Filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on July 30, 1999
File No. 2-14400
File No. 811-642
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
Post-Effective Amendment No. 72
--
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No. 52
--
Scudder International Fund, Inc.
--------------------------------
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154
-------------------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (617) 295-2565
-------------
Caroline Pearson
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110-4103
----------------------------------------------
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
/ / Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
/ / On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
/ / days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
/ / On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
/ X / On August 1, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (b)
If Appropriate, check the following box:
/ / This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment
<PAGE>
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
SCUDDER LATIN AMERICA FUND
SCUDDER PACIFIC OPPORTUNITIES FUND
SCUDDER GREATER EUROPE GROWTH FUND
SCUDDER EMERGING MARKETS GROWTH FUND
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND
International Shares and Barrett International Shares
<PAGE>
Scudder International Fund
International Shares
Supplement to Prospectus
Dated August 1, 1999
Scudder International Fund (the "fund") currently offers three classes of shares
to provide investors with different purchase options. The three options are:
International Shares, Barrett International Shares and Class R shares. Only
Class R shares are offered and described in this supplement to the prospectus.
Class R shares are available for purchase by participants of certain
employer-sponsored retirement plans. Class R shares currently are available for
purchase through certain financial intermediaries as well as third-party
providers and other entities. Share certificates are not available for Class R
shares.
The following information supplements the following indicated sections of the
prospectus:
How the fund works
The Fund's Track Record
As Class R shares do not have a full calendar year of performance, no past
performance data is provided. However, the bar chart and performance table on
page 4 of the International Shares' prospectus shows how the total returns for
the fund's International Shares have varied from year to year, which may give
some idea of risk. International Shares are not offered in this supplement to
the prospectus but have substantially similar annual returns to the Class R
shares because the Class R shares are invested in the same portfolio of
securities and the annual returns would differ only to the extent that the
classes have different expenses.
August 1, 1999
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
Because this is a no-load fund, it doesn't charge you any shareholder fees. The
fund does have annual operating expenses, and as a shareholder you pay them
indirectly.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales Charges/Redemption Fees None
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses (deducted from fund assets)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.81%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution (12b-1) and Service Fee 0.00%*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses** 0.76%
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Total Annual Operating Expenses 1.57%
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* The Class R shares are subject to a Rule 12b-1 and Administrative Services
Plan (the "Plan"), which allows for payment of a fee of up to 0.25% for
distribution- related services. Currently, the fund's Board of Directors
(the "Board") has not authorized payment under the Plan. The Board,
however, may authorize payments under the Plan at any time. If payment
under the Plan is authorized, the administrative services fee described
below would be reduced.
** Includes an administrative services fee of 0.25%, in addition to other
class-specific expenses, such as transfer agent and certain registration
fees, which amounts may vary with class size and other factors. Because the
inception date of Class R shares is August 1, 1999, "Other Expenses" are
estimated based upon the amounts incurred by the International Shares of
the fund during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999.
Expense Example
Based on the costs above, this example is designed to help you compare the
expenses of the fund's Class R shares to those of other funds. The example
assumes you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns, reinvested all dividends
and distributions, and sold your shares at the end of each period. Remember that
this is only an example, and that actual expenses will be different.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$160 $497 $857 $1,872
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial highlights
As Class R shares are a new class of shares of the fund, no financial highlight
data is available.
<PAGE>
How to invest in the fund
How to Buy Shares
First investment Additional investments
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o Class R shares are available only o Please consult your plan
through employer-sponsored administrator or plan
retirement plans. Please consult representative for more
your plan administrator or plan information on how to purchase
representative for more shares
information on how to purchase
shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Exchange or Sell Shares
Exchanging into another fund Selling shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o Shareholders of Class R shares may o Please consult your plan
exchange their Class R shares only administrator or plan
for shares of funds authorized for representative for more
exchange by the applicable plan. information on how to sell
Please consult your plan your shares
administrator or plan
representative for more
information concerning exchanges
of shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Understanding Distributions and Taxes
Dividends and other distributions in the aggregate amount of $10 or less are
automatically reinvested in shares of the same fund unless you request that such
policy not be applied to your account.
<PAGE>
SCUDDER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY/GLOBAL
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Scudder International
Fund Fund #068
Prospectus
August 1, 1999
This prospectus applies to the International Shares of the Scudder International
Fund.
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) does not
approve or disapprove these shares or determine whether the information in this
prospectus is truthful or complete. It is a criminal offense for anyone to
inform you otherwise.
<PAGE>
Scudder International Fund
How the fund works
2 Investment Approach
3 Main Risks to Investors
4 The Fund's Track Record
5 How Much Investors Pay
6 Other Policies and Risks
7 Who Manages and Oversees the Fund
9 Financial Highlights
How to invest in the fund
11 How to Buy Shares
12 How to Exchange or Sell Shares
13 Policies You Should Know About
18 Understanding Distributions and Taxes
<PAGE>
How the fund works
On the next few pages, you'll find information about this fund's investment
goal, the main strategies it uses to pursue that goal, and the main risks that
could affect its performance.
You'll also be able to look at the fund's track record and get an idea of the
costs you should expect to pay as a fund shareholder.
Whether you are considering investing in the fund or are already a shareholder,
you'll probably want to look this information over carefully. You may want to
keep it on hand for reference as well.
Remember that mutual funds are investments, not bank deposits. They're not
insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other organization. Their share prices
could go up and down, so be aware that you could lose money.
You can access all Scudder fund prospectuses online at www.scudder.com
<PAGE>
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ticker symbol | SCINX fund number | 068
Scudder International Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Approach
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital by investing mainly in foreign
equities (equity securities issued by foreign-based companies and listed on
foreign exchanges). The fund generally focuses on common stocks of established
companies in countries with developed economies.
In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers use a combination of three analytical
disciplines:
Bottom-up research. The managers look for individual companies that have sound
financial strength, good business prospects, strong competitive positioning, and
above-average earnings growth, among other factors.
Top-down analysis. The managers consider the economic outlooks for various
countries and geographical regions, favoring countries that they believe have
sound economic conditions and open markets.
Analysis of global themes. The managers look for significant changes in the
business environment, with an eye toward identifying industries that may benefit
from these changes.
The managers intend to keep the fund's holdings diversified across industries
and geographical areas, although, depending on their outlook, they may increase
or reduce the fund's exposure to a given industry or area.
The fund will normally sell a stock when the managers believe it has reached its
fair value, its underlying investment theme has matured, or the reasons for
originally investing no longer apply.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING FOUR PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INVESTMENTS
While most of the fund's foreign equities are common stocks, some may be other
types of equities, such as convertible securities, preferred stocks, and
depositary receipts. The fund may also invest up to 20% of net assets in foreign
debt securities, including convertible bonds.
Although the managers are permitted to use various types of derivatives
(contracts whose value is based on, for example, indices, commodities,
currencies, or securities), the managers don't intend to use them as principal
investments.
2 | Scudder International Fund
<PAGE>
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[ICON] This fund was designed for investors who want a
broadly diversified international investment with the
emphasis squarely on long-term growth of capital.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Main Risks to Investors
There are several risk factors that could hurt the fund's performance, cause you
to lose money, or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
As with most stock funds, the most important factor with this fund is how stock
markets perform -- in this case, foreign markets. When foreign stock prices
fall, you should expect the value of your investment to fall as well. Foreign
stocks also tend to be more volatile than their U.S. counterparts, for reasons
ranging from political and economic uncertainties to a higher risk that
essential information may be incomplete or wrong. While developed foreign
markets may be less risky than emerging markets, increasing globalization can
make any market vulnerable to events elsewhere in the world.
A second major factor is currency exchange rates. When the dollar value of a
foreign currency falls, so does the value of any investments the fund owns that
are denominated in that currency. This is separate from market risk, and may add
to market losses or reduce market gains.
Because a stock represents ownership in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by
poor management, shrinking product demand and other business risks. These may
affect single companies as well as groups of companies.
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of economic trends,
geographical areas, industries, companies, or other matters
o some derivatives could produce disproportionate losses
o at times, the fund might find it difficult to value some investments
accurately or to get a fair price for them
Scudder International Fund | 3
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] If you'd like up-to-date informion on this fund's performance
since inception, call 1-800-SCUDDER or visit the Scudder Web site
at www.scudder.com.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's Track Record
The bar chart shows how the total returns for the fund's International Shares
have varied from year to year, which may give some idea of risk. Below the chart
is a table showing how the fund's International Shares' returns over different
periods average out. For context, the table also includes a broad-based market
index (which, unlike the fund, does not have any fees or expenses). All figures
on this page assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31 each year
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
BAR CHART DATA:
'89 27.04
'90 -8.92
'91 11.78
'92 -2.64
'93 36.50
'94 -2.99
'95 12.22
'96 14.55
'97 7.98
'98 18.62
1999 Total Return as of June: 10.72%
Best Quarter: 14.82%, Q4 `98 Worst Quarter: -18.46%, Q3 `90
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31/98
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Fund 18.62 9.82 10.63
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Index 18.76 9.19 5.58
Index: MSCI EAFE plus Canada Index, an unmanaged capitalization- weighted
measure of stock markets in Europe, Australia, the Far East and Canada.
4 | Scudder International Fund
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
Because this is a no-load fund, it doesn't charge you any shareholder fees. The
fund does have annual operating expenses, and as a shareholder you pay them
indirectly. This table shows fees for the fund's International Shares.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Fee Table
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Sales Charges/Redemption Fees None
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses (deducted from fund assets)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.81%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution (12b-1) Fee None
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses* 0.36%
------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Operating Expenses 1.17%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes costs of shareholder servicing, custody, accounting services, and
similar expenses, which may vary with fund size and other factors.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Expense Example
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Based on the costs above, this example is designed to help you compare the
expenses of the fund's International Shares to those of other funds. The example
assumes you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns, reinvested all dividends
and distributions, and sold your shares at the end of each period. Remember that
this is only an example, and that actual expenses will be different.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
$119 $372 $644 $1,420
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder International Fund | 5
<PAGE>
Other Policies and Risks
While the previous pages describe the main points of the fund's strategy and
risks, there are a few other issues to know about:
o Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board of Directors could
change the fund's investment goal and other policies without seeking
shareholder approval.
o As a temporary measure, the fund could shift up to 100% of assets into
defensive investments such as money market securities. This could help
prevent losses, but would mean that the fund was not pursuing its goal.
Year 2000 and Euro Readiness
Like all mutual funds, this fund could be affected by the inability of some
computer systems to recognize the year 2000. Also, because it invests in foreign
securities, the fund could be affected by accounting differences, changes in tax
treatment or other issues related to the conversion of certain European
currencies into the euro, which is already underway. Scudder Kemper has
readiness programs designed to address these problems, and is also researching
the readiness of suppliers and business partners as well as issuers of
securities the fund owns. Still, there's some risk that one or both of these
problems could materially affect the fund's operations (such as its ability to
calculate net asset value and to handle purchases and redemptions), its
investments, or securities markets in general.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPH.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR MORE INFORMATION
This prospectus doesn't tell you about every policy or risk of investing in the
fund.
If you want more information on the fund's allowable securities and investment
practices and the characteristics and risks of each one, you may want to request
a copy of the SAI (the back cover has information on how to do this).
6 | Scudder International Fund
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] Scudder Kemper, the company with overall responsibility for
managing the fund, takes a team approach to asset management.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who Manages and Oversees the Fund
The investment adviser
The fund's investment adviser is Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., located at
345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154-0010. Scudder Kemper has more than 70 years
of experience managing mutual funds, and currently has more than $280 billion in
assets under management.
The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals, who individually
represent different areas of expertise and who together develop investment
strategies and make buy and sell decisions. Supporting the fund managers are
Scudder Kemper's many economists, research analysts, traders, and other
investment specialists, located in offices across the United States and around
the world.
As payment for serving as investment adviser, Scudder Kemper receives a
management fee from the fund. For the most recent fiscal year, the actual amount
the fund paid in management fees was 0.81% of its average daily net assets.
The portfolio managers
Below are the people who handle the fund's day-to-day management.
Irene T. Cheng Nicholas Bratt
Lead Portfolio Manager o Began investment career
o Began investment career in in 1974
1985 o Joined the adviser in
o Joined the adviser in 1993 1976
o Joined the fund team in 1998 o Joined the fund team in
1976
Carol L. Franklin
o Began investment career in
1975
o Joined the adviser in 1981
o Joined the fund team in 1986
Scudder International Fund | 7
<PAGE>
The directors
The Board of Directors for the fund is responsible for the general oversight of
the fund's business. A majority of the board's members are not affiliated with
Scudder Kemper. The independent directors have primary responsibility for
assuring that the fund is managed in the best interests of its shareholders.
Lynn S. Birdsong Kathryn L. Quirk
o Chairman of the Board and o Director; Managing
Director; Managing Director of Scudder Kemper
Director of Scudder Investments, Inc.
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Joan E. Spero
Paul Bancroft III o Director; President, Doris
o Director; Venture Duke Charitable Foundation
Capitalist and Consultant
Thomas J. Devine
Sheryle J. Bolton o Honorary Director;
o Director; Chief Executive Consultant
Officer, Scientific
Learning Corporation William H. Gleysteen, Jr.
o Honorary Director;
William T. Burgin Consultant; Guest Scholar,
o Director; General Brookings Institute
Partner, Bessemer Venture
Partners Wilson Nolen
o Honorary Director;
Keith R. Fox Consultant
o Director; Private Equity
Investor Robert G. Stone, Jr.
o Honorary Director;
William H. Luers Chairman Emeritus and
o Director; Chairman and Director, Kirby Corporation
President, U.N.
Association of the U.S.A.
8 | Scudder International Fund
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
This table is designed to help you understand the financial performance of the
fund's International Shares in recent years. The figures in the first part of
the table are for a single share. The total return figures represent the
percentage that an investor in the fund would have earned (or lost), assuming
all dividends and distributions were reinvested. This information has been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the fund's
financial statements, is included in the annual report (see "Shareholder
reports" on the back cover).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended March 31, 1999 1998(b) 1997 1996 1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period $52.06 $48.07 $45.71 $39.72 $42.96
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income .47(c) .43 .30 .38 .21
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investment transactions 3.10 9.16 4.53 7.19 (1.03)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 3.57 9.59 4.83 7.57 (.82)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net investment income -- (.25) (1.28) (.40) --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net realized gains on investment
transactions (5.56) (5.35) (1.19) (1.18) (2.42)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (5.56) (5.60) (2.47) (1.58) (2.42)
------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $50.07 $52.06 $48.07 $45.71 $39.72
================================================
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return (%) (a) 7.18 21.57 10.74 19.25 (2.02)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios and Supplemental Data
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) 3,090 2,885 2,583 2,515 2,192
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of operating expenses to average
net assets (%) 1.17 1.18 1.15 1.14 1.19
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets (%) .92 .83 .64 .86 .48
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 79.9 55.7 35.8 45.2 46.3
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) On April 3, 1998, existing shares of the fund were designated as
International Shares.
(c) Net investment income per share includes non-recurring dividend income
amounting to $.09 per share.
Financial Highlights | 9
<PAGE>
How to invest in the fund
The following pages tell you how to invest with us and what to expect as a
shareholder. If you're investing directly with Scudder, all of this information
applies to you.
If you're investing through a "third party provider" -- for example, a workplace
retirement plan, financial supermarket, or financial adviser -- your provider
may have its own policies or instructions, and you should follow those.
<PAGE>
How to Buy Shares
Use these instructions to invest directly with Scudder. Make out your check to
"The Scudder Funds."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First investment Additional investments
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
$2,500 or more for regular $100 or more for regular accounts
accounts
$50 or more for IRAs
$1,000 or more for IRAs
$50 or more with an Automatic
Investment Plan
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By mail or o Fill out and sign an o Send a check and a Scudder
express application investment slip to us at the
(see below) appropriate address below
o Send it to us at the
appropriate address, along o If you don't have an investment
with an investment check slip, simply include a letter
with your name, account number,
the full name of the fund and
the share class, and your
investment instructions
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By wire o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for
instructions instructions
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By phone -- o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for
instructions
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With an -- o To set up regular investments
automatic from a bank checking account,
investment plan call 1-800-SCUDDER
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using QuickBuy -- o Call 1-800-SCUDDER
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] Regular mail:
The Scudder Funds, PO Box 2291, Boston, MA 02107-2291
Express, registered or certified mail:
The Scudder Funds, 66 Brooks Drive, Braintree, MA 02184-3839
Fax number: 1-800-821-6234 (for exchanging and selling only)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
How to Buy Shares | 11
<PAGE>
How to Exchange or Sell Shares
Use these instructions to exchange or sell shares in an account opened directly
with Scudder.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exchanging into another fund Selling shares
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
$2,500 or more to open a new Some transactions, including
account ($1,000 for IRAs) most for over $100,000, can
only be ordered in writing; if
$100 or more for exchanges you're in doubt, see page 15
between existing accounts
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By phone or wire o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for
instructions instructions
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using SAIL(TM) o Call 1-800-343-2890 and o Call 1-800-343-2890 and
follow the instructions follow the instructions
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By mail, express, Write a letter that includes: Write a letter that includes:
or fax
(see previous o the fund, class, and account o the fund, class, and account
page) number you're exchanging out number from which you want to
of sell shares
o the dollar amount or number o the dollar amount or number
of shares you want to exchange of shares you want to sell
o the name and class of the o your name(s), signature(s),
fund you want to exchange into and address, as they appear
on your account
o your name(s), signature(s),
and address, as they appear o a daytime telephone number
on your account
o a daytime telephone number
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With an automatic -- o To set up regular cash
withdrawal plan payments from a Scudder fund
account, call 1-800-SCUDDER
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using QuickSell -- o Call 1-800-SCUDDER
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
12 | How to Exchange or Sell Shares
<PAGE>
Policies You Should Know About
Along with the instructions on the previous pages, the policies below may affect
you as a shareholder. Some of this information, such as the section on dividends
and taxes, applies to all investors, including those investing through
investment providers.
If you are investing through an investment provider, check the materials you got
from them. As a general rule, you should follow the information in those
materials wherever it contradicts the information given here. Please note that
an investment provider may charge its own fees.
In either case, keep in mind that the information in this prospectus applies
only to the fund's International Shares. The fund does have two other share
classes, which are described in separate prospectuses and which have different
fees, requirements, and services.
Policies about transactions
The fund is open for business whenever the New York Stock Exchange is open. The
fund calculates the share price for its International Shares every business day,
as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange (typically 4 p.m. eastern
time, but sometimes earlier, as in the case of scheduled half-day trading or
unscheduled suspensions of trading).
You can place an order to buy or sell shares at any time. Once your order is
received by Scudder Service Corporation, and they have determined that it is a
"good order," it will be processed at the next share price calculated.
Because orders placed through investment providers must be forwarded to Scudder
Service Corporation before they can be processed, you'll need to allow extra
time. A representative of your investment provider should be able to tell you
when your order will be processed.
Policies You Should Know About | 13
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] Questions? You can speak to a Scudder representative between
8 a.m. and 8 p.m. eastern time on any fund business day by
calling 1-800-SCUDDER.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAIL(TM), the Scudder Automated Information Line, is available 24 hours a day by
calling 1-800-343-2890. You can use SAIL to get information on Scudder funds
generally and on accounts held directly at Scudder. You can also use it to make
exchanges and sell shares.
QuickBuy and QuickSell let you set up a link between a Scudder account and a
bank account. Once this link is in place, you can move money between the two
with a phone call. You'll need to make sure your bank has Automated Clearing
House (ACH) services. To set up QuickBuy or QuickSell on a new account, see the
account application; to add it to an existing account, call 1-800-SCUDDER.
When you call us to sell shares, we may record the call, ask you for certain
information, or take other steps designed to prevent fraudulent orders. It's
important to understand that as long as we take reasonable steps to ensure that
an order appears genuine, we are not responsible for any losses that may occur.
When you ask us to send or receive a wire, please note that while we don't
charge a fee to receive wires, we will deduct a $5 fee from all wires sent from
us to your bank. Your bank may charge its own fees for handling wires. The fund
can only accept wires of $100 or more.
Exchanges among Scudder funds are an option for shareholders who bought their
shares directly from Scudder and for many other investors as well. Exchanges are
a shareholder privilege, not a right: we may reject any exchange order,
particularly when there appears to be a pattern of "market timing" or other
frequent purchases and sales. We may also reject purchase orders, for these or
other reasons.
14 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] The Scudder Web site can be a valuable resource
for shareholders with Internet access. Go to
www.scudder.com to get up-to-date information, review
balances or even place orders for exchanges.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When you want to sell more than $100,000 worth of shares, you'll usually need to
place your order in writing and include a signature guarantee. The only
exception is if you want money wired to a bank account that is already on file
with us; in that case, you don't need a signature guarantee. Also, you don't
need a signature guarantee for an exchange, although we may require one in
certain other circumstances.
A signature guarantee is simply a certification of your signature -- a valuable
safeguard against fraud. You can get a signature guarantee from most brokers and
most banks, savings institutions, and credit unions. Note that you can't get a
signature guarantee from a notary public.
Money from shares you sell is normally sent out within one business day of when
your order is processed (not when it is received), although it could be delayed
for up to seven days. There are also two circumstances when it could be longer:
when you are selling shares you bought recently by check and that check hasn't
cleared yet (maximum delay: 15 days) or when unusual circumstances prompt the
SEC to allow further delays.
How the fund calculates share price
The share price for the fund's International Shares is the net asset value per
share, or NAV. To calculate NAV, the fund uses the following equation, taking
figures for this share class only:
TOTAL ASSETS - TOTAL LIABILITIES
----------------------------------- = NAV
TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
Policies You Should Know About | 15
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] If you ever have difficulty placing an order by phone or
fax, you can always send us your order in writing.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We typically use market prices to value securities. However, when a market price
isn't available, or when we have reason to believe it doesn't represent market
realities, we may use fair value methods approved by the fund's Board of
Directors. In such a case, the fund's value for a security is likely to be
different from quoted market prices.
Because the fund invests in securities that are traded primarily in foreign
markets, the value of its holdings could change at a time when you aren't able
to buy or sell fund shares. This is because some foreign markets are open on
days when the fund doesn't price its shares.
Other rights we reserve
You should be aware that we may do any of the following:
o withhold 31% of your distributions as federal income tax if we have been
notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding, or if you
fail to provide us with a correct taxpayer ID number or certification that
you are exempt from backup withholding
o charge you $10 a year if your account balance falls below $2,500, and close
your account and send you the proceeds if your balance falls below $1,000;
in either case, we will give you 60 days' notice so you can either increase
your balance or close your account (these policies don't apply to
retirement accounts, to investors with $100,000 or more in Scudder fund
shares, or in any case where a fall in share price created the low balance)
o reject a new account application if you don't provide a correct Social
Security or other tax ID number; if the account has already been opened, we
may give you 30 days' notice to provide the correct number
16 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
o pay you for shares you sell by "redeeming in kind," that is, by giving you
marketable securities (which typically will involve brokerage costs for you
to liquidate) rather than cash; in most cases, the fund won't make a
redemption in kind unless your requests over a 90-day period total more
than $250,000 or 1% of the fund's assets, whichever is less
o change, add, or withdraw various services, fees, and account policies (for
example, we may change or terminate the exchange privilege at any time)
Understanding Distributions and Taxes | 17
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] Because each shareholder's tax situation is unique, it's
always a good idea to ask your tax professional about the
tax consequences of your investments, including any state
and local tax consequences.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Understanding Distributions and Taxes
By law, a mutual fund is required to pass through to its shareholders virtually
all of its net earnings. A fund can earn money in two ways: by receiving
interest, dividends or other income from securities it holds, and by selling
securities for more than it paid for them. (A fund's earnings are separate from
any gains or losses stemming from your own purchase of shares.) A fund may not
always pay a distribution for a given period.
The fund intends to pay dividends and distributions to its shareholders in
November or December, and if necessary may do so at other times as well.
You can choose how to receive your dividends and distributions. You can have
them all automatically reinvested in fund shares or all sent to you by check.
Tell us your preference on your application. If you don't indicate a preference,
your dividends and distributions will all be reinvested. For retirement plans,
reinvestment is the only option.
Buying and selling fund shares will usually have tax consequences for you
(except in an IRA or other tax-advantaged account). Your sales of shares may
result in a capital gain or loss for you; whether long-term or short-term
depends on how long you owned the shares. For tax purposes, an exchange is the
same as a sale.
18 | Understanding Distributions and Taxes
<PAGE>
The tax status of the fund earnings you receive, and your own fund transactions,
generally depends on their type:
Generally taxed at ordinary income rates
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o short-term capital gains from selling fund shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o income dividends you receive from the fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o short-term capital gains distributions you receive from the fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Generally taxed at capital gains rates
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o long-term capital gains from selling fund shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o long-term capital gains distributions you receive from the fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
You may be able to claim a tax credit or deduction for your share of any foreign
taxes the fund pays.
The fund will send you detailed tax information every January. These statements
tell you the amount and the tax category of any dividends or distributions you
received. They also have certain details on your purchases and sales of shares.
The tax status of dividends and distributions is the same whether you reinvest
them or not. Dividends or distributions declared in the last quarter of a given
year are taxed in that year, even though you may not receive the money until the
following January.
If you invest right before the fund pays a dividend, you'll be getting some of
your investment back as a taxable dividend. You can avoid this, if you want, by
investing after the fund declares a dividend. In tax-advantaged retirement
accounts you don't need to worry about this.
Understanding Distributions and Taxes | 19
<PAGE>
Notes
<PAGE>
Notes
<PAGE>
To Get More Information
Shareholder reports -- These include commentary from the fund's management team
about recent market conditions and the effects of the fund's strategies on its
performance. They also have detailed performance figures, a list of everything
the fund owns, and the fund's financial statements. Shareholders get these
reports automatically. To reduce costs, we mail one copy per household. For more
copies, call 1-800-SCUDDER.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI) -- This tells you more about the
fund's features and policies, including additional risk information. The SAI is
incorporated by reference into this document (meaning that it's legally part of
this prospectus).
If you'd like to ask for copies of these documents, or if you're a shareholder
and have questions, please contact Scudder or the SEC (see below). Materials you
get from Scudder are free; those from the SEC involve a copying fee. If you
like, you can look over these materials in person at the SEC's Public Reference
Room in Washington, DC.
Scudder Funds SEC
PO Box 2291 450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Boston, MA 02107-2291 Washington, D.C. 20549-6009
1-800-SCUDDER 1-800-SEC-0330
www.scudder.com www.sec.gov
SEC File Number 811-642
<PAGE>
Prospectus
Barrett International
Shares Fund #401
Prospectus
August 1, 1999
This prospectus applies to the Barrett International Shares of the Scudder
International Fund.
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) does not
approve or disapprove these shares or determine whether the information in this
prospectus is truthful or complete. It is a criminal offense for anyone to
inform you otherwise.
<PAGE>
Barrett International Shares
How the fund works
2 Investment Approach
3 Main Risks to Investors
4 The Fund's Track Record
5 How Much Investors Pay
6 Other Policies and Risks
7 Who Manages and Oversees the Fund
9 Financial Highlights
How to invest in the fund
11 How to Buy and Sell Shares
12 Policies You Should Know About
16 Understanding Distributions and Taxes
<PAGE>
How the fund works
On the next few pages, you'll find information about this fund's investment
goal, the main strategies it uses to pursue that goal, and the main risks that
could affect its performance.
You'll also be able to look at the fund's track record and get an idea of the
costs you should expect to pay as a fund shareholder.
Whether you are considering investing in the fund or are already a shareholder,
you'll probably want to look this information over carefully. You may want to
keep it on hand for reference as well.
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. serves as investment adviser to the Scudder
International Fund. Barrett Associates, Inc. sponsors the Barrett International
Shares, a class of the International Fund, which are described herein.
Remember that mutual funds are investments, not bank deposits. They're not
insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other organization. Their share prices
could go up and down, so be aware that you could lose money.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ticker symbol | SIBIX fund number | 401
Barrett International Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Approach
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital by investing mainly in foreign
equities (equity securities issued by foreign-based companies and listed on
foreign exchanges). The fund generally focuses on common stocks of established
companies in countries with developed economies.
In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers use a combination of three analytical
disciplines:
Bottom-up research. The managers look for individual companies that have sound
financial strength, good business prospects, strong competitive positioning, and
above-average earnings growth, among other factors.
Top-down analysis. The managers consider the economic outlooks for various
countries and geographical regions, favoring countries that they believe have
sound economic conditions and open markets.
Analysis of global themes. The managers look for significant changes in the
business environment, with an eye toward identifying industries that may benefit
from these changes.
The managers intend to keep the fund's holdings diversified across industries
and geographical areas, although, depending on their outlook, they may increase
or reduce the fund's exposure to a given industry or area.
The fund will normally sell a stock when the managers believe it has reached its
fair value, its underlying investment theme has matured, or the reasons for
originally investing no longer apply.
THE FOLLOWING CALLOUT APPEARED NEXT TO THE PRECEDING TWO PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INVESTMENTS
While most of the fund's foreign equities are common stocks, some may be other
types of equities, such as convertible securities, preferred stocks, and
depositary receipts. The fund may also invest up to 20% of net assets in foreign
debt securities, including convertible bonds.
Although the managers are permitted to use various types of derivatives
(contracts whose value is based on, for example, indices, commodities,
currencies, or securities), the managers don't intend to use them as principal
investments.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 | Barrett International Shares
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] This fund was designed for investors who want a broadly diversified
international investment with the emphasis squarely on long-term growth
of capital.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Main Risks to Investors
There are several risk factors that could hurt the fund's performance, cause you
to lose money, or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
As with most stock funds, the most important factor with this fund is how stock
markets perform -- in this case, foreign markets. When foreign stock prices
fall, you should expect the value of your investment to fall as well. Foreign
stocks also tend to be more volatile than their U.S. counterparts, for reasons
ranging from political and economic uncertainties to a higher risk that
essential information may be incomplete or wrong. While developed foreign
markets may be less risky than emerging markets, increasing globalization can
make any market vulnerable to events elsewhere in the world.
A second major factor is currency exchange rates. When the dollar value of a
foreign currency falls, so does the value of any investments the fund owns that
are denominated in that currency. This is separate from market risk, and may add
to market losses or reduce market gains.
Because a stock represents ownership in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by
poor management, shrinking product demand and other business risks. These may
affect single companies as well as groups of companies.
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of economic trends,
geographical areas, industries, companies, or other matters
o some derivatives could produce disproportionate losses
o at times, the fund might find it difficult to value some investments
accurately or to get a fair price for them
3 | Barrett International Shares
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] If you'd like up-to-date information on the performance of Barrett
International Shares since inception, call 1-800-854-8525.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's Track Record
As Barrett International Shares do not have a full calendar year of performance,
no past performance data is provided. However, the bar chart below shows how the
total returns for the fund's International Shares have varied from year to year,
which may give some idea of risk. These shares are not offered in this
prospectus but have substantially similar annual returns because the shares are
invested in the same portfolio of securities, differing only to the extent that
the classes have different expenses. Below the chart is a table showing how the
fund's International Shares' returns over different periods average out. For
context, the table also includes a broad-based market index (which, unlike the
fund, does not have any fees or expenses). All figures on this page assume
reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31 each year
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
BAR CHART DATA:
'89 27.04
'90 -8.92
'91 11.78
'92 -2.64
'93 36.50
'94 -2.99
'95 12.22
'96 14.55
'97 7.98
'98 18.62
1999 Total Return as of June 30: 10.72%
Best Quarter: 14.82%, Q4 `98 Worst Quarter: -18.46%, Q3 `90
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Shares 18.62 9.82 10.63
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index 18.76 9.19 5.58
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index: MSCI EAFE plus Canada Index, an unmanaged capitalization- weighted
measure of stock markets in Europe, Australia, the Far East and Canada.
4 | Barrett International Shares
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
Because this is a no-load fund, it doesn't charge you any shareholder fees. The
fund does have annual operating expenses, and as a shareholder you pay them
indirectly. This table shows fees for the fund's Barrett International Shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee Table
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales Charges/Redemption Fees None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses (deducted from fund assets)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.81%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution (12b-1) Fee None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses* 0.27%
-------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Operating Expenses 1.08%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes costs of shareholder servicing, custody, accounting services,
and similar expenses, which may vary with fund size and other factors.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense Example
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on the costs above, this example is designed to help you compare the
expenses of the fund's Barrett International Shares to those of other funds. The
example assumes you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns, reinvested all
dividends and distributions, and sold your shares at the end of each period.
Remember that this is only an example, and that actual expenses will be
different.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
$110 $343 $595 $1,317
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
5 | Barrett International Shares
<PAGE>
Other Policies and Risks
While the previous pages describe the main points of the fund's strategy and
risks, there are a few other issues to know about:
o Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the Board of Directors
could change the fund's investment goal and other policies without
seeking shareholder approval.
o As a temporary measure, the fund could shift up to 100% of assets into
defensive investments such as money market securities. This could help
prevent losses, but would mean that the fund was not pursuing its goal.
Year 2000 and Euro Readiness
Like all mutual funds, this fund could be affected by the inability of some
computer systems to recognize the year 2000. Also, because it invests in foreign
securities, the fund could be affected by accounting differences, changes in tax
treatment or other issues related to the conversion of certain European
currencies into the euro, which is already underway. Scudder Kemper has
readiness programs designed to address these problems, and is also researching
the readiness of suppliers and business partners as well as issuers of
securities the fund owns. Still, there's some risk that one or both of these
problems could materially affect the fund's operations (such as its ability to
calculate net asset value and to handle purchases and redemptions), its
investments, or securities markets in general.
THE FOLLOWING CALLOUT APPEARED NEXT TO THE PRECEDING TWO PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR MORE INFORMATION
This prospectus doesn't tell you about every policy or risk of investing in the
fund.
If you want more information on the fund's allowable securities and investment
practices and the characteristics and risks of each one, you may want to request
a copy of the SAI (the back cover has information on how to do this).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 | Barrett International Shares
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] Scudder Kemper, the company with overall responsibility for managing
the fund, takes a team approach to asset management.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who Manages and Oversees the Fund
The investment adviser
The fund's investment adviser is Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., located at
345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154-0010. Scudder Kemper has more than 70 years
of experience managing mutual funds, and currently has more than $280 billion in
assets under management. The Barrett International Shares are offered
exclusively by Barrett Associates, Inc., 565 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017.
The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals, who individually
represent different areas of expertise and who together develop investment
strategies and make buy and sell decisions. Supporting the fund managers are
Scudder Kemper's many economists, research analysts, traders, and other
investment specialists, located in offices across the United States and around
the world.
As payment for serving as investment adviser, Scudder Kemper receives a
management fee from the fund. For the most recent fiscal year, the actual amount
the fund paid in management fees was 0.81% of its average daily net assets.
The portfolio managers
Below are the people who handle the fund's day-to-day management.
Irene T. Cheng Nicholas Bratt
Lead Portfolio Manager o Began investment career
o Began investment career in in 1974
1985 o Joined the adviser in
o Joined the adviser in 1993 1976
o Joined the fund team in 1998 o Joined the fund team in 1976
Carol L. Franklin
o Began investment career in
1975
o Joined the adviser in 1981
o Joined the fund team in 1986
7 | Barrett International Shares
<PAGE>
The directors
The Board of Directors for the fund is responsible for the general oversight of
the fund's business. A majority of the board's members are not affiliated with
Scudder Kemper. The independent directors have primary responsibility for
assuring that the fund is managed in the best interests of its shareholders.
Lynn S. Birdsong Kathryn L. Quirk
o Chairman of the Board and o Director; Managing
Director; Managing Director of Scudder Kemper
Director of Scudder Investments, Inc.
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Joan E. Spero
Paul Bancroft III o Director; President, Doris
o Director; Venture Duke Charitable Foundation
Capitalist and Consultant
Thomas J. Devine
Sheryle J. Bolton o Honorary Director;
o Director; Chief Executive Consultant
Officer, Scientific
Learning Corporation William H. Gleysteen, Jr.
o Honorary Director;
William T. Burgin Consultant; Guest Scholar,
o Director; General Brookings Institute
Partner, Bessemer Venture
Partners Wilson Nolen
o Honorary Director;
Keith R. Fox Consultant
o Director; Private Equity
Investor Robert G. Stone, Jr.
o Honorary Director;
William H. Luers Chairman Emeritus and
o Director; Chairman and Director, Kirby Corporation
President, U.N.
Association of the U.S.A.
8 | Barrett International Shares
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
This table is designed to help you understand the financial performance of the
Barrett International Shares since inception. The figures in the first part of
the table are for a single share. The total return figures represent the
percentage that an investor in the fund would have earned (or lost), assuming
all dividends and distributions were reinvested. This information has been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the fund's
financial statements, is included in the annual report (see "Shareholder
reports" on the back cover).
Barrett International Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Period April 3,
1998 (commencement of
sale of Barrett
International Shares) to
March 31, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $52.40
---------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) .52(b)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment 2.78
transactions ---------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 3.30
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from net realized gains on investment (5.56)
transactions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $50.14
---------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return (%) (a) 6.60**
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios and Supplemental Data
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) 23
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of operating expenses to average daily net assets (%) 1.08*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average daily 1.02*
net assets (%)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 79.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Net investment per share includes non-recurring dividend income
amounting to $.09 per share.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
9 | Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
How to invest in the fund
The following pages tell you how to invest with
us and what to expect as a shareholder.
<PAGE>
How to Buy and Sell Shares
Barrett Associates sponsors the Barrett International Shares, and will arrange
for purchases and sales on your behalf. Please contact your Barrett
representative by telephone at 212-983-5080 or in person at 565 Fifth Avenue,
New York, NY 10017. Additional information appears below:
Initial investments in Barrett International Shares require a minimum of
$25,000. Additional investments can be made in increments of $1,000 or more.
These minimums may be waived for Directors and Officers of Scudder International
Fund, Inc. and existing shareholders as of April 3, 1998, the date of the
creation of the Barrett International Shares.
Purchases and sales may also be made by wire and by mail. Contact your Barrett
representative for further information.
11 | How to Buy and Sell Shares
<PAGE>
Policies You Should Know About
Along with the instructions on the previous pages, the policies below may affect
you as a shareholder. Some of this information, such as the section on dividends
and taxes, applies to all investors, including those investing through
investment providers.
If you are investing through an investment provider, check the materials you got
from them. As a general rule, you should follow the information in those
materials wherever it contradicts the information given here. Please note that
an investment provider may charge its own fees.
In either case, keep in mind that the information in this prospectus applies
only to the fund's Barrett International Shares. The fund does have two other
share classes, which are described in separate prospectuses and which have
different fees, requirements, and services.
Policies about transactions
The fund is open for business whenever the New York Stock Exchange is open. The
fund calculates the share price for its Barrett International Shares every
business day, as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange (typically 4
p.m. eastern time, but sometimes earlier, as in the case of scheduled half-day
trading or unscheduled suspensions of trading).
You can place an order to buy or sell shares at any time. Once you instruct
Barrett Associates to place an order for you with Scudder Service Corporation,
and it is determined to be a "good order," it will be processed at the next
share price calculated.
Because orders placed through Barrett Associates must be forwarded to Scudder
Service Corporation before they can be processed, you'll need to allow extra
time. A representative of Barrett Associates should be able to tell you when
your order will be processed.
12 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] Questions? You can speak to a Scudder representative between 8 a.m. and
8 p.m. eastern time on any fund business day by calling 1-800-854-8525.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When Barrett Associates, on your behalf, asks us to send or receive a wire,
please note that while we don't charge a fee to send or receive wires, your bank
may charge its own fees for handling wires.
The Expedited Redemption Service is designed for investors who want the proceeds
from shares they sell to be automatically wired to a bank account. If the
proceeds are less than $1,000, we will mail a check to Barrett Associates, on
your behalf, rather than wiring the funds to your bank account.
To use the Expedited Redemption Service, you'll need to set it up in advance.
Also, please note that if you opened your account by wire, you can't use the
Expedited Redemption Service until we have received your written application.
When you want to sell more than $100,000 worth of shares, you'll usually need to
place your order in writing and include a signature guarantee. The only
exception is if you want money wired to a bank account that is already on file
with us; in that case, you don't need a signature guarantee.
A signature guarantee is simply a certification of your signature -- a valuable
safeguard against fraud. You can get a signature guarantee from most brokers and
most banks, savings institutions, and credit unions. Note that you can't get a
signature guarantee from a notary public.
13 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
Money from shares you sell is normally sent out within one business day of when
your order is processed (not when it is received), although it could be delayed
for up to seven days. There are also two circumstances when it could be longer:
when you are selling shares you bought recently by check and that check hasn't
cleared yet (maximum delay: 15 days) or when unusual circumstances prompt the
SEC to allow further delays.
How the fund calculates share price
The share price for the fund's Barrett International Shares is the net asset
value per share, or NAV. To calculate NAV, the fund uses the following equation,
taking figures for this share class only:
TOTAL ASSETS - TOTAL LIABILITIES
- ------------------------------------- = NAV
TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
We typically use market prices to value securities. However, when a market price
isn't available, or when we have reason to believe it doesn't represent market
realities, we may use fair value methods approved by the fund's Board of
Directors. In such a case, the fund's value for a security is likely to be
different from quoted market prices.
Because the fund invests in securities that are traded primarily in foreign
markets, the value of its holdings could change at a time when you aren't able
to buy or sell fund shares. This is because some foreign markets are open on
days when the fund doesn't price its shares.
14 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
Other rights we reserve
You should be aware that we may do any of the following:
o withhold 31% of your distributions as federal income tax if we have
been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding, or
if you fail to provide us with a correct taxpayer ID number or
certification that you are exempt from backup withholding
o close your account and send you the proceeds if your balance falls
below $25,000 and, after 30 days' notice, you haven't either increased
your balance or closed your account; this policy doesn't apply in cases
where a fall in share price created the low balance, and it may be
waived in certain cases or for certain investors
o reject a new account application if you don't provide a correct Social
Security or other tax ID number; if the account has already been
opened, we may give you 30 days' notice to provide the correct number
o pay you for shares you sell by "redeeming in kind," that is, by giving
you marketable securities (which typically will involve brokerage costs
for you to liquidate) rather than cash; in most cases, the fund won't
make a redemption in kind unless your requests over a 90-day period
total more than $250,000 or 1% of the fund's assets, whichever is less
o change, add, or withdraw various services, fees, and account policies
15 | Policies You Should Know About
<PAGE>
Understanding Distributions and Taxes
By law, a mutual fund is required to pass through to its shareholders virtually
all of its net earnings. A fund can earn money in two ways: by receiving
interest, dividends or other income from securities it holds, and by selling
securities for more than it paid for them. (A fund's earnings are separate from
any gains or losses stemming from your own purchase of shares.) A fund may not
always pay a distribution for a given period.
The fund intends to pay dividends and distributions to its shareholders in
November or December, and if necessary may do so at other times as well.
You can choose how to receive your dividends and distributions. You can have
them all automatically reinvested in fund shares or all sent to you by check.
Tell us your preference on your application. If you don't indicate a preference,
your dividends and distributions will all be reinvested.
Buying and selling fund shares will usually have tax consequences for you
(except in an IRA or other tax-advantaged account). Your sales of shares may
result in a capital gain or loss for you; whether long-term or short-term
depends on how long you owned the shares.
16 | Understanding Distributions and Taxes
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] Because each shareholder tax situation is unique, it's always a good
idea to ask your tax professional or Barrett Associates representative
about the tax consequences of your investments, including any state and
local tax consequences.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The tax status of the fund earnings you receive, and your own fund transactions,
generally depends on their type:
Generally taxed at ordinary income rates
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o short-term capital gains from selling fund shares
o income dividends you receive from the fund
o short-term capital gains distributions you receive from the fund
Generally taxed at capital gains rates
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o long-term capital gains from selling fund shares
o long-term capital gains distributions you receive from the fund
You may be able to claim a tax credit or deduction for your share of any foreign
taxes the fund pays.
The fund will send detailed tax information every January to Barrett Associates,
who will forward it to you. These statements tell you the amount and the tax
category of any dividends or distributions you received. They also have certain
details on your purchases and sales of shares. The tax status of dividends and
distributions is the same whether you reinvest them or not. Dividends or
distributions declared in the last quarter of a given year are taxed in that
year, even though you may not receive the money until the following January.
If you invest right before the fund pays a dividend, you'll be getting some of
your investment back as a taxable dividend. You can avoid this, if you want, by
investing after the fund declares a dividend. In tax-advantaged retirement
accounts you don't need to worry about this.
17 | Understanding Distributions and Taxes
<PAGE>
To Get More Information
Shareholder reports -- These include commentary from the fund's management team
about recent market conditions and the effects of the fund's strategies on its
performance. They also have detailed performance figures, a list of everything
the fund owns, and the fund's financial statements. These reports are mailed by
Barrett Associates automatically to fund shareholders (one copy per household).
Statement of Additional Information (SAI) -- This tells you more about the
fund's features and policies, including additional risk information. The SAI is
incorporated by reference into this document (meaning that it's legally part of
this prospectus).
If you'd like to ask for copies of these documents, or if you're a shareholder
and have questions, please contact Barrett Associates, Scudder or the SEC (see
below). Materials you get from Barrett Associates and Scudder are free; those
from the SEC involve a copying fee. If you like, you can look over these
materials in person at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC.
Barrett Associates, Inc. SEC
565 Fifth Avenue 450 Fifth Street, N.W.
New York, NY 10017 Washington, D.C. 20549-6009
212-983-5080 1-800-SEC-0330
www.sec.gov
Scudder Funds
PO Box 2291
Boston, MA 02107-2291
1-800-854-8525
SEC File Number 811-642
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
<PAGE>
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND
A series of Scudder International Fund, Inc.
International Shares and Class R Shares
A Mutual Fund Which Seeks to Provide
Long-Term Growth of Capital Primarily
From Foreign Equity Securities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
August 1, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should
be read in conjunction with, for the International Shares, the prospectus for
the International Shares class of Scudder International Fund dated August 1,
1999, and for the Class R shares, the supplement to the Prospectus dated August
1, 1999 (the "Supplement"). A copy of the Prospectus and the Supplement may be
obtained without charge by writing to Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two
International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103.
The Annual Report to Shareholders for Scudder International Fund --
International Shares dated March 31, 1999 is incorporated by reference and is
hereby deemed to be a part of this Statement of Additional Information.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
<S> <C>
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES..........................................................................1
General Investment Objective and Policies....................................................................1
Investments..................................................................................................1
Master/feeder structure......................................................................................3
Special Considerations.......................................................................................3
Specialized Investment Techniques............................................................................7
Investment Restrictions.....................................................................................16
PURCHASES............................................................................................................18
Additional Information About Opening An Account.............................................................18
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments..................................................18
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments by QuickBuy......................................19
Checks......................................................................................................19
Wire Transfer of Federal Funds..............................................................................19
Share Price.................................................................................................20
Share Certificates..........................................................................................20
Other Information...........................................................................................20
EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS............................................................................................21
Exchanges...................................................................................................21
Redemption By Telephone.....................................................................................21
Redemption by QuickSell.....................................................................................22
Redemption by Mail or Fax...................................................................................23
Redemption-in-Kind..........................................................................................23
Other Information...........................................................................................23
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND............................................................................24
The No-Load Concept.........................................................................................24
Internet access.............................................................................................25
Dividends and Capital Gains Distribution Options............................................................25
Transaction Summaries.......................................................................................26
Reports to Shareholders.....................................................................................26
THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS..........................................................................................26
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS................................................................................................30
Scudder Retirement Plans: Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans for Corporations and
Self-Employed Individuals................................................................................31
Scudder 401(k): Cash or Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan for Corporations and Self-Employed Individuals.........31
Scudder IRA: Individual Retirement Account.................................................................31
Scudder 403(b) Plan.........................................................................................32
Automatic Withdrawal Plan...................................................................................32
Group or Salary Deduction Plan..............................................................................33
Automatic Investment Plan...................................................................................33
Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act.......................................................................33
Scudder Roth IRA: Individual Retirement Account............................................................33
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS............................................................................34
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..............................................................................................34
Average Annual Total Return.................................................................................35
Cumulative Total Return.....................................................................................35
Total Return................................................................................................35
Comparison of Fund Performance..............................................................................36
i
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Page
FUND ORGANIZATION....................................................................................................40
INVESTMENT ADVISER...................................................................................................41
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser............................................................44
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS...............................................................................................44
REMUNERATION.........................................................................................................48
Responsibilities of the Board -- Board and Committee Meetings...............................................48
Compensation of Officers and Directors......................................................................48
DISTRIBUTOR..........................................................................................................49
TAXES................................................................................................................50
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS...............................................................................................54
Brokerage Commissions.......................................................................................54
Portfolio Turnover..........................................................................................55
NET ASSET VALUE......................................................................................................55
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...............................................................................................56
Experts.....................................................................................................56
Other Information...........................................................................................56
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.................................................................................................57
APPENDIX
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE>
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Scudder International Fund (the "Fund"), is a diversified series of
Scudder International Fund, Inc. (the "Corporation"), an open-end management
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, (the "1940 Act") which continuously offers and redeems its shares at
net asset value. It is a company of the type commonly known as a mutual fund.
The Fund offers three classes of shares: International Shares, Barrett
International Shares, and Class R shares. This Statement of Additional
Information applies only to the International Shares and the Class R shares
(collectively, the "Shares").
Except as otherwise indicated, the Fund's objectives and policies are
not fundamental and may be changed without a shareholder vote. There can be no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its objective. If there is a change in the
Fund's investment objective, shareholders should consider whether the Fund
remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current financial
position and needs. There can be no assurance that the Fund's objective will be
met.
General Investment Objective and Policies
Descriptions in this Statement of Additional Information of a
particular investment practice or technique in which the Fund may engage (such
as hedging, etc.) or a financial instrument which the Fund may purchase (such as
options, forward foreign currency contracts, etc.) are meant to describe the
spectrum of investments that Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser"),
in its discretion, might, but is not required to, use in managing the Fund's
portfolio assets. The Adviser may, in its discretion, at any time employ such
practice, technique or instrument for one or more funds but not for all funds
advised by it. Furthermore, it is possible that certain types of financial
instruments or investment techniques described herein may not be available,
permissible, economically feasible or effective for their intended purposes in
all markets. Certain practices, techniques, or instruments may not be principal
activities of the Fund but, to the extent employed, could from time to time have
a material impact on the Fund's performance.
The Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital
primarily from foreign equity securities. These securities are selected
primarily to permit the Fund to participate in non-U.S. companies and economies
that are believed to have prospects for growth.
The Fund invests in companies, wherever organized, which do business
primarily outside the United States.
The Fund intends to diversify investments among several countries and
to have represented in the portfolio, in substantial proportions, business
activities in not less than three different countries other than the U.S. The
Fund does not intend to concentrate investments in any particular industry.
Investments
The Fund generally invests in equity securities of established
companies, listed on foreign exchanges (although the Fund may also invest in
securities traded over the counter), which the Adviser believes have favorable
characteristics. The Fund's equity investments include common stock, convertible
and non-convertible preferred stock, sponsored and unsponsored depository
receipts, and warrants.
