FOOD
A-Ahram Beverages Co. S.A.E. - 144A GDR{.} -/- {\/} ...... EGPT 48,235 1,326,463 0.5
BEVERAGES - ALCOHOLIC
Embotelladora Andina S.A. "B" - ADR{\/} .................. CHLE 51,047 1,046,464 0.4
BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC
San Miguel Corp. "B" ..................................... PHIL 877,800 987,838 0.4
BEVERAGES - ALCOHOLIC
Compania Cervecerias Unidas S.A. ADR{\/} ................. CHLE 30,046 732,371 0.3
BEVERAGES - ALCOHOLIC
Graboplast Rt. (Australian Certificates) ................. HGRY 10,319 556,323 0.2
OTHER CONSUMER GOODS
Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd. ................................. MAL 108,000 259,537 0.1
OTHER CONSUMER GOODS
Zaklady Piwowarskie w Zywcu S.A. (Zywiec) ................ POL 3,416 255,218 0.1
BEVERAGES - ALCOHOLIC
La Tondena Distillers, Inc. .............................. PHIL 149,400 91,513 --
BEVERAGES - ALCOHOLIC
------------
22,577,224
------------
Technology (3.7%)
Asustek Computer Inc. - Reg. S GDR-/- {c} {\/} ........... TWN 695,564 8,503,270 3.5
COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS
Clal Electronics Industries Ltd. ......................... ISRL 2,159 312,828 0.1
SEMICONDUCTORS
LG Information & Communication ........................... KOR 1,956 112,470 0.1
TELECOM TECHNOLOGY
------------
8,928,568
------------
Capital Goods (2.5%)
New World Infrastructure Ltd.-/- ......................... HK 929,000 1,838,771 0.8
CONSTRUCTION
Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings ...................... HK 586,000 1,516,171 0.6
CONSTRUCTION
United Engineers Ltd. .................................... MAL 318,000 754,641 0.3
CONSTRUCTION
Irkutskenergo - ADR-/- {\/} .............................. RUS 48,200 650,700 0.3
ELECTRICAL PLANT/EQUIPMENT
Daewoo Heavy Industries .................................. KOR 86,000 501,667 0.2
INDUSTRIAL COMPONENTS
Elektrim Spolka Akcyjna S.A. ............................. POL 45,830 431,961 0.2
ELECTRICAL PLANT/EQUIPMENT
ECI Telecommunications Ltd.{\/} .......................... ISRL 9,100 251,388 0.1
TELECOM EQUIPMENT
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F9
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE % OF NET
EQUITY INVESTMENTS COUNTRY SHARES (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Goods (Continued)
Sungmi Telecom Electronics Co. ........................... KOR 189 $ 9,247 --
TELECOM EQUIPMENT
Gujarat Telephone Cables-/- .............................. IND 6,200 853 --
TELECOM EQUIPMENT
------------
5,955,399
------------
Consumer Durables (2.3%)
Bajaj Auto Ltd. - GDR{\/} ................................ IND 81,000 1,441,800 0.6
AUTO PARTS
Arcelik AS ............................................... TRKY 9,393,800 1,049,901 0.4
APPLIANCES & HOUSEHOLD DURABLES
Qingling Motors Co., Ltd.+X+ ............................. CHNA 1,475,000 963,616 0.4
AUTOMOBILES
Tata Engineering and Locomotive Co., Ltd. ................ IND 107,410 941,208 0.4
AUTOMOBILES
Samsung Electronics Co.: ................................. KOR -- -- 0.3
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Common ................................................. -- 14,801 586,279 --
144A GDR{.} -/- {\/} ................................... -- 8,200 166,050 --
PT Astra International, Inc. ............................. INDO 592,000 441,114 0.2
AUTOMOBILES
------------
5,589,968
------------
Health Care (1.8%)
Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. ................................ IND 75,000 1,460,918 0.6
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY & SUPPLIES
Richter Gedeon Rt. - Reg S GDR{c} {\/} ................... HGRY 14,046 1,306,278 0.5
PHARMACEUTICALS
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. ...................... ISRL 16,640 774,717 0.3
PHARMACEUTICALS
Egypt International Pharmaceutical Industries Co.
(EIPICO) ................................................ EGPT 10,000 723,529 0.3
PHARMACEUTICALS
PT Kalbe Farma ........................................... INDO 524,000 321,114 0.1
PHARMACEUTICALS
Core Healthcare .......................................... IND 50 20 --
PHARMACEUTICALS
------------
4,586,576
------------ -----
TOTAL EQUITY INVESTMENTS (cost $277,841,143) ............... 243,493,543 100.2
------------ -----
<CAPTION>
NO. OF VALUE % OF NET
RIGHTS COUNTRY RIGHTS (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PT Matahari Putra Prima Rights, expire 12/3/97 ........... INDO -- 123,565 0.1
RETAILERS-APPAREL
Telecomunicacoes de Sao Paulo S.A. (TELESP) Rights, expire
11/12/97 ................................................ BRZL -- 224 --
TELEPHONE NETWORKS
------------ -----
TOTAL RIGHTS (cost $0) ..................................... 123,789 0.1
------------ -----
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F10
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NO. OF VALUE % OF NET
WARRANTS COUNTRY WARRANTS (NOTE 1) ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Belle Corp. Warrants, expire 2002 (cost $0) .............. PHIL 708,400 $ 131 --
OIL
------------ -----
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $277,841,143) * ................... 243,617,463 100.3
Other Assets and Liabilities ............................... (716,414) (0.3)
------------ -----
NET ASSETS ................................................. $242,901,049 100.0
------------ -----
------------ -----
</TABLE>
- --------------
-/- Non-income producing security.
