INVESTMENT TRUST
SCUDDER GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
SCUDDER LARGE COMPANY GROWTH FUND
CLASSIC GROWTH FUND
Scudder Classic Growth Fund, Kemper Classic Growth Fund
SCUDDER S&P 500 INDEX FUND
SCUDDER REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT FUND
SCUDDER DIVIDEND & GROWTH FUND
SCUDDER TAX MANAGED GROWTH FUND
SCUDDER TAX MANAGED SMALL COMPANY FUND
<PAGE>
SCUDDER
Classic Growth Fund seeks to
provide long-term growth of
capital with reduced share price
volatility compared to other
growth mutual funds.
Scudder Classic
Growth Fund
(058)
Mutual funds:
o are not FDIC-insured
o have no bank guarantees
o may lose value
Prospectus
January 1, 1999
The Securities and Exchange
Commission has not approved or
disapproved these securities or
passed upon the adequacy of this
prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
<PAGE>
Contents
1 Fund Summary
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An overview of the
fund's goal and
strategy, main risks,
performance and expenses
4 About The Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional information 4 Principal strategies, investments and
that you should know additional principal risks
about the fund
6 A message from the President
7 Investment adviser
9 Distributions
9 Taxes
11 Financial highlights
12 About Your Investment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information about 12 Transaction information
managing your fund
account 13 Buying and selling shares
13 Purchases
15 Exchanges and redemptions
16 Investment products and services
<PAGE>
Fund Summary
Investment objectives and principal strategies
Classic Growth Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital with reduced
share price volatility compared to other growth mutual funds. Except as
otherwise indicated, the fund's investment objective and policies may be changed
without a vote of shareholders.
The fund invests in common stocks to achieve its objective. The fund is broadly
diversified and managed, with attention paid to stock valuation and risk, in
order to attempt to moderate share price volatility. The fund focuses on firms
with a record of strong and sustainable earnings growth, solid management with a
proven ability to add value over time and reasonable stock market valuations --
in short, firms with solid growth potential. 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.
The fund is intended to be a major component of the equity portion 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 reduced share price volatility than other
growth mutual funds.
Principal risks
Stock Market. The fund's returns and net asset value will go up and down, and it
is possible to lose money invested in the fund. Stock market movements will
affect the fund's share prices on a daily basis. Declines are possible both in
the overall stock market or in the types of securities held by the fund.
Portfolio Strategy. The portfolio management team's skill in choosing
appropriate investments for the fund will determine in large part the fund's
ability to achieve its investment objective.
Management Style. To the extent that the fund seeks to moderate share price
volatility compared with other growth stock mutual funds, the fund may
underperform in markets that favor more aggressive growth stock funds.
Past performance
The chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in
the fund by illustrating how the Scudder Shares class has
---
1
<PAGE>
performed, and comparing this information to a broad measure of market
performance. Of course, past performance is not necessarily an indication of
future performance.
Total return for year ended December 31
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
1997 34.86%
For the period included in the bar chart, the fund's highest return for a
calendar quarter was 20.73% (the second quarter of 1997), and the fund's lowest
return for a calendar quarter was -1.7% (the fourth quarter of 1997).
The Scudder Shares' year-to-date total return as of September 30, 1998 was
- -2.14%.
Average annual total returns
For periods ended
December 31, 1997 Fund S&P 500 Index
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Year 34.86% 33.38%
Since Inception (9/9/96) 36.89% 34.18%*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Index comparisons begin on September 30, 1996.
The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted
measure of 500 widely held common stocks listed on the New York Stock Exchange
and American Stock Exchange and traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. Index
returns assume reinvestment of dividends and, unlike fund returns, do not
reflect any fees or expenses.
Fee and expense information
This information is designed to help you understand the fees and expenses that
you may pay if you buy and hold Scudder Shares of the fund.
- ---
2
<PAGE>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder fees: Fees paid directly from your investment.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as % of NONE
offering price)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) NONE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested NONE
dividends/distributions
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption fee (as % of amount redeemed, if applicable) NONE*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exchange fee NONE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that are deducted from fund assets):
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.70%**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution (12b-1) fees NONE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.91%**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual fund operating expenses 1.61%**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
* You may redeem by writing or calling the fund. If you wish to receive your
redemption proceeds via wire, there is a $5 wire service fee. For
additional information, please refer to "About Your Investment -- Exchanges
and Redemptions."
** Until April 15, 1998, the Adviser and certain of its subsidiaries had
agreed to waive all or a portion of their fees payable by the fund to the
extent necessary so that the total annualized expenses of the fund did not
exceed 1.25% of average daily net assets. Effective April 16, 1998, the
Adviser agreed to waive 0.25% of its management fee until December 31,
1998. Because the Adviser and its subsidiaries agreed to waive all or
portions of their fees, actual fund expenses for the year ended August 31,
1998 were: investment management fee 0.39%, other expenses 0.91% and total
operating expenses 1.30%. The Adviser has agreed to continue to waive 0.25%
of its management fee until December 31, 1999. The information contained in
the above table and the example below reflects the expenses of the fund
without taking into account any applicable fee waivers and/or
reimbursements.
Example
This example is to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the
cost of investing in other mutual funds.
This example illustrates the impact of the above fees and expenses on an account
with an initial investment of $10,000, based on the expenses shown above. It
assumes a 5% annual return, the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions
and "annual fund operating expenses" remaining the same each year. The expenses
would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of each period or
continued to hold them.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Year $ 164
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Years $ 508
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years $ 876
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ten Years $ 1,911
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actual fund expenses and return vary from year to year, and may be higher or
lower than those shown.
---
3
<PAGE>
About The Fund
Principal strategies, investments and additional principal risks
Principal strategies and investments
Under normal market conditions, the fund invests primarily in a diversified
portfolio of common stocks which the investment manager believes offers
above-average appreciation potential, while offering the potential for less
share price volatility than other growth mutual funds.
In seeking such investments, the investment manager focuses its investments 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:
o strong and sustainable earnings growth
o solid management with a proven ability to add value over time
o reasonable stock market valuations.
These companies often have important business franchises, leading products,
services or technologies, or dominant marketing and distribution systems.
The fund employs a three-step process designed to help identify attractive
growth stocks. The fund's management team begins with a universe of quality
companies with market capitalizations greater than $2 billion. Then they narrow
the universe using fundamental and quantitative analysis to rank stocks based on
several factors including:
o strong fundamentals -- include stocks of companies that they believe have
the ability to deliver consistent earnings growth
o attractive valuations -- identify stocks that they believe are priced
attractively based on expectations for the company's growth prospects
o attractive share price performance -- a proven ability to create value for
shareholders over time.
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. The fund emphasizes U.S. investments, although it
can commit a portion of its assets to the equity securities of foreign growth
companies that meet the criteria applicable to domestic investments.
- ---
4
<PAGE>
For temporary defensive purposes, the fund may invest up to 100% of its assets
in short-term high-grade debt securities, cash and cash equivalents. Because
this defensive policy differs from the fund's investment objective, the fund may
not achieve its goal during a defensive period.
While not principal investments or strategies of the fund, the fund may utilize
other investments and investment techniques which may impact fund performance,
including options, futures and other strategic transactions. The fund is limited
to 5% of net assets for initial margin and premium amounts on futures positions
considered speculative by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission. More
information about these and other investments and strategies is provided in the
Statement of Additional Information. Of course, there can be no guarantee that
by following these investment strategies, the fund will achieve its objective.
Additional principal risks
Equity investing risk. An investment in the common stock of a company represents
a proportionate ownership interest in that company. Therefore, the fund
participates in the success or failure of any company in which it holds stock.
Compared to other classes of financial assets, such as bonds or cash
equivalents, common stocks have historically offered a greater potential for
gain on investment. However, the market value of common stocks can fluctuate
significantly, reflecting such things as the business performance of the issuing
company, investors' perceptions of the company or the overall stock market and
general economic or financial market movements. Smaller companies are especially
sensitive to these factors and may even become valueless.
Foreign investing risk. Investing in foreign securities, and to a greater extent
emerging markets, involves risks in addition to those associated with investing
in securities in the U.S. To the extent that investments are denominated in
foreign currencies, adverse changes in the values of foreign currencies may have
a significant negative effect on any returns from these investments. Investing
in foreign securities exposes the fund to an increased risk of political and
economic instability. Other risks of investing in foreign securities include:
limited information, higher brokerage costs, different accounting standards and
thinner trading markets as compared to U.S. markets.
Inflation risk. There is a possibility that the rising prices of goods and
services may have the effect of offsetting the fund's real return.
---
5
<PAGE>
A message from the President
[PHOTO OMITTED]
Edmond D. Villani, President
and CEO, Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc.
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 $230 billion in assets globally for
mutual fund investors, retirement and pension plans, institutional and corporate
clients, and private family and individual accounts.
We offered America's first no-load mutual fund in 1928, and today the Scudder
Family of Funds includes over 50 no-load mutual fund portfolios or classes of
shares. We also manage 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: IRAs, 401(k)s,
Keoghs and other retirement plans are also available.
Services available to shareholders include toll-free access to professional
representatives, easy exchange among the Scudder Family of Funds, shareholder
reports, informative newsletters and the walk-in convenience of Scudder Investor
Centers.
The Scudder Family of Funds is offered without commissions to purchase or redeem
shares or to exchange from one fund to another. There are no distribution
(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
- ---
6
<PAGE>
Investment adviser
The fund retains the investment management firm of Scudder Kemper Investments,
Inc. (the "Adviser"), Two International Place, Boston, MA, to manage the fund's
daily investment and business affairs subject to the policies established by the
Board of Trustees. The Adviser actively manages your investment in the fund.
Professional management can be an important advantage for investors who do not
have the time or expertise to invest directly in individual securities.
Currently, the fund offers four classes of shares: Class A, Class B, Class C and
Scudder Shares. Shares from other classes may have different fees and expenses
(which will affect performance), may have different minimum investment
requirements and are entitled to different services. This prospectus offers only
the Scudder Shares of the fund.
Because the Adviser and its subsidiaries agreed to waive all or portions of
their fees, for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 the Adviser received an
investment management fee of 0.39% of the fund's average daily net assets on an
annual basis.
The Adviser has agreed to waive 0.25% of its management fee until December 31,
1999.
Portfolio management
The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals who each plays 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. The Adviser believes its team
approach benefits fund investors by bringing together many disciplines and
leveraging its extensive resources.
The following investment professionals are associated with the fund as
indicated:
---
7
<PAGE>
Name and Title Joined the Fund Background
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William F. Gadsden 1996 William Gadsden is responsible for
Co-Lead Manager the Fund's overall investment
strategy. Mr. Gadsden, who joined
the Adviser in 1983, has over 15
years of investment industry
experience.
Bruce F. Beaty 1996 Bruce Beaty is responsible for
Co-Lead Manager selecting securities and assisting
with the creation and implementation
of investment strategy for the Fund.
Mr. Beaty, who joined the Adviser in
1991, has over 16 years of
investment industry experience.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year 2000 readiness
Like other mutual funds and financial and business organizations worldwide, the
fund could be adversely affected if computer systems on which the fund relies,
which primarily include those used by the Adviser, its affiliates or other
service providers, are unable to correctly process date-related information on
and after January 1, 2000. The risk is commonly called the Year 2000 issue.
Failure to successfully address the Year 2000 issue could result in
interruptions to and other material adverse effects on the fund's business and
operations, such as problems with calculating net asset value and difficulties
in implementing the fund's purchase and redemption procedures. The Adviser has
commenced a review of the Year 2000 issue as it may affect the fund and is
taking steps it believes are reasonably designed to address the Year 2000 issue,
although there can be no assurances that these steps will be sufficient. In
addition, there can be no assurances that the Year 2000 issue will not have an
adverse effect on the issuers whose securities are held by the fund or on global
markets or economies generally.