When the Adviser believes that it is appropriate to do so in order to
achieve the Fund's investment objective of long-term capital growth, the Fund
may invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities. Such debt
securities include debt securities of governments, governmental agencies,
supranational organizations and private issuers, including bonds denominated in
the European Currency Unit (the "Euro"). Portfolio debt investments will be
selected on the basis of, among other things, yield, credit quality, and the
fundamental outlooks for currency and interest rate trends in different parts of
the globe, taking into account the ability to hedge a degree of currency or
local bond price risk. The value of fixed-income investments will fluctuate with
changes in interest rates and bond market conditions, tending to rise as
<PAGE>
interest rates decline and decline as interest rates rise. The Fund will
predominantly purchase "investment-grade" bonds, which are those rated Aaa, Aa,
A or Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or AAA, AA, A or BBB by
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies,
Inc., ("S&P") or, if unrated, judged by the Adviser to be of equivalent quality.
The Fund may also invest up to 5% of its total assets in debt securities which
are rated below investment-grade (see "Risk factors").
The Fund intends to diversify investments among several countries and
normally to have investments in securities of at least three different countries
other than the U.S. The Fund will invest primarily in securities of issuers in
the 21 developed foreign countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital
International ("MSCI") World ex-US Index, but may invest in "emerging markets."
The Fund considers "emerging markets" to include any country that is defined as
an emerging or developing economy by any of the International Bank of
Reconstruction and Development (i.e., the World Bank), the International Finance
Corporation or the United Nations or its authorities. It is expected that the
Fund's investments will include companies of varying size as measured by assets,
sales or market capitalization.
The major portion of the Fund's assets consists of equity securities of
established companies listed on recognized exchanges; the Adviser expects this
condition to continue, although the Fund may invest in other securities. In
selecting securities for the Fund's portfolio, the Adviser applies a
disciplined, multi-part investment approach for selecting stocks for the Fund.
In analyzing companies for investment, the Adviser ordinarily looks for one or
more of the following characteristics: strong competitive positioning,
above-average earnings growth per share, high return on invested capital,
healthy balance sheets and overall financial strength, strength of management
and general operating characteristics which will enable the companies to compete
successfully in the marketplace. The Adviser will further seek to have broad
country representation, favoring those countries that it believes have sound
economic conditions and open markets. The Adviser will also look for
opportunities on a macro-economic level, seeking to identify major changes in
the business environment and companies that are poised to benefit from these
changes. Investment decisions are made without regard to arbitrary criteria as
to minimum asset size, debt-equity ratios or dividend history of portfolio
companies. The Adviser will typically sell an investment when certain criteria
are met, including but not limited to: the price of the security reaches the
Adviser's assessment of its fair value; the underlying investment theme is
judged by the Adviser to have matured; or if the original reason for investing
in the security no longer applies or is no longer valid.
The Adviser applies a disciplined, multi-part investment approach for
selecting stocks for the Fund. The first stage of this process involves
analyzing the pool of foreign dividend-paying securities, primarily from the
world's more mature markets, and targeting stocks that have high relative yields
compared to the average for their markets. In the Adviser's opinion, this group
of higher-yielding stocks offers the potential for returns that is greater than
or equal to the average market return, with price volatility that is lower than
the overall market volatility. The Adviser believes that these potentially
favorable risk and return characteristics exist because the higher dividends
offered by these stocks act as a "cushion" when markets are volatile and because
the stocks with higher yields tend to have more attractive valuations (e.g.,
lower price-to-earning ratios and lower price-to-book ratios). The second stage
of portfolio construction involves a fundamental analysis of each company's
financial strength, profitability, projected earnings, competitive positioning,
and ability of management. During this step, the Adviser's research team
identifies what it believes are the most promising stocks for the Fund's
portfolio. The third stage of the investment process involves diversifying the
portfolio among different industry sectors. The key element of this stage is
evaluating how the stocks in different sectors react to economic factors such as
interest rates, inflation, Gross Domestic Product, and consumer spending, and
then attaining a proper balance of stocks in these sectors based on the
Adviser's economic forecast. The fourth and final stage of this ongoing process
is diversifying the portfolio among different countries. The Adviser will seek
to have broad country representation, favoring those countries that it believes
have sound economic conditions and open markets. The Fund's strategy is to
manage risk and create opportunity at each of the four stages in its investment
process, starting with the focus on stocks with high relative yields.
The Fund may hold up to 20% of its net assets in U.S. and foreign fixed
income securities for temporary defensive purposes when the Adviser believes
that market conditions so warrant. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net
assets under normal conditions, and without limit for temporary defensive
purposes, in cash or cash equivalents including domestic and foreign money
market instruments, short-term government and corporate obligations and
repurchase agreements, when the Adviser deems such a position advisable in light
of economic or market conditions. It is impossible to predict how long
alternative strategies may be utilized. In addition, the Fund may engage in
reverse repurchase agreements, illiquid securities and strategic transactions,
which may include derivatives.
2
<PAGE>
Foreign securities such as those purchased by the Fund may be subject
to foreign governmental taxes which could reduce the yield on such securities,
although a shareholder of the Fund may, subject to certain limitations, be
entitled to claim a credit or deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes for
his or her proportionate share of such foreign taxes paid by the Fund. (See
"TAXES.")
From time to time, the Fund may be a purchaser of illiquid securities
such as restricted debt or equity securities (i.e., securities which may require
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "1933 Act"), or
an exemption therefrom, in order to be sold in the ordinary course of business)
in a private placement. (See "Illiquid Securities".)
Master/feeder structure
The Board of Directors of the Fund ("the Board" or "the Directors") has
the discretion to retain the current distribution arrangement for the Fund while
investing in a master fund in a master/feeder fund structure as described below.
A master/feeder fund structure is one in which a fund (a "feeder
fund"), instead of investing directly in a portfolio of securities, invests most
or all of its investment assets in a separate registered investment company (the
"master fund") with substantially the same investment objective and policies as
the feeder fund. Such a structure permits the pooling of assets of two or more
feeder funds, preserving separate identities or distribution channels at the
feeder fund level. Based on the premise that certain of the expenses of
operating an investment portfolio are relatively fixed, a larger investment
portfolio may eventually achieve a lower ratio of operating expenses to average
net assets. An existing investment company is able to convert to a feeder fund
by selling all of its investments, which involves brokerage and other
transaction costs and realization of a taxable gain or loss, or by contributing
its assets to the master fund and avoiding transaction costs and, if proper
procedures are followed, the realization of taxable gain or loss.
Special Considerations
Investing in Emerging Markets. Most emerging securities markets may have
substantially less volume and are subject to less governmental supervision than
U.S. securities markets. Securities of many issuers in emerging markets may be
less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. In
addition, there is less regulation of securities exchanges, securities dealers,
and listed and unlisted companies in emerging markets than in the U.S.
Emerging markets also have different clearance and settlement
procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have
not kept pace with the volume of securities transactions. Delays in settlement
could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is
uninvested and no cash is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make
intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to
miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio
securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund
due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund
has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible
liability to the purchaser. Costs associated with transactions in foreign
securities are generally higher than costs associated with transactions in U.S.
securities. Such transactions also involve additional costs for the purchase or
sale of foreign currency.
Certain emerging markets require prior governmental approval of
investments by foreign persons, limit the amount of investment by foreign
persons in a particular company, limit the investment by foreign persons only to
a specific class of securities of a company that may have less advantageous
rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of the countries
and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. Certain emerging markets
may also restrict investment opportunities in issuers in industries deemed
important to national interest.
Certain emerging markets may require governmental approval for the
repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of
securities by foreign investors. In addition, if a deterioration occurs in an
emerging market's balance of payments or for other reasons, a country could
impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could be
adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required
governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application
to the Fund of any restrictions on investments.
In the course of investment in emerging markets, the Fund will be
exposed to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social and economic
changes in one or more emerging markets. While the Fund will manage its assets
in a manner
3
<PAGE>
that will seek to minimize the exposure to such risks, there can be
no assurance that adverse political, social or economic changes will not cause
the Fund to suffer a loss of value in respect of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio.
The risk also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or
more emerging markets as a result of which trading of securities may cease or
may be substantially curtailed and prices for the Fund's securities in such
markets may not be readily available. The Corporation may suspend redemption of
its shares for any period during which an emergency exists, as determined by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly if the Fund believes
that appropriate circumstances exist, it will promptly apply to the SEC for a
determination that an emergency is present. During the period commencing from
the Fund's identification of such condition until the date of the SEC action,
the Fund's securities in the affected markets will be valued at fair value
determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Corporation's Board of
Directors.
Volume and liquidity in most foreign markets are less than in the U.S.,
and securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than
securities of comparable U.S. companies. Fixed commissions on foreign securities
exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges,
although the Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on its
portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and
regulation of business and industry practices, securities exchanges, brokers,
dealers and listed companies than in the U.S. Mail service between the U.S. and
foreign countries may be slower or less reliable than within the U.S., thus
increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of
certificates for certificated portfolio securities. In addition, with respect to
certain emerging markets, there is the possibility of expropriation or
confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic
developments which could affect the Fund's investments in those countries.
Moreover, individual emerging market economies may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national
product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and
balance of payments position.
The Fund may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default with
respect to certain debt obligations it holds. If the issuer of a fixed-income
security owned by the Fund defaults, the Fund may incur additional expenses to
seek recovery. Debt obligations issued by emerging market country governments
differ from debt obligations of private entities; remedies from defaults on debt
obligations issued by emerging market governments, unlike those on private debt,
must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself. The Fund's ability
to enforce its rights against private issuers may be limited. The ability to
attach assets to enforce a judgment may be limited. Legal recourse is therefore
somewhat diminished. Bankruptcy, moratorium and other similar laws applicable to
private issuers of debt obligations may be substantially different from those of
other countries. The political context, expressed as an emerging market
governmental issuer's willingness to meet the terms of the debt obligation, for
example, is of considerable importance. In addition, no assurance can be given
that the holders of commercial bank debt may not contest payments to the holders
of debt obligations in the event of default under commercial bank loan
agreements.
Income from securities held by the Fund could be reduced by a
withholding tax at the source or other taxes imposed by the emerging market
countries in which the Fund makes its investments. The Fund's net asset value
may also be
4
<PAGE>
affected by changes in the rates or methods of taxation applicable to the Fund
or to entities in which the Fund has invested. The Adviser will consider the
cost of any taxes in determining whether to acquire any particular investments,
but can provide no assurance that the taxes will not be subject to change.
Many emerging markets have experienced substantial, and, in some
periods, extremely high rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid
fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have adverse
effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market
countries. In an attempt to control inflation, wage and price controls have
been imposed in certain countries. Of these countries, some, in recent years,
have begun to control inflation through prudent economic policies.
Emerging market governmental issuers are among the largest debtors to
commercial banks, foreign governments, international financial organizations
and other financial institutions. Certain emerging market governmental issuers
have not been able to make payments of interest on or principal of debt
obligations as those payments have come due. Obligations arising from past
restructuring agreements may affect the economic performance and political and
social stability of those issuers.
Governments of many emerging market countries have exercised and
continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private
sector through the ownership or control of many companies, including some of the
largest in any given country. As a result, government actions in the future
could have a significant effect on economic conditions in emerging markets,
which in turn, may adversely affect companies in the private sector, general
market conditions and prices and yields of certain of the securities in the
Fund's portfolio. Expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization,
political, economic or social instability or other similar developments have
occurred frequently over the history of certain emerging markets and could
adversely affect the Fund's assets should these conditions recur.
The ability of emerging market country governmental issuers to make
timely payments on their obligations is likely to be influenced strongly by the
issuer's balance of payments, including export performance, and its access to
international credits and investments. An emerging market whose exports are
concentrated in a few commodities could be vulnerable to a decline in the
international prices of one or more of those commodities. Increased
protectionism on the part of an emerging market's trading partners could also
adversely affect the country's exports and diminish its trade account surplus,
if any. To the extent that emerging markets receive payment for its exports in
currencies other than dollars or non-emerging market currencies, its ability to
make debt payments denominated in dollars or non-emerging market currencies
could be affected.
Another factor bearing on the ability of emerging market countries to
repay debt obligations is the level of international reserves of the country.
Fluctuations in the level of these reserves affect the amount of foreign
exchange readily available for external debt payments and thus could have a
bearing on the capacity of emerging market countries to make payments on these
debt obligations.
To the extent that an emerging market country cannot generate a trade
surplus, it must depend on continuing loans from foreign governments,
multilateral organizations or private commercial banks, aid payments from
foreign governments and inflows of foreign investment. The access of emerging
markets to these forms of external funding may not be certain, and a withdrawal
of external funding could adversely affect the capacity of emerging market
country governmental issuers to make payments on their obligations. In addition,
the cost of servicing emerging market debt obligations can be affected by a
change in international interest rates since the majority of these obligations
carry interest rates that are adjusted periodically based upon international
rates.
Common Stocks. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests primarily in common
stocks. Common stock is issued by companies to raise cash for business purposes
and represents a proportionate interest in the issuing companies. Therefore, the
Fund participates in the success or failure of any company in which it holds
stock. The market values of common stock can fluctuate significantly, reflecting
the business performance of the issuing company, investor perception and general
economic or financial market movements. Smaller companies are especially
sensitive to these factors and may even become valueless. Despite the risk of
price volatility, however, common stock also offers greater potential for
long-term gain on investment, compared to other classes of financial assets such
as bonds or cash equivalents.
Depository Receipts. The Fund may invest indirectly in securities of foreign
issuers through sponsored or unsponsored American Depository Receipts ("ADRs"),
Global Depository Receipts ("GDRs"), International Depository Receipts ("IDRs")
and other types of Depository Receipts (which, together with ADRs, GDRs and IDRs
are hereinafter referred to
5
<PAGE>
as "Depository Receipts"). Prices of unsponsored Depositary Receipts may be more
volatile than if they were sponsored by the issuer of the underlying securities.
Depository Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as
the underlying securities into which they may be converted. In addition, the
issuers of the stock of unsponsored Depository Receipts are not obligated to
disclose material information in the United States and, therefore, there may not
be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depository
Receipts. ADRs are Depository Receipts which are bought and sold in the United
States and are typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company which evidence
ownership of underlying securities by a foreign corporation. GDRs, IDRs and
other types of Depository Receipts are typically issued by foreign banks or
trust companies, although they may also be issued by United States banks or
trust companies, and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by
either a foreign or a United States corporation. Generally, Depositary Receipts
in registered form are designed for use in the United States securities markets
and Depositary Receipts in bearer form are designed for use in securities
markets outside the United States. For purposes of the Fund's investment
policies, the Fund's investments in ADRs, GDRs and other types of Depositary
Receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying securities.
Depositary Receipts other than those denominated in U.S. dollars will be subject
to foreign currency exchange rate risk. However, by investing in ADRs rather
than directly in foreign issuers' stock, the Fund avoids currency risks during
the settlement period. In general, there is a large, liquid market in the United
States for most ADRs. However, certain Depositary Receipts may not be listed on
an exchange and therefore may be illiquid securities.
Warrants. The Fund may invest in warrants up to 5% of the value of its
respective net assets. The holder of a warrant has the right, until the warrant
expires, to purchase a given number of shares of a particular issuer at a
specified price. Such investments can provide a greater potential for profit or
loss than an equivalent investment in the underlying security. Prices of
warrants do not necessarily move, however, in tandem with the prices of the
underlying securities and are, therefore, considered speculative investments.
Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights other than a purchase option.
Thus, if a warrant held by a Fund were not exercised by the date of its
expiration, the Fund would lose the entire purchase price of the warrant.
Foreign Securities. The Fund is intended to provide individual and institutional
investors with an opportunity to invest a portion of their assets in a
diversified group of securities of companies, wherever organized, which do
business primarily outside the U.S., and foreign governments. The Adviser
believes that diversification of assets on an international basis decreases the
degree to which events in any one country, including the U.S., will affect an
investor's entire investment holdings. In certain periods since World War II,
many leading foreign economies and foreign stock market indices have grown more
rapidly than the U.S. economy and leading U.S. stock market indices, although
there can be no assurance that this will be true in the future. Because of the
Fund's investment policy, the Fund is not intended to provide a complete
investment program for an investor.
Investors should recognize that investing in foreign securities
involves certain special considerations, including those set forth below, which
are not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities and which may
favorably or unfavorably affect the Fund's performance. As foreign companies are
not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic
companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign
company than about a domestic company. Many foreign securities markets, while
growing in volume of trading activity, have substantially less volume than the
U.S. market, and securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of domestic issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in
most foreign bond markets is less than in the U.S. and, at times, volatility of
price can be greater than in the U.S. Further, foreign markets have different
clearance and settlement procedures and in certain markets there have been times
when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities
transactions making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in
settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund are
uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make
intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to
miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio
securities due to settlement problems either could result in losses to the Fund
due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund
has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible
liability to the purchaser. Payment for securities without delivery may be
required in certain foreign markets. Fixed commissions on some foreign
securities exchanges and bid to asked spreads in foreign bond markets are
generally higher than commissions or bid to asked spreads on U.S. markets,
although the Fund will endeavor to achieve the most favorable net results on its
portfolio transactions. Further, the Fund may encounter difficulties or be
unable to pursue legal remedies and obtain judgements in foreign courts. There
is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges,
brokers and listed companies in most foreign countries than in the U.S. It may
be more difficult for the
6
<PAGE>
Fund's agents to keep currently informed about corporate actions which may
affect the prices of portfolio securities. Communications between the U.S. and
foreign countries may be less reliable than within the U.S., thus increasing the
risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates
for portfolio securities. Payment for securities without delivery may be
required in certain foreign markets. In addition, with respect to certain
foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory
taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments which
could affect U.S. investments in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign
economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such
respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
Many of the currencies of foreign countries have experienced a steady
devaluation relative to western currencies. Any future devaluation may have a
detrimental impact on any investments made by the Fund in such countries. The
currencies of some foreign countries are not freely convertible into other
currencies and are not internationally traded. The Fund will not invest its
assets in non-convertible fixed income securities denominated in currencies that
are not freely convertible into other currencies at the time the investment is
made.
These considerations generally are more of a concern in developing
countries. For example, the possibility of revolution and the dependence on
foreign economic assistance may be greater in these countries than in developed
countries. The management of the Fund seeks to mitigate the risks associated
with these considerations through diversification and active professional
management. Although investments in companies domiciled in developing countries
may be subject to potentially greater risks than investments in developed
countries, the Fund will not invest in any securities of issuers located in
developing countries if the securities, in the judgment of the Adviser, are
speculative.
Specialized Investment Techniques
Foreign Currencies. Because investments in foreign securities usually will
involve currencies of foreign countries, and because the Fund may hold foreign
currencies and forward contracts, futures contracts and options on foreign
currencies and foreign currency futures contracts, the value of the assets of
the Fund as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by
changes in foreign currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations, and
the Fund may incur costs and experience conversion difficulties and
uncertainties in connection with conversions between various currencies. In
particular, the Fund's investments are generally denominated in foreign
currencies. The strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar against these currencies
is responsible for part of the Fund's investment performance. If the dollar
falls in value relative to the Japanese yen, for example, the dollar value of a
Japanese stock held in the portfolio will rise even though the price of the
stock remains unchanged. Conversely, if the dollar rises in value relative to
the yen, the dollar value of the Japanese stock will fall.
In addition, many foreign currencies have experienced significant
devaluation relative to the dollar. Although the Fund values its assets daily in
terms of U.S. dollars, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign
currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. It will do so from time to time,
and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although
foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a
profit based on the difference (the "spread") between the prices at which they
are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a
foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of
exchange should the Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer. The Fund
will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e.,
cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market,
or through entering into options or forward or futures contracts to purchase or
sell foreign currencies.
Trust Preferred Securities. The Fund may invest in Trust Preferred Securities,
which are hybrid instruments issued by a special purpose trust (the "Special
Trust"), the entire equity interest of which is owned by a single issuer. The
proceeds of the issuance to the Fund of Trust Preferred Securities are typically
used to purchase a junior subordinated debenture, and distributions from the
Special Trust are funded by the payments of principal and interest on the
subordinated debenture.
If payments on the underlying junior subordinated debentures held by
the Special Trust are deferred by the debenture issuer, the debentures would be
treated as original issue discount ("OID") obligations for the remainder of
their term. As a result, holders of Trust Preferred Securities, such as the
Fund, would be required to accrue daily for Federal income tax purposes, their
share of the stated interest and the de minimis OID on the debentures
(regardless of whether the Fund receives any cash distributions from the Special
Trust), and the value of Trust Preferred Securities would likely
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be negatively affected. Interest payments on the underlying junior subordinated
debentures typically may only be deferred if dividends are suspended on both
common and preferred stock of the issuer. The underlying junior subordinated
debentures generally rank slightly higher in terms of payment priority than both
common and preferred securities of the issuer, but rank below other subordinated
debentures and debt securities. Trust Preferred Securities may be subject to
mandatory prepayment under certain circumstances. The market values of Trust
Preferred Securities may be more volatile than those of conventional debt
securities. Trust Preferred Securities may be issued in reliance on Rule 144A
under the1933 Act, and, unless and until registered, are restricted securities;
there can be no assurance as to the liquidity of Trust Preferred Securities and
the ability of holders of Trust Preferred Securities, such as the Fund, to sell
their holdings.
Debt Securities. When the Adviser believes that it is appropriate to do so in
order to achieve the Fund's objective of long-term capital growth, the Fund may
invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities including bonds of
foreign governments, supranational organizations and private issuers, including
bonds denominated in the Euro. Portfolio debt investments will be selected on
the basis of, among other things, yield, credit quality, and the fundamental
outlooks for currency and interest rate trends in different parts of the globe,
taking into account the ability to hedge a degree of currency or local bond
price risk. The Fund may purchase "investment-grade" bonds, which are those
rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's or AAA, AA, A or BBB by S&P or, if unrated,
judged to be of equivalent quality as determined by the Adviser. Moody's
considers bonds it rates Baa to have speculative elements as well as
investment-grade characteristics. The lower that a bond is rated, the greater
their risks render them similar to equity securities. To the extent that the
Fund invests in high-grade securities, the Fund will not be able to avail itself
of opportunities for higher income which may be available at lower grades.
High Yield/High Risk Bonds. The Fund may also purchase, to a limited extent,
debt securities which are rated below investment-grade (commonly referred to as
"junk bonds"), that is, rated below Baa by Moody's or below BBB by S&P and
unrated securities, which usually entail greater risk (including the possibility
of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities), generally involve
greater volatility of price and risk of principal and income, and may be less
liquid, than securities in the higher rating categories. The lower the ratings
of such debt securities, the greater their risks render them like equity
securities. The Fund will invest no more than 5% of its total assets in
securities rated BB or lower by Moody's or Ba by S&P, and may invest in
securities which are rated D by S&P. Securities rated D may be in default with
respect to payment of principal or interest. See the Appendix to this Statement
of Additional Information for a more complete description of the ratings
assigned by ratings organizations and their respective characteristics.
High yield, high-risk securities are especially subject to adverse
changes in general economic conditions, to changes in the financial condition of
their issuers and to price fluctuations in response to changes in interest
rates. An economic downturn could disrupt the high yield market and impair the
ability of issuers to repay principal and interest. Also, an increase in
interest rates would have a greater adverse impact on the value of such
obligations than on higher quality debt securities. During an economic downturn
or period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issues may experience
financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their
principal and interest payment obligations. Prices and yields of high yield
securities will fluctuate over time and, during periods of economic uncertainty,
volatility of high yield securities may adversely affect the Fund's net asset
value. In addition, investments in high yield zero coupon or pay-in-kind bonds,
rather than income-bearing high yield securities, may be more speculative and
may be subject to greater fluctuations in value due to changes in interest
rates.
The trading market for high yield securities may be thin to the extent
that there is no established retail secondary market. A thin trading market may
limit the ability of the Fund to accurately value high yield securities in its
portfolio and to dispose of those securities. Adverse publicity and investor
perceptions may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield securities.
These securities may also involve special registration responsibilities,
liabilities and costs, and liquidity and valuation difficulties.
Credit quality in the high-yield securities market can change suddenly
and unexpectedly, and even recently-issued credit ratings may not fully reflect
the actual risks posed by a particular high-yield security. For these reasons,
it is the policy of the Adviser not to rely exclusively on ratings issued by
established credit rating agencies, but to supplement such ratings with its own
independent and on-going review of credit quality. The achievement of the Fund's
investment objective by investment in such securities may be more dependent on
the Adviser's credit analysis than is the case for higher quality bonds. Should
the rating of a portfolio security be downgraded, the Adviser will determine
whether it is in the best interests of the Fund to retain or dispose of such
security.
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Prices for below investment-grade securities may be affected by
legislative and regulatory developments. For example, new federal rules require
savings and loan institutions to gradually reduce their holdings of this type of
security. Also, Congress has from time to time considered legislation which
would restrict or eliminate the corporate tax deduction for interest payments in
these securities and regulate corporate restructurings. Such legislation may
significantly depress the prices of outstanding securities of this type.
On average, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, the Fund's
holdings in debt securities rated below investment grade by one or more
nationally recognized rating services, or judged by the Adviser to be of
equivalent quality to the established categories of such rating services
comprised less than 5% of the Fund's total assets. For more information
regarding tax issues related to high yield securities, see "TAXES."
Illiquid Securities. The Fund may occasionally purchase securities other than in
the open market. While such purchases may often offer attractive opportunities
for investment not otherwise available on the open market, the securities so
purchased are often "restricted securities" or "not readily marketable," i.e.,
securities which cannot be sold to the public without registration under the
1933 Act or the availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules
144 or 144A) or because they are subject to other legal or contractual delays in
or restrictions on resale. This investment practice, therefore, could have the
effect of increasing the level of illiquidity of the Fund. It is the Fund's
policy that illiquid securities (including repurchase agreements of more than
seven days duration, certain restricted securities, and other securities which
are not readily marketable) may not constitute, at the time of purchase, more
than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Corporation's Board of
Directors has approved guidelines for use by the Adviser in determining whether
a security is illiquid.
Generally speaking, restricted securities may be sold (i) only to
qualified institutional buyers; (ii) in a privately negotiated transaction to a
limited number of purchasers; or (iii) in limited quantities after they have
been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant
to an exemption from registration. Issuers of restricted securities may not be
subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would
be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If adverse market
conditions were to develop during the period between the Fund's decision to sell
a restricted or illiquid security and the point at which the Fund is permitted
or able to sell such security, the Fund might obtain a price less favorable than
the price that prevailed when it decided to sell. Where a registration statement
is required for the resale of restricted securities, the Fund may be required to
bear all or part of the registration expenses. The Fund may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" for purposes of the 1933 Act when selling restricted securities to
the public and, in such event, the Fund may be liable to purchasers of such
securities if the registration statement prepared by the issuer is materially
inaccurate or misleading.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with any
member bank of the Federal Reserve System and any broker-dealer which is
recognized as a reporting government securities dealer if the creditworthiness
of the bank or broker-dealer has been determined by the Adviser to be at least
as high as that of other obligations the Fund may purchase or to be at least
equal to that of issuers of commercial paper rated within the two highest grades
assigned by Moody's or S&P.
A repurchase agreement provides a means for the Fund to earn income on
funds for periods as short as overnight. It is an arrangement under which the
purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires a security ("Obligation") and the seller
agrees, at the time of sale, to repurchase the Obligation at a specified time
and price. Securities subject to a repurchase agreement are held in a segregated
account and the value of such securities kept at least equal to the repurchase
price on a daily basis. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase
price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase
prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to the Fund together
with the repurchase price upon repurchase. In either case, the income to the
Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the Obligation itself. Obligations
will be held by the Custodian or in the Federal Reserve Book Entry system.
For purposes of the 1940 Act, a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a
loan from the Fund to the seller of the Obligation subject to the repurchase
agreement and is therefore subject to the Fund's investment restriction
applicable to loans. It is not clear whether a court would consider the
Obligation purchased by the Fund subject to a repurchase agreement as being
owned by the Fund or as being collateral for a loan by the Fund to the seller.
In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with
respect to the seller of the Obligation before repurchase of the Obligation
under a repurchase agreement, the Fund may encounter delay and incur costs
before being able to sell the security. Delays may involve loss of interest or
decline in
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price of the Obligation. If the court characterizes the transaction as a loan
and the Fund has not perfected a security interest in the Obligation, the Fund
may be required to return the Obligation to the seller's estate and be treated
as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, the Fund would
be at risk of losing some or all of the principal and income involved in the
transaction. As with any unsecured debt instrument purchased for the Fund, the
Adviser seeks to minimize the risk of loss through repurchase agreements by
analyzing the creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the seller of the
Obligation. Apart from the risk of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there
is also the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the Obligation, in which
case the Fund may incur a loss if the proceeds to the Fund of the sale to a
third party are less than the repurchase price. However, if the market value of
the Obligation subject to the repurchase agreement becomes less than the
repurchase price (including interest), the Fund will direct the seller of the
Obligation to deliver additional securities so that the market value of all
securities subject to the repurchase agreement will equal or exceed the
repurchase price. It is possible that the Fund will be unsuccessful in seeking
to enforce the seller's contractual obligation to deliver additional securities.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into "reverse repurchase
agreements," which are repurchase agreements in which the Fund, as the seller of
the securities, agrees to repurchase them at an agreed upon time and price. The
Fund maintains a segregated account in connection with outstanding reverse
repurchase agreements. The Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements
only when the Adviser believes that the interest income to be earned from the
investment of the proceeds of the transaction will be greater than the interest
expense of the transaction.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may seek to increase its income by
lending portfolio securities. Such loans may be made to registered
broker/dealers and are required to be secured continuously by collateral in
cash, U.S. Government Securities and liquid high grade debt obligations
maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value
and accrued interest of the securities loaned. The Fund has the right to call a
loan and obtain the securities loaned on no more than five days' notice. During
the existence of a loan, the Fund will continue to receive the equivalent of any
distributions paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and will also receive
compensation based on investment of the collateral. As with other extensions of
credit there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, the
loans will be made only to firms deemed by the Adviser to be in good standing,
and will not be made unless, in the judgement of the Adviser, the consideration
to be earned from such loans would justify their risks. The value of the
securities loaned will not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets at
the time any loan is made.
Strategic Transactions and Derivatives. The Fund may, but is not required to,
utilize various other investment strategies as described below for a variety of
purposes, such as hedging various market risks, managing the effective maturity
or duration of fixed-income securities in the Fund's portfolio, or enhancing
potential gain. These strategies may be executed through the use of derivative
contracts. Such strategies are generally accepted as a part of modern portfolio
management and are regularly utilized by many mutual funds and other
institutional investors.
In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may
purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on
securities, equity and fixed-income indices and other instruments, purchase and
sell futures contracts and options thereon, enter into various transactions such
as swaps, caps, floors, collars, currency forward contracts, currency futures
contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies or currency futures and
various other currency transactions (collectively, all the above are called
"Strategic Transactions"). In addition, Strategic Transactions may also include
new techniques, instruments or strategies that are permitted as regulatory
changes occur. Strategic Transactions may be used without limit to attempt to
protect against possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to
be purchased for the Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or
currency exchange rate fluctuations, to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in
the value of its portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities
for investment purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of
fixed-income securities in the Fund's portfolio, or to establish a position in
the derivatives markets as a substitute for purchasing or selling particular
securities. Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to enhance potential
gain although no more than 5% of the Fund's assets will be committed to
Strategic Transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes. Any or all of
these investment techniques may be used at any time and in any combination, and
there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather
than another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous
variables including market conditions. The ability of the Fund to utilize these
Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on the Adviser's ability to
predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. The Fund will
comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing these
strategies, techniques and instruments. Strategic Transactions will not be used
to alter the fundamental investment purposes and characteristics of the Fund and
the Fund will segregate assets
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(or as provided by applicable regulations, enter into certain offsetting
positions) to cover its obligations under options, futures and swaps to limit
leveraging of the Fund.
Strategic Transactions, including derivative contracts, have risks
associated with them including possible default by the other party to the
transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the Adviser's view as to certain
market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic
Transactions could result in losses greater than if they had not been used. Use
of put and call options may result in losses to the Fund, force the sale or
purchase of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices higher than
(in the case of put options) or lower than (in the case of call options) current
market values, limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on its
investments or cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The
use of currency transactions can result in the Fund incurring losses as a result
of a number of factors including the imposition of exchange controls, suspension
of settlements, or the inability to deliver or receive a specified currency. The
use of options and futures transactions entails certain other risks. In
particular, the variable degree of correlation between price movements of
futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio position of the
Fund creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be
greater than gains in the value of the Fund's position. In addition, futures and
options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances and certain
over-the-counter options may have no markets. As a result, in certain markets,
the Fund might not be able to close out a transaction without incurring
substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of futures and options
transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a
decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to limit
any potential gain which might result from an increase in value of such
position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts
would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of
options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium.
Losses resulting from the use of Strategic Transactions would reduce net asset
value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if the Strategic
Transactions had not been utilized.
General Characteristics of Options. Put options and call options typically have
similar structural characteristics and operational mechanics regardless of the
underlying instrument on which they are purchased or sold. Thus, the following
general discussion relates to each of the particular types of options discussed
in greater detail below. In addition, many Strategic Transactions involving
options require segregation of Fund assets in special accounts, as described
below under "Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts."
A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a
premium, the right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying
security, commodity, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price.
For instance, the Fund's purchase of a put option on a security might be
designed to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some
cases, a similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value
by giving the Fund the right to sell such instrument at the option exercise
price. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the
option the right to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying
instrument at the exercise price. The Fund's purchase of a call option on a
security, financial future, index, currency or other instrument might be
intended to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of the underlying
instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by fixing the price at
which it may purchase such instrument. An American style put or call option may
be exercised at any time during the option period while a European style put or
call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior
thereto. The Fund is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed options and
over-the-counter options ("OTC options"). Exchange listed options are issued by
a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), which
guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to such options.
The discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable to other
financial intermediaries.
With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options
generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency,
although in the future cash settlement may become available. Index options and
Eurodollar instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the
option is "in-the-money" (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument
exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put
option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised.
Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument
through the process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by
entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in
ownership of the new option.
The Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller
of an OCC or exchange listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the
liquidity of the option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a
liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in
certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii)
trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options or underlying securities including
reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations
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of the OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or
OCC to handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more
exchanges to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series
of options), in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange
would cease to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would
generally continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the
hours during which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the
extent that the option markets close before the markets for the underlying
financial instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in
the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers,
financial institutions or other parties ("Counterparties") through direct
bilateral agreements with the Counterparties. In contrast to exchange listed
options, which generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all
the terms of an OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term,
exercise price, premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the
parties. The Fund will only sell OTC options (other than OTC currency options)
that are subject to a buy-back provision permitting the Fund to require the
Counterparty to sell the option back to the Fund at a formula price within
seven days. The Fund expects generally to enter into OTC options that have cash
settlement provisions, although it is not required to do so.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or
guaranty function in an OTC option. As a result, if the Counterparty fails to
make or take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying
an OTC option it has entered into with the Fund or fails to make a cash
settlement payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund
will lose any premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit
of the transaction. Accordingly, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of
each such Counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the
Counterparty's credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC
option will be satisfied. The Fund will engage in OTC option transactions only
with U.S. government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York as "primary dealers" or broker/dealers, domestic or foreign banks or
other financial institutions which have received (or the guarantors of the
obligation of which have received) a short-term credit rating of A-1 from S&P or
P-1 from Moody's or an equivalent rating from any nationally recognized
statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") or, in the case of OTC currency
transactions, are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser.
The staff of the SEC currently takes the position that OTC options purchased by
the Fund, and portfolio securities "covering" the amount of the Fund's
obligation pursuant to an OTC option sold by it (the cost of the sell-back plus
the in-the-money amount, if any) are illiquid, and are subject to the Fund's
limitation on investing no more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
securities.
If the Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve
as a partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in
the value of the underlying securities or instruments in its portfolio or will
increase the Fund's income. The sale of put options can also provide income.
The Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities including
U.S. Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt
securities, equity securities (including convertible securities) and Eurodollar
instruments that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and in the
over-the-counter markets, and on securities indices, currencies and futures
contracts. All calls sold by the Fund must be "covered" (i.e., the Fund must own
the securities or futures contract, subject to the call) or must meet the asset
segregation requirements described below as long as the call is outstanding.
Even though the Fund will receive the option premium to help protect it against
loss, a call sold by the Fund exposes the Fund during the term of the option to
possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the market price of the
underlying security or instrument and may require the Fund to hold a security or
instrument which it might otherwise have sold.
The Fund may purchase and sell put options on securities including U.S.
Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, foreign sovereign
debt, corporate debt securities, equity securities (including convertible
securities) and Eurodollar instruments (whether or not it holds the above
securities in its portfolio), and on securities indices, currencies and futures
contracts, other than futures on individual corporate debt and individual equity
securities. The Fund will not sell put options if, as a result, more than 50% of
the Fund's assets would be required to be segregated to cover its potential
obligations under such put options other than those with respect to futures and
options thereon. In selling put options, there is a risk that the Fund may be
required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price above the
market price.
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General Characteristics of Futures. The Fund may enter into futures contracts or
purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as a hedge against
anticipated interest rate, currency or equity market changes, and for duration
management, for risk management and return enhancement purposes. 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 Fund, as seller, to deliver to
the buyer the specific type of instrument called for in the contract at a
specific future time for a specified price (or, with respect to index futures
and Eurodollar instruments, the net cash amount). 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.
The Fund's use of 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 Commission and will be entered
into for bona fide hedging, risk management (including duration management) or
other portfolio management and return enhancement purposes. Typically,
maintaining a futures contract or selling an option thereon requires the Fund 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 marked to market value of the
contract fluctuates. The purchase of an option on futures involves payment of a
premium for the option without any further obligation on the part of the Fund.
If the Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund'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. The segregation requirements with respect to futures contracts and
options thereon are described below.
Options on Securities Indices and Other Financial Indices. The Fund also may
purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices and other financial
indices and in so doing can achieve many of the same objectives it would achieve
through the sale or purchase of options on individual securities or other
instruments. Options on securities indices and other financial indices are
similar to options on a security or other instrument except that, rather than
settling by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, they settle by cash
settlement, i.e., an option on an index gives the holder the right to receive,
upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the index
upon which the option is based exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than,
in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option (except if, in the case
of an OTC option, physical delivery is specified). This amount of cash is equal
to the excess of the closing price of the index over the exercise price of the
option, which also may be multiplied by a formula value. The seller of the
option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of
this amount. The gain or loss on an option on an index depends on price
movements in the instruments making up the market, market segment, industry or
other composite on which the underlying index is based, rather than price
movements in individual securities, as is the case with respect to options on
securities.
Currency Transactions. The Fund may engage in currency transactions with
Counterparties primarily in order to hedge, or manage the risk of, the value of
portfolio holdings denominated in particular currencies against fluctuations in
relative value. Currency transactions include forward currency contracts,
exchange listed currency futures, exchange listed and OTC options on currencies,
and currency swaps. A forward currency contract involves a privately negotiated
obligation to purchase or sell (with delivery generally required) a specific
currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date
of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the
contract. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows based on the
notional difference among two or more currencies and operates similarly to an
interest rate swap, which is described below. The Fund may enter into currency
transactions with Counterparties which have received (or the guarantors of the
obligations which have received) a credit rating of A-1 or P-1 by S&P or
Moody's, respectively, or that have an equivalent rating from an NRSRO or
(except for OTC currency options) are determined to be of equivalent credit
quality by the Adviser.
The Fund's dealings in forward currency contracts and other currency
transactions such as futures, options, options on futures and swaps generally
will be limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio
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positions. Transaction hedging is entering into a currency transaction with
respect to specific assets or liabilities of the Fund, which will generally
arise in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities or the
receipt of income therefrom. Position hedging is entering into a currency
transaction with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or
generally quoted in that currency.
The Fund will generally not enter into a transaction to hedge currency
exposure to an extent greater, after netting all transactions intended wholly or
partially to offset other transactions, than the aggregate market value (at the
time of entering into the transaction) of the securities held in its portfolio
that are denominated or generally quoted in or currently convertible into such
currency, other than with respect to proxy hedging or cross hedging as described
below.
The Fund may also cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions
to purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value
relative to other currencies to which the Fund has or in which the Fund expects
to have portfolio exposure.
To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing
or anticipated holdings of portfolio securities, the Fund may also engage in
proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the Fund's
portfolio is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the dollar. Proxy
hedging entails entering into a commitment or option to sell a currency whose
changes in value are generally considered to be correlated to a currency or
currencies in which some or all of the Fund's portfolio securities are or are
expected to be denominated, in exchange for U.S. dollars. The amount of the
commitment or option would not exceed the value of the Fund's securities
denominated in correlated currencies. For example, if the Adviser considers that
the Austrian schilling is correlated to the German deutschemark (the "D-mark"),
the Fund holds securities denominated in schillings and the Adviser believes
that the value of schillings will decline against the U.S. dollar, the Adviser
may enter into a commitment or option to sell D-marks and buy dollars. Currency
hedging involves some of the same risks and considerations as other transactions
with similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in losses to the Fund
if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction
that is not anticipated. Further, there is the risk that the perceived
correlation between various currencies may not be present or may not be present
during the particular time that the Fund is engaging in proxy hedging. If the
Fund enters into a currency hedging transaction, the Fund will comply with the
asset segregation requirements described below.
Risks of Currency Transactions. Currency transactions are subject to risks
different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control
is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic
planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can
be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and
manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These can result
in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or funds in
settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be
rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring
transaction costs. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are subject to the
same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Further, settlement of a
currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies must occur at a
bank based in the issuing nation. Trading options on currency futures is
relatively new, and the ability to establish and close out positions on such
options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market which may not always be
available. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to
that country's economy.
Combined Transactions. The Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including
multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions, multiple currency
transactions (including forward currency contracts) and multiple interest rate
transactions and any combination of futures, options, currency and interest rate
transactions ("component" transactions), instead of a single Strategic
Transaction, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the opinion of
the Adviser, it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. A combined
transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of
its component transactions. Although combined transactions are normally entered
into based on the Adviser's judgment that the combined strategies will reduce
risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management
goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or
hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars. Among the Strategic Transactions into which the
Fund may enter are interest rate, currency, index and other swaps and the
purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. The Fund expects to enter
into these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular
investment or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency
fluctuations, as a duration management technique or to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later
date. The Fund will not sell interest rate caps or floors where it does not own
securities or other instruments providing the income stream the Fund may be
obligated to pay. Interest rate
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swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective
commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g., an exchange of floating rate
payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a notional amount of principal.
A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows on a notional amount of
two or more currencies based on the relative value differential among them and
an index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on a notional amount based on
changes in the values of the reference indices. The purchase of a cap entitles
the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party
selling such cap to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined
interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor entitles the purchaser to
receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling such
floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest
rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a
certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates or values.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two
payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as the Fund will segregate
assets (or enter into any offsetting position) to cover its obligations under
swaps, the Adviser and the Fund believe such obligations do not constitute
senior securities under the 1940 Act, and, accordingly, will not treat them as
being subject to its borrowing restrictions. The Fund will not enter into any
swap, cap, floor or collar transaction unless, at the time of entering into such
transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the Counterparty, combined with any
credit enhancements, is rated at least A by S&P or Moody's or has an equivalent
rating from a NRSRO or is determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the
Adviser. If there is a default by the Counterparty, the Fund may have
contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. The
swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks
and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing
standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become
relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more recent innovations for
which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed and,
accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
Eurodollar Instruments. The Fund may make investments in Eurodollar instruments.
Eurodollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts or options
thereon which are linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"),
although foreign currency-denominated instruments are available from time to
time. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for
the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. The Fund
might use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against
changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed income instruments
are linked.
Risks of Strategic Transactions Outside the U.S. When conducted outside the
U.S., Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as in the U.S.,
may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to
the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign
securities, currencies and other instruments. The value of such positions also
could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and
economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the U.S. of data on which to
make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon economic
events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the U.S., (iv)
the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and
margin requirements than in the U.S., and (v) lower trading volume and
liquidity.
Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts. Many Strategic Transactions, in
addition to other requirements, require that the Fund segregate cash or liquid
assets with its custodian to the extent Fund obligations are not otherwise
"covered" through ownership of the underlying security, financial instrument or
currency. In general, either the full amount of any obligation by the Fund to
pay or deliver securities or assets must be covered at all times by the
securities, instruments or currency required to be delivered, or, subject to any
regulatory restrictions, an amount of cash or liquid securities at least equal
to the current amount of the obligation must be segregated with the custodian.
The segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are
substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. For
example, a call option written by the Fund will require the Fund to hold the
securities subject to the call (or securities convertible into the needed
securities without additional consideration) or to segregate cash or liquid
securities sufficient to purchase and deliver the securities if the call is
exercised. A call option sold by the Fund on an index will require the Fund to
own portfolio securities which correlate with the index or to segregate cash or
liquid assets equal to the excess of the index value over the exercise price on
a current basis. A put option written by the Fund requires the Fund to segregate
cash or liquid assets equal to the exercise price.
Except when the Fund enters into a forward contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a particular currency, which requires no
segregation, a currency contract which obligates the Fund to buy or sell
currency
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<PAGE>
will generally require the Fund to hold an amount of that currency or liquid
securities denominated in that currency equal to the Fund's obligations or to
segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the amount of the Fund's obligation.
OTC options entered into by the Fund, including those on securities,
currency, financial instruments or indices and OCC issued and exchange listed
index options, will generally provide for cash settlement. As a result, when the
Fund sells these instruments it will only segregate an amount of assets equal to
its accrued net obligations, as there is no requirement for payment or delivery
of amounts in excess of the net amount. These amounts will equal 100% of the
exercise price in the case of a non cash-settled put, the same as an OCC
guaranteed listed option sold by the Fund, or the in-the-money amount plus any
sell-back formula amount in the case of a cash-settled put or call. In addition,
when the Fund sells a call option on an index at a time when the in-the-money
amount exceeds the exercise price, the Fund will segregate, until the option
expires or is closed out, cash or cash equivalents equal in value to such
excess. OCC issued and exchange listed options sold by the Fund other than those
above generally settle with physical delivery, or with an election of either
physical delivery or cash settlement and the Fund will segregate an amount of
assets equal to the full value of the option. OTC options settling with physical
delivery, or with an election of either physical delivery or cash settlement
will be treated the same as other options settling with physical delivery.
In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon, the Fund must
deposit initial margin and, possibly, daily variation margin in addition to
segregating assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide
securities or currencies, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an
index-based futures contract. Such assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents,
short-term debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets.
With respect to swaps, the Fund will accrue the net amount of the
excess, if any, of its obligations over its entitlements with respect to each
swap on a daily basis and will segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets
having a value equal to the accrued excess. Caps, floors and collars require
segregation of assets with a value equal to the Fund's net obligation, if any.
Strategic Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent
with applicable regulatory policies. The Fund may also enter into offsetting
transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated assets,
equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and Strategic
Transactions. For example, the Fund could purchase a put option if the strike
price of that option is the same or higher than the strike price of a put option
sold by the Fund. Moreover, instead of segregating assets if the Fund held a
futures or forward contract, it could purchase a put option on the same futures
or forward contract with a strike price as high or higher than the price of the
contract held. Other Strategic Transactions may also be offset in combinations.
If the offsetting transaction terminates at the time of or after the primary
transaction no segregation is required, but if it terminates prior to such time,
assets equal to any remaining obligation would need to be segregated.
Investment Restrictions
The fundamental policies of the Fund set forth below may not be changed
without the approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares. As used in
this Statement of Additional Information, a "majority of the Fund's outstanding
shares" means the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the voting securities present at
such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (2) more than 50%
of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Fund has elected to be
classified as a diversified series of an open-end investment company.
If a percentage restriction on investment or utilization of assets as
set forth under "Investment Restrictions" and "Other Investment Policies" above
is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later change in percentage
resulting from changes in the value or the total cost of the Fund's assets will
not be considered a violation of the restriction.
In addition, as a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
(1) borrow money, except as permitted under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by
regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time;
(2) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted
or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from
time to time;
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<PAGE>
(3) concentrate its investments in a particular industry, as that
term is used in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory
authority having jurisdiction, from time to time;
(4) engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by
others, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be
an underwriter in connection with the disposition of portfolio
securities;
(5) purchase or sell real estate, which term does not include
securities of companies which deal in real estate or mortgages
or investments secured by real estate or interests therein,
except that the Fund reserves freedom of action to hold and to
sell real estate acquired as a result of the Fund's ownership
of securities;
(6) purchase physical commodities or contracts relating to
physical commodities; or
(7) make loans except as permitted under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by
regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
The Directors of the Corporation have voluntarily adopted certain
non-fundamental policies and restrictions which are observed in the conduct of
the Fund's affairs. These represent intentions of the Directors based upon
current circumstances. They differ from fundamental investment policies in that
they may be changed or amended by action of the Directors without requiring
prior notice to or approval of the shareholders
As a matter of nonfundamental policy, the Fund does not currently
intend to:
(1) borrow money in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets,
except (i) for temporary or emergency purposes and (ii) by
engaging in reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls, or
other investments or transactions described in the Fund's
registration statement which may be deemed to be borrowings;
(2) enter into either of reverse repurchase agreements or dollar
rolls in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets;
(3) purchase securities on margin or make short sales, except (i)
short sales against the box, (ii) in connection with arbitrage
transactions, (iii) for margin deposits in connection with
futures contracts, options or other permitted investments,
(iv) that transactions in futures contracts and options shall
not be deemed to constitute selling securities short, and (v)
that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be
necessary for the clearance of securities transactions;
(4) purchase options, unless the aggregate premiums paid on all
such options held by the Fund at any time do not exceed 20% of
its total assets; or sell put options, if as a result, the
aggregate value of the obligations underlying such put options
would exceed 50% of its total assets;
(5) enter into futures contracts or purchase options thereon
unless immediately after the purchase, the value of the
aggregate initial margin with respect to such futures
contracts entered into on behalf of the Fund and the premiums
paid for such options on futures contracts does not exceed 5%
of the fair market value of the Fund's total assets; provided
that in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time
of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in
computing the 5% limit;
(6) purchase warrants if as a result, such securities, taken at
the lower of cost or market value, would represent more than
5% of the value of the Fund's total assets (for this purpose,
warrants acquired in units or attached to securities will be
deemed to have no value); and
(7) lend portfolio securities in an amount greater than 5% of its
total assets.
The foregoing nonfundamental policies are in addition to policies
otherwise stated in the Prospectus or in this Statement of Additional
Information.
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<PAGE>
PURCHASES
The following information applies to International Shares only. For information
regarding the purchase of Class R shares, please contact your plan
administrator/ plan representative.
