COMSTOCK PARTNERS FUNDS INC
497, 1996-05-01
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<PAGE>
                                                                     Rule 497(c)
                                                 File Nos. 33-40771 and 811-5502
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO]                      COMSTOCK PARTNERS CAPITAL VALUE FUND
           PROSPECTUS                                          APRIL 16, 1996
 
                    Comstock  Partners Capital Value Fund  (the "Fund") is a
                separate, diversified portfolio of Comstock Partners  Funds,
                Inc.,   an  open-end,  management  investment  company  (the
                "Company"). The Fund's investment  objective is to  maximize
                total return, consisting of capital appreciation and current
                income.  The Fund invests in a wide range of equity and debt
                securities and  money market  instruments. There  can be  no
                assurance   that  the  Fund   will  achieve  its  investment
                objective. See "Investment Objective and Policies."
 
                    Comstock Partners, Inc. serves as the Fund's  Investment
                Adviser.  Shareholder inquiries with respect to the Fund may
                be made by calling 1-800-543-6217.
 
                    By this Prospectus, the Fund is offering four classes of
                shares, Class A,  Class B, Class  C and Class  R, which  are
                described herein. See "Alternative Purchase Methods."
 
                    You  can  purchase or  redeem all  classes of  shares by
                telephone using the TeleTransfer Privilege. See "Purchase of
                Shares" and "Redemption of Shares."
 
                           --------------------------------------
 
                    This Prospectus sets forth  concisely the information  a
                prospective  investor  should know  before investing  in the
                Fund. A Statement of Additional Information dated April  16,
                1996  (which may be  revised from time  to time), containing
                additional information  about the  Fund (the  "Statement  of
                Additional Information"), has been filed with the Securities
                and  Exchange  Commission  and  is  hereby  incorporated  by
                reference into  this  Prospectus. It  is  available  without
                charge  and  can  be  obtained by  sending  your  request in
                writing to 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New  York
                11556-0144, or by calling 1-800-554-4611.
 
                           --------------------------------------
 
                    AN  INVESTMENT IN  THE FUND  INVOLVES CERTAIN  RISKS, AS
                DESCRIBED UNDER "RISK FACTORS" IN THE PROSPECTUS SUMMARY AND
                UNDER "INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE  AND POLICIES," WHICH  INVESTORS
                SHOULD  CONSIDER CAREFULLY  BEFORE INVESTING.  INVESTORS ARE
                ADVISED TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY AND RETAIN IT  FOR
                FUTURE  REFERENCE. MUTUAL  FUND SHARES  ARE NOT  DEPOSITS OR
                OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK,  AND
                ARE  NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY  THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
                CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
                ALL MUTUAL  FUND SHARES  INVOLVE CERTAIN  INVESTMENT  RISKS,
                INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
                ------------------------------------------------------------
                THESE  SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY
                THE  SECURITIES  AND  EXCHANGE   COMMISSION  OR  ANY   STATE
                SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR  HAS THE  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON
                THE   ACCURACY   OR   ADEQUACY  OF   THIS   PROSPECTUS.  ANY
                REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                ------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
THE FUND
 
    Comstock Partners Capital Value Fund (the "Fund") is a separate, diversified
portfolio  of Comstock Partners Funds,  Inc., an open-end, management investment
company (the "Company"). See "The Fund."
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
    The Fund's investment objective is  to maximize total return, consisting  of
capital  appreciation and current income. The Fund's investment objective cannot
be changed without  approval by the  holders of  a majority (as  defined in  the
Investment  Company Act  of 1940,  as amended  (the "1940  Act")) of  the Fund's
outstanding shares.  The  Fund seeks  to  achieve its  investment  objective  by
following  an asset allocation  strategy that contemplates  shifts, which may be
frequent, among  a  wide  range  of investments  and  market  sectors.  Comstock
Partners,  Inc., as  the Fund's  investment adviser  (the "Investment Adviser"),
will have  broad latitude  in  selecting the  class  of investments  and  market
sectors  in  which the  Fund will  invest. The  Fund  will not  be managed  as a
balanced portfolio and is not required to maintain a portion of its  investments
in  each of the  Fund's permitted investment  types at all  times. The Fund will
invest in equity securities  of domestic and  foreign issuers, including  common
stocks,  preferred stocks, convertible securities  and warrants; debt securities
of domestic  and foreign  issuers, including  bonds, debentures  and notes;  and
domestic  and foreign money market instruments. The Fund may invest up to 65% of
its assets in securities of foreign issuers. There can be no assurance that  the
Fund  will  achieve  its  investment objective.  See  "Investment  Objective and
Policies."
 
INVESTMENT ADVISER
 
    Comstock Partners, Inc. is the Fund's Investment Adviser and is  responsible
for  the management of  the Fund's investment  portfolio. The Investment Adviser
was formed  in October  1986 and  has served  as sub-investment  adviser to  the
predecessor  to the Fund, Dreyfus Capital Value Fund, Inc., since April 30, 1987
and to Dreyfus Variable  Investment Fund -- Managed  Assets Portfolio since  May
21, 1990. Both are diversified open-end management investment companies with net
assets  of  approximately  $317 million  and  $24 million,  respectively,  as of
December 31, 1995. The Investment Adviser has also served as investment  adviser
to the Comstock Partners Strategy Fund, a separate, non-diversified portfolio of
the Company, with assets of approximately $301 million, as of December 31, 1995.
In  addition,  the  Investment  Adviser  provides  investment  advisory services
through discretionary accounts. It is  the publisher of the COMSTOCK  INVESTMENT
STRATEGY  REVIEW  and the  COMSTOCK  INVESTMENT STRATEGY  COMMENTARY, investment
strategy publications furnished  to subscribers. Under  the Investment  Advisory
Agreement,  the Company, on behalf  of the Fund, pays  the Investment Adviser an
annual fee computed daily and paid
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
monthly at the following annual rate: .40 of 1% of the first $300 million of the
Fund's average daily  net assets,  .45 of  1% of  the Fund's  average daily  net
assets  between $300 million and  $750 million, .50 of  1% of the Fund's average
daily net assets between $750 million and $1 billion and .55 of 1% of the Fund's
average daily net assets in excess of $1 billion. See "Management Arrangements."
 
SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISER AND ADMINISTRATOR
 
    The  Dreyfus   Corporation  is   the  Fund's   sub-investment  adviser   and
administrator  (the  "Sub-Investment  Adviser  and  Administrator").  Under  the
Sub-Investment Advisory and  Administration Agreement,  The Dreyfus  Corporation
will  manage the short-term cash and cash-equivalent investments of the Fund and
provide investment research and other advice regarding the Fund's portfolio.  In
addition, The Dreyfus Corporation will provide general advice regarding economic
factors  and trends and provide certain administrative services to the Fund. For
its services, the  Sub-Investment Adviser  and Administrator  receives from  the
Company, on behalf of the Fund, an annual fee computed daily and paid monthly at
the  following annual rate:  .35 of 1% of  the first $300  million of the Fund's
average daily net  assets, .30  of 1%  of the  Fund's average  daily net  assets
between $300 million and $750 million, .25 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net
assets  between $750 million and $1 billion and  .20 of 1% of the Fund's average
daily net assets in excess of $1 billion. See "Management Arrangements."
 
PURCHASE OF SHARES
 
    The Fund  offers you  four methods  of purchasing  Fund shares.  Orders  for
purchases  of Class R shares,  however, may be placed  only for certain eligible
investors as  described below.  If you  are  not eligible  to purchase  Class  R
shares,  you may choose  from Class A, Class  B and Class C  the Class of shares
that best suits your  needs, given the  amount of your  purchase, the length  of
time  you expect to hold your shares  and any other relevant circumstances. Each
Fund share represents an  identical pro rata interest  in the Fund's  investment
portfolio.
 
    Class  A shares are sold at net asset value per share plus a maximum initial
sales charge  of 4.50%  of the  public offering  price imposed  at the  time  of
purchase  (which may be reduced or  waived for certain purchases). See "Purchase
of Fund Shares." These shares are subject to an annual service and  distribution
fee  at the rate of  .25 of 1% of  the value of the  average daily net assets of
Class A. See "Service and Distribution Plans."
 
    Class B and Class  C shares are sold  at net asset value  per share with  no
initial  sales charge at the time of  purchase; as a result, the entire purchase
price is immediately  invested in  the Fund.  Class B  shares are  subject to  a
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
maximum  4% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC"), which is assessed only if
you redeem Class  B shares  within six  years of  purchase. Class  C shares  are
subject to a 1% CDSC, which is assessed only if you redeem Class C shares within
one  year of purchase. See "Purchase of Fund Shares" and "Redemption of Shares."
Class B and Class C shares also are subject to an annual service fee at the rate
of .25 of 1% of the value of  the average daily net assets of those Classes  and
an  annual distribution fee at the rate of .75 of 1% of the value of the average
daily net assets  of those Classes.  See "Service and  Distribution Plans."  The
distribution  and  service fees  paid by  Class B  and Class  C will  cause such
Classes to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than Class  A.
Approximately six years after the date of purchase, Class B shares automatically
will  convert to  Class A  shares, based  on the  relative net  asset values for
shares of each such Class, and will no longer be subject to the Class B  service
and  distribution  fees,  but  will  be  subject  to  the  Class  A  service and
distribution  fee.  Class  B  shares   that  have  been  acquired  through   the
reinvestment  of dividends  and distributions  will be  converted on  a pro rata
basis together with other Class B shares, in the proportion that a shareholder's
Class B shares converting to  Class A shares bears to  the total Class B  shares
not acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
 
    Class  R  shares  may not  be  purchased directly  by  individuals, although
eligible  institutions  may  purchase  Class  R  shares  for  certain   accounts
maintained  by individuals. Class R shares are sold at net asset value per share
only to  institutional  investors  acting  for themselves  or  in  a  fiduciary,
advisory,  agency, custodial or similar  capacity for qualified or non-qualified
employee benefit plans,  including pension, profit-sharing,  SEP-IRAs and  other
deferred  compensation plans, whether established by corporations, partnerships,
non-profit entities or state  and local governments, but  not including IRAs  or
IRA "Rollover Accounts." Class R shares are not subject to an annual service fee
or distribution fee.
 
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
 
    The  Fund redeems each Class of its shares at its respective next determined
net asset value  subject, in  the case of  Class B  and Class C  shares, to  any
applicable  CDSC. The Fund  imposes no charges (other  than any applicable CDSC)
when shares are redeemed. Service Agents or other institutions may charge  their
clients  a nominal fee for effecting redemptions of Fund shares. See "Redemption
of Shares" and "Net Asset Value."
 
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
 
    The  Fund  ordinarily  pays  dividends   from  net  investment  income   and
distributes  net realized securities gains, if any, once a year, but it may make
distributions  on  a  more  frequent  basis  to  comply  with  the  distribution
requirements   of  the   Internal  Revenue  Code   of  1986,   as  amended  (the
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
"Code"), in all events in  a manner consistent with  the provisions of the  1940
Act.  The Fund  will not make  distributions from net  realized securities gains
unless capital loss  carryovers, if  any, have  been utilized  or have  expired.
Shareholders  of  the Fund  will receive  dividends  and distributions  on their
shares in additional shares of  the same Class (without  a sales charge) or  may
elect  to  receive  all dividends  and  distributions in  cash.  See "Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes."
 
RISK FACTORS
 
    There is no assurance that the  Fund will achieve its investment  objective,
and  investment  in the  Fund  should not  be  considered a  complete investment
program. Investors should note that the Fund has the ability to invest in a wide
range  of  securities   and  instruments,   and  the   Investment  Adviser   may
substantially  change the  composition of  the Fund's  investment portfolio from
time to time.
 
    The Fund is not subject  to any limit on the  percentage of its assets  that
may be invested in debt securities having a certain rating. Thus, it is possible
that  a  substantial  portion of  the  Fund's  assets may  be  invested  in debt
securities that are unrated or rated in the lowest categories of the  recognized
rating  agency  (I.E.  securities rated  C  by Moody's  Investors  Service, Inc.
("Moody's") or D by Standard  & Poor's Ratings Group,  a division of The  McGraw
Hill  Companies,  Inc. ("S&P")).  Securities that  are  rated below  Baa/BBB and
comparable unrated securities are commonly referred to as "junk bonds." Normally
such  securities  provide  yields  superior  to  those  of  more  highly   rated
securities,  but involve greater risks (including  the possibility of default or
bankruptcy of the issuer) and are regarded as speculative in nature. The  market
price  and yield of certain  lower rated debt securities  are more volatile than
those of  higher rated  securities and  tend to  be more  sensitive to  economic
conditions,   including  interest  rate  fluctuations,  than  are  higher  rated
securities. The Fund  intends to  invest less  than 35%  of its  assets in  debt
securities rated Ba or lower by Moody's or BB or lower by S&P.
 
    The Fund may invest up to 65% of its assets in foreign securities, including
securities  of emerging  market issuers.  The Fund's  investment in  foreign and
emerging market securities involves certain  other considerations and risks  not
typically  associated with  investing in domestic  securities, including greater
price volatility, uncertainties regarding future social, political and  economic
developments,  the possible imposition of foreign withholding or brokerage taxes
or exchange controls,  risks of  seizure or expropriation,  the availability  of
less  information than is generally available in  the U.S. and a lack of uniform
accounting and auditing standards, higher transaction costs and possible  delays
or  problems  with settlement,  limited  liquidity and  relatively  small market
capitalization of securities markets, high rates of inflation and interest, less
government
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
supervision  of  exchanges,  brokers   and  issuers,  difficulty  in   enforcing
contractual  obligations, and  the possible  adverse effects  of changes  in the
exchange rates of  foreign currencies  in which  the Fund's  investments may  be
denominated.
 
    The  Fund  utilizes certain  investment strategies  commonly referred  to as
derivatives, such as  trading in  futures, options and  foreign currencies,  for
speculative  purposes  (I.E. to  seek to  generate  additional income  or gains)
and/or to hedge  against either  a decline in  the value  of certain  securities
owned by the Fund or an increase in the price of securities which the Fund plans
to  purchase. Derivatives often  fluctuate in value more  than the securities or
other instruments on which they are  based, and relatively small changes in  the
value  of the underlying securities or instruments may have significantly larger
effects on the value of derivatives held by the Fund. Derivatives may entail the
risk of loss  of the  entire amount  invested or,  in certain  cases, losses  in
excess  of the amount  invested. A derivative utilized  for hedging purposes may
limit the amount of potential gain on  the related transaction or may result  in
greater  losses  than  if the  derivative  had  not been  used.  See "Investment
Objectives  and  Policies  --  Certain  Additional  Investments  and  Investment
Strategies."
 
    In  addition to the instruments and strategies described above, the Fund may
invest in a wide range of equity  and debt securities as well as  participations
and  assignments, stripped  mortgage-backed securities,  structured investments,
forward commitments, and illiquid or restricted securities, and may lend or sell
short portfolio securities and enter  into repurchase agreements, each of  which
involves  certain additional risks. For a  more complete discussion of the risks
associated with  an  investment  in  the Fund,  see  "Investment  Objective  and
Policies" and "Risk Factors."
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                              THE FUND'S EXPENSES
 
    The following expense table is provided to assist investors in understanding
the  various costs and expenses  that an investor will  incur either directly or
indirectly as a holder of Class  A, Class B, Class C  and Class R shares of  the
Fund.  The amounts listed are estimates of the costs and expenses to be borne by
shareholders of the  Fund for  its initial fiscal  year based  upon average  net
assets equal to that of its predecessor, the Dreyfus Capital Value Fund, for its
fiscal year ended September 30, 1995.
 
                                   FEE TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 CLASS A      CLASS B      CLASS C      CLASS R
                                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
  Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases (as
   a percentage of offering price)...........       4.50%          None       None           None
  Maximum Deferred Sales Charge Imposed on
   Redemptions (as a percentage of the amount
   subject to charge)........................        None*        4.00 %       1.00 %        None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
 (as a percentage of average daily net
 assets)
  Management Fees............................         .75 %        .75 %        .75 %        .75 %
  12b-1 Fees**...............................         .25 %       1.00 %       1.00 %        None
  Other Expenses***..........................         .69 %        .69 %        .69 %        .69 %
                                                    -----        -----        -----        -----
      Total Fund Operating Expenses..........        1.69 %       2.44 %       2.44 %       1.44 %
                                                    -----        -----        -----        -----
                                                    -----        -----        -----        -----
</TABLE>
 
EXAMPLE
 
    You  would pay the following  expenses on a $1,000  investment assuming a 5%
    annual return and redemption at the end of each time period:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            CLASS A     CLASS B     CLASS C     CLASS R
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
 1 Year..................................        $61         $65         $34         $15
 3 Years.................................        $96        $106         $76         $46
 5 Years.................................       $133        $150        $130         $79
10 Years.................................       $236        $242+       $278        $172
</TABLE>
 
    You would pay the  following expenses on a  $1,000 investment assuming a  5%
    annual return and no redemption:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            CLASS A     CLASS B     CLASS C     CLASS R
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
 1 Year..................................        $61         $25         $25         $15
 3 Years.................................        $96         $76         $76         $46
 5 Years.................................       $133        $130        $130         $79
10 Years.................................       $236        $242+       $278        $172
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
  * A  contingent  deferred sales  charge of  1.00% may  be assessed  on certain
    redemptions of Class A shares purchased  without an initial sales charge  as
    part of an investment of $1 million or more.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 ** Includes  service  and  distribution  fees payable  pursuant  to  the Fund's
    Class A, Class B  and Class C Service  and Distribution Plans. See  "Service
    and Distribution Plans."
 
*** "Other  Expenses"  includes  custodial  and  transfer  agency  fees, certain
    shareholder administrative  fees,  insurance,  legal  and  accounting  fees,
    printing   and  mailing  costs,  registration  fees,  interest  expense  and
    dividends on securities sold  short, and fees payable  to directors who  are
    not  affiliated with the  Investment Adviser, the  Sub-Investment Adviser or
    the Distributor.
 
  + Ten-year figure  assumes conversion  of Class  B shares  to Class  A  shares
    at end of sixth year following the date of purchase.
 
    The  purpose of the foregoing table  is to assist investors in understanding
the various costs and expenses that an  investor in the Fund will bear,  whether
directly  or indirectly, the payment of  which will reduce investors' investment
return on  an annual  basis. The  information in  the foregoing  table does  not
reflect  any fee waivers or expensive  reimbursement arrangements that may be in
effect. THE  EXAMPLES  SHOULD  NOT  BE CONSIDERED  A  REPRESENTATION  OF  FUTURE
EXPENSES, AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. MOREOVER,
WHILE  THE EXAMPLES ASSUME A 5% ANNUAL  RETURN, THE FUND'S PERFORMANCE WILL VARY
AND MAY  RESULT IN  A  RETURN GREATER  OR  LESS THAN  5%.  For a  more  complete
discussion  of the Fund's  fees and expenses,  see "Management Arrangements" and
"Service and Distribution Plans."
 
    Long-term holders of mutual fund shares which bear Rule 12b-1 fees, such  as
the  Fund's Class A, Class B and Class  C shares, may pay more than the economic
equivalent of  the maximum  front-end sales  charge permitted  by rules  of  the
National  Association  of Securities  Dealers, Inc.  Certain Service  Agents (as
defined below) may charge their  clients direct fees for effecting  transactions
in  Fund  shares; such  fees  are not  reflected  in the  foregoing  tables. See
"Management Arrangements," "Purchase of Fund Shares," "Redemption of Shares" and
"Service and Distribution Plans."
 
    The Fund  understands  that  banks,  brokers,  dealers  or  other  financial
institutions  (including  Mellon  Bank, N.A.,  the  parent company  of  the Sub-
Investment Adviser,  and its  affiliates) (collectively,  "Service Agents")  may
charge  fees to their clients who are owners of Fund shares for various services
provided in connection with a client's account. These fees would be in  addition
to  any  amounts  received  by  a  Service  Agent  under  its  Selling Agreement
("Agreement") with the Distributor.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
    The following per share data and ratios, which should be read in conjunction
with  the financial statements  contained in the  Fund's Statement of Additional
Information, set forth certain information concerning the investment results for
a Class A, Class B, Class C or Class R share of the Dreyfus Capital Value  Fund,
Inc.   (the  "Dreyfus  Capital  Value  Fund"),  the  predecessor  to  the  Fund,
outstanding throughout the  periods presented, as  applicable. Past results  are
not  predictive of  future results. The  financial information  in the following
table has been audited by Ernst &  Young LLP. Financial statements for the  year
ended  September  30, 1995  and  the report  of Ernst  &  Young LLP  thereon are
included in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              CLASS A SHARES
                                                                         YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1986(1)(2)      1987(1)      1988(1)      1989(1)      1990(1)       1991         1992
                                        -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
  Net asset value, beginning of
   period.............................  $    7.25      $     9.54   $    12.84   $    12.68   $    14.42   $    15.08   $    12.97
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Investment income net (4)...........        .03             .07          .58          .90          .89          .73          .40
  Net realized and unrealized gain
   (loss) on investments (4)..........       2.26            3.59         (.18)        1.60          .61         (.89)        (.39)
                                        -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total from Investment
     Operations.......................       2.29            3.66          .40         2.50         1.50         (.16)         .01
                                        -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from investment income net
   (4)................................         --            (.03)        (.15)        (.76)        (.84)        (.99)        (.57)
  Dividends from net realized gain on
   investments (4)....................         --            (.33)        (.41)          --           --         (.96)          --
                                        -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total Distributions...............         --            (.36)        (.56)        (.76)        (.84)       (1.95)        (.57)
                                        -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Net asset value, end of period......  $    9.54      $    12.84   $    12.68   $    14.42   $    15.08   $    12.97   $    12.41
                                        -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                        -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Total Investment Return (5).........      31.59%(6)       39.72%        3.29%       20.95%       10.53%        (.70%)       (.02%)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Ratio of operating expenses to
   average net assets.................       1.47%(6)        1.50%        1.24%        1.22%        1.20%        1.19%        1.19%
  Ratio of interest expense and
   dividends on securities sold short
   to average net assets..............         --             .15%         .13%         .03%         .26%         .49%         .39%
  Ratio of net investment income to
   average net assets.................        .45%(6)        2.25%        6.08%        6.93%        6.64%        5.58%        2.83%
  Decrease reflected in above expense
   ratios due to expense
   reimbursements.....................        .84%(6)         .29%          --           --           --           --           --
  Portfolio Turnover Rate.............     140.99%         102.16%       56.31%       19.46%       62.84%      154.07%      344.29%
  Net Assets, end of period (000's
   Omitted)...........................  $   9,444      $  139,796   $  502,442   $  607,192   $  741,267   $  755,450   $  537,392
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           CLASS B SHARES
                                                                                      YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                               --------------------------------------
                                           1993         1994         1995         1993(3)        1994         1995
                                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
  Net asset value, beginning of
   period.............................  $    12.41   $    11.42   $    11.88   $   10.58      $    11.32   $   11.69
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Investment income net (4)...........         .24          .24          .36         .03             .23         .31
  Net realized and unrealized gain
   (loss) on investments (4)..........        (.62)         .46        (1.37)        .71             .38       (1.38)
                                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------
    Total from Investment
     Operations.......................        (.38)         .70        (1.01)        .74             .61       (1.07)
                                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------
DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from investment income net
   (4)................................        (.61)        (.24)        (.26)         --            (.24)       (.21)
  Dividends from net realized gain on
   investments (4)....................          --           --           --          --              --          --
                                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------
    Total Distributions...............        (.61)        (.24)        (.26)         --            (.24)       (.21)
                                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------
  Net asset value, end of period......  $    11.42   $    11.88   $    10.61   $   11.32      $    11.69   $   10.41
                                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------
                                        -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ----------
  Total Investment Return (5).........       (2.70%)       6.14%       (8.58%)      6.99%(6)        5.35%      (9.27%)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Ratio of operating expenses to
   average net assets.................        1.23%        1.21%        1.24%       1.49%(6)        1.99%       1.99%
  Ratio of interest expense and
   dividends on securities sold short
   to average net assets..............         .45%         .39%         .45%        .31%(6)         .40%        .45%
  Ratio of net investment income to
   average net assets.................        1.94%        2.06%        3.61%        .83%(6)        1.39%       2.86%
  Decrease reflected in above expense
   ratios due to expense
   reimbursements.....................          --           --           --          --              --          --
  Portfolio Turnover Rate.............       41.78%       45.57%       54.70%      41.78%          45.57%      54.70%
  Net Assets, end of period (000's
   Omitted)...........................  $  412,316   $  402,708   $  271,052   $  30,378      $  108,532   $  87,847
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------------
(1)  Per share data restated to  reflect a 100% stock  dividend at the close  of
     business on February 16, 1990.
 
(2)  From October 10, 1985 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 1986.
 
(3)  From  January 15, 1993 (commencement of  initial offering) to September 30,
     1993.
 
(4)  Per share  data  for  1986  and 1987  has  been  restated  for  comparative
     purposes.
 
(5)  Exclusive of sales load.
 
(6)  Not annualized.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                      1995 (1)
                                                            ----------------------------
                                                               CLASS C        CLASS R
                                                            -------------  -------------
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
  Net asset value, beginning of period....................  $   10.64      $   10.84
                                                            -------------  -------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Investment income -- net................................        .02            .04
  Net realized and unrealized (loss) on investments.......       (.25)          (.26)
                                                            -------------  -------------
    Total from Investment Operations......................       (.23)          (.22)
                                                            -------------  -------------
DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from investment income -- net.................         --             --
  Dividends from net realized gain on investments.........         --             --
                                                            -------------  -------------
    Total Distributions...................................         --             --
                                                            -------------  -------------
  Net asset value, end of period..........................  $   10.41      $   10.62
                                                            -------------  -------------
                                                            -------------  -------------
  Total Investment Return (2).............................      (2.26)%(3)     (2.03)%(3)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets.......        .26%(3)        .14%(3)
  Ratio of interest expense and dividends on securities
   sold short to average net assets.......................        .06%(3)        .04%(3)
  Ratio of net investment income to average net assets....        .23%(3)        .38%(3)
  Decrease reflected in above expense ratios due to
   expense reimbursements.................................         --             --
  Portfolio Turnover Rate.................................      54.70%         54.70%
  Net Assets, end of period (000's omitted)...............  $    1.00      $    1.00
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1)From  August 28,  1995 (commencement  of initial  offering) to  September 30,
   1995.
 
(2)Exclusive of sales load.
 
(3)Not annualized.
 
    Further information with respect to  the performance of the Dreyfus  Capital
Value  Fund, the predecessor  to the Fund,  is contained in  the Dreyfus Capital
Value Fund's annual report  which may be obtained  without charge by writing  to
the  address  or  calling  the  number  set forth  on  the  cover  page  of this
prospectus.
 
                          ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE METHODS
 
    The Fund offers four methods of purchasing Fund shares. Orders for purchases
of Class R shares, however, may be placed only for certain eligible investors as
described below. If you  are not eligible  to purchase Class  R shares, you  may
chose  from Class A,  Class B, or Class  C shares the Class  of shares that best
suits your needs, given the amount of purchase, the length of time you expect to
hold  the  shares,  and  any  other  relevant  circumstances.  Each  Fund  share
represents an interest in the Fund in proportion to its net asset value.
 
    Class  A shares are sold at net asset value per share plus a maximum initial
sales charge  of 4.50%  of the  public offering  price imposed  at the  time  of
purchase.  The  initial  sales  charge  may be  reduced  or  waived  for certain
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
purchases. See  "Purchase of  Fund Shares."  Class A  shares are  subject to  an
annual  12b-1 fee at the rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the average daily net
assets of Class A. See "Service and Distribution Plans."
 
    Class B shares are sold at net  asset value per share with no initial  sales
charge  at  the time  of purchase;  as a  result, the  entire purchase  price is
immediately invested in the  Fund. Class B  shares are subject  to a maximum  4%
CDSC,  which is assessed only  if you redeem Class B  shares within six years of
purchase. See "Purchase of Fund Shares" and "Redemption of Shares." Pursuant  to
the Class B Service and Distribution Plan, these shares are subject to an annual
service  fee at  the rate of  .25 of 1%  of the  value of the  average daily net
assets of  Class  B. In  addition,  Class B  shares  are subject  to  an  annual
distribution  fee at the rate of .75 of 1% of the value of the average daily net
assets of Class B.  See "Service and Distribution  Plans." The distribution  fee
paid  by Class B will cause such Class to have a higher expense ratio and to pay
lower dividends  than  Class  A.  Approximately six  years  after  the  date  of
purchase,  Class B shares automatically will convert to Class A shares, based on
the relative net asset values for shares of each such Class, and will no  longer
be  subject to the Class B service and distribution fees, but will be subject to
the Class A service and distribution fee. Class B shares that have been acquired
through the reinvestment of dividends and  distributions will be converted on  a
pro  rata basis  together with other  Class B  shares, in the  proportion that a
shareholder's Class B  shares converting to  Class A shares  bears to the  total
Class   B  shares  not  acquired  through  the  reinvestment  of  dividends  and
distributions.
 
    Class C shares are sold at net asset  value per share, and are subject to  a
1%  CDSC, which is assessed only if Class  C shares are redeemed within one year
of purchase.  See "Redemption  of  Shares --  Contingent Deferred  Sales  Charge
- --Class  C shares." Class C shares are  subject to an annual distribution fee at
the rate of .75 of 1% of the value  of the average daily net assets of Class  C.
Class  C shares are also subject to an annual  service fee at the rate of .25 of
1% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class C. Class C shares  also
bear  additional incremental shareholder  administrative expenses resulting from
the deferred sales charge arrangements.  See "The Fund's Expenses" and  "Service
and Distribution Plans -- Class C shares." The fees and expenses paid by Class C
will  cause such Class to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends
than Class A.
 
    Class R  shares  may not  be  purchased directly  by  individuals,  although
eligible   institutions  may  purchase  Class  R  shares  for  certain  accounts
maintained by individuals. Class R shares are sold at net asset value per  share
only  to  institutional  investors  acting for  themselves  or  in  a fiduciary,
advisory, agency, custodial or similar  capacity for qualified or  non-qualified
employee  benefit plans,  including pension, profit-sharing,  SEP-IRAs and other
deferred   compensation    plans,   whether    established   by    corporations,
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
partnerships,  non-profit  entities  or  state and  local  governments,  but not
including IRAs or IRA "Rollover Accounts." Class R shares are not subject to  an
annual service fee or distribution fee.
 
    The  decision as to which Class of  shares is more beneficial to you depends
on the  amount and  the  intended length  of your  investment.  If you  are  not
eligible  to purchase  Class R shares,  you should consider  whether, during the
anticipated life of your  investment in the  Fund, the accumulated  distribution
fee  and CDSC,  if any,  on Class  B or Class  C shares  would be  less than the
initial sales charge on Class A shares  purchased at the same time, and to  what
extent,  if any,  such differential would  be offset  by the return  of Class A.
Additionally, investors qualifying for reduced initial sales charges who  expect
to  maintain  their investment  for an  extended period  of time  might consider
purchasing Class A shares because  the accumulated continuing distribution  fees
on  Class B or  Class C shares  may exceed the  initial sales charge  on Class A
shares during  the life  of the  investment. Finally,  you should  consider  the
effect  of  the CDSC  period and  any conversion  rights of  the Classes  in the
context of your  own investment time  frame. For example,  while Class C  shares
have  a shorter CDSC  period than Class B  shares, Class C shares  do not have a
conversion feature, and, therefore, are subject to an ongoing distribution  fee.
Thus,  Class B shares  may be more  attractive than Class  C shares to investors
with longer term  investment outlooks.  Generally, Class  A shares  may be  more
appropriate  for investors who invest $100,000 or  more in Fund shares, but will
not be appropriate for investors who invest less than $50,000 in Fund shares.
 
                                    THE FUND
 
    The Fund is a separate, diversified  portfolio of the Company, an  open-end,
management  investment company  registered under the  1940 Act.  The Company was
incorporated under  the laws  of the  State of  Maryland on  March 14,  1988  as
Comstock  Partners Strategy Fund, Inc., and  commenced operations in May of 1988
as a non-diversified, closed-end investment company. The Company converted to an
open-end investment company effective as of August 1, 1991. On February 8, 1996,
(i) the Company changed its name to Comstock Partners Funds, Inc., (ii) Comstock
Partners Strategy  Fund, the  Company's existing  portfolio, became  a  separate
portfolio  of the Company and (iii) the Fund was organized as a new portfolio of
the Company. The Company  has entered into an  agreement pursuant to which,  and
subject  to certain conditions, the Fund will acquire all of the assets, subject
to the  liabilities (whether  contingent or  otherwise) of  the Dreyfus  Capital
Value  Fund in exchange for shares in  the Fund (the "Reorganization"). The Fund
will not commence operations until the consummation of the Reorganization.
 
    The Fund's principal  office is located  at 10 Exchange  Place, Suite  2010,
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302-3913.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                       INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
 
    The  Fund's investment objective is to  maximize total return, consisting of
capital appreciation and current income. The Fund's investment objective  cannot
be changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940
Act) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares. There can be no assurance that the
Fund's investment objective will be achieved.
 
    The  Fund seeks  to achieve its  investment objective by  following an asset
allocation strategy that  contemplates shifts,  which may be  frequent, among  a
wide  range of investments  and market sectors.  The Fund will  invest in equity
securities of domestic and foreign  issuers, including common stocks,  preferred
stocks,  convertible securities  and warrants;  debt securities  of domestic and
foreign issuers, including bonds, debentures and notes; and domestic and foreign
money market  instruments. The  Fund  may invest  up to  65%  of its  assets  in
securities of foreign issuers.
 
    The  Investment  Adviser  has  broad  latitude  in  selecting  the  class of
investments and market sectors in which the Fund will invest. The Fund will  not
be  managed as a balanced portfolio and is not required to maintain a portion of
its investments in each of the  Fund's permitted investment types at all  times.
Thus,  during the course of  a business cycle, for  example, the Fund may invest
solely in equity securities, debt securities or money market instruments, or  in
a  combination of these classes of investments. The asset allocation mix for the
Fund will be determined by the Investment Adviser at any given time in light  of
its  assessment of current economic conditions and investment opportunities. The
asset allocation  mix selected  will  be a  primary  determinant of  the  Fund's
investment performance.
 
EQUITY AND DEBT SECURITIES
 
    The  Fund  intends  to  invest  in  domestic  and  foreign  equity  and debt
securities. The Fund generally seeks to invest in securities that the Investment
Adviser has determined offer above average potential for total return. In making
this determination, the Investment Adviser takes into account factors  including
price-earnings  ratios, cash flow and the  relationship of asset value to market
value of  the  securities.  The Fund  will  be  alert to  companies  engaged  in
restructuring  efforts, such as  mergers, acquisitions and  divestitures of less
profitable units.
 
    The Fund  typically purchases  a  debt security  if the  Investment  Adviser
believes  that the yield and potential  for capital appreciation of the security
are sufficiently attractive in light of the risks of ownership of the  security.
In determining whether the Fund should invest in particular debt securities, the
Investment  Adviser considers  factors such as:  the price, coupon  and yield to
maturity; its  assessment of  the credit  quality of  the issuer;  the  issuer's
available  cash  flow and  the related  coverage ratios;  the property,  if any,
securing the obligation;  and the terms  of the debt  securities, including  the
subordination,   default,   sinking  fund   and  early   redemption  provisions.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
It also will review the ratings, if  any, assigned to the securities by  Moody's
or  S&P  or other  recognized rating  agencies. The  judgment of  the Investment
Adviser as to credit quality of a  debt security may differ, however, from  that
suggested by the ratings published by a rating service.
 
    The  Fund is not subject  to any limit on the  percentage of its assets that
may be invested in debt securities having a certain rating. Thus, it is possible
that a  substantial  portion  of the  Fund's  assets  may be  invested  in  debt
securities  that are unrated or rated in the lowest categories of the recognized
rating services (I.E., securities rated C by Moody's or D by S&P). Low-rated and
unrated securities have  special risks relating  to the ability  of the Fund  to
receive timely, or perhaps ultimate, payment of principal and interest. They are
considered  to have speculative characteristics and  to be of poor quality; some
obligations in which the  Fund may invest,  such as debt  securities rated D  by
S&P,  may be in default. The Fund intends  to invest less than 35% of its assets
in debt securities  rated Ba or  lower by Moody's  and BB or  lower by S&P.  See
"Risk Factors" for a discussion of certain risks.
 
    The  Fund generally  invests in  United States  equity and  debt securities,
including convertible securities,  that are  listed on  securities exchanges  or
traded  in the over-the-counter market. Foreign securities in which the Fund may
invest may be listed on foreign  securities exchanges or traded in the  over-the
- -counter market. The Fund may invest in companies whose principal activities are
in,  or governments of, emerging markets.  For further information about certain
portfolio  securities,  see  "Certain  Additional  Investments  and   Investment
Strategies" below.
 
    Equity  securities include common and preferred stock (including convertible
preferred stock), depositary receipts, equity interests in trusts, partnerships,
joint ventures or similar enterprises and equity warrants and rights.  Preferred
stock  has  a  preference over  common  stock  in liquidation  and  generally in
dividends as well, but is subordinated to  the liabilities of the issuer in  all
respects.  Preferred  stock may  or may  not be  convertible into  common stock.
Equity warrants and rights are securities permitting, but not obligating,  their
holder  to subscribe  for other  equity securities.  Warrants and  rights do not
carry with them  the right to  dividends or  voting rights with  respect to  the
securities that they entitle their holder to purchase, and they do not represent
any  rights in the assets of the issuer.  As a result, an investment in warrants
or rights may be considered speculative.
 
    The Fund also may purchase to  a limited extent securities representing  the
right  to receive  the capital  appreciation above  a certain  amount, and other
securities representing the right to receive dividends and all other  attributes
of beneficial ownership, in respect of an entity's common stock or other similar
instrument.  These securities  typically are sold  as shares  in unit investment
trusts. The percentage of the Fund's assets that
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
may be  invested  in  shares  of  unit  investment  trusts  is  subject  to  the
limitations  on investments in other  investment companies described below under
"Certain Additional Investments  and Investment Strategies  -- Other  Investment
Companies."
 
