This prospectus sets forth concisely the information about Scudder Classic
Growth Fund, a series of Scudder Investment Trust, an open-end management
investment company, that a prospective investor should know before investing.
Please retain it for future reference.
If you require more detailed information, a Statement of Additional Information
dated September 9, 1996, as amended from time to time, may be obtained without
charge by writing Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two International Place,
Boston, MA 02110-4103 or calling 1-800-225-2470. The Statement, which is
incorporated by reference into this prospectus, has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Scudder
Classic
Growth Fund
Prospectus
September 9, 1996
A pure no-load(TM) (no sales charges) mutual fund which seeks long-term growth
of capital with reduced share price volatility compared to other growth mutual
funds.
<PAGE>
Expense information
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
How to compare a Scudder pure no-load(TM) fund
This information is designed to help you understand the various costs and expenses of investing in Scudder Classic
Growth Fund (the "Fund"). By reviewing this table and those in other mutual funds' prospectuses, you can compare the
Fund's fees and expenses with those of other funds. With Scudder's pure no-load(TM) funds, you pay no commissions to
purchase or redeem shares, or to exchange from one fund to another. As a result, all of your investment goes to work
for you.
1) Shareholder transaction expenses: Expenses charged directly to your individual account in the Fund for various
transactions.
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Sales commissions to purchase shares (sales load) NONE
Commissions to reinvest dividends NONE
Redemption fees NONE*
Fees to exchange shares NONE
2) Annual Fund operating expenses: Estimated expenses paid by the Fund before it distributes its net investment
income, expressed as a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets for the fiscal year.
Investment management fee (after waiver) 0.00%**
12b-1 fees NONE
Other expenses (after waiver) 1.25%**
----
Total Fund operating expenses (after waiver) 1.25%**
====
Example
Based on the estimated level of total Fund operating expenses listed above, the total expenses relating to a $1,000
investment, assuming a 5% annual return and redemption at the end of each period, are listed below. Investors do not
pay these expenses directly; they are paid by the Fund before it distributes its net investment income to
shareholders. (As noted above, the Fund has no redemption fees of any kind.)
1 Year 3 Years
------ -------
$13 $40
See "Fund organization--Investment adviser" for further information about the investment management fee. This example
assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and that the percentage amounts listed under "Annual Fund
operating expenses" remain the same each year. This example should not be considered a representation of past or
future expenses or return. Actual Fund expenses and return vary from year to year and may be higher or lower than
those shown.
* You may redeem by writing or calling the Fund. If you wish to receive your redemption proceeds via wire, there is
a $5 wire service fee. For additional information, please refer to "Transaction information--Redeeming shares."
** Until August 31, 1997, the Adviser and certain of its subsidiaries have agreed to waive all or portions of their fees
payable by the Fund to the extent necessary so that the total annualized expenses of the Fund do not exceed 1.25%
of average daily net assets. If the Adviser and its subsidiaries had not agreed to waive all or portions of their
fees, it is estimated that annualized Fund expenses would be: investment management fee 0.70%, other expenses 1.45%
and total operating expenses 2.15% for the initial fiscal year. To the extent that expenses fall below the
current expense limitation, the Adviser and its subsidiaries reserve the right to recoup, during the fiscal year
incurred, amounts waived during the period, but only to the extent that the Fund's expenses do not exceed 1.25%.
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
A message from Scudder's chairman
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc., investment adviser to the Scudder Family of
Funds, was founded in 1919. We offered America's first no-load mutual fund in
1928. Today, we manage in excess of $100 billion for many private accounts and
over 50 mutual fund portfolios. We manage the mutual funds in a special program
for the American Association of Retired Persons, as well as the fund options
available through Scudder Horizon Plan, a tax-advantaged variable annuity. We
also advise The Japan Fund and nine closed-end funds that invest in countries
around the world.
The Scudder Family of Funds is designed to make investing easy and less costly.
It includes money market, tax free, income and growth funds as well as IRAs,
401(k)s, Keoghs and other retirement plans.
Services available to all shareholders include toll-free access to the
professional service representatives of Scudder Investor Relations, easy
exchange among funds, shareholder reports, informative newsletters and the
walk-in convenience of Scudder Funds Centers.
All Scudder mutual funds are pure no-load(TM). This means you pay no commissions
to purchase or redeem your shares or to exchange from one fund to another. There
are no "12b-1" fees either, which many other funds now charge to support their
marketing efforts. All of your investment goes to work for you. We look forward
to welcoming you as a shareholder.
/s/Daniel Pierce
Scudder Classic Growth Fund
Investment objectives
o long-term growth of capital
o reduced share price volatility compared to other capital growth mutual
funds
Investment characteristics
o an actively managed portfolio consisting primarily of common stocks of
medium-to-large sized U.S. companies
o focus on high quality companies with strong competitive positions
o broadly diversified by industry and company
o no sales or marketing charges for purchasing, holding or redeeming shares
Contents
Investment objectives and policies 4
Why invest in the Fund? 5
Additional information about policies
and investments 5
Distribution and performance information 8
Fund organization 9
Purchases 10
Exchanges and redemptions 11
Transaction information 12
Shareholder benefits 16
Trustees and Officers 17
Investment products and services 19
How to contact Scudder Back Cover
3
<PAGE>
Investment objectives and policies
The Scudder Classic Growth Fund (the "Fund"), a series of Scudder Investment
Trust, seeks to provide long-term growth of capital and to keep the value of its
shares more stable than other growth mutual funds. This diversified equity fund
is designed for investors looking to grow their investment principal over time
for retirement and other long-term needs. While current income is not a stated
objective of the Fund, many of the Fund's securities may provide regular
dividends, which are also expected to grow over time.
While the Fund is broadly diversified and conservatively managed, with attention
paid to stock valuation and risk, its share price will move up and down with
changes in the general level of the financial markets. Accordingly, shareholders
should be comfortable with stock market risk and view the Fund as a long-term
investment.
Except as otherwise indicated, the Fund's investment objectives and policies are
not fundamental and may be changed without a vote of shareholders. Shareholders
will receive written notice of any change in the Fund's objective. If there is a
change in 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 objectives will be
met.
Investments
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in a diversified
portfolio of common stocks which the Fund's investment adviser, Scudder, Stevens
& Clark, Inc. (the "Adviser"), believes offers above-average appreciation
potential yet, as a portfolio, offers the potential for less share price
volatility than other growth mutual funds.
In seeking such investments, the Adviser focuses its investment in high quality,
medium- to large- sized U.S. companies with leading competitive positions. Using
in-depth fundamental company research, along with proprietary financial quality,
stock rating and risk measures, the Adviser looks for companies with strong and
sustainable earnings growth, a proven ability to add value over time, and
reasonable stock market valuations. These companies often have important
business franchises, leading products, services or technologies, or dominant
marketing and distribution systems.
The Fund allocates its investments among different industries and companies, and
adjusts its portfolio securities based on long-term investment considerations as
opposed to short-term trading. While the Fund emphasizes U.S. investments, it
can commit a portion of its assets to the equity securities of foreign growth
companies that meet the criteria applicable to domestic investments.
While the Fund invests primarily in common stocks, it can purchase other types
of equity securities including securities convertible into common stocks,
preferred stocks, rights and warrants. The Fund's policy is to remain
substantially invested in these securities, which may be listed on national
securities exchanges or, less commonly, traded over-the-counter. Also, the Fund
may enter into repurchase agreements and engage in strategic transactions.
For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest without limit in high
quality money market securities, including U.S. Treasury bills, repurchase
agreements, commercial paper, certificates of deposit issued by domestic and
foreign branches of U.S. banks, bankers' acceptances, and other debt securities,
such as U.S. Government obligations and corporate debt instruments when the
Adviser deems such a position advisable in light of economic or market
conditions. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in debt securities
when the Adviser anticipates that the capital appreciation on debt securities is
4
<PAGE>
likely to equal or exceed the capital appreciation on common stocks over a
selected time, such as during periods of unusually high interest rates. As
interest rates fall, the prices of debt securities tend to rise. The Fund may
also invest in money market securities in anticipation of meeting redemptions or
paying Fund expenses. More information about investment techniques is provided
under "Additional information about policies and investments."
Why invest in the Fund?
Scudder Classic Growth Fund invests principally in the common stock of seasoned,
financially- sound, medium- to large-sized U.S. companies with strong
competitive positions in their industries. This broadly diversified portfolio
seeks to take advantage of Scudder's extensive research capabilities to locate
companies displaying the potential for continuing strong growth in earnings, yet
with common stocks available at reasonable prices. The Fund uses an investment
style that was originally designed for individual clients of Scudder who wanted
long-term growth of capital without the volatility of more aggressive growth
funds. Rooted in the investment practices and accumulated experience of
Scudder's 75+ years of investing, this investment approach to growth stock
investing seeks out companies which, in the opinion of the Adviser, have a
history of, and the potential for, consistent and strong corporate earnings, and
whose future growth will be supported by quality management, a differentiated
business franchise, and competitive strength. This Fund will pursue long-term
growth opportunities while seeking to reduce the overall impact of fluctuations
in the stock market and individual security price volatility. Indeed, one of the
Fund's objectives is to keep its share price more stable than that of other
growth funds.
The Fund is intended to be a core equity component of a long-term portfolio and,
as such, can be an excellent retirement investment vehicle. As part of an
investment plan geared towards retirement or long-term investment, the Fund can
complement an individual portfolio consisting of more or less aggressive funds,
considering individual timeframes and tolerance for risk. As an investment for
those already in their retirement years, this Fund seeks long-term growth, but
with less share price volatility than other growth funds. In addition, the Fund
offers all the benefits of the Scudder Family of Funds. Scudder, Stevens &
Clark, Inc. manages a diverse family of pure no-load funds and provides a wide
range of services to help investors meet their investment needs. Please refer to
"Investment products and services" for additional information.
Additional information about policies and investments
Investment restrictions
The Fund has adopted certain fundamental policies which may not be changed
without a vote of shareholders and which are designed to reduce the Fund's
investment risk.
The Fund may not borrow money except as a temporary measure for extraordinary or
emergency purposes and may not make loans except through the lending of
portfolio securities, the purchase of debt securities or through repurchase
agreements.
As a matter of nonfundamental policy, the Fund may not invest more than 10% of
its total assets, in the aggregate, in securities which are not readily
marketable, in restricted securities and repurchase agreements maturing in more
than seven days.
A complete description of these and other policies and restrictions is contained
under "Investment Restrictions" in the Fund's Statement of Additional
Information.
Debt securities
The Fund may purchase investment-grade debt securities, 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 ("S&P") or, if unrated, of equivalent quality as
determined by the Adviser.
5
<PAGE>
Additional information about policies and investments (cont'd)
Repurchase agreements
As a means of earning income for periods as short as overnight, the Fund may
enter into repurchase agreements with selected banks and broker/dealers. Under a
repurchase agreement, the Fund acquires securities, subject to the seller's
agreement to repurchase them at a specified time and price.
Convertible securities
The convertible securities in which the Fund may invest consist of bonds, notes,
debentures and preferred stocks which may be converted or exchanged at a stated
or determinable exchange ratio into underlying shares of common stock.
Prior to their conversion, convertible securities may have characteristics
similar to nonconvertible securities of the same type.
Foreign securities
In addition to investments in companies domiciled in the U.S., the Fund may
invest up to 25% of the Fund's assets in listed and unlisted foreign securities
that meet the same criteria as the Fund's domestic holdings. The Fund may invest
in foreign securities when the anticipated performance of foreign securities is
believed by the Adviser to offer more potential than domestic alternatives in
keeping with the investment objectives of the Fund.
Strategic Transactions and derivatives
The Fund may, but is not required to, utilize various other investment
strategies as described below to hedge various market risks (such as interest
rates, currency exchange rates, and broad or specific equity or fixed-income
market movements), to manage the effective maturity or duration of fixed-income
securities in the Fund's portfolio or to enhance 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.
Techniques and instruments may change over time as new instruments and
strategies are developed or regulatory changes occur.
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 financial instruments, purchase and
sell financial futures contracts and options thereon, enter into various
interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars, and enter
into various currency transactions such as currency forward contracts, currency
futures contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies or currency futures
(collectively, all the above are called "Strategic Transactions").
Strategic Transactions may be used without limit to attempt to protect against
possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased
for the Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange
rate fluctuations, to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its
portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment
purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of fixed-income
securities in the Fund's portfolio, or to establish a position in the
derivatives markets as a temporary substitute for purchasing or selling
particular securities. Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to enhance
potential gain although no more than 5% of the Fund's assets will be committed
to Strategic Transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes. Any or all of
these investment techniques may be used at any time and in any combination, and
there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather
than another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous
variables including market conditions.
6
<PAGE>
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 involving financial futures and options thereon will be
purchased, sold or entered into only for bona fide hedging, risk management or
portfolio management purposes and not for speculative purposes. Please refer to
"Risk factors--Strategic Transactions and derivatives" for more information.
Risk factors
The Fund's risks are determined by the nature of the securities held and the
portfolio management strategies used by the Adviser. The following are
descriptions of certain risks related to the investments and techniques that the
Fund may use from time to time.
Debt securities. Securities rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's are neither
highly protected nor poorly secured. These securities normally pay higher yields
but involve potentially greater price variability than higher-quality
securities. These securities are regarded as having adequate capacity to repay
principal and pay interest, although adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to do so. Moody's
considers bonds it rates Baa to have speculative elements as well as
investment-grade characteristics.
Repurchase agreements. If the seller under a repurchase agreement becomes
insolvent, the Fund's right to dispose of the securities may be restricted. In
the event of the commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings of the
seller of the securities before repurchase of the securities under a repurchase
agreement, the Fund may encounter delay and incur costs, including a decline in
value of the securities, before being able to sell the securities.
Convertible securities. While convertible securities generally offer lower
yields than nonconvertible debt securities of similar quality, their prices may
reflect changes in the value of the underlying common stock. Convertible
securities entail less credit risk than the issuer's common stock.
Illiquid investments. The absence of a trading market can make it difficult to
ascertain a market value for illiquid investments. Disposing of illiquid
investments may involve time-consuming negotiation and legal expenses, and it
may be difficult or impossible for the Fund to sell them promptly at an
acceptable price.
Foreign securities. Investments in foreign securities involve special
considerations, due to more limited information, higher brokerage costs and
different accounting standards. They may also entail certain risks, such as
possible imposition of dividend or interest withholding or confiscatory taxes,
possible currency blockages or transfer restrictions, expropriation,
nationalization or other adverse political or economic developments and the
difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries. Foreign securities may
be less liquid and more volatile than comparable domestic securities, and there
is less government regulation of stock exchanges, brokers, listed companies and
banks than in the U.S. Purchases of foreign securities are usually made in
foreign currencies and, as a result, the Fund may incur currency conversion
costs and may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in the value of
foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar.
Strategic Transactions and derivatives. 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,
7
<PAGE>
Additional information about policies and investments (cont'd)
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 contracts 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. The Strategic Transactions that the Fund may
use and some of their risks are described more fully in the Fund's combined
Statement of Additional Information.
Distribution and performance information
Dividends and capital gains distributions
The Fund intends to distribute any dividends from its net investment income and
net realized capital gains after utilization of capital loss carryforwards, if
any, in November or December to prevent application of federal excise tax,
although an additional distribution may be made if necessary. Any dividends or
capital gains distributions declared in October, November or December with a
record date in such a month and paid the following January will be treated by
shareholders for federal income tax purposes as if received on December 31 of
the calendar year declared. According to preference, shareholders may receive
distributions in cash or have them reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.
If an investment is in the form of a retirement plan, all dividends and capital
gains distributions must be reinvested into the shareholder's account.
Generally, dividends from net investment income are taxable to shareholders as
ordinary income. Long-term capital gains distributions, if any, are taxable as
long-term capital gains regardless of the length of time shareholders have owned
their shares. Short-term capital gains and any other taxable income
distributions are taxable as ordinary income. A portion of dividends from net
investment income may qualify for the dividends-received deduction for
corporations.
The Fund sends detailed tax information about the amount and type of its
distributions to shareholders by January 31 of the following year.
Under normal investment conditions, it is anticipated that the Fund's portfolio
turnover rate will not exceed 70% for the initial fiscal year. However, economic
and market conditions may necessitate more active trading, resulting in a higher
8
<PAGE>
portfolio turnover rate. A higher rate involves greater brokerage expenses to
the Fund and may result in the realization of net capital gains, which would be
taxable to shareholders when distributed.
Performance information
From time to time, quotations of the Fund's performance may be included in
advertisements, sales literature or shareholder reports. All performance figures
are historical, show the performance of a hypothetical investment and are not
intended to indicate future performance. "Total return" is the change in value
of an investment in the Fund for a specified period. The "average annual total
return" of the Fund is the average annual compound rate of return of an
investment in the Fund assuming the investment has been held for the life of the
Fund as of a stated ending date. "Cumulative total return" represents the
cumulative change in value of an investment in the Fund for various periods. All
types of total return calculations assume that all dividends and capital gains
distributions during the period were reinvested in shares of the Fund. "Capital
change" measures return from capital, including reinvestment of any capital
gains distributions but does not include the reinvestment of dividends.
Performance will vary based upon, among other things, changes in market
conditions and the level of the Fund's expenses.
Fund organization
Scudder Classic Growth Fund is a diversified series of Scudder Investment Trust
(the "Trust"), an open-end management investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"). The Trust, formerly known as
Scudder Growth and Income Fund, was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
in September 1984.
The Fund's activities are supervised by the Trust's Board of Trustees.
Shareholders have one vote for each share held on matters on which they are
entitled to vote. The Trust is not required to hold and has no current intention
of holding annual shareholder meetings, although special meetings may be called
for purposes such as electing or removing Trustees, changing fundamental
investment policies or approving an investment management contract. Shareholders
will be assisted in communicating with other shareholders in connection with
removing a Trustee as if Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act were applicable.
Investment adviser
The Fund retains the investment management firm of Scudder, Stevens & Clark,
Inc., a Delaware corporation, to manage the Fund's daily investment and business
affairs subject to the policies established by the Board of Trustees. The
Trustees have overall responsibility for the management of the Fund under
Massachusetts law.
The Fund pays the Adviser an annual fee of 0.70% of the Fund's average daily net
assets. The fee is payable monthly, provided that the Fund will make such
interim payments as may be requested by the Adviser not to exceed 75% of the
amount of the fee then accrued on the books of the Fund and unpaid.
The Adviser has agreed to maintain the annualized expenses of the Fund at no
more than 1.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund until August 31,
1997.