{\/} U.S. currency denominated.
+X+ Denominated in Hong Kong Dollars.
{.} Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities
Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt
from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.
{c} Security issued under Regulation S. Rule 144A and additional
restrictions may apply in the resale of such securities.
* For Federal income tax purposes, cost is $279,135,649 and
appreciation (depreciation) is as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized appreciation: $ 17,948,897
Unrealized depreciation: (53,467,083)
-------------
Net unrealized depreciation: $ (35,518,186)
-------------
-------------
</TABLE>
Abbreviations:
ADR--American Depository Receipt
GDR--Global Depository Receipt
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F11
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (cont'd)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's Portfolio of Investments at October 31, 1997, was concentrated in the
following countries:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE OF NET ASSETS {D}
-------------------------------------------
FIXED INCOME,
RIGHTS & SHORT-TERM
COUNTRY (COUNTRY CODE/CURRENCY CODE) EQUITY WARRANTS & OTHER TOTAL
- -------------------------------------- ------ ------------- ---------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Argentina (ARG/ARS) .................. 1.8 1.8
Brazil (BRZL/BRL) .................... 12.3 12.3
Chile (CHLE/CLP) ..................... 6.4 6.4
China (CHNA/RMB) ..................... 0.6 0.6
Egypt (EGPT/EGP) ..................... 9.0 9.0
Hong Kong (HK/HKD) ................... 3.0 3.0
Hungary (HGRY/HUF) ................... 1.6 1.6
India (IND/INR) ...................... 5.4 5.4
Indonesia (INDO/IDR) ................. 3.7 0.1 3.8
Ireland (IRE/IEP) .................... 0.6 0.6
Israel (ISRL/ILS) .................... 1.6 1.6
Kazakhstan (KAZ/KTS) ................. 0.2 0.2
Korea (KOR/KRW) ...................... 1.6 1.6
Malaysia (MAL/MYR) ................... 2.3 2.3
Mexico (MEX/MXN) ..................... 10.7 10.7
Pakistan (PAK/PKR) ................... 1.2 1.2
Panama (PAN/PND) ..................... 0.6 0.6
Peru (PERU/PES) ...................... 1.4 1.4
Philippines (PHIL/PHP) ............... 1.3 1.3
Poland (POL/PLZ) ..................... 0.5 0.5
Portugal (PORT/PTE) .................. 1.2 1.2
Romania (ROM/ROL) .................... 0.3 0.3
Russia (RUS/SUR) ..................... 4.0 4.0
South Africa (SAFR/ZAR) .............. 15.4 15.4
Sri Lanka (SLNKA/LKR) ................ 0.4 0.4
Taiwan (TWN/TWD) ..................... 3.5 3.5
Thailand (THAI/THB) .................. 1.8 1.8
Turkey (TRKY/TRL) .................... 2.7 2.7
United Kingdom (UK/GBP) .............. 0.9 0.9
United States (US/USD) ............... (0.3) (0.3)
Venezuela (VENZ/VEB) ................. 2.9 2.9
Zimbabwe (ZBBW/ZWD) .................. 1.3 1.3
------ ----- ----- -----
Total ............................... 100.2 0.1 (0.3) 100.0
------ ----- ----- -----
------ ----- ----- -----
</TABLE>
- --------------
{d} Percentages indicated are based on net assets of $242,901,049.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F12
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS
AND LIABILITIES
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Assets:
Investments in securities, at value (cost $277,841,143) (Note 1).......................... $243,617,463
U.S. currency................................................................. $ 136,655
Foreign currencies (cost $10,678,505)......................................... 10,060,667 10,197,322
----------
Receivable for securities sold............................................................ 7,396,760
Receivable for Fund shares sold........................................................... 1,950,008
Dividends receivable...................................................................... 337,748
-----------
Total assets............................................................................ 263,499,301
-----------
Liabilities:
Payable for securities purchased.......................................................... 12,193,150
Payable for loan outstanding (Note 1)..................................................... 6,184,000
Payable for Fund shares repurchased....................................................... 1,396,848
Payable for investment management and administration fees (Note 2)........................ 246,040
Payable for service and distribution expenses (Note 2).................................... 199,887
Payable for printing and postage expenses................................................. 140,103
Payable for transfer agent fees (Note 2).................................................. 104,492
Payable for custodian fees (Note 1)....................................................... 43,774
Payable for professional fees............................................................. 42,768
Payable for registration and filing fees.................................................. 23,221
Payable for fund accounting fees (Note 2)................................................. 6,498
Payable for Directors' fees and expenses (Note 2)......................................... 4,348
Other accrued expenses.................................................................... 13,123
-----------
Total liabilities....................................................................... 20,598,252
-----------
Net assets.................................................................................. $242,901,049
-----------
-----------
Class A:
Net asset value and redemption price per share ($113,318,585 DIVIDED BY 9,291,855 shares
outstanding)............................................................................... $ 12.20
-----------
-----------
Maximum offering price per share (100/95.25 of $12.20) *.................................... $ 12.81
-----------
-----------
Class B:+
Net asset value and offering price per share ($127,658,086 DIVIDED BY 10,694,937 shares
outstanding)............................................................................... $ 11.94
-----------
-----------
Advisor Class:
Net asset value, offering price per share, and redemption price per share ($1,924,378
DIVIDED BY 156,831 shares outstanding)..................................................... $ 12.27
-----------
-----------
Net assets consist of:
Paid in capital (Note 4).................................................................. $289,238,339
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions............ (11,492,948)
Net unrealized depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign
currencies............................................................................... (620,662)
Net unrealized depreciation of investments................................................ (34,223,680)
-----------
Total -- representing net assets applicable to capital shares outstanding................... $242,901,049
-----------
-----------
<FN>
- --------------
* On sales of $50,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.