Euro conversion
The planned introduction of a new European currency, the Euro, may result in
uncertainties for European securities in the markets in which they trade and
with respect to the operation of the fund's portfolio. Currently, the Euro is
expected to be introduced on January 1, 1999 by eleven European countries that
are members of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). The introduction
of the Euro will require the redenomination of European debt and equity
securities over a period of time, which may result in various accounting
differences and/or tax treatments that otherwise would not likely occur.
Additional questions are raised by the fact that certain other EMU
- ---
8
<PAGE>
members, including the United Kingdom, will not officially be implementing the
Euro on January 1, 1999. If the introduction of the Euro does not take place as
planned, there could be negative effects, such as severe currency fluctuations
and market disruptions.
The Adviser is actively working to address Euro-related issues and understands
that other key service providers are taking similar steps. At this time,
however, no one knows precisely what the degree of impact will be. To the extent
that the market impact or effect on a portfolio holding is negative, it could
hurt the portfolio's performance.
Distributions
Dividends and capital gains distributions
The fund intends to distribute dividends from its net investment income
annually, in December. The fund intends to distribute net realized capital gains
after utilization of capital loss carryforwards, if any, in December. An
additional distribution may be made at a later date, if necessary.
Any dividends or capital gains distributions declared in October, November or
December with a record date in such month and paid during the following January
will be treated by shareholders for federal income tax purposes as if received
on December 31 of the calendar year declared. Dividends ordinarily will vary
from one class of the fund to another.
A shareholder may choose to receive distributions in cash or have them
reinvested in additional shares of the same class of a fund. If an investment is
in the form of a retirement plan, all dividends and capital gains distributions
must be reinvested into the shareholder's account. Distributions are generally
taxable, whether received in cash or reinvested. Exchanges among funds are also
taxable events.
Taxes
Generally, dividends from net investment income are taxable to shareholders as
ordinary income. Long-term capital gains distributions, if any, are taxable to
shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time
shareholders have owned shares. Short-term capital gains and any other taxable
income distributions are taxable as ordinary income. A portion of dividends from
ordinary income may qualify for the dividends-received deduction for
corporations.
Unless your investment is in a tax-deferred account, you may want to avoid
investing a large amount close to the date of a distribution because you may
receive part of your investment back as a taxable distribution.
---
9
<PAGE>
A sale or exchange of shares is a taxable event and may result in a capital gain
or loss which may be long-term or short-term, generally depending on how long
you owned the shares.
The fund sends detailed tax information to its shareholders about the amount and
type of its distributions by January 31 of the following year.
The fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 31%
of all taxable distributions payable to shareholders who fail to provide the
fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required
certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to
backup withholding. Any such withheld amounts may be credited against the
shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability.
Shareholders may be subject to state, local and foreign taxes on fund
distributions and dispositions of fund shares. You should consult your tax
advisor regarding the particular consequences of an investment in the fund.
- ---
10
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's
financial performance for the fiscal periods indicated. Certain information
reflects financial results for a single class share outstanding throughout the
period (a). The total return figures represent the rate that an investor would
have earned (or lost) on an investment in the class assuming reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions. This information has been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP whose report, along with the fund's financial
statements, is included in the annual report, which is available upon request by
calling Scudder Investor Relations at 1-800-225-2470 or, for existing investors,
call the Scudder Automated Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-343-2890.
Classic Growth Fund
For the Period
September 9, 1996
(commencement of
Year Ended operations) to
Scudder Shares (b) August 31, 1998 August 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning -----------------------------------
of period .............................. $ 17.38 $ 12.00
-----------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) ............. .01 .06
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investment transactions ............. (.45) 5.36
-----------------------------------
Total from investment operations ......... (.44) 5.42
-----------------------------------
Less distributions from:
Net investment income .................... (.04) (.04)
Net realized gains on investment
transactions ........................... (.29) --
-----------------------------------
Total distributions ...................... (.33) (.04)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period ........... $ 16.61 $ 17.38
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return (%) (c) ..................... (2.72) 45.20**
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) ... 103.5 53.2
Ratio of operating expenses, net, to
average daily net assets (%) ........... 1.30 1.25*
Ratio of operating expenses before
expense reductions, to average
daily net assets (%) ................... 1.61 2.25*
Ratio of net investment income
(loss) to average daily net assets (%) . .03 .43*
Portfolio turnover rate (%) .............. 48.5 27.4*
(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) On April 16, 1998, existing shares of the Fund were designated as Scudder
Shares and are generally not available to new investors.
(c) Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
---
11
<PAGE>
About Your Investment
Transaction information
Share price
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation determines the net asset value per share of
the fund as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange,
normally 4 p.m. eastern time, on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open
for trading. Net asset value per share is calculated by dividing the value of
total fund assets attributable to the applicable class, less all liabilities
attributable to that class, by the total number of shares outstanding for that
class. Market prices are used to determine the value of the fund's assets. If
market prices are not readily available for a security or if a security's price
is not considered to be market indicative, that security may be valued by
another method that the Board or its delegate believes accurately reflects fair
value. In those circumstances where a security's price is not considered to be
market indicative, the security's valuation may differ from an available market
quotation.
To the extent that the fund invests in foreign securities, these securities may
be listed on foreign exchanges that trade on days when the fund does not price
its shares. As a result, the net asset value per share of the fund may change at
a time when shareholders are not able to purchase or redeem their shares.
Processing time
All purchase and redemption requests received in good order at the fund's
transfer agent by the close of regular trading on the Exchange are executed at
the net asset value per share calculated at the close of trading that day. All
other requests that are in good order will be executed the following business
day.
Signature guarantees
A signature guarantee is required for redemptions over $100,000. You can obtain
a guarantee from most brokerage houses and financial institutions, although not
from a notary public. The fund will normally send 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). For more
information, please call 1-800-225-5163.
Purchase restrictions
Purchases and sales should be made for long-term investment purposes only. The
fund and Scudder Investor Services, Inc. each reserves the right to reject
purchases of fund shares (including exchanges) for any reason, including when
there is evidence of a pattern of frequent
- ---
12
<PAGE>
purchases and sales made in response to short-term fluctuations in the fund's
share price.
Minimum balances
Generally, shareholders who maintain a non-fiduciary account balance of less
than $2,500 in the fund and have not established an automatic investment plan
will be assessed an annual $10.00 per fund charge; this fee is paid to the fund.
The fund reserves the right, following 60 days written notice to shareholders,
to redeem all shares in accounts that have a value below $1,000 where such a
reduction in value has occurred due to a redemption, exchange or transfer out of
the account.
Third party transactions
If you buy and sell shares of the fund through a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (other than Scudder Investor Services,
Inc.), that member may charge a fee for that service.
Redemption-in-kind
The fund reserves the right to honor requests for redemption or repurchase
orders by making payment in whole or in part in readily marketable securities
("redemption in kind") if the amount of such a request is large enough to affect
operations (for example, if the request is greater than $250,000 or 1% of the
fund's assets). These securities will be chosen by the fund and valued as they
are for purposes of computing the fund's net asset value. A shareholder may
incur transaction expenses in converting these securities to cash.
Buying and selling shares
Please refer to the following charts for information on how to buy and sell fund
shares. Additional information, including special investment features, may be
found in the Shareholder Services Guide. For information about No-Fee IRAs, Roth
IRAs and other retirement options, call Scudder Investor Relations at
1-800-225-2470. For information on establishing 401(k) and 403(b) plans, call
Scudder Defined Contribution Services at 1-800-323-6105.
Purchases
Scudder Shares are generally not available to new investors. Investors in the
fund as of April 15, 1998, can continue to purchase Scudder Shares. Shareowners
of any fund or class of a fund in the Scudder Family of Funds as of April 15,
1998, and their immediate family members at the same address, may also purchase
Scudder Shares. Certain other parties may be eligible to purchase Scudder
Shares. Please see the Shares' Statement of Additional Information for more
details, or call Scudder Investor Relations at 1-800-225-2470.
---
13
<PAGE>
To open an account
The minimum initial investment is $2,500; $1,000 for IRAs. Group retirement
plans (401(k), 403(b), etc.) have similar or lower minimums -- see appropriate
plan literature. Make checks payable to "The Scudder Funds."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Mail Send your completed and signed application and check
by regular mail to: The Scudder Funds
P.O. Box 2291
Boston, MA 02107-2291
or by express, registered, The Scudder Funds
or certified mail to: 66 Brooks Drive
Braintree, MA 02184
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Wire Call 1-800-225-5163 for instructions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Person Visit one of our Investor Centers to complete your
application with the help of a Scudder representative.
Investor Centers are located in Boca Raton, Boston,
Chicago, New York and San Francisco.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To buy additional shares
The minimum additional investment is $100; $50 for IRAs. Group retirement plans
(401(k), 403(b), etc.) have similar or lower minimums -- see appropriate plan
literature. Make checks payable to "The Scudder Funds."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Mail Send a check with a Scudder investment slip, or with a
letter of instruction including your account number and the
complete fund name, to the appropriate address listed above.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Wire Call 1-800-225-5163 for instructions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Person Visit one of our Investor Centers to make an additional
investment in your Scudder fund account. Investor Center
locations are listed above.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Telephone Call 1-800-225-5163 for instructions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Automatic You may arrange to make investments of $50 or more on a
Investment Plan regular basis through automatic deductions from your bank
checking account. Please call 1-800-225-5163 for more
information and an enrollment form.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---
14
<PAGE>
Exchanges and redemptions
To exchange shares
The minimum investments are $2,500 to establish a new account and $100 to
exchange among existing accounts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By To speak with a service representative, call 1-800-225-5163 from
Telephone 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. eastern time. To access SAIL(TM), The Scudder
Automated Information Line, call 1-800-343-2890 (24 hours a day).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Mail Print or type your instructions and include:
or Fax - the name of the fund and class 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 and class you are exchanging into;
- your signature(s) as it appears on your account; and
- a daytime telephone number.
Send your instructions The Scudder Funds
by regular mail to: P.O. Box 2291
Boston, MA 02107-2291
or by express, registered, The Scudder Funds
or certified mail to: 66 Brooks Drive
Braintree, MA 02184
or by fax to: 1-800-821-6234
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To sell shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By To speak with a service representative, call 1-800-225-5163 from
Telephone 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. eastern time. To access SAIL(TM), The Scudder
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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 class 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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
15
<PAGE>
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 --
Prime Reserve Shares*
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 Corporate Bond Fund
Scudder High Yield Bond Fund
Global Income
- -------------
Scudder Global Bond Fund
Scudder International Bond Fund
Scudder Emerging Markets Income Fund
Asset Allocation
- ----------------
Scudder Pathway Conservative Portfolio
Scudder Pathway Balanced Portfolio
Scudder Pathway Growth Portfolio
Scudder Pathway International Portfolio
U.S. Growth and Income
- ----------------------
Scudder Balanced Fund
Scudder Dividend & Growth Fund
Scudder Growth and Income Fund
Scudder S&P 500 Index Fund
Scudder Real Estate Investment Fund
U.S. Growth
- -----------
Value
Scudder Large Company Value Fund
Scudder Value Fund***
Scudder Small Company Value Fund
Scudder Micro Cap Fund
Growth
Scudder Classic Growth Fund***
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund
Scudder Development Fund
Scudder 21st Century Growth Fund
Global Equity
- -------------
Worldwide
Scudder Global Fund
Scudder International Value Fund
Scudder International Growth and Income Fund
Scudder International Fund++
Scudder International Growth Fund
Scudder Global Discovery Fund***
Scudder Emerging Markets Growth Fund
Scudder Gold Fund
Regional
Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund
Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund
Scudder Latin America Fund
The Japan Fund, Inc.
