As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on April 15, 1997
Securities Act File No. 33-21722
Investment Company Act File No. 811-5550
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D. C. 20549
_____
Registration Statement Under The Securities Act of 1933 _____
_____
Pre-Effective Amendment No. _____
Post-Effective Amendment No. l4 __X__
and/or
_____
Registration Statement Under The Investment Company Act of 1940 _____
_____
Amendment No. 16 __X__
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
75 Maiden Lane
New York, New York 10038
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: 212-806-8800
Mr. Gregory S. Duch
Fred Alger Management, Inc.
75 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Page 1 of _____ Pages
Exhibit Index at Page _____
<PAGE>
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
_____
_____ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b), or
_____
__X__ on May 1, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b), or
_____
_____ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a), or
_____
_____ on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
----------
DECLARATION PURSUANT TO RULE 24f-2
Registrant has registered an indefinite number or amount of securities under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Securities (a)(l) of Rule
24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Rule 24f-2
Notice for Registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 was filed on
February 28, 1997.
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
FORM N-1A
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
PART A
ITEM NO. PROSPECTUS HEADING
- -------- ------------------
1. Cover Page ............................. Front Cover Page
2. Synopsis ............................... Portfolio Expenses
3. Condensed Financial Information ........ Financial Highlights
4. General Description of Registrant ...... Front Cover Page; The Alger
American Fund; Investment
Objectives and Policies;
Investment Practices;
Management of the Fund
5. Management of the Fund ................. Management of the Fund
6. Capital Stock and Other Securities ..... Front Cover Page; Management
of the Fund; Dividends and
Distributions; Taxes; Investor
and Shareholder Information
7. Purchase of Securities Being Offered ... Management of the Fund; Net
Asset Value; Purchases and
Redemptions;
8. Redemption or Repurchase ............... Purchases and Redemptions
9. Pending Legal Proceedings .............. Not Applicable
<PAGE>
PART B
ITEM NO. PROSPECTUS HEADING
- -------- ------------------
10. Cover Page ............................. Front Cover Page
11. Table of Contents ...................... Contents
12. General Information and History ........ Organization
13. Investment Objectives and Policies ..... Investment Objectives and
Policies; Appendix
14. Management of the Fund ................. Management
15. Control Persons and Principal Holders
of Securities ..................... Certain Shareholders
16. Investment Advisory and Other Services . Management; Custodian and
Transfer Agent; Purchases; See
in the Prospectus "Management
of the Fund"
17. Brokerage Allocation and Other
Practices ......................... Investment Objectives and
Policies
18. Capital Stock and Other Securities ..... Organization; See in the
Prospectus "Dividends and
Distributions" and "Management
of the Fund"
19. Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of
Securities Being Offered .......... Net Asset Value; Purchases and
Redemptions
20. Tax Status ............................. Taxes; See in the Prospectus
"Taxes"
21. Underwriters ........................... Purchases and Redemptions
22. Calculation of Performance Data ........ Determination of Performance;
See in the Prospectus
"Performance"
23. Financial Statements ................... Financial Statements
PART C
- ------
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the
appropriate item, so numbered, in Part C to this Registration Statement.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
THE | 75 Maiden Lane
ALGER | New York, New York 10038
AMERICAN | (800) 992-FUND (992-3863)
FUND |
The Alger American Fund (the "Fund") is a registered investment company -- a
mutual fund --that presently offers interests in six portfolios (the
"Portfolios"). Each Portfolio has distinct investment objectives and policies
and a shareholder's interest is limited to the Portfolio in which he or she owns
shares. The six Portfolios are:
o Alger American Balanced Portfolio
o Alger American Income and Growth Portfolio
o Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio
o Alger American Growth Portfolio
o Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio
o Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio
Shares of the Portfolios are offered as a pooled funding vehicle for insurance
companies writing all types of variable annuity contracts ("VA contracts") and
variable life insurance policies ("VLI policies") and are also offered directly
to qualified pension and retirement plans (the "Plans"). See "The Alger American
Fund."
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY ANY BANK, AND THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
This Prospectus, which should be retained for future reference, contains
important information that you should know before investing. Please read it
along with the prospectuses issued by the insurance companies with respect to
the VA contracts and VLI policies or with the Plan documents. A "Statement of
Additional Information" dated May 1, 1997 containing further information about
the Fund has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. It is available at no charge by
contacting the Fund at the address or phone number above.
FRED ALGER | FRED ALGER |
MANAGEMENT, | Investment Manager & COMPANY, | Distributor
INC. | INCORPORATED |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 REPRE-
SENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAY 1, 1997
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
Page
-----
Portfolio Expenses .................................... iii
Financial Highlights .................................. iv
The Alger American Fund ............................... 1
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans ........... 1
Investment Objectives and Policies .................... 1
Alger American Balanced Portfolio ................... 1
Alger American Income and Growth
Portfolio ......................................... 2
Alger American Small Capitalization
Portfolio ......................................... 2
Alger American Growth Portfolio ..................... 2
Alger American MidCap Growth
Portfolio ......................................... 2
Alger American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio ......................................... 2
Investment Practices .................................. 3
Management of the Fund ................................ 5
Net Asset Value ....................................... 7
Purchases and Redemptions ............................. 7
Dividends and Distributions ........................... 7
Taxes ................................................. 7
Performance ........................................... 8
Investor and Shareholder Information .................. 8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ii
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES
The Table below is designed to assist you in understanding the various costs
and expenses that you will bear as a shareholder. The Table does not reflect
charges and deductions which are, or may be, imposed under the VA contracts, VLI
policies or Plans; such charges and deductions are described in the prospectus
for the VA contract or VLI policy accompanying this Prospectus or in the Plan
documents.
The Example below shows the amount of expenses you would pay on a $1,000
investment in a Portfolio. These amounts assume the reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions and payment by the Portfolios of operating expenses
as shown in the Table under Annual Fund Operating Expenses. The Example is an
illustration only and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Alger Alger Alger Alger
Alger American American Alger American American
American Income and Small American MidCap Leveraged
Balanced Growth Capitalization Growth Growth AllCap
Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
Purchases............................. None None None None None None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed
on Reinvested Dividends................ None None None None None None
Deferred Sales Load...................... None None None None None None
Redemption Fees.......................... None None None None None None
Exchange Fees............................ None None None None None None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees.......................... .75% .625% .85% .75% .80% .85%
12b-1 Fees............................... -- -- -- -- -- --
Other Expenses........................... .39% .185% .03% .04% .04% .24%*
---- ---- --- --- --- ---
Total Fund Operating Expenses ........... 1.14% .81% .88% .79% .84% 1.09%
=== ==== === === === ====
*Included in Other Expenses of the Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio
is 0.03% of interest expense.
EXAMPLE
You would pay the following expenses on a
$1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5% annual
return and (2) redemption at the end of
each time period:
One Year................................. $ 12 $ 8 $ 9 $ 8 $ 9 $ 11
Three Years.............................. 36 26 28 25 27 35
Five Years............................... 63 45 49 44 47 60
Ten Years................................ 139 110 108 98 104 133
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iii
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Financial Highlights for the years ended December 31, 1990 through 1996
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, the Fund's independent public
accountants. This information should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements of the Fund as contained in its Statement of Additional Information.
The Financial Highlights, with the exception of the total return information,
for the periods ended December 31, 1989 and 1988 have been audited by other
independent accountants, who have expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. The
Fund's Annual Report contains additional performance information and is
available upon request and without charge by contacting the Fund at (800)
992-3863.
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989(ii)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of year....... $ 31.16 $ 23.13 $ 24.67 $ 20.17 $ 18.00 $ 12.86 $ 12.41 $ 10.00
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net investment income...... 0.12 0.02 0.07 0.03 0.03 0.08(i) 0.07 0.09
Net realized and unrealized gain
on investments........... 4.00 8.33 0.15 4.50 2.19 5.11 0.44 2.32
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment
operations............ 4.12 8.35 0.22 4.53 2.22 5.19 0.51 2.41
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Dividends from net investment
income................... (0.02) (0.07) (0.03) (0.03) (0.03) (0.05) (0.06) --
Distributions from net realized
gains................... (0.93) (0.25) (1.73) -- (0.02) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total Distributions...... (0.95) (0.32) (1.76) (0.03) (0.05) (0.05) (0.06) --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of year $ 34.33 $ 31.16 $ 23.13 $ 24.67 $ 20.17 $ 18.00 $ 12.86 $ 12.41
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total Return............... 13.35% 36.37% 1.45% 22.47% 12.38% 40.39% 4.14% 24.10%(iii)
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted)........ $991,028 $502,974 $150,390 $ 74,878 $ 30,316 $ 10,094 $ 1,228 $ 171
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets............. 0.79% 0.85% 0.86% 0.97% 0.99% 1.29% 1.50% 1.50%
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Decrease reflected in above
expense ratios due to
expense reimbursements. -- -- -- -- -- -- 2.31% 7.32%
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets.. 0.50% 0.18% 0.48% 0.25% 0.33% 0.52% 1.69% 1.30%
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio Turnover Rate.. 82.86% 118.33% 111.76% 112.64% 63.91% 58.95% 86.77% 79.59%
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Average Commission
Rate Paid............... $ .0683
========
</TABLE>
(i) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(ii) For the period January 9, 1989 (commencement of operations) to December
31, 1989. Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been
annualized.
(iii) Unaudited.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iv
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of year ...... $ 39.41 $ 27.31 $ 30.88 $ 27.26 $ 26.79
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net investment
income (loss) .......... (0.04)(i) (0.09) (0.03)(i) (0.05) (0.06)
Net realized and
unrealized gain
(loss) on investments .. 1.70 12.19 (1.45) 3.67 0.91
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total from investment
operations ........... 1.66 12.10 (1.48) 3.62 0.85
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Dividends from net
investment income ...... -- -- -- -- --
Distributions from net
realized gains ........ (0.16) -- (2.09) -- (0.38)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total Distributions .... (0.16) -- (2.09) -- (0.38)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end
of year ................ $ 40.91 $ 39.41 $ 27.31 $ 30.88 $ 27.26
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Total Return ............. 4.18% 44.31% (4.38%) 13.28% 3.55%
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Ratios and
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted) ...... $1,469,518 $ 984,212 $ 397,037 $ 238,850 $ 135,718
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets .. 0.88% 0.92% 0.96% 1.03% 0.98%
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Decrease reflected in
above expense ratios
due to expense
reimbursements ....... -- -- -- -- --
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Ratio of net investment
income (loss) to
average net assets ... (0.09%) (0.48%) (0.10%) (0.35%) (0.37%)
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Portfolio Turnover
Rate ................. 110.04% 80.66% 117.61% 148.07% 108.06%
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Average Commission
Rate Paid ............ $ .0591
==========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------
1991 1990 1989 1988(iii)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of year ...... $ 17.02 $ 15.79 $ 9.60 $ 10.00
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net investment
income (loss) .......... (0.03) 0.02 0.04 0.06
Net realized and
unrealized gain
(loss) on investments .. 9.82 1.35 6.15 (0.40)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total from investment
operations ........... 9.79 1.37 6.19 (0.34)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Dividends from net
investment income ...... (0.02) (0.01) -- (0.06)
Distributions from net
realized gains ........ -- (0.13) -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total Distributions .... (0.02) (0.14) -- (0.06)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end
of year ................ $ 26.79 $ 17.02 $ 15.79 $ 9.60
========== ========== ========== ==========
Total Return ............. 57.54% 8.71% 64.48%(ii) (3.35%)(ii)
========== ========== ========== ==========
Ratios and
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted) ...... $ 56,798 $ 7,149 $ 569 $ 39
========== ========== ========== ==========
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets .. 1.06% 1.50% 1.50% 1.50%
========== ========== ========== ==========
Decrease reflected in
above expense ratios
due to expense
reimbursements ....... -- 0.33% 9.15% 12.31%
========== ========== ========== ==========
Ratio of net investment
income (loss) to
average net assets ... (0.12%) 0.50% 1.11% 2.27%
========== ========== ========== ==========
Portfolio Turnover
Rate ................. 125.90% 132.46% 133.61% 20.86%
========== ========== ========== ==========
Average Commission
Rate Paid ............
</TABLE>
(i)Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(ii)Unaudited.
(iii)For the period September 21, 1988 (commencement of operations) to December
31, 1988. Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been
annualized.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
v
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
INCOME AND GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of year ....... $ 17.79 $ 13.30 $ 15.31 $ 13.93 $ 13.08
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net investment income ...... 0.09(iii) 0.11(iii) 0.17 0.07 0.08
Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments .......... 1.87 4.54 (1.47) 1.37 1.02
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment
operations .............. 1.96 4.65 (1.30) 1.44 1.10
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Dividends from net
investment income ....... (0.33) (0.16) (0.15) (0.06) (0.12)
Distributions from net
realized gains .......... (11.00) -- (0.56) -- (0.13)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Distributions ...... (11.33) (0.16) (0.71) (0.06) (0.25)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of year $ 8.42 $ 17.79 $ 13.30 $ 15.31 $ 13.93
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Total Return ............... 19.68% 35.13% (8.28%) 10.34% 8.64%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Ratios and
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted) ....... $ 20,910 $ 8,639 $ 29,135 $ 31,895 $ 8,671
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets .... 0.81% 0.75% 0.75% 0.97% 1.25%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Decrease reflected in
above expense ratios
due to expense
reimbursements ........ -- -- -- -- 0.01%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Ratio of net investment
income to average
net assets ............ 0.94% 0.61% 1.22% 1.51% 1.62%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Portfolio Turnover Rate .. 121.60% 164.05% 177.97% 105.80% 100.62%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Average Commission
Rate Paid ............... $ .0728
=========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------------
1991 1990 1989 1988(ii)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of year ....... $ 10.67 $ 10.74 $ 10.00 $ 10.00
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net investment income ...... 0.09 0.11 0.18 0.10
Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments .......... 2.41 (0.08) 0.56 --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment
operations .............. 2.50 0.03 0.74 0.10
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Dividends from net
investment income ....... (0.09) (0.10) -- (0.10)
Distributions from net
realized gains .......... -- -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Distributions ...... (0.09) (0.10) -- (0.10)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of year $ 13.08 $ 10.67 $ 10.74 $ 10.00
========= ========= ========= =========
Total Return ............... 23.51% 0.28% 7.40%(i) 0.95%(i)
========= ========= ========= =========
Ratios and
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted) ....... $ 2,663 $ 436 $ 98 $ 28
========= ========= ========= =========
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets .... 1.25% 1.25% 1.25% 1.25%
========= ========= ========= =========
Decrease reflected in
above expense ratios
due to expense
reimbursements ........ 0.66% 5.41% 23.72% 20.26%
========= ========= ========= =========
Ratio of net investment
income to average
net assets ............ 2.54% 3.61% 7.36% 7.30%
========= ========= ========= =========
Portfolio Turnover Rate .. 61.11% 56.90% -- --
========= ========= ========= =========
Average Commission
Rate Paid ...............
</TABLE>
(i) Unaudited.
(ii) For the period November 15, 1988 (commencement of operations) to December
31, 1988. Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been
annualized.
(iii)Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vi
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
BALANCED PORTFOLIO (i)
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993
--------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year ......... $ 13.64 $ 10.80 $ 11.58 $ 10.77
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net investment income ...................... 0.21(iv) 0.33(iv) 0.20 0.15
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments .......................... 1.01 2.73 (0.70) 0.69
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment operations ......... 1.22 3.06 (0.50) 0.84
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Dividends from net investment
income .................................. (0.73) (0.22) (0.13) (0.03)
Distributions from net realized gains ...... (4.89) -- (0.15) --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Distributions ...................... (5.62) (0.22) (0.28) (0.03)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of year ............... $ 9.24 $ 13.64 $ 10.80 $ 11.58
========= ========= ========= =========
Total Return ............................... 10.17% 28.62% (4.27%) 7.79%
========= ========= ========= =========
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted)........................ $10,486 $ 3,671 $ 10,394 $ 7,848
========= ========= ========= =========
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets ................................ 1.14% 1.00% 1.08% 1.25%
========= ========= ========= =========
Decrease reflected in above expense
ratios due to expense
reimbursements ........................ -- -- -- 0.19%
========= ========= ========= =========
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets .................... 2.06% 2.49% 2.30% 2.05%
========= ========= ========= =========
Portfolio Turnover Rate .................. 68.66% 113.02% 78.80% 85.46%
========= ========= ========= =========
Average Commission
Rate Paid................................ $ .0712
=========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------
1992 1991 1990 1989(ii)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year ......... $ 10.02 $ 10.01 $ 10.04 $ 10.00
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net investment income ...................... 0.22 0.45 0.66 0.22
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments .......................... 0.72 0.01 (0.03) 0.04
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment operations ......... 0.94 0.46 0.63 0.26
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Dividends from net investment
income .................................. (0.19) (0.45) (0.66) (0.22)
Distributions from net realized gains ...... -- -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Distributions ...................... (0.19) (0.45) (0.66) (0.22)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of year ............... $ 10.77 $ 10.02 $ 10.01 $ 10.04
========= ========= ========= =========
Total Return ............................... 9.48% 4.70% 6.53% 2.65%(iii)
========= ========= ========= =========
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted)........................ $ 4,009 $ 1,487 $ 365 $ 131
========= ========= ========= =========
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets ................................ 1.25% 1.25% 1.25% 1.25%
========= ========= ========= =========
Decrease reflected in above expense
ratios due to expense
reimbursements ........................ 0.42% 1.37% 4.81% 5.89%
========= ========= ========= =========
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets .................... 1.99% 4.22% 6.60% 6.92%
========= ========= ========= =========
Portfolio Turnover Rate .................. 15.27% -- 132.55% --
========= ========= ========= =========
Average Commission
Rate Paid................................
</TABLE>
(i) Prior to October 1, 1992, the Alger American Balanced Portfolio was the
Alger American Fixed Income Portfolio.
(ii) For the period September 5, 1989 (commencement of operations) to December
31, 1989. Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been
annualized.
(iii) Unaudited.
(iv) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vii
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
From May 3, 1993
Year Ended December 31, (commencement of
------------------------------ operations)
1996 1995 1994 to December 31, 1993(i)
-------- -------- ------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year................ $ 19.44 $ 13.46 $ 13.72 $ 10.00
-------- -------- ------- -------
Net investment income (loss)...................... 0.03 (0.03) 0.00(ii) (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments.................................. 2.29 6.01 (0.21) 3.88
-------- -------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations................ 2.32 5.98 (0.21) 3.86
Distributions from net realized gains............. (0.41) -- (0.05) (0.14)
-------- -------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of year...................... $ 21.35 $ 19.44 $ 13.46 $ 13.72
======== ======== ======= =======
Total Return...................................... 11.90% 44.45% (1.54%) 38.67%
======== ======== ======= =======
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000's omitted)......... $394,847 $185,349 $62,178 $21,301
======== ======== ======= =======
Ratio of expenses to average net assets......... 0.84% 0.90% 0.97% 1.50%
======== ======== ======= =======
Decrease reflected in above expense
ratio due to expense reimbursements........... -- -- -- 0.03%
======== ======== ======= =======
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
to average net assets......................... 0.08% (0.25%) 0.03% (0.58%)
======== ======== ======= =======
Portfolio Turnover Rate......................... 90.97% 104.74% 83.96% 67.22%
======== ======== ======= =======
Average Commission
Rate Paid....................................... $ .0663
=======
</TABLE>
(i) Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been annualized.
(ii) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
viii
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
From January 25, 1995
Year Ended (commencement of
December 31, operations)
1996 to December 31, 1995(i)
-------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period.................................. $ 17.43 $ 10.00
-------- --------
Net investment (loss).................................................. (0.03)(ii) (0.03)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments............... 2.14 7.46
-------- --------
Total from investment operations.................................. 2.11 7.43
Distribution from net realized gains................................... (0.18) --
-------- --------
Net asset value, end of period........................................ $ 19.36 $ 17.43
======== ========
Total Return........................................................... 12.04% 74.30%
======== ========
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)........................... $ 34,925 $ 5,497
======== ========
Ratio of expenses excluding interest to average net assets........... 1.06% 1.50%
======== ========
Ratio of expenses including interest to average net assets........... 1.09% 1.56%
======== ========
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to expense reimbursements...................................... -- 2.36%
======== ========
Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets................. (0.15%) (0.71%)
======== ========
Portfolio Turnover Rate.............................................. 102.10% 178.23%
======== ========
Amount of debt outstanding at end of period........................... $ 0 $ 0
======== ========
Average amount of debt outstanding during the period.................. $ 76,079 $ 8,122
======== ========
Average daily number of shares outstanding during the period.......... 1,107,187 75,460
======== ========
Average amount of debt per share during the period.................... $ 0.07 $ 0.11
======== ========
Average Commission
Rate Paid........................................................... $ .0682
========
</TABLE>
(i) Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been annualized.
(ii) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ix
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
The Fund is designed to permit insurance companies that issue variable
annuity contracts ("VA contracts") and variable life insurance policies ("VLI
policies") to offer contract and policy holders the opportunity to participate
in the performance of one or more of the Portfolios of the Fund. The Fund may
also be a funding vehicle for qualified pension and retirement plans (the
"Plans") which elect to make the Fund an investment option for Plan
participants.
The Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company that offers
a selection of six Portfolios, each having distinct investment objectives and
policies. The Fund's Board of Trustees may establish additional Portfolios at
any time.
PARTICIPATING INSURANCE COMPANIES AND PLANS
The Fund is intended to be a funding vehicle for VA contracts and VLI
policies to be offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance
companies ("Participating Insurance Companies") and Plans. Individuals cannot
invest in a Portfolio directly but may do so only through a VA contract or VLI
policy or a Plan. The Fund currently does not foresee any disadvantages to the
holders of VA contracts and VLI policies arising from the fact that the
interests of the holders of VA contracts and VLI policies may differ, that the
Participating Insurance Companies may not be affiliated with each other or that
the Fund may offer its shares to Plans. Nevertheless, the Fund's Board of
Trustees intends to monitor events in order to identify any material
irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly arise due to differences of tax
treatment or other considerations, and to determine what action, if any, should
be taken in response to such conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or
more Participating Insurance Company separate accounts or Plans might withdraw
its investment in a Portfolio, which may cause the Portfolio to sell portfolio
securities at disadvantageous prices. The VA contracts and VLI policies are
described in the separate prospectuses issued by the Participating Insurance
Companies, and the Plans are described in the Plan documents made available by
the Plan sponsors. The Fund assumes no responsibility for such prospectuses or
plan documents.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
AND POLICIES
The investment objectives of the Portfolios and the investment restrictions
summarized in the next paragraph are fundamental which means that they may not
be changed without shareholder approval. All investment policies and practices
described elsewhere in this Prospectus, and not explicitly identified as
fundamental, are not fundamental, so the Fund's Board of Trustees may change
them without shareholder approval. There is no guarantee that any Portfolio's
objectives will be achieved.
As a matter of fundamental policy, no Portfolio will: (1) with respect to 75%
of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one issuer,
except for obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies
or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government securities"); (2) own more than 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of any company; (3) invest more than 10% (15%
for the Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio) of its net assets in
securities that are illiquid by virtue of legal or contractual restrictions on
resale or the absence of a readily available market; (4) invest more than 25% of
its total assets in any one industry, except for U.S. Government securities; (5)
borrow money or pledge its assets, except that it may borrow money or pledge its
assets in an amount up to 10% of its total assets for temporary or emergency
purposes and that the Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio may borrow for
investment purposes as described below under "Alger American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio." The Statement of Additional Information contains additional
investment restrictions.
ALGER AMERICAN BALANCED PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Portfolio is current income and long-term
capital appreciation. The Portfolio intends to invest based on combined
considerations of risk, income, capital appreciation and protection of capital
value. Normally, it will invest in common stocks and investment grade fixed
income securities (preferred stock and debt securities), as well as securities
convertible into common stocks. Except during temporary defensive periods, the
Portfolio will maintain at least 25% of its net assets in fixed income senior
securities. With respect to debt securities, the Portfolio will invest only in
instruments which are rated in one of the four highest rating categories by any
established rating agency, or if not rated, which are determined by Fred Alger
Management, Inc. ("Alger Management"), the Fund's investment manager, to be of
comparable quality to instruments so rated.
1
<PAGE>
The Portfolio may invest up to 35% of its total assets in money market
instruments and repurchase agreements, and in excess of that amount (up to 100%
of its assets) during temporary defensive periods.
ALGER AMERICAN INCOME AND GROWTH PORTFOLIO
The primary investment objective of the Portfolio is to provide a high level
of dividend income. Capital appreciation is a secondary objective of the
Portfolio. Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio attempts to
invest 100%, and it is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio to invest at least
65%, of its total assets in dividend paying equity securities. In selecting
among dividend paying equity securities, Alger Management will favor securities
it believes also offer opportunities for capital appreciation. The Portfolio may
invest up to 35% of its total assets in money market instruments and repurchase
agreements and in excess of that amount (up to 100% of its assets) during
temporary defensive periods.
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of
purchase, have "total market capitalization"--present market value per share
multiplied by the total number of shares outstanding--within the range of
companies included in the Russell 2000 Growth Index ("Russell Index") or the S&P
SmallCap 600 Index ("S&P Index"), updated quarterly. Both indexes are broad
indexes of small capitalization stocks. As of March 31, 1997, the range of
market capitalization of the companies in the Russell Index was $10 million to
$1.94 billion; the range of market capitalization of the companies in the S&P
Index at that date was $32 million to $2.579 billion. The combined range as of
that date was $10 million to $2.579 billion. The Portfolio may invest up to 35%
of its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of
purchase, have total market capitalization outside of this combined range, and
in excess of that amount (up to 100% of its assets) during temporary defensive
periods.
ALGER AMERICAN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of purchase
of the securities, have total market capitalization of $1 billion or greater.
The Portfolio may invest up to 35% of its total assets in equity securities of
companies that, at the time of purchase, have total market capitalization of
less than $1 billion.
ALGER AMERICAN MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of purchase
of the securities, have total market capitalization within the range of
companies included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index, updated quarterly. The S&P
MidCap 400 Index is designed to track the performance of medium capitalization
companies. As of March 31, 1997, the range of market capitalization of the
companies within the S&P MidCap 400 Index was $120 million to $7.193 billion.
The Portfolio may invest up to 35% of its total assets in equity securities of
companies that, at the time of purchase, have total market capitalization
outside the range of companies included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and in
excess of that amount (up to 100% of its assets) during temporary defensive
periods.
ALGER AMERICAN LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 85% of
its net assets in equity securities of companies of any size.
The Portfolio may purchase put and call options and sell (write) covered call
and put options on securities and securities indexes to increase gain and to
hedge against the risk of unfavorable price movements, and may enter into
futures contracts on securities indexes and purchase and sell call and put
options on these futures contracts. The Portfolio may also borrow money for the
purchase of additional securities. The Portfolio may borrow only from banks and
may not borrow in excess of one-third of the market value of its assets, less
liabilities other than such borrowing. These practices are deemed to be
speculative and may cause the Portfolio's net asset value to be more volatile
than the net asset value of a fund that does not engage in these activities. See
"Investment Practices."
2
<PAGE>
IN GENERAL
Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio, Alger American MidCap Growth
Portfolio, Alger American Growth Portfolio, Alger American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio, Alger American Income and Growth Portfolio and the equity portion of
Alger American Balanced Portfolio seek to achieve their objectives by investing
in equity securities, such as common or preferred stocks, or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities, including warrants and
rights. The Portfolios will invest primarily in companies whose securities are
traded on domestic stock exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. These
companies may still be in the developmental stage, may be older companies that
appear to be entering a new stage of growth progress owing to factors such as
management changes or development of new technology, products or markets or may
be companies providing products or services with a high unit volume growth rate.
In order to afford the Portfolios the flexibility to take advantage of new
opportunities for investments in accordance with their investment objectives or
to meet redemptions, they may each hold up to 15% (or a higher percentage where
so stated) of their net assets in money market instruments and repurchase
agreements and in excess of that amount (up to 100% of their assets) during
temporary defensive periods. These amounts may be higher than those maintained
by other funds with similar investment objectives.
Investing in smaller, newer issuers generally involves greater risk than
investing in larger, more established issuers. Companies in which Alger American
Small Capitalization Portfolio is likely to invest may have limited product
lines, markets or financial resources and may lack management depth. The
securities of such companies may have limited marketability and may be subject
to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more
established companies or the market averages in general. Accordingly, an
investment in the Portfolio may not be appropriate for all investors. These
risks may also apply to investments in smaller companies by the other
Portfolios.
INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The Portfolios may use the investment strategies and invest in the types of
securities described below, which may involve certain risks. The Statement of
Additional Information contains more detailed information about these practices
and information about other investment practices of the Portfolios.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
In a repurchase agreement, a Portfolio buys a security at one price and
simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price. In the event of a
bankruptcy or default of the other party to the repurchase agreement, the
Portfolio could experience costs and delays in liquidating the underlying
security, which is held as collateral, and the Portfolio might incur a loss if
the value of the collateral held declines during this period.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES
An investment may be illiquid because of the absence of an active trading
market, making it difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price. A
restricted security is one that has a contractual restriction on its resale or
which cannot be sold publicly until it is registered under the Securities Act of
1933. Each Portfolio may purchase securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A
of the Securities Act of 1933. This rule permits otherwise restricted securities
to be sold to certain institutional buyers. Under the policies and procedures
established by the Fund's Board of Trustees, Alger Management determines the
liquidity of the Portfolios' Rule 144A investments.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
In order to generate income and to offset expenses, each Portfolio may lend
portfolio securities with a value up to 331/3% of the Portfolio's total assets
to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations. Any such loan will be
continuously secured by collateral at least equal to the value of the securities
loaned. Default by the borrower could result in delays, costs and/or losses in
disposing of the collateral or recovering the loaned securities and, should the
borrower fail financially, possible loss of rights in the collateral.
3
<PAGE>
FOREIGN SECURITIES
Each Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign
securities. Investing in securities of foreign companies and foreign
governments, which generally are denominated in foreign currencies, may involve
certain risk and opportunity considerations not typically associated with
investing in domestic companies and could cause the Portfolio to be affected
favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates and revaluations
of currencies.
Each Portfolio may purchase American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), American
Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), or U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign
issuers, none of which are included in the 20% foreign securities limitation.
ADRs and ADSs are traded in the U.S. securities markets and represent the
securities of foreign issuers. While ADRs and ADSs may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the foreign securities they represent, many
of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs and ADSs.
LEVERAGE THROUGH BORROWING
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio may borrow money from banks and use
it to purchase additional securities. This borrowing is known as leveraging.
Leveraging increases both investment opportunity and investment risk. If the
investment gains on securities purchased with borrowed money exceed the interest
paid on the borrowing, the net asset value of the Portfolio's shares will rise
faster than would otherwise be the case. On the other hand, if the investment
gains fail to cover the cost (including interest) of borrowings, or if there are
losses, the net asset value of the Portfolio's shares will decrease faster than
would otherwise be the case. The Portfolio is required to maintain continuous
asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities
exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed. If such asset coverage
should decline below 300% as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons,
the Portfolio 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.
OPTIONS
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio may buy and sell (write) exchange
listed options in order to obtain additional return or to hedge the value of its
portfolio. Hedging transactions are intended to reduce the risk of price
fluctuations. The Portfolio may write an option on a security only if the option
is "covered" (for a discussion of covered options, see the Statement of
Additional Information). Although the Portfolio will generally purchase or write
only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market,
there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist
for any particular option. The Portfolio will not purchase options if, as a
result, the aggregate cost of all outstanding options exceeds 10% of the
Portfolio's total assets, although no more than 5% will be committed to
transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes. The Portfolio may purchase
and sell put and call options on stock indexes in order to increase its gross
income or to hedge its portfolio against price fluctuations.
The writing and purchase of options are highly specialized activities which
involve investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Additional discussion of these risks
and techniques is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
STOCK INDEX FUTURES AND OPTIONS ON
STOCK INDEX FUTURES
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio may purchase and sell stock index
futures contracts and options on stock index futures contracts. These
investments may be made only for hedging, not speculative, purposes.
There can be no assurance of the Portfolio's successful use of stock index
futures as a hedging device. If Alger Management uses a hedging instrument at
the wrong time or judges market conditions incorrectly, hedging strategies may
reduce the Portfolio's return. The Portfolio could also experience losses if the
prices of its futures and options positions were not correlated with its other
investments or if it could not close out a position because of an illiquid
market for the future or option.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio changes will generally be made without regard to the length of time
a security has been held or whether a sale would result in a profit or loss.
Increased portfolio turnover will have the effect of increasing the Portfolios'
brokerage and custodial expenses.
4
<PAGE>
OTHER INVESTMENTS
In addition to the securities and investment techniques listed above, each
Portfolio may invest in bank and thrift obligations, obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities,
foreign bank obligations and obligations of foreign branches of domestic banks,
and variable rate master demand notes; and the Alger American Balanced Portfolio
may engage in reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and
"when-issued" purchases. See "Investment Objectives and Policies" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
ORGANIZATION
The Fund was organized on April 6, 1988 as a multi-series Massachusetts
business trust. The Fund offers an unlimited number of shares of six series,
representing the shares of the Portfolios.
Although the Fund is not required by law to hold annual shareholder meetings,
it may hold meetings from time to time on important matters, and shareholders
have the right to call a meeting to remove a Trustee or to take other action
described in the Fund's Declaration of Trust. Shareholders of one Portfolio may
vote only on matters that affect that Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances, other than the shares issued to Fred Alger &
Company, Incorporated ("Alger Inc.") in connection with its creation and initial
capitalization, the Fund intends to distribute shares of the Portfolios only to
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans, so that only Participating
Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and Plans will be considered
shareholders of the Portfolios. Although the Participating Insurance Companies
and their separate accounts and the Plans are the shareholders or investors, the
Participating Insurance Companies will pass through voting rights to their VA
contract and VLI policy holders. Plan sponsors may or may not pass through
voting rights to Plan participants, depending on the terms of the Plan's
governing documents. For a discussion of voting rights please refer to the
Participating Insurance Companies' prospectuses or the Plan documents.
When matters are submitted for shareholder vote, shareholders of each
Portfolio will have one vote for each full share held and proportionate,
fractional votes for fractional shares held. A separate vote of a Portfolio is
required on any matter affecting the Portfolio on which shareholders are
entitled to vote, such as approval of a Portfolio's agreement with Alger
Management. Shareholders of one Portfolio are not entitled to vote on a matter
that does not affect that Portfolio but that does require a separate vote of the
other Portfolios. There normally will be no annual meetings of shareholders for
the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a
majority of Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, at which
time the Trustees then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the
election of Trustees. Any Trustee may be removed from office on the vote of
shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the Fund's outstanding shares at a
meeting called for that purpose. The Trustees are required to call such a
meeting on the written request of shareholders holding at least 10% of the
Fund's outstanding shares.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Fund is governed by a Board of Trustees which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders under Massachusetts law. The Statement
of Additional Information contains general background information about each
Trustee and
officer of the Fund.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Alger Management is the Fund's investment manager and is responsible for the
overall administration of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board of
Trustees. Alger Management makes investment decisions for the Portfolios, places
orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Portfolios and selects
broker-dealers that, in its judgment, provide prompt and reliable execution at
favorable prices and reasonable commission rates. It is anticipated that the
Fund's distributor, Alger Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, will serve as
the Fund's broker in effecting substantially all of the Portfolios' transactions
on securities exchanges and will retain commissions in accordance with certain
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, Alger
Management employs professional securities analysts who provide research
services exclusively to the Portfolios and other accounts for which Alger
Management or its affiliates serve as investment adviser or subadviser.
Alger Management has been in the business of providing investment advisory
services since 1964 and, as of March 31, 1997, had approximately $6.4 billion
under management, $4.9 billion in mutual fund accounts and $1.5 billion in other
5
<PAGE>
advisory accounts. Alger Management is owned by Alger Inc. which in turn is
owned by Alger Associates, Inc., a financial services holding company. Fred M.
Alger, III and his brother, David D. Alger, are the majority shareholders of
Alger Associates, Inc. and may be deemed to control that company and its
subsidiaries.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
David D. Alger, Seilai Khoo and Ronald Tartaro are primarily responsible for
the day-to-day management of the Portfolios of the Fund. Mr. Alger has been
employed by Alger Management as Executive Vice President and Director of
Research since 1971 and as President since 1995. Ms. Khoo has been employed by
Alger Management as a senior research analyst since 1989 and as a Senior Vice
President since 1995. Mr. Tartaro has been employed by Alger Management as a
senior research analyst since 1990 and as a Senior Vice President since 1995.
Steven R. Thumm serves as co-manager of the Alger American Balanced Portfolio.
He has been employed by Alger Management as a fixed income analyst since 1991.
Mr. Alger, Ms. Khoo, Mr. Tartaro and Mr. Thumm also serve as portfolio managers
for other mutual funds and investment accounts managed by Alger Management.
Alger Management personnel ("Access Persons") are permitted to engage in
personal securities transactions subject to the restrictions and procedures of
the Fund's Code of Ethics. Pursuant to the Code of Ethics, Access Persons
generally must preclear all personal securities transactions prior to trading
and are subject to certain prohibitions on personal trading. You can get a copy
of the Fund's Code of Ethics by calling the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863.
FEES
Each Portfolio pays Alger Management a management fee computed daily and paid
monthly at annual rates based on a percentage of the value of the relevant
Portfolio's average daily net assets, as follows: Alger American Income and
Growth Portfolio-.625%; Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio and Alger
American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio-.85%; Alger American MidCap Growth
Portfolio-.80%; Alger American Growth Portfolio and Alger American Balanced
Portfolio-.75%.
From time to time Alger Management or its affiliates may compensate insurance
companies or their affiliates whose customers hold shares of the Portfolios for
providing a variety of record-keeping, administrative, marketing and/or
shareholder support services. This compensation, which may be paid at a rate of
up to .30% of the net asset value of shares held by those customers, will be
paid from Alger Management's own resources and not from the assets of the Fund.
EXPENSES
Each Portfolio pays expenses related to its daily operations, such as
management fees, brokerage fees, custodian fees, Trustees' fees, transfer agency
fees and legal and auditing costs. Alger Management has agreed to reimburse the
Portfolios to the extent that the annual operating expenses (excluding interest,
taxes, fees for brokerage services and extraordinary expenses) of Alger American
Balanced Portfolio or Alger American Income and Growth Portfolio exceed 1.25%,
or such expenses of Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio, Alger
American Growth Portfolio, Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio, or Alger
American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio exceed 1.50%, of the average daily net
assets of the applicable Portfolio for any fiscal year. In addition, from time
to time, Alger Management, in its sole discretion and as it deems appropriate,
may assume certain expenses of one or more of the Portfolios while retaining the
ability to be reimbursed by the applicable Portfolio for such amounts prior to
the end of the fiscal year. This will have the effect of lowering the applicable
Portfolio's overall expense ratio and of increasing yield to investors, or the
converse, at the time such amounts are assumed or reimbursed, as the case may
be. More information about each Portfolio's investment management agreement and
other expenses paid by the Portfolios is included in the Statement of Additional
Information.
The Statement of Additional Information contains information about the Fund's
brokerage policies and practices.
6
<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTOR
Alger Inc. serves as the Fund's distributor and also distributes the shares
of other mutual funds managed by Alger Management.
TRANSFER AGENT
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, serves as
transfer agent for the Fund.
NET ASSET VALUE
The price of one share of a Portfolio is its "net asset value." The net asset
value is computed by adding the value of the Portfolio's investments plus cash
and other assets, deducting liabilities and then dividing the result by the
number of its shares outstanding. The net asset value of each Portfolio is
calculated as of the close of business (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each
day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Contract or policy holders or Plan participants will not deal directly with
the Fund regarding the purchase or redemption of a Portfolio's shares. The
separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies place orders to
purchase and redeem shares of each Portfolio based on, among other things, the
amount of premium payments to be invested and the amount of surrender and
transfer requests (as defined in the prospectuses describing the VA contracts
and VLI policies issued by the Participating Insurance Companies) to be effected
on that day pursuant to VA contracts and VLI policies. Plan trustees purchase
and redeem Portfolio shares. Plan participants cannot contact the Fund directly
to purchase shares of the Portfolios but may invest in shares of the Portfolios
only through their Plan. Participants should contact their Plan sponsor for
information concerning the appropriate procedure for investing in the Fund.
Orders received by the Fund or the Fund's transfer agent are effected on days
on which the NYSE is open for trading. For orders received before the close of
regular trading on the NYSE, purchases and redemptions of the shares of each
Portfolio are effected at the respective net asset values per share determined
as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on that same day. Orders received
after the close of regular trading on the NYSE are effected at the next
calculated net asset value. See "Net Asset Value." All orders for the purchase
of shares are subject to acceptance or rejection by the Fund. Payment for
redemptions will be made by the Fund's transfer agent on behalf of the Fund and
the relevant Portfolios within seven days after the request is received. The
Fund does not assess any fees, either when it sells or when it redeems its
shares. Surrender charges, mortality and expense risk fees and other charges may
be assessed by Participating Insurance Companies under the VA contracts or VLI
policies. These fees should be described in the Participating Insurance
Companies' prospectuses. Any charges assessed by the Plans should be described
in the Plan documents.
Under unusual circumstances, shares of a Portfolio may be redeemed "in kind",
which means that the redemption proceeds will be paid with securities which are
held by the Portfolio. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information
for more details.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Each Portfolio will be treated separately in determining the amounts of
dividends of investment income and distributions of capital gains payable to
holders of its shares. Dividends and distributions will be automatically
reinvested at net asset value on the payment date for each shareholder's account
in additional shares of the Portfolio that paid the dividend or distribution or,
in the case of VA contracts and VLI policies, will be paid in cash at the
election of the Participating Insurance Company. Any dividends of the Portfolios
will be declared and paid annually. Distributions of any net realized capital
gains earned by a Portfolio usually will be made annually after the close of the
fiscal year in which the gains are earned. Participating Insurance Companies and
Plans will be informed about the amount and character of dividends and
distributions from the relevant Portfolio for federal income tax purposes.
TAXES
Each Portfolio will be treated as a separate taxpayer with the result that,
for federal income tax purposes, the amounts of net investment income and
capital gains earned will be determined on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio (rather than
on a Fund-wide) basis.
The Fund intends that each Portfolio will qualify separately as a "regulated
investment company" (within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) for each taxable year of each Portfolio. If so qualified, and providing
certain distribution requirements are met, a Portfolio will not be subject to
7
<PAGE>
federal income tax on its net investment income and net capital gains that it
distributes to its shareholders.
Dividends paid from net investment income and distributions of net realized
short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income earned by the
shareholders of a Portfolio. Distributions of net long-term capital gains are
treated as such by shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Federal income
taxation of separate accounts of life insurance companies, VA contracts, VLI
policies and of the Plans is discussed in the prospectuses of the Participating
Insurance Companies and in the Plan documents. With respect to participants in
the Plans, dividends from net investment income and net realized capital gains
will ordinarily not be subject to taxation until such dividends are distributed
to such participants from their Plan accounts.
PERFORMANCE
The Portfolios advertise different types of yield and total return
performance. All performance figures are based on historical earnings and are
not intended to indicate future performance. Further information about the
Fund's performance is contained in its Annual Report to Shareholders, which may
be obtained without charge by contacting the Fund.
Each Portfolio may include quotations of its "total return" in advertisements
or reports to shareholders or prospective investors. Total return figures show
the aggregate or average percentage change in value of an investment in a
Portfolio from the beginning date of the measuring period to the end of the
measuring period. These figures reflect changes in the price of the Portfolio's
shares and assume that any income dividends and/or capital gains distributions
made by the Portfolio during the period were reinvested in shares of the
Portfolio. Figures will be given for recent 1, 5 and 10 year periods, and may be
given for other periods as well (such as from commencement of the Portfolio's
operations, or on a year-by-year basis) and may utilize dollar cost averaging.
The Portfolio may use "aggregate" total return figures for various periods,
representing the cumulative change in value of an investment in the Portfolio
for the specific period (again reflecting changes in Portfolio share price and
assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions) as well as "actual annual"
and "annualized" total return figures. Total returns may be shown by means of
schedules, charts or graphs, and may indicate subtotals of the various
components of total return (i.e., change in value of initial investment, income
dividends and capital gains distributions). "Total return" and "yield" for a
Portfolio will vary based on changes in market conditions. In addition, since
the deduction of a Portfolio's expenses is reflected in the total return and
yield figures, "total return" and "yield" will also vary based on the level of
the Portfolio's expenses.
The Statement of Additional Information further describes the method used to
determine the yields and total return figures. Current yield and/or total return
quotations may be obtained by contacting the Fund.
The actual return to a holder of a VA contract or VLI policy will also be
affected by charges imposed by the separate accounts of Participating Insurance
Companies or, in the case of Plan participants, by any charges imposed under the
plan.
INVESTOR AND
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Investors and shareholders may contact the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863
for further information regarding the Fund and the Portfolios, including current
performance quotations, as well as for assistance in selecting a Portfolio and
obtaining a Statement of Additional Information. Holders of VA contracts or VLI
policies issued by Participating Insurance Companies and participants in Plans
for which shares of one or more Portfolios are the investment vehicle may
receive from the Participating Insurance Companies or Plan sponsor unaudited
semi-annual financial statements and year-end financial statements audited by
the Fund's independent public accountants. Each report will show the investments
owned by each of the Portfolios and the market values of the investments and
will provide other information about the Fund and its operations. The Fund's
Annual Report contains additional performance information and is available upon
request and without charge by contacting the Fund at the toll-free number listed
above.
8
<PAGE>
This page intentionally left blank.
<PAGE>
THE |
ALGER |
AMERICAN |
FUND |
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus or the Statement
of Additional Information in connection with the offering of the Fund's shares,
and if given or made, such other information or representations must not be
relied on as having been authorized by the Fund. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer in any state in which, or to any person to whom, such offer
may not lawfully be made.
--------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGER:
Fred Alger Management, Inc.