+ Redemption price per share is equal to the net asset value per share less
any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F13
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year ended October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Investment income: (Note 1)
Dividend income (net of foreign withholding tax of $260,697).............................. $ 7,205,935
Interest income........................................................................... 1,168,490
-----------
Total investment income................................................................. 8,374,425
-----------
Expenses:
Investment management and administration fees (Note 2).................................... 3,907,922
Service and distribution expenses: (Note 2)
Class A.................................................................... $ 977,082
Class B.................................................................... 2,022,092 2,999,174
-----------
Transfer agent fees (Note 2).............................................................. 1,516,844
Custodian fees (Note 1)................................................................... 349,533
Printing and postage expenses............................................................. 237,674
Registration and filing fees.............................................................. 113,378
Fund accounting fees (Note 2)............................................................. 103,144
Audit fees................................................................................ 72,348
Legal fees................................................................................ 35,687
Amortization of organization costs (Note 1)............................................... 16,342
Directors' fees and expenses (Note 2)..................................................... 13,636
Other expenses (Note 1)................................................................... 385,661
-----------
Total expenses before reductions........................................................ 9,751,343
-----------
Expense reductions (Notes 1 & 5)...................................................... (326,286)
-----------
Total net expenses...................................................................... 9,425,057
-----------
Net investment loss......................................................................... (1,050,632)
-----------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currencies:
(Note 1)
Net realized gain on investments............................................. 29,128,765
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions........................... (3,014,870)
-----------
Net realized gain during the year....................................................... 26,113,895
Net change in unrealized depreciation on translation of assets and
liabilities in foreign currencies........................................... (282,179)
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments......................... (52,070,476)
-----------
Net unrealized depreciation during the year............................................. (52,352,655)
-----------
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments and foreign currencies...................... (26,238,760)
-----------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations........................................ $(27,289,392)
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F14
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
OCTOBER 31, OCTOBER 31,
1997 1996
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Decrease in net assets
Operations:
Net investment income (loss)............................................. $ (1,050,632) $ 2,628,437
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency
transactions............................................................ 26,113,895 (5,528,958)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of
assets and liabilities in foreign currencies............................ (282,179) 31,246
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments...... (52,070,476) 22,530,391
-------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations........ (27,289,392) 19,661,116
-------------- --------------
Class A:
Distributions to shareholders: (Note 1)
From net investment income............................................... (37,319) --
In excess of net investment income....................................... (104,807) --
Advisor Class:
Distributions to shareholders: (Note 1)
From net investment income............................................... (4,161) --
In excess of net investment income....................................... (11,686) --
-------------- --------------
Total distributions.................................................... (157,973) --
-------------- --------------
Capital share transactions: (Note 4)
Increase from capital shares sold and reinvested......................... 1,140,272,411 1,443,673,824
Decrease from capital shares repurchased................................. (1,314,030,266) (1,499,221,358)
-------------- --------------
Net decrease from capital share transactions........................... (173,757,855) (55,547,534)
-------------- --------------
Total decrease in net assets............................................... (201,205,220) (35,886,418)
Net assets:
Beginning of year........................................................ 444,106,269 479,992,687
-------------- --------------
End of year *............................................................ $ 242,901,049 $ 444,106,269
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
* Includes undistributed net investment income of........................ $ -- $ 41,480
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F15
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contained below is per share operating performance data for a share outstanding
throughout each period, total investment return, ratios and supplemental data.
This information has been derived from information provided in the financial
statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A+
----------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------
1997 (D) 1996 (D) 1995 (D) 1994 1993
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating Performance:
Net asset value, beginning of period.... $ 14.26 $ 13.85 $ 18.81 $ 14.42 $ 11.10
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss).......... -- 0.11 0.13 (0.02) 0.02*
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments................ (2.05) 0.30 (4.32) 4.68 3.38
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net increase (decrease) from
investment operations.............. (2.05) 0.41 (4.19) 4.66 3.40
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Distributions to shareholders:
From net investment income............ -- -- -- (0.01) (0.08)
From net realized gain on
investments.......................... -- -- (0.77) (0.26) --
In excess of net investment income.... (0.01) -- -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total distributions................. (0.01) -- (0.77) (0.27) (0.08)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period.......... $ 12.20 $ 14.26 $ 13.85 $ 18.81 $ 14.42
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total investment return (c)............. (14.45)% 2.96% (23.04)% 32.58% 30.90%
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's).... $ 113,319 $ 224,964 $ 252,457 $ 417,322 $ 187,808
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets..................... (0.01)% 0.76% 0.89% (0.11)% 0.1%*
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
With expense reductions (Notes 1 &
5)................................... 2.10% 1.96% 2.12% 2.06% 2.4%*
Without expense reductions............ 2.18% 2.08% 2.14% N/A N/A
Portfolio turnover rate++++............. 150% 104% 114% 100% 99%
Average commission rate per share paid
on portfolio transactions++++.......... $ 0.0015 $ 0.0040 N/A N/A N/A
</TABLE>
- ----------------
+ All capital shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 1993, were
reclassified as Class A shares.