Additional Information About Opening An Account
Clients having a regular investment counsel account with the Adviser or
its affiliates and members of their immediate families, officers and employees
of the Adviser or of any affiliated organization and their immediate families,
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") and
banks may, if they prefer, subscribe initially for at least $2,500 of Shares
through Scudder Investor Services, Inc. by letter, telegram, fax, TWX, or
telephone.
Shareholders of other Scudder funds who have submitted an account
application and have certified a tax identification number, clients having a
regular investment counsel account with the Adviser or its affiliates and
members of their immediate families, officers and employees of the Adviser or of
any affiliated organization and their immediate families, members of the NASD,
and banks may open an account by wire. These investors must call 1-800-225-5163
to get an account number. During the call the investor will be asked to indicate
the Fund name, class name, amount to be wired ($2,500 minimum), name of bank or
trust company from which the wire will be sent, the exact registration of the
new account, the tax identification number or Social Security number, address
and telephone number. The investor must then call the bank to arrange a wire
transfer to The Scudder Funds, Boston, MA 02101, ABA Number 011000028, DDA
Account 9903-5552. The investor must give the Scudder fund, class name, account
name and the new account number. Finally, the investor must send a completed and
signed application to the Fund promptly.
The minimum initial purchase amount is less than $2,500 under certain
special plan accounts.
Minimum balances
Shareholders should maintain a share balance worth at least $2,500
($1,000 for fiduciary accounts such as IRAs, and custodial accounts such as
Uniform Gift to Minor Act, and Uniform Trust to Minor Act accounts), which
amount may be changed by the Board of Directors. A shareholder may open an
account with at least $1,000 ($500 for fiduciary/custodial accounts), if an
automatic investment plan (AIP) of $100/month ($50/month for fiduciary/custodial
accounts) is established. Scudder group retirement plans and certain other
accounts have similar or lower minimum share balance requirements.
The Fund reserves the right, following 60 days' written notice to
applicable shareholders, to:
o assess an annual $10 per Fund charge (with the Fee to be paid
to the Fund) for any non-fiduciary/non-custodial account
without an automatic investment plan (AIP) in place and a
balance of less than $2,500; and
o redeem all shares in Fund accounts below $1,000 where a
reduction in value has occurred due to a redemption, exchange
or transfer out of the account. The Fund will mail the
proceeds of the redeemed account to the shareholder.
Reductions in value that result solely from market activity will not
trigger an involuntary redemption. Shareholders with a combined household
account balance in any of the Scudder Funds of $100,000 or more, as well as
group retirement and certain other accounts will not be subject to a fee or
automatic redemption.
Fiduciary (e.g., IRA or Roth IRA) and custodial accounts (e.g., UGMA or
UTMA) with balances below $100 are subject to automatic redemption following 60
days written notice to applicable shareholders.
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments
Subsequent purchase orders for $10,000 or more and for an amount not
greater than four times the value of the shareholder's account may be placed by
telephone, fax, etc. by established shareholders (except by Scudder Individual
Retirement Account (IRA), Scudder Horizon Plan, Scudder Profit Sharing and Money
Purchase Pension Plans, Scudder
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<PAGE>
401(k) and Scudder 403(b) Plan holders), members of the NASD, and banks. Orders
placed in this manner may be directed to any office of the Distributor listed in
the Fund's prospectus. A confirmation of the purchase will be mailed out
promptly following receipt of a request to buy. Federal regulations require that
payment be received within three (3) business days. If payment is not received
within that time, the order is subject to cancellation. In the event of such
cancellation or cancellation at the purchaser's request, the purchaser will be
responsible for any loss incurred by the Fund or the principal underwriter by
reason of such cancellation. If the purchaser is a shareholder, the Fund shall
have the authority, as agent of the shareholder, to redeem shares in the account
in order to reimburse the Fund or the principal underwriter for the loss
incurred. Net losses on such transactions which are not recovered from the
purchaser will be absorbed by the principal underwriter. Any net profit on the
liquidation of unpaid shares will accrue to the Fund.
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments by QuickBuy
Shareholders, whose predesignated bank account of record is a member of
the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) and who have elected to participate
in the QuickBuy program, may purchase shares of the Fund by telephone. Through
this service shareholders may purchase up to $250,000. To purchase shares by
QuickBuy, shareholders should call before the close of regular trading on the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "Exchange"), normally 4 p.m. eastern time.
Proceeds in the amount of your purchase will be transferred from your bank
checking account two or three business days following your call. For requests
received by the close of regular trading on the Exchange, shares will be
purchased at the net asset value per share calculated at the close of trading on
the day of your call. QuickBuy requests received after the close of regular
trading on the Exchange will begin their processing and be purchased at the net
asset value calculated the following business day. If you purchase shares by
QuickBuy and redeem them within seven days of the purchase, the Fund may hold
the redemption proceeds for a period of up to seven business days. If you
purchase shares and there are insufficient funds in your bank account the
purchase will be canceled and you will be subject to any losses or fees incurred
in the transaction. QuickBuy transactions are not available for most retirement
plan accounts. However, QuickBuy transactions are available for Scudder IRA
accounts.
In order to request purchases by QuickBuy, shareholders must have
completed and returned to the Transfer Agent the application, including the
designation of a bank account from which the purchase payment will be debited.
New investors wishing to establish QuickBuy may so indicate on the application.
Existing shareholders who wish to add QuickBuy to their account may do so by
completing an QuickBuy Enrollment Form. After sending in an enrollment form
shareholders should allow 15 days for this service to be available.
The Fund employs procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine. and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that the Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due
to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Fund will not be
liable for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably
believes to be genuine.
Checks
A certified check is not necessary, but checks are only accepted
subject to collection at full face value in U.S. funds and must be drawn on, or
payable through, a U.S. bank.
If shares of the Fund are purchased by a check which proves to be
uncollectible, the Corporation reserves the right to cancel the purchase
immediately and the purchaser will be responsible for any loss incurred by the
Fund or the principal underwriter by reason of such cancellation. If the
purchaser is a shareholder, the Corporation shall have the authority, as agent
of the shareholder, to redeem shares in the account in order to reimburse the
Fund or the principal underwriter for the loss incurred. Investors whose orders
have been canceled may be prohibited from or restricted in placing future orders
in any of the Scudder funds.
Wire Transfer of Federal Funds
To obtain the net asset value determined as of the close of regular
trading on the Exchange on a selected day, your bank must forward federal funds
by wire transfer and provide the required account information so as to be
available to the Fund prior to the regular close of trading on the Exchange
(normally 4 p.m. eastern time).
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<PAGE>
The bank sending an investor's federal funds by bank wire may charge
for the service. Presently, the Fund pays a fee for receipt by the Custodian of
"wired funds," but the right to charge investors for this service is reserved.
Boston banks are presently closed on certain holidays although the
Exchange may be open. These holidays are Columbus Day (the 2nd Monday in
October) and Veterans' Day (November 11). Investors are not able to purchase
shares by wiring federal funds on such holidays because the Custodian is not
open to receive such federal funds on behalf of the Fund.
The following information applies to both the International Shares and the Class
R shares.
Share Price
Purchases will be filled without sales charge at the net asset value
per Share next computed after receipt of the application in good order. Net
asset value normally will be computed as of the close of regular trading on each
day during which the Exchange is open for trading. Orders received after the
close of regular trading on the Exchange will be executed at the next business
day's net asset value. If the order has been placed by a member of the NASD,
other than the Distributor, it is the responsibility of that member broker,
rather than the Fund, to forward the purchase order to Scudder Service
Corporation (the "Transfer Agent") in Boston by the close of regular trading on
the Exchange.
Share Certificates
Due to the desire of the Fund's management to afford ease of
redemption, certificates will not be issued to indicate ownership in the Fund.
Share certificates now in a shareholder's possession may be sent to the Fund's
Transfer Agent for cancellation and credit to such shareholder's account.
Shareholders who prefer may hold the certificates in their possession until they
wish to exchange or redeem such shares.
Other Information
The Fund has authorized certain members of the NASD other than the
Distributor to accept purchase and redemption orders for the Fund's shares.
Those brokers may also designate other parties to accept purchase and redemption
orders on the Fund's behalf. Orders for purchase or redemption will be deemed to
have been received by the Fund when such brokers or their authorized designees
accept the orders. Subject to the terms of the contract between the Fund and the
broker, ordinarily orders will be priced at the Fund's net asset value next
computed after acceptance by such brokers or their authorized designees.
Further, if purchases or redemptions of the Fund's shares are arranged and
settlement is made at an investor's election through any other authorized NASD
member, that member may, at its discretion, charge a fee for that service. The
Board of Directors and the Distributor, also the Fund's principal underwriter,
each has the right to limit the amount of purchases by, and to refuse to sell
to, any person. The Directors and the Distributor may suspend or terminate the
offering of shares of the Fund at any time for any reason.
The Board of Directors and the Distributor, each has the right to
limit, for any reason, the amount of purchases by and to refuse to sell to any
person and each may suspend or terminate the offering of shares of the Fund at
any time for any reason.
The "Tax Identification Number" section of the Application must be
completed when opening an account. Applications and purchase orders without a
certified tax identification number and certain other certified information
(e.g., from exempt organizations a certification of exempt status), will be
returned to the investor. The Fund reserves the right, following 30 days'
notice, to redeem all shares in accounts without a correct certified Social
Security or tax identification number. A shareholder may avoid involuntary
redemption by providing the Fund with a tax identification number during the
30-day notice period.
The Corporation may issue shares at net asset value in connection with
any merger or consolidation with, or acquisition of the assets of, any
investment company or personal holding company, subject to the requirements of
the 1940 Act.
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EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
The following information applies to International Shares only. For information
regarding the exchange and redemption of Class R shares, please contact your
plan administrator/ plan representative. Exchanges
Exchanges are comprised of a redemption from one Scudder fund and a
purchase into another Scudder Fund. The purchase side of the exchange either may
be an additional investment into an existing account or may involve opening a
new account in the other fund. When an exchange involves a new account, the new
account will be established with the same registration, tax identification
number, address, telephone redemption option, "Scudder Automated Information
Line" (SAIL) transaction authorization and dividend option as the existing
account. Other features will not carry over automatically to the new account.
Exchanges to a new fund account must be for a minimum of $2,500. When an
exchange represents an additional investment into an existing account, the
account receiving the exchange proceeds must have identical registration,
address, and account options/features as the account of origin. Exchanges into
an existing account must be for $100 or more. If the account receiving the
exchange proceeds is to be different in any respect, the exchange request must
be in writing and must contain an original signature guarantee.
Exchange orders received before the close of regular trading on the
Exchange on any business day ordinarily will be executed at respective net asset
values determined on that day. Exchange orders received after the close of
regular trading on the Exchange will be executed on the following business day.
Investors may also request, at no extra charge, to have exchanges
automatically executed on a predetermined schedule from one Scudder fund to an
existing account in another Scudder fund, at current net asset value, through
Scudder's Automatic Exchange Program. Exchanges must be for a minimum of $50.
Shareholders may add this free feature over the telephone or in writing.
Automatic Exchanges will continue until the shareholder requests by telephone or
in writing to have the feature removed, or until the originating account is
depleted. The Corporation and the Transfer Agent each reserves the right to
suspend or terminate the privilege of the Automatic Exchange Program at any
time.
There is no charge to the shareholder for any exchange described above.
An exchange into another Scudder fund is a redemption of shares and therefore
may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder, and the
proceeds of such an exchange may be subject to backup withholding. (See
"TAXES.")
Investors currently receive the exchange privilege, including exchange
by telephone, automatically without having to elect it. The Fund employs
procedures, including recording telephone calls, testing a caller's identity,
and sending written confirmation of telephone transactions, designed to give
reasonable assurance that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine,
and to discourage fraud. To the extent that the Fund does not follow such
procedures, it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
telephone instructions. The Fund will not be liable for acting upon instructions
communicated by telephone that it reasonably believes to be genuine. The Fund
and the Transfer Agent each reserves the right to suspend or terminate the
privilege of exchanging by telephone or fax at any time.
The Scudder Funds into which investors may make an exchange are listed
under "THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS" herein. Before making an exchange,
shareholders should obtain from Scudder Investor Services, Inc. a prospectus of
the Scudder fund into which the exchange is being contemplated. The exchange
privilege may not be available for certain Scudder Funds or classes of Scudder
Funds. For more information, please call 1-800-225-5163.
Scudder retirement plans may have different exchange requirements.
Please refer to appropriate plan literature.
Redemption By Telephone
Shareholders currently receive the right, automatically without having
to elect it, to redeem by telephone up to $100,000 and have the proceeds mailed
to their address of record. Shareholders may also request by telephone to have
the proceeds mailed or wired to their predesignated bank account. In order to
request wire redemptions by telephone, shareholders must have completed and
returned to the Transfer Agent the application, including the designation of a
bank account to which the redemption proceeds are to be sent.
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(a) NEW INVESTORS wishing to establish the telephone redemption
privilege must complete the appropriate section on the
application.
(b) EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS (except those who are Scudder IRA,
Scudder pension and profit-sharing, Scudder 401(k) and Scudder
403(b) Planholders) who wish to establish telephone redemption
to a predesignated bank account or who want to change the bank
account previously designated to receive redemption proceeds
should either return a Telephone Redemption Option Form
(available upon request), or send a letter identifying the
account and specifying the exact information to be changed.
The letter must be signed exactly as the shareholder's name(s)
appears on the account. An original signature and an original
signature guarantee are required for each person in whose name
the account is registered.
If a request for a redemption to a shareholder's bank account is made
by telephone or fax, payment will be by Federal Reserve bank wire to the bank
account designated on the application, unless a request is made that the
redemption check be mailed to the designated bank account. There will be a $5
charge for all wire redemptions.
Note: Investors designating a savings bank to receive their
telephone redemption proceeds are advised that if the savings
bank is not a participant in the Federal Reserve System,
redemption proceeds must be wired through a commercial bank
which is a correspondent of the savings bank. As this may
delay receipt by the shareholder's account, it is suggested
that investors wishing to use a savings bank discuss wire
procedures with their bank and submit any special wire
transfer information with the telephone redemption
authorization. If appropriate wire information is not
supplied, redemption proceeds will be mailed to the designated
bank.
The Fund employs procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that the Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due
to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Fund will not be
liable for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably
believes to be genuine.
Redemption requests by telephone (technically a repurchase agreement
between the Fund and the shareholder) of shares purchased by check will not be
accepted until the purchase check has cleared which may take up to seven
business days.
Redemption by QuickSell
Shareholders, whose predesignated bank account of record is a member of
the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) and have elected to participate in
the QuickSell program may sell shares of the Fund by telephone. Redemptions must
be for at least $250. Proceeds in the amount of your redemption will be
transferred to your bank checking account in two or three business days
following your call. For requests received by the close of regular trading on
the Exchange, normally 4 p.m. eastern time, Shares will be redeemed at the net
asset value per Share calculated at the close of trading on the day of your
call. QuickSell requests received after the close of regular trading on the
Exchange will begin their processing the following business day. QuickSell
transactions are not available for Scudder IRA accounts and most other
retirement plan accounts.
In order to request redemptions by QuickSell, shareholders must have
completed and returned to the Transfer Agent the application, including the
designation of a bank account. New investors wishing to establish QuickSell may
so indicate on the application. Existing shareholders who wish to add QuickSell
to their account may do so by completing a QuickSell Enrollment Form. After
sending in an enrollment form, shareholders should allow for 15 days for this
service to be available.
The Fund employs procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that the Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due
to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Fund will not be
liable for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably
believes to be genuine.
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<PAGE>
Redemption by Mail or Fax
Any existing share certificates representing shares being redeemed must
accompany a request for redemption and be duly endorsed or accompanied by a
proper stock assignment form with signature(s) guaranteed.
In order to ensure proper authorization before redeeming shares, the
Transfer Agent may request additional documents such as, but not restricted to,
stock powers, trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as
executor, certificates of corporate authority and waivers of tax (required in
some states when settling estates).
It is suggested that shareholders holding shares registered in other
than individual names contact the Transfer Agent prior to any redemptions to
ensure that all necessary documents accompany the request. When shares are held
in the name of a corporation, trust, fiduciary agent, attorney or partnership,
the Transfer Agent requires, in addition to the stock power, certified evidence
of authority to sign. These procedures are for the protection of shareholders
and should be followed to ensure prompt payment. Redemption requests must not be
conditional as to date or price of the redemption. Proceeds of a redemption will
be sent within seven (7) business days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a
request for redemption that complies with the above requirements. Delays of more
than seven (7) days of payment for shares tendered for repurchase or redemption
may result, but only until the purchase check has cleared.
The requirements for IRA redemptions are different from those for
regular accounts. For more information call 1-800-225-5163.
The following information applies to both the International Shares and the Class
R shares.
Redemption-in-Kind
The Corporation reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash
payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase order by
making payment in whole or in part in readily marketable securities chosen by
the Fund and valued as they are for purposes of computing the Fund's net asset
value (a redemption-in-kind). If payment is made in securities, a shareholder
may incur transaction expenses in converting these securities into cash. The
Corporation has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940
Act as a result of which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares, with respect to
any one shareholder during any 90 day period, solely in cash up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of that Fund at the beginning of the
period.
The following information applies to the International Shares only.
Other Information
Clients, officers or employees of the Adviser or of an affiliated
organization, and members of such clients', officers' or employees' immediate
families, banks and members of the NASD may direct repurchase requests to the
Fund through Scudder Investor Services, Inc. at Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110-4103 by letter, fax, TWX, or telephone. A two-part
confirmation will be mailed out promptly after receipt of the repurchase
request. A written request in good order with a proper original signature
guarantee, as described in the Shares' prospectus, should be sent with a copy of
the invoice to Scudder Funds, c/o Scudder Confirmed Processing, Two
International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103. Failure to deliver shares
or required documents (see above) by the settlement date may result in
cancellation of the trade and the shareholder will be responsible for any loss
incurred by the Fund or the principal underwriter by reason of such
cancellation. Net losses on such transactions which are not recovered from the
shareholder will be absorbed by the principal underwriter. Any net gains so
resulting will accrue to the Fund. For this group, repurchases will be carried
out at the net asset value next computed after such repurchase requests have
been received. The arrangements described in this paragraph for repurchasing
shares are discretionary and may be discontinued at any time.
Shareholders who wish to redeem shares from Special Plan Accounts
should contact the employer, trustee or custodian of the Plan for the
requirements.
The following information applies to both the International Shares and the Class
R shares.
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<PAGE>
If a shareholder redeems all shares in the account after the record
date of a dividend, the shareholder receives in addition to the net asset value
thereof, all declared but unpaid dividends thereon. The value of shares redeemed
or repurchased may be more or less than the shareholder's cost depending on the
net asset value at the time of redemption or repurchase. The Fund does not
impose a redemption or repurchase charge, although a wire charge may be
applicable for redemption proceeds wired to an investor's bank account.
Redemption of shares, including redemptions undertaken to effect an exchange for
shares of another Scudder fund, may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to
the shareholder and the proceeds of such redemptions may be subject to backup
withholding. (See "TAXES.")
The determination of net asset value and a shareholder's right to
redeem shares and to receive payment therefore may be suspended at times (a)
during which the Exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday
closings, (b) during which trading on the Exchange is restricted for any reason,
(c) during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund
of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably
practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or (d)
during which the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), by order
permits a suspension of the right of redemption or a postponement of the date of
payment or of redemption; provided that applicable rules and regulations of the
Commission (or any succeeding governmental authority) shall govern as to whether
the conditions prescribed in (b), (c) or (d) exist.
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND
The No-Load Concept
Investors are encouraged to be aware of the full ramifications of
mutual fund fee structures, and of how Scudder distinguishes funds in its
Scudder Family of Funds from the vast majority of mutual funds available today.
The primary distinction is between load and no-load funds.
Load funds generally are defined as mutual funds that charge a fee for
the sale and distribution of fund shares. There are three types of loads:
front-end loads, back-end loads, and asset-based Rule 12b-1 fees. 12b-1 fees are
distribution-related fees charged against fund assets and are distinct from
service fees, which are charged for personal services and/or maintenance of
shareholder accounts. Asset-based sales charges and service fees are typically
paid pursuant to distribution plans adopted under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
A front-end load is a sales charge, which can be as high as 8.50% of
the amount invested. A back-end load is a contingent deferred sales charge,
which can be as high as 8.50% of either the amount invested or redeemed. The
maximum front-end or back-end load varies, and depends upon whether or not a
fund also charges a 12b-1 fee and/or a service fee or offers investors various
sales-related services such as dividend reinvestment. The maximum charge for a
12b-1 fee is 0.75% of a fund's average annual net assets, and the maximum charge
for a service fee is 0.25% of a fund's average annual net assets.
A no-load fund does not charge a front-end or back-end load, but can
charge a small 12b-1 fee and/or service fee against fund assets. Under the
National Association of Securities Dealers Conduct Rules, a mutual fund can call
itself a "no-load" fund only if the 12b-1 fee and/or service fee does not exceed
0.25% of a fund's average annual net assets.
Scudder pioneered the no-load concept when it created the nation's
first no-load fund in 1928, and later developed the nation's first family of
no-load mutual funds.
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<PAGE>
The following information applies to International Shares only. For
information regarding account access for Class R shares, please contact your
plan administrator/ plan representative.
Internet access
World Wide Web Site -- The address of the Scudder Funds site is www.scudder.com.
The site offers guidance on global investing and developing strategies to help
meet financial goals and provides access to the Scudder investor relations
department via e-mail. The site also enables users to access or view fund
prospectuses and profiles with links between summary information in Profiles and
details in the Prospectus. Users can fill out new account forms on-line, order
free software, and request literature on funds.
Account Access -- The Adviser is among the first mutual fund families to allow
shareholders to manage their fund accounts through the World Wide Web. Scudder
Fund shareholders can view a snapshot of current holdings, review account
activity and move assets between Scudder Fund accounts.
The Adviser's personal portfolio capabilities -- known as SEAS (Scudder
Electronic Account Services) -- are accessible only by current Scudder Fund
shareholders who have set up a Personal Page on Scudder's Web site. Using a
secure Web browser, shareholders sign on to their account with their Social
Security number and their SAIL password. As an additional security measure,
users can change their current password or disable access to their portfolio
through the World Wide Web.
An Account Activity option reveals a financial history of transactions
for an account, with trade dates, type and amount of transaction, share price
and number of shares traded. For users who wish to trade shares between Scudder
Funds, the Fund Exchange option provides a step-by-step procedure to exchange
shares among existing fund accounts or to new Scudder Fund accounts.
Dividends and Capital Gains Distribution Options
Investors have freedom to choose whether to receive cash or to reinvest
any dividends from net investment income or distributions from realized capital
gains in additional Shares of the Fund. A change of instructions for the method
of payment may be given to the Transfer Agent in writing at least five days
prior to a dividend record date.
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<PAGE>
Shareholders may change their dividend option by calling 1-800-225-5163 or by
sending written instructions to the Transfer Agent. Please include your account
number with your written request.
Reinvestment is usually made at the closing net asset value determined
on the business day following the record date. Investors may leave standing
instructions with the Transfer Agent designating their option for either
reinvestment or cash distribution of any income dividends or capital gains
distributions. If no election is made, dividends and distributions will be
invested in additional shares of the Fund.
Investors may also have dividends and distributions automatically
deposited to their predesignated bank account through Scudder's
DistributionsDirect Program. Shareholders who elect to participate in the
DistributionsDirect Program, and whose predesignated checking account of record
is with a member bank of Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) can have income
and capital gain distributions automatically deposited to their personal bank
account usually within three business days after the Fund pays its distribution.
A DistributionsDirect request form can be obtained by calling 1-800-225-5163.
Confirmation Statements will be mailed to shareholders as notification that
distributions have been deposited.
Investors choosing to participate in Scudder's Automatic Withdrawal
Plan must reinvest any dividends or capital gains. For most retirement plan
accounts, the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains is also required.
Transaction Summaries
Annual summaries of all transactions in each Fund account are available
to shareholders. The summaries may be obtained by calling 1-800-225-5163.
The following information applies to both the International Shares and the Class
R shares.
Reports to Shareholders
The Corporation issues to its shareholders audited semiannual and
annual financial statements audited by independent accountants, including a list
of investments held and statements of assets and liabilities, operations,
changes in net assets and financial highlights. Each distribution will be
accompanied by a brief explanation of the source of the distribution.
The following information applies only to the International Shares.
THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS
The Scudder Family of Funds is America's first family of mutual funds
and the nation's oldest family of no-load mutual funds. To assist investors in
choosing a Scudder fund, descriptions of the Scudder funds' objectives follow.
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<PAGE>
MONEY MARKET
Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund
Scudder Cash Investment Trust
Scudder Money Market Series+
Scudder Government Money Market Series+
TAX FREE MONEY MARKET
Scudder Tax Free Money Fund
Scudder Tax Free Money Market Series+
Scudder California Tax Free Money Fund*
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund*
TAX FREE
Scudder Limited Term Tax Free Fund
Scudder Medium Term Tax Free Fund
Scudder Managed Municipal Bonds
Scudder High Yield Tax Free Fund
Scudder California Tax Free Fund*
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund*
- -----------------------------
+ The institutional class of shares is not part of the Scudder Family of
Funds.
* These funds are not available for sale in all states. For information,
contact Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
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<PAGE>
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund*
Scudder New York Tax Free Fund*
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund*
Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund*
U.S. INCOME
Scudder Short Term Bond Fund
Scudder GNMA Fund
Scudder Income Fund
Scudder Corporate Bond Fund
Scudder High Yield Bond Fund.
GLOBAL INCOME
Scudder Global Bond Fund
Scudder International Bond Fund
Scudder Emerging Markets Income Fund
ASSET ALLOCATION
Scudder Pathway Series: Conservative Portfolio
Scudder Pathway Series: Balanced Portfolio
Scudder Pathway Series: Growth Portfolio
Scudder Pathway Series: International Portfolio
- -----------------------------
* These funds are not available for sale in all states. For information,
contact Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
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<PAGE>
U.S. GROWTH AND INCOME
Scudder Balanced Fund
Scudder Dividend & Growth Fund
Scudder Growth and Income Fund
Scudder Select 500 Fund
Scudder 500 Index Fund
Scudder Real Estate Investment Fund
U.S. GROWTH
Value
Scudder Large Company Value Fund
Scudder Value Fund**
Scudder Small Company Value Fund
Scudder Micro Cap Fund
Growth
Scudder Classic Growth Fund**
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund
Scudder Select 1000 Growth Fund
Scudder Development Fund
Scudder 21st Century Growth Fund
GLOBAL EQUITY
Worldwide
Scudder Global Fund
Scudder International Value Fund
Scudder International Growth and Income Fund
Scudder International Fund***
Scudder International Growth Fund
- -----------------------------
** Only the Scudder Shares are part of the Scudder Family of Funds.
*** Only the International Shares are part of the Scudder Family of Funds.
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<PAGE>
Scudder Global Discovery Fund**
Scudder Emerging Markets Growth Fund
Scudder Gold Fund
Regional
Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund
Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund
Scudder Latin America Fund
The Japan Fund, Inc.
INDUSTRY SECTOR FUNDS
Choice Series
Scudder Financial Services Fund
Scudder Health Care Fund
Scudder Technology Fund
SCUDDER PREFERRED SERIES
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund
Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund
The net asset values of most Scudder funds can be found daily in the
"Mutual Funds" section of The Wall Street Journal under "Scudder Funds," and in
other leading newspapers throughout the country. Investors will notice the net
asset value and offering price are the same, reflecting the fact that no sales
commission or "load" is charged on the sale of shares of the Scudder funds. The
latest seven-day yields for the money-market funds can be found every Monday and
Thursday in the "Money-Market Funds" section of The Wall Street Journal. This
information also may be obtained by calling the Scudder Automated Information
Line (SAIL) at 1-800-343-2890.
Certain Scudder funds or classes thereof may not be available for
purchase or exchange. For more information, please call 1-800-225-5163.
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS
Detailed information on any Scudder investment plan, including the
applicable charges, minimum investment requirements and disclosures made
pursuant to Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") requirements, may be obtained
by contacting Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110-4103 or by calling toll free, 1-800-225-2470. The
discussions of the plans below describe only certain aspects of the federal
income tax treatment of the plan. The state tax treatment may be different and
may vary from state to state. It is advisable for an
- -----------------------------
** Only the Scudder Shares are part of the Scudder Family of Funds.
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<PAGE>
investor considering the funding of the investment plans described below to
consult with an attorney or other investment or tax adviser with respect to the
suitability requirements and tax aspects thereof.
Shares of the Fund may also be a permitted investment under profit
sharing and pension plans and IRA's other than those offered by the Fund's
distributor depending on the provisions of the relevant plan or IRA.
None of the plans assures a profit or guarantees protection against
depreciation, especially in declining markets.
Scudder Retirement Plans: Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans for
Corporations and Self-Employed Individuals
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as the investment medium under a
plan in the form of a Scudder Profit-Sharing Plan (including a version of the
Plan which includes a cash-or-deferred feature) or a Scudder Money Purchase
Pension Plan (jointly referred to as the Scudder Retirement Plans) adopted by a
corporation, a self-employed individual or a group of self-employed individuals
(including sole proprietorships and partnerships), or other qualifying
organization. Each of these forms was approved by the IRS as a prototype. The
IRS's approval of an employer's plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code will be greatly facilitated if it is in such approved form. Under
certain circumstances, the IRS will assume that a plan, adopted in this form,
after special notice to any employees, meets the requirements of Section 401(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code as to form.
Scudder 401(k): Cash or Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan for Corporations and
Self-Employed Individuals
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as the investment medium under a
plan in the form of a Scudder 401(k) Plan adopted by a corporation, a
self-employed individual or a group of self-employed individuals (including sole
proprietors and partnerships), or other qualifying organization. This plan has
been approved as a prototype by the IRS.
Scudder IRA: Individual Retirement Account
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as the underlying investment for an
Individual Retirement Account which meets the requirements of Section 408(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code.
A single individual who is not an active participant in an
employer-maintained retirement plan, a simplified employee pension plan, or a
tax-deferred annuity program (a "qualified plan"), and a married individual who
is not an active participant in a qualified plan and whose spouse is also not an
active participant in a qualified plan, are eligible to make tax deductible
contributions of up to $2,000 to an IRA prior to the year such individual
attains age 70 1/2. In addition, certain individuals who are active participants
in qualified plans (or who have spouses who are active participants) are also
eligible to make tax-deductible contributions to an IRA; the annual amount, if
any, of the contribution which such an individual will be eligible to deduct
will be determined by the amount of his, her, or their adjusted gross income for
the year. Whenever the adjusted gross income limitation prohibits an individual
from contributing what would otherwise be the maximum tax-deductible
contribution he or she could make, the individual will be eligible to contribute
the difference to an IRA in the form of nondeductible contributions.
An eligible individual may contribute as much as $2,000 of qualified
income (earned income or, under certain circumstances, alimony) to an IRA each
year (up to $2,000 per individual for married couples, even if only one spouse
has earned income). All income and capital gains derived from IRA investments
are reinvested and compound tax-deferred until distributed. Such tax-deferred
compounding can lead to substantial retirement savings.
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Scudder 403(b) Plan
Shares of the Fund may also be purchased as the underlying investment
for tax sheltered annuity plans under the provisions of Section 403(b)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code. In general, employees of tax-exempt organizations
described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (such as hospitals,
churches, religious, scientific, or literary organizations and educational
institutions) or a public school system are eligible to participate in a 403(b)
plan.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan
Non-retirement plan shareholders may establish an Automatic Withdrawal
Plan to receive monthly, quarterly or periodic redemptions from his or her
account for any designated amount of $50 or more. Shareholders may designate
which day they want the automatic withdrawal to be processed. The check amounts
may be based on the redemption of a fixed dollar amount, fixed share amount,
percent of account value or declining balance. The Plan provides for income
dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, to be reinvested in
additional Shares. Shares are then liquidated as necessary to provide for
withdrawal payments. Since the withdrawals are in amounts selected by the
investor and have no relationship to yield or income, payments received cannot
be considered as yield or income on the investment and the resulting
liquidations may deplete or possibly extinguish the initial investment and any
reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions. Requests for increases in
withdrawal amounts or to change the payee must be submitted in writing, signed
exactly as the account is registered, and contain signature guarantee(s). Any
such requests must be received by the Fund's transfer agent ten days prior to
the date of the first automatic withdrawal. An Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be
terminated at any time by the shareholder, the Corporation or its agent on
written notice, and will be terminated when all Shares of the Fund under the
Plan have been liquidated or upon receipt by the Corporation of notice of death
of the shareholder.
An Automatic Withdrawal Plan request form can be obtained by calling
1-800-225-5163.
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<PAGE>
Group or Salary Deduction Plan
An investor may join a Group or Salary Deduction Plan where
satisfactory arrangements have been made with Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
for forwarding regular investments through a single source. The minimum annual
investment is $240 per investor which may be made in monthly, quarterly,
semiannual or annual payments. The minimum monthly deposit per investor is $20.
Except for trustees or custodian fees for certain retirement plans, at present
there is no separate charge for maintaining group or salary deduction plans;
however, the Corporation and its agents reserve the right to establish a
maintenance charge in the future depending on the services required by the
investor.
The Corporation reserves the right, after notice has been given to the
shareholder, to redeem and close a shareholder's account in the event that the
shareholder ceases participating in the group plan prior to investment of $1,000
per individual or in the event of a redemption which occurs prior to the
accumulation of that amount or which reduces the account value to less than
$1,000 and the account value is not increased to $1,000 within a reasonable time
after notification. An investor in a plan who has not purchased shares for six
months shall be presumed to have stopped making payments under the plan.
Automatic Investment Plan
Shareholders may arrange to make periodic investments through automatic
deductions from checking accounts by completing the appropriate form and
providing the necessary documentation to establish this service. The minimum
investment is $50.
The Automatic Investment Plan involves an investment strategy called
dollar cost averaging. Dollar cost averaging is a method of investing whereby a
specific dollar amount is invested at regular intervals. By investing the same
dollar amount each period, when shares are priced low the investor will purchase
more shares than when the share price is higher. Over a period of time this
investment approach may allow the investor to reduce the average price of the
shares purchased. However, this investment approach does not assure a profit or
protect against loss. This type of regular investment program may be suitable
for various investment goals such as, but not limited to, college planning or
saving for a home.
Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act
Grandparents, parents or other donors may set up custodian accounts for
minors. The minimum initial investment is $1,000 unless the donor agrees to
continue to make regular share purchases for the account through Scudder's
Automatic Investment Plan (AIP). In this case, the minimum initial investment is
$500.
The Corporation reserves the right, after notice has been given to the
shareholder and custodian, to redeem and close a shareholder's account in the
event that regular investments to the account cease before the $1,000 minimum is
reached.
Scudder Roth IRA: Individual Retirement Account
Shares of the Funds may be purchased as the underlying investment for a
Roth Individual Retirement Account which meets the requirements of Section 408A
of the Internal Revenue Code.
A single individual earning below $95,000 can contribute up to $2,000
per year to a Roth IRA. The maximum contribution amount diminishes and gradually
falls to zero for single filers with adjusted gross incomes ranging from $95,000
to $110,000. Married couples earning less than $150,000 combined, and filing
jointly, can contribute a full $4,000 per year ($2,000 per IRA). The maximum
contribution amount for married couples filing jointly phases out from $150,000
to $160,000.
An eligible individual can contribute money to a traditional IRA and a
Roth IRA as long as the total contribution to all IRAs does not exceed $2,000.
No tax deduction is allowed under Section 219 of the Internal Revenue Code for
contributions to a Roth IRA. Contributions to a Roth IRA may be made even after
the individual for whom the account is maintained has attained age 70 1/2.
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All income and capital gains derived from Roth IRA investments are
reinvested and compounded tax-free. Such tax-free compounding can lead to
substantial retirement savings. No distributions are required to be taken prior
to the death of the original account holder. If a Roth IRA has been established
for a minimum of five years, distributions can be taken tax-free after reaching
age 59 1/2, for a first-time home purchase ($10,000 maximum, one-time use) or
upon death or disability. All other distributions of earnings from a Roth IRA
are taxable and subject to a 10% tax penalty unless an exception applies.
Exceptions to the 10% penalty include: disability, certain medical expenses, the
purchase of health insurance for an unemployed individual and qualified higher
education expenses.
An individual with an income of $100,000 or less (who is not married
filing separately) can roll his or her existing IRA into a Roth IRA. However,
the individual must pay taxes on the taxable amount in his or her traditional
IRA. Individuals who complete the rollover in 1998 will be allowed to spread the
tax payments over a four-year period. After 1998, all taxes on such a rollover
will have to be paid in the tax year in which the rollover is made.
The following information applies to both the International Shares and the Class
R shares.
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund intends to follow the practice of distributing all of its
investment company taxable income, which includes any excess of net realized
short-term capital gains over net realized long-term capital losses. The Fund
may follow the practice of distributing the entire excess of net realized
long-term capital gains over net realized short-term capital losses. However,
the Fund may retain all or part of such gain for reinvestment after paying the
related federal income taxes for which the shareholders may then be asked to
claim a credit against their federal income tax liability. (See "TAXES.")
If the Fund does not distribute the amount of capital gain and/or
ordinary income required to be distributed by an excise tax provision of the
Code, the Fund may be subject to that excise tax. (See "TAXES.") In certain
circumstances, the Fund may determine that it is in the interest of shareholders
to distribute less than the required amount.
Earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemptions of Fund
shares may be utilized by the Fund, to the extent permissible, as part of the
Fund's dividends paid deduction on its federal tax return.
The Fund intends to distribute its investment company taxable income
and any net realized capital gains in November or December to avoid federal
excise tax, although an additional distribution may be made if necessary.
Both types of distributions will be made in Shares of the Fund and
confirmations will be mailed to each shareholder unless a shareholder has
elected to receive cash, in which case a check will be sent. Distributions of
investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains are taxable
(See "TAXES"), whether made in Shares or cash.
Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. The characterization of distributions on such
correspondence may differ from the characterization for federal tax purposes. In
January of each year the Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the
federal income tax status of all distributions in the prior calendar year.
The following information applies only to Class R shares.
Dividends and other distributions in the aggregate amount of $10 or less are
automatically reinvested in shares of the same fund unless you request that such
policy not be applied to your account.
The following information applies to both the International Shares and the Class
R shares.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time, quotations of the Shares' performance may be
included in advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders or
prospective investors. These performance figures will be calculated in the
following manner:
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Average Annual Total Return
Average Annual Total Return is the average annual compound rate of
return for the periods of one year, five years, and ten years, all ended on the
last day of a recent calendar quarter. Average annual total return quotations
reflect changes in the price of the Shares and assume that all dividends and
capital gains distributions during the respective periods were reinvested in
Shares. Average annual total return is calculated by finding the average annual
compound rates of return of a hypothetical investment over such periods,
according to the following formula (average annual total return is then
expressed as a percentage):
T = (ERV/P)^1/n - 1
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
T = Average Annual Total Return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value: ERV is the value,
at the end of the applicable period, of a
hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the
beginning of the applicable period.
Average Annual Total Return for years ended March 31, 1999*
One Year Five Years Ten Years
7.18% 11.01% 10.38%
* Since Class R shares are a new class of shares, no performance information is
available. However, Class R shares will have substantially similar annual
returns because the shares are invested in the same portfolio of securities
and the annual returns would differ only to the extent that expenses differ.
Cumulative Total Return
Cumulative Total Return is the compound rate of return on a
hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 for a specified period. Cumulative
Total Return quotations reflect changes in the price of the Shares and assume
that all dividends and capital gains distributions during the period were
reinvested in Shares. Cumulative Total Return is calculated by finding the
cumulative rates of return of a hypothetical investment over such periods,
according to the following formula (Cumulative Total Return is then expressed as
a percentage):
C = (ERV/P) - 1
Where:
C = Cumulative Total Return
P = a hypothetical initial investment of
$1,000
ERV = ending redeemable value: ERV is
the value, at the end of the
applicable period, of a hypothetical
$1,000 investment made at the
beginning of the applicable period.
Cumulative Total Return for years ended March 31, 1999
One Year Five Years Ten Years
7.18% 65.58% 168.58%
Total Return
Total Return is the rate of return on an investment for a specified
period of time calculated in the same manner as Cumulative Total Return.
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Comparison of Fund Performance
In connection with communicating its performance to current or
prospective shareholders, the Fund also may compare these figures to the
performance of unmanaged indices which may assume reinvestment of dividends or
interest but generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
management costs.
Historical information on the value of the dollar versus foreign
currencies may be used from time to time in advertisements concerning the Fund.
Such historical information is not indicative of future fluctuations in the
value of the U.S. dollar against these currencies. In addition, marketing
materials may cite country and economic statistics and historical stock market
performance for any of the countries in which the Fund invests.
From time to time, in advertising and marketing literature, this Fund's
performance may be compared to the performance of broad groups of mutual funds
with similar investment goals, as tracked by independent organizations.
From time to time, in marketing and other Fund literature, Directors
and officers of the Corporation, the Fund's portfolio manager, or members of the
portfolio management team may be depicted and quoted to give prospective and
current shareholders a better sense of the outlook and approach of those who
manage the Fund. In addition, the amount of assets that the Adviser has under
management in various geographical areas may be quoted in advertising and
marketing materials.
The International Shares of the Fund may be advertised as an investment
choice in the Adviser's college planning program.
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Statistical and other information, as provided by the Social Security
Administration, may be used in marketing materials pertaining to retirement
planning in order to estimate future payouts of social security benefits.
Estimates may be used on demographic and economic data.
Marketing and other Fund literature may include a description of the
potential risks and rewards associated with an investment in the Fund. The
description may include a "risk/return spectrum" which compares the Fund to
other Scudder funds or broad categories of funds, such as money market, bond or
equity funds, in terms of potential risks and returns. Money market funds are
designed to maintain a constant $1.00 share price and have a fluctuating yield.
Share price, yield and total return of a bond fund will fluctuate. The share
price and return of an equity fund also will fluctuate. The description may also
compare the Fund to bank products, such as certificates of deposit. Unlike
mutual funds, certificates of deposit are insured up to $100,000 by the U.S.
government and offer a fixed rate of return.
Because bank products guarantee the principal value of an investment
and money market funds seek stability of principal, these investments are
considered to be less risky than investments in either bond or equity funds,
which may involve the loss of principal. However, all long-term investments,
including investments in bank products, may be subject to inflation risk, which
is the risk of erosion of the value of an investment as prices increase over a
long time period. The risks/returns associated with an investment in bond or
equity funds depend upon many factors. For bond funds these factors include, but
are not limited to, a fund's overall investment objective, the average portfolio
maturity, credit quality of the securities held, and interest rate movements.
For equity funds, factors include a fund's overall investment objective, the
types of equity securities held and the financial position of the issuers of the
securities. The risks/returns associated with an investment in international
bond or equity funds also will depend upon currency exchange rate fluctuation.
A risk/return spectrum generally will position the various investment
categories in the following order: bank products, money market funds, bond funds
and equity funds. Shorter-term bond funds generally are considered less risky
and offer the potential for less return than longer-term bond funds. The same is
true of domestic bond funds relative to international bond funds, and bond funds
that purchase higher quality securities relative to bond funds that purchase
lower quality securities. Growth and income equity funds are generally
considered to be less risky and offer the potential for less return than growth
funds. In addition, international equity funds usually are considered more risky
than domestic equity funds but generally offer the potential for greater return.
Evaluation of Fund performance or other relevant statistical
information made by independent sources may also be used in advertisements
concerning the Fund, including reprints of, or selections from, editorials or
articles about this Fund.
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FUND ORGANIZATION
The Corporation was organized as Scudder Fund of Canada Ltd. in Canada
in 1953 by the investment management firm of Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. On
March 16, 1964, the name of the Corporation was changed to Scudder International
Investments Ltd. On July 31, 1975, the corporate domicile of the Corporation was
changed to the U.S. through the transfer of its net assets to a newly formed
Maryland corporation, Scudder International Fund, Inc., in exchange for shares
of the Corporation which then were distributed to the shareholders of the
Corporation.
The authorized capital stock of the Corporation consists of 1 billion
shares of a par value of $.01 each which capital stock has been divided into --
eight series: Scudder International Fund, the original series; Scudder Latin
America Fund, Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund, both organized in December
1992, Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund, organized in October 1994, Scudder
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, organized in May 1996, Scudder International
Growth and Income Fund, organized in June 1997 and Scudder International Growth
Fund and Scudder International Value Fund, both organized in June 1998. Each
series consists of 100 million shares except for the Fund which consists of 300
million shares. The Fund is further divided into three classes of shares, the
International Shares, the Barrett International Shares and the Class R shares.
The Directors have the authority to issue additional series of shares and to
designate the relative rights and preferences as between the different series.
All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and non-assessable,
transferable, and redeemable at net asset value at the option of the
shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive or conversion rights.
The shares of the Corporation have non-cumulative voting rights, which
means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of
Directors can elect 100% of the Directors if they choose to do so, and, in such
event, the holders of the remaining less than 50% of the shares voting for the
election of Directors will not be able to elect any person or persons to the
Board of Directors. The assets of the Corporation received for the issue or sale
of the shares of each series and all income, earnings, profits and proceeds
thereof, subject only to the rights of creditors, are specifically allocated to
such series and constitute the underlying assets of such series. The underlying
assets of each series are segregated on the books of account, and are to be
charged with the liabilities in respect to such series and with such a share of
the general liabilities of the Corporation. If a series were unable to meet its
obligations, the assets of all other series may in some circumstances be
available to creditors for that purpose, in which case the assets of such other
series could be used to meet liabilities which are not otherwise properly
chargeable to them. Expenses with respect to any two or more series are to be
allocated in proportion to the asset value of the respective series except where
allocations of direct expenses can otherwise be fairly made. The officers of the
Corporation, subject to the general supervision of the Directors, have the power
to determine which liabilities are allocable to a given series, or which are
general or allocable to two or more series. In the event of the dissolution or
liquidation of the Corporation or any series, the holders of the shares of any
series are entitled to receive as a class the underlying assets of such shares
available for distribution to shareholders.
Shares of the Corporation entitle their holders to one vote per share;
however, separate votes are taken by each series on matters affecting an
individual series. For example, a change in investment policy for a series would
be voted upon only by shareholders of the series involved. Additionally,
approval of the investment advisory agreement is a matter to be determined
separately by each series. Approval by the shareholders of one series is
effective as to that series whether or not enough votes are received from the
shareholders of the other series to approve such agreement as to the other
series.
The Directors, in their discretion, may authorize the additional
division of shares of the Corporation (or shares of a series) into different
classes permitting shares of different classes to be distributed by different
methods. Although shareholders of different classes of a series would have an
interest in the same portfolio of assets, shareholders of different classes may
bear different expenses in connection with different methods of distribution.
Pursuant to the approval of a majority of stockholders, the
Corporation's Directors have the discretion to retain the current distribution
arrangement while investing in a master fund in a master/feeder fund structure
if the Board determines that the objectives of the Fund would be achieved more
efficiently thereby.
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The Corporation's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the
"Articles") provide that the Directors of the Corporation, to the fullest extent
permitted by Maryland General Corporation Law and the 1940 Act, shall not be
liable to the Corporation or its shareholders for damages. Maryland law
currently provides that Directors shall be immune from liability for any action
taken by them in good faith, in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best
interests of the Corporation and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person
in a like position would use under similar circumstances. In so acting, a
Director shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of
the Corporation and upon reports made to the Corporation by persons selected in
good faith by the Directors as qualified to make such reports. The Articles and
the By-Laws provide that the Corporation will indemnify its Directors, officers,
employees or agents against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with
litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the
Corporation consistent with applicable law.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser"), an investment counsel
firm, acts as investment adviser to the Fund. This organization, the predecessor
of which is Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc., is one of the most experienced
investment counsel firms in the U. S. It was established as a partnership in
1919 and pioneered the practice of providing investment counsel to individual
clients on a fee basis. In 1928 it introduced the first no-load mutual fund to
the public. In 1953 the Adviser introduced Scudder International Fund, Inc., the
first mutual fund available in the U.S. investing internationally in securities
of issuers in several foreign countries. The predecessor firm reorganized from a
partnership to a Delaware corporation on June 28, 1985. On June 26, 1997,
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. ("Scudder") entered into an agreement with Zurich
Insurance Company ("Zurich") pursuant to which Scudder and Zurich agreed to form
an alliance. On December 31, 1997, Zurich acquired a majority interest in
Scudder, and Zurich Kemper Investments, Inc., a Zurich subsidiary, became part
of Scudder. Scudder's name has been changed to Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
Founded in 1872, Zurich is a multinational, public corporation
organized under the laws of Switzerland. Its home office is located at
Mythenquai 2, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland. Historically, Zurich's earnings have
resulted from its operations as an insurer as well as from its ownership of its
subsidiaries and affiliated companies (the "Zurich Insurance Group"). Zurich and
the Zurich Insurance Group provide an extensive range of insurance products and
services and have branch offices and subsidiaries in more than 40 countries
throughout the world.
The principal source of the Adviser's income is professional fees
received from providing continuous investment advice, and the firm derives no
income from brokerage or underwriting of securities. Today, it provides
investment counsel for many individuals and institutions, including insurance
companies, colleges, industrial corporations, and financial and banking
organizations. In addition, it manages Montgomery Street Income Securities,
Inc., Scudder California Tax Free Trust, Scudder Cash Investment Trust, Value
Equity Trust, Scudder Fund, Inc., Scudder Funds Trust, Global/International
Fund, Inc., Scudder Global High Income Fund, Inc., Scudder GNMA Fund, Scudder
Portfolio Trust, Scudder Institutional Fund, Inc., Scudder International Fund,
Inc., Investment Trust, Scudder Municipal Trust, Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc.,
Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc., Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc., Scudder Pathway
Series, Scudder Securities Trust, Scudder State Tax Free Trust, Scudder Tax Free
Money Fund, Scudder Tax Free Trust, Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund, Scudder
Variable Life Investment Fund, The Argentina Fund, Inc., The Brazil Fund, Inc.,
The Korea Fund, Inc., and The Japan Fund, Inc.. Some of the foregoing companies
or trusts have two or more series.
The Adviser also provides investment advisory services to the mutual
funds which comprise the AARP Investment Program from Scudder. The AARP
Investment Program from Scudder has assets over $13 billion and includes the
AARP Growth Trust, AARP Income Trust, AARP Tax Free Income Trust, AARP Managed
Investment Portfolios Trust and AARP Cash Investment Funds.
Pursuant to an Agreement between the Adviser and AMA Solutions, Inc., a
subsidiary of the American Medical Association (the "AMA"), dated May 9, 1997,
the Adviser has agreed, subject to applicable state regulations, to pay AMA
Solutions, Inc. royalties in an amount equal to 5% of the management fee
received by the Adviser with respect to assets invested by AMA members in
Scudder funds in connection with the AMA InvestmentLink(SM) Program. The Adviser
will also pay AMA Solutions, Inc. a general monthly fee, currently in the amount
of $833. The AMA and AMA
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Solutions, Inc. are not engaged in the business of providing investment advice
and neither is registered as an investment adviser or broker/dealer under
federal securities laws. Any person who participates in the AMA
InvestmentLink(SM) Program will be a customer of the Adviser (or of a subsidiary
thereof) and not the AMA or AMA Solutions, Inc. AMA InvestmentLink(SM) is a
service mark of AMA Solutions, Inc.
