Scudder
Pure No-Load(TM) Funds
A Collection Of
Prospectuses
For Five
Scudder U.S. Stock Funds
This Outer Cover Not Part of Prospectus
<PAGE>
This combined prospectus sets forth concisely the information a prospective
investor should know before investing in the following open-end funds: Scudder
Classic Growth Fund, Scudder Large Company Growth Fund and Scudder Growth and
Income Fund, each a diversified series of Scudder Investment Trust; and Scudder
Large Company Value Fund and Scudder Value Fund, each a diversified series of
Scudder Equity Trust. Please retain it for future reference.
If you require more detailed information, Statements of Additional Information
dated January 1, 1998 for Scudder Classic Growth Fund; February 1, 1997 for
Scudder Large Company Value Fund and Scudder Value Fund; March 1, 1997 for
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund; and May 1, 1997 for Scudder Growth and Income
Fund, 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 Statements, which are incorporated by reference
into this prospectus, have been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and are available along with other related materials on the SEC's
Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov).
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.
Contents--see page 9.
Scudder Classic Growth Fund
- ---------------------------------
January 1, 1998
Scudder Large Company Value Fund
- ---------------------------------
February 1, 1997
Scudder Value Fund
- ---------------------------------
February 1, 1997
as revised September 24, 1997
Scudder Large Company
Growth Fund
- ---------------------------------
March 1, 1997
Scudder Growth and Income Fund
- ---------------------------------
May 1, 1997
as supplemented December 31, 1997
Five pure no-load(TM) (no sales charges) mutual funds offering a broad range of
investment objectives.
<PAGE>
Expense information
How to compare a Scudder Family of Funds pure no-load(TM) fund
This information is designed to help you understand the various costs and
expenses of investing in the Funds. By reviewing this table and those in other
mutual funds' prospectuses, you can compare each Fund's share'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 a Fund for various transactions.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
<CAPTION>
Scudder Scudder
Classic Large Scudder
Growth Company Value
Fund Value Fund Fund
---- ---------- ----
Sales commissions to purchase shares (sales load) NONE NONE NONE
Commissions to reinvest dividends NONE NONE NONE
Redemption fees payable to the Fund NONE* NONE* NONE*
Fees to exchange shares NONE NONE NONE
</TABLE>
2) Annual Fund operating expenses: Expenses paid by a Fund before it
distributes its net investment income, expressed as a percentage of its
average daily net assets for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997 for
Scudder Classic Growth Fund and for the fiscal year ended September 30,
1996 for Scudder Large Company Value Fund and Scudder Value Fund.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment management fee (after waiver) 0.00%++ 0.66% 0.70%**
12b-1 fees NONE NONE NONE
Other expenses (after reimbursements) 1.25%++ 0.26% 0.61%
----- ----- -----
Total operating expenses (after waiver and reimbursements) 1.25%++ 0.92% 1.31%**
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
Example
Based on the level of total 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 each Fund before it distributes its net investment
income to shareholders. (As noted above, each Fund has no redemption fees of any
kind.)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
One Year $ 13 $ 9 $ 13
Three Years 40 29 42
Five Years 69 51 72
Ten Years 151 113 158
</TABLE>
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 Funds. If you wish to receive your
redemption proceeds via wire, there is a $5 wire service fee. For
additional information regarding each Fund, please refer to "Transaction
information--Redeeming shares."
++ Until April 15, 1998, the Adviser and certain of its subsidiaries have
agreed to waive and/or reimburse all or portions of their fees and expenses
payable by Scudder Classic Growth 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 and
reimburse all or portions of their fees and expenses, Fund expenses would
have been: investment management fee 0.70%, other expenses 1.55% and total
operating expenses 2.25% for the fiscal period ended August 31, 1997.
** Until July 31, 1997, the Adviser waived a portion of its fee to the extent
necessary so that the total annualized expenses of Scudder Value Fund do
not exceed 1.25% of average daily net assets. The above table shows what
the fees and expenses of the Fund would have been during the year ended
September 30, 1996 if expense maintenance had not been in effect.
2
<PAGE>
Expense information
How to compare a Scudder Family of Funds pure no-load(TM) fund
This information is designed to help you understand the various costs and
expenses of investing in the Funds. By reviewing this table and those in other
mutual funds' prospectuses, you can compare each 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 a Fund for various transactions.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
<CAPTION>
Scudder Scudder
Large Growth and
Company Income
Growth Fund Fund
----------- ----
Sales commissions to purchase shares (sales load) NONE NONE
Commissions to reinvest dividends NONE NONE
Redemption fees NONE* NONE*
Fees to exchange shares NONE NONE
2) Annual Fund operating expenses: Expenses paid by a Fund before it
distributes its net investment income, expressed as a percentage of its
average daily net assets for the fiscal years ended October 31, 1996 for
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund and December 31, 1996 for Scudder Growth
and Income Fund.
Investment management fee 0.70% 0.49%
12b-1 fees NONE NONE
Other expenses 0.37% 0.29%
Total Fund operating expenses 1.07% 0.78%
===== =====
Example
Based on the 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 each Fund before it distributes its
net investment income to shareholders. (As noted above, each Fund has no
redemption fees of any kind.)
One year $ 11 $ 8
Three years 34 25
Five years 59 43
Ten years 131 97
</TABLE>
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 Funds. 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."
3
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
Scudder Classic Growth Fund
The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
the period (a) and other performance information derived from the audited
financial statements.
If you would like more detailed information concerning the Fund's performance, a
complete portfolio listing and audited financial statements are available in the
Fund's Annual Report dated August 31, 1997 and may be obtained without charge by
writing or calling Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
<CAPTION>
For the Period
September 9, 1996
(commencement
of operations) to
August 31, 1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $12.00
Income from investment operations: .06
Net investment income
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments 5.36
Total from investment operations $ 5.42
Less distributions from net investment income (.04)
Net asset value, end of period $17.38
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return (%) (b) 45.20**
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) 53.2
Ratio of operating expenses, net to average daily net assets (%) 1.25*
Ratio of operating expenses before expense reductions, to average daily net 2.25*
assets (%)
Ratio of net investment income to average daily net assets (%) .43*
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 27.4*
Average commission rate paid $.0378
</TABLE>
(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
4
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
Scudder Large Company Value Fund
The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the audited financial
statements.
The Fund changed its name from Scudder Capital Growth Fund on February 1, 1997.
If you would like more detailed information concerning the Fund's performance, a
complete portfolio listing and audited financial statements are available in the
Fund's Annual Report dated September 30, 1996 and may be obtained without charge
by writing or calling Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended September 30,
1996 1995 1994 1993(b) 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of
period $22.92 $19.54 $23.06 $19.12 $19.30 $14.77 $22.30 $16.10 $20.41 $17.17
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) .36 .13 (.02) .06 .12 .20 .30(a) .21 .09 .16
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investment
transactions 2.94 3.98 (.88) 5.23 .90 6.05 (6.22) 6.61 (1.82) 5.77
Total from investment
operations 3.30 4.11 (.90) 5.29 1.02 6.25 (5.92) 6.82 (1.73) 5.93
Less distributions from:
Net investment income (.08) -- -- (.10) (.22) (.37) (.16) (.07) (.20) (.23)
Net realized gains on
investment transactions (3.50) (.73) (2.62) (1.25) (.98) (1.35) (1.45) (.55) (2.38) (2.46)
Total distributions (3.58) (.73) (2.62) (1.35) (1.20) (1.72) (1.61) (.62) (2.58) (2.69)
Net asset value, end of
period $22.64 $22.92 $19.54 $23.06 $19.12 $19.30 $14.77 $22.30 $16.10 $20.41
Total Return (%) 15.94 21.96 (4.72) 28.83 5.61 45.85 (28.20) 44.05 (5.61) 39.03
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period ($
millions) 1,651 1,492 1,338 1,387 1,054 1,058 712 1,013 491 583
Ratio of operating expenses
to average net assets (%) .92 .98 .97 .96 .98 1.04 .94 .88 .95 .88
Ratio of net investment income
(loss) to average net assets (%) 1.62 .62 (.12) .22 .57 1.24 1.56 1.22 .63 .86
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 150.7 153.6 75.8 92.2 92.4 93.2 87.9 55.7 48.5 58.2
Average commission rate paid (c) $.0533 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
</TABLE>
(a) Net investment income per share includes nonrecurring dividend income
amounting to $.14 per share.