    The  money market  instruments in  which the  Fund may  invest include: U.S.
Government securities; bank obligations, including certificates of deposit, time
deposits and bankers' acceptances and  other short-term obligations of  domestic
or  foreign  banks, domestic  savings and  loan  associations and  other banking
institutions having total assets  in excess of $1  billion; commercial paper  of
any  rating; and repurchase agreements involving U.S. Government securities. The
Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in money market instruments, but at  no
time  will the Fund's investments in  bank obligations, including time deposits,
exceed 25%  of its  assets.  See "Certain  Additional Investors  and  Investment
Strategies" below.
 
FOREIGN SECURITIES
 
    The  Fund  may invest  in both  United  States and  foreign debt  and equity
securities, including securities of emerging market issuers. The Fund may invest
up to  65%  of  its assets  in  any  country when  consistent  with  the  Fund's
investment  policies, including, where applicable, its credit quality standards.
Investing in foreign and emerging market securities involves considerations  and
certain   risks  not  typically  associated  with  investing  in  United  States
securities. See "Risk Factors."
                            ------------------------
 
    In many  instances, the  Investment Adviser  will rely  on ratings  of  debt
securities  and  preferred stock  in making  its  investment decisions.  See the
Statement of Additional Information for a description of the rating policies  of
Moody's  and S&P. In  analyzing unrated debt securities  or preferred stock, the
Investment Adviser may consider the issuer's experience and managerial strength,
changing financial condition, borrowing requirements or debt maturity schedules,
and its responsiveness to changes in business conditions and interest rates. The
Investment Adviser may also consider  relative values based on anticipated  cash
flow, interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage and earnings prospects.
 
CERTAIN ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
    The  Fund may  also make certain  additional investments  and employ certain
other investment strategies and techniques as set forth below:
 
    LEVERAGE THROUGH BORROWING.  The Fund may borrow for investment purposes  up
to  33 1/3% of the value of its  total assets. This borrowing, which is known as
leveraging, generally will be  unsecured, except to the  extent the Fund  enters
into  reverse repurchase agreements described  below. Leveraging will exaggerate
the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of
the Fund's portfolio. Money borrowed for
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
leveraging will be subject to interest costs  which may or may not be  recovered
by  appreciation of the  securities purchased; in  certain cases, interest costs
may exceed the return received on the securities purchased.
 
    Among the forms of borrowing in which the Fund may engage is the entry  into
reverse repurchase agreements with banks, brokers or dealers. These transactions
involve  the transfer by the Fund of an underlying debt instrument in return for
cash proceeds based  on a  percentage of  the value  of the  security. The  Fund
retains the right to receive interest and principal payments on the security. At
an agreed upon future date, the Fund repurchases the security at principal, plus
accrued interest.
 
    SHORT  SELLING.  The  Fund may make  short sales, which  are transactions in
which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline  in
the market value of that security. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must
borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to
replace  the security borrowed by purchasing it  at the market price at the time
of replacement. The Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if  the
price  of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date
on which the Fund replaces the borrowed  security. The Fund will realize a  gain
if the security declines in price between those dates.
 
    The Fund may purchase call options to provide a hedge against an increase in
the  price of a security sold short by  the Fund. When the Fund purchases a call
option it has to pay a premium to the person writing the option and a commission
to the broker selling the  option. If the option is  exercised by the Fund,  the
premium  and the commission  paid may be  more than the  amount of the brokerage
commission charged if the security were to be purchased directly.
 
    No securities will be sold short if, after effect is given to any such short
sale, the total market value  of all securities sold  short would exceed 25%  of
the  value of the Fund's net assets. The  Fund may not sell short the securities
of any single issuer listed on a  national securities exchange to the extent  of
more  than 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Fund may not sell short
the securities of  any class  of an issuer  to the  extent, at the  time of  the
transaction, of more than 5% of the outstanding securities of that class.
 
    In  addition to  the short  sales discussed above,  the Fund  may make short
sales "against the box,"  a transaction in  which the Fund  enters into a  short
sale  of a security which the Fund owns. The Fund at no time will have more than
15% of the value of its net assets in deposits on short sales against the box.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
    DERIVATIVES TRANSACTIONS -- OPTIONS,  FUTURES AND CURRENCIES.   The Fund  is
authorized  to  use  certain  investment  strategies  commonly  referred  to  as
derivatives, such as  trading in  options, futures and  foreign currencies.  The
Fund  may write covered put and call options on securities and stock indices and
purchase put and call  options on securities and  stock indices for  speculative
purposes  or for the purpose of hedging  its portfolio. In addition, through the
writing of covered options and the purchase of options and the purchase and sale
of stock index futures  contracts, interest rate  futures contracts and  options
thereon,  the Fund  at times  may speculate  or seek  to hedge  against either a
decline in the value of  securities owned by it or  an increase in the price  of
securities which it plans to purchase, PROVIDED that with respect to all futures
contracts  traded  by the  Fund, the  Fund will  establish a  segregated account
consisting of cash or cash  equivalents in an amount  equal to the total  market
value of such futures contracts less the amount of initial margin on deposit for
such  contracts.  The Fund  may also  purchase  put and  call options  and write
covered  put   and  call   options  on   foreign  currencies   and  enter   into
exchange-traded  contracts  for the  purchase and  sale  for future  delivery of
foreign currencies for speculative purposes or to hedge against declines in  the
dollar value of foreign portfolio securities and against increases in the dollar
value of foreign securities to be acquired. The Fund is not a commodity pool and
all  futures  and  related options  transactions  engaged  in by  the  Fund will
constitute bona fide  hedging or  other permissible  transactions in  accordance
with  the  Commodity Exchange  Act, as  amended, and  the rules  and regulations
promulgated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
the Fund may enter into futures contracts or options thereon for purposes  other
than  bona fide hedging if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the amount of its
initial margin and premiums on open contracts and option would not exceed 5%  of
the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio; PROVIDED FURTHER, that in case of
an  option that is  in-the-money at the  time of the  purchase, the in-the-money
amount may  be  excluded  in  calculating the  5%  limitation.  Because  the  5%
limitation  applies only at the time the  Fund enters into a futures contract or
option thereon,  the value  of  futures contracts  and  options thereon  may  be
significantly  more or less  than 5% of  the value of  the Fund's portfolio. The
Fund may also enter into  forward foreign currency exchange contracts  ("forward
contracts")  for speculative purposes or to attempt  to minimize the risk to the
Fund from adverse changes in the  relationship between the United States  dollar
and  foreign  currencies.  In addition,  the  Fund may  engage  in cross-hedging
transactions with respect to forward contracts whereby, for example, if the Fund
believes that a foreign  currency may suffer a  substantial decline against  the
United  States dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell an amount of
the foreign  currency approximating  the value  of  some or  all of  the  Fund's
portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
    The  Fund will  not invest more  than 5%  of its assets,  represented by the
premium paid, in the purchase  of call and put options.  The Fund may not  write
(I.E., sell) covered call and put option contracts in excess of 20% of the value
of its net assets at the time such option contracts are written.
 
    The value of a derivative instrument depends largely upon price movements in
the  securities or other instruments upon which  it is based. Therefore, many of
the risks applicable to trading  the underlying securities or other  instruments
are also applicable to derivatives trading. However, there are a number of other
risks  associated with derivatives trading,  including the risk that derivatives
often fluctuate in  value more  than the  securities or  other instruments  upon
which  they are based. Relatively  small changes in the  value of the underlying
securities or instruments may have significantly larger effects on the value  of
derivatives  held by the  Fund. Derivatives may  entail the risk  of loss of the
entire amount invested  or, in  certain cases, losses  in excess  of the  amount
invested.  A derivative  utilized for hedging  purposes may limit  the amount of
potential gain on the related transaction  or may result in greater losses  than
if the derivative had not been used. The Fund generally expects that its options
and  futures  transactions  will  be  conducted  on  recognized  securities  and
commodities exchanges. In certain instances, however, the Fund may purchase  and
sell  stock  options  in  the over-the-counter  market.  The  Fund's  ability to
terminate stock option positions established in the over-the-counter market  may
be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded options and may also involve
the  risk that securities dealers participating  in such transactions would fail
to meet their obligations to the Fund. The staff of the Securities and  Exchange
Commission  generally considers  over-the-counter options to  be illiquid. There
can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to effect closing transactions at
any particular time or at  an acceptable price. The  use of options and  futures
for  hedging  purposes  involves  the  risk  of  imperfect  correlation  between
movements in options and futures prices and movements in the price of securities
which are the subject of the hedge. Expenses and losses incurred as a result  of
derivatives  strategies  will  reduce  the Fund's  current  return.  The  use of
derivatives for speculative purposes involves a variety of risks, including  the
risk  of an  increased volatility  that may  potentially increase  losses. For a
further discussion  of options,  futures  and currency  transactions,  including
certain  additional  risks  associated  therewith,  see  "Additional Information
Concerning Portfolio Activities --  Options, Futures and Currency  Transactions"
in  the Fund's  Statement of Additional  Information. Certain  provisions of the
Code may limit the ability of the Fund to quickly liquidate options, futures and
currency positions in which significant unrealized gains have developed when the
Investment Adviser deems it appropriate to  realize the gains. For a  discussion
of  certain  tax implications  associated with  such investment  techniques, see
"Additional Information  Concerning  Taxes --  General;  -- Option  and  Futures
Transactions; and -- Special Rules for Certain Foreign Currency Transactions" in
the Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
    FUTURE  DEVELOPMENTS.  The  Fund may take advantage  of opportunities in the
area of options and futures contracts  and options on futures contracts and  any
other derivative investments which are not presently contemplated for use by the
Fund  or which are  not currently available  but which may  be developed, to the
extent such  opportunities  are  both  consistent  with  the  Fund's  investment
objective  and  legally  permissible for  the  Fund. Before  entering  into such
transactions or making any  such investment, the  Fund will provide  appropriate
disclosure in its prospectus or statement of additional information.
 
    LENDING  PORTFOLIO  SECURITIES.    From  time to  time,  the  Fund  may lend
securities  from  its  portfolio  to   brokers,  dealers  and  other   financial
institutions needing to borrow securities to complete certain transactions. Such
loans  may  not exceed  33 1/3%  of the  value  of the  Fund's total  assets. In
connection with such loans, the Fund will receive collateral consisting of cash,
U.S. Government  securities  or irrevocable  letters  of credit  which  will  be
maintained  at all  times in  an amount equal  to at  least 100%  of the current
market value of the loaned securities. The Fund can increase its income  through
the investment of such collateral. The Fund continues to be entitled to payments
in  amounts equal to  the interest, dividends or  other distributions payable on
the loaned security and receives interest on the amount of the loan. Such  loans
will  be terminable at any time upon specified notice. The Fund might experience
risk of loss if the  institution with which it has  engaged in a portfolio  loan
transaction breaches its agreement with the Fund.
 
    FORWARD  COMMITMENTS.  The Fund may  purchase securities on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis,  which means that  delivery and payment  take place  a
number  of  days after  the  date of  the  commitment to  purchase.  The payment
obligation and the interest rate that will be received on a when-issued security
are fixed at the time  the Fund enters into the  commitment. The Fund will  make
commitments  to purchase  such securities  only with  the intention  of actually
acquiring the securities,  but the  Fund may  sell these  securities before  the
settlement  date if it is  deemed advisable. The Fund  will not accrue income in
respect of a  security purchased on  a when-issued or  forward commitment  basis
prior to its stated delivery date.
 
    Securities  purchased  on  a  when-issued or  forward  commitment  basis and
certain other securities held in the Fund's portfolio are subject to changes  in
value (both generally changing in the same way, I.E., appreciating when interest
rates decline and depreciating when interest rates rise) based upon the public's
perception   of  the  creditworthiness  of  the  issuer  and  changes,  real  or
anticipated,  in  the  level  of  interest  rates.  Securities  purchased  on  a
when-issued  or forward  commitment basis may  expose the Fund  to risks because
they may experience such fluctuations prior to their
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
actual delivery. Purchasing  securities on a  when-issued or forward  commitment
basis  can involve the  additional risk that  the yield available  in the market
when the delivery takes place actually may  be higher than that obtained in  the
transaction  itself. A segregated  account of the Fund  consisting of cash, cash
equivalents or  U.S. Government  securities or  other high  quality liquid  debt
securities  at least  equal at  all times  to the  amount of  the when-issued or
forward commitments will be established  and maintained at the Fund's  custodian
bank.  Purchasing securities on  a when-issued or  forward commitment basis when
the Fund  is fully  or almost  fully invested  may result  in greater  potential
fluctuations  in the value of the Fund's net  assets and its net asset value per
share.
 
    SECURITIES OF EMERGING MARKETS ISSUERS.   Emerging markets will include  any
countries  (i) having an "emerging stock market" as defined by the International
Finance Corporation; (ii) with low  to middle-income economies according to  the
World Bank; or (iii) listed in World Bank publications as developing. Currently,
the  countries not included in these categories are Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Canada,  Denmark,  Finland,   France,  Germany,  Ireland,   Italy,  Japan,   the
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom
and  the United States. Issuers whose principal activities are in countries with
emerging markets include  issuers: (1) organized  under the laws  of, (2)  whose
securities  have their primary trading  market in, (3) deriving  at least 50% of
their revenues  or  profits  from  goods sold,  investments  made,  or  services
performed  in, or (4) having at least 50%  of their assets located in, a country
with an emerging market.
 
    In emerging  markets,  the  Fund  may purchase  debt  securities  issued  or
guaranteed  by foreign  governments, including  participations in  loans between
foreign governments  and  financial  institutions,  and  interests  in  entities
organized   and  operated  for  the  purpose  of  restructuring  the  investment
characteristics of  instruments  issued  or guaranteed  by  foreign  governments
("Sovereign Debt Obligations"). These include Brady Bonds, Structured Securities
and Loan Participations and Assignments (as defined below).
 
    BRADY  BONDS AND  EMERGING MARKET  GOVERNMENTAL OBLIGATIONS.   The  Fund may
invest in emerging market governmental debt obligations commonly referred to  as
"Brady  Bonds." Brady Bonds  are debt securities,  generally denominated in U.S.
dollars, issued under the framework of the "Brady Plan," an initiative announced
by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas F.  Brady in 1989 as a mechanism  for
debtor  nations  to  restructure  their  outstanding  external  commercial  bank
indebtedness. Investors should recognize that Brady Bonds have only been  issued
relatively  recently, and accordingly do not  have a long payment history. Brady
Bonds issued to date have  traded at a deep discount  from their face value.  In
addition  to Brady  Bonds, the Fund  may invest in  emerging market governmental
obligations issued as a result of  debt restructuring agreements outside of  the
scope of the
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
Brady  Plan.  A  substantial  portion  of  the  Brady  Bonds  and  other similar
obligations in which the Fund invests are  likely to be acquired at a  discount,
which  involves certain considerations discussed below under "Certain Additional
Investments and Investment  Strategies --  Zero Coupon  Securities and  Discount
Obligations."   For  a  further  discussion  of  Brady  Bonds,  see  "Additional
Information Concerning Portfolio Activities -- Brady Bonds" in the Statement  of
Additional Information.
 
    LOAN  PARTICIPATIONS  AND ASSIGNMENTS.   The  Fund may  invest in  fixed and
floating rate loans ("Loans") arranged  through private negotiations between  an
issuer  of Sovereign  Debt Obligations  and one  or more  financial institutions
("Lenders"). The Fund's investments in Loans  are expected in most instances  to
be  in the form of participations in Loans ("Participations") and assignments of
all or  a  portion of  Loans  ("Assignments")  from third  parties.  The  Fund's
investment  in  Participations  typically  will  result  in  the  Fund  having a
contractual relationship only  with the Lender  and not with  the borrower.  The
Fund will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees
to which it is entitled only from the Lender selling the Participations and only
upon receipt by the Lender of the payments from the borrower. In connection with
purchasing  Participations, the  Fund generally  will have  no right  to enforce
compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to  the
Loan,  nor any  rights of  set-off against  the borrower,  and the  Fund may not
directly benefit  from  any collateral  supporting  the  Loan in  which  it  has
purchased the Participations. As a result, the Fund may be subject to the credit
risk of both the borrower and the Lender that is selling the Participations and,
accordingly,  the Fund  will consider  both the  borrower and  the Lender  to be
issuers for  purposes  of its  investment  restrictions.  In the  event  of  the
insolvency  of the Lender selling a Participation,  the Fund may be treated as a
general creditor of the Lender and may not benefit from any set-off between  the
Lender  and the borrower.  Certain Participations may be  structured in a manner
designed to avoid purchasers of Participations being subject to the credit  risk
of  the  Lender  with respect  to  the  Participations, but  even  under  such a
structure, in the event  of the Lender's insolvency,  the Lender's servicing  of
the  Participations may be  delayed and the  assignability of the Participations
impaired.  The   Fund   will  acquire   Participations   only  if   the   Lender
interpositioned  between  the Fund  and the  borrower is  a Lender  having total
assets of  more  than $25  billion  and whose  senior  unsecured debt  is  rated
investment  grade or higher (I.E., Baa/BBB or higher). The Fund's investments in
Loans are  considered  to  be  debt  obligations  for  purposes  of  the  Fund's
investment restrictions.
 
    U.S.  GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.   Securities issued  or guaranteed  by the U.S.
Government  or  its   agencies  or  instrumentalities   include  U.S.   Treasury
securities,  which  differ  in their  interest  rates, maturities  and  times of
issuance. Some  obligations issued  or guaranteed  by U.S.  Government  agencies
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
and  instrumentalities,  for example,  Government National  Mortgage Association
pass-through certificates, are  supported by the  full faith and  credit of  the
U.S.  Treasury; others,  such as those  of the  Federal Home Loan  Banks, by the
right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others, such as those issued by
the Federal National  Mortgage Association,  by discretionary  authority of  the
U.S.   Government   to   purchase   certain  obligations   of   the   agency  or
instrumentality; and others, such as those issued by the Student Loan  Marketing
Association,  only  by  the  credit  of  the  agency  or  instrumentality. These
securities bear fixed,  floating or  variable rates of  interest. Principal  and
interest  may fluctuate  based on  generally recognized  reference rates  or the
relationship of rates. While the  U.S. Government provides financial support  to
such  U.S. Government-sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, no assurance can
be given that it will always do so since it is not so obligated by law. The Fund
will invest in such securities  only when it is  satisfied that the credit  risk
with respect to the issuer is minimal.
 
    STRIPPED  MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES.  The Fund may  invest up to 10% of its
total assets in stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS"), all of which  will
be  issued  or  guaranteed by  the  United  States Government,  its  agencies or
instrumentalities. SMBS  are derivative  multiclass securities  that  indirectly
represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans
secured  by  real property.  SMBS are  structured  with two  or more  classes of
securities that  receive different  proportions of  the interest  and  principal
payments  on an underlying pool  of mortgage assets. A  common type of SMBS will
have one class receiving all of  the interest ("IO" or interest-only class)  and
the  other class receiving all of  the principal ("PO" or principal-only class).
SMBS may be highly  sensitive to changes in  prepayment and interest rates,  and
under  certain interest rate or  prepayment rate scenarios the  Fund may fail to
recoup fully its investment  in these securities even  if the securities are  of
the  highest  credit  quality.  Furthermore,  the  yield  to  maturity  on these
securities may be adversely affected.
 
    DEPOSITARY  RECEIPTS.    American   Depositary  Receipts  ("ADRs"),   Global
Depositary  Receipts ("GDRs"),  European Depositary Receipts  ("EDRs") and other
types of depositary  receipts (which,  together with  ADRs, GDRs  and EDRs,  are
collectively  referred  to  as  "Depositary  Receipts")  evidence  ownership  of
underlying securities issued  by either a  non-U.S. or a  U.S. corporation  that
have  been  deposited  with a  depositary  or  custodian bank.  The  Fund treats
Depositary Receipts as interests  in the underlying  securities for purposes  of
its  investment  policies.  While  Depositary Receipts  may  not  necessarily be
denominated in  the same  currency as  the  securities into  which they  may  be
converted,  they  entail certain  of the  risks  associated with  investments in
foreign securities. The Fund  will limit its  investment in Depositary  Receipts
not  sponsored by the issuer of the underlying  securities to no more than 5% of
the value of its net assets (at
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
the time of the investment). A purchaser of unsponsored Depositary Receipts  may
not  have unlimited voting rights and may  not receive as much information about
the issuer of the underlying security as with sponsored Depositary Receipts.
 
    STRUCTURED INVESTMENTS.   The  Fund may  invest in  Structured  Investments,
which  are  securities  issued  solely  for  the  purpose  of  restructuring the
investment characteristics of other securities, such as commercial bank loans or
Brady Bonds. Structured Investment products may involve special risks, including
substantial volatility in  their market  values and  potential illiquidity.  The
Fund is permitted to invest in a class of Structured Investments which is either
subordinated  or  unsubordinated  to  the right  of  payment  of  another class.
Subordinated Structured  Investments typically  have higher  yields and  present
greater  risks than  unsubordinated structured investments.  Although the Fund's
purchase of subordinated  Structured Investments would  have a similar  economic
effect to that of borrowing against the underlying securities, the purchase will
not  be  deemed  to be  a  borrowing by  the  Fund  for purposes  of  the Fund's
fundamental investment restriction on borrowing.
 
    ZERO COUPON SECURITIES  AND DISCOUNT OBLIGATIONS.   The Fund  may invest  in
zero  coupon U.S. Treasury  securities, which are treasury  Notes and Bonds that
have been stripped of their  unmatured interest coupons, the coupons  themselves
and  receipts  or  certificates  representing interests  in  such  stripped debt
obligations and coupons.  The Fund  also may  invest in  zero coupon  securities
issued  by financial institutions which  constitute a proportionate ownership of
the issuer's pool of underlying U.S. Treasury securities. Zero coupon securities
are debt  securities  that  pay no  cash  income  but are  sold  at  substantial
discounts  from their value at maturity. Certain zero coupon securities also are
sold at substantial  discounts from  their maturity  value and  provide for  the
commencement  of regular interest  payments at a deferred  date. In addition, as
indicated above,  certain  of  the  Fund's  emerging  market  governmental  debt
securities  may be acquired at a  discount ("Discount Obligations"). Zero coupon
securities and Discount Obligations involve special risk considerations and tend
to be subject to greater price  fluctuations in response to changes in  interest
rates than are ordinary interest-paying debt securities with similar maturities.
 
    Federal  income tax law requires the holder  of a zero coupon security or of
certain pay-in-kind  bonds to  accrue income  with respect  to these  securities
prior  to  the receipt  of cash  payments.  To maintain  its qualification  as a
regulated investment company and avoid  liability for Federal income taxes,  the
Fund  may be required  to distribute such  income accrued with  respect to these
securities and may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous
circumstances  in  order  to  generate   cash  to  satisfy  these   distribution
requirements.    For    a    further    discussion    of    these   investments,
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
including  certain  additional  risks  associated  therewith,  see   "Additional
Information  Concerning  Portfolio  Activities  --  Zero  Coupon  Securities and
Discount Obligations" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
    CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES.  A convertible  security is a fixed-income  security
that  may be converted at  either a stated price  or stated rate into underlying
shares of  common stock.  Convertible  securities have  general  characteristics
similar  to both fixed-income and equity securities. Although to a lesser extent
than with fixed-income  securities generally,  the market  value of  convertible
securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to
increase  as  interest rates  decline. In  addition,  because of  the conversion
feature,  the  market  value  of  convertible  securities  tends  to  vary  with
fluctuations  in the market value of the underlying common stock, and therefore,
also will react  to variations in  the general market  for equity securities.  A
unique  feature of  convertible securities  is that as  the market  price of the
underlying  common  stock  declines,   convertible  securities  tend  to   trade
increasingly  on a yield basis, and so  may not experience market value declines
to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of  the
underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend
to  rise as a reflection  of the value of the  underlying common stock. While no
securities investments are without  risk, investments in convertible  securities
generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.
 
    As  fixed-income  securities,  convertible securities  are  investments that
provide for a stable stream of  income with generally higher yields than  common
stocks.  Of course, like all fixed-income  securities, there can be no assurance
of current income because the issuers of the convertible securities may  default
on  their obligations.  Convertible securities,  however, generally  offer lower
interest or dividend yields than  non-convertible securities of similar  quality
because  of the potential  for capital appreciation.  A convertible security, in
addition  to  providing   fixed  income,  offers   the  potential  for   capital
appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables the holder to benefit
from  increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. There can be
no  assurance  of  capital  appreciation,  however,  because  securities  prices
fluctuate.
 
    Convertible  securities  generally  are subordinated  to  other  similar but
non-convertible securities of  the same issuer,  although convertible bonds,  as
corporate  debt obligations, enjoy  seniority in right of  payment to all equity
securities, and convertible preferred  stock is senior to  common stock, of  the
same   issuer.  Because  of  the  subordination  feature,  however,  convertible
securities typically have lower ratings than similar non-convertible securities.
 
    OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES.  The Fund may invest in the securities of  other
investment  funds to the extent  permitted by the 1940  Act. Under the 1940 Act,
the  Fund  may   invest  up  to   10%  of   its  total  assets   in  shares   of
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
other  investment funds and up  to 5% of its total  assets in any one investment
fund, provided that the investment does not represent more than 3% of the voting
stock of the acquired investment fund. By investing in another investment  fund,
the  Fund bears a  ratable share of  the investment fund's  expenses, as well as
continuing to bear the Fund's advisory  and administrative fees with respect  to
the amount of the investment.
 
    REPURCHASE  AGREEMENTS.  The Fund may  enter into repurchase agreements only
with member banks of  the Federal Reserve System  and primary dealers in  United
States  Government securities  and only  with respect  to obligations  issued or
guaranteed by the United States  Government, its agencies or  instrumentalities.
Repurchase  agreements  are  contracts  under  which  the  buyer  of  a security
simultaneously buys  and commits  to resell  the security  to the  seller at  an
agreed upon price and date. Under a repurchase agreement, the seller is required
to  maintain the value of the securities  subject to the repurchase agreement at
not less than their  repurchase price. The  Sub-Investment Adviser will  monitor
the value of such securities daily to determine that the value equals or exceeds
the  repurchase price. Repurchase  agreements may involve risks  in the event of
default or insolvency of the  seller, including possible delays or  restrictions
upon  the Fund's  ability to  dispose of  the underlying  securities. Repurchase
agreements with maturities of more than  seven days will be treated as  illiquid
securities by the Fund.
 
    BANK OBLIGATIONS.  Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a
banking  institution for  a specified  period of time  (in no  event longer than
seven days) at a stated interest rate.
 
    Certificates  of  deposit   are  negotiable   certificates  evidencing   the
obligation  of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period of
time.
 
    Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments  evidencing the obligation of  a
bank  to pay  a draft  drawn on  it by  a customer.  These and  other short-term
instruments reflect the obligation both of the bank and of the drawer to pay the
face amount of the  instrument upon maturity.  The other short-term  obligations
may  include uninsured, direct  obligations bearing fixed,  floating or variable
interest rates.
 
    COMMERCIAL PAPER.    Commercial  paper  consists  of  short-term,  unsecured
promissory notes issued to finance short-term credit needs.
 
    ILLIQUID  OR RESTRICTED  SECURITIES.  The  Fund may  purchase securities for
which there is a limited trading market or which are subject to restrictions  on
resale  to  the public.  Investments in  securities  which are  "restricted" may
involve added  expense  to  the  Fund  should  the  Fund  be  required  to  bear
registration  costs with respect to such  securities and could involve delays in
disposing of such securities which might  have an adverse effect upon the  price
and  timing  of sales  of such  securities and  the liquidity  of the  Fund with
respect to redemptions. The Fund may not enter into
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
repurchase agreements providing  for settlement  in more than  seven days  after
notice   or  purchase  securities  which   are  illiquid  (such  as  "restricted
securities" which are illiquid, and securities that are not readily  marketable)
if,  in the aggregate, more than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets would
be so invested. As  more fully described in  the Fund's Statement of  Additional
Information,  the Fund  may purchase  certain restricted  securities ("Rule 144A
securities") for which there  is a secondary  market of qualified  institutional
buyers as contemplated by recently adopted Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933.  The Fund's holdings  of Rule 144A securities  which are liquid securities
will not  be subject  to the  15% limitation  described above.  Rule 144A  is  a
relatively  recent development and there is no assurance that a liquid market in
Rule 144A securities will  develop or be maintained.  The Directors of the  Fund
will be responsible for monitoring the liquidity of Rule 144A securities and the
selection by the Investment Adviser of such securities.
 
                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
 
    The  Fund  has  adopted the  following  fundamental  investment restrictions
which, together with  the fundamental investment  restrictions described in  the
Statement  of Additional Information, may not be changed without the affirmative
vote of the holders of a  majority of the Fund's outstanding voting  securities,
as defined under "Capital Stock" in the Statement of Additional Information. The
Fund may not:
 
        (i)  borrow  money  or issue  senior  securities, except  to  the extent
    permitted under the 1940 Act,  which currently limits borrowing, except  for
    certain  temporary purposes,  to no more  than 33  1/3% of the  value of the
    Fund's total assets. (For purposes of this investment restriction, the entry
    into options  futures contracts,  including those  related to  indices,  and
    options on futures contracts or indices shall not constitute borrowing.);
 
        (ii)  pledge, mortgage and hypothecate its  assets, other than to secure
    permitted borrowings. (The deposit  of assets in  escrow in connection  with
    portfolio  transactions is  not deemed to  be a pledge  or hypothecation for
    this purpose);
 
       (iii) invest more than 5% of its  total assets in the obligations of  any
    issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be
    invested,  and obligations issued or guaranteed  by the U.S. Government, its
    agencies or instrumentalities may be  purchased, without regard to any  such
    limitation; and
 
       (iv)  invest  more than  25% of  its  total assets  in any  one industry.
    (Securities issued  or  guaranteed  by the  United  States  Government,  its
    agencies or instrumentalities are not considered to represent industries).
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
If  a  percentage  restriction set  forth  above is  adhered  to at  the  time a
transaction is effected, later changes  in percentage resulting from changes  in
value  or  in the  number of  outstanding securities  of an  issuer will  not be
considered a  violation.  However, in  the  event  that asset  coverage  on  any
borrowing falls below the level required by Section 18 of the 1940 Act, the Fund
will  reduce its  borrowings to the  extent it is  required to do  so by Section
18(f) of the 1940 Act.
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    There is no assurance that the  Fund will achieve its investment  objective,
and  investment  in the  Fund  should not  be  considered a  complete investment
program. Investors should note that the Fund has the ability to invest in a wide
range  of  securities   and  instruments,   and  the   Investment  Adviser   may
substantially  change the  composition of  the Fund's  investment portfolio from
time to time.
 
    CERTAIN INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES.   The  use of investment  techniques such  as
short-selling,   engaging  in   financial  futures  and   options  and  currency
transactions, leverage  through borrowing,  purchasing securities  on a  forward
commitment  basis and lending  portfolio securities and  the purchase of foreign
securities involves greater risk than that  incurred by many other funds with  a
similar objective. These risks are described above under "Investment Techniques"
and  "Certain  Portfolio Securities."  In addition,  using these  techniques may
produce higher than normal portfolio turnover and may affect the degree to which
the Fund's  net asset  value  fluctuates. Higher  portfolio turnover  rates  are
likely  to result in comparatively  greater brokerage commissions or transaction
costs. Short-term  gains realized  from portfolio  transactions are  taxable  to
shareholders  as ordinary income. See  "Additional Information Concerning Taxes"
in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
    The Fund's  ability to  engage  in certain  short-term transactions  may  be
limited  by the requirement that, to qualify as regulated investment company, it
must earn less than 30% if its  gross income from the disposition of  securities
held  for less than three  months. This 30% test limits  the extent to which the
Fund may sell securities held for less than three months, effect short sales  of
securities  held for less than three months, write options expiring in less than
three months and invest  in certain futures  contracts, among other  strategies.
However,  portfolio turnover will  not otherwise be a  limiting factor in making
investment decisions.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
    INVESTING IN FOREIGN SECURITIES.   In making  foreign investments, the  Fund
will give appropriate consideration to the following factors, among others:
 
    Foreign  securities markets generally  are not as  developed or efficient as
those in the United States. Securities  of some foreign issuers are less  liquid
and  more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Similarly, volume
and liquidity in  most foreign securities  markets are less  than in the  United
States  and, at  times, volatility of  price can  be greater than  in the United
States.  The  issuers  of  some  of  these  securities,  such  as  foreign  bank
obligations,  may be subject to less  stringent or different regulation than are
U.S. issuers.  In addition,  there may  be less  publicly available  information
about  a  non-U.S. issuer,  and non-U.S.  issuers generally  are not  subject to
uniform accounting and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements
comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers.
 
    Many  countries  providing  investment  opportunities  for  the  Fund   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 adverse effects on the economies and securities markets  of
certain  of these countries. In an attempt  to control inflation, wage and price
controls have been imposed in certain countries.
 
    Because  stock  certificates  and  other  evidences  of  ownership  of  such
securities  usually are held outside the United States, the Fund will be subject
to additional  risks  which  include possible  adverse  political  and  economic
developments,  possible  seizure  or  nationalization  of  foreign  deposits and
possible adoption of governmental restrictions which might adversely affect  the
payment  of principal and  interest on the foreign  securities or might restrict
the payment of principal and interest  to investors located outside the  country
of  the issuer, whether from currency  blockage or otherwise. Custodial expenses
for a portfolio of non-U.S. securities generally are higher than for a portfolio
of U.S. securities.
 
    By investing in foreign securities, the  Fund will be exposed to the  direct
or  indirect consequences of  political, social and  economic changes in various
countries. Political  changes in  a  country may  affect  the willingness  of  a
foreign  government to make  or provide for timely  payments of its obligations.
The country's  economic  status,  as  reflected,  among  other  things,  in  its
inflation  rate, the amount of its external debt and its gross domestic product,
will also affect the government's ability to honor its obligations.
 
    No established secondary markets may exist for many of foreign securities in
which the  Fund may  invest.  Reduced secondary  market  liquidity may  have  an
adverse  effect  on  the market  price  and  the Fund's  ability  to  dispose of
particular instruments when necessary to meet its liquidity
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
requirements or in response to specific economic events such as a  deterioration
in  the creditworthiness of  the issuer. Reduced  secondary market liquidity for
certain foreign  securities also  may make  it more  difficult for  the Fund  to
obtain  accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its portfolio. Market
quotations are  generally  available on  many  foreign securities  only  from  a
limited  number of dealers and may not  necessarily represent firm bids of those
dealers or prices for actual sales.
 
    Since foreign securities often are purchased with and payable in  currencies
of  foreign countries, the value of these assets as measured in U.S. dollars may
be affected favorably or unfavorably by  changes in currency rates and  exchange
control  regulations. Some currency exchange costs may be incurred when the Fund
changes investments from one country to another.
 
    Furthermore, some  of these  securities may  be subject  to brokerage  taxes
levied  by foreign governments, which have the  effect of increasing the cost of
such investment and reducing the realized  gain or increasing the realized  loss
on such securities at the time of sale. Income received by the Fund from sources
within  foreign countries may be reduced  by withholding and other taxes imposed
by such  countries. Tax  conventions between  certain countries  and the  United
States,  however, may reduce or eliminate such taxes. All such taxes paid by the
Fund will reduce its net income available for distribution to shareholders.
 
    FOREIGN  CURRENCY  EXCHANGE.     Currency  exchange   rates  may   fluctuate
significantly  over short periods of time.  They generally are determined by the
forces of supply  and demand in  the foreign exchange  markets and the  relative
merits  of investments  in different countries,  actual or  perceived changes in
interest rates  and  other  complex  factors,  as  seen  from  an  international
perspective.  Currency  exchange rates  also  can be  affected  unpredictably by
intervention by U.S. or foreign governments  or central banks or the failure  to
intervene  or  by currency  controls or  political developments  in the  U.S. or
abroad.
 
    The foreign currency market offers  less protection against defaults in  the
forward  trading  of currencies  than is  available  when trading  in currencies
occurs on an exchange. Since a forward currency contract is not guaranteed by an
exchange or clearinghouse, a default on  the contract would deprive the Fund  of
unrealized  profits or force the  Fund to cover its  commitments for purchase or
resale, if any, at the current market price.
 
    FOREIGN COMMODITY  TRANSACTIONS.    Unlike  trading  on  domestic  commodity
exchanges,  trading on foreign commodity exchanges  is not regulated by the CFTC
and may be  subject to  greater risks than  trading on  domestic exchanges.  For
example, some foreign exchanges are principal markets so that no common clearing
facility exists and a trader may look
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
only to the broker for performance of the contract. In addition, unless the Fund
hedges against fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the
currencies  in which trading is done on  foreign exchanges, any profits that the
Fund might realize  in trading  could be eliminated  by adverse  changes in  the
exchange  rate, or  the Fund could  incur losses  as a result  of those changes.
Transactions on foreign exchanges may include both commodities which are  traded
on domestic exchanges and those which are not.
 
    LOWER RATED SECURITIES.  You should carefully consider the relative risks of
investing  in the higher yielding (and,  therefore, higher risk) debt securities
in which the Fund  may invest without limitation  when management believes  that
such securities offer opportunities for capital growth. Management's decision to
invest  in these  securities is not  subject to shareholder  approval. These are
securities such as  those rated Ba  by Moody's  or BB by  S&P or as  low as  the
lowest  rating assigned  by Moody's  or S&P.  They generally  are not  meant for
short-term investing and  may be subject  to certain risks  with respect to  the
issuing  entity and to greater market  fluctuations than certain lower yielding,
higher rated fixed-income securities. Obligations rated Ba by Moody's are judged
to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well  assured
and  often  the  protection  of  interest and  principal  payments  may  be very
moderate. Obligations  rated BB  by  S&P are  regarded as  having  predominantly
speculative  characteristics  and, while  such  obligations have  less near-term
vulnerability to  default than  other speculative  grade debt,  they face  major
ongoing  uncertainties or  exposure to  adverse business,  financial or economic
conditions which could lead to inadequate  capacity to meet timely interest  and
principal  payment.  Obligations  rated  C by  Moody's  are  regarded  as having
extremely poor  prospects  of  ever  attaining  any  real  investment  standing.
Obligations  rated D by S&P  are in default and the  payment of interest and/ or
repayment of principal is  in arrears. Such  obligations, though high  yielding,
are  characterized by great risk. See  "Description of Bond and Commercial Paper
Ratings" in the Statement of Additional Information for a general description of
Moody's and S&P  securities ratings. The  ratings of Moody's  and S&P  represent
their opinions as to the quality of the securities which they undertake to rate.
It  should be emphasized, however, that ratings are relative and subjective and,
although ratings  may  be  useful  in evaluating  the  safety  of  interest  and
principal  payments,  they  do  not  evaluate the  market  value  risk  of these
securities. Therefore, although these  ratings may be  an initial criterion  for
selection  of portfolio investments,  the Investment Adviser  also will evaluate
these securities  and the  ability of  the  issuers of  such securities  to  pay
interest  and principal. The Fund's ability  to achieve its investment objective
may be more dependent on the Investment Adviser's credit analysis than might  be
the case for a
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
fund  that invested in higher  rated securities. Once the  rating of a portfolio
security has  been changed,  the  Fund will  consider all  circumstances  deemed
relevant in determining whether to continue to hold the security.
 