75 Maiden Lane
New York, New York 10038
DISTRIBUTOR:
Fred Alger & Company,
Incorporated
30 Montgomery Street
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
TRANSFER AGENT:
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc.
30 Montgomery Street
Box 2001
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS:
Arthur Andersen LLP
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
COUNSEL:
Hollyer Brady Smith Troxell
Barrett Rockett Hines & Mone LLP
551 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10176
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
THE | 75 Maiden Lane
ALGER | New York, New York 10038
AMERICAN | (800) 992-FUND (992-3863)
FUND |
The Alger American Fund (the "Fund") is a registered investment company -- a
mutual fund --that presently offers interests in six portfolios. This Prospectus
sets forth information about four of these portfolios (the "Portfolios"). Each
Portfolio has distinct investment objectives and policies and a shareholder's
interest is limited to the Portfolio in which he or she owns shares. The four
Portfolios discussed in this Prospectus are:
o Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio
o Alger American Growth Portfolio
o Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio
o Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio
Shares of the Portfolios are offered as a pooled funding vehicle for insurance
companies writing all types of variable annuity contracts ("VA contracts") and
variable life insurance policies ("VLI policies") and are also offered directly
to qualified pension and retirement plans (the "Plans"). See "The Portfolios."
SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY ANY BANK, AND THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
[LOGO] [LOGO]
This Prospectus, which should be retained for future reference, contains
important information that you should know before investing. Please read it
along with the prospectuses issued by the insurance companies with respect to
the VA contracts and VLI policies or with the Plan documents. A "Statement of
Additional Information" dated May 1, 1997 containing further information about
the Fund has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. It is available at no charge by
contacting the Fund at the address or phone number above.
FRED ALGER | FRED ALGER |
MANAGEMENT, | Investment Manager & COMPANY, | Distributor
INC. | INCORPORATED |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 REPRE-
SENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 1, 1997
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
Page
-----
Portfolio Expenses..................................... iii
Financial Highlights................................... iv
The Portfolios......................................... 1
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans............ 1
Investment Objectives and Policies..................... 1
Alger American Small Capitalization
Portfolio.......................................... 1
Alger American Growth Portfolio...................... 2
Alger American MidCap Growth
Portfolio.......................................... 2
Alger American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio.......................................... 2
Investment Practices................................... 3
Management of the Fund................................. 4
Net Asset Value........................................ 6
Purchases and Redemptions.............................. 6
Dividends and Distributions............................ 7
Taxes.................................................. 7
Performance............................................ 7
Investor and Shareholder Information................... 8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES
The Table below is designed to assist you in understanding the various costs
and expenses that you will bear as a shareholder. The Table does not reflect
charges and deductions which are, or may be, imposed under the VA contracts, VLI
policies or Plans; such charges and deductions are described in the prospectus
for the VA contract or VLI policy accompanying this Prospectus or in the Plan
documents.
The Example below shows the amount of expenses you would pay on a $1,000
investment in a Portfolio. These amounts assume the reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions and payment by the Portfolios of operating expenses
as shown in the Table under Annual Fund Operating Expenses. The Example is an
illustration only and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Alger Alger Alger
American Alger American American
Small American MidCap Leveraged
Capitalization Growth Growth AllCap
Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio
--------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
Purchases........................................... None None None None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed
on Reinvested Dividends.............................. None None None None
Deferred Sales Load.................................... None None None None
Redemption Fees........................................ None None None None
Exchange Fees.......................................... None None None None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees........................................ .85% .75% .80% .85%
12b-1 Fees............................................. -- -- -- --
Other Expenses......................................... .03% .04% .04% .24%*
--- --- --- ---
Total Fund Operating Expenses ........................ .88% .79% .84% 1.09%
=== === === ====
* Included in Other Expenses of the Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio
is 0.03% of interest expense.
Example
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5%
annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
One Year............................................... $ 9 $ 8 $ 9 $ 11
Three Years............................................ 28 25 27 35
Five Years............................................. 49 44 47 60
Ten Years.............................................. 108 98 104 133
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iii
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Financial Highlights for the years ended December 31, 1990 through 1996
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, the Fund's independent public
accountants. This information should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements of the Fund as contained in its Statement of Additional Information.
The Financial Highlights, with the exception of the total return information,
for the periods ended December 31, 1989 and 1988 have been audited by other
independent accountants, who have expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. The
Fund's Annual Report contains additional performance information and is
available upon request and without charge by contacting the Fund at (800)
992-3863.
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989(ii)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year. $ 31.16 $ 23.13 $ 24.67 $ 20.17 $ 18.00 $ 12.86 $ 12.41 $ 10.00
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net investment income.............. 0.12 0.02 0.07 0.03 0.03 0.08(i) 0.07 0.09
Net realized and unrealized gain
on investments................... 4.00 8.33 0.15 4.50 2.19 5.11 0.44 2.32
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment
operations.................... 4.12 8.35 0.22 4.53 2.22 5.19 0.51 2.41
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Dividends from net investment
income........................... (0.02) (0.07) (0.03) (0.03) (0.03) (0.05) (0.06) --
Distributions from net realized
gains........................... (0.93) (0.25) (1.73) -- (0.02) -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total Distributions.............. (0.95) (0.32) (1.76) (0.03) (0.05) (0.05) (0.06) --
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of year....... $ 34.33 $ 31.16 $ 23.13 $ 24.67 $ 20.17 $ 18.00 $ 12.86 $ 12.41
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total Return....................... 13.35% 36.37% 1.45% 22.47% 12.38% 40.39% 4.14% 24.10%(iii)
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted)................ $991,028 $502,974 $150,390 $74,878 $30,316 $10,094 $ 1,228 $ 171
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets..................... 0.79% 0.85% 0.86% 0.97% 0.99% 1.29% 1.50% 1.50%
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Decrease reflected in above
expense ratios due to
expense reimbursements......... -- -- -- -- -- -- 2.31% 7.32%
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets.......... 0.50% 0.18% 0.48% 0.25% 0.33% 0.52% 1.69% 1.30%
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......... 82.86% 118.33% 111.76% 112.64% 63.91% 58.95% 86.77% 79.59%
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Average Commission
Rate Paid...................... $ .0683
=======
</TABLE>
(i) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(ii) For the period January 9, 1989 (commencement of operations) to December
31, 1989. Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been
annualized.
(iii) Unaudited.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iv
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988(iii)
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of year....... $ 39.41 $ 27.31 $ 30.88 $ 27.26 $ 26.79 $ 17.02 $ 15.79 $ 9.60 $ 10.00
--------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------ -------
Net investment
income (loss)........... (0.04)(i) (0.09) (0.03)(i) (0.05) (0.06) (0.03) 0.02 0.04 0.06
Net realized and
unrealized gain
(loss) on investments... 1.70 12.19 (1.45) 3.67 0.91 9.82 1.35 6.15 (0.40)
--------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------ -----
Total from investment
operations............ 1.66 12.10 (1.48) 3.62 0.85 9.79 1.37 6.19 (0.34)
--------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------ -----
Dividends from net
investment income....... -- -- -- -- -- (0.02) (0.01) -- (0.06)
Distributions from net
realized gains......... (0.16) -- (2.09) -- (0.38) -- (0.13) -- --
--------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------ -----
Total Distributions..... (0.16) -- (2.09) -- (0.38) (0.02) (0.14) -- (0.06)
--------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------ -----
Net asset value, end
of year................. $ 40.91 $ 39.41 $ 27.31 $ 30.88 $ 27.26 $ 26.79 $ 17.02 $15.79 $ 9.60
========= ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= ====== ======
Total Return.............. 4.18% 44.31% (4.38%) 13.28% 3.55% 57.54% 8.71% 64.48%(ii) (3.35%)(ii)
========= ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= ====== =====
Ratios and
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted).......$1,469,518 $984,212 $397,037 $238,850 $135,718 $ 56,798 $ 7,149 $ 569 $ 39
========== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= ====== =====
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets... 0.88% 0.92% 0.96% 1.03% 0.98% 1.06% 1.50% 1.50% 1.50%
========== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= ====== =====
Decrease reflected in
above expense ratios
due to expense
reimbursements........ -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.33% 9.15% 12.31%
Ratio of net investment
income (loss) to
average net assets.... (0.09%) (0.48%) (0.10%) (0.35%) (0.37%) (0.12%) 0.50% 1.11% 2.27%
========== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= ====== =====
Portfolio Turnover
Rate.................. 110.04% 80.66% 117.61% 148.07% 108.06% 125.90% 132.46% 133.61% 20.86%
========== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= ====== =====
Average Commission
Rate Paid.............$ .0591
==========
</TABLE>
(i) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(ii) Unaudited.
(iii) For the period September 21, 1988 (commencement of operations) to December
31, 1988. Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been
annualized.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
v
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FROM MAY 3, 1993
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, (COMMENCEMENT OF
------------------------------------- OPERATIONS)
1996 1995 1994 TO DECEMBER 31, 1993(I)
--------- --------- -------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year...................... $ 19.44 $ 13.46 $ 13.72 $ 10.00
------- ------- -------- -------
Net investment income (loss)............................ 0.03 (0.03) 0.00(ii) (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments............................ 2.29 6.01 (0.21) 3.88
------- ------- -------- -------
Total from investment operations...................... 2.32 5.98 (0.21) 3.86
Distributions from net realized gains................... (0.41) -- (0.05) (0.14)
------- ------- -------- -------
Net asset value, end of year............................ $ 21.35 $ 19.44 $ 13.46 $ 13.72
======= ======= ======== =======
Total Return............................................ 11.90% 44.45% (1.54%) 38.67%
======= ======= ======== =======
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000's omitted)............... $394,847 $185,349 $62,178 $21,301
======== ======== ======== =======
Ratio of expenses to average net assets............... 0.84% 0.90% 0.97% 1.50%
======= ======= ======== =======
Decrease reflected in above expense
ratio due to expense reimbursements................. -- -- -- 0.03%
======= ======= ======== =======
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets.................................. 0.08% (0.25%) 0.03% (0.58%)
======= ======= ======== =======
Portfolio Turnover Rate............................... 90.97% 104.74% 83.96% 67.22%
======= ======= ======== =======
Average Commission
Rate Paid........................................... $ .0663
=======
</TABLE>
(i) Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been annualized.
(ii) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vi
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FROM JANUARY 25, 1995
YEAR ENDED (COMMENCEMENT OF
DECEMBER 31 OPERATIONS)
1996 TO DECEMBER 31, 1995(I)
------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period............................. $ 17.43 $ 10.00
--------- -------
Net investment (loss)......................................... (0.03)(ii) (0.03)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments.......... 2.14 7.46
--------- -------
Total from investment operations............................. 2.11 7.43
Distribution from net realized gains.......................... (0.18) --
--------- -------
Net asset value, end of period................................... $ 19.36 $ 17.43
========= =======
Total Return.................................................. 12.04% 74.30%
========= =======
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)...................... $ 34,925 $ 5,497
========= =======
Ratio of expenses excluding interest to average net assets.. 1.06% 1.50%
========= =======
Ratio of expenses including interest to average net assets.. 1.09% 1.56%
========= =======
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to expense reimbursements................................ -- 2.36%
========= =======
Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets........ (0.15%) (0.71%)
========= =======
Portfolio Turnover Rate..................................... 102.10% 178.23%
========= =======
Amount of debt outstanding at end of period...................... $ 0 $ 0
========= =======
Average amount of debt outstanding during the period............. $ 76,079 $ 8,122
========= =======
Average daily number of shares outstanding during the period..... 1,107,187 75,460
========= =======
Average amount of debt per share during the period............... $ 0.07 $ 0.11
========= =======
Average Commission Rate Paid..................................... $ .0682
=========
</TABLE>
(i) Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been annualized.
(ii) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vii
<PAGE>
THE PORTFOLIOS
The Portfolios are designed to permit insurance companies that issue VA
contracts and VLI policies to offer contract and policy holders the opportunity
to participate in the performance of one or more of the Portfolios. The Fund may
also be a funding vehicle for Plans which elect to make the Fund an investment
option for Plan participants.
The Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company that offers
a selection of six portfolios, each having distinct investment objectives and
policies. The Fund's Board of Trustees may establish additional portfolios at
any time.
PARTICIPATING INSURANCE COMPANIES AND PLANS
The Portfolios are intended to be funding vehicles for VA contracts and VLI
policies to be offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance
companies ("Participating Insurance Companies") and Plans. Individuals cannot
invest in a Portfolio directly but may do so only through a VA contract or VLI
policy or a Plan. The Fund currently does not foresee any disadvantages to the
holders of VA contracts and VLI policies arising from the fact that the
interests of the holders of VA contracts and VLI policies may differ, that the
Participating Insurance Companies may not be affiliated with each other or that
the Fund may offer its shares to Plans. Nevertheless, the Fund's Board of
Trustees intends to monitor events in order to identify any material
irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly arise due to differences of tax
treatment or other considerations, and to determine what action, if any, should
be taken in response to such conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or
more Participating Insurance Company separate accounts or Plans might withdraw
its investment in a Portfolio, which may cause the Portfolio to sell portfolio
securities at disadvantageous prices. The VA contracts and VLI policies are
described in the separate prospectuses issued by the Participating Insurance
Companies, and the Plans are described in the Plan documents made available by
the Plan sponsors. The Fund assumes no responsibility for such prospectuses or
Plan documents.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
AND POLICIES
The investment objectives of the Portfolios and the investment restrictions
summarized in the next paragraph are fundamental which means that they may not
be changed without shareholder approval. All investment policies and practices
described elsewhere in this Prospectus, and not explicitly identified as
fundamental, are not fundamental, so the Fund's Board of Trustees may change
them without shareholder approval. There is no guarantee that any Portfolio's
objective will be achieved.
As a matter of fundamental policy, no Portfolio will: (1) with respect to 75%
of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one issuer,
except for obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies
or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government securities"); (2) own more than 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of any company; (3) invest more than 10% (15%
for the Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio) of its net assets in
securities that are illiquid by virtue of legal or contractual restrictions on
resale or the absence of a readily available market; (4) invest more than 25% of
its total assets in any one industry, except for U.S. Government securities; (5)
borrow money or pledge its assets, except that it may borrow money or pledge its
assets in an amount up to 10% of its total assets for temporary or emergency
purposes and that the Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio may borrow for
investment purposes as described below under "Alger American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio." The Statement of Additional Information contains additional
investment restrictions.
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of
purchase, have "total market capitalization"--present market value per share
multiplied by the total number of shares outstanding--within the range of
companies included in the Russell 2000 Growth Index ("Russell Index") or the S&P
SmallCap 600 Index ("S&P Index"), updated quarterly. Both indexes are broad
indexes of small capitalization stocks. As of March 31, 1997, the range of
market capitalization of the companies in the Russell Index was $10 million to
1
<PAGE>
$1.94 billion; the range of market capitalization of the companies in the S&P
Index at that date was $32 million to $2.579 billion. The combined range as of
that date was $10 million to $2.579 billion. The Portfolio may invest up to 35%
of its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of
purchase, have total market capitalization outside of this combined range, and
in excess of that amount (up to 100% of its assets) during temporary defensive
periods.
ALGER AMERICAN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of purchase
of the securities, have total market capitalization of $1 billion or greater.
The Portfolio may invest up to 35% of its total assets in equity securities of
companies that, at the time of purchase, have total market capitalization of
less than $1 billion.
ALGER AMERICAN MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of purchase
of the securities, have total market capitalization within the range of
companies included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index, updated quarterly. The S&P
MidCap 400 Index is designed to track the performance of medium capitalization
companies. As of March 31, 1997, the range of market capitalization of these
companies was $120 million to $7.193 billion. The Portfolio may invest up to 35%
of its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of
purchase, have total market capitalization outside the range of companies
included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and in excess of that amount (up to 100% of
its assets) during temporary defensive periods.
ALGER AMERICAN LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 85% of
its net assets in equity securities of companies of any size.
The Portfolio may purchase put and call options and sell (write) covered call
and put options on securities and securities indexes to increase gain and to
hedge against the risk of unfavorable price movements, and may enter into
futures contracts on securities indexes and purchase and sell call and put
options on these futures contracts. The Portfolio may also borrow money for the
purchase of additional securities. The Portfolio may borrow only from banks and
may not borrow in excess of one-third of the market value of its assets, less
liabilities other than such borrowing. These practices are deemed to be
speculative and may cause the Portfolio's net asset value to be more volatile
than the net asset value of a fund that does not engage in these activities. See
"Investment Practices."
IN GENERAL
The Portfolios seek to achieve their objectives by investing in equity
securities, such as common or preferred stocks, or securities convertible into
or exchangeable for equity securities, including warrants and rights. The
Portfolios will invest primarily in companies whose securities are traded on
domestic stock exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. These companies may
still be in the developmental stage, may be older companies that appear to be
entering a new stage of growth progress owing to factors such as management
changes or development of new technology, products or markets or may be
companies providing products or services with a high unit volume growth rate. In
order to afford the Portfolios the flexibility to take advantage of new
opportunities for investments in accordance with their investment objectives or
to meet redemptions, they may each hold up to 15% of their net assets in money
market instruments and repurchase agreements and in excess of that amount (up to
100% of their assets) during temporary defensive periods. This amount may be
higher than that maintained by other funds with similar investment objectives.
Investing in smaller, newer issuers generally involves greater risk than
investing in larger, more established issuers. Companies in which Alger American
Small Capitalization Portfolio is likely to invest may have limited product
lines, markets or financial resources and may lack management depth. The
securities of such companies may have limited marketability and may be subject
to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more
established companies or the market averages in general. Accordingly, an
investment in the Portfolio may not be appropriate for all investors. These
risks may also apply to investments in smaller companies by Alger American
MidCap Growth Portfolio, Alger American Growth Portfolio and Alger American
Leveraged AllCap Portfolio.
2
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The Portfolios may use the investment strategies and invest in the types of
securities described below, which may involve certain risks. The Statement of
Additional Information contains more detailed information about these practices
and information about other investment practices of the Portfolios.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
In a repurchase agreement, a Portfolio buys a security at one price and
simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price. In the event of a
bankruptcy or default of the other party to the repurchase agreement, the
Portfolio could experience costs and delays in liquidating the underlying
security, which is held as collateral, and the Portfolio might incur a loss if
the value of the collateral held declines during this period.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES
An investment may be illiquid because of the absence of an active trading
market, making it difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price. A
restricted security is one that has a contractual restriction on its resale or
which cannot be sold publicly until it is registered under the Securities Act of
1933. Each Portfolio may purchase securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A
of the Securities Act of 1933. This rule permits otherwise restricted securities
to be sold to certain institutional buyers. Under the policies and procedures
established by the Fund's Board of Trustees, Fred Alger Management, Inc. ("Alger
Management") determines the liquidity of the Portfolios' Rule 144A investments.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
In order to generate income and to offset expenses, each Portfolio may lend
portfolio securities with a value up to 331/3% of the Portfolio's total assets
to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations. Any such loan will be
continuously secured by collateral at least equal to the value of the securities
loaned. Default by the borrower could result in delays, costs and/or losses in
disposing of the collateral or recovering the loaned securities and, should the
borrower fail financially, possible loss of rights in the collateral.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
Each Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities.
Investing in securities of foreign companies and foreign governments, which
generally are denominated in foreign currencies, may involve certain risk and
opportunity considerations not typically associated with investing in domestic
companies and could cause the Portfolio to be affected favorably or unfavorably
by changes in currency exchange rates and revaluations of currencies.
Each Portfolio may purchase American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), American
Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), or U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign
issuers none of which are included in the 20% foreign securities limitation.
ADRs and ADSs are traded in the U.S. securities markets and represent the
securities of foreign issuers. While ADRs and ADSs may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the foreign securities they represent, many
of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs and ADSs.
LEVERAGE THROUGH BORROWING
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio may borrow money from banks and use
it to purchase additional securities. This borrowing is known as leveraging.
Leverage increases both investment opportunity and investment risk. If the
investment gains on securities purchased with borrowed money exceed the interest
paid on the borrowing, the net asset value of the Portfolio's shares will rise
faster than would otherwise be the case. On the other hand, if the investment
gains fail to cover the cost (including interest) of borrowings, or if there are
losses, the net asset value of the Portfolio's shares will decrease faster than
would otherwise be the case. The Portfolio is required to maintain continuous
asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities
exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed. If such asset coverage
should decline below 300% as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons,
the Portfolio 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.
3
<PAGE>
OPTIONS
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio may buy and sell (write) exchange
listed options in order to obtain additional return or to hedge the value of its
portfolio. Hedging transactions are intended to reduce the risk of price
fluctuations. The Portfolio may write an option on a security only if the option
is "covered" (for a discussion of covered options, see the Statement of
Additional Information). Although the Portfolio will generally purchase or write
only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market,
there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist
for any particular option. The Portfolio will not purchase options if, as a
result, the aggregate cost of all outstanding options exceeds 10% of the
Portfolio's total assets, although no more than 5% will be committed to
transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes. The Portfolio may purchase
and sell put and call options on stock indexes in order to increase its gross
income or to hedge its portfolio against price fluctuations.
The writing and purchase of options are highly specialized activities which
involve investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Additional discussion of these risks
and techniques is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
STOCK INDEX FUTURES AND OPTIONS ON
STOCK INDEX FUTURES
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio may purchase and sell stock index
futures contracts and options on stock index futures contracts. These
investments may be made only for hedging, not speculative, purposes.
There can be no assurance of the Portfolio's successful use of stock index
futures as a hedging device. If Alger Management uses a hedging instrument at
the wrong time or judges market conditions incorrectly, hedging strategies may
reduce the Portfolio's return. The Portfolio could also experience losses if the
prices of its futures and options positions were not correlated with its other
investments or if it could not close out a position because of an illiquid
market for the future or option.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio changes will generally be made without regard to the length of time
a security has been held or whether a sale would result in a profit or loss.
Increased portfolio turnover will have the effect of increasing the Portfolios'
brokerage and custodial expenses.
OTHER INVESTMENTS
In addition to the securities and investment techniques listed above, each
Portfolio may invest in bank and thrift obligations, obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities,
foreign bank obligations and obligations of foreign branches of domestic banks,
and variable rate master demand notes. See "Investment Objectives and Policies"
in the Statement of Additional Information.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
ORGANIZATION
The Fund was organized on April 6, 1988 as a multi-series Massachusetts
business trust. The Fund offers an unlimited number of shares of six series,
representing the shares of the Fund's portfolios including the Portfolios.
Although the Fund is not required by law to hold annual shareholder meetings,
it may hold meetings from time to time on important matters, and shareholders
have the right to call a meeting to remove a Trustee or to take other action
described in the Fund's Declaration of Trust. Shareholders of one Portfolio may
vote only on matters that affect that Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances, other than the shares issued to Fred Alger &
Company, Incorporated ("Alger Inc.") in connection with its creation and initial
capitalization, the Fund intends to distribute shares of the Portfolios only to
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans, so that only Participating
Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and Plans will be considered
shareholders of the Portfolios. Although the Participating Insurance Companies
and their separate accounts and the Plans are the shareholders or investors, the
Participating Insurance Companies will pass through voting rights to their VA
contract and VLI policy holders. Plan sponsors may or may not pass through
voting rights to Plan participants, depending on the terms of the Plan's
governing documents. For a discussion of voting rights please refer to the
Participating Insurance Companies' prospectuses or the Plan documents.
When matters are submitted for shareholder vote, shareholders of each
Portfolio will have one vote for each full share held and proportionate,
fractional votes for fractional shares held. A separate vote of a portfolio of
4
<PAGE>
the Fund is required on any matter affecting the portfolio on which shareholders
are entitled to vote, such as approval of a portfolio's agreement with Alger
Management. Shareholders of one portfolio are not entitled to vote on a matter
that does not affect that portfolio but that does require a separate vote of the
other portfolios. There normally will be no annual meetings of shareholders for
the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a
majority of Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, at which
time the Trustees then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the
election of Trustees. Any Trustee may be removed from office on the vote of
shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the Fund's outstanding shares at a
meeting called for that purpose. The Trustees are required to call such a
meeting on the written request of shareholders holding at least 10% of the
Fund's outstanding shares.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Fund is governed by a Board of Trustees which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders under Massachusetts law. The Statement
of Additional Information contains general background information about each
Trustee and officer of the Fund.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Alger Management is the Fund's investment manager and is responsible for the
overall administration of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board of
Trustees. Alger Management makes investment decisions for the Portfolios, places
orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Portfolios and selects
broker-dealers that, in its judgment, provide prompt and reliable execution at
favorable prices and reasonable commission rates. It is anticipated that the
Fund's distributor, Alger Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, will serve as
the Fund's broker in effecting substantially all of the Portfolios' transactions
on securities exchanges and will retain commissions in accordance with certain
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, Alger
Management employs professional securities analysts who provide research
services exclusively to the Portfolios and other accounts for which Alger
Management or its affiliates serve as investment adviser or subadviser.
Alger Management has been in the business of providing investment advisory
services since 1964 and, as of March 31, 1997, had approximately $6.4 billion
under management, $4.9 billion in mutual fund accounts and $1.5 billion in other
advisory accounts. Alger Management is owned by Alger Inc. which in turn is
owned by Alger Associates, Inc., a financial services holding company. Fred M.
Alger, III and his brother, David D. Alger, are the majority shareholders of
Alger Associates, Inc. and may be deemed to control that company and its
subsidiaries.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
David D. Alger, Seilai Khoo and Ronald Tartaro are primarily responsible for
the day-to-day management of the Portfolios of the Fund. Mr. Alger has been
employed by Alger Management as Executive Vice President and Director of
Research since 1971 and as President since 1995. Ms. Khoo has been employed by
Alger Management as a senior research analyst since 1989 and as a Senior Vice
President since 1995. Mr. Tartaro has been employed by Alger Management as a
senior research analyst since 1990 and as a Senior Vice President since 1995.
Mr. Alger, Ms. Khoo and Mr. Tartaro also serve as portfolio managers for other
mutual funds and investment accounts managed by Alger Management.
Alger Management personnel ("Access Persons") are permitted to engage in
personal securities transactions subject to the restrictions and procedures of
the Fund's Code of Ethics. Pursuant to the Code of Ethics, Access Persons
generally must preclear all personal securities transactions prior to trading
and are subject to certain prohibitions on personal trading. You can get a copy
of the Fund's Code of Ethics by calling the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863.
FEES
Each Portfolio pays Alger Management a management fee computed daily and paid
monthly at annual rates based on a percentage of the value of the relevant
Portfolio's average daily net assets, as follows: Alger American Small
Capitalization Portfolio and Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio-.85%;
Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio-.80%; Alger American Growth
Portfolio-.75%.
From time to time Alger Management or its affiliates may compensate insurance
companies or their affiliates whose customers hold shares of the Portfolios for
5
<PAGE>
providing a variety of record-keeping, administrative, marketing and/or
shareholder support services. This compensation, which may be paid at a rate of
up to .30% of the net asset value of shares held by those customers will be paid
from Alger Management's own resources and not from the assets of the Fund.
EXPENSES
Each Portfolio pays expenses related to its daily operations, such as
management fees, brokerage fees, custodian fees, Trustees' fees, transfer agency
fees and legal and auditing costs. Alger Management has agreed to reimburse the
expenses of any Portfolio if its annual operating expenses (excluding interest,
taxes, fees for brokerage services and extraordinary expenses) exceed 1.50% of
its average daily net assets for any fiscal year. In addition, from time to
time, Alger Management, in its sole discretion and as it deems appropriate, may
assume certain expenses of one or more of the Portfolios while retaining the
ability to be reimbursed by the applicable Portfolio for such amounts prior to
the end of the fiscal year. This will have the effect of lowering the applicable
Portfolio's overall expense ratio and of increasing yield to investors, or the
converse, at the time such amounts are assumed or reimbursed, as the case may
be. More information about each Portfolio's investment management agreement and
other expenses paid by the Portfolios is included in the Statement of Additional
Information.
The Statement of Additional Information contains information about the Fund's
brokerage policies and practices.
DISTRIBUTOR
Alger Inc. serves as the Fund's distributor and also distributes the shares of
other mutual funds managed by Alger Management.
TRANSFER AGENT
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, serves as
transfer agent for the Fund.
NET ASSET VALUE
The price of one share of a Portfolio is its "net asset value." The net asset
value is computed by adding the value of the Portfolio's investments plus cash
and other assets, deducting liabilities and then dividing the result by the
number of its shares outstanding. The net asset value of each Portfolio is
calculated as of the close of business (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each
day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Contract or policy holders or Plan participants will not deal directly with
the Fund regarding the purchase or redemption of a Portfolio's shares. The
separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies place orders to
purchase and redeem shares of each Portfolio based on, among other things, the
amount of premium payments to be invested and the amount of surrender and
transfer requests (as defined in the prospectuses describing the VA contracts
and VLI policies issued by the Participating Insurance Companies) to be effected
on that day pursuant to VA contracts and VLI policies. Plan trustees purchase
and redeem Portfolio shares. Plan participants cannot contact the Fund directly
to purchase shares of the Portfolios but may invest in shares of the Portfolios
only through their Plan. Participants should contact their Plan sponsor for
information concerning the appropriate procedure for investing in the Fund.
Orders received by the Fund or the Fund's transfer agent are effected on days
on which the NYSE is open for trading. For orders received before the close of
regular trading on the NYSE, purchases and redemptions of the shares of each
Portfolio are effected at the respective net asset values per share determined
as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on that same day. Orders received
after the close of regular trading on the NYSE are effected at the next
calculated net asset value. See "Net Asset Value." All orders for the purchase
of shares are subject to acceptance or rejection by the Fund. Payment for
redemptions will be made by the Fund's transfer agent on behalf of the Fund and
the relevant Portfolios within seven days after the request is received. The
Fund does not assess any fees, either when it sells or when it redeems its
shares. Surrender charges, mortality and expense risk fees and other charges may
be assessed by Participating Insurance Companies under the VA contracts or VLI
policies. These fees should be described in the Participating Insurance
Companies' prospectuses. Any charges assessed by the Plans should be described
in the Plan documents.
Under unusual circumstances, shares of a Portfolio may be redeemed "in kind",
which means that the redemption proceeds will be paid with securities which are
held by the Portfolio. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information
for more details.
6
<PAGE>
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Each Portfolio will be treated separately in determining the amounts of
dividends of investment income and distributions of capital gains payable to
holders of its shares. Dividends and distributions will be automatically
reinvested at net asset value on the payment date for each shareholder's account
in additional shares of the Portfolio that paid the dividend or distribution or,
in the case of VA contracts and VLI policies, will be paid in cash at the
election of the Participating Insurance Company. Any dividends of the Portfolios
will be declared and paid annually. Distributions of any net realized capital
gains earned by a Portfolio usually will be made annually after the close of the
fiscal year in which the gains are earned. Participating Insurance Companies and
Plans will be informed about the amount and character of dividends and
distributions from the relevant Portfolio for federal income tax purposes.
TAXES
Each Portfolio will be treated as a separate taxpayer with the result that,
for federal income tax purposes, the amounts of net investment income and
capital gains earned will be determined on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio (rather than
on a Fund-wide) basis.
The Fund intends that each Portfolio will qualify separately as a "regulated
investment company" (within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) for each taxable year of each Portfolio. If so qualified, and providing
certain distribution requirements are met, a Portfolio will not be subject to
federal income tax on its net investment income and net capital gains that it
distributes to its shareholders.
Dividends paid from net investment income and distributions of net realized
short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income earned by the
shareholders of a Portfolio. Distributions of net long-term capital gains are
treated as such by shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Federal income
taxation of separate accounts of life insurance companies, VA contracts, VLI
policies and of the Plans is discussed in the prospectuses of the Participating
Insurance Companies and in the Plan documents. With respect to participants in
the Plans, dividends from net investment income and net realized capital gains
will ordinarily not be subject to taxation until such dividends are distributed
to such participants from their Plan accounts.
PERFORMANCE
The Portfolios advertise different types of yield and total return
performance. All performance figures are based on historical earnings and are
not intended to indicate future performance. Further information about the
Fund's performance is contained in its Annual Report to Shareholders, which may
be obtained without charge by contacting the Fund.
Each Portfolio may include quotations of its "total return" in advertisements
or reports to shareholders or prospective investors. Total return figures show
the aggregate or average percentage change in value of an investment in a
Portfolio from the beginning date of the measuring period to the end of the
measuring period. These figures reflect changes in the price of the Portfolio's
shares and assume that any income dividends and/or capital gains distributions
made by the Portfolio during the period were reinvested in shares of the
Portfolio. Figures will be given for recent 1, 5 and 10 year periods, and may by
given for other periods as well (such as from commencement of the Portfolio's
operations, or on a year-by-year basis) and may utilize dollar cost averaging.
The Portfolio may use "aggregate" total return figures for various periods,
representing the cumulative change in value of an investment in the Portfolio
for the specific period (again reflecting changes in Portfolio share price and
assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions) as well as "actual annual"
and "annualized" total return figures. Total returns may be shown by means of
schedules, charts or graphs, and may indicate subtotals of the various
components of total return (i.e., change in value of initial investment, income
dividends and capital gains distributions). "Total return" and "yield" for a
Portfolio will vary based on changes in market conditions. In addition, since
the deduction of a Portfolio's expenses is reflected in the total return and
yield figures, "total return" and "yield" will also vary based on the level of
the Portfolio's expenses.
The Statement of Additional Information further describes the method used to
determine the yields and total return figures. Current yield and/or total return
quotations may be obtained by contacting the Fund.
The actual return to a holder of a VA contract or VLI policy will also be
affected by charges imposed by the separate accounts of Participating Insurance
7
<PAGE>
Companies or, in the case of Plan participants, by any charges imposed under the
Plan.
INVESTOR AND
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Investors and shareholders may contact the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863
for further information regarding the Fund and the Portfolios, including current
performance quotations, as well as for assistance in selecting a Portfolio and
obtaining a Statement of Additional Information. Holders of VA contracts or VLI
policies issued by Participating Insurance Companies and participants in Plans
for which shares of one or more Portfolios are the investment vehicle may
receive from the Participating Insurance Companies or Plan sponsor unaudited
semi-annual financial statements and year-end financial statements audited by
the Fund's independent public accountants. Each report will show the investments
owned by each of the Portfolios and the market values of the investments and
will provide other information about the Fund and its operations. The Fund's
Annual Report contains additional performance information and is available upon
request and without charge by contacting the Fund at the toll-free number listed
above.
8
<PAGE>
THE |
ALGER | MEETING THE CHALLENGE
AMERICAN | OF INVESTING
FUND |
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus or the Statement
of Additional Information in connection with the offering of the Fund's shares,
and if given or made, such other information or representations must not be
relied on as having been authorized by the Fund. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer in any state in which, or to any person to whom, such offer
may not lawfully be made.
-----------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGER:
Fred Alger Management, Inc.
75 Maiden Lane
New York, New York 10038
DISTRIBUTOR:
Fred Alger & Company,
Incorporated
30 Montgomery Street
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
TRANSFER AGENT:
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc.
30 Montgomery Street
Box 2001
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS:
Arthur Andersen LLP
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
COUNSEL:
Hollyer Brady Smith Troxell
Barrett Rockett Hines & Mone LLP
551 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10176
<PAGE>
THE | 75 Maiden Lane
ALGER | New York, New York 10038
AMERICAN | (800) 992-FUND (992-3863)
FUND |
The Alger American Fund (the "Fund") is a registered investment company -- a
mutual fund --that presently offers interests in six portfolios. This Prospectus
sets forth information about three of these portfolios (the "Portfolios"). Each
Portfolio has distinct investment objectives and policies and a shareholder's
interest is limited to the Portfolio in which he or she owns shares. The three
Portfolios discussed in this Prospectus are:
o Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio
o Alger American Growth Portfolio
o Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio
Shares of the Portfolios are offered as a pooled funding vehicle for insurance
companies writing all types of variable annuity contracts ("VA contracts") and
variable life insurance policies ("VLI policies") and are also offered directly
to qualified pension and retirement plans (the "Plans"). See "The Portfolios."
SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIOS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY ANY BANK, AND THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
This Prospectus, which should be retained for future reference, contains
important information that you should know before investing. Please read it
along with the prospectuses issued by the insurance companies with respect to
the VA contracts and VLI policies or with the Plan documents. A "Statement of
Additional Information" dated May 1, 1997 containing further information about
the Fund has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. It is available at no charge by
contacting the Fund at the address or phone number above.
FRED ALGER | FRED ALGER |
MANAGEMENT, | Investment Manager & COMPANY, | Distributor
INC. | INCORPORATED |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 REPRE-
SENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 1, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
CONTENTS
Page
-----
Portfolio Expenses............................. iii
Financial Highlights........................... iv
The Portfolios................................. 1
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans.... 1
Investment Objectives and Policies............. 1
Alger American Small Capitalization
Portfolio.................................. 1
Alger American Growth Portfolio.............. 2
Alger American MidCap Growth
Portfolio.................................. 2
Investment Practices........................... 2
Management of the Fund......................... 3
Net Asset Value................................ 5
Purchases and Redemptions...................... 5
Dividends and Distributions.................... 6
Taxes.......................................... 6
Performance.................................... 6
Investor and Shareholder Information........... 7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ii
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES
The Table below is designed to assist you in understanding the various costs
and expenses that you will bear as a shareholder. The Table does not reflect
charges and deductions which are, or may be, imposed under the VA contracts, VLI
policies or Plans; such charges and deductions are described in the prospectus
for the VA contract or VLI policy accompanying this Prospectus or in the Plan
documents.
The Example below shows the amount of expenses you would pay on a $1,000
investment in a Portfolio. These amounts assume the reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions and payment by the Portfolios of operating expenses
as shown in the Table under Annual Fund Operating Expenses. The Example is an
illustration only and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Alger Alger
American Alger American
Small American MidCap
Capitalization Growth Growth
Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on
Purchases................................................ None None None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed
on Reinvested Dividends................................... None None None
Deferred Sales Load......................................... None None None
Redemption Fees............................................. None None None
Exchange Fees............................................... None None None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees............................................. .85% .75% .80%
12b-1 Fees.................................................. -- -- --
Other Expenses.............................................. .03% .04% .04%
--- --- ---
Total Fund Operating Expenses .............................. .88% .79% .84%
=== === ===
Example
You would pay the following expenses on a
$1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5%
annual return and (2) redemption at the
end of each time period:
One Year.................................................... $ 9 $ 8 $ 9
Three Years................................................. 28 25 27
Five Years.................................................. 49 44 47
Ten Years................................................... 108 98 104
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iii
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Financial Highlights for the years ended December 31, 1990 through 1996
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, the Fund's independent public
accountants. This information should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements of the Fund as contained in its Statement of Additional Information.
The Financial Highlights, with the exception of the total return information,
for the periods ended December 31, 1989 and 1988 have been audited by other
independent accountants, who have expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. The
Fund's Annual Report contains additional performance information and is
available upon request and without charge by contacting the Fund at (800)
992-3863.
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993
------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year $ 31.16 $ 23.13 $ 24.67 $ 20.17
------- ------- ------- -------
Net investment income ............ 0.12 0.02 0.07 0.03
Net realized and unrealized gain
on investments ................. 4.00 8.33 0.15 4.50
------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment
operations .................. 4.12 8.35 0.22 4.53
------- ------- ------- -------
Dividends from net investment
income ......................... (0.02) (0.07) (0.03) (0.03)
Distributions from net realized
gains ......................... (0.93) (0.25) (1.73) --
Total Distributions ............ (0.95) (0.32) (1.76) (0.03)
------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of year ..... $ 34.33 $ 31.16 $ 23.13 $ 24.67
======= ======= ======= =======
Total Return ..................... 13.35% 36.37% 1.45% 22.47%
======= ======= ======= =======
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted) .............. $991,028 $502,974 $150,390 $74,878
======= ======= ======= =======
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets ................... 0.79% 0.85% 0.86% 0.97%
======= ======= ======= =======
Decrease reflected in above
expense ratios due to
expense reimbursements ....... -- -- -- --
======= ======= ======= =======
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets ........ 0.50% 0.18% 0.48% 0.25%
======= ======= ======= =======
Portfolio Turnover Rate ........ 82.86% 118.33% 111.76% 112.64%
======= ======= ======= =======
Average Commission
Rate Paid .................... $ .0683
=======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------
1992 1991 1990 1989(ii)
------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year $18.00 $ 12.86 $ 12.41 $ 10.00
------- ------- ------- -------
Net investment income ............ 0.03 0.08(i) 0.07 0.09
Net realized and unrealized gain
on investments ................. 2.19 5.11 0.44 2.32
------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment
operations .................. 2.22 5.19 0.51 2.41
------- ------- ------- -------
Dividends from net investment
income ......................... (0.03) (0.05) (0.06) --
Distributions from net realized
gains ......................... (0.02) -- -- --
------- ------- ------- -------
Total Distributions ............ (0.05) (0.05) (0.06) --
------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of year ..... $ 20.17 $ 18.00 $ 12.86 $ 12.41
======= ======= ======= =======
Total Return ..................... 12.38% 40.39% 4.14% 24.10%(iii)
======= ======= ======= =======
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted) .............. $30,316 $10,094 $1,228 $171
======= ======= ======= =======
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets ................... 0.99% 1.29% 1.50% 1.50%
======= ======= ======= =======
Decrease reflected in above
expense ratios due to
expense reimbursements ....... -- -- 2.31% 7.32%
======= ======= ======= =======
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets ........ 0.33% 0.52% 1.69% 1.30%
======= ======= ======= =======
Portfolio Turnover Rate ........ 63.91% 58.95% 86.77% 79.59%
======= ======= ======= =======
Average Commission
Rate Paid ....................
</TABLE>
(i) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(ii) For the period January 9, 1989 (commencement of operations) to December
31, 1989. Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been
annualized.
(iii) Unaudited.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iv
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of year ...... $ 39.41 $ 27.31 $ 30.88 $ 27.26
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net investment
income (loss) .......... (0.04)(i) (0.09) (0.03)(i) (0.06)
Net realized and
unrealized gain
(loss) on investments .. 1.70 12.19 (1.45) 3.67
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total from investment
operations ........... 1.66 12.10 (1.48) 3.62
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Dividends from net
investment income ...... -- -- -- --
Distributions from net
realized gains ........ (0.16) -- (2.09) --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total Distributions .... (0.16) -- (2.09) --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net asset value, end
of year ................ $ 40.91 $ 39.41 $ 27.31 $ 30.88
============ ============ ============ ============
Total Return ............. 4.18% 44.31% (4.38%) 13.28%
============ ============ ============ ============
Ratios and
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted) ...... $ 1,469,518 $ 984,212 $ 397,037 $ 238,850
============ ============ ============ ============
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets .. 0.88% 0.92% 0.96% 1.03%
============ ============ ============ ============
Decrease reflected in
above expense ratios
due to expense
reimbursements ....... -- -- -- --
============ ============ ============ ============
Ratio of net investment
income (loss) to
average net assets ... (0.09%) (0.48%) (0.10%) (0.35%)
============ ============ ============ ============
Portfolio Turnover
Rate ................. 110.04% 80.66% 117.61% 148.07%
============ ============ ============ ============
Average Commission
Rate Paid ............ $ .0591
============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 1991 1990 1989 1988(iii)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of year ...... $ 26.79 $ 17.02 $ 15.79 $ 9.60 $ 10.00
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net investment
income (loss) .......... (0.03) 0.02 0.04 0.06
Net realized and
unrealized gain
(loss) on investments .. 0.91 9.82 1.35 6.15 (0.40)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total from investment
operations ........... 0.85 9.79 1.37 6.19 (0.34)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Dividends from net
investment income ...... -- (0.02) (0.01) -- (0.06)
Distributions from net
realized gains ........ (0.38) -- (0.13) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total Distributions .... (0.38) (0.02) (0.14) -- (0.06)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net asset value, end
of year ................ $ 27.26 $ 26.79 $ 17.02 $ 15.79 $ 9.60
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Total Return ............. 3.55% 57.54% 8.71% 64.48%(ii) (3.35%)(ii)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Ratios and
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted) ...... $ 135,718 $ 56,798 $ 7,149 $ 569 $ 39
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets .. 0.98% 1.06% 1.50% 1.50% 1.50%
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Decrease reflected in
above expense ratios
due to expense
reimbursements ....... -- -- 0.33% 9.15% 12.31%
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Ratio of net investment
income (loss) to
average net assets ... (0.37%) (0.12%) 0.50% 1.11% 2.27%
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Portfolio Turnover
Rate ................. 108.06% 125.90% 132.46% 133.61% 20.86%
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Average Commission .....
Rate Paid
</TABLE>
(i) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(ii) Unaudited.
(iii) For the period September 21, 1988 (commencement of operations) to December
31, 1988. Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been
annualized.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
v
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
From May 3, 1993
Year Ended December 31, (commencement of
--------------------------- operations)
1996 1995 1994 to December 31, 1993(i)
------- ------- ------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year........................ $ 19.44 $ 13.46 $ 13.72 $ 10.00
------- ------ -------- -------
Net investment income (loss).............................. 0.03 (0.03) 0.00(ii) (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments.... 2.29 6.01 (0.21) 3.88
------- ------ -------- -------
Total from investment operations........................ 2.32 5.98 (0.21) 3.86
Distributions from net realized gains..................... (0.41) -- (0.05) (0.14)
------- ------ -------- -------
Net asset value, end of year.............................. $ 21.35 $ 19.44 $ 13.46 $ 13.72
======= ======= ======== =======
Total Return.............................................. 11.90% 44.45% (1.54%) 38.67%
======= ======= ======== =======
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000's omitted).................$394,847 $185,349 $ 62,178 $ 21,301
======== ======= ======== =======
Ratio of expenses to average net assets................. 0.84% 0.90% 0.97% 1.50%
======= ======= ======== =======
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to expense reimbursements......................... -- -- -- 0.03%
======= ======= ======== =======
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets.................................... 0.08% (0.25%) 0.03% (0.58%)
======= ======= ======== =======
Portfolio Turnover Rate................................. 90.97% 104.74% 83.96% 67.22%
======= ======= ======== =======
Average Commission
Rate Paid............................................. $ .0663
=======
</TABLE>
(i) Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been annualized.