++ Commencing April 1, 1993, the Fund began offering Class B shares.
+++ Commencing June 1, 1995, the Fund began offering Advisor Class shares.
++++ Portfolio turnover rate and average commission rate are calculated on
the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the
classes of shares issued.
(a) Annualized
(b) Not annualized
(c) Total investment return does not include sales charges.
(d) These selected per share data were calculated based upon average
shares outstanding during the period.
* Includes reimbursement by Chancellor LGT Asset Management, Inc. of
Fund operating expenses of $0.02 for the year ended October 31, 1993.
Without such reimbursements, the expense ratios would have been 2.61%
and the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would
have been 0.36% (See Note 2).
* * Includes reimbursement by Chancellor LGT Asset Management, Inc. of
Fund operating expenses of $0.02. Without such reimbursements, the
expense ratio would have been 3.63% and the ratio of net investment
income to average net assets would have been (0.76%) (see Note 2).
N/A Not Applicable.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F16
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (cont'd)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contained below is per share operating performance data for a share outstanding
throughout each period, total investment return, ratios and supplemental data.
This information has been derived from information provided in the financial
statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B++
-----------------------------------------------------------
APRIL 1,
1993
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, TO
---------------------------------------------- OCTOBER 31,
1997 (D) 1996 (D) 1995 (D) 1994 1993
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating Performance:
Net asset value, beginning of period.... $ 14.02 $ 13.68 $ 18.68 $ 14.39 $ 11.47
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss).......... (0.08) 0.04 0.06 (0.12) 0.00**
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments................ (2.00) 0.30 (4.29) 4.67 2.92
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) from
investment operations.............. (2.08) 0.34 (4.23) 4.55 2.92
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Distributions to shareholders:
From net investment income............ -- -- -- -- --
From net realized gain on
investments.......................... -- -- (0.77) (0.26) --
In excess of net investment income.... -- -- -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Total distributions................. -- -- (0.77) (0.26) --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Net asset value, end of period.......... $ 11.94 $ 14.02 $ 13.68 $ 18.68 $ 14.39
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Total investment return (c)............. (14.91)% 2.49% (23.37)% 31.77% 25.5%(b)
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's).... $ 127,658 $ 216,004 $ 225,861 $ 291,289 $ 32,318
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets..................... (0.51)% 0.26% 0.39% (0.61)% (0.4)%**(a)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
With expense reductions (Notes 1 &
5)................................... 2.60% 2.46% 2.62% 2.56% 2.9%**(a)
Without expense reductions............ 2.68% 2.58% 2.64% N/A N/A
Portfolio turnover rate++++............. 150% 104% 114% 100% 99%
Average commission rate per share paid
on portfolio transactions++++.......... $ 0.0015 $ 0.0040 N/A N/A N/A
<CAPTION>
ADVISOR CLASS+++
----------------------------------------
YEAR JUNE 1, 1995
ENDED YEAR ENDED TO
OCTOBER 31, OCTOBER 31, OCTOBER 31,
1997 (D) 1996 (D) 1995
----------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating Performance:
Net asset value, beginning of period.... $ 14.38 $ 13.88 $ 14.71
----------- ----------- -------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss).......... 0.05 0.18 0.08
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments................ (2.05) 0.32 (0.91)
----------- ----------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) from
investment operations.............. (2.00) 0.50 (0.83)
----------- ----------- -------------
Distributions to shareholders:
From net investment income............ (0.03) -- --
From net realized gain on
investments.......................... -- -- --
In excess of net investment income.... (0.08) -- --
----------- ----------- -------------
Total distributions................. (0.11) -- --
----------- ----------- -------------
Net asset value, end of period.......... $ 12.27 $ 14.38 $ 13.88
----------- ----------- -------------
----------- ----------- -------------
Total investment return (c)............. (14.05)% 3.60% (5.71)%(b)
Ratios and supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's).... $ 1,924 $ 3,139 $ 1,675
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets..................... 0.49% 1.26% 1.39%(a)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
With expense reductions (Notes 1 &
5)................................... 1.60% 1.46% 1.62%(a)
Without expense reductions............ 1.68% 1.58% 1.64%(a)
Portfolio turnover rate++++............. 150% 104% 114%
Average commission rate per share paid
on portfolio transactions++++.......... $0.0015 $ 0.0040 N/A
</TABLE>
- ----------------
+ All capital shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 1993, were
reclassified as Class A shares.
++ Commencing April 1, 1993, the Fund began offering Class B shares.
+++ Commencing June 1, 1995, the Fund began offering Advisor Class shares.
++++ Portfolio turnover rate and average commission rate are calculated on
the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the
classes of shares issued.
(a) Annualized
(b) Not annualized
(c) Total investment return does not include sales charges.
(d) These selected per share data were calculated based upon average
shares outstanding during the period.
* Includes reimbursement by Chancellor LGT Asset Management, Inc. of
Fund operating expenses of $0.02 for the year ended October 31, 1993.
Without such reimbursements, the expense ratios would have been 2.61%
and the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would
have been 0.36% (See Note 2).
* * Includes reimbursement by Chancellor LGT Asset Management, Inc. of
Fund operating expenses of $0.02. Without such reimbursements, the
expense ratio would have been 3.63% and the ratio of net investment
income to average net assets would have been (0.76%) (see Note 2).