Industry Sector Funds
- ---------------------
Choice Series
Scudder Financial Services Fund
Scudder Health Care Fund
Scudder Technology Fund
Preferred Series
- ----------------
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund
Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund
- ---
16
<PAGE>
Retirement Programs and Education Accounts
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 or classes thereof 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.
*** Only the Scudder Shares of the fund are part of the Scudder Family of
Funds.
++ Only the International Shares of the fund are part of the Scudder Family
of Funds.
[[ 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.
---
17
<PAGE>
Additional information about the fund may be found in the Statement of
Additional Information, the Shareholder Services Guide and in shareholder
reports. Shareholder inquiries may be made by calling the toll-free number
listed below. The Statement of Additional Information contains more information
on fund investments and operations. The Shareholder Services Guide contains more
information about purchases and sales of fund shares. The semiannual and annual
shareholder reports contain a discussion of the market conditions and the
investment strategies that significantly affected the fund's performance during
the last fiscal year, as well as a listing of portfolio holdings and financial
statements. These and other fund documents may be obtained without charge from
the following sources:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Phone Call Scudder Investor Relations at 1-800-225-2470
or
For existing Scudder investors, call the Scudder Automated
Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-343-2890 (24 hours a day).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Mail Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110-4103
or
Public Reference Section
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549-6009
(a duplication fee is charged)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Person Public Reference Room
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.
(Call 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Internet http://www.sec.gov
http://www.scudder.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference into this
prospectus (is legally a part of this prospectus).
Investment Company Act file number: 811-43
[PRINTED WITH SOY LOGO] [RECYCLE LOGO] Printed on recycled paper
345-2-19
PRO58199
<PAGE>
CLASSIC GROWTH FUND -- SCUDDER SHARES
Classic Growth Fund is a series of Scudder Investment Trust
A Diversified Mutual Fund Series Seeking Long-Term Growth of Capital with
Reduced Share Price Volatility Compared to Other Growth Mutual Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
January 1, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. The
prospectus of the Scudder Shares class of Classic Growth Fund dated January 1,
1999, as amended from time to time, may be obtained without charge by writing to
Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02110-4103.
The Annual Report to Shareholders of Classic Growth Fund - Scudder
Shares dated August 31, 1998 is incorporated by reference into and is hereby
deemed to be part of this Statement of Additional Information.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<S> <C>
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES.........................................................................1
Master/feeder Structure......................................................................................2
Specialized Investment Techniques............................................................................2
Investment Restrictions.....................................................................................12
PURCHASES............................................................................................................14
Additional Information About Opening An Account.............................................................14
Minimum balances............................................................................................15
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments..................................................16
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments by QuickBuy......................................16
Checks......................................................................................................17
Wire Transfer of Federal Funds..............................................................................17
Share Price.................................................................................................17
Share Certificates..........................................................................................17
Other Information...........................................................................................17
EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS............................................................................................18
Exchanges...................................................................................................18
Redemption by Telephone.....................................................................................19
Redemption by QuickSell.....................................................................................20
Redemption by Mail or Fax...................................................................................20
Redemption-in-Kind..........................................................................................20
Other Information...........................................................................................20
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND............................................................................21
The Pure No-Load(TM)Concept.................................................................................21
Internet access.............................................................................................22
Dividend and Capital Gain Distribution Options..............................................................23
Diversification.............................................................................................23
Scudder Investor Centers....................................................................................23
Reports to Shareholders.....................................................................................24
Transaction Summaries.......................................................................................24
THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS..........................................................................................24
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS................................................................................................29
Scudder Retirement Plans: Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans for Corporations and
Self-Employed Individuals..............................................................................29
Scudder 401(k): Cash or Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan for Corporations and Self-Employed Individuals.........30
Scudder IRA: Individual Retirement Account.................................................................30
Scudder Roth IRA: Individual Retirement Account............................................................31
Scudder 403(b) Plan.........................................................................................31
Automatic Withdrawal Plan...................................................................................31
Group or Salary Deduction Plan..............................................................................32
Automatic Investment Plan...................................................................................32
Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act.......................................................................32
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS............................................................................33
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..............................................................................................33
Average Annual Total Return.................................................................................33
Cumulative Total Return.....................................................................................34
Total Return................................................................................................34
i
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Page
Comparison of Fund Performance..............................................................................35
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND.............................................................................................38
INVESTMENT ADVISER...................................................................................................39
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser............................................................42
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS................................................................................................43
REMUNERATION.........................................................................................................45
Responsibilities of the Board --Board and Committee Meetings................................................45
Compensation of Officers and Trustees.......................................................................45
DISTRIBUTOR..........................................................................................................46
TAXES................................................................................................................47
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS...............................................................................................51
Brokerage Commissions.......................................................................................51
Portfolio Turnover..........................................................................................52
NET ASSET VALUE......................................................................................................52
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...............................................................................................53
Experts.....................................................................................................53
Shareholder Indemnification.................................................................................53
Other Information...........................................................................................54
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.................................................................................................55
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE>
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
(See "FUND SUMMARY - Investment objectives and strategies and
Principal Risks", and "ABOUT THE FUND - Principal Strategies,
Investments and Related Risks", in the Shares' prospectus.)
Classic Growth Fund (the "Fund") is a diversified series of Investment
Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end management investment company which
continuously offers and redeems shares at net asset value. The Fund is a company
of the type commonly known as a mutual fund.
Classic Growth Fund offers the following classes of shares: Scudder
Shares (the "Scudder Shares" or "Shares") and Classic Growth Fund Class A, B and
C shares (the "Kemper Shares"). Only the Scudder Shares of Classic Growth Fund
are offered herein.
The Fund 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.
Except as otherwise indicated, the Fund's investment objectives and
policies are not fundamental and may be changed without a vote of shareholders.
If there is a change in a Fund's investment objective, shareholders should
consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their
then current financial position and needs. There can be no assurance that the
Fund's objectives will be met.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in a
diversified portfolio of common stocks which the Fund's investment adviser,
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser"), believes offers above-average
appreciation potential yet, as a portfolio, offers the potential for less share
price volatility than other growth mutual funds.
In seeking such investments, the Adviser focuses its investment in
securities of 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 the Fund's
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, illiquid securities 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 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
<PAGE>
conditions. It is impossible to accurately predict 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.
Master/feeder Structure
The Board of Trustees has the discretion to retain the current
distribution arrangement for the Fund while investing in a master fund in a
master/feeder fund structure as described below.
A master/feeder fund structure is one in which a fund (a "feeder
fund"), instead of investing directly in a portfolio of securities, invests most
or all of its investment assets in a separate registered investment company (the
"master fund") with substantially the same investment objective and policies as
the feeder fund. Such a structure permits the pooling of assets of two or more
feeder funds, preserving separate identities or distribution channels at the
feeder fund level. Based on the premise that certain of the expenses of
operating an investment portfolio are relatively fixed, a larger investment
portfolio may eventually achieve a lower ratio of operating expenses to average
net assets. An existing investment company is able to convert to a feeder fund
by selling all of its investments, which involves brokerage and other
transaction costs and realization of a taxable gain or loss, or by contributing
its assets to the master fund and avoiding transaction costs and, if proper
procedures are followed, the realization of taxable gain or loss.
Specialized Investment Techniques
Common stocks Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests primarily in common
stocks. Common stock is issued by companies to raise cash for business purposes
and represents a proportionate interest in the issuing companies. Therefore, the
Fund participates in the success or failure of any company in which it holds
stock. The market values of common stock can fluctuate significantly, reflecting
the business performance of the issuing company, investor perception and general
economic or financial market movements. Smaller companies are especially
sensitive to these factors and may even become valueless. Despite the risk of
price volatility, however, common 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. When the Adviser believes that it is appropriate to do so in
order to achieve the Fund's objective of long-term capital appreciation, the
Fund may invest in debt securities including bonds of private issuers and
supranational organizations. Portfolio debt investments will be selected on the
basis of, among other things, credit quality, and the fundamental outlooks for
currency, economic and interest rate trends, taking into account the ability to
hedge a degree of currency or local bond price risk. The Fund may purchase
"investment-grade" bonds, rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's") or AAA, AA, A or BBB by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P")
or, if unrated, judged to be of equivalent quality as determined by the Adviser.
The principal risks involved with investments in bonds include interest
rate risk, credit risk and pre-payment risk. Interest rate risk refers to the
likely decline in the value of bonds as interest rates rise. Generally,
longer-term securities are more susceptible to changes in value as a result of
interest-rate changes than are shorter-term securities. Credit risk refers to
the risk that an issuer of a bond may default with respect to the payment of
principal and interest. The lower a bond is rated, the more it is considered to
be a speculative or risky investment. Pre-payment risk is commonly associated
with pooled debt securities, such as mortgage-backed securities and asset backed
securities, but may affect other debt securities as well. When the underlying
debt obligations are prepaid ahead of schedule, the return on the security will
be lower than expected. Pre-payment rates usually increase when interest rates
are falling.
Convertible Securities. The Fund may invest in convertible securities which are
bonds, notes, debentures, preferred stocks, and other securities which are
convertible into common stocks. Investments in convertible securities can
provide income through interest and dividend payments and/or an opportunity for
capital appreciation by virtue of their conversion or exchange features.
2
<PAGE>
The convertible securities in which the Fund may invest may be
converted or exchanged at a stated or determinable exchange ratio into
underlying shares of common stock. The exchange ratio for any particular
convertible security may be adjusted from time to time due to stock splits,
dividends, spin-offs, other corporate distributions, or scheduled changes in the
exchange ratio. Convertible debt securities and convertible preferred stocks,
until converted, have general characteristics similar to both debt and equity
securities. Although to a lesser extent than with debt securities generally, the
market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates
increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In
addition, because of the conversion or exchange feature, the market value of
convertible securities typically changes as the market value of the underlying
common stocks changes, and, therefore, also tends to follow movements in the
general market for equity securities. A unique feature of convertible securities
is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible
securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis and so may not experience
market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When
the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the
convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the
underlying common stock, although typically not as much as the underlying common
stock. While no securities investments are without risk, investments in
convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common
stock of the same issuer.
As fixed income securities, convertible securities are investments
which provide for a stream of income (or in the case of zero coupon securities,
accretion of income) with generally higher yields than common stocks. Of course,
like all fixed income securities, there can be no assurance of income or
principal payments because the issuers of the convertible securities may default
on their obligations. Convertible securities generally offer lower yields than
non-convertible securities of similar quality because of their conversion or
exchange features.
Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but
non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, as
corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity
securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock, of the
same issuer. However, because of the subordination feature, convertible bonds
and convertible preferred stock typically have lower ratings than similar
non-convertible securities.
Convertible securities may be issued as fixed income obligations that
pay current income or as zero coupon notes and bonds, including Liquid Yield
Option Notes (LYONs). Zero coupon securities pay no cash income and are sold at
substantial discounts from their value at maturity. When held to maturity, their
entire income, which consists of accretion of discount, comes from the
difference between the purchase price and their value at maturity. Zero coupon
convertible securities offer the opportunity for capital appreciation as
increases (or decreases) in market value of such securities closely follow the
movements in the market value of the underlying common stock. Zero coupon
convertible securities generally are expected to be less volatile than the
underlying common stocks as they usually are issued with shorter maturities (15
years or less) and are issued with options and/or redemption features
exercisable by the holder of the obligation entitling the holder to redeem the
obligation and receive a defined cash payment.
