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
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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
July 14, 2000, As Revised August 18, 2000
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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 July 14, 2000, 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 dated August 31, 1999 and unaudited
Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders dated February 29, 2000 for Scudder
International Fund -- Barrett International Shares is incorporated by reference
and is hereby deemed to be a part of this Statement of Additional Information.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES.............................................................1
General Investment Objective and Policies.......................................................1
Investments.....................................................................................1
Master/feeder structure.........................................................................2
Special Considerations..........................................................................3
Specialized Investment Techniques...............................................................6
Investment Restrictions........................................................................16
PURCHASES...............................................................................................17
Redemption-in-Kind.............................................................................18
Other Information..............................................................................18
REDEEMING SHARES........................................................................................18
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND...............................................................18
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS...............................................................19
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION.................................................................................19
Average Annual Total Return....................................................................19
Cumulative Total Return........................................................................20
Total Return...................................................................................20
Comparison of Fund Performance.................................................................20
FUND ORGANIZATION.......................................................................................21
INVESTMENT ADVISER......................................................................................22
Code of Ethics..........................................................................................26
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS..................................................................................26
REMUNERATION............................................................................................28
Responsibilities of the Board-- Board and Committee Meetings...................................28
Compensation of Officers and Directors.........................................................29
DISTRIBUTOR.............................................................................................30
TAXES ...............................................................................................31
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS..................................................................................35
Brokerage Commissions..........................................................................35
Portfolio Turnover.............................................................................36
NET ASSET VALUE.........................................................................................36
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION..................................................................................37
Experts........................................................................................37
Other Information..............................................................................37
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS....................................................................................38
APPENDIX................................................................................................39
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THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
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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 currently
offers three classes of shares: Barrett International Shares (the "Shares"),
Class S shares (formerly known as International Shares), Class AARP 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 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").
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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.
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.
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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 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
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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 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.
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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 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
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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 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
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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 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
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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.
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.
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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 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, managing the effective maturity
or duration of fixed-income securities in a 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 a 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
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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 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 a 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 a 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 a 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
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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 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 a 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.
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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" 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 a 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
13
<PAGE>
of securities a 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 a 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, a 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
14
<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.
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.
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.
Borrowing. The Fund may not borrow money, except as permitted under Federal law.
The Fund will borrow only when the Adviser believes that borrowing will benefit
the Fund after taking into account considerations such as the costs of the
borrowing. The Fund does not expect to borrow for investment purposes, to
increase return or leverage the portfolio. Borrowing by the Fund will involve
special risk considerations. Although the principal of the Fund's borrowings
will be fixed, the Fund's assets may change in value during the time a borrowing
is outstanding, thus increasing exposure to capital risk.
When-Issued Securities. The Fund may from time to time purchase equity and debt
securities on a "when-issued" or "forward delivery" basis. The price of such
securities, which may be expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the
commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the when-issued or
forward delivery securities takes place at a later date. During the period
between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the Fund to the issuer
15
<PAGE>
and no interest accrues to the Fund. To the extent that assets of the Fund are
held in cash pending the settlement of a purchase of securities, the Fund would
earn no income; however, it is the Fund's intention to be fully invested to the
extent practicable and subject to the policies stated above. While when-issued
or forward delivery securities may be sold prior to the settlement date, the
Fund intends to purchase such securities with the purpose of actually acquiring
them unless a sale appears desirable for investment reasons. At the time the
Fund makes the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued or forward
delivery basis, it will record the transaction and reflect the value of the
security in determining its net asset value. The market value of the when-issued
or forward delivery securities may be more or less than the purchase price. The
Fund does not believe that its net asset value or income will be adversely
affected by its purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward delivery
basis.
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;
(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;
16
<PAGE>
(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.
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.
17
<PAGE>
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 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.
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<PAGE>
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 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.
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<PAGE>
Average Annual Total Return for periods ended February 29, 2000
One Year Life of Class*
57.94% 28.44%
* The Class commenced operations on April 3, 1998.
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 periods ended February 29, 2000
One Year Life of Class*
57.94% 61.28%
* The Class commenced operations on April 3, 1998.
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.
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
20
<PAGE>
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, the Fund's overall investment objective, the average
portfolio maturity, credit quality of the securities held, and interest rate
movements. For equity funds, factors include the 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.
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 1.6 billion
shares of a par value of $.01 each which capital stock has been divided into
eight series, six of which are currently offered: Scudder International Fund,
the original series; Scudder Latin America Fund and 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 and Scudder International Growth and Income Fund,
organized in June 1997. Each offered series consists of 200 million shares
except for the Fund which consists of 500 million shares. Scudder International
Fund is further divided into four classes of shares, the Class AARP, Class S,
the Barrett International Shares and the Class R shares. Scudder Latin America
Fund, Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund, Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund and
Scudder
21
<PAGE>
Emerging Markets Growth Fund are each further divided into two classes of
shares, Class AARP and Class S 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,
subject to such charges as may be applicable, 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.