Under the Investment Management Agreement with the Adviser, the Fund is
responsible for all of its expenses, including fees and expenses incurred in
connection with membership in investment company organizations;fees and expenses
of the Fund's accounting agent; brokers' commissions; legal, auditing and
accounting expenses; taxes and governmental
(Continued on page 12)
9
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Purchases
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Opening
an account Minimum initial investment: $2,500; IRAs $1,000
Group retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), etc.) have similar or lower minimums.
See appropriate plan literature.
<C> <C> <C>
o By Mail Send your completed and signed application and check
Make checks
payable to "The
Scudder Funds."
by regular mail to: or by express, registered,
or certified mail to:
The Scudder Funds Scudder Shareholder
P.O. Box 2291 Service Center
Boston, MA 42 Longwater Drive
02107-2291 Norwell, MA
02061-1612
o By Wire Please see Transaction information--Purchasing shares--
By wire for details, including the ABA wire transfer number. Then call
1-800-225-5163 for instructions.
o In Person Visit one of our Funds Centers to complete your application with the help
of a Scudder representative. Funds Center locations are listed under
Shareholder benefits.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchasing
additional shares Minimum additional investment: $100; IRAs $50
Group retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), etc.) have similar or lower minimums.
See appropriate plan literature.
Make checks o By Mail Send a check with a Scudder investment slip, or with a letter of
payable to "The instruction including your account number and the complete Fund name, to
Scudder Funds." the appropriate address listed above.
o By Wire Please see Transaction information--Purchasing shares--
By wire for details, including the ABA wire transfer number.
o In Person Visit one of our Funds Centers to make an additional investment in your
Scudder fund account. Funds Center locations are listed under Shareholder
benefits.
o By Telephone Please see Transaction information--Purchasing shares--
By AutoBuy or By telephone order for more details.
o By Automatic You may arrange to make investments on a regular basis through automatic
Investment Plan deductions from your bank checking account. Please call 1-800-225-5163
($50 minimum) for more information and an enrollment form.
</TABLE>
10
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Exchanges and redemptions
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exchanging shares
Minimum investments: $2,500 to establish a new account;
$100 to exchange among existing accounts
<C> <C>
o By Telephone To speak with a service representative, call 1-800-225-5163 from
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. eastern time or to access SAIL(TM), Scudder's Automated
Information Line, call 1-800-343-2890 (24 hours a day).
o By Mail Print or type your instructions and include:
or Fax - the name of the Fund and the account number you are exchanging from;
- your name(s) and address as they appear on your account;
- the dollar amount or number of shares you wish to exchange;
- the name of the Fund you are exchanging into;
- your signature(s) as it appears on your account; and
- a daytime telephone number.
Send your instructions
by regular mail to: or by express, registered, or by fax to:
or certified mail to:
The Scudder Funds Scudder Shareholder 1-800-821-6234
P.O. Box 2291 Service Center
Boston, MA 02107-2291 42 Longwater Drive
Norwell, MA
02061-1612
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redeeming shares o By Telephone
To speak with a service representative, call 1-800-225-5163 from
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. eastern time or to access SAIL(TM), Scudder's Automated
Information Line, call 1-800-343-2890 (24 hours a day). You may have redemption
proceeds sent to your predesignated bank account, or redemption proceeds of up
to $50,000 sent to your address of record.
o By Mail Send your instructions for redemption to the appropriate address or fax number
or Fax above and include:
- the name of the Fund and account number you are redeeming from;
- your name(s) and address as they appear on your account;
- the dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem;
- your signature(s) as it appears on your account; and
- a daytime telephone number.
A signature guarantee is required for redemptions over $50,000.
See Transaction information--Redeeming shares.
o By Automatic You may arrange to receive automatic cash payments periodically. Call
Withdrawal Plan 1-800-225-5163 for more information and an enrollment form.
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE>
Fund organization (cont'd)
(Continued from page 9)
fees; the fees and expenses of the transfer agent; the expenses of and the fees
for registering or qualifying securities for sale; the fees and expenses of
Trustees, officers and employees of the Trust who are not affiliated with the
Adviser; the cost of printing and distributing reports and notices to
shareholders; and the fees and disbursements of custodians.
All the Fund's expenses are paid out of gross investment income. Shareholders
pay no direct charges or fees for investment or administrative services.
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. is located at
Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts.
Transfer agent
Scudder Service Corporation, P.O. Box 2291, Boston, Massachusetts 02107-2291, a
subsidiary of the Adviser, is the transfer, shareholder servicing and
dividend-paying agent for the Fund.
Underwriter
Scudder Investor Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Adviser, is the Fund's
principal underwriter. Scudder Investor Services, Inc. confirms, as agent, all
purchases of shares of the Fund. Scudder Investor Relations is a telephone
information service provided by Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
Fund accounting agent
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation, a subsidiary of the Adviser, is responsible
for determining the daily net asset value per share and maintaining the general
accounting records of the Fund.
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company is the Fund's custodian.
Transaction information
Purchasing shares
Purchases are executed at the next calculated net asset value per share after
the Fund's transfer agent receives the purchase request in good order. Purchases
are made in full and fractional shares. (See "Share price.")
By check. If you purchase shares with a check that does not clear, your purchase
will be canceled and you will be subject to any losses or fees incurred in the
transaction. Checks must be drawn on or payable through a U.S. bank. If you
purchase shares by check and redeem them within seven business days of purchase,
the Fund may hold redemption proceeds until the purchase check has cleared. If
you purchase shares by federal funds wire, you may avoid this delay. Redemption
requests by telephone prior to the expiration of the seven-day period will not
be accepted.
By wire. To open a new account by wire, first call Scudder at 1-800-225-5163 to
obtain an account number. A representative will instruct you to send a
completed, signed application to the transfer agent. Accounts cannot be opened
without a completed, signed application and a Scudder fund account number.
Contact your bank to arrange a wire transfer to:
The Scudder Funds
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Boston, MA 02101
ABA Number 011000028
DDA Account 9903-5552
Your wire instructions must also include:
- -- the name of the fund in which the money is to be invested,
- -- the account number of the fund, and
- -- the name(s) of the account holder(s).
The account will be established once the application and money order are
received in good order.
12
<PAGE>
You may also make additional investments of $100 or more to your existing
account by wire.
By telephone order. Existing shareholders may purchase shares at a certain day's
price by calling 1-800-225-5163 before the close of regular trading on the New
York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange"), normally 4 p.m. eastern time, on that day.
Orders must be for $10,000 or more and cannot be for an amount greater than four
times the value of your account at the time the order is placed. A confirmation
with complete purchase information is sent shortly after your order is received.
You must include with your payment the order number given at the time the order
is placed. If payment by check or wire is not received within three business
days, the order is subject to cancellation and the shareholder will be
responsible for any loss to the Fund resulting from this cancellation. Telephone
orders are not available for shares held in Scudder IRA accounts and most other
Scudder retirement plan accounts.
By "AutoBuy." If you elected "AutoBuy" for your account, you can call toll-free
to purchase shares. The money will be automatically transferred from your
predesignated bank checking account. Your bank must be a member of the Automated
Clearing House for you to use this service. If you did not elect "AutoBuy," call
1-800-225-5163 for more information.
To purchase additional shares, call 1-800-225-5163. Purchases must be for at
least $250 but not more than $250,000. Proceeds in the amount of your purchase
will be transferred from your bank checking account in two or three business
days following your call. For requests received by the close of regular trading
on the Exchange, shares will be purchased at the net asset value per share
calculated at the close of trading on the day of your call. "AutoBuy" requests
received after the close of regular trading on the Exchange will begin their
processing and be purchased at the net asset value calculated the following
business day.
If you purchase shares by "AutoBuy" and redeem them within seven days of the
purchase, the Fund may hold the redemption proceeds for a period of up to seven
business days. If you purchase shares and there are insufficient funds in your
bank account, the purchase will be canceled and you will be subject to any
losses or fees incurred in the transaction. "AutoBuy" transactions are not
available for Scudder IRA accounts and most other retirement plan accounts.
By exchange. Your new account will have the same registration and address as
your existing account.
The exchange requirements for corporations, other organizations, trusts,
fiduciaries, agents, institutional investors and retirement plans may be
different from those for regular accounts. Please call 1-800-225-5163 for more
information, including information about the transfer of special account
features.
You can also make exchanges among your Scudder fund accounts on SAIL, the
Scudder Automated Information Line, by calling 1-800-343-2890.
Redeeming shares
The Fund allows you to redeem shares (i.e., sell them back to the Fund) without
redemption fees.
By telephone. This is the quickest and easiest way to sell Fund shares. If you
elected telephone redemption to your bank on your application, you can call to
request that federal funds be sent to your authorized bank account. If you did
not elect telephone redemption to your bank on your application, call
1-800-225-5163 for more information.
Redemption proceeds will be wired to your bank unless otherwise requested. If
your bank cannot receive federal reserve wires, redemption proceeds will be
mailed to your bank. There will be a $5 charge for all wire redemptions.
You can also make redemptions from your Scudder fund account on SAIL by calling
1-800-343-2890.
13
<PAGE>
Transaction information (cont'd)
If you open an account by wire, you cannot redeem shares by telephone until the
Fund's transfer agent has received your completed and signed application.
Telephone redemption is not available for shares held in Scudder IRA accounts
and most other Scudder retirement plan accounts.
In the event that you are unable to reach the Fund by telephone, you should
write to the Fund; see "How to contact Scudder" for the address.
By "AutoSell." If you elected "AutoSell" for your account, you can call
toll-free to redeem shares. The money will be automatically transferred to your
predesignated bank checking account. Your bank must be a member of the Automated
Clearing House for you to use this service. If you did not elect "AutoSell,"
call 1-800-225-5163 for more information.
To redeem shares, call 1-800-225-5163. Redemptions must be for at least $250.
Proceeds in the amount of your redemption will be transferred to your bank
checking account in two or three business days following your call. For requests
received by the close of regular trading on the Exchange, shares will be
redeemed at the net asset value per share calculated at the close of trading on
the day of your call. "AutoSell" requests received after the close of regular
trading on the Exchange will begin their processing and be redeemed at the net
asset value calculated the following business day.
"AutoSell" transactions are not available for Scudder IRA accounts and most
other retirement plan accounts.
Signature guarantees. For your protection and to prevent fraudulent redemptions,
on written redemption requests in excess of $50,000 we require an original
signature and an original signature guarantee for each person in whose name the
account is registered. (The Fund reserves the right, however, to require a
signature guarantee for all redemptions.) You can obtain a signature guarantee
from most banks, credit unions or savings associations, or from broker/dealers,
municipal securities broker/dealers, government securities broker/dealers,
national securities exchanges, registered securities associations or clearing
agencies deemed eligible by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Signature
guarantees by notaries public are not acceptable. Redemption requirements for
corporations, other organizations, trusts, fiduciaries, agents, institutional
investors and retirement plans may be different from those for regular accounts.
For more information, please call 1-800-225-5163.
Telephone transactions
Shareholders automatically receive the ability to exchange by telephone and the
right to redeem by telephone up to $50,000 to their address of record.
Shareholders also may, by telephone, request that redemption proceeds be sent to
a predesignated bank account. The Fund uses procedures designed to give
reasonable assurance that telephone instructions are genuine, including
recording telephone calls, testing a caller's identity and sending written
confirmation of telephone transactions. If the Fund does not follow such
procedures, it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
telephone instructions. The Fund will not be liable for acting upon instructions
communicated by telephone that it reasonably believes to be genuine.
Share price
Purchases and redemptions, including exchanges, are made at net asset value.
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation determines net asset value per share as of
the close of regular trading on the Exchange, normally 4 p.m. eastern time, on
each day the Exchange is open for trading. Net asset value per share is
calculated by dividing the value of total Fund assets, less all liabilities, by
the total number of shares outstanding.
14
<PAGE>
Processing time
All purchase and redemption requests must be received in good order by the
Fund's transfer agent. Those requests received by the close of regular trading
on the Exchange are executed at the net asset value per share calculated at the
close of regular trading that day.
Purchase and redemption requests received after the close of regular trading on
the Exchange will be executed the following business day.
If you wish to make a purchase of $500,000 or more, you should notify Scudder
Investor Relations by calling 1-800-225-5163.
The Fund will normally send your redemption proceeds within one business day
following the redemption request, but may take up to seven business days (or
longer in the case of shares recently purchased by check).
Short-term trading
Purchases and sales should be made for long-term investment purposes only. The
Fund and Scudder Investor Services, Inc. each reserves the right to restrict
purchases of Fund shares (including exchanges) when a pattern of frequent
purchases and sales made in response to short-term fluctuations in the Fund's
share price appears evident.
Tax information
A redemption of shares, including an exchange into another Scudder fund, is a
sale of shares and may result in a gain or loss for income tax purposes.
Tax identification number
Be sure to complete the Tax Identification Number section of the Fund's
application when you open an account. Federal tax law requires the Fund to
withhold 31% of taxable dividends, capital gains distributions and redemption
and exchange proceeds from accounts (other than those of certain exempt payees)
without a certified Social Security or tax identification number and certain
other certified information or upon notification from the IRS or a broker that
withholding is required. The Fund reserves the right to reject new account
applications without a certified Social Security or tax identification number.
The Fund also reserves the right, following 30 days' notice, to redeem all
shares in accounts without a certified Social Security or tax identification
number. A shareholder may avoid involuntary redemption by providing the Fund
with a tax identification number during the 30-day notice period.
Minimum balances
Shareholders should maintain a share balance worth at least $2,500, which amount
may be changed by the Board of Trustees. Scudder retirement plans and certain
other accounts have similar or lower minimum balance requirements. A shareholder
may open an account with at least $1,000, if an automatic investment plan of
$100/month is established.
Shareholders who maintain a non-fiduciary account balance of less than $2,500 in
the Fund, without establishing an automatic investment plan, will be assessed an
annual $10.00 per fund charge with the fee to be paid to the Fund. The $10.00
charge will not apply to shareholders with a combined household account balance
in any of the Scudder Funds of $25,000 or more. The Fund reserves the right,
following 60 days' written notice to shareholders, to redeem all shares in
accounts below $250, including accounts of new investors, where a reduction in
value has occurred due to a redemption or exchange out of the account. The Fund
will mail the proceeds of the redeemed account to the shareholder. Reductions in
value that result solely from market activity will not trigger an involuntary
redemption. Retirement accounts and certain other accounts will not be assessed
the $10.00 charge or be subject to automatic liquidation. Please refer to
"Exchanges and Redemptions--Other information" in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information for more information.
Third party transactions
If purchases and redemptions of Fund shares are arranged and settlement is made
at an investor's election through a member of the National Association of
15
<PAGE>
Transaction information (cont'd)
Securities Dealers, Inc., other than Scudder Investor Services, Inc., that
member may, at its discretion, charge a fee for that service.
Redemption-in-kind
The Fund 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 to cash. The Trust 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 the Fund at the beginning of the
period.
Shareholder benefits
Experienced professional management
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc., one of the nation's most experienced investment
management firms, actively manages your Scudder fund investment. Professional
management is an important advantage for investors who do not have the time or
expertise to invest directly in individual securities.
A team approach to investing
Scudder Classic Growth Fund is managed by a team of Scudder investment
professionals who each play an important role in the Fund's management process.
Team members work together to develop investment strategies and select
securities for the Fund's portfolio. They are supported by Scudder's large staff
of economists, research analysts, traders and other investment specialists who
work in Scudder's offices across the United States and abroad. Scudder believes
its team approach benefits Fund investors by bringing together many disciplines
and leveraging Scudder's extensive resources.
Lead Portfolio Manager William F. Gadsden focuses on overall investment strategy
and has 14 years of investment industry experience and joined Scudder in 1983.
Bruce F. Beaty, Portfolio Manager, focuses on securities selection and assists
with the creation and implementation of investment strategy for the Fund. He has
15 years of investment industry experience and joined Scudder in 1991.
SAIL(TM)--Scudder Automated Information Line
For personalized account information including fund prices, yields and account
balances, to perform transactions in existing Scudder fund accounts, or to
obtain information on any Scudder fund, shareholders can call Scudder's
Automated Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-343-2890, 24 hours a day.
During periods of extreme economic or market changes, or other conditions, it
may be difficult for you to effect telephone transactions in your account. In
such an event you should write to the Fund; please see "How to contact Scudder"
for the address.
Investment flexibility
Scudder offers toll-free telephone exchange between funds at current net asset
value. You can move your investments among money market, income, growth,
tax-free and growth and income funds with a simple toll-free call or, if you
prefer, by sending your instructions through the mail or by fax. Telephone and
fax redemptions and exchanges are subject to termination and their terms are
subject to change at any time by the Fund or the transfer agent. In some cases,
the transfer agent or Scudder Investor Services, Inc. may impose additional
conditions on telephone transactions.
16
<PAGE>
Dividend reinvestment plan
You may have dividends and distributions automatically reinvested in additional
Fund shares. Please call 1-800-225-5163 to request this feature.
Shareholder statements
You receive a detailed account statement every time you purchase or redeem
shares. All of your statements should be retained to help you keep track of
account activity and the cost of shares for tax purposes.
Shareholder reports
In addition to account statements, you receive periodic shareholder reports
highlighting relevant information, including investment results and a review of
portfolio changes.
To reduce the volume of mail you receive, only one copy of most Fund reports,
such as the Fund's Annual Report, may be mailed to your household (same surname,
same address). Please call 1-800-225-5163 if you wish to receive additional
shareholder reports.
Newsletters
Four times a year, Scudder sends you Perspectives, an informative newsletter
covering economic and investment developments, service enhancements and other
topics of interest to Scudder fund investors.
Scudder Funds Centers
As a convenience to shareholders who like to conduct business in person, Scudder
Investor Services, Inc. maintains Funds Centers in Boca Raton, Boston, Chicago,
Cincinnati, Los Angeles, New York, Portland (OR), San Diego, San Francisco and
Scottsdale.
T.D.D. service for the hearing impaired
Scudder's full range of investor information and shareholder services is
available to hearing impaired investors through a toll-free T.D.D. (Telephone
Device for the Deaf) service. If you have access to a T.D.D., call
1-800-543-7916 for investment information or specific account questions and
transactions.
Trustees and Officers
Daniel Pierce*
President and Trustee
Henry P. Becton, Jr.
Trustee; President and General Manager, WGBH Educational Foundation
Dudley H. Ladd*
Trustee
George M. Lovejoy, Jr.
Trustee; President and Director,
Fifty Associates
Wesley W. Marple, Jr.