Illiquid Securities. The Fund may occasionally purchase securities other than in
the open market. While such purchases may often offer attractive opportunities
for investment not otherwise available on the open market, the securities so
purchased are often "restricted securities" or "not readily marketable," i.e.,
securities which cannot be sold to the public without registration under the
Securities Act of 1933 or the availability of an exemption from registration
(such as Rules 144 or 144A) or because they are subject to other legal or
contractual delays in or restrictions on resale.
Generally speaking, restricted securities may be sold only to qualified
institutional buyers, or in a privately negotiated transaction to a limited
number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held for a
specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant to an exemption
from registration, or in a public offering for which a registration statement is
in effect under the Securities Act of 1933. The Fund may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933 when selling restricted
securities to the public, and in such event the Fund may be liable to purchasers
of such securities if such sale is made in violation of the 1933 Act or if the
registration statement prepared by the issuer, or the prospectus forming a part
of it, is materially inaccurate or misleading.
The Adviser will monitor the liquidity of such restricted securities
subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees. In reaching liquidity
decisions, the Adviser will consider the following factors: (1) the frequency of
trades and quotes for the security, (2) the number of dealers wishing to
purchase or sell the security and the number of their potential purchasers, (3)
dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (4) the nature of the
security and the
3
<PAGE>
nature of the marketplace trades (i.e. the time needed to dispose of the
security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).
Warrants. The Fund may invest in warrants up to 5% of the value of its total
assets. The holder of a warrant has the right, until the warrant expires, to
purchase a given number of shares of a particular issuer at a specified price.
Such investments can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an
equivalent investment in the underlying security. Prices of warrants do not
necessarily move, however, in tandem with the prices of the underlying
securities and are, therefore, considered speculative investments. Warrants pay
no dividends and confer no rights other than a purchase option. Thus, if a
warrant held by the Fund were not exercised by the date of its expiration, the
Fund would lose the entire purchase price of the warrant.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with member
banks of the Federal Reserve System, any foreign bank or with any domestic or
foreign broker-dealer which is recognized as a reporting government securities
dealer if the creditworthiness of the bank or broker-dealer has been determined
by the Adviser to be at least as high as that of other obligations the Fund may
purchase.
A repurchase agreement provides a means for the Fund to earn income on
funds for periods as short as overnight. It is an arrangement under which the
purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires a security ("Obligation") and the seller
agrees, at the time of sale, to repurchase the Obligation at a specified time
and price. Securities subject to a repurchase agreement are held in a segregated
account and the value of such securities kept at least equal to the repurchase
price on a daily basis. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase
price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase
prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to the Fund together
with the repurchase price upon repurchase. In either case, the income to the
Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the Obligation itself. Obligations
will be held by the Custodian or in the Federal Reserve Book Entry system.
For purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act"), a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan from the Fund to the
seller of the Obligation subject to the repurchase agreement and is therefore
subject to the Fund's investment restriction applicable to loans. It is not
clear whether a court would consider the Obligation purchased by the Fund
subject to a repurchase agreement as being owned by the Fund or as being
collateral for a loan by the Fund to the seller. In the event of the
commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller
of the Obligation before repurchase of the Obligation under a repurchase
agreement, the Fund may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to
sell the security. Delays may involve loss of interest or decline in price of
the Obligation. If the court characterizes the transaction as a loan and the
Fund has not perfected a security interest in the Obligation, the Fund may be
required to return the Obligation to the seller's estate and be treated as an
unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, the Fund would be at
risk of losing some or all of the principal and income involved in the
transaction. As with any unsecured debt instrument purchased for the Fund, the
Adviser seeks to minimize the risk of loss through repurchase agreements by
analyzing the creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the seller of the
Obligation. Apart from the risk of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there
is also the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the Obligation, in which
case the Fund may incur a loss if the proceeds to the Fund of the sale to a
third party are less than the repurchase price. However, if the market value of
the Obligation subject to the repurchase agreement becomes less than the
repurchase price (including interest), the Fund will direct the seller of the
Obligation to deliver additional securities so that the market value of all
securities subject to the repurchase agreement will equal or exceed the
repurchase price. It is possible that the Fund will be unsuccessful in seeking
to enforce the seller's contractual obligation to deliver additional securities.
A repurchase agreement with foreign banks may be available with respect to
government securities of the particular foreign jurisdiction, and such
repurchase agreements involve risks similar to repurchase agreements with U.S.
entities.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells
a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in
return for cash and agrees to repurchase the instrument at a particular price
and time. While a reverse repurchase agreement is outstanding, the Fund will
maintain liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover its obligation
under the agreement. The Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only
with parties whose creditworthiness has been found satisfactory by the Adviser.
Such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of the fund's
assets and may be viewed as a form of leverage.
Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest up to 25% of the Fund's
assets in listed and unlisted foreign securities. Investors should recognize
that investing in foreign securities involves certain special considerations,
4
<PAGE>
including those set forth below, which are not typically associated with
investing in United States securities and which may favorably or unfavorably
affect the Fund's performance. As foreign companies are not generally subject to
uniform accounting and auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and
requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic companies, there may be
less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a
domestic company. Many foreign stock markets, while growing in volume of trading
activity, have substantially less volume than the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
(the "Exchange"), and securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and
more volatile than securities of domestic companies. Similarly, volume and
liquidity in most foreign markets are less than the volume and liquidity in the
United States and at times, volatility of price can be greater than in the
United States. Further, foreign markets have different clearance and settlement
procedures and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have
been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions making it
difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in
temporary periods when assets of the Fund are uninvested and no return is earned
thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to
settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment
opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement
problems either could result in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in
value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to
sell the security, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Payment
for securities without delivery may be required in certain foreign markets.
Fixed commissions on some foreign stock exchanges are generally higher than
negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund will endeavor to
achieve the most favorable net results on its portfolio transactions. Further,
the Fund may encounter difficulties or be unable to pursue legal remedies and
obtain judgments in foreign courts. There is generally less government
supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, stock exchanges,
brokers and listed companies than in the United States. It may be more difficult
for the Fund's agents to keep currently informed about corporate actions such as
stock dividends or other matters which may affect the prices of portfolio
securities. Communications between the United States and foreign countries may
be less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of
delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for
portfolio securities. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries,
there is the possibility of nationalization, expropriation, the imposition of
withholding or confiscatory taxes, political, social, or economic instability,
or diplomatic developments which could affect United States investments in those
countries. Investments in foreign securities may also entail certain risks, such
as possible currency blockages or transfer restrictions, and the difficulty of
enforcing rights in other countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may
differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States economy in such respects
as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment,
resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
These considerations generally are more of a concern in developing
countries. For example, the possibility of revolution and the dependence on
foreign economic assistance may be greater in these countries than in developed
countries. The management of the Fund seeks to mitigate the risks associated
with these considerations through diversification and active professional
management. Although investments in companies domiciled in developing countries
may be subject to potentially greater risks than investments in developed
countries, the Fund will not invest in any securities of issuers located in
developing countries if the securities, in the judgment of the Adviser, are
speculative.
Foreign Currencies. The Fund may invest in foreign securities. Because
investments in foreign securities usually will involve currencies of foreign
countries, and because the Fund may hold foreign currencies and forward
contracts, futures contracts and options on futures contracts on foreign
currencies, the value of the assets of the Fund as measured in U.S. dollars may
be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency exchange
rates and exchange control regulations, and the Fund may incur costs in
connection with conversions between various currencies. Although the Fund values
its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does not intend to convert its
holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. It will do so
from time to time, and investors should be aware of the costs of currency
conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for
conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the "spread")
between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies.
Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate,
while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that
currency to the dealer. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange
transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in
the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward or
futures contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies.
Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest indirectly in securities of emerging
country issuers through sponsored or unsponsored American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), International Depositary Receipts
("IDRs") and other types of Depositary Receipts (which, together with ADRs, GDRs
and IDRs are hereinafter referred to as "Depositary Receipts"). Depositary
Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as
5
<PAGE>
the underlying securities into which they may be converted. In addition, the
issuers of the stock of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to
disclose material information in the United States and, therefore, there may not
be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary
Receipts. ADRs are Depositary Receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign
corporation. GDRs, IDRs and other types of Depositary Receipts are typically
issued by foreign banks or trust companies, although they also may be issued by
United States banks or trust companies, and evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by either a foreign or a United States corporation. Generally,
Depositary Receipts in registered form are designed for use in the United States
securities markets and Depositary Receipts in bearer form are designed for use
in securities markets outside the United States. For purposes of the Fund's
investment policies, the Fund's investments in ADRs, GDRs and other types of
Depositary Receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying
securities. Depositary Receipts other than those denominated in U.S. dollars
will be subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk. Certain Depositary
Receipts may not be listed on an exchange and therefore may be illiquid
securities.
Borrowing. As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund will not borrow money,
except as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted or
modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. While
the Trustees do not currently intend to borrow for investment leverage purposes,
if such a strategy were implemented in the future it would increase the Fund's
volatility and the risk of loss in a declining market. Borrowing by the Fund
will involve special risk considerations. Although the principal of the Fund's
borrowings will be fixed, the Fund's assets may change in value during the time
a borrowing is outstanding, thus increasing exposure to capital risk.
Strategic Transactions and Derivatives. The Fund may, but is not required to,
utilize various other investment strategies as described below to hedge various
market risks (such as interest rates, currency exchange rates, and broad or
specific equity or fixed-income market movements), to manage the effective
maturity or duration of the fixed-income securities in the Fund's portfolio, or
to enhance potential gain. These strategies may be executed through the use of
derivative contracts. Such strategies are generally accepted as a part of modern
portfolio management and are regularly utilized by many mutual funds and other
institutional investors. Techniques and instruments may change over time as new
instruments and strategies are developed or regulatory changes occur.
In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may
purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on
securities, equity and fixed-income indices and other financial instruments,
purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options thereon, enter into
various interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars, and
enter into various currency transactions such as currency forward contracts,
currency futures contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies or currency
futures (collectively, all the above are called "Strategic Transactions").
Strategic Transactions may be used without limit to attempt to protect against
possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased
for the Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange
rate fluctuations, to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its
portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment
purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of the fixed-income
securities in the Fund's portfolio, or to establish a position in the
derivatives markets as a temporary substitute for purchasing or selling
particular securities. Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to enhance
potential gain although no more than 5% of the Fund's assets will be committed
to Strategic Transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes. Any or all of
these investment techniques may be used at any time and in any combination, and
there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather
than another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous
variables including market conditions. The ability of the Fund to utilize these
Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on the Adviser's ability to
predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. The Fund will
comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing these
strategies, techniques and instruments. Strategic Transactions involving
financial futures and options thereon will be purchased, sold or entered into
only for bona fide hedging, risk management or portfolio management purposes and
not to create leveraged exposure in the Fund.
Strategic Transactions, including derivative contracts, have risks
associated with them including possible default by the other party to the
transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the Adviser's view as to certain
market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic
Transactions could result in losses greater than if they had not been used. Use
of put and call options may result in losses to the Fund, force the sale or
purchase of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices higher than
(in the case of put options) or lower than (in the case of call options) current
market values, limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on its
investments or cause the
6
<PAGE>
Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The use of currency
transactions can result in the Fund incurring losses as a result of a number of
factors including the imposition of exchange controls, suspension of
settlements, or the inability to deliver or receive a specified currency. The
use of options and futures transactions entails certain other risks. In
particular, the variable degree of correlation between price movements of
futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio position of the
Fund creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be
greater than gains in the value of the Fund's position. In addition, futures and
options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances and certain
over-the-counter options may have no markets. As a result, in certain markets,
the Fund might not be able to close out a transaction without incurring
substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of futures and options
transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a
decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to limit
any potential gain which might result from an increase in value of such
position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts
would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of
options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium.