(b) Effective October 1, 1992, the Fund discontinued using equalization
accounting.
(c) Average commission rate paid per share of common and preferred stocks is
calculated for fiscal years ending on or after September 1, 1996.
5
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
Scudder Value Fund
The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the audited financial
statements.
If you would like more detailed information concerning the Fund's performance, a
complete portfolio listing and audited financial statements are available in the
Fund's Annual Report dated September 30, 1996 and may be obtained without charge
by writing or calling Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
<CAPTION>
For the Period
December 31,
1992
(commencement of
operations) to
Years Ended September 30, September 30,
1996 1995 1994 1993
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $15.87 $13.08 $13.38 $12.00
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income .21 .18 .13 .10
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments 2.40 2.86 .11 1.28
Total from investment operations 2.61 3.04 .24 1.38
Less distributions from:
Net investment income (.04) (.12) (.11) --
Net realized gains on investment transactions (.92) (.13) (.43) --
Total distributions (.96) (.25) (.54) --
Net asset value, end of period $17.52 $15.87 $13.08 $13.38
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return (%) (b) 17.18 23.62 1.88 11.50**
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) 89 68 35 29
Ratio of operating expenses, net to average
daily net assets (%) 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25*
Ratio of operating expenses before expense 1.31 1.44 1.61 2.16*
reductions, to average daily net assets (%)
Ratio of net investment income to average
daily net assets (%) 1.34 1.57 1.16 1.56*
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 90.8 98.2 74.6 60.8*
Average commission rate paid (a) $.0577 $ -- $ -- $ --
</TABLE>
(a) Average commission rate paid per share of common and preferred stocks is
calculated for fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995.
(b) Total return is higher due to maintenance of the Fund's expenses.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
6
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund
The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the audited financial
statements.
The Fund changed its name from Scudder Quality Growth Fund on March 1, 1997. If
you would like more detailed information concerning the Fund's performance, a
complete portfolio listing and audited financial statements are available in the
Fund's Annual Report dated October 31, 1996 and may be obtained without charge
by writing or calling Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
<CAPTION>
For the Period
May 15 1991
(commencement of
operations) to
Years Ended October 31, October 31,
1996 (a) 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $18.44 $16.17 $16.42 $15.30 $13.65 $12.00
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income .08 .11 .16 .06 .02 .03
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments 3.41 3.40 (.09) 1.09 1.68 1.62
Total from investment operations 3.49 3.51 .07 1.15 1.70 1.65
Less distributions from:
Net investment income (.14) (.15) (.08) (.03) (.03) --
Net realized gains on investment
transactions (.60) (1.09) (.24) -- (.02) --
Total distributions (.74) (1.24) (.32) (.03) (.05) --
Net asset value, end of period $21.19 $18.44 $16.17 $16.42 $15.30 $13.65
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return (%) 19.49 23.78 .39 7.49 12.47 13.75**
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) 221 173 113 126 101 30
Ratio of operating expenses net, to
average daily net assets (%) 1.07 1.17 1.25 1.20 1.25 1.25*
Ratio of operating expenses
before expense reductions, to
average daily net assets (%) 1.07 1.17 1.25 1.20 1.40 2.67*
Ratio of net investment income to
average daily net assets (%) .41 .71 .96 .39 .24 .83*
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 68.8 91.6 119.7 111.4 27.4 11.5*
Average commission rate paid (b) $.0551 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
</TABLE>
(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Average commission rate paid per share of common and preferred stocks is
calculated for fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
7
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
Scudder Growth and Income Fund
The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the audited financial
statements.
If you would like more detailed information concerning the Fund's performance, a
complete portfolio listing and audited financial statements are available in the
Fund's Annual Report dated December 31, 1996 and may be obtained without charge
by writing or calling Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
1996(d) 1995 1994 1993(b) 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of
period $20.23 $16.26 $17.24 $16.20 $15.76 $12.77 $14.14 $13.18 $12.31 $15.02
Income from investment
operations:
Net investment income .60 .55 .49 .49 .57 .56 .65 .67 .60 .68
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investment
transactions 3.84 4.46 (.05) 2.01 .90 2.97 (1.01) 2.75 .86 (.07)
Total from investment
operations 4.44 5.01 .44 2.50 1.47 3.54 (.36) 3.42 1.46 .61
Less distributions from:
Net investment income (.57) (.56) (.51) (.45) (.53) (.55) (.67) (.69) (.59) (.68)
Net realized gains on
investment transactions (.87) (.48) (.91) (1.01) (.50) -- (.34) (1.77) -- (2.64)
Total distributions (1.44) (1.04) (1.42) (1.46) (1.03) (.55) (1.01) (2.46) (.59) (3.32)
Net asset value,
end of period $23.23 $20.23 $16.26 $17.24 $16.20 $15.76 $12.77 $14.14 $13.18 $12.31
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return (%) 22.18 31.18 2.60 15.59 9.57 28.16 (2.33) 26.36 12.01 3.50
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period
($ millions) 4,186 3,061 1,992 1,624 1,166 723 491 490 402 392
Ratio of operating expenses
to average net assets (%) .78 .80 .86 .86 .94(a) .97 .95 .87 .92 .89
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets (%) 2.77 3.10 2.98 2.93 3.60 4.03 5.03 4.47 4.63 4.24
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 26.6 26.9 42.3 35.5 27.5 44.7 64.7 76.6 47.6 59.5
Average commission rate
paid (c) $.0572 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
</TABLE>
(a) The Adviser did not impose a portion of its management fee amounting to
$.02 per share for the year ended December 31, 1992. If all expenses,
including the management fee not imposed, had been incurred by the Fund,
the annualized ratio of expenses to average net assets for such year would
have been 1.08% and the total return would have been lower. This ratio
includes costs associated with the acquisition of certain assets of Niagara
Share Corporation on July 27, 1992; exclusive of these charges the ratio
would have been .92%.
(b) Effective January 1, 1993, the Fund discontinued using equalization
accounting.
(c) Average commission rate paid per share of common and preferred stocks is
calculated for fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995.
(d) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
8
<PAGE>
A message from the President
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., investment adviser to the Scudder Family of
Funds, is one of the largest and most experienced investment management
organizations worldwide, managing more than $200 billion in assets globally for
mutual fund investors, retirement and pension plans, institutional and corporate
clients, and private family and individual accounts. It is one of the ten
largest mutual fund companies in the U.S.
We offered America's first no-load mutual fund in 1928, and today the Scudder
Family of Funds includes over 45 no-load mutual fund portfolios. We also 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 numerous
other open and closed-end funds that invest in this country and other 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 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 Investor Centers.
The Scudder Family of Funds includes those Funds, or classes of Funds, advised
by Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., that are offered without commissions to
purchase or redeem 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/Edmond D. Villani
Edmond D. Villani, President and CEO,
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
Scudder Mutual Funds
o Scudder Classic Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital with reduced
share price volatility compared to other growth mutual funds by investing
primarily in common stocks of medium- to large-sized U.S. companies.
o Scudder Large Company Value Fund seeks to maximize long-term capital
appreciation through a value-driven investment program.
o Scudder Value Fund seeks long-term growth of capital through investment in
undervalued equity securities.
o Scudder Large Company Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital through
investment primarily in the equity securities of seasoned, financially
strong U.S. growth companies.
o Scudder Growth and Income Fund seeks long-term growth of capital, current
income and growth of income.