Trustee; Professor of Business Administration, Northeastern University
Juris Padegs*
Trustee
Jean C. Tempel
Trustee; General Partner,
TL Ventures
Bruce F. Beaty*
Vice President
Jerard K. Hartman*
Vice President
Robert T. Hoffman*
Vice President
Thomas W. Joseph*
Vice President
David S. Lee*
Vice President
Valerie F. Malter*
Vice President
Thomas F. McDonough*
Vice President, Secretary and
Assistant Treasurer
Pamela A. McGrath*
Vice President and Treasurer
Edward J. O'Connell*
Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
Coleen Downs Dinneen*
Assistant Secretary
*Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.
17
<PAGE>
Scudder tax-advantaged retirement plans
Scudder offers a variety of tax-advantaged retirement plans for individuals,
businesses and non-profit organizations. These flexible plans are designed for
use with the Scudder Family of Funds (except Scudder tax-free funds, which are
inappropriate for such plans). Scudder Funds offer a broad range of investment
objectives and can be used to seek almost any investment goal. Using Scudder's
retirement plans can help shareholders save on current taxes while building
their retirement savings.
o Scudder No-Fee IRAs. These retirement plans allow a maximum annual
contribution of $2,000 per person for anyone with earned income. Many
people can deduct all or part of their contributions from their taxable
income, and all investment earnings accrue on a tax deferred basis. The
Scudder No-Fee IRA charges no annual custodial fee.
o 401(k) Plans. 401(k) plans allow employers and employees to make
tax-deductible retirement contributions. Scudder offers a full service
program that includes recordkeeping, prototype plan, employee
communications and trustee services, as well as investment options.
o Profit Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans. These plans allow
corporations, partnerships and people who are self-employed to make annual,
tax-deductible contributions of up to $30,000 for each person covered by
the plans. Plans may be adopted individually or paired to maximize
contributions. These are sometimes known as Keogh plans.
o 403(b) Plans. Retirement plans for tax-exempt organizations and school
systems to which employers and employees may both contribute.
o SEP-IRAs. Easily administered retirement plans for small businesses and
self-employed individuals. The maximum annual contribution to SEP-IRA
accounts is adjusted each year for inflation.
o Scudder Horizon Plan. A no-load variable annuity that lets you build assets
by deferring taxes on your investment earnings. You can start with $2,500
or more.
Scudder Trust Company (an affiliate of the Adviser) is Trustee or Custodian for
some of these plans and is paid an annual fee for some of the above retirement
plans. For information about establishing a Scudder No-Fee IRA, SEP-IRA, Profit
Sharing Plan, Money Purchase Pension Plan or a Scudder Horizon Plan, please call
1-800-225-2470. For information about 401(k)s or 403(b)s please call
1-800-323-6105. To effect transactions in existing IRA, SEP-IRA, Profit Sharing
or Pension Plan accounts, call 1-800-225-5163.
The variable annuity contract is provided by Charter National Life Insurance
Company (in New York State, Intramerica Life Insurance Company [S 1802]). The
contract is offered by Scudder Insurance Agency, Inc. (in New York State, Nevada
and Montana, Scudder Insurance Agency of New York, Inc.). CNL, Inc. is the
Principal Underwriter. Scudder Horizon Plan is not available in all states.
18
<PAGE>
Investment Products and Services
The Scudder Family of Funds
Money market
Scudder Cash Investment Trust
Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund
Tax free money market+
Scudder Tax Free Money Fund
Scudder California Tax Free Money Fund*
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund*
Tax free+
Scudder California Tax Free Fund*
Scudder High Yield Tax Free Fund
Scudder Limited Term Tax Free Fund
Scudder Managed Municipal Bonds
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund*
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund*
Scudder Medium Term Tax Free Fund
Scudder New York Tax Free Fund*
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund*
Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund*
Income
Scudder Emerging Markets Income Fund
Scudder Global Bond Fund
Scudder GNMA Fund
Scudder High Yield Bond Fund
Scudder Income Fund
Scudder International Bond Fund
Scudder Short Term Bond Fund
Scudder Zero Coupon 2000 Fund
Growth and Income
Scudder Balanced Fund
Scudder Growth and Income Fund
Growth
Scudder Capital Growth Fund
Scudder Classic Growth Fund
Scudder Development Fund
Scudder Emerging Markets Growth Fund
Scudder Global Discovery Fund
Scudder Global Fund
Scudder Gold Fund
Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund
Scudder International Fund
Scudder Latin America Fund
Scudder Micro Cap Fund
Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund
Scudder Quality Growth Fund
Scudder Small Company Value Fund
Scudder 21st Century Growth Fund
Scudder Value Fund The Japan Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------
Closed-end Funds#
The Argentina Fund, Inc.
The Brazil Fund, Inc.
The First Iberian Fund, Inc.
The Korea Fund, Inc.
The Latin America Dollar Income Fund, Inc.
Montgomery Street Income Securities, Inc.
Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc.
Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc.
Scudder World Income Opportunities Fund, Inc.
--------------------------------------------------------
Retirement Plans and
Tax-Advantaged Investments
IRAs
Keogh Plans
Scudder Horizon Plan*+++ (a variable annuity)
401(k) Plans
403(b) Plans
SEP-IRAs
Profit Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans
--------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Cash Management
Scudder Institutional Fund, Inc.
Scudder Fund, Inc.
Scudder Treasurers Trust(TM)++
For complete information on any of the above Scudder funds, including management
fees and expenses, call or write for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before
you invest or send money. +A portion of the income from the tax-free funds may
be subject to federal, state and local taxes. *Not available in all states. +++A
no-load variable annuity contract provided by Charter National Life Insurance
Company and its affiliate, offered by Scudder's insurance agencies,
1-800-225-2470. #Funds advised by Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. and traded on
various stock exchanges. ++An institutional cash management service that
utilizes certain portfolios of Scudder Fund, Inc. ($100,000 minimum). Call
1-800-541-7703 for information.
19
<PAGE>
How to contact Scudder
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <C>
Account Service and Information: Please address all correspondence to:
The Scudder Funds
For existing account service Scudder Investor Relations P.O. Box 2291
and transactions 1-800-225-5163 Boston, Massachusetts
02107-2291
For personalized information Scudder Automated
about your Scudder accounts; Information Line (SAIL) Visit the Scudder World Wide Web Site at:
exchanges and redemptions; or 1-800-343-2890 http://funds.scudder.com
information on any Scudder fund
Investment Information: Or Stop by a Scudder Funds Center:
To receive information about Scudder Investor Relations Many shareholders enjoy the personal, one-on-one
the Scudder funds, for 1-800-225-2470 service of the Scudder Funds Centers. Check for a
additional applications and Funds Center near you--they can be found in the
prospectuses, or for following cities:
investment questions
For establishing 401(k) and Scudder Defined Boca Raton New York
403(b) plans Contribution Services Boston Portland, OR
1-800-323-6105 Chicago San Diego
Cincinnati San Francisco
Los Angeles Scottsdale
For information on Scudder Treasurers Trust(TM), For information on Scudder Institutional Funds*, funds
an institutional cash management service for corporations, designed to meet the broad investment management and
non-profit organizations and trusts which utilizes service needs of banks and other institutions, call:
certain portfolios of Scudder Fund, Inc.* ($100,000 1-800-854-8525.
minimum), call: 1-800-541-7703.
Scudder Investor Relations and Scudder Funds Centers are services provided through Scudder
Investor Services, Inc., Distributor.
* Contact Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Distributor, to receive a
prospectus with more complete information, including management fees and
expenses. Please read it carefully before you invest or send money.
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE>
SCUDDER CLASSIC GROWTH FUND
A Pure No-Load(TM) (No Sales Charges) Mutual Fund Seeking
Long-Term Growth of Capital with Reduced Share Price
Volatility Compared to Other Capital Growth Mutual Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
September 9, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should
be read in conjunction with the prospectus of Scudder Classic Growth Fund dated
September 9, 1996, as amended from time to time, copies of which may be obtained
without charge by writing to Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two International
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
<S> <C> <C>
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES.........................................................................1
General Investment Objectives and Policies...................................................................1
Specialized Investment Techniques............................................................................3
Investment Restrictions.....................................................................................12
PURCHASES............................................................................................................14
Additional Information About Opening An Account.............................................................14
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments..................................................15
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments by AutoBuy.......................................15
Checks......................................................................................................16
Wire Transfer of Federal Funds..............................................................................16
Share Price.................................................................................................16
Share Certificates..........................................................................................16
Other Information...........................................................................................16
EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS............................................................................................17
Exchanges...................................................................................................17
Redemption by Telephone.....................................................................................18
Redemption by AutoSell......................................................................................18
Redemption by Mail or Fax...................................................................................19
Redemption-in-Kind..........................................................................................19
Other Information...........................................................................................19
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND............................................................................20
The Pure No-Load(TM) Concept................................................................................20
Dividend and Capital Gain Distribution Options..............................................................21
Scudder Funds Centers.......................................................................................22
Reports to Shareholders.....................................................................................22
Transaction Summaries.......................................................................................22
THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS..........................................................................................22
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS................................................................................................26
Scudder Retirement Plans: Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans for Corporations and
Self-Employed Individuals..............................................................................26
Scudder 401(k): Cash or Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan for Corporations and Self-Employed Individuals.........26
Scudder IRA: Individual Retirement Account.................................................................27
Scudder 403(b) Plan.........................................................................................28
Automatic Withdrawal Plan...................................................................................28
Group or Salary Deduction Plan..............................................................................28
Automatic Investment Plan...................................................................................28
Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act.......................................................................29
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS............................................................................29
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..............................................................................................29
Average Annual Total Return.................................................................................30
Cumulative Total Return.....................................................................................30
Total Return................................................................................................30
Capital Change..............................................................................................30
Comparison of Portfolio Performance.........................................................................30
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND.............................................................................................34
i
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Page
INVESTMENT ADVISER...................................................................................................35
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser............................................................37
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS................................................................................................38
REMUNERATION.........................................................................................................39
DISTRIBUTOR..........................................................................................................40
TAXES................................................................................................................41
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS...............................................................................................45
Brokerage Commissions.......................................................................................45
Portfolio Turnover..........................................................................................46
NET ASSET VALUE......................................................................................................46
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...............................................................................................47
Experts.....................................................................................................47
Other Information...........................................................................................47
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.................................................................................................48
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE>
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
(See "Investment objective and policies" in the Fund's prospectus.)
Scudder Classic Growth Fund (the "Fund") is a series of Scudder
Investment Trust (the "Trust"); the Fund is a pure no-load(TM), diversified,
open-end management investment company which continuously offers and redeems
shares at net asset value. The Fund is a company of the type commonly known as a
mutual fund.
General Investment Objectives and Policies
The Fund's investment objectives are to seek long-term growth of
capital and to keep the value of its shares more stable than other growth mutual
funds. This diversified equity fund is designed for investors looking to grow
their investment principal over time for retirement and other long-term needs.
While current income is not a stated objective of the Fund, many of the Fund's
securities may provide regular dividends, which are also expected to grow over
time.
While the Fund is broadly-diversified and conservatively managed, with
attention paid to stock valuation and risk, its share price will move up and
down with changes in the general level of financial markets. Accordingly,
shareholders should be comfortable with stock market risk and view the Fund as a
long-term investment.
Except as otherwise indicated, the Fund's investment objectives and
policies are not fundamental and may be changed without a vote of shareholders.
Shareholders will receive written notice of any change in the Fund's investment
objective. If there is a change in 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 objectives will be met.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in a
diversified portfolio of common stocks which the Fund's investment adviser,
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. (the "Adviser"), believes offers above-average
appreciation potential yet, as a portfolio, offers the potential for less share
price volatility than other growth mutual funds.
In seeking such investments, the Adviser focuses its investment in high
quality, medium-to-large sized U.S. companies with leading competitive
positions. Using in-depth fundamental company research along with proprietary
financial quality, stock rating and risk measures, the Adviser looks for
companies with strong and sustainable earnings growth, a proven ability to add
value over time, and reasonable stock market valuations. These companies often
have important business franchises, leading products, services or technologies,
or dominant marketing and distribution systems.
Scudder Classic Growth Fund's investment approach centers on
identifying a group of stocks with both attractive return potential and moderate
risk. In order to serve the Fund's dual objectives, the Fund's managers avoid
"high-expectation" stocks--stocks with tremendous performance potential but
whose prices can quickly tumble on earnings disappointments. Additionally, the
portfolio managers select stocks with higher average market capitalizations and
lower average price-earnings ratios than those held by the average growth fund.
In general, a fund comprised of stocks with lower P/E ratios will exhibit less
volatility over time. The portfolio managers will use portfolio construction
techniques to reduce overall portfolio risk. Although individual securities may
experience price volatility, the Fund will be managed for reduced share price
fluctuation in comparison to other growth funds.
The Fund allocates its investments among different industries and
companies, and adjusts its portfolio securities based on long-term investment
considerations as opposed to short-term trading. While the Fund emphasizes U.S.
investments, it can commit a portion of assets to the equity securities of
foreign growth companies that meet the criteria applicable to domestic
investments.
While the Fund invests primarily in common stocks, it can purchase
other types of equity securities including securities convertible into common
stocks, preferred stocks, rights and warrants. The Fund's policy is to remain
substantially invested in these securities, which may be listed on national
securities exchanges or, less commonly, trade over-the-counter. Also, the Fund
<PAGE>
may engage in strategic transactions. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund
may invest without limit in high quality money market securities, including U.S.
Treasury bills, repurchase agreements, commercial paper, certificates of deposit
issued by domestic and foreign branches of U.S. banks, bankers' acceptances, and
other debt securities, such as U.S. Government obligations and corporate debt
instruments when the Adviser deems such a position advisable in light of
economic or market conditions. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets
in debt securities when the Adviser anticipates that the capital appreciation on
debt securities is likely to equal or exceed the capital appreciation on common
stocks over a selected time, such as during periods of unusually high interest
rates. As interest rates fall, the prices of debt securities tend to rise. The
Fund may also invest in money market securities in anticipation of meeting
redemptions or paying Fund expenses. More information about investment
techniques is provided under "Specialized investment techniques."
Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest up to 25% of the Fund's
assets in listed and unlisted foreign securities. 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 United States securities and which may favorably or unfavorably
affect the Fund's performance. As foreign companies are not generally subject to
uniform accounting and 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 stock markets, while growing in volume of trading
activity, have substantially less volume than the New York Stock Exchange (the
"Exchange"), and securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of domestic companies. Similarly, volume and liquidity
in most foreign markets are less than the volume and liquidity in the United
States and at times, volatility of price can be greater than in the United
States. Further, foreign markets have different clearance and settlement
procedures and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have
been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions making it
difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in
temporary periods when assets of the Fund are uninvested and no return is earned
thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to
settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment
opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement
problems either could result in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in
value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to
sell the security, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Payment
for securities without delivery may be required in certain foreign markets.
Fixed commissions on some foreign stock exchanges are generally higher than
negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, 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 judgments in foreign courts. There is generally less government
supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, stock exchanges,
brokers and listed companies than in the United States. It may be more difficult
for the Fund's agents to keep currently informed about corporate actions such as
stock dividends or other matters which may affect the prices of portfolio
securities. Communications between the United States and foreign countries may
be less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of
delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for
portfolio securities. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries,
there is the possibility of nationalization, expropriation, the imposition of
withholding or confiscatory taxes, political, social, or economic instability,
or diplomatic developments which could affect United States investments in those
countries. Investments in foreign securities may also entail certain risks, such
as possible currency blockages or transfer restrictions, and the difficulty of
enforcing rights in other countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may
differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States economy in such respects
as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment,
resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
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.
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Specialized Investment Techniques
Foreign Currencies. The Fund may invest in foreign securities. 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 futures contracts on foreign
currencies, 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 in
connection with conversions between various currencies. 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 forward or
futures contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies.
Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest indirectly in securities of emerging
country issuers through sponsored or unsponsored American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), International Depositary Receipts
("IDRs") and other types of Depositary Receipts (which, together with ADRs, GDRs
and IDRs are hereinafter referred to as "Depositary Receipts"). Depositary
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 Depositary 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 Depositary
Receipts. ADRs are Depositary Receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign
corporation. GDRs, IDRs and other types of Depositary Receipts are typically
issued by foreign banks or trust companies, although they also may 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. Certain Depositary
Receipts may not be listed on an exchange and therefore may be illiquid
securities.
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 appreciation, the
Fund may invest in debt securities including bonds of private issuers and
supranational organizations. Portfolio debt investments will be selected on the
basis of, among other things, credit quality, and the fundamental outlooks for
currency, economic and interest rate trends, taking into account the ability to
hedge a degree of currency or local bond price risk. The Fund may purchase
"investment-grade" bonds, rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's") or AAA, AA, A or BBB by Standard & Poor's ("S&P") or, if
unrated, judged to be of equivalent quality as determined by the Adviser.
Strategic Transactions and Derivatives. The Fund may, but is not required to,
utilize various other investment strategies as described below to hedge various
market risks (such as interest rates, currency exchange rates, and broad or
specific equity or fixed-income market movements), to manage the effective
maturity or duration of the fixed-income securities in the Fund's portfolio, or
to enhance 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. Techniques and instruments may change over time as new
instruments and strategies are developed or regulatory changes occur.
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 financial instruments,
purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options thereon, enter into
various interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars, and
enter into various currency transactions such as currency forward contracts,
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currency futures contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies or currency
futures (collectively, all the above are called "Strategic Transactions").
Strategic Transactions may be used without limit to attempt to protect against
possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased
for the Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange
rate fluctuations, to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its
portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment
purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of the fixed-income
securities in the Fund's portfolio, or to establish a position in the
derivatives markets as a temporary substitute for purchasing or selling
particular securities. Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to enhance
potential gain although no more than 5% of the Fund's assets will be committed
to Strategic Transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes. Any or all of
these investment techniques may be used at any time and in any combination, and
there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather
than another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous
variables including market conditions. The ability of the Fund to utilize these
Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on the Adviser's ability to
predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. The Fund will
comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing these
strategies, techniques and instruments. Strategic Transactions involving
financial futures and options thereon will be purchased, sold or entered into
only for bona fide hedging, risk management or portfolio management purposes and
not for speculative purposes.
Strategic Transactions, including derivative contracts, have risks
associated with them including possible default by the other party to the
transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the Adviser's view as to certain
market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic
Transactions could result in losses greater than if they had not been used. Use
of put and call options may result in losses to the Fund, force the sale or
purchase of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices higher than
(in the case of put options) or lower than (in the case of call options) current
market values, limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on its
investments or cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The
use of currency transactions can result in the Fund incurring losses as a result
of a number of factors including the imposition of exchange controls, suspension
of settlements, or the inability to deliver or receive a specified currency. The
use of options and futures transactions entails certain other risks. In
particular, the variable degree of correlation between price movements of
futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio position of the
Fund creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be
greater than gains in the value of the Fund's position. In addition, futures and
options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances and certain
over-the-counter options may have no markets. As a result, in certain markets,
the Fund might not be able to close out a transaction without incurring
substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of futures and options
transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a
decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to limit
any potential gain which might result from an increase in value of such
position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts
would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of
options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium.