(ii)Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vi
<PAGE>
THE PORTFOLIOS
The Portfolios are designed to permit insurance companies that issue VA
contracts and VLI policies to offer contract and policy holders the opportunity
to participate in the performance of one or more of the Portfolios. The Fund may
also be a funding vehicle for Plans which elect to make the Fund an investment
option for Plan participants.
The Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company that offers
a selection of six portfolios, each having distinct investment objectives and
policies. The Fund's Board of Trustees may establish additional portfolios at
any time.
PARTICIPATING INSURANCE COMPANIES AND PLANS
The Portfolios are intended to be funding vehicles for VA contracts and VLI
policies to be offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance
companies ("Participating Insurance Companies") and Plans. Individuals cannot
invest in a Portfolio directly but may do so only through a VA contract or VLI
policy or a Plan. The Fund currently does not foresee any disadvantages to the
holders of VA contracts and VLI policies arising from the fact that the
interests of the holders of VA contracts and VLI policies may differ, that the
Participating Insurance Companies may not be affiliated with each other or that
the Fund may offer its shares to Plans. Nevertheless, the Fund's Board of
Trustees intends to monitor events in order to identify any material
irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly arise due to differences of tax
treatment or other considerations, and to determine what action, if any, should
be taken in response to such conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or
more Participating Insurance Company separate accounts or Plans might withdraw
its investment in a Portfolio, which may cause the Portfolio to sell portfolio
securities at disadvantageous prices. The VA contracts and VLI policies are
described in the separate prospectuses issued by the Participating Insurance
Companies, and the Plans are described in the Plan documents made available by
the Plan sponsors. The Fund assumes no responsibility for such prospectuses or
Plan documents.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
AND POLICIES
The investment objectives of the Portfolios and the investment restrictions
summarized in the next paragraph are fundamental which means that they may not
be changed without shareholder approval. All investment policies and practices
described elsewhere in this Prospectus, and not explicitly identified as
fundamental, are not fundamental, so the Fund's Board of Trustees may change
them without shareholder approval. There is no guarantee that any Portfolio's
objective will be achieved.
As a matter of fundamental policy, no Portfolio will: (1) with respect to 75%
of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one issuer,
except for obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies
or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government securities"); (2) own more than 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of any company; (3) invest more than 10% of
its net assets in securities that are illiquid by virtue of legal or contractual
restrictions on resale or the absence of a readily available market; (4) invest
more than 25% of its total assets in any one industry, except for U.S.
Government securities; (5) borrow money or pledge its assets, except that it may
borrow money or pledge its assets in an amount up to 10% of its total assets for
temporary or emergency purposes. The Statement of Additional Information
contains additional investment restrictions.
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of
purchase, have "total market capitalization"--present market value per share
multiplied by the total number of shares outstanding--within the range of
companies included in the Russell 2000 Growth Index ("Russell Index") or the S&P
SmallCap 600 Index ("S&P Index"), updated quarterly. Both indexes are broad
indexes of small capitalization stocks. As of March 31, 1997, the range of
market capitalization of the companies in the Russell Index was $10 million to
$1.94 billion; the range of market capitalization of the companies in the S&P
Index at that date was $32 million to $2.579 billion. The combined range as of
that date was $10 million to $2.579 billion. The Portfolio may invest up to 35%
1
<PAGE>
of its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of
purchase, have total market capitalization outside of this combined range, and
in excess of that amount (up to 100% of its assets) during temporary defensive
periods.
ALGER AMERICAN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of purchase
of the securities, have total market capitalization of $1 billion or greater.
The Portfolio may invest up to 35% of its total assets in equity securities
of companies that, at the time of purchase, have total market capitalization of
less than $1 billion.
ALGER AMERICAN MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of purchase
of the securities, have total market capitalization within the range of
companies included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index, updated quarterly. The S&P
MidCap 400 Index is designed to track the performance of medium capitalization
companies. As of March 31, 1997, the range of market capitalization of these
companies was $120 million to $7.193 billion. The Portfolio may invest up to 35%
of its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of
purchase, have total market capitalization outside the range of companies
included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and in excess of that amount (up to 100% of
its assets) during temporary defensive periods.
IN GENERAL
The Portfolios seek to achieve their objectives by investing in equity
securities, such as common or preferred stocks, or securities convertible into
or exchangeable for equity securities, including warrants and rights. The
Portfolios will invest primarily in companies whose securities are traded on
domestic stock exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. These companies may
still be in the developmental stage, may be older companies that appear to be
entering a new stage of growth progress owing to factors such as management
changes or development of new technology, products or markets or may be
companies providing products or services with a high unit volume growth rate. In
order to afford the Portfolios the flexibility to take advantage of new
opportunities for investments in accordance with their investment objectives or
to meet redemptions, they may each hold up to 15% of their net assets in money
market instruments and repurchase agreements and in excess of that amount (up to
100% of their assets) during temporary defensive periods. This amount may be
higher than that maintained by other funds with similar investment objectives.
Investing in smaller, newer issuers generally involves greater risk than
investing in larger, more established issuers. Companies in which Alger American
Small Capitalization Portfolio is likely to invest may have limited product
lines, markets or financial resources and may lack management depth. The
securities of such companies may have limited marketability and may be subject
to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more
established companies or the market averages in general. Accordingly, an
investment in the Portfolio may not be appropriate for all investors. These
risks may also apply to investments in smaller companies by Alger American
MidCap Growth Portfolio and Alger American Growth Portfolio.
INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The Portfolios may use the investment strategies and invest in the types of
securities described below, which may involve certain risks. The Statement of
Additional Information contains more detailed information about these practices
and information about other investment practices of the Portfolios.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
In a repurchase agreement, a Portfolio buys a security at one price and
simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price. In the event of a
bankruptcy or default of the other party to the repurchase agreement, the
Portfolio could experience costs and delays in liquidating the underlying
security, which is held as collateral, and the Portfolio might incur a loss if
the value of the collateral held declines during this period.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES
An investment may be illiquid because of the absence of an active trading
market, making it difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price. A
restricted security is one that has a contractual restriction on its resale or
which cannot be sold publicly until it is registered under the Securities Act of
1933. Each Portfolio may purchase securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A
2
<PAGE>
of the Securities Act of 1933. This rule permits otherwise restricted securities
to be sold to certain institutional buyers. Under the policies and procedures
established by the Fund's Board of Trustees, Fred Alger Management, Inc. ("Alger
Management") determines the liquidity of the Portfolios' Rule 144A investments.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
In order to generate income and to offset expenses, each Portfolio may lend
portfolio securities with a value up to 331/3% of the Portfolio's total assets
to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations. Any such loan will be
continuously secured by collateral at least equal to the value of the securities
loaned. Default by the borrower could result in delays, costs and/or losses in
disposing of the collateral or recovering the loaned securities and, should the
borrower fail financially, possible loss of rights in the collateral.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
Each Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign
securities. Investing in securities of foreign companies and foreign
governments, which generally are denominated in foreign currencies, may involve
certain risk and opportunity considerations not typically associated with
investing in domestic companies and could cause the Portfolio to be affected
favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates and revaluations
of currencies.
Each Portfolio may purchase American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), American
Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), or U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign
issuers, none of which are included in the 20% foreign securities limitation.
ADRs and ADSs are traded in the U.S. securities markets and represent the
securities of foreign issuers. While ADRs and ADSs may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the foreign securities they represent, many
of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs and ADSs.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio changes will generally be made without regard to the length of time
a security has been held or whether a sale would result in a profit or loss.
Increased portfolio turnover will have the effect of increasing the Portfolios'
brokerage and custodial expenses.
OTHER INVESTMENTS
In addition to the securities and investment techniques listed above, each
Portfolio may invest in bank and thrift obligations, obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities,
foreign bank obligations and obligations of foreign branches of domestic banks,
and variable rate master demand notes. See "Investment Objectives and Policies"
in the Statement of Additional Information.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
ORGANIZATION
The Fund was organized on April 6, 1988 as a multi-series Massachusetts
business trust. The Fund offers an unlimited number of shares of six series,
representing the shares of the Fund's portfolios including the Portfolios.
Although the Fund is not required by law to hold annual shareholder meetings,
it may hold meetings from time to time on important matters, and shareholders
have the right to call a meeting to remove a Trustee or to take other action
described in the Fund's Declaration of Trust. Shareholders of one Portfolio may
vote only on matters that affect that Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances, other than the shares issued to Fred Alger &
Company, Incorporated ("Alger Inc.") in connection with its creation and initial
capitalization, the Fund intends to distribute shares of the Portfolios only to
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans, so that only Participating
Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and Plans will be considered
shareholders of the Portfolios. Although the Participating Insurance Companies
and their separate accounts and the Plans are the shareholders or investors, the
Participating Insurance Companies will pass through voting rights to their VA
contract and VLI policy holders. Plan sponsors may or may not pass through
voting rights to Plan participants, depending on the terms of the Plan's
governing documents. For a discussion of voting rights please refer to the
Participating Insurance Companies' prospectuses or the Plan documents.
When matters are submitted for shareholder vote, shareholders of each
Portfolio will have one vote for each full share held and proportionate,
fractional votes for fractional shares held. A separate vote of a portfolio of
the Fund is required on any matter affecting the portfolio on which shareholders
3
<PAGE>
are entitled to vote, such as approval of a portfolio's agreement with Alger
Management. Shareholders of one portfolio are not entitled to vote on a matter
that does not affect that portfolio but that does require a separate vote of the
other portfolios. There normally will be no annual meetings of shareholders for
the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a
majority of Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, at which
time the Trustees then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the
election of Trustees. Any Trustee may be removed from office on the vote of
shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the Fund's outstanding shares at a
meeting called for that purpose. The Trustees are required to call such a
meeting on the written request of shareholders holding at least 10% of the
Fund's outstanding shares.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Fund is governed by a Board of Trustees which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders under Massachusetts law. The Statement
of Additional Information contains general background information about each
Trustee and officer of the Fund.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Alger Management is the Fund's investment manager and is responsible for the
overall administration of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board of
Trustees. Alger Management makes investment decisions for the Portfolios, places
orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Portfolios and selects
broker-dealers that, in its judgment, provide prompt and reliable execution at
favorable prices and reasonable commission rates. It is anticipated that the
Fund's distributor, Alger Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, will serve as
the Fund's broker in effecting substantially all of the Portfolios' transactions
on securities exchanges and will retain commissions in accordance with certain
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, Alger
Management employs professional securities analysts who provide research
services exclusively to the Portfolios and other accounts for which Alger
Management or its affiliates serve as investment adviser or subadviser.
Alger Management has been in the business of providing investment advisory
services since 1964 and, as of March 31, 1997, had approximately $6.4 billion
under management, $4.9 billion in mutual fund accounts and $1.5 billion in other
advisory accounts. Alger Management is owned by Alger Inc. which in turn is
owned by Alger Associates, Inc., a financial services holding company. Fred M.
Alger, III and his brother, David D. Alger, are the majority shareholders of
Alger Associates, Inc. and may be deemed to control that company and its
subsidiaries.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
David D. Alger, Seilai Khoo and Ronald Tartaro are primarily responsible for
the day-to-day management of the Portfolios of the Fund. Mr. Alger has been
employed by Alger Management as Executive Vice President and Director of
Research since 1971 and as President since 1995. Ms. Khoo has been employed by
Alger Management as a senior research analyst since 1989 and as a Senior Vice
President since 1995. Mr. Tartaro has been employed by Alger Management as a
senior research analyst since 1990 and as a Senior Vice President since 1995.
Mr. Alger, Ms. Khoo and Mr. Tartaro also serve as portfolio managers for other
mutual funds and investment accounts managed by Alger Management.
Alger Management personnel ("Access Persons") are permitted to engage in
personal securities transactions subject to the restrictions and procedures of
the Fund's Code of Ethics. Pursuant to the Code of Ethics, Access Persons
generally must preclear all personal securities transactions prior to trading
and are subject to certain prohibitions on personal trading. You can get a copy
of the Fund's Code of Ethics by calling the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863.
FEES
Each Portfolio pays Alger Management a management fee computed daily and paid
monthly at annual rates based on a percentage of the value of the relevant
Portfolio's average daily net assets, as follows: Alger American Small
Capitalization Portfolio-.85%; Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio-.80%;
Alger American Growth Portfolio-.75%.
From time to time Alger Management or its affiliates may compensate insurance
companies or their affiliates whose customers hold shares of the Portfolios for
providing a variety of record-keeping, administrative, marketing and/or
shareholder support services. This compensation, which may be paid at a rate of
4
<PAGE>
up to .30% of the net asset value of shares held by those customers, will be
paid from Alger Management's own resources and not from the assets of the Fund.
EXPENSES
Each Portfolio pays expenses related to its daily operations, such as
management fees, brokerage fees, custodian fees, Trustees' fees, transfer agency
fees and legal and auditing costs. Alger Management has agreed to reimburse the
expenses of any Portfolio if its annual operating expenses (excluding interest,
taxes, fees for brokerage services and extraordinary expenses) exceed 1.50% of
its average daily net assets for any fiscal year. In addition, from time to
time, Alger Management, in its sole discretion and as it deems appropriate, may
assume certain expenses of one or more of the Portfolios while retaining the
ability to be reimbursed by the applicable Portfolio for such amounts prior to
the end of the fiscal year. This will have the effect of lowering the applicable
Portfolio's overall expense ratio and of increasing yield to investors, or the
converse, at the time such amounts are assumed or reimbursed, as the case may
be. More information about each Portfolio's investment management agreement and
other expenses paid by the Portfolios is included in the Statement of Additional
Information.
The Statement of Additional Information contains information about the Fund's
brokerage policies and practices.
Distributor
Alger Inc. serves as the Fund's distributor and also distributes the shares
of other mutual funds managed by Alger Management.
TRANSFER AGENT
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, serves as
transfer agent for the Fund.
NET ASSET VALUE
The price of one share of a Portfolio is its "net asset value." The net asset
value is computed by adding the value of the Portfolio's investments plus cash
and other assets, deducting liabilities and then dividing the result by the
number of its shares outstanding. The net asset value of each Portfolio is
calculated as of the close of business (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each
day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Contract or policy holders or Plan participants will not deal directly with
the Fund regarding the purchase or redemption of a Portfolio's shares. The
separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies place orders to
purchase and redeem shares of each Portfolio based on, among other things, the
amount of premium payments to be invested and the amount of surrender and
transfer requests (as defined in the prospectuses describing the VA contracts
and VLI policies issued by the Participating Insurance Companies) to be effected
on that day pursuant to VA contracts and VLI policies. Plan trustees purchase
and redeem Portfolio shares. Plan participants cannot contact the Fund directly
to purchase shares of the Portfolios but may invest in shares of the Portfolios
only through their Plan. Participants should contact their Plan sponsor for
information concerning the appropriate procedure for investing in the Fund.
Orders received by the Fund or the Fund's transfer agent are effected on days
on which the NYSE is open for trading. For orders received before the close of
regular trading on the NYSE, purchases and redemptions of the shares of each
Portfolio are effected at the respective net asset values per share determined
as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on that same day. Orders received
after the close of regular trading on the NYSE are effected at the next
calculated net asset value. See "Net Asset Value." All orders for the purchase
of shares are subject to acceptance or rejection by the Fund. Payment for
redemptions will be made by the Fund's transfer agent on behalf of the Fund and
the relevant Portfolios within seven days after the request is received. The
Fund does not assess any fees, either when it sells or when it redeems its
shares. Surrender charges, mortality and expense risk fees and other charges may
be assessed by Participating Insurance Companies under the VA contracts or VLI
policies. These fees should be described in the Participating Insurance
Companies' prospectuses. Any charges assessed by the Plans should be described
in the Plan documents.
5
<PAGE>
Under unusual circumstances, shares of a Portfolio may be redeemed "in kind",
which means that the redemption proceeds will be paid with securities which are
held by the Portfolio. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information
for more details.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Each Portfolio will be treated separately in determining the amounts of
dividends of investment income and distributions of capital gains payable to
holders of its shares. Dividends and distributions will be automatically
reinvested at net asset value on the payment date for each shareholder's account
in additional shares of the Portfolio that paid the dividend or distribution or,
in the case of VA contracts and VLI policies, will be paid in cash at the
election of the Participating Insurance Company. Any dividends of the Portfolios
will be declared and paid annually. Distributions of any net realized capital
gains earned by a Portfolio usually will be made annually after the close of the
fiscal year in which the gains are earned. Participating Insurance Companies and
Plans will be informed about the amount and character of dividends and
distributions from the relevant Portfolio for federal income tax purposes.
TAXES
Each Portfolio will be treated as a separate taxpayer with the result that,
for federal income tax purposes, the amounts of net investment income and
capital gains earned will be determined on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio (rather than
on a Fund-wide) basis.
The Fund intends that each Portfolio will qualify separately as a "regulated
investment company" (within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) for each taxable year of each Portfolio. If so qualified, and providing
certain distribution requirements are met, a Portfolio will not be subject to
federal income tax on its net investment income and net capital gains that it
distributes to its shareholders.
Dividends paid from net investment income and distributions of net realized
short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income earned by the
shareholders of a Portfolio. Distributions of net long-term capital gains are
treated as such by shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Federal income
taxation of separate accounts of life insurance companies, VA contracts, VLI
policies and of the Plans is discussed in the prospectuses of the Participating
Insurance Companies and in the Plan documents. With respect to participants in
the Plans, dividends from net investment income and net realized capital gains
will ordinarily not be subject to taxation until such dividends are distributed
to such participants from their Plan accounts.
PERFORMANCE
The Portfolios advertise different types of yield and total return
performance. All performance figures are based on historical earnings and are
not intended to indicate future performance. Further information about the
Fund's performance is contained in its Annual Report to Shareholders, which may
be obtained without charge by contacting the Fund.
Each Portfolio may include quotations of its "total return" in advertisements
or reports to shareholders or prospective investors. Total return figures show
the aggregate or average percentage change in value of an investment in a
Portfolio from the beginning date of the measuring period to the end of the
measuring period. These figures reflect changes in the price of the Portfolio's
shares and assume that any income dividends and/or capital gains distributions
made by the Portfolio during the period were reinvested in shares of the
Portfolio. Figures will be given for recent 1, 5 and 10 year periods, and may by
given for other periods as well (such as from commencement of the Portfolio's
operations, or on a year-by-year basis) and may utilize dollar cost averaging.
The Portfolio may use "aggregate" total return figures for various periods,
representing the cumulative change in value of an investment in the Portfolio
for the specific period (again reflecting changes in Portfolio share price and
assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions) as well as "actual annual"
and "annualized" total return figures. Total returns may be shown by means of
schedules, charts or graphs, and may indicate subtotals of the various
components of total return (i.e., change in value of initial investment, income
dividends and capital gains distributions). "Total return" and "yield" for a
Portfolio will vary based on changes in market conditions. In addition, since
the deduction of a Portfolio's expenses is reflected in the total return and
yield figures, "total return" and "yield" will also vary based on the level of
the Portfolio's expenses.
The Statement of Additional Information further describes the method used to
determine the yields and total return figures. Current yield and/or total return
quotations may be obtained by contacting the Fund.
6
<PAGE>
The actual return to a holder of a VA contract or VLI policy will also be
affected by charges imposed by the separate accounts of Participating Insurance
Companies or, in the case of Plan participants, by any charges imposed under the
Plan.
INVESTOR AND
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Investors and shareholders may contact the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863
for further information regarding the Fund and the Portfolios, including current
performance quotations, as well as for assistance in selecting a Portfolio and
obtaining a Statement of Additional Information. Holders of VA contracts or VLI
policies issued by Participating Insurance Companies and participants in Plans
for which shares of one or more Portfolios are the investment vehicle may
receive from the Participating Insurance Companies or Plan sponsor unaudited
semi-annual financial statements and year-end financial statements audited by
the Fund's independent public accountants. Each report will show the investments
owned by each of the Portfolios and the market values of the investments and
will provide other information about the Fund and its operations. The Fund's
Annual Report contains additional performance information and is available upon
request and without charge by contacting the Fund at the toll-free number listed
above.
<PAGE>
THE |
ALGER | MEETING THE CHALLENGE
AMERICAN | OF INVESTING
FUND |
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus or the Statement
of Additional Information in connection with the offering of the Fund's shares,
and if given or made, such other information or representations must not be
relied on as having been authorized by the Fund. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer in any state in which, or to any person to whom, such offer
may not lawfully be made.
---------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGER:
Fred Alger Management, Inc.
75 Maiden Lane
New York, New York 10038
DISTRIBUTOR:
Fred Alger & Company,
Incorporated
30 Montgomery Street
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
TRANSFER AGENT:
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc.
30 Montgomery Street
Box 2001
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS:
Arthur Andersen LLP
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
COUNSEL:
Hollyer Brady Smith Troxell
Barrett Rockett Hines & Mone LLP
551 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10176
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
THE | 75 Maiden Lane
ALGER | New York, New York 10038
AMERICAN | (800) 992-FUND (992-3863)
FUND |
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
================================================================================
The Alger American Fund (the "Fund") is a registered investment company--a
mutual fund--that presently offers interests in six portfolios. This Prospectus
sets forth information about the Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio
(the "Portfolio"). The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing in a diversified, actively managed portfolio of equity securities,
primarily of companies with total market capitalization within the range of
companies included in the Russell 2000 Growth Index or the S&P SmallCap 600
Index, updated quarterly.
Shares of the Portfolio are offered as a pooled funding vehicle for
insurance companies writing all types of variable annuity contracts ("VA
contracts") and variable life insurance policies ("VLI policies") and are also
offered directly to qualified pension and retirement plans (the "Plans"). See
"Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio."
SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIO ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY ANY BANK, AND THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
This Prospectus, which should be retained for future reference, contains
important information that you should know before investing. Please read it
along with the prospectuses issued by the insurance companies with respect to
the VA contracts and VLI policies or with the Plan documents. A "Statement of
Additional Information" dated May 1, 1997 containing further information about
all the portfolios of the Fund, including the Portfolio, has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus. It is available at no charge by contacting the Fund at the address
or phone number above.
FRED ALGER | FRED ALGER |
MANAGEMENT, | Investment Manager & COMPANY, | Distributor
INC. | INCORPORATED |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAY 1, 1997
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
Page
----
Portfolio Expenses .............................. iii
Financial Highlights ............................ iv
Alger American Small Capitalization
Portfolio ..................................... 1
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans ..... 1
Investment Objective and Policies ............... 1
Investment Practices ............................ 2
Management of the Fund .......................... 3
Net Asset Value ................................. 4
Purchases and Redemptions ....................... 4
Dividends and Distributions ..................... 5
Taxes ........................................... 5
Performance ..................................... 5
Investor and Shareholder Information ............ 5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ii
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES
The Table below is designed to assist you in understanding the various
costs and expenses that you will bear as a shareholder. THE TABLE DOES NOT
REFLECT CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS WHICH ARE, OR MAY BE, IMPOSED UNDER THE VA
CONTRACTS, VLI POLICIES OR PLANS; SUCH CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS ARE DESCRIBED IN
THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE VA CONTRACT OR VLI POLICY ACCOMPANYING THIS PROSPECTUS OR
IN THE PLAN DOCUMENTS.
The Example below shows the amount of expenses you would pay on a $1,000
investment in the Portfolio. These amounts assume the reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions and payment by the Portfolio of operating expenses
as shown in the Table under Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses. The Example is
an illustration only and actual expenses may be greater or less than those
shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases ........................................... None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends ................................ None
Deferred Sales Load ............................................................... None
Redemption Fees ................................................................... None
Exchange Fees ..................................................................... None
ANNUAL PORTFOLIO OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
Management Fees ................................................................... .85%
12b-1 Fees ........................................................................ --
Other Expenses .................................................................... .03%
---
Total Portfolio Operating Expenses ................................................ .88%
===
EXAMPLE
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5%
annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
One Year .......................................................................... $9
Three Years ....................................................................... 28
Five Years ........................................................................ 49
Ten Years ......................................................................... 108
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iii
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Financial Highlights for the years ended December 31, 1990 through 1996
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, the Fund's independent public
accountants. This information should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements of the Fund as contained in its Statement of Additional Information.
The Financial Highlights, with the exception of the total return information,
for the periods ended December 31, 1989 and 1988 have been audited by other
independent accountants, who have expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. The
Fund's Annual Report contains additional performance information and is
available upon request and without charge by contacting the Fund at (800)
992-3863.
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning
of year ....................... $ 39.41 $ 27.31 $ 30.88 $ 27.26 $ 26.79
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net investment income (loss) .... (0.04)(i) (0.09) (0.03)(i) (0.05) (0.06)
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)
on investments ................ 1.70 12.19 (1.45) 3.67 0.91
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total from investment
operations .................. 1.66 12.10 (1.48) 3.62 0.85
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Dividends from net
investment income ............. -- -- -- -- --
Distributions from
net realized gains ............ (0.16) -- (2.09) -- (0.38)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Distributions ........... (0.16) -- (2.09) -- (0.38)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net asset value, end of year .... $ 40.91 $ 39.41 $ 27.31 $ 30.88 $ 27.26
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Total Return .................... 4.18% 44.31% (4.38%) 13.28% 3.55%
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted) ............. $ 1,469,518 $ 984,212 $ 397,037 $ 238,850 $ 135,718
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets .................. 0.88% 0.92% 0.96% 1.03% 0.98%
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Decrease reflected in above
expense ratios due to expense
reimbursements .............. -- -- -- -- --
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Ratio of net investment income
(loss) to average net assets (0.09%) (0.48%) (0.10%) (0.35%) (0.37%)
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Portfolio Turnover Rate ....... 110.04% 80.66% 117.61% 148.07% 108.06%
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Average Commission
Rate Paid ................... $ .0591
===========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------
1991 1990 1989 1988(III)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning
of year ....................... $ 17.02 $ 15.79 $ 9.60 $ 10.00
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net investment income (loss) .... (0.03) 0.02 0.04 0.06
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss)
on investments ................ 9.82 1.35 6.15 (0.40)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total from investment
operations .................. 9.79 1.37 6.19 (0.34)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Dividends from net
investment income ............. (0.02) (0.01) -- (0.06)
Distributions from
net realized gains ............ -- (0.13) -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Distributions ........... (0.02) (0.14) -- (0.06)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net asset value, end of year .... $ 26.79 $ 17.02 $ 15.79 $ 9.60
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Total Return .................... 57.54% 8.71% 64.48%(ii) (3.35%)(ii)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted) ............. $ 56,798 $ 7,149 $ 569 $ 39
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets .................. 1.06% 1.50% 1.50% 1.50%
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Decrease reflected in above
expense ratios due to expense
reimbursements .............. -- 0.33% 9.15% 12.31%
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Ratio of net investment income
(loss) to average net assets (0.12%) 0.50% 1.11% 2.27%
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Portfolio Turnover Rate ....... 125.90% 132.46% 133.61% 20.86%
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Average Commission
Rate Paid ...................
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(ii) Unaudited.
(iii) For the period September 21, 1988 (commencement of operations) to
December 31, 1988. Ratios have been annualized; total return has not
been annualized.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iv
<PAGE>
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL
CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
The Portfolio is designed to permit insurance companies that issue VA
contracts and VLI policies to offer contract and policy holders the opportunity
to participate in the performance of the Portfolio. The Portfolio may also be a
funding vehicle for Plans which elect to make the Portfolio an investment option
for Plan participants.
The Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company that offers
a selection of six portfolios, each having distinct investment objectives and
policies. The Fund's Board of Trustees may establish additional portfolios at
any time.
PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANIES AND PLANS
The Portfolio is intended to be a funding vehicle for VA contracts and VLI
policies to be offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance
companies ("Participating Insurance Companies") and Plans. Individuals cannot
invest in the Portfolio directly but may do so only through a VA contract or VLI
policy or a Plan. The Fund currently does not foresee any disadvantages to the
holders of VA contracts and VLI Policies arising from the fact that the
interests of the holders of VA contracts and VLI policies may differ, that the
Participating Insurance Companies may not be affiliated with each other or that
the Portfolio may offer its shares to Plans. Nevertheless, the Fund's Board of
Trustees intends to monitor events in order to identify any material
irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly arise due to differences of tax
treatment or other considerations, and to determine what action, if any, should
be taken in response to such conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or
more Participating Insurance Company separate accounts or Plans might withdraw
its investment in the Portfolio, which may cause the Portfolio to sell portfolio
securities at disadvantageous prices. The VA contracts and VLI policies are
described in the separate prospectuses issued by the Participating Insurance
Companies, and the Plans are described in the Plan documents made available by
the Plan sponsors. The Fund assumes no responsibility for such prospectuses or
Plan documents.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Portfolio and the investment restrictions
summarized in the next paragraph are fundamental which means that they may not
be changed without shareholder approval. All investment policies and practices
described elsewhere in this Prospectus, and not explicitly identified as
fundamental, are not fundamental, so the Fund's Board of Trustees may change
them without shareholder approval. There is no guarantee that the Portfolio's
objective will be achieved.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Portfolio will not: (1) with respect to
75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one
issuer, except for obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government securities"); (2) own more than
10% of the outstanding voting securities of any company, (3) invest more than
10% of its net assets in securities that are illiquid by virtue of legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or the absence of a readily available market;
(4) invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one industry, except for
U.S. Government securities; (5) borrow money or pledge its assets, except that
it may borrow or pledge its assets in an amount up to 10% of its total assets
for temporary or emergency purposes. The Statement of Additional Information
contains additional investment restrictions.
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of
purchase, have total market capitalization--present market value per share
multiplied by the total number of shares outstanding--within the range of
companies included in the Russell 2000 Growth Index ("Russell Index") or the S&P
SmallCap 600 Index ("S&P Index"), updated quarterly. Both indexes are broad
indexes of small capitalization stocks. As of March 31, 1997, the range of
market capitalization of the companies in the Russell Index was $10 million to
$1.94 billion; the range of market capitalization of the companies in the S&P
index at that date was $32 million to $2.579 billion. The combined range as of
that date was $10 million to $2.579 billion. The Portfolio may invest up to 35%
of its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of
purchase, have total market capitalization outside of this combined range, and
in excess of that amount (up to 100% of its assets) during temporary defensive
periods.
IN GENERAL
The Portfolio seeks to achieve its objective by investing in equity
securities, such as common or preferred stocks, or securities convertible into
or exchangeable for equity securities, including warrants and rights. The
Portfolio will invest primarily in companies whose securities are traded on
domestic stock exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. These companies may
still be in the developmental stage, may be older companies that appear to be
entering a new stage of growth progress owing to factors such as management
changes or development of new technology, products or markets or may be
companies providing products or services with a high unit volume growth rate. In
order to afford the Portfolio the flexibility to take advantage of new
1
<PAGE>
opportunities for investments in accordance with its investment objective or to
meet redemptions, it may hold up to 15% of its net assets in money market
instruments and repurchase agreements and in excess of that amount (up to 100%
of its assets) during temporary defensive periods. This amount may be higher
than that maintained by other funds with similar investment objectives.
Investing in smaller, newer issuers generally involves greater risk than
investing in larger, more established issuers. Companies in which the Portfolio
is likely to invest may have limited product lines, markets or financial
resources and may lack management depth. The securities of such companies may
have limited marketability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market
movements than securities of larger, more established companies or the market
averages in general. Accordingly, an investment in the Portfolio may not be
appropriate for all investors.
INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The Portfolio may use the investment strategies and invest in the types of
securities described below, which may involve certain risks. The Statement of
Additional Information contains more detailed information about these practices
and information about other investment practices of the Portfolio.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
In a repurchase agreement, the Portfolio buys a security at one price and
simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price. In the event of a
bankruptcy or default of the other party to the repurchase agreement, the
Portfolio could experience costs and delays in liquidating the underlying
security, which is held as collateral, and the Portfolio might incur a loss if
the value of the collateral held declines during this period.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES
An investment may be illiquid because of the absence of an active trading
market, making it difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price. A
restricted security is one that has a contractual restriction on its resale or
which cannot be sold publicly until it is registered under the Securities Act of
1933. The Portfolio may purchase securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A
of the Securities Act of 1933. This rule permits otherwise restricted securities
to be sold to certain institutional buyers. Under the policies and procedures
established by the Fund's Board of Trustees, Fred Alger Management, Inc. ("Alger
Management") determines the liquidity of the Portfolio's Rule 144A investments.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
In order to generate income and to offset expenses, the Portfolio may lend
portfolio securities with a value up to 331/3% of the Portfolio's total assets
to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations. Any such loan will be
continuously secured by collateral at least equal to the value of the securities
loaned. Default by the borrower could result in delays, costs and/or losses in
disposing of the collateral or recovering the loaned securities and, should the
borrower fail financially, possible loss of rights in the collateral.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities.
Investing in securities of foreign companies and foreign governments, which
generally are denominated in foreign currencies, may involve certain risk and
opportunity considerations not typically associated with investing in domestic
companies and could cause the Portfolio to be affected favorably or unfavorably
by changes in currency exchange rates and revaluations of currencies.
The Portfolio may purchase American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), American
Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), or U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign
issuers, none of which are included in the 20% foreign securities limitation.
ADRs and ADSs are traded in the U.S. securities markets and represent the
securities of foreign issuers. While ADRs and ADSs may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the foreign securities they represent, many
of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs and ADSs.
OTHER INVESTMENTS
In addition to the securities and investment techniques listed above, the
Portfolio may invest in bank and thrift obligations, obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities,
foreign bank obligations and obligations of foreign branches of domestic banks,
and variable rate master demand notes. See "Investment Objectives and Policies"
in the Statement of Additional Information.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio changes will generally be made without regard to the length of time
a security has been held or whether a sale would result in a profit or loss.
Increased portfolio turnover will have the effect of increasing the Portfolio's
brokerage and custodial expenses.
2
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
ORGANIZATION
The Fund was organized on April 6, 1988 as a multi-series Massachusetts
business trust. The Fund offers an unlimited number of shares of six series,
representing the shares of the Fund's portfolios, including the Portfolio.
Although the Fund is not required by law to hold annual shareholder meetings,
it may hold meetings from time to time on important matters, and shareholders
have the right to call a meeting to remove a Trustee or to take other action
described in the Fund's Declaration of Trust. Shareholders of the Portfolio may
vote only on matters that affect the Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances, other than the shares issued to Fred Alger &
Company, Incorporated ("Alger Inc.") in connection with its creation and initial
capitalization, the Fund intends to distribute shares of the Portfolio only to
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans, so that only Participating
Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and Plans will be considered
shareholders of the Portfolio. Although the Participating Insurance Companies
and their separate accounts and the Plans are the shareholders or investors, the
Participating Insurance Companies will pass through voting rights to their VA
contract and VLI policy holders. Plan sponsors may or may not pass through
voting rights to Plan participants, depending on the terms of the Plan's
governing documents. For a discussion of voting rights, please refer to the
Participating Insurance Companies' prospectuses or the Plan documents.
When matters are submitted for shareholder vote, shareholders of the Portfolio
will have one vote for each full share held and proportionate, fractional votes
for fractional shares held. A separate vote of a portfolio of the Fund is
required on any matter affecting the portfolio on which shareholders are
entitled to vote, such as approval of a portfolio's agreement with Alger
Management. Shareholders of one portfolio are not entitled to vote on a matter
that does not affect that portfolio but that does require a separate vote of the
other portfolios. There normally will be no annual meetings of shareholders for
the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a
majority of Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, at which
time the Trustees then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the
election of Trustees. Any Trustee may be removed from office on the vote of
shareholders holding at least two- thirds of the Fund's outstanding shares at a
meeting called for that purpose. The Trustees are required to call such a
meeting on the written request of shareholders holding at least 10% of the
Fund's outstanding shares.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Fund is governed by a Board of Trustees which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders under Massachusetts law. The Statement
of Additional Information contains general background information about each
Trustee and officer of the Fund.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Alger Management is the Fund's investment manager and is responsible for the
overall administration of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board of
Trustees. Alger Management makes investment decisions for the Portfolio, places
orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Portfolio and selects
broker-dealers that, in its judgment, provide prompt and reliable execution at
favorable prices and reasonable commission rates. It is anticipated that the
Fund's distributor, Alger Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, will serve as
the Fund's broker in effecting substantially all of the Portfolio's transactions
on securities exchanges and will retain commissions in accordance with certain
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, Alger
Management employs professional securities analysts who provide research
services exclusively to the Portfolio and other accounts for which Alger
Management or its affiliates serve as investment adviser or subadviser.
Alger Management has been in the business of providing investment advisory
services since 1964 and, as of March 31, 1997, had approximately $6.4 billion
under management, $4.9 billion in mutual fund accounts and $1.5 billion in other
advisory accounts. Alger Management is owned by Alger Inc. which in turn is
owned by Alger Associates, Inc., a financial services holding company. Fred M.
Alger III and his brother, David D. Alger, are the majority shareholders of
Alger Associates, Inc. and may be deemed to control that company and its
subsidiaries.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
David D. Alger, Seilai Khoo and Ronald Tartaro are primarily responsible for
the day-to-day management of the Portfolios of the Fund. Mr. Alger has been
employed by Alger Management as Executive Vice President and Director of
Research since 1971 and as President since 1995. Ms. Khoo has been employed by
Alger Management as a senior research analyst since 1989 and as a Senior Vice
President since 1995. Mr. Tartaro has been employed by Alger Management as a
senior research analyst since 1990 and as a Senior Vice President since 1995.
Mr. Alger, Ms. Khoo and Mr. Tartaro also serve as portfolio managers for other
mutual funds and investment accounts managed by Alger Management.
3
<PAGE>
Alger Management personnel ("Access Persons") are permitted to engage in
personal securities transactions subject to the restrictions and procedures of
the Fund's Code of Ethics. Pursuant to the Code of Ethics, Access Persons
generally must preclear all personal securities transactions prior to trading
and are subject to certain prohibitions on personal trading. You can get a copy
of the Fund's Code of Ethics by calling the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863.
FEES
The Portfolio pays Alger Management a management fee computed daily and paid
monthly at an annual rate of .85% of the value of the Portfolio's average daily
net assets.
From time to time Alger Management or its affiliates may compensate insurance
companies or their affiliates whose customers hold shares of the Portfolio for
providing a variety of record-keeping, administrative, marketing and/or
shareholder support services. This compensation, which may be paid at a rate of
up to .30% of the net asset value of shares held by those customers, will be
paid from Alger Management's own resources and not from the assets of the
Portfolio.
EXPENSES
The Portfolio pays expenses related to its daily operations, such as
management fees, brokerage fees, custodian fees, Trustees' fees, transfer agency
fees and legal and auditing costs. Alger Management has agreed to reimburse the
Portfolio to the extent that its annual operating expenses (excluding interest,
taxes, fees for brokerage services and extraordinary expenses) exceed 1.50% of
its average daily net assets for any fiscal year. In addition, from time to
time, Alger Management, in its sole discretion and as it deems appropriate, may
assume certain expenses of the Portfolio while retaining the ability to be
reimbursed by the Portfolio for such amounts prior to the end of the fiscal
year. This will have the effect of lowering the Portfolio's overall expense
ratio and of increasing yield to investors, or the converse, at the time such
amounts are assumed or reimbursed, as the case may be. More information about
the Portfolio's investment management agreement and other expenses paid by the
Portfolio is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
The Statement of Additional Information contains information about the Fund's
brokerage policies and practices.
DISTRIBUTOR
Alger Inc. serves as the Fund's distributor and also distributes the shares of
other mutual funds managed by Alger Management.
TRANSFER AGENT
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, serves as
transfer agent for the Fund.
NET ASSET VALUE
The price of one share of the Portfolio is its "net asset value." The net
asset value is computed by adding the value of the Portfolio's investments plus
cash and other assets, deducting liabilities and then dividing the result by the
number of its shares outstanding. The net asset value of the Portfolio is
calculated as of the close of business (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each
day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Contract or policy holders or Plan participants will not deal directly with
the Fund regarding the purchase or redemption of the Portfolio's shares. The
separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies place orders to
purchase and redeem shares of the Portfolio based on, among other things, the
amount of premium payments to be invested and the amount of surrender and
transfer requests (as defined in the prospectuses describing the VA contracts
and VLI policies issued by the Participating Insurance Companies) to be effected
on that day pursuant to VA contracts and VLI Policies. Plan trustees purchase
and redeem Portfolio shares. Plan participants cannot contact the Fund directly
to purchase shares of the Portfolio but may invest in shares of the Portfolio
only through their Plan. Participants should contact their Plan sponsor for
information concerning the appropriate procedure for investing in the Portfolio.
Orders for shares of the Portfolio received by the Fund or the Fund's transfer
agent are effected on days on which the NYSE is open for trading. For orders
received before the close of regular trading on the NYSE, purchases and
redemptions of the shares of the Portfolio are effected at the net asset value
per share determined as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the same
day. Orders received after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, are
effected at the next calculated net asset value. See "Net Asset Value." All
orders for the purchase of shares are subject to acceptance or rejection by the
Fund. Payment for redemptions will be made by the Fund's transfer agent on
behalf of the Fund and the Portfolio within seven days after the request is
received. Neither the Fund nor the Portfolio assesses any fees, either when it
sells or when it redeems the Portfolio's shares. Surrender charges, mortality
and expense risk fees and other charges may be assessed by Participating
Insurance Companies under the VA contracts or VLI policies. These fees should be
described in the Participating Insurance Companies' prospectuses. Any Charges
assessed by the Plans should be described in the Plan documents.
4
<PAGE>
Under unusual circumstances, shares of a Portfolio may be redeemed "in kind",
which means that the redemption proceeds will be paid with securities which are
held by the Portfolio. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information
for more details.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested at net asset
value on the payment date for each shareholder's account in additional shares of
the Portfolio or, in the case of VA contracts and VLI policies, will be paid in
cash at the election of the Participating Insurance Company. Any dividends of
the Portfolio will be declared and paid annually. Distributions of any net
realized capital gains earned by the Portfolio usually will be made annually
after the close of the fiscal year in which the gains are earned. Participating
Insurance Companies and Plans will be informed about the amount and character of
dividends and distributions from the Portfolio for federal income tax purposes.
TAXES
The Fund intends that the Portfolio will qualify separately as a "regulated
investment company" (within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) for each taxable year. If so qualified, and providing certain
distribution requirements are met, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal
income tax on its net investment income and net capital gains that it
distributes to its shareholders.
Dividends paid from net investment income and distributions of net realized
short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income earned by the
shareholders of the Portfolio. Distributions of net long-term capital gains are
treated as such by shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Federal income
taxation of separate accounts of life insurance companies, VA contracts, VLI
policies and of the Plans is discussed in the prospectuses of the Participating
Insurance Companies and in the Plan documents. With respect to participants in
the Plans, dividends from net investment income and net realized capital gains
will ordinarily not be subject to taxation until such dividends are distributed
to such participants from their Plan accounts.
PERFORMANCE
All performance figures are based on historical earnings and are not intended
to indicate future performance.
The Portfolio may include quotations of its "total return" and/or "yield" in
advertisements or reports to shareholders or prospective investors. BOTH "TOTAL
RETURN" AND/OR "YIELD" FIGURES ARE BASED ON HISTORICAL EARNINGS AND ARE NOT
INTENDED TO INDICATE FUTURE PERFORMANCE. Total return figures show the aggregate
or average percentage change in value of an investment in the Portfolio from the
beginning date of the measuring period to the end of the measuring period. These
figures reflect changes in the price of the Portfolio's shares and assume that
any income dividends and/or capital gains distributions made by the Portfolio
during the period were reinvested in shares of the Portfolio. Figures will be
given for recent 1, 5 and 10 year periods, and may be given for other periods as
well (such as from commencement of the Portfolio's operations, or on a
year-by-year basis). The Portfolio may use "aggregate" total return figures for
various periods, representing the cumulative change in value of an investment in
the Portfolio for the specific period (again reflecting changes in Portfolio
share prices and assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions) as well
as "actual annual" and "annualized" total return figures. Total returns may be
shown by means of schedules, charts or graphs, and may indicate subtotals of the
various components of total return (i.e., change in value of initial investment,
income dividends and capital gains distributions). "Total return" and "yield"
for the Portfolio will vary based on changes in market conditions. In addition,
since the deduction of the Portfolio's expenses is reflected in the total return
and yield figures, "total return" and "yield" will also vary based on the level
of the Portfolio's expenses.
The actual return to a holder of a VA contract or VLI policy will also be
affected by charges imposed by the separate accounts of Participating Insurance
Companies or, in the case of Plan participants, by any charges imposed under the
plan.
INVESTOR AND SHAREHOLDER
INFORMATION
Investors and shareholders may contact the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863
for further information regarding the Fund and the Portfolio, including current
performance quotations, as well as for assistance in obtaining a Statement of
Additional Information. Holders of VA contracts or VLI policies issued by
Participating Insurance Companies and participants in Plans for which shares of
the Portfolio are the investment vehicle may receive from the Participating
Insurance Companies or Plan sponsor unaudited semi-annual financial statements
and year-end financial statements audited by the Fund's independent public
accountants. Each report will show the investments owned by the Portfolio and
the market values of the investments and will provide other information about
the Portfolio and its operations. The Fund's Annual Report contains additional
performance information and is available upon request and without charge by
contacting the Fund at the toll-free number listed above.
5
<PAGE>
THE |
ALGER | MEETING THE CHALLENGE
AMERICAN | OF INVESTING
FUND |
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus or the Statement
of Additional Information in connection with the offering of the Portfolio's
shares, and if given or made, such other information or representations must not
be relied on as having been authorized by the Fund. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer in any state in which, or to any person to whom, such offer
may not lawfully be made.
----------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGER:
Fred Alger Management, Inc.
75 Maiden Lane
New York, New York 10038
DISTRIBUTOR:
Fred Alger & Company,
Incorporated
30 Montgomery Street
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
TRANSFER AGENT:
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc.