Contents
Investment characteristics 10
Scudder Classic Growth Fund 10
Scudder Large Company Value Fund 11
Scudder Value Fund 12
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund 14
Scudder Growth and Income Fund 15
Investment experience 16
Additional information about policies and investments 16
Distribution and performance information 22
Fund organization 23
Transaction information 24
Shareholder benefits 29
Purchases 32
Exchanges and redemptions 33
Investment products and services 35
How to contact Scudder 36
9
<PAGE>
Investment characteristics
Scudder Classic Growth Fund, Scudder Large Company Value Fund, Scudder Value
Fund, Scudder Large Company Growth Fund and Scudder Growth and Income Fund (the
"Funds") are mutual funds advised by Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the
"Adviser"). The prospectuses of the five Funds are presented together here so
that you can understand their important differences and decide which Fund or
combination of Funds is most suitable for your investment needs.
Except as otherwise indicated, each Fund's investment objectives and policies
are not fundamental and may be changed without a vote of shareholders. If there
is a change in investment objective, shareholders should consider whether that
Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current financial
position and needs. There can be no assurance that a Fund's objectives will be
met.
Scudder Classic Growth Fund
Investment objectives and policies
Scudder Classic Growth Fund, a series of Scudder Investment Trust, seeks to
provide long-term growth of capital with reduced share price volatility compared
to 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.
Investments
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in a diversified
portfolio of common stocks which the Fund's investment 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, reverse repurchase agreements, invest in
illiquid
10
<PAGE>
and restricted securities 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. It is impossible to predict accurately how long such alternate
strategies may be utilized. 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 "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 the Adviser'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 the
Adviser who wanted long-term growth of capital without the volatility of more
aggressive growth funds. Rooted in the investment practices and accumulated
experience of the Adviser'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.
Scudder Large Company Value Fund
Investment objective and policies
Scudder Large Company Value Fund, a diversified series of Scudder Equity Trust,
seeks to maximize long-term capital appreciation through a value-driven
investment program. The Fund invests in marketable securities, principally
common stocks and, consistent with its objective of long-term capital
appreciation, preferred stocks. Additionally, the Fund may invest in debt
securities, repurchase agreements, convertible securities, and may engage in
strategic transactions as described under "Investment restrictions."
Investments
The Fund is free to invest in a wide range of marketable securities which the
Adviser believes
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offer the potential for long-term appreciation. The Fund will
normally invest at least 65% of its assets in the equity securities of large
U.S. companies, i.e. those with $1 billion or more in total market
capitalization. The Fund's investment flexibility enables it to pursue
investment value in all sectors of the stock market, including:
o companies that generate or apply new technologies, new and improved
distribution techniques or new services, such as those in the business
equipment, electronics, specialty merchandising and health service
industries;
o companies that own or develop natural resources, such as energy exploration
companies;
o companies that may benefit from changing consumer demands and lifestyles,
such as financial service organizations and telecommunications companies;
o foreign companies, including those in countries with more rapid economic
growth than the U.S.;
o companies whose earnings are temporarily depressed and are currently out of
favor with most investors.
The Fund may invest:
1) for temporary defensive purposes, in debt securities and short term
indebtedness as market or economic conditions may warrant, and
2) up to 20% of its net assets in debt securities when management 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.
Why invest in the Fund?
The Fund uses a value-based investment approach to purse a range of investment
opportunities, principally among larger, established U.S. companies. Given this
approach, the Fund may be appropriate as a core investment holding for
retirement or other long-term goals.
In seeking capital appreciation, the Fund looks for companies whose securities
appear to present a favorable relationship between market price and opportunity.
These may include securities of companies whose fundamentals or products may be
of only average promise.
Market misconceptions, temporary bad news, and other factors may cause a
security to be out of favor in the stock market and to trade at a price below
its potential value. Accordingly, the prices of such securities can rise either
as a result of improved business fundamentals, particularly when earnings grow
faster than general expectations, or as more investors come to recognize the
full extent of a company's underlying potential. These "undervalued" securities
can provide the opportunity for above-average market performance.
Scudder Value Fund
Investment objective and policies
Scudder Value Fund, a diversified series of Scudder Equity Trust, seeks
long-term growth of capital through investment in undervalued equity securities.
The Fund invests in the securities of companies that, in the opinion of the
Adviser, are undervalued in the marketplace in relation to current and estimated
future earnings and dividends. These companies generally sell at price-earnings
ratios below the market average, as defined by the Standard & Poor's 500
Composite Price Index.
The Fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities, which consist
of common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into common
stocks. The Fund changes its portfolio securities for long-term investment
considerations and not for trading purposes.
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Investments
The Fund invests primarily in the equity securities of medium- to large-sized
domestic companies with annual revenues or market capitalization of at least
$600 million. The Adviser uses in-depth fundamental research and a proprietary
computerized quantitative model to identify companies that are currently
undervalued in relation to current and estimated future earnings and dividends.
The investment process also involves an assessment of business risk, including
the Adviser's analysis of the strength of a company's balance sheet, the
accounting practices a company follows, the volatility of a company's earnings
over time, and the vulnerability of earnings to changes in external factors,
such as the general economy, the competitive environment, governmental action,
and technological change.
The current share price or other valuation measures of these companies may not
reflect their business potential because investors may perform incomplete
analyses, have limited time horizons, or allow emotions to influence their
investment decisions. Other similar factors can also influence short-term market
behavior. The Adviser's quantitative approach is designed to help avoid these
pitfalls.
While a broad range of investments are considered, only those that, in the
Adviser's opinion, are selling at comparatively large discounts to intrinsic
value will be purchased for the Fund. It is anticipated that the prices of the
Fund's investments will rise as a result of both earnings growth and rising
price-earnings ratios over time.
While the Fund emphasizes U.S. investments, it can invest its assets in
securities of foreign companies which meet the same criteria applicable to
domestic investments. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt
obligations, including zero coupon securities and may enter into repurchase
agreements. In addition, the Fund may engage in strategic transactions. See
"Additional information about policies and investments" for more information
about these investment techniques.
From time to time, for temporary defensive or emergency purposes, the Fund may
invest a portion of its assets in cash and cash equivalents when the Adviser
deems such a position advisable in light of economic or market conditions.
Why invest in the Fund?
Scudder Value Fund provides investors with convenient, low-cost access to a
diversified portfolio of stocks believed to be undervalued by the Adviser. The
Fund invests predominantly in the equity securities of financially sound U.S.
companies. These companies tend to have below-market price-earnings ratios yet,
in the opinion of the Adviser, will reward investors with above-average
appreciation over time.
The Fund is distinctive in the manner in which it combines systematic valuation
techniques with intensive, traditional fundamental research. The Adviser's
proprietary computer-based valuation model was developed and tested over several
years before being first implemented in 1987. In addition to identifying
undervalued securities, the quantitative model also provides the discipline
required to sell appreciated securities as their prices rise to reflect their
earnings potential. The model relies on the Adviser's independent equity
research effort for estimates of future earnings and dividend growth and
proprietary quality ratings. The Adviser maintains one of the largest equity
research departments in the industry and has done so for more than 60 years. The
Adviser oversees in excess of $400 million in institutional assets using this
price-sensitive approach.
The Fund is appropriate for investors who understand the risks of stock market
investing. Although the Fund emphasizes securities of companies the Adviser
believes are undervalued, movements of the stock market will affect the Fund's
share price.
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While the Fund may invest in a broad range of industries, it is not, by itself,
a complete investment program. Nonetheless, it can serve as a core component of
an investment program that includes money market, bond and specialized equity
investments. Moreover, growth portfolios and value portfolios generally do not
move in tandem, so adding the Fund to your portfolio of growth stocks or growth
mutual funds should increase diversification and reduce investment risk.
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund
Investment objective and policies
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund, a diversified series of Scudder Investment
Trust, seeks to provide long-term growth of capital through investment primarily
in the equity securities of seasoned, financially strong U.S. growth companies.
Although current income is an incidental consideration, many of the Fund's
securities should provide regular dividends which are expected to grow over
time.