Losses resulting from the use of Strategic Transactions would reduce net asset
value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if the Strategic
Transactions had not been utilized.
General Characteristics of Options. Put options and call options typically have
similar structural characteristics and operational mechanics regardless of the
underlying instrument on which they are purchased or sold. Thus, the following
general discussion relates to each of the particular types of options discussed
in greater detail below. In addition, many Strategic Transactions involving
options require segregation of Fund assets in special accounts, as described
below under "Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts."
A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a
premium, the right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying
security, commodity, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price.
For instance, the Fund's purchase of a put option on a security might be
designed to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some
cases, a similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value
by giving the Fund the right to sell such instrument at the option exercise
price. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the
option the right to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying
instrument at the exercise price. The Fund's purchase of a call option on a
security, financial future, index, currency or other instrument might be
intended to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of the underlying
instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by fixing the price at
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which it may purchase such instrument. An American style put or call option may
be exercised at any time during the option period while a European style put or
call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior
thereto. The Fund is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed options and
over-the-counter options ("OTC options"). Exchange listed options are issued by
a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), which
guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to such options.
The discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable to other
financial intermediaries.
With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options
generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency,
although in the future cash settlement may become available. Index options and
Eurodollar instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the
option is "in-the-money" (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument
exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put
option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised.
Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument
through the process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by
entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in
ownership of the new option.
The Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller
of an OCC or exchange listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the
liquidity of the option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a
liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in
certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii)
trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options or underlying securities including
reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations 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
agreement with the Counterparty. 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 they are 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 are determined to be of equivalent
credit quality by the Adviser. The staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") currently takes the position that OTC options purchased
by the Fund, and portfolio securities "covering" the amount of the Fund's
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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 its assets in illiquid securities. The Fund can invest
no more than 10% of its 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, corporate debt
securities, equity securities (including convertible securities), and on
securities indices and futures contracts other than futures on individual
corporate debt and individual equity securities. The Fund may also purchase and
sell put options in foreign sovereign debt, Eurodollar instruments and
currencies. The Fund will not sell put options if, as a result, more than 50% of
the Fund's assets would be required to be segregated to cover its potential
obligations under such put options other than those with respect to futures and
options thereon. In selling put options, there is a risk that the Fund may be
required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price above the
market price.
General Characteristics of Futures. The Fund may enter into financial futures
contracts or purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as a hedge
against anticipated interest rate or equity market changes, for duration
management and for risk management purposes. In addition, the Fund may enter
into financial futures contracts or purchase or sell put and call options on
such futures as a hedge against anticipated currency market changes. Futures are
generally bought and sold on the commodities exchanges where they are listed
with payment of initial and variation margin as described below. The sale of a
futures contract creates a firm obligation by the Fund, as seller, to deliver to
the buyer the specific type of financial instrument called for in the contract
at a specific future time for a specified price (or, with respect to index
futures and Eurodollar instruments, the net cash amount). Options on futures
contracts are similar to options on securities except that an option on a
futures contract gives the purchaser the right in return for the premium paid to
assume a position in a futures contract and obligates the seller to deliver such
position.
The Fund's use of financial 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 only for bona fide hedging, risk management (including duration
management) or other portfolio management purposes. Typically, maintaining a
futures contract or selling an option thereon requires the Fund to deposit with
a financial intermediary as security for its obligations an amount of cash or
other specified assets (initial margin) which initially is typically 1% to 10%
of the face amount of the contract (but may be higher in some circumstances).
Additional cash or assets (variation margin) may be required to be deposited
thereafter on a daily basis as the mark to market value of the contract
fluctuates. The purchase of an option on financial 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
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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 in order to hedge 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 a NRSRO or (except for OTC currency options)
are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser.
The Fund's dealings in forward currency contracts and other currency
transactions such as futures, options, options on futures and swaps 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 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 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
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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. The Fund is subject to currency transactions
risks different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency
control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences
economic planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related
instruments can be negatively affected by government exchange controls,
blockages, and manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments.
These can result in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive
currency or funds in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it
has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as
well as incurring transaction costs. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are
subject to the same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Further,
settlement of a currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies
must occur at a bank based in the issuing nation. Trading options on currency
futures is relatively new, and the ability to establish and close out positions
on such options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market which may not
always be available. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors
extrinsic to that country's economy.
Combined Transactions. The Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including
multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions, multiple currency
transactions (including forward currency contracts) and multiple interest rate
transactions and any combination of futures, options, currency and interest rate
transactions ("component" transactions), instead of a single Strategic
Transaction, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the opinion of
the Adviser, it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. A combined
transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of
its component transactions. Although combined transactions are normally entered
into based on the Adviser's judgment that the combined strategies will reduce
risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management
goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or
hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars. Among the Strategic Transactions into which the
Fund may enter are interest rate, currency and index swaps and the purchase or
sale of related caps, floors and collars. The Fund expects to enter into these
transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment
or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency fluctuations, as a
duration management technique or to protect against any increase in the price of
securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. The Fund intends to
use these transactions as hedges and not as speculative investments and will not
sell interest rate caps or floors where they do not own securities or other
instruments providing the income stream the Fund may be obligated to pay.
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g., an exchange of floating
rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a notional amount of
principal. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows on a notional
amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value differential among
them and an index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on a notional amount
based on changes in the values of the reference indices. The purchase of a cap
entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from
the party selling such cap to the extent that a specified index exceeds a
predetermined interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor entitles the
purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party
selling such floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a
predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a
floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest
rates or values.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two
payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as these swaps, caps,
floors and collars are entered into for good faith hedging purposes, the Adviser
and the Fund believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and, accordingly, will not
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treat them as being subject to its borrowing restrictions. The Fund will not
enter into any swap, cap, floor or collar transaction unless, at the time of
entering into such transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the
Counterparty, combined with any credit enhancements, is rated at least A by S&P
or Moody's or has an equivalent rating from a NRSRO or is determined to be of
equivalent credit quality by the Adviser. If there is a default by the
Counterparty, the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements
related to the transaction. The swap market has grown substantially in recent
years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as
principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result,
the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more
recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not yet been fully
developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
Eurodollar Instruments. The Fund may make investments in Eurodollar instruments.
Eurodollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts or options
thereon which are linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"),
although foreign currency-denominated instruments are available from time to
time. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for
the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. The Fund
might use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against
changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed income instruments
are linked.
Risks of Strategic Transactions Outside the U.S. When conducted outside the
U.S., Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as in the U.S.,
may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to
the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign
securities, currencies and other instruments. The value of such positions also
could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and
economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the U.S. of data on which to
make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon economic
events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the U.S., (iv)
the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and
margin requirements than in the U.S., and (v) lower trading volume and
liquidity.
Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts. Many Strategic Transactions, in
addition to other requirements, require that the Fund segregates liquid high
grade assets with its custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company (the
"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 high grade 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 liquid high-grade
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 liquid
high grade 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 liquid high grade assets equal to the exercise price.
Except when the Fund enters into a forward contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a particular currency, which requires no
segregation, a currency contract which obligates the Fund to buy or sell
currency will generally require the Fund to hold an amount of that currency or
liquid securities denominated in that currency equal to the Fund's obligations
or to segregate liquid high grade 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
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<PAGE>
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, 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 possible 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,
liquid 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 high grade
securities 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.
The Fund's activities involving Strategic Transactions may be limited
by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), for qualification as a regulated investment company. (See
"TAXES.")
Convertible Securities. The Fund may invest in convertible securities which are
bonds, notes, debentures, preferred stocks, and other securities which are
convertible into common stocks. Investments in convertible securities can
provide income through interest and dividend payments and/or an opportunity for
capital appreciation by virtue of their conversion or exchange features.
The convertible securities in which the Fund may invest may be
converted or exchanged at a stated or determinable exchange ratio into
underlying shares of common stock. The exchange ratio for any particular
convertible security may be adjusted from time to time due to stock splits,
dividends, spin-offs, other corporate distributions, or scheduled changes in the
exchange ratio. Convertible debt securities and convertible preferred stocks,
until converted, have general characteristics similar to both debt and equity
securities. Although to a lesser extent than with debt securities generally, the
market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates
increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In
addition, because of the conversion or exchange feature, the market value of
convertible securities typically changes as the market value of the underlying
common stocks changes, and, therefore, also tends to follow movements in the
general market for equity securities. A unique feature of convertible securities
is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible
securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis and so may not experience
market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When
the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the
convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the
underlying common stock, although typically not as much as the underlying common
stock. While no securities investments are without risk, investments in
convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common
stock of the same issuer.
As fixed income securities, convertible securities are investments
which provide for a stream of income (or in the case of zero coupon securities,
accretion of income) with generally higher yields than common stocks. Of course,
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like all fixed income securities, there can be no assurance of income or
principal payments because the issuers of the convertible securities may default
on their obligations. Convertible securities generally offer lower yields than
non-convertible securities of similar quality because of their conversion or
exchange features.
Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but
non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, as
corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity
securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock, of the
same issuer. However, because of the subordination feature, convertible bonds
and convertible preferred stock typically have lower ratings than similar
non-convertible securities.
Convertible securities may be issued as fixed income obligations that
pay current income or as zero coupon notes and bonds, including Liquid Yield
Option Notes (LYONs). Zero coupon securities pay no cash income and are sold at
substantial discounts from their value at maturity. When held to maturity, their
entire income, which consists of accretion of discount, comes from the
difference between the purchase price and their value at maturity. Zero coupon
convertible securities offer the opportunity for capital appreciation as
increases (or decreases) in market value of such securities closely follow the
movements in the market value of the underlying common stock. Zero coupon
convertible securities generally are expected to be less volatile than the
underlying common stocks as they usually are issued with shorter maturities (15
years or less) and are issued with options and/or redemption features
exercisable by the holder of the obligation entitling the holder to redeem the
obligation and receive a defined cash payment.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with member
banks of the Federal Reserve System, any foreign bank or with any domestic or
foreign 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.
A repurchase agreement provides a means for the Fund to earn income on
funds for periods as short as overnight. It is an arrangement under which the
purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires a security ("Obligation") and the seller
agrees, at the time of sale, to repurchase the Obligation at a specified time
and price. Securities subject to a repurchase agreement are held in a segregated
account and the value of such securities kept at least equal to the repurchase
price on a daily basis. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase
price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase
prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to the Fund together
with the repurchase price upon repurchase. In either case, the income to the
Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the Obligation itself. Obligations
will be held by the Custodian or in the Federal Reserve Book Entry system.
For purposes of the 1940 Act a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a
loan from the Fund to the seller of the Obligation subject to the repurchase
agreement and is therefore subject to the Fund's investment restriction
applicable to loans. It is not clear whether a court would consider the
Obligation purchased by the Fund subject to a repurchase agreement as being
owned by the Fund or as being collateral for a loan by the Fund to the seller.
In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with
respect to the seller of the Obligation before repurchase of the Obligation
under a repurchase agreement, the Fund may encounter delay and incur costs
before being able to sell the security. Delays may involve loss of interest or
decline in 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.
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A repurchase agreement with foreign banks may be available with respect to
government securities of the particular foreign jurisdiction, and such
repurchase agreements involve risks similar to repurchase agreements with U.S.
entities.
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
Securities Act of 1933 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.
Generally speaking, restricted securities may be sold only to qualified
institutional buyers, or in a privately negotiated transaction to a limited
number of purchasers, or 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, or in a public offering for which a registration statement is
in effect under the Securities Act of 1933. The Fund may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933 when selling restricted
securities to the public, and in such event the Fund may be liable to purchasers
of such securities if such sale is made in violation of the 1933 Act or if the
registration statement prepared by the issuer, or the prospectus forming a part
of it, is materially inaccurate or misleading.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may seek to increase its return by
lending portfolio securities. Under present regulatory policies, including those
of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the SEC, such loans
may be made to member firms of the Exchange, and would be required to be secured
continuously by collateral in cash, U.S. Government securities or other 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
would have 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 would continue
to receive the equivalent of the interest paid by the issuer on the securities
loaned and would 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 would be made only to firms
deemed by the Adviser to be of good standing, and when, in the judgment of the
Adviser, the consideration which can be earned currently from securities loans
of this type justifies the attendant risk. If the Fund determines to make
securities loans, the value of the securities loaned will not exceed 30% of the
value of the Fund's total assets at the time any loan is made.
Investment Restrictions
Unless specified to the contrary, the following restrictions may not be
changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of the Fund which, under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder and as used in
this Statement of Additional Information, 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.
Any investment restrictions herein which involve a maximum percentage
of securities or assets shall not be considered to be violated unless an excess
over the percentage occurs immediately after and is caused by an acquisition or
encumbrance of securities or assets of, or borrowings by, the Fund.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
(1) with respect to 75% of its total assets, taken at market
value, purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of any one issuer or invest more than 5% of the
value of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer,
except for investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. Government, or its agencies or instrumentalities and
except securities of other investment companies;
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(2) borrow money, except as a temporary measure for extraordinary
or emergency purposes or except in connection with reverse
repurchase agreements; provided that the Fund maintains asset
coverage of 300% for all borrowings;
(3) purchase or sell real estate, except that the Fund may invest
in (i) securities of companies which deal in real estate or
mortgages, and (ii) securities secured by real estate or
interests therein, and 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; or purchase or sell
physical commodities, or contracts relating to physical
commodities;
(4) act as an underwriter of securities issued by others, except
that it may be deemed an underwriter in connection with the
disposition of portfolio securities of the Fund;
(5) make loans to other persons, except (a) loans of portfolio
securities, and (b) to the extent that the entry into
repurchase agreements and the purchase of debt securities in
accordance with its investment objective and investment
policies may be deemed to be loans;
(6) issue senior securities except as appropriate to evidence
indebtedness which it is permitted to incur and except for
shares of the separate classes or series of the Trust,
provided that collateral arrangements with respect to
currency-related contracts, futures contracts, option or other
permitted investments, including deposits of initial and
variation margin, are not considered to be the issuance of
senior securities for purposes of this restriction;
(7) purchase any securities which would cause more than 25% of the
market value of its total assets at the time of such purchase
to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers having
their principal business activities in the same industry,
provided that there is no limitation in respect to investments
in the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities (for
the purposes of this restriction, telephone companies are
considered to be a separate industry from gas and electric
public utilities, and wholly-owned finance companies are
considered to be in the industry of their parents if their
activities are primarily related to financing the activities
of their parents).
As a matter of nonfundamental policy, the Fund may not:
(a) make short sales of securities or purchase any securities on
margin, except for such short-term credits as are necessary
for the clearance of transactions;
(b) purchase or retain for the Fund the securities of any issuer
if those officers and Trustees of the Trust, or partners and
officers of its investment adviser, who individually own more
than 1/2 of 1% of the outstanding securities of such issuer,
together own more than 5% of such outstanding securities;
(c) purchase from or sell to any of the officers and Trustees of
the Trust, its investment adviser, its principal underwriter
or the officers, directors, and partners of its investment
adviser or principal underwriter, portfolio securities of the
Fund;
(d) invest more than 10% of the Fund's total assets in securities
which are not readily marketable, the disposition of which is
restricted under Federal securities laws, or in repurchase
agreements not terminable within 7 days;
(e) purchase securities of any issuer with a record of less than
three years continuous operation, including predecessors, and
equity securities of issuers that are not readily marketable,
except obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government
or its agencies if such purchase would cause the investments
of the Fund in all such issuers to exceed 5% of the value of
the total assets of the Fund;
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(f) invest its assets in securities of other open-end investment
companies, but may invest in closed-end investment companies
when such purchases are made in the open market where no
commission or profit to a sponsor or dealer result from such
purchase other than the customary broker's commission, if
after such purchase (a) the Fund would own no more than 3%
of the total outstanding voting stock of such investment
company, (b) no more than 5% of the Fund's total assets
would be invested in the securities of any single investment
company, (c) no more than 10% of the Fund's total assets
would be invested in the securities of investment companies
in the aggregate, or (d) all the investment companies
advised by the Adviser would own no more than 10% of the
total outstanding voting stock of any closed-end company;
provided that this restriction shall not preclude
acquisition of investment company securities by dividend,
exchange offer or reorganization. To the extent that the
Fund invests in shares of other investment companies,
additional fees and expenses may be deducted from such
investments in addition to those incurred by the Fund;
(g) purchase or sell real estate and real estate limited
partnership interests, but this shall not prevent the Fund
from investing in securities secured by real estate or
interest therein;
(h) purchase or sell commodities, commodities contracts or oil,
gas or other mineral exploration or development programs or
leases (although it may invest in issuers which own or invest
in such interests);
(i) buy options on securities or financial instruments unless the
aggregate premiums paid on all such options held by a Fund at
any time do not exceed 20% of that Fund's net assets; or sell
put options on securities if, as a result, the aggregate value
of the obligations underlying such put options would exceed
50% of a Fund's net assets;
(j) enter into futures contracts or purchase options thereon
unless immediately after the purchase, the value of the
aggregate initial margin with respect to all futures contracts
entered into on behalf of a Fund and the premiums paid for
options on futures contracts does not exceed 5% of the fair
market value of that 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;
(k) purchase warrants of any issuer if, as a result more than 2%
of the value of the total assets of the Fund would be invested
in warrants which are not listed on the New York Stock
Exchange or the American Stock Exchange, or more than 5% of
the value of the total assets of the Fund would be invested in
warrants acquired by the Fund in units with or attached to
debt securities; and
(l) pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except as provided
in subparagraph (j), above, and except that, to secure
borrowings permitted by subparagraph (1) above, it may pledge
an amount not exceeding 15% of the Fund's total assets taken
at cost.
PURCHASES
(See "Purchases" and "Transaction information" in the
Fund's prospectus.)
Additional Information About Opening An Account
Clients having a regular investment counsel account with the Adviser or
its affiliates and members of their immediate families, officers and employees
of the Adviser or of any affiliated organization and their immediate families,
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") and
banks may, if they prefer, subscribe initially for at least $2,500 of Fund
shares through Scudder Investor Services, Inc. by letter, fax, TWX, or
telephone.