    The  market price and yield of debt  securities rated Ba or lower by Moody's
and BB or lower by S&P are more volatile than those of higher rated  securities.
Factors  adversely affecting the market price and yield of these securities will
adversely affect the Fund's net asset  value. In addition, the retail  secondary
market  for  these securities  may  be less  liquid  than that  of  higher rated
securities; adverse market conditions could make  it difficult at times for  the
Fund  to sell certain securities or could result in lower prices than those used
in calculating the Fund's net asset value.
 
    The market values  of certain lower  rated debt securities  tend to  reflect
individual  corporate  developments to  a greater  extent  than do  higher rated
securities, which  react  primarily to  fluctuations  in the  general  level  of
interest  rates, and tend to  be more sensitive to  economic conditions than are
higher rated securities. Companies that  issue such securities often are  highly
leveraged  and  may  not have  available  to  them more  traditional  methods of
financing. Therefore, the risk associated with acquiring the securities of  such
issuers generally is greater than is the case with higher rated securities.
 
    The  Fund may invest  in lower rated zero  coupon securities and pay-in-kind
bonds (bonds which pay interest through the issuance of additional bonds), which
involve special  considerations.  These securities  may  be subject  to  greater
fluctuations  in value  due to changes  in interest  rates than interest-bearing
securities and thus  may be  considered more speculative  than comparably  rated
interest-bearing securities. See "Investment Objective and Policies."
 
    DERIVATIVES.    The  Fund utilizes  certain  investment  strategies commonly
referred to as  derivatives, such  as trading  in futures,  options and  foreign
currencies, for speculative purposes (I.E. to seek to generate additional income
or  gains) and/or  to hedge  against either  a decline  in the  value of certain
securities owned by the Fund or an increase in the price of securities which the
Fund plans  to purchase.  Derivatives often  fluctuate in  value more  than  the
securities  or other instruments  on which they are  based, and relatively small
changes in  the value  of  the underlying  securities  or instruments  may  have
significantly  larger  effects on  the value  of derivatives  held by  the Fund.
Derivatives may entail the  risk of loss  of the entire  amount invested or,  in
certain  cases, losses in  excess of the amount  invested. A derivative utilized
for hedging  purposes may  limit the  amount of  potential gain  on the  related
transaction  or may result in greater losses than if the derivative had not been
used.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
    In addition to instruments  described above, the Fund  may invest in a  wide
range  of equity securities as well  as participations and assignments, stripped
mortgage-backed securities, structured  investments and  illiquid or  restricted
securities,  and  may  lend  portfolio  securities  and  enter  into  repurchase
agreements, each of which involves certain additional risks. For a more complete
discussion of  the  risks  associated  with  an  investment  in  the  Fund,  see
"Investment Objective and Policies."
 
    OTHER  INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS.   The Fund's net asset  value is not fixed
and should be expected to fluctuate. You  should purchase Fund shares only as  a
supplement  to an  overall investment  program and  only if  you are  willing to
undertake the risks involved.
 
    For the  portion of  the  Fund's portfolio  invested in  equity  securities,
investors should be aware that equity securities fluctuate in value, often based
on  factors unrelated  to the value  of the  issuer of the  securities, and that
fluctuations can be  pronounced. Changes in  the value of  the Fund's  portfolio
securities, regardless of whether the securities are equity or debt, will result
in  changes in the  value of a  Fund share and  thus the Fund's  yield and total
return to investors.
 
    For the  portion  of  the  Fund's portfolio  invested  in  debt  securities,
investors  should  be aware  that  even though  interest-bearing  securities are
investments which  promise  a  stable  stream of  income,  the  prices  of  such
securities  are inversely affected by changes  in interest rates and, therefore,
are subject to the risk of market price fluctuations. The values of fixed-income
securities also may  be affected by  changes in the  credit rating or  financial
condition of the issuing entities. See "Equity and Debt Securities" above.
 
                            MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
 
    The  Board  of  Directors  is responsible  for  the  overall  management and
operation of the Fund.  The Fund's officers are  responsible for the  day-to-day
operations of the Fund under the supervision of the Board of Directors.
 
INVESTMENT ADVISER
 
    The  Fund has engaged Comstock Partners,  Inc. (the "Investment Adviser") to
provide professional investment management for  the Fund. The principals of  the
firm  are Stanley D. Salvigsen and Charles L. Minter. The Investment Adviser was
founded in  October  1986  and  has served  as  sub-investment  adviser  to  the
predecessor,  the Dreyfus Capital  Value Fund, since  April 30, 1987  and to the
Dreyfus Variable Investment  Fund-Managed Assets Portfolio  since May 21,  1990.
Both are diversified open-end management companies registered under the 1940 Act
with net assets as of
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
December  31, 1995 of approximately $317  million and $24 million, respectively.
In addition, the  Investment Adviser  has served  as investment  adviser to  the
Comstock  Partners  Strategy  Fund  since that  fund's  inception  in  1988. The
Comstock Partners Strategy  Fund is  a separate  portfolio of  the Company  with
assets  of $301  million as  of December 31,  1995. The  Investment Adviser also
provides investment  advisory  services through  discretionary  accounts  having
aggregate assets as of December 31, 1995 of approximately $43 million. It is the
publisher of the COMSTOCK INVESTMENT STRATEGY REVIEW and the COMSTOCK INVESTMENT
STRATEGY  COMMENTARY, investment strategy publications furnished to subscribers.
The principal address  of the  Investment Adviser  is 10  Exchange Place,  Suite
2010, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302-3913.
 
    Under  the terms  of an Investment  Advisory Agreement  between the Company,
with respect to the Fund, and  the Investment Adviser (the "Investment  Advisory
Agreement"),  the  Investment Adviser  will  have responsibility  for investment
decisions for,  and  the  day-to-day  management of,  that  portfolio.  For  its
services  under such Investment Advisory  Agreement, the Investment Adviser will
receive an annual fee  computed daily and paid  monthly at the following  annual
rate:  .40 of  1% of  the first  $300 million  of the  Fund's average  daily net
assets, .45 of 1% of  the Fund's average daily  net assets between $300  million
and  $750 million, .50 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets between $750
million and $1 billion and .55 of 1%  of the Fund's average daily net assets  in
excess of $1 billion.
 
    Mr.  Salvigsen  began  his  investment  career in  1964  at  the  Value Line
Investment Survey. He ultimately  became the Managing Editor  of the VALUE  LINE
SPECIAL  SITUATION SERVICE, a  publication of the  Value Line Investment Survey.
Mr. Salvigsen was an equity analyst at The Dreyfus Corporation and Oppenheimer &
Co., Inc.,  as well  as Cyrus  J.  Lawrence, Inc.,  where he  served as  a  vice
president  and member of the Investment Policy Committee. From 1983 to 1986, Mr.
Salvigsen was the Chief Investment Strategist at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated ("Merrill  Lynch") where  he had  primary responsibility  for
formulating  the  overall investment  strategy of  the  firm. Mr.  Minter joined
Merrill Lynch in 1966 and in 1970 became a member of its New York  Institutional
Sales  office. From 1976 to 1986, Mr. Minter was Vice President -- Institutional
Sales at Merrill Lynch. In that capacity he serviced institutional accounts  and
supervised  portfolios that  included commodity and  financial futures, options,
foreign securities and  zero coupon  bonds. The Fund's  investment portfolio  is
managed by the Investment Committee of the Investment Adviser, which consists of
Messrs. Salvigsen and Minter.
 
SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISER AND ADMINISTRATOR
 
    The  Investment  Adviser  has  engaged The  Dreyfus  Corporation  to provide
sub-investment   advisory    and    administration   services.    The    Dreyfus
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
Corporation  (the  "Sub-Investment  Adviser")  will  act  as  the sub-investment
adviser  to  the  Fund  pursuant  to  a  separate  Sub-Investment  Advisory  and
Administration  Agreement between  the Company, on  behalf of the  Fund, and The
Dreyfus  Corporation.  Under  the  Sub-Investment  Advisory  and  Administration
Agreement,  the  Sub-Investment  Adviser  will manage  the  short-term  cash and
cash-equivalent investments  of the  Fund and  provide investment  research  and
other  advice regarding  the Fund's  portfolio. In  addition, the Sub-Investment
Adviser will provide general  advice regarding economic  factors and trends  and
act  as administrator  to the  Fund. For  its services  under the Sub-Investment
Advisory and  Administration  Agreement,  the  Sub-Investment  Adviser  will  be
entitled  to receive an annual fee, payable by the Investment Adviser out of its
advisory fee, computed daily and paid monthly at the following annual rate:  .35
of  1% of the first $300 million of  the Fund's average daily net assets, .30 of
1% of the Fund's average daily net assets between $300 million and $750 million,
 .25 of 1% of  the Fund's average  daily net assets between  $750 million and  $1
billion  and .20 of  1% of the Fund's  average daily net assets  in excess of $1
billion.
 
    In addition,  the Sub-Investment  Adviser,  pursuant to  the  Sub-Investment
Advisory   and  Administration   Agreement,  has   agreed  to   provide  certain
administrative services to  the Fund, including,  among other  responsibilities,
supplying  office  facilities, statistical  and  research data,  data processing
services, clerical,  accounting  and  bookkeeping  services,  internal  auditing
services,  internal executive  and administrative  services, and  stationery and
office supplies;  prepare  reports  to the  Fund's  shareholders,  tax  returns,
reports  to and  filings with the  Securities and Exchange  Commission and state
Blue Sky authorities; calculating  the net asset  value of the  Fund on a  daily
basis;  and, subject  to the  supervision of  the Company's  Board of Directors,
generally assisting in all aspects of the Fund's operations (except with respect
to investment advisory services provided by the Investment Adviser).
 
    The Sub-Investment  Adviser is  a wholly-owned  subsidiary of  Mellon  Bank,
N.A.,  which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation ("Mellon").
The Sub-Investment Adviser was formed in 1947 and, as of March 31, 1996, managed
or administered  approximately  $82  billion in  assets  for  approximately  1.7
million   investor   accounts   nationwide.  The   principal   address   of  the
Sub-Investment Adviser is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166.
 
    Mellon is  a publicly  owned multibank  holding company  incorporated  under
Pennsylvania  law in 1971 and registered  under the Federal Bank Holding Company
Act of 1956,  as amended.  Mellon provides  a comprehensive  range of  financial
products and services in domestic and selected
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
international  markets.  Mellon is  among the  twenty-five largest  bank holding
companies in  the  United  States  based on  total  assets.  Mellon's  principal
wholly-owned  subsidiaries  are Mellon  Bank,  N.A., Mellon  Bank  (DE) National
Association, Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston Company, Inc., AFCO Credit Corporation
and a  number of  companies  known as  Mellon Financial  Services  Corporations.
Through  its subsidiaries (including the Sub-Investment Adviser), Mellon managed
approximately $233  billion  in  assets  as  of  December  31,  1995,  including
approximately  $81 billion in proprietary mutual fund assets. As of December 31,
1995, various subsidiaries of Mellon  provided non-investment services, such  as
custodial  or  administration services,  for more  than  $786 billion  in assets
including approximately $60 billion in mutual fund assets.
 
TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND CUSTODIAN
 
    Dreyfus Transfer,  Inc., a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of  the  Sub-Investment
Adviser,  is located at P.O. Box  9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, and
serves as  the Fund's  Transfer  and Dividend  Disbursing Agent  (the  "Transfer
Agent").  The Bank of New York, 90  Washington Street, New York, New York 10286,
is the Fund's Custodian.
 
                            PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES
 
    The  Fund's  distributor  is  Premier   Mutual  Fund  Services,  Inc.   (the
"Distributor"),  located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. The
Distributor's ultimate parent is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
 
    Class A shares, Class B shares and  Class C shares may be purchased only  by
clients  of certain financial institutions (which may include banks), securities
dealers ("Selected  Dealers") and  other industry  professionals  (collectively,
"Service   Agents"),  except  that  full-time  or  part-time  employees  of  the
Investment Adviser  or  Sub-Investment  Adviser  or any  of  its  affiliates  or
subsidiaries,  directors of  the Investment  Adviser or  Sub-Investment Adviser,
Board members of  a fund  advised by  the Investment  Adviser or  Sub-Investment
Adviser,  including members of the Company's Board, or the spouse or minor child
of any  of  the foregoing  may  purchase Class  A  shares directly  through  the
Distributor.  Subsequent purchases may be sent directly to the Transfer Agent or
your Service Agent.
 
    Class R  shares  are offered  only  to institutional  investors  acting  for
themselves  or in a fiduciary, advisory,  agency, custodial or similar capacity,
for qualified  or  non-qualified  employee  benefit  plans,  including  pension,
profit-sharing,   SEP-IRAs  and  other   deferred  compensation  plans,  whether
established by  corporations, partnerships,  non-profit  entities or  state  and
local  governments ("Retirement  Plans"). The  term "Retirement  Plans" does not
include  IRAs   or   IRA   "Rollover   Accounts."  Class   R   shares   may   be
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
purchased for a Retirement Plan only by a custodian, trustee, investment manager
or other entity authorized to act on behalf of such Plan. Institutions effecting
transactions  in Class  R shares  for the accounts  of their  clients may charge
their clients direct fees in connection with such transactions.
 
    When  purchasing  Fund  shares,  you  must  specify  which  Class  is  being
purchased.  Stock certificates  are issued  only upon  your written  request. No
certificates are issued for  fractional shares. The Fund  reserves the right  to
reject any purchase order.
 
    Service  Agents  may receive  different levels  of compensation  for selling
different Classes of shares. Management understands that some Service Agents may
impose certain  conditions  on their  clients  which are  different  from  those
described  in  this  Prospectus,  and, to  the  extent  permitted  by applicable
regulatory authority, may  charge their clients  direct fees which  would be  in
addition  to any amounts which might  be received under the Service Distribution
Plan. You should consult your Service Agent in this regard.
 
    The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order.
 
    The minimum initial investment is $2,500, or $1,000 if you are a client of a
Service Agent  which has  made an  aggregate minimum  initial purchase  for  its
customers  of $2,500. Subsequent investments must be at least $100. However, the
minimum initial investment for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and
403(b)(7) Plans  with  only  one  participant  is  $750,  with  no  minimum  for
subsequent  purchases. Individuals who  open an IRA also  may open a non-working
spousal IRA with a minimum initial investment of $250. Subsequent investments in
a spousal IRA must be at least $250. The initial investment must be  accompanied
by  the Fund's Account Application. For  full-time or part-time employees of the
Sub-Investment Adviser, or any of  its affiliates or subsidiaries, directors  of
the  Investment  Adviser  or Sub-Investment  Adviser,  Board members  of  a fund
advised by the Investment Adviser  or Sub-Investment Adviser, including  members
of  the Fund's Board, or the spouse or  minor child of any of the foregoing, the
minimum initial investment is  $1,000. For full-time  or part-time employees  of
the Sub-Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries who elect to
have  a portion  of their  pay directly deposited  into their  Fund account, the
minimum initial investment is $50. Full-time employees of the Investment Adviser
may  purchase  Fund  shares  without   regard  to  minimum  initial   investment
requirements. The Fund reserves the right to offer Fund shares without regard to
minimum purchase requirements to employees participating in certain qualified or
non-qualified  employee benefit plans  or other programs  where contributions or
account
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
information can be transmitted in a manner and form acceptable to the Fund.  The
Fund  reserves the right  to vary further the  initial and subsequent investment
minimum requirements at any time.
 
    The Code imposes various limitations on  the amount that may be  contributed
to   certain  Retirement  Plans.   These  limitations  apply   with  respect  to
participants at the plan level and, therefore, do not directly affect the amount
that may be invested  in the Fund  by a Retirement  Plan. Participants and  plan
sponsors should consult their tax advisers for details.
 
    You  may purchase Fund shares by check  or wire, or through the TELETRANSFER
Privilege described below. Checks should  be made payable to "Comstock  Partners
Capital Value Fund" or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, to "The Dreyfus
Trust Company, Custodian." Payments to open new accounts which are mailed should
be  sent to  Comstock Partners  Capital Value  Fund, P.O.  Box 9387, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-9387, together with your Account Application. For  subsequent
investments,  your  Fund  account  number  should appear  on  the  check  and an
investment slip should be enclosed and  sent to Comstock Partners Capital  Value
Fund,  P.O. Box 105, Newark, New  Jersey 07101-0105. For Dreyfus retirement plan
accounts, both initial and subsequent investments should be sent to The  Dreyfus
Trust  Company, Custodian, P.O.  Box 6427, Providence,  Rhode Island 02940-6427.
Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be made by third party check.
 
    Purchase orders  may be  delivered in  person only  to a  Dreyfus  Financial
Center.  THESE  ORDERS WILL  BE  FORWARDED TO  THE  TRANSFER AGENT  AND  WILL BE
PROCESSED ONLY UPON  RECEIPT THEREBY. For  the location of  the nearest  Dreyfus
Financial Center, please call 1-800-554-4611.
 
    Wire  payments may be made if your bank account is in a commercial bank that
is a  member  of  the  Federal  Reserve  System  or  any  other  bank  having  a
correspondent  bank in  New York  City. You  may request  your bank  to transmit
immediately available funds by wire to The  Bank of New York, together with  the
applicable Class' DDA# as shown below, for purchase of Fund shares in your name:
 
DDA#   8900119551  Comstock   Partners  Capital   Value  Fund/Class   A  shares;
DDA#  8900115181   Comstock  Partners   Capital  Value   Fund/Class  B   shares;
DDA#  8900251980  Comstock  Partners  Capital  Value  Fund/Class  C  shares;  or
DDA# 8900252332 Comstock Partners Capital Value Fund/Class R shares.
 
The wire must include your Fund account number (for new accounts, please include
your Taxpayer Identification Number  ("TIN") instead), account registration  and
dealer  number, if  applicable. If  your initial purchase  of Fund  shares is by
wire, please call 1-800-554-4611  after completing your  wire payment to  obtain
your Fund account number. Please include
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
your Fund account number on the Fund's Account Application and promptly mail the
Account  Application to the Fund, as no  redemptions will be permitted until the
Account Application is  received. Further information  about remitting funds  in
this  manner may  be obtained  from your  bank. All  payments should  be in U.S.
dollars and, to  avoid fees  and delays,  should be  drawn only  on U.S.  banks.
Payments  into the  account of a  corporation, foundation  or other organization
should not be made by third party check.  A charge will be imposed if any  check
used  for investment in your account does not clear. The Fund makes available to
certain large institutions  the ability to  issue purchase instructions  through
compatible computer facilities.
 
    Fund  shares also may be purchased  through the AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, the
Government Direct Deposit Privilege and the Payroll Savings Plan described under
"Additional Shareholder Services." These services  enable you to make  regularly
scheduled  investments and may provide  you with a convenient  way to invest for
long-term  financial  goals.  You  should  be  aware,  however,  that   periodic
investment  plans do  not guarantee  a profit and  will not  protect an investor
against loss in a declining market.
 
    Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic transfer of funds from
an account maintained in a bank or other domestic financial institution that  is
an  Automated Clearing House member. You must direct the institution to transmit
immediately available funds through the Automated Clearing House to The Bank  of
New  York with instructions  to credit your Fund  account. The instructions must
specify your Fund account registration and your Fund account number PRECEDED  BY
THE DIGITS "1111."
 
    The  Distributor may pay dealers  a fee of up to  .5% of the amount invested
through such dealers in Fund shares  by employees participating in qualified  or
non-qualified  employee benefit plans or other  programs where (i) the employers
or affiliated employers maintaining such plans or programs have a minimum of 250
employees eligible for  participation in  such plans  or programs  or (ii)  such
plan's  or program's aggregate initial investment in the Dreyfus Family of Funds
or certain other  products made available  by the Distributor  to such plans  or
programs  exceeds one million dollars ("Eligible Benefit Plans"). Plan sponsors,
administrators or trustees,  as applicable,  are responsible  for notifying  the
Distributor  when the relevant requirement is  satisfied. Shares of funds in the
Dreyfus Family of  Funds then held  by such employee  benefit plans or  programs
will  be aggregated to  determine the fee payable.  The Distributor reserves the
right to cease paying these fees at any time. The Distributor will pay such fees
from its own funds,  other than amounts received  from the Fund, including  past
profits or any other source available to it.
 
    Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN upon opening or
reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
Taxes"  and the  Fund's Account  Application for  further information concerning
this requirement. Failure to furnish a  certified TIN to the Fund could  subject
you to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
 
    Fund  shares are sold  on a continuous  basis. Net asset  value per share is
determined as of the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (generally
4:00 p.m., New York time) on each business day. For purposes of determining  net
asset  value, options and futures contracts will  be valued 15 minutes after the
close of trading on the  floor of the New York  Stock Exchange. Net asset  value
per  share for each Class of  the Fund is computed by  dividing the value of the
Fund's net  assets attributable  to the  Class (I.E.,  the value  of the  Fund's
assets  less  liabilities attributable  to that  Class) by  the total  number of
shares of  that  Class outstanding.  With  the  exception of  certain  fees  and
expenses  relating to the Class A, Class  B and Class C Service and Distribution
Plans and certain other expenses attributable solely to a particular Class,  all
Fund  expenses will be borne on  a pro rata basis by  each Class on the basis of
the relative net assets of the respective Classes. See "The Fund's Expenses" and
"Service and Distribution  Plans." The  Fund's investments are  valued based  on
market  value, or  where market quotations  are not readily  available, based on
fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
 
    When an order is received by the Transfer Agent by 4:00 p.m., New York time,
on any business day, Fund  shares will be purchased  at the price determined  on
that  day. Otherwise, Fund shares  will be purchased at  the price determined on
the next business day.
 
    Orders for the purchase  of Fund shares received  by Service Agents by  4:00
p.m.,  New York time, on any business  day and transmitted to the Transfer Agent
by the close of  its business day  (normally 5:15 p.m., New  York time) will  be
based  on the public  offering price per  share determined as  of 4:15 p.m., New
York time, on that day.  Otherwise, the orders will be  based on the next  day's
determined public offering price. It is the responsibility of each Service Agent
to  transmit orders so that  they will be received  by the Transfer Agent before
the close of its business day.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
CLASS A SHARES
 
    Class A shares have a public offering  price equal to their net asset  value
per  share (see "Determination of Net Asset  Value" and "Statement of Assets and
Liabilities" in the  Fund's Statement  of Additional Information)  plus a  sales
load as shown below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       TOTAL SALES LOAD
                                              ----------------------------------     DEALERS'
                                                 AS A % OF        AS A %* OF        REALLOWANCE
                                              OFFERING PRICE    NET ASSET VALUE      AS A % OF
AMOUNT OF TRANSACTION                            PER SHARE         PER SHARE      OFFERING PRICE
- --------------------------------------------  ---------------  -----------------  ---------------
<S>                                           <C>              <C>                <C>
Less than $50,000...........................          4.50              4.70              4.25
$50,000 to less than $100,000...............          4.00              4.20              3.75
$100,000 to less than $250,000..............          3.00              3.10              2.75
$250,000 to less than $500,000..............          2.50              2.60              2.25
$500,000 to less than $1,000,000............          2.00              2.00              1.75
$1,000,000 or more..........................             0                 0
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
*Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent
 
    A  CDSC of 1% will be  assessed at the time of  redemption of Class A shares
purchased without an initial sales charge as  part of an investment of at  least
$1,000,000  and redeemed within two years after purchase. The terms contained in
the section of the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Redemption of Shares" (other than
the amount of the CDSC  and time periods) are applicable  to the Class A  shares
subject  to a  CDSC. Letter of  Intent and  Right of Accumulation  apply to such
purchases of Class A shares.
 
    Full-time employees of NASD  member firms and  full-time employees of  other
financial institutions which have entered into an agreement with the Distributor
pertaining  to the  sale of  Fund shares  (or which  otherwise have  a brokerage
related  or  clearing  arrangement  with  an  NASD  member  firm  or   financial
institution with respect to the sale of Fund shares) may purchase Class A shares
for  themselves  directly  or pursuant  to  an  employee benefit  plan  or other
program, or for  their spouses or  minor children at  net asset value,  provided
that  they have furnished  the Distributor with such  information it may request
from time  to time  in order  to  verify eligibility  for this  privilege.  This
privilege   also  applies  to  full-time  employees  of  financial  institutions
affiliated with  NASD member  firms whose  full-time employees  are eligible  to
purchase  Class A  shares at net  asset value.  In addition, Class  A shares are
offered at net asset value to full-time employees of the Investment Adviser  and
full-time  or part-time  employees of the  Sub-Investment Adviser or  any of its
affiliates or subsidiaries, Board  members of a fund  advised by the  Investment
Adviser or Sub-Investment Adviser, including members of the Fund's Board, or the
spouse  or minor child of any of the  foregoing. Class A shares may be purchased
at  net  asset  value  through   certain  broker-dealers  and  other   financial
institutions which have
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
entered  into an  agreement with the  Distributor, which  includes a requirement
that such shares be  sold for the  benefit of clients  participating in a  "wrap
account"  or  a similar  program  under which  such clients  pay  a fee  to such
broker-dealer or other financial institution.
 
    Class A shares will be  offered at net asset value  without a sales load  to
employees  participating in Eligible  Benefit Plans. Class A  shares also may be
purchased (including by exchange)  at net asset value  without a sales load  for
Dreyfus-sponsored  IRA "Rollover Accounts" with the distribution proceeds from a
qualified retirement plan or a Dreyfus-sponsored 403(b)(7) plan, provided  that,
at   the  time  of   such  distribution,  such   qualified  retirement  plan  or
Dreyfus-sponsored 403(b)(7) plan (a) met the requirements of an Eligible Benefit
Plan and all or a  portion of such plan's assets  were invested in funds in  the
Dreyfus  Family  of  Funds  or  certain other  products  made  available  by the
Distributor to such plans, or (b) invested all of its assets in certain funds in
the Dreyfus Family  of Funds  or certain other  products made  available by  the
Distributor to such plans.
 
    Class  A shares may be purchased at  net asset value, subject to appropriate
documentation through a  broker-dealer or other  financial institution with  the
proceeds  from  the redemption  of shares  of  a registered  open-end management
investment company not managed by  the Investment Adviser or the  Sub-Investment
Adviser  or its affiliates. The  purchase of Class A shares  of the Fund must be
made within 60 days of such redemption and the shareholder must have either  (i)
paid  an initial sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge or (ii) been
obligated to pay at any time during the holding period, but did not actually pay
on redemption, a deferred sales charge with respect to such redeemed shares.
 
    Class A  shares  also  may be  purchased  at  net asset  value,  subject  to
appropriate  documentation, by (i) qualified  separate accounts maintained by an
insurance company pursuant to the laws of  any State or territory of the  United
States,  (ii)  a  State, county  or  city  or instrumentality  thereof,  (iii) a
charitable organization (as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code)  investing
$50,000  or  more in  Fund shares,  and  (iv) a  charitable remainder  trust (as
defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code).
 
    The dealer reallowance may be changed from time to time but will remain  the
same  for all dealers.  The Distributor, at its  expense, may provide additional
promotional incentives to  dealers that sell  shares of funds  which retain  the
Investment  Adviser  or  the  Sub-Investment Adviser  as  investment  adviser or
sub-investment adviser and which  are sold with  a sales load,  such as Class  A
shares.  In  some instances,  these incentives  may be  offered only  to certain
dealers who have sold or may sell significant amounts of shares.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
CLASS B SHARES
 
    The public offering  price for Class  B shares  is the net  asset value  per
share of that Class. No initial sales charge is imposed at the time of purchase.
A  CDSC  is  imposed, however,  on  certain  redemptions of  Class  B  shares as
described under "Redemption of Shares." At the time of purchase, the Distributor
compensates certain Service Agents for selling Class B shares and is  reimbursed
by the Investment Adviser and/or other parties. The proceeds of the CDSC and the
distribution  fee, in part, are  used to defray these  expenses. The proceeds of
the CDSC  and  certain payments  under  the Class  B  and Class  C  Service  and
Distribution Plans may be assigned to parties which reimburse these expenses.
 
CLASS C SHARES
 
    Class C shares have a public offering price equal to the net asset value per
share of that Class. No initial sales charge is imposed at the time of purchase.
A  1% CDSC, however, is imposed on redemptions of Class C shares made within the
first year of purchase. See "Redemption  of Shares -- Contingent Deferred  Sales
Charge  -- Class C shares." At the time of purchase, the Distributor compensates
certain Service  Agents for  selling Class  C shares  and is  reimbursed by  the
Investment  Adviser and/or other  parties. The proceeds of  the CDSC and certain
payments under the Class  B and Class  C Service and  Distribution Plans may  be
assigned to parties which reimburse these expenses.
 
CLASS R SHARES
 
    The  public offering  price for Class  R shares  is the net  asset value per
share of that class.
 
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION -- CLASS A SHARES
 
    Reduced sales  loads apply  to any  purchase of  Class A  shares, shares  of
certain  other funds advised by the Sub-Investment Adviser which are sold with a
sales load or shares acquired by a previous exchange of shares purchased with  a
sales load (hereinafter referred to as "Eligible Funds"), by you and any related
"purchaser"  as defined  in the Statement  of Additional  Information, where the
aggregate investment,  including such  purchase,  is $50,000  or more.  If,  for
example,  you previously purchased and still hold Class A shares of the Fund, or
of any other  Eligible Fund or  combination thereof, with  an aggregate  current
market  value of $40,000 and subsequently purchase Class A shares of the Fund or
an Eligible Fund having a current value of $20,000, the sales load applicable to
the subsequent  purchase would  be reduced  to  4% of  the offering  price.  All
present  holdings of  Eligible Funds  may be  combined to  determine the current
offering price  of  the aggregate  investment  in ascertaining  the  sales  load
applicable to each subsequent purchase.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
    To  qualify for reduced sales  loads, at the time of  a purchase you or your
Service Agent must notify  the Distributor if  orders are made  by wire, or  the
Transfer  Agent if orders are made by mail. The reduced sales load is subject to
confirmation of your holdings through a check of appropriate records.
 
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE
 
    You may purchase  Fund shares (minimum  $500, maximum $150,000  per day)  by
telephone  if you  have checked the  appropriate box and  supplied the necessary
information on  the  Fund's Account  Application  or have  filed  a  Shareholder
Services  Form with the Transfer Agent. The proceeds will be transferred between
the bank account  designated in one  of these documents  and your Fund  account.
Only  a bank account maintained in a  domestic financial institution which is an
Automated Clearing House  member may be  so designated. The  Fund may modify  or
terminate  this Privilege  at any time  or charge  a service fee  upon notice to
shareholders, although no such fee currently is contemplated.
 
    If  you  have  selected  the  TELETRANSFER  Privilege,  you  may  request  a
TELETRANSFER  purchase of Fund  shares by telephoning  1-800-645-6561 or, if you
are calling from overseas, call 516-794-5452.
 
                        ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
 
    The services  and  privileges  described  under  this  heading  may  not  be
available  to  clients of  certain Service  Agents and  some Service  Agents may
impose certain  conditions  on their  clients  which are  different  from  those
described  in this  Prospectus. You  should consult  your Service  Agent in this
regard. Because separate accounts are maintained for each Class of shares of the
Fund, the services and privileges described under this heading will operate  for
a given account only with respect to the Class of shares in that account.
 
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
 
    The  Exchange Privilege  enables you to  purchase, in exchange  for Class A,
Class B, Class C  or Class R  shares of the  Fund, shares of  the same class  of
certain  funds managed  or administered  by the  Sub-Investment Adviser,  to the
extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of residence. These  funds
have different investment objectives which may be of interest to you. The shares
so  purchased will be held in a  special account created solely for this purpose
("Exchange Account"). Exchanges of shares from  an Exchange Account only can  be
made  into certain  other funds  managed or  administered by  the Sub-Investment
Adviser. No CDSC is charged when an investor exchanges into an Exchange Account;
however, the applicable CDSC  will be imposed when  shares are redeemed from  an
Exchange  Account  or  other  applicable  Fund  account.  Upon  redemption,  the
applicable  CDSC  will   be  calculated   without  regard  to   the  time   such
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
shares  were held in an Exchange Account. See "Redemption of Shares." Redemption
proceeds for Exchange  Account shares are  paid by Federal  wire or check  only.
Exchange  Account shares also are eligible  for the Auto-Exchange Privilege, the
Dividend Sweep  and the  Automatic Withdrawal  Plan. If  you desire  to use  the
Exchange  Privilege, you should consult your Service Agent or the Distributor to
determine if it is available and whether any other conditions are imposed on its
use. WITH RESPECT TO CLASS R SHARES  HELD BY RETIREMENT PLANS, EXCHANGES MAY  BE
MADE  ONLY BETWEEN A SHAREHOLDER'S RETIREMENT PLAN  ACCOUNT IN ONE FUND AND SUCH
SHAREHOLDER'S RETIREMENT PLAN ACCOUNT IN ANOTHER FUND.
 
    To use the  Exchange Privilege,  you or your  Service Agent  acting on  your
behalf must give exchange instructions to the Transfer Agent in writing, by wire
or  by  telephone. If  you previously  have  established the  Telephone Exchange
Privilege, you may telephone exchange instructions by calling 1-800-645-6561 or,
if you are calling from overseas,  call 516-794-5452. See "Redemption of  Shares
- --  Redemption  Procedures." Before  any exchange,  you  must obtain  and should
review a copy of the current prospectus  of the fund into which the exchange  is
being  made. Prospectuses  may be obtained  from the Distributor.  Except in the
case of  Personal Retirement  Plans,  the shares  being  exchanged must  have  a
current  value of at least  $100; furthermore, in establishing  a new account by
exchange, the shares being exchanged must have  a value of at least the  minimum
initial  investment required for the fund into which the exchange is being made.
Telephone exchanges  may be  made only  if the  appropriate "YES"  box has  been
checked  on the Account  Application, or a  separate signed Shareholder Services
Form is on file with  the Transfer Agent. Upon an  exchange into a new  account,
the  following  shareholder services  and  privileges, as  applicable  and where
available, will  be  automatically carried  over  to  the fund  into  which  the
exchange  is  made:  Exchange Privilege,  Wire  Redemption  Privilege, Telephone
Redemption Privilege,  TELETRANSFER  Privilege, and  the  dividend/capital  gain
distribution option (except for Dividend Sweep) selected by the investor.
 
    Shares  will be exchanged at the next determined net asset value, however, a
sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges of Class A shares into funds
sold with a sales load. No CDSC will be imposed on Class B or Class C shares  at
the  time of an exchange; however, Class B or Class C shares acquired through an
exchange will be  subject on  redemption to the  higher CDSC  applicable to  the
exchanged  or acquired shares. The CDSC applicable on redemption of the acquired
Class B  or Class  C shares  will be  calculated from  the date  of the  initial
purchase of the Class B or Class C shares exchanged. If you are exchanging Class
A shares into a fund that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share prices
which  do not include the  sales load or which reflect  a reduced sales load, if
the shares of
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
the fund from which you  are exchanging were: (a)  purchased with a sales  load,
(b)  acquired by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a sales load, or
(c) acquired  through  reinvestment  of dividends  or  distributions  paid  with
respect  to the foregoing  categories of shares.  To qualify, at  the time of an
exchange you must notify  the Transfer Agent or  your Service Agent must  notify
the  Distributor.  Any such  qualification is  subject  to confirmation  of your
holdings through a check of  appropriate records. See "Shareholder Services"  in
the   Statement  of  Additional  Information.  No  fees  currently  are  charged
shareholders directly in connection with  exchanges, although the Fund  reserves
the  right, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, to charge shareholders a
nominal fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the Securities and  Exchange
Commission.  The Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange request in whole
or in part. The availability of Fund Exchanges may be modified or terminated  at
any time upon notice to shareholders.
 
    The  exchange of  shares of one  fund for  shares of another  is treated for
Federal income tax purposes  as a sale  of the shares given  in exchange by  the
shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a taxable gain
or loss.
 
AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER
 
    AUTOMATIC Asset Builder permits you to purchase Fund shares (minimum of $100
and  maximum of $150,000 per transaction)  at regular intervals selected by you.
Fund shares are purchased by transferring funds from the bank account designated
by you. At your option,  the bank account designated by  you will be debited  in
the specified amount, and Fund shares will be purchased, once a month, on either
the  first or fifteenth day (or the next business day if such first or fifteenth
day is not  a business day),  or twice a  month, on both  days. Only an  account
maintained  at a domestic  financial institution which  is an Automated Clearing
House member  may be  so designated.  To establish  an AUTOMATIC  Asset  Builder
account,  you must file an  authorization form with the  Transfer Agent. You may
obtain the necessary  authorization form  from the Distributor.  You may  cancel
this  Privilege or change the amount of  purchase at any time by mailing written
notification to Comstock Partners Capital Value Fund, P.O. Box 6527, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-6527,  or, if for  Dreyfus retirement plan  accounts, to  The
Dreyfus  Trust  Company,  Custodian,  P.O. Box  6427,  Providence,  Rhode Island
02940-6427, and the notification will be effective three business days following
receipt. The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee, although no such fee currently is contemplated.
 
GOVERNMENT DIRECT DEPOSIT PRIVILEGE
 
    Government Direct  Deposit Privilege  enables you  to purchase  Fund  shares
(minimum    of   $100   and    maximum   of   $50,000    per   transaction)   by
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
having Federal salary, Social Security, or certain veterans', military or  other
payments  from  the Federal  government automatically  deposited into  your Fund
account. You may deposit as much of such payments as you elect. To enroll in the
Government Direct Deposit,  you must file  with the Transfer  Agent a  completed
Direct  Deposit Sign-Up Form for each type of payment that you desire to include
in  this  Privilege.   The  appropriate   form  may  be   obtained  by   calling
1-800-645-6561.  Death or legal incapacity  will terminate your participation in
this Privilege. You  may elect at  any time to  terminate your participation  by
notifying  in  writing the  appropriate Federal  agency.  Further, the  Fund may
terminate your participation upon 30 days' notice to you.
 