The Adviser maintains a large research department, which conducts
continuous studies of the factors that affect the position of various
industries, companies and individual securities. The Adviser receives published
reports and statistical compilations from issuers and other sources, as well as
analyses from brokers and dealers who may execute portfolio transactions for the
Adviser's clients. However, the Adviser regards this information and material as
an adjunct to its own research activities. The Adviser's international
investment management team travels the world, researching hundreds of companies.
In selecting the securities in which the Fund may invest, the conclusions and
investment decisions of the Adviser with respect to the Fund are based primarily
on the analyses of its own research department.
Certain investments may be appropriate for the Fund and also for other
clients advised by the Adviser. Investment decisions for the Fund and other
clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives
and after consideration of such factors as their current holdings, availability
of cash for investment and the size of their investments generally. Frequently,
a particular security may be bought or sold for only one client or in different
amounts and at different times for more than one but less than all clients.
Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one
or more other clients are selling the security. In addition, purchases or sales
of the same security may be made for two or more clients on the same day. In
such event, such transactions will be allocated among the clients in a manner
believed by the Adviser to be equitable to each. In some cases, this procedure
could have an adverse effect on the price or amount of the securities purchased
or sold by the Fund. Purchase and sale orders for the Fund may be combined with
those of other clients of the Adviser in the interest of achieving the most
favorable net results to the Fund.
The transaction between Scudder and Zurich resulted in the assignment
of the Fund's investment management agreement with Scudder, that agreement was
deemed to be automatically terminated at the consummation of the transaction. In
anticipation of the transaction, however, a new investment management agreement
between the Fund and the Adviser was approved by the Corporation's Directors on
October 29, 1997. At the special meeting of the Fund's stockholders held on
October 27, 1997, the stockholders also approved the new investment management
agreement. The new investment management agreement (the "Agreement") became
effective as of December 31, 1997.
On September 7, 1998, the businesses of Zurich (including Zurich's 70%
interest in the Adviser) and the financial services businesses of B.A.T
Industries p.l.c. ("B.A.T") were combined to form a new global insurance and
financial services company known as Zurich Financial Services Group. By way of a
dual holding company structure, former Zurich shareholders initially owned
approximately 57% of Zurich Financial Services Group, with the balance initially
owned by former B.A.T shareholders.
Upon consummation of this transaction, the Fund's existing investment
management agreement with Scudder Kemper was deemed to have been assigned and,
therefore, terminated. The Board approved a new investment management agreement
(the "Agreement") with the Adviser, which is substantially identical to the
prior investment management agreement, except for the dates of execution and
termination. The Agreement became effective September 7, 1998, upon the
termination of the then current investment management agreement and was approved
at a shareholder meeting held on December 15, 1998.
The Agreement dated September 7, 1998 was approved by the Directors on
August 6, 1998. The Agreement will continue in effect until September 30, 1999
and from year to year thereafter only if its continuance is approved annually by
the vote of a majority of those Directors who are not parties to such Agreement
or interested persons of the Adviser or the Corporation, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and either by a vote
of the Corporation's Directors or of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund. The Agreement may be terminated at any time without
payment of penalty by either party on sixty days written notice and
automatically terminate in the event of their assignment.
Under the Agreement, the Adviser regularly provides the Fund with
continuing investment management for the Fund's portfolio consistent with the
Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions and determines which
securities shall be purchased, held or sold and what portion of the Fund's
assets shall be held uninvested, subject always to the Corporation's Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws, of the 1940 Act and the Code and to the Fund's
investment
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objective, policies and restrictions, and subject, further, to such policies and
instructions as the Board of Directors of the Corporation may from time to time
establish. The Adviser also advises and assists the officers of the Corporation
in taking such steps as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the decisions
of its Directors and the appropriate committees of the Directors regarding the
conduct of the business of the Corporation.
Under the Agreement, the Adviser also renders significant
administrative services (not otherwise provided by third parties) necessary for
the Corporation's operations as an open-end investment company including, but
not limited to, preparing reports and notices to the Directors and shareholders;
supervising, negotiating contractual arrangements with, and monitoring various
third-party service providers to the Fund (such as the Fund's transfer agent,
pricing agents, custodian, accountants and others); preparing and making filings
with the Commission and other regulatory agencies; assisting in the preparation
and filing of the Fund's federal, state and local tax returns; preparing and
filing the Fund's federal excise tax returns; assisting with investor and public
relations matters; monitoring the valuation of securities and the calculation of
net asset value; monitoring the registration of shares of the Fund under
applicable federal and state securities laws; maintaining the Fund's books and
records to the extent not otherwise maintained by a third party; assisting in
establishing accounting policies of the Fund; assisting in the resolution of
accounting and legal issues; establishing and monitoring the Fund's operating
budget; processing the payment of the Fund's bills; assisting the Fund in, and
otherwise arranging for, the payment of distributions and dividends and
otherwise assisting the Fund in the conduct of its business, subject to the
direction and control of the Directors.
The Adviser pays the compensation and expenses (except those of
attending Board and committee meetings outside New York, New York or Boston,
Massachusetts) of all Directors, officers and executive employees of the Fund
affiliated with the Adviser and makes available, without expense to the Fund,
the services of such Directors, officers and employees of the Adviser as may
duly be elected officers of the Fund, subject to their individual consent to
serve and to any limitations imposed by law, and provides the Fund's office
space and facilities.
Under the Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, effective
September 7, 1998, the management fee payable under the Agreement is equal to an
annual rate of approximately 0.90% of the first $500,000,000 of average daily
net assets, 0.85% of the next $500,000,000 of such net assets, 0.80% of the next
$1,000,000,000 of such net assets, 0.75% of the next $1,000,000,000 of such net
assets, and 0.70% of such net assets in excess of $3,000,000,000, computed and
accrued daily and payable monthly.
Under the Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser which was in
effect prior to September 5, 1996 (the "Agreement"), the Fund agreed to pay to
the Adviser a fee equal to an annual rate of 0.90% on the first $500,000,000 of
the Fund's average daily net assets, 0.85% on the next $500,000,000, 0.80% on
the next $1,000,000,000, and 0.75% of such net assets in excess of
$2,000,000,000, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly.
The net investment advisory fees for the fiscal years ended March 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997 were $23,819,941, $22,491,681, and $20,989,160,
respectively, of which $2,051,746 was unpaid at March 31, 1999.
Under the Agreement the Fund is responsible for all of its other
expenses including: fees and expenses incurred in connection with membership in
investment company organizations; brokers' commissions; legal, auditing and
accounting expenses; the calculation of net asset value; taxes and governmental
fees; the fees and expenses of the Transfer Agent; the cost of preparing share
certificates or any other expenses of issue, sale, underwriting, distribution,
redemption or repurchase of shares; the expenses of and the fees for registering
or qualifying securities for sale; the fees and expenses of Directors, officers
and employees of the Fund who are not affiliated with the Adviser; the cost of
printing and distributing reports and notices to stockholders; and the fees and
disbursements of custodians. The Fund may arrange to have third parties assume
all or part of the expenses of sale, underwriting and distribution of shares of
the Fund. The Fund is also responsible for its expenses of shareholders'
meetings, the cost of responding to shareholders' inquiries, and its expenses
incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings and claims and the legal
obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and Directors of the
Corporation with respect thereto.
The Agreement expressly provides that the Adviser shall not be required
to pay a pricing agent of the Fund for portfolio pricing services, if any.
The Agreement identifies the Adviser as the exclusive licensee of the
rights to use and sublicense the names "Scudder," "Scudder Kemper Investments,
Inc." and "Scudder Stevens & Clark, Inc." (together, the "Scudder Marks").
41
<PAGE>
Under this license, the Corporation, with respect to the Fund, has the
non-exclusive right to use and sublicense the Scudder name and marks as part of
its name, and to use the Scudder Marks in the Corporation's investment products
and services.
In reviewing the terms of the Agreement and in discussions with the
Adviser concerning such Agreement, the Directors of the Corporation who are not
"interested persons" of the Adviser are represented by independent counsel at
the Fund's expense.
The Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any
error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in
connection with matters to which the Agreement relates, except a loss resulting
from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the
Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by the
Adviser of its obligations and duties under the Agreement.
Officers and employees of the Adviser from time to time may have
transactions with various banks, including the Fund's custodian bank. It is the
Adviser's opinion that the terms and conditions of those transactions which have
occurred were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other Fund
relationships.
The Adviser may serve as adviser to other funds with investment
objectives and policies similar to those of the Fund that may have different
distribution arrangements or expenses, which may affect performance.
None of the officers or Directors of the Corporation may have dealings
with the Fund as principals in the purchase or sale of securities, except as
individual subscribers to or holders of shares of the Fund.
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser
Employees of the Adviser are permitted to make personal securities
transactions, subject to requirements and restrictions set forth in the
Adviser's Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics contains provisions and
requirements designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest
between personal investment activities and the interests of investment advisory
clients such as the Fund. Among other things, the Code of Ethics, which
generally complies with standards recommended by the Investment Company
Institute's Advisory Group on Personal Investing, prohibits certain types of
transactions absent prior approval, imposes time periods during which personal
transactions may not be made in certain securities, and requires the submission
of duplicate broker confirmations and monthly reporting of securities
transactions. Additional restrictions apply to portfolio managers, traders,
research analysts and others involved in the investment advisory process.
Exceptions to these and other provisions of the Code of Ethics may be granted in
particular circumstances after review by appropriate personnel.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Position with
Underwriter,
Scudder Investor
Name, Age, and Address Position with Fund Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ---------------------- ------------------ ---------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Lynn S. Birdsong (53)#* Chairman of the Board Managing Director of Scudder Kemper Senior Vice President
and Director Investments, Inc.
Paul Bancroft III (69) Director Venture Capitalist and Consultant; --
79 Pine Lane Retired, President, Chief Executive
Box 6639 Officer and Director, Bessemer
Snowmass Village, CO 81615 Securities Corporation
42
<PAGE>
Position with
Underwriter,
Scudder Investor
Name, Age, and Address Position with Fund Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ---------------------- ------------------ ---------------------- --------------
Sheryle J. Bolton (52) Director CEO and Director, Scientific Learning --
Scientific Learning Corporation Corporation, Former President and
1995 University Ave Chief Operating Officer, Physicians
Suite 400 Online, Inc. (electronic transmission
Berkeley, CA 94704 of clinical information for
physicians (1994-1995))
William T. Burgin (55) Director General Partner, Bessemer Venture --
83 Walnut Street Partners; General Partner, Deer &
Wellesley, MA 02181-2101 Company; Director, Fort James
Corporation; Director of various
privately held companies
Keith R. Fox (45) Director Private Equity Investor, Exeter --
10 East 53rd Street Capital Management Corporation
New York, NY 10022
William H. Luers (69) Director Chairman and President, U.N. --
993 Fifth Avenue Association of the U.S.A.; President,
New York, NY 10028 The Metropolitan Museum of Art
(1986-1998)
Kathryn L. Quirk (46)*#@ Director, Vice Managing Director of Scudder Kemper Director, Senior Vice
President and Investments, Inc. President, Chief Legal
Assistant Secretary Officer and Assistant
Clerk
Joan E. Spero (54) Director President, Doris Duke Charitable --
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; Department of State--
Foundation Undersecretary of State for Economic,
650 Fifth Avenue Business and Agricultural Affairs
New York, NY 10128 (March 1993-January 1997)
Thomas J. Devine (72) Honorary Director Consultant --
450 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
William H. Gleysteen, Jr. (72) Honorary Director Consultant; Guest Scholar, Brookings --
4937 Crescent Street Institute
Bethesda, MD 20816
Wilson Nolen (72) Honorary Director Consultant (1989 to present); --
1120 Fifth Avenue, #10-B Corporate Vice President, Becton,
New York, NY 10128-0144 Dickinson & Company (manufacturer of
medical and scientific products)
until 1989
43
<PAGE>
Position with
Underwriter,
Scudder Investor
Name, Age, and Address Position with Fund Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ---------------------- ------------------ ---------------------- --------------
Robert G. Stone, Jr. (76) Honorary Director Chairman Emeritus and Director, Kirby --
405 Lexington Avenue Corporation (inland and offshore
39th Floor marine transportation and diesel
New York, NY 10174 repairs)
Elizabeth J. Allan (46)# Vice President Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Nicholas Bratt (51)#* President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Irene T. Cheng (45)# Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Joyce E. Cornell (55)# Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Carol L. Franklin (46)# Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Edmund B. Games, Jr. (62)+ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Theresa Gusman (39)# Vice President Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Philip S. Fortuna (41)## Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
John R. Hebble (41)+ Treasurer Senior Vice President of Scudder Assistant Treasurer
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Richard W. Desmond (63)# Assistant Secretary Vice President of Scudder Kemper Vice President
Investments, Inc.
Caroline Pearson (37)+ Assistant Secretary Senior Vice President of Scudder Clerk
Kemper Investments, Inc.; Associate,
Dechert Price & Rhoads (law firm)
1989-1997
Sheridan Reilly (47)# Vice President Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Shahram Tajbakhsh (42)## Vice President Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
John Millette (36)+ Vice President and Assistant Vice President of Scudder --
Secretary Kemper Investments, Inc. since
September 1994;
previously employed by
the law firm Kaye,
Scholer, Fierman, Hays
& Handler.
</TABLE>
44
<PAGE>
* Mr. Birdsong, Mr. Bratt and Ms. Quirk are considered by the Fund and
its counsel to be persons who are "interested persons" of the Adviser
or of the Corporation as defined in the 1940 Act.
** Unless otherwise stated, all officers and directors have been
associated with their respective companies for more than five years,
but not necessarily in the same capacity.
@ Mr. Birdsong and Ms. Quirk are members of the Executive Committee which
may exercise substantially all of the powers of the Board of Directors
when it is not in session.
+ Address: Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
# Address: 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154
## Address: 101 California Street, Suite 4100, San Francisco, CA 94111
The Directors and officers of the Corporation also serve in similar
capacities with respect to other Scudder Funds.
With respect to International Shares class of the Fund:
As of June 30, 1999, all Directors and officers of the Corporation as a
group owned beneficially (as that term is defined under Section 13(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) less than 1% of the International Shares of the
Fund outstanding on such date.
Certain accounts for which the Adviser acts as investment adviser owned
3,394,472 shares in the aggregate, or 5.15% of the outstanding International
Shares of the Fund on June 30, 1999. The Adviser may be deemed to be beneficial
owner of such shares but disclaims any beneficial ownership in such shares.
As of June 30, 1999, 7,277,736 shares in the aggregate, 11.04% of the
outstanding International Shares of the Fund, were held in the name of Charles
Schwab, c/o Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Attn: Mutual Fund Department, 101
Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104-4122, who may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of certain of these shares, but disclaims any beneficial
ownership therein.
As of June 30, 1999, 3,526,651 shares in the aggregate, 5.34% of the
outstanding International Shares of the Fund, were held in the name of National
Financial Service Company (for exclusive benefit of customers), P.O. Box 3908,
Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008, who may be deemed to be beneficial
owner of certain of these shares, but disclaims any beneficial ownership
therein.
To the best of the Fund's knowledge, as of June 30, 1999 no person
owned beneficially (as so defined) more than 5% of the Fund's outstanding
International Shares except as stated above.
With respect to Class R shares of the Fund:
As of June 30, 1999, all Directors and officers of the Corporation as a
group owned beneficially (as that term is defined under Section 13(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act) less than 1% of the Class R shares of the Fund
outstanding on such date.
To the best of the Fund's knowledge, as of June 30, 1999 no person
owned beneficially (as so defined) more than 5% of the Fund's outstanding Class
R shares except as stated above.
With respect to Barrett International Shares class of the Fund:
As of June 30, 1999, all Directors and officers of the Corporation as a
group owned beneficially (as that term is defined under Section 13(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act) less than 1% of the Barrett International Shares of the
Fund outstanding on such date.
To the best of the Fund's knowledge, as of June 30, 1999 no person
owned beneficially (as so defined) more than 5% of the Fund's outstanding
Barrett International Shares except as stated above.
The Directors and officers of the Corporation also serve in similar
capacities with other Scudder Funds.
45
<PAGE>
REMUNERATION
Responsibilities of the Board -- Board and Committee Meetings
The Board of Directors is responsible for the general oversight of the
Fund's business. A majority of the Board's members are not affiliated with
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. These "Independent Directors" have primary
responsibility for assuring that the Fund is managed in the
best interests of its shareholders.
The Board of Directors meets at least quarterly to review the
investment performance of the Fund and other operational matters, including
policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with various regulatory
requirements. At least annually, the Independent Directors review the fees paid
to the Adviser and its affiliates for investment advisory services and other
administrative and shareholder services. In this regard, they evaluate, among
other things, the Fund's investment performance, the quality and efficiency of
the various other services provided, costs incurred by the Adviser and its
affiliates, and comparative information regarding fees and expenses of
competitive funds. They are assisted in this process by the Fund's independent
public accountants and by independent legal counsel selected by the Independent
Directors.
All of the Independent Directors serve on the Committee on Independent
Directors, which nominates Independent Directors and considers other related
matters, and the Audit Committee, which selects the Fund's independent public
accountants and reviews accounting policies and controls. In addition,
Independent Directors from time to time have established and served on task
forces and subcommittees focusing on particular matters such as investment,
accounting and shareholder service issues.
Compensation of Officers and Directors
The Independent Directors receive the following compensation from the
Funds of Scudder International Fund, Inc.: an annual director's fee of $3,500; a
fee of $325 for attendance at each board meeting, audit committee meeting or
other meeting held for the purposes of considering arrangements between the
Corporation on behalf of the Fund and the Adviser or any affiliate of the
Adviser; $100 for all other committee meetings; and reimbursement of expenses
incurred for travel to and from Board Meetings. No additional compensation is
paid to any Independent Director for travel time to meetings, attendance at
directors' educational seminars or conferences, service on industry or
association committees, participation as speakers at directors' conferences or
service on special director task forces or subcommittees. Independent Directors
do not receive any employee benefits such as pension or retirement benefits or
health insurance. Notwithstanding the schedule of fees, the Independent
Directors have in the past and may in the future waive a portion of their
compensation.
The Independent Directors also serve in the same capacity for other
funds managed by the Adviser. These funds differ broadly in type and complexity
and in some cases have substantially different Director fee schedules. The
following table shows the aggregate compensation received by each Independent
Director during 1998 from the Corporation and from all of the Scudder funds as a
group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Scudder International Fund, Inc.* All Scudder Funds
--------------------------------- -----------------
Paid by Paid by Paid by Paid by
Name the Corporation the Adviser(1) the Funds the Adviser(1)
---- --------------- -------------- --------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Paul Bancroft III, $45,200 $2,550 $174,200 $ 8,925
Director (25 Funds)
Sheryle J. Bolton, $45,200 $0.00 $149,050 $0.00
Director (23 Funds)
William T. Burgin, $45,200 $2,550 $150,950 $8,920
Director (23 Funds)
46
<PAGE>
Scudder International Fund, Inc.* All Scudder Funds
--------------------------------- -----------------
Paid by Paid by Paid by Paid by
Name the Corporation the Adviser(1) the Funds the Adviser(1)
---- --------------- -------------- --------- --------------
Thomas J. Devine, $45,200 $2,550 $162,450 $8,920
Honorary Director (24 Funds)
Keith R. Fox, Director $46,700 $2,550 $156,800 $8,920
(23 Funds)
William H. Gleysteen, $45,200 $2,550 $123,200 $4,675
Jr., Honorary Director*** (17 Funds)
William H. Luers, $40,700 $2,550 $147,050 $8,925
Director (26 Funds)
Wilson Nolen, Honorary $45,200 $2,550 $189,075 $6,375
Director (24 Funds)
Joan E. Spero, Director** $10,008 $0.00 $29,736 $0.00
(23 Funds)
</TABLE>
(1) The Adviser paid the compensation to Directors for meetings associated
with the Adviser's alliance with B.A.T Industries p.l.c. See
"Investment Adviser" for
additional information.
* Scudder International Fund, Inc. consists of eight funds: Scudder
International Fund, Scudder Latin America Fund, Scudder Pacific
Opportunities Fund, Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund, Scudder
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Scudder International Growth and Income
Fund, Scudder International Growth Fund and Scudder International Value
Fund.
** Elected as Director of the Corporation in September, 1998.
*** This amount does not reflect $6,208 in retirement benefits accrued as
part of Fund Complex expenses, and $3,000 in estimated annual benefits
payable upon retirement. Retirement benefits accrued and proposed are
to be paid to Mr. Gleysteen as additional compensation for serving on
the Board of The Japan Fund, Inc.
Members of the Board of Directors who are employees of the Adviser or
its affiliates receive no direct compensation from the Corporation, although
they are compensated as employees of the Adviser, or its affiliates, as a result
of which they may be deemed to participate in fees paid by each Fund.
DISTRIBUTOR
The Corporation has an underwriting agreement with Scudder Investor
Services, Inc., Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110 (the "Distributor"), a
Massachusetts corporation, which is a subsidiary of the Adviser, a Delaware
corporation. The Corporation's underwriting agreement dated September 7, 1998
will remain in effect until September 30, 1999 and from year to year thereafter
only if its continuance is approved annually by a majority of the members of the
Board of Directors who are not parties to such agreement or interested persons
of any such party and either by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors or
a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The underwriting
agreement was last approved by the Directors on August 6, 1998.
Under the underwriting agreement, the Fund is responsible for: the
payment of all fees and expenses in connection with the preparation and filing
with the Commission of its registration statement and prospectus and any
amendments and supplements thereto; the registration and qualification of shares
for sale in the various states, including registering the Fund as a broker or
dealer in various states as required; the fees and expenses of preparing,
printing and mailing prospectuses annually to existing shareholders (see below
for expenses relating to prospectuses paid by the Distributor); notices, proxy
statements, reports or other communications to shareholders of the Fund; the
cost of printing and mailing confirmations of purchases of shares and any
prospectuses accompanying such confirmations; any issuance
47
<PAGE>
taxes and/or any initial transfer taxes; a portion of shareholder toll-free
telephone charges and expenses of shareholder service representatives; the cost
of wiring funds for share purchases and redemptions (unless paid by the
shareholder who initiates the transaction); the cost of printing and postage of
business reply envelopes; and a portion of the cost of computer terminals used
by both the Fund and the Distributor.
The Distributor will pay for printing and distributing prospectuses or
reports prepared for its use in connection with the offering of the Fund's
shares to the public and preparing, printing and mailing any other literature or
advertising in connection with the offering of shares of the Fund to the public.
The Distributor will pay all fees and expenses in connection with its
qualification and registration as a broker or dealer under federal and state
laws, a portion of the cost of toll-free telephone service and expenses of
shareholder service representatives, a portion of the cost of computer
terminals, and expenses of any activity which is primarily intended to result in
the sale of shares issued by the Fund, unless a Rule 12b-1 Plan is in effect
which provides that the Fund shall bear some or all of such expenses.
As agent, the Distributor currently offers shares of the Fund on a
continuous basis to investors in all states in which shares of the Fund may from
time to time be registered or where permitted by applicable law. The
underwriting agreement provides that the Distributor accepts orders for shares
at net asset value as no sales commission or load is charged to the investor.
The Distributor has made no firm commitment to acquire shares of the Fund.
The following information applies to the Class R shares only.
To provide compensation to financial services firms for performing
administrative support services to its customers who are shareholders of Class R
shares of the Fund, the Trust, on behalf of Class R shares of the Fund, has
approved an Administrative Services Agreement. These services include, but are
not limited to: providing information on shareholder accounts and transactions,
answering inquiries regarding the Fund, resolving account problems, and
explaining mutual fund performance and rankings. For services provided under the
Administrative Services Agreement, the Fund, on behalf of Class R shares, would
pay the Distributor an administrative service fee of up to 0.25% of the average
daily net assets of that class of the Fund. The Distributor would then
distribute this fee to financial representatives that provide services for their
clients who are investors through applicable group retirement plans. The
administrative service fee is calculated monthly.
With respect to the Class R shares, the Fund has adopted a distribution
plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plan"), which allows
for the payment of distribution fees by the Fund to the Distributor. Currently,
the Plan is inactive and no payments will be made under the Plan by the Fund.
However, the Plan will be activated and payments made under the Plan in the
event that payments made under the Administrative Services Agreement to the
Distributor are deemed to be the indirect financing of the distribution of Fund
shares. The Plan may also be activated by a vote of the Fund's Board of
Directors. If the Plan were made operative, the Distributor would compensate
various financial services firms for sales of Fund shares and may pay
commissions, fees and concessions to such firms. Moreover, the distribution fee
paid under the operative Plan would be used to compensate the Distributor for
expenses incurred in connection with activities primarily intended to result in
the sale of Class R shares, including the printing of prospectuses and reports
for persons other than existing shareholders and the preparation, printing and
distribution of sales literature and advertising materials. Under the Plan, the
Distributor may appoint Kemper Distributors, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser,
as its agent to carry out its duties involving the Plan.
The following information applies to both the International Shares and the Class
R shares.
TAXES
The Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Code, or a predecessor statute and has qualified as
such since its inception. Such qualification does not involve governmental
supervision or management of investment practices or policy.
A regulated investment company qualifying under Subchapter M of the
Code is required to distribute to its shareholders at least 90 percent of its
investment company taxable income (including net short-term capital gain) and
generally is not subject to federal income tax to the extent that it distributes
annually its investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains in
the manner required under the Code.
48
<PAGE>
If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify for special federal
income tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, all of its taxable
income will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates (without
any deduction for distributions to its shareholders). In such an event, dividend
distributions would be taxable to shareholders to the extent of the Fund's
earnings and profits, and would be eligible for the dividends received deduction
in the case of corporate shareholders.
The Fund is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on amounts
required to be but not distributed under a prescribed formula. The formula
requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions
representing at least 98% of the Fund's ordinary income for the calendar year,
at least 98% of the excess of its capital gains over capital losses (adjusted
for certain ordinary losses) realized during the one-year period ending October
31 during such year, and all ordinary income and capital gains for prior years
that were not previously distributed.
Investment company taxable income generally is made up of dividends,
interest and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital
losses, less expenses. Net realized capital gains for a fiscal year are computed
by taking into account any capital loss carryforward of the Fund. Presently, the
Fund has no capital loss carryforwards.
If any net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized
short-term capital losses are retained by the Fund for reinvestment, requiring
federal income taxes to be paid thereon by the Fund, the Fund intends to elect
to treat such capital gains as having been distributed to shareholders. As a
result, each shareholder will report such capital gains as long-term capital
gains, will be able to claim a proportionate share of federal income taxes paid
by the Fund on such gains as a credit against the shareholder's federal income
tax liability, and will be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis of the
shareholder's Fund shares by the difference between such reported gains and the
shareholder's tax credit.
Distributions of investment company taxable income are taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income.
Dividends from domestic corporations are not expected to comprise a
substantial part of the Fund's gross income. If any such dividends constitute a
portion of the Fund's gross income, a portion of the income distributions of the
Fund may be eligible for the 70% deduction for dividends received by
corporations. Shareholders will be informed of the portion of dividends which so
qualify. The dividends-received deduction is reduced to the extent the shares of
the Fund with respect to which the dividends are received are treated as
debt-financed under federal income tax law and is eliminated if either those
shares or the shares of the Fund are deemed to have been held by the Fund or the
shareholders, as the case may be, for less than 46 days during the 90-day period
beginning 45 days before the shares become ex-dividend.
Properly designated distributions of the excess of net long-term
capital gain over net short-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as
long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time the shares of the Fund
have been held by such shareholders. Such distributions are not eligible for the
dividends-received deduction. Any loss realized upon the redemption of shares
held at the time of redemption for six months or less will be treated as a
long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of
long-term capital gain during such six-month period.
Distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized
capital gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or
in cash. Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of
additional Shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each
Share so received equal to the net asset value of a Share on the reinvestment
date.
All distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized
capital gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each
shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends declared in
October, November or December with a record date in such a month will be deemed
to have been received by shareholders on December 31, if paid during January of
the following year. Redemptions of shares, including exchanges for shares of
another Scudder Fund, may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the
shareholder and are also subject to these reporting requirements.
An individual may make a deductible IRA contribution of up to $2,000
or, if less, the amount of the individual's earned income for any taxable year
only if (i) neither the individual nor his or her spouse (unless filing separate
returns) is an active participant in an employer's retirement plan, or (ii) the
individual (and his or her spouse, if applicable) has an adjusted gross income
below a certain level ($40,050 for married individuals filing a joint return,
with a phase-out of the
49
<PAGE>
deduction for adjusted gross income between $40,050 and $50,000; $25,050 for a
single individual, with a phase-out for adjusted gross income between $25,050
and $35,000). However, an individual not permitted to make a deductible
contribution to an IRA for any such taxable year may nonetheless make
nondeductible contributions up to $2,000 to an IRA (up to $2,000 per individual
for married couples if only one spouse has earned income) for that year. There
are special rules for determining how withdrawals are to be taxed if an IRA
contains both deductible and nondeductible amounts. In general, a proportionate
amount of each withdrawal will be deemed to be made from nondeductible
contributions; amounts treated as a return of nondeductible contributions will
not be taxable. Also, annual contributions may be made to a spousal IRA even if
the spouse has earnings in a given year if the spouse elects to be treated as
having no earnings (for IRA contribution purposes) for the year.
Distributions by the Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value
of the Fund's shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a
shareholder's cost basis, such distribution would nevertheless be taxable to the
shareholder as ordinary income or capital gain as described above, even though,
from an investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of capital. In
particular, investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares just
prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at that time includes the
amount of the forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing just prior to a
distribution will then receive a partial return of capital upon the
distribution, which will nevertheless be taxable to them.
The Fund intends to qualify for and may make the election permitted
under Section 853 of the Code so that shareholders may (subject to limitations)
be able to claim a credit or deduction on their federal income tax returns for,
and will be required to treat as part of the amounts distributed to them, their
pro rata portion of qualified taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries (which
taxes relate primarily to investment income). The Fund may make an election
under Section 853 of the Code, provided that more than 50% of the value of the
total assets of the Fund at the close of the taxable year consists of securities
in foreign corporations. The foreign tax credit available to shareholders is
subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code, except in the case of
certain electing individual taxpayers who have limited creditable foreign taxes
and no foreign source income other than passive investment-type income.
Furthermore, the foreign tax credit is eliminated with respect to foreign taxes
withheld on dividends if the dividend-paying shares or the shares of the Fund
are held by the Fund or the shareholder, as the case may be, for less than 16
days (46 days in the case of preferred shares) during the 30-day period (90-day
period for preferred shares) beginning 15 days (45 days for preferred shares)
before the shares become ex-dividend. In addition, if the Fund fails to satisfy
these holding period requirements, it cannot elect under Section 853 to pass
through to shareholders the ability to claim a deduction for the related foreign
taxes.
If the Fund does not make the election permitted under section 853 any
foreign taxes paid or accrued will represent an expense to the Fund which will
reduce its investment company taxable income. Absent this election, shareholders
will not be able to claim either a credit or a deduction for their pro rata
portion of such taxes paid by the Fund, nor will shareholders be required to
treat as part of the amounts distributed to them their pro rata portion of such
taxes paid.
Equity options (including covered call options written on portfolio
stock) and over-the-counter options on debt securities written or purchased by
the Fund will be subject to tax under Section 1234 of the Code. In general, no
loss will be recognized by the Fund upon payment of a premium in connection with
the purchase of a put or call option. The character of any gain or loss
recognized (i.e. long-term or short-term) will generally depend, in the case of
a lapse or sale of the option, on the Fund's holding period for the option, and
in the case of the exercise of a put option, on the Fund's holding period for
the underlying property. The purchase of a put option may constitute a short
sale for federal income tax purposes, causing an adjustment in the holding
period of any stock in the Fund's portfolio similar to the stocks on which the
index is based. If the Fund writes an option, no gain is recognized upon its
receipt of a premium. If the option lapses or is closed out, any gain or loss is
treated as short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option is exercised, the
character of the gain or loss depends on the holding period of the underlying
stock.
Positions of the Fund which consist of at least one stock and at least
one stock option or other position with respect to a related security which
substantially diminishes the Fund's risk of loss with respect to such stock
could be treated as a "straddle" which is governed by Section 1092 of the Code,
the operation of which may cause deferral of losses, adjustments in the holding
periods of stocks or securities and conversion of short-term capital losses into
long-term capital losses. An exception to these straddle rules exists for
certain "qualified covered call options" on stock written by the Fund.
50
<PAGE>
Many futures and forward contracts entered into by the Fund and listed
nonequity options written or purchased by the Fund (including options on debt
securities, options on futures contracts, options on securities indices and
options on currencies), will be governed by Section 1256 of the Code. Absent a
tax election to the contrary, gain or loss attributable to the lapse, exercise
or closing out of any such position generally will be treated as 60% long-term
and 40% short-term, and on the last trading day of the Fund's fiscal year, all
outstanding Section 1256 positions will be marked to market (i.e., treated as if
such positions were closed out at their closing price on such day), with any
resulting gain or loss recognized as 60% long-term and 40% short-term. Under
Section 988 of the Code, discussed below, foreign currency gain or loss from
foreign currency-related forward contracts, certain futures and options and
similar financial instruments entered into or acquired by the Fund will be
treated as ordinary income or loss.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Fund may recognize gain (but
not loss) from a constructive sale of certain "appreciated financial positions"
if the Fund enters into a short sale, offsetting notional principal contract,
futures or forward contract transaction with respect to the appreciated position
or substantially identical property. Appreciated financial positions subject to
this constructive sale treatment are interests (including options, futures and
forward contracts and short sales) in stock, partnership interests, certain
actively traded trust instruments and certain debt instruments. Constructive
sale treatment of appreciated financial positions does not apply to certain
transactions closed in the 90-day period ending with the 30th day after the
close of the Fund's taxable year, if certain conditions are met.
Similarly, if the Fund enters into a short sale of property that
becomes substantially worthless, the Fund will recognize gain at that time as
though it had closed the short sale. Future regulations regulatories may apply
similar treatment to other transactions with respect to property that becomes
substantially worthless.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in
exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues receivables or
liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually
collects such receivables or pays such liabilities generally are treated as
ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities
denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain options, futures
and forward contracts, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value
of foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract
and the date of disposition are also treated as ordinary gain or loss. These
gains or losses, referred to under the Code as "Section 988" gains or losses,
may increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable
income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.
If the Fund invests in stock of certain foreign investment companies,
the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a portion of any
"excess distribution" with respect to, or gain from the disposition of, such
stock. The tax would be determined by allocating such distribution or gain
ratably to each day of the Fund's holding period for the stock. The distribution
or gain so allocated to any taxable year of the Fund, other than the taxable
year of the excess distribution or disposition, would be taxed to the Fund at
the highest ordinary income rate in effect for such year, and the tax would be
further increased by an interest charge to reflect the value of the tax deferral
deemed to have resulted from the ownership of the foreign company's stock. Any
amount of distribution or gain allocated to the taxable year of the distribution
or disposition would be included in the Fund's investment company taxable income
and, accordingly, would not be taxable to the Fund to the extent distributed by
the Fund as a dividend to its shareholders.
The Fund may make an election to mark to market its shares of these
foreign investment companies in lieu of being subject to U.S. federal income
taxation. At the end of each taxable year to which the election applies, the
Fund would report as ordinary income the amount by which the fair market value
of the foreign company's stock exceeds the Fund's adjusted basis in these
shares; any mark-to-market losses and any loss from an actual disposition of
shares would be reported as ordinary loss to the extent of any net
mark-to-market gains included in income in prior years. The effect of the
election would be to treat excess distributions and gain on dispositions as
ordinary income which is not subject to a fund level tax when distributed to
shareholders as a dividend. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to include as
income and gain its share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of
certain foreign investment companies in lieu of being taxed in the manner
described above.
If the Fund invests in certain high yield original issue discount
obligations issued by corporations, a portion of the original issue discount
accruing on the obligation may be eligible for the deduction for dividends
received by corporations. In such event, dividends of investment company taxable
income received from the Fund by its corporate
51
<PAGE>
shareholders, to the extent attributable to such portion of accrued original
issue discount, may be eligible for this deduction for dividends received by
corporations if so designated by the Fund in a written notice to shareholders.
The Fund will be required to report to the IRS all distributions of
investment company taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds
from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain
exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of
the Code, distributions of investment company taxable income and capital gains
and proceeds from the redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated
investment company may be subject to withholding of federal income tax at the
rate of 31% in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the
investment company with their taxpayer identification numbers and with required
certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law.
Withholding may also be required if a Fund is notified by the IRS or a broker
that the taxpayer identification number furnished by the shareholder is
incorrect or that the shareholder has previously failed to report interest or
dividend income. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such
distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional
shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld.
Shareholders of the Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on
distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of the Fund's shares.
The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely
to the application of that law to U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens and
residents and U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each
shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax
consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the possibility that
such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or
at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on amounts constituting
ordinary income received by him or her, where such amounts are treated as income
from U.S. sources under the Code.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of
the provisions of tax law described in this statement of additional information
in light of their particular tax situations.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Brokerage Commissions
Allocation of brokerage is supervised by the Adviser.
The primary objective of the Adviser in placing orders for the purchase
and sale of securities for the Fund is to obtain the most favorable net results,
taking into account such factors as price, commission where applicable, size of
order, difficulty of execution and skill required of the executing
broker/dealer. The Adviser seeks to evaluate the overall reasonableness of
brokerage commissions paid (to the extent applicable) through the familiarity of
the Distributor with commissions charged on comparable transactions, as well as
by comparing commissions paid by the Fund to reported commissions paid by
others. The Adviser routinely reviews commission rates, execution and settlement
services performed and makes internal and external comparisons.
The Fund's purchases and sales of fixed-income securities are generally
placed by the Adviser with primary market makers for these securities on a net
basis, without any brokerage commission being paid by the Fund. Trading does,
however, involve transaction costs. Transactions with dealers serving as primary
market makers reflect the spread between the bid and asked prices. Purchases of
underwritten issues may be made, which will include an underwriting fee paid to
the underwriter.
When it can be done consistently with the policy of obtaining the most
favorable net results, it is the Adviser's practice to place such orders with
broker/dealers who supply brokerage and research services to the Adviser or the
Fund. The term "research services" includes advice as to the value of
securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities;
the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; and
analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic
factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts. The
Adviser is authorized when placing portfolio transactions, if applicable, for
the Fund to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker
might charge for executing the same transaction on account of execution services
and the receipt of research services. The Adviser has negotiated arrangements,
which are not applicable to most fixed-income
52
<PAGE>
transactions, with certain broker/dealers pursuant to which a broker/dealer will
provide research services, to the Adviser or the Fund in exchange for the
direction by the Adviser of brokerage transactions to the broker/dealer. These
arrangements regarding receipt of research services generally apply to equity
security transactions. The Adviser will not place orders with broker/dealers on
the basis that the broker/dealer has or has not sold shares of the Fund. In
effecting transactions in over-the-counter securities, orders are placed with
the principal market makers for the security being traded unless, after
exercising care, it appears that more favorable results are available elsewhere.
To the maximum extent feasible, it is expected that the Adviser will
place orders for portfolio transactions through the Distributor, which is a
corporation registered as a broker/dealer and a subsidiary of the Adviser; the
Distributor will place orders on behalf of the Fund with issuers, underwriters
or other brokers and dealers. The Distributor will not receive any commission,
fee or other remuneration from the Fund for this service.
Although certain research services from broker/dealers may be useful to
the Fund and to the Adviser, it is the opinion of the Adviser that such
information only supplements the Adviser's own research effort since the
information must still be analyzed, weighed, and reviewed by the Adviser's
staff. Such information may be useful to the Adviser in providing services to
clients other than the Fund, and not all such information is used by the Adviser
in connection with the Fund. Conversely, such information provided to the
Adviser by broker/dealers through whom other clients of the Adviser effect
securities transactions may be useful to the Adviser in providing services to
the Fund.
The Directors review, from time to time, whether the recapture for the
benefit of the Fund of some portion of the brokerage commissions or similar fees
paid by the Fund on portfolio transactions is legally permissible and advisable.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 1999, 1997 and 1996, the Fund paid
brokerage commissions of $9,926,570, 6,904,371, and $5,275,727 respectively. For
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, $9,741,020 (98.13%) of the total brokerage
commissions paid by the Fund resulted from orders for transactions, placed
consistent with the policy of seeking to obtain the most favorable net results,
with brokers and dealers who provided supplementary research services to the
Fund or the Adviser. The amount of such transactions aggregated $4,239,712,028
(95.76% of all brokerage transactions). The balance of such brokerage was not
allocated to particular broker or dealer with regard to the above-mentioned or
other special factors.
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund's average annual portfolio turnover rate is the ratio of the
lesser of sales or purchases to the monthly average value of the portfolio
securities owned during the year, excluding all securities with maturities or
expiration dates at the time of acquisition of one year or less. The Fund's
portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997 were 79.9%, 55.7% and 35.8%, respectively. Purchases and sales are made for
the Fund's portfolio whenever necessary, in management's opinion, to meet the
Fund's objective.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of shares of the Fund is computed as of the close
of regular trading on the Exchange on each day the Exchange is open for trading.
The Exchange is scheduled to be closed on the following holidays: New Year's
Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas and on the
preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when one of these holidays falls on a
Saturday or Sunday, respectively. Net asset value per share is determined by
dividing the value of the total assets of the Fund attributable to the shares of
that class, less all liabilities attributable to the Shares of that class, by
the total number of shares of that class outstanding.
An exchange-traded equity security is valued at its most recent sale
price. Lacking any sales, the security is valued at the calculated mean between
the most recent bid quotation and the most recent asked quotation (the
"Calculated Mean"). Lacking a Calculated Mean, the security is valued at the
most recent bid quotation. An equity security which is traded on the Nasdaq
Stock Market, Inc. ("Nasdaq") is valued at its most recent sale price. Lacking
any sales, the security is valued at the most recent bid quotation. The value of
an equity security not quoted on the Nasdaq System, but traded in another
over-the-counter market, is its most recent sale price. Lacking any sales, the
security is valued at the Calculated Mean. Lacking a Calculated Mean, the
security is valued at the most recent bid quotation.
53
<PAGE>
Debt securities, other than short-term securities, are valued at prices
supplied by the Fund's pricing agent(s) which reflect broker/dealer supplied
valuations and electronic data processing techniques. Short-term securities
purchased with remaining maturities of sixty days or less shall be valued by the
amortized cost method, which the Board believes approximates market value. If it
is not possible to value a particular debt security pursuant to these valuation
methods, the value of such security is the most recent bid quotation supplied by
a bona fide marketmaker. If it is not possible to value a particular debt
security pursuant to the above methods, the Adviser may calculate the price of
that debt security, subject to limitations established by the Board.
An exchange traded options contract on securities, currencies, futures
and other financial instruments is valued at its most recent sale price on such
exchange. Lacking any sales, the options contract is valued at the Calculated
Mean. Lacking any Calculated Mean, the options contract is valued at the most
recent bid quotation in the case of a purchased options contract, or the most
recent asked quotation in the case of a written options contract. An options
contract on securities, currencies and other financial instruments traded
over-the-counter is valued at the most recent bid quotation in the case of a
purchased options contract and at the most recent asked quotation in the case of
a written options contract. Futures contracts are valued at the most recent
settlement price. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are valued at the
value of the underlying currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
If a security is traded on more than one exchange, or upon one or more
exchanges and in the over-the-counter market, quotations are taken from the
market in which the security is traded most extensively.
If, in the opinion of the Corporation's Valuation Committee, the value
of a portfolio asset as determined in accordance with these procedures does not
represent the fair market value of the portfolio asset, the value of the
portfolio asset is taken to be an amount which, in the opinion of the Valuation
Committee, represents fair market value on the basis of all available
information. The value of other portfolio holdings owned by the Fund is
determined in a manner which, in the discretion of the Valuation Committee most
fairly reflects fair market value of the property on the valuation date.
Following the valuations of securities or other portfolio assets in
terms of the currency in which the market quotation used is expressed ("Local
Currency"), the value of these portfolio assets in terms of U.S. dollars is
calculated by converting the Local Currency into U.S. dollars at the prevailing
currency exchange rate on the valuation date.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Experts
The Financial Highlights of the Fund included in the Shares' prospectus
and the Financial Statements incorporated by reference in this Statement of
Additional Information have been so included or incorporated by reference in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP., 160 Federal Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110, independent accountants, and given on the authority
of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
is responsible for performing annual and semiannual audits of the financial
statements and financial highlights of the Fund in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards, and the preparation of federal tax returns.
Other Information
Many of the investment changes in the Fund will be made at prices
different from those prevailing at the time they may be reflected in a regular
report to shareholders of the Fund. These transactions will reflect investment
decisions made by the Adviser in the light of its other portfolio holdings and
tax considerations and should not be construed as recommendations for similar
action by other investors.
The CUSIP number of the International Shares is 811165-10-9. The CUSIP
number of the Class R shares is 81165-87-7.
The Fund has a fiscal year end of March 31.
The Fund employs Brown Brothers Harriman & Company, 40 Water Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109 as Custodian for the Fund.
54
<PAGE>
The law firm of Dechert Price & Rhoads is counsel to the Fund.
Scudder Service Corporation ("Service Corporation"), P.O. Box 2291,
Boston, Massachusetts, 02107-2291, a subsidiary of the Adviser, is the transfer
and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund. Service Corporation also serves as
shareholder service agent and provides subaccounting and recordkeeping services
for shareholder accounts in certain retirement and employee benefit plans. The
Fund pays Service Corporation an annual fee of $26.00 for each retail account
and $29.00 for each retirement account. The Fund incurred fees of $3,098,197 for
the Shares and $4,857 for the Barrett International Shares, respectively, during
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 of which $254,188 was unpaid at March 31,
1999. Prior to the inception of the Barrett International Shares, the
International Shares of the Fund incurred fees of $3,394,358, and $3,050,321
during the fiscal years ended March 31, 1998, and 1997 respectively.
The Fund, or the Adviser (including any affiliate of the Adviser), or
both, may pay unaffiliated third parties for providing recordkeeping and other
administrative services with respect to accounts of participants in retirement
plans or other beneficial owners of Fund shares whose interests are generally
held in an omnibus account.
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts, 02110-4103, a subsidiary of the Adviser, computes net asset value
for the Fund. The Fund pays Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation an annual fee
equal to 0.065% of the first $150 million of average daily net assets, 0.040% of
such assets in excess of $150 million, 0.020% of such assets in excess of $1
billion, plus holding and transaction charges for this service. The Fund
incurred fees of $893,682, $838,885, and $795,122 during the fiscal years ended
March 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively, of which $150,939 was unpaid at
March 31, 1999 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999.
Kemper Service Corporation ("KSvC"), 811 Main Street, Kansas City,
Missouri, 64105-2005, a subsidiary of the Adviser, is the transfer,
dividend-paying and shareholder service agent for Class R shares of the Fund and
also provides subaccounting and recordkeeping services for shareholder accounts
in certain retirement and employee benefit plans. The Fund pays KSvC a fee of
$5.00 for each new account, an annual fee of $18.00 for each account maintained
for a participant, an asset-based fee of 0.08% and out-of-pocket reimbursement.
Scudder Trust Company, an affiliate of the Adviser, provides
subaccounting and recordkeeping services for shareholder accounts in certain
retirement and employee benefit plans. Annual service fees are paid by the
International Shares of the Fund to Scudder Trust Company, Two International
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103, an affiliate of the Adviser, for such
accounts. The International Shares of the Fund pays Scudder Trust Company an
annual fee of $29 per shareholder account. The International Shares of the Fund
incurred fees of $2,067,603, $1,561,049, and $930,582 during the fiscal years
ended March 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively, of which $368,765 was unpaid
at March 31, 1999 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999.
The Shares' prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information
omit certain information contained in the Registration Statement which the Fund
has filed with the Commission under the 1933 Act and reference is hereby made to
the Registration Statement for further information with respect to the Fund and
the securities offered hereby. This Registration Statement and its amendments
are available for inspection by the public at the Commission in Washington, D.C.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements, including the investment portfolio of the
Fund, together with the Report of Independent Accountants, Financial Highlights
and notes to financial statements in the Annual Report to the Shareholders of
the Fund dated March 31, 1999 are incorporated herein by reference and are
hereby deemed to be a part of this Statement of Additional Information by
reference in its entirety.
55
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
The following is a description of the ratings given by Moody's and S&P
to corporate bonds.
Ratings of Corporate Bonds
S&P: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to
pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong. Debt rated AA has a very
strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differs from the highest
rated issues only in small degree. Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay
interest and repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in
higher rated categories. Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate
capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits
adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and
repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded as having predominantly
speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While
such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
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 which 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.
Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default,
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to
meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely to have
the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category is
also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied B or B- rating. The rating CC typically is applied to debt subordinated
to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied CCC rating. The rating C
typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which is assigned an
actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may be used to cover a
situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt service payments
are continued. The rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest
is being paid. Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used
when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even
if the applicable grace period had not expired, unless S&P believes that such
payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used
upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are
jeopardized.
Moody's: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best
quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally
referred to as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues. Bonds
which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together
with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade bonds.
They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not
be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of
greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long
term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities. Bonds which are rated
A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper
medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are
considered adequate but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility
to impairment sometime in the future.
<PAGE>
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well. Bonds which are rated Ba are
judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well
assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very
moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over
the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class. Bonds
which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment.
Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of
the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest. Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative
in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings. Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
<PAGE>
Barrett International Shares
of
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND
A Series of Scudder International Fund, Inc.
A Mutual Fund Which Seeks to Provide
Long-Term Growth of Capital Primarily
From Foreign Equity Securities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
August 1, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should
be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the Barrett International Shares,
a class of Scudder International Fund, dated August 1, 1999, as amended from
time to time, a copy of which may be obtained without charge by writing to
Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02110-4103.