N/A Not Applicable.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F17
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
GT Global Emerging Markets Fund ("Fund") is a separate series of G.T. Investment
Funds, Inc. ("Company"). The Company is organized as a Maryland corporation and
is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"),
as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The Company has
thirteen series of shares in operation, each series corresponding to a distinct
portfolio of investments.
The Fund offers Class A, Class B, and Advisor Class shares, each of which has
equal rights as to assets and voting privileges. Class A and Class B each has
exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. Investment
income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, and the common
expenses of the Fund are allocated on a pro rata basis to each class based on
the relative net assets of each class to the total net assets of the Fund. Each
class of shares differs in its respective service and distribution expenses, and
may differ in its transfer agent, registration, and certain other class-specific
fees and expenses.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of
significant accounting policies in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of the
financial statements.
(A) PORTFOLIO VALUATION
The Fund calculates the net asset value of and completes orders to purchase,
exchange or repurchase Fund shares on each business day, with the exception of
those days on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed.
Equity securities are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which
such securities are traded, or in the principal over-the-counter market in which
such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the
securities are being valued, or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid
price. In cases where securities are traded on more than one exchange, the
securities are valued on the exchange determined by Chancellor LGT Asset
Management, Inc. (the "Manager") to be the primary market.
Fixed income investments are valued at the mean of representative quoted bid and
ask prices for such investments or, if such prices are not available, at prices
for investments of comparative maturity, quality and type; however, when GT
Capital deems it appropriate, prices obtained for the day of valuation from a
bond pricing service will be used. Short-term investments are valued at
amortized cost adjusted for foreign exchange translation and market fluctuation,
if any.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available (including
restricted securities which are subject to limitations on their sale) are valued
at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the
Company's Board of Directors.
Portfolio securities which are primarily traded on foreign exchanges are
generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on their
respective exchanges, and those values are then translated into U.S. dollars at
the current exchange rates, except that when an occurrence subsequent to the
time a value was so established is likely to have materially changed such value,
then the fair value of those securities will be determined by consideration of
other factors by or under the direction of the Company's Board of Directors.
(B) FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
The accounting records are maintained in U.S. dollars. The market values of
foreign securities, currency holdings, and other assets and liabilities are
recorded in the books and records of the Fund after translation to U.S. dollars
based on the exchange rates on that day. The cost of each security is determined
using historical exchange rates. Income and withholding taxes are translated at
prevailing exchange rates when earned or incurred.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting
from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations
arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are
included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales and
maturities of short-term securities, forward foreign currency contracts, sales
of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and
settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the
amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the
Fund's books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or
paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from changes in the
value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at year
end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
(C) REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
With respect to repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund, it is the Fund's
policy to always receive, as collateral, U.S. government securities or other
high quality debt securities of which the value, including accrued interest, is
at least equal to the amount to be repaid to the Fund under each agreement at
its maturity.
(D) FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS
A forward foreign currency contract ("Forward Contract") is an agreement between
two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set price on a future date. The
market value of the Forward Contract
F18
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
fluctuates with changes in currency exchange rates. The Forward Contract is
marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as
an unrealized gain or loss. When the Forward Contract is closed, the Fund
records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the
time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. The Fund could be
exposed to risk if a counterparty is unable to meet the terms of the contract or
if the value of the currency changes unfavorably. The Fund may enter into
Forwards Contracts in connection with planned purchases or sales of securities,
or to hedge against adverse fluctuations in exchange rates between currencies.
(E) OPTION ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
When the Fund writes a call or put option, an amount equal to the premium
received is included in the Fund's "Statement of Assets and Liabilities" as an
asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently
marked-to-market to reflect the current market value of the option. The current
market value of an option listed on a traded exchange is valued at its last bid
price, or, in the case of an over-the-counter option, is valued at the average
of the last bid prices obtained from brokers. If an option expires on its
stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase
transaction, a gain or loss is realized without regard to any unrealized gain or
loss on the underlying security, and the liability related to such option is
extinguished. If a written call option is exercised, a gain or loss is realized
from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds of the sale are
increased by the premium originally received. If a written put option is
exercised, the cost of the underlying security purchased would be decreased by
the premium originally received. The Fund can write options only on a covered
basis, which, for a call, requires that the Fund hold the underlying securities
and, for a put, requires the Fund to set aside cash, U.S. government securities,
or other liquid, high grade debt securities in an amount not less than the
exercise price or otherwise provide adequate cover at all times while the put
option is outstanding. The Fund may use options to manage its exposure to the
stock market and to fluctuations in currency values or interest rates.
The premium paid by the Fund for the purchase of a call or put option is
included in the Fund's "Statement of Assets and Liabilities" as an investment
and subsequently "marked-to-market" to reflect the current market value of the
option. If an option which the Fund has purchased expires on the stipulated
expiration date, the Fund would realize a loss in the amount of the cost of the
option. If the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, the Fund would
realize a gain or loss, depending on whether proceeds from the closing sale
transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option. If the Fund
exercises a call option, the cost of the securities acquired by exercising the
call is increased by the premium paid to buy the call. If the Fund exercises a
put option, it realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security,
and the proceeds from such sale are decreased by the premium originally paid.
The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally
paid. The risk in writing a call option is that the Fund may forego the
opportunity of profit if the market value of the underlying security or index
increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing a put option is that
the fund may incur a loss if the market value of the underlying security or
index decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there is the risk the
Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid
secondary market.