PAYROLL SAVINGS PLANS
 
    The Payroll Savings  Plan permits you  to purchase Fund  shares (minimum  of
$100  per transaction)  automatically on  a regular  basis. Depending  upon your
employer's direct deposit  program, you may  have part or  all of your  paycheck
transferred   to  your  existing  Dreyfus  account  electronically  through  the
Automated Clearing  House system  at each  pay period.  To establish  a  Payroll
Savings  Plan account, you must file  an authorization form with your employer's
payroll department. Your employer must complete the reverse side of the form and
return it to Comstock  Partners Capital Value Fund,  P.O. Box 9671,  Providence,
Rhode  Island 02940-9671.  You may  obtain the  necessary authorization  form by
calling 1-800-645-6561. You  may change  the amount  of purchase  or cancel  the
authorization  only by  written notification  to your  employer. It  is the sole
responsibility of your  employer, not the  Distributor, the Investment  Adviser,
the Sub-Investment Adviser, the Fund, the Transfer Agent or any other person, to
arrange  for transactions under the Payroll Savings Plan. The Fund may modify or
terminate this  Privilege at  any time  or charge  a service  fee. No  such  fee
currently is contemplated.
 
DIVIDEND OPTIONS
 
    The  Dividend  Sweep  enables  you  to  invest  automatically  dividends  or
dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, paid by the Fund in shares  of
the  same Class  of another fund  advised or administered  by the Sub-Investment
Adviser of  which you  are  a shareholder.  Shares of  the  other fund  will  be
purchased  at the  then-current net  asset value; however,  a sales  load may be
charged with respect  to investments in  Class A shares  of a fund  sold with  a
sales  load. If you are investing  in a fund that charges  a sales load, you may
qualify for share prices which do not include the sales load or which reflect  a
reduced sales load. If you are investing in a fund or class that charges a CDSC,
the  shares  purchased  will be  subject  on  redemption to  the  CDSC,  if any,
applicable to the purchased shares. See "Shareholder Services" in the  Statement
of   Additional  Information.   The  Dividend   ACH  permits   you  to  transfer
electronically on the payment date dividends or
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, from the Fund to a  designated
bank  account. Only  an account maintained  at a  domestic financial institution
which is an  Automated Clearing  House member may  be so  designated. Banks  may
charge a fee for this service.
 
    For  more information concerning these privileges,  or to request a Dividend
Options Form,  please  call  toll  free 1-800-645-6561.  You  may  cancel  these
privileges  by mailing written  notification to Comstock  Partners Capital Value
Fund, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode  Island 02940-9671. To select a new  fund
after  cancellation, you must submit a  new Dividend Options Form. Enrollment in
or cancellation of these privileges  is effective three business days  following
receipt.  These privileges are available only  for existing accounts and may not
be used to open  new accounts. Minimum subsequent  investments do not apply  for
the  Dividend Sweep. The  Fund may modify  or terminate these  privileges at any
time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated. Shares held
under Keogh  Plans, IRAs  or other  retirement plans  are not  eligible for  the
Dividend Sweep.
 
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
 
    The  Automatic  Withdrawal  Plan  permits you  to  request  withdrawal  of a
specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly  basis
if  you have  a $5,000 minimum  account. Particular  Retirement Plans, including
Dreyfus sponsored retirement plans, may permit certain participants to establish
an automatic withdrawal  plan from  such Retirement  Plans. Participants  should
consult  their  Retirement Plan  sponsor  and tax  adviser  for details.  Such a
withdrawal plan is different than the Automatic Withdrawal Plan. An  application
for the Automatic Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. The
Automatic  Withdrawal Plan  may be  ended at any  time by  you, the  Fund or the
Transfer Agent. Shares for which stock certificates have been issued may not  be
redeemed through the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
 
    Class  B or  Class C shares  withdrawn pursuant to  the Automatic Withdrawal
Plan will be  subject to any  applicable CDSC. Purchases  of additional Class  A
shares  where the sales load is imposed concurrently with withdrawals of Class A
shares generally  are  undesirable.  Any  correspondence  with  respect  to  the
Automatic Withdrawal Plan should be addressed to Comstock Partners Capital Value
Fund,  P.O. Box  9671, Providence, Rhode  Island 02940-9671, or,  if for Dreyfus
retirement plan  accounts, to  The Dreyfus  Trust Company,  Custodian, P.O.  Box
6427, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6427.
 
RETIREMENT PLANS
 
    The  Fund offers  a variety of  pension and  profit-sharing plans, including
Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," 401(k) Salary Reduction
Plans   and    403(b)(7)    Plans.    Plan    support    services    are    also
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
available.  You can obtain details on the various plans by calling the following
numbers toll free: for Keogh Plans, please call 1-800-358-5566; for IRAs and IRA
"Rollover Accounts,"  please call  1-800-645-6561; for  SEP-IRAs, 401(k)  Salary
Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans, please call 1-800-322-7880.
 
LETTER OF INTENT -- CLASS A SHARES
 
    By signing a Letter of Intent form available from the Distributor by calling
1-800-645-6561, you become eligible for the reduced sales load applicable to the
total  number of Eligible Fund shares purchased in a 13-month period pursuant to
the terms and under the conditions set forth in the Letter of Intent. A  minimum
initial  purchase of $5,000  is required. To compute  the applicable sales load,
the offering price of shares you hold  (on the date of submission of the  Letter
of  Intent) in any Eligible Fund that may be used toward "Right of Accumulation"
benefits described above may be used as a credit toward completion of the Letter
of Intent.  However,  the  reduced  sales  load will  be  applied  only  to  new
purchases.
 
    The  Transfer Agent will  hold in escrow  5% of the  amount indicated in the
Letter of Intent for payment of a higher  sales load if you do not purchase  the
full  amount indicated in the Letter of Intent. The escrow will be released when
you fulfill  the terms  of the  Letter  of Intent  by purchasing  the  specified
amount.  If your purchases qualify for a further sales load reduction, the sales
load will be adjusted to reflect your total purchase at the end of 13 months. If
total purchases are  less than the  amount specified, you  will be requested  to
remit an amount equal to the difference between the sales load actually paid and
the  sales load  applicable to  the aggregate  purchases actually  made. If such
remittance  is   not  received   within  20   days,  the   Transfer  Agent,   as
attorney-in-fact  pursuant to the terms of the  Letter of Intent, will redeem an
appropriate number of Class A shares of  the Fund held in escrow to realize  the
difference.  Signing a Letter  of Intent does  not bind you  to purchase, or the
Fund to sell, the full amount indicated at the sales load in effect at the  time
of  signing, but you must  complete the intended purchase  to obtain the reduced
sales load. At  the time you  purchase Class  A shares, you  must indicate  your
intention to do so under a Letter of Intent.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
                              REDEMPTION OF SHARES
 
GENERAL
 
    You  may  request redemption  of your  Fund shares  at any  time. Redemption
requests should be transmitted to the Transfer Agent as described below. When  a
request  is received in proper form, the Fund will redeem the shares at the next
determined net asset value for the Class  being redeemed. If you hold shares  of
more  than one Class,  any redemption request  must specify the  Class of shares
being redeemed. If you fail to specify the Class of shares to be redeemed or  if
you  own fewer shares of the Class than specified to be redeemed, the redemption
request may be delayed  until the Transfer  Agent receives further  instructions
from you or your Service Agent.
 
    The Fund imposes no charges (other than any applicable CDSC) when shares are
redeemed.  Service Agents may  charge their clients a  nominal fee for effecting
redemptions of Fund shares.  It is the responsibility  of each Service Agent  to
transmit  redemption orders to the Transfer Agent. Any certificates representing
Fund shares being redeemed  must be submitted with  the redemption request.  The
value  of the  shares redeemed  may be  more or  less than  their original cost,
depending on the then-current net asset value of the Class being redeemed.
 
    Distributions from qualified Retirement Plans IRAs (including IRA  "Rollover
Accounts")   and  certain  non-qualified  deferred  compensation  plans,  except
distributions  representing  returns  of  non-deductible  contributions  to  the
Retirement  Plan  or  IRA,  generally are  taxable  income  to  the participant.
Distributions from such a Retirement Plan or  IRA to a participant prior to  the
time  the participant  reaches age  59 1/2  or becomes  permanently disabled may
subject the participant  to an additional  10% penalty tax  imposed by the  IRS.
Participants  should  consult  their  tax  advisers  concerning  the  timing and
consequences of distributions  from a  Retirement Plan or  IRA. Participants  in
qualified  Retirement Plans will  receive a disclosure  statement describing the
consequences of a distribution from such a Plan from the administrator,  trustee
or  custodian of the Plan, before receiving  the distribution. The Fund will not
report to the IRS redemptions of Fund shares by qualified Retirement Plans, IRAs
or certain non-qualified deferred compensation plans. The administrator, trustee
or custodian of such Retirement Plans and IRAs will be responsible for reporting
distributions from such Plans and IRAs to the IRS.
 
    The Fund ordinarily will make payment  for all shares redeemed within  seven
days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in proper form,
except  as  provided by  the rules  of the  Securities and  Exchange Commission.
HOWEVER, IF  YOU  HAVE PURCHASED  FUND  SHARES  BY CHECK,  BY  THE  TELETRANSFER
PRIVILEGE  OR  THROUGH THE  AUTOMATIC ASSET  BUILDER  AND SUBSEQUENTLY  SUBMIT A
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUEST TO THE  TRANSFER AGENT, THE REDEMPTION PROCEEDS  WILL
BE  TRANSMITTED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON BANK  CLEARANCE OF YOUR PURCHASE CHECK, THE
TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR THE AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER ORDER, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO
EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS OR MORE. IN ADDITION, IF YOU REDEEM THROUGH THE TELETRANSFER
PRIVILEGE, THE FUND WILL REJECT REQUESTS TO REDEEM SHARES FOR A PERIOD OF  EIGHT
BUSINESS  DAYS AFTER RECEIPT  BY THE TRANSFER  AGENT OF THE  PURCHASE CHECK, THE
TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR THE  AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER  ORDER AGAINST WHICH  SUCH
REDEMPTION  IS REQUESTED.  THESE PROCEDURES WILL  NOT APPLY IF  YOUR SHARES WERE
PURCHASED BY  WIRE PAYMENT,  OR IF  YOU OTHERWISE  HAVE A  SUFFICIENT  COLLECTED
BALANCE  IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO COVER THE  REDEMPTION REQUEST. PRIOR TO THE TIME ANY
REDEMPTION IS EFFECTIVE, DIVIDENDS  ON SUCH SHARES WILL  ACCRUE AND BE  PAYABLE,
AND  YOU WILL BE ENTITLED TO EXERCISE  ALL OTHER RIGHTS OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP.
Fund shares will  not be  redeemed until the  Transfer Agent  has received  your
Account Application.
 
    The  Fund reserves the right  to redeem your account  at its option upon not
less than 45 days' written notice if  your account's net asset value is $500  or
less and remains so during the notice period.
 
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE -- CLASS B SHARES
 
    A  CDSC payable to the  Distributor is imposed on  any redemption of Class B
shares which reduces the current  net asset value of your  Class B shares to  an
amount  which is  lower than the  dollar amount of  all payments by  you for the
purchase of Class B shares of the Fund held by you at the time of redemption. No
CDSC will be  imposed to  the extent that  the net  asset value of  the Class  B
shares  redeemed does  not exceed  (i) the  current net  asset value  of Class B
shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions,
plus (ii) increases  in the net  asset value of  your Class B  shares above  the
dollar  amount of all  your payments for the  purchase of Class  B shares of the
Fund held by you at the time of redemption.
 
    If the aggregate  value of the  Class B shares  redeemed has declined  below
their original cost as a result of the Fund's performance, a CDSC may be applied
to the then-current net asset value rather than the purchase price.
 
    In  circumstances where the CDSC  is imposed, the amount  of the charge will
depend on the number  of years from  the time you purchased  the Class B  shares
until  the time of redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining
the number of years from the time of any payment
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
for the  purchase  of Class  B  shares, all  payments  during a  month  will  be
aggregated  and deemed  to have  been made on  the first  day of  the month. The
following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    CDSC AS A %
                                                     OF AMOUNT
                                                    INVESTED OR
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE                                 REDEMPTION
PAYMENT WAS MADE                                     PROCEEDS
- -----------------------------------------------  -----------------
<S>                                              <C>
First..........................................           4.00
Second.........................................           4.00
Third..........................................           3.00
Fourth.........................................           3.00
Fifth..........................................           2.00
Sixth..........................................           1.00
</TABLE>
 
    In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the calculation
will be made in a  manner that results in the  lowest possible rate. It will  be
assumed  that  the  redemption  is made  first  of  amounts  representing shares
acquired pursuant to the  reinvestment of dividends  and distributions; then  of
amounts representing the increase in net asset value of Class B shares above the
total  amount of  payments for the  purchase of  Class B shares  made during the
preceding six years; then of amounts  representing the cost of shares  purchased
six years prior to the redemption; and finally, of amounts representing the cost
of  shares held for  the longest period  of time within  the applicable six-year
period.
 
    For example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares at $10 per share for  a
cost  of  $1,000. Subsequently,  the  shareholder acquired  5  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  the net asset  value had  appreciated to $12  per share,  the
value  of the investor's shares  would be $1,260 (105  shares at $12 per share).
The CDSC would not be applied to the value of the reinvested dividend shares and
the amount which  represents appreciation  ($260). Therefore, $240  of the  $500
redemption  proceeds ($500  minus $260) would  be charged  at a rate  of 4% (the
applicable rate in the second year after purchase) for a total CDSC of $9.60.
 
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE -- CLASS C SHARES
 
    A CDSC of  1% payable to  the Distributor  is imposed on  any redemption  of
Class  C  shares  within  one  year  of the  date  of  purchase.  The  basis for
calculating the payment of any such CDSC will be the method used in  calculating
the  CDSC for Class B  shares. See "Contingent Deferred  Sales Charge -- Class B
Shares" above.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
WAIVER OF CDSC
 
    The CDSC  applicable  to  Class B  and  Class  C shares  may  be  waived  in
connection  with  (a)  redemptions  made  within one  year  after  the  death or
disability, as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code, of the shareholder,  (b)
redemptions   by  employees   participating  in  Eligible   Benefit  Plans,  (c)
redemptions as a result of a combination of any investment company with the Fund
by merger, acquisition of assets or  otherwise and (d) a distribution  following
retirement  under a tax-deferred retirement plan or  attaining age 70 1/2 in the
case of an IRA or Keogh plan or custodial account pursuant to section 403(b)  of
the  Code. If the Fund's Board determines to discontinue the waiver of the CDSC,
the disclosure in the Fund's prospectus will be revised appropriately. Any  Fund
shares  subject to a CDSC which were  purchased prior to the termination of such
waiver will have the  CDSC waived as  provided in the  Fund's prospectus at  the
time of the purchase of such shares.
 
    To  qualify for  a waiver of  the CDSC, at  the time of  redemption you must
notify the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must notify the Distributor. Any
such qualification is subject to confirmation of your entitlement.
 
REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
 
    You may redeem shares by using the regular redemption procedure through  the
Transfer   Agent,  the  Wire  Redemption  Privilege,  the  Telephone  Redemption
Privilege or the TELETRANSFER Privilege.  Other redemption procedures may be  in
effect  for investors  who effect  transactions in  Fund shares  through Service
Agents. The Fund makes  available to certain large  institutions the ability  to
issue redemption instructions through compatible computer facilities.
 
    You  may redeem or exchange Fund shares by telephone if you have checked the
appropriate box on the  Fund's Account Application or  have filed a  Shareholder
Services  Form with the Transfer Agent. If  you select a telephone redemption or
exchange privilege,  you  authorize  the  Transfer Agent  to  act  on  telephone
instructions  from any  person representing  himself or herself  to be  you or a
representative of your Service  Agent, and reasonably  believed by the  Transfer
Agent  to  be  genuine. The  Fund  will  require the  Transfer  Agent  to employ
reasonable procedures, such as requiring  a form of personal identification,  to
confirm  that  instructions  are  genuine  and,  if  it  does  not  follow  such
procedures, the Fund or the Transfer Agent  may be liable for any losses due  to
unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Neither the Fund nor the Transfer Agent
will  be liable for  following telephone instructions  reasonably believed to be
genuine.
 
    During time of  drastic economic  or market conditions,  you may  experience
difficulty   in  contacting  the  Transfer  Agent  by  telephone  to  request  a
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
redemption or exchange of Fund shares. In such cases, you should consider  using
the  other redemption procedures described herein. Use of these other redemption
procedures may result in your redemption request being processed at a later time
than it would have been if  telephone redemption or telephone exchange had  been
used. During the delay, the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
 
REGULAR REDEMPTION
 
    Under  the  regular  redemption procedure,  you  may redeem  Fund  shares by
written request mailed to Comstock Partners  Capital Value Fund, P.O. Box  6527,
Providence  Rhode Island 02940-6527. Redemption  requests for Dreyfus retirement
plan accounts should be sent to  The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O.  Box
6427,  Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6427. Redemption requests may be delivered
in person only to a Dreyfus  Financial Center. THESE REQUESTS WILL BE  FORWARDED
TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For the location of
the nearest Dreyfus Financial Center, please call 1-800-554-4611.
 
    Redemption requests must be signed by each shareholder, including each owner
of  a joint account, and  each signature must be  guaranteed. The Transfer Agent
has adopted standards and procedures  pursuant to which signature-guarantees  in
proper  form generally will  be accepted from  domestic banks, brokers, dealers,
credit   unions,   national   securities   exchanges,   registered    securities
associations,  clearing  agencies  and  savings associations,  as  well  as from
participants in the  New York  Stock Exchange Medallion  Signature Program,  the
Securities  Transfer Agents Medallion Signature  Program ("STAMP") and the Stock
Exchanges  Medallion  Program.  If  you  have  any  questions  with  respect  to
signature-guarantees, please call 1-800-554-6461.
 
    Redemption  proceeds of at least $1,000 will  be wired to any member bank of
the Federal Reserve  System in  accordance with  a written  signature-guaranteed
request.
 
WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE
 
    You  may  request by  wire or  telephone  that redemption  proceeds (minimum
$1,000) be wired  to your account  at a bank  which is a  member of the  Federal
Reserve  System,  or a  correspondent  bank if  your bank  is  not a  member. To
establish the Wire Redemption Privilege, you must check the appropriate box  and
supply  the necessary  information on the  Fund's Account Application  or file a
Shareholder  Services  Form  with  the  Transfer  Agent.  You  may  direct  that
redemption  proceeds be paid by check (maximum $150,000 per day) made out to the
owners of record and  mailed to your address.  Redemption proceeds of less  than
$1,000  will be paid automatically by  check. Holders of jointly registered Fund
or bank  accounts may  have redemption  proceeds of  only up  to $250,000  wired
within any
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
30-day  period. You may telephone  redemption requests by calling 1-800-645-6561
or, if you are calling from  overseas, call 516-794-5452. The Fund reserves  the
right  to refuse any redemption request, including requests made shortly after a
change of address,  and may  limit the  amount involved  or the  number of  such
requests.  This  Privilege may  be modified  or  terminated at  any time  by the
Transfer Agent or the Fund. The Fund's Statement of Additional Information  sets
forth  instructions for  transmitting redemption  requests by  wire. Shares held
under Keogh  Plans,  IRAs  or  other retirement  plans,  and  shares  for  which
certificates have been issued, are not eligible for this Privilege.
 
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE
 
    You  may redeem Fund shares  (maximum $150,000 per day)  by telephone if you
have checked the appropriate box on the Fund's Account Application or have filed
a Shareholder Services  Form with  the Transfer Agent.  The redemption  proceeds
will  be paid by check and mailed  to your address. You may telephone redemption
instructions by calling  1-800-645-6561 or,  if you are  calling from  overseas,
call  1-516-794-5452. The Fund reserves the right  to refuse any request made by
telephone, including requests made  shortly after a change  of address, and  may
limit  the amount involved or the  number of telephone redemption requests. This
Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time by the Transfer Agent or the
Fund. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and  shares
for which certificates have been issued, are not eligible for this Privilege.
 
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE
 
    You  may redeem Fund shares (minimum $500)  by telephone if you have checked
the appropriate box and supplied the necessary information on the Fund's Account
Application or have filed a Shareholder  Services Form with the Transfer  Agent.
The  proceeds will be transferred between your Fund account and the bank account
designated in  one of  these documents.  Only such  an account  maintained in  a
domestic  financial institution which is an  Automated Clearing House member may
be so designated. Redemption proceeds will be  on deposit in your account at  an
Automated  Clearing House member  bank ordinarily two days  after receipt of the
redemption request or, at your request, paid by check (maximum $150,000 per day)
and mailed to your address. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank  accounts
may redeem through the TELETRANSFER Privilege for transfer to their bank account
only  up to $250,000  within any 30-day  period. The Fund  reserves the right to
refuse any request made  by telephone, including requests  made shortly after  a
change  of address,  and may  limit the  amount involved  or the  number of such
requests. The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or  charge
a  service fee upon  notice to shareholders,  although no such  fee currently is
contemplated.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
    If  you  have  selected  the  TELETRANSFER  Privilege,  you  may  request  a
TELETRANSFER  redemption by  telephoning 1-800-645-6561  or, if  you are calling
from overseas, call 516-794-5452. Shares held  under Keogh Plans, IRAs or  other
retirement  plans, and shares  issued in certificate form,  are not eligible for
this Privilege.
 
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE
 
    You may reinvest in up to the number of shares you have redeemed, within  30
days  of redemption of Class A shares,  at their then-prevailing net asset value
without a sales load. The Reinstatement Privilege may be exercised only once.
 
    Any gain recognized on a redemption  is taxable despite reinvestment in  the
Fund  pursuant  to this  Privilege.  Any loss  realized as  a  result of  such a
redemption may not be  allowed as a deduction  for federal income tax  purposes,
but may be applied, depending on the amount reinvested, to adjust the cost basis
of  the shares acquired  upon reinvestment. In addition,  if the shares redeemed
had been acquired within the 90 days preceding the redemption, the amount of any
gain or loss on  the redemption may  have to be computed  without regard to  any
sales  charges incurred on the original  purchase of the redeemed shares (except
to the extent those sales charges exceed the sales charges waived in  connection
with  the reinvestment). In such a case,  the sales charges (or portion thereof)
not taken into  account with  respect to the  original purchase  are treated  as
having  been paid  in connection  with the  reinvestment in  the Fund's  Class A
shares.
 
                         SERVICE AND DISTRIBUTION PLANS
 
    Class A,  B and  C  shares are  subject to  Class  A, B  and C  Service  and
Distribution  Plans adopted  pursuant to  Rule 12b-1  under the  1940 Act ("Rule
12b-1"). Potential investors should read this  Prospectus in light of the  terms
governing  the Agreement  between their  Service Agents  and the  Distributor. A
Service Agent entitled  to receive  compensation for selling  and servicing  the
Fund's  shares  may receive  different levels  of  compensation with  respect to
different Classes of shares.
 
SERVICE AND DISTRIBUTION PLAN -- CLASS A SHARES
 
    Under the Class A Service and Distribution Plan, the Fund, at the expense of
the Class  A shares,  (a) reimburses  the Distributor  for payments  to  certain
Service  Agents  for  distributing  the  Fund's  Class  A  shares  and servicing
shareholder accounts, and (b) pays  the Sub-Investment Adviser, Dreyfus  Service
Corporation  and any affiliate  of either of  them (collectively, "Dreyfus") for
advertising and marketing  relating to the  Class A shares  and for  shareholder
servicing  activities, at an aggregate annual rate of  .25 of 1% of the value of
the average daily net assets of Class A. Each of the Distributor and Dreyfus may
pay one or more Service Agents a fee in
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
respect of the Fund's Class A shares owned by shareholders for whom the  Service
Agent  provides shareholder services or for whom the Service Agent is the dealer
or holder of record. Each of the Distributor and Dreyfus determine the  amounts,
if  any, to be paid to Service Agents under the Class A Service and Distribution
Plan and the  basis on which  such payments are  made. The Class  A Service  and
Distribution   Plan  also   provides  that   the  Investment   Adviser  and  the
Sub-Investment Adviser may pay Service  Agents out of their investment  advisory
fees,  their past profits  or any other  source available to  them. From time to
time, the Distributor and/ or Dreyfus may  defer or waive receipt of fees  under
the Class A Service and Distribution Plan while retaining the ability to be paid
under  the Class A Service and  Distribution Plan thereafter. The foregoing fees
payable under the  Class A  Service and  Distribution Plan  are payable  without
regard to actual expenses incurred.
 
SERVICE AND DISTRIBUTION PLANS -- CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
 
    Under  the Class B and Class C  Service and Distribution Plans, the Fund, at
the expense of  the Class B  and Class C  shares, (a) pays  the Distributor  for
distributing  the Fund's Class B and Class C  shares at an annual rate of .75 of
1% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class B and Class C, and  (b)
pays  the Distributor for  the provision of  certain services to  the holders of
Class B and Class C shares a fee at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of
the average daily net assets of Class  B and Class C. The services provided  may
include  personal services relating  to shareholder accounts,  such as answering
shareholder inquiries  regarding  the  Fund  and  providing  reports  and  other
information,   and  providing  services  related  to  the  maintenance  of  such
shareholder accounts. The Distributor may pay  one or more Service Agents a  fee
in  respect of distribution and  other services for Class  B and Class C shares.
The Distributor determines  the amounts, if  any, to be  paid to Service  Agents
under  the Class B and  Class C Service and Distribution  Plans and the basis on
which such payments are made. The Class  B and Class C Service and  Distribution
Plans  also provides that the Investment  Adviser and the Sub-Investment Adviser
may pay Service Agents out of their investment advisory fees, their past profits
or any other source available to them. From time to time the Distributor  and/or
Dreyfus may defer or waive receipt of fees under the Class B and Class C Service
and  Distribution Plans while retaining the ability to be paid under the Class B
and Class  C  Service and  Distribution  Plans thereafter.  The  foregoing  fees
payable under the Class B and Class C Service and Distribution Plans are payable
without regard to actual expenses incurred.
 
GENERAL
 
    Banking  laws and regulations, including the Glass-Steagall Act as currently
interpreted   by   the   Board   of    Governors   of   the   Federal    Reserve
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
System,   prohibit  banks  generally  from  issuing,  underwriting,  selling  or
distributing securities. Accordingly, banks  will be engaged  to act as  Service
Agents  only to perform administrative  and shareholder servicing functions. The
Fund believes that banks, subject to  banking laws and regulations, may  perform
such  administrative and  shareholder servicing  functions without  violation of
such banking laws or regulations. However, future changes in legal  requirements
relating to the permissible activities of banks and their affiliates, as well as
future   interpretations  of  present  requirements,   could  require  banks  to
discontinue providing such administrative  and shareholder servicing  functions.
If banks were required to discontinue providing all or a part of such functions,
their  customers  would be  permitted to  remain the  beneficial owners  of Fund
shares and  alternative means  for continuing  the servicing  of such  customers
would  be sought. The Fund  does not anticipate that  investors would suffer any
adverse financial consequences as a result of these occurrences.
 
    In  addition,  state  securities  laws   on  this  issue  may  differ   from
interpretations  of  federal  law  expressed  herein  and  banks  and  financial
institutions may be required to register as dealers pursuant to state laws.
 
                       DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
 
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
 
    The  Fund  ordinarily  pays  dividends   from  net  investment  income   and
distributes  net realized securities gains, if any, once a year, but it may make
distributions  on  a  more  frequent  basis  to  comply  with  the  distribution
requirements  of  the  Code, in  all  events  in a  manner  consistent  with the
provisions of  the 1940  Act. The  Fund  will not  make distributions  from  net
realized  securities gains  unless capital  loss carryovers,  if any,  have been
utilized or  have expired.  You  may choose  whether  to receive  dividends  and
distributions  in cash or to reinvest in  additional shares of the same class at
net asset value without a sales  load. Dividends and distributions paid in  cash
to  Retirement Plans,  however, may  be subject  to additional  tax as described
below. All expenses are accrued daily and are deducted before the declaration of
dividends. Dividends paid by each Class will be calculated at the same time  and
in  the same  manner and will  be of the  same amount, except  that the expenses
attributable solely to  a particular  Class will  be borne  exclusively by  such
Class.  Class B and Class  C shares will receive  lower per share dividends than
Class A shares which will receive lower per share dividends than Class R  shares
because of the higher expenses borne by the relevant Class. See "Fee Table."
 
    Dividends  paid by each Class will be calculated at the same time and in the
same  manner  and  will  be  in  the  same  amount,  except  that  the  expenses
attributable  solely to  a particular  Class will  be borne  exclusively by that
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
Class. Class C shares will receive lower per share dividends than Class A shares
because of the  higher expenses borne  by the  Class C shares.  See "The  Fund's
Expenses" and "Service and Distribution Plans."
 
TAXES -- GENERAL
 
    The  Fund intends to  qualify to be  treated as an  investment company under
subchapter M  of the  Code, and  intends to  continue to  so qualify.  If it  so
qualifies,  the Fund  will not  be subject  to federal  income taxes  on its net
investment income (I.E., its investment company taxable income, as that term  is
defined  in the Code, determined without  regard for the deduction for dividends
paid) and net capital gain (I.E., the excess of the Fund's net long-term capital
gain over its net short-term capital loss),  if any, that it distributes to  its
shareholders  in each taxable year, provided that it distributes at least 90% of
its net investment  income for  such taxable year.  The Fund  will, however,  be
subject  to a  nondeductible 4%  excise tax  on the  excess, if  any, of certain
required distributions of ordinary  income and net  realized capital gains  over
amounts  distributed  or deemed  distributed  by the  Fund  by the  end  of each
calendar year.  To  the extent  possible,  the  Fund intends  to  structure  its
distributions to avoid liability for this excise tax.
 
DISTRIBUTIONS
 
    Dividends paid by the Fund from its net investment income will be taxable to
shareholders  as  ordinary income,  whether received  in  cash or  in additional
shares. Distributions of  net capital gain  that are designated  by the Fund  as
"capital  gain dividends," will be taxable  to shareholders as long-term capital
gain, whether received in cash or in additional shares, regardless of the length
of time the shareholder  has owned Fund shares.  The maximum federal income  tax
rate imposed on individuals with respect to long-term capital gains is generally
limited  to  28%,  whereas  the  maximum  federal  income  tax  rate  imposed on
individuals with respect to  ordinary income (and  on short-term capital  gains,
which  are taxed at the same rates as ordinary income) is 39.6%. With respect to
corporate taxpayers,  long-term capital  gains  are taxed  at the  same  federal
income  tax  rates  as  ordinary  income  and  short-term  capital  gains.  If a
shareholder receives a capital gain dividend with respect to shares held for six
months or less,  however, any  loss on  a subsequent  sale or  exchange of  such
shares will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of such capital
gain dividend.
 
    Investors should note that under H.R. 2491, as passed by Congress and vetoed
by  President  Clinton,  individual taxpayers  would  have been  permitted  a 50
percent deduction for any capital  gains that they recognized, and  corporations
would  have been taxed  at a 28  percent rate on  capital gains, in  lieu of the
regular   corporate   rate.    The   provisions   generally    were   to    have
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
retroactive effect to January 1, 1995. It is unclear whether similar legislation
will  be included  as part of  the 1996 budget  compromise and, if  so, what the
effective date will be.
 
    Dividends paid by the  Fund to qualified  Retirement Plans, IRAs  (including
IRA  "Rollover Accounts")  or certain non-qualified  deferred compensation plans
ordinarily will not be  subject to taxation until  the proceeds are  distributed
from  the Retirement Plan. The Fund will not report dividends paid to such Plans
and IRAs to the IRS. Generally, distributions from such Retirement Plans, except
those representing  returns of  non-deductible  contributions thereto,  will  be
taxable  as  ordinary income  and, if  made  prior to  the time  the participant
reaches age 59 1/2, generally will be subject to an additional tax equal to  10%
of  the taxable  portion of  the distribution. If  the distribution  from such a
Retirement Plan (other than certain governmental or church plans) or IRA for any
taxable year following the year in which  the participant reaches age 70 1/2  is
less  than the "minimum required distribution"  for that taxable year, an excise
tax equal to 50% of the deficiency may be imposed by the IRS. The administrator,
trustee or custodian of such  a Retirement Plan or  IRA will be responsible  for
reporting  distributions from  such Plans and  IRAs to the  IRS. Participants in
qualified Retirement Plans  will receive a  disclosure statement describing  the
consequences  of a distribution from such a Plan from the administrator, trustee
or custodian of the Plan prior to receiving the distribution. Moreover,  certain
contributions  to a qualified  Retirement Plan or  IRA in excess  of the amounts
permitted by law may be subject to an excise tax.
 
    Shareholders will  be notified  annually as  to the  federal tax  status  of
dividends  and distributions from the  Fund. Because it is  expected that only a
small portion of the Fund's net  investment income will arise from dividends  on
common  or preferred stock  of domestic corporations,  no significant portion of
distributions by the  Fund, whether from  net investment income  or net  capital
gain, is expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to
corporations under the Code.
 
    Dividends  declared in October, November or December of any year, payable to
shareholders of record as of a specified date in such a month, will be deemed to
have been  received by  the shareholders  and paid  by the  Fund no  later  than
December  31, provided such  dividends are paid during  January of the following
year.
 
    Shareholders should consider the  tax implications of  buying shares of  the
Fund  prior  to a  dividend or  distribution by  the Fund.  The price  of shares
purchased at the  time may  reflect the amount  of the  forthcoming dividend  or
distribution.  Such dividend or distribution may have the effect of reducing the
net asset value of shares below a shareholder's cost and thus would be a  return
on  investment in an economic sense, but  nevertheless it will be taxable to the
shareholder.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
SALE OF SHARES
 
    A shareholder may realize a  taxable gain or loss on  the sale of shares  in
the  Fund depending  on his or  her basis in  the shares for  federal income tax
purposes. If the shares are capital  assets in the shareholder's hands the  gain
or  loss will  be treated as  a capital  gain or loss  and will  be long-term or
short-term, depending on the shareholder's holding  period for the shares. As  a
general  rule, a shareholder's  gain or loss  will be long-term  capital gain or
loss if  the shares  have been  held for  more than  one year  and a  short-term
capital  gain or loss if  the shares have been  held for one year  or less. If a
shareholder sells or otherwise disposes of a share of the Fund before holding it
for more than  six months, any  loss on the  sale or other  disposition of  such
share  shall be treated as  long-term capital loss to  the extent of any capital
gain dividends received by the shareholder with respect to such share. Any  loss
realized  on a  sale or  exchange will  be disallowed  to the  extent the shares
disposed of are replaced within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and
ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of. In such case, the basis of  the
shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
 
FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS
 
    Dividends  paid by the Fund from net investment income to a shareholder who,
as to the United States, is a  nonresident alien individual, a foreign trust  or
estate, a foreign corporation or a foreign partnership (a "foreign shareholder")
will  be subject  to United  States withholding tax  at a  rate of  30% unless a
reduced rate  of  withholding  or  a withholding  exemption  is  provided  under
applicable  treaty law. Foreign shareholders are  urged to consult their own tax
advisers concerning the applicability of  the United States withholding tax  and
any foreign taxes.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
    The  Fund may be  required to withhold federal  income tax at  a rate of 31%
("backup  withholding")  from   dividends,  distributions   from  net   realized
securities  gains, and  redemption proceeds paid  to non-corporate shareholders.
This tax  may  be  withheld  from dividends,  distributions  from  net  realized
securities  gains and redemption proceeds if (i)  the payee fails to furnish the
Fund  with  the  payee's  correct  taxpayer  identification  number  (E.G.,   an
individual's  social security number),  (ii) the IRS notifies  the Fund that the
payee has failed to report properly certain interest and dividend income to  the
IRS  and to respond to notices to that  effect, or (iii) when required to do so,
the payee fails to certify that he or she is not subject to backup  withholding.
Redemption  proceeds  may  be  subject to  withholding  under  the circumstances
described in (i) above. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts
withheld under the backup withholding rules from payments made to a  shareholder
may be credited against such shareholder's federal income tax liability.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
OTHER TAXATION
 
    The  foregoing  is  a  general and  abbreviated  summary  of  the applicable
provisions of the  Code and treasury  regulations presently in  effect. For  the
complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and
the  treasury  regulations promulgated  thereunder.  The Code  and  the treasury
regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative action either
prospectively or retroactively.
 
    Dividends from net investment income and capital gain dividends may also  be
subject to state, local and foreign taxes.
 
    Descriptions  of tax  consequences set forth  in this Prospectus  and in the
Statement of  Additional  Information  are  intended  to  be  a  general  guide.
Investors  should consult their own tax advisers regarding specific questions as
to the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of ownership of shares
of the Fund.
 
                   CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING PERFORMANCE
 
    Advertisements  and  communications  to  shareholders  may  contain  various
measures  of  the Fund's  performance,  including various  expressions  of total
return and current distribution rate.  They may occasionally cite statistics  to
reflect  its volatility or risk. Performance for each Class may be calculated on
the basis of average annual total return and/or total return. These total return
figures reflect changes in the  price of the shares  and assume that any  income
dividends  and/or  capital  gains  distributions made  by  the  Fund  during the
measuring period were reinvested in shares of the same Class. These figures also
take into  account any  applicable service  and distribution  fees.  Performance
information  for the Fund  may include the performance  of Dreyfus Capital Value
Fund, Inc., the Fund's  predecessor. Performance information  for each Class  of
shares  may also reflect performance for  time periods prior to the introduction
of such Class, and performance for such  time periods will not reflect any  fees
and  expenses payable  by such  Class that were  not borne  by the  Fund (or its
predecessor) prior to the introduction of such Class. As a result, at any  given
time, the performance of Class B and Class C should be expected to be lower than
that  of Class A and the  performance of Class A, Class  B and Class C should be
expected to be lower than  that of Class R. Performance  for each Class will  be
calculated separately.
 
    Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a standardized formula
which  assumes that  an investment  in the  Fund was  purchased with  an initial
payment of $1,000 and that  the investment was redeemed at  the end of a  stated
period  of  time,  after giving  effect  to  the reinvestment  of  dividends and
distributions during the period.  The return is expressed  as a percentage  rate
which, if applied on a compounded annual basis, would
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
result  in the  redeemable value  of the  investment at  the end  of the period.
Advertisements of the Fund's performance will include the Fund's average  annual
total  return for one,  five and ten  year periods, or  for shorter time periods
depending upon the length of time during which the Fund has operated.
 