Shareholders of other Scudder funds who have submitted an account
application and have certified a Tax Identification Number, clients having a
regular investment counsel account with the Adviser or its affiliates and
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members of their immediate families, officers and employees of the Adviser or of
any affiliated organization and their immediate families, members of the NASD,
and banks may open an account by wire. These investors must call 1-800-225-5163
to get an account number. During the call the investor will be asked to indicate
the Fund name, amount to be wired ($2,500 minimum), name of bank or trust
company from which the wire will be sent, the exact registration of the new
account, the tax identification or social security number, address and telephone
number. The investor must then call the bank to arrange a wire transfer to The
Scudder Funds, Boston, MA 02110, ABA Number 011000028, DDA Account Number
9903-5552. The investor must give the Scudder fund name, account name and the
new account number. Finally, the investor must send the completed and signed
application to the Fund promptly.
The minimum initial purchase amount is less than $2,500 under certain
special plan accounts.
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments
Subsequent purchase orders for $10,000 or more and for an amount not
greater than four times the value of the shareholder's account may be placed by
telephone, fax, etc. by established shareholders (except by Scudder Individual
Retirement Account (IRA), Scudder pension and profit sharing, Scudder 401(k) and
Scudder 403(b) Plan holders), members of the NASD, and banks. Orders placed in
this manner may be directed to any Scudder Investor Services, Inc. office listed
in the Fund's prospectus. A two-part invoice of the purchase will be mailed out
promptly following receipt of a request to buy. Payment should be attached to a
copy of the invoice for proper identification. Federal regulations require that
payment be received within three business days. If payment is not received
within that time, the shares may be canceled. In the event of such cancellation
or cancellation at the purchaser's request, the purchaser will be responsible
for any loss incurred by the Fund or the principal underwriter by reason of such
cancellation. If the purchaser is a shareholder, the Fund shall have the
authority, as agent of the shareholder, to redeem shares in the account in order
to reimburse the Fund or the principal underwriter for the loss incurred. Net
losses on such transactions which are not recovered from the purchaser will be
absorbed by the principal underwriter. Any net profit on the liquidation of
unpaid shares will accrue to the Fund.
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments by AutoBuy
Shareholders, whose predesignated bank account of record is a member of
the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) and who have elected to participate
in the AutoBuy program, may purchase shares of the Fund by telephone. Through
this service shareholders may purchase up to $250,000 but not less than $250. To
purchase shares by AutoBuy, shareholders should call before 4 p.m. eastern time.
Proceeds in the amount of your purchase will be transferred from your bank
checking account two or three business days following your call. For requests
received by the close of regular trading on the Exchange, shares will be
purchased at the net asset value per share calculated at the close of trading on
the day of your call. AutoBuy requests received after the close of regular
trading on the Exchange will begin their processing and be purchased at the net
asset value calculated the following business day. If you purchase shares by
AutoBuy and redeem them within seven days of the purchase, the Fund may hold the
redemption proceeds for a period of up to seven business days. If you purchase
shares and there are insufficient funds in your bank account the purchase will
be canceled and you will be subject to any losses or fees incurred in the
transaction. AutoBuy transactions are not available for Scudder IRA accounts and
most other retirement plan accounts.
In order to request purchases by AutoBuy, shareholders must have
completed and returned to the Transfer Agent the application, including the
designation of a bank account from which the purchase payment will be debited.
New investors wishing to establish AutoBuy may so indicate on the application.
Existing shareholders who wish to add AutoBuy to their account may do so by
completing an AutoBuy Enrollment Form. After sending in an enrollment form
shareholders should allow for 15 days for this service to be available.
The Fund employs procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine. and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that the Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due
to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Fund will not be
liable for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably
believes to be genuine.
15
<PAGE>
Checks
A certified check is not necessary, but checks are only accepted
subject to collection at full face value in U.S. funds and must be drawn on, or
payable through, a U.S. bank.
If shares of the Fund are purchased by a check which proves to be
uncollectible, the Fund reserves the right to cancel the purchase immediately
and the purchaser will be responsible for any loss incurred by the Fund or the
principal underwriter by reason of such cancellation. If the purchaser is a
shareholder, the Fund shall have the authority, as agent of the shareholder, to
redeem shares in the account in order to reimburse the Fund or the principal
underwriter for the loss incurred. Investors whose orders have been canceled may
be prohibited from or restricted in placing future orders in any of the Scudder
funds.
Wire Transfer of Federal Funds
To obtain the net asset value determined as of the close of regular
trading on the Exchange, on a selected day, your bank must forward federal funds
by wire transfer and provide the required account information so as to be
available to the Fund prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange
(normally 4 p.m. eastern time).
The bank sending an investor's federal funds by bank wire may charge
for the service. Presently, the Distributor pays a fee for receipt by the
Custodian of "wired funds," but the right to charge investors for this service
is reserved.
Boston banks are closed on certain local holidays although the Exchange
may be open. These holidays include Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (the 3rd Monday
in January), Columbus Day (the 2nd Monday in October) and Veterans Day (November
11). Investors are not able to purchase shares by wiring federal funds on such
holidays because the Custodian is not open to receive such funds on behalf of
the Fund.
Share Price
Purchases will be filled without sales charge at the net asset value
next computed after receipt of the application in good order. Net asset value
normally will be computed as of the close of regular trading on each day the
Exchange is open for trading. Orders received after the close of regular trading
on the Exchange will be executed at the next business day's net asset value. If
the order has been placed by a member of the NASD, other than the Distributor,
it is the responsibility of that member broker, rather than the Fund, to forward
the purchase order to Scudder Service Corporation (the "Transfer Agent") in
Boston by the close of regular trading on the Exchange.
Share Certificates
Due to the desire of Fund management to afford ease of redemption,
certificates will not be issued to indicate ownership in the Fund.
Other Information
If purchases or redemptions of the Fund's shares are arranged and
settlement is made through a member of the NASD, other than the Distributor,
that member may, at its discretion, charge a fee for that service. The Board of
Directors and the Distributor, the Fund's principal underwriter, each has the
right to limit the amount of purchases 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., certification of exempt status from exempt investors), will be returned
to the investor.
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<PAGE>
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.
EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
(See "Exchanges and redemptions" and "Transaction information" in
the Fund's prospectus.)
Exchanges
Exchanges are comprised of a redemption from one Scudder fund and a
purchase into another Scudder fund. The purchase side of the exchange either may
be an additional investment into an existing account or may involve opening a
new account in the other fund. When an exchange involves a new account, the new
account will be established with the same registration, tax identification
number, address, telephone redemption option, "Scudder Automated Information
Line" (SAIL) transaction authorization and dividend option as the existing
account. Other features will not carry over automatically to the new account.
Exchanges to a new fund account must be for a minimum of $2,500. When an
exchange represents an additional investment into an existing account, the
account receiving the exchange proceeds must have identical registration,
address, and account options/features as the account of origin. Exchanges into
an existing account must be for $100 or more. If the account receiving the
exchange proceeds is to be different in any respect, the exchange request must
be in writing and must contain an original signature guarantee as described
under "Transaction Information--Redeeming shares--Signature guarantees" in the
Fund's prospectus.
Exchange orders received before the close of regular trading on the
Exchange on any business day ordinarily will be executed at the net asset value
determined on that day. Exchange orders received after the close of regular
trading on the Exchange will be executed on the following business day.
Investors may also request, at no extra charge, to have exchanges
automatically executed on a predetermined schedule from one Scudder fund to an
existing account in another Scudder fund at current net asset value through
Scudder's Automatic Exchange Program. Exchanges must be for a minimum of $50.
Shareholders may add this free feature over the phone or in writing. Automatic
exchanges will continue until the shareholder requests by phone or in writing to
have the feature removed, or until the originating account is depleted. The
Trust and the Transfer Agent each reserve the right to suspend or terminate the
privilege of the Automatic Exchange Program at any time.
There is no charge to the shareholder for any exchange described above.
An exchange into another Scudder fund is a redemption of shares, and therefore
may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder, and the
proceeds of such an exchange may be subject to backup withholding. (See
"TAXES.")
Investors currently receive the exchange privilege, including exchange
by telephone, automatically without having to elect it. The Fund employs
procedures, including recording telephone calls, testing a caller's identity,
and sending written confirmation of telephone transactions, designed to give
reasonable assurance that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine,
and to discourage fraud. To the extent that the Fund does not follow such
procedures, it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
telephone instructions. The Fund will not be liable for acting upon instructions
communicated by telephone that they reasonably believe to be genuine. The Fund
and the Transfer Agent each reserve the right to suspend or terminate the
privilege of exchanging by telephone or fax at any time.
The Scudder funds into which investors may make an exchange are listed
under "THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS" herein. Before making an exchange,
shareholders should obtain from the Distributor a prospectus of the Scudder fund
into which the exchange is being contemplated.
Scudder retirement plans may have different exchange requirements.
Please refer to appropriate plan literature.
17
<PAGE>
Redemption by Telephone
Shareholders currently receive the right, automatically without having
to elect it, to redeem by telephone up to $50,000 and have the proceeds mailed
to their address of record. Shareholders may request to have the proceeds mailed
or wired to their predesignated bank account. In order to request redemptions by
telephone, shareholders must have completed and returned to the Transfer Agent
the application, including the designation of a bank account to which the
redemption proceeds are to be sent.
(a) NEW INVESTORS wishing to establish telephone redemption to a
predesignated bank account must complete the appropriate section
on the application.
(b) EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS (except those who are Scudder IRA, Scudder
Pension and Profit-Sharing, Scudder 401(k) and Scudder 403(b)
Planholders) who wish to establish telephone redemption to a
predesignated bank account or who want to change the bank account
previously designated to receive redemption proceeds should
either return a Telephone Redemption Option Form (available upon
request) or send a letter identifying the account and specifying
the exact information to be changed. The letter must be signed
exactly as the shareholder's name(s) appears on the account. An
original signature and an original signature guarantee are
required for each person in whose name the account is registered.
If a request for redemption to a shareholder's bank account is made by
telephone or fax, payment will be by Federal Reserve bank wire to the bank
account designated on the application, unless a request is made that the
redemption check be mailed to the designated bank account. There will be a $5
charge for all wire redemptions.
Note: Investors designating a savings bank to receive their telephone redemption
proceeds are advised that if the savings bank is not a participant in the
Federal Reserve System, redemption proceeds must be wired through a commercial
bank which is a correspondent of the savings bank. As this may delay receipt by
the shareholder's account, it is suggested that investors wishing to use a
savings bank discuss wire procedures with their bank and submit any special wire
transfer information with the telephone redemption authorization. If appropriate
wire information is not supplied, redemption proceeds will be mailed to the
designated bank.
The Fund employs procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that the Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due
to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Fund will not be
liable for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably
believes to be genuine.
Redemption requests by telephone (technically a repurchase by agreement
between the Fund and the shareholder) of shares purchased by check will not be
accepted until the purchase check has cleared which may take up to seven
business days.
Redemption by AutoSell
Shareholders, whose predesignated bank account of record is a member of
the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) and who have elected to participate
in the AutoSell program may sell shares of the Fund by telephone. To sell shares
by AutoSell, shareholders should call before 4 p.m. eastern time. Redemptions
must be for at least $250. Proceeds in the amount of your redemption will be
transferred to your bank checking account two or three business days following
your call. For requests received by the close of regular trading on the
Exchange, shares will be redeemed at the net asset value per share calculated at
the close of trading on the day of your call. AutoSell requests received after
the close of regular trading on the Exchange will begin their processing and be
redeemed at the net asset value calculated the following business day. AutoSell
transactions are not available for Scudder IRA accounts and most other
retirement plan accounts.
18
<PAGE>
In order to request redemptions by AutoSell, shareholders must have
completed and returned to the Transfer Agent the application, including the
designation of a bank account from which the purchase payment will be debited.
New investors wishing to establish AutoSell may so indicate on the application.
Existing shareholders who wish to add AutoSell to their account may do so by
completing an AutoSell Enrollment Form. After sending in an enrollment form,
shareholders should allow for 15 days for this service to be available.
The Fund employs procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that the Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due
to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Fund will not be
liable for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably
believes to be genuine.
Redemption by Mail or Fax
In order to ensure proper authorization before redeeming shares, the
Transfer Agent may request documents such as, but not restricted to, stock
powers, trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor,
certificates of corporate authority and waivers of tax required in some states
when settling estates.
It is suggested that shareholders holding shares registered in other
than individual names contact the Transfer Agent prior to any redemptions to
ensure that all necessary documents accompany the request. When shares are held
in the name of a corporation, trust, fiduciary agent, attorney or partnership,
the Transfer Agent requires, in addition to the stock power, certified evidence
of authority to sign. These procedures are for the protection of shareholders
and should be followed to ensure prompt payment. Redemption requests must not be
conditional as to date or price of the redemption. Proceeds of a redemption will
be sent within seven business days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a
request for redemption that complies with the above requirements. Delays of more
than seven days of payment for shares tendered for repurchase or redemption may
result, but only until the purchase check has cleared.
The requirements for IRA redemptions are different from those for
regular accounts. For more information call 1-800-225-5163.
Redemption-in-Kind
The Trust 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
Trust 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 the Fund at the beginning of the
period.
Other Information
Clients, officers or employees of the Adviser or of an affiliated
organization, and members of such clients', officers' or employees' immediate
families, banks and members of the NASD may direct repurchase requests to the
Fund through Scudder Investor Services, Inc. at Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110-4103 by letter, fax, TWX, or telephone. A two-part
confirmation will be mailed out promptly after receipt of the repurchase
request. A written request in good order with a proper original signature
guarantee, as described in the Fund's prospectus under "Transaction
information--Signature guarantees," should be sent with a copy of the invoice to
Scudder Funds, c/o Scudder Confirmed Processing, Two International Place,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103. Failure to deliver shares or required
documents (see above) by the settlement date may result in cancellation of the
trade and the shareholder will be responsible for any loss incurred by the Fund
or the principal underwriter by reason of such cancellation. Net losses on such
transactions which are not recovered from the shareholder will be absorbed by
the principal underwriter. Any net gains so resulting will accrue to the Fund.
For this group, repurchases will be carried out at the net asset value next
19
<PAGE>
computed after such repurchase requests have been received. The arrangements
described in this paragraph for repurchasing shares are discretionary and may be
discontinued at any time.
If a shareholder redeems all shares in the account after the record
date of a dividend, the shareholder receives in addition to the net asset value
thereof, all declared but unpaid dividends thereon. The value of shares redeemed
or repurchased may be more or less than the shareholder's cost depending on the
net asset value at the time of redemption or repurchase. The Fund does not
impose a repurchase charge, although a wire charge may be applicable for
redemption proceeds wired to an investor's bank account. Redemption of shares,
including redemptions undertaken to effect an exchange for shares of another
Scudder fund, may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder
and the proceeds of such redemptions may be subject to backup withholding. (See
"TAXES.")
Shareholders who wish to redeem shares from Special Plan Accounts
should contact the employer, trustee or custodian of the Plan for the
requirements.
The determination of net asset value and a shareholder's right to
redeem shares and to receive payment may be suspended at times (a) during which
the Exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, (b)
during which trading on the Exchange is restricted for any reason, (c) during
which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of
securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably
practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or (d)
during which the SEC by order permits a suspension of the right of redemption or
a postponement of the date of payment or of redemption; provided that applicable
rules and regulations of the SEC (or any succeeding governmental authority)
shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b), (c) or (d) exist.
Shareholders should maintain a share balance worth at least $2,500
($1,000 for IRAs, Uniform Gift to Minor Act, and Uniform Trust to Minor Act
accounts), which amount may be changed by the Board of Trustees. Scudder
retirement plans have similar or lower minimum balance requirements. A
shareholder may open an account with at least $1,000 ($500 for an UGMA, UTMA,
IRA and other retirement accounts), if an automatic investment plan (AIP) of
$100/month ($50/month for an UGMA, UTMA, IRA and other retirement accounts) is
established.
Shareholders who maintain a non-fiduciary account balance of less than
$2,500 in the Fund, without establishing an AIP, will be assessed an annual
$10.00 per fund charge with the fee to be reinvested in the Fund. The $10.00
charge will not apply to shareholders with a combined household account balance
in any of the Scudder Funds of $25,000 or more. The Fund reserves the right,
following 60 days' written notice to shareholders, to redeem all shares in
accounts below $250, including accounts of new investors, where a reduction in
value has occurred due to a redemption or exchange out of the account. The Fund
will mail the proceeds of the redeemed account to the shareholder at the address
of record. Reductions in value that result solely from market activity will not
trigger an involuntary redemption. UGMA, UTMA, IRA and other retirement accounts
will not be assessed the $10.00 charge or be subject to automatic liquidation.
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND
(See "Shareholder benefits" in the Fund's prospectus.)
The Pure No-Load(TM) Concept
Investors are encouraged to be aware of the full ramifications of
mutual fund fee structures, and of how Scudder distinguishes its funds from the
vast majority of mutual funds available today. The primary distinction is
between load and no-load funds.
Load funds generally are defined as mutual funds that charge a fee for
the sale and distribution of fund shares. There are three types of loads:
front-end loads, back-end loads, and asset-based Rule 12b-1 fees. 12b-1 fees are
distribution-related fees charged against fund assets and are distinct from
service fees, which are charged for personal services and/or maintenance of
shareholder accounts. Asset-based sales charges and service fees are typically
paid pursuant to distribution plans adopted under 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
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<PAGE>
A front-end load is a sales charge, which can be as high as 8.50% of
the amount invested. A back-end load is a contingent deferred sales charge,
which can be as high as 8.50% of either the amount invested or redeemed. The
maximum front-end or back-end load varies, and depends upon whether or not a
fund also charges a 12b-1 fee and/or a service fee or offers investors various
sales-related services such as dividend reinvestment. The maximum charge for a
12b-1 fee is 0.75% of a fund's average annual net assets, and the maximum charge
for a service fee is 0.25% of a fund's average annual net assets.
A no-load fund does not charge a front-end or back-end load, but can
charge a small 12b-1 fee and/or service fee against fund assets. Under the NASD
Rules of Fair Practice, a mutual fund can call itself a "no-load" fund only if
the 12b-1 fee and/or service fee does not exceed 0.25% of a fund's average
annual net assets.
Because Scudder funds do not pay any asset-based sales charges or
service fees, Scudder developed and trademarked the phrase pure no-load(TM) to
distinguish Scudder funds from other no-load mutual funds. Scudder pioneered the
no-load concept when it created the nation's first no-load fund in 1928, and
later developed the nation's first family of no-load mutual funds.