30 Montgomery Street
Box 2001
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS:
Arthur Andersen LLP
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
COUNSEL:
Hollyer Brady Smith Troxell
Barrett Rockett Hines & Mone LLP
551 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10176
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
THE | 75 Maiden Lane
ALGER | New York, New York 10038
AMERICAN | (800) 992-FUND (992-3863)
FUND |
ALGER AMERICAN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
================================================================================
The Alger American Fund (the "Fund") is a registered investment company--a
mutual fund--that presently offers interests in six portfolios. This Prospectus
sets forth information about the Alger American Growth Portfolio (the
"Portfolio"). The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in
a diversified, actively managed portfolio of equity securities, primarily of
companies with total market capitalization of $1 billion or greater.
Shares of the Portfolio are offered as a pooled funding vehicle for
insurance companies writing all types of variable annuity contracts ("VA
contracts") and variable life insurance policies ("VLI policies") and are also
offered directly to qualified pension and retirement plans (the "Plans"). See
"Alger American Growth Portfolio."
SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIO ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY ANY BANK, AND THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
This Prospectus, which should be retained for future reference, contains
important information that you should know before investing. Please read it
along with the prospectuses issued by the insurance companies with respect to
the VA contracts and VLI policies or with the Plan documents. A "Statement of
Additional Information" dated May 1, 1997 containing further information about
all the portfolios of the Fund, including the Portfolio, has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus. It is available at no charge by contacting the Fund at the address
or phone number above.
FRED ALGER | FRED ALGER |
MANAGEMENT, | Investment Manager & COMPANY, | Distributor
INC. | INCORPORATED |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAY 1, 1997
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
Page
----
Portfolio Expenses ....................................... iii
Financial Highlights ..................................... iv
Alger American Growth
Portfolio .............................................. 1
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans .............. 1
Investment Objective and Policies ........................ 1
Investment Practices ..................................... 2
Management of the Fund ................................... 2
Net Asset Value .......................................... 4
Purchases and Redemptions ................................ 4
Dividends and Distributions .............................. 4
Taxes .................................................... 5
Performance .............................................. 5
Investor and Shareholder Information ..................... 5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ii
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES
The Table below is designed to assist you in understanding the various
costs and expenses that you will bear as a shareholder. THE TABLE DOES NOT
REFLECT CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS WHICH ARE, OR MAY BE, IMPOSED UNDER THE VA
CONTRACTS, VLI POLICIES OR PLANS; SUCH CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS ARE DESCRIBED IN
THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE VA CONTRACT OR VLI POLICY ACCOMPANYING THIS PROSPECTUS OR
IN THE PLAN DOCUMENTS.
The Example below shows the amount of expenses you would pay on a $1,000
investment in the Portfolio. These amounts assume the reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions and payment by the Portfolio of operating expenses
as shown in the Table under Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses. The Example is
an illustration only and actual expenses may be greater or less than those
shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<S> <C>
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases ................................... None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends ........................ None
Deferred Sales Load ....................................................... None
Redemption Fees ........................................................... None
Exchange Fees ............................................................. None
ANNUAL PORTFOLIO OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
Management Fees ........................................................... .75%
12b-1 Fees ................................................................ --
Other Expenses ............................................................ .04%
---
Total Portfolio Operating Expenses ........................................ .79%
===
EXAMPLE
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5%
annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
One Year .................................................................. $ 8
Three Years ............................................................... 25
Five Years ................................................................ 44
Ten Years ................................................................. 98
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iii
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Financial Highlights for the years ended December 31, 1990 through 1996
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, the Fund's independent public
accountants. This information should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements of the Fund as contained in its Statement of Additional Information.
The Financial Highlights, with the exception of the total return information,
for the period ended December 31, 1989 have been audited by other independent
accountants, who have expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. The Fund's
Annual Report contains additional performance information and is available upon
request and without charge by contacting the Fund at (800) 992-3863.
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning
of year ..................... $ 31.16 $ 23.13 $ 24.67 $ 20.17
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net investment income .......... 0.12 0.02 0.07 0.03
Net realized and unrealized
gain on investments .......... 4.00 8.33 0.15 4.50
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total from investment
operations ................ 4.12 8.35 0.22 4.53
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Dividends from net investment
income ....................... (0.02) (0.07) (0.03) (0.03)
Distributions from net realized
gains ....................... (0.93) (0.25) (1.73) --
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total Distributions .......... (0.95) (0.32) (1.76) (0.03)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net asset value, end of year ... $ 34.33 $ 31.16 $ 23.13 $ 24.67
============= ============= ============= =============
Total Return ................... 13.35% 36.37% 1.45% 22.47%
============= ============= ============= =============
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted) ............ $ 991,028 $ 502,974 $ 150,390 $ 74,878
============= ============= ============= =============
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets ................. 0.79% 0.85% 0.86% 0.97%
============= ============= ============= =============
Decrease reflected in above
expense ratios due to
expense reimbursements ..... -- -- -- --
============= ============= ============= =============
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets ...... 0.50% 0.18% 0.48% 0.25%
============= ============= ============= =============
Portfolio Turnover Rate ...... 82.86% 118.33% 111.76% 112.64%
============= ============= ============= =============
Average Commission Rate Paid . $ .0683
=============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1992 1991 1990 1989(ii)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning
of year ..................... $ 18.00 $ 12.86 $ 12.41 $ 10.00
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net investment income .......... 0.03 0.08(i) 0.07 0.09
Net realized and unrealized
gain on investments .......... 2.19 5.11 0.44 2.32
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total from investment
operations ................ 2.22 5.19 0.51 2.41
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Dividends from net investment
income ....................... (0.03) (0.05) (0.06) --
Distributions from net realized
gains ....................... (0.02) -- -- --
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total Distributions .......... (0.05) (0.05) (0.06) --
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net asset value, end of year ... $ 20.17 $ 18.00 $ 12.86 $ 12.41
============= ============= ============= =============
Total Return ................... 12.38% 40.39% 4.14% 24.10%(iii)
============= ============= ============= =============
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year
(000's omitted) ............ $ 30,316 $ 10,094 $ 1,228 $ 171
============= ============= ============= =============
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets ................. 0.99% 1.29% 1.50% 1.50%
============= ============= ============= =============
Decrease reflected in above
expense ratios due to
expense reimbursements ..... -- -- 2.31% 7.32%
============= ============= ============= =============
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets ...... 0.33% 0.52% 1.69% 1.30%
============= ============= ============= =============
Portfolio Turnover Rate ...... 63.91% 58.95% 86.77% 79.59%
============= ============= ============= =============
Average Commission Rate Paid .
</TABLE>
(i) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(ii) For the period January 9, 1989 (commencement of operations) to December
31, 1989. Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been
annualized.
(iii) Unaudited.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iv
<PAGE>
ALGER AMERICAN GROWTH
PORTFOLIO
The Portfolio is designed to permit insurance companies that issue VA
contracts and VLI policies to offer contract and policy holders the opportunity
to participate in the performance of the Portfolio. The Portfolio may also be a
funding vehicle for Plans which elect to make the Portfolio an investment option
for Plan participants.
The Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company that offers
a selection of six portfolios, each having distinct investment objectives and
policies. The Fund's Board of Trustees may establish additional portfolios at
any time.
PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANIES AND PLANS
The Portfolio is intended to be a funding vehicle for VA contracts and VLI
policies to be offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance
companies ("Participating Insurance Companies") and Plans. Individuals cannot
invest in the Portfolio directly but may do so only through a VA contract or VLI
policy or a Plan. The Fund currently does not foresee any disadvantages to the
holders of VA contracts and VLI Policies arising from the fact that the
interests of the holders of VA contracts and VLI policies may differ, that the
Participating Insurance Companies may not be affiliated with each other or that
the Portfolio may offer its shares to Plans. Nevertheless, the Fund's Board of
Trustees intends to monitor events in order to identify any material
irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly arise due to differences of tax
treatment or other considerations, and to determine what action, if any, should
be taken in response to such conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or
more Participating Insurance Company separate accounts or Plans might withdraw
its investment in the Portfolio, which may cause the Portfolio to sell portfolio
securities at disadvantageous prices. The VA contracts and VLI policies are
described in the separate prospectuses issued by the Participating Insurance
Companies, and the Plans are described in the Plan documents made available by
the Plan sponsors. The Fund assumes no responsibility for such prospectuses or
Plan documents.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Portfolio and the investment restrictions
summarized in the next paragraph are fundamental which means that they may not
be changed without shareholder approval. All investment policies and practices
described elsewhere in this Prospectus, and not explicitly identified as
fundamental, are not fundamental, so the Fund's Board of Trustees may change
them without shareholder approval. There is no guarantee that the Portfolio's
objective will be achieved.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Portfolio will not: (1) with respect to
75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one
issuer, except for obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government securities"); (2) own more than
10% of the outstanding voting securities of any company, (3) invest more than
10% of its net assets in securities that are illiquid by virtue of legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or the absence of a readily available market;
(4) invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one industry, except for
U.S. Government securities; (5) borrow money or pledge its assets, except that
it may borrow or pledge its assets in an amount up to 10% of its total assets
for temporary or emergency purposes. The Statement of Additional Information
contains additional investment restrictions.
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of
purchase, have total market capitalization--present market value per share
multiplied by the total number of shares outstanding--of $1 billion or greater.
The Portfolio may invest up to 35% of its total assets in equity securities of
companies that, at the time of purchase, have total market capitalization of
less than $1 billion.
IN GENERAL
The Portfolio seeks to achieve its objective by investing in equity
securities, such as common or preferred stocks, or securities convertible into
or exchangeable for equity securities, including warrants and rights. The
Portfolio will invest primarily in companies whose securities are traded on
domestic stock exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. These companies may
still be in the developmental stage, may be older companies that appear to be
entering a new stage of growth progress owing to factors such as management
changes or development of new technology, products or markets or may be
companies providing products or services with a high unit volume growth rate. In
order to afford the Portfolio the flexibility to take advantage of new
opportunities for investments in accordance with its investment objective or to
meet redemptions, it may hold up to 15% of its net assets in money market
instruments and repurchase agreements and in excess of that amount (up to 100%
of its assets) during temporary defensive periods. This amount may be higher
than that maintained by other funds with similar investment objectives.
Investing in smaller, newer issuers generally involves greater risk than
investing in larger, more established issuers. Smaller, newer issuers may have
limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may lack management
depth. The securities of such companies may have limited marketability and may
1
<PAGE>
be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger,
more established companies or the market averages in general.
INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The Portfolio may use the investment strategies and invest in the types of
securities described below, which may involve certain risks. The Statement of
Additional Information contains more detailed information about these practices
and information about other investment practices of the Portfolio.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
In a repurchase agreement, the Portfolio buys a security at one price and
simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price. In the event of a
bankruptcy or default of the other party to the repurchase agreement, the
Portfolio could experience costs and delays in liquidating the underlying
security, which is held as collateral, and the Portfolio might incur a loss if
the value of the collateral held declines during this period.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES
An investment may be illiquid because of the absence of an active trading
market, making it difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price. A
restricted security is one that has a contractual restriction on its resale or
which cannot be sold publicly until it is registered under the Securities Act of
1933. The Portfolio may purchase securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A
of the Securities Act of 1933. This rule permits otherwise restricted securities
to be sold to certain institutional buyers. Under the policies and procedures
established by the Fund's Board of Trustees, Fred Alger Management, Inc. ("Alger
Management") determines the liquidity of the Portfolio's Rule 144A investments.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
In order to generate income and to offset expenses, the Portfolio may lend
portfolio securities with a value up to 331/3% of the Portfolio's total assets
to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations. Any such loan will be
continuously secured by collateral at least equal to the value of the securities
loaned. Default by the borrower could result in delays, costs and/or losses in
disposing of the collateral or recovering the loaned securities and, should the
borrower fail financially, possible loss of rights in the collateral.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities.
Investing in securities of foreign companies and foreign governments, which
generally are denominated in foreign currencies, may involve certain risk and
opportunity considerations not typically associated with investing in domestic
companies and could cause the Portfolio to be affected favorably or unfavorably
by changes in currency exchange rates and revaluations of currencies.
The Portfolio may purchase American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), American
Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), or U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign
issuers, none of which are included in the 20% foreign securities limitation.
ADRs and ADSs are traded in the U.S. securities markets and represent the
securities of foreign issuers. While ADRs and ADSs may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the foreign securities they represent, many
of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs and ADSs.
OTHER INVESTMENTS
In addition to the securities and investment techniques listed above, the
Portfolio may invest in bank and thrift obligations, obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities,
foreign bank obligations and obligations of foreign branches of domestic banks,
and variable rate master demand notes. See "Investment Objectives and Policies"
in the Statement of Additional Information.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio changes will generally be made without regard to the length of time
a security has been held or whether a sale would result in a profit or loss.
Increased portfolio turnover will have the effect of increasing the Portfolio's
brokerage and custodial expenses.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
ORGANIZATION
The Fund was organized on April 6, 1988 as a multi-series Massachusetts
business trust. The Fund offers an unlimited number of shares of six series,
representing the shares of the Fund's portfolios, including the Portfolio.
Although the Fund is not required by law to hold annual shareholder meetings,
it may hold meetings from time to time on important matters, and shareholders
have the right to call a meeting to remove a Trustee or to take other action
described in the Fund's Declaration of Trust. Shareholders of the Portfolio may
vote only on matters that affect the Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances, other than the shares issued to Fred Alger &
Company, Incorporated ("Alger Inc.") in connection with its creation and initial
capitalization, the Fund intends to distribute shares of the Portfolio only to
2
<PAGE>
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans, so that only Participating
Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and Plans will be considered
shareholders of the Portfolio. Although the Participating Insurance Companies
and their separate accounts and the Plans are the shareholders or investors, the
Participating Insurance Companies will pass through voting rights to their VA
contract and VLI policy holders. Plan sponsors may or may not pass through
voting rights to Plan participants, depending on the terms of the Plan's
governing documents. For a discussion of the voting rights, please refer to the
Participating Insurance Companies' prospectuses or the Plan documents.
When matters are submitted for shareholder vote, shareholders of the Portfolio
will have one vote for each full share held and proportionate, fractional votes
for fractional shares held. A separate vote of a portfolio of the Fund is
required on any matter affecting the portfolio on which shareholders are
entitled to vote, such as approval of a portfolio's agreement with Alger
Management. Shareholders of one portfolio are not entitled to vote on a matter
that does not affect that portfolio but that does require a separate vote of the
other portfolios. There normally will be no annual meetings of shareholders for
the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a
majority of Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, at which
time the Trustees then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the
election of Trustees. Any Trustee may be removed from office on the vote of
shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the Fund's outstanding shares at a
meeting called for that purpose. The Trustees are required to call such a
meeting on the written request of shareholders holding at least 10% of the
Fund's outstanding shares.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Fund is governed by a Board of Trustees which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders under Massachusetts law. The Statement
of Additional Information contains general background information about each
Trustee and officer of the Fund.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Alger Management is the Fund's investment manager and is responsible for the
overall administration of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board of
Trustees. Alger Management makes investment decisions for the Portfolio, places
orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Portfolio and selects
broker-dealers that, in its judgment, provide prompt and reliable execution at
favorable prices and reasonable commission rates. It is anticipated that the
Fund's distributor, Alger Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, will serve as
the Fund's broker in effecting substantially all of the Portfolio's transactions
on securities exchanges and will retain commissions in accordance with certain
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, Alger
Management employs professional securities analysts who provide research
services exclusively to the Portfolio and other accounts for which Alger
Management or its affiliates serve as investment adviser or subadviser.
Alger Management has been in the business of providing investment advisory
services since 1964 and, as of March 31, 1997, had approximately $6.4 billion
under management, $4.9 billion in mutual fund accounts and $1.5 billion in other
advisory accounts. Alger Management is owned by Alger Inc. which in turn is
owned by Alger Associates, Inc., a financial services holding company. Fred M.
Alger III and his brother, David D. Alger, are the majority shareholders of
Alger Associates, Inc. and may be deemed to control that company and its
subsidiaries.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
David D. Alger, Seilai Khoo and Ronald Tartaro are primarily responsible for
the day-to-day management of the Portfolios of the Fund. Mr. Alger has been
employed by Alger Management as Executive Vice President and Director of
Research since 1971 and as President since 1995. Ms. Khoo has been employed by
Alger Management as a senior research analyst since 1989 and as a Senior Vice
President since 1995. Mr. Tartaro has been employed by Alger Management as a
senior research analyst since 1990 and as a Senior Vice President since 1995.
Mr. Alger, Ms. Khoo and Mr. Tartaro also serve as portfolio managers for other
mutual funds and investment accounts managed by Alger Management.
Alger Management personnel ("Access Persons") are permitted to engage in
personal securities transactions subject to the restrictions and procedures of
the Fund's Code of Ethics. Pursuant to the Code of Ethics, Access Persons
generally must preclear all personal securities transactions prior to trading
and are subject to certain prohibitions on personal trading. You can get a copy
of the Fund's Code of Ethics by calling the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863.
FEES
The Portfolio pays Alger Management a management fee computed daily and paid
monthly at an annual rate of .75% of the value of the Portfolio's average daily
net assets.
From time to time Alger Management or its affiliates may compensate insurance
companies or their affiliates whose customers hold shares of the Portfolio for
providing a variety of record-keeping, administrative, marketing and/or
shareholder support services. This compensation, which may be paid at a rate of
up to .30% of the net asset value of shares held by those customers, will be
3
<PAGE>
paid from Alger Management's own resources and not from the assets of the
Portfolio.
EXPENSES
The Portfolio pays expenses related to its daily operations, such as
management fees, brokerage fees, custodian fees, Trustees' fees, transfer agency
fees and legal and auditing costs. Alger Management has agreed to reimburse the
Portfolio to the extent that its annual operating expenses (excluding interest,
taxes, fees for brokerage services and extraordinary expenses) exceed 1.50% of
its average daily net assets for any fiscal year. In addition, from time to
time, Alger Management, in its sole discretion and as it deems appropriate, may
assume certain expenses of the Portfolio while retaining the ability to be
reimbursed by the Portfolio for such amounts prior to the end of the fiscal
year. This will have the effect of lowering the Portfolio's overall expense
ratio and of increasing yield to investors, or the converse, at the time such
amounts are assumed or reimbursed, as the case may be. More information about
the Portfolio's investment management agreement and other expenses paid by the
Portfolio is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
The Statement of Additional Information contains information about the Fund's
brokerage policies and practices.
DISTRIBUTOR
Alger Inc. serves as the Fund's distributor and also distributes the shares of
other mutual funds managed by Alger Management.
TRANSFER AGENT
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, serves as
transfer agent for the Fund.
NET ASSET VALUE
The price of one share of the Portfolio is its "net asset value." The net
asset value is computed by adding the value of the Portfolio's investments plus
cash and other assets, deducting liabilities and then dividing the result by the
number of its shares outstanding. The net asset value of the Portfolio is
calculated as of the close of business (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each
day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Contract or policy holders or Plan participants will not deal directly with
the Fund regarding the purchase or redemption of the Portfolio's shares. The
separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies place orders to
purchase and redeem shares of the Portfolio based on, among other things, the
amount of premium payments to be invested and the amount of surrender and
transfer requests (as defined in the prospectuses describing the VA contracts
and VLI policies issued by the Participating Insurance Companies) to be effected
on that day pursuant to VA contracts and VLI Policies. Plan trustees purchase
and redeem Portfolio shares. Plan participants cannot contact the Fund directly
to purchase shares of the Portfolio but may invest in shares of the Portfolio
only through their Plan. Participants should contact their Plan sponsor for
information concerning the appropriate procedure for investing in the Portfolio.
Orders for shares of the Portfolio received by the Fund or the Fund's transfer
agent are effected on days on which the NYSE is open for trading. For orders
received before the close of regular trading on the NYSE, purchases and
redemptions of the shares of the Portfolio are effected at the net asset value
per share determined as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the same
day. Orders received after the close of regular trading on the NYSE are effected
at the next calculated net asset value. See "Net Asset Value." All orders for
the purchase of shares are subject to acceptance or rejection by the Fund.
Payment for redemptions will be made by the Fund's transfer agent on behalf of
the Fund and the Portfolio within seven days after the request is received.
Neither the Fund nor the Portfolio assesses any fees, either when it sells or
when it redeems the Portfolio's shares. Surrender charges, mortality and expense
risk fees and other charges may be assessed by Participating Insurance Companies
under the VA contracts or VLI policies. These fees should be described in the
Participating Insurance Companies' prospectuses. Any charges assessed by the
Plans should be described in the Plan documents.
Under unusual circumstances, shares of a Portfolio may be redeemed "in kind",
which means that the redemption proceeds will be paid with securities which are
held by the Portfolio. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information
for more details.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested at net asset
value on the payment date for each shareholder's account in additional shares of
the Portfolio or, in the case of VA contracts and VLI policies, will be paid in
4
<PAGE>
cash at the election of the Participating Insurance Company. Any dividends of
the Portfolio will be declared and paid annually. Distributions of any net
realized capital gains earned by the Portfolio usually will be made annually
after the close of the fiscal year in which the gains are earned. Participating
Insurance Companies and Plans will be informed about the amount and character of
dividends and distributions from the Portfolio for federal income tax purposes.
TAXES
The Fund intends that the Portfolio will qualify separately as a "regulated
investment company" (within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) for each taxable year. If so qualified, and providing certain
distribution requirements are met, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal
income tax on its net investment income and net capital gains that it
distributes to its shareholders.
Dividends paid from net investment income and distributions of net realized
short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income earned by the
shareholders of the Portfolio. Distributions of net long-term capital gains are
treated as such by shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Federal income
taxation of separate accounts of life insurance companies, VA contracts, VLI
policies and of the Plans is discussed in the prospectuses of the Participating
Insurance Companies and in the Plan documents. With respect to participants in
the Plans, dividends from net investment income and net realized capital gains
will ordinarily not be subject to taxation until such dividends are distributed
to such participants from their Plan accounts.
PERFORMANCE
All performance figures are based on historical earnings and are not intended
to indicate future performance.
The Portfolio may include quotations of its "total return" and/or "yield" in
advertisements or reports to shareholders or prospective investors. BOTH "TOTAL
RETURN" AND/OR "YIELD" FIGURES ARE BASED ON HISTORICAL EARNINGS AND ARE NOT
INTENDED TO INDICATE FUTURE PERFORMANCE. Total return figures show the aggregate
or average percentage change in value of an investment in the Portfolio from the
beginning date of the measuring period to the end of the measuring period. These
figures reflect changes in the price of the Portfolio's shares and assume that
any income dividends and/or capital gains distributions made by the Portfolio
during the period were reinvested in shares of the Portfolio. Figures will be
given for recent 1, 5 and 10 year periods, and may be given for other periods as
well (such as from commencement of the Portfolio's operations, or on a
year-by-year basis). The Portfolio may use "aggregate" total return figures for
various periods, representing the cumulative change in value of an investment in
the Portfolio for the specific period (again reflecting changes in Portfolio
share prices and assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions) as well
as "actual annual" and "annualized" total return figures. Total returns may be
shown by means of schedules, charts or graphs, and may indicate subtotals of the
various components of total return (i.e., change in value of initial investment,
income dividends and capital gains distributions). "Total return" and "yield"
for the Portfolio will vary based on changes in market conditions. In addition,
since the deduction of the Portfolio's expenses is reflected in the total return
and yield figures, "total return" and "yield" will also vary based on the level
of the Portfolio's expenses.
The actual return to a holder of a VA contract or VLI policy will also be
affected by charges imposed by the separate accounts of Participating Insurance
Companies or, in the case of Plan participants, by any charges imposed under the
Plan.
INVESTOR AND SHAREHOLDER
INFORMATION
Investors and shareholders may contact the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863
for further information regarding the Fund and the Portfolio, including current
performance quotations, as well as for assistance in obtaining a Statement of
Additional Information. Holders of VA contracts or VLI policies issued by
Participating Insurance Companies and participants in Plans for which shares of
the Portfolio are the investment vehicle may receive from the Participating
Insurance Companies or Plan sponsor unaudited semi-annual financial statements
and year-end financial statements audited by the Fund's independent public
accountants. Each report will show the investments owned by the Portfolio and
the market values of the investments and will provide other information about
the Portfolio and its operations. The Fund's Annual Report contains additional
performance information and is available upon request and without charge by
contacting the Fund at the toll-free number listed above.
5
<PAGE>
THE |
ALGER | MEETING THE CHALLENGE
AMERICAN | OF INVESTING
FUND |
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus or the Statement
of Additional Information in connection with the offering of the Portfolio's
shares, and if given or made, such other information or representations must not
be relied on as having been authorized by the Fund. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer in any state in which, or to any person to whom, such offer
may not lawfully be made.
----------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGER:
Fred Alger Management, Inc.
75 Maiden Lane
New York, New York 10038
DISTRIBUTOR:
Fred Alger & Company,
Incorporated
30 Montgomery Street
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
TRANSFER AGENT:
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc.
30 Montgomery Street
Box 2001
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS:
Arthur Andersen LLP
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
COUNSEL:
Hollyer Brady Smith Troxell
Barrett Rockett Hines & Mone LLP
551 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10176
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
THE | 75 Maiden Lane
ALGER | New York, New York 10038
AMERICAN | (800) 992-FUND (992-3863)
FUND |
ALGER AMERICAN MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
================================================================================
The Alger American Fund (the "Fund") is a registered investment company--a
mutual fund--that presently offers interests in six portfolios. This Prospectus
sets forth information about the Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio (the
"Portfolio"). The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in
a diversified, actively managed portfolio of equity securities, primarily of
companies with total market capitalization within the range of companies
included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index.
Shares of the Portfolio are offered as a pooled funding vehicle for
insurance companies writing all types of variable annuity contracts ("VA
contracts") and variable life insurance policies ("VLI policies") and are also
offered directly to qualified pension and retirement plans (the "Plans"). See
"Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio."
SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIO ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY ANY BANK, AND THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
This Prospectus, which should be retained for future reference, contains
important information that you should know before investing. Please read it
along with the prospectuses issued by the insurance companies with respect to
the VA contracts and VLI policies or with the Plan documents. A "Statement of
Additional Information" dated May 1, 1997 containing further information about
all the portfolios of the Fund, including the Portfolio, has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus. It is available at no charge by contacting the Fund at the address
or phone number above.
FRED ALGER | FRED ALGER |
MANAGEMENT, | Investment Manager & COMPANY, | Distributor
INC. | INCORPORATED |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAY 1, 1997
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
Page
----
Portfolio Expenses ........................................ iii
Financial Highlights ...................................... iv
Alger American MidCap
Growth Portfolio ........................................ 1
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans ............... 1
Investment Objective and Policies ......................... 1
Investment Practices ...................................... 2
Management of the Fund .................................... 2
Net Asset Value ........................................... 4
Purchases and Redemptions ................................. 4
Dividends and Distributions ............................... 5
Taxes ..................................................... 5
Performance ............................................... 5
Investor and Shareholder Information ...................... 5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ii
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES
The Table below is designed to assist you in understanding the various
costs and expenses that you will bear as a shareholder. THE TABLE DOES NOT
REFLECT CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS WHICH ARE, OR MAY BE, IMPOSED UNDER THE VA
CONTRACTS, VLI POLICIES OR PLANS; SUCH CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS ARE DESCRIBED IN
THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE VA CONTRACT OR VLI POLICY ACCOMPANYING THIS PROSPECTUS OR
IN THE PLAN DOCUMENTS.
The Example below shows the amount of expenses you would pay on a $1,000
investment in the Portfolio. These amounts assume the reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions and payment by the Portfolio of operating expenses
as shown in the Table under Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses. The Example is
an illustration only and actual expenses may be greater or less than those
shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<S> <C>
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases ................................... None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends ........................ None
Deferred Sales Load ....................................................... None
Redemption Fees ........................................................... None
Exchange Fees ............................................................. None
ANNUAL PORTFOLIO OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
Management Fees ........................................................... .80%
12b-1 Fees ................................................................ --
Other Expenses ............................................................ .04%
---
Total Portfolio Operating Expenses ........................................ .84%
===
EXAMPLE
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1)
5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
One Year .................................................................. $ 9
Three Years ............................................................... 27
Five Years ................................................................ 47
Ten Years ................................................................. 104
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iii
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Financial Highlights for the years ended December 31, 1993 through 1996
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, the Fund's independent public
accountants. This information should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements of the Fund as contained in its Statement of Additional Information.
The Fund's Annual Report contains additional performance information and is
available upon request and without charge by contacting the Fund at (800)
992-3863.
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FROM MAY 3, 1993
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, (COMMENCEMENT OF
------------------------------------------ OPERATIONS)
1996 1995 1994 TO DECEMBER 31, 1993(i)
-------- -------- ------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year .................. $ 19.44 $ 13.46 $ 13.72 $ 10.00
-------- -------- ------- -------
Net investment income (loss) ........................ 0.03 (0.03) 0.00(ii) (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments .................................... 2.29 6.01 (0.21) 3.88
-------- -------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations .................. 2.32 5.98 (0.21) 3.86
Distributions from net realized gains ............... (0.41) -- (0.05) (0.14)
-------- -------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of year ........................ $ 21.35 $ 19.44 $ 13.46 $ 13.72
======== ======== ======= =======
Total Return ........................................ 11.90% 44.45% (1.54%) 38.67%
======== ======== ======= =======
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000's omitted) ........... $394,847 $185,349 $62,178 $21,301
======== ======== ======= =======
Ratio of expenses to average net assets ........... 0.84% 0.90% 0.97% 1.50%
Decrease reflected in above expense
ratio due to expense
reimbursements .................................. -- -- -- 0.03%
======== ======== ======= =======
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
to average net assets ........................... 0.08% (0.25%) 0.03% (0.58%)
======== ======== ======= =======
Portfolio Turnover Rate ........................... 90.97% 104.74% 83.96% 67.22%
======== ======== ======= =======
Average Commission Rate Paid ...................... $ .0663
========
</TABLE>
(i) Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been annualized.
(ii) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iv
<PAGE>
ALGER AMERICAN MIDCAP
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
The Portfolio is designed to permit insurance companies that issue VA
contracts and VLI policies to offer contract and policy holders the opportunity
to participate in the performance of the Portfolio. The Portfolio may also be a
funding vehicle for Plans which elect to make the Portfolio an investment option
for Plan participants.
The Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company that offers
a selection of six portfolios, each having distinct investment objectives and
policies. The Fund's Board of Trustees may establish additional portfolios at
any time.
PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANIES AND PLANS
The Portfolio is intended to be a funding vehicle for VA contracts and VLI
policies to be offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance
companies ("Participating Insurance Companies") and Plans. Individuals cannot
invest in the Portfolio directly but may do so only through a VA contract or VLI
policy or a Plan. The Fund currently does not foresee any disadvantages to the
holders of VA contracts and VLI Policies arising from the fact that the
interests of the holders of VA contracts and VLI policies may differ, that the
Participating Insurance Companies may not be affiliated with each other or that
the Portfolio may offer its shares to Plans. Nevertheless, the Fund's Board of
Trustees intends to monitor events in order to identify any material
irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly arise due to differences of tax
treatment or other considerations, and to determine what action, if any, should
be taken in response to such conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or
more Participating Insurance Company separate accounts or Plans might withdraw
its investment in the Portfolio, which may cause the Portfolio to sell portfolio
securities at disadvantageous prices. The VA contracts and VLI policies are
described in the separate prospectuses issued by the Participating Insurance
Companies, and the Plans are described in the Plan documents made available by
the Plan sponsors. The Fund assumes no responsibility for such prospectuses or
Plan documents.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Portfolio and the investment restrictions
summarized in the next paragraph are fundamental which means that they may not
be changed without shareholder approval. All investment policies and practices
described elsewhere in this Prospectus, and not explicitly identified as
fundamental, are not fundamental, so the Fund's Board of Trustees may change
them without shareholder approval. There is no guarantee that the Portfolio's
objective will be achieved.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Portfolio will not: (1) with respect to
75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one
issuer, except for obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government securities"); (2) own more than
10% of the outstanding voting securities of any company, (3) invest more than
10% of its net assets in securities that are illiquid by virtue of legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or the absence of a readily available market;
(4) invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one industry, except for
U.S. Government securities; (5) borrow money or pledge its assets, except that
it may borrow money or pledge its assets in an amount up to 10% of its total
assets for temporary or emergency purposes. The Statement of Additional
Information contains additional investment restrictions.
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of
purchase, have total market capitalization--present market value per share
multiplied by the total number of shares outstanding--within the range of
companies included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index, updated quarterly. The S&P
MidCap 400 Index is designed to track the performance of medium capitalization
companies. As of March 31, 1997, the range of market capitalization of these
companies was $120 million to $7.193 billion. The Portfolio may invest up to 35%
of its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of
purchase, have total market capitalization outside the range of companies
included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and in excess of that amount (up to 100% of
its assets) during temporary defensive periods.
IN GENERAL
The Portfolio seeks to achieve its objective by investing in equity
securities, such as common or preferred stocks, or securities convertible into
or exchangeable for equity securities, including warrants and rights. The
Portfolio will invest primarily in companies whose securities are traded on
domestic stock exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. These companies may
still be in the developmental stage, may be older companies that appear to be
entering a new stage of growth progress owing to factors such as management
changes or development of new technology, products or markets or may be
companies providing products or services with a high unit volume growth rate. In
order to afford the Portfolio the flexibility to take advantage of new
opportunities for investments in accordance with its investment objective or to
1
<PAGE>
meet redemptions, it may hold up to 15% of its net assets in money market
instruments and repurchase agreements and in excess of that amount (up to 100%
of its assets) during temporary defensive periods. This amount may be higher
than that maintained by other funds with similar investment objectives.
Investing in smaller, newer issuers generally involves greater risk than
investing in larger, more established issuers. Smaller, newer issuers may have
limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may lack management
depth. The securities of such companies may have limited marketability and may
be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger,
more established companies or the market averages in general.
INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The Portfolio may use the investment strategies and invest in the types of
securities described below, which may involve certain risks. The Statement of
Additional Information contains more detailed information about these practices
and information about other investment practices of the Portfolio.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
In a repurchase agreement, the Portfolio buys a security at one price and
simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price. In the event of a
bankruptcy or default of the other party to the repurchase agreement, the
Portfolio could experience costs and delays in liquidating the underlying
security, which is held as collateral, and the Portfolio might incur a loss if
the value of the collateral held declines during this period.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES
An investment may be illiquid because of the absence of an active trading
market, making it difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price. A
restricted security is one that has a contractual restriction on its resale or
which cannot be sold publicly until it is registered under the Securities Act of
1933. The Portfolio may purchase securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A
of the Securities Act of 1933. This rule permits otherwise restricted securities
to be sold to certain institutional buyers. Under the policies and procedures
established by the Fund's Board of Trustees, Fred Alger Management, Inc. ("Alger
Management") determines the liquidity of the Portfolio's Rule 144A investments.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
In order to generate income and to offset expenses, the Portfolio may lend
portfolio securities with a value up to 331/3% of the Portfolio's total assets
to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations. Any such loan will be
continuously secured by collateral at least equal to the value of the securities
loaned. Default by the borrower could result in delays, costs and/or losses in
disposing of the collateral or recovering the loaned securities and, should the
borrower fail financially, possible loss of rights in the collateral.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities.
Investing in securities of foreign companies and foreign governments, which
generally are denominated in foreign currencies, may involve certain risk and
opportunity considerations not typically associated with investing in domestic
companies and could cause the Portfolio to be affected favorably or unfavorably
by changes in currency exchange rates and revaluations of currencies.
The Portfolio may purchase American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), American
Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), or U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign
issuers, none of which are included in the 20% foreign securities limitation.
ADRs and ADSs are traded in the U.S. securities markets and represent the
securities of foreign issuers. While ADRs and ADSs may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the foreign securities they represent, many
of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs and ADSs.
OTHER INVESTMENTS
In addition to the securities and investment techniques listed above, the
Portfolio may invest in bank and thrift obligations, obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities,
foreign bank obligations and obligations of foreign branches of domestic banks,
and variable rate master demand notes. See "Investment Objectives and Policies"
in the Statement of Additional Information.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio changes will generally be made without regard to the length of time
a security has been held or whether a sale would result in a profit or loss.
Increased portfolio turnover will have the effect of increasing the Portfolio's
brokerage and custodial expenses.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
ORGANIZATION
The Fund was organized on April 6, 1988 as a multi-series Massachusetts
business trust. The Fund offers an unlimited number of shares of six series,
representing the shares of the Fund's portfolios, including the Portfolio.
2
<PAGE>
Although the Fund is not required by law to hold annual shareholder meetings,
it may hold meetings from time to time on important matters, and shareholders
have the right to call a meeting to remove a Trustee or to take other action
described in the Fund's Declaration of Trust. Shareholders of the Portfolio may
vote only on matters that affect the Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances, other than the shares issued to Fred Alger &
Company, Incorporated ("Alger Inc.") in connection with its creation and initial
capitalization, the Fund intends to distribute shares of the Portfolio only to
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans, so that only Participating
Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and Plans will be considered
shareholders of the Portfolio. Although the Participating Insurance Companies
and their separate accounts and the Plans are the shareholders or investors, the
Participating Insurance Companies will pass through voting rights to their VA
contract and VLI policy holders. Plan sponsors may or may not pass through
voting rights to Plan participants, depending on the terms of the Plan's
governing documents. For a discussion of voting rights, please refer to the
Participating Insurance Companies' prospectuses or the Plan documents.
When matters are submitted for shareholder vote, shareholders of the Portfolio
will have one vote for each full share held and proportionate, fractional votes
for fractional shares held. A separate vote of a portfolio of the Fund is
required on any matter affecting the portfolio on which shareholders are
entitled to vote, such as approval of a portfolio's agreement with Alger
Management. Shareholders of one portfolio are not entitled to vote on a matter
that does not affect that portfolio but that does require a separate vote of the
other portfolios. There normally will be no annual meetings of shareholders for
the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a
majority of Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, at which
time the Trustees then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the
election of Trustees. Any Trustee may be removed from office on the vote of
shareholders holding at least two- thirds of the Fund's outstanding shares at a
meeting called for that purpose. The Trustees are required to call such a
meeting on the written request of shareholders holding at least 10% of the
Fund's outstanding shares.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Fund is governed by a Board of Trustees which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders under Massachusetts law. The Statement
of Additional Information contains general background information about each
Trustee and officer of the Fund.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Alger Management is the Fund's investment manager and is responsible for the
overall administration of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board of
Trustees. Alger Management makes investment decisions for the Portfolio, places
orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Portfolio and selects
broker-dealers that, in its judgment, provide prompt and reliable execution at
favorable prices and reasonable commission rates. It is anticipated that the
Fund's distributor, Alger Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, will serve as
the Fund's broker in effecting substantially all of the Portfolio's transactions
on securities exchanges and will retain commissions in accordance with certain
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, Alger
Management employs professional securities analysts who provide research
services exclusively to the Portfolio and other accounts for which Alger
Management or its affiliates serve as investment adviser or subadviser.
Alger Management has been in the business of providing investment advisory
services since 1964 and, as of March 31, 1997, had approximately $6.4 billion
under management, $4.9 billion in mutual fund accounts and $1.5 billion in other
advisory accounts. Alger Management is owned by Alger Inc. which in turn is
owned by Alger Associates, Inc., a financial services holding company. Fred M.
Alger III and his brother, David D. Alger, are the majority shareholders of
Alger Associates, Inc. and may be deemed to control that company and its
subsidiaries.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
David D. Alger, Seilai Khoo and Ronald Tartaro are primarily responsible for
the day-to-day management of the Portfolios of the Fund. Mr. Alger has been
employed by Alger Management as Executive Vice President and Director of
Research since 1971 and as President since 1995. Ms. Khoo has been employed by
Alger Management as a senior research analyst since 1989 and as a Senior Vice
President since 1995. Mr. Tartaro has been employed by Alger Management as a
senior research analyst since 1990 and as a Senior Vice President since 1995.
Mr. Alger, Ms. Khoo and Mr. Tartaro also serve as portfolio managers for other
mutual funds and investment accounts managed by Alger Management.
Alger Management personnel ("Access Persons") are permitted to engage in
personal securities transactions subject to the restrictions and procedures of
the Fund's Code of Ethics. Pursuant to the Code of Ethics, Access Persons
generally must preclear all personal securities transactions prior to trading
3
<PAGE>
and are subject to certain prohibitions on personal trading. You can get a copy
of the Fund's Code of Ethics by calling the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863.
FEES
The Portfolio pays Alger Management a management fee computed daily and paid
monthly at an annual rate of .80% of the value of the Portfolio's average daily
net assets.
From time to time Alger Management or its affiliates may compensate insurance
companies or their affiliates whose customers hold shares of the Portfolio for
providing a variety of record-keeping, administrative, marketing and/or
shareholder support services. This compensation, which may be paid at a rate of
up to .30% of the net asset value of shares held by those customers, will be
paid from Alger Management's own resources and not from the assets of the
Portfolio.
EXPENSES
The Portfolio pays expenses related to its daily operations, such as
management fees, brokerage fees, custodian fees, Trustees' fees, transfer agency
fees and legal and auditing costs. Alger Management has agreed to reimburse the
Portfolio to the extent that its annual operating expenses (excluding interest,
taxes, fees for brokerage services and extraordinary expenses) exceed 1.50% of
its average daily net assets for any fiscal year. In addition, from time to
time, Alger Management, in its sole discretion and as it deems appropriate, may
assume certain expenses of the Portfolio while retaining the ability to be
reimbursed by the Portfolio for such amounts prior to the end of the fiscal
year. This will have the effect of lowering the Portfolio's overall expense
ratio and of increasing yield to investors, or the converse, at the time such
amounts are assumed or reimbursed, as the case may be. More information about
the Portfolio's investment management agreement and other expenses paid by the
Portfolio is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
The Statement of Additional Information contains information about the Fund's
brokerage policies and practices.
DISTRIBUTOR
Alger Inc. serves as the Fund's distributor and also distributes the shares of
other mutual funds managed by Alger Management.
TRANSFER AGENT
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, serves as
transfer agent for the Fund.
NET ASSET VALUE
The price of one share of the Portfolio is its "net asset value." The net
asset value is computed by adding the value of the Portfolio's investments plus
cash and other assets, deducting liabilities and then dividing the result by the
number of its shares outstanding. The net asset value of the Portfolio is
calculated as of the close of business (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each
day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Contract or policy holders or Plan participants will not deal directly with
the Fund regarding the purchase or redemption of the Portfolio's shares. The
separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies place orders to
purchase and redeem shares of the Portfolio based on, among other things, the
amount of premium payments to be invested and the amount of surrender and
transfer requests (as defined in the prospectuses describing the VA contracts
and VLI policies issued by the Participating Insurance Companies) to be effected
on that day pursuant to VA contracts and VLI Policies. Plan trustees purchase
and redeem Portfolio shares. Plan participants cannot contact the Fund directly
to purchase shares of the Portfolio but may invest in shares of the Portfolio
only through their Plan. Participants should contact their Plan sponsor for
information concerning the appropriate procedure for investing in the Portfolio.
Orders for shares of the Portfolio received by the Fund or the Fund's transfer
agent are effected on days on which the NYSE is open for trading. For orders
received before the close of regular trading on the NYSE, purchases and
redemptions of the shares of the Portfolio are effected at the net asset value
per share determined as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the same
day. Orders received after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, are
effected at the next calculated net asset value. See "Net Asset Value." All
orders for the purchase of shares are subject to acceptance or rejection by the
Fund. Payment for redemptions will be made by the Fund's transfer agent on
behalf of the Fund and the Portfolio within seven days after the request is
received. Neither the Fund nor the Portfolio assesses any fees, either when it
sells or when it redeems the Portfolio's shares. Surrender charges, mortality
and expense risk fees and other charges may be assessed by Participating
Insurance Companies under the VA contracts or VLI policies. These fees should be
described in the Participating Insurance Companies' prospectuses. Any charges
assessed by the Plans should be described in the Plan documents.
Under unusual circumstances, shares of a Portfolio may be redeemed "in kind",
which means that the redemption proceeds will be paid with securities which are
held by the Portfolio. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information
for more details.
4
<PAGE>
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested at net asset
value on the payment date for each shareholder's account in additional shares of
the Portfolio or, in the case of VA contracts and VLI policies, will be paid in
cash at the election of the Participating Insurance Company. Any dividends of
the Portfolio will be declared and paid annually. Distributions of any net
realized capital gains earned by the Portfolio usually will be made annually
after the close of the fiscal year in which the gains are earned. Participating
Insurance Companies and Plans will be informed about the amount and character of
dividends and distributions from the Portfolio for federal income tax purposes.
TAXES
The Fund intends that the Portfolio will qualify separately as a "regulated
investment company" (within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) for each taxable year. If so qualified, and providing certain
distribution requirements are met, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal
income tax on its net investment income and net capital gains that it
distributes to its shareholders.
Dividends paid from net investment income and distributions of net realized
short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income earned by the
shareholders of the Portfolio. Distributions of net long-term capital gains are
treated as such by shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Federal income
taxation of separate accounts of life insurance companies, VA contracts, VLI
policies and of the Plans is discussed in the prospectuses of the Participating
Insurance Companies and in the Plan documents. With respect to participants in
the Plans, dividends from net investment income and net realized capital gains
will ordinarily not be subject to taxation until such dividends are distributed
to such participants from their Plan accounts.
PERFORMANCE
All performance figures are based on historical earnings and are not intended
to indicate future performance.