    Total return is computed on a  per share basis and assumes the  reinvestment
of  dividends  and  distributions.  Total return  generally  is  expressed  as a
percentage rate  which  is calculated  by  combining the  income  and  principal
changes  for a specified period and dividing  by the net asset value (or maximum
offering price in the case of Class A) per share at the beginning of the period.
Advertisements may include the  percentage rate of total  return or may  include
the  value of a hypothetical  investment at the end  of the period which assumes
the application of the percentage rate of total return. Total return also may be
calculated by using the net asset value per share at the beginning of the period
instead of the maximum offering price per  share at the beginning of the  period
for Class A shares or without giving effect to any applicable CDSC at the end of
the  period for Class B  or Class C shares. Calculations  based on the net asset
value per share do not reflect the  deduction of the applicable sales charge  on
Class A shares, which, if reflected, would reduce the performance quoted.
 
    Performance will vary from time to time and past results are not necessarily
representative  of future  results. You  should remember  that performance  is a
function of portfolio management in selecting the type and quality of  portfolio
securities  and is affected by operating expenses. Performance information, such
as that  described above,  may not  provide a  basis for  comparison with  other
investments   or  other  investment  companies   using  a  different  method  of
calculating performance.
 
                                NET ASSET VALUE
 
    The net asset  value of a  share of each  Class for the  purpose of  pricing
purchase  orders and redemption orders is determined as of the close of business
on the New  York Stock Exchange  (generally 4:00  p.m., New York  time) on  each
business  day by dividing  the value of  the Fund's assets  attributable to that
Class, less the liabilities attributable to that Class, by the number of  shares
of  that Class outstanding. For purposes of determining net asset value, options
and futures contracts will be  valued 15 minutes after  the close of trading  on
the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. With the exception of certain fees and
expenses  borne pursuant to the Class A,  B and C Service and Distribution Plans
and certain other expenses attributable solely  to a particular Class, all  Fund
expenses  will be borne on  a pro rata basis  by each Class on  the basis of the
relative net assets  of the respective  Classes. See "The  Fund's Expenses"  and
"Service and Distribution Plans." As used in this Prospectus, the term "business
day" refers to those
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
days  when the Investment Adviser, the Administrator, the Transfer Agent and the
New York  Stock Exchange  are all  open for  business, which  is Monday  through
Friday except for holidays.
 
                         ORGANIZATION AND CAPITAL STOCK
 
    The  Company was incorporated in  Maryland on March 14,  1988 under the name
"Comstock  Partners  Strategy  Fund,  Inc."  The  Company  originally  commenced
operations  in  May of  1988  as a  closed-end  investment company.  The Company
converted to an open-end investment company effective as of August 1, 1991.
 
    On February 8, 1996, (i) the  Company changed its name to Comstock  Partners
Funds,  Inc.,  (ii)  Comstock  Partners Strategy  Fund,  the  Company's existing
portfolio, became a  separate portfolio of  the Company and  (iii) the Fund  was
organized  as a new  portfolio of the  Company. The Company  has entered into an
agreement with the Dreyfus Capital Value Fund, pursuant to which and subject  to
the  satisfaction of certain conditions, the Fund will acquire all of the assets
and liabilities (whether contingent or  otherwise) of the Dreyfus Capital  Value
Fund  in exchange for shares in the  Fund. The Fund will not commence operations
until the consummation of the Reorganization.
 
    The Company's  charter,  as amended,  authorizes  the issuance  of  separate
series  of shares corresponding  to shares of  multiple investment portfolios of
the Company.  As  of the  date  this Prospectus,  the  Company consists  of  two
investment portfolios: the Fund and the Comstock Partners Strategy Fund.
 
    The  authorized  capital  stock  of the  Company  consists  of 1,000,000,000
shares, par value $.001 per share.  The Fund is authorized to issue  125,000,000
Class A shares, 125,000,000 B shares, 125,000,000 Class C shares and 125,000,000
Class  R shares. Each Class A, Class B,  Class C and Class R share represents an
interest in the Fund  in proportion to  its net asset  value, and has  identical
rights  except that Class A, B and C shares bear fees and expenses on an ongoing
basis pursuant  to  the  Fund's  Class  A, Class  B  and  Class  C  Service  and
Distribution  Plans,  respectively, and  Class B  and  C shares  bear additional
incremental shareholder administrative  expenses resulting  from deferred  sales
charge arrangements. In addition, only the holders of Class A, Class B and Class
C  shares have voting rights with respect  to matters pertaining to the Class A,
Class B and Class C Service and Distribution Plans, respectively.
 
    The Company's Board of Directors may reclassify unissued shares of the  Fund
into   additional   classes   of   Common   Stock   at   a   future   date.  The
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
Fund's Board of Directors may, in  the future, authorize the issuance of  shares
of  additional  classes  of  capital  stock  representing  different  investment
portfolios.
 
    Except  as  described  above  with   respect  to  the  Fund's  Service   and
Distribution  Plans, all shares of the Fund have equal voting rights and will be
voted in  the aggregate  and  not by  class, except  where  voting by  class  is
required  by  law. Under  the corporate  law  of Maryland,  the Fund's  state of
incorporation, and the Fund's By-Laws (except  as required under the 1940  Act),
the  Fund is not required and does  not currently intend to hold annual meetings
for the election  of directors. Shareholders,  however, will have  the right  to
call  for  a special  meeting  of shareholders  if such  a  request is  made, in
writing, by shareholders entitled to cast at least 10% of the votes entitled  to
be  cast at the meeting (or by shareholders entitled to cast at least 10% of the
Class A, Class B or  Class C votes entitled to  be cast with respect to  matters
relating  to the  Class A, Class  B or  Class C Service  and Distribution Plans,
respectively). In such  cases, the Fund  will assist in  calling the meeting  as
required  under the 1940 Act. A more  complete statement of the voting rights of
shareholders is contained in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
 
    All shares of the Fund, when issued, will be fully paid and nonassessable.
 
                            REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
    The Fund  will send  unaudited reports  at least  semi-annually, and  annual
reports containing audited financial statements, to all of its shareholders.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------      -------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------      -------------------------------------
 
    NO  PERSON  HAS BEEN  AUTHORIZED  TO GIVE  ANY  INFORMATION OR  TO  MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED  IN THIS PROSPECTUS  AND, IF GIVEN  OR MADE,  SUCH
INFORMATION  OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE FUND, THE FUND'S INVESTMENT ADVISER, THE FUND'S SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISER OR
THE PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER. THE PROSPECTUS DOES  NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO  SELL
OR  A SOLICITATION  OF AN OFFER  TO BUY  ANY SECURITY OTHER  THAN THE REGISTERED
SECURITIES TO WHICH  IT RELATES NOR  DOES IT CONSTITUTE  AN OFFER TO  SELL OR  A
SOLICITATION  OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE  SECURITIES IN ANY STATE OR JURISDICTION OF
THE UNITED STATES OR ANY COUNTRY IN WHICH SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.  NEITHER
THE  DELIVERY OF THIS  PROSPECTUS NOR ANY  SALE MADE HEREUNDER  SHALL CREATE ANY
IMPLICATION THAT  INFORMATION  CONTAINED  HEREIN  IS  CORRECT  AS  OF  ANY  TIME
SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             PAGE
                                             -----
<S>                                       <C>
Prospectus Summary......................           2
The Fund's Expenses.....................           7
Financial Highlights....................           9
Alternative Purchase Methods............          11
The Fund................................          13
Investment Objective and Policies.......          14
Investment Restrictions.................          27
Risk Factors............................          28
Management Arrangements.................          33
Purchase of Fund Shares.................          36
Additional Shareholder Services.........          44
Redemption of Shares....................          50
Service and Distribution Plans..........          56
Dividends, Distributions and
 Taxes..................................          58
Certain Information Regarding
 Performance............................          62
Net Asset Value.........................          63
Organization and Capital Stock..........          64
Reports to Shareholders.................          65
</TABLE>
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                               COMSTOCK PARTNERS
                               CAPITAL VALUE FUND
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                             ---------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                             ---------------------
 
- -------------------------------------      -------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------      -------------------------------------
<PAGE>

                                                       Rule 497(c)
                                   File Nos. 33-40771 and 811-5502

                      COMSTOCK PARTNERS CAPITAL VALUE FUND
                         10 Exchange Place, Suite 2010,
                       Jersey City, New Jersey 07302-3913
                                 (201) 332-4436

                       ----------------------------------

                                 April 16, 1996

                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     Comstock Partners Capital Value Fund (the "Fund") is a professionally
managed, diversified portfolio of Comstock Partners Funds, Inc. (the "Company"),
an open-end investment company. The investment objective of the Fund is to
maximize total return, consisting of capital appreciation and current income.
The Fund invests in a wide rage of equity and debt securities and money market
instruments.

     The Fund has four classes of shares, Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R
shares.

     This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and is only
authorized for distribution when preceded or accompanied by the Fund's
Prospectus dated April 16, 1996 (which may be revised from time to time) 
(the "Prospectus"). This Statement of Additional Information contains additional
information to that set forth in the Prospectus and should be read in
conjunction with the Prospectus, additional copies of which may be obtained
without charge by sending your request in writing to 144 Glenn Curtis Boulevard,
Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or by calling 1-800-554-4611.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            PAGE
Description of Bond and Commercial Paper Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
Additional Information Concerning Portfolio Activities . . . . . . . . . . .   3
Investment Restrictions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
Management Arrangements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
Purchase of Fund Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
Redemption of Fund Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
Shareholder Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
Service and Distribution Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23
Portfolio Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
Additional Information Concerning Taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
Performance Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
Net Asset Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29
Capital Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
Custodian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
Experts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31
Other Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31
Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31


                                        1

<PAGE>

                DESCRIPTION OF BOND AND COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

     A rating by a rating service represents the service's opinion as to the
credit quality of the security being rated. However, the ratings are general and
are not absolute standards of quality or guarantees as to the 
creditworthiness 
of an issuer. Consequently, Comstock Partners, Inc., the Fund's investment
adviser (the "Investment Adviser") believes that the quality of debt securities
in which the Fund invests should be continuously reviewed and that individual
analysts give different weightings to the various factors involved in credit
analysis. A rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security,
because it does not take into account market value or suitability for a
particular investor. When a security has received a rating from more than one
service, each rating is evaluated independently. Ratings are based on current
information furnished by the issuer or obtained by the rating services from
other sources that they consider reliable. Ratings may be changed, suspended or
withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information, or
for other reasons. The Investment Adviser will utilize Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and/or Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, a division of
The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P") for determining the applicable ratings.

BONDS

     Bonds rated Aa by Moody's are judged by Moody's to be of high quality by
all standards. Together with bonds rated Aaa (Moody's highest rating), they
comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds. Aa bonds are rated lower
than Aaa bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as those of Aaa
bonds, or fluctuations of protective elements may be of greater amplitude, or
there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear
somewhat larger than those applicable to Aaa securities. Bonds which are rated A
by Moody's possess many favorable investment attributes and are considered upper
medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are
considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility
to impairment sometime in the future.

     Moody's Baa rated bonds are considered medium-grade obligations, I.E., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal
security appear adequate for the present, but certain protective elements may be
lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time.
Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have
speculative characteristics as well.

     Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements because
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class, because the protection of interest and
principal payments may be very moderate and not well safeguarded.

     Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of a desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the security over any long period of time may be small. Bonds
which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such securities may be in default or
there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
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.
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.

     Bonds rated AA by S&P have a very strong capacity to pay interest and
principal and differ only in a small degree from issues rated AAA (S&P's highest
rating). Bonds rated AAA are considered by S&P to be the highest grade
obligations and have an extremely strong capacity to pay interest and principal.
Bonds rated A by S&P have a strong capacity to pay principal and interest,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions.

     S&P's BBB rated bonds are regarded as having adequate capacity to pay
interest and principal. Although these bonds normally exhibit adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are
more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and principal.

     Bonds rated-BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and principal
in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the lowest degree
of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such bonds may
have some quality and protective


                                        2
<PAGE>


characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions.  Bonds rated D are in default, and payment of
interest and/or principal is in arrears.

COMMERCIAL PAPER

     Moody's:  The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating
assigned by Moody's. Issuers (or related supporting institutions) rated Prime-1
are considered to have a superior capacity for repayment of short-term
promissory obligations.  Issuers (or related supporting institutions) rated
Prime-2 have a strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory
obligations.  Issuers (or related supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an
acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.

     S&P:  Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety
regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those issues
determined to possess overwhelmingly safe characteristics are denoted A-l+.
Capacity for timely payment on issues with an A-2 designation is strong.
However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated
A-1.  Issues carrying an A-3 designation have a satisfactory capacity for timely
payment.  They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.



             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PORTFOLIO ACTIVITIES

OPTIONS, FUTURES AND CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

     The Fund is not a commodity pool and all futures transactions engaged in by
the Fund must constitute bona fide hedging in accordance with the Commodity
Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"); provided, however, that the Fund
may enter into futures contracts or options thereon for purposes other than bona
fide hedging if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the amount of its initial
margin and premiums on open contracts and options would not exceed 5% of the
liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio; provided further, that in case of an
option that is in-the-money at the time of the purchase, the in-the-money amount
may be excluded in calculating the 5% limitation. Because the 5% limitation
applies only at the time the Fund enters into a futures contract or option
thereon, the value of futures contracts and options thereon may be significantly
more or less than 5% of the value of the Fund's portfolio. The Fund may write
covered call or put options on securities and stock indices and purchase put and
call options on securities and stock indices for speculative purposes. In
addition, through the writing of covered options and the purchase of options and
the purchase and sale of stock index futures contracts, interest rate futures
contracts and related options on such futures contracts, the Investment Adviser
may at times seek to hedge against a decline in the value of securities included
in the Fund's portfolio or an increase in the price of securities which it plans
to purchase for the Fund; PROVIDED, that the value of all futures contracts
sold by the Fund will not exceed the total market value of the Fund's portfolio
securities; and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that with respect to all futures contracts
traded by the Fund, the Fund will establish a segregated account consisting of
cash or cash equivalents in an amount equal to the total market value of such
futures contracts less the amount of initial margin on deposit for such
contracts. Expenses and losses incurred as a result of such hedging strategies
will reduce the Fund's current return.

     The ability of the Fund to engage in the options and futures strategies
described below will depend on the availability of liquid markets in such
instruments. It is impossible to predict the amount of trading interest that may
exist in various types of options or futures. In addition, daily limits on price
fluctuations on exchanges on which the Fund conducts its futures and options
transactions may prevent the prompt liquidation of positions at the optimal
time, thus subjecting the Fund to the potential of losses. Therefore no
assurance can be given that the Fund will be able to utilize these instruments
effectively for the purposes stated below. Furthermore, the Fund's ability to
engage in options and futures transactions may be limited by tax considerations.
Options and futures transactions may involve certain risks which are described
below.

     In connection with transactions in stock index futures contracts, interest
rate futures contracts and options thereon written by the Fund on such futures
contracts, the Fund will be required to deposit as "initial margin" an amount of
cash


                                        3

<PAGE>


and short-term United States Government securities equal to 5% to 8% of the
contract amount. Thereafter, subsequent payments (referred to as "variation
margin") are made to and from the broker to reflect changes in the value of the
futures contract.

     WRITING COVERED OPTIONS ON SECURITIES. The Fund may write call options and
put options on optionable securities of the types in which it is permitted to
invest from time to time as its Investment Adviser determines is appropriate in
seeking to attain its objectives. Call options written by the Fund give the
holder the right to buy the underlying securities from the Fund at a stated
exercise price; put options give the holder the right to sell the underlying
security to the Fund at a stated price.

     The Fund may only write covered options, which means that, so long as the
Fund is obligated as the writer of a call option, it will own the underlying
securities subject to the option (or comparable securities satisfying the cover
requirements of securities exchanges). In the case of put options, the Fund will
maintain in a separate account cash or short-term United States Government
securities with a value equal to or greater than the exercise price of the
underlying securities. The Fund may also write combinations of covered puts and
calls on the same underlying security.

     The Fund intends to treat certain options in respect of specific securities
that are not traded on a securities exchange and the securities underlying
covered call options written by the Fund as illiquid securities. See "Certain
Additional Investments and Investment Strategies -- Illiquid Securities" in the
Prospectus.

     The Fund will receive a premium from writing a put or call option, which
increases the Fund's return in the event the option expires unexercised or is
closed out at a profit. The amount of the premium will reflect, among other
things, the relationship of the market price of the underlying security to the
exercise price of the option, the term of the option and the volatility of the
market price of the underlying security. By writing a call option, the Fund
limits its opportunity to profit from any increase in the market value of the
underlying security above the exercise price of the option. By writing a put
option, the Fund assumes the risk that it may be required to purchase the
underlying security for an exercise price higher than its then current market
value, resulting in a potential capital loss if the purchase price exceeds the
market value plus the amount of the premium received, unless the security
subsequently appreciates in value.

     The Fund may terminate an option that it has written prior to its
expiration by entering into a closing purchase transaction in which it purchases
an option having the same terms as the option written. The Fund will realize a
profit or loss from such transaction if the cost of such transaction is less or
more than the premium received from the writing of the option. In the case of a
put option, any loss so incurred may be partially or entirely offset by the
premium received from a simultaneous or subsequent sale of a different put
option. Because increases in the market price of a call option will generally
reflect increases in the market price of the underlying security, any loss
resulting from the repurchase of a call option is likely to be offset in whole
or in part by unrealized appreciation of the underlying security owned by the
Fund.

          Options written ordinarily will have expiration dates between one and
nine months from the date written.  The exercise price of the options may be
below, equal to or above the market values of the underlying securities at the
time the options are written.  In the case of call options, these exercise
prices are referred to as "in-the-money," "at-the-money" and "out-of-the-money,"
respectively.  The Fund may write (a) in-the-money call options when the
Investment Adviser expects that the price of the underlying security will remain
stable or decline moderately during the option period, (b) at-the-money call
options when the Investment Adviser expects that the price of the underlying
security will remain stable or advance moderately during the option period and
(c) out-of-the-money call options when the Investment Adviser expects that the
premiums received from writing the call option plus the appreciation in market
price of the underlying security up to the exercise price will be greater than
the appreciation in the price of the underlying security alone.  In these
circumstances, if the market price of the underlying security declines and the
security is sold at this lower price, the amount of any realized loss will be
offset wholly or in part by the premium received.  Out-of-the-money,
at-the-money and in-the-money put options (the reverse of call options as to the
relation of exercise price to market price) may be utilized in the same market
environments that such call options are used in equivalent transactions.

          So long as the Fund's obligation as the writer of an option continues,
the Fund may be assigned an exercise notice by the broker-dealer through which
the option was sold, requiring the Fund to deliver, in the case of a call, or
take delivery of, in the case of a put, the underlying security against payment
of the exercise price.  This obligation terminates when the option expires or
the Fund effects a closing purchase transaction.  The Fund can no longer effect
a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option once it has been
assigned an exercise notice.


                                        4

<PAGE>


     PUT AND CALL OPTIONS ON SECURITIES. The Fund may purchase put options for
speculative purposes or to protect its portfolio holdings in an underlying
security against a decline in market value. Such hedge protection is provided
during the life of the put option since the Fund, as holder of the put option,
is able to sell the underlying security at the put exercise price regardless of
any decline in the underlying security's market price. In order for a put option
to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must decline
sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction
costs. By using put options for hedging purposes, the Fund will reduce any
profit it might otherwise have realized on its underlying security by the
premium paid for the put option and by transaction costs.

     The Fund may also purchase call options for speculative purposes or to
hedge against an increase in prices of securities that it wants ultimately to
buy. Such hedge protection is provided during the life of the call option since
the Fund, as holder of the call option, is able to buy the underlying security
at the exercise price regardless of any increase in the underlying security's
market price. In order for a call option to be profitable, the market price of
the underlying security must rise sufficiently above the exercise price to cover
the premium and transaction costs. By using call options for hedging purposes,
the Fund will reduce any profit it might have realized had it bought the
underlying security at the time it purchased the call option by the premium paid
for the call option and by transaction costs.

     Alternatively, the Investment Adviser may purchase a call or a put option
on a security in lieu of an actual investment in, or disposition of, a
particular security if it expects an increase or a decrease, as the case may be,
in the price of the security.

     The purchase of an option entails a risk of loss of the entire investment
because an option may become worthless upon expiration.

     An option position may be closed out only if a secondary market for an
option of the same series exists on a recognized national securities exchange or
in the over-the-counter market.  Because of this fact and current trading
conditions, the Fund expects to purchase only call or put options issued by the
Options Clearing Corporation.  The Fund expects to write options on national
securities exchanges and in the over-the-counter market.

     While it may choose to do otherwise, the Fund generally will purchase or
write only those options for which the Investment Adviser believes there is an
active secondary market so as to facilitate closing transactions. There is no
assurance that sufficient trading interest to create a liquid secondary market
on a securities exchange will exist for any particular option or at any
particular time, and for some options no such secondary market may exist.  A
liquid secondary market in an option may cease to exist for a variety of
reasons.  In the past, for example, higher than anticipated trading activity or
order flow, or other unforeseen events, at times have rendered certain clearing
facilities inadequate and resulted in the institution of special procedures,
such as trading rotations, restrictions on certain types of orders or trading
halts or suspensions in one or more options.  There can be no assurance that
similar events, or events that may otherwise interfere with the timely execution
of customers' orders, will not recur.  In such event, it might not be possible
to effect closing transactions in particular options.  If, as a covered call
option writer, the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a
secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the
option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise or it
otherwise covers its position.

     PURCHASE AND SALE OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS ON STOCK INDICES. The
Fund may purchase put and call options and write covered put and call options on
stock indices for speculative purposes or as a hedge against movements in the
equity markets. The Fund may also purchase and sell stock index futures
contracts for speculative purposes or as a hedge against movements in the equity
markets.

     Options on stock indices are similar to options on specific securities
except that, rather than the right to take or make delivery of the specific
security at a specific price, an option on a stock index ordinarily gives the
holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if
the closing level of that stock index is greater than, in the case of a call, or
less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount
of cash is equal to such difference between the closing price of the index and
the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified
multiple. The writer of the option is obligated, in return for the premium
received, to make delivery of this amount. Unlike options on specific
securities, all settlements of options on stock indices are in cash and gain or
loss depends on general movements in stock included in the index rather than
price movements in particular stocks. When the Fund writes an option on a stock
index, it will establish a segregated account with the Fund's custodian in which
it will deposit cash or cash equivalents or a combination thereof in an amount
equal to the market value of the option, and it will maintain


                                        5

<PAGE>


the account while the option is open. As indicated above, the purchase of an
option entails a risk of loss of the entire investment because an option may
become worthless upon expiration.

     A stock index futures contract is an agreement in which one party agrees to
deliver to the other an amount of cash equal to a specific amount times the
difference between the value of a specific stock index at the close of the last
trading day of the contract and the price at which the agreement is made. No
physical delivery of securities is made.

     If the Investment Adviser expects general stock market prices to rise, it
might purchase a call option on a stock index or a futures contract on that
index as a hedge against an increase in prices of particular equity securities
it wants ultimately to buy. If in fact the stock index does rise, the price of
the particular equity securities intended to be purchased may also increase, but
that increase would be offset in part by the increase in the value of the Fund's
index option or futures contract resulting from the increase in the index. If,
on the other hand, the Investment Adviser expects general stock market prices to
decline, it might purchase a put option or sell a futures contract on the index.
If that index does in fact decline, the value of some or all of the equity
securities in the Fund's portfolio may also be expected to decline, but that
decrease would be offset in part by the increase in the value of the Fund's
position in such put option or futures contract.

     Alternatively, the Investment Adviser may purchase a call or a put option
(or buy or sell a futures contract) on a stock index in lieu of an actual
investment in, or disposition of, particular equity securities if it expects an
increase or a decrease, as the case may be, in general stock market prices.

     PURCHASE AND SALE OF INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Fund may purchase
and sell interest rate futures contracts on United States Treasury bills, notes
and bonds for speculative purposes or to hedge its portfolio of fixed income
securities against the adverse effects of anticipated movements in interest
rates.

     The Fund may sell interest rate futures contracts in anticipation of an
increase in the general level of interest rates. Generally, as interest rates
rise, the market value of the fixed income securities held by the Fund will
fall, thus reducing the net asset value of the Fund. This interest rate risk can
be reduced without employing futures contracts as a hedge by selling long-term
fixed income securities and either reinvesting the proceeds in securities with
shorter maturities or by holding assets in cash. This strategy, however, entails
increased transaction costs in the form of dealer spreads and brokerage
commissions and would typically reduce the Fund's average yield as a result of
the shortening of maturities.

      The sale of interest rate futures contracts provides an alternative means
of hedging against rising interest rates. As rates increase, the value of the
Fund's short position in the futures contracts will also tend to increase, thus
offsetting all or a portion of the depreciation in the market value of the
Fund's investments which are being hedged. While the Fund will incur commission
expenses in selling and closing out futures positions (which is done by taking
an opposite position which operates to terminate the position in the futures
contract), commissions on futures transactions are lower than the transaction
costs incurred in the purchase and sale of portfolio securities.

     The Fund may purchase interest rate futures contracts in anticipation of a
decline in interest rates when it is not fully invested in debt securities it
intends to purchase. As such purchases are made, the Fund intends that an
equivalent amount of futures contracts will be closed out.

     Alternatively, the Investment Adviser may buy or sell an interest rate
futures contract in lieu of an actual investment in, or disposition of,
particular fixed income securities if it expects an increase or a decrease, as
the case may be, in interest rates.

     OPTIONS ON STOCK INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS AND INTEREST RATE FUTURES
CONTRACTS. The Fund may purchase call and put options and write covered call and
put options on stock index and interest rate futures contracts. The Fund may use
such options on futures contracts for speculative purposes or in connection with
its hedging strategies in lieu of purchasing and writing options directly on the
underlying securities or stock indices or purchasing and selling the underlying
futures. For example, the Fund may purchase put options or write call options on
stock index futures contracts or interest rate futures contracts, rather than
selling futures contracts, in anticipation of a decline in general stock market
prices or rise in interest rates, respectively, or purchase call options or
write covered put options on stock index or interest rate futures contracts,
rather than purchasing such futures contracts, to hedge against possible
increases in the price of equity securities or debt securities, respectively,
which the Fund intends to purchase.


                                        6

<PAGE>


     FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may enter into forward foreign
currency exchange contracts ("forward contracts") for speculative purposes or to
attempt to minimize the risk to the Fund from adverse changes in the
relationship between the United States dollar and foreign currencies. A forward
contract is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed
price at a future date which is individually negotiated and privately traded by
currency traders and their customers. The Fund may enter into a forward contract
for hedging purposes, for example, when it enters into a contract for the
purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency in order to
"lock in" the United States dollar price of the security. Likewise, for example,
when the Fund believes that a foreign currency may suffer a substantial decline
against the United States dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell
an amount of that foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the
Fund's portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency, or when the
Fund believes that the United States dollar may suffer a substantial decline
against a foreign currency, it may enter into a forward contract to buy that
foreign currency for a fixed dollar amount. This second investment practice is
generally referred to as "cross-hedging." The Fund may enter into a forward
contract for speculative purposes in order to seek to take advantage of changes
in the relative values of two currencies which the Investment Adviser believes
may occur. Because in connection with the Fund's foreign currency forward
transactions an amount of the Fund's assets equal to the amount of the purchase
will be held aside or segregated to be used to pay for the commitment, the Fund
will always have cash, cash equivalents or readily marketable securities
available that are sufficient to cover any commitments under these contracts or
to limit any potential risk. If the value of the securities placed in the
segregated account declines, additional cash or securities will be placed in the
account so that the value of the account will equal the amount of the Fund's
commitment with respect to the contract.  The segregated account will be
maintained with the Fund's custodian or a sub-custodian and marked-to-market on
a daily basis. While these contracts are not currently regulated by the CFTC,
the CFTC may in the future assert authority to regulate forward contracts. In
such event, the Fund's ability to utilize forward contracts in the manner set
forth above may be restricted. Forward contracts may limit potential gain from a
positive change in the relationship between the United States dollar and foreign
currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer
overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in such contracts.

     The Fund may purchase put and call options and write covered call and put
options on foreign currencies for speculative purposes or for the purpose of
protecting against declines in the dollar value of foreign portfolio securities
and against increases in the dollar cost of foreign securities to be acquired.
As is the case with other kinds of options, however, the writing of an option on
foreign currency for hedging purposes will constitute only a partial hedge, up
to the amount of the premium received, and the Fund could be required to
purchase or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby
incurring losses. The purchase of an option on foreign currency may constitute
an effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates although, in the event
of rate movements adverse to the Fund's position, the Fund may forfeit the
entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs. Options on foreign
currencies to be written or purchased by the Fund will be traded on United
States and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter.

      The Fund may enter into exchange-traded contracts for the purchase or sale
for future delivery of foreign currencies ("foreign currency futures
contracts"). This investment technique may be used for speculative purposes or
to hedge against anticipated future changes in exchange rates which otherwise
might adversely affect the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or adversely
affect the prices of securities that the Fund intends to purchase at a later
date. The successful use of foreign currency futures contracts will depend, in
part, on the Investment Adviser's ability to forecast currency exchange rate
movements correctly. Should exchange rates move in an unexpected manner, the
Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of foreign currency futures
contracts or may realize losses. The costs, limitations and risks associated
with transactions in foreign currency futures contracts are similar to those
associated with other types of futures contracts discussed in this Statement of
Additional Information under "Options, Futures and Currency Transactions."

     The cost to the Fund of engaging in currency transactions varies with
factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the
market conditions then prevailing. Because transactions in currency exchange are
usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The
use of forward currency exchange contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in
the underlying prices of the securities, but it does establish a rate of
exchange that can be achieved in the future.

     If a devaluation is generally anticipated, the Fund may not be able to
contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it
anticipates. The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment
company under the


                                        7

<PAGE>


Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), may cause the Fund to
restrict the degree to which it engages in currency transactions. See
"Additional Information Concerning Taxes."

     RISK FACTORS IN DERIVATIVES TRANSACTIONS. Derivatives transactions involve
special risks, including possible default by the other party to the transaction,
illiquidity, increased volatility in the Fund's net asset value and, to the
extent the Investment Adviser's view as to certain market movements is
incorrect, the risk that the use of such instruments could result in
substantially greater losses than if it had not been used. Use of put and call
options could result in losses to the Fund, force the purchase or sale of
portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices higher or lower than
current market values, or cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise
sell. The use of currency transactions could result in the Fund's incurring
losses as a result of the imposition of exchange controls, suspension of
settlements, or the inability to deliver or receive a specified currency in
addition to exchange rate fluctuations. The use of options and futures
transactions entails certain special risks. In particular, in the case of
hedging, the variable degree of correlation between price movements of options
or futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio position of
the Fund could create the possibility that losses on the instrument will be
greater than gains in the value of the Fund's position. In addition, futures and
options markets could be illiquid in some circumstances and certain
over-the-counter options could have no markets. The Fund might not be able to
close out certain positions without incurring substantial losses. To the extent
the Fund utilizes futures and options transactions for hedging, such
transactions should tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the
value of the hedged position and, at the same time, limit any potential gain to
the Fund that might result from an increase in value of the position. Finally,
the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts create a greater
ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of options, in which case
the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium and transaction
costs. Losses resulting from the use of options, futures or currency
transactions will reduce the Fund's net asset value, and possibly income, and
the losses may be greater than if such instruments had not been used.


SHORT-SELLING

     The Fund may engage in short-selling. Until the Fund replaces a borrowed
security in connection with a short sale, the Fund will: (a) maintain daily a
segregated account, containing cash or U.S. Government securities, at such a
level that (i) the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited
with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold
short and (ii) the amount deposited in the segregated account plus the amount
deposited with the broker as collateral will not be less than the market value
of the security at the time it was sold short; or (b) otherwise cover its short
position.


BANK OBLIGATIONS

     Domestic commercial banks organized under Federal law are supervised and
examined by the Comptroller of the Currency and are required to be members of
the Federal Reserve System and to have their deposits insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"). Domestic banks organized under state
law are supervised and examined by state banking authorities but are members of
the Federal Reserve System only if they elect to join. In addition, state banks
whose certificates of deposit ("CDs") may be purchased by the Fund are insured
by the FDIC (although such insurance may not be of material benefit to the Fund,
depending upon the principal amount of the CDs of each bank held by the Fund)
and are subject to Federal examination and to a substantial body of Federal law
and regulation. As a result of Federal or state laws and regulations, domestic
branches of domestic banks generally are required, among other things, to
maintain specified levels of reserves, are limited in the amounts which they can
loan to a single borrower and are subject to other regulation designed to
promote financial soundness. However, not all such laws and regulations apply to
foreign branches of domestic banks.

     Obligations of foreign branches of domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries of
domestic banks and domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, such as CDs
and time deposits ("TDs"), may be general obligations of the parent banks in
addition to the issuing branches, or may be limited by the terms of a specific
obligation and governmental regulation. Such obligations are subject to
different risks than are those of domestic banks. These risks include foreign
economic and political developments, foreign governmental restrictions that may
adversely affect payment of principal and interest on the obligations, foreign
exchange controls and foreign withholding and other taxes on interest income.
Foreign branches


                                        8

<PAGE>


and subsidiaries are not necessarily subject to the same or similar regulatory
requirements that apply to domestic banks, such as mandatory reserve
requirements, loan limitations, and accounting, auditing and financial
recordkeeping requirements. In addition, less information may be publicly
available about a foreign branch of a domestic bank or about a foreign bank than
about a domestic bank.

     Obligations of United States branches of foreign banks may be general
obligations of the parent banks in addition to the issuing branches, or may be
limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by Federal or state regulation
as well as governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its
head office. A domestic branch of a foreign bank with assets in excess of $1
billion may be subject to reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve
System or by the state in which the branch is located if the branch is licensed
in that state. In addition, Federal branches licensed by the Comptroller of the
Currency and branches licensed by certain states ("State Branches") may be
required to:  (1) pledge to the regulator, by depositing assets with a
designated bank within the state, a certain percentage of their assets as fixed
from time to time by the appropriate regulatory authority; and (2) maintain
assets within the state in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the
aggregate amount of liabilities of the foreign bank payable at or through all of
its agencies or branches within the state. The deposits of Federal and State
Branches generally must be insured by the FDIC if such branches take deposits of
less than $100,000.

     In view of the foregoing factors associated with the purchase of CDs and
TDs issued by foreign branches of domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries of
domestic banks, foreign branches of foreign banks or domestic branches of
foreign banks, the Investment Adviser carefully evaluate such investments on a
case-by-case basis.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

     The Fund's custodian or sub-custodian will have custody of, and will hold
in a segregated account, securities acquired by the Fund under a repurchase
agreement. Repurchase agreements are considered by the staff of the Securities
and Exchange Commission to be loans by the Fund. In an attempt to reduce the
risk of incurring a loss on a repurchase agreement, the Fund will enter into
repurchase agreements only with domestic banks with total assets in excess of
one billion dollars, or primary government securities dealers reporting to the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York, with respect to securities of the type in
which the Fund may invest, and will require that additional securities be
deposited with it if the value of the securities purchased should decrease below
the resale price. The Sub-Investment Adviser will monitor on an ongoing basis
the value of the collateral to assure that it always equals or exceeds the
repurchase price. The Fund will consider on an ongoing basis the
creditworthiness of the institutions with which it enters into repurchase
agreements.

BRADY BONDS

     The Brady Plan framework, as it has developed, contemplates the exchange of
external commercial bank debt for newly issued bonds (Brady Bonds). Brady Bonds
may also be issued in respect of new money being advanced by existing lenders in
connection with the debt restructuring. Brady Bonds issued to date generally
have maturities of between 15 and 30 years from the date of issuance. The
following emerging market countries have issued Brady Bonds: Argentina, Brazil,
Bulgaria, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jordan, Mexico, Nigeria,
the Philippines, Poland, Uruguay and Venezuela. In addition, other countries may
announce plans to issue Brady Bonds in the future. The Fund may invest in Brady
Bonds of emerging market countries that have been issued to date, as well as
those which may be issued in the future.


                                        9

<PAGE>


     Agreements implemented under the Brady Plan to date are designed to achieve
debt and debt-service reduction through specific options negotiated by a debtor
nation with its creditors. As a result, the financial packages offered by each
country differ. The types of options have included the exchange of outstanding
commercial bank debt for bonds issued at 100% of face value of such debt which
carry a below-market stated rate of interest (generally known as par bonds),
bonds issued at a discount from the face value of such debt (generally known as
discount bonds), bonds bearing an interest rate which increases over time and
bonds issued in exchange for the advancement of new money by existing lenders.
Discount bonds issued to date under the framework of the Brady Plan have
generally borne interest computed semiannually at a rate equal to 13/16 of one
percent above the then current six month LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate).
Regardless of the stated face amount and stated interest rate of the various
types of Brady Bonds, the Fund will purchase Brady Bonds in secondary markets,
as described below, in which the price and yield to the investor reflect market
conditions at the time of purchase. Brady Bonds issued to date have traded at a
deep discount from their face value. Certain sovereign bonds are entitled to
"value recovery payments" in certain circumstances, which in effect constitute
supplemental interest payments but generally are not collateralized. Certain
Brady Bonds have been collateralized as to principal due at maturity (typically
15 to 30 years from the date of issuance) by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds
with a maturity equal to the final maturity of such Brady Bonds, although the
collateral is not available to investors until the final maturity of the Brady
Bonds. Collateral purchases are financed by the International Monetary Fund, the
World Bank and the debtor nations' reserves. In addition, interest payments on
certain types of Brady Bonds may be collateralized by cash or high-grade
securities in amounts that typically represent between 12 and 18 months of
interest accruals on these instruments with the balance of the interest accruals
being uncollateralized. Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four
valuation components:  (i) the collateralized repayment of principal at final
maturity; (ii) the collateralized interest payments; (iii) the uncollateralized
interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at
maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the "residual risk"). The
Fund may purchase Brady Bonds with no or limited collateralization, and will be
relying for payment of interest and (except in the case of principal
collateralized Brady Bonds) principal primarily on the willingness and ability
of the foreign government to make payment in accordance with the terms of the
Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds issued to date are purchased and sold in secondary
markets through U.S. securities dealers and other financial institutions and are
generally maintained through European transnational securities depositories.