The Fund's equity investments consist of common stocks, preferred stocks and
securities convertible into common stocks of companies which are of
above-average financial quality and offer the prospect for above-average growth
in earnings, cash flow or assets relative to the overall market as defined by
the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Price Index (S&P 500). The prospect for
above-average growth in assets is evaluated in terms of the potential future
earnings such growth in assets can produce.
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 which meet the criteria applicable to domestic investments.
Investments
The Fund invests primarily in the equity securities issued by large-sized
domestic companies that offer above-average appreciation potential. In seeking
such investments, the Adviser invests in companies with the following
characteristics:
o companies that have exhibited above-average growth rates over an extended
period with prospects for maintaining greater than average rates of growth
in earnings, cash flow or assets in the future;
o companies that are in a strong financial position with high credit
standings and profitability;
o companies with important business franchises, leading products or dominant
marketing and distribution systems;
o companies guided by experienced, motivated management;
o companies selling at attractive prices relative to potential growth in
earnings, cash flow or assets.
The Adviser utilizes a combination of qualitative and quantitative research
techniques to identify companies that have above-average quality and growth
characteristics and that are deemed to be selling at attractive market
valuations. In-depth fundamental research is used to evaluate various aspects of
corporate performance, with a particular focus on consistency of results,
long-term growth prospects and financial strength. Quantitative valuation models
are designed to help determine which growth companies offer the best values at a
given point in time. From time to time, for temporary defensive or emergency
purposes, the Fund may invest a portion of its assets in cash and cash
equivalents when the Adviser deems such a position advisable in light of
economic or market conditions. The Fund also may invest in convertible
securities, foreign securities, repurchase agreements, and may engage in
strategic transactions. In addition, the Fund may
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invest, to a limited extent, in illiquid or restricted securities.
The Fund invests at least 65% of its total assets in the equity securities of
large U.S. growth companies, i.e., those with total market capitalization of $1
billion or more. The Fund looks for companies with above-average financial
quality.
When assessing financial quality, the Adviser weighs four elements of business
risk. These factors are the Adviser's assessment of the strength of a company's
balance sheet, the accounting practices a company follows, the volatility of a
company's earnings over time and the vulnerability of earnings to changes in
external factors, such as the general economy, the competitive environment,
governmental action and technological change.
More information about investment techniques is provided under "Additional
information about policies and investments."
Why invest in the Fund?
The Fund provides investors with convenient and low-cost access to a diversified
equity portfolio involving seasoned, financially-strong U.S. growth companies.
The Fund's investment strategy is to acquire the equity securities of
well-managed large- and medium-sized companies, primarily located in the U.S.,
which have established records of above-average earnings growth and are judged
to have potential for the future. The Adviser believes that companies with
relatively consistent and above-average rates of growth will be rewarded by the
market with higher stock prices over time and investment returns in excess of
the market as a whole. Also, while the business results of such companies will
be affected by slowdowns in economic growth, they should be less affected by
adverse business conditions than more leveraged or cyclical companies.
The Fund is only appropriate for those investors who understand and can accept
the risks of stock market investing. While the Fund emphasizes the securities of
companies with above-average growth and quality characteristics, movements in
the overall stock market will affect the Fund's price. The Adviser, however,
attempts to lessen the effects of stock market fluctuation through portfolio
diversification and disciplined security selection. The Adviser has been
involved in quality growth investing for over 20 years.
While the Fund is broadly diversified, it does not, in itself, represent a
complete investment program. Nonetheless, because of its emphasis on quality
growth companies, the Fund may be appropriate as a core equity component of an
investment portfolio containing money market, bond and more specialized equity
investments.
Scudder Growth and Income Fund
Investment objective and policies
Scudder Growth and Income Fund, a diversified series of Scudder Investment
Trust, seeks long-term growth of capital, current income and growth of income.
The Fund invests primarily in common stocks, preferred stocks, and securities
convertible into common stocks of companies which offer the prospect for growth
of earnings while paying current dividends. Over time, continued growth of
earnings tends to lead to higher dividends and enhancement of capital value. The
Fund allocates its investments among different industries and companies, and
adjusts its portfolio securities for investment considerations and not for
trading purposes.
Investments
The Fund attempts to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in
dividend-paying common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into
common stocks. The Fund may also purchase such securities which do not pay
current dividends but which offer prospects for growth of capital and future
income. Convertible securities (which may be current coupon or zero coupon
securities) are bonds, notes, debentures, preferred stocks and other
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securities which may be converted or exchanged at a stated or determinable
exchange ratio into underlying shares of common stock. The Fund may also invest
in nonconvertible preferred stocks consistent with the Fund's objective. From
time to time, for temporary defensive purposes, when the Fund's investment
Adviser feels such a position is advisable in light of economic or market
conditions, the Fund may invest, without limit, in cash and cash equivalents. It
is impossible to predict for how long such alternative strategies will be
utilized. The Fund may invest in foreign securities and in repurchase
agreements. It may also loan securities and may engage in strategic
transactions. More information about investment techniques is provided under
"Additional information about policies and investments."
The Fund's share price fluctuates with changes in interest rates and market
conditions. These fluctuations may cause the value of shares to be higher or
lower than when purchased.
Why invest in the Fund?
The Fund seeks to provide participation in the long-term growth of the economy
through the potential investment returns offered by common stocks and securities
convertible into common stocks. It maintains a diversified portfolio consisting
primarily of common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities of
companies with long-standing records of earnings growth. These companies, many
of which are mainstays of the domestic U.S. economy, offer prospects for future
growth of earnings and profits, and therefore may offer investors attractive
long-term investment opportunities. This strategy, with an emphasis on income,
may be more appropriate for the conservative portions of your equity portfolio.
Investment experience
The Adviser is one of America's largest investment managers and has been
involved in U.S. equity investing since its founding over 75 years ago. The
Adviser manages more than $200 billion in assets globally.
Additional information about policies and investments
Investment restrictions
Each Fund has certain investment restrictions which are designed to reduce a
Fund's investment risk. Fundamental investment restrictions may not be changed
without a vote of shareholders; non-fundamental investment restrictions may be
changed by a vote of a Fund's Board of Trustees. A complete listing of
investment restrictions is contained under "Investment Restrictions" in each
Fund's Statement of Additional Information. Each Fund, except Scudder Classic
Growth Fund, may not borrow money except as a temporary measure for
extraordinary or emergency purposes, or except in connection with reverse
repurchase agreements, 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 fundamental policy, Scudder Classic Growth Fund may
not borrow money, except as permitted under Federal law. Further, as a matter of
non-fundamental policy, Scudder Classic Growth Fund may not borrow money in an
amount greater than 5% of total assets, except for temporary or emergency
purposes, although Scudder Classic Growth Fund may engage up to 5% of total
assets in reverse repurchase agreements or dollar rolls.
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As a matter of fundamental policy, Scudder Classic Growth Fund may not make
loans except through the lending of portfolio securities, the purchase of debt
securities or through repurchase agreements. Scudder Classic Growth Fund has
adopted a non-fundamental policy restricting the lending of portfolio securities
to no more than 5% of total assets.
Each Fund may not, as a matter of nonfundamental policy, invest more than 5% of
its net assets in warrants.
The five Funds may invest to a limited extent in the investments described
below, please refer to each Fund's "Investment objective(s) and policies"
section above for additional information.
Common stocks
Under normal circumstances, each Fund invests primarily in common stocks. Common
stock is issued by companies to raise cash for business purposes and represents
a proportionate interest in the issuing companies. Therefore, each such Fund
participates in the success or failure of any company in which it holds stock.
The market values of common stock can fluctuate significantly, reflecting the
business performance of the issuing company, investor perception and general
economic or financial market movements. Smaller companies are especially
sensitive to these factors and may even become valueless. Despite the risk of
price volatility, however, common stocks also offer the greatest potential for
gain on investment, compared to other classes of financial assets such as bonds
or cash equivalents.