The following chart shows the potential long-term advantage of
investing $10,000 in a Scudder pure no-load fund over investing the same amount
in a load fund that collects an 8.50% front-end load, a load fund that collects
only a 0.75% 12b-1 and/or service fee, and a no-load fund charging only a 0.25%
12b-1 and/or service fee. The hypothetical figures in the chart show the value
of an account assuming a constant 10% rate of return over the time periods
indicated and reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
======================== ====================== ====================== ====================== ======================
Scudder No-Load Fund with
YEARS Pure No-Load(TM)Fund 8.50% Load Fund Load Fund with 0.75% 0.25% 12b-1 Fee
12b-1 Fee
======================== ====================== ====================== ====================== ======================
10 $25,937 $23,733 $24,222 $25,354
======================== ====================== ====================== ====================== ======================
15 41,772 38,222 37,698 40,371
======================== ====================== ====================== ====================== ======================
20 67,275 61,557 58,672 64,282
======================== ====================== ====================== ====================== ======================
</TABLE>
Investors are encouraged to review the fee tables on page 2 of the
Fund's prospectus for more specific information about the rates at which
management fees and other expenses are assessed.
Dividend and Capital Gain Distribution Options
Investors have freedom to choose whether to receive cash or to reinvest
any dividends from net investment income or distributions from realized capital
gains in additional shares of the Fund. A change of instructions for the method
of payment must be given to the Transfer Agent in writing at least five days
prior to a dividend record date. Shareholders may change their dividend option
by calling 1-800-225-5163 or by sending written instructions to the Transfer
Agent. Please include your account number with your written request. See "How to
Contact Scudder" in the Fund's prospectus for the address.
Reinvestment is usually made at the closing net asset value determined
on the business day following the record date. Investors may leave standing
instructions with the Transfer Agent designating their option for either
reinvestment or cash distribution of any income dividends or capital gains
distributions. If no election is made, dividends and distributions will be
invested in additional shares of the Fund.
21
<PAGE>
Investors may also have dividends and distributions automatically
deposited in their predesignated bank account through Scudder's
DistributionsDirect Program. Shareholders who elect to participate in the
DistributionsDirect Program, and whose predesignated checking account of record
is with a member bank of the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) can have
income and capital gain distributions automatically deposited to their personal
bank account usually within three business days after the Fund pays its
distribution. A DistributionsDirect request form can be obtained by calling
1-800-225-5163. Confirmation statements will be mailed to shareholders as
notification that distributions have been deposited.
Investors choosing to participate in Scudder's Automatic Withdrawal
Plan must reinvest any dividends or capital gains. For most retirement plan
accounts, the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains is also required.
Scudder Funds Centers
Investors may visit any of the Centers maintained by the Distributor
listed in the Fund's prospectus. The Centers are designed to provide individuals
with services during any business day. Investors may pick up literature or find
assistance with opening an account, adding monies or special options to existing
accounts, making exchanges within the Scudder Family of Funds, redeeming shares
or opening retirement plans. Checks should not be mailed to the Centers but
should be mailed to "The Scudder Funds" at the address listed under "How to
contact Scudder" in the prospectus.
Reports to Shareholders
The Fund issues to its shareholders unaudited semiannual financial
statements and annual financial statements audited by independent accountants,
including a list of investments held and statements of assets and liabilities,
operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights. Each distribution
will be accompanied by a brief explanation of the source of the distribution.
Transaction Summaries
Annual summaries of all transactions in each Fund account are available
to shareholders. The summaries may be obtained by calling 1-800-225-5163.
THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS
(See "Investment products and services" in the Fund's prospectus.)
The Scudder Family of Funds is America's first family of mutual funds
and the nation's oldest family of no-load mutual funds. To assist investors in
choosing a Scudder fund, descriptions of the Scudder funds' objectives follow.
Initial purchases in each Scudder fund must be at least $2,500 or $1,000 in the
case of IRAs. Subsequent purchases must be for $100 or more. Minimum investments
for special plan accounts may be lower.
MONEY MARKET
Scudder Cash Investment Trust ("SCIT") seeks to maintain the stability
of capital, and consistent therewith, to maintain the liquidity of
capital and to provide current income through investment in a
supervised portfolio of short-term debt securities. SCIT intends to
seek to maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share,
although in certain circumstances this may not be possible.
Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund seeks to provide safety, liquidity and
stability of capital and consistent therewith to provide current income
through investment in a supervised portfolio of U.S. Government and
U.S. Government guaranteed obligations with maturities of not more than
762 calendar days. The Fund intends to seek to maintain a constant net
asset value of $1.00 per share, although in certain circumstances this
may not be possible.
22
<PAGE>
INCOME
Scudder Emerging Markets Income Fund seeks to provide high current
income and, secondarily, long-term capital appreciation through
investments primarily in high-yielding debt securities issued in
emerging markets.
Scudder Global Bond Fund seeks to provide total return with an emphasis
on current income by investing primarily in high-grade bonds
denominated in foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. As a secondary
objective, the Fund will seek capital appreciation.
Scudder GNMA Fund seeks to provide investors with high current income
from a portfolio of high-quality GNMA securities.
Scudder High Yield Bond Fund seeks to provide a high level of current
income and, secondarily, capital appreciation through investment
primarily in below investment grade domestic debt securities.
Scudder Income Fund seeks to earn a high level of income consistent
with the prudent investment of capital through a flexible investment
program emphasizing high-grade bonds.
Scudder International Bond Fund seeks to provide income from a
portfolio of high-grade bonds denominated in foreign currencies. As a
secondary objective, the Fund seeks protection and possible enhancement
of principal value by actively managing currency, bond market and
maturity exposure and by security selection.
Scudder Short Term Bond Fund seeks to provide a higher and more stable
level of income than is normally provided by money market investments,
and more price stability than investments in intermediate- and
long-term bonds.
Scudder Zero Coupon 2000 Fund seeks to provide as high an investment
return over a selected period as is consistent with the minimization of
reinvestment risks through investments primarily in zero coupon
securities.
TAX FREE MONEY MARKET
Scudder Tax Free Money Fund ("STFMF") is designed to provide investors
with income exempt from regular federal income tax while seeking
stability of principal. STFMF seeks to maintain a constant net asset
value of $1.00 per share, although in certain circumstances this may
not be possible.
Scudder California Tax Free Money Fund* is designed to provide
California taxpayers income exempt from California state and regular
federal income taxes, and seeks stability of capital and the
maintenance of a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share, although
in certain circumstances this may not be possible.
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund* is designed to provide New York
taxpayers income exempt from New York state, New York City and regular
federal income taxes, and seeks stability of capital and the
maintenance of a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share, although
in certain circumstances this may not be possible.
- --------------------
* These funds are not available for sale in all states. For information,
contact Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
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<PAGE>
TAX FREE
Scudder High Yield Tax Free Fund seeks to provide high income which is
exempt from regular federal income tax by investing in investment-grade
municipal securities.
Scudder Limited Term Tax Free Fund seeks to provide as high a level of
income exempt from regular federal income tax as is consistent with a
high degree of principal stability.
Scudder Managed Municipal Bonds seeks to provide income which is exempt
from regular federal income tax primarily through investments in
long-term municipal securities with an emphasis on high quality.
Scudder Medium Term Tax Free Fund seeks to provide a high level of
income free from regular federal income taxes and to limit principal
fluctuation by investing in high-grade municipal securities of
intermediate maturities.
Scudder California Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide income exempt from
both California and regular federal income taxes through the
professional and efficient management of a portfolio consisting of
California state, municipal and local government obligations.
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide as
high a level of income exempt from Massachusetts personal and regular
federal income tax as is consistent with a high degree of principal
stability.
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide income exempt
from both Massachusetts and regular federal income taxes through the
professional and efficient management of a portfolio consisting of
Massachusetts state, municipal and local government obligations.
Scudder New York Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide income exempt from New
York state, New York City and regular federal income taxes through the
professional and efficient management of a portfolio consisting of
investments in New York state, municipal and local government
obligations.
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide income exempt from both
Ohio and regular federal income taxes through the professional and
efficient management of a portfolio consisting of Ohio state, municipal
and local government obligations.
Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide income exempt from
both Pennsylvania and regular federal income taxes through a portfolio
consisting of Pennsylvania state, municipal and local government
obligations.
GROWTH AND INCOME
Scudder Balanced Fund seeks to provide a balance of growth and income,
as well as long-term preservation of capital, from a diversified
portfolio of equity and fixed income securities.
Scudder Growth and Income Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of
capital, current income, and growth of income through a portfolio
invested primarily in common stocks and convertible securities by
companies which offer the prospect of growth of earnings while paying
current dividends.
- --------------------
* These funds are not available for sale in all states. For information,
contact Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
24
<PAGE>
GROWTH
Scudder Capital Growth Fund seeks to maximize long-term growth of
capital through a broad and flexible investment program emphasizing
common stocks.
Scudder Classic Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital with
reduced share price volatility compared to other growth mutual funds.
Scudder Development Fund seeks to achieve long-term growth of capital
primarily through investments in marketable securities, principally
common stocks, of relatively small or little-known companies which in
the opinion of management have promise of expanding their size and
profitability or of gaining increased market recognition for their
securities, or both.
Scudder Emerging Markets Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital
primarily through equity investment in emerging markets around the
globe.
Scudder Global Discovery Fund seeks above-average capital appreciation
over the long term by investing primarily in the equity securities of
small companies located throughout the world.
Scudder Global Fund seeks long-term growth of capital primarily through
a diversified portfolio of marketable equity securities selected on a
worldwide basis. It may also invest in debt securities of U.S.
and foreign issuers. Income is an incidental consideration.
Scudder Gold Fund seeks maximum return (principal change and income)
consistent with investing in a portfolio of gold-related equity
securities and gold.
Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital
through investments primarily in the equity securities of European
companies.
Scudder International Fund seeks long-term growth of capital through
investment principally in a diversified portfolio of marketable equity
securities selected primarily to permit participation in non-U.S.
companies and economies with prospects for growth. It also invests in
fixed-income securities of foreign governments and companies, with a
view toward total investment return.
Scudder Latin America Fund seeks to provide long-term capital
appreciation through investment primarily in the securities of Latin
American issuers.
Scudder Micro Cap Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by investing
primarily in a diversified portfolio of U.S. micro-cap stocks.
Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund seeks long-term growth of capital
through investment primarily in the equity securities of Pacific Basin
companies, excluding Japan.
Scudder Quality Growth Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of
capital through investment primarily in the equity securities of
seasoned, financially strong U.S. growth companies.
Scudder Small Company Value Fund invests for long-term growth of
capital by seeking out undervalued stocks of small U.S. companies.
Scudder 21st Century Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by
investing primarily in securities of emerging growth companies poised
to be leaders in the 21st century.
Scudder Value Fund seeks long-term growth of capital through investment
in undervalued equity securities.
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<PAGE>
The Japan Fund, Inc. seeks capital appreciation through investment
in Japanese securities, primarily in common stocks of Japanese
companies.
The net asset values of most Scudder Funds can be found daily in the
"Mutual Funds" section of The Wall Street Journal under "Scudder Funds," and in
other leading newspapers throughout the country. Investors will notice the net
asset value and offering price are the same, reflecting the fact that no sales
commission or "load" is charged on the sale of shares of the Scudder Funds. The
latest seven-day yields for the money-market funds can be found every Monday and
Thursday in the "Money-Market Funds" section of The Wall Street Journal. This
information also may be obtained by calling the Scudder Automated Information
Line (SAIL) at 1-800-343-2890.
The Scudder Family of Funds offers many conveniences and services,
including: active professional investment management; broad and diversified
investment portfolios; pure no-load funds with no commissions to purchase or
redeem shares or Rule 12b-1 distribution fees; individual attention from a
service representative of Scudder Investor Relations; easy telephone exchanges
into other Scudder funds; shares redeemable at net asset value at any time.
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS
(See "Scudder tax-advantaged retirement plans," "Purchases--By
Automatic Investment Plan" and "Exchanges and redemptions--By
Automatic Withdrawal Plan" in the Fund's prospectus.)
Detailed information on any Scudder investment plan, including the
applicable charges, minimum investment requirements and disclosures made
pursuant to Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") requirements, may be obtained
by contacting Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110-4103 or by calling toll free, 1-800-225-2470. It is
advisable for an investor considering the funding of the investment plans
described below to consult with an attorney or other investment or tax adviser
with respect to the suitability requirements and tax aspects thereof.
Shares of the Fund may also be a permitted investment under profit
sharing and pension plans and IRA's other than those offered by the Fund's
distributor depending on the provisions of the relevant plan or IRA.
None of the plans assures a profit or guarantees protection against
depreciation, especially in declining markets.
Scudder Retirement Plans: Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase
Pension Plans for Corporations and Self-Employed Individuals
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as the investment medium under a
plan in the form of a Scudder Profit-Sharing Plan (including a version of the
Plan which includes a cash-or-deferred feature) or a Scudder Money Purchase
Pension Plan (jointly referred to as the Scudder Retirement Plans) adopted by a
corporation, a self-employed individual or a group of self-employed individuals
(including sole proprietorships and partnerships), or other qualifying
organization. Each of these forms was approved by the IRS as a prototype. The
IRS's approval of an employer's plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code will be greatly facilitated if it is in such approved form. Under
certain circumstances, the IRS will assume that a plan, adopted in this form,
after special notice to any employees, meets the requirements of Section 401(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code.
Scudder 401(k): Cash or Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan
for Corporations and Self-Employed Individuals
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as the investment medium under a
plan in the form of a Scudder 401(k) Plan adopted by a corporation, a
self-employed individual or a group of self-employed individuals (including sole
proprietors and partnerships), or other qualifying organization. This plan has
been approved as a prototype by the IRS.
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<PAGE>
Scudder IRA: Individual Retirement Account
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as the underlying investment for an
Individual Retirement Account which meets the requirements of Section 408(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code.
A single individual who is not an active participant in an
employer-maintained retirement plan, a simplified employee pension plan, or a
tax-deferred annuity program (a "qualified plan"), and a married individual who
is not an active participant in a qualified plan and whose spouse is also not an
active participant in a qualified plan, are eligible to make tax deductible
contributions of up to $2,000 to an IRA prior to the year such individual
attains age 70 1/2. In addition, certain individuals who are active participants
in qualified plans (or who have spouses who are active participants) are also
eligible to make tax-deductible contributions to an IRA; the annual amount, if
any, of the contribution which such an individual will be eligible to deduct
will be determined by the amount of his, her, or their adjusted gross income for
the year. Whenever the adjusted gross income limitation prohibits an individual
from contributing what would otherwise be the maximum tax-deductible
contribution he or she could make, the individual will be eligible to contribute
the difference to an IRA in the form of nondeductible contributions.
An eligible individual may contribute as much as $2,000 of qualified
income (earned income or, under certain circumstances, alimony) to an IRA each
year (up to $2,250 for married couples if one spouse has earned income of no
more than $250). All income and capital gains derived from IRA investments are
reinvested and compound tax-deferred until distributed. Such tax-deferred
compounding can lead to substantial retirement savings.
The table below shows how much individuals would accumulate in a fully
tax-deductible IRA by age 65 (before any distributions) if they contribute
$2,000 at the beginning of each year, assuming average annual returns of 5, 10,
and 15%. (At withdrawal, accumulations in this table will be taxable.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Value of IRA at Age 65
Assuming $2,000 Deductible Annual Contribution
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting
Age Annual Rate of Return
of ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributions 5% 10% 15%
- ---------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------
25 $253,680 $973,704 $4,091,908
35 139,522 361,887 999,914
45 69,439 126,005 235,620
55 26,414 35,062 46,699
This next table shows how much individuals would accumulate in non-IRA
accounts by age 65 if they start with $2,000 in pretax earned income at the
beginning of each year (which is $1,380 after taxes are paid), assuming average
annual returns of 5, 10 and 15%. (At withdrawal, a portion of the accumulation
in this table will be taxable.)
Value of a Non-IRA Account at
Age 65 Assuming $1,380 Annual Contributions
(post tax, $2,000 pretax) and a 31% Tax Bracket
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting
Age Annual Rate of Return
of ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributions 5% 10% 15%
- ---------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------
25 $119,318 $287,021 $741,431
35 73,094 136,868 267,697
45 40,166 59,821 90,764
55 16,709 20,286 24,681
</TABLE>
27
<PAGE>
Scudder 403(b) Plan
Shares of the Fund may also be purchased as the underlying investment
for tax sheltered annuity plans under the provisions of Section 403(b)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code. In general, employees of tax-exempt organizations
described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (such as hospitals,
churches, religious, scientific, or literary organizations and educational
institutions) or a public school system are eligible to participate in a 403(b)
plan.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan
Non-retirement plan shareholders may establish an Automatic Withdrawal
Plan to receive monthly, quarterly or periodic redemptions from his or her
account for any designated amount of $50 or more. Payments are mailed at the end
of each month. The check amounts may be based on the redemption of a fixed
dollar amount, fixed share amount, percent of account value or declining
balance. The Plan provides for income dividends and capital gains distributions,
if any, to be reinvested in additional shares. Shares are then liquidated as
necessary to provide for withdrawal payments. Since the withdrawals are in
amounts selected by the investor and have no relationship to yield or income,
payments received cannot be considered as yield or income on the investment and
the resulting liquidations may deplete or possibly extinguish the initial
investment. Requests for increases in withdrawal amounts or to change payee must
be submitted in writing, signed exactly as the account is registered and contain
signature guarantee(s) as described under "Transaction information--Redeeming
shares--Signature guarantees" in the Fund's prospectus. Any such requests must
be received by the Fund's transfer agent by the 15th of the month in which such
change is to take effect. An Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any
time by the shareholder, the Trust or its agent on written notice, and will be
terminated when all shares of the Fund under the Plan have been liquidated or
upon receipt by the Trust of notice of death of the shareholder.
An Automatic Withdrawal Plan request form can be obtained by calling
1-800-225-5163.
Group or Salary Deduction Plan
An investor may join a Group or Salary Deduction Plan where
satisfactory arrangements have been made with Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
for forwarding regular investments through a single source. The minimum annual
investment is $240 per investor which may be made in monthly, quarterly,
semiannual or annual payments. The minimum monthly deposit per investor is $20.
Except for trustees or custodian fees for certain retirement plans, at present
there is no separate charge for maintaining group or salary deduction plans;
however, the Trust and its agents reserve the right to establish a maintenance
charge in the future depending on the services required by the investor.
The Trust reserves the right, after notice has been given to the
shareholder, to redeem and close a shareholder's account in the event that the
shareholder ceases participating in the group plan prior to investment of $2,500
per individual or in the event of a redemption which occurs prior to the
accumulation of that amount or which reduces the account value to less than
$2,500 and the account value is not increased to $2,500 within a reasonable time
after notification. An investor in a plan who has not purchased shares for six
months shall be presumed to have stopped making payments under the plan.
Automatic Investment Plan
Shareholders may arrange to make periodic investments through automatic
deductions from checking accounts by completing the appropriate form and
providing the necessary documentation to establish this service. The minimum
investment is $50.