Losses resulting from the use of Strategic Transactions would reduce net asset
value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if the Strategic
Transactions had not been utilized.
General Characteristics of Options. Put options and call options typically have
similar structural characteristics and operational mechanics regardless of the
underlying instrument on which they are purchased or sold. Thus, the following
general discussion relates to each of the particular types of options discussed
in greater detail below. In addition, many Strategic Transactions involving
options require segregation of Fund assets in special accounts, as described
below under "Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts."
A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a
premium, the right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying
security, commodity, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price.
For instance, the Fund's purchase of a put option on a security might be
designed to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some
cases, a similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value
by giving the Fund the right to sell such instrument at the option exercise
price. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the
option the right to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying
instrument at the exercise price. The Fund's purchase of a call option on a
security, financial future, index, currency or other instrument might be
intended to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of the underlying
instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by fixing the price at
which it may purchase such instrument. An American style put or call option may
be exercised at any time during the option period while a European style put or
call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior
thereto. The Fund is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed options and
over-the-counter options ("OTC options"). Exchange listed options are issued by
a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), which
guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to such options.
The discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable to other
financial intermediaries.
With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options
generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency,
although in the future cash settlement may become available. Index options and
Eurodollar instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the
option is "in-the-money" (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument
exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put
option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised.
Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument
through the process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by
entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in
ownership of the new option.
The Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller
of an OCC or exchange listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the
liquidity of the option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a
liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in
certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii)
trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options or underlying securities including
reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the
OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or OCC to
handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options),
in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease
to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would generally continue
to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours
during which the underlying financial
7
<PAGE>
instruments are traded. To the extent that the option markets close before the
markets for the underlying financial instruments, significant price and rate
movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in
the option markets.
OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial
institutions or other parties ("Counterparties") through direct bilateral
agreement with the Counterparty. In contrast to exchange listed options, which
generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all the terms of an
OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price,
premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the parties. The
Fund will only sell OTC options (other than OTC currency options) that are
subject to a buy-back provision permitting the Fund to require the Counterparty
to sell the option back to the Fund at a formula price within seven days. The
Fund expects generally to enter into OTC options that have cash settlement
provisions, although they are not required to do so.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or
guaranty function in an OTC option. As a result, if the Counterparty fails to
make or take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying
an OTC option it has entered into with the Fund or fails to make a cash
settlement payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund
will lose any premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit
of the transaction. Accordingly, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of
each such Counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the
Counterparty's credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC
option will be satisfied. The Fund will engage in OTC option transactions only
with U.S. government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York as "primary dealers" or broker/dealers, domestic or foreign banks or
other financial institutions which have received (or the guarantors of the
obligation of which have received) a short-term credit rating of A-1 from S&P or
P-1 from Moody's or an equivalent rating from any nationally recognized
statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") or are determined to be of equivalent
credit quality by the Adviser. The staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") currently takes the position that OTC options purchased
by the Fund, and portfolio securities "covering" the amount of the Fund's
obligation pursuant to an OTC option sold by it (the cost of the sell-back plus
the in-the-money amount, if any) are illiquid, and are subject to the Fund's
limitation on investing its assets in illiquid securities. The Fund can invest
no more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
If the Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve
as a partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in
the value of the underlying securities or instruments in its portfolio or will
increase the Fund's income. The sale of put options can also provide income.
The Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities including
U.S. Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt
securities, equity securities (including convertible securities) and Eurodollar
instruments that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and in the
over-the-counter markets, and on securities indices, currencies and futures
contracts. All calls sold by the Fund must be "covered" (i.e., the Fund must own
the securities or futures contract subject to the call) or must meet the asset
segregation requirements described below as long as the call is outstanding.
Even though the Fund will receive the option premium to help protect it against
loss, a call sold by the Fund exposes the Fund during the term of the option to
possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the market price of the
underlying security or instrument and may require the Fund to hold a security or
instrument which it might otherwise have sold.
The Fund may purchase and sell put options on securities including U.S.
Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt
securities, equity securities (including convertible securities), and on
securities indices and futures contracts other than futures on individual
corporate debt and individual equity securities. The Fund may also purchase and
sell put options in foreign sovereign debt, Eurodollar instruments and
currencies. The Fund will not sell put options if, as a result, more than 50% of
the Fund's assets would be required to be segregated to cover its potential
obligations under such put options other than those with respect to futures and
options thereon. In selling put options, there is a risk that the Fund may be
required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price above the
market price.
General Characteristics of Futures. The Fund may enter into financial futures
contracts or purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as a hedge
against anticipated interest rate or equity market changes, for duration
management and for risk management purposes. In addition, the Fund may enter
into financial futures contracts or purchase or sell put and call options on
such futures as a hedge against anticipated currency market changes. Futures are
generally bought and sold on the commodities exchanges where they are listed
with payment of initial and variation
8
<PAGE>
margin as described below. The sale of a futures contract creates a firm
obligation by the Fund, as seller, to deliver to the buyer the specific type of
financial instrument called for in the contract at a specific future time for a
specified price (or, with respect to index futures and Eurodollar instruments,
the net cash amount). Options on futures contracts are similar to options on
securities except that an option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the
right in return for the premium paid to assume a position in a futures contract
and obligates the seller to deliver such position.
The Fund's use of financial futures and options thereon will in all
cases be consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and in particular
the rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and will
be entered into only for bona fide hedging, risk management (including duration
management) or other portfolio management purposes. Typically, maintaining a
futures contract or selling an option thereon requires the Fund to deposit with
a financial intermediary as security for its obligations an amount of cash or
other specified assets (initial margin) which initially is typically 1% to 10%
of the face amount of the contract (but may be higher in some circumstances).
Additional cash or assets (variation margin) may be required to be deposited
thereafter on a daily basis as the mark to market value of the contract
fluctuates. The purchase of an option on financial futures involves payment of a
premium for the option without any further obligation on the part of the Fund.
If the Fund exercises an option on a futures contract it will be obligated to
post initial margin (and potential subsequent variation margin) for the
resulting futures position just as it would for any position. Futures contracts
and options thereon are generally settled by entering into an offsetting
transaction but there can be no assurance that the position can be offset prior
to settlement at an advantageous price, nor that delivery will occur.
The Fund will not enter into a futures contract or related option
(except for closing transactions) if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the
amount of its initial margin and premiums on open futures contracts and options
thereon would exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets (taken at current value);
however, in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of the
purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in calculating the 5%
limitation. The segregation requirements with respect to futures contracts and
options thereon are described below.
Options on Securities Indices and Other Financial Indices. The Fund also may
purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices and other financial
indices and in so doing can achieve many of the same objectives it would achieve
through the sale or purchase of options on individual securities or other
instruments. Options on securities indices and other financial indices are
similar to options on a security or other instrument except that, rather than
settling by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, they settle by cash
settlement, i.e., an option on an index gives the holder the right to receive,
upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the index
upon which the option is based exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than,
in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option (except if, in the case
of an OTC option, physical delivery is specified). This amount of cash is equal
to the excess of the closing price of the index over the exercise price of the
option, which also may be multiplied by a formula value. The seller of the
option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of
this amount. The gain or loss on an option on an index depends on price
movements in the instruments making up the market, market segment, industry or
other composite on which the underlying index is based, rather than price
movements in individual securities, as is the case with respect to options on
securities.
Currency Transactions. The Fund may engage in currency transactions with
Counterparties in order to hedge the value of portfolio holdings denominated in
particular currencies against fluctuations in relative value. Currency
transactions include forward currency contracts, exchange listed currency
futures, exchange listed and OTC options on currencies, and currency swaps. A
forward currency contract involves a privately negotiated obligation to purchase
or sell (with delivery generally required) a specific currency at a future date,
which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon
by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. A currency swap is
an agreement to exchange cash flows based on the notional difference among two
or more currencies and operates similarly to an interest rate swap, which is
described below. The Fund may enter into currency transactions with
Counterparties which have received (or the guarantors of the obligations which
have received) a credit rating of A-1 or P-1 by S&P or Moody's, respectively, or
that have an equivalent rating from a NRSRO or (except for OTC currency options)
are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser.
The Fund's dealings in forward currency contracts and other currency
transactions such as futures, options, options on futures and swaps will be
limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio
positions. Transaction hedging is entering into a currency transaction with
respect to specific assets or liabilities of the Fund, which will generally
arise in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities or the
receipt of income therefrom.
9
<PAGE>
Position hedging is entering into a currency transaction with respect to
portfolio security positions denominated or generally quoted in that currency.
The Fund will not enter into a transaction to hedge currency exposure
to an extent greater, after netting all transactions intended wholly or
partially to offset other transactions, than the aggregate market value (at the
time of entering into the transaction) of the securities held in its portfolio
that are denominated or generally quoted in or currently convertible into such
currency, other than with respect to proxy hedging as described below.
The Fund may also cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions
to purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value
relative to other currencies to which the Fund has or in which the Fund expects
to have portfolio exposure.
To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing
or anticipated holdings of portfolio securities, the Fund may also engage in
proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the Fund's
portfolio is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the dollar. Proxy
hedging entails entering into a commitment or option to sell a currency whose
changes in value are generally considered to be correlated to a currency or
currencies in which some or all of the Fund's portfolio securities are or are
expected to be denominated, in exchange for U.S. dollars. The amount of the
commitment or option would not exceed the value of the Fund's securities
denominated in correlated currencies. For example, if the Adviser considers that
the Austrian schilling is correlated to the German deutschemark (the "D-mark"),
the Fund holds securities denominated in schillings and the Adviser believes
that the value of schillings will decline against the U.S. dollar, the Adviser
may enter into a commitment or option to sell D-marks and buy dollars. Currency
hedging involves some of the same risks and considerations as other transactions
with similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in losses to the Fund
if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction
that is not anticipated. Further, there is the risk that the perceived
correlation between various currencies may not be present or may not be present
during the particular time that the Fund is engaging in proxy hedging. If the
Fund enters into a currency hedging transaction, the Fund will comply with the
asset segregation requirements described below.
Risks of Currency Transactions. The Fund is subject to currency transactions
risks different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency
control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences
economic planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related
instruments can be negatively affected by government exchange controls,
blockages, and manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments.
These can result in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive
currency or funds in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it
has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as
well as incurring transaction costs. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are
subject to the same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Further,
settlement of a currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies
must occur at a bank based in the issuing nation. Trading options on currency
futures is relatively new, and the ability to establish and close out positions
on such options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market which may not
always be available. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors
extrinsic to that country's economy.
Combined Transactions. The Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including
multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions, multiple currency
transactions (including forward currency contracts) and multiple interest rate
transactions and any combination of futures, options, currency and interest rate
transactions ("component" transactions), instead of a single Strategic
Transaction, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the opinion of
the Adviser, it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. A combined
transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of
its component transactions. Although combined transactions are normally entered
into based on the Adviser's judgment that the combined strategies will reduce
risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management
goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or
hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars. Among the Strategic Transactions into which the
Fund may enter are interest rate, currency and index swaps and the purchase or
sale of related caps, floors and collars. The Fund expects to enter into these
transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment
or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency fluctuations, as a
duration management technique or to protect against any increase in the price of
securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. The Fund intends to
use these transactions as hedges and not as speculative investments and will not
sell interest rate caps or floors where they do not own securities or other
instruments
10
<PAGE>
providing the income stream the Fund may be obligated to pay. Interest rate
swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective
commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g., an exchange of floating rate
payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a notional amount of principal.