The Portfolio may include quotations of its "total return" and/or "yield" in
advertisements or reports to shareholders or prospective investors. BOTH "TOTAL
RETURN" AND/OR "YIELD" FIGURES ARE BASED ON HISTORICAL EARNINGS AND ARE NOT
INTENDED TO INDICATE FUTURE PERFORMANCE. Total return figures show the aggregate
or average percentage change in value of an investment in the Portfolio from the
beginning date of the measuring period to the end of the measuring period. These
figures reflect changes in the price of the Portfolio's shares and assume that
any income dividends and/or capital gains distributions made by the Portfolio
during the period were reinvested in shares of the Portfolio. Figures will be
given for recent 1, 5 and 10 year periods, and may be given for other periods as
well (such as from commencement of the Portfolio's operations, or on a
year-by-year basis). The Portfolio may use "aggregate" total return figures for
various periods, representing the cumulative change in value of an investment in
the Portfolio for the specific period (again reflecting changes in Portfolio
share prices and assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions) as well
as "actual annual" and "annualized" total return figures. Total returns may be
shown by means of schedules, charts or graphs, and may indicate subtotals of the
various components of total return (i.e., change in value of initial investment,
income dividends and capital gains distributions). "Total return" and "yield"
for the Portfolio will vary based on changes in market conditions. In addition,
since the deduction of the Portfolio's expenses is reflected in the total return
and yield figures, "total return" and "yield" will also vary based on the level
of the Portfolio's expenses.
The actual return to a holder of a VA contract or VLI policy will also be
affected by charges imposed by the separate accounts of Participating Insurance
Companies or, in the case of Plan participants, by any charges imposed under the
Plan.
INVESTOR AND SHAREHOLDER
INFORMATION
Investors and shareholders may contact the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863
for further information regarding the Fund and the Portfolio, including current
performance quotations, as well as for assistance in obtaining a Statement of
Additional Information. Holders of VA contracts or VLI policies issued by
Participating Insurance Companies and participants in Plans for which shares of
the Portfolio are the investment vehicle may receive from the Participating
Insurance Companies or Plan sponsor unaudited semi-annual financial statements
and year-end financial statements audited by the Fund's independent public
accountants. Each report will show the investments owned by the Portfolio and
the market values of the investments and will provide other information about
the Portfolio and its operations. The Fund's Annual Report contains additional
performance information and is available upon request and without charge by
contacting the Fund at the toll-free number listed above.
5
<PAGE>
THE |
ALGER | MEETING THE CHALLENGE
AMERICAN | OF INVESTING
FUND |
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus or the Statement
of Additional Information in connection with the offering of the Portfolio's
shares, and if given or made, such other information or representations must not
be relied on as having been authorized by the Fund. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer in any state in which, or to any person to whom, such offer
may not lawfully be made.
--------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGER:
Fred Alger Management, Inc.
75 Maiden Lane
New York, New York 10038
DISTRIBUTOR:
Fred Alger & Company,
Incorporated
30 Montgomery Street
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
TRANSFER AGENT:
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc.
30 Montgomery Street
Box 2001
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS:
Arthur Andersen LLP
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
COUNSEL:
Hollyer Brady Smith Troxell
Barrett Rocket Hines & Mone LLP
551 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10176
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
THE |
ALGER | 75 Maiden Lane
AMERICAN | New York, New York 10038
FUND | (800) 992-FUND (992-3863)
ALGER AMERICAN LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO
================================================================================
The Alger American Fund (the "Fund") is a registered investment company--a
mutual fund--that presently offers interests in six portfolios. This Prospectus
sets forth information about the Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio (the
"Portfolio"). The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in
a diversified, actively managed portfolio of equity securities. The Portfolio
may engage in leveraging (up to 331/3% of its assets) and options and futures
transactions, which are deemed to be speculative and which may cause the
Portfolio's net asset value to be more volatile than the net asset value of a
fund that does not engage in these activities.
Shares of the Portfolio are offered as a pooled funding vehicle for
insurance companies writing all types of variable annuity contracts ("VA
contracts") and variable life insurance policies ("VLI policies") and are also
offered directly to qualified pension and retirement plans (the "Plans"). See
"Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio."
SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIO ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY ANY BANK, AND THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
This Prospectus, which should be retained for future reference, contains
important information that you should know before investing. Please read it
along with the prospectuses issued by the insurance companies with respect to
the VA contracts and VLI policies or with the Plan documents. A "Statement of
Additional Information" dated May 1, 1997 containing further information about
all the portfolios of the Fund, including the Portfolio, has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus. It is available at no charge by contacting the Fund at the address
or phone number above.
FRED ALGER | FRED ALGER |
MANAGEMENT, | Investment Manager & COMPANY | Distributor
INC. | INCORPORATED |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 DEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAY 1, 1997
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
Page
----
Portfolio Expenses .......................................... iii
Financial Highlights ........................................ iv
Alger American Leveraged
AllCap Portfolio ......................................... 1
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans ................. 1
Investment Objective and Policies ........................... 1
Investment Practices ........................................ 2
Management of the Fund ...................................... 3
Net Asset Value ............................................. 5
Purchases and Redemptions ................................... 5
Dividends and Distributions ................................. 5
Taxes ....................................................... 5
Performance ................................................. 6
Investor and Shareholder Information ........................ 6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ii
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES
The Table below is designed to assist you in understanding the various
costs and expenses that you will bear as a shareholder. THE TABLE DOES NOT
REFLECT CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS WHICH ARE, OR MAY BE, IMPOSED UNDER THE VA
CONTRACTS, VLI POLICIES OR PLANS; SUCH CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS ARE DESCRIBED IN
THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE VA CONTRACT OR VLI POLICY ACCOMPANYING THIS PROSPECTUS OR
IN THE PLAN DOCUMENTS.
The Example below shows the amount of expenses you would pay on a $1,000
investment in the Portfolio. These amounts assume the reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions and payment by the Portfolio of operating expenses
as shown in the Table under Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses. The Example is
an illustration only and actual expenses may be greater or less than those
shown.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases ........................... None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends ................ None
Deferred Sales Load ............................................... None
Redemption Fees ................................................... None
Exchange Fees ..................................................... None
ANNUAL PORTFOLIO OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
Management Fees ................................................... .85%
12b-1 Fees ........................................................ --
Other Expenses .................................................... .24%*
----
Total Portfolio Operating Expenses ................................ 1.09%
====
* Included in Other Expenses of the Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio is
0.03% of interest expense.
EXAMPLE
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5%
annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
One Year .......................................................... $ 11
Three Years ....................................................... 35
Five Years ........................................................ 60
Ten Years ......................................................... 133
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iii
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Financial Highlights for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996 have
been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, the Fund's independent public accountants.
This information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of
the Fund as contained in its Statement of Additional Information. The Fund's
Annual Report contains additional performance information and is available upon
request and without charge by contacting the Fund at (800) 992-3863.
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO
Financial Highlights
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
From January 25, 1995
Year Ended (commencement of
December 31, operations)
1996 to December 31, 1995(i)
--------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period ....................... $ 17.43 $ 10.00
--------------- ---------------
Net investment (loss) ...................................... (0.03)(ii) (0.03)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments .... 2.14 7.46
--------------- ---------------
Total from investment operations ....................... 2.11 7.43
Distribution from net realized gains ....................... (0.18) --
--------------- ---------------
Net asset value, end of period ............................. $ 19.36 $ 17.43
=============== ===============
Total Return ............................................... 12.04% 74.30%
=============== ===============
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) ................ $ 34,925 $ 5,497
=============== ===============
Ratio of expenses excluding interest to average net assets 1.06% 1.50%
=============== ===============
Ratio of expenses including interest to average net assets 1.09% 1.56%
=============== ===============
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to expense reimbursements .......................... -- 2.36%
=============== ===============
Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets ..... (0.15%) (0.71%)
=============== ===============
Portfolio Turnover Rate .................................. 102.10% 178.23%
=============== ===============
Amount of debt outstanding at end of period ................ $ 0 $ 0
=============== ===============
Average amount of debt outstanding during the period ....... $ 76,079 $ 8,122
=============== ===============
Average daily number of shares outstanding during the period 1,107,187 75,460
=============== ===============
Average amount of debt per share during the period ......... $ 0.07 $ 0.11
=============== ===============
Average Commission Rate Paid ............................... $ .0682
===============
</TABLE>
(i) Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been annualized.
(ii) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iv
<PAGE>
ALGER AMERICAN LEVERAGED
ALLCAP PORTFOLIO
The Portfolio is designed to permit insurance companies that issue VA
contracts and VLI policies to offer contract and policy holders the opportunity
to participate in the performance of the Portfolio. The Portfolio may also be a
funding vehicle for Plans which elect to make the Portfolio an investment option
for Plan participants.
The Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company that offers
a selection of six portfolios, each having distinct investment objectives and
policies. The Fund's Board of Trustees may establish additional portfolios at
any time.
PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
COMPANIES AND PLANS
The Portfolio is intended to be a funding vehicle for VA contracts and VLI
policies to be offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance
companies ("Participating Insurance Companies") and Plans. Individuals cannot
invest in the Portfolio directly but may do so only through a VA contract or VLI
policy or a Plan. The Fund currently does not foresee any disadvantages to the
holders of VA contracts and VLI Policies arising from the fact that the
interests of the holders of VA contracts and VLI policies may differ, that the
Participating Insurance Companies may not be affiliated with each other or that
the Portfolio may offer its shares to Plans. Nevertheless, the Fund's Board of
Trustees intends to monitor events in order to identify any material
irreconcilable conflicts which may possibly arise due to differences of tax
treatment or other considerations, and to determine what action, if any, should
be taken in response to such conflicts. If such a conflict were to occur, one or
more Participating Insurance Company separate accounts or Plans might withdraw
its investment in the Portfolio, which may cause the Portfolio to sell portfolio
securities at disadvantageous prices. The VA contracts and VLI policies are
described in the separate prospectuses issued by the Participating Insurance
Companies, and the Plans are described in the Plan documents made available by
the Plan sponsors. The Fund assumes no responsibility for such prospectuses or
Plan documents.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Portfolio and the investment restrictions
summarized in the next paragraph are fundamental which means that they may not
be changed without shareholder approval. All investment policies and practices
described elsewhere in this Prospectus, and not explicitly identified as
fundamental, are not fundamental, so the Fund's Board of Trustees may change
them without shareholder approval. There is no guarantee that the Portfolio's
objective will be achieved.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Portfolio will not: (1) with respect to
75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one
issuer, except for obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government securities"); (2) own more than
10% of the outstanding voting securities of any company, (3) invest more than
15% of its net assets in securities that are illiquid by virtue of legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or the absence of a readily available market;
(4) invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one industry, except for
U.S. Government securities; (5) borrow money or pledge its assets, except that
it may borrow money or pledge its assets in an amount up to 10% of its total
assets for temporary or emergency purposes and in an amount exceeding 10% of its
total assets for investment purposes as set forth below under "Leverage Through
Borrowing." The Statement of Additional Information contains additional
investment restrictions.
The investment objective of the Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 85% of
its net assets in equity securities of companies of any size.
The Portfolio may purchase put and call options and sell (write) covered call
and put options on securities indexes to increase gain and to hedge against the
risk of unfavorable price movements, and may enter into futures contracts on
securities indexes and purchase and sell call and put options on these futures
contracts. The Portfolio may also borrow money for the purchase of additional
securities. The Portfolio may borrow only from banks and may not borrow in
excess of one-third of the market value of its assets, less liabilities other
than such borrowing. These practices are deemed to be speculative and may cause
the Portfolio's net asset value to be more volatile than the net asset value of
a fund that does not engage in these activities. See "Investment Practices."
IN GENERAL
The Portfolio seeks to achieve its objective by investing in equity
securities, such as common or preferred stocks, or securities convertible into
or exchangeable for equity securities, including warrants and rights. The
Portfolio will invest primarily in companies whose securities are traded on
domestic stock exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. These companies may
still be in the developmental stage, may be older companies that appear to be
entering a new stage of growth progress owing to factors such as management
changes or development of new technology, products or markets or may be
1
<PAGE>
companies providing products or services with a high unit volume growth rate. In
order to afford the Portfolio the flexibility to take advantage of new
opportunities for investments in accordance with its investment objective or to
meet redemptions, it may hold up to 15% of its net assets in money market
instruments and repurchase agreements and in excess of that amount (up to 100%
of its assets) during temporary defensive periods. This amount may be higher
than that maintained by other funds with similar investment objectives.
Investing in smaller, newer issuers generally involves greater risk than
investing in larger, more established issuers. Smaller, newer issuers may have
limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may lack management
depth. The securities of such companies may have limited marketability and may
be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger,
more established companies or the market averages in general.
INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The Portfolio may use the investment strategies and invest in the types of
securities described below, which may involve certain risks. The Statement of
Additional Information contains more detailed information about these practices
and information about other investment practices of the Portfolio.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
In a repurchase agreement, the Portfolio buys a security at one price and
simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price. In the event of a
bankruptcy or default of the other party to the repurchase agreement, the
Portfolio could experience costs and delays in liquidating the underlying
security, which is held as collateral, and the Portfolio might incur a loss if
the value of the collateral held declines during this period.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES
An investment may be illiquid because of the absence of an active trading
market, making it difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price. A
restricted security is one that has a contractual restriction on its resale or
which cannot be sold publicly until it is registered under the Securities Act of
1933. The Portfolio may purchase securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A
of the Securities Act of 1933. This rule permits otherwise restricted securities
to be sold to certain institutional buyers. Under the policies and procedures
established by the Fund's Board of Trustees, Fred Alger Management, Inc. ("Alger
Management") determines the liquidity of the Portfolio's Rule 144A investments.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
In order to generate income and to offset expenses, the Portfolio may lend
portfolio securities with a value up to 331/3% of the Portfolio's total assets
to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations. Any such loan will be
continuously secured by collateral at least equal to the value of the securities
loaned. Default by the borrower could result in delays, costs and/or losses in
disposing of the collateral or recovering the loaned securities and, should the
borrower fail financially, possible loss of rights in the collateral.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities.
Investing in securities of foreign companies and foreign governments, which
generally are denominated in foreign currencies, may involve certain risk and
opportunity considerations not typically associated with investing in domestic
companies and could cause the Portfolio to be affected favorably or unfavorably
by changes in currency exchange rates and revaluations of currencies.
The Portfolio may purchase American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), American
Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), or U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign
issuers, none of which are included in the 20% foreign securities limitation.
ADRs and ADSs are traded in the U.S. securities markets and represent the
securities of foreign issuers. While ADRs and ADSs may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the foreign securities they represent, many
of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs and ADSs.
LEVERAGE THROUGH BORROWING
The Portfolio may borrow money from banks and use it to purchase additional
securities. This borrowing is known as leveraging. Leverage increases both
investment opportunity and investment risk. If the investment gains on
securities purchased with borrowed money exceed the interest paid on the
borrowing, the net asset value of the Portfolio's shares will rise faster than
would otherwise be the case. On the other hand, if the investment gains fail to
cover the cost (including interest) of borrowings, or if there are losses, the
net asset value of the Portfolio's shares will decrease faster than would
otherwise be the case. The Portfolio is required to maintain continuous asset
coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive
of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed. If such asset coverage should
decline below 300% as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, the
Portfolio may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three
2
<PAGE>
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.
OPTIONS
The Portfolio may buy and sell (write) exchange listed options in order to
obtain additional return or to hedge the value of its portfolio. Hedging
transactions are intended to reduce the risk of price fluctuations. The
Portfolio may write an option on a security only if the option is "covered" (for
a discussion of covered options, see the Statement of Additional Information.)
Although the Portfolio will generally purchase or write only those options for
which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that
a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option.
The Portfolio will not purchase options if, as a result, the aggregate cost of
all outstanding options exceeds 10% of the Portfolio's total assets, although no
more than 5% will be committed to transactions entered into for non-hedging
purposes. The Portfolio may purchase and sell put and call options on stock
indexes in order to increase its gross income or to hedge its portfolio against
price fluctuations.
The writing and purchase of options are highly specialized activities which
involve investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Additional discussion of these risks
and techniques is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
STOCK INDEX FUTURES AND OPTIONS ON
STOCK INDEX FUTURES
The Portfolio may purchase and sell stock index futures contracts and options
on stock index futures contracts. These investments may be made only for
hedging, not speculative, purposes.
There can be no assurance of the Portfolio's successful use of stock index
futures as a hedging device. If Alger Management uses a hedging instrument at
the wrong time or judges market conditions incorrectly, hedging strategies may
reduce the Portfolio's return. The Portfolio could also experience losses if the
prices of its futures and options positions were not correlated with its other
investments or if it could not close out a position because of an illiquid
market for the future or option.
OTHER INVESTMENTS
In addition to the securities and investment techniques listed above, the
Portfolio may invest in bank and thrift obligations, obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities,
foreign bank obligations and obligations of foreign branches of domestic banks,
and variable rate master demand notes. See "Investment Objectives and Policies"
in the Statement of Additional Information.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio changes will generally be made without regard to the length of time
a security has been held or whether a sale would result in a profit or loss.
Increased portfolio turnover will have the effect of increasing the Portfolio's
brokerage and custodial expenses.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
ORGANIZATION
The Fund was organized on April 6, 1988 as a multi-series Massachusetts
business trust. The Fund offers an unlimited number of shares of six series,
representing the shares of the Fund's portfolios, including the Portfolio.
Although the Fund is not required by law to hold annual shareholder meetings,
it may hold meetings from time to time on important matters, and shareholders
have the right to call a meeting to remove a Trustee or to take other action
described in the Fund's Declaration of Trust. Shareholders of the Portfolio may
vote only on matters that affect the Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances, other than the shares issued to Fred Alger &
Company, Incorporated ("Alger Inc.") in connection with its creation and initial
capitalization, the Fund intends to distribute shares of the Portfolio only to
Participating Insurance Companies and Plans, so that only Participating
Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and Plans will be considered
shareholders of the Portfolio. Although the Participating Insurance Companies
and their separate accounts and the Plans are the shareholders or investors, the
Participating Insurance Companies will pass through voting rights to their VA
contract and VLI policy holders. Plan sponsors may or may not pass through
voting rights to Plan participants, depending on the terms of the Plan's
governing documents. For a discussion of voting rights, please refer to the
Participating Insurance Companies' prospectuses or the Plan documents.
When matters are submitted for shareholder vote, shareholders of the Portfolio
will have one vote for each full share held and proportionate, fractional votes
for fractional shares held. A separate vote of a portfolio of the Fund is
required on any matter affecting the portfolio on which shareholders are
entitled to vote, such as approval of a portfolio's agreement with Alger
Management. Shareholders of one portfolio are not entitled to vote on a matter
that does not affect that portfolio but that does require a separate vote of the
other portfolios. There normally will be no annual meetings of shareholders for
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the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a
majority of Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, at which
time the Trustees then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the
election of Trustees. Any Trustee may be removed from office on the vote of
shareholders holding at least two- thirds of the Fund's outstanding shares at a
meeting called for that purpose. The Trustees are required to call such a
meeting on the written request of shareholders holding at least 10% of the
Fund's outstanding shares.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Fund is governed by a Board of Trustees which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders under Massachusetts law. The Statement
of Additional Information contains general background information about each
Trustee and officer of the Fund.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Alger Management is the Fund's investment manager and is responsible for the
overall administration of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board of
Trustees. Alger Management makes investment decisions for the Portfolio, places
orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Portfolio and selects
broker-dealers that, in its judgment, provide prompt and reliable execution at
favorable prices and reasonable commission rates. It is anticipated that the
Fund's distributor, Alger Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, will serve as
the Fund's broker in effecting substantially all of the Portfolio's transactions
on securities exchanges and will retain commissions in accordance with certain
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, Alger
Management employs professional securities analysts who provide research
services exclusively to the Portfolio and other accounts for which Alger
Management or its affiliates serve as investment adviser or subadviser.
Alger Management has been in the business of providing investment advisory
services since 1964 and, as of March 31, 1997, had approximately $6.4 billion
under management, $4.9 billion in mutual fund accounts and $1.5 billion in other
advisory accounts. Alger Management is owned by Alger Inc. which in turn is
owned by Alger Associates, Inc., a financial services holding company. Fred M.
Alger III and his brother, David D. Alger, are the majority shareholders of
Alger Associates, Inc. and may be deemed to control that company and its
subsidiaries.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
David D. Alger, Seilai Khoo and Ronald Tartaro are primarily responsible for
the day-to-day management of the Portfolios of the Fund. Mr. Alger has been
employed by Alger Management as Executive Vice President and Director of
Research since 1971 and as President since 1995. Ms. Khoo has been employed by
Alger Management as a senior research analyst since 1989 and as a Senior Vice
President since 1995. Mr. Tartaro has been employed by Alger Management as a
senior research analyst since 1990 and as a Senior Vice President since 1995.
Mr. Alger, Ms. Khoo and Mr. Tartaro also serve as portfolio managers for other
mutual funds and investment accounts managed by Alger Management.
Alger Management personnel ("Access Persons") are permitted to engage in
personal securities transactions subject to the restrictions and procedures of
the Fund's Code of Ethics. Pursuant to the Code of Ethics, Access Persons
generally must preclear all personal securities transactions prior to trading
and are subject to certain prohibitions on personal trading. You can get a copy
of the Fund's Code of Ethics by calling the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863.
FEES
The Portfolio pays Alger Management a management fee computed daily and paid
monthly at an annual rate of .85% of the value of the Portfolio's average daily
net assets.
From time to time Alger Management or its affiliates may compensate insurance
companies or their affiliates whose customers hold shares of the Portfolio for
providing a variety of record-keeping, administrative, marketing and/or
shareholder support services. This compensation, which may be paid at a rate of
up to .30% of the net asset value of shares held by those customers will be paid
from Alger Management's own resources and not from the assets of the Portfolio.
EXPENSES
The Portfolio pays expenses related to its daily operations, such as
management fees, brokerage fees, custodian fees, Trustees' fees, transfer agency
fees and legal and auditing costs. Alger Management has agreed to reimburse the
Portfolio to the extent that its annual operating expenses (excluding interest,
taxes, fees for brokerage services and extraordinary expenses) exceed 1.50% of
its average daily net assets for any fiscal year. In addition, from time to
time, Alger Management, in its sole discretion and as it deems appropriate, may
assume certain expenses of the Portfolio while retaining the ability to be
reimbursed by the Portfolio for such amounts prior to the end of the fiscal
year. This will have the effect of lowering the Portfolio's overall expense
ratio and of increasing yield to investors, or the converse, at the time such
amounts are assumed or reimbursed, as the case may be. More information about
the Portfolio's investment management agreement and other expenses paid by the
Portfolio is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
4
<PAGE>
The Statement of Additional Information contains information about the Fund's
brokerage policies and practices.
DISTRIBUTOR
Alger Inc. serves as the Fund's distributor and also distributes the shares of
other mutual funds managed by Alger Management.
TRANSFER AGENT
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc., an affiliate of Alger Management, serves as
transfer agent for the Fund.
NET ASSET VALUE
The price of one share of the Portfolio is its "net asset value." The net
asset value is computed by adding the value of the Portfolio's investments plus
cash and other assets, deducting liabilities and then dividing the result by the
number of its shares outstanding. The net asset value of the Portfolio is
calculated as of the close of business (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each
day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Contract or policy holders or Plan participants will not deal directly with
the Fund regarding the purchase or redemption of the Portfolio's shares. The
separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies place orders to
purchase and redeem shares of the Portfolio based on, among other things, the
amount of premium payments to be invested and the amount of surrender and
transfer requests (as defined in the prospectuses describing the VA contracts
and VLI policies issued by the Participating Insurance Companies) to be effected
on that day pursuant to VA contracts and VLI Policies. Plan trustees purchase
and redeem Portfolio shares. Plan participants cannot contact the Fund directly
to purchase shares of the Portfolio but may invest in shares of the Portfolio
only through their Plan. Participants should contact their Plan sponsor for
information concerning the appropriate procedure for investing in the Portfolio.
Orders for shares of the Portfolio received by the Fund or the Fund's transfer
agent are effected on days on which the NYSE is open for trading. For orders
received before the close of regular trading on the NYSE, purchases and
redemptions of the shares of the Portfolio are effected at the net asset value
per share determined as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the same
day. Orders received after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, are
effected at the next calculated net asset value. See "Net Asset Value." All
orders for the purchase of shares are subject to acceptance or rejection by the
Fund. Payment for redemptions will be made by the Fund's transfer agent on
behalf of the Fund and the Portfolio within seven days after the request is
received. Neither the Fund nor the Portfolio assesses any fees, either when it
sells or when it redeems the Portfolio's shares. Surrender charges, mortality
and expense risk fees and other charges may be assessed by Participating
Insurance Companies under the VA contracts or VLI policies. These fees should be
described in the Participating Insurance Companies' prospectuses. Any charges
assessed by the Plans should be described in the Plan documents.
Under unusual circumstances, shares of a Portfolio may be redeemed "in kind",
which means that the redemption proceeds will be paid with securities which are
held by the Portfolio. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information
for more details.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested at net asset
value on the payment date for each shareholder's account in additional shares of
the Portfolio or, in the case of VA contracts and VLI policies, will be paid in
cash at the election of the Participating Insurance Company. Any dividends of
the Portfolio will be declared and paid annually. Distributions of any net
realized capital gains earned by the Portfolio usually will be made annually
after the close of the fiscal year in which the gains are earned. Participating
Insurance Companies and Plans will be informed about the amount and character of
dividends and distributions from the Portfolio for federal income tax purposes.
TAXES
The Fund intends that the Portfolio will qualify separately as a "regulated
investment company" (within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) for each taxable year. If so qualified, and providing certain
distribution requirements are met, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal
income tax on its net investment income and net capital gains that it
distributes to its shareholders.
Dividends paid from net investment income and distributions of net realized
short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income earned by the
shareholders of the Portfolio. Distributions of net long-term capital gains are
treated as such by shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Federal income
taxation of separate accounts of life insurance companies, VA contracts, VLI
policies and of the Plans is discussed in the prospectuses of the Participating
Insurance Companies and in the Plan documents. With respect to participants in
the Plans, dividends from net investment income and net realized capital gains
5
<PAGE>
will ordinarily not be subject to taxation until such dividends are distributed
to such participants from their Plan accounts.
PERFORMANCE
All performance figures are based on historical earnings and are not intended
to indicate future performance.
The Portfolio may include quotations of its "total return" and/or "yield" in
advertisements or reports to shareholders or prospective investors. BOTH "TOTAL
RETURN" AND/OR "YIELD" FIGURES ARE BASED ON HISTORICAL EARNINGS AND ARE NOT
INTENDED TO INDICATE FUTURE PERFORMANCE. Total return figures show the aggregate
or average percentage change in value of an investment in the Portfolio from the
beginning date of the measuring period to the end of the measuring period. These
figures reflect changes in the price of the Portfolio's shares and assume that
any income dividends and/or capital gains distributions made by the Portfolio
during the period were reinvested in shares of the Portfolio. Figures will be
given for recent 1, 5 and 10 year periods, and may be given for other periods as
well (such as from commencement of the Portfolio's operations, or on a
year-by-year basis). The Portfolio may use "aggregate" total return figures for
various periods, representing the cumulative change in value of an investment in
the Portfolio for the specific period (again reflecting changes in Portfolio
share prices and assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions) as well
as "actual annual" and "annualized" total return figures. Total returns may be
shown by means of schedules, charts or graphs, and may indicate subtotals of the
various components of total return (i.e., change in value of initial investment,
income dividends and capital gains distributions). "Total return" and "yield"
for the Portfolio will vary based on changes in market conditions. In addition,
since the deduction of the Portfolio's expenses is reflected in the total return
and yield figures, "total return" and "yield" will also vary based on the level
of the Portfolio's expenses.
The actual return to a holder of a VA contract or VLI policy will also be
affected by charges imposed by the separate accounts of Participating Insurance
Companies or, in the case of Plan participants, by any charges imposed under the
Plan.
INVESTOR AND SHAREHOLDER
INFORMATION
Investors and shareholders may contact the Fund toll-free at (800) 992-3863
for further information regarding the Fund and the Portfolio, including current
performance quotations, as well as for assistance in obtaining a Statement of
Additional Information. Holders of VA contracts or VLI policies issued by
Participating Insurance Companies and participants in Plans for which shares of
the Portfolio are the investment vehicle may receive from the Participating
Insurance Companies or Plan sponsor unaudited semi-annual financial statements
and year-end financial statements audited by the Fund's independent public
accountants. Each report will show the investments owned by the Portfolio and
the market values of the investments and will provide other information about
the Portfolio and its operations. The Fund's Annual Report contains additional
performance information and is available upon request and without charge by
contacting the Fund at the toll-free number listed above.
6
<PAGE>
THE |
ALGER | MEETING THE CHALLENGE
AMERICAN | OF INVESTING
FUND |
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus or the Statement
of Additional Information in connection with the offering of the Fund's shares,
and if given or made, such other information or representations must not be
relied on as having been authorized by the Fund. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer in any state in which, or to any person to whom, such offer
may not lawfully be made.
------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGER:
Fred Alger Management, Inc.
75 Maiden Lane
New York, New York 10038
DISTRIBUTOR:
Fred Alger & Company,
Incorporated
30 Montgomery Street
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
TRANSFER AGENT:
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc.
30 Montgomery Street
Box 2001
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS:
Arthur Andersen LLP
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
COUNSEL:
Hollyer Brady Smith Troxell
Barrett Rockett Hines & Mone LLP
551 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10176
<PAGE>
THE |
ALGER | MEETING THE CHALLENGE
AMERICAN | OF INVESTING
FUND |
ALGER AMERICAN
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
ALGER AMERICAN
INCOME AND GROWTH PORTFOLIO
ALGER AMERICAN
SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
ALGER AMERICAN
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
ALGER AMERICAN
MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
ALGER AMERICAN
LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT |
OF ADDITIONAL | MAY 1, 1997
INFORMATION |
<PAGE>
THE | 75 Maiden Lane
ALGER | New York, New York 10038
AMERICAN | (800) 992-3863
FUND |
================================================================================
The Alger American Fund (the "Fund") is a registered investment company -- a
mutual fund -- that presently offers interests in the following six portfolios
(the "Portfolios"):
* Alger American Balanced Portfolio
* Alger American Income and Growth Portfolio
* Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio
* Alger American Growth Portfolio
* Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio
* Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio
The Fund is designed to permit insurance companies that issue variable annuity
contracts ("VA contracts") and variable life insurance policies ("VLI policies")
to offer VA contract and VLI policy holders the opportunity to participate in
the performance of one or more of the Portfolios. The Fund also offers
participation to qualified pension and retirement plans (the "Plans") which
elect to make the Fund an investment option for plan Participants.
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus. This document
contains additional information about the Fund and supplements information in
the Prospectus dated May 1, 1997. It should be read together with the Prospectus
which may be obtained free of charge by writing or calling the Fund at the
address or toll-free number shown above.
CONTENTS
Investment Objectives and Policies........................................ 2
Net Asset Value........................................................... 9
Purchases and Redemptions................................................. 10
Management................................................................ 11
Taxes..................................................................... 14
Custodian................................................................. 14
Transfer Agent............................................................ 14
Certain Shareholders...................................................... 14
Organization.............................................................. 16
Determination of Performance.............................................. 16
Financial Statements...................................................... F-1
Appendix.................................................................. A-1
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
CERTAIN SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
The Prospectus discusses the investment objectives of each Portfolio and the
policies to be employed to achieve those objectives. This section contains
supplemental information concerning the types of securities and other
instruments in which the Portfolios may invest, the investment policies and
portfolio strategies that the Portfolios may utilize and certain risks attendant
to those investments, policies and strategies.
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS
Bills, notes, bonds and other debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury are
direct obligations of the U.S. Government and differ mainly in the length of
their maturities.
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES
These securities are issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government-sponsored
enterprises and federal agencies. These include securities issued by the Federal
National Mortgage Association, Government National Mortgage Association, Federal
Home Loan Bank, Federal Land Banks, Farmers Home Administration, Banks for
Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Financing Bank, Farm
Credit Banks, the Small Business Administration, Federal Housing Administration
and Maritime Administration. Some of these securities are supported by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; and the remainder are supported only by
the credit of the instrumentality, which may or may not include the right of the
issuer to borrow from the Treasury.
BANK OBLIGATIONS
These are certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and other short-term
debt obligations. Certificates of deposit are short-term obligations of
commercial banks. A bankers' acceptance is a time draft drawn on a commercial
bank by a borrower, usually in connection with international commercial
transactions. Certificates of deposit may have fixed or variable rates.
The Portfolios will not invest in any debt security issued by a commercial bank
unless (i) the bank has total assets of at least $1 billion, or the equivalent
in other currencies, or, in the case of domestic banks which do not have total
assets of at least $1 billion, the aggregate investment made in any one such
bank is limited to $100,000 and the principal amount of such investment is
insured in full by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, (ii) in the case
of U.S. banks, it is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and
(iii) in the case of foreign banks, the security is, in the opinion of Fred
Alger Management, Inc. ("Alger Management"), the Fund's investment manager, of
an investment quality comparable to other debt securities which may be purchased
by the Portfolios. These limitations do not prohibit investments in securities
issued by foreign branches of U.S. banks, provided such U.S. banks meet the
foregoing requirements.
FOREIGN BANK OBLIGATIONS
Investments by the Portfolios in foreign bank obligations and obligations of
foreign branches of domestic banks present certain risks, including the impact
of future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of
withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of
foreign deposits, the possible establishment of exchange controls and/or the
addition of other foreign governmental restrictions that might affect adversely
the payment of principal and interest on these obligations. In addition, there
may be less publicly available and reliable information about a foreign bank
than about domestic banks owing to different accounting, auditing, reporting and
recordkeeping standards. In view of these risks, Alger Management will carefully
evaluate these investments on a case-by-case basis.
SHORT-TERM CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES
These are outstanding nonconvertible corporate debt securities (e.g., bonds and
debentures) which have one year or less remaining to maturity. Corporate notes
may have fixed, variable or floating rates.
COMMERCIAL PAPER
These are short-term promissory notes issued by corporations primarily to
finance short-term credit needs.
VARIABLE RATE MASTER DEMAND NOTES
These are unsecured instruments that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary
and provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate. Because these notes
are direct lending arrangements between the Portfolio and the issuer, they are
not normally traded. Although no active secondary market may exist for these
notes, the Portfolio may demand payment of principal and accrued interest at any
time or may resell the note to a third party. While the notes are not typically
rated by credit rating agencies, issuers of variable rate master demand notes
must satisfy Alger Management that the same criteria for issuers of commercial
paper are met. In addition, when purchasing variable rate master demand notes,
Alger Management will consider the earning power, cash flows and other
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<PAGE>
liquidity ratios of the issuers of the notes and will continuously monitor their
financial status and ability to meet payment on demand. In the event an issuer
of a variable rate master demand note were to default on its payment
obligations, the Portfolio might be unable to dispose of the note because of the
absence of a secondary market and could, for this or other reasons, suffer a
loss to the extent of the default.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Under the terms of a repurchase agreement, a Portfolio would acquire a high
quality money market instrument for a relatively short period (usually not more
than one week) subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase, and the
Portfolio to resell, the instrument at an agreed price (including accrued
interest) and time, thereby determining the yield during the Portfolio's holding
period. Repurchase agreements may be seen to be loans by the Portfolio
collateralized by the underlying instrument. This arrangement results in a fixed
rate of return that is not subject to market fluctuations during the Portfolio's
holding period and not necessarily related to the rate of return on the
underlying instrument. The value of the underlying securities, including accrued
interest, will be at least equal at all times to the total amount of the
repurchase obligation, including interest. A Portfolio bears a risk of loss in
the event that the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its
obligations and the Portfolio is delayed in or prevented from exercising its
rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible
decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period in which the
Portfolio seeks to assert these rights, the risk of incurring expenses
associated with asserting these rights and the risk of losing all or part of the
income from the agreement. Alger Management, acting under the supervision of the
Fund's Board of Trustees, reviews the credit worthiness of those banks and
dealers with which the Portfolios enter into repurchase agreements to evaluate
these risks and monitors on an ongoing basis the value of the securities subject
to repurchase agreements to ensure that the value is maintained at the required
level.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
(ALGER AMERICAN BALANCED PORTFOLIO)
Reverse repurchase agreements are the same as repurchase agreements except that,
in this instance, the Portfolio would assume the role of seller/borrower in the
transaction. The Portfolio will maintain segregated accounts with the Fund's
custodian consisting of cash or liquid securities that at all times are in an
amount equal to their obligations under reverse repurchase agreements. The
Portfolio will invest the proceeds in money market instruments or repurchase
agreements maturing not later than the expiration of the reverse repurchase
agreement. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value
of the securities sold by the Portfolio may decline below the repurchase price
of the securities. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Act"), reverse repurchase agreements may be considered borrowings by the
seller; accordingly, the Portfolio will limit its investments in reverse
repurchase agreements and other borrowings to no more than one-third of its
total assets.
FIRM COMMITMENT AGREEMENTS AND
WHEN-ISSUED PURCHASES
(ALGER AMERICAN BALANCED PORTFOLIO)
Firm commitment agreements and "when-issued" purchases call for the purchase of
securities at an agreed price on a specified future date and would be used, for
example, when a decline in the yield of securities of a given issuer is
anticipated and a more advantageous yield may be obtained by committing
currently to purchase securities to be issued later. When the Portfolio
purchases a security under a firm commitment agreement or on a when-issued basis
it assumes the risk of any decline in value of the security occurring between
the date of the agreement or purchase and the settlement date of the
transaction. The Portfolio will not use these transactions for leveraging
purposes and, accordingly, will segregate with the Fund's custodian cash or
liquid securities in an amount sufficient at all times to meet its purchase
obligations under these agreements.
WARRANTS AND RIGHTS
Each Portfolio may invest in warrants and rights. A warrant is a type of
security that entitles the holder to buy a proportionate amount of common stock
at a specified price, usually higher than the market price at the time of
issuance, for a period of years or to perpetuity. In contrast, rights, which
also represent the right to buy common shares, normally have a subscription
price lower than the current market value of the common stock and a life of two
to four weeks. Warrants are freely transferable and are traded on the major
securities exchanges.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES
Each Portfolio may invest in restricted securities governed by Rule 144A under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In adopting Rule 144A, the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") specifically stated
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<PAGE>
that restricted securities traded under Rule 144A may be treated as liquid for
purposes of investment limitations if the board of trustees (or the fund's
adviser acting subject to the board's supervision) determines that the
securities are in fact liquid. The Board of Trustees has delegated its
responsibility to Alger Management to determine the liquidity of each restricted
security purchased pursuant to the Rule, subject to the Board of Trustees'
oversight and review. Examples of factors that will be taken into account in
evaluating the liquidity of a Rule 144A security, both with respect to the
initial purchase and on an ongoing basis, include, among others: (1) the
frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers
willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential
purchasers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (4)
the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the
time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the
mechanics of transfer). Because institutional trading in restricted securities
is relatively new, it is not possible to predict how institutional markets will
develop. If institutional trading in restricted securities were to decline to
limited levels, the liquidity of the Fund's Portfolio could be adversely
affected.
SHORT SALES
Each Portfolio may sell securities "short against the box." While a short sale
is the sale of a security the Portfolio does not own, it is "against the box" if
at all times when the short position is open the Portfolio owns an equal amount
of the securities or securities convertible into, or exchangeable without
further consideration for, securities of the same issue as the securities sold
short.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Each Portfolio may lend securities to brokers, dealers and other financial
organizations. The Portfolios will not lend securities to Alger Management or
its affiliates. By lending its securities, a Portfolio can increase its income
by continuing to receive interest or dividends on the loaned securities as well
as by either investing the cash collateral in short-term securities or by
earning income in the form of interest paid by the borrower when U.S. Government
securities or letters of credit are used as collateral. Each Portfolio will
adhere to the following conditions whenever its securities are loaned: (a) the
Portfolio must receive at least 100 percent cash collateral or equivalent
securities from the borrower; (b) the borrower must increase this collateral
whenever the market value of the securities including accrued interest, exceeds
the value of the collateral; (c) the Portfolio must be able to terminate the
loan at any time; (d) the Portfolio must receive reasonable interest on the
loan, as well as any dividends, interest or other distributions on the loaned
securities and any increase in market value; (e) the Portfolio may pay only
reasonable custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (f) voting rights on
the loaned securities may pass to the borrower; provided, however, that if a
material event adversely affecting the investment occurs, the Fund's Board of
Trustees must terminate the loan and regain the right to vote the securities. A
Portfolio bears a risk of loss in the event that the other party to a stock loan
transaction defaults on its obligations and the Portfolio is delayed in or
prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral including the
risk of a possible decline in the value of the collateral securities during the
period in which the Portfolio seeks to assert these rights, the risk of
incurring expenses associated with asserting these rights and the risk of losing
all or a part of the income from the transaction.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
Each Portfolio may invest up to 20% of the value of its total assets in foreign
securities (not including American Depositary Receipts, American Depositary
Shares or U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers). Foreign
securities investments may be affected by changes in currency rates or exchange
control regulations, changes in governmental administration or economic or
monetary policy (in the United States and abroad) or changed circumstances in
dealing among nations. Dividends paid by foreign issuers may be subject to
withholding and other foreign taxes that may decrease the net return on these
investments as compared to dividends paid to the Portfolio by domestic
corporations. It should be noted that there may be less publicly available
information about foreign issuers than about domestic issuers, and foreign
issuers are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards and requirements comparable to those of domestic issuers. Securities
of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable domestic issuers and foreign brokerage commissions are generally
higher than in the United States. Foreign securities markets may also be less
liquid, more volatile and less subject to government supervision than those in
the United States. Investments in foreign countries could be affected by other
factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, confiscatory
taxation and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations.
Securities purchased on foreign exchanges may be held in custody by a foreign
branch of a domestic bank.
-4-
<PAGE>
OPTIONS (ALGER AMERICAN LEVERAGED
ALLCAP PORTFOLIO)
A call option on a security is a contract that gives the holder of the option
the right, in return for a premium paid, to buy from the writer (seller) of the
call option, the security underlying the option at a specified exercise price at
any time during the term of the option. The writer of the call option has the
obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security upon
payment of the exercise price during the option period. A put option on a
security is a contract that, in return for the premium, gives the holder of the
option the right to sell to the writer (seller) the underlying security at a
specified price during the term of the option. The writer of the put, who
receives the premium, has the obligation to buy the underlying security upon
exercise at the exercise price during the option period.
A call option on a security is "covered" if the Portfolio owns the underlying
security covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire
that security without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash
consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian) upon conversion or
exchange of other securities held in its portfolio. A call option is also
covered if the Portfolio holds a call on the same security as the call written
where the exercise price of the call held is (1) equal to or less than the
exercise price of the call written or (2) greater than the exercise price of the
call written if the difference is maintained by the Portfolio in cash, U.S.
Government securities or other high-grade short-term obligations in a segregated
account held with its custodian. A put option is "covered" if the Portfolio
maintains cash or other high-grade short-term obligations with a value equal to
the exercise price in a segregated account held with its custodian, or else
holds a put on the same security as the put written where the exercise price of
the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written.
If the Portfolio has written an option, it may terminate its obligation by
effecting a closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by purchasing an
option of the same series as the option previously written. However, once the
Portfolio has been assigned an exercise notice, the Portfolio will be unable to
effect a closing purchase transaction. Similarly, if the Portfolio is the holder
of an option it may liquidate its position by effecting a closing sale
transaction. This is accomplished by selling an option of the same series as the
option previously purchased. There can be no assurance that either a closing
purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Portfolio so desires.
The Portfolio will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the price of
the transaction is less than the premium received from writing the option or is
more than the premium paid to purchase the option; the Portfolio will realize a
loss from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the
premium paid to purchase the option. Since call option prices generally reflect
increases in the price of the underlying security, any loss resulting from the
repurchase of a call option may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized
appreciation of the underlying security. Other principal factors affecting the
market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest
rates, the current market price and price volatility of the underlying security
and the time remaining until the expiration date.
An option position may be closed out only on an exchange which provides a
secondary market for an option of the same series. Although the Portfolio will
generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an
active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on
an exchange will exist for any particular option. In such event it might not be
possible to effect closing transactions in a particular option so that the
Portfolio would have to exercise its option in order to realize any profit and
would incur brokerage commissions upon the exercise of the option. If the
Portfolio, as a covered call option writer, 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 otherwise covers the position.
In addition to options on securities, the Portfolio may also purchase and sell
call and put options on securities indexes. A stock index reflects in a single
number the market value of many different stocks. Relative values are assigned
to the stocks included in an index and the index fluctuates with changes in the
market values of the stocks. The options give the holder the right to receive a
cash settlement during the term of the option based on the difference between
the exercise price and the value of the index. By writing a put or call option
on a securities index, the Portfolio is obligated, in return for the premium
received, to make delivery of this amount. The Portfolio may offset its position
in stock index options prior to expiration by entering into a closing
transaction on an exchange or it may let the option expire unexercised.
Use of options on securities indexes entails the risk that trading in the
options may be interrupted if trading in certain securities included in the
index is interrupted.
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<PAGE>
The Portfolio will not purchase these options unless Alger Management is
satisfied with the development, depth and liquidity of the market and Alger
Management believes the options can be closed out.
Price movements in the Portfolio's securities may not correlate precisely with
movements in the level of an index and, therefore, the use of options on indexes
cannot serve as a complete hedge and will depend, in part, on the ability of
Alger Management to predict correctly movements in the direction of the stock
market generally or of a particular industry. Because options on securities
indexes require settlement in cash, Alger Management may be forced to liquidate
portfolio securities to meet settlement obligations.
The Portfolio has qualified and intends to continue to qualify as a "Regulated
Investment Company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"). One requirement for such qualification is that the Portfolio must
derive less than 30% of its gross income from gains from the sale or other
disposition of securities held for less than three months. Therefore, the
Portfolio may be limited in its ability to engage in options transactions.
Although Alger Management will attempt to take appropriate measures to minimize
the risks relating to the Portfolio's writing of put and call options, there can
be no assurance that the Portfolio will succeed in any option-writing program it
undertakes.
STOCK INDEX FUTURES AND OPTIONS ON STOCK
INDEX FUTURES (ALGER AMERICAN LEVERAGED
ALLCAP PORTFOLIO)
Futures are generally bought and sold on the commodities exchanges where they
are listed with payment of initial and variation margin as described below. The
sale of a futures contract creates a firm obligation by the Portfolio, as
seller, to deliver to the buyer the net cash amount called for in the contract
at a specified future time. Put options on futures might be purchased to protect
against declines in the market values of securities occasioned by a decline in
stock prices and securities index futures might be sold to protect against a
general decline in the value of securities of the type that comprise the index.