The Automatic Investment Plan involves an investment strategy called
dollar cost averaging. Dollar cost averaging is a method of investing whereby a
specific dollar amount is invested at regular intervals. By investing the same
dollar amount each period, when shares are priced low the investor will purchase
more shares than when the share price is higher. Over a period of time this
investment approach may allow the investor to reduce the average price of the
shares purchased. However, this investment approach does not assure a profit or
28
<PAGE>
protect against loss. This type of regular investment program may be suitable
for various investment goals such as, but not limited to, college planning or
saving for a home.
Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act
Grandparents, parents or other donors may set up custodian accounts for
minors. The minimum initial investment is $1,000 unless the donor agrees to
continue to make regular share purchases for the account through Scudder's
Automatic Investment Plan (AIP). In this case, the minimum initial investment is
$500.
The Trust reserves the right, after notice has been given to the
shareholder and custodian, to redeem and close a shareholder's account in the
event that regular investments to the account cease before the $1,000 minimum is
reached.
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
(See "Distribution and performance
information--Dividends and capital gains
distributions" in the Fund's prospectus.)
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 an amount of capital gain and/or
ordinary income required to be distributed by an excise tax provision of the
Code, it may be subject to such tax. (See "TAXES.") In certain circumstances,
the Fund may determine that it is in the interest of shareholders to distribute
less than such an 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 dividend paid deduction on its federal tax return.
The Trust intends to distribute the Fund's investment company taxable
income and any net realized capital gains in November or December to avoid
federal excise tax, although an additional distribution may be made if
necessary. Both types of distributions will be made in shares of the Fund and
confirmations will be mailed to each shareholder unless a shareholder has
elected to receive cash, in which case a check will be sent. Distributions of
investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains are taxable
(See "TAXES"), whether made in shares or cash.
Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. The characterization of distributions on such
correspondence may differ from the characterization for federal tax purposes. In
January of each year the Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the
federal income tax status of all distributions in the prior calendar year.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
(See "Distribution and performance information--Performance
information" in the Fund's prospectus.)
From time to time, quotations of the Fund's 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:
29
<PAGE>
Average Annual Total Return
Average annual total return is the average annual compound rate of
return for the periods of one year and the life of the Fund, ended on the last
day of a recent calendar quarter. Average annual total return quotations reflect
changes in the price of the Fund's shares and assume that all dividends and
capital gains distributions during the respective periods were reinvested in
Fund 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:
T = Average Annual Total Return
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
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.
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 Fund's shares and
assume that all dividends and capital gains distributions during the period were
reinvested in Fund shares. Cumulative total return is calculated by finding the
cumulative rate 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.
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.
Capital Change
Capital change measures the return from invested capital including
reinvested capital gains distributions. Capital change does not include the
reinvestment of income dividends.
Quotations of the Fund's performance are historical and are not
intended to indicate future performance. An investor's shares when redeemed may
be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance of the Fund will
vary based on changes in market conditions and the level of the Fund's expenses.
Comparison of Portfolio Performance
A comparison of the quoted non-standard performance offered for various
investments is valid only if performance is calculated in the same manner. Since
there are different methods of calculating performance, investors should
consider the effects of the methods used to calculate performance when comparing
performance of the Fund with performance quoted with respect to other investment
companies or types of investments.
30
<PAGE>
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. Examples include, but are not limited to the Dow Jones
Industrial Average, the Consumer Price Index, Standard & Poor's 500 Composite
Stock Price Index (S&P 500), the NASDAQ OTC Composite Index, the NASDAQ
Industrials Index, the Russell 2000 Index, and statistics published by the Small
Business Administration.
From time to time, in advertising and marketing literature, the Fund's
performance may be compared to the performance of broad groups of mutual funds
with similar investment goals, as tracked by independent organizations such as,
Investment Company Data, Inc. ("ICD"), Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
("Lipper"), CDA Investment Technologies, Inc. ("CDA"), Morningstar, Inc., Value
Line Mutual Fund Survey and other independent organizations. When these
organizations' tracking results are used, the Fund will be compared to the
appropriate fund category, that is, by fund objective and portfolio holdings, or
to the appropriate volatility grouping, where volatility is a measure of a
fund's risk. For instance, a Scudder growth fund will be compared to funds in
the growth fund category; a Scudder income fund will be compared to funds in the
income fund category; and so on. Scudder funds (except for money market funds)
may also be compared to funds with similar volatility, as measured statistically
by independent organizations.
From time to time, in marketing and other Fund literature, Trustees and
officers of the Fund, the Fund's portfolio manager, or members of the portfolio
management team may be depicted and quoted to give prospective and current
shareholders a better sense of the outlook and approach of those who manage the
Fund. In addition, the amount of assets that the Adviser has under management in
various geographical areas may be quoted in advertising and marketing materials.
The Fund may be advertised as an investment choice in Scudder's college
planning program. The description may contain illustrations of projected future
college costs based on assumed rates of inflation and examples of hypothetical
fund performance, calculated as described above.
Statistical and other information, as provided by the Social Security
Administration, may be used in marketing materials pertaining to retirement
planning in order to estimate future payouts of social security benefits.
Estimates may be used on demographic and economic data.
Marketing and other Fund literature may include a description of the
potential risks and rewards associated with an investment in the Fund. The
description may include a "risk/return spectrum" which compares the Fund to
other Scudder funds or broad categories of funds, such as money market, bond or
equity funds, in terms of potential risks and returns. Money market funds are
designed to maintain a constant $1.00 share price and have a fluctuating yield.
Share price, yield and total return of a bond fund will fluctuate. The share
price and return of an equity fund also will fluctuate. The description may also
compare the Fund to bank products, such as certificates of deposit. Unlike
mutual funds, certificates of deposit are insured up to $100,000 by the U.S.
government and offer a fixed rate of return.
Because bank products guarantee the principal value of an investment
and money market funds seek stability of principal, these investments are
considered to be less risky than investments in either bond or equity funds,
which may involve the loss of principal. However, all long-term investments,
including investments in bank products, may be subject to inflation risk, which
is the risk of erosion of the value of an investment as prices increase over a
long time period. The risks/returns associated with an investment in bond or
equity funds depend upon many factors. For bond funds these factors include, but
are not limited to, 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
31
<PAGE>
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.
Risk/return spectrums also may depict funds that invest in both
domestic and foreign securities or a combination of bond and equity securities.
Scudder's Theme: Build Create Provide. Marketing and fund literature may refer
to Scudder's theme: "Build Create Provide." This theme intends to encapsulate
the composition of a sound investment philosophy, one through which Scudder can
help provide investors appropriate avenues for pursuing dreams. Individuals
recognize the need to build investment plans that are suitable and directed at
achieving one's financial goals. The desired result from planning and a
long-term commitment to it is the ability to build wealth over time. While there
are no guarantees in the pursuit of wealth through investing, Scudder believes
that a sound investment plan can enhance one's ability to achieve financial
goals that are clearly defined and appropriately approached. Wealth, while a
relative term, may be defined as the freedom to provide for those interests
which you hold most important -- your family, future, and/or your community.
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 the Fund. Sources for Fund performance information and articles
about the Fund include the following:
American Association of Individual Investors' Journal, a monthly publication of
the AAII that includes articles on investment analysis techniques.
Asian Wall Street Journal, a weekly Asian newspaper that often reviews U.S.
mutual funds investing internationally.
Banxquote, an on-line source of national averages for leading money market and
bank CD interest rates, published on a weekly basis by Masterfund, Inc. of
Wilmington, Delaware.
Barron's, a Dow Jones and Company, Inc. business and financial weekly that
periodically reviews mutual fund performance data.
Business Week, a national business weekly that periodically reports the
performance rankings and ratings of a variety of mutual funds investing abroad.
CDA Investment Technologies, Inc., an organization which provides performance
and ranking information through examining the dollar results of hypothetical
mutual fund investments and comparing these results against appropriate market
indices.
Consumer Digest, a monthly business/financial magazine that includes a "Money
Watch" section featuring financial news.
Financial Times, Europe's business newspaper, which features from time to time
articles on international or country-specific funds.
Financial World, a general business/financial magazine that includes a "Market
Watch" department reporting on activities in the mutual fund industry.
Forbes, a national business publication that from time to time reports the
performance of specific investment companies in the mutual fund industry.
Fortune, a national business publication that periodically rates the performance
of a variety of mutual funds.
32
<PAGE>
The Frank Russell Company, a West-Coast investment management firm that
periodically evaluates international stock markets and compares foreign equity
market performance to U.S. stock market performance.
Global Investor, a European publication that periodically reviews the
performance of U.S. mutual funds investing internationally.
IBC/Donoghue's Money Fund Report, a weekly publication of the Donoghue
Organization, Inc., of Holliston, Massachusetts, reporting on the performance of
the nation's money market funds, summarizing money market fund activity and
including certain averages as performance benchmarks, specifically "Donoghue's
Money Fund Average," and "Donoghue's Government Money Fund Average."
Ibbotson Associates, Inc., a company specializing in investment research and
data.
Investment Company Data, Inc., an independent organization which provides
performance ranking information for broad classes of mutual funds.
Investor's Daily, a daily newspaper that features financial, economic, and
business news.
Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly investment advisory publication
that periodically features the performance of a variety of securities.
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.'s Mutual Fund Performance Analysis, a weekly
publication of industry-wide mutual fund averages by type of fund.
Money, a monthly magazine that from time to time features both specific funds
and the mutual fund industry as a whole.
Morgan Stanley International, an integrated investment banking firm that
compiles statistical information.
Mutual Fund Values, a biweekly Morningstar, Inc. publication that provides
ratings of mutual funds based on fund performance, risk and portfolio
characteristics.
The New York Times, a nationally distributed newspaper which regularly covers
financial news.
The No-Load Fund Investor, a monthly newsletter, published by Sheldon Jacobs,
that includes mutual fund performance data and recommendations for the mutual
fund investor.
No-Load Fund*X, a monthly newsletter, published by DAL Investment Company, Inc.,
that reports on mutual fund performance, rates funds and discusses investment
strategies for the mutual fund investor.
Personal Investing News, a monthly news publication that often reports on
investment opportunities and market conditions.
Personal Investor, a monthly investment advisory publication that includes a
"Mutual Funds Outlook" section reporting on mutual fund performance measures,
yields, indices and portfolio holdings.
Smart Money, a national personal finance magazine published monthly by Dow Jones
and Company, Inc. and The Hearst Corporation. Focus is placed on ideas for
investing, spending and saving.
Success, a monthly magazine targeted to the world of entrepreneurs and growing
business, often featuring mutual fund performance data.
33
<PAGE>
United Mutual Fund Selector, a semi-monthly investment newsletter, published by
Babson United Investment Advisors, that includes mutual fund performance data
and reviews of mutual fund portfolios and investment strategies.
USA Today, a leading national daily newspaper.
U.S. News and World Report, a national news weekly that periodically reports
mutual fund performance data.
Value Line Mutual Fund Survey, an independent organization that provides
biweekly performance and other information on mutual funds.
The Wall Street Journal, a Dow Jones and Company, Inc. newspaper which regularly
covers financial news.
Wiesenberger Investment Companies Services, an annual compendium of information
about mutual funds and other investment companies, including comparative data on
funds' backgrounds, management policies, salient features, management results,
income and dividend records and price ranges.
Working Woman, a monthly publication that features a "Financial Workshop"
section reporting on the mutual fund/financial industry.
Worth, a national publication put out 10 times per year by Capital Publishing
Company, a subsidiary of Fidelity Investments. Focus is placed on personal
financial journalism.
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND
(See "Fund organization" in the Fund's prospectus.)
The Fund is a series of Scudder Investment Trust, a Massachusetts
business trust established under a Declaration of Trust dated September 20,
1984, as amended. The name of the Trust was changed, effective May 15, 1991,
from Scudder Growth and Income Fund. The Trust's authorized capital consists of
an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share.
The Trust's shares are currently divided into three series, Scudder Growth and
Income Fund, Scudder Quality Growth Fund and Scudder Classic Growth Fund.
The Trustees have the authority to issue additional series of shares
and to designate the relative rights and preferences as between the different
series. Each share of the Fund has equal rights with each other share of the
Fund as to voting, dividends and liquidation. All shares issued and outstanding
will be fully paid and nonassessable by the Trust, and redeemable as described
in this Statement of Additional Information and in the Fund's prospectus.
The assets of the Trust 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 a proportionate share of the
general liabilities of the Trust. 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
Trust, subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, 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 Trust 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 Trust entitle their holders to one vote per share;
however, separate votes are taken by each series on matters affecting that
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.
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<PAGE>
The Trustees, in their discretion, may authorize the division of shares
of the Fund (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. The Trustees have no present
intention of taking the action necessary to effect the division of shares into
separate classes, nor of changing the method of distribution of shares of the
Fund.
The Declaration of Trust provides that obligations of the Fund are not
binding upon the Trustees individually but only upon the property of the Fund,
that the Trustees and officers will not be liable for errors of judgment or
mistakes of fact or law, and that the Fund will indemnify its Trustees and
officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation
in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Fund, except if
it is determined in the manner provided in the Declaration of Trust that they
have not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in
the best interests of the Fund. However, nothing in the Declaration of Trust
protects or indemnifies a Trustee or officer against any liability to which he
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
office.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
(See "Fund organization--Investment adviser" in the Fund's prospectus.)
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc., an investment counsel firm, acts as
investment adviser to the Fund. This organization is one of the most experienced
investment management firms in the United States. 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 the Scudder
International Fund, the first mutual fund available in the U.S. investing
internationally in securities of issuers in several foreign countries. The firm
reorganized from a partnership to a corporation on June 28, 1985. As of June 30,
1996, the Adviser was responsible for managing more than $23 billion in U.S.
equity securities, including over $6 billion in domestically-oriented growth
mutual funds.
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, Scudder
Equity Trust, Scudder Fund, Inc., Scudder Funds Trust, Scudder Global Fund,
Inc., Scudder GNMA Fund, Scudder Portfolio Trust, Scudder Institutional Fund,
Inc., Scudder International Fund, Inc., Scudder Investment Trust, Scudder
Municipal Trust, Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc., Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc.,
Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc., 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, Scudder World Income
Opportunities Fund, Inc., The Argentina Fund, Inc., The Brazil Fund, Inc., The
First Iberian Fund, Inc., The Korea Fund, Inc., The Japan Fund, Inc. and The
Latin America Dollar Income 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 $12 billion and includes the
AARP Growth Trust, AARP Income Trust, AARP Tax Free Income Trust and AARP Cash
Investment Funds.
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. Scudder'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
35
<PAGE>
investment decisions of the Adviser with respect to the Fund are based primarily
on the analyses of its own research department.
Certain investments may be appropriate for the Fund and also for other
clients advised by the Adviser. Investment decisions for the Fund and other
clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives
and after consideration of such factors as their current holdings, availability
of cash for investment and the size of their investments generally. Frequently,
a particular security may be bought or sold for only one client or in different
amounts and at different times for more than one but less than all clients.
Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one
or more other clients are selling the security. In addition, purchases or sales
of the same security may be made for two or more clients on the same day. In
such event, such transactions will be allocated among the clients in a manner
believed by the Adviser to be equitable to each. In some cases, this procedure
could have an adverse effect on the price or amount of the securities purchased
or sold by the Fund. Purchase and sale orders for the Fund may be combined with
those of other clients of the Adviser in the interest of achieving the most
favorable net results to the Fund.
The Investment Management Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser is
dated September 9, 1996 and was approved by the Trustees on August 13, 1996 and
by the initial shareholder of the Fund on September 4, 1996. The Investment
Management Agreement (the "Agreement") will continue in effect until September
30, 1997 and from year to year thereafter only if its continuance is approved
annually by the vote of a majority of those Trustees who are not parties to the
Agreement or interested persons of the Adviser or the Trust, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and either by a vote
of the Trustees 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 terminates in the
event of its assignment.
Under the Agreement, the Adviser regularly provides the Fund with
continuing investment management for the Fund's portfolio consistent with the
Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions and determines what
securities shall be purchased, held or sold and what portion of the Fund's
assets shall be held uninvested, subject to the Fund's Declaration of Trust,
By-Laws, the 1940 Act, the Code and to the Fund's investment objective, policies
and restrictions, and subject, further, to such policies and instructions as the
Board of Trustees of the Fund may from time to time establish. The Adviser also
advises and assists the officers of the Fund in taking such steps as are
necessary or appropriate to carry out the decisions of its Trustees and the
appropriate committees of the Trustees regarding the conduct of the business of
the Fund.
Under the Agreement, the Adviser renders significant administrative
services (not otherwise provided by third parties) necessary for the Fund's
operations as an open-end investment company including, but not limited to,
preparing reports and notices to the Trustees 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 SEC 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 Trustees.
The Adviser pays the compensation and expenses of all Trustees,
officers and executive employees (except expenses incurred attending Board and
committee meetings outside New York, New York or Boston, Massachusetts) of the
Trust affiliated with the Adviser and makes available, without expense to the
Fund, the services of such Trustees, officers and employees of the Adviser as
may duly be elected officers of the Trust, subject to their individual consent
to serve and to any limitations imposed by law, and provides the Fund's office
space and facilities.
36
<PAGE>
For these services, Classic Growth Fund will pay the Adviser an annual
fee equal to 0.70% of the Fund's average daily net assets, payable monthly,
provided the Fund will make such interim payments as may be requested by the
Adviser not to exceed 75% of the amount of the fee then accrued on the books of
the Fund and unpaid. The Adviser has agreed until August 31, 1997 to maintain
the total annualized expenses of the Fund at no more than 1.25% of the average
daily net assets of the Fund.
Under the Agreement the Fund is responsible for all of its other
expenses including: organizational costs, fees and expenses incurred in
connection with membership in investment company organizations; fees and
expenses of the Fund's accounting agent; brokers' commissions; legal, auditing
and accounting expenses; taxes and governmental fees; the fees and expenses of
the Transfer Agent; 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
Trustees, 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
Trustees of the Fund with respect thereto.
The Agreement requires the Adviser to reimburse the Fund for all or a
portion of advances of its management fee to the extent annual expenses of the
Fund (including the management fee stated above) exceed the limitations
prescribed by any state in which the Fund's shares are offered for sale.
Management has been advised that, while most states have eliminated expense
limitations, the lowest of such limitations is presently 2 1/2% of average daily
net assets up to $30 million, 2% of the next $70 million of average daily net
assets and 1 1/2% of average daily net assets in excess of that amount. Certain
expenses such as brokerage commissions, taxes, extraordinary expenses and
interest are excluded from such limitations. Any such fee advance required to be
returned to the Fund will be returned as promptly as practicable after the end
of the Fund's fiscal year. However, no fee payment will be made to the Adviser
during any fiscal year which will cause year to date expenses to exceed the
cumulative pro rata expense limitations at the time of such payment.