A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows on a notional amount of
two or more currencies based on the relative value differential among them and
an index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on a notional amount based on
changes in the values of the reference indices. The purchase of a cap entitles
the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party
selling such cap to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined
interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor entitles the purchaser to
receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling such
floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest
rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a
certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates or values.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two
payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as these swaps, caps,
floors and collars are entered into for good faith hedging purposes, the Adviser
and the Fund believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and, accordingly, will not
treat them as being subject to its borrowing restrictions. The Fund will not
enter into any swap, cap, floor or collar transaction unless, at the time of
entering into such transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the
Counterparty, combined with any credit enhancements, is rated at least A by S&P
or Moody's or has an equivalent rating from a NRSRO or is determined to be of
equivalent credit quality by the Adviser. If there is a default by the
Counterparty, the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements
related to the transaction. The swap market has grown substantially in recent
years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as
principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result,
the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more
recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not yet been fully
developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
Eurodollar Instruments. The Fund may make investments in Eurodollar instruments.
Eurodollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts or options
thereon which are linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"),
although foreign currency-denominated instruments are available from time to
time. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for
the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. The Fund
might use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against
changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed income instruments
are linked.
Risks of Strategic Transactions Outside the U.S. When conducted outside the
U.S., Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as in the U.S.,
may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to
the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign
securities, currencies and other instruments. The value of such positions also
could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and
economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the U.S. of data on which to
make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon economic
events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the U.S., (iv)
the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and
margin requirements than in the U.S., and (v) lower trading volume and
liquidity.
Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts. Many Strategic Transactions, in
addition to other requirements, require that the Fund segregate cash or liquid
assets with its custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian")
to the extent Fund obligations are not otherwise "covered" through ownership of
the underlying security, financial instrument or currency. In general, either
the full amount of any obligation by the Fund to pay or deliver securities or
assets must be covered at all times by the securities, instruments or currency
required to be delivered, or, subject to any regulatory restrictions, an amount
of cash or liquid securities at least equal to the current amount of the
obligation must be segregated with the custodian. The segregated assets cannot
be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are substituted in their place
or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. For example, a call option
written by the Fund will require the Fund to hold the securities subject to the
call (or securities convertible into the needed securities without additional
consideration) or to segregate cash or liquid securities sufficient to purchase
and deliver the securities if the call is exercised. A call option sold by the
Fund on an index will require the Fund to own portfolio securities which
correlate with the index or to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the
excess of the index value over the exercise price on a current basis. A put
option written by the Fund requires the Fund to segregate cash or liquid assets
equal to the exercise price.
11
<PAGE>
Except when the Fund enters into a forward contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a particular currency, which requires no
segregation, a currency contract which obligates the Fund to buy or sell
currency will generally require the Fund to hold an amount of that currency or
liquid securities denominated in that currency equal to the Fund's obligations
or to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the amount of the Fund's
obligation.
OTC options entered into by the Fund, including those on securities,
currency, financial instruments or indices and OCC issued and exchange listed
index options, will generally provide for cash settlement. As a result, when the
Fund sells these instruments it will only segregate an amount of assets equal to
its accrued net obligations, as there is no requirement for payment or delivery
of amounts in excess of the net amount. These amounts will equal 100% of the
exercise price in the case of a non cash-settled put, the same as an OCC
guaranteed listed option sold by the Fund, or the in-the-money amount plus any
sell-back formula amount in the case of a cash-settled put or call. In addition,
when the Fund sells a call option on an index at a time when the in-the-money
amount exceeds the exercise price, the Fund will segregate, until the option
expires or is closed out, cash or cash equivalents equal in value to such
excess. OCC issued and exchange listed options sold by the Fund other than those
above generally settle with physical delivery, and the Fund will segregate an
amount of assets equal to the full value of the option. OTC options settling
with physical delivery, or with an election of either physical delivery or cash
settlement will be treated the same as other options settling with physical
delivery.
In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon, the Fund must
deposit initial margin and possible daily variation margin in addition to
segregating assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide
securities or currencies, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an
index-based futures contract. Such assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents,
liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets.
With respect to swaps, the Fund will accrue the net amount of the
excess, if any, of its obligations over its entitlements with respect to each
swap on a daily basis and will segregate an amount of cash or liquid high grade
securities having a value equal to the accrued excess. Caps, floors and collars
require segregation of assets with a value equal to the Fund's net obligation,
if any.
Strategic Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent
with applicable regulatory policies. The Fund may also enter into offsetting
transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated assets,
equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and Strategic
Transactions. For example, the Fund could purchase a put option if the strike
price of that option is the same or higher than the strike price of a put option
sold by the Fund. Moreover, instead of segregating assets if the Fund held a
futures or forward contract, it could purchase a put option on the same futures
or forward contract with a strike price as high or higher than the price of the
contract held. Other Strategic Transactions may also be offset in combinations.
If the offsetting transaction terminates at the time of or after the primary
transaction no segregation is required, but if it terminates prior to such time,
assets equal to any remaining obligation would need to be segregated.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may seek to increase its return by
lending portfolio securities. Under present regulatory policies, including those
of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the SEC, such loans
may be made to member firms of the Exchange, and would be required to be secured
continuously by collateral in cash, U.S. Government securities or other high
grade debt obligations maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal
to the market value and accrued interest of the securities loaned. The Fund
would have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned on no more
than five days' notice. During the existence of a loan, the Fund would continue
to receive the equivalent of the interest paid by the issuer on the securities
loaned and would also receive compensation based on investment of the
collateral. As with other extensions of credit there are risks of delay in
recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the
securities fail financially. However, the loans would be made only to firms
deemed by the Adviser to be of good standing, and when, in the judgment of the
Adviser, the consideration which can be earned currently from securities loans
of this type justifies the attendant risk. If the Fund determines to make
securities loans, the value of the securities loaned will not exceed 5% of the
value of the Fund's total assets at the time any loan is made.
Investment Restrictions
Unless specified to the contrary, the following fundamental policies
may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund which, under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder and as
12
<PAGE>
used in this Statement of Additional Information, means the lesser of (1) 67% or
more of the voting securities present at such meeting, if the holders of more
than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or
represented by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities
of the Fund.
If a percentage restriction on investment or utilization of assets as
set forth under "Investment Restrictions" and "Other Investment Policies" above
is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later change in percentage
resulting from changes in the value or the total cost of a Fund's assets will
not be considered a violation of the restriction.
The Fund has elected to be classified as a diversified series of an
open-end investment company. In addition, as a matter of fundamental policy, the
Fund may not:
(1) borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended, and
as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having
jurisdiction, from time to time;
(2) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, as
amended, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having
jurisdiction, from time to time;
(3) concentrate its investments in a particular industry, as that term is
used in the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by
regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time;
(4) engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others,
except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter
in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities;
(5) purchase or sell real estate, which term does not include securities
of companies which deal in real estate or mortgages or investments
secured by real estate or interests therein, except that the Fund
reserves freedom of action to hold and to sell real estate acquired as
a result of the Fund's ownership of securities;
(6) purchase physical commodities or contracts relating to physical
commodities; or
(7) make loans except as permitted under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory
authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
Nonfundamental policies may be changed by the Trustees of the Trust and
without shareholder approval. As a matter of non-fundamental policy the Fund
does not currently intend to:
(1) borrow money in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets, except
(i) for temporary or emergency purposes and (ii) by engaging in
reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls, or other investments or
transactions described in the Fund's registration statement which may
be deemed to be borrowings;
(2) enter into either of reverse repurchase agreements or dollar rolls in
an amount greater than 5% of its total assets;
(3) purchase securities on margin or make short sales, except (i) short
sales against the box, (ii) in connection with arbitrage transactions,
(iii) for margin deposits in connection with futures contracts,
options or other permitted investments, (iv) that transactions in
futures contracts and options shall not be deemed to constitute
selling securities short, and (v) that the Fund may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of securities
transactions;
(4) purchase options, unless the aggregate premiums paid on all such
options held by the Fund at any time do not exceed 20% of its total
assets; or sell put options, if as a result, the aggregate value of
the obligations underlying such put options would exceed 50% of its
total assets;
(5) enter into futures contracts or purchase options thereon unless
immediately after the purchase, the value of the aggregate initial
margin with respect to such futures contracts entered into on behalf
of
13
<PAGE>
the Fund and the premiums paid for such options on futures contracts
does not exceed 5% of the fair market value of the Fund's total
assets; provided that in the case of an option that is in-the-money at
the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in
computing the 5% limit;
(6) purchase warrants if as a result, such securities, taken at the lower
of cost or market value, would represent more than 5% of the value of
the Fund's total assets (for this purpose, warrants acquired in units
or attached to securities will be deemed to have no value); and
(7) lend portfolio securities in an amount greater than 5% of its total
assets.
PURCHASES
(See "Purchases" and "Transaction Information" in the
Shares' prospectus.)
Scudder Shares of Classic Growth Fund require a $2,500 minimum initial
investment and a minimum subsequent investment of $100. The minimum investment
requirements may be waived or lowered for investments effected through banks and
other institutions that have entered into special arrangements with the Fund and
for investments effected on a group basis by certain other entities and their
employees, such as pursuant to a payroll deduction plan and for investments made
in an Individual Retirement Account offered by the Fund. Investment minimums may
also be waived for Trustees and officers of the Fund. The Fund, Scudder Investor
Services, Inc., Kemper Distributors, Inc. and Scudder Financial Intermediary
Services Group each reserve the right to reject any purchase order. All funds
will be invested in full and fractional shares.
Additional Information About Opening An Account
Clients having a regular investment counsel account with the Adviser or
its affiliates and members of their immediate families, officers and employees
of the Adviser or of any affiliated organization and their immediate families,
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") and
banks may, if they prefer, subscribe initially for at least $2,500 of Shares
through Scudder Investor Services, Inc. by letter, fax, TWX, or telephone.
Shareholders of other Scudder funds who have submitted an account
application and have certified a Tax Identification Number, clients having a
regular investment counsel account with the Adviser or its affiliates and
members of their immediate families, officers and employees of the Adviser or of
any affiliated organization and their immediate families, members of the NASD,
and banks may open an account by wire. These investors must call 1-800-225-5163
to get an account number. During the call the investor will be asked to indicate
the Fund name, amount to be wired ($2,500 minimum), name of bank or trust
company from which the wire will be sent, the exact registration of the new
account, the tax identification or social security number, address and telephone
number. The investor must then call the bank to arrange a wire transfer to The
Scudder Funds, Boston, MA 02110, ABA Number 011000028, DDA Account Number
9903-5552. The investor must give the Scudder fund name, account name and the
new account number. Finally, the investor must send the completed and signed
application to the Fund promptly.
The minimum initial purchase amount is less than $2,500 under certain
special plan accounts.
The name Scudder Classic Growth Fund as used herein and in the
prospectus also means Classic Growth Fund, which is a series of Investment
Trust. All shares of Classic Growth Fund outstanding on April 15, 1998, were
redesignated as Scudder Shares of Classic Growth Fund. Investors in Classic
Growth Fund as of April 15, 1998 can continue to purchase Scudder Shares.