Debt securities
Each Fund may purchase investment-grade debt securities, which are those rated
Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's Investor Services, Inc. ("Moody's"), or AAA, AA, A
or BBB by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or, if unrated, of equivalent
quality as determined by the Adviser.
Convertible securities
Convertible securities in which each Fund may invest include bonds, notes,
debentures, preferred stocks and other securities convertible into common
stocks. Prior to their conversion, convertible securities may have
characteristics similar to both nonconvertible debt securities and equity
securities. In addition, convertible securities in which Scudder Large Company
Growth Fund and Scudder Growth and Income Fund may invest include fixed-income
or zero coupon debt securities which may be converted or exchanged at a stated
or determinable exchange ratio into underlying shares of common stock.
Repurchase agreements
As a means of earning income for periods as short as overnight, all Funds may
enter into repurchase agreements with selected banks and broker/dealers. Under a
repurchase agreement, each Fund acquires securities, subject to the seller's
agreement to repurchase them at a specified time and price. Please see "Risk
factors--Repurchase agreements" for more information.
Foreign securities
In addition to investments in companies domiciled in the U.S., each of the Funds
may invest a portion of its assets in listed and unlisted foreign securities of
the same type as the domestic securities in which it is permitted to invest.
Each Fund may invest outside of the U.S. when the anticipated performance of
foreign securities is believed by the Adviser to offer more return potential
than domestic alternatives in keeping with the investment objectives of the
Fund. Scudder Growth and Income Fund may enter into forward foreign currency
exchange contracts in connection with the purchase and sale of securities
denominated in a foreign currency.
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Illiquid securities
Each Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities for which there is
not an active trading market, or which have resale restrictions. These types of
securities generally offer a higher return than more readily marketable
securities, but carry the risk that a Fund may not be able to dispose of them at
an advantageous time or price. Some restricted securities purchased by a Fund,
however, may be considered liquid despite resale restrictions.
Real estate investment trusts
Scudder Growth and Income Fund may purchase real estate investment trusts, which
pool investors' funds for investment primarily in income-producing real estate
or real estate-related loans or interests. REITs can generally be classified as
equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs, which invest the
majority of their assets directly in real property, derive their income
primarily from rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling
properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs, which invest the
majority of their assets in real estate mortgages, derive their income primarily
from interest payments on real estate mortgages in which they are invested.
Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity REITs and mortgage
REITs.
Securities lending
Scudder Growth and Income Fund may lend portfolio securities to registered
broker/dealers as a means of increasing its income. These loans may not exceed
33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets taken at market value. Loans of portfolio
securities will be secured continuously by collateral consisting of U.S.
Government securities or fixed-income obligations that are maintained at all
times in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the loaned
securities.
Portfolio turnover rate
Recent economic and market conditions have necessitated more active trading,
resulting in a higher portfolio turnover rate for Scudder Large Company Growth
Fund. A higher rate involves greater transaction costs to the Fund and may
result in the realization of net capital gains, which would be taxable to
shareholders when distributed.
Strategic Transactions and derivatives
Each 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 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, each 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 each Funds' portfolio resulting
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from securities markets or currency exchange rate fluctuations, to protect the
Fund's unrealized gains in the value of their portfolio securities, to
facilitate the sale of such securities for investment purposes, to manage the
effective maturity or duration of fixed-income securities in a 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 a 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 a
Fund to utilize these Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on the
Adviser's ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be
assured. Each 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
Each 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
each Fund may use from time to time. A complete description of these and other
risk factors can be found in each Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Other Funds may invest to a limited extent in the investments described below,
please refer to each Fund's "Investment objective(s) and policies" section above
for additional information.
Foreign securities. Each Fund may invest in foreign securities. Investments in
foreign securities involve special considerations, due to more limited
information, higher brokerage costs, different accounting standards, thinner
trading markets and the likely impact of foreign taxes on the yield from debt
securities. They may also entail certain other risks, such as the possibility of
one or more of the following: imposition of dividend or interest withholding or
confiscatory taxes; currency blockages or transfer restrictions; expropriation,
nationalization, military coups or other adverse political or economic
developments and the difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries;
less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and
listed companies; and the difficulty of enforcing obligations in other
countries. Further, it may be more difficult for each Fund's agents to keep
currently informed about corporate actions which may affect the prices of
portfolio securities. Communications between the U.S. and foreign countries may
be less reliable than within the U.S., increasing the risk of delayed
settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio
securities. Certain markets may require payment for securities before delivery.
Each Fund's ability and decisions to purchase and sell portfolio securities may
be affected by laws or regulations relating to the convertibility of currencies
and repatriation of assets. Some countries restrict the extent to which
foreigners may invest in their securities markets.
Each Fund invests in securities denominated in currencies of foreign countries.
Accordingly, changes in the value of these currencies against the U.S. dollar
will result in corresponding changes in the U.S. dollar value of each Fund's
assets denominated in those currencies.
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Some foreign countries also may have managed currencies, which are not free
floating against the U.S. dollar. In addition, there is risk that certain
foreign countries may restrict the free conversion of their currencies into
other currencies. Further, it generally will not be possible to reduce the
Fund's foreign currency risk through hedging. Any devaluations in the currencies
in which each Fund's portfolio securities are denominated may have a detrimental
impact on each Fund's net asset value.
Repurchase agreements. If the seller under a repurchase agreement becomes
insolvent, a Fund's right to dispose of a security may be restricted, or the
value of the securities may decline before a Fund is able to dispose of them. In
the event of the commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with
respect to the seller of the securities before repurchase of the securities
under a repurchase agreement, a Fund may encounter delay and incur costs,
including a decline in the value of the securities, before being able to sell
the securities. Repurchase commitment transactions may not provide a Fund with
collateral marked-to-market during the term of the commitment.
Illiquid securities. The absence of a trading market can make if difficult to
ascertain a market value for illiquid or restricted investments. Disposing of
illiquid or restricted investments may involve time-consuming negotiation and
legal expenses, and it may be difficult or impossible for a Fund to sell them
promptly at an acceptable price.
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. Convertible
securities purchased by the Scudder Large Company Growth Fund must be rated
investment-grade, or if unrated, judged of equivalent quality by the Adviser.
Investment-grade convertible securities are rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's,
or AAA, AA, A or BBB by S&P. Moody's considers securities it rates Baa to have
speculative elements as well as investment-grade characteristics.
Borrowing. Although the principal of each Fund's borrowing will be fixed, a
Fund's assets may change in value during the time a borrowing is outstanding,
increasing exposure to capital risk.
Debt securities. High quality bonds (rated AAA or AA by S&P or Aaa or Aa by
Moody's) characteristically have strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. Medium-grade bonds (rated A or BBB by S&P or A or Baa by Moody's) are
defined as having adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Moody's
considers bonds it rates Baa to have speculative elements as well as
investment-grade characteristics.
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. They 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. Debt securities rated below BBB by S&P
or below Baa by Moody's (commonly referred to as "junk bonds") are considered to
be below investment grade. The lower the ratings of such debt securities, the
greater their risks render them like equity securities. These types of high
yield/high risk debt obligations are predominantly speculative with respect to
the capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with their terms
and generally involve a greater risk of default and more volatility in price
than securities in higher rating categories, such as investment-grade U.S.
bonds. The market price of such lower rated debt securities may decline
significantly in periods of general economic difficulty. The trading market for
these securities is generally less liquid than for higher rated
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securities making it more difficult for a Fund to obtain accurate market
quotations for purposes of valuing its portfolio and calculating its net asset
value, and a Fund may have difficulty disposing of these securities at the time
it wishes to do so. Securities rated D by S&P, or of equivalent quality if
unrated, may be in default with respect to payment of principal or interest.
Also, longer maturity bonds tend to fluctuate more in price as interest rates
change than do short-term bonds, providing both opportunity and risk.