The Agreement also provides that the Fund may use any name derived from
the name "Scudder, Stevens & Clark" only as long as an Agreement or any
extension, renewal or amendment thereof remains in effect.
In reviewing the terms of the Agreement and in discussions with the
Adviser concerning such Agreement, the Trustees of the Trust 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.
None of the officers or Trustees of the Trust may have dealings with
the Fund as principals in the purchase or sale of securities, except as
individual subscribers to or holders of shares of the Fund.
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser
Employees of the Adviser are permitted to make personal securities
transactions, subject to requirements and restrictions set forth in the
Adviser's Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics contains provisions and
requirements designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest
between personal investment activities and the interests of investment advisory
clients such as the Fund. Among other things, the Code of Ethics, which
37
<PAGE>
generally complies with standards recommended by the Investment Company
Institute's Advisory Group on Personal Investing, prohibits certain types of
transactions absent prior approval, imposes time periods during which personal
transactions may not be made in certain securities, and requires the submission
of duplicate broker confirmations and monthly reporting of securities
transactions. Additional restrictions apply to portfolio managers, traders,
research analysts and others involved in the investment advisory process.
Exceptions to these and other provisions of the Code of Ethics may be granted in
particular circumstances after review by appropriate personnel.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Position with
Underwriter,
Name, Age Position Scudder Investor
and Address with Trust Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ----------- ---------- ---------------------- --------------
Daniel Pierce (62)+*= President and Trustee Chairman of the Board and Vice President, Director
Managing Director of Scudder, and Assistant Treasurer
Stevens & Clark, Inc.
Henry P. Becton, Jr. (52) Trustee President and General Manager, --
125 Western Avenue WGBH Educational Foundation
Allston, MA 02134
Dudley H. Ladd (52)+*= Trustee Managing Director of Scudder, Senior Vice President
Stevens & Clark, Inc. and Director
George M. Lovejoy, Jr. (66)= Trustee President and Director, Fifty --
160 Federal Street Associates
Boston, MA 02110 (real estate corporation)
Wesley W. Marple, Jr. (64)= Trustee Professor of Business --
413 Hayden Hall Administration, Northeastern
360 Huntington Ave. University, College of Business
Boston, MA 02115 Administration
Juris Padegs (64)++* Trustee Managing Director of Scudder, Vice President and
Stevens & Clark, Inc. Director
Jean C. Tempel (53) Trustee General Partner, TL --
Ten Post Office Square Ventures, 1994
Suite 1325 (venture capital funds)
Boston, MA 02109
Bruce F. Beaty (37)++ Vice President Principal of Scudder, Stevens & --
Clark, Inc.
Jerard K. Hartman (63)++ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder, --
Stevens & Clark, Inc.
Robert T. Hoffman (37)++ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder, --
Stevens & Clark, Inc.
38
<PAGE>
Position with
Underwriter,
Name, Age Position Scudder Investor
and Address with Trust Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ----------- ---------- ---------------------- --------------
Thomas W. Joseph (57)+ Vice President Principal of Scudder, Stevens & Vice President,
Clark, Inc. Director, Treasurer and
Assistant Clerk
David S. Lee (62)+ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder, President, Director and
Stevens & Clark, Inc. Assistant Treasurer
Valerie F. Malter (38)++ Vice President Principal of Scudder, Stevens & --
Clark, Inc.
Thomas F. McDonough (49)+ Vice President, Principal of Scudder, Stevens & Clerk
Secretary and Clark, Inc.
Assistant Treasurer
Pamela A. McGrath (42)+ Vice President and Managing Director of Scudder, --
Treasurer Stevens & Clark, Inc.
Edward J. O'Connell (51)++ Vice President and Principal of Scudder, Stevens & Assistant Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer Clark, Inc.
Coleen Downs Dinneen (35)+ Assistant Secretary Vice President of Scudder, Assistant Clerk
Stevens & Clark, Inc.
</TABLE>
* Messrs. Ladd, Padegs and Pierce are considered by the Fund and counsel
to be persons who are "interested persons" of the Adviser or of the
Fund, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended.
** Unless otherwise stated, all the Trustees and officers have been
associated with their respective companies for more than five years,
but not necessarily in the same capacity.
= Messrs. Ladd, Lovejoy and Pierce and Marple are members of the
Executive Committee for Investment Trust, which has the power to
declare dividends from ordinary income and distributions of realized
capital gains to the same extent as the Board is so empowered.
+ Address: Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts
++ Address: 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York
The Trustees and officers of the Fund also serve in similar capacities
with other Scudder Funds.
All Trustees and officers as a group owned less than 1% of the Fund's
outstanding shares as of the commencement of operations.
REMUNERATION
Several of the officers and Trustees of the Trust may be officers or
employees of the Adviser, Scudder Service Corporation, Scudder Trust Company or
of Scudder Investor Services, Inc. and participate in the fees paid by the
Trust. The Trust pays no direct remuneration to any officer of the Trust.
However, each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Adviser will be paid by the
Trust. Each of these unaffiliated Trustees receives an annual trustee's fee of
$4,000 from the Fund and fees of $400 for each attended Trustees meeting, audit
committee meeting or meeting held for the purpose of considering arrangements
between the Fund and the Adviser or any of its affiliates. Each unaffiliated
Trustee also receives $150 per committee meeting other than those set forth
above.
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<PAGE>
The following Compensation Tables provides, in tabular form, the following data.
Column (1) All Trustees who receive compensation from the Trust.
Column (2) Aggregate compensation received by a Trustee from all the series of
the Trust.
Columns (3) and (4) Pension or retirement benefits accrued or proposed to be
paid by the Fund Complex. Scudder Investment Trust does not pay its Trustees
such benefits. Column (5) Total compensation received by a Trustee from the
Trust, plus compensation received from all funds managed by the Adviser for
which a Trustee serves. The total number of funds from which a Trustee receives
such compensation is also provided in column (5). Generally, compensation
received by a Trustee for serving on the board of a closed-end fund is greater
than the compensation received by a Trustee for serving on the board of an
open-end fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Compensation Table for Scudder Investment Trust
for the year ended December 31, 1995
========================== ============================= =================== ================= ====================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Pension or Total Compensation
Retirement Estimated From Scudder
Benefits Accrued Annual Benefits Investment Trust
Name of Person, Aggregate Compensation from As Part of Fund Upon Retirement and Fund Complex
Position Scudder Investment Trust* Expenses Paid to Trustee
========================== ============================= =================== ================= ====================
Henry P. Becton, Jr. $ 16,600 N/A N/A $ 82,800
Trustee (15 funds)
George M. Lovejoy, Jr. $ 17,500 N/A N/A $112,900
Trustee (12 funds)
Wesley W. Marple, Jr. $ 17,500 N/A N/A $ 93,100
Trustee (15 funds)
Jean C. Tempel $ 17,200 N/A N/A $ 92,200
Trustee (15 funds)
<FN>
* Scudder Investment Trust consists of three funds: Scudder Growth and Income Fund, Scudder Quality Growth Fund,
and Scudder Classic Growth Fund. Scudder Classic Growth Fund commenced operations on September 9, 1996.
</FN>
</TABLE>
DISTRIBUTOR
The Trust has an underwriting agreement with Scudder Investor Services,
Inc. (the "Distributor"), a Massachusetts corporation, which is a subsidiary of
the Adviser, a Delaware corporation. The Trust's underwriting agreement dated
September 10, 1985 will remain in effect until September 30, 1997 and from year
to year thereafter only if its continuance is approved annually by a majority of
the members of the Board of Trustees 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 Trustees or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Fund. The underwriting agreement was last approved by the Trustees on August 13,
1996.
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 SEC 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
40
<PAGE>
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.
Note: Although the Fund does not currently have a 12b-1 Plan, and the
Trustees have no current intention of adopting one, the Fund would
also pay those fees and expenses permitted to be paid or assumed
by the Fund pursuant to a 12b-1 Plan, if any, were adopted by the
Fund, notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary in the
underwriting agreement.
As agent, the Distributor currently offers shares of the Fund on a
continuous basis to investors in all states in which shares of the Fund may from
time to time be registered or where permitted by applicable law. The
underwriting agreement provides that the Distributor accepts orders for shares
at net asset value as no sales commission or load is charged to the investor.
The Distributor has made no firm commitment to acquire shares of the Fund.
TAXES
(See "Distribution and performance information--Dividends and capital
gains distributions" and "Transaction information--Tax information,
Tax identification number" in the Fund's prospectus.)
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. It intends to continue to qualify for such treatment.
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.
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.
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
41
<PAGE>
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 the shareholder's pro rata
share of such gains and the shareholder's tax credit. If the Fund makes such an
election, it may not be treated as having met the excise tax distribution
requirement.
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 the shares are
deemed to have been held for less than 46 days.
Distributions of the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain,
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
$2,250 to IRAs for an individual and his or her nonearning spouse) 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.
42
<PAGE>
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.
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 property in the Fund's portfolio similar to the property
underlying the put option. 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 the 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 capital gain or loss, 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 capital gain or loss. 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.
Subchapter M of the Code requires the Fund to realize less than 30% of
its annual gross income from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities
and certain options, futures and forward contracts held for less than three
months. The Fund's options, futures and forward transactions may increase the
amount of gains realized by the Fund that are subject to this 30% limitation.
Accordingly, the amount of such transactions that the Fund may undertake may be
limited.
Positions of the Fund which consist of at least one position not
governed by Section 1256 and at least one futures or forward contract or
nonequity option or other position governed by Section 1256 which substantially
diminishes the Fund's risk of loss with respect to such other position will be
treated as a "mixed straddle." Although mixed straddles are subject to the
straddle rules of Section 1092 of the Code, the operation of which may cause
deferral of losses, adjustments in the holding periods of securities and
conversion of short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses, certain
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tax elections exist for them which reduce or eliminate the operation of these
rules. The Fund will monitor its transactions in options, foreign currency
futures and forward contracts and may make certain tax elections in connection
with these investments.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in
exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues interest or other
receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign
currency and the time the Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such
liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss.
Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency
and on disposition of certain options, futures and forward contracts, gains or
losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the
date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition are
also treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains or losses, referred to under
the Code as "Section 988" gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount
of the Fund's investment company taxable income to be distributed to its
shareholders as ordinary income.
If the Fund invests in stock of certain foreign investment companies,
the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a portion of any
"excess distribution" with respect to, or gain from the disposition of, such
stock. The tax would be determined by allocating such distribution or gain
ratably to each day of the Fund's holding period for the stock. The distribution
or gain so allocated to any taxable year of the Fund, other than the taxable
year of the excess distribution or disposition, would be taxed to the Fund at
the highest ordinary income rate in effect for such year, and the tax would be
further increased by an interest charge to reflect the value of the tax deferral
deemed to have resulted from the ownership of the foreign company's stock. Any
amount of distribution or gain allocated to the taxable year of the distribution
or disposition would be included in the Fund's investment company taxable income
and, accordingly, would not be taxable to the Fund to the extent distributed by
the Fund as a dividend to its shareholders.
The Fund may be able to make an election, in lieu of being taxable in
the manner described above, to include annually in income its pro rata share of
the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of the foreign investment company,
regardless of whether it actually received any distributions from the foreign
company. These amounts would be included in the Fund's investment company
taxable income and net capital gain which, to the extent distributed by the Fund
as ordinary or capital gain dividends, as the case may be, would not be taxable
to the Fund. In order to make this election, the Fund would be required to
obtain certain annual information from the foreign investment companies in which
it invests, which in many cases may be difficult to obtain. The Fund may make an
election with respect to those foreign investment companies which provide the
Fund with the required information.
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 Internal Revenue Service 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 the 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.
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The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely
to the application of that law to U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens and
residents and U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each
shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax
consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the possibility that
such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or
at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on amounts constituting
ordinary income received by him or her, where such amounts are treated as income
from U.S. sources under the Code.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of
the provisions of tax law described in this statement of additional information
in light of their particular tax situations.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Brokerage Commissions
To the maximum extent feasible, the Adviser places orders for portfolio
transactions for the Fund through the Distributor which in turn places orders on
behalf of the Fund with issuers, underwriters or other brokers and dealers. The
Distributor receives no commissions, fees or other remuneration from the Fund
for this service. 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's portfolio is to obtain the most favorable
net results taking into account such factors as price, commission where
applicable (negotiable in the case of U.S. national securities exchange
transactions but which is generally fixed in the case of foreign exchange
transactions) 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 reviews on a routine basis commission
rates, execution and settlement services performed, making internal and external
comparisons.
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
brokers and dealers who supply market quotations to Scudder Fund Accounting
Corporation for appraisal purposes, or who supply research, market and
statistical information to the Funds. The term "research, market and statistical
information" includes advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of
investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and 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 not
authorized when placing portfolio transactions for the Fund to pay a brokerage
commission (to the extent applicable) in excess of that which another broker
might have charged for executing the same transaction solely on account of the
receipt of research, market or statistical information. The Adviser will not
place orders with brokers or dealers on the basis that the broker or dealer has
or has not sold shares of the Fund. Except for implementing the policy stated
above, there is no intention to place portfolio transactions with particular
brokers or dealers or groups thereof. 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 otherwise.
The Fund's purchases of securities which are traded in the
over-the-counter market 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. Such 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.
Although certain research, market and statistical information from
brokers and dealers can be useful to the Fund and to the Adviser, it is the
opinion of the Adviser that such information will only supplement 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 will be used by the Adviser in connection with the Fund. Conversely,
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such information provided to the Adviser by brokers and dealers through whom
other clients of the Adviser effect securities transactions may be useful to the
Adviser in providing services to the Fund.
The Trustees intend to 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.
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. A higher rate
involves greater brokerage transaction expenses to the Fund and may result in
the realization of net capital gains, which would be taxable to shareholders
when distributed. Purchases and sales are made for the Fund's portfolio whenever
necessary, in management's opinion, to meet the Fund's objective. Under normal
investment conditions, it is anticipated that the portfolio turnover rate in the
Fund's initial fiscal year will not exceed 70%.
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, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving and Christmas. Net asset value per share is determined by dividing
the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all liabilities, by the total
number of shares 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 National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ") system 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.
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If, in the opinion of the Fund's Valuation Committee, the value of a
portfolio asset as determined in accordance with these procedures does not
represent the fair market value of the portfolio asset, the value of the
portfolio asset is taken to be an amount which, in the opinion of the Valuation
Committee, represents fair market value on the basis of all available
information. The value of other portfolio holdings owned by the Fund is
determined in a manner which, in the discretion of the Valuation Committee most
fairly reflects fair market value of the property on the valuation date.
Following the valuations of securities or other portfolio assets in
terms of the currency in which the market quotation used is expressed ("Local
Currency"), the value of these portfolio assets in terms of U.S. dollars is
calculated by converting the Local Currency into U.S. dollars at the prevailing
currency exchange rate on the valuation date.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Experts
The Financial Highlights of the Fund will be included in the Fund's
prospectus, and the Financial Statement incorporated by reference in this
Statement of Additional Information, in reliance on the report of Coopers &
Lybrand, L.L.P., One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109,
independent accountants, and given on the authority of that firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
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 Classic Growth Fund is: 811167 30 3.
The Fund has a fiscal year end of August 31.
Dechert Price & Rhoads acts as general counsel for the Fund.
The Fund employs State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 as Custodian.
Costs of $26,000 incurred by Classic Growth Fund, respectively, in
conjunction with its organization are amortized over the five year period
beginning September 9, 1996.
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 for each account maintained for a
participant.
Annual service fees are paid by the Fund to Scudder Trust Company, Two
International Place, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110-4103, an affiliate of the
Adviser, for certain retirement plan accounts.
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110-4103, a subsidiary of the Adviser, computes net asset values
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, 0.04% of
such assets in excess of $150 million and 0.02% of such assets in excess of $1
billion, plus holding and transaction charges for this service.
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The Fund's prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information omit
certain information contained in the Registration Statement which the Fund has
filed with the SEC 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 SEC in Washington,
D.C.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 5, 1996 and the
Report of Independent Accountants for the Fund is included herein.
<PAGE>
SCUDDER CLASSIC GROWTH FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
September 5, 1996
Assets
Cash................................................ $1,200
Deferred organization expense (Note)................ 26,000
--------
Total assets........................................ 27,200
--------
Liabilities
Accrued liabilities (Note).......................... 26,000
--------
Total liabilities................................... 26,000
--------
Net Assets............................................ $1,200
========
Net Assets consist of:
Shares of beneficial interest....................... 1
Additional paid-in capital.......................... 1,199
--------
Net Assets............................................ $1,200
========
Net asset value, offering and redemption price
per share ($1,200/100 outstanding shares of
beneficial interest, $.01 par value, unlimited
number of shares authorized).......................... $12.00
========
The accompanying note is an integral part of the financial statement.
Scudder Classic Growth Fund (the "Fund") is a diversified series of Scudder
Investment Trust (the "Trust"), formerly known as Scudder Growth and Income
Fund, an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Trust was organized as a
Massachusetts business trust under a Declaration of Trust dated September 20,
1984, as amended. The Trust assumed the business of its predecessor on May 15,
1991. The Trust's authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of shares
of beneficial interest of $0.01 par value. The Trust's shares are currently
divided into three series, Scudder Growth and Income Fund, Scudder Quality
Growth Fund and Scudder Classic Growth Fund. The Trustees have the authority to
issue additional series of shares and to designate the relative rights and
preferences as between the different series. Each share of the Fund has equal
rights with each other share of the Fund as to voting, dividends and
liquidation. The Fund has had no operations to date other than matters relating
to its organization and registration as a diversified series.
Costs incurred by the Fund in connection with its organization, estimated
at $26,000, will be amortized on a straight-line basis over a five-year period
beginning at the commencement of operations of the Fund. In the event that any
of the initial shares of the Fund are redeemed during the amortization period,
the redemption proceeds will be reduced by any unamortized organization expenses
in the same proportion as the number of shares being redeemed bears to the
number of initial shares outstanding at the time of such redemption. Offering
costs, including initial registration costs, will be charged to expense during
the Fund's first year of operations.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Trustees of Scudder Investment Trust and the Shareholder of Scudder
Classic Growth Fund:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of
Scudder Classic Growth Fund as of September 5, 1996. This financial statement is
the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on this financial statement based on our audit.
We have conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit of the financial statement provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statement referred to above presents fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Scudder Classic Growth Fund
as of September 5, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
Boston, Massachusetts COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
September 6, 1996