ZERO COUPON SECURITIES AND DISCOUNT OBLIGATIONS

     When a zero coupon security is held to maturity, its entire return, which
consists of the amortization of discount, comes from the difference between its
purchase price and its maturity value. This difference is known at the time of
purchase, so that investors holding zero coupon securities until maturity know
at the time of their investment what the expected return on their investment
will be.

     Zero coupon securities and Discount Obligations tend to be subject to
greater price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates than are
ordinary interest-paying debt securities with similar maturities. The value of
zero coupon securities and Discount Obligations appreciates more during periods
of declining interest rates and depreciates more during periods of rising
interest rates than ordinary interest-paying debt securities with similar
maturities. Under current federal income tax law, the Fund is required to accrue
as income each year a portion of the original issue discount with respect to
zero coupon securities and other securities issued at a discount to the stated
redemption price. Accordingly, the Fund may have to dispose of portfolio
securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate current cash
to satisfy certain distribution requirements. See "Additional Information
Concerning Taxes."

STRUCTURED INVESTMENTS

      Issuers of structured investments are typically organized by investment
banking firms which receive fees in connection with establishing each issuing
entity and arranging for the placement of its securities. This type of
restructuring of investment characteristics involves the deposit with or
purchase by an entity, such as a corporation or trust, of specified instruments
(such as Brady Bonds) and the issuance by that entity of one or more classes of
securities backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments.
The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly
issued structured investments to create securities with different investment
characteristics such as varying maturities, payment priorities or interest rate
provisions; the extent of the payments made with respect to structured
investments is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying
instruments. Because structured investments


                                       10


<PAGE>


of the type in which the Fund anticipates investing typically involve no credit
enhancement, their credit risk will generally be equivalent to that of the
underlying instruments.

     Certain issuers of structured investments may be deemed to be "investment
companies" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund's investment in these structured investments
may be limited by the restrictions contained in the 1940 Act described under
"Investment Objective and Policies" in the Fund's Prospectus. Structured
investments are typically sold in private placement transactions, and there
currently is no active trading market for structured investments.

PREFERRED STOCK

      As a general rule, the market value of preferred stock with a fixed
dividend rate and no conversion element varies inversely with interest rates and
perceived credit risk. Because preferred stock is junior to debt securities and
other obligations of the issuer, deterioration in the credit quality of the
issuer will cause greater changes in the value of a preferred stock than in a
debt security with similar stated yield characteristics.

CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES

     Convertible securities are fixed income securities that may be converted
into or exchanged for, at either a stated price or stated rate, underlying
shares of common stock. Convertible securities have general characteristics
similar to both fixed income and equity securities. Although to a lesser extent
than with fixed income securities generally, the market value of convertible
securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to
increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion
feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with
fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stocks and therefore
also will react to variations in the general market for equity securities. A
unique feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the
underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade
increasingly on a yield basis, and so may not experience market value declines
to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the
underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend
to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock. While no
securities investments are without risk, investments in convertible securities
generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.

     As fixed income securities, convertible securities are investments that
provide for a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than common
stocks. However, like all fixed income securities, there can be no assurance of
current income because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on
their obligations. Convertible securities, however, generally offer lower
interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality
because of the potential for capital appreciation. A convertible security, in
addition to providing fixed income, offers the potential for capital
appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables the holder to benefit
from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. There can be
no assurance of capital appreciation, however, because securities prices
fluctuate. Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar
but non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds,
as corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity
securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock of the
same issuer. Because of the subordination feature, however, convertible
securities typically have lower ratings than similar non-convertible securities.

WARRANTS

     The value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the
underlying securities and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised
prior to its expiration date. The Fund may invest up to 5% of the value of its
net assets in warrants for equity securities, but will not invest more than 2%
of the value of its net assets in warrants which are not listed on the New York
or American Stock Exchange.

DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

     Depositary Receipts evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by
either a non-U.S. or a U.S. corporation that have been deposited with a
depositary or custodian bank. Depositary Receipts may be issued in connection
with an offering of securities by the issuer of the underlying securities or
issued by a depositary bank as a vehicle to promote


                                       11


<PAGE>


investment and trading in the underlying securities. ADRs are receipts issued by
U.S. banks or trust companies in respect of securities of non-U.S. issuers held
on deposit for use in the U.S. securities markets. GDRs, EDRs and other types of
Depositary Receipts are typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company and
traded principally in the U.S. and other international markets.

RULE 144A SECURITIES

     As indicated in the Prospectus, the Fund may purchase certain restricted
securities ("Rule 144A Securities") for which there is a secondary market of
qualified institutional buyers, as contemplated by Rule 144A under the
Securities Act of 1933. Rule 144A provides an exemption from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act for the resale of certain restricted
securities to qualified institutional buyers.

     One effect of Rule 144A is that certain restricted securities may now be
liquid, though there is no assurance that a liquid market for Rule 144A
securities will develop or be maintained. The Board of Directors has adopted
policies and procedures for the purpose of determining whether securities that
are eligible for resale under Rule 144A are liquid or illiquid for purposes of
the Fund's 15% limitation on investment in illiquid securities. Pursuant to
those policies and procedures, the Board of Directors has delegated to the
Investment Adviser the determination as to whether a particular security is
liquid or illiquid, requiring that consideration be given to, among other
things, the frequency of trades and quotes for the security, the number of
dealers willing to sell the security and the number of potential purchasers,
dealer undertakings to make a market in the security, the nature of the security
and the time needed to dispose of the security. The Board of Directors
periodically reviews the Fund's purchases and sales of Rule 144A securities and
the Investment Adviser's compliance with the above procedures.

LOAN PARTICIPATION AND ASSIGNMENTS

     When the Fund purchases Assignments from Lenders it will acquire direct
rights against the borrower on the Loan (as such terms, and other capitalized
terms used in this paragraph, are defined in the Prospectus). Because
Assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential
assignees and potential assignors, however, the rights and obligations acquired
by the Fund as the purchaser of an Assignment may differ from, and be more
limited than, those held by the assigning Lender. The assignability of certain
Sovereign Debt Obligations is restricted by the governing documentation as to
the nature of the assignee such that the only way in which the Fund may acquire
an interest in a Loan is through a Participation and not an Assignment. The Fund
may have difficulty disposing of Assignments and Participations because to do so
it will have to assign such securities to a third party. Because there is no
established secondary market for such securities, the Fund anticipates that such
securities could be sold only to a limited number of institutional investors.
The lack of an established secondary market may have an adverse impact on the
value of such securities and the Fund's ability to dispose of particular
Assignments or Participations when necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs
or in response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the
creditworthiness of the borrower. The lack of an established secondary market
for Assignments and Participations also may make it more difficult for the Fund
to assign a value to these securities for purposes of valuing the Fund's
portfolio and calculating its net asset value. The Fund will not invest more
than 15% of the value of its net assets in Participations and Assignments that
are illiquid, and in other illiquid securities.


LEVERAGE THROUGH BORROWING

     For borrowings for investment purposes; the 1940 Act requires 
the Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total 
assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) 
of 300% of the amount borrowed. If the 300% asset coverage should
decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, the Fund may be
required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days to reduce the
debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous
from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time. The Fund also may
be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such
borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit;
either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the
stated interest rate. To the extent the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase
agreement, the Fund will maintain in a segregated custodial account cash or U.S.
Government securities or other high quality liquid debt securities at least
equal to the aggregate amount of its reverse repurchase obligations, plus
accrued



                                       12
<PAGE>


interest, in certain cases, in accordance with releases promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Securities and Exchange Commission views
reverse repurchase transactions as collateralized borrowings by the Fund.


LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES

     To a limited extent, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers,
dealers and other financial institutions, provided it receives cash collateral
which at all times is maintained in an amount equal to at least 100% of the
current market value of the securities loaned. By lending its portfolio
securities, the Fund can increase its income through the investment of the cash
collateral. For the purposes of this policy, the Fund considers collateral
consisting of U.S. Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit issued
by banks whose securities meet the standards for investment by the Fund to be
the equivalent of cash. Such loans may not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the
Fund's total assets. From time to time, the Fund may return to the borrower or a
third party which is unaffiliated with the Fund, and which is acting as a
"placing broker," a part of the interest earned from the investment of
collateral received for securities loaned.

     The Securities and Exchange Commission currently requires that the
following conditions must be met whenever portfolio securities are loaned:  (i)
the Fund must receive at least 100% cash collateral from the borrower; (ii) the
borrower must increase such collateral whenever the market value of the
securities rises above the level of such collateral; (iii) the Fund must be able
to terminate the loan at any time; (iv) the Fund must receive reasonable
interest on the loan, as well as any dividends, interest or other distributions
payable on the loaned securities, and any increase in market value; (v) the Fund
may pay only reasonable custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (vi)
while voting rights on the loaned securities may pass to the borrower, the
Fund's Directors must terminate the loan and regain the right to vote the
securities if a material event adversely affecting the investment occurs. These
conditions may be subject to future modification.

CERTAIN RISK FACTORS

     LOWER RATED SECURITIES. The Fund is permitted to invest in securities rated
below Baa by Moody's and below BBB by S&P. Such securities, though higher
yielding, are characterized by risk. See "Description of the Fund--Risk Factors"
in the Prospectus for a discussion of certain risks and "Description of Bond and
Commercial Paper ratings" herein for a general description of Moody's and S&P
ratings. Although ratings may be useful in evaluating the safety of interest and
principal payments, they do not evaluate the market value risk of these
securities. The Fund will rely on the Investment Adviser's judgment, analysis
and experience in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issuer. In this
evaluation, the Investment Adviser will take into consideration, among other
things, the issuer's financial resources, its sensitivity to economic conditions
and trends, its operating history, the quality of the issuer's management and
regulatory matters. It also is possible that a rating agency might not timely
change the rating on a particular issue to reflect subsequent events. Once the
rating of a security in the Fund's portfolio has been changed, the Investment
Adviser will consider all circumstances deemed relevant in determining whether
the Fund should continue to hold the security.

     Investors should be aware that the market values of many of these
securities tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than are higher
rated securities and will fluctuate over time. These securities are considered
by S&P and Moody's, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to
capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the
obligation and generally will involve more credit risk than securities in the
higher rating categories.

     Companies that issue certain of these securities often are highly leveraged
and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing.
Therefore, the risk associated with acquiring the securities of such issuers
generally is greater than is the case with higher rated securities. For example,
during an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates,
highly leveraged issuers of these 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 also may be affected adversely by specific corporate developments or
the issuer's inability to meet specific projected business forecasts, or the
unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss because of default by
the issuer is significantly greater for the holders of these securities because
such securities generally are unsecured and often are subordinated to other
creditors of the issuer.


                                       13

<PAGE>


     Because there is no established retail secondary market for many of these
securities, the Investment Adviser anticipates that such securities could be
sold only to a limited number of dealers or institutional investors. To the
extent a secondary trading market for these securities does exist, it generally
is not as liquid as the secondary market for higher rated securities. The lack
of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on market price and
yield and the Fund's ability to dispose of particular issues when necessary to
meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event such
as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The lack of a liquid
secondary market for certain securities also may make it more difficult for the
Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing the Fund's
portfolio and calculating its net asset value. Adverse publicity and investor
perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the
values and liquidity of these securities. In such cases, judgment may play a
greater role in valuation because less reliable, objective data may be
available.

     These securities may be particularly susceptible to economic downturns. It
is likely that any economic recession could disrupt severely the market for such
securities and may have an adverse impact on the value of such securities. In
addition, it is likely that any such economic downturn could adversely affect
the ability of the issuers of such securities to repay principal and pay
interest thereon and increase the incidence for default for such securities.

     The Fund may acquire these securities during an initial offering. Such
securities may involve special risks because they are new issues. The Fund has
no arrangement with any persons concerning the acquisition of such securities,
and the Investment Adviser will review carefully the credit and other
characteristics pertinent to such new issues.

     Lower rated zero coupon securities and pay-in-kind bonds, in which the Fund
may invest up to 5% of its total assets, involve special considerations. Such
zero coupon securities, pay-in-kind or delayed interest bonds carry an
additional risk in that, unlike bonds which pay interest throughout the period
to maturity, the Fund will realize no cash until the cash payment date unless a
portion of such securities are sold and, if the issuer defaults, the Fund may
obtain no return at all on its investment. See "Additional Information
Concerning Taxes."

     INVESTING IN SOVEREIGN DEBT OBLIGATIONS OF EMERGING MARKET COUNTRIES.
Investing in Sovereign Debt Obligations involves economic and political risks.
The Sovereign Debt Obligations in which the Fund will invest in most cases
pertain to countries that are among the world's largest debtors to commercial
banks, foreign governments, international financial organizations and other
financial institutions. In recent years, the governments of some of these
countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their external debt
obligations, which led to defaults on certain obligations and the restructuring
of certain indebtedness. Restructuring arrangements have included, among other
things, reducing and rescheduling interest and principal payments by negotiating
new or amended credit agreements or converting outstanding principal and unpaid
interest to Brady Bonds, and obtaining new credit to finance interest payments.
Certain governments have not been able to make payments of interest on or
principal of Sovereign Debt Obligations as those payments have come due.
Obligations arising from past restructuring agreements may affect the economic
performance and political and social stability of those issuers. The ability of
governments to make timely payments on their obligations is likely to be
influenced strongly by the issuer's balance of payments, including export
performance, and its access to international credits and investments. 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 those commodities.
Increased protectionism on the part of a country's trading partners also could
adversely affect the country's exports and diminish its trade account surplus,
if any. To the extent that a country receives payment for its exports in
currencies other than dollars, its ability to make debt payments denominated in
dollars could be adversely affected.

     To the extent that a country develops a trade deficit, it will need to
depend on continuing loans from foreign governments, multilateral organizations
or private commercial banks, aid payments from foreign governments and on
inflows of foreign investment. The access of a country to these forms of
external funding may not be certain, and a withdrawal of external funding could
adversely affect the capacity of a government to make payments on its
obligations. In addition, the cost of servicing debt obligations can be affected
by a change in international interest rates since the majority of these
obligations carry interest rates that are adjusted periodically based upon
international rates.

     Central banks and other governmental authorities which control the
servicing of Sovereign Debt Obligations may not be willing or able to permit the
payment of the principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of
the obligations. As a result, the issuers of Sovereign Debt Obligations may
default on their obligations. Defaults on certain Sovereign Debt Obligations
have occurred in the past. Holders of certain Sovereign Debt Obligations may be
requested to participate in the restructuring and rescheduling of these
obligations and to extend further loans to the issuers. There


                                       14


<PAGE>


interests of holders of Sovereign Debt Obligations could be adversely affected
in the course of restructuring arrangements or by certain other factors referred
to below. Furthermore, some of the participants in the secondary market for
Sovereign Debt Obligations also may be directly involved in negotiating the
terms of these arrangements and, therefore, may have access to information not
available to other market participants.

     The Fund is permitted to invest in Sovereign Debt Obligations that are not
current in the payment of interest or principal or are in default, so long as
the Investment Adviser believes it to be consistent with the Fund's investment
objective. The Fund may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default
with respect to certain Sovereign Debt Obligations it holds. Bankruptcy,
moratorium and other similar laws applicable to issuers of Sovereign Debt
Obligations may be substantially different from those applicable to issuers of
private debt obligations. The political context, expressed as the willingness of
an issuer of Sovereign Debt Obligations to meet the terms of the debt
obligation, for example, is of considerable importance. In addition, no
assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest
payments to the holders of securities issued by foreign governments in the event
of default under commercial bank loan agreements.

     Another factor bearing on the ability of a country to repay Sovereign Debt
Obligations is the level of the country's international reserves. Fluctuations
in the level of these reserves can affect the amount of foreign exchange readily
available for external debt payments and, thus, could have a bearing on the
capacity of the country to make payments on its Sovereign Debt Obligations.

     Expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization, political, economic
or social instability or other similar developments, such as military coups,
have occurred in the past in countries in which the Fund will invest and could
adversely affect the Fund's assets should these conditions or events recur.

     Foreign investment in certain Sovereign Debt Obligations is restricted or
controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls at times may limit
or preclude foreign investment in certain Sovereign Debt Obligations and
increase the costs and expenses of the Fund. Certain countries in which the Fund
will invest require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign
persons, limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular
issuer, limit the investment by foreign persons only to a specific class of
securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes
available for purchase by domiciliaries of the countries and/or impose
additional taxes on foreign investors.

     In addition, if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments,
the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances.
The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any
required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the
application to the Fund of any restrictions on investments. Investing in local
markets may require the Fund to adopt special procedures, seek local government
approvals or take other actions, each of which may involve additional costs to
the Fund.

                             INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

     In addition to the restrictions described under "Investment Restrictions"
in the Prospectus, the Fund may not:

          1.   Make loans to others, except through the purchase of debt
     obligations or the entry into repurchase agreements. However, the Fund may
     lend its portfolio securities in any amount not to exceed 33 1/3% of the
     value of its total assets. Any loans of portfolio securities will be made
     according to guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange
     Commission and the Fund's Board of Directors.

          2.   Purchase securities on margin, but the Fund may obtain such
     short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and
     sales of securities.

          3.   Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts.

          4.   Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent
     necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the
     deposit of assets in escrow or similar arrangements in connection with
     portfolio transactions, such as in connection with writing covered options
     and the purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis


                                       15


<PAGE>


     and collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect 
     to options, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and 
     options on futures contracts or indices, or in connection with the 
     purchase of any securities on margin for purposes of Investment 
     Restriction No. 2 above.

          5.   Purchase the obligations of any issuer if such purchase would
     cause more than 5% of the value of its total assets to be invested in
     securities of such issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's
     total assets may be invested, and obligations issued or guaranteed by the
     U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities may be purchased,
     without regard to such limitations.

          6.   Purchase, hold or deal in real estate, but this shall not
     prohibit the Fund from investing in securities of companies engaged in
     real estate activities or investments.

          7.   Underwrite securities of other issuers, except insofar as the 
     Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933 in 
     selling portfolio securities.

     The Fund has adopted restriction 3 above in order to comply with certain 
state securities laws. In these laws, the term "commodity contract" is 
defined as a "contract or option providing for the delivery or receipt at a 
future date of a specified amount and grade of a traded commodity at a 
specified price and delivery point." None of the transactions described in 
the Fund's prospectus under the caption "Certain Additional Investments and 
Investment Strategies - Derivaties Transactions - Options, Futures and 
Currencies" and in this Statement of Additional Information under the caption 
"Additional Information Concerning Portfolio Activities - Options, Futures and
Currency Transactions" (other than certain transactions involving securities
or indices of securities, which the Fund does not consider to be "commodities"
for purposes of this restriction) involves the delivery or receipt of a
commodity; all such transactions are settled by means of cash payments.
Accordingly, such transactions are not subject to restriction 3 above.

     The fundamental investment restrictions set forth above, together with
those described in the Prospectus, may not be changed without the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities,
as defined under "Capital Stock" in this Statement of Additional Information.

     In addition to the fundamental investment restrictions of the Fund set
forth above, the Fund's Board of Directors has adopted the following investment
restrictions in order to comply with certain legal requirements. The following
restrictions are not fundamental policies of the Fund and may be changed by the
Fund's Board of Directors without the approval of shareholders. The Fund may
not:

          1.   Purchase the securities of any issuer if such purchase would
     cause the Fund to hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities
     of such issuer. This restriction applies only with respect to 75% of the
     Fund's assets.

          2.   Purchase securities of any company having less than three years'
     continuous operations (including operations of any predecessors) if such
     purchase would cause the value of the Fund's investments in all such
     companies to exceed 5% of the value of its total assets.

          3.   Purchase securities of investment companies except (a) in the
     open market where no commission except the ordinary broker's commission
     is paid, which purchases are limited to a maximum of (i) 3% of the total
     voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of its net assets with
     respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10% of its net assets in
     the aggregate, or (b) those received as part of a merger or consolidation.

          4.   Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if the officers
     or directors of the Fund, its Investment Adviser or Sub-Investment Adviser
     who individually own beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of
     such issuer together own beneficially more than 5% of the securities of
     such issuer.

          5.   Invest in the securities of a company for the purpose of
     exercising management or control, but the Fund will vote the securities it
     owns in its portfolio as a shareholder in accordance with its views.

          6.   Purchase, sell or write puts, calls or combinations thereof,
     except as described in the Fund's Prospectus and this Statement of
     Additional Information.

          7.   Invest more than 2% of the value of the Fund's net assets in
     warrants which are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange or American
     Stock Exchange, or more than 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets in
     warrants regardless of whether so listed.


          8.   Invest in interests in oil, gas or mineral exploration or
     development programs.

          9.   Enter into repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more
     than seven days after notice or purchase securities which are illiquid, if,
     in the aggregate, more that 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets would
     be so invested.

     If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time an investment is
made, a later increase in percentage resulting from a change in values or assets
will not constitute a violation of such restriction. However, in the event 
that asset coverage on any borrowing falls below the level required by Section 
18 of the 1940 Act the Fund will reduce its borrowings to the extent it is 
required to do so by Section 18(f)(1) of the 1940 Act.

     The Fund may make commitments more restrictive than the restrictions listed
above so as to permit the sale of Fund shares in certain states. Should the Fund
determine that a commitment is no longer in the best interests of the Fund and


                                       16

<PAGE>


its shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to revoke the commitment by
terminating the sale of Fund shares in the state involved.

                             MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     The Board of Directors of the Company is responsible for the overall
management and operation of the Fund. The directors and executive officers of
the Company and their principal occupations during the last five years are set
forth below.

                                                      PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS, AND AGE      POSITION(S) WITH FUND     DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- ----------------------      ---------------------     -----------------------

*Stanley D. Salvigsen       Director, Chairman of     Director, Chairman of
10 Exchange Place           the Board, Chief          the Board and Chief
Suite 2010                  Executive Officer and     Executive Officer of
Jersey City, NJ 07302-3913  Member of Executive       Comstock Partners, Inc.
53 years old                Committee                 since November 1986.

*Charles L. Minter          Director, Vice Chairman   Director, Vice Chairman
10 Exchange Place           of the Board,             of the Board and
Suite 2010                  President, Secretary      Secretary of Comstock
Jersey City, NJ 07302-3913  and Member of Executive   Partners, Inc. since
54 years old                Committee                 January 1987, and
                                                      President of Comstock
                                                      Partners, Inc. since
                                                      March 1994.

M. Bruce Adelberg           Director, Member of       Consultant, MBA Research
33 Channel Lane             Audit Committee           Group and Director of
Salem, SC 29676                                       Carrols Corporation
58 years old                                          (food services) and
                                                      Carrols Holdings, Inc.

E.W. Kelley                 Director, Member of       Managing General
777 Third Avenue            Audit Committee           Partner, Kelley &
New York, NY 10017                                    Partners, Ltd. (consumer
78 years old                                          products and services).
                                                      Chairman, Consolidated
                                                      Products, Inc. (food
                                                      services).

Sven B. Karlen, Jr.         Director,                 General Partner of
Grandview Partners, L.P.    Member of                 Grandview Partners, L.P.
One Financial Center        Audit Committee           (investments)
Boston, MA 02111
52 years old

Robert M. Smith             Director, Member of       President and Director,
Ansbacher (Dublin)          Audit Committee           Ansbacher (Dublin) Asset
Asset Management Ltd.                                 Management Ltd.
420 Lexington Avenue,
Suite 2531
New York, NY 10170
65 years old

*Troy Hottenstein           Secretary                 Chief Operating Officer
10 Exchange Place                                     and, since 1991,
Suite 2010                                            Research Analyst at
Jersey City, NJ 07302-3913                            Comstock Partners, Inc.
27 years old

*Robert C. Ringstad         Vice President,           Vice President
10 Exchange Place           Treasurer and Chief       Operations--Regent
Suite 2010                  Financial Officer         Investor Services
Jersey City, NJ 07302-3913
65 years old


                                       17

<PAGE>


- ---------------
*    Interested person as defined in the 1940 Act, because of affiliations with
     Comstock Partners, Inc., the Investment Adviser.

     For so long as the Class A or Class C Service and Distribution Plan remains
in effect, the Directors of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the
Company, as defined in the 1940 Act, will be selected and nominated by the
Directors who are not "interested persons" of the Company.

     The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company exercises
all of the powers and authority of the Board of Directors between meetings of
the Board of Directors.

     The Company pays each non-interested director a fee of $20,000 per year
(consisting of $10,000 per portfolio of the Company), and reimburses each such
director for expenses of attendance.

     No Director of the Company serves as a director of any other investment
company advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation, the Fund's sub-
investment adviser. None of the Company's officers, nor any affiliated persons
of the Company, received aggregate compensation in excess of $60,000 from the
Company during the fiscal year ended April 30, 1995. For the fiscal year ended
April 30, 1995, the aggregate amount of fees and expenses received by each
Director from the Company were as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       PENSION OR
                                                       RETIREMENT                                 TOTAL
                                                        BENEFITS            ESTIMATED         COMPENSATION
                                    AGGREGATE        ACCRUED AS PART     ANNUAL BENEFITS      FROM COMPANY
                                  COMPENSATION         OF COMPANY             UPON            PAID TO BOARD
NAME OF BOARD MEMBER              FROM COMPANY*         EXPENSES           RETIREMENT            MEMBER*
- --------------------              -------------      ---------------     ---------------      ------------
<S>                               <C>                <C>                 <C>                  <C>

Stanley D. Salvigsen                    0                   0                   0                   0

Charles L. Minter                       0                   0                   0                   0

M. Bruce Adelberg**                     0                   0                   0                   0

Robert M. Goodyear, Jr.              $16,500                0                   0                $16,500

Sven B. Karlen, Jr.**                   0                   0                   0                   0

E. W. Kelley                         $16,500                0                   0                $16,500

Bruce C. Lueck                       $16,500                0                   0                $16,500

Robert M. Smith                      $17,000                0                   0                $17,000


</TABLE>

- --------------
*    Amount does not include reimbursed expenses for attending Board meetings,
which amounted to $8,980.44 for the Company.

**   Mr. Adelberg and Mr. Karlen were not Directors of the Fund during the
fiscal year ended April 30, 1995.


     As of January 17, 1996, the following entities were known by the
Dreyfus Capital Value Fund (the predecessor to the Fund) to own, of record
or beneficially, 5% or more of the Dreyfus Capital Value Fund's outstanding
voting securities: Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated was
the record owner of 25.5692% of the outstanding Class A shares, and 30.8266%
of the outstanding Class B shares, of the Dreyfus Capital Value Fund; 
Bell Childrens Trust was the record owner of 62.1406% and Everen Clearing
Corporation was the record owner of 28.3089% of the Dreyfus Capital Value
Fund's outstanding Class C shares; and Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
was the beneficial owner of 100% of the Dreyfus Capital Value Fund's
outstanding Class R shares. Each named entity has been deemed to be a "control
person" as defined in the 1940 Act. Upon consummation of the Reorganization,
these shareholders would own similar percentages of the Comstock Capital
Value Fund's outstanding classes of shares. In addition, upon consummation of
the Reorganization, the officers and directors of the Fund will own less than
1% of each Class of the Fund.


INVESTMENT ADVISER

     The Company, on behalf of the Fund, has engaged the Investment Adviser to
provide professional investment management for the Fund pursuant to an
Investment Advisory Agreement, to be dated as of the effective date of the
Reorganization (as defined herein), between the Fund and the Investment Adviser
(the "Investment Advisory Agreement"). Unless earlier terminated as described
below, the Investment Advisory Agreement will remain in effect until two years
from the date of its effectiveness and from year to year thereafter if approved
annually (i) by a majority of the non-interested directors of the Fund (as
defined in the 1940 Act) and (ii) by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by a
majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act). The
Investment Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty on 60 days'
written notice by either party thereto or by vote of the stockholders of the
Fund, and will terminate automatically on assignment.


                                       18


<PAGE>

     The Company (including the Fund) may, so long as the Investment Advisory
Agreement remains in effect, use "Comstock" as part of its name. The Investment
Adviser may, upon termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, require the
Company (including the Fund) to refrain from using the name "Comstock" in any
form or combination in its name or in its business.

     If expenses borne by the Fund in any fiscal year exceed expense limitations
imposed by applicable state securities regulations, the Investment Adviser will
reimburse the Fund for any such excess to the extent required by such
regulations in an amount not to exceed the Investment Adviser's annual fee.
Certain expenses such as brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses
and interest are excluded from such limitations, and the expenses incurred by
Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund pursuant to the Fund's Class A,
Class B and Class C Service and Distribution Plans, respectively, are included
within such expenses only to the extent required by any state in which the
Fund's shares are qualified for sale. California is the only state which
currently imposes such an expense limitation. The limitation is 2.5% of the
first $30 million of average net assets, 2.0% of the next $70 million of average
net assets and 1.5% of the remaining average net assets.

SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISER AND ADMINISTRATOR

     The Company, on behalf of the Fund, has engaged The Dreyfus Corporation
(the "Sub-Investment Adviser") to provide sub-investment advisory and
administrative services pursuant to a Sub-Investment Advisory and Administration
Agreement to be dated the effective date of the Reorganization (the
"Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement"). The Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement will
remain in effect until two years from the date of its effectiveness and from
year to year thereafter if approved annually (i) by a majority of the
non-interested directors (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund and (ii) by
the Board of Directors of the Fund or by a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement may
be terminated without penalty on 60 days' written notice, by either party
thereto, by the Fund or by vote of the stockholders of the Fund, and will
terminate automatically on assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

     Under the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Investment Adviser is
obligated to waive, reduce or refund its fees received from the Company on
behalf of the Fund if and to the extent that the Investment Adviser has waived,
reduced or refunded all of the fees it was entitled to receive during the period
expense limitations, applicable to the Fund and imposed by state securities
laws, were exceeded and the Fund continues to exceed those limitations.

FUND EXPENSES

     Except for the expenses borne by the Investment Adviser, the Sub-Investment
Adviser and the Administrator and the Distributor (as described below) pursuant
to their respective agreements, the Fund will pay all expenses incurred in
connection with its operation, including, among other things, organizational
costs, taxes, interest, loan commitment fees, interest and distributions paid on
securities sold short, brokerage fees and commissions, if any, Securities and
Exchange Commission fees and Blue Sky qualification fees, fees and expenses of
non-interested directors, officers' and employees' fees (other than officers or
employees of the Investment Advisor, the Sub-Investment Advisor or any affiliate
thereof), investment and sub-investment advisory fees, charges of custodians,
transfer and dividend disbursing agents' fees, certain insurance premiums,
industry association fees, outside auditing and legal expenses, costs of
maintaining the Company's or the Fund's existence, payments to service
organizations, costs of independent pricing services, costs of preparing and
printing prospectuses and statements of additional information for regulatory
purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders, costs of shareholder
reports and meetings and any extraordinary expenses. Expenses attributable
solely to a particular Class, including the additional incremental shareholder
administrative expenses resulting from the Class B and Class C deferred sales
charge arrangements, are borne exclusively by that Class. In addition, the
Class A shares of the Fund bear certain servicing expenses in accordance with
the Class A Service and Distribution Plan, and the Class B and Class C shares
of the Fund bear certain servicing and distribution expenses in accordance with
the Class B and Class C Service and Distribution Plans. See "Service and
Distribution Plans."


                                       19


<PAGE>


                             PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES

THE DISTRIBUTOR

     Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. serves as the Fund's distributor on a 
best efforts basis (the "Distributor") pursuant to an agreement which is
renewable annually. The Distributor also acts as distributor for the Comstock 
Partners Strategy Fund, for funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds and for
certain other investment companies.

TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE

     TELETRANSFER purchase orders may be made at any time. Purchase orders 
received by 4:00 P.M., New York time, on any business day that Dreyfus 
Transfer, Inc., the Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent (the 
"Transfer Agent"), and the New York Stock Exchange are open for business will 
be credited to the shareholder's Fund Account on the next bank business day 
following such purchase order. Purchase orders made after 4:00 P.M., New York 
time, on any business day the Transfer Agent and the New York Stock Exchange 
are open for business, or orders made on Saturday, Sunday or any Fund holiday 
(e.g., when the New York Stock Exchange is not open for business), will be 
credited to the shareholder's Fund account on the second bank business day 
following such purchase order. To qualify to use the TELETRANSFER Privilege, 
payments for purchase of Fund shares must be drawn on, and redemption 
proceeds paid to, the same bank and account as is designated on the Account 
Application or Shareholder Services Form on file. If the proceeds of a 
particular redemption are to be wired to an account at any other bank, the 
request must be in writing and signature-guaranteed. See "Redemption of Fund 
Shares--Stock Certificates; Signatures."

SALES LOADS-CLASS A

     The scale of sales loads applies to purchases of Class A shares made by any
"purchaser," which term includes an individual and/or spouse purchasing
securities for his, her or their own account or for the account of any minor
children, or a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing securities for a single
trust estate or a 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) although more than one beneficiary is involved; or a
group of accounts established by or on behalf of employees of an employer or
affiliated employers pursuant to an employee benefit plan or other program
(including accounts established pursuant to Sections 403(b), 408(k) and 457 of
the Code); or an organized group which has been in existence for more than six
months, provided that it is not organized for the purpose of buying redeemable
securities of a registered investment company and provided that the purchases
are made through a central administration or a single dealer, or by other means
which result in economy of sales effort or expense. The term "purchaser" shall
not include an individual and/or spouse purchasing securities for his, her or
their own account or for the account of any minor children and such individual
and/or spouse purchasing securities on behalf of his or her IRA, Keogh Plan, or
403(b)(7) Plan to the extent such 403(b)(7) Plan is subject to the provisions of
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"),
custodial account or under certain employee benefit plans or other programs due
to concerns that such aggregation might constitute a prohibited transaction
under the Code or ERISA.


                                       20

<PAGE>

                            REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES

WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE

     By using this Privilege, the investor authorizes the Transfer Agent to act
on wire or telephone redemption instructions from any person representing
himself or herself to be the investor or a representative of the investor's
Service Agent, and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine.
Ordinarily, the Fund will initiate payment for shares redeemed pursuant to this
Privilege on the next business day after receipt if the Transfer Agent receives
the redemption request in proper form and the price for such payment will be at
the next determined net asset value following such redemption request.
Redemption proceeds will be transferred by Federal Reserve wire only to the
commercial bank account specified by the investor on the Account Application or
Shareholder Services Form. Redemption proceeds, if wired, must be in the amount
of $1,000 or more and will be wired to the investor's account at the bank of
record designated in the investor's file at the Transfer Agent, if the
investor's bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System, or to a correspondent
bank if the investor's bank is not a member. Fees ordinarily are imposed by such
bank and usually are borne by the investor. Immediate notification by the
correspondent bank to the investor's bank is necessary to avoid a delay in
crediting the funds to the investor's bank account.

     Investors with access to telegraphic equipment may wire redemption requests
to the Transfer Agent by employing the following transmittal code which may be
used for domestic or overseas transmissions:


                                               TRANSFER AGENT'S
                 TRANSMITTAL CODE              ANSWER BACK SIGN
                 ----------------              ----------------
                      144295                   144295 TSSG PREP

     Investors who do not have direct access to telegraphic equipment may have
the wire transmitted by contacting a TREED Cables operator at 1-800-654-7171,
toll free. Investors should advise the operator that the above transmittal code
must be used and should also inform the operator of the Transfer Agent's answer
back sign.

     To change the commercial bank or account designated to receive wire
redemption proceeds, a written request must be sent to the Transfer Agent. This
request must be signed by each shareholder, with each signature guaranteed as
described below under "Stock Certificates; Signatures."

REDEMPTIONS IN KIND

     The Board of Directors reserves the right to make payments in whole or in
part in securities or other assets of the Fund in case of an emergency or any
time a cash distribution would impair the liquidity of the Fund to the detriment
of the existing shareholders. In such event, the securities would be valued in
the same manner as the Fund's portfolio is valued. If the recipient sold such
securities, brokerage charges would be incurred.

SUSPENSION OF REDEMPTIONS

     The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed
(a) during any period when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than
customary weekend and holiday closings), (b) when trading in the markets the
Fund ordinarily utilizes is restricted, or when an emergency exists as
determined by the SEC so that disposal of the Fund's investments or
determination of its net asset value is not reasonably practicable, or (c) for
such other periods as the SEC by order may permit to protect the Fund's
shareholders.

STOCK CERTIFICATES; SIGNATURES

     Any certificates representing Fund shares to be redeemed must be submitted
with the redemption request. Written redemption requests must be signed by each
shareholder, including each holder of a joint account, and each signature must
be guaranteed. Signatures on endorsed certificates submitted for redemption also
must be guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted standards and procedures
pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper form generally will be


                                       21

<PAGE>


accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national
securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and
savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock
Exchange Medallion Signature Program, the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion
Program ("STAMP") and the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program. Guarantees must be
signed by an authorized signatory of the guarantor and "Signature-Guaranteed"
must appear with the signature. The Transfer Agent may request additional
documentation from corporations, executors, administrators, trustees or
guardians and may accept other suitable verification arrangements from foreign
investors, such as consular verification. For more information with respect to
signature-guarantees, please call 1-800-645-6561.

                              SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE

     Shares of other funds purchased by exchange will be purchased on the basis
of relative net asset value per share as follows:

     A.   Exchanges for shares of funds that are offered without a sales load
          will be made without a sales load.

     B.   Shares of funds purchased without a sales load may be exchanged for
          shares of other funds sold with a sales load, and the applicable sales
          load will be deducted.

     C.   Shares of funds purchased with a sales load may be exchanged without a
          sales load for shares of other funds sold without a sales load.

     D.   Shares of funds purchased with a sales load, shares of funds acquired
          by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a sales load and
          additional shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or
          distributions of any such funds (collectively referred to herein as
          "Purchased Shares") may be exchanged for shares of other funds sold
          with a sales load (referred to herein as "Offered Shares"), provided
          that, if the sales load applicable to the Offered Shares exceeds the
          maximum sales load that could have been imposed in connection with the
          Purchased Shares (at the time the Purchased Shares were acquired),
          without giving effect to any reduced loads, the difference will be
          deducted.

     E.   Shares of funds subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC")
          that are exchanged for shares of another fund will be subject to the
          higher applicable CDSC of the two funds, and for purposes of
          calculating CDSC rates and conversion periods, if any, will be deemed
          to have been held since the date the shares being exchanged were
          initially purchased.