The Annual Report to Shareholders for Scudder International Fund --
Barrett International Shares dated March 31, 1999 is incorporated by reference
and is hereby deemed to be a part of this Statement of Additional Information.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
<S> <C>
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES..........................................................................1
General Investment Objective and Policies....................................................................1
Investments..................................................................................................1
Master/feeder structure......................................................................................3
Special Considerations.......................................................................................3
Specialized Investment Techniques............................................................................7
Investment Restrictions.....................................................................................16
PURCHASES............................................................................................................18
Redemption-in-Kind..........................................................................................18
Other Information...........................................................................................18
REDEEMING SHARES.....................................................................................................19
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND............................................................................19
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS............................................................................19
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..............................................................................................20
Average Annual Total Return.................................................................................20
Cumulative Total Return.....................................................................................21
Total Return................................................................................................21
Comparison of Fund Performance..............................................................................21
FUND ORGANIZATION....................................................................................................25
INVESTMENT ADVISER...................................................................................................27
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser............................................................30
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS...............................................................................................30
REMUNERATION.........................................................................................................34
Responsibilities of the Board -- Board and Committee Meetings...............................................34
Compensation of Officers and Directors......................................................................34
DISTRIBUTOR..........................................................................................................36
TAXES................................................................................................................36
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS...............................................................................................40
Brokerage Commissions.......................................................................................40
Portfolio Turnover..........................................................................................41
NET ASSET VALUE......................................................................................................41
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...............................................................................................42
Experts.....................................................................................................42
Other Information...........................................................................................42
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.................................................................................................43
APPENDIX
</TABLE>
i
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THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Scudder International Fund (the "Fund"), is a diversified series of
Scudder International Fund, Inc. (the "Corporation"), an open-end management
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
"1940 Act") which continuously offers and redeems its shares at net asset value.
It is a company of the type commonly known as a mutual fund. The Fund offers
three classes of shares: Barrett International Shares (the "Shares"),
International Shares, and Class R shares. This Statement of Additional
Information applies only to the Shares.
Except as otherwise indicated, the Fund's objectives and policies are
not fundamental and may be changed without a shareholder vote. There can be no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its objective. If there is a change in the
Fund's investment objective, shareholders should consider whether the Fund
remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current financial
position and needs. There can be no assurance that the Fund's objective will be
met.
General Investment Objective and Policies
Descriptions in this Statement of Additional Information of a
particular investment practice or technique in which the Fund may engage (such
as hedging, etc.) or a financial instrument which the Fund may purchase (such as
options, forward foreign currency contracts, etc.) are meant to describe the
spectrum of investments that Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser"),
in its discretion, might, but is not required to, use in managing the Fund's
portfolio assets. The Adviser may, in its discretion, at any time employ such
practice, technique or instrument for one or more funds but not for all funds
advised by it. Furthermore, it is possible that certain types of financial
instruments or investment techniques described herein may not be available,
permissible, economically feasible or effective for their intended purposes in
all markets. Certain practices, techniques, or instruments may not be principal
activities of the Fund but, to the extent employed, could from time to time have
a material impact on the Fund's performance.
The Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital
primarily from foreign equity securities. These securities are selected
primarily to permit the Fund to participate in non-U.S. companies and economies
that are believed to have prospects for growth.
The Fund invests in companies, wherever organized, which do business
primarily outside the United States.
The Fund intends to diversify investments among several countries and
to have represented in the portfolio, in substantial proportions, business
activities in not less than three different countries other than the U.S. The
Fund does not intend to concentrate investments in any particular industry.
Investments
The Fund generally invests in equity securities of established
companies, listed on foreign exchanges (although the Fund may invest in
securities traded over the counter), which the "Adviser" believes have favorable
characteristics. The Fund's equity investments include common stock, convertible
and non-convertible preferred stock, sponsored and unsponsored depository
receipts, and warrants.
When the Adviser believes that it is appropriate to do so in order to
achieve the Fund's investment objective of long-term capital growth, the Fund
may invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities. Such debt
securities include debt securities of governments, governmental agencies,
supranational organizations and private issuers, including bonds denominated in
the European Currency Unit (the "Euro"). Portfolio debt investments will be
selected on the basis of, among other things, yield, credit quality, and the
fundamental outlooks for currency and interest rate trends in different parts of
the globe, taking into account the ability to hedge a degree of currency or
local bond price risk. The value of fixed-income investments will fluctuate with
changes in interest rates and bond market conditions, tending to rise as
interest rates decline and decline as interest rates rise. The Fund will
predominantly
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purchase "investment-grade" bonds, which are those rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or AAA, AA, A or BBB by Standard &
Poor's Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., ("S&P")
or, if unrated, judged by the Adviser to be of equivalent quality. The Fund may
also invest up to 5% of its total assets in debt securities which are rated
below investment-grade (see "Risk factors").
The Fund intends to diversify investments among several countries and
normally to have investments in securities of at least three different countries
other than the U.S. The Fund will invest primarily in securities of issuers in
the 21 developed foreign countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital
International ("MSCI") World ex-US Index, but may invest in "emerging markets."
The Fund considers "emerging markets" to include any country that is defined as
an emerging or developing economy by any of the International Bank of
Reconstruction and Development (i.e., the World Bank), the International Finance
Corporation or the United Nations or its authorities. It is expected that the
Fund's investments will include companies of varying size as measured by assets,
sales or market capitalization.
The major portion of the Fund's assets consists of equity securities of
established companies listed on recognized exchanges; the Adviser expects this
condition to continue, although the Fund may invest in other securities. In
selecting securities for the Fund's portfolio, the Adviser applies a
disciplined, multi-part investment approach for selecting stocks for the Fund.
In analyzing companies for investment, the Adviser ordinarily looks for one or
more of the following characteristics: strong competitive positioning,
above-average earnings growth per share, high return on invested capital,
healthy balance sheets and overall financial strength, strength of management
and general operating characteristics which will enable the companies to compete
successfully in the marketplace. The Adviser will further seek to have broad
country representation, favoring those countries that it believes have sound
economic conditions and open markets. The Adviser will also look for
opportunities on a macro-economic level, seeking to identify major changes in
the business environment and companies that are poised to benefit from these
changes. Investment decisions are made without regard to arbitrary criteria as
to minimum asset size, debt-equity ratios or dividend history of portfolio
companies. The Adviser will typically sell an investment when certain criteria
are met, including but not limited to: the price of the security reaches the
Adviser's assessment of its fair value; the underlying investment theme is
judged by the Adviser to have matured; or if the original reason for investing
in the security no longer applies or is no longer valid.
The Fund may hold up to 20% of its net assets in U.S. and foreign fixed
income securities for temporary defensive purposes when the Adviser believes
that market conditions so warrant. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets
under normal conditions, and without limit for temporary defensive purposes, in
cash or cash equivalents including domestic and foreign money market
instruments, short-term government and corporate obligations and repurchase
agreements, when the Adviser deems such a position advisable in light of
economic or market conditions. It is impossible to accurately predict how long
such alternative strategies may be utilized. In addition, the Fund may engage in
reverse repurchase agreements, illiquid securities and strategic transactions,
which may include derivatives.
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Foreign securities such as those purchased by the Fund may be subject
to foreign governmental taxes which could reduce the yield on such securities,
although a shareholder of the Fund may, subject to certain limitations, be
entitled to claim a credit or deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes for
his or her proportionate share of such foreign taxes paid by the Fund. (See
"TAXES.")
From time to time, the Fund may be a purchaser of illiquid securities,
such as restricted debt or equity securities (i.e., securities which may require
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, or an exemption therefrom, in
order to be sold in the ordinary course of business) in a private placement.
(See "Illiquid Securities.")
Master/feeder structure
The Board of Directors of the Fund ("the Board" or "the Directors") has
the discretion to retain the current distribution arrangement for the Fund while
investing in a master fund in a master/feeder fund structure as described below.
A master/feeder fund structure is one in which a fund (a "feeder
fund"), instead of investing directly in a portfolio of securities, invests most
or all of its investment assets in a separate registered investment company (the
"master fund") with substantially the same investment objective and policies as
the feeder fund. Such a structure permits the pooling of assets of two or more
feeder funds, preserving separate identities or distribution channels at the
feeder fund level. Based on the premise that certain of the expenses of
operating an investment portfolio are relatively fixed, a larger investment
portfolio may eventually achieve a lower ratio of operating expenses to average
net assets. An existing investment company is able to convert to a feeder fund
by selling all of its investments, which involves brokerage and other
transaction costs and realization of a taxable gain or loss, or by contributing
its assets to the master fund and avoiding transaction costs and, if proper
procedures are followed, the realization of taxable gain or loss.
Special Considerations
Investing in Emerging Markets. Most emerging securities markets may have
substantially less volume and are subject to less governmental supervision than
U.S. securities markets. Securities of many issuers in emerging markets may be
less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. In
addition, there is less regulation of securities exchanges, securities dealers,
and listed and unlisted companies in emerging markets than in the U.S.
Emerging markets also have different clearance and settlement
procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have
not kept pace with the volume of securities transactions. Delays in settlement
could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is
uninvested and no cash is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make
intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to
miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio
securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund
due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund
has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible
liability to the purchaser. Costs associated with transactions in foreign
securities are generally higher than costs associated with transactions in U.S.
securities. Such transactions also involve additional costs for the purchase or
sale of foreign currency.
Certain emerging markets require prior governmental approval of
investments by foreign persons, limit the amount of investment by foreign
persons in a particular company, limit the investment by foreign persons only to
a specific class of securities of a company that may have less advantageous
rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of the countries
and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. Certain emerging markets
may also restrict investment opportunities in issuers in industries deemed
important to national interest.
Certain emerging markets may require governmental approval for the
repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of
securities by foreign investors. In addition, if a deterioration occurs in an
emerging market's balance of payments or for other reasons, a country could
impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could be
adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required
governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application
to the Fund of any restrictions on investments.
In the course of investment in emerging markets, the Fund will be
exposed to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social and economic
changes in one or more emerging markets. While the Fund will manage its assets
in a manner
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that will seek to minimize the exposure to such risks, there can be no assurance
that adverse political, social or economic changes will not cause the Fund to
suffer a loss of value in respect of the securities in the Fund's portfolio.
The risk also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or
more emerging markets as a result of which trading of securities may cease or
may be substantially curtailed and prices for the Fund's securities in such
markets may not be readily available. The Corporation may suspend redemption of
its shares for any period during which an emergency exists, as determined by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly if the Fund believes
that appropriate circumstances exist, it will promptly apply to the SEC for a
determination that an emergency is present. During the period commencing from
the Fund's identification of such condition until the date of the SEC action,
the Fund's securities in the affected markets will be valued at fair value
determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Corporation's Board of
Directors.
Volume and liquidity in most foreign markets are less than in the U.S.,
and securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than
securities of comparable U.S. companies. Fixed commissions on foreign securities
exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges,
although the Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on its
portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and
regulation of business and industry practices, securities exchanges, brokers,
dealers and listed companies than in the U.S. Mail service between the U.S. and
foreign countries may be slower or less reliable than within the U.S., thus
increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of
certificates for certificated portfolio securities. In addition, with respect to
certain emerging markets, there is the possibility of expropriation or
confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic
developments which could affect the Fund's investments in those countries.
Moreover, individual emerging market economies may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national
product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and
balance of payments position. The chart below sets for the risk ratings of
selected emerging market countries' sovereign debt securities.
The Fund may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default with
respect to certain debt obligations it holds. If the issuer of a fixed-income
security owned by the Fund defaults, the Fund may incur additional expenses to
seek recovery. Debt obligations issued by emerging market country governments
differ from debt obligations of private entities; remedies from defaults on debt
obligations issued by emerging market governments, unlike those on private debt,
must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself. The Fund's ability
to enforce its rights against private issuers may be limited. The ability to
attach assets to enforce a judgment may be limited. Legal recourse is therefore
somewhat diminished. Bankruptcy, moratorium and other similar laws applicable to
private issuers of debt obligations may be substantially different from those of
other countries. The political context, expressed as an emerging market
governmental issuer's willingness to meet the terms of the debt obligation, for
example, is of considerable importance. In addition, no assurance can be given
that the holders of commercial bank debt may not contest payments to the holders
of debt obligations in the event of default under commercial bank loan
agreements.
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Income from securities held by the Fund could be reduced by a
withholding tax at the source or other taxes imposed by the emerging market
countries in which the Fund makes its investments. The Fund's net asset value
may also be affected by changes in the rates or methods of taxation applicable
to the Fund or to entities in which the Fund has invested. The Adviser will
consider the cost of any taxes in determining whether to acquire any particular
investments, but can provide no assurance that the taxes will not be subject to
change.
Many emerging markets have experienced substantial, and, in some
periods, extremely high rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid
fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have adverse
effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market
countries. In an attempt to control inflation, wage and price controls have been
imposed in certain countries. Of these countries, some, in recent years, have
begun to control inflation through prudent economic policies.
Emerging market governmental issuers are among the largest debtors to
commercial banks, foreign governments, international financial organizations and
other financial institutions. Certain emerging market governmental issuers have
not been able to make payments of interest on or principal of debt obligations
as those payments have come due. Obligations arising from past restructuring
agreements may affect the economic performance and political and social
stability of those issuers.
Governments of many emerging market countries have exercised and
continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private
sector through the ownership or control of many companies, including some of the
largest in any given country. As a result, government actions in the future
could have a significant effect on economic conditions in emerging markets,
which in turn, may adversely affect companies in the private sector, general
market conditions and prices and yields of certain of the securities in the
Fund's portfolio. Expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization,
political, economic or social instability or other similar developments have
occurred frequently over the history of certain emerging markets and could
adversely affect the Fund's assets should these conditions recur.
The ability of emerging market country governmental issuers to make
timely payments on their obligations is likely to be influenced strongly by the
issuer's balance of payments, including export performance, and its access to
international credits and investments. An emerging market whose exports are
concentrated in a few commodities could be vulnerable to a decline in the
international prices of one or more of those commodities. Increased
protectionism on the part of an emerging market's trading partners could also
adversely affect the country's exports and diminish its trade account surplus,
if any. To the extent that emerging markets receive payment for its exports in
currencies other than dollars or non-emerging market currencies, its ability to
make debt payments denominated in dollars or non-emerging market currencies
could be affected.
Another factor bearing on the ability of emerging market countries to
repay debt obligations is the level of international reserves of the country.
Fluctuations in the level of these reserves affect the amount of foreign
exchange readily available for external debt payments and thus could have a
bearing on the capacity of emerging market countries to make payments on these
debt obligations.
To the extent that an emerging market country cannot generate a trade
surplus, it must depend on continuing loans from foreign governments,
multilateral organizations or private commercial banks, aid payments from
foreign governments and inflows of foreign investment. The access of emerging
markets to these forms of external funding may not be certain, and a withdrawal
of external funding could adversely affect the capacity of emerging market
country governmental issuers to make payments on their obligations. In addition,
the cost of servicing emerging market debt obligations can be affected by a
change in international interest rates since the majority of these obligations
carry interest rates that are adjusted periodically based upon international
rates.
Common Stocks. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests primarily
in common stocks. Common stock is issued by companies to raise cash for business
purposes and represents a proportionate interest in the issuing companies.
Therefore, the Fund participates in the success or failure of any company in
which it holds stock. The market values of common stock can fluctuate
significantly, reflecting the business performance of the issuing company,
investor perception and general economic or financial market movements. Smaller
companies are especially sensitive to these factors and may even become
valueless. Despite the risk of price volatility, however, common stock also
offers greater potential for long-term gain on investment, compared to other
classes of financial assets such as bonds or cash equivalents.
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Depository Receipts. The Fund may invest indirectly in securities of foreign
issuers through sponsored or unsponsored American Depository Receipts ("ADRs"),
Global Depository Receipts ("GDRs"), International Depository Receipts ("IDRs")
and other types of Depository Receipts (which, together with ADRs, GDRs and IDRs
are hereinafter referred to as "Depository Receipts"). Prices of unsponsored
Depositary Receipts may be more volatile than if they were sponsored by the
issuer of the underlying securities. Depository Receipts may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they
may be converted. In addition, the issuers of the stock of unsponsored
Depository Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the
United States and, therefore, there may not be a correlation between such
information and the market value of the Depository Receipts. ADRs are Depository
Receipts which are bought and sold in the United States and are typically issued
by a U.S. bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying
securities by a foreign corporation. GDRs, IDRs and other types of Depository
Receipts are typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies, although they
may also be issued by United States banks or trust companies, and evidence
ownership of underlying securities issued by either a foreign or a United States
corporation. Generally, Depositary Receipts in registered form are designed for
use in the United States securities markets and Depositary Receipts in bearer
form are designed for use in securities markets outside the United States. For
purposes of the Fund's investment policies, the Fund's investments in ADRs, GDRs
and other types of Depositary Receipts will be deemed to be investments in the
underlying securities. Depositary Receipts other than those denominated in U.S.
dollars will be subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk. However, by
investing in ADRs rather than directly in foreign issuers' stock, the Fund
avoids currency risks during the settlement period. In general, there is a
large, liquid market in the United States for most ADRs. However, certain
Depositary Receipts may not be listed on an exchange and therefore may be
illiquid securities.
Warrants. The Fund may invest in warrants up to 5% of the value of its
respective net assets. The holder of a warrant has the right, until the warrant
expires, to purchase a given number of shares of a particular issuer at a
specified price. Such investments can provide a greater potential for profit or
loss than an equivalent investment in the underlying security. Prices of
warrants do not necessarily move, however, in tandem with the prices of the
underlying securities and are, therefore, considered speculative investments.
Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights other than a purchase option.
Thus, if a warrant held by a Fund were not exercised by the date of its
expiration, the Fund would lose the entire purchase price of the warrant.
Foreign Securities. The Fund is intended to provide individual and institutional
investors with an opportunity to invest a portion of their assets in a
diversified group of securities of companies, wherever organized, which do
business primarily outside the U.S., and foreign governments. The Adviser
believes that diversification of assets on an international basis decreases the
degree to which events in any one country, including the U.S., will affect an
investor's entire investment holdings. In certain periods since World War II,
many leading foreign economies and foreign stock market indices have grown more
rapidly than the U.S. economy and leading U.S. stock market indices, although
there can be no assurance that this will be true in the future. Because of the
Fund's investment policy, the Fund is not intended to provide a complete
investment program for an investor.
Investors should recognize that investing in foreign securities
involves certain special considerations, including those set forth below, which
are not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities and which may
favorably or unfavorably affect the Fund's performance. As foreign companies are
not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic
companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign
company than about a domestic company. Many foreign securities markets, while
growing in volume of trading activity, have substantially less volume than the
U.S. market, and securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of domestic issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in
most foreign bond markets is less than in the U.S. and, at times, volatility of
price can be greater than in the U.S. Further, foreign markets have different
clearance and settlement procedures and in certain markets there have been times
when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities
transactions making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in
settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund are
uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make
intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to
miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio
securities due to settlement problems either could result in losses to the Fund
due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund
has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible
liability to the purchaser. Payment for securities without delivery may be
required in certain foreign markets. Fixed commissions on some foreign
securities exchanges and bid to asked spreads in foreign bond markets are
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generally higher than commissions or bid to asked spreads on U.S. markets,
although the Fund will endeavor to achieve the most favorable net results on its
portfolio transactions. Further, the Fund may encounter difficulties or be
unable to pursue legal remedies and obtain judgements in foreign courts. There
is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges,
brokers and listed companies in most foreign countries than in the U.S. It may
be more difficult for the Fund's agents to keep currently informed about
corporate actions which may affect the prices of portfolio securities.
Communications between the U.S. and foreign countries may be less reliable than
within the U.S., thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio
transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Payment for
securities without delivery may be required in certain foreign markets. In
addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, or
diplomatic developments which could affect U.S. investments in those countries.
Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from
the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of
payments position.
Many of the currencies of foreign countries have experienced a steady
devaluation relative to the United States. Any future devaluation may have a
detrimental impact on any investments made by the Fund. The currencies of most
some foreign countries are not freely convertible into other currencies and are
not internationally traded. The Fund will not invest its assets in
non-convertible fixed income securities denominated in currencies that are not
freely convertible into other currencies at the time the investment is made.
These considerations generally are more of a concern in developing
countries. For example, the possibility of revolution and the dependence on
foreign economic assistance may be greater in these countries than in developed
countries. The management of the Fund seeks to mitigate the risks associated
with these considerations through diversification and active professional
management. Although investments in companies domiciled in developing countries
may be subject to potentially greater risks than investments in developed
countries, the Fund will not invest in any securities of issuers located in
developing countries if the securities, in the judgment of the Adviser, are
speculative.
Specialized Investment Techniques
Foreign Currencies. Because investments in foreign securities usually will
involve currencies of foreign countries, and because the Fund may hold foreign
currencies and forward contracts, futures contracts and options on foreign
currencies and foreign currency futures contracts, the value of the assets of
the Fund as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by
changes in foreign currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations, and
the Fund may incur costs and experience conversion difficulties and
uncertainties in connection with conversions between various currencies. In
particular, the Fund's investments are generally denominated in foreign
currencies. The strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar against these currencies
is responsible for part of the Fund's investment performance. If the dollar
falls in value relative to the Japanese yen, for example, the dollar value of a
Japanese stock held in the portfolio will rise even though the price of the
stock remains unchanged. Conversely, if the dollar rises in value relative to
the yen, the dollar value of the Japanese stock will fall.
In addition, many foreign currencies have experienced significant
devaluation relative to the dollar. Although the Fund values its assets daily in
terms of U.S. dollars, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign
currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. It will do so from time to time,
and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although
foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a
profit based on the difference (the "spread") between the prices at which they
are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a
foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of
exchange should the Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer. The Fund
will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e.,
cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market,
or through entering into options or forward or futures contracts to purchase or
sell foreign currencies.
Trust Preferred Securities. The Fund may invest in Trust Preferred Securities,
which are hybrid instruments issued by a special purpose trust (the "Special
Trust"), the entire equity interest of which is owned by a single issuer. The
proceeds of the issuance to the Fund of Trust Preferred Securities are typically
used to purchase a junior subordinated debenture, and distributions from the
Special Trust are funded by the payments of principal and interest on the
subordinated debenture.
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If payments on the underlying junior subordinated debentures held by
the Special Trust are deferred by the debenture issuer, the debentures would be
treated as original issue discount ("OID") obligations for the remainder of
their term. As a result, holders of Trust Preferred Securities, such as the
Fund, would be required to accrue daily for Federal income tax purposes, their
share of the stated interest and the de minimis OID on the debentures
(regardless of whether the Fund receives any cash distributions from the Special
Trust), and the value of Trust Preferred Securities would likely be negatively
affected. Interest payments on the underlying junior subordinated debentures
typically may only be deferred if dividends are suspended on both common and
preferred stock of the issuer. The underlying junior subordinated debentures
generally rank slightly higher in terms of payment priority than both common and
preferred securities of the issuer, but rank below other subordinated debentures
and debt securities. Trust Preferred Securities may be subject to mandatory
prepayment under certain circumstances. The market values of Trust Preferred
Securities may be more volatile than those of conventional debt securities.
Trust Preferred Securities may be issued in reliance on Rule 144A under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and, unless and until
registered, are restricted securities; there can be no assurance as to the
liquidity of Trust Preferred Securities and the ability of holders of Trust
Preferred Securities, such as the Fund, to sell their holdings.
Debt Securities. When the Adviser believes that it is appropriate to do so in
order to achieve the Fund's objective of long-term capital growth, the Fund may
invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities including bonds of
foreign governments, supranational organizations and private issuers, including
bonds denominated in the Euro. Portfolio debt investments will be selected on
the basis of, among other things, yield, credit quality, and the fundamental
outlooks for currency and interest rate trends in different parts of the globe,
taking into account the ability to hedge a degree of currency or local bond
price risk. The Fund may purchase "investment-grade" bonds, which are those
rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's or AAA, AA, A or BBB by S&P' or, if unrated,
judged to be of equivalent quality, as determined by the Adviser. Moody's
considers bonds it rates Baa to have speculative elements as well as
investment-grade characteristics. The lower that a bond is rated, the greater
their risks render them similar to equity securities. To the extent that the
Fund invests in high-grade securities, the Fund will not be able to avail itself
of opportunities for higher income which may be available at lower grades.
High Yield/High Risk Bonds. The Fund may also purchase, to a limited extent,
debt securities which are rated below investment-grade (commonly referred to as
"junk bonds"), that is, rated below Baa by Moody's or below BBB by S&P, and
unrated securities, which usually entail greater risk (including the possibility
of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities), generally involve
greater volatility of price and risk of principal and income, and may be less
liquid, than securities in the higher rating categories. The lower the ratings
of such debt securities, the greater their risks render them like equity
securities. The Fund will invest no more than 5% of its total assets in
securities rated BB or lower by Moody's or Ba by S&P, and may invest in
securities which are rated D by S&P. Securities rated D may be in default with
respect to payment of principal or interest. See the Appendix to this Statement
of Additional Information for a more complete description of the ratings
assigned by ratings organizations and their respective characteristics.
High yield, high-risk securities are especially subject to adverse
changes in general economic conditions, to changes in the financial condition of
their issuers and to price fluctuations in response to changes in interest
rates. An economic downturn could disrupt the high yield market and impair the
ability of issuers to repay principal and interest. Also, an increase in
interest rates would have a greater adverse impact on the value of such
obligations than on higher quality debt securities. During an economic downturn
or period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issues may experience
financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their
principal and interest payment obligations. Prices and yields of high yield
securities will fluctuate over time and, during periods of economic uncertainty,
volatility of high yield securities may adversely affect the Fund's net asset
value. In addition, investments in high yield zero coupon or pay-in-kind bonds,
rather than income-bearing high yield securities, may be more speculative and
may be subject to greater fluctuations in value due to changes in interest
rates.
The trading market for high yield securities may be thin to the extent
that there is no established retail secondary market. A thin trading market may
limit the ability of the Fund to accurately value high yield securities in its
portfolio and to dispose of those securities. Adverse publicity and investor
perceptions may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield securities.
These securities may also involve special registration responsibilities,
liabilities and costs, and liquidity and valuation difficulties.
Credit quality in the high-yield securities market can change suddenly
and unexpectedly, and even recently-issued credit ratings may not fully reflect
the actual risks posed by a particular high-yield security. For these
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reasons, it is the policy of the Adviser not to rely exclusively on ratings
issued by established credit rating agencies, but to supplement such ratings
with its own independent and on-going review of credit quality. The achievement
of the Fund's investment objective by investment in such securities may be more
dependent on the Adviser's credit analysis than is the case for higher quality
bonds. Should the rating of a portfolio security be downgraded, the Adviser will
determine whether it is in the best interests of the Fund to retain or dispose
of such security.
Prices for below investment-grade securities may be affected by
legislative and regulatory developments. For example, new federal rules require
savings and loan institutions to gradually reduce their holdings of this type of
security. Also, Congress has from time to time considered legislation which
would restrict or eliminate the corporate tax deduction for interest payments in
these securities and regulate corporate restructurings. Such legislation may
significantly depress the prices of outstanding securities of this type.
For more information regarding tax issues related to high yield
securities, see "TAXES."
Illiquid Securities. The Fund may occasionally purchase securities other than in
the open market. While such purchases may often offer attractive opportunities
for investment not otherwise available on the open market, the securities so
purchased are often "restricted securities" or "not readily marketable," i.e.,
securities which cannot be sold to the public without registration under the
1933 Act or the availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules
144 or 144A) or because they are subject to other legal or contractual delays in
or restrictions on resale. This investment practice, therefore, could have the
effect of increasing the level of illiquidity of the Fund. It is the Fund's
policy that illiquid securities (including repurchase agreements of more than
seven days duration, certain restricted securities, and other securities which
are not readily marketable) may not constitute, at the time of purchase, more
than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Corporation's Board of
Directors has approved guidelines for use by the Adviser in determining whether
a security is illiquid.
Generally speaking, restricted securities may be sold (i) only to
qualified institutional buyers; (ii) in a privately negotiated transaction to a
limited number of purchasers; or (iii) in limited quantities after they have
been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant
to an exemption from registration. Issuers of restricted securities may not be
subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would
be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If adverse market
conditions were to develop during the period between the Fund's decision to sell
a restricted or illiquid security and the point at which the Fund is permitted
or able to sell such security, the Fund might obtain a price less favorable than
the price that prevailed when it decided to sell. Where a registration statement
is required for the resale of restricted securities, the Fund may be required to
bear all or part of the registration expenses. The Fund may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" for purposes of the 1933 Act when selling restricted securities to
the public and, in such event, the Fund may be liable to purchasers of such
securities if the registration statement prepared by the issuer is materially
inaccurate or misleading.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with any
member bank of the Federal Reserve System and any broker-dealer which is
recognized as a reporting government securities dealer if the creditworthiness
of the bank or broker-dealer has been determined by the Adviser to be at least
as high as that of other obligations the Fund may purchase or to be at least
equal to that of issuers of commercial paper rated within the two highest grades
assigned by Moody's or S&P.
A repurchase agreement provides a means for the Fund to earn income on
funds for periods as short as overnight. It is an arrangement under which the
purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires a security ("Obligation") and the seller
agrees, at the time of sale, to repurchase the Obligation at a specified time
and price. Securities subject to a repurchase agreement are held in a segregated
account and the value of such securities kept at least equal to the repurchase
price on a daily basis. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase
price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase
prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to the Fund together
with the repurchase price upon repurchase. In either case, the income to the
Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the Obligation itself. Obligations
will be held by the Custodian or in the Federal Reserve Book Entry system.
For purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act"), a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan from the Fund to the
seller of the Obligation subject to the repurchase agreement and is therefore
subject to the Fund's investment restriction applicable to loans. It is not
clear whether a court would consider the Obligation purchased by the Fund
subject to a repurchase agreement as being owned by the Fund or as being
collateral
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for a loan by the Fund to the seller. In the event of the commencement of
bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the
Obligation before repurchase of the Obligation under a repurchase agreement, the
Fund may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the security.
Delays may involve loss of interest or decline in price of the Obligation. If
the court characterizes the transaction as a loan and the Fund has not perfected
a security interest in the Obligation, the Fund may be required to return the
Obligation to the seller's estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the
seller. As an unsecured creditor, the Fund would be at risk of losing some or
all of the principal and income involved in the transaction. As with any
unsecured debt instrument purchased for the Fund, the Adviser seeks to minimize
the risk of loss through repurchase agreements by analyzing the creditworthiness
of the obligor, in this case the seller of the Obligation. Apart from the risk
of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is also the risk that the seller
may fail to repurchase the Obligation, in which case the Fund may incur a loss
if the proceeds to the Fund of the sale to a third party are less than the
repurchase price. However, if the market value of the Obligation subject to the
repurchase agreement becomes less than the repurchase price (including
interest), the Fund will direct the seller of the Obligation to deliver
additional securities so that the market value of all securities subject to the
repurchase agreement will equal or exceed the repurchase price. It is possible
that the Fund will be unsuccessful in seeking to enforce the seller's
contractual obligation to deliver additional securities.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into "reverse repurchase
agreements," which are repurchase agreements in which the Fund, as the seller of
the securities, agrees to repurchase them at an agreed upon time and price. The
Fund maintains a segregated account in connection with outstanding reverse
repurchase agreements. The Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements
only when the Adviser believes that the interest income to be earned from the
investment of the proceeds of the transaction will be greater than the interest
expense of the transaction.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may seek to increase its income by
lending portfolio securities. Such loans may be made to registered
broker/dealers and are required to be secured continuously by collateral in
cash, U.S. Government Securities and liquid high grade debt obligations
maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value
and accrued interest of the securities loaned. The Fund has the right to call a
loan and obtain the securities loaned on no more than five days notice. During
the existence of a loan, the Fund will continue to receive the equivalent of any
distributions paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and will also receive
compensation based on investment of the collateral. As with other extensions of
credit there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, the
loans will be made only to firms deemed by the Adviser to be in good standing,
and will not be made unless, in the judgement of the Adviser, the consideration
to be earned from such loans would justify their risks. The value of the
securities loaned will not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets at
the time any loan is made.
Strategic Transactions and Derivatives. The Fund may, but is not required to,
utilize various other investment strategies as described below for a variety of
purposes, such as hedging various market risks, to managing the effective
maturity or duration of fixed-income securities in the Fund's portfolio, or
enhancing potential gain. These strategies may be executed through the use of
derivative contracts. Such strategies are generally accepted as a part of modern
portfolio management and are regularly utilized by many mutual funds and other
institutional investors.
In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may
purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on
securities, equity and fixed-income indices and other instruments, purchase and
sell futures contracts and options thereon, enter into various transactions such
as swaps, caps, floors, collars, currency forward contracts, currency futures
contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies or currency futures and
various other currency transactions (collectively, all of the above are called
"Strategic Transactions"). In addition, Strategic Transactions may also include
new techniques, instruments or strategies that are permitted as regulatory
changes occur. Strategic Transactions may be used without limit to attempt to
protect against possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to
be purchased for the Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or
currency exchange rate fluctuations, to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in
the value of its portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities
for investment purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of
fixed-income securities in the Fund's portfolio, or to establish a position in
the derivatives markets as a substitute for purchasing or selling particular
securities. Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to enhance potential
gain although no more than 5% of the Fund's assets will be committed to
Strategic Transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes. Any or all of
these investment techniques may be used at any time and in any combination, and
there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather
than another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous
variables including market conditions. The ability of the Fund to utilize these
Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on
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the Adviser's ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be
assured. The Fund will comply with applicable regulatory requirements when
implementing these strategies, techniques and instruments. Strategic
Transactions will not be used to alter the fundamental investment purposes and
characteristics of the Fund and the Fund will segregate assets (or as provided
by applicable regulations, enter into certain offsetting positions) to cover its
obligations under options, futures and swaps to limit leveraging of the Fund.
Strategic Transactions, including derivative contracts, have risks
associated with them including possible default by the other party to the
transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the Adviser's view as to certain
market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic
Transactions could result in losses greater than if they had not been used. Use
of put and call options may result in losses to the Fund, force the sale or
purchase of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices higher than
(in the case of put options) or lower than (in the case of call options) current
market values, limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on its
investments or cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The
use of currency transactions can result in the Fund incurring losses as a result
of a number of factors including the imposition of exchange controls, suspension
of settlements, or the inability to deliver or receive a specified currency. The
use of options and futures transactions entails certain other risks. In
particular, the variable degree of correlation between price movements of
futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio position of the
Fund creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be
greater than gains in the value of the Fund's position. In addition, futures and
options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances and certain
over-the-counter options may have no markets. As a result, in certain markets,
the Fund might not be able to close out a transaction without incurring
substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of futures and options
transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a
decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to limit
any potential gain which might result from an increase in value of such
position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts
would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of
options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium.
Losses resulting from the use of Strategic Transactions would reduce net asset
value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if the Strategic
Transactions had not been utilized.
General Characteristics of Options. Put options and call options typically have
similar structural characteristics and operational mechanics regardless of the
underlying instrument on which they are purchased or sold. Thus, the following
general discussion relates to each of the particular types of options discussed
in greater detail below. In addition, many Strategic Transactions involving
options require segregation of Fund assets in special accounts, as described
below under "Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts."
A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a
premium, the right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying
security, commodity, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price.
For instance, the Fund's purchase of a put option on a security might be
designed to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some
cases, a similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value
by giving the Fund the right to sell such instrument at the option exercise
price. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the
option the right to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying
instrument at the exercise price. The Fund's purchase of a call option on a
security, financial future, index, currency or other instrument might be
intended to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of the underlying
instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by fixing the price at
which it may purchase such instrument. An American style put or call option may
be exercised at any time during the option period while a European style put or
call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior
thereto. The Fund is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed options and
over-the-counter options ("OTC options"). Exchange listed options are issued by
a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), which
guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to such options.
The discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable to other
financial intermediaries.
With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options
generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency,
although in the future cash settlement may become available. Index options and
Eurodollar instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the
option is "in-the-money" (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument
exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put
option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised.
Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument
through the process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by
entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in
ownership of the new option.
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The Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller
of an OCC or exchange listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the
liquidity of the option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a
liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in
certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii)
trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options or underlying securities including
reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the
OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or OCC to
handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options),
in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease
to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would generally continue
to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours
during which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that
the option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial
instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the
underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial
institutions or other parties ("Counterparties") through direct bilateral
agreements with the Counterparties. In contrast to exchange listed options,
which generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all the terms
of an OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise
price, premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the parties.
The Fund will only sell OTC options (other than OTC currency options) that are
subject to a buy-back provision permitting the Fund to require the Counterparty
to sell the option back to the Fund at a formula price within seven days. The
Fund expects generally to enter into OTC options that have cash settlement
provisions, although it is not required to do so.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or
guaranty function in an OTC option. As a result, if the Counterparty fails to
make or take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying
an OTC option it has entered into with the Fund or fails to make a cash
settlement payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund
will lose any premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit
of the transaction. Accordingly, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of
each such Counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the
Counterparty's credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC
option will be satisfied. The Fund will engage in OTC option transactions only
with U.S. government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York as "primary dealers" or broker/dealers, domestic or foreign banks or
other financial institutions which have received (or the guarantors of the
obligation of which have received) a short-term credit rating of A-1 from S&P or
P-1 from Moody's or an equivalent rating from any nationally recognized
statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") or, in the case of OTC currency
transactions, are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser.
The staff of the SEC currently takes the position that OTC options purchased by
the Fund, and portfolio securities "covering" the amount of the Fund's
obligation pursuant to an OTC option sold by it (the cost of the sell-back plus
the in-the-money amount, if any) are illiquid, and are subject to the Fund's
limitation on investing no more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
securities.
If the Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve
as a partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in
the value of the underlying securities or instruments in its portfolio or will
increase the Fund's income. The sale of put options can also provide income.
The Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities including
U.S. Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt
securities, equity securities (including convertible securities) and Eurodollar
instruments that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and in the
over-the-counter markets, and on securities indices, currencies and futures
contracts. All calls sold by the Fund must be "covered" (i.e., the Fund must own
the securities or futures contract subject to the call) or must meet the asset
segregation requirements described below as long as the call is outstanding.
Even though the Fund will receive the option premium to help protect it against
loss, a call sold by the Fund exposes the Fund during the term of the option to
possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the market price of the
underlying security or instrument and may require the Fund to hold a security or
instrument which it might otherwise have sold.
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The Fund may purchase and sell put options on securities including U.S.
Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, foreign sovereign
debt, corporate debt securities, equity securities (including convertible
securities) and Eurodollar instruments (whether or not it holds the above
securities in its portfolio), and on securities indices, currencies and futures
contracts other than futures on individual corporate debt and individual equity
securities. The Fund will not sell put options if, as a result, more than 50% of
the Fund's assets would be required to be segregated to cover its potential
obligations under such put options, other than those with respect to futures and
options thereon. In selling put options, there is a risk that the Fund may be
required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price above the
market price.
General Characteristics of Futures. The Fund may enter into futures contracts or
purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as a hedge against
anticipated interest rate, currency or equity market changes and for duration
management, for risk management and return enhancement purposes. 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 Fund, as seller, to deliver to
the buyer the specific type of financial instrument called for in the contract
at a specific future time for a specified price (or, with respect to index
futures and Eurodollar instruments, the net cash amount). 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.
The Fund's use of 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 Commission and will be entered
into for bona fide hedging, risk management (including duration management) or
other portfolio management and return enhancement purposes. Typically,
maintaining a futures contract or selling an option thereon requires the Fund 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 marked to market value of the
contract fluctuates. The purchase of an option on futures involves payment of a
premium for the option without any further obligation on the part of the Fund.
If the Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund'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. The segregation requirements with respect to futures contracts and
options thereon are described below.
Options on Securities Indices and Other Financial Indices. The Fund also may
purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices and other financial
indices and in so doing can achieve many of the same objectives it would achieve
through the sale or purchase of options on individual securities or other
instruments. Options on securities indices and other financial indices are
similar to options on a security or other instrument except that, rather than
settling by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, they settle by cash
settlement, i.e., an option on an index gives the holder the right to receive,
upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the index
upon which the option is based exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than,
in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option (except if, in the case
of an OTC option, physical delivery is specified). This amount of cash is equal
to the excess of the closing price of the index over the exercise price of the
option, which also may be multiplied by a formula value. The seller of the
option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of
this amount. The gain or loss on an option on an index depends on price
movements in the instruments making up the market, market segment, industry or
other composite on which the underlying index is based, rather than price
movements in individual securities, as is the case with respect to options on
securities.
Currency Transactions. The Fund may engage in currency transactions with
Counterparties primarily in order to hedge, or manage the risk of, the value of
portfolio holdings denominated in particular currencies against fluctuations in
relative value. Currency transactions include forward currency contracts,
exchange listed currency futures, exchange
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listed and OTC options on currencies, and currency swaps. A forward currency
contract involves a privately negotiated obligation to purchase or sell (with
delivery generally required) a specific currency at a future date, which may be
any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the
parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. A currency swap is an
agreement to exchange cash flows based on the notional difference among two or
more currencies and operates similarly to an interest rate swap, which is
described below. The Fund may enter into currency transactions with
Counterparties which have received (or the guarantors of the obligations which
have received) a credit rating of A-1 or P-1 by S&P or Moody's, respectively, or
that have an equivalent rating from an NRSRO or (except for OTC currency
options) are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser.
The Fund's dealings in forward currency contracts and other currency
transactions such as futures, options, options on futures and swaps generally
will be limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio
positions. Transaction hedging is entering into a currency transaction with
respect to specific assets or liabilities of the Fund, which will generally
arise in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities or the
receipt of income therefrom. Position hedging is entering into a currency
transaction with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or
generally quoted in that currency.
The Fund will generally not enter into a transaction to hedge currency
exposure to an extent greater, after netting all transactions intended wholly or
partially to offset other transactions, than the aggregate market value (at the
time of entering into the transaction) of the securities held in its portfolio
that are denominated or generally quoted in or currently convertible into such
currency, other than with respect to proxy hedging or cross hedging as described
below.
The Fund may also cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions
to purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value
relative to other currencies to which the Fund has or in which the Fund expects
to have portfolio exposure.
To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing
or anticipated holdings of portfolio securities, the Fund may also engage in
proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the Fund's
portfolio is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the dollar. Proxy
hedging entails entering into a commitment or option to sell a currency whose
changes in value are generally considered to be correlated to a currency or
currencies in which some or all of the Fund's portfolio securities are or are
expected to be denominated, in exchange for U.S. dollars. The amount of the
commitment or option would not exceed the value of the Fund's securities
denominated in correlated currencies. For example, if the Adviser considers that
the Austrian schilling is correlated to the German deutschemark (the "D-mark"),
the Fund holds securities denominated in schillings and the Adviser believes
that the value of schillings will decline against the U.S. dollar, the Adviser
may enter into a commitment or option to sell D-marks and buy dollars. Currency
hedging involves some of the same risks and considerations as other transactions
with similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in losses to the Fund
if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction
that is not anticipated. Further, there is the risk that the perceived
correlation between various currencies may not be present or may not be present
during the particular time that the Fund is engaging in proxy hedging. If the
Fund enters into a currency hedging transaction, the Fund will comply with the
asset segregation requirements described below.
Risks of Currency Transactions. Currency transactions are subject to risks
different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control
is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic
planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can
be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and
manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These can result
in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or funds in
settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be
rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring
transaction costs. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are subject to the
same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Further, settlement of a
currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies must occur at a
bank based in the issuing nation. Trading options on currency futures is
relatively new, and the ability to establish and close out positions on such
options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market which may not always be
available. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to
that country's economy.
Combined Transactions. The Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including
multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions, multiple currency
transactions (including forward currency contracts) and multiple interest rate
transactions and any combination of futures, options, currency and interest rate
transactions ("component"
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transactions), instead of a single Strategic Transaction, as part of a single or
combined strategy when, in the opinion of the Adviser, it is in the best
interests of the Fund to do so. A combined transaction will usually contain
elements of risk that are present in each of its component transactions.
Although combined transactions are normally entered into based on the Adviser's
judgment that the combined strategies will reduce risk or otherwise more
effectively achieve the desired portfolio management goal, it is possible that
the combination will instead increase such risks or hinder achievement of the
portfolio management objective.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars. Among the Strategic Transactions into which the
Fund may enter are interest rate, currency, index and other swaps and the
purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. The Fund expects to enter
into these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular
investment or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency
fluctuations, as a duration management technique or to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later
date. The Fund will not sell interest rate caps or floors where it does not own
securities or other instruments providing the income stream the Fund may be
obligated to pay. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with
another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g.,
an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a
notional amount of principal. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash
flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value
differential among them and an index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on
a notional amount based on changes in the values of the reference indices. The
purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional
principal amount from the party selling such cap to the extent that a specified
index exceeds a predetermined interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor
entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from
the party selling such floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a
predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a
floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest
rates or values.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two
payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as the Fund will segregate
assets (or enter into any offsetting position) to cover its obligations under
swaps, the Adviser and the Fund believe such obligations do not constitute
senior securities under the 1940 Act, and, accordingly, will not treat them as
being subject to its borrowing restrictions. The Fund will not enter into any
swap, cap, floor or collar transaction unless, at the time of entering into such
transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the Counterparty, combined with any
credit enhancements, is rated at least A by S&P or Moody's or has an equivalent
rating from an NRSRO or is determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the
Adviser. If there is a default by the Counterparty, the Fund may have
contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. The
swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks
and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing
standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become
relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more recent innovations for
which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed and,
accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
Eurodollar Instruments. The Fund may make investments in Eurodollar instruments.
Eurodollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts or options
thereon which are linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"),
although foreign currency-denominated instruments are available from time to
time. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for
the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. The Fund
might use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against
changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed income instruments
are linked.
Risks of Strategic Transactions Outside the U.S. When conducted outside the
U.S., Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as in the U.S.,
may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to
the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign
securities, currencies and other instruments. The value of such positions also
could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and
economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the U.S. of data on which to
make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon economic
events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the U.S., (iv)
the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and
margin requirements than in the U.S., and (v) lower trading volume and
liquidity.
Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts. Many Strategic Transactions, in
addition to other requirements, require that the Fund segregate cash or liquid
assets with its custodian to the extent Fund obligations are not otherwise
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"covered" through ownership of the underlying security, financial instrument or
currency. In general, either the full amount of any obligation by the Fund to
pay or deliver securities or assets must be covered at all times by the
securities, instruments or currency required to be delivered, or, subject to any
regulatory restrictions, an amount of cash or liquid securities at least equal
to the current amount of the obligation must be segregated with the custodian.
The segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are
substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. For
example, a call option written by the Fund will require the Fund to hold the
securities subject to the call (or securities convertible into the needed
securities without additional consideration) or to segregate cash or liquid
securities sufficient to purchase and deliver the securities if the call is
exercised. A call option sold by the Fund on an index will require the Fund to
own portfolio securities which correlate with the index or to segregate cash or
liquid assets equal to the excess of the index value over the exercise price on
a current basis. A put option written by the Fund requires the Fund to segregate
cash or liquid assets equal to the exercise price.
Except when the Fund enters into a forward contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a particular currency, which requires no
segregation, a currency contract which obligates the Fund to buy or sell
currency will generally require the Fund to hold an amount of that currency or
liquid securities denominated in that currency equal to the Fund's obligations
or to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the amount of the Fund's
obligation.
OTC options entered into by the Fund, including those on securities,
currency, financial instruments or indices and OCC issued and exchange listed
index options, will generally provide for cash settlement. As a result, when the
Fund sells these instruments it will only segregate an amount of assets equal to
its accrued net obligations, as there is no requirement for payment or delivery
of amounts in excess of the net amount. These amounts will equal 100% of the
exercise price in the case of a non cash-settled put, the same as an OCC
guaranteed listed option sold by the Fund, or the in-the-money amount plus any
sell-back formula amount in the case of a cash-settled put or call. In addition,
when the Fund sells a call option on an index at a time when the in-the-money
amount exceeds the exercise price, the Fund will segregate, until the option
expires or is closed out, cash or cash equivalents equal in value to such
excess. OCC issued and exchange listed options sold by the Fund other than those
above generally settle with physical delivery, or with an election of either
physical delivery or cash settlement and the Fund will segregate an amount of
assets equal to the full value of the option. OTC options settling with physical
delivery, or with an election of either physical delivery or cash settlement
will be treated the same as other options settling with physical delivery.
In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon, the Fund must
deposit initial margin and, possibly, daily variation margin in addition to
segregating assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide
securities or currencies, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an
index-based futures contract. Such assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents,
short-term debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets.
With respect to swaps, the Fund will accrue the net amount of the
excess, if any, of its obligations over its entitlements with respect to each
swap on a daily basis and will segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets
having a value equal to the accrued excess. Caps, floors and collars require
segregation of assets with a value equal to the Fund's net obligation, if any.
Strategic Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent
with applicable regulatory policies. The Fund may also enter into offsetting
transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated assets,
equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and Strategic
Transactions. For example, the Fund could purchase a put option if the strike
price of that option is the same or higher than the strike price of a put option
sold by the Fund. Moreover, instead of segregating assets if the Fund held a
futures or forward contract, it could purchase a put option on the same futures
or forward contract with a strike price as high or higher than the price of the
contract held. Other Strategic Transactions may also be offset in combinations.
If the offsetting transaction terminates at the time of or after the primary
transaction no segregation is required, but if it terminates prior to such time,
assets equal to any remaining obligation would need to be segregated.
Investment Restrictions
The fundamental policies of the Fund set forth below may not be changed
without the approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares. As used in
this Statement of Additional Information, a "majority of the Fund's outstanding
shares" means the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the voting securities present at
such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (2) more than
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50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Fund has elected to be
classified as a diversified series of an open-end investment company.
If a percentage restriction on investment or utilization of assets as
set forth under "Investment Restrictions" and "Other Investment Policies" above
is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later change in percentage
resulting from changes in the value or the total cost of the Fund's assets will
not be considered a violation of the restriction.
In addition, as a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
(1) borrow money, except as permitted under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by
regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time;
(2) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted
or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from
time to time;
(3) concentrate its investments in a particular industry, as that
term is used in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory
authority having jurisdiction, from time to time;
(4) engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by
others, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be
an underwriter in connection with the disposition of portfolio
securities;
(5) purchase or sell real estate, which term does not include
securities of companies which deal in real estate or mortgages
or investments secured by real estate or interests therein,
except that the Fund reserves freedom of action to hold and to
sell real estate acquired as a result of the Fund's ownership
of securities;
(6) purchase physical commodities or contracts relating to
physical commodities; or
(7) make loans to other persons, except as permitted under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted
or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from
time to time.
The Directors of the Corporation have voluntarily adopted certain
non-fundamental policies and restrictions which are observed in the conduct of
the Fund's affairs. These represent intentions of the Directors based upon
current circumstances. They differ from fundamental investment policies in that
they may be changed or amended by action of the Directors without requiring
prior notice to or approval of the shareholders. As a matter of non-fundamental
policy, the Fund does not currently intend to:
(1) borrow money in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets,
except (i) for temporary or emergency purposes and (ii) by
engaging in reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls, or
other investments or transactions described in the Fund's
registration statement which may be deemed to be borrowings;
(2) enter into either of reverse repurchase agreements or dollar
rolls in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets;
(3) purchase securities on margin or make short sales, except (i)
short sales against the box, (ii) in connection with arbitrage
transactions, (iii) for margin deposits in connection with
futures contracts, options or other permitted investments,
(iv) that transactions in futures contracts and options shall
not be deemed to constitute selling securities short, and (v)
that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be
necessary for the clearance of securities transactions;
(4) purchase options, unless the aggregate premiums paid on all
such options held by the Fund at any time do not exceed 20% of
its total assets; or sell put options, if as a result, the
aggregate value of the obligations underlying such put options
would exceed 50% of its total assets;
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(5) enter into futures contracts or purchase options thereon
unless immediately after the purchase, the value of the
aggregate initial margin with respect to such futures
contracts entered into on behalf of the Fund and the premiums
paid for such options on futures contracts does not exceed 5%
of the fair market value of the Fund's total assets; provided
that in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time
of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in
computing the 5% limit;
(6) purchase warrants if as a result, such securities, taken at
the lower of cost or market value, would represent more than
5% of the value of the Fund's total assets (for this purpose,
warrants acquired in units or attached to securities will be
deemed to have no value); and
(7) lend portfolio securities in an amount greater than 5% of its
total assets.