(F) FUTURES CONTRACTS
A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a
security at a set price on a future date. Upon entering into such a contract the
Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash or securities equal
to the minimum "initial margin" requirements of the exchange on which the
contract is traded. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or
pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of
the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as "variation margin" and are
recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. When the contract is closed,
the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the
value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was
closed. The potential risk to the Fund is that the change in value of the
underlying securities may not correlate to the change in value of the contracts.
The Fund may use futures contracts to manage its exposure to the stock market
and to fluctuations in currency values or interest rates.
(G) SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED INVESTMENT INCOME
Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy
or sell is executed). The cost of securities sold is determined on a first-in,
first-out basis, unless otherwise specified. Dividends are recorded on the
ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Where a high
level of uncertainty exists as to its collection, income is recorded net of all
withholding tax with any rebate recorded when received. The Fund may trade
securities on other than normal settlement terms. This may increase the risk if
the other party to the transaction fails to deliver and causes the Fund to
subsequently invest at less advantageous prices.
(H) PORTFOLIO SECURITIES LOANED
At October 31, 1997, stocks with an aggregate value of approximately $17,629,705
were on loan to brokers. The loans were secured by cash collateral of
$18,687,600 received by the Fund. For international securities, cash collateral
is received by the Fund against loaned securities in an amount at least equal to
105% of the market value of the loaned securities at the inception of each loan.
This collateral must be maintained at not less than 103% of the market value of
the loaned securities during the period of the loan. For domestic securities,
cash collateral is received by the Fund against loaned securities in the amount
at least equal to 102% of the market value of the loaned securities at the
inception of each loan. This collateral must be maintained at not less than 100%
of the market value of the loaned securities during the period of each loan. For
the year ended October 31, 1997, the Fund received fees of $186,729 which were
used to reduce the Fund's custodian and administrative expenses.
F19
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
(I) TAXES
It is the policy of the Fund to meet the requirements for qualification as a
"regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended ("Code"). It is also the intention of the Fund to make distributions
sufficient to avoid imposition of any excise tax under Section 4982 of the Code.
Therefore, no provision has been made for Federal taxes on income, capital
gains, or unrealized appreciation of securities held, and excise tax on income
and capital gains. The Fund currently has a capital loss carryforward of
$10,198,442, of which $5,776,568 expires in 2003 and $4,421,874 expires in 2004.
(J) DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Distributions to shareholders are recorded by the Fund on the ex-date. Income
and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with Federal income
tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles.
These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains
on various investment securities held by the Fund and timing differences.
(K) DEFERRED ORGANIZATIONAL EXPENSES
Expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with its organization, its initial
registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and with various states
and the initial public offering of its shares aggregated $150,006. These
expenses were being amortized on a straightline basis over a five-year period.
(L) FOREIGN SECURITIES
There are certain additional considerations and risks associated with investing
in foreign securities and currency transactions that are not inherent in
investments of domestic origin. The Fund's investments in emerging market
countries may involve greater risks than investments in more developed markets
and the prices of such investments may be volatile. These risks of investing in
foreign and emerging markets may include foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuations, perceived credit risk, adverse political and economic developments
and possible adverse foreign government intervention.
(M) INDEXED SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in indexed securities whose value is linked either directly
or indirectly to changes in foreign currencies, interest rates, equities,
indices, or other reference instruments. Indexed securities may be more volatile
than the reference instrument itself, but any loss is limited to the amount of
the original investment.
(N) RESTRICTED SECURITIES
The Fund is permitted to invest in privately placed restricted securities. These
securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the
public if the securities are registered. Disposal of these securities may
involve time-consuming negotiations and expense, and prompt sale at an
acceptable price may be difficult.
(O) LINE OF CREDIT
The Fund, along with certain other funds ("GT Funds") advised or administered by
the Manager, has a line of credit with each of BankBoston and State Street Bank
& Trust Company. The arrangements with the banks allow the Fund and the GT Funds
to borrow an aggregate maximum amount of $200,000,000. The Fund is limited to
borrowing up to 33 1/3% of the value of each Fund's total assets. On October 31,
1997, the Fund had $6,184,000 in loans outstanding.
For the year ended October 31, 1997, the weighted average outstanding daily
balance of bank loans (based on the number of days the loans were outstanding)
for the Fund was $9,375,490 with a weighted average interest rate of 6.37%.
Interest expense for the Fund for the year ended October 31, 1997 was $165,714,
included in "Other Expenses" on the Statement of Operations.
2. RELATED PARTIES
Chancellor LGT Asset Management, Inc. is the Fund's investment manager and
administrator. Fund pays investment management and administration fees to the
Manager at the annualized rate of 0.975% on the first $500 million of average
daily net assets of the Fund; 0.95% on the next $500 million; 0.925% on the next
$500 million and 0.90% on amounts thereafter. These fees are computed daily and
paid monthly.
GT Global, Inc. ("GT Global"), an affiliate of the Manager, serves as the Fund's
distributor. The Fund offers Class A, Class B, and Advisor Class shares for
purchase.
Class A shares are subject to initial sales charges imposed at the time of
purchase, in accordance with the schedule included in the Fund's current
prospectus. GT Global collects the sales charges imposed on sales of Class A
shares, and reallows a portion of such charges to dealers through which the
sales are made. For the year ended October 31, 1997, GT Global retained $39,500
of such sales charges. Purchases of Class A shares exceeding $500,000 may be
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") upon redemption, in
accordance with the Fund's current prospectus. GT Global collected CDSCs in the
amount of $13,158 for the year ended October 31, 1997. GT Global also makes
ongoing shareholder servicing and trail commission payments to dealers whose
clients hold Class A shares.