Scudder Large Company Value Fund will invest no more than 10% of its total
assets in debt securities rated B or below. The Fund may invest in securities
which are rated as low as C by Moody's or D by S&P at the time of purchase.
Scudder Value Fund may invest no more than 10% of its total assets in debt
securities which are rated B or below. The Fund may invest no more than 5% of
its net assets in securities which are rated C by Moody's or D by S&P.
Scudder Large Company Value Fund and Scudder Value Fund may each invest up to
20% of its assets in debt securities rated lower than Baa or BBB or, if unrated,
of equivalent quality as determined by the Adviser and may invest in securities
rated C by Moody's or D by S&P.
Zero coupon bonds, which do not pay interest until maturity, and pay-in-kind
securities, which pay interest in the form of additional securities, may be more
speculative than debt securities which pay income periodically in cash.
Real estate investment trusts. Scudder Growth and Income Fund may invest in real
estate investment trusts. Investment in REITs may subject Scudder Growth and
Income Fund to risks similar to those associated with the direct ownership of
real estate (in addition to securities markets risks). REITs are sensitive to
factors such as changes in real estate values and property taxes, interest
rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, supply and demand, and the
management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. REITs may also be affected
by tax and regulatory requirements.
Securities lending. From time to time the Scudder Growth and Income Fund may
lend its portfolio securities to registered broker/dealers as described above.
The risks of lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of secured
credit, consist of possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the
recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should
the borrower fail financially. Loans will be made to registered broker/dealers
deemed by the Adviser to be of good standing and will not be made unless, in the
judgment of the Adviser, the consideration to be earned from such loans would
justify the risk.
Strategic Transactions and derivatives. Each Fund may invest in 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 a 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 a Fund can realize on
its investments or cause a Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell.
The use of currency transactions can result in a 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
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position of a 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, a
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 a Fund may
use and some of their risks are described more fully in each Fund's respective
Statement of Additional Information.
Distribution and performance information
Dividends and capital gains distributions
Scudder Classic Growth 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.
Scudder Large Company Value Fund, Scudder Value Fund and Scudder Large Company
Growth Fund each intends to distribute any dividends from net investment income
and any net realized capital gains after utilization of capital loss
carryforwards, if any, in December to prevent application of federal excise tax.
Each Fund may make an additional distribution, if necessary.
Scudder Growth and Income Fund intends to distribute any dividends from its net
investment income quarterly in April, July, October and December. Scudder Growth
and Income Fund intends to distribute any net realized capital gains after
utilization of capital loss carryforwards, if any, in November or December to
prevent application of a federal excise tax. An additional distribution may be
made, if necessary.
For all Funds, any dividends or capital gains distributions declared in October,
November or December with a record date in such a month and paid during the
following January will be treated by shareholders for federal income 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 a Fund. If an investment is in the form of a
retirement plan, all dividends and capital gains distributions must be
reinvested in the shareholder's account.
For all Funds, 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.
Each Fund sends detailed tax information to shareholders about the amount and
type of its distributions by January 31 of the following year.
Performance information
From time to time, quotations of the Funds' performance may be included in
advertisements, sales literature or shareholder reports. All performance figures
are historical, show the
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performance of a hypothetical investment and are not intended to indicate future
performance.
"Total return" is the change in value of an investment in a Fund for a specified
period.
"Average annual total return" of a Fund is the average annual compound rate of
return of an investment in a Fund assuming the investment has been held for one
year, five years and ten years as of a stated ending date. (If a Fund has not
been in operation for at least ten years, the life of the Fund will be used
where applicable.)
"Cumulative total return" represents the cumulative change in value of an
investment in a 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 a Fund.
Performance for any of the Funds will vary based upon, among other things,
changes in market conditions and the level of a Fund's expenses.
Fund organization
Each Fund is a series of a Trust which is an open-end management investment
company registered under the 1940 Act.
The activities of the Funds are supervised by their respective Boards of
Trustees. Shareholders have one vote for each share held on matters on which
they are entitled to vote. The Trusts are not required to and have 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 agreement.
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.
The prospectuses of each of the five Funds are combined in this prospectus. Each
Fund offers only its own shares, yet it is possible that a Fund might become
liable for a misstatement or omission regarding another Fund. The Trustees of
each Trust have considered this and approved the use of a combined prospectus.
Scudder Equity Trust, formerly known as Scudder Capital Growth Fund, was
organized as a Delaware corporation in May 1966. The Trust reorganized as a
Massachusetts business trust in October 1985. Scudder Large Company Value Fund,
formerly known as Scudder Capital Growth Fund, changed its name on February 1,
1997.
Scudder Investment Trust, formerly known as Scudder Growth and Income Fund, was
organized as a Massachusetts business trust in September 1984 and on December
31, 1984 assumed the business of its predecessor, which was organized as a
Massachusetts corporation in May 1929. Scudder Large Company Growth Fund,
formerly known as Scudder Quality Growth Fund changed its name on March 1, 1997.
Investment adviser
The Funds retain the investment management firm of Scudder Kemper Investments,
Inc., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.,
to manage each Fund's daily investment and business affairs subject to the
policies established by the relevant Trust's Board of Trustees. The Trustees
have overall responsibility for the management of their respective funds under
Massachusetts law.
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. ("Scudder"), and Zurich Insurance Company
("Zurich"), an international insurance and financial services organization, have
formed a new global investment organization by combining Scudder's business with
that of Zurich's subsidiary, Zurich Kemper Investments, Inc. and Scudder has
changed its name to Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. As a result of the
transaction, Zurich owns approximately 70% of the Adviser, with the balance
owned by the Adviser's officers and employees.
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The management fees for Scudder Large Company Value Fund and Scudder Growth and
Income Fund are graduated so that increases in a Fund's net assets may result in
a lower fee and decreases in a Fund's assets may result in a higher fee.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, the Adviser received investment
management fees of 0.66% and 0.64% of each Fund's average daily net assets for
Scudder Large Company Value Fund and Scudder Value Fund, respectively. For the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the Adviser received investment management
fees of 0.49% of the Fund's average daily net assets for Scudder Growth and
Income Fund.
Scudder Classic Growth Fund, Scudder Value Fund and Scudder Large Company Growth
Fund each pays the Adviser an annual fee of 0.70% of each Fund's average daily
net assets. The Adviser has agreed to maintain the annualized expenses of
Scudder Classic Growth Fund at no more than 1.25% of the average daily net
assets of the Fund until April 15, 1998. For the fiscal period ended August 31,
1997, the Adviser took action to reduce the Fund's total expenses and as a
result did not receive an investment management fee.
As of May 1, 1997, Scudder Growth and Income Fund pays the Adviser an annual fee
of 0.60% of the first $500 million of average daily net assets, 0.55% of such
assets in excess of $500 million, 0.50% of such assets in excess of $1 billion,
0.475% of such assets in excess of $1.5 billion, 0.45% of such assets in excess
of $2 billion, 0.425% of such assets in excess of $3 billion, 0.405% of such
assets in excess of $4.5 billion and 0.3875% of such assets in excess of $6
billion.
The management fees are payable monthly, provided that each 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.
All of a Fund's expenses are paid out of gross investment income. Shareholders
pay no direct charges or fees for investment or administrative services.
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. maintains offices at Two International Place,
Boston, Massachusetts and 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York.
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 each Fund.
Underwriter
Scudder Investor Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Adviser, is each Fund's
principal underwriter. Scudder Investor Services, Inc. confirms, as agent, all
purchases of shares of the Funds. 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 each Fund.
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company is the custodian for each Fund.
Transaction information
Purchasing shares
Purchases are executed at the next calculated net asset value per share after
the Funds' 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
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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.
You may also make additional investments of $100 or more to your existing
account by wire.
By exchange. Each Fund may be exchanged for shares of other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds unless otherwise determined by each Fund's Board of Trustees.
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.
By telephone order. Existing shareholders for all Funds 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 "QuickBuy." If you elected "QuickBuy" 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
"QuickBuy," call 1-800-225-5163 for more information.