The foregoing nonfundamental policies are in addition to policies
otherwise stated in the Prospectus or in this Statement of Additional
Information.
PURCHASES
There is a $25,000 minimum initial investment in the Shares. The
minimum subsequent investment in the Shares is $1,000. Investment minimums may
be waived for Directors and officers of the Corporation and certain other
affiliates and entities. The Fund and Scudder Investor Services, Inc. (the
"Distributor") reserve the right to reject any purchase order. All funds will be
invested in full and fractional Shares.
The Shares can be purchased and sold exclusively by investors through
Barrett Associates, Inc. ("Barrett Associates"), 565 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
10017. Investors wishing to purchase or sell Shares should contact their Barrett
Associates representative at 212-983-5080, or in person at the above address. A
Barrett Associates representative will then execute the order through Scudder
Service Corporation, a subsidiary of the Adviser (the "Transfer Agent"). Due to
the desire of the Corporation to afford ease of redemption, certificates will
not be issued to indicate ownership in the Fund. Orders for Shares of the Fund
will be executed at the net asset value per Share next determined after an order
has become effective.
Checks drawn on a non-member bank or a foreign bank may take
substantially longer to be converted into federal funds and, accordingly, may
delay the execution of an order. Checks must be payable in U.S. dollars and will
be accepted subject to collection at full face value.
By investing in the Fund, a shareholder appoints the Transfer Agent to
establish an open account to which all shares purchased will be credited with
any dividends and capital gains distributions that are paid in additional
Shares. See "Distribution and Performance Information -- Dividends and Capital
Gains Distributions" in the Shares' Prospectus.
Redemption-in-Kind
The Corporation reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash
payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase order by
making payment in whole or in part in readily marketable securities chosen by
the Fund and valued as they are for purposes of computing the Fund's net asset
value (a redemption-in-kind). If payment is made in securities, a shareholder
may incur transaction expenses in converting these securities into cash. The
Corporation has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940
Act as a result of which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares, with respect to
any one shareholder during any 90 day period, solely in cash up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of that Fund at the beginning of the
period.
Other Information
The Fund has authorized certain members of the NASD other than the
Distributor (namely, Barrett Associates) to accept purchase and redemption
orders for the Fund's shares. Those brokers may also designate other parties to
accept purchase and redemption orders on the Fund's behalf. Orders for purchase
or redemption will be deemed to have
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been received by the Fund when such brokers or their authorized designees accept
the orders. Subject to the terms of the contract between the Fund and the
broker, ordinarily orders will be priced at the Fund's net asset value next
computed after acceptance by such brokers or their authorized designees.
Further, if purchases or redemptions of the Fund's shares are arranged and
settlement is made at an investor's election through any other authorized NASD
member, that member may, at its discretion, charge a fee for that service. The
Board of Directors and the Distributor, also the Fund's principal underwriter,
each has the right to limit the amount of purchases by, and to refuse to sell
to, any person. The Directors and the Distributor may suspend or terminate the
offering of shares of the Fund at any time for any reason.
The Board of Directors and the Distributor, each has the right to limit
the amount of purchases by and to refuse to sell to any person and each may
suspend or terminate the offering of shares of the Fund at any time.
The "Tax Identification Number" section of the Application must be
completed when opening an account. Applications and purchase orders without a
certified tax identification number and certain other certified information
(e.g., from exempt organizations a certification of exempt status), may be
returned to the investor if a correct, certified tax identification number and
certain other required certificates are not supplied.
The Fund may issue shares at net asset value in connection with any
merger or consolidation with, or acquisition of the assets of, any investment
company or personal holding company, subject to the requirements of the 1940
Act.
REDEEMING SHARES
Payment of redemption proceeds may be made in securities. The
Corporation may suspend the right of redemption with respect to the Fund during
any period when (i) trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is
restricted or the Exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday
closings, (ii) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension or (iii) an
emergency, as defined by rules of the SEC, exists making disposal of Fund
securities or determination of the value of the net assets of the Fund not
reasonably practicable.
A shareholder's account remains open for up to one year following
complete redemption and all costs during the period will be borne by the Fund.
This permits an investor to resume investments.
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND
Special Monthly Summary of Accounts. A special service is available to
banks, brokers, investment advisers, trust companies and others who have a
number of accounts in the Fund. In addition to the copy of the regular Statement
of Account furnished to the registered holder after each transaction, a monthly
summary of accounts can be provided. The monthly summary will show for each
account the account number, the month-end share balance and the dividends and
distributions paid during the month. All costs of this service will be borne by
the Corporation. For information on the special monthly summary of accounts,
contact the Corporation.
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund intends to follow the practice of distributing all of its
investment company taxable income, which includes any excess of net realized
short-term capital gains over net realized long-term capital losses. The Fund
may follow the practice of distributing the entire excess of net realized
long-term capital gains over net realized short-term capital losses. However,
the Fund may retain all or part of such gain for reinvestment after paying the
related federal income taxes for which the shareholders may then be asked to
claim a credit against their federal income tax liability. (See "TAXES.")
If the Fund does not distribute the amount of capital gain and/or
ordinary income required to be distributed by an excise tax provision of the
Code, the Fund may be subject to that excise tax. (See "TAXES.") In certain
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<PAGE>
circumstances, the Fund may determine that it is in the interest of shareholders
to distribute less than the required amount.
Earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemptions of Fund
shares may be utilized by the Fund, to the extent permissible, as part of the
Fund's dividends paid deduction on its federal tax return.
The Fund intends to distribute its investment company taxable income
and any net realized capital gains in November or December to avoid federal
excise tax, although an additional distribution may be made if necessary.
Both types of distributions will be made in Shares of the Fund and
confirmations will be mailed to Barrett Associates, on behalf of each
shareholder, unless a shareholder has elected to receive cash, in which case a
check will be sent. Distributions of investment company taxable income and net
realized capital gains are taxable (See "TAXES"), whether made in Shares or
cash.
Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. The characterization of distributions on such
correspondence may differ from the characterization for federal tax purposes. In
January of each year the Fund issues to Barrett Associates, on behalf of each
shareholder, a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions
in the prior calendar year.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time, quotations of the Shares' performance may be
included in advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders or
prospective investors. These performance figures will be calculated in the
following manner:
Average Annual Total Return
Average Annual Total Return is the average annual compound rate of
return for the periods of one year, five years, and ten years, all ended on the
last day of a recent calendar quarter. Average annual total return quotations
reflect changes in the price of the Shares and assume that all dividends and
capital gains distributions during the respective periods were reinvested in the
Shares. Average annual total return is calculated by finding the average annual
compound rates of return of a hypothetical investment over such periods,
according to the following formula (average annual total return is then
expressed as a percentage):
T = (ERV/P)^1/n - 1
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
T = Average Annual Total Return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value: ERV is the value,
at the end of the applicable period, of a
hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the
beginning of the applicable period.
Average Annual Total Return for years ended March 31, 1999
One Year*
6.60%
* For the period April 3, 1998 (commencement of sale of Barrett International
Shares) to March 31, 1999.
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Cumulative Total Return
Cumulative Total Return is the compound rate of return on a
hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 for a specified period. Cumulative
Total Return quotations reflect changes in the price of the Shares and assume
that all dividends and capital gains distributions during the period were
reinvested in the Shares. Cumulative Total Return is calculated by finding the
cumulative rates of return of a hypothetical investment over such periods,
according to the following formula (Cumulative Total Return is then expressed as
a percentage):
C = (ERV/P) - 1
Where:
C = Cumulative Total Return
P = a hypothetical initial investment of
$1,000
ERV = ending redeemable value: ERV is
the value, at the end of the
applicable period, of a hypothetical
$1,000 investment made at the
beginning of the applicable period.
Cumulative Total Return for years ended March 31, 1999
One Year*
6.60%
* For the period April 3, 1998 (commencement of sale of Barrett International
Shares) to March 31, 1999.
Total Return
Total Return is the rate of return on an investment for a specified
period of time calculated in the same manner as Cumulative Total Return.
Comparison of Fund Performance
In connection with communicating its performance to current or
prospective shareholders, the Fund also may compare these figures to the
performance of unmanaged indices which may assume reinvestment of dividends or
interest but generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
management costs.
Historical information on the value of the dollar versus foreign
currencies may be used from time to time in advertisements concerning the Fund.
Such historical information is not indicative of future fluctuations in the
value of the U.S. dollar against these currencies. In addition, marketing
materials may cite country and economic statistics and historical stock market
performance for any of the countries in which the Fund invests.
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<PAGE>
From time to time, in advertising and marketing literature, The Shares'
performance may be compared to the performance of broad groups of mutual funds
with similar investment goals, as tracked by independent organizations.
From time to time, in marketing and other Fund literature, Directors
and officers of the Corporation, the Fund's portfolio manager, or members of the
portfolio management team may be depicted and quoted to give prospective and
current shareholders a better sense of the outlook and approach of those who
manage the Fund. In addition, the amount of assets that the Adviser has under
management in various geographical areas may be quoted in advertising and
marketing materials.
The Fund may be advertised as an investment choice in the Adviser's
college planning program.
Statistical and other information, as provided by the Social Security
Administration, may be used in marketing materials pertaining to retirement
planning in order to estimate future payouts of social security benefits.
Estimates may be used on demographic and economic data.
Marketing and other Fund literature may include a description of the
potential risks and rewards associated with an investment in the Fund and the
Shares. The description may include a "risk/return spectrum" which compares the
Fund to other Scudder funds or broad categories of funds, such as money market,
bond or equity funds, in terms of potential risks and returns. Money market
funds are designed to maintain a constant $1.00 share price and have a
fluctuating yield. Share price, yield and total return of a bond fund will
fluctuate. The share price and return of an equity fund also will fluctuate. The
description may also compare the Fund to bank products, such as certificates of
deposit. Unlike mutual funds, certificates of deposit are insured up to $100,000
by the U.S. government and offer a fixed rate of return.
Because bank products guarantee the principal value of an investment
and money market funds seek stability of principal, these investments are
considered to be less risky than investments in either bond or equity funds,
which may involve the loss of principal. However, all long-term investments,
including investments in bank products, may be subject to inflation risk, which
is the risk of erosion of the value of an investment as prices increase over a
long time period. The risks/returns associated with an investment in bond or
equity funds depend upon many factors. For bond funds these factors include, but
are not limited to, a fund's overall investment objective, the average portfolio
maturity, credit quality of the securities held, and interest rate movements.
For equity funds, factors include a fund's overall investment objective, the
types of equity securities held and the financial position of the issuers of the
securities. The
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<PAGE>
risks/returns associated with an investment in international bond or equity
funds also will depend upon currency exchange rate fluctuation.
A risk/return spectrum generally will position the various investment
categories in the following order: bank products, money market funds, bond funds
and equity funds. Shorter-term bond funds generally are considered less risky
and offer the potential for less return than longer-term bond funds. The same is
true of domestic bond funds relative to international bond funds, and bond funds
that purchase higher quality securities relative to bond funds that purchase
lower quality securities. Growth and income equity funds are generally
considered to be less risky and offer the potential for less return than growth
funds. In addition, international equity funds usually are considered more risky
than domestic equity funds but generally offer the potential for greater return.
Evaluation of Fund performance or other relevant statistical
information made by independent sources may also be used in advertisements
concerning the Fund, including reprints of, or selections from, editorials or
articles about this Fund.
FUND ORGANIZATION
The Corporation was organized as Scudder Fund of Canada Ltd. in Canada
in 1953 by the investment management firm of Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. On
March 16, 1964, the name of the Corporation was changed to Scudder International
Investments Ltd. On July 31, 1975, the corporate domicile of the Corporation was
changed to the U.S. through the transfer of its net assets to a newly formed
Maryland corporation, Scudder International Fund, Inc., in exchange for shares
of the Corporation which then were distributed to the shareholders of the
Corporation.
The authorized capital stock of the Corporation consists of 1 billion
shares of a par value of $.01 each, which capital stock has been divided into
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eight series: Scudder International Fund, the original series; Scudder Latin
America Fund, Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund, both organized in December
1992, Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund, organized in October 1994, Scudder
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, organized in May 1996, Scudder International
Growth and Income Fund, organized in June 1997, and Scudder International Growth
Fund and Scudder International Value Fund, both organized in June 1998. Each
series consists of 100 million shares except for the Fund which consists of 300
million shares. The Fund is further divided into three classes of shares, the
International Shares, the Barrett International Shares and the Class R shares.
The Directors have the authority to issue additional series of shares and to
designate the relative rights and preferences as between the different series.
All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and non-assessable,
transferable, and redeemable at net asset value at the option of the
shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive or conversion rights.
The shares of the Corporation have non-cumulative voting rights, which
means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of
Directors can elect 100% of the Directors if they choose to do so, and, in such
event, the holders of the remaining less than 50% of the shares voting for the
election of Directors will not be able to elect any person or persons to the
Board of Directors. The assets of the Corporation received for the issue or sale
of the shares of each series and all income, earnings, profits and proceeds
thereof, subject only to the rights of creditors, are specifically allocated to
such series and constitute the underlying assets of such series. The underlying
assets of each series are segregated on the books of account, and are to be
charged with the liabilities in respect to such series and with such a share of
the general liabilities of the Corporation. If a series were unable to meet its
obligations, the assets of all other series may in some circumstances be
available to creditors for that purpose, in which case the assets of such other
series could be used to meet liabilities which are not otherwise properly
chargeable to them. Expenses with respect to any two or more series are to be
allocated in proportion to the asset value of the respective series except where
allocations of direct expenses can otherwise be fairly made. The officers of the
Corporation, subject to the general supervision of the Directors, have the power
to determine which liabilities are allocable to a given series, or which are
general or allocable to two or more series. In the event of the dissolution or
liquidation of the Corporation or any series, the holders of the shares of any
series are entitled to receive as a class the underlying assets of such shares
available for distribution to shareholders.
Shares of the Corporation entitle their holders to one vote per share;
however, separate votes are taken by each series on matters affecting an
individual series. For example, a change in investment policy for a series would
be voted upon only by shareholders of the series involved. Additionally,
approval of the investment advisory agreement is a matter to be determined
separately by each series. Approval by the shareholders of one series is
effective as to that series whether or not enough votes are received from the
shareholders of the other series to approve such agreement as to the other
series.
The Directors, in their discretion, may authorize the additional
division of shares of the Corporation (or shares of a series) into different
classes permitting shares of different classes to be distributed by different
methods. Although shareholders of different classes of a series would have an
interest in the same portfolio of assets, shareholders of different classes may
bear different expenses in connection with different methods of distribution.
Pursuant to the approval of a majority of stockholders, the
Corporation's Directors have the discretion to retain the current distribution
arrangement while investing in a master fund in a master/feeder fund structure
if the Board determines that the objectives of the Fund would be achieved more
efficiently thereby.
The Corporation's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the
"Articles") provide that the Directors of the Corporation, to the fullest extent
permitted by Maryland General Corporation Law and the 1940 Act, shall not be
liable to the Corporation or its shareholders for damages. Maryland law
currently provides that Directors shall be immune from liability for any action
taken by them in good faith, in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best
interests of the Corporation and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person
in a like position would use under similar circumstances. In so acting, a
Director shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of
the Corporation and upon reports made to the Corporation by persons selected in
good faith by the Directors as qualified to make such reports. The Articles and
the By-Laws provide that the Corporation will indemnify its Directors, officers,
employees or agents against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with
litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the
Corporation consistent with applicable law.
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INVESTMENT ADVISER
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser"), an investment counsel
firm, acts as investment adviser to the Fund. This organization, the predecessor
of which is Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc., is one of the most experienced
investment counsel firms in the U. S. It was established as a partnership in
1919 and pioneered the practice of providing investment counsel to individual
clients on a fee basis. In 1928 it introduced the first no-load mutual fund to
the public. In 1953 the Adviser introduced Scudder International Fund, Inc., the
first mutual fund available in the U.S. investing internationally in securities
of issuers in several foreign countries. The predecessor firm reorganized from a
partnership to a Delaware corporation on June 28, 1985. On June 26, 1997,
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. ("Scudder") entered into an agreement with Zurich
Insurance Company ("Zurich") pursuant to which Scudder and Zurich agreed to form
an alliance. On December 31, 1997, Zurich acquired a majority interest in
Scudder, and Zurich Kemper Investments, Inc., a Zurich subsidiary, became part
of Scudder. Scudder's name has been changed to Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
Founded in 1872, Zurich is a multinational, public corporation
organized under the laws of Switzerland. Its home office is located at
Mythenquai 2, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland. Historically, Zurich's earnings have
resulted from its operations as an insurer as well as from its ownership of its
subsidiaries and affiliated companies (the "Zurich Insurance Group"). Zurich and
the Zurich Insurance Group provide an extensive range of insurance products and
services and have branch offices and subsidiaries in more than 40 countries
throughout the world.
The principal source of the Adviser's income is professional fees
received from providing continuous investment advice, and the firm derives no
income from brokerage or underwriting of securities. Today, it provides
investment counsel for many individuals and institutions, including insurance
companies, colleges, industrial corporations, and financial and banking
organizations. In addition, it manages Montgomery Street Income Securities,
Inc., Scudder California Tax Free Trust, Scudder Cash Investment Trust, Value
Equity Trust, Scudder Fund, Inc., Scudder Funds Trust, Global/International
Fund, Inc., Scudder Global High Income Fund, Inc., Scudder GNMA Fund, Scudder
Portfolio Trust, Scudder Institutional Fund, Inc., Scudder International Fund,
Inc., Investment Trust, Scudder Municipal Trust, Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc.,
Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc., Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc., Scudder Pathway
Series, Scudder Securities Trust, Scudder State Tax Free Trust, Scudder Tax Free
Money Fund, Scudder Tax Free Trust, Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund, Scudder
Variable Life Investment Fund, The Argentina Fund, Inc., The Brazil Fund, Inc.,
The Korea Fund, Inc. and The Japan Fund, Inc. Some of the foregoing companies or
trusts have two or more series.
The Adviser also provides investment advisory services to the mutual
funds which comprise the AARP Investment Program from Scudder. The AARP
Investment Program from Scudder has assets over $13 billion and includes the
AARP Growth Trust, AARP Income Trust, AARP Tax Free Income Trust, AARP Managed
Investment Portfolios Trust and AARP Cash Investment Funds.
Pursuant to an Agreement between the Adviser and AMA Solutions, Inc., a
subsidiary of the American Medical Association (the "AMA"), dated May 9, 1997,
the Adviser has agreed, subject to applicable state regulations, to pay AMA
Solutions, Inc. royalties in an amount equal to 5% of the management fee
received by the Adviser with respect to assets invested by AMA members in
Scudder funds in connection with the AMA InvestmentLinkSM Program. The Adviser
will also pay AMA Solutions, Inc. a general monthly fee, currently in the amount
of $833. The AMA and AMA Solutions, Inc. are not engaged in the business of
providing investment advice and neither is registered as an investment adviser
or broker/dealer under federal securities laws. Any person who participates in
the AMA InvestmentLinkSM Program will be a customer of the Adviser (or of a
subsidiary thereof) and not the AMA or AMA Solutions, Inc. AMA InvestmentLinkSM
is a service mark of AMA Solutions, Inc.
The Adviser maintains a large research department, which conducts
continuous studies of the factors that affect the position of various
industries, companies and individual securities. The Adviser receives published
reports and
25
<PAGE>
statistical compilations from issuers and other sources, as well as analyses
from brokers and dealers who may execute portfolio transactions for the
Adviser's clients. However, the Adviser regards this information and material as
an adjunct to its own research activities. The Adviser's international
investment management team travels the world, researching hundreds of companies.
In selecting the securities in which the Fund may invest, the conclusions and
investment decisions of the Adviser with respect to the Fund are based primarily
on the analyses of its own research department.
Certain investments may be appropriate for the Fund and also for other
clients advised by the Adviser. Investment decisions for the Fund and other
clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives
and after consideration of such factors as their current holdings, availability
of cash for investment and the size of their investments generally. Frequently,
a particular security may be bought or sold for only one client or in different
amounts and at different times for more than one but less than all clients.
Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one
or more other clients are selling the security. In addition, purchases or sales
of the same security may be made for two or more clients on the same day. In
such event, such transactions will be allocated among the clients in a manner
believed by the Adviser to be equitable to each. In some cases, this procedure
could have an adverse effect on the price or amount of the securities purchased
or sold by the Fund. Purchase and sale orders for the Fund may be combined with
those of other clients of the Adviser in the interest of achieving the most
favorable net results to the Fund.
The transaction between Scudder and Zurich resulted in the assignment
of the Fund's investment management agreement with Scudder, that agreement was
deemed to be automatically terminated at the consummation of the transaction. In
anticipation of the transaction, however, a new investment management agreement
between the Fund and the Adviser was approved by the Corporation's Directors on
October 29, 1997. At the special meeting of the Fund's stockholders held on
October 27, 1997, the stockholders also approved the new investment management
agreement. The new investment management agreement (the "Agreement") became
effective as of December 31, 1997.
On September 7, 1998, the businesses of Zurich (including Zurich's 70%
interest in the Adviser) and the financial services businesses of B.A.T
Industries p.l.c. ("B.A.T") were combined to form a new global insurance and
financial services company known as Zurich Financial Services Group. By way of a
dual holding company structure, former Zurich shareholders initially owned
approximately 57% of Zurich Financial Services Group, with the balance initially
owned by former B.A.T shareholders.
Upon consummation of this transaction, the Fund's existing investment
management agreement with Scudder Kemper was deemed to have been assigned and,
therefore, terminated. The Board approved a new investment management agreement
(the "Agreement") with the Adviser, which is substantially identical to the
prior investment management agreement, except for the dates of execution and
termination. The Agreement became effective September 7, 1998, upon the
termination of the then current investment management agreement and was approved
at a shareholder meeting held on December 15, 1998.
The Agreement dated September 7, 1998 was approved by the Directors on
August 6, 1998. The Agreement will continue in effect until September 30, 1999
and from year to year thereafter only if its continuance is approved annually by
the vote of a majority of those Directors who are not parties to such Agreement
or interested persons of the Adviser or the Corporation, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and either by a vote
of the Corporation's Directors or of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund. The Agreement may be terminated at any time without
payment of penalty by either party on sixty days written notice and
automatically terminate in the event of their assignment.
Under the Agreement, the Adviser regularly provides the Fund with
continuing investment management for the Fund's portfolio consistent with the
Fund's investment objectives, policies and restrictions and determines which
securities shall be purchased, held or sold and what portion of the Fund's
assets shall be held uninvested, subject always to the Corporation's Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws, of the 1940 Act and the Code and to the Fund's
investment objective, policies and restrictions, and subject, further, to such
policies and instructions as the Board of Directors of the Corporation may from
time to time establish. The Adviser also advises and assists the officers of the
Corporation in taking such steps as are necessary or appropriate to carry out
the decisions of its Directors and the appropriate committees of the Directors
regarding the conduct of the business of the Corporation.
26
<PAGE>
Under the Agreement, the Adviser also renders significant
administrative services (not otherwise provided by third parties) necessary for
the Corporation's operations as an open-end investment company including, but
not limited to, preparing reports and notices to the Directors and shareholders;
supervising, negotiating contractual arrangements with, and monitoring various
third-party service providers to the Fund (such as the Fund's transfer agent,
pricing agents, custodian, accountants and others); preparing and making filings
with the Commission and other regulatory agencies; assisting in the preparation
and filing of the Fund's federal, state and local tax returns; preparing and
filing the Fund's federal excise tax returns; assisting with investor and public
relations matters; monitoring the valuation of securities and the calculation of
net asset value; monitoring the registration of shares of the Fund under
applicable federal and state securities laws; maintaining the Fund's books and
records to the extent not otherwise maintained by a third party; assisting in
establishing accounting policies of the Fund; assisting in the resolution of
accounting and legal issues; establishing and monitoring the Fund's operating
budget; processing the payment of the Fund's bills; assisting the Fund in, and
otherwise arranging for, the payment of distributions and dividends and
otherwise assisting the Fund in the conduct of its business, subject to the
direction and control of the Directors.
The Adviser pays the compensation and expenses (except those of
attending Board and committee meetings outside New York, New York or Boston,
Massachusetts) of all Directors, officers and executive employees of the Fund
affiliated with the Adviser and makes available, without expense to the Fund,
the services of such Directors, officers and employees of the Adviser as may
duly be elected officers of the Fund, subject to their individual consent to
serve and to any limitations imposed by law, and provides the Fund's office
space and facilities.
Under the Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, effective
September 7, 1998, the management fee payable under the Agreement is equal to an
annual rate of approximately 0.90% of the first $500,000,000 of average daily
net assets, 0.85% of the next $500,000,000 of such net assets, 0.80% of the next
$1,000,000,000 of such net assets, 0.75% of the next $1,000,000,000 of such net
assets, and 0.70% of such net assets in excess of $3,000,000,000, computed and
accrued daily and payable monthly.
Under the Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser which was in
effect prior to September 5, 1996 (the "Agreement"), the Fund agreed to pay to
the Adviser a fee equal to an annual rate of 0.90% on the first $500,000,000 of
the Fund's average daily net assets, 0.85% on the next $500,000,000, 0.80% on
the next $1,000,000,000, and 0.75% of such net assets in excess of
$2,000,000,000, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly.
The net investment advisory fees for the fiscal years ended March 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997 were $23,819,941, $22,491,681 and $20,989,160, respectively,
of which $2,051,746 was unpaid at March 31, 1999.
Under the Agreement the Fund is responsible for all of its other
expenses including: fees and expenses incurred in connection with membership in
investment company organizations; brokers' commissions; legal, auditing and
accounting expenses; the calculation of net asset value; taxes and governmental
fees; the fees and expenses of the Transfer Agent; the cost of preparing share
certificates or any other expenses of issue, sale, underwriting, distribution,
redemption or repurchase of shares; the expenses of and the fees for registering
or qualifying securities for sale; the fees and expenses of Directors, officers
and employees of the Fund who are not affiliated with the Adviser; the cost of
printing and distributing reports and notices to stockholders; and the fees and
disbursements of custodians. The Fund may arrange to have third parties assume
all or part of the expenses of sale, underwriting and distribution of shares of
the Fund. The Fund is also responsible for its expenses of shareholders'
meetings, the cost of responding to shareholders' inquiries, and its expenses
incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings and claims and the legal
obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and Directors of the
Corporation with respect thereto.
The Agreement expressly provides that the Adviser shall not be required
to pay a pricing agent of the Fund for portfolio pricing services, if any.
The Agreement identifies the Adviser as the exclusive licensee of the
rights to use and sublicense the names "Scudder," "Scudder Kemper Investments,
Inc." and "Scudder Stevens and Clark, Inc." (together, the "Scudder Marks").
Under this license, the Corporation, with respect to the Fund, has the
non-exclusive right to use and sublicense the Scudder name and marks as part of
its name, and to use the Scudder Marks in the Corporation's investment products
and services.
27
<PAGE>
In reviewing the terms of the Agreement and in discussions with the
Adviser concerning such Agreement, the Directors of the Corporation who are not
"interested persons" of the Adviser are represented by independent counsel at
the Fund's expense.
The Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any
error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in
connection with matters to which the Agreement relates, except a loss resulting
from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the
Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by the
Adviser of its obligations and duties under the Agreement.
Officers and employees of the Adviser from time to time may have
transactions with various banks, including the Fund's custodian bank. It is the
Adviser's opinion that the terms and conditions of those transactions which have
occurred were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other Fund
relationships.
The Adviser may serve as adviser to other funds with investment
objectives and policies similar to those of the Fund that may have different
distribution arrangements or expenses, which may affect performance.
None of the officers or Directors of the Corporation may have dealings
with the Fund as principals in the purchase or sale of securities, except as
individual subscribers to or holders of shares of the Fund.
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser
Employees of the Adviser are permitted to make personal securities
transactions, subject to requirements and restrictions set forth in the
Adviser's Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics contains provisions and
requirements designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest
between personal investment activities and the interests of investment advisory
clients such as the Fund. Among other things, the Code of Ethics, which
generally complies with standards recommended by the Investment Company
Institute's Advisory Group on Personal Investing, prohibits certain types of
transactions absent prior approval, imposes time periods during which personal
transactions may not be made in certain securities, and requires the submission
of duplicate broker confirmations and monthly reporting of securities
transactions. Additional restrictions apply to portfolio managers, traders,
research analysts and others involved in the investment advisory process.
Exceptions to these and other provisions of the Code of Ethics may be granted in
particular circumstances after review by appropriate personnel.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Position with
Underwriter,
Scudder Investor
Name, Age, and Address Position with Fund Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ---------------------- ------------------ ---------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Lynn S. Birdsong (53)#* Chairman of the Board Managing Director of Scudder Kemper Vice President and
and Director Investments, Inc. Assistant Treasurer
Paul Bancroft III (69) Director Venture Capitalist and Consultant; --
79 Pine Lane Retired, President, Chief Executive
Box 6639 Officer and Director, Bessemer
Snowmass Village, CO 81615 Securities Corporation
28
<PAGE>
Position with
Underwriter,
Scudder Investor
Name, Age, and Address Position with Fund Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ---------------------- ------------------ ---------------------- --------------
Sheryle J. Bolton (52) Director CEO and Director, Scientific Learning --
Scientific Learning Corporation Corporation, Former President and
1995 University Ave Chief Operating Officer, Physicians
Suite 400 Online, Inc. (electronic transmission
Berkely, CA 94704 of clinical information for
physicians (1994-1995); Member,
Senior Management Team, Rockefeller &
Co. (1990-1993)
William T. Burgin (55) Director General Partner, Bessemer Venture --
83 Walnut Street Partners; General Partner, Deer &
Wellesley, MA 02181-2101 Company; Director, Fort James
Corporation; Director of various
privately held companies
Keith R. Fox (45) Director Private Equity Investor, Exeter --
10 East 53rd Street Capital Management Corporation
New York, NY 10022
William H. Luers (69) Director Chairman and President, U.N. --
993 Fifth Avenue Association of the U.S.A.; President,
New York, NY 10028 The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1986
to 1998)
Kathryn L. Quirk (46) *#@ Director, Vice Managing Director of Scudder Kemper Director, Senior Vice
President and Investments, Inc. President, Chief Legal
Assistant Secretary Officer and Assistant
Clerk
Joan E. Spero (54) Director President, Doris Duke Charitable --
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; Department of State -
Foundation Undersecretary of State for Economic,
650 Fifth Avenue Business and Agricultural Affairs
New York, NY 10128 (March 1993 to January 1997)
Thomas J. Devine (72) Honorary Director Consultant --
450 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
William H. Gleysteen, Jr. (72) Honorary Director Consultant; Guest Scholar, Brookings --
4937 Crescent Street Institute
Bethesda, MD 20816
29
<PAGE>
Position with
Underwriter,
Scudder Investor
Name, Age, and Address Position with Fund Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ---------------------- ------------------ ---------------------- --------------
Wilson Nolen (72) Honorary Director Consultant (1989 to present); --
1120 Fifth Avenue, #10-B Corporate Vice President, Becton,
New York, NY 10128-0144 Dickinson & Company (manufacturer of
medical and scientific products)
until 1989
Robert G. Stone, Jr. (76) Honorary Director Chairman Emeritus and Director, Kirby --
405 Lexington Avenue Corporation (inland and offshore
39th Floor marine transportation and diesel
New York, NY 10174 repairs)
Elizabeth J. Allan (46) # Vice President Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Nicholas Bratt (51)#* President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Irene T. Cheng (45)# Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Joyce E. Cornell (55)# Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Carol L. Franklin (46)# Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Edmund B. Games, Jr. (62)+ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Theresa Gusman #(39) Vice President Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Philip S. Fortuna ##(41) Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
John R. Hebble (41)+ Treasurer Senior Vice President of Scudder Assistant Treasurer
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Richard W. Desmond (63)# Assistant Secretary Vice President of Scudder Kemper Vice President
Investments, Inc.
Caroline Pearson (37)+ Assistant Secretary Senior Vice President of Scudder Clerk
Kemper Investments, Inc.; Associate,
Dechert Price & Rhoads (law firm)
1989 - 1997
Sheridan Reilly (47)# Vice President Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
30
<PAGE>
Position with
Underwriter,
Scudder Investor
Name, Age, and Address Position with Fund Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ---------------------- ------------------ ---------------------- --------------
Shahram Tajbakhsh ##(42) Vice President Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
John Millette+ (36) Vice President and Assistant Vice President of Scudder --
Secretary Kemper Investments, Inc. since
September 1994;
previously employed by
the law firm Kaye,
Scholer, Fierman, Hays
& Handler.
</TABLE>
* Mr. Birdsong, Mr. Bratt and Ms. Quirk are considered by the Fund and
its counsel to be persons who are "interested persons" of the Adviser
or of the Corporation as defined in the 1940 Act.
** Unless otherwise stated, all officers and directors have been
associated with their respective companies for more than five years,
but not necessarily in the same capacity.
@ Mr. Birdsong and Ms. Quirk are members of the Executive Committee which
may exercise substantially all of the powers of the Board of Directors
when it is not in session.
+ Address: Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
# Address: 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154
## Address: 101 California Street, Suite 4100, San Francisco, CA 94111
The Directors and officers of the Corporation also serve in similar
capacities with respect to other Scudder Funds.
With respect to Barrett International Shares class of the Fund:
As of June 30, 1999, all Directors and officers of the Corporation as a
group owned beneficially (as that term is defined under Section 13(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act) less than 1% of the Barrett International Shares of the
Fund outstanding on such date.
To the best of the Fund's knowledge, as of June 30, 1999 no person
owned beneficially (as so defined) more than 5% of the Fund's outstanding
Barrett International Shares except as stated above.
With respect to International Shares class of the Fund:
As of June 30, 1999, all Directors and officers of the Corporation as a
group owned beneficially (as that term is defined under Section 13(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) less than 1% of the shares of the International
Shares of the Fund outstanding on such date.
Certain accounts for which the Adviser acts as investment adviser owned
3,394,472 shares in the aggregate, or 5.15% of the International Shares of the
Fund, on June 30, 1999. The Adviser may be deemed to be beneficial owner of such
shares but disclaims any beneficial ownership in such shares.
As of June 30, 1999, 7,277,736 shares in the aggregate, 11.04% of the
outstanding International Shares of the Fund, were held in the name of Charles
Schwab, c/o Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Attn: Mutual Fund Department, 101
Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104-4122, who may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of certain of these shares, but disclaims any beneficial
ownership therein.
As of June 30, 1999, 3,526,651 shares in the aggregate, 5.34% of the
outstanding International Shares of the Fund were held in the name of National
Financial Service Company (for exclusive benefit of customers), P.O. Box
31
<PAGE>
3908, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008, who may be deemed to be
beneficial owner of certain of these shares, but disclaims any beneficial
ownership therein.
To the best of the Fund's knowledge, as of June 30, 1999 no person
owned beneficially (as so defined) more than 5% of the Fund's outstanding
International Shares except as stated above.
With respect to Class R shares of the Fund:
As of June 30, 1999, all Directors and officers of the Corporation as a
group owned beneficially (as that term is defined under Section 13(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act) less than 1% of the Class R shares of the Fund
outstanding on such date.
To the best of the Fund's knowledge, as of June 30, 1999 no person
owned beneficially (as so defined) more than 5% of the Fund's outstanding Class
R shares except as stated above.
The Directors and officers of the Corporation also serve in similar
capacities with other Scudder Funds.
REMUNERATION
Responsibilities of the Board -- Board and Committee Meetings
The Board of Directors is responsible for the general oversight of the
Fund's business. A majority of the Board's members are not affiliated with
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. These "Independent Directors" have primary
responsibility for assuring that the Fund is managed in the best interests of
its shareholders.
The Board of Directors meets at least quarterly to review the
investment performance of the Fund and other operational matters, including
policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with various regulatory
requirements. At least annually, the Independent Directors review the fees paid
to the Adviser and its affiliates for investment advisory services and other
administrative and shareholder services. In this regard, they evaluate, among
other things, the Fund's investment performance, the quality and efficiency of
the various other services provided, costs incurred by the Adviser and its
affiliates, and comparative information regarding fees and expenses of
competitive funds. They are assisted in this process by the Fund's independent
public accountants and by independent legal counsel selected by the Independent
Directors.
All of the Independent Directors serve on the Committee on Independent
Directors, which nominates Independent Directors and considers other related
matters, and the Audit Committee, which selects the Fund's independent public
accountants and reviews accounting policies and controls. In addition,
Independent Directors from time to time have established and served on task
forces and subcommittees focusing on particular matters such as investment,
accounting and shareholder service issues.
Compensation of Officers and Directors
The Independent Directors receive the following compensation from the
Funds of Scudder International Fund, Inc.: an annual director's fee of $3,500; a
fee of $325 for attendance at each board meeting, audit committee meeting or
other meeting held for the purposes of considering arrangements between the
Corporation on behalf of the Fund and the Adviser or any affiliate of the
Adviser; $100 for all other committee meetings; and reimbursement of expenses
incurred for travel to and from Board Meetings. No additional compensation is
paid to any Independent Director for travel time to meetings, attendance at
directors' educational seminars or conferences, service on industry or
association committees, participation as speakers at directors' conferences or
service on special director task forces or subcommittees. Independent Directors
do not receive any employee benefits such as pension or retirement benefits or
health insurance. Notwithstanding the schedule of fees, the Independent
Directors have in the past and may in the future waive a portion of their
compensation.
The Independent Directors also serve in the same capacity for other
funds managed by the Adviser. These funds differ broadly in type and complexity
and in some cases have substantially different Director fee schedules. The
32
<PAGE>
following table shows the aggregate compensation received by each Independent
Director during 1997 from the Corporation and from all of the Scudder funds as a
group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Scudder International Fund, Inc.* All Scudder Funds
--------------------------------- -----------------
Paid by Paid by Paid by Paid by
Name the Corporation the Adviser(1) the Funds the Adviser(1)
---- --------------- -------------- --------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Paul Bancroft III, $45,200 $2,550 $174,200 $ 8,925
Director (25 Funds)
Sheryle J. Bolton, $45,200 $0.00 $149,050 $0
Director (23 Funds)
William T. Burgin, $45,200 $2,550 $150,950 $8,920
Director (23 Funds)
Thomas J. Devine, $45,200 $2,550 $178,000 $8,920
Director (24 Funds)
Keith R. Fox, Director $46,700 $2,550 $156,800 $8,920
(23 Funds)
William H. Gleysteen, $45,200 $2,550 $123,200*** $4,675
Jr., Honorary Director (17 Funds)
William H. Luers, $40,700 $2,550 $147,050 $8,925
Director (26 Funds)
Wilson Nolen, Honorary $45,200 $2,550 $189,075 $6,375
Director (24 Funds)
Joan E. Spero** $10,008 $0.00 $29,736 $0.00
(23 Funds)
</TABLE>
(1) Meetings associated with the Adviser's alliance with B.A.T Industries
p.l.c. See "Investment Adviser" for additional information.
* Scudder International Fund, Inc. consists of eight funds: Scudder
International Fund, Scudder Latin America Fund, Scudder Pacific
Opportunities Fund, Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund, Scudder
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Scudder International Growth and Income
Fund, Scudder International Growth Fund and Scudder International Value
Fund.
** Elected as Director of the Corporation in September, 1998.
*** This amount does not reflect $6,208 in retirement benefits accrued as
part of Fund Complex expenses, and $3,000 in estimated annual benefits
payable upon retirement. Retirement benefits accrued and proposed are
to be paid to Mr. Gleysteen as additional compensation for serving on
the Board of The Japan Fund, Inc.
Members of the Board of Directors who are employees of the Adviser or
its affiliates receive no direct compensation from the Corporation, although
they are compensated as employees of the Adviser, or its affiliates, as a result
of which they may be deemed to participate in fees paid by each Fund.
33
<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTOR
The Corporation has an underwriting agreement with Scudder Investor
Services, Inc., Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110 (the "Distributor"), a
Massachusetts corporation, which is a subsidiary of the Adviser, a Delaware
corporation. The Corporation's underwriting agreement dated September 7, 1998
will remain in effect until September 30, 1999 and from year to year thereafter
only if its continuance is approved annually by a majority of the members of the
Board of Directors who are not parties to such agreement or interested persons
of any such party and either by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors or
a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The underwriting
agreement was last approved by the Directors on August 6, 1998.
Under the underwriting agreement, the Fund is responsible for: the
payment of all fees and expenses in connection with the preparation and filing
with the Commission of its registration statement and prospectus and any
amendments and supplements thereto; the registration and qualification of shares
for sale in the various states, including registering the Fund as a broker or
dealer in various states as required; the fees and expenses of preparing,
printing and mailing prospectuses annually to existing shareholders (see below
for expenses relating to prospectuses paid by the Distributor); notices, proxy
statements, reports or other communications to shareholders of the Fund; the
cost of printing and mailing confirmations of purchases of shares and any
prospectuses accompanying such confirmations; any issuance taxes and/or any
initial transfer taxes; a portion of shareholder toll-free telephone charges and
expenses of shareholder service representatives; the cost of wiring funds for
share purchases and redemptions (unless paid by the shareholder who initiates
the transaction); the cost of printing and postage of business reply envelopes;
and a portion of the cost of computer terminals used by both the Fund and the
Distributor.
The Distributor will pay for printing and distributing prospectuses or
reports prepared for its use in connection with the offering of the Fund's
shares to the public and preparing, printing and mailing any other literature or
advertising in connection with the offering of shares of the Fund to the public.
The Distributor will pay all fees and expenses in connection with its
qualification and registration as a broker or dealer under federal and state
laws, a portion of the cost of toll-free telephone service and expenses of
shareholder service representatives, a portion of the cost of computer
terminals, and expenses of any activity which is primarily intended to result in
the sale of shares issued by the Fund, unless a Rule 12b-1 Plan is in effect
which provides that the Fund shall bear some or all of such expenses.
As agent, the Distributor currently offers shares of the Fund on a
continuous basis to investors in all states in which shares of the Fund may from
time to time be registered or where permitted by applicable law. The
underwriting agreement provides that the Distributor accepts orders for shares
at net asset value as no sales commission or load is charged to the investor.
The Distributor has made no firm commitment to acquire shares of the Fund.
TAXES
The Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Code, or a predecessor statute and has qualified as
such since its inception. Such qualification does not involve governmental
supervision or management of investment practices or policy.
A regulated investment company qualifying under Subchapter M of the
Code is required to distribute to its shareholders at least 90 percent of its
investment company taxable income (including net short-term capital gain) and
generally is not subject to federal income tax to the extent that it distributes
annually its investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains in
the manner required under the Code.
If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify for special federal
income tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, all of its taxable
income will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates (without
any deduction for distributions to its shareholders). In such an event, dividend
distributions would be taxable to shareholders to the extent of the Fund's
earnings and profits, and would be eligible for the dividends received deduction
in the case of corporate shareholders.
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The Fund is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on amounts
required to be but not distributed under a prescribed formula. The formula
requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions
representing at least 98% of the Fund's ordinary income for the calendar year,
at least 98% of the excess of its capital gains over capital losses (adjusted
for certain ordinary losses) realized during the one-year period ending October
31 during such year, and all ordinary income and capital gains for prior years
that were not previously distributed.
Investment company taxable income generally is made up of dividends,
interest and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital
losses, less expenses. Net realized capital gains for a fiscal year are computed
by taking into account any capital loss carryforward of the Fund. Presently, the
Fund has no capital loss carryforwards.
If any net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized
short-term capital losses are retained by the Fund for reinvestment, requiring
federal income taxes to be paid thereon by the Fund, the Fund intends to elect
to treat such capital gains as having been distributed to shareholders. As a
result, each shareholder will report such capital gains as long-term capital
gains, will be able to claim a proportionate share of federal income taxes paid
by the Fund on such gains as a credit against the shareholder's federal income
tax liability, and will be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis of the
shareholder's Fund shares by the difference between such reported gains and the
shareholder's tax credit.
Distributions of investment company taxable income are taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income.
Dividends from domestic corporations are not expected to comprise a
substantial part of the Fund's gross income. If any such dividends constitute a
portion of the Fund's gross income, a portion of the income distributions of the
Fund may be eligible for the 70% deduction for dividends received by
corporations. Shareholders will be informed of the portion of dividends which so
qualify. The dividends-received deduction is reduced to the extent the shares of
the Fund with respect to which the dividends are received are treated as
debt-financed under federal income tax law and is eliminated if either those
shares or the shares of the Fund are deemed to have been held by the Fund or the
shareholders, as the case may be, for less than 46 days during the 90-day period
beginning 45 days before the shares become ex-dividend.
Properly designated distributions of the excess of net long-term
capital gain over net short-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as
long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time the shares of the Fund
have been held by such shareholders. Such distributions are not eligible for the
dividends-received deduction. Any loss realized upon the redemption of shares
held at the time of redemption for six months or less will be treated as a
long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of
long-term capital gain during such six-month period.
Distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized
capital gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or
in cash. Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of
additional Shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each
Share so received equal to the net asset value of a Share on the reinvestment
date.
All distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized
capital gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each
shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends declared in
October, November or December with a record date in such a month will be deemed
to have been received by shareholders on December 31, if paid during January of
the following year. Redemptions of shares, including exchanges for shares of
another Scudder Fund, may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the
shareholder and are also subject to these reporting requirements.
An individual may make a deductible IRA contribution of up to $2,000
or, if less, the amount of the individual's earned income for any taxable year
only if (i) neither the individual nor his or her spouse (unless filing separate
returns) is an active participant in an employer's retirement plan, or (ii) the
individual (and his or her spouse, if applicable) has an adjusted gross income
below a certain level ($40,050 for married individuals filing a joint return,
with a phase-out of the deduction for adjusted gross income between $40,050 and
$50,000; $25,050 for a single individual, with a phase-out for adjusted gross
income between $25,050 and $35,000). However, an individual not permitted to
make a deductible contribution to an IRA for any such taxable year may
nonetheless make nondeductible contributions up to $2,000 to an IRA (up to
$2,000 per individual for married couples if only one spouse has earned income)
for that year. There are special rules for determining how withdrawals are to be
taxed if an IRA contains both deductible and nondeductible amounts. In general,
a proportionate amount of each withdrawal will be deemed to be made from
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nondeductible contributions; amounts treated as a return of nondeductible
contributions will not be taxable. Also, annual contributions may be made to a
spousal IRA even if the spouse has earnings in a given year if the spouse elects
to be treated as having no earnings (for IRA contribution purposes) for the
year.
Distributions by the Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value
of the Fund's shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a
shareholder's cost basis, such distribution would nevertheless be taxable to the
shareholder as ordinary income or capital gain as described above, even though,
from an investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of capital. In
particular, investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares just
prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at that time includes the
amount of the forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing just prior to a
distribution will then receive a partial return of capital upon the
distribution, which will nevertheless be taxable to them.
The Fund intends to qualify for and may make the election permitted
under Section 853 of the Code so that shareholders may (subject to limitations)
be able to claim a credit or deduction on their federal income tax returns for,
and will be required to treat as part of the amounts distributed to them, their
pro rata portion of qualified taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries (which
taxes relate primarily to investment income). The Fund may make an election
under Section 853 of the Code, provided that more than 50% of the value of the
total assets of the Fund at the close of the taxable year consists of securities
in foreign corporations. The foreign tax credit available to shareholders is
subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code, except in the case of
certain electing individual taxpayers who have limited creditable foreign taxes
and no foreign source income other than passive investment-type income.
Furthermore, the foreign tax credit is eliminated with respect to foreign taxes
withheld on dividends if the dividend-paying shares or the shares of the Fund
are held by the Fund or the shareholder, as the case may be, for less than 16
days (46 days in the case of preferred shares) during the 30-day period (90-day
period for preferred shares) beginning 15 days (45 days for preferred shares)
before the shares become ex-dividend. In addition, if the Fund fails to satisfy
these holding period requirements, it cannot elect under Section 853 to pass
through to shareholders the ability to claim a deduction for the related foreign
taxes.
If the Fund does not make the election permitted under section 853 any
foreign taxes paid or accrued will represent an expense to the Fund which will
reduce its investment company taxable income. Absent this election, shareholders
will not be able to claim either a credit or a deduction for their pro rata
portion of such taxes paid by the Fund, nor will shareholders be required to
treat as part of the amounts distributed to them their pro rata portion of such
taxes paid.
Equity options (including covered call options written on portfolio
stock) and over-the-counter options on debt securities written or purchased by
the Fund will be subject to tax under Section 1234 of the Code. In general, no
loss will be recognized by the Fund upon payment of a premium in connection with
the purchase of a put or call option. The character of any gain or loss
recognized (i.e. long-term or short-term) will generally depend, in the case of
a lapse or sale of the option, on the Fund's holding period for the option, and
in the case of the exercise of a put option, on the Fund's holding period for
the underlying property. The purchase of a put option may constitute a short
sale for federal income tax purposes, causing an adjustment in the holding
period of any stock in the Fund's portfolio similar to the stocks on which the
index is based. If the Fund writes an option, no gain is recognized upon its
receipt of a premium. If the option lapses or is closed out, any gain or loss is
treated as short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option is exercised, the
character of the gain or loss depends on the holding period of the underlying
stock.
Positions of the Fund which consist of at least one stock and at least
one stock option or other position with respect to a related security which
substantially diminishes the Fund's risk of loss with respect to such stock
could be treated as a "straddle" which is governed by Section 1092 of the Code,
the operation of which may cause deferral of losses, adjustments in the holding
periods of stocks or securities and conversion of short-term capital losses into
long-term capital losses. An exception to these straddle rules exists for
certain "qualified covered call options" on stock written by the Fund.