Options on futures contracts are similar to options on securities except that an
option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right in return for the
premium paid to assume a position in a futures contract and obligates the seller
to deliver such position.
A stock index future obligates the seller to deliver (and the purchaser to take)
an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar 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
the underlying stocks in the index is made. With respect to stock indexes that
are permitted investments, the Portfolio intends to purchase and sell futures
contracts on the stock index for which it can obtain the best price with
considerations also given to liquidity. While incidental to its securities
activities, the Portfolio may use index futures as a substitute for a comparable
market position in the underlying securities.
The risk of imperfect correlation increases as the composition of the Portfolio
varies from the composition of the stock index. In an effort to compensate for
the imperfect correlation of movements in the price of the securities being
hedged and movements in the price of the stock index futures, the Portfolio may
buy or sell stock index futures contracts in a greater or lesser dollar amount
than the dollar amount of the securities being hedged if the historical
volatility of the stock index futures has been less or greater than that of the
securities. Such "over-hedging" or "under-hedging" may adversely affect the
Portfolio's net investment results if market movements are not as anticipated
when the hedge is established.
An option on a stock index futures contract, as contrasted with the direct
investment in such a contract, gives the purchaser the right, in return for the
premium paid, to assume a position in a stock index futures contract at a
specified exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option.
The Portfolio will sell options on stock index futures contracts only as part of
closing purchase transactions to terminate its options positions. No assurance
can be given that such closing transactions can be effected or that there will
be correlation between price movements in the options on stock index futures and
price movements in the Portfolio's securities which are the subject of the
hedge. In addition, the Portfolio's purchase of such options will be based upon
predictions as to anticipated market trends, which could prove to be inaccurate.
The Portfolio's use of stock index futures and options thereon will in all cases
be consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and in particular the
rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commis-
-6-
<PAGE>
sion and will be entered into only for bona fide hedging, risk management or
other portfolio management purposes. Typically, maintaining a futures contract
or selling an option thereon requires the Portfolio to deposit with a financial
intermediary as security for its obligations an amount of cash or other
specified assets (initial margin) which initially is typically 1% to 10% of the
face amount of the contract (but may be higher in some circumstances).
Additional cash or assets (variation margin) may be required to be deposited
thereafter on a daily basis as the market-to-market value of the contract
fluctuates. The purchase of an option on stock index futures involves payment of
a premium for the option without any further obligation on the part of the
Portfolio. If the Portfolio exercises an option on a futures contract it will be
obligated to post initial margin (and potential subsequent variation margin) for
the resulting futures position just as it would for any position. Futures
contracts and options thereon are generally settled by entering into an
offsetting transaction but there can be no assurance that the position can be
offset prior to settlement at an advantageous price, nor that delivery will
occur.
The Portfolio will not enter into a futures contract or related option (except
for closing transactions) if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the amount of
its initial margin and premiums on open futures contracts and options thereon
would exceed 5% of the Portfolio's total assets (taken at current value);
however, in the 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.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The investment restrictions numbered 1 through 12 below have been adopted by the
Fund with respect to each of the Portfolios as fundamental policies. Under the
Act, a "fundamental" policy may not be changed without the vote of a "majority
of the outstanding voting securities" of the Fund, which is defined in the Act
as the lesser of (a) 67 percent or more of the shares present at a Fund meeting
if the holders of more than 50 percent of the outstanding shares of the Fund are
present or represented by proxy or (b) more than 50 percent of the outstanding
shares. A fundamental policy affecting a particular Portfolio may not be changed
without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
affected Portfolio. Investment restrictions 13 through 19 may be changed by vote
of a majority of the Fund's Board of Trustees at any time.
The investment policies adopted by the Fund prohibit each Portfolio from:
1. Purchasing the securities of any issuer, other than U.S. Government
securities, if as a result more than 5% of the value of a Portfolio's total
assets would be invested in the securities of the issuer, except that up to 25
percent of the value of the Portfolio's total assets may be invested without
regard to this limitation.
2. Purchasing more than 10 percent of the voting securities of any one issuer or
more than 10 percent of the securities of any class of any one issuer. This
limitation shall not apply to investments in U.S. Government securities.
3. Selling securities short or purchasing securities on margin, except that the
Portfolio may obtain any short-term credit necessary for the clearance of
purchases and sales of securities. These restrictions shall not apply to
transactions involving selling securities "short against the box."
4. Borrowing money, except that (a) the Portfolio may borrow for temporary or
emergency (but not leveraging, except for the Alger American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio) purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that might
otherwise require the untimely disposition of securities, in an amount not
exceeding 10 percent of the value of the Portfolio's total assets (including the
amount borrowed) valued at the lesser of cost or market, less liabilities (not
including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made; (b) the Alger
American Balanced Portfolio may engage in transactions in reverse repurchase
agreements; and (c) the Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio may borrow
from banks for investment purposes as set forth in the Prospectus. Whenever
borrowings described in (a) exceed 5% of the value of the Portfolio's total
assets, the Portfolio will not make any additional investments. Immediately
after any borrowing, including reverse repurchase agreements and mortgage-backed
rolls, the Portfolio will maintain asset coverage of not less than 300 percent
with respect to all borrowings.
5. Pledging, hypothecating, mortgaging or otherwise encumbering more than 10
percent of the value of the Portfolio's total assets except in conjunction with
borrowings as noted in 4(c) above. These restrictions shall not apply to
transactions involving reverse repurchase agreements or the purchase of
securities subject to firm commitment agreements or on a when-issued basis. -7-
<PAGE>
6. Underwriting the securities of other issuers, except insofar as the Portfolio
may be deemed to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities.
7. Making loans to others, except through purchasing qualified debt obligations,
lending portfolio securities or entering into repurchase agreements.
8. Investing in securities of other investment companies, except as they may be
acquired as part of a merger, consolidation, reorganization, acquisition of
assets or offer of exchange.
9. Purchasing any securities that would cause more than 25 percent of the value
of the Portfolio's total assets to be invested in the securities of issuers
conducting their principal business activities in the same industry; provided
that there shall be no limit on the purchase of U.S. Government securities.
10. Investing in commodities, except that the Alger American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio may purchase or sell stock index futures contracts and related options
thereon if, thereafter, no more than 5% of its total assets are invested in
margin and premiums.
11. Investing more than 10 percent (15 percent in the case of Alger American
Leveraged AllCap Portfolio) of its net assets in securities which are illiquid
by virtue of legal or contractual restrictions on resale or the absence of a
readily available market. However, securities with legal and contractual
restrictions on resale may be purchased if they are determined to be liquid, and
such purchases would not be subject to the limit stated above.
12. Issuing senior securities, except that the Alger American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio may borrow from banks for investment purposes so long as the Portfolio
maintains the required asset coverage.
13. Purchasing or selling real estate, except that the Portfolio may purchase
and sell securities secured by real estate, mortgages or interests therein and
securities that are issued by companies that invest or deal in real estate.
14. Writing or selling puts, calls, straddles, spreads or combinations thereof,
except that Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio may buy and sell (write)
options.
15. Investing in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs,
except that the Portfolio may invest in the securities of companies that invest
in or sponsor those programs.
16. Purchasing any security if as a result the Portfolio would then have more
than 5% of its total assets invested in securities of issuers (including
predecessors) that have been in continual operation for less than three years.
This limitation shall not apply to investments in U.S. Government securities.
17. Making investments for the purpose of exercising control or management.
18. Investing in warrants, except that the Portfolio may invest in warrants if,
as a result, the investments (valued at the lower of cost or market) would not
exceed five percent of the value of the Portfolio's net assets, of which not
more than 2% of the Portfolio's net assets may be invested in warrants not
listed on a recognized domestic stock exchange. Warrants acquired by the
Portfolio as part of a unit or attached to securities at the time of acquisition
are not subject to this limitation.
19. Purchasing or retaining the securities of any issuer if, to the knowledge of
the Fund, any of the officers, directors or trustees of the Fund or Alger
Management individually owns more than .5% of the outstanding securities of the
issuer and together they own beneficially more than 5% of the securities.
Except in the case of the 300 percent limitation set forth in Investment
Restriction No. 4 and as may be otherwise stated, the percentage limitations
contained in the foregoing restrictions and in the Fund's other investment
policies apply at the time of the purchase of the securities and a later
increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a change in the values of the
securities or in the amount of the Portfolio's assets will not constitute a
violation of the restriction. Additional limitations imposed by state law and
regulations may apply.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Decisions to buy and sell securities and other financial instruments for a
Portfolio are made by Alger Management, which also is responsible for placing
these transactions, subject to the overall review of the Fund's Board of
Trustees. Although investment requirements for each Portfolio are reviewed
independently from those of the other accounts managed by Alger Management and
those of the other Portfolios, investments of the type the Portfolios may make
may also be made by these other accounts or Portfolios. When a Portfolio and one
or more other Portfolios or accounts managed by Alger Management are prepared to
invest in, or desire to dispose of, the same security or other financial
instrument, available investments or opportunities for sales will be allocated
in a manner believed by Alger
-8-
<PAGE>
Management to be equitable to each. In some cases, this procedure may affect
adversely the price paid or received by a Portfolio or the size of the position
obtained or disposed of by a Portfolio.
Transactions in equity securities are in many cases effected on U.S. stock
exchanges and involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. There is
generally no stated commission in the case of securities traded in the
over-the-counter markets, but the prices of those securities include undisclosed
commissions or mark-ups. Purchases and sales of money market instruments and
debt securities usually are principal transactions. These securities are
normally purchased directly from the issuer or from an underwriter or market
maker for the securities. The cost of securities purchased from underwriters
includes an underwriting commission or concession and the prices at which
securities are purchased from and sold to dealers include a dealer's mark-up or
mark-down. U.S. Government securities are generally purchased from underwriters
or dealers, although certain newly issued U.S. Government securities may be
purchased directly from the U.S. Treasury or from the issuing agency or
instrumentality.
To the extent consistent with applicable provisions of the Act and the rules and
exemptions adopted by the SEC thereunder, as well as other regulatory
requirements, the Fund's Board of Trustees has determined that portfolio
transactions will be executed through Fred Alger & Company, Incorporated ("Alger
Inc.") if, in the judgment of Alger Management, the use of Alger Inc. is likely
to result in price and execution at least as favorable as those of other
qualified broker-dealers and if, in particular transactions, Alger Inc. charges
the Portfolio involved a rate consistent with that charged to comparable
unaffiliated customers in similar transactions. Such transactions will be fair
and reasonable to the Portfolio's shareholders. Over-the-counter purchases and
sales are transacted directly with principal market makers except in those cases
in which better prices and executions may be obtained elsewhere. Principal
transactions are not entered into with affiliates of the Fund except pursuant to
exemptive rules or orders adopted by the SEC.
In selecting brokers or dealers to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of a
Portfolio, Alger Management seeks the best overall terms available. In assessing
the best overall terms available for any transaction, Alger Management will
consider the factors it deems relevant, including the breadth of the market in
the investment, the price of the investment, 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. In
addition, Alger Management is authorized, in selecting parties to execute a
particular transaction and in evaluating the best overall terms available, to
consider the brokerage and research services, as those terms are defined in
section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, provided to the Portfolio
involved, the other Portfolios and/or other accounts over which Alger Management
or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. Alger Management's fees under
its agreements with the Portfolios are not reduced by reason of its receiving
brokerage and research service. The Fund's Board of Trustees will periodically
review the commissions paid by the Portfolios to determine if the commissions
paid over representative periods of time are reasonable in relation to the
benefits inuring to the Portfolios. During the fiscal year ended December 31,
1994, the Fund paid an aggregate of approximately $1,158,107 in commissions to
broker-dealers in connection with portfolio transactions of which $1,157,607 was
paid to Alger Inc. and $500 was paid to other broker-dealers. During the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1995, the Fund paid an aggregate of approximately
$2,023,563 in commissions to broker-dealers in connection with portfolio
transactions, 100% of which was paid to Alger Inc. During the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, the Fund paid an aggregate of approximately $4,066,005 in
commissions to broker-dealers in connection with portfolio transactions, of
which $3,802,749 (93.53%) was paid to Alger Inc. and $263,256 was paid to other
broker-dealers. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, 91.52% of the
aggregate dollar amount of the Fund's transactions involving the payment of
brokerage commissions were effected through Alger Inc. Alger Inc. does not
engage in principal transactions with the Fund and, accordingly, received no
compensation in connection with securities purchased or sold in that manner,
which includes securities traded in the over-the-counter markets, money market
investments and most debt securities.
NET ASSET VALUE
The Prospectus discusses the time at which the net asset values of the
Portfolios are determined for purposes of sales and redemptions. The New York
Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is currently open on each Monday through Friday,
except (i) January 1st, Presidents' Day (the third Monday in February), Good
Friday, Memorial Day (the last Monday in May), July 4th, Labor Day (the first
Monday in September), Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November) and
December 25th and (ii)
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<PAGE>
the preceding Friday when any one of those holidays falls on a Saturday, or the
subsequent Monday when any one of those holidays falls on a Sunday. The
following is a description of the procedures used by the Fund in valuing the
Portfolios' assets.
The assets of the Portfolios are generally valued on the basis of market
quotations. Securities whose principal market is on an exchange or in the
over-the-counter market are valued at the last reported sales price or, in the
absence of reported sales, at the mean between the bid and asked price or, in
the absence of a recent bid or asked price, the equivalent as obtained from one
or more of the major market makers for the securities to be valued. Bonds and
other fixed income securities may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a
pricing service when the Fund's Board of Trustees believes that these prices
reflect the fair market value of the securities. Other investments and other
assets, including restricted securities and securities for which market
quotations are not readily available, are valued at fair value under procedures
approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees. Short-term securities with maturities
of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, as described below, which
constitutes fair value as determined by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
The valuation of money market instruments with maturities of 60 days or less is
based on their amortized cost which does not take into account unrealized
capital gains or losses. Amortized cost valuation involves initially valuing an
instrument at its cost and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to
maturity of any discount or premium, regardless of the impact of fluctuating
interest rates on the market value of the instrument. Although this method
provides certainty in valuation, it may result in periods during which value, as
determined by amortized cost, is higher or lower than the price a Portfolio
would receive if it sold the instrument.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Shares of the Portfolios are offered by the Fund on a continuous basis to
separate accounts of certain life insurance companies ("Participating Insurance
Companies") and to Plans. Shares are distributed by Alger Inc. as principal
underwriter for the Fund pursuant to a distribution agreement (the "Distribution
Agreement") which provides that Alger Inc. accepts orders for shares at net
asset value and no sales commission or load is charged.
Contract or policy holders and Plan participants do not deal directly with the
Fund regarding the purchase or redemption of a Portfolio's shares. The separate
accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies purchase and redeem shares of
each Portfolio based on, among other things, the amount of premium payments to
be invested and surrender and transfer requests (as defined in the prospectuses
describing the VA contracts and VLI policies issued by the Participating
Insurance Companies) to be effected on that day pursuant to VA contracts and VLI
policies. Plan trustees purchase and redeem Portfolio shares on behalf of the
Plan participants. Participants should contact their Plan sponsor for
information concerning the appropriate procedure for investing in the Fund.
Orders received by the Fund or its transfer agent are effected on days on which
the NYSE is open for trading. Such purchases and redemptions of the shares of
each Portfolio are effected at their respective net asset values per share next
determined after receipt of the order. See "Net Asset Value." Payment for
redemptions will be made by the Fund's transfer agent on behalf of the Fund and
the relevant Portfolios within seven days after receipt of redemption requests.
The Fund may suspend the right of redemption of shares of any Portfolio and may
postpone payment for any period: (i) during which the NYSE is closed other than
customary weekend and holiday closings or during which trading on the NYSE is
restricted; (ii) when the SEC determines that a state of emergency exists which
may make payment or transfer not reasonably practicable; (iii) as the SEC may by
order permit for the protection of the shareholders of the Fund; or (iv) at any
other time when the Fund may, under applicable laws and regulations, suspend
payment on the redemption of its shares.
Should any conflict between VA contract and VLI policy holders and Plans arise
which would require that a substantial amount of net assets be withdrawn from
the Fund, orderly portfolio management could be disrupted to the potential
detriment of the VA contract and VLI policy holders or Plan participants.
Payment for shares tendered for redemption is ordinarily made in cash. However,
if the Board of Trustees of the Fund determines that it would be detrimental to
the best interest of the remaining shareholders of a Portfolio to make payment
of a redemption order wholly or partly in cash, the Portfolio may pay the re-
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<PAGE>
demption proceeds in whole or in part by a distribution "in kind" of securities
from the Portfolio, in lieu of cash, in conformity with applicable rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule
18f-1 under the Act, pursuant to which a Portfolio is obligated to redeem shares
solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net assets of the
Portfolio, during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. If shares are
redeemed in kind, the redeeming shareholder might incur brokerage or other costs
in selling the securities for cash. The method of valuing securities used to
make redemptions in kind will be the same as the method the Fund uses to value
its portfolio securities and such valuation will be made as of the time the
redemption price is determined.
MANAGEMENT
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE FUND
The names of the Trustees and officers of the Fund, together with information
concerning their principal business occupations, are set forth below. Each of
the officers of the Fund is also an officer, and each of the Trustees is also a
director or trustee, as the case may be, of Castle Convertible Fund, Inc.
("Castle"), a registered closed-end investment company, and The Alger Fund, The
Alger Retirement Fund and Spectra Fund, registered open-end management
investment companies, for which Alger Management serves as investment adviser.
Fred M. Alger III and David D. Alger are "interested persons" of the Fund, as
defined in the Act. Fred M. Alger III and David D. Alger are brothers. Unless
otherwise noted, the address of each person named below is 75 Maiden Lane, New
York, New York 10038.
-11-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, AGE AND POSITION
WITH THE FUND AND ADDRESS PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
<S> <C>
Fred M. Alger III (62) Chairman of the Boards of Alger Associates, Inc. ("Associates"), Alger Inc.,
Chairman of the Board Alger Management, Alger Properties, Inc. ("Properties"), Alger Shareholder
Services, Inc. ("Services"), Alger Life Insurance Agency, Inc. ("Agency")
Fred Alger International Advisory S.A. ("International"), The Alger
American Asset Growth Fund ("Asset Growth") and Analysts Resources, Inc.
("ARI").
David D. Alger (53) President and Director of Associates, Alger Management, Alger Inc.,
President and Trustee Properties, Services, International and Agency; Executive Vice President
and Director of ARI.
Gregory S. Duch (46) Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Director of Alger Management
Treasurer and Properties; Executive Vice President and Treasurer of Associates, Alger
Inc., ARI, Services and Agency; Director and Treasurer of International.
Mary E. Marsden-Cochran (44) General Counsel and Secretary, Associates, Alger Management, Alger Inc.,
Secretary Properties, ARI, Services and Agency (2/96-present); Secretary of
International (7/96-present); Associate General Counsel and Vice President
Smith Barney Inc. (12/94-2/96); Blue Sky Attorney, AMT Capital (1/94-11/94).
Frederick A. Blum (43) Senior Vice President of Associates, Alger Management, Alger Inc.,
Assistant Secretary & Properties, ARI, Services and Agency.
Assistant Treasurer
Arthur M. Dubow (64) Private investor since 1985; Director of Coolidge Investment Corporation;
Trustee formerly Chairman of the Board of Institutional Shareholder Services,
P.O. Box 969 Inc. and President of Fourth Estate, Inc.
Wainscott, NY 11975
Stephen E. O'Neil (65) Of counsel to the law firm of Kohler & Barnes P.C.; private investor since
Trustee 1981; Director of Nova Care, Inc. and Brown-Forman Distillers Corporation;
805 Third Avenue formerly President and Vice Chairman of City Investing Company and Director
New York, NY 10022 of Centerre Bancorporation and Syntro Corporation.
Nathan E. Saint-Amand, M. D. (59) Medical doctor in private practice.
Trustee
2 East 88th Street
New York, NY 10128
John T. Sargent (72) Private investor since 1987; Director of Atlantic Mutual Insurance Co.;
Trustee formerly Director of River Bank America.
5 Beekman Place
New York, NY 10022
</TABLE>
-12-
<PAGE>
No director, officer or employee of Alger Management or its affiliates will
receive any compensation from the Fund for serving as an officer or Trustee of
the Fund. The Fund pays each Trustee who is not a director, officer or employee
of Alger Management or its affiliates (a "Disinterested Trustee") a quarterly
fee of $1,500, which is reduced by the proportion of the meetings not attended
by the Trustee during the quarter.
The Fund did not offer its Trustees any pension or retirement benefits during or
prior to the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. The following table provides
compensation amounts paid to Disinterested Trustees of the Fund for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPENSATION TABLE
TOTAL COMPENSATION PAID TO TRUSTEES FROM
THE ALGER RETIREMENT FUND,
AGGREGATE THE ALGER FUND,
COMPENSATION THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND,
FROM THE ALGER CASTLE CONVERTIBLE FUND, INC. AND
NAME OF PERSON, POSITION AMERICAN FUND SPECTRA FUND
------------------------ ---------------- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ARTHUR M. DUBOW, TRUSTEE $6,000 $28,250
STEPHEN E. O'NEIL, TRUSTEE $6,000 $28,250
NATHAN E. SAINT-AMAND, TRUSTEE $6,000 $28,250
JOHN T. SARGENT, TRUSTEE $6,000 $28,250
</TABLE>
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Alger Management serves as investment manager to each of the Portfolios pursuant
to separate written agreements (the "Management Agreements"). Certain of the
services provided by, and the fees paid by the Portfolios to, Alger Management
under the Management Agreements are described in the Prospectus. Alger
Management pays the salaries of all officers who are employed by both it and the
Fund. Alger Management has agreed to maintain office facilities for the Fund,
furnish the Fund with statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and
bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Fund, and to
compute the net asset value, net income and realized capital gains or losses of
the Portfolios. Alger Management prepares semi annual reports to the SEC and to
shareholders, prepares federal and state tax returns and filings with state
securities commissions, maintains the Fund's financial accounts and records and
generally assists in all aspects of the Fund's operations. Alger Management
bears all expenses in connection with the performance of its services under the
Management Agreements.
Alger Management has agreed to reimburse a Portfolio to the extent that its
annual operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, fees for brokerage
services and extraordinary expenses) exceed the following percentage of its
average daily net assets for the fiscal year: as to Alger American Balanced
Portfolio and Alger American Income and Growth Portfolio--1.25%; as to Alger
American Small Capitalization, Alger American Growth Portfolio, MidCap Growth
Portfolio and Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio--1.50%. An expense
reimbursement, if any, will be estimated and reconciled daily and paid on a
monthly basis.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, Alger Management
earned under the terms of the Management Agreements $187,051, $235,434 and
$92,934 respectively, in respect of Alger American Income and Growth Portfolio;
$2,366,780, $5,628,002, and $10,617,051 respectively, in respect of Alger
American Small Capitalization Portfolio; $756,637, $1,894,223, and $5,604,710
respectively, in respect of Alger American Growth Portfolio; $70,976, $96,391,
and $55,775 respectively, in respect of Alger American Balanced Portfolio; and
$311,831, $900,673, and $2,330,374 respectively, in respect of Alger American
MidCap Growth Portfolio. For the period from January 25, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through December 31, 1995 and for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996, Alger Management earned $9,604 and $177,612, respectively, under the terms
of the Management Agreement in respect of the Alger American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio. Certain of these fees, however, were offset by various expense
reimbursements.
-13-
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Arthur Andersen LLP serves as independent public accountants for the Fund.
TAXES
The following is a summary of selected federal income tax considerations that
may affect the Fund and its shareholders. The summary is not intended to
substitute for individual tax advice and investors are urged to consult their
own tax advisers as to the federal, state and local tax consequences of
investing in the Fund.
Each Portfolio has been structured so as to qualify as a regulated investment
company within the meaning of the Code. To so qualify, a Portfolio must, among
other things: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year
from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains
from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities; (b) derive less than
30% of its gross income in each taxable year from the sale or other disposition
of securities held for less than three months; and (c) meet certain quarterly
diversification tests.
As a regulated investment company, a Portfolio will not be subject to federal
income tax on its net investment income and net capital gains that it
distributes to its shareholders, provided that at least 90% of its net
investment income and net realized short-term capital gains for the taxable year
is distributed. All net investment income and net capital gains distributed by a
Portfolio will be reinvested automatically in additional shares of the Portfolio
or paid in cash. Amounts reinvested in additional shares will be considered to
have been distributed to shareholders.
SEGREGATED ASSET ACCOUNT
The Fund distributes shares in the Portfolios to Participating Insurance
Companies which will hold those shares, directly or indirectly, in a "segregated
asset account" within the meaning of the Code. To qualify as a segregated asset
account, the Portfolio in which such an account holds shares must meet the
diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code and the regulations
promulgated thereunder. To meet those requirements, a Portfolio may not invest
more than certain specified percentages of its assets in the securities of any
one, two, three or four issuers.
The Fund has undertaken to meet the diversification requirements of Section
817(h) of the Code. This undertaking may limit the ability of a particular
Portfolio to make certain otherwise permitted investments.
Income on assets of a segregated asset account will not be taxable currently to
VA contracts or VLI policy holders if that account has met the diversification
requirements under Section 817(h) of the Code. In the event an account is not so
qualified, all VA contracts or VLI policies allocating any amount of premiums to
such account will not qualify as "annuity contracts" or "life insurance" for
federal income tax purposes. In that event, the holder of the VA contract or VLI
policy would be taxed as though he owned a proportionate amount of the assets
held by such account during and after all periods for which the account failed
to be qualified.
Generally, distributions from a Plan will be taxable as ordinary income at the
rate applicable to the participant at the time of distribution. In certain
cases, distributions made to a participant from a Plan prior to the date on
which the participant reaches age 591/2 are subject to a penalty tax equivalent
to 10% of the amount so distributed, in addition to the ordinary income tax
payable on such amount for the year in which it is distributed.
CUSTODIAN
Custodial Trust Company, 101 Carnegie Center, Princeton, New Jersey 08540-6231,
serves as custodian for the Fund pursuant to a custodian agreement under which
it holds the Portfolios' assets.
TRANSFER AGENT
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc., 30 Montgomery Street, Jersey City, New Jersey
07302, serves as transfer agent for the Fund pursuant to a transfer agency
agreement. Under the transfer agency agreement Alger Shareholder Services, Inc.
processes purchases and redemptions of shares of the Portfolios, maintains the
shareholder account records for each Portfolio, handles certain communications
between shareholders and the Fund and distributes any dividends and
distributions payable by the Fund.
CERTAIN SHAREHOLDERS
The following table contains information regarding persons known to the Fund who
own beneficially or of record 5% or more of the shares of any Portfolio. All
holdings are expressed as a percentage of a Portfolio's outstanding shares as of
April 4, 1997 and record and beneficial holdings are in each instance denoted as
follows: record/beneficial.
-14-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Alger Alger
American American Alger Alger
Income Small Alger Alger American American
and Capital- American American MidCap Leveraged
Growth ization Growth Balanced Growth AllCap
Name and Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio
Address of (Record/ (Record/ (Record/ (Record/ (Record/ (Record/
Shareholders Beneficial) Beneficial) Beneficial) Beneficial) Beneficial) Beneficial)
- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
American Skandia --/-- 39.0%/-- 51.9%/-- --/-- 75.7%/-- --/--
Life Assurance
Corporation
Class 1
Tower One
Corporate Drive
P. O. Box 883
Shelton, CT 06484
Ameritas Variable 9.1%/-- */-- */-- --/-- */-- */--
Life Insurance Co.
Separate Acct V
P.O. Box 82550
Lincoln, NE 68501
Ameritas Variable 54.8%/-- */-- */-- 48.0%/-- 7.3%/-- 18.1%/--
Life Insurance Co.
Separate Acct VA-2
Variable Annuity Product
P.O. Box 82550
Lincoln, NE 68501
Aetna Insurance Company */-- */-- */-- 6.3%/-- */-- 5.4%/--
of America
151 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT 06156
Aetna Life Insurance 32.0%/-- 43.2%/-- 22.3%/-- 37.6%/-- 5.3%/-- 29.8%/--
and Annuity Company
151 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT 06156
CG Variable Annuity --/-- */-- */-- --/-- */-- 15.7%/--
Separate Acct II
900 Cottage Grove Road
Hartford, CT 06152
Great American --/-- */-- */-- --/-- --/-- 5.1%/--
Reserve Insurance
11825 North Pennsylvania St.
Carmel, IN 46032
Northwestern National --/-- */-- */-- --/-- */-- 5.2%/--
Life Insurance Company
Northern Variable Annuity
Separate Account One
Route 3842
20 Washington Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Security Life of Denver --/-- */-- */-- --/-- */-- 5.2%/--
Separate Account A1
8515 East Orchard Rd.
Englewood, CO 80111
Officers and --/** --/** --/** --/** --/** --/**
Trustees as a Group**
* Indicates shareholder owns less than 5% of the Portfolio's shares.
** Indicates Group owns less than 1% of the Portfolio's shares.
</TABLE>
-15-
<PAGE>
ORGANIZATION
The Fund has been organized as an unincorporated business trust under the laws
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of
Trust dated April 6, 1988 (the "Trust Agreement"). Alger American Small
Capitalization Portfolio, Alger American Income and Growth Portfolio, Alger
American Growth Portfolio, Alger American Balanced Portfolio (formerly the Alger
American Fixed Income Portfolio), Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio and
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio commenced operations on September 21,
1988, November 15, 1988, January 9, 1989, September 5, 1989, May 3, 1993, and
January 25, 1995, respectively. The word "Alger" in the Fund's name has been
adopted pursuant to a provision contained in the Agreement and Declaration of
Trust. Under that provision, Alger Associates, Inc. may terminate the Fund's
license to use the word "Alger" in its name when Alger Management ceases to act
as the Fund's investment manager.
Shares do not have cumulative voting rights, which means that holders of more
than 50 percent of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect all
Trustees. Shares are transferable but have no preemptive, conversion or
subscription rights. Shareholders generally vote by Portfolio, except with
respect to the election of Trustees and the ratification of the selection of
independent accountants. In the interest of economy and convenience,
certificates representing shares of a Portfolio are physically issued only upon
specific written request of a shareholder.
Meetings of shareholders normally will not be held for the purpose of electing
Trustees unless and until such time as less than a majority of the Trustees
holding office have been elected by shareholders, at which time the Trustees
then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees.
Under the Act, shareholders of record of no less than two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of the Fund may remove a Trustee through a declaration in
writing or by vote cast in person or by proxy at a meeting called for that
purpose. Under the Trust Agreement, the Trustees are required to call a meeting
of shareholders for the purpose of voting on the question of removal of any such
Trustee when requested in writing to do so by the shareholders of record of not
less than 10 percent of the Fund's outstanding shares.
Massachusetts law provides that shareholders could, under certain circumstances,
be held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. However, the Trust
Agreement disclaims shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Fund
and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement,
obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Fund or a Trustee. The
Trust Agreement provides for indemnification from the Fund's property for all
losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally liable for the
obligations of the Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder's incurring financial
loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which
the Fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations, a possibility that the
Fund believes is remote. Upon payment of any liability incurred by the Fund, the
shareholder paying the liability will be entitled to reimbursement from the
general assets of the Fund. The Trustees intend to conduct the operations of the
Fund in a manner so as to avoid, as far as possible, ultimate liability of the
shareholders for liabilities of the Fund.
DETERMINATION OF PERFORMANCE
The "total return" and "yield" referred to in the Prospectus as to each of the
Portfolios are computed according to formulas prescribed by the SEC. These
performance figures are calculated in the following manner:
A. Total Return--a Portfolio's average annual total return described in the
Prospectus is computed according to the following formula:
P (1+T)n=ERV
Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
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 and 10 year periods (or fractional portion thereof);
The average annual total returns for the Portfolios for the periods indicated
below were as follows:
-16-
<PAGE>
PERIOD
FIVE FROM
YEARS INCEPTION*
YEAR ENDED ENDED THROUGH
12/31/96 12/31/96 12/31/96
---------- -------- ----------
Alger American Balanced
(formerly the Alger
American Fixed Income) 10.17% 9.87% 8.63%
Alger American Income &
Growth 19.68% 12.20% 11.30%
Alger American Small
Capitalization 4.18% 11.02% 20.21%
Alger American Growth 13.35% 16.63% 18.65%
Alger American MidCap
Growth 11.90% n/a 24.08%
Alger American Leveraged
AllCap 12.04% n/a 41.27%
* The Alger American Balanced Portfolio, the Alger American Income & Growth
Portfolio, the Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio, the Alger
American Growth Portfolio, the Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio and the
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio commenced operations on September
5, 1989, November 15, 1988, September 21, 1988, January 9, 1989, May 3, 1993
and January 25, 1995, respectively.
B. Yield--a Portfolio's net annualized yield described in the Prospectus is
computed according to the following formula:
a-b
YIELD = 2[(----- + 1)6 - 1]
cd
Where: a = dividends and interest earned during the period
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements)
c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period
that were entitled to receive dividends
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period
IN GENERAL
Current performance information for the Portfolios may be obtained by calling
the Fund at (800) 992-3863. A Portfolio's quoted performance may not be
indicative of future performance. A Portfolio's performance will depend upon
factors such as the Portfolio's expenses and the types and maturities of
instruments held by the Portfolio. In addition, the actual return to a holder of
a VA contract or a VLI policy will be affected by charges imposed by the
separate accounts of Participating Insurance Companies or, in the case of Plan
participants, by any charges imposed under the Plan.
From time to time, advertisements or reports to shareholders may compare the
yield or performance of a Portfolio with that of other mutual funds with a
similar investment objective. The performance of the Portfolios, for example,
might be compared with rankings prepared by Lipper Analytical Services Inc.,
which is a widely recognized, independent service that monitors the performance
of mutual funds, as well as with various unmanaged indexes, such as the S&P 500
Index, the Russell 2000 Growth Index, the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, the Wilshire
Small Company Growth Index, the Lehman Government/Corporate Bond Index or the
S&P MidCap 400 Index. In addition, evaluations of the Portfolios published by
nationally recognized ranking services or articles regarding performance,
rankings and other Portfolio characteristics may appear in national publications
including, but not limited to, BARRON'S, BUSINESS WEEK, FORBES, INSTITUTIONAL
INVESTOR, INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY, KIPLINGER'S PERSONAL FINANCE, MONEY,
MORNINGSTAR, THE NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY and THE WALL STREET JOURNAL and may
be included in advertisements or communications to shareholders. Any given
performance comparison should not be considered as representative of such
Portfolio's performance for any future period.
-17-
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--DECEMBER 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES COMMON STOCKS--92.2% VALUE
------ -----
AEROSPACE--4.9%
234,500 Boeing Company (The) ...... $ 24,944,937
263,500 Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.* ........ 6,389,875
291,100 Sundstrand Corp. .......... 12,371,750
75,500 United Technologies Corp. .......... 4,983,000
------------
48,689,562
------------
APPAREL--.6%
129,400 Tommy Hilfiger Corporation* ........ 6,211,200
------------
BIO-TECHNOLOGY-- .8%
103,400 Amgen Inc.* ........................ 5,622,375
46,900 BioChem Pharma Inc.*+ .............. 2,356,725
------------
7,979,100
------------
BUSINESS SERVICES--.6%
110,000 Cintas Corp. ....................... 6,462,500
------------
CHEMICALS--2.5%
52,400 Avery Dennison Corp. ............... 1,853,650
578,000 Monsanto Co. ....................... 22,469,750
------------
24,323,400
------------
COMMUNICATIONS--3.9%
50,000 LCI International Inc.* ............ 1,075,000
74,100 Lucent Technologies Inc. ........... 3,427,125
196,600 PictureTel Corp.* .................. 5,111,600
241,500 Qualcomm Inc.* ..................... 9,629,812
117,200 Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras
S.A. ADR+ ........................ 8,965,800
401,900 WorldCom Inc.* 10,474,720
------------
38,684,057
------------
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT--6.4%
153,900 Ascend Communications, lnc.*+ ...... 9,561,037
168,700 Cascade Communications Corp.* ...... 9,299,587
453,200 Cisco Systems, Inc.* ............... 28,834,850
187,500 Glenayre Technologies Inc.* ........ 4,043,063
39,600 Pairgain Technologies Inc.* ........ 1,205,345
277,900 Tellabs, Inc.* ..................... 10,455,988
------------
63,399,870
------------
COMPUTER RELATED &
BUSINESS EQUIPMENT--4.7%
268,900 Hewlett-Packard Company ............ 13,512,225
128,700 Ingram Micro Inc. Cl. A*+ .......... 2,960,100
452,200 Sun Microsystems Inc.* ............. 11,616,113
256,600 3 Com Corp.* ....................... 18,828,025
------------
46,916,463
------------
COMPUTER SERVICES--.3%
14,400 Diebold Inc. ....................... 905,400
78,400 Sabre Group Holdings Inc.* ......... 2,185,400
------------
3,090,800
------------
COMPUTER SOFTWARE--4.5%
80,600 Computer Associates
International Inc.* ............... 4,009,850
167,000 Compuware Corp.* ................... 8,370,875
400,300 Informix Corporation* .............. 8,156,112
236,400 Microsoft Corporation* ............. 19,532,550
87,500 Parametric Technology Corporation* . 4,495,313
------------
44,564,700
------------
CONGLOMERATE--.4%
66,700 Tyco International Ltd. $ 3,526,763
------------
CONSUMER PRODUCTS--6.2%
445,200 CUC International Inc.* ............ 10,573,500
90,000 Colgate Palmolive Co. .............. 8,302,500
223,000 General Electric Co. ............... 22,049,125
326,900 Nike, Inc. Cl. B ................... 19,532,275
-------------
60,457,400
-------------
DEFENSE--.6%
69,120 Lockheed Martin Corp. .............. 6,324,480
-------------
ENERGY & ENERGY SERVICES--1.6%
163,000 Schlumberger Ltd. .................. 16,279,625
-------------
FINANCIAL SERVICES--11.6%
271,400 Chase Manhattan Corp. .............. 24,222,450
294,900 Citicorp ........................... 30,374,700
727,326 First Data Corporation+ ............ 26,547,399
265,000 Green Tree Financial Corp. ......... 10,235,625
112,000 MBNA Corp. ......................... 4,648,000
340,300 Money Store Inc. (The)+ ............ 9,400,787
299,400 Schwab (Charles) Corporation
(The)+ ........................... 9,580,800
-------------
115,009,761
-------------
FOOD CHAINS--.7%
155,600 Safeway Inc.*+ ..................... 6,651,900
-------------
HEALTH CARE--1.5%
364,900 Columbia/HCA Healthcare
Corporation ...................... 14,869,675
-----------
INSURANCE--3.4%
251,300 American International Group Inc. .. 27,203,225
23,700 MGIC Investment Corp.+ ............. 1,801,200
125,900 Travelers/Aetna Property Casualty
Corp. Cl.A ....................... 4,453,712
-----------
33,458,137
-----------
LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT--1.2%
531,700 International Game Technology ...... 9,703,525
119,300 Mirage Resorts, Incorporated* ...... 2,579,863
-----------
12,283,388
-----------
MACHINERY--.7%
121,300 Case Corp. ......................... 6,610,850
-----------
MEDICAL DEVICES--2.3%
103,100 Boston Scientific Corp.* ........... 6,186,000
245,400 Medtronic, Inc. .................... 16,687,200
-----------
22,873,200
-----------
F-1
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--DECEMBER 31, 1996 (CONT'D)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OIL & GAS--2.7%
76,300 B.J. Services Corp.*+ .............. $ 3,891,300
275,300 Global Marine Inc.* ................ 5,678,063
181,500 Halliburton Co. .................... 10,935,375
140,200 Tidewater Inc. ..................... 6,344,050
-----------
26,848,788
-----------
PHARMACEUTICALS--8.6%
80,800 Bristol Myers Squibb Co. ........... 8,787,000
289,700 Eli Lilly & Company ................ 21,148,100
353,000 Merck & Co., Inc. .................. 27,975,250
124,600 Pfizer Inc. ........................ 10,326,225
230,500 Warner-Lambert Co. ................. 17,287,500
-----------
85,524,075
-----------
POLLUTION CONTROL--1.3%
415,300 USA Waste Services, Inc.*+ ......... 13,237,687
-----------
RESTAURANTS & LODGING--2.6%
318,700 Boston Chicken Inc.*+ .............. 11,433,363
478,600 Lone Star Steakhouse &
Saloon, lnc.* .................... 12,802,550
54,800 Outback Steakhouse, Inc.*+ ......... 1,465,900
-----------
25,701,813
-----------
RETAILING--5.4%
42,000 Dollar General Corp. ............... 1,344,000
186,800 Gucci Group N.V. ................... 11,931,850
459,100 Home Depot, lnc.+ .................. 23,012,388
53,100 Nine West Group Inc.* .............. 2,462,512
1,003,500 OfficeMax Inc.* .................... 10,662,187
57,000 Rite Aid Corp. ..................... 2,265,750
32,000 TJX Companies, Inc. ................ 1,516,000
-----------
53,194,687
-----------
SEMICONDUCTORS--9.1%
579,600 Adaptec Inc.* ...................... 23,184,000
265,200 Altera Corporation* ................ 19,276,858
248,900 Intel Corp. ........................ 32,590,468
74,500 Linear Technology Corporation ...... 3,268,688
68,300 Maxim Integrated Products, lnc.* ... 2,953,975
244,000 Xilinx, Inc.* ...................... 8,982,371
-----------
90,256,360
-----------
MISCELLANEOUS--3.1%
273,000 Loewen Group Inc. .................. 10,681,125
708,200 Service Corp International ......... 19,829,600
-----------
30,510,725
-----------
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $786,520,689) .............. 913,940,966
-----------
WARRANTS
MANFACTURING
Windmere Corp.*
1 expire 1/19/98 (Cost $1) ......... $ 5
-----------
PREFERRED STOCK--1.1%
COMMUNICATIONS
182,500 Nokia Corporation, ADR
(Cost $8,980,484) ................ 10,516,563
-----------
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
--------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--10.1%
Short-Term Corporate Notes--5.8%
$ 8,383,000 CSC Enterprises.,
5.67%, 1/03/97 ................... 8,380,359
21,617,000 Dynamic Funding Corp. Series A.,
6.08%, 1/03/97 ................... 21,609,698
17,500,000 Ford Motor Credit Corp.,
5.88%, 1/02/97 ................... 17,497,142
10,000,000 Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.,
5.55%, 1/02/97 ................... 9,998,459
-----------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM CORPORATE NOTES
(COST $57,485,658) ............... 57,485,658
-----------
SECURITIES HELD UNDER
REPURCHASE
AGREEMENTS--4.3%
Securities Held Under Repurchase
Agreements, 6.50%-6.625%,
1/2/97, with Bear, Stearns &
Co. Inc., dtd 12/31/96,
repurchase price $42,917,421;
collateralized by U.S.
Treasury Strips (par value
$209,350,000 due 8/15/06-
11/15/22) ........................ 42,901,709
-----------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(COST $100,387,367) .............. 100,387,367
-----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(COST $895,888,541)(A) 103.4% 1,024,844,901
Liabilities in Excess Of Other Assets (3.4) (33,816,533)
---- ------------
NET ASSETS 100.0% $ 991,028,368
===== ============
* Non-income producing security.
+ Securities partially or fully on loan.
(a) At December 31, 1996, the net unrealized appreciation on investments, based
on cost for federal income tax purposes of $895,888,541 amounted to
$128,956,360 which consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation of
$154,599,898 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation of $25,643,538.
See Notes to Financial Statement.