To purchase additional shares, call 1-800-225-5163. Purchases may not be for
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. "QuickBuy" requests received after the
close of regular trading on the Exchange will
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begin their processing and be purchased at the net asset value calculated the
following business day.
If you purchase shares by "QuickBuy" and redeem them within seven days of the
purchase, the Fund may hold the redemption proceeds for a period of up to seven
business days. If you purchase shares and there are insufficient funds in your
bank account, the purchase will be canceled and you will be subject to any
losses or fees incurred in the transaction. "QuickBuy" transactions are not
available for most retirement plan accounts. However, "QuickBuy" transactions
are available for Scudder IRA accounts.
Redeeming shares
The Funds allow you to redeem shares (i.e., sell them back to a Fund) without
redemption fees.
By telephone. This is the quickest and easiest way to sell Fund shares. If you
provided your banking information on your application, you can call to request
that federal funds be sent to your authorized bank account. If you did not
include your banking information 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.
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 "QuickSell." If you elected "QuickSell" 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 "QuickSell,"
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. "QuickSell" 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.
"QuickSell" 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 $100,000 we require an original
signature and an original signature guarantee for each person in whose name the
account is registered. (Each 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 SEC. Signature guarantees by notaries public are
not acceptable. Redemption requirements for corporations, other organizations,
trusts, fiduciaries, agents, institutional investors and retirement plans may
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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 $100,000 to their address of record.
Shareholders also may, by telephone, request that redemption proceeds be sent to
a predesignated bank account. Each 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 a Fund does not follow such
procedures, it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
telephone instructions. Each 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 for all Funds. 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.
Trading in securities on foreign securities exchanges is normally completed
before the close of regular trading on the Exchange. Trading on these foreign
exchanges may not take place on all days on which there is regular trading on
the Exchange, or may take place on days on which there is no regular trading on
the Exchange. If events materially affecting the value of a Fund's portfolio
securities occur between the time when these foreign exchanges close and the
time when the Fund's net asset value is calculated, such securities will be
valued at fair value as determined by each Board of Trustees.
Processing time
All purchase and redemption requests must be received in good order by the
Funds' 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. Those 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 the Funds' transfer agent of such
a purchase by calling 1-800-225-5163. The Funds 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).
Purchase restrictions
Purchases and sales should be made for long-term investment purposes only. The
Funds and Scudder Investor Services, Inc. each reserve the right to reject
purchases of Fund shares (including exchanges) for any reason including when a
pattern of frequent purchases and sales made in response to short-term
fluctuations in a 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 these Funds to
withhold 31% of taxable dividends, capital gains distributions from accounts
(other than those of certain exempt payees) without a correct 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
Funds reserve the right to reject new account
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applications without a correct certified Social Security or tax identification
number. The Funds also reserve the right, following 30 days' notice to
shareholders, to redeem all shares in accounts without a correct certified
Social Security or tax identification number. A shareholder may avoid
involuntary redemption by providing the Fund with a tax identification number
during the 30-day notice period.
Minimum balances
Shareholders should maintain a share balance worth at least $2,500, which amount
may be changed by a Fund's Board of Trustees. Scudder retirement plans and
certain other accounts have similar or lower minimum balance requirements. The
initial investment and minimum account balance for fiduciary accounts such as
IRAs is $1,000 per fund account, while the subsequent minimum investment is $50.
A shareholder may open a regular account with a minimum of $1,000, if an
investment program of at least $100 per month is established.
Shareholders with non-fiduciary accounts who maintain an account balance of less
than $2,500 in a Fund without establishing a regular investment program may be
assessed an annual $10.00 per fund charge with the fee to be paid to a Fund. The
$10.00 charge will not apply to shareholders with a combined household account
balance (same surname, same address) in any of the Scudder Funds of $25,000 or
more. Each Fund reserves the right, following 60 days' written notice to
shareholders, to redeem all shares in accounts below $250, where a reduction in
value has occurred due to a redemption or exchange out of the account. The
shareholder may restore the share balance to $250 or more during the 60-day
notice period and must maintain it at no lower than that minimum to avoid an
involuntary redemption. A 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
each Fund's Statement of Additional 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
Securities Dealers, Inc., other than Scudder Investor Services, Inc., that
member may, at its discretion, charge a fee for that service.
Redemption-in-kind
Each 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 a Fund
and valued as they are for purposes of computing each 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. Each Trust has
elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, as a result
of which a 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 each Fund at the beginning of the
period.
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Shareholder benefits
Experienced professional management
Scudder Kemper Investments, 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
Each of the Funds is managed by a team of Scudder Kemper 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 the Adviser's large
staff of economists, research analysts, traders and other investment specialists
who work in the Adviser's offices across the United States and abroad. Scudder
Kemper believes its team approach benefits Fund investors by bringing together
many disciplines and leveraging its extensive resources.
Scudder Classic Growth Fund. Lead Portfolio Manager William F. Gadsden focuses
on overall investment strategy and has 15 years of investment industry
experience and joined the Adviser 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 16 years of investment industry
experience and joined the Adviser in 1991.
Scudder Large Company Value Fund. Lead Portfolio Manager Kathleen T. Millard
assumed responsibility for the Fund's day-to-day management in 1995. Ms.
Millard, who joined the Adviser in 1991, has been involved in the investment
industry since 1983 and has worked as a portfolio manager since 1986. Lois R.
Friedman Roman, Portfolio Manager, joined the Fund in 1995 and the Adviser in
1994 and has nine years of experience as an equity analyst.
Scudder Value Fund. Lead Portfolio Manager Donald E. Hall has had responsibility
for the Fund's day-to-day management since its inception in 1992. Mr. Hall, who
has 14 years of experience in the value style of investing, joined the Adviser
in 1982. William J. Wallace, Portfolio Manager, has been a member of the Fund's
team since 1992 and has 16 years of investment experience.
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund. Lead Portfolio Manager Valerie F. Malter
joined the Adviser in 1995 and is responsible for the Fund's investment strategy
and daily operation. Ms. Malter has 11 years of experience as an analyst
covering a wide range of industries, and four years of portfolio management
experience focusing on the stocks of companies with large-sized market
capitalizations.
Scudder Growth and Income Fund. Lead Portfolio Manager, Robert T. Hoffman leads
a team of investment professionals responsible for the management of the Fund
and other portfolios managed in a similar fashion. Mr. Hoffman has had
responsibility for setting the Fund's stock investing strategy and overseeing
the Fund's day-to-day operations since 1991. Mr. Hoffman, who joined the Adviser
in 1990 as a portfolio manager, has 13 years of experience in the investment
industry, including several years of pension fund management experience.
Lori Ensinger, Portfolio Manager joined the portfolio management team in 1993,
and the Fund in 1996. Ms. Ensinger focuses on stock selection and investment
strategy. She has worked as a portfolio manager since 1983, and joined the
Adviser in 1993.
Deborah Chaplin, Portfolio Manager, has focused on stock selection and
investment strategy since joining the portfolio management team in 1997. Ms.
Chaplin, who joined the Adviser in 1996 has over four years of investment
experience as a securities analyst and portfolio manager. Prior to
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joining the Adviser, Ms. Chaplin was a research fellow in the Faculty of Letters
at Kyoto University, Japan.
Benjamin W. Thorndike, Portfolio Manager, is the Fund's chief analyst and
strategist for convertible securities. Mr. Thorndike, who has 18 years of
investment experience, joined the Adviser in 1983 as a portfolio manager, and
the Fund in 1986.
Kathleen T. Millard, Portfolio Manager, has been involved in the investment
industry since 1983 and has worked as a portfolio manager since 1986. Ms.
Millard, who joined the portfolio management team and the Adviser in 1991,
focuses on strategy and stock selection.
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. (The exchange
privilege may not be available for certain Scudder funds. For more information,
please call 1-800-225-5163.)
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.