Many futures and forward contracts entered into by the Fund and listed
nonequity options written or purchased by the Fund (including options on debt
securities, options on futures contracts, options on securities indices and
options on currencies), will be governed by Section 1256 of the Code. Absent a
tax election to the contrary, gain or loss attributable to the lapse, exercise
or closing out of any such position generally will be treated as 60% long-term
and 40% short-term, and on the last trading day of the Fund's fiscal year, all
outstanding Section 1256 positions will be marked to
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market (i.e., treated as if such positions were closed out at their closing
price on such day), with any resulting gain or loss recognized as 60% long-term
and 40% short-term. Under Section 988 of the Code, discussed below, foreign
currency gain or loss from foreign currency-related forward contracts, certain
futures and options and similar financial instruments entered into or acquired
by the Fund will be treated as ordinary income or loss.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Fund may recognize gain (but
not loss) from a constructive sale of certain "appreciated financial positions"
if the Fund enters into a short sale, offsetting notional principal contract,
futures or forward contract transaction with respect to the appreciated position
or substantially identical property. Appreciated financial positions subject to
this constructive sale treatment are interests (including options, futures and
forward contracts and short sales) in stock, partnership interests, certain
actively traded trust instruments and certain debt instruments. Constructive
sale treatment of appreciated financial positions does not apply to certain
transactions closed in the 90-day period ending with the 30th day after the
close of the Fund's taxable year, if certain conditions are met.
Similarly, if the Fund enters into a short sale of property that
becomes substantially worthless, the Fund will recognize gain at that time as
though it had closed the short sale. Future regulations regulatories may apply
similar treatment to other transactions with respect to property that becomes
substantially worthless.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in
exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues receivables or
liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually
collects such receivables or pays such liabilities generally are treated as
ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities
denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain options, futures
and forward contracts, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value
of foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract
and the date of disposition are also treated as ordinary gain or loss. These
gains or losses, referred to under the Code as "Section 988" gains or losses,
may increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable
income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.
If the Fund invests in stock of certain foreign investment companies,
the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a portion of any
"excess distribution" with respect to, or gain from the disposition of, such
stock. The tax would be determined by allocating such distribution or gain
ratably to each day of the Fund's holding period for the stock. The distribution
or gain so allocated to any taxable year of the Fund, other than the taxable
year of the excess distribution or disposition, would be taxed to the Fund at
the highest ordinary income rate in effect for such year, and the tax would be
further increased by an interest charge to reflect the value of the tax deferral
deemed to have resulted from the ownership of the foreign company's stock. Any
amount of distribution or gain allocated to the taxable year of the distribution
or disposition would be included in the Fund's investment company taxable income
and, accordingly, would not be taxable to the Fund to the extent distributed by
the Fund as a dividend to its shareholders.
The Fund may make an election to mark to market its shares of these
foreign investment companies in lieu of being subject to U.S. federal income
taxation. At the end of each taxable year to which the election applies, the
Fund would report as ordinary income the amount by which the fair market value
of the foreign company's stock exceeds the Fund's adjusted basis in these
shares; any mark-to-market losses and any loss from an actual disposition of
shares would be reported as ordinary loss to the extent of any net
mark-to-market gains included in income in prior years. The effect of the
election would be to treat excess distributions and gain on dispositions as
ordinary income which is not subject to a fund level tax when distributed to
shareholders as a dividend. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to include as
income and gain its share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of
certain foreign investment companies in lieu of being taxed in the manner
described above.
If the Fund invests in certain high yield original issue discount
obligations issued by corporations, a portion of the original issue discount
accruing on the obligation may be eligible for the deduction for dividends
received by corporations. In such event, dividends of investment company taxable
income received from the Fund by its corporate shareholders, to the extent
attributable to such portion of accrued original issue discount, may be eligible
for this deduction for dividends received by corporations if so designated by
the Fund in a written notice to shareholders.
The Fund will be required to report to the IRS all distributions of
investment company taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds
from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain
exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of
the Code, distributions of investment company taxable income and capital gains
and proceeds from the redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated
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investment company may be subject to withholding of federal income tax at the
rate of 31% in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the
investment company with their taxpayer identification numbers and with required
certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law.
Withholding may also be required if a Fund is notified by the IRS or a broker
that the taxpayer identification number furnished by the shareholder is
incorrect or that the shareholder has previously failed to report interest or
dividend income. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such
distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional
shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld.
Shareholders of the Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on
distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of the Fund's shares.
The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely
to the application of that law to U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens and
residents and U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each
shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax
consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the possibility that
such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or
at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on amounts constituting
ordinary income received by him or her, where such amounts are treated as income
from U.S. sources under the Code.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of
the provisions of tax law described in this statement of additional information
in light of their particular tax situations.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Brokerage Commissions
Allocation of brokerage is supervised by the Adviser.
The primary objective of the Adviser in placing orders for the purchase
and sale of securities for the Fund is to obtain the most favorable net results,
taking into account such factors as price, commission where applicable, size of
order, difficulty of execution and skill required of the executing
broker/dealer. The Adviser seeks to evaluate the overall reasonableness of
brokerage commissions paid (to the extent applicable) through the familiarity of
the Distributor with commissions charged on comparable transactions, as well as
by comparing commissions paid by the Fund to reported commissions paid by
others. The Adviser routinely reviews commission rates, execution and settlement
services performed and makes internal and external comparisons.
The Fund's purchases and sales of fixed-income securities are generally
placed by the Adviser with primary market makers for these securities on a net
basis, without any brokerage commission being paid by the Fund. Trading does,
however, involve transaction costs. Transactions with dealers serving as primary
market makers reflect the spread between the bid and asked prices. Purchases of
underwritten issues may be made, which will include an underwriting fee paid to
the underwriter.
When it can be done consistently with the policy of obtaining the most
favorable net results, it is the Adviser's practice to place such orders with
broker/dealers who supply brokerage and research services to the Adviser or the
Fund. The term "research services" includes advice as to the value of
securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities;
the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; and
analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic
factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts. The
Adviser is authorized when placing portfolio transactions, if applicable, for
the Fund to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker
might charge for executing the same transaction on account of execution services
and the receipt of research services. The Adviser has negotiated arrangements,
which are not applicable to most fixed-income transactions, with certain
broker/dealers pursuant to which a broker/dealer will provide research services
to the Adviser or the Fund in exchange for the direction by the Adviser of
brokerage transactions to the broker/dealer. These arrangements regarding
receipt of research services generally apply to equity security transactions.
The Adviser will not place orders with broker/dealers on the basis that the
broker/dealer has or has not sold shares of the Fund. In effecting transactions
in over-the-counter securities, orders are placed with the principal market
makers for the security being traded unless, after exercising care, it appears
that more favorable results are available elsewhere.
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To the maximum extent feasible, it is expected that the Adviser will
place orders for portfolio transactions through the Distributor, which is a
corporation registered as a broker/dealer and a subsidiary of the Adviser; the
Distributor will place orders on behalf of the Fund with issuers, underwriters
or other brokers and dealers. The Distributor will not receive any commission,
fee or other remuneration from the Fund for this service.
Although certain research services from broker/dealers may be useful to
the Fund and to the Adviser, it is the opinion of the Adviser that such
information only supplements the Adviser's own research effort since the
information must still be analyzed, weighed, and reviewed by the Adviser's
staff. Such information may be useful to the Adviser in providing services to
clients other than the Fund, and not all such information is used by the Adviser
in connection with the Fund. Conversely, such information provided to the
Adviser by broker/dealers through whom other clients of the Adviser effect
securities transactions may be useful to the Adviser in providing services to
the Fund.
The Directors review from time to time whether the recapture for the
benefit of the Fund of some portion of the brokerage commissions or similar fees
paid by the Fund on portfolio transactions is legally permissible and advisable.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Fund paid
brokerage commissions of $9,926,570, $6,904,371.62 and $5,275,727 respectively.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, $9,741,020 (98.13%) of the total
brokerage commissions paid by the Fund resulted from orders for transactions,
placed consistent with the policy of seeking to obtain the most favorable net
results, with brokers and dealers who provided supplementary research, market
and statistical information to the Fund or the Adviser. The amount of such
transactions aggregated $4,239,712,028 (95.76% of all brokerage transactions).
The balance of such brokerage was not allocated to particular broker or dealer
with regard to the above-mentioned or other special factors.
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund's average annual portfolio turnover rate is the ratio of the
lesser of sales or purchases to the monthly average value of the portfolio
securities owned during the year, excluding all securities with maturities or
expiration dates at the time of acquisition of one year or less. The Fund's
portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997 were 79.9%, 55.7% and 35.8%, respectively. Purchases and sales are made for
the Fund's portfolio whenever necessary, in management's opinion, to meet the
Fund's objective.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of shares of the Fund is computed as of the close
of regular trading on the Exchange on each day the Exchange is open for trading.
The Exchange is scheduled to be closed on the following holidays: New Year's
Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas and on the preceding
Friday or subsequent Monday when one of these holidays falls on a Saturday or a
Sunday, respectively. Net asset value per share is determined by dividing the
value of the total assets of the Fund attributable to the shares of that class,
less all liabilities attributable to the shares of that class, by the total
number of shares of that class outstanding.
An exchange-traded equity security is valued at its most recent sale
price. Lacking any sales, the security is valued at the calculated mean between
the most recent bid quotation and the most recent asked quotation (the
"Calculated Mean"). Lacking a Calculated Mean, the security is valued at the
most recent bid quotation. An equity security which is traded on the Nasdaq
Stock Market, Inc. ("Nasdaq") is valued at its most recent sale price. Lacking
any sales, the security is valued at the most recent bid quotation. The value of
an equity security not quoted on the Nasdaq System, but traded in another
over-the-counter market, is its most recent sale price. Lacking any sales, the
security is valued at the Calculated Mean. Lacking a Calculated Mean, the
security is valued at the most recent bid quotation.
Debt securities, other than short-term securities, are valued at prices
supplied by the Fund's pricing agent(s) which reflect broker/dealer supplied
valuations and electronic data processing techniques. Short-term securities
purchased with remaining maturities of sixty days or less shall be valued by the
amortized cost method, which the Board believes approximates market value. If it
is not possible to value a particular debt security pursuant to these valuation
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methods, the value of such security is the most recent bid quotation supplied by
a bona fide marketmaker. If it is not possible to value a particular debt
security pursuant to the above methods, the Adviser may calculate the price of
that debt security, subject to limitations established by the Board.
An exchange traded options contract on securities, currencies, futures
and other financial instruments is valued at its most recent sale price on such
exchange. Lacking any sales, the options contract is valued at the Calculated
Mean. Lacking any Calculated Mean, the options contract is valued at the most
recent bid quotation in the case of a purchased options contract, or the most
recent asked quotation in the case of a written options contract. An options
contract on securities, currencies and other financial instruments traded
over-the-counter is valued at the most recent bid quotation in the case of a
purchased options contract and at the most recent asked quotation in the case of
a written options contract. Futures contracts are valued at the most recent
settlement price. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are valued at the
value of the underlying currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
If a security is traded on more than one exchange, or upon one or more
exchanges and in the over-the-counter market, quotations are taken from the
market in which the security is traded most extensively.
If, in the opinion of the Corporation's Valuation Committee, the value
of a portfolio asset as determined in accordance with these procedures does not
represent the fair market value of the portfolio asset, the value of the
portfolio asset is taken to be an amount which, in the opinion of the Valuation
Committee, represents fair market value on the basis of all available
information. The value of other portfolio holdings owned by the Fund is
determined in a manner which, in the discretion of the Valuation Committee most
fairly reflects fair market value of the property on the valuation date.
Following the valuations of securities or other portfolio assets in
terms of the currency in which the market quotation used is expressed ("Local
Currency"), the value of these portfolio assets in terms of U.S. dollars is
calculated by converting the Local Currency into U.S. dollars at the prevailing
currency exchange rate on the valuation date.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Experts
The Financial Highlights of the Fund included in the prospectus and the
Financial Statements incorporated by reference in this Statement of Additional
Information have been so included or incorporated by reference in reliance on
the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 160 Federal Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110, independent accountants, and given on the authority of that
firm as experts in accounting and auditing. PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP is
responsible for performing annual and semiannual audits of the financial
statements and financial highlights of the Fund in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards, and the preparation of federal tax returns.
Other Information
Many of the investment changes in the Fund will be made at prices
different from those prevailing at the time they may be reflected in a regular
report to shareholders of the Fund. These transactions will reflect investment
decisions made by the Adviser in the light of its other portfolio holdings and
tax considerations and should not be construed as recommendations for similar
action by other investors.
The CUSIP number of the Shares is 811165703.
The Fund has a fiscal year end of March 31.
The Fund employs Brown Brothers Harriman & Company, 40 Water Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109 as Custodian for the Fund.
The law firm of Dechert Price & Rhoads is counsel to the Fund.
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Scudder Service Corporation ("Service Corporation"), P.O. Box 2291,
Boston, Massachusetts, 02107-2291, a subsidiary of the Adviser, is the transfer
and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund. Service Corporation also serves as
shareholder service agent and provides subaccounting and recordkeeping services
for shareholder accounts in certain retirement and employee benefit plans. The
Fund pays Service Corporation an annual fee of $26.00 for each retail account
and $29.00 for each retirement account. The Fund incurred fees of $4,857 for the
Shares and $3,098,197 for the International Shares, respectively, during the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 of which $254,188 was unpaid at March 31, 1999.
. Prior to the inception of the Barrett International Shares, the International
Shares of the Fund incurred fees of, $3,394,358 and $3,050,321 during the fiscal
years ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
The Fund, or the Adviser (including any affiliate of the Adviser), or
both, may pay unaffiliated third parties for providing recordkeeping and other
administrative services with respect to accounts of participants in retirement
plans or other beneficial owners of Fund shares whose interests are held in an
omnibus account.
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts, 02110-4103, a subsidiary of the Adviser, computes net asset value
for the Fund. The Fund pays Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation an annual fee
equal to 0.065% of the first $150 million of average daily net assets, 0.040% of
such assets in excess of $150 million, 0.020% of such assets in excess of $1
billion, plus holding and transaction charges for this service. The Fund
incurred fees of $893,682, $838,885 and $795,122 during the fiscal years ended
March 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 respectively, of which $150,939 was unpaid at
March 31, 1999 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999.
Kemper Service Corporation ("KSvC"), 811 Main Street, Kansas City,
Missouri, 64105-2005, a subsidiary of the Adviser, is the transfer,
dividend-paying and shareholder service agent for Class R shares of the Fund and
also provides subaccounting and recordkeeping services for shareholder accounts
in certain retirement and employee benefit plans. The Fund pays KSvC a fee of
$5.00 for each new account, an annual fee of $18.00 for each account maintained
for a participant, an asset-based fee of 0.08% and out-of-pocket reimbursement.
Scudder Trust Company, an affiliate of the Adviser, provides
subaccounting and recordkeeping services for shareholder accounts in certain
retirement and employee benefit plans. Annual service fees are paid by the
International Shares of the Fund to Scudder Trust Company, Two International
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103, an affiliate of the Adviser, for such
accounts. The International Shares of the Fund pays Scudder Trust Company an
annual fee of $29 per shareholder account. The International Shares of the Fund
incurred fees of $2,067,603, $1,561,049 and $930,582 during the fiscal years
ended March 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, of which $368,765 was unpaid
at March 31, 1999 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999.
The Share's prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information
omit certain information contained in the Registration Statement which the Fund
has filed with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and reference is
hereby made to the Registration Statement for further information with respect
to the Fund and the securities offered hereby. This Registration Statement and
its amendments are available for inspection by the public at the Commission in
Washington, D.C.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements, including the investment portfolio of the
Fund, together with the Report of Independent Accountants, Financial Highlights
and notes to financial statements in the Annual Report to the Shareholders of
the Fund dated March 31, 1999 are incorporated herein by reference and are
hereby deemed to be a part of this Statement of Additional Information by
reference in its entirety.
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APPENDIX
The following is a description of the ratings given by Moody's and S&P
to corporate bonds.
Ratings of Corporate Bonds
S&P: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to
pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong. Debt rated AA has a very
strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differs from the highest
rated issues only in small degree. Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay
interest and repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in
higher rated categories. Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate
capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits
adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and
repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded as having predominantly
speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While
such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
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 which 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.
Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default,
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to
meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely to have
the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category is
also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied B or B- rating. The rating CC typically is applied to debt subordinated
to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied CCC rating. The rating C
typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which is assigned an
actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may be used to cover a
situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt service payments
are continued. The rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest
is being paid. Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used
when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even
if the applicable grace period had not expired, unless S&P believes that such
payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used
upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are
jeopardized.
Moody's: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best
quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally
referred to as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues. Bonds
which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together
with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade bonds.
They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not
be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of
greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long
term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities. Bonds which are rated
A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper
medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are
considered adequate but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility
to impairment sometime in the future.
41
<PAGE>
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well. Bonds which are rated Ba are
judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well
assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very
moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over
the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class. Bonds
which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment.
Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of
the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest. Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative
in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings. Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
<PAGE>
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
PART C.
OTHER INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item 23. Exhibits
- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
(a) (a)(1) Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Registrant as of
January 24, 1991.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(a)(2) Articles Supplementary dated September 17, 1992.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(a)(3) Articles Supplementary dated December 1, 1992.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(a)(4) Articles Supplementary dated August 3, 1994.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(a)(5) Articles Supplementary dated February 20, 1996.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(e) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 46 to the Registration Statement.)
(a)(6) Articles Supplementary dated September 5, 1996.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(f) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 52 to the Registration Statement.)
(a)(7) Articles Supplementary dated December 12, 1996.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to
the Registration Statement.)
(a)(8) Articles Supplementary dated March 3, 1997.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to
the Registration Statement.)
(a)(9) Articles Supplementary dated December 23, 1997. (Incorporated by
reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registration
Statement.)
(a)(10) Articles Supplementary dated March 2,1998. (Incorporated by
reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registration
Statement.)
(a)(11) Articles Supplementary dated March 31, 1998. (Incorporated by
reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registration
Statement.)
(a)(12) Articles of Transfer from Scudder Institutional Fund Inc., dated
April 3, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 67 to the Registration Statement.)
2
<PAGE>
(a)(13) Articles Supplementary dated June 7, 1999 is filed herein.
(b) (b)(1) Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant dated March 4,
1991. (Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.
56 to the Registration Statement.)
(b)(2) Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant dated September 20,
1991. (Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.
56 to the Registration Statement.)
(b)(3) Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant dated December 12,
1991. (Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.
56 to the Registration Statement.)
(b)(4) Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant dated September 4,
1996. (Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.
55 to the Registration Statement.)
(b)(5) Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant dated December 3,
1997. (Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.
59 to the Registration Statement.)
(c) Inapplicable.
(d) (d)(1) Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder International Fund, and Scudder Kemper Investments,
Inc. dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to
the Registration Statement.)
(d)(2) Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder Latin America Fund, and Scudder Kemper Investments,
Inc. dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to
the Registration Statement.)
(d)(3) Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund, and Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc. dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to
the Registration Statement.)
(d)(4) Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund, and Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc. dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to
the Registration Statement.)
(d)(5) Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder Emerging Markets Growth Fund, and Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc. dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to
the Registration Statement.)
3
<PAGE>
(d)(6) Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder International Growth and Income Fund, and Scudder
Kemper Investments, Inc. dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to
the Registration Statement.)
(d)(7) Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder International Value Fund, and Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc. dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to
the Registration Statement.)
(d)(8) Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf
of Scudder International Growth Fund, and Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc. dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to
the Registration Statement.)
(e) (e)(1) Underwriting Agreement between the Registrant and Scudder Investor
Services, Inc., dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to
the Registration Statement.)
(f) Inapplicable.
(g) (g)(1) Custodian Contract between the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
Latin America Fund, and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. dated
November 25, 1992.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(g)(2) Custodian Contract between the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
Pacific Opportunities Fund, and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
dated November 25, 1992.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(g)(3) Custodian Contract between the Registrant, on behalf of Scudder
Greater Europe Growth Fund, and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
dated October 10, 1994.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to
the Registration Statement.)
(g)(4) Custodian Contract between the Registrant and Brown Brothers
Harriman & Co. dated March 7, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to
the Registration Statement.)
(g)(5) Fee schedule for Exhibit (g)(4).
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to
the Registration Statement.)
4
<PAGE>
(g)(6) Master Subcustodian Agreement between Brown Brothers Harriman &
Co. and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Brussels
office, dated November 15, 1976.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(g)(7) Fee schedule for Exhibit (g)(6).
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(g)(8) Subcustodian Agreement between Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. and
The Bank of New York, London office, dated January 30, 1979.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(g)(9) Fee schedule for Exhibit (g)(8).
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(g)(10) Master Subcustodian Agreement between Brown Brothers Harriman &
Co. and The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., Singapore office, dated
June 9, 1980.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(g)(11) Fee schedule for Exhibit (g)(10).
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.).
(g)(12) Master Subcustodian Agreement between Brown Brothers Harriman &
Co. and The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., Hong Kong office, dated
June 4, 1979.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(g)(13) Fee schedule for Exhibit (g)(12).
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(g)(14) Master Subcustodian Agreement between Brown Brothers Harriman &
Co. and Citibank, N.A. New York office, dated July 16, 1981.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(g)(15) Fee schedule for Exhibit (g)(14).
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(h) (h)(1) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Registrant and
Scudder Service Corporation dated October 2, 1989.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
5
<PAGE>
(h)(2) Fee schedule for Exhibit (h)(1).
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(h)(3) Service Agreement between Copeland Associates, Inc. and Scudder
Service Corporation dated June 8, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to
the Registration Statement.)
(h)(4) Letter Agreement between the Registrant and Cazenove, Inc. dated
January 23, 1978, with respect to the pricing of securities.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(h)(5) COMPASS and TRAK 2000 Service Agreement between the Registrant and
Scudder Trust Company dated October 1, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(c)(3) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 47 to the Registration Statement.)
(h)(6) Shareholder Services Agreement between the Registrant and Charles
Schwab & Co., Inc. dated June 1, 1990.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(h)(7) Administrative Services Agreement between the Registrant and
McGladrey & Pullen, Inc. dated September 30, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(d)(2) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 47 to the Registration Statement.)
(h)(8) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between the Registrant, on
behalf of Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund, and Scudder Fund
Accounting Corporation dated October 10, 1994.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to
the Registration Statement.)
(h)(9) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between the Registrant, on
behalf of Scudder International Fund, and Scudder Fund Accounting
Corporation dated April 12, 1995 is filed herein.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to
the Registration Statement.)
(h)(10) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between the Registrant, on
behalf of Scudder Latin America Fund, dated May 17, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(e)(3) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 47 to the Registration Statement.)
(h)(11) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between the Registrant, on
behalf of Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund, dated May 5, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(e)(4) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 47 to the Registration Statement.)
(h)(12) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between the Registrant, on
behalf of Scudder Emerging Markets Growth Fund dated May 8, 1996.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(e)(5) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 49 to the Registration Statement.)
6
<PAGE>
(h)(13) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between the Registrant, on
behalf of Scudder International Growth and Income Fund dated June
3, 1997.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to
the Registration Statement.)
(h)(14) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between the Registrant, on
behalf of Scudder International Growth Fund dated June 30, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to
the Registration Statement.)
(h)(15) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between the Registrant, on
behalf of Scudder International Value Fund dated June 30, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to
the Registration Statement.)
(h)(16) Administrative Services Agreement between Scudder International
Fund, Inc., on behalf of Scudder International Fund, and Scudder
Investors Service Company is filed herewith.
(h)(17) Fee schedule for Exhibit (h)(16) is filed herewith.
(h)(18) Agency Agreement between Scudder International Fund, Inc., and
Kemper Service Company dated June 7, 1999 is filed herewith.
(i) Opinion and consent of Counsel is filed herewith.
(j) Consent of Independent Accountants is filed herewith.
(k) Inapplicable.
(l) Inapplicable.
(m) Rule 12(b)-1 and Administrative Services Plan with respect to
Scudder International Fund Class R shares is filed herewith.
(n) Financial Data Schedule is filed herewith.
(o) (o)(1) Plan with respect to Scudder International Fund pursuant to
Rule 18f-3.
(Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to
the Registration Statement.)
(o)(2) Amended Plan with respect to Scudder International Fund pursuant
to Rule 18f-3 dated June 7, 1999 is filed herewith.
</TABLE>
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.
- -------- --------------------------------------------------------------
None
Item 25. Indemnification.
- -------- ----------------
A policy of insurance covering Scudder Kemper Investments,
Inc., its affiliates including Scudder Investor Services,
Inc., and all of the registered investment companies advised
by Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. insures the Registrant's
directors and officers and others against
7
<PAGE>
liability arising by reason of an alleged breach of duty
caused by any negligent act, error or accidental omission in
the scope of their duties.
Article Tenth of Registrant's Articles of Incorporation state
as follows:
TENTH: Liability and Indemnification
------ -----------------------------
To the fullest extent permitted by the Maryland
General Corporation Law and the Investment Company Act of
1940, no director or officer of the Corporation shall be
liable to the Corporation or to its stockholders for damages.
The limitation on liability applies to events occurring at the
time a person serves as a director or officer of the
Corporation, whether or not such person is a director or
officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is
asserted. No amendment to these Articles of Amendment and
Restatement or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or
eliminate the benefits provided to directors and officers
under this provision with respect to any act or omission which
occurred prior to such amendment or repeal.
The Corporation, including its successors and
assigns, shall indemnify its directors and officers and make
advance payment of related expenses to the fullest extent
permitted, and in accordance with the procedures required by
Maryland law, including Section 2-418 of the Maryland General
Corporation law, as may be amended from time to time, and the
Investment Company Act of 1940. The By-Laws may provide that
the Corporation shall indemnify its employees and/or agents in
any manner and within such limits as permitted by applicable
law. Such indemnification shall be in addition to any other
right or claim to which any director, officer, employee or
agent may otherwise be entitled.
The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance
on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer,
employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving at
the request of the Corporation as a director, officer,
partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or
domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise or employee benefit plan against any
liability asserted against and incurred by such person in any
such capacity or arising out of such person's position,
whether or not the Corporation would have had the power to
indemnify against such liability.
The rights provided to any person by this Article
shall be enforceable against the Corporation by such person
who shall be presumed to have relied upon such rights in
serving or continuing to serve in the capacities indicated
herein. No amendment of these Articles of Amendment and
Restatement shall impair the rights of any person arising at
any time with respect to events occurring prior to such
amendment.
Nothing in these Articles of Amendment and
Restatement shall be deemed to (i) require a waiver of
compliance with any provision of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
or of any valid rule, regulation or order of the Securities
and Exchange Commission under those Acts or (ii) protect any
director or officer of the Corporation against any liability
to the Corporation or its stockholders to which he would
otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad
faith or gross negligence in the performance of his or her
duties or by reason of his or her reckless disregard of his or
her obligations and duties hereunder.
Article V of Registrant's Amended and Restated By-Laws states
as follows:
ARTICLE V
---------
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
-----------------------------
SECTION 1. Indemnification of Directors and Officers. Any person who
was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party in any threatened, pending
or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
8
<PAGE>
administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is a
current or former Director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving
while a Director or officer of the Corporation at the request of the Corporation
as a Director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent or fiduciary or
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or employee
benefit plan, shall be indemnified by the Corporation against judgments,
penalties, fines, excise taxes, settlements and reasonable expenses (including
attorneys' fees) actually incurred by such person in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding to the fullest extent permissible under the Maryland
General Corporation Law, the Securities Act of 1933 and the 1940 Act, as such
statutes are now or hereafter in force, except that such indemnity shall not
protect any such person against any liability to the Corporation or any
stockholder thereof to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office ("disabling conduct").
SECTION 2. Advances. Any current or former Director or officer of the
Corporation claiming indemnification within the scope of this Article V shall be
entitled to advances from the Corporation for payment of the reasonable expenses
incurred by him in connection with proceedings to which he is a party in the
manner and to the fullest extent permissible under the Maryland General
Corporation Law, the Securities Act of 1933 and the 1940 Act, as such statutes
are now or hereafter in force; provided however, that the person seeking
indemnification shall provide to the Corporation a written affirmation of his
good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by
the Corporation has been met and a written undertaking by or on behalf of the
Director to repay any such advance if it is ultimately determined that he is not
entitled to indemnification, and provided further that at least one of the
following additional conditions is met: (1) the person seeking indemnification
shall provide a security in form and amount acceptable to the Corporation for
his undertaking; (2) the Corporation is insured against losses arising by reason
of the advance; or (3) a majority of a quorum of Directors of the Corporation
who are neither "interested persons" as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940
Act, as amended, nor parties to the proceeding ("disinterested non-party
Directors") or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion, shall determine,
based on a review of facts readily available to the Corporation at the time the
advance is proposed to be made, that there is reason to believe that the person
seeking indemnification will ultimately be found to be entitled to
indemnification.
SECTION 3. Procedure. At the request of any current or former Director
or officer, or any employee or agent whom the Corporation proposes to indemnify,
the Board of Directors shall determine, or cause to be determined, in a manner
consistent with the Maryland General Corporation Law, the Securities Act of 1933
and the 1940 Act, as such statutes are now or hereafter in force, whether the
standards required by this Article V have been met; provided, however, that
indemnification shall be made only following: (1) a final decision on the merits
by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that the person
to be indemnified was not liable by reason of disabling conduct or (2) in the
absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination, based upon a review of
the facts, that the person to be indemnified was not liable by reason of
disabling conduct, by (a) the vote of the majority of a quorum of disinterested
non-party Directors or (b) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
SECTION 4. Indemnification of Employees and Agents. Employees and
agents who are not officers or Directors of the Corporation may be indemnified,
and reasonable expenses may be advanced to such employees or agents, in
accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article V to the extent
permissible under the Maryland General Corporation Law, the Securities Act of
1933 and the 1940 Act, as such statutes are now or hereafter in force, and to
such further extent, consistent with the foregoing, as may be provided by action
of the Board of Directors or by contract.
SECTION 5. Other Rights. The indemnification provided by this Article V
shall not be deemed exclusive of any other right, in respect of indemnification
or otherwise, to which those seeking such indemnification may be entitled under
any insurance or other agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
Directors or otherwise, both as to action by a Director or officer of the
Corporation in his official capacity and as to action by such person in another
capacity while holding such office or position, and shall continue as to a
person who has ceased to be a Director or officer and shall inure to the benefit
of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
SECTION 6. Constituent, Resulting or Surviving Corporations. For the
purposes of this Article V, references to the "Corporation" shall include all
constituent corporations absorbed in a consolidation or merger as well as the
resulting or surviving corporation so that any person who is or was a Director,
officer, employee or agent
9
<PAGE>
of a constituent corporation or is or was serving at the request of a
constituent corporation as a Director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise shall stand
in the same position under this Article V with respect to the resulting or
surviving corporation as he would if he had served the resulting or surviving
corporation in the same capacity.
Item 26. Business or Other Connections of Investment Adviser
- -------- ---------------------------------------------------
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. has stockholders and
employees who are denominated officers but do not as such have
corporation-wide responsibilities. Such persons are not
considered officers for the purpose of this Item 26.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Business and Other Connections of Board
Name of Directors of Registrant's Adviser
---- ------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Stephen R. Beckwith Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
Vice President and Treasurer, Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation*
Director, Scudder Stevens & Clark Corporation**
Director and Chairman, Scudder Defined Contribution Services, Inc.**
Director and President, Scudder Capital Asset Corporation**
Director and President, Scudder Capital Stock Corporation**
Director and President, Scudder Capital Planning Corporation**
Director and President, SS&C Investment Corporation**
Director and President, SIS Investment Corporation**
Director and President, SRV Investment Corporation**
Lynn S. Birdsong Director and Vice President, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark (Luxembourg) S.A.#
William H. Bolinder Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
Member Group Executive Board, Zurich Financial Services, Inc. ##
Chairman, Zurich-American Insurance Company o
Laurence W. Cheng Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
Member, Corporate Executive Board, Zurich Insurance Company of Switzerland ##
Director, ZKI Holding Corporation xx
Gunther Gose Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
CFO, Member Group Executive Board, Zurich Financial Services, Inc. ##
CEO/Branch Offices, Zurich Life Insurance Company ##
Rolf Huppi Director, Chairman of the Board, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
Member, Corporate Executive Board, Zurich Insurance Company of Switzerland##
Director, Chairman of the Board, Zurich Holding Company of America o
Director, ZKI Holding Corporation xx
Kathryn L. Quirk Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary, Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc.**
Director, Senior Vice President & Assistant Clerk, Scudder Investor Services, Inc.*
Director, Vice President & Secretary, Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation*
Director, Vice President & Secretary, Scudder Realty Holdings Corporation*
Director & Assistant Clerk, Scudder Service Corporation*
Director, SFA, Inc.*
Vice President, Director & Assistant Secretary, Scudder Precious Metals, Inc.***
Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Japan, Inc.***
Director, Vice President and Secretary, Scudder, Stevens & Clark of Canada, Ltd.***
Director, Vice President and Secretary, Scudder Canada Investor Services Limited***
10
<PAGE>
Director, Vice President and Secretary, Scudder Realty Advisers, Inc. x
Director and Secretary, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Corporation**
Director and Secretary, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Overseas Corporation oo
Director and Secretary, SFA, Inc.*
Director, Vice President and Secretary, Scudder Defined Contribution Services, Inc.**
Director, Vice President and Secretary, Scudder Capital Asset Corporation**
Director, Vice President and Secretary, Scudder Capital Stock Corporation**
Director, Vice President and Secretary, Scudder Capital Planning Corporation**
Director, Vice President and Secretary, SS&C Investment Corporation**
Director, Vice President and Secretary, SIS Investment Corporation**
Director, Vice President and Secretary, SRV Investment Corporation**
Director, Vice President and Secretary, Scudder Brokerage Services, Inc.*
Director, Korea Bond Fund Management Co., Ltd.+
Cornelia M. Small Director and Vice President, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
Edmond D. Villani Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Japan, Inc.###
President and Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Overseas Corporation oo
President and Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Corporation**
Director, Scudder Realty Advisors, Inc.x
Director, IBJ Global Investment Management S.A. Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
* Two International Place, Boston, MA
x 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA
** 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY
# Societe Anonyme, 47, Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg, R.C. Luxembourg B 34.564
*** Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Xxx Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies
oo 20-5, Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
### 1-7, Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
xx 222 S. Riverside, Chicago, IL
O Zurich Towers, 1400 American Ln., Schaumburg, IL
+ P.O. Box 309, Upland House, S. Church St., Grand Cayman, British West Indies
## Mythenquai-2, P.O. Box CH-8022, Zurich, Switzerland
</TABLE>
Item 27. Principal Underwriters.
- -------- -----------------------
(a)
Scudder Investor Services, Inc. acts as principal underwriter of the
Registrant's shares and also acts as principal underwriter for other
funds managed by Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
(b)
The Underwriter has employees who are denominated officers of an
operational area. Such persons do not have corporation-wide
responsibilities and are not considered officers for the purpose of
this Item 27.
11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(1) (2) (3)
Name and Principal Position and Offices with Positions and
Business Address Scudder Investor Services, Inc. Offices with Registrant
---------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Lynn S. Birdsong Senior Vice President None
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Mary Elizabeth Beams Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Mark S. Casady Director, President and Assistant None
Two International Place Treasurer
Boston, MA 02110
Linda Coughlin Director and Senior Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Richard W. Desmond Vice President Assistant Secretary
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Paul J. Elmlinger Senior Vice President and Assistant None
345 Park Avenue Clerk
New York, NY 10154
Philip S. Fortuna Vice President None
101 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
William F. Glavin Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Margaret D. Hadzima Assistant Treasurer None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
John R. Hebble Assistant Treasurer Treasurer
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Thomas W. Joseph Director, Vice President, Treasurer Vice President
Two International Place and Assistant Clerk
Boston, MA 02110
Caroline Pearson Clerk Senior Vice President &
Two International Place Assistant Secretary
Boston, MA 02110
12
<PAGE>
Name and Principal Position and Offices with Positions and
Business Address Scudder Investor Services, Inc. Offices with Registrant
---------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------
James J. McGovern Chief Financial Officer None
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Lorie C. O'Malley Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Daniel Pierce Director, Vice President Chairman of the Board and
Two International Place and Assistant Treasurer Director
Boston, MA 02110
Kathryn L. Quirk Director, Senior Vice President, Chief Director, Vice President &
345 Park Avenue Legal Officer and Assistant Clerk Assistant Secretary
New York, NY 10154
Robert A. Rudell Director and Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
William M. Thomas Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Benjamin Thorndike Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Sydney S. Tucker Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Linda J. Wondrack Vice President and Chief Compliance None
Two International Place Officer
Boston, MA 02110
</TABLE>
(c)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Net Underwriting Compensation on
Name of Principal Discounts and Redemptions Brokerage
Underwriter Commissions And Repurchases Commissions Other Compensation
----------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Scudder Investor None None None None
Services, Inc.
</TABLE>
Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records.
- -------- ---------------------------------
Certain accounts, books and other documents required to be
maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules
promulgated thereunder are maintained by Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc., 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154.
Records relating to the duties of the Registrant's custodian
are maintained by Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 40 Water
Street,
13
<PAGE>
Boston, Massachusetts. Records relating to the duties of the
Registrant's transfer agent are maintained by Scudder Service
Corporation, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02110-4103.
Item 29. Management Services.
- -------- --------------------
Inapplicable.
Item 30. Undertakings.
- -------- -------------
Inapplicable
14
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
----------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of
the requirements for effectiveness of this amendment to its Registration
Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly
caused this amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of New York and the
State of New York on July 28, 1999.
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
By /s/ Nicholas Bratt
-----------------------------
Nicholas Bratt
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
amendment to its Registration Statement has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------
Paul Bancroft, III Director July 28, 1999
/s/ Sheryle J. Bolton
- --------------------------------------
Sheryle J. Bolton* Director July 28, 1999
/s/ William T. Burgin
- --------------------------------------
William T. Burgin* Director July 28, 1999
/s/ Keith R. Fox
- --------------------------------------
Keith R. Fox* Director July 28, 1999
/s/ William H. Luers
- --------------------------------------
William H. Luers* Director July 28, 1999
/s/ Joan Spero
- --------------------------------------
Joan Spero* Director July 28, 1999
/s/ Lynn S. Birdsong
- --------------------------------------
Lynn S. Birdsong * Chairman of the Board and Director July 28, 1999
<PAGE>
/s/ Kathryn L. Quirk
- --------------------------------------
Kathryn L. Quirk* Director, Vice President and July 28, 1999
Assistant Secretary
/s/ John R. Hebble
- --------------------------------------
John R. Hebble Treasurer July 28, 1999
*By: /s/ Caroline Pearson
-----------------------------
Caroline Pearson,
Attorney-in-Fact pursuant to powers of attorney filed herein.
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Power
of Attorney has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and
on the dates indicated. By so signing, the undersigned in his/her capacity as
director or officer, or both, as the case may be of the Registrant, does hereby
appoint Caroline Pearson, Kathryn L. Quirk, John Millette and Sheldon A. Jones
and each of them, severally, or if more than one acts, a majority of them, his
true and lawful attorney and agent to execute in his name, place and stead (in
such capacity) any and all amendments to the Registration Statement and any
post-effective amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or desirable in
connection therewith, to attest the seal of the Registrant thereon and to file
the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of said attorneys and
agents shall have power to act with or without the other and have full power and
authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any
and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or advisable to be done in
the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the act of said attorneys
and agents and each of them.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Sheryle J. Bolton 7/27/99
- ---------------------------------------
Sheryle J. Bolton Director
3
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Power
of Attorney has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and
on the dates indicated. By so signing, the undersigned in his/her capacity as
director or officer, or both, as the case may be of the Registrant, does hereby
appoint Caroline Pearson, Kathryn L. Quirk, John Millette and Sheldon A. Jones
and each of them, severally, or if more than one acts, a majority of them, his
true and lawful attorney and agent to execute in his name, place and stead (in
such capacity) any and all amendments to the Registration Statement and any
post-effective amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or desirable in
connection therewith, to attest the seal of the Registrant thereon and to file
the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of said attorneys and
agents shall have power to act with or without the other and have full power and
authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any
and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or advisable to be done in
the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the act of said attorneys
and agents and each of them.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
/s/ William T. Burgin 6/28/99
- ---------------------------------------
William T. Burgin Director
4
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Power
of Attorney has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and
on the dates indicated. By so signing, the undersigned in his/her capacity as
director or officer, or both, as the case may be of the Registrant, does hereby
appoint Caroline Pearson, Kathryn L. Quirk, John Millette and Sheldon A. Jones
and each of them, severally, or if more than one acts, a majority of them, his
true and lawful attorney and agent to execute in his name, place and stead (in
such capacity) any and all amendments to the Registration Statement and any
post-effective amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or desirable in
connection therewith, to attest the seal of the Registrant thereon and to file
the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of said attorneys and
agents shall have power to act with or without the other and have full power and
authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any
and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or advisable to be done in
the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the act of said attorneys
and agents and each of them.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
/s/ Keith R. Fox 7/27/99
- ---------------------------------------
Keith R. Fox Director
5
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Power
of Attorney has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and
on the dates indicated. By so signing, the undersigned in his/her capacity as
director or officer, or both, as the case may be of the Registrant, does hereby
appoint Caroline Pearson, Kathryn L. Quirk, John Millette and Sheldon A. Jones
and each of them, severally, or if more than one acts, a majority of them, his
true and lawful attorney and agent to execute in his name, place and stead (in
such capacity) any and all amendments to the Registration Statement and any
post-effective amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or desirable in
connection therewith, to attest the seal of the Registrant thereon and to file
the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of said attorneys and
agents shall have power to act with or without the other and have full power and
authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any
and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or advisable to be done in
the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the act of said attorneys
and agents and each of them.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
/s/ William H. Luers 7/27/99
- ---------------------------------------
William H. Luers Director
6
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Power
of Attorney has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and
on the dates indicated. By so signing, the undersigned in his/her capacity as
director or officer, or both, as the case may be of the Registrant, does hereby
appoint Caroline Pearson, Kathryn L. Quirk, John Millette and Sheldon A. Jones
and each of them, severally, or if more than one acts, a majority of them, his
true and lawful attorney and agent to execute in his name, place and stead (in
such capacity) any and all amendments to the Registration Statement and any
post-effective amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or desirable in
connection therewith, to attest the seal of the Registrant thereon and to file
the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of said attorneys and
agents shall have power to act with or without the other and have full power and
authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any
and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or advisable to be done in
the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the act of said attorneys
and agents and each of them.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
/s/ Joan E. Spero 7/5/99
- ---------------------------------------
Joan E. Spero Director
7
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Power
of Attorney has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and
on the dates indicated. By so signing, the undersigned in his/her capacity as
director or officer, or both, as the case may be of the Registrant, does hereby
appoint Caroline Pearson, John Millette and Sheldon A. Jones and each of them,
severally, or if more than one acts, a majority of them, his true and lawful
attorney and agent to execute in his name, place and stead (in such capacity)
any and all amendments to the Registration Statement and any post-effective
amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or desirable in connection
therewith, to attest the seal of the Registrant thereon and to file the same
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of said attorneys and agents
shall have power to act with or without the other and have full power and
authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any
and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or advisable to be done in
the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and approving the act of said attorneys
and agents and each of them.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
/s/ Kathryn L. Quirk 7/27/99
- ---------------------------------------
Kathryn L. Quirk Director
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
File No. 2-14400
File No. 811-642
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
EXHIBITS
TO
FORM N-1A
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT No. 72
TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AND
AMENDMENT NO. 52
TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
<PAGE>
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit (a)(13)
Exhibit (h)(16)
Exhibit (h)(17)
Exhibit (h)(18)
Exhibit (i)
Exhibit (j)
Exhibit (m)
Exhibit (n)
Exhibit (o)(2)
Exhibit (a)(13)
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation having a
principal office in New York, New York and having The Corporation Trust
Incorporated as its resident agent located at 300 East Lombard Street,
Baltimore, Maryland 21202 (hereinafter called the "Corporation"), hereby
certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland that:
FIRST: Pursuant to and in accordance with Section 2-105(c) of the
Maryland General Corporation Law, the aggregate number of shares of stock that
the Corporation, being registered as an open-end investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), has the authority
to issue is hereby increased to one billion (1,000,000,000) shares, with a par
value of One Cent ($.01) per share, for an aggregate par value of Ten Million
Dollars ($10,000,000.00).
(a) Immediately before the increase effected by these Articles
Supplementary, the total number of shares of stock of all
series and classes that the Corporation had the authority to
issue was nine hundred million (900,000,000) shares, with a
par value of One Cent ($.01) per share, for an aggregate par
value of Nine Million Dollars ($9,000,000.00).
(b) Immediately after the increase effected by these Articles
Supplementary, the total number of shares of stock of all
series and classes that the Corporation has the authority to
issue is one billion (1,000,000,000) shares, with a par value
of One Cent ($.01) per share, for an aggregate par value of
Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00).
SECOND: Pursuant to the authority expressly vested in the Board of
Directors of the Corporation by Article FIFTH of the Charter of the Corporation,
the Board of Directors has duly designated and classified one hundred million
(100,000,000) shares of the capital stock of the Corporation resulting from the
increase of authorized capital stock effected by these Articles Supplementary as
a separate class of the International Fund, such class being designated as the
"Class R Shares" class of the International Fund.
Immediately before the increase effected by these Articles
Supplementary, the Corporation had the authority to issue nine hundred million
(900,000,000) shares of capital stock, $0.01 par value per share, two hundred
million (200,000,000) shares of authorized capital stock being designated as the
International Fund, of which one hundred million (100,000,000) shares were
designated as the Barrett International Shares class of the International Fund,
and one hundred million (100,000,000) shares were designated as the
International Shares class of the International Fund; one hundred million
(100,000,000) shares of authorized capital stock being
<PAGE>
designated as the International Growth Fund; one hundred million (100,000,000)
shares of authorized capital stock being designated as the International Value
Fund; one hundred million (100,000,000) shares of authorized capital stock being
designated as the Pacific Opportunities Fund; one hundred million (100,000,000)
shares of authorized capital stock being designated as the Latin America Fund;
one hundred million (100,000,000) shares of authorized capital stock being
designated as the Greater Europe Growth Fund; one hundred million (100,000,000)
shares of authorized capital stock being designated as the Emerging Markets
Growth Fund; and one hundred million (100,000,000) shares of authorized capital
stock being designated as the International Growth and Income Fund.
Immediately after the increase effected by these Articles
Supplementary, the Corporation will have the authority to issue one billion
(1,000,000,000) shares of capital stock, $0.01 par value per share, three
hundred million (300,000,000) shares of authorized capital stock being
designated as the International Fund, of which one hundred million (100,000,000)
shares will be designated as the Barrett International Shares class of the
International Fund, one hundred million (100,000,000) will be designated as the
International Shares class of the International Fund, and one hundred million
(100,000,000) shares will be designated as the Class R Shares class of the
International Fund; one hundred million (100,000,000) shares of authorized
capital stock being designated as the International Growth Fund; one hundred
million (100,000,000) shares of authorized capital stock being designated as the
International Value Fund; one hundred million (100,000,000) shares of authorized
capital stock being designated as the Pacific Opportunities Fund; one hundred
million (100,000,000) shares of authorized capital stock being designated as the
Latin America Fund; one hundred million (100,000,000) shares of authorized
capital stock being designated as the Greater Europe Growth Fund; one hundred
million (100,000,000) shares of authorized capital stock being designated as the
Emerging Markets Growth Fund; and one hundred million (100,000,000) shares of
authorized capital stock being designated as the International Growth and Income
Fund.
The Emerging Markets Growth Fund, International Fund, Latin America
Fund, Pacific Opportunities Fund, Greater Europe Growth Fund, International
Growth and Income Fund, International Growth Fund and International Value Fund
are each hereafter referred to as a "series." The Barrett International Shares
class, the International Shares class, and the Class R Shares class of the
International Fund are each hereafter referred to as a "class."
THIRD: Except as otherwise provided by the express provisions of these
Articles Supplementary, nothing herein shall limit, by inference or otherwise,
the discretionary right of the Board of Directors to classify and reclassify and
issue any unissued shares of any series or class of the Corporation and to fix
or alter all terms thereof to the full extent provided by the Charter of the
Corporation.
FOURTH: A description of the Class R Shares class of the International
Fund, including the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and the terms or
conditions of redemption of, such shares, as set by the Board of Directors of
the Corporation, is as follows:
2
<PAGE>
(a) Except as provided in the Charter of the Corporation and except as
described in (b) below, the Class R Shares class of the International Fund shall
be identical in all respects, and shall have the same preferences, conversion
and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends,
qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption, as the Barrett
International Shares class and the International Shares class of the
International Fund.
(b) The Class R Shares class of the International Fund may be issued
and sold subject to such sales loads or charges, whether initial, deferred or
contingent, or any combination thereof, and to such expenses and fees
(including, without limitation, distribution expenses under a Rule 12b-1 plan
and administrative expenses under an administrative or service agreement, plan
or other arrangement, however designated), and to such account size
requirements, which may be different from the sales loads, charges, expenses,
fees or account size requirements of the Barrett International Shares class and
the International Shares class of the International Fund, all as the Board of
Directors may from time to time establish in accordance with the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and other applicable law.
FIFTH: The Board of Directors of the Corporation, at a meeting duly
called, convened and held on June 7, 1999, adopted resolutions increasing the
aggregate number of shares of capital stock that the Corporation has authority
to issue and designating and classifying the authorized capital stock of the
Corporation as set forth in these Articles Supplementary.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Scudder International Fund, Inc. has caused these
Articles Supplementary to be signed and acknowledged in its name and on its
behalf by its Chairman of the Board and its corporate seal to be hereunto
affixed and attested by its Secretary, on the 7th day of June, 1999.
ATTEST SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL
FUND, INC.
By: By:
-------------------------- --------------------------
Caroline Pearson John Millette
Assistant Secretary Vice President
SEAL
3
Exhibit (h)(16)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated this 7th day of June, 1999 by and between SCUDDER
INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation (the "Fund"), on behalf of
Scudder International Fund, a separate series of the Fund (the "Series"), and
SCUDDER INVESTOR SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation ("SIS").
In consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, it is
hereby agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows:
1. The Fund hereby appoints SIS to provide information and
administrative services for the benefit of the Series and its Class R
shareholders. In this regard, SIS shall appoint various broker-dealer firms and
other service or administrative firms ("Firms") to provide related services and
facilities for Class R shareholders of the Series. The Firms shall provide such
office space and equipment, telephone facilities, personnel or other services as
may be necessary or beneficial for providing information and services to Class R
shareholders of the Series. Such services and assistance may include, but are
not limited to, providing information on shareholder accounts and transactions,
answering inquiries regarding the Series, resolving account problems, explaining
mutual fund performance and ranking, and such other post-sale administrative
services as the Fund or SIS may reasonably request. Firms may include affiliates
of SIS. SIS may provide some of the above services for the Fund directly or may
appoint Kemper Distributors, Inc. as its agent to carry out any or all of its
duties under this Section 1.
SIS accepts such appointment and agrees during such period to render
such services and to assume the obligations herein set forth for the
compensation herein provided. SIS shall for all purposes herein provided be
deemed to be an independent contractor and, unless otherwise expressly provided
or authorized, shall have no authority to act for or represent the Fund in any
way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Fund. SIS, by separate agreement with
the Fund, may also serve the Fund in other capacities. In carrying out its
duties and responsibilities hereunder, SIS will appoint various Firms to provide
administrative and other services described herein directly to or for the
benefit of Class R shareholders of the Series. Such Firms shall at all times be
deemed to be independent contractors retained by SIS and not the Fund. SIS and
not the Fund will be responsible for the payment of compensation to such Firms
for such services.