     To accomplish an exchange under item D above, shareholders must notify the
Transfer Agent of their prior ownership of such fund shares and their account
number.

     To request an exchange, an investor or the investor's Service Agent acting
on the investor's behalf must give exchange instructions to the Transfer Agent
in writing or by telephone. The ability to issue exchange instructions by
telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless the investor
checks the applicable "No" box on the Account Application, indicating that the
investor specifically refuses this Privilege. By using the Telephone Exchange
Privilege, the investor authorizes the Transfer Agent to act on telephonic
instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be the investor
or a representative of the investor's Service Agent, and reasonably believed by
the Transfer Agent to be genuine. Telephone exchanges may be subject to
limitations as to the amount involved or the number of telephone exchanges
permitted. Shares issued in certificate form are not eligible for telephone
exchange.

     Exchanges of Class R shares held by a Retirement Plan may be made only
between the investor's Retirement Plan account in one fund and such investor's
Retirement Plan account in another fund.

     To establish a Personal Retirement Plan by exchange, shares of the fund
being exchanged must have a value of at least the minimum initial investment
required for shares of the fund into which the exchange is being made. For
Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs and IRAs set up under a Simplified Employee
Pension Plan ("SEP-IRAs") with only one participant, the minimum initial
investment is $750. To exchange shares held in corporate plans, 403(b)(7) Plans

                                       22


<PAGE>


and SEP-IRAs with more than one participant, the minimum initial investment is
$100 if the plan has at least $2,500 invested among shares of the funds in the
Dreyfus Family of Funds. To exchange shares held in personal retirement plans,
the shares exchanged must have a current value of at least $100.

AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE

     The Auto-Exchange Privilege permits an investor to purchase, in exchange
for shares of the Fund, shares of another fund advised or administered by the
Sub-Investment Adviser. This Privilege is available only for existing accounts.
With respect to Class R shares held by a Retirement Plan, exchanges may be made
only between the investor's Retirement Plan account in one fund and such
investor's Retirement Plan account in another fund. Shares will be exchanged on
the basis of relative net asset value as described above under "Exchange
Privilege."  Enrollment in or modification or cancellation of this Privilege is
effective three business days following notification by the investor. An
investor will be notified if his account falls below the amount designated to be
exchanged under this Privilege. In this case, an investor's account will fall to
zero unless additional investments are made in excess of the designated amount
prior to the next Auto-Exchange transaction. Shares held under IRA and other
retirement plans are eligible for this Privilege. Exchanges of IRA shares may be
made between IRA accounts and from regular accounts to IRA accounts, but not
from IRA accounts to regular accounts. With respect to all other retirement
accounts, exchanges may be made only among those accounts.

          The Exchange Privilege and the Auto-Exchange Privilege are available
to shareholders resident in any state in which shares of the fund being acquired
may legally be sold. Shares may be exchanged only between accounts having
identical names and other identifying designations.

          Shareholder Services Forms and prospectuses of other funds may be
obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
exchange request in whole or in part. The Fund Exchanges service or the Auto-
Exchange Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time upon notice to
shareholders.

AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN

     The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits an investor with a $5,000 minimum
account to request withdrawal of a specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on
either a monthly or quarterly basis. Withdrawal payments are the proceeds from
sales of Fund shares, not the yield on the shares. If withdrawal payments exceed
reinvested dividends and distributions, the investor's shares will be reduced
and eventually may be depleted. An Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be established
by completing the appropriate application available from the Distributor. The 
Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time by the investor, the 
Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for which certificates have been issued 
may not be redeemed through the Automatic Withdrawal Plan. Class B or Class C 
shares withdrawn pursuant to the Automatic Withdrawal Plan will be subject to 
any applicable CDSC.

DIVIDEND SWEEP

     The Dividend Sweep privilege allows investors to invest on the payment date
their dividends or dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, from the
Fund in shares of another fund advised or administered by the Sub-Investment
Adviser of which the investor is a shareholder. Shares of other funds purchased
pursuant to the Dividend Sweep will be purchased on the basis of relative net
asset value per share as follows:

     A.   Dividends and distributions paid by a fund may be invested without
          imposition of a sales load in shares of other funds that are offered
          without sales load.

     B.   Dividends and distributions paid by a fund which does not charge a
          sales load may be invested in shares of other funds sold with a sales
          load, and the applicable sales load will be deducted.

     C.   Dividends and distributions paid by a fund which charges a sales load
          may be invested in shares of other funds sold with a sales load
          (referred to herein as "Offered Shares"), provided that, if the sales
          load applicable to the Offered Shares exceeds the maximum sales load
          charged by the fund from which dividends or distributions are being
          swept, without giving effect to any reduced loads, the difference will
          be deducted.


                                       23

<PAGE>


     D.   Dividends and distributions paid by a fund may be invested in shares
          of other funds that impose a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC")
          and the applicable CDSC, if any, will be imposed upon redemption of
          such shares.

CORPORATE PENSION/PROFIT-SHARING AND PERSONAL RETIREMENT PLANS

     The Fund makes available to corporations a variety of prototype pension and
profit sharing plans, including a 401(k) Salary Reduction Plan. In addition, the
Fund makes available Keogh Plans, IRAs, including SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover
Accounts," and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services are also available. For
details, please call toll free 1-800-358-5566.

     Investors who wish to purchase Fund shares in conjunction with a Keogh
Plan, a 403(b)(7) Plan or an IRA, including a SEP-IRA, may request from the
Distributor forms for adoption of such plans.

     The entity acting as custodian for Keogh Plans, 403(b)(7) Plans or IRAs may
charge a fee, payment of which could require the liquidation of shares. All fees
charged are described in the appropriate form.

     SHARES MAY BE PURCHASED IN CONNECTION WITH THESE PLANS ONLY BY DIRECT
REMITTANCE TO THE ENTITY ACTING AS CUSTODIAN. PURCHASES FOR THESE PLANS MAY NOT
BE MADE IN ADVANCE OF RECEIPT OF FUNDS.

     The minimum initial investment for corporate plans, Salary Reduction Plans,
403(b)(7) Plans and SEP-IRAs with more than one participant, is $2,500 with no
minimum on subsequent purchases. The minimum initial investment for Dreyfus-
sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and 403(b)(7) Plans with only one
participant, is normally $750 with no minimum on subsequent purchases.
Individuals who open an IRA also may open a non-working spousal IRA with a
minimum investment of $250.

     The investor should read the Prototype Retirement Plan and the appropriate
form of Custodial Agreement for further details on eligibility, service fees and
tax implications, and should consult a tax adviser.

                         SERVICE AND DISTRIBUTION PLANS

     THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS AND SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION
WITH THE SECTION IN THE FUND'S PROSPECTUS ENTITLED "SERVICE AND DISTRIBUTION
PLANS."

SERVICE AND DISTRIBUTION PLAN - CLASS A SHARES

     Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") adopted by the SEC under the 1940 Act provides,
among other things, that an investment company may bear expenses of distributing
its shares only pursuant to a plan adopted in accordance with the Rule. Because
some or all of the fees paid for advertising or marketing the Class A shares of
the Fund and the fees paid to the Distributor and to certain banks, brokers,
dealers or other financial institutions (collectively, "Service Agents") could
be deemed to be payment of distribution expenses, the Company's Board of
Directors has adopted such a plan with respect to the Class A shares of the Fund
(the "Class A Service and Distribution Plan"). The Company's Board of Directors
believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Class A Service and
Distribution Plan will benefit the Fund and its Class A shareholders. In some
states, banks or other financial institutions effecting transactions in Class A
shares may be required to register as dealers pursuant to state law.

     Under the Class A Service and Distribution Plan, servicing shareholder
accounts with respect to the Class A shares may include, among other things, one
or more of the following: answering client inquiries regarding the Fund;
assisting clients in changing dividend options, account designations and
addresses; performing subaccounting; establishing and maintaining shareholder
accounts and records; processing purchase and redemption transactions; investing
client cash account balances automatically in Fund shares; providing periodic
statements showing a client's account balance and integrating such statements
with those of other transactions and balances in the client's other accounts
serviced by the Service Agent; arranging for bank wires; and such other services
as the Fund may request, to the extent the Service Agent is permitted by
applicable statute, rule or regulation.



                                       24

<PAGE>


SERVICE AND DISTRIBUTION PLANS-CLASS B SHARES AND CLASS C SHARES

     In addition to the above described Class A Service and Distribution Plan,
the Company's Board of Directors has adopted a Class B Service and Distribution
Plan and a Class C Service and Distribution Plan under the Rule with respect to
the Fund's Class B and Class C shares, pursuant to which the Company, on behalf
of the Fund, pays the Distributor and Dreyfus Service Corporation for
distributing the Fund's Class B and Class C shares, respectively, and for the
provision of certain services to the holders of Class B and Class C shares. The
Company's Board of Directors believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that
the Class B Service and Distribution Plan will benefit the Fund and its Class B
shareholders and that the Class C Service and Distribution Plan will benefit the
Fund and its Class B shareholders.

GENERAL

     Quarterly reports of the amounts expended under each of the Class A, Class
B and Class C Service and Distribution Plans, and the purposes for which such
expenditures were incurred, must be made to the Board of Directors for its
review. In addition, the Class A, Class B and Class C Service and Distribution
Plans each provide that it may not be amended to increase materially the cost
which the Class A, Class B or Class C shares of the Fund, respectively, may bear
pursuant to such plan without Class A, Class B or Class C shareholder approval,
respectively, and that other material amendments of the Class A, Class B or
Class C Service and Distribution Plan must be approved by the Board of
Directors, and by the Directors who are neither interested persons of the
Company nor have any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of
such plans or in any agreements entered into in connection with such plans, by
vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such
amendments. The Class A, Class B and Class C Service and Distribution Plans and
the related service agreements are subject to annual approval by such vote of
the Board of Directors cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on the Class A, Class B and Class C Service and Distribution Plans. The
Class A, Class B and Class C Service and Distribution Plans may each be
terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Directors who are not
interested persons and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
operation of such plans or in any agreements entered into in connection with
such plans or by vote of a majority of the Class A, Class B or Class C shares of
the Fund, respectively. Any related service agreement may be terminated without
penalty at any time, by such vote. Each service agreement will terminate
automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

                             PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

     The Investment Adviser has discretion to select brokers and dealers to
execute portfolio transactions initiated by the Investment Adviser and to select
the markets in which such transactions are to be executed. The Investment
Advisory Agreement provides, in substance, that in executing portfolio
transactions and selecting brokers or dealers, the primary responsibility of the
Investment Adviser is to seek the best combination of net price and execution
for the Fund. It is expected that securities will ordinarily be purchased in the
primary markets, and that in assessing the best net price and execution
available to the Fund, the Investment Adviser will consider all factors it deems
relevant, including the breadth of the market in the security, the size of the
transaction, the price of the security, the financial condition and execution
capability of the broker or dealer and the reasonableness of the commission, if
any (for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis). Transactions in
foreign securities markets may involve the payment of fixed brokerage
commissions, which are generally higher than those in the United States. The
purchase by the Fund of participations may be pursuant to privately negotiated
transactions pursuant to which the Fund may be required to pay fees to the
seller or forego a portion of payments in respect of the participation.

     In selecting brokers to execute particular transactions and in evaluating
the best net price and execution available, the Investment Adviser is authorized
to consider "brokerage and research services" (as those terms are defined in
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The Investment Adviser is
also authorized to cause the Fund to pay to a broker who provides such brokerage
and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction which
is in excess of the amount of commission another broker would have charged for
effecting that transaction. The Investment Adviser must determine in good faith,
however, that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage and research services provided, viewed in terms of that particular
transaction or in terms of all the accounts over which the Investment Adviser
exercises investment discretion. The Investment Adviser may also have
arrangements with brokers pursuant to which such brokers provide research
services to the Investment Adviser in exchange for the placement of transactions
with such brokers. Research services furnished by brokers through whom the


                                       25


<PAGE>

Fund effects securities transactions may be used by the Investment Adviser in
servicing all of the accounts for which investment discretion is exercised by
the Investment Adviser, and not all such services may be used by the Investment
Adviser in connection with the Fund. The research services provided may include,
among other things, market quotation and news services, portfolio analytic
systems and support, access to economic databases and analyses of macroeconomic
and financial trends.

     The Investment Advisory Agreement requires the Investment Adviser to
provide fair and equitable treatment to the Fund in the selection of portfolio
investments and the allocation of investment opportunities as between the Fund
and the Investment Adviser's other investment management clients, but does not
obligate the Investment Adviser to give the Fund exclusive or preferential
treatment. It is likely that from time to time the Investment Adviser may make
similar investment decisions for the Fund and its other clients. In some cases,
the simultaneous purchase or sale of the same security by the Fund and another
client of the Investment Adviser could have a detrimental effect on the price or
volume of the security to be purchased or sold, as far as the Fund is concerned.
In other cases, coordination with transactions for other clients and the ability
to participate in volume transactions could benefit the Fund.

                     ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING TAXES

GENERAL

     The Fund intends to qualify to be treated as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), and intends to continue to so qualify. To so qualify, the Fund must,
among other things, (a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross
income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and
gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities, foreign
currencies, or other income (including gains from options, futures or forward
contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock,
securities or currencies; (b) derive in each taxable year less than 30% of its
gross income from the sale or other disposition of any of the following held for
less than three months:  stock or securities, or options, futures or forward
contracts (other than options, futures or forward contracts on foreign
currencies), or foreign currencies (or options, futures or forward contracts on
foreign currencies) but only if such currencies (or options, futures or forward
contracts) are not directly related to the Fund's principal business of
investing in stock or securities (or options and futures with respect to stocks
or securities (the "30% Limitation"); and (c) diversify its holdings so that, at
the end of each quarter of each taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market
value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash, cash items, United States
Government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and
other securities with such other securities limited, in respect of any one
issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's assets and
10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than
25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer
(other than United States Government securities). These requirements may
restrict the degree to which the Fund may realize short-term gains and limit the
range of the Fund's investments.

     As a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to Federal
income tax on its net investment income (i.e., its investment company taxable
income, as that term is defined in the Code, determined without regard to the
deduction for dividends paid) and "net capital gains" (i.e., the excess of the
Fund's long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses), if any, that
it distributes in each taxable year to its shareholders, provided that the Fund
distributes at least 90% of its net investment income for such taxable year.
However, the Fund would be subject to corporate income tax (currently at a rate
of 35%) on any undistributed net investment income and net capital gains. Each
Fund expects to designate amounts retained as undistributed net capital gains in
a notice to its shareholders who will be (i) required to include in income for
United States federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gains, their
proportionate shares of the undistributed amount, (ii) entitled to credit their
proportionate shares of the 35% tax paid by the Fund on the undistributed
amount, against their federal income tax liabilities and to claim refunds to the
extent such credits exceed their liabilities and (iii) entitled to increase
their tax basis, for federal income tax purposes, in their shares by an amount
equal to 65% of the amount of undistributed net capital gains included in the
shareholder's income.

     The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax to the
extent that the Fund does not distribute by the end of each calendar at least
98% of its ordinary income for such year, at least 98% of its net capital gain
income (generally the excess, if any, of its capital gains over its capital
losses) for the one-year period ending, as a general rule, on October 31 of that
year, plus any ordinary income and net capital gain income for the preceding
calendar year that


                                       26

<PAGE>


was not distributed during such year. For this purpose, any income or gain
retained by a Fund that is subject to a corporate tax will be considered to have
been distributed by year-end.

ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT

     The Fund may make investments that produce income that is not matched by a
corresponding cash distribution to the Fund, such as investments in obligations
such as certain Brady Bonds or zero coupon securities having original issue
discount (i.e., an amount equal to the excess of the stated redemption price of
the security at maturity over its issue price). In  addition, income may
continue to accrue for federal income tax purposes with respect to a non-
performing investment. Any of the foregoing income would be treated as income
earned by the Fund and therefore would be subject to the distribution
requirements of the Code. Because such income may not be matched by a
corresponding cash distribution to the Fund, the Fund may be required to dispose
of other securities to be able to make distributions to its investors. The
extent to which the Fund may liquidate securities at a gain may be limited by
the 30% limitation discussed above.

FOREIGN WITHHOLDING TAXES

     Certain dividends and interest received by the Fund may be subject to
foreign withholding taxes. If more than 50% in value of the Fund's total assets
at the close of any taxable year consists of stocks or securities of foreign
corporations, the Fund may elect to treat any foreign income taxes paid by it as
paid by its shareholders. If eligible, the Fund intends to make this election.
If the Fund makes this election, its shareholders will be required to include in
income their respective pro rata portions of foreign income taxes paid by the
Fund and, if they itemize their deductions, will be entitled to deduct such
respective pro rata portions in computing their taxable incomes or,
alternatively, to claim foreign tax credits (subject to the limitations
discussed below). Each year that the Fund makes this election, it will report to
its shareholders the amount per share of foreign income taxes it has elected to
have treated as paid by its shareholders.

     Generally, a credit for foreign income taxes is subject to the limitation
that it may not exceed the shareholder's United States tax attributable to his
or her total foreign source taxable income. For this purpose, the source of the
Fund's income flows through to its shareholders. The Fund's gains from the sale
of securities will be treated as derived from United States sources and certain
currency fluctuation gains, including fluctuation gains from foreign currency
denominated debt securities, receivables and payables, will be treated as
ordinary income derived from United States sources. The limitation on the
foreign tax credit is applied separately to foreign source passive income, such
as the portion of dividends received from the Fund that qualifies as foreign
source income. In addition, the foreign tax credit is allowed to offset only 90%
of the revised alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations and individuals.
Because of these limitations, shareholders may be unable to claim a credit for
the full amount of their proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by the
Fund.

     The foregoing is only a general description of the treatment of foreign
withholding or other foreign taxes under the United States federal income tax
laws. Because the availability of a credit or deduction depends on the
particular circumstances of each shareholder, shareholders are advised to
consult their own tax advisers.

OPTION AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS

     Under section 1256 of the Code, gain or loss on certain options, futures
contracts, options on futures contracts and forward contracts ("section 1256
contracts") will be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or
loss (hereinafter "blended gain or loss"). In addition, section 1256 contracts
held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year will be required to be treated
as sold at market value on the last day of such taxable year for federal income
tax purposes and the resulting gain or loss will be treated as blended gain or
loss. However, all or a portion of any gain realized from engaging in
"conversion transactions" may be recharacterized as ordinary income under
section 1258. "Conversion transactions" are defined to include certain forward,
futures, option, and "straddle" transactions, transactions marketed or sold to
produce capital gains, or transactions described in Treasury regulations to be
issued in the future.

     Offsetting positions held by the Fund involving financial futures, forwards
and options transactions may be considered, for tax purposes, to constitute
"straddles," which are defined to include "offsetting positions" in actively
traded personal property. The tax treatment of straddles is governed by sections
1092 and 1258 of the Code, which, in certain


                                       27

<PAGE>


circumstances, overrides or modifies the provisions of section 1256. As such,
all or a portion of any short- or long-term capital gain from certain "straddle"
and/or conversion transactions may be recharacterized as ordinary income.

     If the Fund were treated as entering into straddles by reason of its
futures and options transactions, the straddles would be characterized as "mixed
straddles" if the futures, forward and options transactions comprising a part of
the straddles were governed by section 1256 of the Code. The Fund may make one
or more elections with respect to mixed straddles. Depending on which election,
if any, is made, the results to the Fund may differ. If no election is made, to
the extent the straddle rules apply to positions established by the Fund, losses
realized by the Fund will be deferred to the extent of unrealized gain in the
offsetting position. Moreover, as a result of the straddle and conversion
transaction rules, short-term capital losses on straddle positions may be
recharacterized as long-term capital losses, and long-term capital gains may be
treated as short-term capital gains or ordinary income.

     The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company may
limit the Fund's ability to engage in certain transactions in options, futures
contracts, options on futures contracts and forward contracts.

SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

     Ordinarily, gains and losses realized from portfolio transactions will be
recognized as capital gain and loss. However, all or a portion of any gain or
loss realized from the sale or other disposition of non-U.S. dollar denominated
securities (including debt instruments, certain financial forward, futures and
options contracts, and certain preferred stock) may be recognized as ordinary
income or loss under section 988 of the Code.

     Generally, gains from "foreign currencies" (I.E., foreign currency options,
foreign currency futures and forward foreign currency exchange contracts) will
be qualifying income for purposes of determining whether 90% of the Fund's gross
income is from certain qualified sources. While the treatment of income on such
foreign currency instruments has been clarified, it is unclear who will be
treated as the issuer of a foreign currency instrument or how foreign currency
options, futures of forward foreign currency exchange contracts will be valued
for purposes of the regulated investment company diversification requirements
applicable to the Fund.

     Under section 988 of the Code, special rules are provided for certain
transactions in a foreign currency other than the taxpayer's functional currency
(I.E., in the Fund's case, currencies other than the United States dollar). In
general, foreign currency gains or losses from certain forward contracts not
traded in the interbank market, from futures contracts that are not "regulated
futures contracts," and from unlisted options will be treated as ordinary income
or loss under section 988. In certain circumstances, the Fund may elect capital
gain or loss treatment for such transactions. The rules under section 988 may
also affect the timing of income recognized by the Fund.

INVESTMENTS IN PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES

     If the Fund purchases shares in a foreign investment company treated for
U.S. federal income tax purposes as a "passive foreign investment company" (a
"PFIC"), the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any
"excess distribution" or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such
income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders.
Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on the Fund in
respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains. If the Fund
were to invest in a PFIC and elected to treat the PFIC as a "qualified electing
fund" under the Code (a "QEF"), in lieu of the foregoing requirements, the Fund
might be required to include in income each year a portion of the ordinary
earnings and net capital gain of the qualified electing fund, even if not
distributed to the Fund, and such amounts would be subject to the 90% and
calendar year excise tax distribution requirements described in the Prospectus.

     In the case of PFIC stock owned by a registered investment company ("RIC"),
H.R. 2491, as passed by Congress and vetoed by President Clinton, contained a
provision that would have permitted a RIC to elect to mark-to-market stock in
the PFIC annually and thereby avoid the need for a RIC to make a QEF election.
It is unclear whether similar legislation will be included as part of the 1996
budget compromise. Moreover, on April 1, 1992 the Internal Revenue Service
proposed regulations providing a mark-to-market election for RICs that would
have effects similar to the proposed legislation. These regulations would be
effective for taxable years ending after promulgation of the regulations as
final regulations.


                                       28

<PAGE>


     As indicated in the Prospectus, descriptions of tax consequences set forth
in this Statement of Additional Information and the Prospectus are intended to
be a general guide. Investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding
specific questions as to the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences
of ownership in the Fund.

                             PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

     THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS AND SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION
WITH THE SECTION IN THE FUND'S PROSPECTUS ENTITLED "CERTAIN INFORMATION
REGARDING PERFORMANCE."

     For purposes of quoting and comparing the performance of each Class of the
Fund to that of other mutual funds and to other relevant market indices in
advertisements or in reports to shareholders, performance may be stated in terms
of total return and yield. Total return and yield quotations are computed
separately for each Class of shares. Under the rules of the SEC ("Commission
Rules"), funds advertising performance must include average annual total return
quotes calculated according to the following formula:

                            P(1+T)to the nth power = ERV

          Where:    P    =  a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000

                    T    =  average annual total return

                    n    =  number of years (1, 5 or 10)

                    ERV  =  ending redeemable value of a hypothetical
                            $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the
                            1, 5 or 10 year periods at the end of the 1,
                            5 or 10 year period (or fractional portion
                            thereof).

     Under the foregoing formula, the time periods used in advertising will be
based on rolling calendar quarters, updated to the last day of the most recent
quarter prior to submission of the advertising for publication. The Fund
presents performance information for each Class of shares commencing with the
inception of its predecessor, the Dreyfus Capital Value Fund, Inc. (the "Dreyfus
Capital Value Fund"). A Class' average annual total return figures calculated
in accordance with the foregoing formula assume that in the case of Class A the
maximum sales load has been deducted from the hypothetical initial investment at
the time of purchase or in the case of Class B or Class C the maximum applicable
CDSC has been paid upon redemption at the end of the period. Total return or "T"
in the formula above, is computed by finding the average annual compounded rates
of return over the 1, 5 and 10 year periods (or fractional portion thereof)
presented that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable
value.

     Performance information presented by the Fund with respect to Class A,
Class B and C is restated to reflect the maximum front end sales load (with
respect to Class A) or CDSC (with respect to Class B and Class C) payable by
such Class at the time the performance information is presented, but is based
upon the distribution and service fees and other expenses actually paid for the
periods presented, rather than the distribution and service fees and other
expenses payable by the Class at the time the performance information is
presented. Performance information with respect to Class A will reflect annual
12b-1 fees paid by Class A at the rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the average
daily net assets of Class A plus certain additional expenses associated with
preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses. Performance information with
respect to Class B or Class C will reflect an annual distribution fee at the
rate of .75 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class B or
Class C, as the case may be, an annual service fee at the rate of .25 of 1% of
the value of the average daily net assets of Class B or Class C, as the case may
be, and certain additional incremental shareholder administrative expenses
resulting from the deferred sales charge arrangements. Prior to January 15,
1993, the Dreyfus Capital Value Fund did not offer Class B shares and, prior to
August 24, 1995, the Dreyfus Capital Value Fund did not offer Class C or Class R
shares. Performance information with respect to Class B or C of the Dreyfus
Capital Value Fund for the periods prior to the inception of those Classes does
not reflect any distribution or service fees or additional incremental
shareholder administrative expenses resulting from the deferred sales charge
arrangements because such fees and expenses were not paid during that period.
Class B performance information for the period of the Dreyfus Capital
Value Fund's inception to the inception of Class B reflects the annual service
and distribution fees paid by Class A, and therefore does not reflect the higher
distribution and service fees and additional incremental shareholder
administrative expenses payable by Class B because such higher fees and expenses
were not paid during that period. Class C performance information for the period
of the Dreyfus Capital Value Fund's inception to the inception of Class C 
reflects the performance information for Class B (which, prior to its 
inception, reflects the annual service and distribution fees paid by Class A) 
and, therefore, with respect to the period prior to the inception of Class B, 
does not reflect the higher distribution and service fees and additional 
incremental shareholder administrative expenses payable by Class C because 
such higher fees and expenses were not paid during the period prior to the 
inception of Class B. Class R performance information for the period of the 
Dreyfus Capital Value Fund's inception to the inception of Class R reflects 
the performance information for Class A.

     The following tables set forth the average annual total return for Class 
A, Class B, Class C and Class R shares of the Fund for certain periods of 
time each ending December 31, 1995, based upon the performance of the Dreyfus 
Capital Value Fund, the Fund's predecessor. Investors should note that 
information presented in the tables for Class B, Class C and Class R shares 
prior to their inception is based on the historical expenses and performance 
of a predecessor class and does not reflect the relative expenses that an 
investor would incur as a holder of Class A, Class B, Class C or Class R 
shares of the Fund. Accordingly, the table should not be utilized in 
evaluating whether Class A, Class B, Class C or Class R shares would best 
suit an investor's needs. In evaluating the relative merits of such shares, 
investors should refer to "The Fund's Expenses" and "Alternative Purchase 
Methods" in the Fund's Prospectus.








<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     CLASS A                                       CLASS B(3)

                                          Total Return      Average Annual Return        Total Return        Average Annual Return
                                     at N.A.V.   with LOAD  at N.A.V.   with LOAD   at N.A.V.  with CDSC    at N.A.V.    with CDSC
                                     --------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
Inception (October 10, 1985)           141.40%    130.58%     9.00%      8.51%        135.29%                  8.73%
10 Year                                108.97%     99.56%     7.65%      7.15%        103.68%                  7.37%
Policy Inception (April 28, 1987)(2)    52.22%     45.33%     4.96%      4.40%         48.37%                  4.65%
5 Year                                  -2.05%     -6.48%    -0.41%     -1.33%         -4.53%     -6.13%      -0.92%       -1.26%
1 Year                                  -3.12%     -7.45%    -3.12%     -7.45%         -3.81%     -7.53%      -3.81%       -7.53%

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     CLASS C(3)                                      CLASS R

                                          Total Return      Average Annual Return        Total Return        Average Annual Return
                                     at N.A.V.   with CDSC  at N.A.V.   with CDSC          at N.A.V.              at N.A.V.
                                     --------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>             <C>                  <C>
Inception (October 10, 1985)           135.11%                8.72%                        141.76%                 9.02%
10 Year                                103.53%                7.37%                        109.28%                 7.66%
Policy Inception (April 28, 1987)       48.25%                4.64%                         52.45%                 4.98%
5 Year                                  -4.60%               -0.94%                         -1.91%                -0.38%
1 Year                                  -3.89%     -4.80%    -3.89%       -4.80%            -2.97%                -2.97%

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1)   Performance information assumes dividend reinvestment.
(2)   On April 28, 1987, Comstock Partners, Inc., the Fund's Investment 
      Adviser, became the Dreyfus Capital Value Fund's Sub-Investment Adviser.
(3)   Class B shares were introduced on January 15, 1993 and Class C shares 
      were introduced on August 24, 1995. Performance information prior to 
      January 15, 1993 does not reflect service and distribution fees borne 
      by Class B and C shares and certain other expenses borne by Class B and 
      C shares which are greater than those borne by Class A shares and 
      which, if reflected, would reduce the performance quoted.



                                       29

<PAGE>


     The Fund may also from time to time include in such advertising a total
return figure that is not calculated according to the formula set forth above in
order to compare more accurately the performance of the Fund with other measures
of investment return. For example, in comparing the Fund's total return with
data published by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., or similar independent
services or financial publications, the Fund calculates its aggregate total
return for the specified periods of time by assuming the investment of $10,000
in each Class of Fund shares at the Fund's commencement of operations and
assuming the reinvestment of each dividend or other distribution pursuant to the
Fund's Dividend Reinvestment Plan for the period when the Fund was a closed-end
fund and, thereafter, at net asset value on the reinvestment date. Percentage
increases are determined by subtracting the initial value of the investment from
the ending value and by dividing the remainder by the beginning value.

     Past performance is not predictive of future performance. All
advertisements containing performance data of any kind will include a legend
disclosing that such performance data represents past performance and that the
investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an
investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original
cost.

     Advertisements and communications may compare the performance of Fund
shares with that of other mutual funds, as reported by Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc. or similar independent services or financial publications, and
may also contrast the Fund's investment policies and portfolio flexibility with
other mutual funds. From time to time, advertisements and other Fund materials
and communications may cite statistics to reflect the performance over time of
Fund shares, utilizing comparisons to indexes such as the Lehman Brothers
Government Bond Index, the Lehman Brothers Corporate Bond Index, the Lehman
Brothers Government/Corporate Bond Index, the Salomon Brothers High Grade
Corporate Bond Index and the S&P 500 Index. From time to time, advertising
materials for the Fund may refer to the Dreyfus Corporation's standing in the
financial community, to the role it plays or has played in the mutual fund
industry, and to statistical or other information concerning trends relating to
investment companies, as compiled by industry associations such as the
Investment Company Institute. The Fund's advertising materials also may refer to
the integration of the world's securities markets, discuss the investment
opportunities available worldwide and mention the increasing importance of an
investment strategy including foreign investments. In addition, advertising
materials for the Fund may include the Investment Adviser's analysis of, or
outlook for, the economy or financial markets, compare the Investment Adviser's
analysis or outlook with the views of others in the financial community, and
refer to the expertise of the Investment Adviser's personnel and their
reputation in the financial community. From time to time advertising materials
for the Fund also may refer to Morningstar ratings and related analyses
supporting the rating.

                                 NET ASSET VALUE

     Securities which are traded over-the-counter and on a stock exchange will
be valued according to the broadest and most representative market, and it is
expected that for many debt securities this ordinarily will be the
over-the-counter market. Notwithstanding the above, debt securities may be
valued on the basis of prices provided by an independent pricing service when
such prices are believed to reflect the fair market value of such securities.
The prices provided by a pricing service are determined without regard to bid or
last sale prices but take into account institutional size trading in similar
groups of securities and any developments related to specified securities.
Securities not priced in this manner are valued at the mean of the most recent
bid and asked quotations, or when available, at the latest quoted sale price on
the date of valuation. When the Fund writes a call option, the amount of the
premium received is recorded on the books of the Fund as an asset and an
equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently valued to
reflect the current market value of the option written, based upon the last
asked price in the case of exchange-traded options or, in the case of options
traded in the over-the-counter market, the average of the last asked price as
obtained from two or more dealers. Options purchased by the Fund are valued at
the last bid price in the case of exchange-traded options or, in the case of
options traded in the over-the-counter market, the average of the last bid price
as obtained from two or more dealers. Other investments, including futures
contracts and related options, are stated at market value or otherwise at the
fair value at which it is expected they may be resold, as determined in good
faith by the Board of Directors. Any assets or liabilities expressed in terms of
foreign currencies are translated into United States dollars at the prevailing
market rates as obtained from one or more dealers. Short-term debt securities
having a value of 60 days or less from the valuation date are valued on an
amortized cost basis. The values of other assets and securities for which no
current quotations are readily available are determined in good faith at fair
value using methods determined by the Board of Directors.


                                       30

<PAGE>


     As stated in the Prospectus, the Fund's net asset value per share for 
each Class of the Fund's common stock for the purpose of pricing purchase and 
redemption orders is determined as the close of business on the New York 
Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m., New York time) on each business day for 
the purpose of determining net asset value, options and futures contracts 
will be valued 15 minutes after the close of trading on the floor of the New 
York Stock Exchange. As used in the Prospectus, "business day" refers to 
those days when the Investment Adviser, the Administrator, the Transfer Agent 
and the New York Stock Exchange are all open for business, which is Monday 
through Friday, except for holidays. As of the date of this Statement of 
Additional Information, such holidays are:  New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, 
Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and 
Christmas.

                                  CAPITAL STOCK

     Shares of each class of the Fund represent interests in the Fund in
proportion to each share's net asset value.  All shares of the Company have
equal voting rights and will be voted in the aggregate, and not by series or
class, except where voting by series or class is required by law or where the
matter involved affects only one series or class (for example, matters
pertaining to the service and distribution plan for Class A shares of the Fund
shall be voted on only by holders of Class A shares of the Fund).  Under the
1940 Act, the term "majority," when referring to the approvals to be obtained
from shareholders in connection with general matters affecting the Fund, means
the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the Fund's shares represented at a meeting
if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person
or by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares. Shareholders
are entitled to one vote for each full share held and fractional votes for
fractional shares held.

     Each share of a portfolio of the Company is entitled to such dividends and
ditributions out of the assets belonging to that portfolio as are declared in
the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors.  In determining the Fund's
net asset value, assets belonging to the Fund are credited with a proportionate
share of any general assets of the Company not belonging to the Fund and are
charged with the direct liabilities in respect of that Fund and with a share of
the general liabilities of the Company. The general liabilities of the 
Company are normally allocated in proportion to the relative net asset values of
the respective portfolios of the Company at the time of distribution.

     Shareholders are not entitled to any preemptive rights. All shares, when
issued, will be fully paid, non-assessable, fully transferable and redeemable at
the option of the holder.

     Under the Company's Articles of Incorporation and Maryland law, directors
and officers of the Company are not liable to the Fund or its stockholders
except for (i) receipt of an improper personal benefit by a director or officer
or (ii) active and deliberate dishonesty of a director or officer that is
material to a cause of action in which a judgment is entered against such
person. The Company's Articles of Incorporation require that it indemnify its
directors and officers made party to any proceedings by reason of service in
such capacities unless it is proven that (i) the act or omission of a director
or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was
committed in bad faith or with active and deliberate dishonesty, (ii) a director
or officer received an improper personal benefit or (iii) in the case of a
criminal proceeding, a director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that
his act or omission was unlawful. These provisions are subject to the limitation
under the 1940 Act that no director or officer may be protected against
liability to the Company for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard for the duties of his office.

                                    CUSTODIAN

     The Bank of New York acts as the U.S. and international custodian for the
Fund. Under its Custodian Agreement with the Fund, The Bank of New York is
authorized to establish accounts for foreign securities owned by the Fund to be
held with foreign branches of United States banks as well as with certain
foreign banks and securities depositaries. The custodian does not determine the
investment policies of the Fund, nor decide which securities the Fund will buy
or sell.

                  TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT

     Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sub-Investment 
Adviser, is located at One American Express Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island 
02903, and serves as the Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent. Under 
a transfer agency agreement with the Fund, the Transfer Agent arranges for 
the maintenance of shareholders account records for the Fund, the handling of 
certain communications between shareholders and the Fund and the payment of 
dividends and distributions payable by the Fund. For these services, the 
Transfer Agent receives a monthly fee computed on the basis of the number of 
shareholder accounts it maintains for the Fund during the month, and is 
reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses. The Transfer Agent has no part 
in determining the investment policies of the Fund or which securities are to 
be purchased or sold by the Fund.



                                       31


<PAGE>

                                     EXPERTS

     Ernst & Young LLP serves as the independent auditors for the Fund. The
financial statements of the Dreyfus Capital Value Fund (the predecessor to the
Fund) included in this Statement of Additional Information have
been so included in reliance upon the report of Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, given on the authority of that firm as experts in auditing and
accounting.

                                OTHER INFORMATION

     The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information do not contain
all the information included in the Company's Registration Statement filed with
the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the securities offered
by the Prospectus. Certain portions of the Registration Statement have been
omitted from the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Registration Statement
including the exhibits filed therewith may be examined at the office of the SEC
in Washington, D.C.

     Statements contained in the Prospectus or in this Statement of Additional
Information as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are
not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy
of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information
form a part, each such statement being qualified in all respect by such
reference.