Personal Counsel(SM) -- A Managed Fund Portfolio Program
If you would like to receive direct guidance and management of your overall
mutual fund portfolio to help you pursue your investment goals, you may be
interested in Personal Counsel from Scudder. Personal Counsel, a program of
Scudder Investor Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser and a
subsidiary of Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., combines the benefits of a
customized portfolio of pure no-load Scudder Funds with ongoing portfolio
monitoring and individualized service, for an annual fee of generally 1% or less
of assets (with a $1,000 minimum). In addition, it draws upon the Adviser's more
than 75-year heritage of providing investment counsel to large corporate and
private clients. If you have $100,000 or more to invest initially and would like
more information about Personal Counsel, please call 1-800-700-0183.
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.
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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 Investor Centers As a convenience to shareholders who like to conduct
business in person, Scudder Investor Services, Inc. maintains Investor Centers
in Boca Raton, Boston, Chicago, New York and San Francisco.
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.
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Purchases
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
<CAPTION>
Opening Minimum initial investment: $2,500; IRAs $1,000
an account Group retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), etc.) have similar or lower minimums.
See appropriate plan literature.
o By Mail Send your completed and signed application and check
Make checks
payable to "The by regular mail to: or by express, registered,
Scudder Funds." or certified mail to:
The Scudder Funds Scudder Shareholder Service
P.O. Box 2291 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 Investor Centers to complete your application
with the help of a Scudder representative. Investor Center
locations are listed under Shareholder benefits.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchasing Minimum additional investment: $100; IRAs $50
additional Group retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), etc.) have similar or lower minimums.
shares 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
Scudder Funds." complete Fund name, to 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 Investor Centers to make an additional
investment in your Scudder fund account. Investor Center
locations are listed under Shareholder benefits.
o By Telephone Please see Transaction information--Purchasing shares--
By QuickBuy or By telephone order for more details.
o By Automatic You may arrange to make investments on a regular basis
Investment Plan through automatic deductions from your bank
($50 minimum) checking account. Please call 1-800-225-5163 for more information and an
enrollment form.
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Exchanges and redemptions
Exchanging Minimum investments: $2,500 to establish a new account;
shares $100 to exchange among existing accounts
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 o By Telephone To speak with a service representative, call 1-800-225-5163 from
shares 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 $100,000 sent to your address of record.
o By Mail Send your instructions for redemption to the appropriate address or fax
or Fax number 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 $100,000.
See Transaction information--Redeeming shares.
o By Automatic You may arrange to receive automatic cash payments periodically.
Withdrawal Call 1-800-225-5163 for more information and an enrollment form.
Plan
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Scudder Kemper tax-advantaged retirement plans
Scudder Kemper 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 up to $2,000 per person for anyone with earned income (up
to $2,000 per individual for married couples if only one spouse has 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 you no annual custodial fee.
o Scudder Roth No-Fee IRAs. Similar to the traditional IRA in many respects,
these retirement plans provide a unique opportunity for qualifying
individuals to accumulate investment earnings tax free. Unlike a
traditional IRA, with a Roth IRA, if you meet the distribution
requirements, you can withdraw your money without paying any taxes on the
earnings. The Scudder Roth IRA charges you 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. The Scudder Keogh
charges you no annual custodial fee.
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. The Scudder SEP-IRA charges
you no annual custodial fee.
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. Scudder Investor Relations
is a service provided through Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Distributor.
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Investment products and services
The Scudder Family of Funds+++
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money Market
- ------------
Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund
Scudder Cash Investment Trust
Scudder Money Market Series--
Premium Shares*
Managed Shares*
Scudder Government Money Market Series--
Managed Shares*
Tax Free Money Market+
- ----------------------
Scudder Tax Free Money Fund
Scudder Tax Free Money Market Series--
Managed Shares*
Scudder California Tax Free Money Fund**
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund**
Tax Free+
- ---------
Scudder Limited Term Tax Free Fund
Scudder Medium Term Tax Free Fund
Scudder Managed Municipal Bonds
Scudder High Yield Tax Free Fund
Scudder California Tax Free Fund**
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund**
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund**
Scudder New York Tax Free Fund**
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund**
Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund**
U.S. Income
- -----------
Scudder Short Term Bond Fund
Scudder Zero Coupon 2000 Fund
Scudder GNMA Fund
Scudder Income Fund
Scudder High Yield Bond Fund
Global Income
- -------------
Scudder Global Bond Fund
Scudder International Bond Fund
Scudder Emerging Markets Income Fund
Asset Allocation
- ----------------
Scudder Pathway Conservative Portfolio
Scudder Pathway Balanced Portfolio
Scudder Pathway Growth Portfolio
Scudder Pathway International Portfolio
U.S. Growth and Income
- ----------------------
Scudder Balanced Fund
Scudder Growth and Income Fund
Scudder S&P 500 Index Fund
U.S. Growth
- -----------
Value
Scudder Large Company Value Fund
Scudder Value Fund
Scudder Small Company Value Fund
Scudder Micro Cap Fund
Growth
Scudder Classic Growth Fund
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund
Scudder Development Fund
Scudder 21st Century Growth Fund
Global Growth
- -------------
Worldwide
Scudder Global Fund
Scudder International Growth and Income Fund
Scudder International Fund
Scudder Global Discovery Fund
Scudder Emerging Markets Growth Fund
Scudder Gold Fund
Regional
Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund
Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund
Scudder Latin America Fund
The Japan Fund, Inc.
Retirement Programs
- -------------------
Traditional IRA
Roth IRA
SEP-IRA
Keogh Plan
401(k), 403(b) Plans
Scudder Horizon Plan **+++ +++
(a variable annuity)
Education Accounts
- ------------------
Education IRA
UGMA/UTMA
Closed-End Funds#
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Argentina Fund, Inc.
The Brazil Fund, Inc.
The Korea Fund, Inc.
Montgomery Street Income Securities, Inc.
Scudder Global High Income Fund, Inc.
Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc.
Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc.
Scudder Spain and Portugal Fund, Inc.
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. +++Funds within categories are listed in order from
expected least risk to most risk. Certain Scudder funds may not be available for
purchase or exchange. +A portion of the income from the tax-free funds may be
subject to federal, state, and local taxes. *A class of shares of the Fund.
**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. #These funds, advised by
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and,
in some cases, on various foreign stock exchanges.
35
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<CAPTION>
How to contact Scudder
Account Service and Information:
<S> <C>
For existing account service and transactions
Scudder Investor Relations -- 1-800-225-5163
For 24 hour account information, fund information, exchanges, and an
overview of all the services available to you
Scudder Electronic Account Services -- http://funds.scudder.com
For personalized information about your Scudder accounts, exchanges and redemptions
Scudder Automated Information Line (SAIL) -- 1-800-343-2890
Investment Information:
For information about the Scudder funds, including additional
applications and prospectuses, or for answers to investment questions
Scudder Investor Relations -- 1-800-225-2470
[email protected]
Scudder's World Wide Web Site -- http://funds.scudder.com
For establishing 401(k) and 403(b) plans
Scudder Defined Contribution Services -- 1-800-323-6105
Scudder Brokerage Services:
To receive information about this discount brokerage service and to obtain an application
Scudder Brokerage Services* -- 1-800-700-0820
Personal Counsel(SM) -- A Managed Fund Portfolio Program:
To receive information about this mutual fund portfolio guidance and management program
Personal Counsel from Scudder -- 1-800-700-0183
Please address all correspondence to:
The Scudder Funds
P.O. Box 2291
Boston, Massachusetts
02107-2291
Or Stop by a Scudder Investor Center:
Many shareholders enjoy the personal, one-on-one service of the Scudder
Investor Centers. Check for an Investor Center near you--they can be
found in the following cities:
Boca Raton Chicago San Francisco
Boston New York
Scudder Investor Relations and Scudder Investor Centers are services provided
through Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Distributor.
</TABLE>
* Scudder Brokerage Services, Inc., 42 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA
02061--Member NASD/SIPC.
36
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