Scudder Shares are not available to new investors with the following exceptions:
1. Existing shareholders of any fund or class of a fund in the Scudder
Family of Funds as of April 15, 1998, and their immediate family
members residing at the same address, may purchase Scudder Shares.
2. Shareholders who owned shares of Classic Growth Fund through any
broker-dealer or service agent omnibus account as of April 15, 1998,
may continue to purchase Scudder Shares. Existing shareholders of any
fund in the Scudder Family of Funds through certain broker-dealers or
service
14
<PAGE>
agent omnibus accounts as of April 15, 1998, may purchase Scudder
Shares when made available from that broker-dealer or service agent.
Call the broker-dealer or service agent for more information.
3. Retirement, employee stock, bonus, pension or profit sharing plans
offering the Scudder Family of Funds as of April 15, 1998, may add new
participants and accounts. Scudder Shares are also available to
prospective plan sponsors, as well as to existing plans which had not
previously offered Classic Growth Fund as an investment option.
4. An employee who owns Scudder Shares through a retirement, employee
stock, bonus, pension or profit sharing plan as of April 15, 1998,
may, at a later date, open a new individual account to purchase
Scudder Shares.
5. Any employee who owns Scudder Shares through a retirement, employee
stock, bonus, pension or profit sharing plan may complete a direct
rollover to an IRA holding Scudder Shares.
6. Scudder Shares are available to the Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
retirement plans.
7. Officers, Fund Trustees and Directors, and full-time employees of
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. and its subsidiaries, and their
family members, may purchase Scudder Shares.
8. Scudder Shares are available to any accounts managed by Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc., any advisory products offered by Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc. or Scudder Investor Services, Inc., and to the
portfolios of Scudder Pathway Series.
9. Registered investment advisors ("RIAs") and certified financial
planners ("CFPs") with clients invested in the Scudder Family of Funds
as of April 15, 1998, may purchase additional Scudder Shares or open
new individual client or omnibus accounts purchasing Scudder Shares.
RIAs and CFPs who do not have clients invested in the Funds as of
April 15, 1998, may enter into a written agreement with Scudder
Investor Services in order to purchase Scudder Shares. Call Scudder
Financial Intermediary Services at 1-800-854-8525 for more
information.
10. Broker-dealers, RIAs and CFPs who have clients participating in
comprehensive fee programs may enter into an agreement with Scudder
Investor Services in order to purchase Scudder Shares. Call Scudder
Financial Intermediary Services at 1-800-854-8525 for more
information.
11. Institutional alliances trading through NSCC/FundServ may purchase
Scudder Shares. Call Scudder Financial Intermediary Services at
1-800-854-8525 for more information.
12. Partnership shareholders invested Classic Growth Fund as of April 15,
1998 through an account registered in the name of a partnership may
open new accounts to purchase Scudder Shares, whether or not they are
listed on the account registration. Corporate shareholders invested in
Classic Growth Fund as of April 15, 1998, may open new accounts using
the same registration, or if the corporation is reorganized, the new
companies may purchase Scudder Shares.
Scudder Investor Services may, at its discretion, require appropriate
documentation that an investor is indeed eligible to purchase Scudder Shares.
For more information, please call Scudder Investor Relations at 1-800-225-2470.
Minimum balances
Shareholders should maintain a share balance worth at least $2,500
($1,000 for fiduciary accounts such as IRAs, and custodial accounts such as
Uniform Gift to Minor Act, and Uniform Trust to Minor Act accounts), which
amount may be changed by the Board of Trustees. A shareholder may open an
account with at least $1,000 ($500 for fiduciary/custodial accounts), if an
automatic investment plan (AIP) of $100/month ($50/month for fiduciary/custodial
accounts) is established. Scudder group retirement plans and certain other
accounts have similar or lower minimum share balance requirements.
15
<PAGE>
The Fund reserves the right, following 60 days' written notice to
applicable shareholders, to:
o assess an annual $10 per Fund charge (with the fee to be paid to the
Fund) for any non-fiduciary/non-custodial account without an automatic
investment plan (AIP) in place and a balance of less than $2,500; and
o redeem all shares in Fund accounts below $1,000 where a reduction in
value has occurred due to a redemption, exchange or transfer out of
the account. The Fund will mail the proceeds of the redeemed account
to the shareholder.
Reductions in value that result solely from market activity will not
trigger an involuntary redemption. Shareholders with a combined household
account balance in any of the Scudder Funds of $100,000 or more, as well as
group retirement and certain other accounts will not be subject to a fee or
automatic redemption.
Fiduciary (e.g., IRA or Roth IRA) and custodial accounts (e.g., UGMA or
UTMA) with balances below $100 are subject to automatic redemption following 60
days' written notice to applicable shareholders.
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments
Subsequent purchase orders for $10,000 or more and for an amount not
greater than four times the value of the shareholder's account may be placed by
telephone, fax, etc. by established shareholders (except by Scudder Individual
Retirement Account (IRA), Scudder Horizon Plan, Scudder Profit Sharing and Money
Purchase Pension Plans, Scudder 401(k) and Scudder 403(b) Plan holders), members
of the NASD, and banks. Orders placed in this manner may be directed to any
office of the Distributor listed in the Fund's prospectus. A confirmation of the
purchase will be mailed out promptly following receipt of a request to buy.
Federal regulations require that payment be received within three business days.
If payment is not received within that time, the order is subject to
cancellation. In the event of such cancellation or cancellation at the
purchaser's request, the purchaser will be responsible for any loss incurred by
the Fund or the principal underwriter by reason of such cancellation. If the
purchaser is a shareholder, the Trust shall have the authority, as agent of the
shareholder, to redeem shares in the account in order to reimburse the Fund or
the principal underwriter for the loss incurred. Net losses on such transactions
which are not recovered from the purchaser will be absorbed by the principal
underwriter. Any net profit on the liquidation of unpaid shares will accrue to
the Fund.
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments by QuickBuy
Shareholders, whose predesignated bank account of record is a member of
the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) and who have elected to participate
in the QuickBuy program, may purchase shares of the Fund by telephone. Through
this service shareholders may purchase up to $250,000. To purchase shares by
QuickBuy, shareholders should call before the close of regular trading on the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "Exchange"), normally 4 p.m. eastern time.
Proceeds in the amount of your purchase will be transferred from your bank
checking account two or three business days following your call. For requests
received by the close of regular trading on the Exchange, shares will be
purchased at the net asset value per share calculated at the close of trading on
the day of your call. QuickBuy requests received after the close of regular
trading on the Exchange will begin their processing and be purchased at the net
asset value calculated the following business day. If you purchase shares by
QuickBuy and redeem them within seven days of the purchase, the Fund may hold
the redemption proceeds for a period of up to seven business days. If you
purchase shares and there are insufficient funds in your bank account the
purchase will be canceled and you will be subject to any losses or fees incurred
in the transaction. QuickBuy transactions are not available for most retirement
plan accounts. However, QuickBuy transactions are available for Scudder IRA
accounts.
In order to request purchases by QuickBuy, shareholders must have
completed and returned to the Transfer Agent the application, including the
designation of a bank account from which the purchase payment will be debited.
New investors wishing to establish QuickBuy may so indicate on the application.
Existing shareholders who wish to add QuickBuy to their account may do so by
completing a QuickBuy Enrollment Form. After sending in an enrollment form,
shareholders should allow 15 days for this service to be available.
The Fund employs procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by
16
<PAGE>
telephone are genuine, and to discourage fraud. To the extent that the Fund does
not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent telephone instructions. The Fund will not be liable for acting upon
instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably believes to be
genuine.
Checks
A certified check is not necessary, but checks are only accepted
subject to collection at full face value in U.S. funds and must be drawn on, or
payable through, a U.S. bank.
If shares of the Fund are purchased by a check which proves to be
uncollectible, the Trust reserves the right to cancel the purchase immediately
and the purchaser will be responsible for any loss incurred by the Trust or the
principal underwriter by reason of such cancellation. If the purchaser is a
shareholder, the Trust will have the authority, as agent of the shareholder, to
redeem shares in the account in order to reimburse the Fund or the principal
underwriter for the loss incurred. Investors whose orders have been canceled may
be prohibited from, or restricted in, placing future orders in any of the
Scudder funds.
Wire Transfer of Federal Funds
To obtain the net asset value determined as of the close of regular
trading on the Exchange on a selected day, your bank must forward federal funds
by wire transfer and provide the required account information so as to be
available to the Fund prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange
(normally 4 p.m. eastern time).
The bank sending an investor's federal funds by bank wire may charge
for the service. Presently, the Distributor pays a fee for receipt by State
Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian") of "wired funds," but the right
to charge investors for this service is reserved.
Boston banks are closed on certain holidays although the Exchange may
be open. These holidays include Columbus Day (the 2nd Monday in October) and
Veterans Day (November 11). Investors are not able to purchase shares by wiring
federal funds on such holidays because the Custodian is not open to receive such
federal funds on behalf of the Fund.
Share Price
Purchases will be filled without sales charge at the net asset value
next computed after receipt of the application in good order. Net asset value
normally will be computed as of the close of regular trading on each day during
which the Exchange is open for trading. Orders received after the close of
regular trading on the Exchange will receive the next business day's net asset
value. If the order has been placed by a member of the NASD, other than the
Distributor, it is the responsibility of that member broker, rather than the
Fund, to forward the purchase order to Scudder Service Corporation (the
"Transfer Agent") by the close of regular trading on the Exchange.
Share Certificates
Due to the desire of the Trust's management to afford ease of
redemption, certificates will not be issued to indicate ownership in the Fund.
Share certificates now in a shareholder's possession may be sent to the Transfer
Agent for cancellation and credit to such shareholder's account. Shareholders
who prefer may hold the certificates in their possession until they wish to
exchange or redeem such shares.
Other Information
The Fund has authorized certain members of the NASD other than the
Distributor to accept purchase and redemption orders for the Fund's shares.
Those brokers may also designate other parties to accept purchase and redemption
orders on the Fund's behalf. Orders for purchase or redemption will be deemed to
have been received by the Fund when such brokers or their authorized designees
accept the orders. Subject to the terms of the contract between the Fund and the
broker, ordinarily orders will be priced at the Fund's net asset value next
computed after acceptance by such brokers or their authorized designees.
Further, if purchases or redemptions of the Fund's shares are arranged and
17
<PAGE>
settlement is made at an investor's election through any other authorized NASD
member, that member may, at its discretion, charge a fee for that service. The
Board of Trustees and the Distributor, also the Fund's principal underwriter,
each has the right to limit the amount of purchases by, and to refuse to sell
to, any person. The Trustees and the Distributor may suspend or terminate the
offering of shares of the Fund at any time for any reason.
The Board of Trustees and the Distributor each has the right to limit,
for any reason, the amount of purchases by, and to refuse to, sell to any
person, and each may suspend or terminate the offering of shares of the Fund at
any time for any reasons.
The Tax Identification Number section of the application must be
completed when opening an account. Applications and purchase orders without a
correct certified tax identification number and certain other certified
information (e.g. from exempt organizations, certification of exempt status)
will be returned to the investor. The Fund also reserves the right, following 30
days' notice, to redeem all shares in accounts without a correct certified
Social Security or tax identification number. A shareholder may avoid
involuntary redemption by providing the Fund with a tax identification number
during the 30-day notice period.
The Trust may issue shares at net asset value in connection with any
merger or consolidation with, or acquisition of the assets of, any investment
company or personal holding company, subject to the requirements of the 1940
Act.
EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
(See "Exchanges and Redemptions" and "Transaction Information" in
the Shares' prospectus.)