                                       32


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
COMMON STOCKS-40.1%


                                                                                                 SHARES         VALUE
                                                                                                 ------         -----
<S>                                                                                              <C>           <C>
    BASIC INDUSTRIES-29.4%
                  Gold Mining-26.4%  Amax Gold..............................      (a)                225,500   $  1,381,188
                                     Ashanti Goldfields, G.D.R. ............      (b)                425,000      8,526,563
                                     Barrick Gold...........................                         261,200      6,758,550
                                     Battle Mountain Gold...................                         215,000      2,123,125
                                     Cambior................................                         150,000      1,593,128
                                     Driefontein Consolidated, A.D.R. ......                         127,000      1,730,375
                                     East Rand Gold & Uranium, A.D.R. ......                         100,000        290,000
                                     Echo Bay Mines.........................                         250,000      2,718,750
                                     Elandsrand Gold Mining, A.D.R. ........                         251,100      1,462,657
                                     Free State Consolidated Gold Mines, A.D.R.                      135,000      1,535,625
                                     Goldcorp, Cl. A........................                         237,860      2,348,994
                                     Golden Shamrock Mines..................      (a)                440,000        272,945
                                     Hartebeesfontein Gold Mining, A.D.R. ..                         433,000      1,309,825
                                     Hecla Mining...........................      (a)                313,500      3,801,188
                                     Homestake Mining.......................                         424,800      7,221,600
                                     Kinross Mines, A.D.R. .................                         144,000      1,584,000
                                     Newmont Gold...........................                         200,000      8,100,000
                                     Newmont Mining.........................                         118,000      5,015,000
                                     Pegasus Gold...........................      (a)                363,300      4,949,962
                                     PlacerDome.............................                         501,400     13,161,750
                                     Royal Oak Mines........................      (a)                400,000      1,725,000
                                     Santa Fe Pacific Gold..................      (a)                677,082      8,548,160
                                     TVX Gold...............................      (a)                467,000      3,269,000
                                     Vaal Reefs Exploration & Mining, A.D.R.                         347,500      2,280,469
                                     Western Area Gold Mining, A.D.R. ......                          18,100        313,356
                                     Western Deep Levels, A.D.R. ...........                          38,000      1,313,375
                                     Winkelhaak Mines, A.D.R. ..............                         175,600      1,569,425
                                                                                                               ------------
                                                                                                                 94,904,010
                                                                                                               ------------
                       Metals-3.0%  Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Cl. A...                         400,000     10,250,000
                                     Impala Platinum Holdings, A.D.R. ......                          15,000        371,816
                                                                                                               ------------
                                                                                                                 10,621,816
                                                                                                               ------------
                                     TOTAL BASIC INDUSTRIES.................                                    105,525,826
                                                                                                               ============
RESTRUCTURING-10.7%
                   Broadcasting-.5%  Tele-Communications Liberty Media, Cl. A.                        17,500        468,125
                                     Tele-Communications-TCI, Cl. A.........      (a)                 70,000      1,225,000
                                                                                                               ------------
                                                                                                                  1,693,125
                                                                                                               ------------
                      Chemicals-.6%  P.T. Tri Polyta Indonesia, A.D.R. ......                        102,000      2,193,000
                                                                                                               ------------
                  Conglomerates-.6%  Teledyne................................                         75,000      2,034,375
                                                                                                               ------------
           Electrical Equipment-.3%  Hitachi, A.D.R..........................                         10,000      1,101,250
                                                                                                               ------------
                         Energy-.8%  Baker Hughes............................                        150,000      3,056,250
                                                                                                               ------------



<PAGE>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED)
                                                                                                 SHARES         VALUE
                                                                                                 -------        -------
    RESTRUCTURING (CONTINUED)
           Foods and Beverages-.6%  Dole Food...............................                      68,200       $ 2,361,425
                                                                                                               -----------
            Holding Companies-1.7%  Horsham.................................                     464,200         6,092,625
                                                                                                               -----------
                   Industrial-1.5%  Pepgro..................................                     848,700         2,760,425
                                     Pepgro ((N) Shares)....................                     848,700         2,557,025
                                                                                                               -----------
                                                                                                                 5,317,450
                                                                                                               -----------
                 Miscellaneous-.7%  Fleming Russia Securities Fund..........                     220,765         1,545,355
                                     Lazard Vietnam Fund....................                      87,000           913,500
                                                                                                               -----------
                                                                                                                 2,458,855
                                                                                                               -----------
                           Oil-.9%  Amerada Hess............................                      31,000         1,507,375
                                     Total S.A., A.D.R. ....................                      54,000         1,626,750
                                                                                                               -----------
                                                                                                                 3,134,125
                                                                                                               -----------
      Oil and Gas Exploration-.3%    Petro-Canada...........................                     113,500         1,223,756
                                                                                                               -----------
                      Retail- 1.6%  Duty Free International.................                     111,200         1,417,800
                                    Hartmarx................................      (a)            260,000         1,560,000
                                    K mart..................................                     187,000         2,711,500
                                                                                                               -----------
                                                                                                                 5,689,300
                                                                                                               -----------
                Semiconductors-.6%  Fujitsu................................                       27,000           338,176
                                     NEC, A.D.R............................                       18,400         1,285,700
                                     OKI Electric Industry.................       (a)             32,000           294,349
                                     Toshiba...............................                       37,000           268,788
                                                                                                               -----------
                                                                                                                 2,187,013
                                                                                                               -----------
                                     TOTAL RESTRUCTURING....................                                    38,542,549
                                                                                                              ============
                                     TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
                                       (cost $124,782,969)..................                                  $144,068,375
                                                                                                              ============
PREFERRED STOCKS-.1%
                    Conglomerates;  Teledyne, Series E
                                       (cost $11,063).......................                         750         $  10,406
                                                                                                              ============

                                                                                                  CONTRACTS
                                                                                                  SUBJECT
PUT OPTIONS-2.6%                                                                                  TO PUT
                                                                                                  -----------
                                     AMEX Security Broker/Dealer Index:
                                       January `96 @ $355...................                          33,400      $ 81,413
                                     Brokerage Basket;
                                       November `95 @ $95..................       (n)                224,323             0
                                     Nasdaq 100 Index:
                                       March `96 @ $550.....................                           4,000        76,000
                                       June `96 @ $550......................                           3,500        84,438


<PAGE>



DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995

                                                                                                  CONTRACTS
                                                                                                  SUBJECT
PUT OPTIONS (CONTINUED)                                                                           TO PUT          VALUE
                                                                                                  ----------      --------
                                     Philadelphia Semi-Conductor Index;
                                       June `96 @ $280......................                           4,200      $152,250
                                     Standard & Poor's 500 Index Flex Options:
                                       December `95 @ $450..................                         122,000        26,688
                                       December `96 @ $525..................                          32,500       365,625
                                     Standard & Poor's 500 Index:
                                       December `95 @ $375..................                          45,500         5,687
                                       December `95 @ $400..................                          45,500         2,844
                                       December `95 @ $450..................                          71,500        20,109
                                       December `95 @ $475..................                          40,100        15,037
                                       December `95 @ $485..................                          30,000        15,000
                                       December `95 @ $550..................                          41,500       140,063
                                       March `96 @ $453.....................      (n)                 90,930         3,637
                                       March `96 @ $500.....................                         113,000       268,375
                                       March `96 @ $525.....................                          84,000       351,750
                                       June `96 @ $450......................                          23,500        36,719
                                       June `96 @ $475......................                         113,000       268,375
                                       June `96 @ $500......................                          73,000       310,250
                                       June `96 @ $550......................                          52,000       546,000
                                       September `96 @ $550.................                         101,000     1,350,875
                                       December `96 @ $525..................                          32,500       357,500



                                                                                                  PRINCIPAL
                                                                                                  AMOUNT
                                                                                                  SUBJECT
                                                                                                  TO PUT
                                                                                                  -------
                                     Japanese Government Bond:
                                       4.60%, 9/20/2004: 
                                           May `96 @ $1.288................ (c,d,n)            $  27,955,912     2,591,910
                                           June `96 @ $1.343................(c,d,n)               13,271,002     2,248,909
                                     U.S. Treasury Bond;
                                       7.625%, 2/15/2025; 
                                        April `96 @ $103.078................(n)                   30,000,000       120,000
                                                                                                                ----------
                                     TOTAL PUT OPTIONS
                                       (cost $25,556,433)...................                                    $9,439,454
                                                                                                                ==========


                                                                                                  PRINCIPAL
BONDS AND NOTES-37.4%                                                                             AMOUNT
                                                                                                  --------
          BONDS-36.6%..........      Argentinian Securities;
                                       Republic of Argentina,
                                          5%, 3/31/2023................(e,f,g)                 $   2,250,000   $ 1,092,656
                                     Austrian Securities;
                                       Republic of Austria,
                                         4.50%, 2/12/2000................(h)                      27,744,166    28,881,677


<PAGE>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995


                                                                                                  PRINCIPAL
BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED)                                                                       AMOUNT                  VALUE
                                                                                                  -------                 -------
              BONDS (CONTINUED)...... Danish Securities;
                                       Kingdom of Denmark,
                                       4.25%, 9/30/1999................(h)                     $12,964,564          $ 13,411,841
                                     Dutch Securities;
                                       Netherlands Government,
                                       7.25%, 7/15/1999................(j)                       4,062,754             4,308,550
                                     German Securities;
                                       Bundesrepublik Deutschland:
                                        8.50%, 4/22/1996................(i)                     42,337,299            43,323,758
                                          9%, 10/20/2000................(i)                     16,710,987            18,893,442
                                          8.875%, 12/20/2000............(i)                     12,596,221            14,193,422
                                     Venezuelan Securities;
                                       Republic of Venezuela,
                                          6.75%, 3/31/2020.............(e,f)                    14,000,000             7,175,000
                                                                                                                     -----------
                                                                                                                     131,280,346
                                                                                                                     -----------
                  NOTES-.8%          Federal National Mortgage Association,
                                       Non-Callable Strips, (collateralized by
                                       FNMA Strip, 10/1/2024) Cl. 267-2, 
                                       8.50%, 10/25/2024 (Interest Only Obligation)             11,748,490 (k)         2,915,094
                                                                                                                     -----------
                                     TOTAL BONDS AND NOTES
                                       (cost $115,829,424)..................                                        $134,195,440
                                                                                                                    ============
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS-2.3%
                           FOREIGN LOAN PARTICIPATIONS:Vnesheconombank (Bank for Foreign
                        Economic Affairs of the USSR) 5/3/2025...................      (h,n)   $19,446,845          $  6,077,139
                                                      5/3/2025...................      (i,n)     6,298,111             2,212,211
                                                                                                                    ------------
                                     TOTAL LOAN PARTICIPATIONS
                                       (cost $6,703,509).........................                                   $  8,289,350
                                                                                                                    ============
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS-21.5%
               U.S. TREASURY BILLS:. 5.35%, 10/5/95 ...................(l,m)                   $44,201,000          $ 44,169,617
                                     5.35%, 10/12/95...................(l,m)                     3,453,000             3,447,026
                                     5.36%, 11/9/95.........................                       409,000               406,595
                                     5.38%, 11/16/95........................                    16,567,000            16,452,191
                                     5.37%, 11/24/95...................(l,m)                     9,429,000             9,352,625
                                     5.24%, 12/7/95.........................                     3,377,000             3,343,028
                                                                                                                    ------------
                                     TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
                                       (cost $77,178,940)...................                                        $ 77,171,082
                                                                                                                    ============


<PAGE>



DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995

                                                                                                                     VALUE
                                                                                                                   ------------
       TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $350,062,338) ................................                  104.0%              $ 373,174,107
                                                                                              ======               =============
       LIABILITIES, LESS CASH AND RECEIVABLES ...............................                   (4.0%)             $ (14,273,638)
                                                                                              ======               =============
       NET ASSETS............................................................                  100.0%              $ 358,900,469
                                                                                              ======               =============
</TABLE>

NOTES TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS:
    (a)  Non-income producing.
    (b)  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. At 
         September 30, 1995, this security amounted to $8,526,563 or 2.4% 
         of net assets.
    (c)  Strike price converted to U.S. Dollars at the prevailing rate of
         exchange.
    (d)  Denominated in Japanese Yen.
    (e)  Denominated in U.S. Dollars.
    (f)  Secured by U.S. Treasury securities.
    (g)  Scheduled variable interest rate.
    (h)  Denominated in Swiss Francs.
    (i)  Denominated in German Marks.
    (j)  Denominated in Dutch Guilder.
    (k)  Notional face amount.
    (l)  Partially held by broker as collateral for open short positions.
    (m)  Partially held by the custodian in a segregated account as 
         collateral for open financial futures positions.
    (n)  Securities restricted as to public resale. Investments in restricted
         securities, with an aggregate market value of $13,253,806, represents
         approximately 3.7% of net assets:



<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                 ACQUISITION      PURCHASE      PERCENTAGE OF
PUT OPTIONS:                        DATE            PRICE         NET ASSETS     VALUATION*
- -----------                      -----------      --------      --------------   ----------
<S>                              <C>              <C>           <C>              <C>
Brokerage Basket**
  November `95 @ $95...........   11/11/94         $ 5.70             0.00       fair value
Japanese Government Bond:
  4.60%, 9/20/2004, May `96 
  @ $1.288.....................    5/16/95         $  .07             0.72       fair value
  4.60%, 9/20/2004, June `96 
  @ $1.343.....................    6/21/95         $  .08             0.63       fair value
Standard & Poor's 500 Index
  March `96 @ $453.............   12/14/94         $21.99             0.00       fair value
U.S. Treasury Bond;
  7.625%, 2/15/2025, April `96 
  @ $103.078...................    4/12/95         $ 4.72             0.03       fair value
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS;
- --------------------
Vnesheconombank 
  (Bank for Foreign Economic 
  Affairs of the USSR)
    5/3/2025...................     5/2/95         $  .24             2.30       fair value
    6/29/95

*  The valuation of these securities has been determined in good faith under
   the direction of the Board of Directors.
** Consists of Common Stocks of six publicly traded brokerage firms.


</TABLE>




<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL FUTURES
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995

                                        SEPTEMBER 30, 1995                            UNREALIZED
                                                   MARKET VALUE                      APPRECIATION
                                       NUMBER OF     COVERED                        (DEPRECIATION)
                                       CONTRACTS   BY CONTRACTS    EXPIRATION         AT 9/30/95
                                        ---------   ------------   ------------     ---------------
<S>                                     <C>         <C>            <C>              <C>
FINANCIAL FUTURES PURCHASED;
Nikkei 225...........................       22       $ 1,980,550   December `95         $(23,400)

FINANCIAL FUTURES SOLD SHORT:
Hang Seng............................       70        (4,371,553)  October `95            (3,625)
Japanese Yen.........................       22        (2,823,975)  March `96              84,000
                                                                                    ---------------
                                                                                         $56,975
                                                                                    ---------------
                                                                                    ---------------
See notes to financial statements.


</TABLE>




<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
STATEMENT OF SECURITIES SOLD SHORT
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
COMMON STOCKS-18.9%

                                                                                                  SHARES         VALUE
                                                                                                 --------     -----------
<S>                                                                                              <C>          <C>
    AUTO RELATED-.3%    Ford Motor....................................................            40,000       $1,245,000
                                                                                                              -----------

    COMPUTERS-.4%       Compaq Computer...............................................            32,000        1,548,000
                                                                                                              -----------

    CONSUMERS-6.1%      Anheuser-Busch...............................................              5,700          355,537
                        B.A.T. Industries, A.D.R. ...................................             23,100          392,700
                        Clorox.......................................................             22,000        1,570,250
                        Coca-Cola....................................................             41,000        2,829,000
                        Disney (Walt)................................................             10,000          573,750
                        General Mills................................................             52,000        2,899,000
                        Gillette.....................................................             23,000        1,095,375
                        Heinz (H.J.).................................................             35,900        1,642,425
                        Kellogg......................................................             50,000        3,618,750
                        Reebok International.........................................             53,900        1,852,813
                        Rubbermaid...................................................             60,300        1,665,787
                        Sara Lee.....................................................             81,000        2,409,750
                        Wrigley, (Wm), Jr............................................             20,000        1,010,000
                                                                                                              -----------
                                                                                                               21,915,137
                                                                                                              -----------

     FINANCE-4.2%       ADVANTA, Cl. A...............................................              2,500          112,500
                        Alex Brown...................................................             19,900        1,161,663
                        Bear Stearns.................................................            122,587        2,635,620
                        CMAC Investment..............................................             15,000          789,375
                        Conseco......................................................             22,000        1,152,250
                        MGIC Investment..............................................             22,000        1,259,500
                        Merrill Lynch................................................             42,000        2,625,000
                        PMI Group....................................................             10,000          473,750
                        Paine Webber Group...........................................             88,000        1,738,000
                        Schwab (Charles).............................................             80,000        2,240,000
                        United Asset Management......................................             20,000          802,500
                                                                                                              -----------
                                                                                                               14,990,158
                                                                                                              -----------

    HEALTH CARE-.3%     Healthsource.................................................             23,000        1,106,875
                                                                                                              -----------

    MACHINERY-CONSTRUCTION &
    MATERIAL-.7%        Deere & Co...................................................             18,200        1,481,025
                        Ingersoll-Rand...............................................             26,500          993,750
                                                                                                              -----------
                                                                                                                2,474,775
                                                                                                              -----------

    RESTAURANTS-.6%     Outback Steakhouse...........................................             74,500        2,290,875
                                                                                                              -----------

    RETAIL-1.5%         Home Depot...................................................             64,233        2,561,291
                        Sysco........................................................             25,000          681,250
                        Wal-Mart Stores..............................................             81,000        2,014,875
                                                                                                              -----------
                                                                                                                5,257,416
                                                                                                              -----------

    TECHNOLOGY-4.2%     American Power Conversion....................................             47,000          575,750
                        Applied Materials............................................             16,700        1,707,575
                        Integrated Device Technology.................................             36,000          900,000
                        Intel........................................................             30,600        1,839,825

</TABLE>


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
STATEMENT OF SECURITIES SOLD SHORT (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED)


                                                                                                  SHARES         VALUE
                                                                                                 --------     -----------
<S>                                                                                              <C>          <C>
     TECHNOLOGY (CONTINUED)
                        KLA Instruments..............................................              19,500     $ 1,564,875
                        Kulicke & Soffa Industries...................................              38,000       1,387,000
                        Maxim Integrated Products....................................              15,000       1,110,000
                        Micron Technology............................................              10,000         795,000
                        Microsoft....................................................              11,000         995,500
                        Motorola.....................................................              21,000       1,603,875
                        Novellus Systems.............................................              14,000         980,000
                        Texas Instruments............................................              20,000       1,597,500
                                                                                                              -----------
                                                                                                               15,056,900
                                                                                                              -----------

    TELECOMMUNICATIONS-.6%
                        Hong Kong Telecom, A.D.R. ..................................              114,000       2,080,500
                                                                                                              -----------
                        TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT
                            (proceeds $65,428,414)..................................                          $67,965,636
                                                                                                              -----------
                                                                                                              -----------

See notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>


<PAGE>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                              <C>               <C>
ASSETS:
    Investments in securities, at value
     (cost $350,062,338)-see statement......................................                        $ 373,174,107

    Cash....................................................................                              620,787
    Receivable from broker for proceeds on securities sold short............                           65,428,414
    Dividends and interest receivable.......................................                            5,945,967
    Receivable for investment securities sold...............................                            1,234,459
    Receivable for subscriptions to Common Stock............................                              236,972
    Prepaid expenses........................................................                               76,703
                                                                                                     ____________
                                                                                                      446,717,409
LIABILITIES:
    Due to investment adviser...............................................      $   132,304
    Due to sub-investment adviser...........................................           93,263
    Due to Distributor......................................................          130,083
    Securities sold short, at value
     (proceeds $65,428,414)-see statement...................................       67,965,636
    Bank loans payable-Note 2...............................................       10,000,000
    Net unrealized depreciation on forward currency
     exchange contracts-Note 4(a)...........................................        5,203,133
    Payable for investment securities purchased.............................        2,539,142
    Payable for Common Stock redeemed.......................................        1,335,306
    Interest payable........................................................           56,623
    Payable for futures variation margin-Note 4(a)..........................            6,806
    Accrued expenses........................................................          354,644          87,816,940
                                                                                   __________       _____________
NET ASSETS..................................................................                        $ 358,900,469
                                                                                                    =============

REPRESENTED BY:
    Paid-in capital.........................................................                        $ 469,863,103
    Accumulated undistributed investment income-net.........................                           14,105,924
    Accumulated net realized (loss) on investments, securities sold short,
     foreign currency transactions and financial futures....................                         (140,552,041)
    Accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments, securities
     sold short, and foreign currency transactions
     (including $56,975 net unrealized appreciation
     on financial futures)-Note 4(b)........................................                           15,483,483
                                                                                                    _____________
NET ASSETS at value.........................................................                         $358,900,469
                                                                                                    =============

</TABLE>


<PAGE>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>
Shares of Common Stock outstanding:
    Class A Shares
     (100 million shares of $.01 par value authorized).....................     25,543,483
                                                                                ==========
    Class B Shares
     (100 million shares of $.01 par value authorized).....................      8,438,630
                                                                                ==========
    Class C Shares
     (100 million shares of $.01 par value authorized).....................             94
                                                                                ==========
    Class R Shares
     (100 million shares of $.01 par value authorized).....................             92
                                                                                ==========
NET ASSET VALUE per share:
    Class A Shares
     ($271,051,783 / 25,543,483 shares)....................................         $10.61
                                                                                ==========
    Class B Shares
     ($87,846,730 / 8,438,630 shares)......................................         $10.41
                                                                                ==========
    Class C Shares
     ($979 / 94 shares)....................................................         $10.41
                                                                                ==========
    Class R Shares
     ($977 / 92 shares)....................................................         $10.62
                                                                                 =========
</TABLE>

See notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
<S>                                                                           <C>                      <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
  INCOME:
    Interest................................................................         $ 20,726,708
    Cash dividends (net of $75,753 foreign taxes withheld at source)......              1,924,318
                                                                                     ____________
        TOTAL INCOME........................................................                             $ 22,651,026
  EXPENSES:
    Investment advisory fee-Note 3(a).......................................            1,840,790
    Sub-investment advisory fee-Note 3(a)...................................            1,365,789
    Dividends on securities sold short....................................              1,861,794
    Shareholder servicing costs-Note 3(c).................................              1,659,621
    Distribution fees-Note 3(b)...........................................                738,585
    Prospectus and shareholders' reports..................................                120,170
    Custodian fees........................................................                106,205
    Professional fees.....................................................                 73,048
    Registration fees.....................................................                 72,468
    Interest expense-Note 2...............................................                 59,145
    Directors' fees and expenses-Note 3(d)................................                 49,789
    Miscellaneous.........................................................                 22,130
                                                                                     ____________
        TOTAL EXPENSES......................................................                                7,969,534
                                                                                                         ____________
        INVESTMENT INCOME-NET...............................................                               14,681,492
                                                                                                         ____________
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
  Net realized gain (loss) on investments-Note 4(a):
    Long transactions (including options transactions and foreign
     currency transactions).................................................                             $  2,696,163
    Short sale transactions.................................................                              (22,403,778)
    Net realized gain on forward currency exchange contracts-Note 4(a);
     Long transactions......................................................                                  118,547
    Net realized (loss) on financial futures-Note 4(a);
     Short transactions.....................................................                               (7,893,569)
                                                                                                         ____________
      NET REALIZED (LOSS)...................................................                              (27,482,637)
    Net unrealized (depreciation) on investments, securities sold short
     and foreign currency transactions [including ($1,427,125) net
     unrealized (depreciation) on financial futures]........................                              (28,971,658)
                                                                                                         ____________
      NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS.....................                              (56,454,295)
                                                                                                         ____________
NET (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS......................                             $(41,772,803)
                                                                                                         =============
</TABLE>

See notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                               -----------------------------------
                                                                                    1994                   1995
                                                                               -------------         -------------
<S>                                                                            <C>                   <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Investment income-net...................................................     $   9,823,170         $  14,681,492
  Net realized (loss) on investments, securities sold short,
   foreign currency transactions and financial futures....................        (9,217,163)          (27,482,637)
  Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, securities
   sold short, foreign currency transactions and financial futures
   for the year...........................................................        26,168,303           (28,971,658)
                                                                               _____________         _____________
    NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS.......        26,774,310           (41,772,803)
                                                                               _____________         _____________
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM;
  Investment income-net:
    Class A shares........................................................        (8,633,848)           (8,406,886)
    Class B shares........................................................          (913,770)           (1,940,644)
    Class C shares........................................................             --                   --
    Class R shares........................................................             --                   --
                                                                               _____________         _____________
      TOTAL DIVIDENDS.....................................................        (9,547,618)          (10,347,530)
                                                                               _____________         _____________
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS:
  Net proceeds from shares sold:
    Class A shares........................................................       116,664,797            39,533,363
    Class B shares........................................................        85,400,651            26,973,391
    Class C shares........................................................             --                    1,000
    Class R shares........................................................             --                    1,000
  Dividends reinvested:
    Class A shares........................................................         4,857,514             5,143,774
    Class B shares........................................................           489,988               990,338
    Class C shares........................................................             --                   --
    Class R shares........................................................             --                   --
  Cost of shares redeemed:
    Class A shares........................................................      (147,154,408)         (136,312,596)
    Class B shares........................................................        (8,939,968)          (36,549,208)
    Class C shares........................................................             --                   --
    Class R shares........................................................             --                   --
                                                                               _____________         _____________

      INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS...        51,318,574          (100,218,938)
                                                                               _____________         _____________
        TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS...........................        68,545,266          (152,339,271)

NET ASSETS:
  Beginning of year.......................................................       442,694,474           511,239,740
                                                                               _____________         _____________
  End of year (including undistributed investment income-net:
    $9,771,962 in 1994 and $14,105,924 in 1995)...........................     $ 511,239,740         $ 358,900,469
                                                                               =============         =============

</TABLE>


<PAGE>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   SHARES
                                           CLASS A                     CLASS B                  CLASS C           CLASS R
                                --------------------------    --------------------------     -------------     -------------
                                 YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,      YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,     PERIOD ENDED      PERIOD ENDED
                                --------------------------    --------------------------    SEPTEMBER 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                    1994           1995          1994           1995           1995*              1995*
                                ------------  ------------    ------------  ------------    -------------     -------------
<S>                             <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>               <C>
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
  Shares sold...............      9,919,385     3,569,389       7,342,835      2,464,126          94                92
  Shares issued for
   dividends reinvested.....        411,308       466,343          41,951         91,024          --                --
  Shares redeemed...........    (12,560,968)  (12,382,551)       (783,960)    (3,400,272)         --                --
                                -----------   -----------       ---------     ----------         ----              ----
    (DECREASE) IN
      SHARES OUTSTANDING....     (2,230,275)   (8,346,819)      6,600,826       (845,122)         94                92
                                ===========   ===========       =========     ==========         ====              ====
</TABLE>


*  From August 22, 1995 (commencement of initial offering) 
   to September 30, 1995.


See notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    Reference is made to page 4 of the Fund's Prospectus dated February 1, 1996.


<PAGE>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1-SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

    The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Act") 
as a diversified open-end management investment company. The Dreyfus 
Corporation ("Dreyfus") serves as the Fund's investment adviser. Comstock 
Partners, Inc. ("Comstock Partners") serves as the Fund's sub-investment 
adviser. Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (the "Distributor") acts as the 
distributor of the Fund's shares. The Distributor, located at One Exchange 
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FDI 
Distribution Services, Inc., a provider of mutual fund administration 
services, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FDI Holdings, Inc., 
the parent company of which is Boston Institutional Group, Inc. Dreyfus is a 
direct subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A.

    The Fund offers Class A, Class B, Class C and Class R shares. Class A 
shares are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase, Class B 
shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge imposed at the time 
of redemption on redemptions made within six years of purchase, Class C 
shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge imposed at the time 
of redemption on redemptions made within one year of purchase and Class R 
shares are sold at net asset value per share only to institutional investors. 
Other differences between the four Classes include the services offered to 
and the expenses borne by each Class and certain voting rights.

    (A) PORTFOLIO VALUATION: Investments in securities (including options and 
financial futures) are valued at the last sales price on the securities 
exchange on which such securities are primarily traded or at the last sales 
price on the national securities market. Securities not listed on an exchange 
or the national securities market, or securities for which there were no 
transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked 
prices, except for open short positions, where the asked price is used for 
valuation purposes. Bid price is used when no asked price is available. 
Securities for which there are no such valuations are valued at fair value as 
determined in good faith under the direction of the Board of Directors. 
Investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars 
at the prevailing rates of exchange.

    (B) FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS: 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.

    Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales and 
maturities of short-term securities, sales of foreign currencies, currency 
gains or losses realized on securities transactions, 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 and losses arise from 
changes in the value of assets and liabilities other than investments in 
securities, resulting from changes in exchange rates. Such gains and losses 
are included with net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

    (C) SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME: Securities 
transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gain and loss from 
securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend 
income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including, 
where applicable, amortization of discount on investments, is recognized on 
the accrual basis.

    (D) DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS: Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend 
date. Dividends from investment income-net and dividends from net realized 
capital gain, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the Fund 
may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the


<PAGE>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. This may result in 
distributions that are in excess of investment income-net and net realized 
gain on a fiscal year basis. To the extent that net realized capital gain can 
be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the Fund not to 
distribute such gain.

    (E) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: It is the policy of the Fund to continue to 
qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the 
best interests of its shareholders, by complying with the applicable 
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, and to make distributions of taxable 
income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all Federal income and 
excise taxes.

    The Fund has an unused capital loss carryover of approximately 
$122,600,000 available for Federal income tax purposes to be applied against 
future net securities profits, if any, realized subsequent to September 30, 
1995. The carryover does not include net realized securities losses from 
November 1, 1994 through September 30, 1995 which are treated, for Federal 
income tax purposes, as arising in fiscal 1995. If not applied, $9,100,000 of 
the carryover expires in fiscal 1999, $29,800,000 expires in fiscal 2000, 
$17,800,000 expires in fiscal 2001, $56,700,000 expires in fiscal 2002, and 
$9,200,000 expires in fiscal 2003.

NOTE 2-BANK LINE OF CREDIT:

    In accordance with an agreement with a bank, the Fund may borrow up to 
$10 million under a short-term unsecured line of credit. Interest on 
borrowings is charged at rates which are related to Federal Funds rates in 
effect from time to time. Outstanding borrowings on September 30, 1995 under 
the line of credit, amounted to $10 million, at an annualized rate of 7.05%.

    The average daily amount of short-term debt outstanding during the year 
ended September 30, 1995 was approximately $859,000, with a related weighted 
average annualized interest rate of 6.89%. The maximum amount borrowed at any 
time during the year ended September 30, 1995 was $10 million.

NOTE 3-INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE, SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER 
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES:

    (A) Fees payable by the Fund pursuant to the provisions of an Investment 
Advisory Agreement with Dreyfus and a Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement with 
Comstock Partners (together "Agreements") are payable monthly, computed on 
the average daily value of the Fund's net assets at the following annual 
rates:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

   AVERAGE NET ASSETS                      DREYFUS         COMSTOCK PARTNERS
   --------------------                    -------         -----------------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>
    0 up to $25 million................   .60 of 1%            .15 of 1%
    $25 up to $75 million..............   .50 of 1%            .25 of 1%
    $75 up to $200 million.............   .45 of 1%            .30 of 1%
    $200 up to $300 million............   .40 of 1%            .35 of 1%
    In excess of $300 million..........   .375 of 1%           .375 of 1%
</TABLE>

    The Agreements further provide that the Fund may deduct from the fees to 
be paid to Dreyfus and Comstock Partners, or Dreyfus and Comstock Partners 
will bear such excess expense, to the extent required by state law, should 
the Fund's aggregate expenses, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on 
borrowings (which, in the view of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, counsel to the 
Fund, also contemplates dividends and interest accrued on securities sold 
short), and extraordinary expenses, exceed the expense limitation of any 
state having jurisdiction over the Fund. The most stringent state expense 
limitation applicable to the Fund presently requires reimbursement in any 
full fiscal year that such expenses (exclusive of distribution expenses and 
certain expenses as described above) exceed 21\2% of the first $30


<PAGE>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

million, 2% of the next $70 million and 11\2% of the excess over $100 million 
of the average value of the Fund's net assets in accordance with California 
"blue sky" regulations. No expense reimbursement was required for the year 
ended September 30, 1995.

    Dreyfus Service Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, 
retained $13,897 during the year ended September 30, 1995 from commissions 
earned on sales of Fund shares.

    (B) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 
Act, the Fund pays the Distributor for distributing the Fund's Class B and 
Class C shares at an annual rate of .75 of 1% of the value of the average 
daily net assets of Class B and Class C. During the year ended September 30, 
1995, $738,584 was charged to the Fund for the Class B shares and $1 was 
charged to the Fund for the Class C shares.

    (C) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Fund pays the Distributor, 
at an annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets 
of Class A, Class B and Class C shares for the provision of certain services. 
The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder 
accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the Fund and 
providing reports and other information, and services related to the 
maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to 
Service Agents in respect of these services. The Distributor determines the 
amount to be paid to Service Agents. For the year ended September 30, 1995, 
$822,664, $246,195 were charged to Class A and B shares, respectively, and no 
amounts were charged to the Class C shares, by the Distributor pursuant to 
the Shareholder Services Plan.

    (D) Each director who is not an "affiliated person" as defined in the Act 
receives from the Fund an annual fee of $4,500 and an attendance fee of $500 
per meeting. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional 25% of such 
compensation and each director emeritus receives 50% of such compensation.

NOTE 4-SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS:

    (A) The following summarizes the aggregate amount of purchases and sales 
of investment securities and securities sold short, excluding short-term 
securities, financial futures, forward currency exchange contracts and 
options transactions during the year ended September 30, 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           PURCHASES           SALES
                                        ---------------    ---------------
<S>                                     <C>                <C>

    Long transactions..............      $ 87,407,314        $ 77,568,367
    Short sale transactions........       136,098,892          76,244,500
                                        _______________     _______________
      TOTAL........................       $223,506,206       $153,812,867
                                        ==============      ==============
</TABLE>

    The Fund is engaged in short-selling which obligates the Fund to replace 
the security borrowed by purchasing the security at current market value. The 
Fund would incur a loss if the price of the security increases between the 
date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed 
security. The Fund would realize a gain if the price of the security declines 
between those dates. Until the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund 
will maintain daily, a segregated account with a broker and custodian, of 
cash and/or U.S. Government securities sufficient to cover its short 
position. Securities sold short at September 30, 1995 and their related 
market values and proceeds are set forth in the Statement of Securities Sold 
Short.


<PAGE>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following summarizes open forward currency contracts at September 30, 
1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     U.S. 
                                                                    DOLLAR          UNREALIZED
FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS:                       PROCEEDS           VALUE         (DEPRECIATION)
                                                 -----------      -----------      --------------
<S>                                              <C>              <C>             <C>
SALES:
  Dutch Guilders, expiring 11/20/95...........   $ 4,072,948      $ 4,203,262       $  (130,314)
  German Deutschemarks, expiring 11/17/95.....    73,520,652       75,890,661        (2,370,009)
  Swiss Francs, expiring 11/17/95.............    42,549,364       45,252,174        (2,702,810)

                                                    COST
                                                 -----------
PURCHASES;
  Hong Kong Dollars, expiring 10/3/95.........   $   181,174          181,174            --
                                                                                     -----------
                     TOTAL.......................................................   $(5,203,133)
                                                                                     ===========
</TABLE>

   The Fund enters into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge 
its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign 
portfolio holdings. When executing forward currency exchange contracts, the 
Fund is obligated to buy or sell a foreign currency at a specified rate on a 
certain date in the future. With respect to sales of forward currency 
exchange contracts, the Fund would incur a loss if the value of the contract 
increases between the date the forward contract is opened and the date the 
forward contract is closed. The Fund realizes a gain if the value of the 
contract decreases between those dates. With respect to purchases of forward 
currency exchange contracts, the Fund would incur a loss if the value of the 
contract decreases between the date the forward contract is opened and the 
date the forward contract is closed. The Fund realizes a gain if the value of 
the contract increases between those dates. The Fund is also exposed to 
credit risk associated with counter party nonperformance on these forward 
currency exchange contracts which is typically limited to the unrealized 
gains on such contracts that are recognized in the statement of assets and 
liabilities.

    The Fund may invest in financial futures contracts in order to gain 
exposure to or protect against changes in the market. The Fund is exposed to 
market risk as a result of changes in the value of the underlying financial 
instruments (see the Statement of Financial Futures). Investments in 
financial futures require the Fund to "mark to market" on a daily basis, 
which reflects the change in the market value of the contracts at the close 
of each day's trading. Typically, variation margin payments are made or 
received to reflect daily unrealized gains or losses. When the contracts are 
closed, the Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss. These investments 
require initial margin deposits with a custodian, which consist of cash or 
cash equivalents, up to approximately 10% of the contract amount. The amount 
of these deposits is determined by the exchange or Board of Trade on which 
the contract is traded and is subject to change. Contracts open at September 
30, 1995 and their related unrealized market appreciation (depreciation) are 
set forth in the Statement of Financial Futures.

    The Fund may purchase put and call options, including restricted options, 
which are not exchange traded in order to gain exposure to or protect against 
changes in the market. The Fund's exposure to credit risk associated with 
counter party nonperformance on these investments is typically limited to the 
market value of such investments that are disclosed in the Statement of 
Investments.

    The Fund may invest in fixed and floating rate loans arranged through 
private negotiations between an issuer of Sovereign Debt Obligations and one 
or more financial institutions. The Fund's investments in loans are expected 
in most instances to be in the form of participations in loans and 
assignments of all or a portion of loans from third parties. As a result the 
Fund may be subject to credit risk from the issuer of

<PAGE>


DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A Premier Fund)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Sovereign Debt Obligations and the third party. In addition such loans may be 
less liquid and may be subject to greater price volatility.

    (B) At September 30, 1995, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on 
investments was $20,631,522, consisting of $46,860,961 gross unrealized 
appreciation and $26,229,439 gross unrealized depreciation, excluding foreign 
currency transactions.

    At September 30, 1995, the cost of investments for Federal income tax 
purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting 
purposes (see the Statement of Investments).

<PAGE>


REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DREYFUS CAPITAL VALUE FUND (A PREMIER FUND)

    We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of 
Dreyfus Capital Value Fund (A Premier Fund), including the statements of 
investments, financial futures and securities sold short, as of September 30, 
1995, and the related statement  of operations for the year then ended, the 
statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period 
then ended, and financial highlights for each of the years indicated therein. 
These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of 
the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 
financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing 
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to 
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and 
financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of 
securities owned as of September 30, 1995 by correspondence with the 
custodian  and brokers. An audit also includes assessing the accounting 
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as 
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our 
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights 
referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of Dreyfus Capital Value Fund (A Premier Fund) at September 30, 
1995, 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 indicated years, in conformity with 
generally accepted accounting principles.


[Ernst & Young LLP signature logo]


New York, New York
November 13, 1995





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