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
22
<PAGE>
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 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
23
<PAGE>
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.
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
24
<PAGE>
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.
On February 7, 2000, a new investment management agreement was approved
by the Board and will become effective on August 14, 2000. For the Adviser's
services, as of August 14, 2000 Scudder International Fund pays Scudder Kemper a
fee equal to 0.675% of average daily net assets on such assets up to $6 billion,
0.625% of average daily net assets on such assets exceeding $6 billion, and
0.600% of average daily net assets on such assets exceeding $7 billion.
Under the Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, effective
September 7, 1998 until August 14, 2000, 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.
For the five months ended August 31, 1999, the net investment advisory
fees were $11,269,103 of which $2,432,469 was unpaid as of August 31, 1999. The
net investment advisory fees for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997 were $23,819,941, $22,491,681 and $20,989,160.
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.
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.
25
<PAGE>
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.
CODE OF ETHICS
--------------
The Fund, the Adviser and principal underwriter have each adopted codes
of ethics under rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act. Board members,
officers of the Fund and employees of the Adviser and principal underwriter are
permitted to make personal securities transactions, including transactions in
securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds, subject to requirements
and restrictions set forth in the applicable Code of Ethics. The Adviser's Code
of Ethics contains provisions and requirements designed to identify and address
certain conflicts of interest between personal investment activities and the
interests of the Fund. Among other things, the Adviser's Code of Ethics
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
quarterly 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
Adviser's 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>
Henry P. Becton, Jr. (56) Director President and General Manager, WGBH --
WGBH Educational Foundation
125 Western Avenue
Allston, MA 02134
Linda C. Coughlin (48)+* Director Managing Director of Scudder Kemper Senior Vice President
Investments, Inc.
Dawn-Marie Driscoll (53) Director Executive Fellow, Center for Business --
4909 SW 9th Place Ethics, Bentley College; President,
Cape Coral, FL 33914 Driscoll Associates (consulting firm)
Edgar R. Fiedler (70) Director Senior Fellow and Economic --
50023 Brogden Counsellor, The Conference Board, Inc.
Chapel Hill, NC
Keith R. Fox (45) Director Private Equity Investor, President, --
10 East 53rd Street Exeter Capital Management Corporation
New York, NY 10022
26
<PAGE>
Joan E. Spero (55) Director President, Doris Duke Charitable --
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Foundation; Department of State -
650 Fifth Avenue Undersecretary of State for Economic,
New York, NY 10128 Business and Agricultural Affairs
(March 1993 to January 1997)
Jean Gleason Stromberg (56) Director Consultant; Director, Financial --
3816 Military Road, NW Institutions Issues, U.S. General
Washington, D.C. Accounting Office (1996-1997);
Partner, Fulbright & Jaworski Law
Firm (1978-1996)
Jean C. Tempel (56) Director Managing Director, First Light Capital --
One Boston Place
23rd Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Steven Zaleznick (45)* Director President and CEO, AARP Services, Inc. --
601 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20049
Thomas V. Bruns (43)** Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investment, Inc.
Irene T. Cheng (46) # Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Joyce E. Cornell (56) # Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Carol L. Franklin (47) # Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Edmund B. Games, Jr. (62) + Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
William F. Glavin (42)+ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Joan R. Gregory (55) # Vice President Vice President of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Ann M. McCreary (43)# Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
James E. Masur (40)+ Vice President Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Kathryn L. Quirk (48)# Vice President and Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Assistant Secretary Investments, Inc.
Howard L. Schneider (43)+ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
27
<PAGE>
Position with
Underwriter,
Scudder Investor
Name, Age, and Address Position with Fund Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
---------------------- ------------------ ---------------------- --------------
Tien Yu Sieh (31)# Vice President Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
John R. Hebble (42)+ Treasurer Senior Vice President of Scudder Assistant Treasurer
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Brenda Lyons (37)+ Assistant Treasurer Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Caroline Pearson (38)+ Assistant Secretary Senior Vice President of Scudder Clerk
Kemper Investments, Inc.; Associate,
Dechert Price & Rhoads (law firm)
1989 - 1997
John Millette (37)+ Vice President and Vice President of Scudder Kemper --
Secretary Investments, Inc.
</TABLE>
* Ms. Coughlin and Mr. Zaleznick are considered by the Funds and its
counsel to be "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.
+ Address: Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
# Address: 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154
## Address: 222 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606
The Directors and officers of the Corporation also serve in similar
capacities with respect to other Scudder Funds. The newly-constituted Board may
determine to change its compensation structure.
As of June 15, 2000, 9,663,857 shares in the aggregate, or 12.44% of
the outstanding shares of Scudder International Fund were held in the name of
Charles Schwab, 101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA, 94101 who may be
deemed to be beneficial owner of such shares.
To the knowledge of the Fund, as of June 15, 2000, no person owned
beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Scudder International
Fund, except as stated above.
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.