Class B shares are not subject to initial sales charges. When Class B shares are
sold, GT Global, from its own resources, pays commissions to dealers through
which the sales are made. Certain redemptions of Class B shares made within six
years of purchase are subject to CDSCs, in accordance with the Fund's current
prospectus. For the year ended October 31, 1997, GT Global collected CDSCs in
the amount of $1,581,636. In addition, GT Global makes ongoing shareholder
servicing and trail commission payments to dealers whose clients hold Class B
shares.
Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Company's Board of Directors has
adopted separate distribution plans with respect to the Fund's Class A shares
("Class A Plan") and Class B shares ("Class B Plan"), pursuant to which the Fund
reimburses GT Global for a portion of its shareholder servicing and distribution
expenses. Under the Class A Plan, the Fund may pay GT Global a service fee at
the annualized rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's
Class A shares for GT Global's expenditures incurred in servicing and
maintaining shareholder accounts, and may pay GT
F20
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
Global a distribution fee at the annualized rate of up to 0.50% of the average
daily net assets of the Fund's Class A shares, less any amounts paid by the Fund
as the aforementioned service fee, for GT Global's expenditures incurred in
providing services as distributor. All expenses for which GT Global is
reimbursed under the Class A Plan will have been incurred within one year of
such reimbursement.
Pursuant to the Fund's Class B Plan, the Fund may pay GT Global a service fee at
the annualized rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's
Class B shares for GT Global's expenditures incurred in servicing and
maintaining shareholder accounts, and may pay GT Global a distribution fee at
the annualized rate of up to 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's
Class B shares for GT Global's expenditures incurred in providing services as
distributor. Expenses incurred under the Class B Plan in excess of 1.00%
annually may be carried forward for reimbursement in subsequent years as long as
that Plan continues in effect.
The Manager and GT Global voluntarily have undertaken to limit the Fund's
expenses (exclusive of brokerage commissions, taxes, interest, and extraordinary
expenses) to the maximum annual rate of 2.40% 2.90%, and 1.90% of the average
daily net assets of the Fund's Class A, Class B and Advisor Class shares,
respectively. If necessary, this limitation will be effected by waivers by the
Manager of investment management and administration fees, waivers by GT Global
of payments under the Class A Plan and/or Class B Plan and/ or reimbursements by
the Manager or GT Global of portions of the Fund's other operating expenses.
Effective November 1, 1997, the Manager and GT Global have undertaken to limit
each Fund's expenses (exclusive of brokerage commissions, taxes, interest, and
extraordinary expenses) to the annual rate of 2.00%, 2.50% and 1.50% of the
average daily net assets of the Fund's Class A, Class B and Advisor Class
shares, respectively. This undertaking may be changed or eliminated in the
future.
GT Global Investor Services, Inc. ("GT Services"), an affiliate of the Manager
and LGT and GT Global, is the transfer agent of the Fund. For performing
shareholder servicing, reporting, and general transfer agent services, GT
Services receives an annual maintenance fee of $17.50 per account, a new account
fee of $4.00 per account, a per transaction fee of $1.75 for all transactions
other than exchanges and per exchange fee of $2.25. GT Services also is
reimbursed by the Fund for its out-of-pocket expenses for such items as postage,
forms, telephone charges, stationery and office supplies.
The Manager is the pricing and accounting agent for the Fund. The monthly fee
for these services to the Manager is a percentage, not to exceed 0.03% annually,
of the Fund's average daily net assets. The annual fee rate is derived by
applying 0.03% to the first $5 billion of assets of all registered mutual funds
advised by the Manager and 0.02% to the assets in excess of $5 billion and
allocating the result according to the Fund's average daily net assets.
The Company pays each of its Directors who is not an employee, officer or
director of the Manager, GT Global or GT Services $5,000 per year plus $300 for
each meeting of the board or any committee thereof attended by the Director.
3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
For the period then ended October 31, 1997, purchases and sales of investment
securities by the Fund, other than short-term investments, aggregated
$551,048,488 and $663,636,335 respectively. There were no purchases or sales of
U.S. government obligations by the Fund for the year ended October 31, 1997.