F-2
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN GROWTH PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a share outstanding throughout the year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year $ 31.16 $ 23.13 $ 24.67 $ 20.17 $ 18.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 0.12 0.02 0.07 0.03 0.03
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments 4.00 8.33 0.15 4.50 2.19
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 4.12 8.35 0.22 4.53 2.22
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends from net investment income (0.02) (0.07) (0.03) (0.03) (0.03)
Distributions from net realized gains (0.93) (0.25) (1.73) -- (0.02)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (0.95) (0.32) (1.76) (0.03) (0.05)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of year $ 34.33 $ 31.16 $ 23.13 $ 24.67 $ 20.17
====================================================================================================================================
Total Return 13.35% 36.37% 1.45% 22.47% 12.38%
====================================================================================================================================
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000's omitted) $991,028 $502,974 $150,390 $74,878 $30,316
====================================================================================================================================
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 0.79% 0.85% 0.86% 0.97% 0.99%
====================================================================================================================================
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets 0.50% 0.18% 0.48% 0.25% 0.33%
====================================================================================================================================
Portfolio Turnover Rate 82.86% 118.33% 111.76% 112.64% 63.91%
====================================================================================================================================
Average Commission Rate Paid $ .0683
==================================================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS-DECEMBER 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares COMMON STOCKS--94.3% Value
------ -----
AEROSPACE--2.1%
224,300 Atlas Air, lnc.*+ .................. $ 10,710,325
200,000 BE Aerospace Inc.* ................. 5,425,000
190,300 Greenwich Air Services Inc Cl. B.* . 4,234,175
468,700 Wyman Gordon Co.*+ ................. 10,428,575
-----------
30,798,075
-----------
AGRICULTURE--.4%
174,800 Delta and Pine Land Co. ............ 5,593,600
-----------
ALUMINUM--.2%
290,600 Kaiser Aluminum Corp.*+ ............ 3,378,225
-----------
APPAREL--4.3%
242,800 Designer Holdings Ltd.*+ ........... 3,915,150
150,000 Gymboree Corp.*+ ................... 3,431,250
424,000 Jones Apparel Group Inc.* .......... 15,847,000
176,500 Liz Claiborne Inc. ................. 6,817,312
308,500 Mens Wearhouse Inc. ................ 7,558,250
246,600 Nautica Enterprises Inc.* .......... 6,226,650
218,000 ST. John Knits Inc. ................ 9,483,000
215,100 Tommy Hilfiger Corporation* ........ 10,324,800
-----------
63,603,412
-----------
AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES--.4%
198,400 Cross-Continent Auto
Retailers, Inc.* ................. 4,141,600
201,100 Navistar International Corp.*+ ..... 1,835,037
-----------
5,976,637
-----------
BIO-TECHNOLOGY--2.5%
247,400 BioChem Pharma Inc.*+ .............. 12,431,850
290,000 CellPro Incorporated* .............. 3,625,000
152,300 DEKALB Genetics Corp. Cl. B+ ....... 7,767,300
100,000 Ergo Science Corp.* ................ 1,312,500
193,000 INCYTE Pharmaceuticals, lnc.*+ ..... 9,939,500
63,000 Serologicals Inc.* ................. 2,228,625
-----------
37,304,775
-----------
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION--.3%
416,500 Morrison Knudsen Corp.* ............ 3,748,500
65,000 Toll Brothers Inc.*+ ............... 1,267,500
-----------
5,016,000
-----------
BUSINESS SERVICES--1.0%
108,000 G & K Services Inc. Cl. A. ......... 4,077,000
247,100 Saville Systems PLC ADR* ........... 10,038,438
-----------
14,115,438
-----------
COMMUNICATIONS--1.3%
321,000 LCI International Inc.* ............ 6,901,500
340,000 Pegasus Communications
Corp. CI A.* ..................... 4,675,000
255,000 Teleport Communications Group
Inc. CI A.* ...................... 7,777,500
20,000 Tollgrade Communications Inc. ...... 620,000
-----------
19,974,000
-----------
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT--8.6%
463,100 Ascend Communications, lnc.*+ ...... 28,770,088
179,900 Cascade Communications Corp.* ...... 9,916,988
612,100 DSP Communications, Inc.* .......... 11,859,437
84,500 Davox Corp.*+ ...................... 3,485,625
468,925 Glenayre Technologies Inc.* ........ 10,111,430
100,000 InterVoice Inc.*+ .................. 1,225,000
741,700 PictureTel Corp.* .................. 19,284,200
125,500 Powerwave Technologies, lnc.+ ...... 1,835,438
690,000 Tellabs, Inc.* ..................... 25,961,250
335,000 Videoserver Inc.* .................. 14,237,500
-----------
126,686,956
-----------
COMPUTER RELATED &
BUSINESS EQUIPMENT--1.2%
513,100 Auspex Systems Inc.* ............... $ 5,964,788
51,300 Cymer, Inc. ........................ 2,468,813
163,200 Network Appliance Inc.*+ ........... 8,302,800
50,000 Xircom Inc.*+ ...................... 1,087,500
-----------
17,823,901
-----------
COMPUTER SERVICES--5.0%
246,000 Acxiom Corp.* ...................... 5,904,000
72,500 CKS Group Inc.*+ ................... 2,020,938
250,000 Cambridge Technology Partners Inc.* 8,390,750
461,200 Employee Solutions Inc.*+ .......... 9,454,600
269,800 FactSet Research Systems Inc.*+ .... 5,665,800
200,000 First USA Paymentech Inc.*+ ........ 6,775,000
40,000 Information Management
Resources, lnc. .................. 845,000
15,000 International Network Services*+ ... 452,820
171,400 Keane Inc.* ........................ 5,441,950
118,300 Logicon Inc.+ ...................... 4,317,950
92,800 National Data Corp.+ ............... 4,036,800
37,800 Paychex, Inc. ...................... 1,944,356
221,000 Quick Response Service Inc.* ....... 6,298,500
182,200 Sungard Data Systems* .............. 7,196,900
17,000 TeleFax Inc.+ ...................... 886,125
68,600 Whittman-Hart, Inc.* ............... 1,757,875
90,000 XLConnect Solutions, Inc.*+ ........ 2,587,500
-----------
73,976,864
-----------
COMPUTER SOFTWARE--9.9%
206,000 CBT Group PLC ADS* ................. 11,175,500
319,400 Compuware Corp.* ................... 16,009,925
340,000 Electronics For Imaging Inc.* ...... 27,965,000
182,600 HBO & Company ...................... 10,841,875
655,900 Informix Corporation* .............. 13,363,963
50,000 Infinity Financial Technology
Inc.*+ ........................... 862,500
164,400 INSO Corp.*+ ....................... 6,534,900
216,000 Integrated Systems Inc.* ........... 5,616,000
440,800 Learning Company Inc. (The)*+ ...... 6,336,500
311,100 Macromedia Inc.*+ .................. 5,599,800
395,900 Medic Computer Systems, lnc.*+ ..... 15,959,917
50,000 Parametric Technology
Corporation* . ................... 2,568,750
60,000 Premis Corp. ....................... 337,500
779,300 Structural Dynamics Research
Corp.*+ .......................... 15,586,000
322,600 Systemsoft Corp.*+ ................. 4,798,675
43,000 Wandel Goltermann Technologies
Inc.* ............................ 1,257,750
-----------
144,814,555
-----------
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY--2.3%
220,000 Checkpoint Systems Inc.*+ .......... 5,445,000
260,800 Citrix Systems, Inc.* .............. 10,187,630
228,200 CompuCom Systems Inc.* ............. 2,453,150
228,000 Digital Microwave Corp.* ........... 6,355,500
20,000 Jabil Circuit Inc.*+ ............... 800,000
248,900 Sterling Commerce, lnc.*+ .......... 8,773,725
-----------
34,015,005
-----------
CONSUMER PRODUCTS--1.3%
122,900 Blyth Industries Inc.*+ ............ 5,607,313
168,000 Fred Meyer, Inc.* .................. 5,964,000
130,000 Herman Miller Inc. ................. 7,361,250
-----------
18,932,563
-----------
F-4
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS-DECEMBER 31, 1996 (CONT'D)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares COMMON STOCKS--(CONTINUED) Value
------ -----
DEFENSE--.6%
194,100 Rohr Inc.*+ ........................ $ 4,391,513
175,000 Tracor, Inc.* ...................... 3,718,750
-----------
8,110,263
-----------
ENERGY & ENERGY SERVICES--.3%
81,500 United Meridian Corp. Series A* .... 4,217,625
-----------
FINANCIAL SERVICES--5.7%
28,500 Associated Banc-Corp. .............. 1,211,250
42,700 CCB Financial Corp.+ .............. 2,914,275
9,000 Centura Banks Inc. ................. 401,625
37,100 Colonial BancGroup Inc.+ ........... 1,484,000
84,900 Commerce Bancshares Inc. ........... 3,926,625
105,000 Compass Bancshares Inc. ............ 4,173,750
405,000 Concord EFS Inc.*+ ................. 11,441,250
332,100 Green Tree Financial Corp. ......... 12,827,363
175,000 Leasing Solutions Inc.*+ ........... 4,506,250
38,100 Mercantile Bankshares Corp. ....... 1,219,200
805,700 Money Store Inc. (The)+ ........... 22,257,462
75,000 National Commerce Bancorp. ........ 2,868,750
388,000 PMT Services, Inc.*+ .............. 6,790,000
95,700 Provident Bankshares Corp.+ ....... 3,732,300
90,000 Wilmington Trust Corp. ............ 3,555,000
-----------
83,309,100
-----------
FOODS & BEVERAGES--.8%
113,900 Interstate Bakeries Corp. ......... 5,595,338
130,600 JP Foodservice Inc.*+ ............. 3,640,475
164,100 United Natural Foods, lnc. ........ 2,789,700
-----------
12,025,513
-----------
FREIGHT
15,000 Landstar Systems Inc.*+ ........... 348,750
-----------
HEALTH CARE--2.2%
272,000 Access Health, Inc.* .............. 12,172,000
140,250 Clintrials Research Inc.*+ ........ 3,190,688
107,500 Omnicare, Inc...................... 3,453,438
166,700 Orthodontic Centers of
America Inc.*+ .................. 2,667,200
560,600 Physicians Sales & Service, Inc.+.. 8,058,625
100,000 United Dental Care, Inc.* ......... 3,037,500
-----------
32,579,451
-----------
HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION--.1%
73,300 AMISYS Managed Care
Systems Inc.*+ .................. 1,246,100
-----------
INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT--1.2%
215,000 DT Industries Inc.* ............... 7,525,000
314,100 Waters Corporation* ............... 9,540,787
-----------
17,065,787
-----------
INSURANCE--1.2%
82,500 Equitable of lowa Companies ....... 3,784,688
85,000 Executive Risk Inc. ............... 3,145,000
156,900 HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. ....... 3,765,600
90,500 Protective Life Corp. ............. 3,608,688
95,000 Vesta Insurance Group Inc.+ ....... 2,980,625
-----------
17,284,601
-----------
LEISURE ENTERTAINMENT--1.5%
161,300 Anchor Gaming*+ ................... $ 6,492,325
40,000 Cinar Films, lnc. Cl. B.* ......... 1,040,000
801,800 International Game Technology ..... 14,632,850
-----------
22,165,175
-----------
MACHINERY--.2%
200,000 JLG Industries Inc. ............... 3,200,000
-----------
MANUFACTURING--1.1%
402,500 American Power Conversion Corp.* .. 10,968,125
116,200 Cincinnati Milacron Inc. .......... 2,541,875
78,000 Palm Harbor Homes Inc.* ........... 2,184,000
-----------
15,694,000
-----------
MEDICAL DEVICES--5.9%
111,300 Biopsys Medical Inc.* ............. 2,420,775
91,200 Conceptus, Inc.*+ ................. 934,800
402,500 CONMED Corporation* ............... 8,251,250
446,600 ESC Medical Systems Ltd. .......... 11,388,300
63,500 Fisher Scientific Inc. ............ 2,992,438
187,900 Heartport Inc.*+ .................. 4,298,213
500,200 Hologic, Inc.* .................... 12,379,950
64,000 IDEXX Laboratories Inc.*+ ......... 2,304,000
140,500 Intercardia, Inc.* ................ 3,020,750
302,500 Mentor Corp.+ ..................... 8,923,750
296,500 Neuromedical Systems Inc.*+ ....... 3,928,625
200,000 Physio-Control Corp.*+ ............ 4,500,000
218,200 STERIS Corp.* ..................... 9,491,700
286,600 Target Therapeutics, Inc.* ........ 12,037,200
-----------
86,871,751
-----------
MEDICAL SERVICES--4.2%
222,000 CompDent Corp.* ................... 7,825,500
161,500 Health Management Associates,
lnc. Cl. A.* .................... 3,633,750
528,000 Lincare Holdings Inc.* ............ 21,648,000
70,000 National Surgery Centers, Inc.* ... 2,660,000
541,550 PhyCor, Inc.*+ .................... 15,366,480
166,300 Quintiles Transnational Corp.* .... 11,017,375
-----------
62,151,105
-----------
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY--.1%
50,000 Curative Health Services Inc. ..... 1,384,400
-----------
METALS--.6%
247,000 Titanium Metals Corporation*+ ..... 8,120,125
-----------
OIL & GAS--1.3%
70,000 B.J. Services Corp.*+ ............. 3,570,000
212,500 Benton Oil & Gas Co.* ............. 4,807,812
76,000 Energy Ventures Inc.* ............. 3,866,500
270,000 Varco International Inc.+ ......... 6,243,750
-----------
18,488,062
-----------
PAPER PACKAGING & FOREST PRODUCTS--.7%
245,100 Sealed Air Corp.*+ ................ 10,202,287
-----------
PHARMACEUTICALS--.4%
115,000 Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*+ ...... 5,491,250
-----------
F-5
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS-DECEMBER 31, 1996 (CONT'D)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES COMMON STOCKS--(CONTINUED) VALUE
------ -----
POLLUTION CONTROL--4.0%
142,000 Culligan Water Technologies Inc.+ . $ 5,751,000
187,700 Tetra Tech Inc.* .................. 3,707,075
525,800 USA Waste Services, Inc.* ......... 16,759,875
250,000 U.S. Filter Corp.*+ ............... 7,937,500
701,800 United Waste Systems, Inc.*+ ...... 24,124,375
-----------
58,279,825
-----------
REAL ESTATE--.3%
100,000 Security Capital Atlantic
Incorporated* ................... 2,450,000
31,500 Vornado Realty Trust .............. 1,653,750
-----------
4,103,750
-----------
RESTAURANTS & LODGING--3.4%
123,000 Apple South, lnc.+ ................ 1,660,500
188,100 Boston Chicken Inc.*+ ............. 6,748,088
297,800 Landry's Seafood Restaurants,
Inc.*+ ......................... 6,365,475
771,800 Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon,
lnc.* ............................. 20,645,650
211,600 Outback Steakhouse, Inc.*+ ........ 5,660,300
355,000 Prime Hospitality Corp.*+ ......... 5,724,375
50,500 Starwood Lodging Trust+ ........... 2,783,812
-----------
49,588,200
-----------
RETAILING--8.1%
115,200 Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Cl. A* ... 1,900,800
15,000 Borders Group Inc.* ............... 538,125
100,000 CML Group Inc. .................... 337,500
38,500 Dominick's Supermarkets, lnc. ..... 837,375
72,500 Footstar Inc.*+ ................... 1,803,437
312,700 Gucci Group N.V. .................. 19,973,712
90,000 Loehmann's, Inc.* ................. 2,070,000
169,400 Mail Boxes Etc.*+ ................. 3,811,500
335,000 Marks Brothers Jewelers Inc.* ..... 3,894,375
226,200 Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. (The)* .. 5,768,100
95,000 Nine West Group Inc.*+ ............ 4,405,625
506,475 OfficeMax, Inc.* .................. 5,381,296
268,000 PetsMart Inc.*+ ................... 5,862,500
192,200 Quiksilver Inc.* .................. 4,108,275
50,600 Saks Holdings, Inc.*+ ............. 1,366,200
200,000 Sothebys Holdings Inc., Cl.A ...... 3,725,000
736,400 Sports Authority Inc. (The)*+ ..... 16,016,700
368,400 Stage Stores, Inc.* ............... 6,723,300
260,000 TJX Companies, Inc.+ .............. 12,317,500
378,200 Tiffany & Co. ..................... 13,851,575
146,300 West Marine Inc.*+ ................ 4,132,975
-----------
118,825,870
-----------
SEMICONDUCTORS--5.2%
544,400 Adaptec Inc.* ..................... 21,776,000
272,000 Altera Corporation* ............... 19,771,135
264,000 Cirrus Logic, Inc.* ............... 4,092,000
175,600 Maxim Integrated Products, lnc.* .. 7,594,700
82,300 Microchip Technology Incorporated* 4,187,012
671,100 S3 Incorporated*+ ................. 10,905,375
231,400 Xilinx, Inc.* ..................... 8,518,528
-----------
76,844,750
-----------
TRANSPORTATION--1.1%
472,900 Coach USA Inc.* ................... $ 13,714,100
237,400 Fritz Companies Inc.* ............. 3,026,850
------------
16,740,950
------------
MISCELLANEOUS--3.3%
41,200 Central Parking Corp.* ............ 1,380,200
471,600 Loewen Group Inc. ................. 18,451,350
158,500 Metromail Corporation* ............ 2,892,625
149,300 Ogden Corp.+ ...................... 2,799,375
109,500 Outdoor Systems, Inc.* ............ 3,079,687
78,000 Rural/Metro Corporation * ......... 2,808,000
174,000 Sturm Ruger & Co. Inc.+ ........... 3,371,250
183,200 Uniphase Corp.*+ .................. 9,618,000
187,000 Universal Outdoor Holdings Inc.* .. 4,394,500
------------
48,794,987
------------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(COST $1,184,107,094) ........... 1,385,143,683
------------
PRINCIPAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--5.6%
AMOUNT SHORT-TERM CORPORATE NOTES--4.5%
--------
$17,000,000 Countrywide Funding Corp.,
5.95%, 1/14/97 .................. 16,963,474
30,000,000 Ford Motor Credit Corp.,
5.88%, 1/02/97 .................. 29,995,100
20,000,000 Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.,
5.55%, 1/02/97 .................. 19,996,916
------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM CORPORATE NOTES
(COST $66,955,490) .............. 66,955,490
------------
SECURITIES HELD UNDER
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--1.1%
Securities Held Under Repurchase
Agreements, 6.50%, 1/2/97,
with Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.,
dtd 12/31/96, repurchase price
$16,689,921; collateralized by
U.S. Treasury Bonds and U.S.
Treasury Strips (par value
$57,115,000
due 11/15/13-2/15/22) ........... 16,683,896
--------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(COST $83,639,386) 83,639,386
--------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(COST $1,267,746,480)(A) ............. 99.9% 1,468,783,069
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities .. .1 735,400
----- --------------
NET ASSETS ............................. 100.0% $1,469,518,469
===== ==============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Non-income producing security.
+ Securities partially or fully on loan.
(a) At December 31, 1996, the net unrealized appreciation on investments, based
on cost for federal income tax purposes of $1,276,746,480 amounted to
$201,036,589 which consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation of
$262,104,139 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation of $61,067,550.
See Notes to Financial Statement.
F-6
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a share outstanding throughout the year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year $ 39.41 $ 27.31 $ 30.88 $ 27.26 $ 26.79
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (0.04)(i) (0.09) (0.03)(i) (0.05) (0.06)
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments 1.70 12.19 (1.45) 3.67 0.91
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.66 12.10 (1.48) 3.62 0.85
Distributions from net realized gains (0.16) -- (2.09) -- (0.38)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of year $ 40.91 $ 39.41 $ 27.31 $ 30.88 $ 27.26
====================================================================================================================================
Total Return 4.18% 44.31% (4.38%) 13.28% 3.55%
====================================================================================================================================
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000's omitted) $1,469,518 $984,212 $397,037 $238,850 $135,718
====================================================================================================================================
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 0.88% 0.92% 0.96% 1.03% 0.98%
====================================================================================================================================
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets (0.09%) (0.48%) (0.10%) (0.35%) (0.37%)
====================================================================================================================================
Portfolio Turnover Rate 110.04% 80.66% 117.61% 148.07% 108.06%
====================================================================================================================================
Average Commission Rate Paid $ .0591
=================================================================================
(i) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the year.
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
F-7
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN INCOME AND GROWTH PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--DECEMBER 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES COMMON STOCKS--95.8% VALUE
------ -----
AEROSPACE--7.7%
7,000 Boeing Company (The) .............. $ 744,625
18,000 Sundstrand Corp. .................. 765,000
1,500 United Technologies Corp. ......... 99,000
---------
1,608,625
---------------------
BIO-TECHNOLOGY--2.2%
9,000 DEKALB Genetics Corp. Cl. B+ ...... 459,000
---------
CHEMICALS--2.8%
15,000 Monsanto Co. ...................... 583,125
---------
COMMUNICATIONS--.5%
1,500 Lucent Technologies Inc. .......... 69,375
1,700 WorldCom Inc.* .................... 44,307
---------
113,682
---------
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT--1.8%
10,000 Tellabs, Inc.*..................... 376,250
---------
COMPUTER RELATED &
BUSINESS EQUIPMENT--2.2%
4,000 Hewlett-Packard Company ........... 201,000
2,000 3 Com Corp.* ...................... 146,750
2,000 Xerox Corp. ....................... 105,250
---------
453,000
---------
COMPUTER SERVICES--2.0%
8,000 Paychex, Inc. ..................... 411,503
---------
COMPUTER SOFTWARE--.3%
1,500 Computer Associates International
Inc.* ........................... 74,625
---------
CONGLOMERATE--1.0%
4,000 Tyco International Ltd. ........... 211,500
---------
CONSUMER PRODUCTS--3.2%
2,000 Colgate Palmolive Co. ............. 184,500
5,000 General Electric Co. .............. 494,375
---------
678,875
---------
DEFENSE--.9%
2,050 Lockheed Martin Corp. ............. 187,575
---------
ENERGY & ENERGY SERVICES--2.1%
4,400 Schlumberger Ltd................... 439,450
---------
FINANCIAL SERVICES--21.0%
3,800 American Express Co. .............. 214,700
12,000 Bank Of New York Co. Inc. ......... 405,000
6,000 BankAmerica Corp. ................. 598,500
7,500 Chase Manhattan Corp. ............. 669,375
5,600 Citicorp .......................... 576,800
6,000 Equifax Inc. ...................... 183,750
11,674 First Data Corporation+ ........... 426,101
6,000 Mellon Bank Corp. ................. 426,000
5,000 Money Store Inc. (The)+ ........... 138,125
10,000 Schwab (Charles) Corporation
(The)+ 320,000
10,000 SunAmerica Inc. ................... 443,750
---------
4,402,101
---------
HEALTH CARE--1.8%
9,500 Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation $ 387,125
---------
HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS--2.5%
11,500 United Healthcare Corporation ..... 517,500
---------
INSURANCE--2.2%
4,300 American International Group Inc... 465,475
---------
LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT--1.3%
14,500 International Game Technology ..... 264,625
---------
MACHINERY--1.1%
4,200 Case Corp.......................... 228,900
---------
MANUFACTURING--3.7%
8,850 Precision Castparts Corp. ......... 439,181
8,000 Thermo Electron Corp. ............. 330,000
---------
769,181
---------
MEDICAL DEVICES--2.2%
6,700 Medtronic, Inc. ................... 455,600
---------
OIL & GAS--5.3%
2,000 Chevron Corp. ..................... 130,000
3,000 Exxon Corp......................... 294,000
5,300 Halliburton Co. ................... 319,325
8,000 Tidewater Inc. .................... 362,000
---------
1,105,325
---------
PHARMACEUTICALS--12.3%
3,000 Bristol Myers Squibb Co. .......... 326,250
7,400 Eli Lilly & Company ............... 540,200
6,600 Merck & Co., lnc. ................. 523,050
5,000 Pfizer Inc. ....................... 414,375
3,500 SmithKline Beecham PLC ADS ........ 238,000
7,000 Warner-Lambert Co. ................ 525,000
---------
2,566,875
---------
RETAILING--7.9%
17,800 Dollar General Corp. .............. 569,600
2,300 Gucci Group N.V. .................. 146,913
8,000 Home Depot, Inc.+ ................. 401,000
8,000 Rite Aid Corp. .................... 318,000
4,500 TJX Companies, Inc. ............... 213,188
---------
1,648,701
---------
SEMICONDUCTORS--4.9%
2,000 Altera Corporation* ............... 145,376
5,100 Intel Corp. ....................... 667,784
4,900 Linear Technology Corporation ..... 214,987
---------
1,028,147
---------
F-8
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN INCOME AND GROWTH PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--DECEMBER 31, 1996 (CONT'D)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) VALUE
------ -----
MISCELLANEOUS--2.9%
4,500 Loewen Group Inc. ................. $ 176,063
15,000 Service Corp. International ....... 420,000
---------
596,063
---------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(COST $17,051,950) .............. 20,032,828
---------
PREFERRED STOCK--.6%
COMMUNICATIONS
2,100 Nokia Corporation, ADR
(Cost $99,063) .................. 121,013
---------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--6.3%
SECURITIES HELD
UNDER REPURCHASE
AGREEMENTS
Securities Held Under Repurchase
Agreements, 6.50%-6.625%,
1/2/97, with Bear, Stearns &
Co. Inc., dtd 12/31/96, repurchase
price $1,312,758; collateralized
by U.S. Treasury Strips (par
value $4,190,000 due 11/15/13)
(Cost $1,312,280) ............... 1,312,280
----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(COST $18,463,293)(A) ................ 102.7% 21,466,121
Liabilities In Excess of Other Assets .. (2.7) (555,881)
----- -----------
NET ASSETS ............................. 100.0% $20,910,240
===== ===========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Non-income producing security.
+ Securities partially or fully on loan.
(a) At December 31, 1996, the net unrealized appreciation on investments, based
on cost for federal income tax purposes of $18,463,293, amounted to
$3,002,828 which consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation of
$3,089,806 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation of $86,978.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-9
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN INCOME AND GROWTH PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a share outstanding throughout the year
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year $ 17.79 $ 13.30 $ 15.31 $ 13.93 $ 13.08
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 0.09(i) 0.11(i) 0.17 0.07 0.08
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments 1.87 4.54 (1.47) 1.37 1.02
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.96 4.65 (1.30) 1.44 1.10
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends from net investment income (0.33) (0.16) (0.15) (0.06) (0.12)
Distributions from net realized gains (11.00) -- (0.56) -- (0.13)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (11.33) (0.16) (0.71) (0.06) (0.25)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of year $ 8.42 $ 17.79 $ 13.30 $ 15.31 $ 13.93
====================================================================================================================================
Total Return 19.68% 35.13% (8.28%) 10.34% 8.64%
====================================================================================================================================
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000's omitted) $ 20,910 $ 8,639 $29,135 $31,895 $ 8,671
====================================================================================================================================
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 0.81% 0.75% 0.75% 0.97% 1.25%
====================================================================================================================================
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to expense reimbursements -- -- -- -- 0.01%
====================================================================================================================================
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets 0.94% 0.61% 1.22% 1.51% 1.62%
====================================================================================================================================
Portfolio Turnover Rate 121.60% 164.05% 177.97% 105.80% 100.62%
====================================================================================================================================
Average Commission Rate Paid $ .0728
==================================================================================
(i) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the year.
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-10
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN BALANCED PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--DECEMBER 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES COMMON STOCKS--56.9% VALUE
------ -----
AEROSPACE--3.1%
1,200 Boeing Company (The) .............. $ 127,650
2,200 Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.* ....... 53,350
2,500 Sundstrand Corp. .................. 106,250
500 United Technologies Corp. ......... 33,000
---------
320,250
---------
APPAREL--.5%
1,000 Tommy Hilfiger Corporation* ....... 48,000
---------
BIO-TECHNOLOGY--.3%
600 Amgen Inc.* ....................... 32,625
---------
BUSINESS SERVICES--.3%
500 Cintas Corp. ...................... 29,375
---------
CHEMICALS--1.5%
3,925 Monsanto Co. ...................... 152,584
---------
COMMUNICATIONS--1.5%
800 LCI International, Inc.* .......... 17,200
500 Lucent Technologies Inc. .......... 23,125
600 Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras
S.A. ADR ........................ 45,900
2,600 WorldCom Inc.* .................... 67,763
---------
153,988
---------
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT--3.9%
1,000 Ascend Communications, lnc.* ...... 62,125
500 Cascade Communications Corp.* ..... 27,563
3,100 Cisco Systems, Inc.* .............. 197,237
1,000 Glenayre Technologies Inc.* ....... 21,562
900 PictureTel Corp.* ................. 23,400
2,000 Tellabs, Inc.* .................... 75,250
---------
407,137
---------
COMPUTER RELATED &
BUSINESS EQUIPMENT--2.6%
1,600 Hewlett-Packard Company ........... 80,400
2,800 Sun Microsystems Inc.* ............ 71,926
1,700 3 Com Corp.* ...................... 124,738
---------
277,064
---------
COMPUTER SERVICES--.4%
700 Diebold Inc. ...................... 44,013
---------
COMPUTER SOFTWARE--3.2%
600 Computer Associates International
Inc.* ........................... 29,850
1,500 Compuware Corp.* .................. 75,188
4,200 Informix Corporation* ............. 85,575
1,500 Microsoft Corporation* ............ 123,938
500 Parametric Technology
Corporation* .................... 25,688
---------
340,239
---------
CONGLOMERATE--.4%
700 Tyco International Ltd. ........... $ 37,013
---------
CONSUMER PRODUCTS--3.8%
2,850 CUC International Inc.* ........... 67,688
600 Colgate Palmolive Co. ............. 55,350
1,500 General Electric Co. .............. 148,313
2,100 Nike, Inc. Cl. B .................. 125,475
---------
396,826
---------
DEFENSE--.6%
741 Lockheed Martin Corp. ............. 67,802
---------
ENERGY & ENERGY SERVICES--1.0%
1,100 Schlumberger Ltd. ................. 109,862
---------
FINANCIAL SERVICES--7.5%
1,600 Chase Manhattan Corp. ............. 142,800
1,800 Citicorp .......................... 185,400
4,926 First Data Corporation+ ........... 179,799
2,560 GreenTree Financial Corp. ......... 98,880
800 MBNA Corp. ........................ 33,200
3,000 Money Store Inc. (The) ............ 82,875
2,000 Schwab (Charles) Corporation (The)+ 64,000
---------
786,954
---------
FOOD CHAINS--.3%
700 Safeway Inc.*+ .................... 29,925
---------
HEALTH CARE--.9%
2,500 Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation 101,875
---------
INSURANCE--2.4%
1,700 American International Group, Inc. 184,025
800 MGIC Investment Corp.+ ............ 60,800
---------
244,825
---------
LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT--.7%
3,700 International Game Technology ..... 67,525
---------
MACHINERY--.5%
1,000 Case Corp. ........................ 54,500
---------
MEDICAL DEVICES--1.3%
500 Boston Scientific Corp.* .......... 30,000
1,500 Medtronic, Inc. ................... 102,000
---------
132,000
---------
OIL & GAS--1.0%
900 Halliburton Co. ................... 54,225
1,100 Tidewater Inc. .................... 49,775
---------
104,000
---------
F-11
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN BALANCED PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--DECEMBER 31, 1996 (CONT'D)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) VALUE
-------- -----
PHARMACEUTICALS--6.0%
600 Bristol Myers Squibb Co. .......... $ 65,250
2,200 Eli Lilly & Company ............... 160,600
2,500 Merck & Co., Inc. ................. 198,125
800 Pfizer Inc. ....................... 66,300
1,900 Warner-Lambert Co. ................ 142,500
---------
632,775
---------
POLLUTION CONTROL--.9%
3,000 USA Waste Services, Inc.* ......... 95,625
---------
RESTAURANTS & LODGING--1.5%
1,700 Boston Chicken Inc.*+ ............. 60,987
3,000 Lone Star Steakhouse &
Saloon, lnc.* ................... 80,250
700 Outback Steakhouse, Inc.* ......... 18,725
---------
159,962
---------
RETAILING--3.3%
900 Borders Group Inc.* ............... 32,288
1,000 Dollar General Corp. .............. 32,000
500 Gucci Group N.V. .................. 31,938
2,500 Home Depot, lnc.+ ................. 125,312
1,000 Nine West Group Inc.* ............. 46,375
7,500 OfficeMax, Inc.* .................. 79,687
---------
347,600
---------
SEMICONDUCTORS--5.5%
4,000 Adaptec, Inc.* .................... 160,000
1,800 Altera Corporation* ............... 130,838
1,600 Intel Corp. ....................... 209,501
2,100 Xilinx, Inc.* ..................... 77,306
---------
577,645
---------
MISCELLANEOUS--2.0%
1,900 Loewen Group Inc. ................. 74,338
5,000 Service Corp. International ....... 140,000
---------
214,338
---------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(COST $5,148,472) ............... 5,966,327
---------
PREFERRED STOCK--.4%
COMMUNICATIONS
700 Nokia Corporation, ADR
(Cost $33,021) .................. 40,338
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT CORPORATE BONDS--9.0% VALUE
-------- -----
AUTOMOTIVE--4.2%
$ 200,000 Ford Motor Credit Corp.,
9.50%, 6/1/10 ................... $ 237,531
200,000 General Motors Acceptance Corp.,
7.125%, 6/1/99 .................. 203,236
---------
440,767
---------
CHEMICALS & PHARMACEUTICALS--2.0%
200,000 WMX Technologies Corp.,
8.25%, 11/15/99 ................. 209,274
---------
ELECTRIC UTILITIES--.9%
100,000 Cincinnati Gas & Electric Co.,
7.20%, 10/01/23 ................. 95,500
---------
FINANCIAL SERVICES--.9%
100,000 Bank America Corp.,
7.125%, 05/12/05 ................ 100,754
---------
INSURANCE--1.0%
100,000 Travelers Inc.,
7.75%, 06/15/99 ................. 102,602
---------
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(COST $984,355) ................. 948,897
---------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY
OBLIGATIONS--13.7%
200,000 U.S. Treasury Notes,
5.625%, 11/30/98 ................ 199,094
200,000 U.S. Treasury Notes,
7.50%, 10/31/99 ................. 207,438
200,000 U.S. Treasury Notes,
5.875%,11/30/01 ................. 197,094
200,000 U.S. Treasury Bonds,
7.625%, 11/15/22 ................ 220,782
200,000 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.,
8.20%, 1/16/98 .................. 200,698
200,000 Federal National Mortgage
Association, 7.60%, 4/14/04 ..... 199,468
200,000 Federal National Mortgage
Association, 8.50%, 2/01/05 .... 210,434
---------
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCY
OBLIGATIONS (COST $1,389,688) ... 1,435,008
---------
F-12
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN BALANCED PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--DECEMBER 31, 1996 (CONT'D)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--20.4% VALUE
-------- -----
SHORT-TERM CORPORATE NOTES--12.4%
$500,000 Countrywide Funding Corp.,
5.95%, 1/14/97 .................. $ 498,926
300,000 Dynamic Funding Corp., Series A,
6.08%, 1/03/97 .................. 299,899
500,000 Ford Motor Credit Corp.,
5.88%, 1/02/97 .................. 499,917
---------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM CORPORATE NOTES
(COST $1,298,742) ............... 1,298,742
---------
SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT
OBLIGATIONS--4.7%
250,000 U.S. Treasury Bills, 4.86%, 3/20/97 247,862
250,000 U.S. Treasury Bills, 5.04%, 6/19/97 244,528
---------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT
OBLIGATIONS (COST $491,452) ..... 492,390
---------
SECURITIES HELD UNDER
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--3.3%
Securities Held Under Repurchase
Agreements, 6.50%-6.625%, 1/2/97,
with Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., dtd
12/31/96, repurchase price $342,157;
collateralized by U.S. Treasury
Strips (par value $1,290,000
due 2/15/16) .................... 342,033
---------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(COST $2,132,227) ............... 2,133,165
---------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(COST $9,687,763)(A) ................. 100.4% 10,523,735
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets .. (.4) (38,051)
----- -----------
NET ASSETS ............................. 100.0% $10,485,684
===== ===========
* Non-income producing security.
+ Securities partially or fully on loan.
(a) At December 31, 1996, the net unrealized appreciation on investments, based
on cost for federal income tax purposes of $9,687,763 amounted to $835,972
which consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation of $1,036,598 and
aggregate gross unrealized depreciation of $200,626.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-13
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN BALANCED PORTFOLIO (I)
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year $ 13.64 $ 10.80 $ 11.58 $ 10.77 $ 10.02
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 0.21(ii) 0.33(ii) 0.20 0.15 0.22
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments 1.01 2.73 (0.70) 0.69 0.72
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.22 3.06 (0.50) 0.84 0.94
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends from net investment income (0.73) (0.22) (0.13) (0.03) (0.19)
Distributions from net realized gains (4.89) -- (0.15) -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions (5.62) (0.22) (0.28) (0.03) (0.19)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of year $ 9.24 $ 13.64 $ 10.80 $ 11.58 $ 10.77
========================================================================================================================
Total Return 10.17% 28.62% (4.27%) 7.79% 9.48%
========================================================================================================================
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000's omitted) $10,486 $ 3,671 $ 10,394 $ 7,848 $ 4,009
========================================================================================================================
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets 1.14% 1.00% 1.08% 1.25% 1.25%
========================================================================================================================
Decrease reflected in above expense
ratios due to expense
reimbursements -- -- -- 0.19% 0.42%
========================================================================================================================
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets 2.06% 2.49% 2.30% 2.05% 1.99%
========================================================================================================================
Portfolio Turnover Rate 68.66% 113.02% 78.80% 85.46% 15.27%
========================================================================================================================
Average Commission Rate Paid $ .0712
=====================================================================
(i) Prior to October 1, 1992, the American Balanced Portfolio was the American
Fixed Income Portfolio.
(ii) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the year.
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-14
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--DECEMBER 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES VALUE
------ -----
AEROSPACE--3.3%
50,000 Greenwich Air Services Inc. CI. A ....$ 1,125,000
179,000 Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.* .......... 4,340,750
182,000 Sundstrand Corp. ..................... 7,735,000
-----------
13,200,750
-----------
APPAREL--1.6%
48,500 Liz Claiborne Inc. ................... 1,873,312
24,900 Nautica Enterprises Inc.* ............ 628,725
83,100 Tommy Hilfiger Corporation* .......... 3,988,800
-----------
6,490,837
-----------
BIO-TECHNOLOGY--1.0%
78,400 BioChem Pharma Inc.*+ ................ 3,939,600
-----------
BROADCASTING--.6%
65,000 Univision Communications
Inc. CI. A. ......................... 2,405,000
-----------
BUSINESS SERVICES--1.6%
84,500 Cintas Corp. ......................... 4,964,375
31,000 G & K Services Inc. Cl. A. ........... 1,170,250
-----------
6,134,625
-----------
COMMUNICATIONS--3.7%
103,100 LCI International Inc.* .............. 2,216,650
210,800 Qualcomm Inc.* ....................... 8,405,650
156,100 WorldCom Inc.* ....................... 4,068,434
-----------
14,690,734
-----------
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT--5.8%
66,600 Ascend Communications, lnc.* ......... 4,137,525
60,000 Cascade Communications Corp.* ........ 3,307,500
56,100 Cisco Systems, Inc.* ................. 3,569,363
111,075 Glenayre Technologies Inc.* .......... 2,395,110
43,200 Pairgain Technologies Inc.* .......... 1,314,922
149,000 PictureTel Corp.* .................... 3,874,000
109,000 Tellabs, Inc.* ....................... 4,101,125
----------
22,699,545
----------
COMPUTER RELATED &
BUSINESS EQUIPMENT--3.0%
66,000 Cable Design Technologies Corp.* ..... 2,054,250
110,000 Ingram Micro Inc. Cl. A* ............. 2,530,000
101,000 3 Com Corp.* ......................... 7,410,875
----------
11,995,125
----------
COMPUTER SERVICES--.5%
54,600 Cambridge Technology Partners Inc.* .. 1,832,540
----------
COMPUTER SOFTWARE--7.7%
99,900 Compuware Corp.* ..................... 5,007,488
46,500 Electronics For lmaging Inc.* ........ 3,824,625
28,900 HBO & Company ........................ 1,715,938
269,200 Informix Corporation* ................ 5,484,950
96,400 Learning Company Inc. (The)*+ ........ 1,385,750
87,500 Medic Computer Systems, lnc.* ........ 3,527,388
103,000 Parametric Technology Corporation* ... 5,291,625
203,000 Structural Dynamics Research Corp.* .. 4,060,000
----------
30,297,764
----------
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY--1.3%
67,000 Citrix Systems, Inc.* ................ 2,617,221
72,500 Sterling Commerce, lnc.* ............. 2,555,625
----------
5,172,846
----------
CONGLOMERATE--.5%
40,500 Tyco International Ltd. .............. 2,141,438
----------
CONSUMER PRODUCTS--1.7%
218,250 CUC International Inc.* .............. 5,183,437
29,000 Herman Miller Inc. ................... 1,642,125
----------
6,825,562
----------
ENERGY SERVICES--.7%
59,000 Smith International Inc. ............. 2,647,625
----------
FINANCIAL SERVICES--8.5%
125,300 Equifax Inc. .......................... 3,837,313
111,012 First Data Corporation+ ............... 4,051,938
126,400 Green Tree Financial Corp. ............ 4,882,200
84,800 Leasing Solutions Inc.* ............... 2,183,600
45,500 MBNA Corp. ............................ 1,888,250
303,500 Money Store Inc. (The)+ ............... 8,384,188
137,700 Schwab (Charles) Corporation (The)+ ... 4,406,400
91,400 SunAmerica Inc. ....................... 4,055,875
----------
33,689,764
----------
FOOD CHAINS--1.1%
103,000 Safeway Inc.*+ ....................... 4,403,250
----------
HEALTH CARE--.5%
41,500 Access Health, Inc.* ................. 1,857,125
----------
INSURANCE--1.5%
54,000 MGIC Investment Corp.+ ............... 4,104,000
43,000 Travelers/Aetna Property Casualty Corp.
Cl. A .............................. 1,521,125
----------
5,625,125
----------
F-15
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--DECEMBER 31, 1996 (CONT'D)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) VALUE
------ -----
LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT--3.2%
457,300 International Game Technology ....... $ 8,345,725
203,000 Mirage Resorts, Incorporated* ....... 4,389,875
-----------
12,735,600
-----------
MACHINERY--.6%
43,000 Case Corp. .......................... 2,343,500
-----------
MANUFACTURING--1.0%
142,500 American Power Conversion Corp.* .... 3,883,125
-----------
MEDICAL DEVICES--3.2%
64,000 Boston Scientific Corp.* ............ 3,840,000
25,000 Hologic, Inc.* ...................... 618,750
45,000 IDEXX Laboratories Inc.* ............ 1,620,000
31,800 Mentor Corp. ........................ 938,100
54,000 STERIS Corp.* ....................... 2,349,000
80,600 Target Therapeutics, Inc.* .......... 3,385,200
-----------
12,751,050
-----------
MEDICAL SERVICES--1.1%
155,000 PhyCor, Inc.* ....................... 4,398,125
-----------
METALS--1.0%
120,000 Titanium Metals Corporation*+ ....... 3,945,000
-----------
OIL & GAS--3.9%
79,000 B.J. Services Corp.*+ ............... 4,029,000
145,100 Global Marine Inc.* ................. 2,992,687
90,900 Halliburton Co. ..................... 5,476,725
65,100 Tidewater Inc. ...................... 2,945,775
-----------
15,444,187
-----------
PAPER & PACKAGING
& FOREST PRODUCTS--1.3%
120,000 Sealed Air Corp.*+ .................. 4,995,000
-----------
POLLUTION CONTROL--4.7%
274,600 USA Waste Services, Inc.*+ .......... 8,752,875
116,000 U.S. Filter Corp.*+ ................. 3,683,000
182,600 United Waste Systems, Inc.* ......... 6,276,875
-----------
18,712,750
RESTAURANTS &
LODGING--4.6%
189,400 Boston Chicken Inc.*+ ............... 6,794,725
95,300 Landry's Seafood Restaurants, lnc.* . 2,037,037
243,300 Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon, lnc.*+ 6,508,275
110,800 Outback Steakhouse, Inc.* ........... 2,963,900
-----------
18,303,937
-----------
RETAILING--10.5%
218,700 Dollar General Corp. ................ 6,998,400
113,900 Gucci Group N.V. .................... 7,275,362
17,000 Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. (The)* .... 433,500
116,100 Nine West Group Inc.* ............... 5,384,137
495,300 OfficeMax, Inc.* .................... 5,262,563
119,800 PetsMart Inc.*+ ..................... 2,620,625
76,600 Rite Aid Corp. ...................... 3,044,850
212,200 Sports Authority Inc. (The)*+ ....... 4,615,350
84,800 TJX Companies, Inc. ................. 4,017,400
47,000 Tiffany & Co. ....................... 1,721,375
-----------
41,373,562
-----------
SEMICONDUCTORS--9.1%
268,700 Adaptec, Inc.* ...................... 10,748,000
147,400 Altera Corporation* ................. 10,714,210
47,800 Linear Technology Corporation ....... 2,097,225
43,600 Maxim Integrated Products, lnc.* .... 1,885,700
39,400 Microchip Technology Incorporated* .. 2,004,475
150,000 S3 Incorporated* .................... 2,437,500
159,200 Xilinx, Inc.* ....................... 5,860,630
-----------
35,747,740
-----------
TRANSPORTATION--.6%
76,000 Coach USA Inc.* ..................... 2,204,000
-----------
MISCELLANEOUS--4.3%
220,800 Loewen Group Inc. ................... 8,638,800
298,000 Service Corp International .......... 8,344,000
-----------
16,982,800
-----------
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $322,117,641) ............... 369,869,631
-----------
F-16
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--DECEMBER 31, 1996 (CONT'D)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES VALUE
-------- -----
PREFERRED STOCK--1.5%
COMMUNICATIONS
105,800 Nokia Corporation, ADR
(Cost $5,108,232) ................. $ 6,096,725
-----------
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--4.6%
--------
SHORT-TERM CORPORATE NOTES--3.3%
$5,000,000 Countrywide Funding Corp.,
5.95%, 1/14/ 97 ................... 4,989,257
8,000,000 Dynamic Funding Corp., Series A,
6.08%, 1/03/ 97 ................... 7,997,298
-----------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM CORPORATE NOTES
(COST $12,986,555) ................ 12,986,555
-----------
SECURITIES HELD UNDER
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--1.3%
Securities Held Under Repurchase
Agreements, 6.50%,
1/2/97, with Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.,
dtd 12/31/96, repurchase price
$5,302,050; collateralized by
U.S. Treasury Strips (par value
$19,865,000 due 2/15/16) .......... 5,300,136
-----------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(COST $18,286,691) ................ 18,286,691
-----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(COST $345,512,564)(a) ............... 99.8% 394,253,047
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities .. .2 593,687
----- ------------
NET ASSETS ............................. 100.0% $394,846,734
===== ============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Non-income producing security.
+ Securities partially or fully on loan.
(a) At December 31, 1996, the net unrealized appreciation on investments, based
on cost for federal income tax purposes of $345,512,564, amounted to
$48,740,483 which consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation of
$59,552,909 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation of $10,812,426.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-17
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FROM MAY 3, 1993
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, (COMMENCEMENT OF
----------------------------------------------- OPERATIONS) TO
1996 1995 1994 DECEMBER 31, 1993(i)
--------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 19.44 $ 13.46 $ 13.72 $ 10.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) 0.03 (0.03) 0.00(ii) (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 2.29 6.01 (0.21) 3.88
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 2.32 5.98 (0.21) 3.86
Distributions from net realized gains (0.41) -- (0.05) (0.14)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 21.35 $ 19.44 $ 13.46 $ 13.72
===================================================================================================================================
Total Return 11.90% 44.45% (1.54%) 38.67%
===================================================================================================================================
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) $394,847 $185,349 $62,178 $21,301
===================================================================================================================================
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 0.84% 0.90% 0.97% 1.50%
===================================================================================================================================
Decrease reflected in above expense ratio
due to expense reimbursements -- -- -- 0.03%
===================================================================================================================================
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average
net assets 0.08% (0.25%) 0.03% (0.58%)
===================================================================================================================================
Portfolio Turnover Rate 90.97% 104.74% 83.96% 67.22%
===================================================================================================================================
Average Commission Rate Paid $ .0663
=======================================================================
</TABLE>
(i) Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been annualized.