28
<PAGE>
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
Each Independent Director receives compensation for his or her
services, which include an annual retainer and an attendance fee for each
meeting attended. The Independent Director who serves as lead director receives
additional compensation for his or her service. 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 newly-constituted Board may determine to change its
compensation structure.
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 1999 from the Corporation and from all of the Scudder funds as a
group.
Paid by
Scudder International
Name Fund, Inc. All Scudder Funds
---- ---------- -----------------
Henry P. Becton, Jr.** $0 $140,000
(30 Funds)
Dawn-Marie Driscoll** $0 $150,000
(30 Funds)
Edgar R. Fiedler** $0 $63,330
(26 Funds)
Keith R. Fox, Director $43,650 $160,325
(23 Funds)
Joan E. Spero $47,550 $175,275
(23 Funds)
Jean Gleason Stromberg ** $0 $40,935
(16 Funds)
Jean C. Tempel** $0 $140,000
(30 Funds)
* During 1999, Scudder International Fund, Inc. consisted of six funds:
Scudder International Fund, Scudder Latin America Fund, Scudder Pacific
Opportunities Fund, Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund, Scudder
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, and Scudder International Growth and
Income Fund.
** Newly elected Director. On July 13, 2000, shareholders of the Fund
elected a new Board of Directors. See the "Directors and Officers"
section for the newly constituted Board of Directors.
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.
29
<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.
Administrative Fee
The Fund has entered into administrative services agreements with
Scudder Kemper (the "Administration Agreements"), pursuant to which Scudder
Kemper will provide or pay others to provide substantially all of the
administrative services required by a Fund (other than those provided by Scudder
Kemper under its investment management agreements with the Funds, as described
above) in exchange for the payment by each Fund of an administrative services
fee (the "Administrative Fee") of 0.375% of its average daily net assets for
Scudder International Fund average daily net assets. One effect of these
arrangements is to make each Fund's future expense ratio more predictable. The
Administrative Fee will become effective on or about August 14, 2000 for Scudder
International Fund.
Various third-party service providers (the "Service Providers"), some
of which are affiliated with Scudder Kemper, provide certain services to the
Funds pursuant to separate agreements with the Funds. Scudder Fund Accounting
Corporation, a subsidiary of Scudder Kemper, computes net asset value for the
Funds and maintains their accounting records. Scudder Service Corporation, also
a subsidiary of Scudder Kemper, is the transfer, shareholder servicing and
dividend-paying agent for the shares of the Funds. Scudder Trust Company, an
affiliate of Scudder Kemper, provides subaccounting and recordkeeping services
for shareholders in certain retirement and employee benefit plans. As custodian,
Brown Brothers Harriman holds the portfolio securities of the Funds, pursuant to
a custodian agreement. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP audits the financial
statements of the Funds and provides other audit, tax, and related services.
Dechert Price & Rhoads acts as general counsel for each Fund. In addition to the
fees they pay under the investment management agreements with Scudder Kemper,
the Funds pay the fees and expenses associated with these service arrangements,
as well as each Fund's insurance, registration, printing, postage and other
costs.
30
<PAGE>
Scudder Kemper will pay the Service Providers for the provision of
their services to the Funds and will pay other fund expenses, including
insurance, registration, printing and postage fees. In return, each Fund will
pay Scudder Kemper an Administrative Fee.
Each Administration Agreement has an initial term of three years,
subject to earlier termination by a Fund's Board. The fee payable by a Fund to
Scudder Kemper pursuant to the Administration Agreements is reduced by the
amount of any credit received from the Fund's custodian for cash balances.
Certain expenses of the Funds will not be borne by Scudder Kemper under
the Administration Agreements, such as taxes, brokerage, interest and
extraordinary expenses; and the fees and expenses of the Independent Directors
(including the fees and expenses of their independent counsel). In addition,
each Fund will continue to pay the fees required by its investment management
agreement with Scudder Kemper.
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.
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,
31
<PAGE>
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
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
32
<PAGE>
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 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
33
<PAGE>
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
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.
34
<PAGE>
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.
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 five month period beginning April 1, 1999 through August 31,
1999 and for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Fund paid
brokerage commissions of $4,793,968, $9,926,570, $6,904,372 and $5,275,727
respectively. For the five-month period ended August 31, 1999, $3,625,740 (75%
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 $2,316,472,713 (72% of
35
<PAGE>
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 August 31, 1999 and March
31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 were 81.5%, 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
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.
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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 August 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.
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 $4,632 for the
Shares and $1,258,902 for the Class S Shares, respectively, during the five
months ended August 31, 1999, of which $255,782 was unpaid at August 31, 1999.
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.
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. For the five months ended August 31,
1999, the fee was $402,576, of which $83,574 is unpaid at August 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
37
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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. For the five months
ended August 31, 1999, the International Shares of the Fund incurred fees of
$1,202,021, of which $254,431 is unpaid at August 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 and the unaudited semi-annual report dated
February 29, 2000 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.
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
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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.
40