4. CAPITAL SHARES
At October 31, 1997, there were 6,000,000,000 shares of the Company's common
stock authorized, at $0.0001 par value. Of this amount, 200,000,000 were
classified as shares of the Fund; 400,000,000 were classified as shares of GT
Global Government Income Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT
Global Developing Markets Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT
Global Health Care Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Strategic Income Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Emerging Markets Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Currency Fund (inactive); 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Growth & Income Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global Small
Companies Fund (inactive); 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Latin America Growth Fund; 400,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Telecommunications Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global High
Income Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global Financial
Services Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global Natural
Resources Fund; 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Infrastructure Fund; and 200,000,000 were classified as shares of GT Global
Consumer Products and Services Fund. The shares of each of the foregoing series
of the Company were divided equally into two classes, designated Class A and
Class B common stock. With respect to the issuance of Advisor Class shares,
100,000,000 shares were classified as shares of each of the fifteen series of
the Company and designated as Advisor Class common stock. 1,100,000,000 shares
remain unclassified. Transactions in capital shares of the Fund were as follows:
F21
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
OCTOBER 31, 1997 OCTOBER 31, 1996
-------------------------- --------------------------
CLASS A SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
- ---------------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shares sold............................. 57,294,454 $ 859,844,827 75,574,030 $1,106,260,084
Shares issued in connection with
reinvestment of distributions......... 8,654 123,333 -- --
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
57,303,108 859,968,160 75,574,030 1,106,260,084
Shares repurchased...................... (63,783,507) (962,241,730) (78,034,654) (1,146,692,253)
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Net decrease............................ (6,480,399) $(102,273,570) (2,460,624) $ (40,432,169)
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
OCTOBER 31, 1997 OCTOBER 31, 1996
-------------------------- --------------------------
CLASS B SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
- ---------------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shares sold............................. 16,394,355 $ 245,887,976 22,439,885 $ 323,192,109
Shares repurchased...................... (21,109,926) (316,251,415) (23,539,619) (339,644,019)
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Net decrease............................ (4,715,571) $ (70,363,439) (1,099,734) $ (16,451,910)
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
OCTOBER 31, 1997 OCTOBER 31, 1996
-------------------------- --------------------------
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
- ---------------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shares sold............................. 2,213,447 $ 34,400,471 966,362 $ 14,221,631
Shares issued in connection with
reinvestment of distributions......... 1,106 15,804 -- --
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
2,214,553 34,416,275 966,362 14,221,631
Shares repurchased...................... (2,275,943) (35,537,121) (868,859) (12,885,086)
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Net increase (decrease)................. (61,390) $ (1,120,846) 97,503 $ 1,336,545
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
</TABLE>
5. EXPENSE REDUCTIONS
The Manager has directed certain portfolio trades to brokers who paid a portion
of the Fund's expenses. For the year ended October 31, 1997, the Fund's expenses
were reduced by $139,557 under these arrangements.
6. HOLDINGS OF 5% VOTING SECURITIES OF PORTFOLIO COMPANIES
Investments of 5% or more of an issuer's outstanding voting securities by the
Fund are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an affiliated company.
There were no investments in affiliated companies at October 31, 1997.
Transactions during the period with companies that are or were affiliates are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET
PURCHASES SALES REALIZED DIVIDEND
COST PROCEEDS GAIN INCOME
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sun Brewing Ltd. - 144A GDR............................................................... -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
F22
<PAGE>
GT GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS FUND
NOTES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
AIM/GT FUNDS
AIM DISTRIBUTORS OFFERS A BROAD RANGE OF FUNDS TO COMPLEMENT MANY INVESTORS'
PORTFOLIOS. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A PROSPECTUS ON ANY OF THE FUNDS LISTED
BELOW, INCLUDING FEES, EXPENSES AND THE RISKS OF GLOBAL AND EMERGING MARKET
INVESTING AND THE RISKS OF INVESTING IN RELATED INDUSTRIES, PLEASE CONTACT
YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER OR CALL 1-800-824-1580.
GROWTH FUNDS
/ / GLOBALLY DIVERSIFIED FUNDS
AIM NEW DIMENSION FUND
Captures global growth opportunities by investing directly in the six global
theme funds
AIM WORLDWIDE GROWTH FUND
Invests around the world, including the U.S.
AIM INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
Provides portfolio diversity by investing outside
the U.S.
AIM EMERGING MARKETS FUND
Gives access to the growth potential of developing economies
AIM DEVELOPING MARKETS FUND
Invests in debt and equity securities of developing market issuers
/ / GLOBAL THEME FUNDS
AIM GLOBAL CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES FUND
Invests in companies that manufacture, market, retail, or distribute consumer
products or services
AIM GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
Focuses on the worldwide opportunities from the demand for financial services
and products
AIM GLOBAL HEALTH CARE FUND
Invests in growing health care industries worldwide
AIM GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
Seeks companies that build, improve or maintain a country's infrastructure
AIM GLOBAL RESOURCES FUND
Concentrates on companies that own, explore or develop natural resources
AIM GLOBAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND
Invests in companies worldwide that develop, manufacture or sell
telecommunications services or equipment
/ / REGIONALLY DIVERSIFIED FUNDS
AIM NEW PACIFIC GROWTH FUND
Offers access to the emerging and established markets of the Pacific Rim,
excluding Japan
AIM EUROPE GROWTH FUND
Focuses on investment opportunities in Europe
AIM LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
Invests in the emerging markets of Latin America
/ / SINGLE COUNTRY FUNDS
AIM SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND
Invests in equity securities of small U.S. companies
AIM MID CAP GROWTH FUND
Concentrates on medium-sized companies in the U.S.
AIM AMERICA VALUE FUND
Concentrates on equity securities of large cap U.S. companies believed to be
undervalued
AIM JAPAN GROWTH FUND
Provides U.S. investors with direct access to the Japanese market
GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
AIM GLOBAL GROWTH & INCOME FUND
Invests in blue-chip stocks and government bonds from around the world
INCOME FUNDS
AIM GLOBAL GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
Earns monthly income from global government securities
AIM STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
Allocates its assets among debt securities from the U.S., developed foreign
countries and emerging markets
AIM GLOBAL HIGH INCOME FUND
Invests in debt securities in emerging markets
AIM FLOATING RATE FUND
Invests primarily in senior secured floating rate loans that have the potential
to achieve a high level of current income
MONEY MARKET FUND
AIM DOLLAR FUND
Invests in high quality, U.S. dollar-denominated money market securities
worldwide for stability and preservation of capital
[LOGO]NO DEALER, SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO
GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION
OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY AIM
EMERGING MARKETS FUND, AIM INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC., A I M ADVISORS, INC.,
INVESCO (NY), INC. OR A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF ANY
OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
EMESA703 MC