(ii) Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-18
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--DECEMBER 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares COMMON STOCKS--96.8% Value
------ -----
AEROSPACE--5.3%
8,800 Boeing Company (The) ................. $ 936,100
6,500 Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.* .......... 157,625
10,000 Sundstrand Corp. ..................... 425,000
5,100 United Technologies Corp. ............ 336,600
----------
1,855,325
----------
APPAREL--.4%
1,600 Nautica Enterprises Inc.* ............ 40,400
2,000 Tommy Hilfiger Corporation* .......... 96,000
----------
136,400
----------
BIO-TECHNOLOGY--1.7%
2,500 Amgen Inc.* .......................... 135,938
6,100 BioChem Pharma Inc.*+ ................ 306,525
12,000 CellPro Incorporated* ................ 150,000
----------
592,463
----------
BUSINESS SERVICES--1.2%
9,900 Saville Systems PLC ADR* ............. 402,188
----------
CHEMICALS--2.1%
18,500 Monsanto Co. ......................... 719,188
----------
COMMUNICATIONS--2.6%
14,500 LCI International Inc.* .............. 311,750
2,700 Lucent Technologies Inc. ............. 124,875
3,700 Qualcomm Inc.* ....................... 147,538
13,700 WorldCom Inc.* ....................... 357,063
----------
941,226
----------
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT--12.5%
16,100 Ascend Communications, lnc.* ......... 1,000,212
7,000 Cascade Communications Corp.* ........ 385,875
16,000 Cisco Systems, Inc.* ................. 1,018,000
7,775 Glenayre Technologies Inc* ........... 167,652
14,000 Pairgain Technologies Inc.* .......... 426,132
9,600 PictureTel Corp.* .................... 249,600
28,600 Tellabs, Inc.* ....................... 1,076,075
----------
4,323,546
----------
COMPUTER RELATED &
BUSINESS EQUIPMENT--4.9%
4,200 Hewlett-Packard Company .............. 211,050
14,800 Sun Microsystems Inc.* ............... 380,182
15,200 3 Com Corp.* ......................... 1,115,300
----------
1,706,532
----------
COMPUTER SERVICES--2.3%
10,000 FactSet Research Systems Inc.* ....... 210,000
11,800 Paychex, Inc. ........................ 606,968
----------
816,968
----------
COMPUTER SOFTWARE--11.7%
2,600 Computer Associates
International Inc.* ................ 129,350
10,000 Compuware Corp.* ..................... 501,250
8,700 Electronics For Imaging Inc.* ........ 715,575
9,900 HBO & Company ........................ 587,813
23,900 Informix Corporation* ................ 486,963
9,900 Learning Company Inc. (The)* ......... 142,313
6,000 Medic Computer Systems, lnc.* ........ 241,878
8,200 Microsoft Corporation* ............... 677,525
5,000 Parametric Technology Corporation* ... 256,875
18,100 Structural Dynamics Research Corp.* .. 362,000
----------
4,101,542
----------
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY--1.9%
8,000 Citrix Systems, Inc.* ................ 312,504
10,300 Sterling Commerce, lnc.* ............. 363,075
----------
675,579
----------
CONSUMER PRODUCTS--2.0%
3,200 Colgate Palmolive Co. ................ 295,200
7,000 Nike, Inc. Cl. B ..................... 418,250
----------
713,450
----------
DEFENSE--.9%
3,500 Lockheed Martin Corp. ................ 320,250
----------
ENERGY & ENERGY SERVICES--1.4%
4,800 Schlumberger Ltd. .................... 479,400
----------
FINANCIAL SERVICES--8.3%
7,600 Chase Manhattan Corp. ................ 678,300
7,000 Citicorp ............................. 721,000
18,000 First Data Corporation+ .............. 657,000
3,000 Green Tree Financial Corp. ........... 115,875
14,600 Money Store Inc. (The)+ .............. 403,325
10,000 Schwab (Charles) Corporation (The)+ .. 320,000
----------
2,895,500
----------
FOOD CHAINS--.4%
3,500 Safeway Inc.*+ ....................... 149,625
----------
INSURANCE--2.2%
7,000 American International Group Inc. .... 757,750
----------
LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT--1.9%
24,000 International Game Technology ........ 438,000
10,800 Mirage Resorts, Incorporated* ........ 233,550
----------
671,550
----------
MEDICAL DEVICES--3.5%
8,700 ESC Medical Systems Ltd. ............. 221,850
13,200 Hologic, Inc.* ....................... 326,700
1,000 Intercardia, Inc.* ................... 21,500
8,000 Medtronic, Inc. ...................... 544,000
2,700 Target Therapeutics, Inc.* ........... 113,400
----------
1,227,450
----------
F-19
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--DECEMBER 31, 1996 (CONT'D)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) VALUE
------ -----
MEDICAL SERVICES--2.4%
5,600 Lincare Holdings Inc.* ................ $ 229,600
11,000 PhyCor, Inc.*+ ........................ 312,125
4,300 Quintiles Transnational Corp.* ........ 284,875
----------
826,600
----------
METALS--.5%
5,000 Titanium Metals Corporation* .......... 164,375
----------
OIL & GAS--.9%
1,800 Halliburton Co. ....................... 108,450
4,800 Tidewater Inc. ........................ 217,200
----------
325,650
----------
PHARMACEUTICALS--6.2%
1,500 Bristol Myers Squibb Co. .............. 163,125
9,000 Eli Lilly & Company ................... 657,000
6,200 Merck & Co., Inc. ..................... 491,350
3,600 Pfizer Inc. ........................... 298,350
7,500 Warner-Lambert & Co. .................. 562,500
----------
2,172,325
----------
POLLUTION CONTROL--1.2%
10,000 USA Waste Services, Inc.* ............. 318,750
3,200 United Waste Systems, Inc.* ........... 110,000
----------
428,750
----------
RESTAURANTS & LODGING--.6%
7,900 Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon Inc.* ... 211,325
----------
RETAILING--7.2%
10,500 Dollar General Corp. .................. 336,000
10,400 Gucci Group N.V. ...................... 664,300
7,500 Home Depot, lnc.+ ..................... 375,937
9,700 Nine West Group Inc.* ................. 449,837
17,000 Sports Authority Inc. (The)* .......... 369,750
6,500 TJX Companies, Inc. ................... 307,938
----------
2,503,762
----------
SEMICONDUCTORS--7.8%
19,200 Adaptec, Inc.* ........................ 768,000
12,900 Altera Corporation* ................... 937,675
1,600 Intel Corp. ........................... 209,501
4,300 Linear Technology Corporation ......... 188,662
6,600 Maxim Integrated Products, lnc.* ...... 285,450
9,000 Xilinx, Inc.* ......................... 331,317
----------
2,720,605
----------
MISCELLANEOUS--2.8%
14,500 Loewen Group Inc. ..................... 567,312
14,000 Service Corp. International ........... 392,000
----------
959,312
----------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(COST $31,404,661) ..................33,798,636
----------
PREFERRED STOCK--.6%
COMMUNICATIONS
3,700 Nokia Corporation, ADR
(COST $174,550) ..................... 213,213
----------
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS--4.0%
SECURITIES HELD
UNDER REPURCHASE
AGREEMENTS
Securities Held Under Repurchase
Agreements, 6.50%-6.625%, 1/2/97,
with Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., dtd
12/31/96, repurchase price
$1,398,650; collateralized by
U.S. Treasury Strips (par
value $1,530,000 due 2/15/98)
(COST $1,398,139) ................... 1,398,139
-----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(COST $32,977,350)(A) ................ 101.4% 35,409,988
Liabilities in Excess Of Other Assets .. (1.4) (484,718)
----- -----------
NET ASSETS ............................. 100.0% $34,925,270
===== ===========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Non-income producing security.
+ Securities partially or fully on loan.
(a) At December 31, 1996, the net unrealized appreciation on investments, based
on cost for federal income tax purposes of $32,977,350, amounted to
$2,432,638 which consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation of
$3,746,272 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation of $1,313,634.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-20
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FROM JANUARY 25, 1995
YEAR ENDED (COMMENCEMENT OF
DECEMBER 31, OPERATIONS) TO
1996 DECEMBER 31, 1995(I)
<S> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 17.43 $ 10.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment (loss) (0.03)(ii) (0.03)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 2.14 7.46
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 2.11 7.43
Distribution from net realized gains (0.18) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 19.36 $ 17.43
===================================================================================================================================
Total Return 12.04% 74.30%
===================================================================================================================================
Ratios and Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted) $34,925 $ 5,497
===================================================================================================================================
Ratio of expenses excluding interest to average net assets 1.06% 1.50%
===================================================================================================================================
Ratio of expenses including interest to average net assets 1.09% 1.56%
===================================================================================================================================
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to expense reimbursements -- 2.36%
===================================================================================================================================
Ratio of net investment (loss) to average net assets (0.15%) (0.71%)
===================================================================================================================================
Portfolio Turnover Rate 102.10% 178.23%
===================================================================================================================================
Amount of debt outstanding at end of period -- --
===================================================================================================================================
Average amount of debt outstanding during the period $76,079 $ 8,122
===================================================================================================================================
Average daily number of shares outstanding during the period 1,107,187 75,460
===================================================================================================================================
Average amount of debt per share during the period $ .07 $ 0.11
===================================================================================================================================
Average Commission Rate Paid $ .0682
================================================================================================================
(i)Ratios have been annualized; total return has not been annualized.
(ii)Amount was computed based on average shares outstanding during the period.
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-21
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
DECEMBER 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMERICAN AMERICAN
SMALL INCOME AMERICAN AMERICAN
AMERICAN CAPITALIZA- AND AMERICAN MIDCAP LEVERAGED
GROWTH TION GROWTH BALANCED GROWTH ALLCAP
PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(identified cost*)--see accompany-
ing schedules of investments $1,024,844,901 $1,468,783,069 $21,466,121 $10,523,735 $394,253,047 $35,409,988
Receivable for investment securities
sold 11,532,925 10,730,639 -- 63,837 4,422,652 118,367
Receivable for shares of beneficial
interest sold 6,171,974 686,631 52,160 20,698 741,882 346,855
Interest and dividends receivable 568,180 274,594 14,938 40,014 53,395 9,199
Other assets 16,876 28,519 -- 303 8,168 458
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets 1,043,134,856 1,480,503,452 21,533,219 10,648,587 399,479,144 35,884,867
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for securities loaned 32,470,434 -- 600,436 66,334 -- 914,436
Payable for investment securities
purchased 18,661,927 2,595,909 -- 74,638 3,761,381 --
Payable for shares of beneficial
interest redeemed 253,478 7,201,135 1,934 6,295 556,311 1,097
Accrued investment management fees 648,454 1,080,267 11,151 6,794 278,783 25,571
Accrued expenses 72,195 107,672 9,458 8,842 35,935 18,493
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities 52,106,488 10,984,983 622,979 162,903 4,632,410 959,597
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS $ 991,028,368 $1,469,518,469 $20,910,240 $10,485,684 $394,846,734 $34,925,270
==================================================================================================================================
Net Assets Consist of:
Paid-in capital $853,061,438 $1,226,865,358 $16,599,760 $9,293,064 $340,402,368 $33,283,516
Undistributed net investment
income (accumulated loss) 3,745,616 (5,560,628) 150,862 147,959 (62,882) (40,367)
Undistributed net realized gain
(accumulated loss) 5,264,954 47,177,150 1,156,790 208,689 5,766,765 (750,517)
Net unrealized appreciation 128,956,360 201,036,589 3,002,828 835,972 48,740,483 2,432,638
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS $991,028,368 $1,469,518,469 $20,910,240 $10,485,684 $394,846,734 $34,925,270
==================================================================================================================================
Shares of beneficial interest
outstanding--Note 6 28,868,474 35,924,690 2,482,483 1,134,492 18,494,256 1,803,878
==================================================================================================================================
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE $ 34.33 $ 40.91 $ 8.42 $ 9.24 $ 21.35 $ 19.36
==================================================================================================================================
*Identified cost $895,888,541 $1,267,746,480 $18,463,293 $9,687,763 $345,512,564 $32,977,350
==================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-22
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMERICAN AMERICAN
SMALL INCOME AMERICAN AMERICAN
AMERICAN CAPITALIZA- AND AMERICAN MIDCAP LEVERAGED
GROWTH TION GROWTH BALANCED GROWTH ALLCAP
PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Income:
Interest $ 5,084,368 $ 8,662,712 $ 106,242 $210,102 $2,103,965 $ 116,532
Dividends 4,541,995 1,218,045 154,109 28,016 596,804 79,611
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Income 9,626,363 9,880,757 260,351 238,118 2,700,769 196,143
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses:
Management fees-- Note 3(a) 5,604,710 10,617,051 92,934 55,775 2,330,374 177,612
Interest expense -- -- -- -- -- 6,433
Custodian fees 183,801 324,785 13,791 16,263 86,704 25,179
Transfer Agent fees 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
Professional fees 26,498 26,498 2,093 2,727 13,165 4,355
Trustees' fees 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000
Miscellaneous 47,579 77,071 5,078 3,400 22,127 8,366
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Expenses 5,869,088 11,051,905 120,396 84,665 2,458,870 228,445
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Investment Income
(Loss) 3,757,275 (1,171,148) 139,955 153,453 241,899 (32,302)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain (loss) on investments 10,026,741 74,215,000 1,169,219 215,191 9,953,972 (496,035)
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments 75,821,385 (40,231,403) 1,638,507 327,089 17,131,537 2,028,927
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
on investments 85,848,126 33,983,597 2,807,726 542,280 27,085,509 1,532,892
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE IN NET
ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS $89,605,401 $32,812,449 $2,947,681 $695,733 $27,327,408 $1,500,590
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-23
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Increase (decrease) in cash
Cash flows from operating activities:
Interest received $ 116,197
Dividends received 72,865
Operating expenses paid (193,711)
Disposition (purchase) of short-term securities, net (185,661)
Purchase of portfolio securities (47,681,604)
Proceeds from disposition of portfolio securities 19,447,087
Other (446)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (28,425,273)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid (145,132)
Proceeds from shares sold and dividends reinvested 39,611,775
Payments on shares redeemed (11,767,133)
Increase (decrease) in cash collateral received on securities loaned 725,763
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 28,425,273
Net increase in cash --
Cash--beginning of year --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash--end of year $ --
=====================================================================================================================
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 1,500,590
(Increase) decrease in investments (27,415,506)
(Increase) decrease in receivable for investments sold (118,367)
(Increase) decrease in interest and dividends receivable (7,081)
Increase (decrease) in payable for investments purchased (886,306)
Net realized (gain) loss 496,035
Net (increase) decrease in unrealized appreciation (2,028,927)
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses 26,185
Net (increase) decrease in other assets 8,104
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $(28,425,273)
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-24
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMERICAN
AMERICAN INCOME AMERICAN AMERICAN
AMERICAN SMALL AND AMERICAN MIDCAP LEVERAGED
GROWTH CAPITALIZATION GROWTH BALANCED GROWTH ALLCAP
PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net investment income (loss) $ 3,757,275 $ (1,171,148) $ 139,955 $ 153,453 $ 241,899 $ (32,302)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain (loss) on investments 10,026,741 74,215,000 1,169,219 215,191 9,953,972 (496,035)
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments 75,821,385 (40,231,403) 1,638,507 327,089 17,131,537 2,028,927
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations 89,605,401 32,812,449 2,947,681 695,733 27,327,408 1,500,590
Dividends to shareholders:
Net investment income (460,331) -- (229,100) (324,679) -- --
Net realized gains (19,459,452) (4,872,722) (7,658,484) (2,173,260) (5,502,860) (145,132)
Additional paid-in capital -- 1,653,352 -- -- -- --
Net increase from
shares of beneficial
interest transactions-- Note 6 418,369,211 455,713,242 17,210,684 8,616,721 187,673,423 28,072,726
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total increase 488,054,829 485,306,321 12,270,781 6,814,515 209,497,971 29,428,184
Net Assets
Beginning of year 502,973,539 984,212,148 8,639,459 3,671,169 185,348,763 5,497,086
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of year $ 991,028,368 $ 1,469,518,469 $ 20,910,240 $ 10,485,684 $ 394,846,734 $ 34,925,270
===================================================================================================================================
Undistributed net investment income
(accumulated loss) $ 3,745,616 $ (5,560,628) $ 150,862 $ 147,959 $ (62,882) $ (40,367)
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-25
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMERICAN
AMERICAN INCOME AMERICAN AMERICAN
AMERICAN SMALL AND AMERICAN MIDCAP LEVERAGED
GROWTH CAPITALIZATION GROWTH BALANCED GROWTH ALLCAP
PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO(*)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net investment income (loss) $ 447,177 $ (3,177,269) $ 229,201 $ 320,176 $ (275,972) $ (8,065)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments 15,710,698 (5,203,810) 10,080,314 2,423,578 3,625,757 (109,350)
Net change in unrealized appreciation
on investments 42,409,681 195,831,810 678,273 354,713 26,654,319 403,711
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations 58,567,556 187,450,731 10,987,788 3,098,467 30,004,104 286,296
Dividends to shareholders:
Net investment income (480,697) -- (352,788) (217,622) (10,668) --
Net realized gains (1,703,042) -- -- -- -- --
Net increase (decrease) from
shares of beneficial interest
transactions-- Note 6 296,199,246 399,724,319 (31,130,440) (9,604,163) 93,177,691 5,210,790
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total increase (decrease) 352,583,063 587,175,050 (20,495,440) (6,723,318) 123,171,127 5,497,086
Net Assets
Beginning of year 150,390,476 397,037,098 29,134,899 10,394,487 62,177,636 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of year $ 502,973,539 $ 984,212,148 $ 8,639,459 $ 3,671,169 $ 185,348,763 $ 5,497,086
===================================================================================================================================
Undistributed net investment income
(accumulated loss) $ 448,672 $ (4,389,480) $ 240,007 $ 319,185 $ (304,781) $ (8,065)
===================================================================================================================================
(*) Commenced operations January 25, 1995.
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-26
<PAGE>
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1--GENERAL:
The Alger American Fund (the "Fund") is a diversified, open-end registered
investment company organized as an unincorporated business trust under the laws
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Fund operates as a series company
currently issuing six classes of shares of beneficial interest: American Growth
Portfolio, American Small Capitalization Portfolio, American Income and Growth
Portfolio, American Balanced Portfolio, American MidCap Growth Portfolio and
American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio (collectively "the Portfolios"). Shares of
the Portfolios are available and are being marketed exclusively as a pooled
funding vehicle for qualified retirement plans and for life insurance companies
writing all types of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance
policies.
NOTE 2--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
(a) INVESTMENT VALUATION: Investments of the Portfolios are valued at 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open. Listed and
unlisted securities for which such information is regularly reported are valued
at the last reported sales price or, in the absence of reported sales, at the
mean between the bid and the asked price, or, in the absence of a recent bid or
asked price, the equivalent as obtained from one or more of the major market
makers for the securities to be valued.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are valued
according to procedures established by the Board of Trustees to determine fair
value in good faith.
Securities having a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are valued at
amortized cost which approximates market value.
(b) SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME: Security transactions are
recorded on a trade date basis. Resulting receivables and payables are carried
at amounts which approximate fair value. Realized gains and losses from security
transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is
recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recognized on the
accrual basis.
(c) REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: The Portfolios enter into repurchase agreements with
approved institutions, primarily U.S. Government securities dealers, and are
collateralized by U.S. Government securities. Such collateral is verified by the
investment manager as being either received and held in physical possession by
the custodian or as having been received by such custodian in book-entry form
through the Federal Reserve book-entry system. The investment manager monitors
the value of the collateral at the time the repurchase agreement is entered into
and on a daily basis during the term of the agreement to ensure that its value
equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price to be repaid to the
Portfolio. Additional collateral is obtained when necessary.
(d) LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES: The Portfolios lend their securities to
financial institutions, including an affiliate of the custodian, provided that
the market value of securities loaned will not at any time exceed one-third of
the Portfolio's total assets. The Portfolios earn fees on the securities loaned
which are included in interest income in the accompanying Statements of
Operations. In order to protect against the risk of failure by the borrower to
return the securities loaned or any delay in the delivery of such securities,
the investment manager ensures that the loan is collateralized by cash, letters
of credit or U.S. Government securities that are maintained at all times in an
amount equal to at least 100 percent of the current market value of the loaned
securities. At December 31, 1996, the value of securities loaned and collateral
received thereon were as follows:
VALUE OF
SECURITIES VALUE OF
LOANED COLLATERAL
--------- ---------
American Growth Portfolio...... $ 31,835,521 $ 32,470,434
American Small Capitalization
Portfolio.................... 191,128,175 194,952,709
American Income and Growth
Portfolio.................... 607,566 600,436
American Balanced Portfolio.... 66,196 66,334
American MidCap Growth
Portfolio.................... 21,686,890 22,121,524
American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio.................... 894,625 914,436
(e) DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS: Dividends payable to shareholders are recorded by
the Fund on the ex-dividend date.
Dividends from net investment income are declared and paid annually.
Dividends from net realized gains, offset by any loss carry forward, are
declared and paid annually after the end of the fiscal year in which earned.
(f) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
companies and to distribute all of the taxable income of each Portfolio to its
respective shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
Each Portfolio is treated as a separate entity for the purpose of determining
such compliance. At December 31, 1996, the net capital loss carryforward of the
American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio which may be used to offset future
net realized gains was approximately $678,000, and expires in 2004.
F-27
<PAGE>
(g) EXPENSES: The Fund accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and
operations of each Portfolio. Expenses directly attributable to each Portfolio
are charged to that Portfolio's operations; expenses which are applicable to all
Portfolios are allocated among them.
(h) OTHER: These financial statements have been prepared using estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts therein. Actual results may differ
from those estimates.
NOTE 3--INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES:
(a) Investment Management Fees: Fees incurred by each Portfolio, pursuant to the
provisions of the Investment Management Agreements (the "Agreements") with Fred
Alger Management, Inc. ("Alger Management"), are payable monthly and computed
based on the average daily net assets of each Portfolio at the following annual
rates:
American Growth Portfolio............................ .750%
American Small Capitalization Portfolio.............. .850
American Income and Growth Portfolio................. .625
American Balanced Portfolio.......................... .750
American MidCap Growth Portfolio..................... .800
American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio.................. .850
The Agreements further provide that if in any fiscal year the aggregate
expenses, excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, and extraordinary
expenses, of the American Growth Portfolio exceed 1.50%; the American Small
Capitalization Portfolio exceed 1.50%; the American Income and Growth Portfolio
exceed 1.25%; the American Balanced Portfolio exceed 1.25%; the American MidCap
Growth Portfolio exceed 1.50% and the American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio exceed
1.50% of the average daily net assets of the applicable Portfolio, Alger
Management will reimburse that Portfolio for the excess expenses.
(B) BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS: During the year ended December 31, 1996, the American
Growth Portfolio, American Small Capitalization Portfolio, American Income and
Growth Portfolio, American Balanced Portfolio, American MidCap Growth Portfolio
and the American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio paid Fred Alger & Company,
Incorporated ("Alger Inc.") $1,406,836, $1,731,476, $50,688, $9,748, $561,637
and $42,363, respectively, in connection with securities transactions.
(C) TRANSFER AGENCY FEES: The Fund has entered into a transfer agency agreement
with Alger Shareholder Services, Inc. ("Services"), whereby Services will act as
transfer agent for the Fund for a fee of $2,500 per year, per Portfolio, plus
out-of-pocket expenses.
(D) OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES: Certain trustees and officers of the
Fund are directors and officers of Alger Management, Alger Inc. and Services. At
December 31, 1996, Alger Inc. and affiliates owned 36,243 shares, 21,807 shares,
2,836 shares, 2,380 shares, 1 share, and 24,714 shares of the American Growth
Portfolio, American Small Capitalization Portfolio, American Income and Growth
Portfolio, American Balanced Portfolio, American MidCap Growth Portfolio and
American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 1996, Alger Management contributed additional
paid in capital of approximately $1,653,000 to the American Small Capitalization
Portfolio for the purpose of correcting an error.
NOTE 4--SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS:
Purchases and sales of securities, other than short-term securities, for the
year ended December 31, 1996, were as follows:
Purchases Sales
--------- -----
American Growth Portfolio...... $ 975,333,681 $ 548,414,442
American Small Capitalization
Portfolio.................... 1,657,330,520 1,213,617,574
American Income and Growth
Portfolio.................... 25,498,206 15,777,721
American Balanced Portfolio.... 8,484,423 3,900,167
American MidCap Growth
Portfolio.................... 412,327,838 233,284,595
American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio.................... 46,795,298 19,565,454
NOTE 5--SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS:
The American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio has a line of credit with a bank whereby
it may borrow up to one-third of its assets, as defined, up to a maximum of
$25,000,000. Such borrowings have a variable interest rate and are payable on
demand. During the year ended December 31, 1996, the American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio had borrowings which averaged $76,079 at a weighted average interest
rate of 8.32%.
NOTE 6--SHARE CAPITAL:
The Fund has an unlimited number of authorized shares of beneficial interest of
$.001 par value.
F-28
<PAGE>
During the year ended December 31, 1996, transactions of shares of beneficial
interest were as follows:
Shares Amount
------ -------
American Growth
Portfolio:
Shares sold................ 19,647,051 $642,965,537
Dividends reinvested....... 603,264 19,919,783
--------- -----------
20,250,315 662,885,320
Shares redeemed............ (7,525,422) (244,516,109)
--------- -----------
Net increase............. 12,724,893 $418,369,211
========= ===========
Shares Amount
------ -------
American Small Capitalization
Portfolio:
Shares sold................ 23,962,644 $986,432,069
Dividends reinvested....... 107,827 4,872,722
--------- -----------
24,070,471 991,304,791
Shares redeemed............ (13,122,238) (535,591,549)
--------- -----------
Net increase............. 10,948,233 $455,713,242
========= ===========
Shares Amount
------ -------
American Income and Growth
Portfolio:
Shares sold................ 1,280,083 $ 12,357,144
Dividends reinvested....... 1,064,451 7,887,584
--------- -----------
2,344,534 20,244,728
Shares redeemed............ (347,790) (3,034,044)
--------- -----------
Net increase............. 1,996,744 $ 17,210,684
========= ===========
Shares Amount
------ -------
American Balanced
Portfolio:
Shares sold................ 701,980 $ 7,239,916
Dividends reinvested....... 278,167 2,497,939
--------- -----------
980,147 9,737,855
Shares redeemed............ (114,847) (1,121,134)
--------- -----------
Net increase............. 865,300 $ 8,616,721
========= ===========
Shares Amount
------ -------
American MidCap Growth
Portfolio:
Shares sold................ 16,365,480 $340,608,341
Dividends reinvested....... 252,773 5,502,860
--------- -----------
16,618,253 346,111,201
Shares redeemed............ (7,657,192) (158,437,778)
--------- -----------
Net increase............. 8,961,061 $187,673,423
========= ===========
Shares Amount
------ -------
American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio:
Shares sold................ 2,109,229 $ 39,694,878
Dividends reinvested....... 7,221 145,132
--------- -----------
2,116,450 39,840,010
Shares redeemed............ (627,954) (11,767,284)
--------- -----------
Net increase............. 1,488,496 $ 28,072,726
========= ===========
Shares Amount
------ -------
American Growth
Portfolio:
Shares sold................ 13,397,031 $401,141,672
Dividends reinvested....... 84,119 2,183,739
--------- -----------
13,481,150 403,325,411
Shares redeemed............ (3,839,223) (107,126,165)
--------- -----------
Net increase............. 9,641,927 $296,199,246
========= ===========
Shares Amount
------ -------
American Small Capitalization
Portfolio:
Shares sold................ 18,702,535 $691,048,373
Shares redeemed............ (8,263,881) (291,324,054)
--------- -----------
Net increase............. 10,438,654 $399,724,319
========= ===========
Shares Amount
------ -------
American Income and Growth
Portfolio:
Shares sold................ 887,706 $ 14,574,940
Dividends reinvested....... 23,363 352,788
--------- -----------
911,069 14,927,728
Shares redeemed............ (2,616,215) (46,058,168)
--------- -----------
Net decrease............. (1,705,146) $(31,130,440)
========= ===========
Shares Amount
------ -------
American Balanced
Portfolio:
Shares sold................ 392,582 $ 4,925,776
Dividends reinvested....... 18,568 217,622
--------- -----------
411,150 5,143,398
Shares redeemed............ (1,104,001) (14,747,561)
--------- -----------
Net decrease............. (692,851) $ (9,604,163)
========= ===========
Shares Amount
------ -------
American MidCap Growth
Portfolio:
Shares sold................ 8,606,684 $ 160,082,716
Dividends reinvested....... 706 10,668
--------- -----------
8,607,390 160,093,384
Shares redeemed............ (3,694,620) (66,915,693)
--------- -----------
Net increase............. 4,912,770 $ 93,177,691
========= ===========
Shares Amount
------ -------
American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio:
Shares sold................ 405,310 $ 6,744,547
Shares redeemed............ (89,928) (1,533,757)
--------- -----------
Net increase............. 315,382 $ 5,210,790
========= ===========
F-29
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND:
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including
the schedules of investments, of The Alger American Fund (a Massachusetts
business trust comprising, respectively, the Alger American Growth Portfolio,
Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio, Alger American Income and Growth
Portfolio, Alger American Balanced Portfolio, Alger American MidCap Growth
Portfolio and Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio) as of December 31,
1996, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then
ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the
period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the
period then ended. These financial statements and 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
December 31, 1996, 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 each
of the respective portfolios constituting The Alger American Fund as of December
31, 1996, the results of their operations and cash flows for the year then
ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period
then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the
period then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Arthur Andersen LLP
New York, New York
January 31, 1997
F-30
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
Bonds rated Aa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("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 fluctuation of protective elements may
be of greater amplitude, or there may be other elements present that make the
long-term risks appear somewhat larger than those applicable to Aaa securities.
Bonds that are rated A by Moody's possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium-grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be
present that suggest a susceptibility to impairment in the future.
Moody's Baa rated bonds are considered as medium-grade obligations, i.e.,
they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and
principal security appear adequate for the present, but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and, in
fact, have speculative characteristics as well.
Bonds rated Ba by Moody's are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times in the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class. Bonds which are rated B by Moody's generally
lack characteristics of a desirable investment. Assurance of interest and
principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any
period of time may be small.
Moody's applies the numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating
classification from Aa through B. The modifier 1 indicates that the security
ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates
a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the
lower end of its generic rating category.
Bonds rated AA by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") are judged by S&P to
be high-grade obligations and in the majority of instances differ only in 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 possess the ultimate
degree of protection as to principal and interest. With A bonds, as with AAA
bonds, prices move with the long-term money market. 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, or medium-grade category bonds, are
borderline between definitely sound obligations and those where the speculative
elements begin to predominate. These bonds have adequate asset coverage and
normally are protected by satisfactory earnings. Their susceptibility to
changing conditions, particularly to depressions, necessitates constant
watching. These bonds generally are more responsive to business and trade
conditions than to interest rates. This group is the lowest-rated that qualifies
for commercial bank investment. Bonds rated BB and B by S&P are regarded, on
balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest
and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. These
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within the major rating categories. Debt rated BB has less near-term
vulnerability to default than other speculative issues. However, it faces major
ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or economic
conditions that could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and
principal payments. The BB rating category is also used for debt subordinated to
senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating. Debt rated B has
a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the capacity to meet
interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business, financial or
economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to pay interest
and repay principal. The B rating category is also used for debt subordinated to
senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BB or BB- rating. Bonds rated
AAA by Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") are judged by Fitch to be
strictly high-grade, broadly marketable, suitable for investment by trustees and
fiduciary institutions and liable to but slight market fluctuation other than
through changes in the money rate. The prime feature of an AAA bond is a showing
A-1
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
(continued)
of earnings several times or many times interest requirements, with such
stability of applicable earnings that safety is beyond reasonable question
whatever changes occur in conditions. Bonds rated AA by Fitch are judged by
Fitch to be of safety virtually beyond question and are readily salable, whose
merits are not unlike those of the AAA class, but whose margin of safety is less
strikingly broad. The issue may be the obligation of a small company, strongly
secured but influenced as to rating by the lesser financial power of the
enterprise and more local type of market.
Bonds rated Duff-1 are judged by Duff and Phelps, Inc. ("Duff") to be of the
highest credit quality with negligible risk factors; only slightly more than
U.S. Treasury debt. Bonds rated Duff-2, 3 and 4 are judged by Duff to be of high
credit quality with strong protection factors. Risk is modest but may vary
slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
Moody's Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to
repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in
excess of nine months. The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating
assigned by Moody's. Issuers rated Prime-1, or related supporting institutions,
are considered to have a superior capacity for repayment of short-term
promissory obligations. Issuers rated Prime-2, or related supporting
institutions, are considered to have a strong capacity for repayment of
short-term promissory obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of
the characteristics of issuers rated Prime-1, but to a lesser degree. Earnings
trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to variation.
Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by
external conditions. Ample liquidity is maintained.
Commercial paper ratings of S&P are current assessments of the likelihood of
timely payment of debts having original maturities of no more than 365 days.
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 overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted A-1+. Capacity for
timely payment on commercial paper rated A-2 is strong, but the relative degree
of safety is not as high as for issues designated A-1.
The rating Fitch-1 (Highest Grade) is the highest commercial paper rating
assigned by Fitch. Paper rated Fitch-1 is regarded as having the strongest
degree of assurance for timely payment. The rating Fitch-2 (Very Good Grade) is
the second highest commercial paper rating assigned by Fitch which reflects an
assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than the strongest
issues.
The rating Duff-l is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Duff.
Paper rated Duff-l is regarded as having very high certainty of timely payment
with excellent liquidity factors which are supported by ample asset protection.
Risk factors are minor. Paper rated Duff-2 is regarded as having good certainty
of timely payment, good access to capital markets and sound liquidity factors
and company fundamentals. Risk factors are small.
A-2
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT MANAGER:
Fred Alger Management, Inc.
75 Maiden Lane
New York, New York 10038
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTOR:
Fred Alger & Company, Incorporated
30 Montgomery Street
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSFER AGENT:
Alger Shareholder Services, Inc.
30 Montgomery Street
Box 2001
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS:
Arthur Andersen LLP
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COUNSEL:
Hollyer Brady Smith Troxell Barrett
Rockett Hines & Mone LLP
551 Fifth Avenue
New York, N.Y 10176
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE |
ALGER | MEETING THE CHALLENGE
AMERICAN | OF INVESTING
FUND |
Statement |
of Additional | May 1, 1997
Information |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) Financial Statements:
(l) Financial Statements included in Part A:
Condensed Financial Information
(2) Financial Statements included in Part B:
(i) Report of Independent Accountants;
(ii) Financial Statements as of December 31, 1996 and for the
period then ended;
(b) Exhibits:
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
- ----------- ----------------------
l(a) Agreement and Declaration of Trust (l)
l(b) Written Consent of the Sole Trustee of the Trust amending the
Agreement and Declaration of Trust (1)
1(c) Amendment to Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust to
establish the Alger American Fixed Income Portfolio (3)
l(d) Certificate of Designation relating to the Alger American MidCap
Growth Portfolio (5)
1(e) Certificate of Designation relating to the Alger American Leveraged
AllCap Portfolio (6)
2 By-laws of Registrant (l)
3 Not applicable
C-1
<PAGE>
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
- ----------- ----------------------
4(a) Specimen certificate for shares of beneficial interest in the Alger
American Money Market Portfolio, the Alger American Income and
Growth Portfolio, the Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio
and the Alger American Growth Portfolio (2)
4(b) Specimen certificate for shares of beneficial interest in the Alger
American Fixed Income Portfolio (3)
4(c) Specimen certificate for shares of beneficial interest in the Alger
American Balanced Portfolio (4)
4(d) Specimen certificate for shares of beneficial interest in the Alger
American MidCap Growth Portfolio (5)
4(e) Specimen certificate for shares of beneficial interest in the Alger
American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio (6)
5 Investment Management Agreements (3)
5(a) Investment Management Agreement for the Alger American Balanced
Portfolio (4)
5(b) Investment Management Agreement for the Alger American MidCap Growth
Portfolio (5)
5(c) Investment Management Agreement for the Alger American Leveraged
AllCap Portfolio (6)
6 Distribution Agreement (3)
7 Not applicable
8(a) Form of Custody Agreement (2)
8(b) Form of Supplement to Custody Agreement relating to the Alger
American Fixed Income Portfolio (3)
9 Not applicable
10 Opinions of Counsel (3)
l0(a) Opinions of Sullivan & Worcester (6)
C-2
<PAGE>
11 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
12 Not applicable
13(a) Purchase Agreement relative to the shares of the Alger American
Money Market, Income and Growth, Small Capitalization and Growth
Portfolios (2)
13(b) Purchase Agreement relative to the shares of the Alger American
Fixed Income Portfolio (3)
13(c) Purchase Agreement relative to the shares of the Alger American
MidCap Growth Portfolio (5)
13(d) Purchase Agreement relative to the shares of the Alger American
Leveraged AllCap Portfolio (6)
14 Not applicable
15 Not applicable
16 Schedule for computation of performance quotations provided in the
Statement of Additional Information
- ----------
(1) Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration Statement (the
"Registration Statement") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") on May 6, 1988.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement ("Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2") filed with the SEC
on July 22, 1988.
(3) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement ("Post-Effective Amendment No. 1") filed with the
SEC on January 23, 1989.
(4) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the
Registration Statement ("Post-Effective Amendment No. 5") filed with the
SEC on August 3, 1992.
(5) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the
Registration Statement ("Post-Effective Amendment No. 7") filed with the
SEC on March 5, 1993.
(6) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to the
Registration Statement ("Post-Effective Amendment No. 9") filed with the
SEC on March 2, 1994.
C-3
<PAGE>
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant
None.
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities
Set forth below is information regarding the number of record holders of
each class of Registrant's securities as of April 4, 1997.
Title or Class Number of Record Holders
-------------- ------------------------
Alger American Income and Growth Portfolio 6
Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio 40
Alger American Growth Portfolio 36
Alger American Balanced Portfolio 5
Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio 26
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio 17
Item 27. Indemnification
Under Section 8.4 of Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust any
past or present Trustee or officer of Registrant (including persons who serve at
Registrant's request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization
in which Registrant has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise
[hereinafter referred to as a "Covered Person"]) is indemnified to the fullest
extent permitted by law against liability and all expenses reasonably incurred
by him in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which he may be a
party or otherwise involved by reason of his being or having been a Covered
Person. This provision does not authorize indemnification when it is determined,
in the manner specified in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, that such
Covered Person has not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his
actions were in or not opposed to the best interests of Registrant. Moreover,
this provision does not authorize indemnification when it is determined, in the
manner specified in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, that such Covered
Person would otherwise be liable to Registrant or its shareholders by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his
duties. Expenses may be paid by Registrant in advance of the final disposition
of any action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by such Covered
Person to repay such expenses to Registrant in the event that it is ultimately
determined that indemnification of such expenses is not
C-4
<PAGE>
authorized under the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and either (i) the
Covered Person provides security for such undertaking, (ii) Registrant is
insured against losses from such advances or (iii) the disinterested Trustees or
independent legal counsel determines, in the manner specified in the Agreement
and Declaration of Trust, that there is reason to believe the Covered Person
will be found to be entitled to indemnification.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), may be permitted to Trustees, officers and
controlling persons of Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC") such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a Trustee, officer or
controlling person of Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit
or proceeding) is asserted by such Trustee, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
Alger Management, which serves as investment manager to Registrant, is
generally engaged in rendering investment advisory services to institutions and,
to a lesser extent, individuals. Alger Management presently serves as investment
adviser to one closed-end investment company and to three other open-end
investment companies. The list required by this Item 28 regarding any other
business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in
by officers and directors of Alger Management during the past two years is
incorporated by reference to Schedules A and D of Form ADV filed by Alger
Management pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (SEC File No.
801-06709).
Item 29. Principal Underwriter
(a) Alger Inc. acts as principal underwriter for Registrant, The Alger
Retirement Fund, Spectra Fund and The Alger Fund and has acted as subscription
agent for Castle Convertible Fund, Inc.
(b) The information required by this Item 29 with respect to each director,
officer or partner of Alger Inc. is incorporated by reference to Schedule A of
Form BD filed by Alger Inc. pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (SEC
File No. 8-6423).
(c) Not applicable.
C-5
<PAGE>
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
All accounts and records of Registrant are maintained by Mr. Gregory
S. Duch, Fred Alger & Company, Incorporated, 30 Montgomery Street, Jersey
City, NJ 07302.
Item 31. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 32. Undertakings
(a) Not applicable
(b) Not applicable
(c) Registrant hereby undertakes to provide its annual report without
charge to any recipient of its Prospectus who requests the
information.
C-6
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, Registrant certifies that this
Registration Statement meets all of the requirements for effectiveness pursuant
to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this
Amendment to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly
authorized, in the City of New York and State of New York on the 15th day of
April, 1997.
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
By: /s/ David D. Alger
--------------------------------
David D. Alger, President
ATTEST: /s/ Gregory S. Duch
-------------------------------
Gregory S. Duch, Treasurer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated:
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Fred M. Alger III* Chairman of the Board April 15, 1997
- --------------------------------
Fred M. Alger III
/s/ David D. Alger President and Trustee April 15, 1997
- -------------------------------- (Chief Executive Officer)
David D. Alger
/s/ Gregory S. Duch Treasurer April 15, 1997
- -------------------------------- (Chief Financial and
Gregory S. Duch Accounting Officer)
/s/ Nathan E. Saint-Amand* Trustee April 15, 1997
- --------------------------------
Nathan E. Saint-Amand
/s/ Stephen E. O'Neil* Trustee April 15, 1997
- --------------------------------
Stephen E. O'Neil
/s/ Arthur M. Dubow* Trustee April 15, 1997
- --------------------------------
Arthur M. Dubow
/s/ John T. Sargent* Trustee April 15, 1997
- --------------------------------
John T. Sargent
*/s/ Gregory S. Duch
- --------------------------------
*By: Gregory S. Duch
Attorney-In-Fact
C-7
<PAGE>
Securities Act File No. 33-21722
Investment Company Act File No. 811-5550
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM N-1A
---
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ---
---
Pre-Effective Amendment No. ---
---
Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 X
---
and/or
---
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 ---
---
Amendment No. 16 x
---
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
--------------------------
E X H I B I T S
--------------------------
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit Page Number in Sequential
No. Number System
- ------ -------------------------
11 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP .............
16 Schedule of computation of
performance quotations
provided in the Statement
of Additional Information ..................
ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO. LLP
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
-----------------------------------------
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
dated January 31, 1997, on the financial statements of The Alger American Fund
for the period ended December 31, 1996 and to all references to our Firm
included in or made a part of the registration statement of The Alger American
Fund filed on Form N-1A (Amendment No. 16), Investment Company Act File No.
811-5550 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
----------------------------
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
New York, New York
April 14, 1997
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURN COMPUTATION
The Average Annual Return for each Portfolio
was computed according to the following formula:
n
FORMULA: P(1+T) =ERV
Where: P = A hypothetical investment of $1,000
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = Ending Redeemable Value of a hypothetical
$1,000 payment made at the beginning of
the 1, 5, or 10 year (or other) periods at
the end of the 1, 5, or 10 year (or other)
periods (or fractional portion thereof)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE
ENDING ANNUAL
PERIOD REDEEMABLE RATE OF
PORTFOLIO COVERED VALUE RETURN FORMULA*
--------- ------- ---------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ALGER AMERICAN
INCOME & GROWTH: 11/15/88 (commencement
of operations)
through 12/31/96** 2,387.84 11.30% @RATE(2387.84,8.13)
5 YEARS ENDED 12/31/96 1,778.15 12.20% @RATE(1778.15,1000,5)
YEAR ENDED 12/31/96 1,196.79 19.68% @RATE(1196.79,1000,1)
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL
CAPITALIZATION: 9/21/88 (commencement
of operations)
through 12/31/96*** 4,591.62 20.21% @RATE(4591.62,1000,8.28)
5 YEARS ENDED 12/31/96 1,686.39 11.02% @RATE(1686.39,1000,5)
YEAR ENDED 12/31/96 1,041.81 4.18% @RATE(1041.81,1000,1)
ALGER AMERICAN
GROWTH: 1/9/89 (commencement
of operations)
through 12/31/96**** 3,915.34 18.65% @RATE(3915.34,1000,7.98)
5 YEARS ENDED 12/31/96 2,158.12 16.63% @RATE(2158.12,1000,5)
YEAR ENDED 12/31/96 1,133.47 13.35% @RATE(1133.47,1000,1)
ALGER AMERICAN
BALANCED: 9/5/89 (commencement
of operations)
through 12/31/96***** 1,832.98 8.63% @RATE(1832.98,1000,7.32)
5 YEARS ENDED 12/31/96 1,600.82 9.87% @RATE(1600.82,1000,5)
YEAR ENDED 12/31/96 1,101.68 10.17% @RATE(1101.68,1000,1)
ALGER AMERICAN
MIDCAP GROWTH: 5/3/93 (commencement
of operations)
through 12/31/96****** 2,206.80 24.08% @RATE(2206.80,1000,3.67)
YEAR ENDED 12/31/96 1,118.97 11.90% @RATE(1118.97,1000,1)
ALGER AMERICAN
LEVERAGED ALLCAP: 1/25/95 (commencement
of operations)
through 12/31/96******* 1,952.86 41.27% @RATE(1952.86,1000,1.94)
YEAR ENDED 12/31/96 1,120.41 12.04% @RATE(1120.41,1000,1)
*LOTUS 123 @RATE FUNCTION:
@RATE(FV,PV,TERM) The periodic interest rate necessary for
present value "pv," to grow to future
value "fv," over the number of compounding periods in "term".
</TABLE>
**Period equals 8.13 years.
***Period equals 8.28 years.
****Period equals 7.98 years.
*****Period equals 7.32 years.
******Period equals 3.67 years.
*******Period equals 1.94 years.