2. For the administrative services and facilities described in Section
1, the Fund will pay to SIS at the end of each calendar month an administrative
services fee computed at an annual rate of up to 0.25 of 1% of the average daily
net assets attributable to the Class R shares of the Series. The current fee
schedule is set forth as Appendix I hereto. The administrative services fee
shall be an expense of such class. For the month and year in which this
Agreement becomes effective or terminates, there shall be an appropriate
proration on the basis of the number of days that the Agreement is in effect
during such month and year, respectively. The services of SIS to the Fund under
this Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive, and SIS shall be free to render
similar services or other services to others.
3. The net asset value for the Class R share of the Series shall be
calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Series' current prospectus.
On each day when net asset value is not calculated, the net asset value of a
Class R share of the Series shall be deemed to be the net asset value of such a
share as of the close of business on the last day on which such calculation was
made for the purpose of the foregoing computations.
<PAGE>
4. The Fund shall assume and pay all charges and expenses of its
operations not specifically assumed or otherwise to be provided by SIS under
this Agreement.
5. This Agreement may be terminated at any time without the payment of
any penalty by the Fund or by SIS on sixty (60) days written notice to the other
party. Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the right of SIS to
receive payments on any unpaid balance of the compensation described in Section
2 hereof earned prior to such termination. This Agreement may not be amended to
increase the amount to be paid to SIS for services hereunder above 0.25 of 1% of
the average daily net assets attributable to the Class R shares of the Series
without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such
class. All material amendments to this Agreement must in any event be approved
by vote of the Board of the Fund.
6. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by
a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder shall not be thereby
affected.
7. Any notice under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed and
delivered or mailed, postage prepaid, to the other party at such address as such
other party may designate for the receipt of such notice.
8. All parties hereto are expressly put on notice of the Fund's
Agreement and Articles of Incorporation and all amendments thereto, all of which
are on file with the State of Maryland, and the limitation of shareholder and
trustee liability contained therein. This Agreement has been executed by and on
behalf of the Fund by its representatives as such representatives and not
individually, and the obligations of the Fund thereunder are not binding upon
any of the directors, officers or shareholders of the Fund individually but are
binding upon only the assets and property of the Fund.
9. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with applicable
federal law and the laws of Maryland.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund and SIS have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the day and year first above written.
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
By:
----------------------------
Nicholas Bratt
President
SCUDDER INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.
By:
----------------------------
Mark S. Casady
President
2
Exhibit (h)(17)
APPENDIX I
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
FEE SCHEDULE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
Pursuant to Section 2 of the Administrative Services Agreement to which
this Appendix is attached, the Fund and SIS agree that the administrative
services fee will be computed at an annual rate of 0.25 of 1% based upon the
assets attributable to Class R shares of the Series.
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
By:
-----------------------
Nicholas Bratt
President
SCUDDER INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.
By:
-----------------------
Mark S. Casady
President
Dated: June 7, 1999
3
Exhibit (h)(18)
AGENCY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated the 7th day of June, 1999, by and between SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL
FUND, INC. a Maryland corporation ("Fund"), and KEMPER SERVICE COMPANY, a
Delaware corporation ("Service Company").
WHEREAS, Fund wants to appoint Service Company as Transfer Agent and
Dividend Disbursing Agent, and Service Company wants to accept such appointment;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained,
the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Documents to be Filed with Appointment.
---------------------------------------
In connection with the appointment of Service Company as
Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent for Fund, there
will be filed with Service Company the following documents:
A. A certified copy of the resolutions of the Board of
Directors of Fund appointing Service Company as
Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent,
approving the form of this Agreement, and designating
certain persons to give written instructions and
requests on behalf of Fund.
B. A certified copy of the Articles of Incorporation of
Fund and any amendments thereto.
C. A certified copy of the Bylaws of Fund.
D. Copies of Registration Statements filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
E. Specimens of all forms of outstanding share
certificates as approved by the Board of Directors of
Fund, with a certificate of the Secretary of Fund as
to such approval.
F. Specimens of the signatures of the officers of the
Fund authorized to sign share certificates and
individuals authorized to sign written instructions
and requests on behalf of the Fund.
G. An opinion of counsel for Fund:
(1) With respect to Fund's organization and
existence under the laws of Maryland.
(2) With respect to the status of all shares of
Fund covered by this appointment under the
Securities Act of 1933, and any other
applicable federal or state statute.
<PAGE>
(3) To the effect that all issued shares are,
and all unissued shares will be when issued,
validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.
2. Certain Representations and Warranties of Service Company.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Service Company represents and warrants to Fund that:
A. It is a corporation duly organized and existing and
in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware.
B. It is duly qualified to carry on its business in the
State of Missouri.
C. It is empowered under applicable laws and by its
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws to enter into
and perform the services contemplated in this
Agreement.
D. All requisite corporate action has been taken to
authorize it to enter into and perform this
Agreement.
E. It has and will continue to have and maintain the
necessary facilities, equipment and personnel to
perform its duties and obligations under this
Agreement.
F. It is, and will continue to be, registered as a
transfer agent under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.
3. Certain Representations and Warranties of Fund.
------------------------------------------------------
Fund represents and warrants to Service Company that:
A. It is a corporation duly organized and existing and
in good standing under the laws of Maryland.
B. It is an investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940.
C. A registration statement under the Securities Act of
1933 has been filed and will be effective with
respect to all shares of Fund being offered for sale
at any time and from time to time.
D. All requisite steps have been or will be taken to
register Fund's shares for sale in all applicable
states, including the District of Columbia.
E. Fund and its Directors are empowered under applicable
laws and by the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws to enter into and perform this Agreement.
2
<PAGE>
4. Scope of Appointment.
---------------------
A. Subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement, Fund hereby employs and appoints Service
Company as Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing
Agent effective the date hereof.
B. Service Company hereby accepts such employment and
appointment and agrees that it will act as Fund's
Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent. Service
Company agrees that it will also act as agent in
connection with Fund's periodic withdrawal payment
accounts and other open-account or similar plans for
shareholders, if any.
C. Service Company agrees to provide the necessary
facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its
duties and obligations hereunder in accordance with
industry practice.
D. Fund agrees to use all reasonable efforts to deliver
to Service Company in Kansas City, Missouri, as soon
as they are available, all its shareholder account
records.
E. Subject to the provisions of Sections 20 and 21
hereof, Service Company agrees that it will perform
all the usual and ordinary services of Transfer Agent
and Dividend Disbursing Agent and as agent for the
various shareholder accounts, including, without
limitation, the following: issuing, transferring and
cancelling share certificates, maintaining all
shareholder accounts, preparing shareholder meeting
lists, mailing proxies, receiving and tabulating
proxies, mailing shareholder reports and
prospectuses, withholding federal income taxes,
preparing and mailing checks for disbursement of
income and capital gains dividends, preparing and
filing all required U.S. Treasury Department
information returns for all shareholders, preparing
and mailing confirmation forms to shareholders and
dealers with respect to all purchases and
liquidations of Fund shares and other transactions in
shareholder accounts for which confirmations are
required, recording reinvestments of dividends and
distributions in Fund shares, recording redemptions
of Fund shares and preparing and mailing checks for
payments upon redemption and for disbursements to
systematic withdrawal plan shareholders.
5. Compensation and Expenses.
--------------------------
A. In consideration for the services provided hereunder
by Service Company as Transfer Agent and Dividend
Disbursing Agent, Fund will pay to Service Company
from time to time compensation as agreed upon for all
services rendered as Agent, and also, all its
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and other
disbursements incurred in connection with the agency.
Such compensation will be set forth in a separate
schedule to be agreed to by Fund and Service Company.
The initial agreement regarding
3
<PAGE>
compensation is attached as Exhibit A.
B. Fund agrees to promptly reimburse Service Company for
all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses or advances
incurred by Service Company in connection with the
performance of services under this Agreement
including, but not limited to, postage (and first
class mail insurance in connection with mailing share
certificates), envelopes, check forms, continuous
forms, forms for reports and statements, stationery,
and other similar items, telephone and telegraph
charges incurred in answering inquiries from dealers
or shareholders, microfilm used each year to record
the previous year's transactions in shareholder
accounts and computer tapes used for permanent
storage of records and cost of insertion of materials
in mailing envelopes by outside firms. Service
Company may, at its option, arrange to have various
service providers submit invoices directly to the
Fund for payment of out-of-pocket expenses
reimbursable hereunder.
6. Efficient Operation of Service Company System.
----------------------------------------------
A. In connection with the performance of its services
under this Agreement, Service Company is responsible
for the accurate and efficient functioning of its
system at all times, including:
(1) The accuracy of the entries in Service
Company's records reflecting purchase and
redemption orders and other instructions
received by Service Company from dealers,
shareholders, Fund or its principal
underwriter.
(2) The timely availability and the accuracy of
shareholder lists, shareholder account
verifications, confirmations and other
shareholder account information to be
produced from Service Company's records or
data.
(3) The accurate and timely issuance of dividend
and distribution checks in accordance with
instructions received from Fund.
(4) The accuracy of redemption transactions and
payments in accordance with redemption
instructions received from dealers,
shareholders or Fund or other authorized
persons.
(5) The deposit daily in Fund's appropriate
special bank account of all checks and
payments received from dealers or
shareholders for investment in shares.
(6) The requiring of proper forms of
instructions, signatures and signature
guarantees and any necessary documents
supporting the rightfulness of transfers,
redemptions and other shareholder
4
<PAGE>
account transactions, all in conformance
with Service Company's present procedures
with such changes as may be deemed
reasonably appropriate by Service Company or
as may be reasonably approved by or on
behalf of Fund.
(7) The maintenance of a current duplicate set
of Fund's essential or required records, as
agreed upon from time to time by Fund and
Service Company, at a secure distant
location, in form available and usable
forthwith in the event of any breakdown or
disaster disrupting its main operation.
7. Indemnification.
----------------
A. Fund shall indemnify and hold Service Company
harmless from and against any and all claims,
actions, suits, losses, damages, costs, charges,
counsel fees, payments, expenses and liabilities
arising out of or attributable to any action or
omission by Service Company pursuant to this
Agreement or in connection with the agency
relationship created by this Agreement, provided that
Service Company has acted in good faith, without
negligence and without willful misconduct.
B. Service Company shall indemnify and hold Fund
harmless from and against any and all claims,
actions, suits, losses, damages, costs, charges,
counsel fees, payments, expenses and liabilities
arising out of or attributable to any action or
omission by Service Company pursuant to this
Agreement or in connection with the agency
relationship created by this Agreement, provided that
Service Company has not acted in good faith, without
negligence and without willful misconduct.
C. In order that the indemnification provisions
contained in this Section 7 shall apply, upon the
assertion of a claim for which either party (the
"Indemnifying Party") may be required to provide
indemnification hereunder, the party seeking
indemnification (the "Indemnitee") shall promptly
notify the Indemnifying Party of such assertion, and
shall keep such party advised with respect to all
developments concerning such claim. The Indemnifying
Party shall be entitled to assume control of the
defense and the negotiations, if any, regarding
settlement of the claim. If the Indemnifying Party
assumes control, the Indemnitee shall have the option
to participate in the defense and negotiations of
such claim at its own expense. The Indemnitee shall
in no event confess, admit to, compromise, or settle
any claim for which the Indemnifying Party may be
required to indemnify it except with the prior
written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which
shall not be unreasonably withheld.
8. Certain Covenants of Service Company and Fund.
----------------------------------------------
A. All requisite steps will be taken by Fund from time
to time when and as
5
<PAGE>
necessary to register the Fund's shares for sale in
all states in which Fund's shares shall at the time
be offered for sale and require registration. If at
any time Fund receives notice of any stop order or
other proceeding in any such state affecting such
registration or the sale of Fund's shares, or of any
stop order or other proceeding under the Federal
securities laws affecting the sale of Fund's shares,
Fund will give prompt notice thereof to Service
Company.
B. Service Company hereby agrees to establish and
maintain facilities and procedures reasonably
acceptable to Fund for safekeeping of share
certificates, check forms, and facsimile signature
imprinting devices, if any; and for the preparation
or use, and for keeping account of, such
certificates, forms and devices. Further, Service
Company agrees to carry insurance, as specified in
Exhibit B hereto, with insurers reasonably acceptable
to Fund and in minimum amounts that are reasonably
acceptable to Fund, which will not be changed without
the consent of Fund, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, and which will be expanded in
coverage or increased in amounts from time to time if
and when reasonably requested by Fund. If Service
Company determines that it is unable to obtain any
such insurance upon commercially reasonable terms, it
shall promptly so advise Fund in writing. In such
event, Fund shall have the right to terminate this
Agreement upon 30 days notice.
C. To the extent required by Section 31 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rules thereunder,
Service Company agrees that all records maintained by
Service Company relating to the services to be
performed by Service Company under this Agreement are
the property of Fund and will be preserved and will
be surrendered promptly to Fund on request.
D. Service Company agrees to furnish Fund semi-annual
reports of its financial condition, consisting of a
balance sheet, earnings statement and any other
reasonably available financial information reasonably
requested by Fund. The annual financial statements
will be certified by Service Company's certified
public accountants.
E. Service Company represents and agrees that it will
use all reasonable efforts to keep current on the
trends of the investment company industry relating to
shareholder services and will use all reasonable
efforts to continue to modernize and improve its
system without additional cost to Fund.
F. Service Company will permit Fund and its authorized
representatives to make periodic inspections of its
operations at reasonable times during business hours.
G. If Service Company is prevented from complying,
either totally or in part, with any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement, by reason of fire,
6
<PAGE>
flood, storm, strike, lockout or other labor trouble,
riot, war, rebellion, accidents, acts of God,
equipment, utility or transmission failure or damage,
and/or any other cause or casualty beyond the
reasonable control of Service Company, whether
similar to the foregoing matters or not, then upon
written notice to Fund, the requirements of this
Agreement that are affected by such disability, to
the extent so affected, shall be suspended during the
period of such disability; provided, however, that
Service Company shall make reasonable effort to
remove such disability as soon as possible. During
such period, Fund may seek alternate sources of
service without liability hereunder; and Service
Company will use all reasonable efforts to assist
Fund to obtain alternate sources of service. Service
Company shall have no liability to Fund for
nonperformance because of the reasons set forth in
this Section 8.G; but if a disability that, in Fund's
reasonable belief, materially affects Service
Company's ability to perform its obligations under
this Agreement continues for a period of 30 days,
then Fund shall have the right to terminate this
Agreement upon 10 days written notice to Service
Company.
9. Adjustment.
-----------
In case of any recapitalization, readjustment or other change
in the structure of Fund requiring a change in the form of
share certificates, Service Company will issue or register
certificates in the new form in exchange for, or in transfer
of, the outstanding certificates in the old form, upon
receiving the following:
A. Written instructions from an officer of Fund.
B. Certified copy of any amendment to the Articles of
Incorporation or other document effecting the change.
C. Certified copy of any order or consent of each
governmental or regulatory authority required by law
for the issuance of the shares in the new form, and
an opinion of counsel that no order or consent of any
other government or regulatory authority is required.
D. Specimens of the new certificates in the form
approved by the Board of Directors of Fund, with a
certificate of the Secretary of Fund as to such
approval.
E. Opinion of counsel for Fund:
(1) With respect to the status of the shares of
Fund in the new form under the Securities
Act of 1933, and any other applicable
federal or state laws.
(2) To the effect that the issued shares in the
new form are, and all unissued shares will
be when issued, validly issued, fully paid
and non-assessable.
7
<PAGE>
10. Share Certificates.
-------------------
Fund will furnish Service Company with a sufficient supply of
blank share certificates and from time to time will renew such
supply upon the request of Service Company. Such certificates
will be signed manually or by facsimile signatures of the
officers of Fund authorized by law and Fund's Bylaws to sign
share certificates and, if required, will bear the trust seal
or facsimile thereof.
11. Death, Resignation or Removal of Signing Officer.
-------------------------------------------------
Fund will file promptly with Service Company written notice of
any change in the officers authorized to sign share
certificates, written instructions or requests, together with
two signature cards bearing the specimen signature of each
newly authorized officer, all as certified by an appropriate
officer of the Fund. In case any officer of Fund who will have
signed manually or whose facsimile signature will have been
affixed to blank share certificates will die, resign, or be
removed prior to the issuance of such certificates, Service
Company may issue or register such share certificates as the
share certificates of Fund notwithstanding such death,
resignation, or removal, until specifically directed to the
contrary by Fund in writing. In the absence of such direction,
Fund will file promptly with Service Company such approval,
adoption, or ratification as may be required by law.
12. Future Amendments of Agreement and Articles of Incorporation
--------------------------------------------------------------
and Bylaws.
-----------
Fund will promptly file with Service Company copies of all
material amendments to its Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws and Registration Statement made after the date of this
Agreement.
13. Instructions, Opinion of Counsel and Signatures.
------------------------------------------------
At any time Service Company may apply to any officer of Fund
for instructions, and may consult with legal counsel for Fund
at the expense of Fund, or with its own legal counsel at its
own expense, with respect to any matter arising in connection
with the agency; and it will not be liable for any action
taken or omitted by it in good faith in reliance upon such
instructions or upon the opinion of such counsel. Service
Company is authorized to act on the orders, directions or
instructions of such persons as the Board of Directors of Fund
shall from time to time designate by resolution. Service
Company will be protected in acting upon any paper or
document, including any orders, directions or instructions,
reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been
signed by the proper person or persons; and Service Company
will not be held to have notice of any change of authority of
any person so authorized by Fund until receipt of written
notice thereof from Fund. Service Company will also be
protected in recognizing share certificates that it reasonably
believes to bear the proper manual or facsimile signatures of
the officers of Fund, and the proper countersignature of any
former Transfer Agent or Registrar, or of a Co-Transfer Agent
or Co-Registrar.
8
<PAGE>
14. Papers Subject to Approval of Counsel.
--------------------------------------
The acceptance by Service Company of its appointment as
Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent, and all
documents filed in connection with such appointment and
thereafter in connection with the agencies, will be subject to
the approval of legal counsel for Service Company, which
approval will not be unreasonably withheld.
15. Certification of Documents.
---------------------------
The required copy of the Articles of Incorporation of Fund and
copies of all amendments thereto will be certified by the
appropriate official of Maryland; and if such Articles of
Incorporation and amendments are required by law to be also
filed with a county, city or other officer or official body, a
certificate of such filing will appear on the certified copy
submitted to Service Company. A copy of the order or consent
of each governmental or regulatory authority required by law
for the issuance of Fund shares will be certified by the
Secretary or Clerk of such governmental or regulatory
authority, under proper seal of such authority. The copy of
the Bylaws and copies of all amendments thereto and copies of
resolutions of the Board of Directors of Fund will be
certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of Fund.
16. Records.
--------
Service Company will maintain customary records in connection
with its agency, and particularly will maintain those records
required to be maintained pursuant to sub-paragraph (2)(iv) of
paragraph (b) of Rule 31a-1 under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, if any.
17. Disposition of Books, Records and Cancelled Certificates.
---------------------------------------------------------
Service Company will send periodically to Fund, or to where
designated by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of Fund,
all books, documents, and all records no longer deemed needed
for current purposes and share certificates which have been
cancelled in transfer or in exchange, upon the understanding
that such books, documents, records, and share certificates
will not be destroyed by Fund without the consent of Service
Company (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld), but
will be safely stored for possible future reference.
18. Provisions Relating to Service Company as Transfer Agent.
---------------------------------------------------------
A. Service Company will make original issues of share
certificates upon written request of an officer of
Fund and upon being furnished with a certified copy
of a resolution of the Board of Directors authorizing
such original issue, an opinion of counsel as
outlined in Section 1.G or 9.E of this Agreement, the
certificates required by Section 10 of this Agreement
9
<PAGE>
and any other documents required by Section 1 or 9 of
this Agreement.
B. Before making any original issue of certificates,
Fund will furnish Service Company with sufficient
funds to pay any taxes required on the original issue
of the shares. Fund will furnish Service Company such
evidence as may be required by Service Company to
show the actual value of the shares. If no taxes are
payable, Service Company will upon request be
furnished with an opinion of outside counsel to that
effect.
C. Shares will be transferred and new certificates
issued in transfer, or shares accepted for redemption
and funds remitted therefor, upon surrender of the
old certificates in form deemed by Service Company
properly endorsed for transfer or redemption
accompanied by such documents as Service Company may
deem necessary to evidence the authority of the
person making the transfer or redemption, and bearing
satisfactory evidence of the payment of any
applicable share transfer taxes. Service Company
reserves the right to refuse to transfer or redeem
shares until it is satisfied that the endorsement or
signature on the certificate or any other document is
valid and genuine, and for that purpose it may
require a guarantee of signature by such persons as
may from time to time be specified in the prospectus
related to such shares or otherwise authorized by
Fund. Service Company also reserves the right to
refuse to transfer or redeem shares until it is
satisfied that the requested transfer or redemption
is legally authorized, and it will incur no liability
for the refusal in good faith to make transfers or
redemptions which, in its judgment, are improper,
unauthorized, or otherwise not rightful. Service
Company may, in effecting transfers or redemptions,
rely upon Simplification Acts or other statutes which
protect it and Fund in not requiring complete
fiduciary documentation.
D. When mail is used for delivery of share certificates,
Service Company will forward share certificates in
"nonnegotiable" form as provided by Fund by first
class mail, all such mail deliveries to be covered
while in transit to the addressee by insurance
arranged for by Service Company.
E. Service Company will issue and mail subscription
warrants and certificates provided by Fund and
representing share dividends, exchanges or split-ups,
or act as Conversion Agent upon receiving written
instructions from any officer of Fund and such other
documents as Service Company deems necessary.
F. Service Company will issue, transfer, and split-up
certificates upon receiving written instructions from
an officer of Fund and such other documents as
Service Company may deem necessary.
G. Service Company may issue new certificates in place
of certificates represented to have been lost,
destroyed, stolen or otherwise wrongfully
10
<PAGE>
taken, upon receiving indemnity satisfactory to
Service Company, and may issue new certificates in
exchange for, and upon surrender of, mutilated
certificates. Any such issuance shall be in
accordance with the provisions of law governing such
matter and any procedures adopted by the Board of
Directors of the Fund of which Service Company has
notice.
H. Service Company will supply a shareholder's list to
Fund properly certified by an officer of Service
Company for any shareholder meeting upon receiving a
request from an officer of Fund. It will also supply
lists at such other times as may be reasonably
requested by an officer of Fund.
I. Upon receipt of written instructions of an officer of
Fund, Service Company will address and mail notices
to shareholders.
J. In case of any request or demand for the inspection
of the share books of Fund or any other books of Fund
in the possession of Service Company, Service Company
will endeavor to notify Fund and to secure
instructions as to permitting or refusing such
inspection. Service Company reserves the right,
however, to exhibit the share books or other books to
any person in case it is advised by its counsel that
it may be held responsible for the failure to exhibit
the share books or other books to such person.
19. Provisions Relating to Dividend Disbursing Agency.
--------------------------------------------------
A. Service Company will, at the expense of Fund, provide
a special form of check containing the imprint of any
device or other matter desired by Fund. Said checks
must, however, be of a form and size convenient for
use by Service Company.
B. If Fund wants to include additional printed matter,
financial statements, etc., with the dividend checks,
the same will be furnished to Service Company within
a reasonable time prior to the date of mailing of the
dividend checks, at the expense of Fund.
C. If Fund wants its distributions mailed in any special
form of envelopes, sufficient supply of the same will
be furnished to Service Company but the size and form
of said envelopes will be subject to the approval of
Service Company. If stamped envelopes are used, they
must be furnished by Fund; or, if postage stamps are
to be affixed to the envelopes, the stamps or the
cash necessary for such stamps must be furnished by
Fund.
D. Service Company will maintain one or more deposit
accounts as Agent for Fund, into which the funds for
payment of dividends, distributions, redemptions or
other disbursements provided for hereunder will be
deposited, and against which checks will be drawn.
20. Termination of Agreement.
-------------------------
11
<PAGE>
A. This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon
sixty (60) days prior written notice to the other
party.
B. Fund, in addition to any other rights and remedies,
shall have the right to terminate this Agreement
forthwith upon the occurrence at any time of any of
the following events:
(1) Any interruption or cessation of operations
by Service Company or its assigns which
materially interferes with the business
operation of Fund.
(2) The bankruptcy of Service Company or its
assigns or the appointment of a receiver for
Service Company or its assigns.
(3) Any merger, consolidation or sale of
substantially all the assets of Service
Company or its assigns.
(4) The acquisition of a controlling interest in
Service Company or its assigns, by any
broker, dealer, investment adviser or
investment company except as may presently
exist.
(5) Failure by Service Company or its assigns to
perform its duties in accordance with this
Agreement, which failure materially
adversely affects the business operations of
Fund and which failure continues for thirty
(30) days after written notice from Fund.
(6) The registration of Service Company or its
assigns as a transfer agent under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is revoked,
terminated or suspended for any reason.
C. In the event of termination, Fund will promptly pay
Service Company all amounts due to Service Company
hereunder. Upon termination of this Agreement,
Service Company shall deliver all shareholder and
account records pertaining to Fund either to Fund or
as directed in writing by Fund.
21. Assignment.
-----------
A. Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations
hereunder may be assigned by Service Company without
the written consent of Fund; provided, however, no
assignment will relieve Service Company of any of its
obligations hereunder.
B. This Agreement including, without limitation, the
provisions of Section 7 will inure to the benefit of
and be binding upon the parties and their respective
successors and assigns.
12
<PAGE>
C. Service Company is authorized by Fund to use the
system services of DST Systems, Inc. and the system
and other services, including data entry, of
Administrative Management Group, Inc.
22. Confidentiality.
----------------
A. Except as provided in the last sentence of Section
18.J hereof, or as otherwise required by law, Service
Company will keep confidential all records of and
information in its possession relating to Fund or its
shareholders or shareholder accounts and will not
disclose the same to any person except at the request
or with the consent of Fund.
B. Except as otherwise required by law, Fund will keep
confidential all financial statements and other
financial records (other than statements and records
relating solely to Fund's business dealings with
Service Company) and all manuals, systems and other
technical information and data, not publicly
disclosed, relating to Service Company's operations
and programs furnished to it by Service Company
pursuant to this Agreement and will not disclose the
same to any person except at the request or with the
consent of Service Company. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary in this Section 22.B, if an attempt
is made pursuant to subpoena or other legal process
to require Fund to disclose or produce any of the
aforementioned manuals, systems or other technical
information and data, Fund shall give Service Company
prompt notice thereof prior to disclosure or
production so that Service Company may, at its
expense, resist such attempt.
23. Survival of Representations and Warranties.
-------------------------------------------
All representations and warranties by either party herein
contained will survive the execution and delivery of this
Agreement.
24. Miscellaneous.
--------------
A. This Agreement is executed and delivered in the State
of Illinois and shall be governed by the laws of said
state (except as to Section 24.G hereof which shall
be governed by the laws of Maryland).
B. No provisions of this Agreement may be amended or
modified in any manner except by a written agreement
properly authorized and executed by both parties
hereto.
C. The captions in this Agreement are included for
convenience of reference only, and in no way define
or limit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise
affect their construction or effect.
D. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date
hereof.
13
<PAGE>
E. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two
or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
an original but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.
F. If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is
held by the courts to be illegal, in conflict with
any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion
or portions shall be considered severable and not be
affected, and the rights and obligations of the
parties shall be construed and enforced as if the
Agreement did not contain the particular part, term
or provision held to be illegal or invalid.
G. All parties hereto are expressly put on notice of
Fund's Articles of Incorporation which is on file
with the Secretary of Maryland, and the limitation of
shareholder and trustee liability contained therein.
This Agreement has been executed by and on behalf of
Fund by its representatives as such representatives
and not individually, and the obligations of Fund
hereunder are not binding upon any of the Trustees,
officers or shareholders of the Fund individually but
are binding upon only the assets and property of
Fund. With respect to any claim by Service Company
for recovery of that portion of the compensation and
expenses (or any other liability of Fund arising
hereunder) allocated to a particular Portfolio,
whether in accordance with the express terms hereof
or otherwise, Service Company shall have recourse
solely against the assets of that Portfolio to
satisfy such claim and shall have no recourse against
the assets of any other Portfolio for such purpose.
H. This Agreement, together with the Fee Schedule, is
the entire contract between the parties relating to
the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior
agreements between the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
by their respective duly authorized officer as of the day and year first set
forth above.
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC. on
behalf of Scudder International Fund
Class R shares
By: /s/John Millette
----------------------------
John Millette
Vice President
ATTEST:
By: /s/Caroline Pearson
----------------------------
Caroline Pearson:
Assistant Secretary
KEMPER SERVICE COMPANY
14
<PAGE>
By: /s/Michael J. Curran
----------------------------
Michael J. Curran
President
ATTEST:
By: /s/Kathryn L. Quirk
----------------------------
Kathryn L. Quirk
Secretary
15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT A
---------
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
Scudder International Fund (Class R Shares)
FEE SCHEDULE
------------
RETIREMENT NON-RETIREMENT
ACCOUNTS ACCOUNTS
<S> <C> <C>
Per Account Fee (in $)
Annual Open Account Fee 18.00
New Accounts Fee 5.00
Asset Based Fee (in bps) 8 bp
</TABLE>
The out-of-pocket expenses of Service Company will be reimbursed by Fund in
accordance with the provisions of Section 5 of the Agency Agreement. Fees and
out-of-pocket expenses shall be paid or reimbursed on a monthly basis upon
receipt of an invoice therefor.
The asset based fee for each month shall be equal to 1/12 of the applicable
annual fee rate, as set forth in this schedule, of the average daily net assets
of the Class R Shares of the Scudder International Fund series of the Fund for
each month. The asset based fee in the schedule is expressed in basis points
("bps") as an annual rate. 100 basis points is equivalent to one percentage
point (1.00%). Total transfer agency fees and related out-of-pocket expenses
payable by the Fund for the Class R Shares of the Scudder International Fund
series shall be limited for the initial 12 month period from Class inception to
the levels set forth in Exhibit 1, which levels are expressed as a percentage of
average daily net assets for the applicable period.
16
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 1
---------
TRANSFER AGENT EXPENSE CAPS
Class R Shares
--------------
Scudder International Fund 0.35%
17
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
---------
INSURANCE COVERAGE
------------------
DESCRIPTION OF POLICY:
Brokers Blanket Bond, Standard Form 14
Covering losses caused by dishonesty of employees, physical loss of securities
on or outside of premises while in possession of authorized person, loss caused
by forgery or alteration of checks or similar instruments.
Errors and Omissions Insurance
Covering replacement of destroyed records and computer errors and omissions.
Special Forgery Bond
Covering losses through forgery or alteration of checks or drafts of customers
processed by insured but drawn on or against them.
Mail Insurance (applies to all full service operations)
Provides indemnity for the following types of securities lost in the mails:
o Non-negotiable securities mailed to domestic locations via registered
mail.
o Non-negotiable securities mailed to domestic locations via first-class
or certified mail.
o Non-negotiable securities mailed to foreign locations via registered
mail.
o Negotiable securities mailed to all locations via registered mail.
18
Exhibit (i)
July 28, 1999
Scudder International Fund, Inc.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10154
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Maryland counsel to Scudder International
Fund, Inc. (the "Company"), a corporation organized under the laws of the State
of Maryland on June 23, 1975. The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000
shares of capital stock, $0.01 par value per share (each a "Share" and
collectively, the "Shares"). The Shares have been classified into the following
eight series: the International Fund, consisting of 300,000,000 Shares; the
International Growth Fund, consisting of 100,000,000 Shares; the International
Value Fund, consisting of 100,000,000 Shares; the Pacific Opportunities Fund,
consisting of 100,000,000 Shares; the Latin America Fund, consisting of
100,000,000 Shares; the Greater Europe Growth Fund, consisting of 100,000,000
Shares, the Emerging Markets Growth Fund, consisting of 100,000,000 Shares and
the International Growth and Income Fund, consisting of 100,000,000 Shares.
The International Fund is further classified into three classes of
Shares as follows: 100,000,000 International Shares, 100,000,000 Barrett
International Shares and 100,000,000 Class R Shares.
We understand that you are about to file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, on Form N-1A, Post Effective Amendment No. 72 to the
Company's Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), and Amendment No. 52 to the Company's Registration
Statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment
Company Act") (collectively, the "Registration Statement"), in connection with
the continuous offering on and after August 1, 1999 of the International Shares
class, the Barrett International Shares class and the Class R Shares class of
the Company's International Fund series. We understand that our opinion is
required to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
In rendering the opinions set forth below, we have examined originals
or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the
following documents:
<PAGE>
Scudder International Fund, Inc.
July 28, 1999
Page 2
(i) the Registration Statement;
(ii) the Charter and Bylaws of the Company;
(iii) a certificate of the Company regarding certain matters in
connection with this opinion (the "Certificate");
(iv) a certificate of the Maryland State Department of Assessments and
Taxation dated July 27, 1999 to the effect that the Company is duly incorporated
and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing and
duly authorized to transact business in the State of Maryland (the "Good
Standing Certificate"); and
(v) such other documents and matters as we have deemed necessary and
appropriate to render this opinion, subject to the limitations, assumptions, and
qualifications contained herein.
As to any facts or questions of fact material to the opinions expressed
herein, we have relied exclusively upon the aforesaid documents and
certificates, and representations and declarations of the officers or other
representatives of the Company. We have made no independent investigation
whatsoever as to such factual matters.
In reaching the opinions set forth below, we have assumed, without
independent investigation or inquiry, that:
(a) all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic, all
documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the
original documents, all signatures on all documents submitted to us for
examination are genuine and all documents and public records reviewed are
accurate and complete;
(b) all representations, warranties, certifications and statements with
respect to matters of fact and other factual information (i) made by public
officers or (ii) made by officers or representatives of the Company, including
certifications made in the Certificate, are accurate, true, correct and complete
in all material respects;
(c) prior to the date that Class R Shares of the International Fund are
issued and sold pursuant to and in the manner contemplated by the Registration
Statement, the Company will have issued and outstanding one or more Class R
Shares from which the net asset value of the Class R Shares to be issued and
sold pursuant to and in the manner contemplated by the Registration Statement
can be determined; and
2
<PAGE>
Scudder International Fund, Inc.
July 28, 1999
Page 3
(d) at no time prior to and including the date when all of the
International Shares, the Barrett International Shares and/or the Class R Shares
of the International Fund are issued will (i) the Company's Charter, Bylaws or
the existing corporate authorization to issue such Shares be amended, repealed
or revoked; (ii) the total number of the issued Shares exceed 1,000,000,000;
(iii) the total number of the issued Shares of the International Fund exceed
300,000,000; (iv) the total number of the issued Shares of the International
Shares class of the International Fund exceed 100,000,000; (v) the total number
of the issued Shares of the Barrett International Shares class of the
International Fund exceed 100,000,000; or (vi) the total number of the issued
Shares of the Class R Shares class of the International Fund exceed 100,000,000.
Based on our review of the foregoing and subject to the assumptions and
qualifications set forth herein, it is our opinion that, as of the date of this
letter:
1. The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and,
based solely on the Good Standing Certificate, in good standing under the laws
of the State of Maryland.
2. The issuance and sale of the Shares of each of the International
Shares class, the Barrett International Shares class and the Class R Shares
class of the International Fund pursuant to the Registration Statement has been
duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the
Company.
3. The Shares of each of the International Shares class, the Barrett
International Shares class and the Class R Shares class of the International
Fund, when issued and sold by the Company for cash consideration pursuant to and
in the manner contemplated by the Registration Statement, will be legally and
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
In addition to the qualifications set forth above, the opinions set
forth herein are also subject to the following qualifications:
We express no opinion as to compliance with the Securities Act, the
Investment Company Act or the securities laws of any state with respect to the
issuance of Shares of the Company. The opinions expressed herein concern only
the effect of the laws (excluding the principles of conflict of laws) of the
State of Maryland as currently in effect. We assume no obligation to supplement
this opinion if any applicable laws change after the date hereof, or if we
become aware of any facts that might change the opinions expressed herein after
the date hereof.
3
<PAGE>
Scudder International Fund, Inc.
July 28, 1999
Page 4
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we
are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Act.
Sincerely yours,
/s/Ober, Kaler, Grimes & Shriver
a Professional Corporation
4
Exhibit (j)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference into the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information constituting the Post-Effective Amendment
No. 72 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement")
of Scudder International Fund, Inc., of our report dated May 20, 1999 on the
financial statements and financial highlights appearing in the March 31, 1999
Annual Report to the Shareholders of Scudder International Fund, which is also
incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. We further consent to
the references to our Firm under the headings "Financial Highlights," in the
Prospectus and "Experts" in the Statement of Additional Information.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
July 28, 1999
Exhibit (m)
RULE 12b-1 AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES PLAN
Pursuant to the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 (the "Act"), this Rule 12b-1 and Administrative Services Plan (the
"Plan") has been adopted for Scudder International Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), on
behalf of Scudder International Fund, which is a separate series of the Fund
(the "Series"), for Class R shares of beneficial interest of the Series ("Class
R" or "Class R shares") by a majority of the members of the Fund's Board of
Directors (the "Board"), including a majority of the Board members who are not
"interested persons" of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of the Plan or in any agreements related to the Plan
(the "Qualified Board Members") at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
this Plan.
1. Administrative Services. The Fund will pay to Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
("SIS") at the end of each calendar month an administrative services fee
computed at the annual rate of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets
attributable to the Class R shares of each Series. SIS may use the
administrative services fee to compensate various broker-dealer and other
service or administrative firms appointed by SIS ("Firms") for providing certain
post-sale administrative support services on behalf of the Firms' customers who
are record or beneficial holders of Class R shares of the Series in accordance
with the Administrative Services Agreements entered into on behalf of the Series
(the "Service Agreements"). SIS may appoint Kemper Distributors, Inc. as its
agent to carry out its duties under this Paragraph 1 of the Plan. Such
administrative services shall include, but not be limited to, providing
information on shareholder accounts and transactions, answering inquiries
regarding the Series, resolving account problems, explaining mutual fund
performance and ranking, and such other post-sale administrative services as the
Fund or SIS may reasonably request.
2. Distribution Services.
(a) The Fund may pay to an Authorized Party, as defined below, at the
end of each calendar month a distribution services fee computed at the
annual rate of up to .25% of average daily net assets attributable to
the Class R shares of each Series. An Authorized Party may use the
distribution services fee to compensate Firms for promotional or other
services primarily intended to result in the sale of Class R shares of
the Series.
(b) In the event that the administrative services described in
Paragraph 1 of this Plan are deemed to be services that are primarily
intended to result in the sale of Class R shares of the Series, this
Plan shall authorize SIS to use the administrative services fee to
compensate Firms for such services. In the event that record-keeping,
the purchase and redemption of shares, transaction settlement, and
other services performed by Firms that are commonly known as Fund
supermarket sponsors are deemed to be services that are primarily
intended to result in the sale of Class R shares of a Series, this Plan
shall authorize the Authorized Party to use the distribution services
fee, subject to the percentage limitations set forth in Section 2(a)
above, to compensate Firms for such services.
(c) For the purposes of this Paragraph 2, the term "Authorized Party"
shall mean an affiliated person, as that term is defined in the Act, of
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., which has been authorized from time
to time by the Board to receive payments under the Plan on behalf of
the Class R shares of a Series.
<PAGE>
(d) The provisions of this Paragraph 2 shall not be effective until
expressly authorized by the Board after the effective date of the Plan,
except that the provisions of Paragraph 2(b) shall be effective on the
effective date of the Plan.
3. Method of Calculating Fees. The administrative and distribution services fees
for Class R shares shall be based upon average daily net assets of the Series
attributable to Class R shares and such fees shall be charged only to Class R
shareholders of the Series. For the month and year in which this Plan becomes
effective or terminates, there shall be an appropriate proration of the fees set
forth in Paragraphs 1 and 2 hereof on the basis of the number of days that the
Plan and any agreements related to the Plan are in effect during the month and
year, respectively.
4. Periodic Reporting. SIS shall prepare reports for the Board on a quarterly
basis for Class R showing amounts paid to the various Firms and such other
information as from time to time shall be reasonably requested by the Board.
5. Continuance. This Plan shall continue in effect indefinitely for the Class R
shares of the Series, provided that such continuance is approved at least
annually by vote of a majority of the Board, and of the Qualified Board Members,
cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose, or by vote of at least a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of Class R of such Series.
6. Termination. This Plan may be terminated at any time without penalty with
respect to the Class R shares of a Series by vote of a majority of the Qualified
Board Members or by vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of
Class R of such Series.
7. Amendment. This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to
be paid to Authorized Parties by the Fund with respect to the Class R shares of
a Series without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
Class R of such Series. All material amendments to this Plan must in any event
be approved by a vote of a majority of the Board, and of the Qualified Board
Members, cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose.
8. Selection of Non-Interested Board Members. So long as this Plan is in effect,
the selection and nomination of those Board members who are not interested
persons of the Fund will be committed to the discretion of Board members who are
not themselves interested persons.
9. Recordkeeping. The Fund will preserve copies of this Plan, the Services
Agreements, and all reports made pursuant to Paragraph 4 above for a period of
not less than six (6) years from the date of this Plan, the Services Agreements,
or any such report, as the case may be, the first two (2) years in an easily
accessible place.
10. Limitation of Liability. Any obligation of the Fund hereunder shall be
binding only upon the assets of Class R and shall not be binding on any Board
member, officer, employee, agent, or shareholder of the Series. Neither the
authorization of any action by the Board members or shareholders of the Fund nor
the adoption of the Plan on behalf of the Fund shall impose any liability upon
any Board member or upon any shareholder.
11. Definitions. The terms "interested person" and "vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities" shall have the meanings set forth in the Act and
the rules and regulations thereunder.
2
<PAGE>
12. Severability; Separate Action. If any provision of this Plan shall be held
or made invalid by a court decision, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this
Plan shall not be affected thereby. Action shall be taken separately for Class R
of the Series as the Act or the rules thereunder so require.
3
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Scudder
International Fund Annual Report for the fiscal year ended 3/31/99 and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 1
<NAME> Scudder International Fund- International Shares
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAR-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> APR-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1999
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 2,540,732,265
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 3,124,879,975
<RECEIVABLES> 45,192,318
<ASSETS-OTHER> 1,322,008
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 37,167
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 3,171,431,468
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 36,503,817
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 22,154,092
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 58,657,909
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 2,320,169,776
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 61,709,689
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 55,412,474
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 2,638,610
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 206,243,900
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 583,721,273
<NET-ASSETS> 3,112,773,559
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 52,285,237
<INTEREST-INCOME> 9,490,808
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 34,579,524
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 27,196,521
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 495,847,664
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (311,164,241)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 211,879,944
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (303,892,941)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2,240,750,153
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (2,231,145,939)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 288,615,427
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 227,854,214
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 6,551,066
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 5,363,292
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 23,819,941
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 34,579,524
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 2,923,341,918
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 52.06
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.47
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 3.10
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (5.56)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.00
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.00
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 50.07
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.17
[AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING] 0
[AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE] 0
</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Scudder
International Fund Annual Report for the fiscal year ended 3/31/99 and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 12
<NAME> Scudder International Fund- Barrett Shares
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAR-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> APR-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1999
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 2,540,732,265
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 3,124,879,975
<RECEIVABLES> 45,192,318
<ASSETS-OTHER> 1,322,008
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 37,167
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 3,171,431,468
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 36,503,817
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 22,154,092
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 58,657,909
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 2,320,169,776
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 460,840
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 2,638,610
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 206,243,900
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 583,721,273
<NET-ASSETS> 3,112,773,559
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 52,285,237
<INTEREST-INCOME> 9,490,808
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 34,579,524
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 27,196,521
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 495,847,664
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (311,164,241)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 211,879,944
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (2,373,251)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 22,731,652
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (500,772)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,789,941
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 227,854,214
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 6,551,066
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 5,363,292
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 23,819,941
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 34,579,524
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 2,923,341,918
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 52.40
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.52
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 2.78
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (5.56)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.00
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.00
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 50.14
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.08
[AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING] 0
[AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE] 0
</TABLE>
Exhibit (o)(2)
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND, INC.
(the "Fund")
AMENDED PLAN WITH RESPECT TO
SCUDDER INTERNATIONAL FUND
(the "PORTFOLIO")
PURSUANT TO RULE 18f-3
under the
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
The Plan
--------
1. Introduction
------------
As required by Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended ("1940 Act"), this Plan describes the multi-class system for the Fund
that will apply to shares of capital stock, $0.01 par value of Scudder
International Fund (the "shares"), including the separate class arrangements for
shareholder and administrative services and the distribution of shares, the
method for allocating expenses, income, gain and loss of the Fund among classes
and, any related exchange privileges and conversion features applicable to the
classes.
Upon the effective date of this Plan, the Fund elects to offer multiple
classes of shares of the Portfolio, as described herein, pursuant to Rule 18f-3
and this Plan.
II. The Multi-Class System
----------------------
The Portfolio may offer three classes of shares, International Shares,
Barrett International Shares, and Class R Shares. Shares of each class of the
Portfolio shall represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and,
generally, shall have identical voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights,
preferences, powers, restrictions, limitations, qualifications and terms and
conditions, except that: (a) each class shall have a different designation; (b)
each class of shares shall bear any Class Expenses, as defined by subsection
A.2, below; (c) Class R shares may be subject to a distribution services fee and
an administrative services fee, which shall be paid pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 and
Administrative Services Plan adopted for that class; (d) each class shall have
exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates
solely to its shareholder services, administrative services or distribution
arrangements; (e) each class shall have separate voting rights on any matter
submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one class differ from the
interests of any other class; (f) each class may have separate exchange
privileges; (g) each class of shares may have separate account size
requirements; and (h) each class may have different conversion features. In
addition, the following provisions shall apply to the classes authorized hereby.
Barrett Shares shall be offered only to persons who are clients of Barrett
Associates, Inc. and International Shares shall be offered to any investors.
Class R Shares shall be offered to those eligible investors as set forth in the
Portfolio's prospectus or statement of additional information as from time to
time in effect.
<PAGE>
A. Allocation of Income and Expenses
---------------------------------
1. General.
-------
The gross income, realized and unrealized capital gains and
losses and expenses (other than Class Expenses, as defined below) of the
Portfolio shall be allocated to each share of the Portfolio, on the basis of its
net asset value relative to the net asset value of the Portfolio. Expenses to be
so allocated include expenses of the Fund that are not attributable to the
Portfolio, any class of the Portfolio or any other series of the Fund ("Fund
Expenses") and expenses of the Portfolio not attributable to a particular class
of the Portfolio ("Portfolio Expenses"). Fund Expenses include, but are not
limited to, Directors' fees, certain insurance costs and certain legal fees.
Portfolio Expenses include, but are not limited to, certain filing fees (i.e.
state filing fees imposed on a Fund-wide basis and Securities and Exchange
Commission registration fees), custodial fees, advisory fees and other expenses
relating to the management of the Portfolio's assets.
2. Class Expenses.
--------------
Expenses attributable to one or more particular classes, which
are allocated on the basis of the amount incurred on behalf of each class
("Class Expenses") may include: (a) transfer agent fees attributable to a
specific class, (b) printing and postage expenses related to preparing and
distributing material such as shareholder reports, prospectuses and proxy
materials to current Fund shareholders; (c) registration fees (other than those
set forth in sub section A1 above); (d) the expense of administrative personnel
and services as required to support the shareholders of a specific class; (e)
litigation or other legal expenses and audit or other accounting expenses
relating to a specific class; (f) Director's fees incurred as a result of issues
relating to a specific class; and (g) shareholder or Directors' meeting costs
that relate to a specific class. All expenses described in this paragraph may be
allocated as Class Expenses, but only if the Fund's President and Treasurer have
determined, subject to the Board of Directors' approval or ratification, which
of such categories of expenses will be treated as Class Expenses, consistent
with applicable legal principles under the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended ("Code").
In the event that a particular expense is no longer reasonably
allocable by class or to a particular class, it shall be treated as a Fund
Expense or Portfolio Expense, and in the event a Fund Expense or Portfolio
Expense becomes allocable at a different level, including as a Class Expense, it
shall be so allocated, subject to compliance with Rule 18f-3 and to approval or
ratification by the Board of Directors.
The initial determination of expenses that will be allocated as Class
Expenses and any subsequent changes thereto shall be reviewed by the Board of
Directors and approved by such Board and by a majority of the Directors who are
not "interested persons" of the Fund or Portfolio, as defined in the 1940 Act
(the "Independent Directors"). Such expense allocation shall be set forth in a
schedule, as amended from time to time, by the Board of Directors, including a
majority of the Independent Directors, and shall form a part of this plan.
2
<PAGE>
3. Waivers or Reimbursements of Expenses
-------------------------------------
Expenses may be waived or reimbursed by the Fund's investment
adviser, its principal underwriter, or any other provider of services to the
Portfolio or the Fund without the prior approval of the Board of Directors to
the extent such waiver or reimbursement does not jeopardize the Fund's status as
a "regulated investment company" under the Code.
B. Exchange Privileges
-------------------
Shareholders of the multi-class Portfolio (other than the Barrett
class) may exchange shares of their class for shares of a similar class of
another fund in the Scudder family, at the relative net asset values of the
respective shares to be exchanged and with no sales charge, subject to
applicable law, and to the applicable requirements, if any, as to minimum
amount.
C. Board Review
------------
1. Initial Approval
----------------
The Board of Directors, including a majority of the
Independent Directors, at a meeting held June 7, 1999, approved the Plan based
on a determination that the Plan, including the expense allocation, is in the
best interests of each class individually and of the Portfolio and the Fund.
Their determination was based on their review of information furnished to them
which they deemed reasonably necessary and sufficient to evaluate the Plan.
2. Approval of Amendments
----------------------
The Plan may not be amended materially unless the Board of Directors,
including a majority of the Independent Directors, has found that the proposed
amendment, including any proposed related expense allocation, is in the best
interests of each class individually and of the Portfolio and the Fund. Such
finding shall be based on information requested by, and furnished to, the Board
that the Board deems reasonably necessary to evaluate the proposed amendment.
3. Periodic Review
---------------
The Board shall review reports of expense allocations and such other
information as they request at such times, or pursuant to such schedule, as they
may determine consistent with applicable legal requirements.
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<PAGE>
D. Contracts
---------
Any Agreement related to the multi-class system shall require
the parties thereto to furnish to the Board of Directors, upon their request,
such information as is reasonably necessary to permit the Directors to evaluate
the plan or any proposed amendment.
E. Effective Date
--------------
The Plan, having been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors
and by a majority of the Independent Directors as indicated in subsection D1 of
Section II of the Plan, shall take effect as of the implementation of the
multi-class system, except that allocation of Class Expenses shall not occur
until the effective date of the Fund's post-effective amendment to its
registration statement containing disclosure concerning the multi-class system.
F. Amendments
----------
The Plan may not be amended to modify materially its terms unless such
amendment has been approved in the manner specified in subsection D2 of Section
II of the Plan.
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