Exchanges
Exchanges are comprised of a redemption from one Scudder fund and a
purchase into another Scudder fund. The purchase side of the exchange either may
be an additional investment into an existing account or may involve opening a
new account in the other fund. When an exchange involves a new account, the new
account will be established with the same registration, tax identification
number, address, telephone redemption option, "Scudder Automated Information
Line" (SAIL) transaction authorization and dividend option as the existing
account. Other features will not carry over automatically to the new account.
Exchanges to a new fund account must be for a minimum of $2,500. When an
exchange represents an additional investment into an existing account, the
account receiving the exchange proceeds must have identical registration,
address, and account options/features as the account of origin. Exchanges into
an existing account must be for $100 or more. If the account receiving the
exchange proceeds is to be different in any respect, the exchange request must
be in writing and must contain an original signature guarantee as described
under "Transaction Information -- Signature guarantees" in the Shares'
prospectus.
Exchange orders received before the close of regular trading on the
Exchange on any business day ordinarily will be executed at the net asset value
determined on that day. Exchange orders received after the close of regular
trading on the Exchange will be executed on the following business day.
Investors may also request, at no extra charge, to have exchanges
automatically executed on a predetermined schedule from one Scudder fund to an
existing account in another Scudder fund at current net asset value through
Scudder's Automatic Exchange Program. Exchanges must be for a minimum of $50.
Shareholders may add this free feature over the phone or in writing. Automatic
exchanges will continue until the shareholder requests by phone or in writing to
have the feature removed, or until the originating account is depleted. The
Trust and the Transfer Agent each reserves the right to suspend or terminate the
privilege of the Automatic Exchange Program at any time.
There is no charge to the shareholder for any exchange described above.
An exchange into another Scudder fund is a redemption of shares, and therefore
may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder, and the
proceeds of such an exchange may be subject to backup withholding. (See
"TAXES.")
Investors currently receive the exchange privilege, including exchange
by telephone, automatically without having to elect it. The Fund employs
procedures, including recording telephone calls, testing a caller's identity,
and
18
<PAGE>
sending written confirmation of telephone transactions, designed to give
reasonable assurance that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine,
and to discourage fraud. To the extent that the Fund does not follow such
procedures, it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
telephone instructions. The Fund will not be liable for acting upon instructions
communicated by telephone that they reasonably believe to be genuine. The Fund
and the Transfer Agent each reserves the right to suspend or terminate the
privilege of exchanging by telephone or fax at any time.
The Scudder funds into which investors may make an exchange are listed
under "THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS" herein. Before making an exchange,
shareholders should obtain from the Distributor a prospectus of the Scudder fund
into which the exchange is being contemplated. The exchange privilege may not be
available for certain Scudder Funds or classes thereof. For more information,
please call 1-800-225-5163.
Scudder retirement plans may have different exchange requirements.
Please refer to appropriate plan literature.
Redemption by Telephone
Shareholders currently receive the right, automatically without having
to elect it, to redeem by telephone up to $100,000 and have the proceeds mailed
to their address of record. Shareholders may request to have the proceeds mailed
or wired to their predesignated bank account. In order to request redemptions by
telephone, shareholders must have completed and returned to the Transfer Agent
the application, including the designation of a bank account to which the
redemption proceeds are to be sent.
(a) NEW INVESTORS wishing to establish telephone redemption to a
predesignated bank account must complete the appropriate section on
the application.
(b) EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS (except those who are Scudder IRA, Scudder
Pension and Profit-Sharing, Scudder 401(k) and Scudder 403(b)
Planholders) who wish to establish telephone redemption to a
predesignated bank account or who want to change the bank account
previously designated to receive redemption proceeds should either
return a Telephone Redemption Option Form (available upon request) or
send a letter identifying the account and specifying the exact
information to be changed. The letter must be signed exactly as the
shareholder's name(s) appears on the account. An original signature
and an original signature guarantee are required for each person in
whose name the account is registered.
If a request for redemption to a shareholder's bank account is made by
telephone or fax, payment will be by Federal Reserve bank wire to the bank
account designated on the application, unless a request is made that the
redemption check be mailed to the designated bank account. There will be a $5
charge for all wire redemptions.
Note: Investors designating a savings bank to receive their telephone
redemption proceeds are advised that if the savings bank is not a
participant in the Federal Reserve System, redemption proceeds must be
wired through a commercial bank which is a correspondent of the savings
bank. As this may delay receipt by the shareholder's account, it is
suggested that investors wishing to use a savings bank discuss wire
procedures with their bank and submit any special wire transfer
information with the telephone redemption authorization. If appropriate
wire information is not supplied, redemption proceeds will be mailed to
the designated bank.
The Fund employs procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that the Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due
to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Fund will not be
liable for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably
believes to be genuine.
Redemption requests by telephone (technically a repurchase by agreement
between the Fund and the shareholder) of shares purchased by check will not be
accepted until the purchase check has cleared which may take up to seven
business days.
19
<PAGE>
Redemption by QuickSell
Shareholders, whose predesignated bank account of record is a member of
the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) and who have elected to participate
in the QuickSell program may sell Shares of the Fund by telephone. Redemptions
must be for at least $250. Proceeds in the amount of your redemption will be
transferred to your bank checking account two or three business days following
your call. For requests received by the close of regular trading on the
Exchange, normally 4 p.m. eastern time, shares will be redeemed at the net asset
value per share calculated at the close of trading on the day of your call.
QuickSell requests received after the close of regular trading on the Exchange
will begin their processing 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.
In order to request redemptions by QuickSell, shareholders must have
completed and returned to the Transfer Agent the application, including the
designation of a bank account to which the redemption proceeds will be credited.
New investors wishing to establish QuickSell may so indicate on the application.
Existing shareholders who wish to add QuickSell to their account may do so by
completing a QuickSell Enrollment Form. After sending in an enrollment form,
shareholders should allow for 15 days for this service to be available.
The Fund employs procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that the Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due
to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Fund will not be
liable for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably
believes to be genuine.
Redemption by Mail or Fax
In order to ensure proper authorization before redeeming shares, the
Transfer Agent may request documents such as, but not restricted to, stock
powers, trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor,
certificates of corporate authority and waivers of tax required in some states
when settling estates.
It is suggested that shareholders holding shares registered in other
than individual names contact the Transfer Agent prior to any redemptions to
ensure that all necessary documents accompany the request. When shares are held
in the name of a corporation, trust, fiduciary agent, attorney or partnership,
the Transfer Agent requires, in addition to the stock power, certified evidence
of authority to sign. These procedures are for the protection of shareholders
and should be followed to ensure prompt payment. Redemption requests must not be
conditional as to date or price of the redemption. Proceeds of a redemption will
be sent within seven business days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a
request for redemption that complies with the above requirements. Delays of more
than seven days of payment for shares tendered for repurchase or redemption may
result, but only until the purchase check has cleared.
The requirements for IRA redemptions are different from those for
regular accounts. For more information call 1-800-225-5163.
Redemption-in-Kind
The Trust reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash
payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase order by
making payment in whole or in part in readily marketable securities chosen by
the Fund and valued as they are for purposes of computing the Fund's net asset
value (a redemption-in-kind). If payment is made in securities, a shareholder
may incur transaction expenses in converting these securities into cash. The
Trust has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act as a
result of which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares, with respect to any one
shareholder during any 90 day period, solely in cash up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund at the beginning of the
period.
Other Information
Clients, officers or employees of the Adviser or of an affiliated
organization, and members of such clients', officers' or employees' immediate
families, banks and members of the NASD may direct repurchase requests to the
20
<PAGE>
Fund through Scudder Investor Services, Inc. at Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110-4103 by letter, fax, TWX, or telephone. A two-part
confirmation will be mailed out promptly after receipt of the repurchase
request. A written request in good order with a proper original signature
guarantee, as described in the Shares' prospectus under "Transaction information
- -- Signature guarantees," should be sent with a copy of the invoice to Scudder
Funds, c/o Scudder Confirmed Processing, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110-4103. Failure to deliver shares or required documents (see
above) by the settlement date may result in cancellation of the trade and the
shareholder will be responsible for any loss incurred by the Fund or the
principal underwriter by reason of such cancellation. Net losses on such
transactions which are not recovered from the shareholder will be absorbed by
the principal underwriter. Any net gains so resulting will accrue to the Fund.
For this group, repurchases will be carried out at the net asset value next
computed after such repurchase requests have been received. The arrangements
described in this paragraph for repurchasing shares are discretionary and may be
discontinued at any time.
If a shareholder redeems all shares in the account after the record
date of a dividend, the shareholder receives in addition to the net asset value
thereof, all declared but unpaid dividends thereon. The value of shares redeemed
or repurchased may be more or less than the shareholder's cost depending on the
net asset value at the time of redemption or repurchase. The Fund does not
impose a repurchase charge, although a wire charge may be applicable for
redemption proceeds wired to an investor's bank account. Redemption of shares,
including redemptions undertaken to effect an exchange for shares of another
Scudder fund, may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder
and the proceeds of such redemptions may be subject to backup withholding. (See
"TAXES.")
Shareholders who wish to redeem shares from Special Plan Accounts
should contact the employer, trustee or custodian of the Plan for the
requirements.
The determination of net asset value and a shareholder's right to
redeem shares and to receive payment may be suspended at times (a) during which
the Exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, (b)
during which trading on the Exchange is restricted for any reason, (c) during
which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of
securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably
practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or (d)
during which the SEC by order permits a suspension of the right of redemption or
a postponement of the date of payment or of redemption; provided that applicable
rules and regulations of the SEC (or any succeeding governmental authority)
shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b), (c) or (d) exist.
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND
(See "Investment Products and Services" in the Shares' prospectus.)
The Pure No-Load(TM) Concept
Investors are encouraged to be aware of the full ramifications of mutual
fund fee structures, and of how Scudder distinguishes its Scudder Family of
Funds from the vast majority of mutual funds available today. The primary
distinction is between load and no-load funds.
Load funds generally are defined as mutual funds that charge a fee for
the sale and distribution of fund shares. There are three types of loads:
front-end loads, back-end loads, and asset-based Rule 12b-1 fees. 12b-1 fees are
distribution-related fees charged against fund assets and are distinct from
service fees, which are charged for personal services and/or maintenance of
shareholder accounts. Asset-based sales charges and service fees are typically
paid pursuant to distribution plans adopted under 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
A front-end load is a sales charge, which can be as high as 8.50% of
the amount invested. A back-end load is a contingent deferred sales charge,
which can be as high as 8.50% of either the amount invested or redeemed. The
maximum front-end or back-end load varies, and depends upon whether or not a
fund also charges a 12b-1 fee and/or a service fee or offers investors various
sales-related services such as dividend reinvestment. The maximum charge for a
12b-1 fee is 0.75% of a fund's average annual net assets, and the maximum charge
for a service fee is 0.25% of a fund's average annual net assets.
21
<PAGE>
A no-load fund does not charge a front-end or back-end load, but can
charge a small 12b-1 fee and/or service fee against fund assets. Under the
National Association of Securities Dealers Conduct Rules, a mutual fund can call
itself a "no-load" fund only if the 12b-1 fee and/or service fee does not exceed
0.25% of a fund's average annual net assets.
Because funds in the Scudder Family of Funds do not pay any asset-based
sales charges or service fees, Scudder developed and trademarked the phrase pure
no-load(TM) to distinguish funds in the Scudder Family of Funds from other
no-load mutual funds. Scudder pioneered the no-load concept when it created the
nation's first no-load fund in 1928, and later developed the nation's first
family of no-load mutual funds.
The following chart shows the potential long-term advantage of
investing $10,000 in a Scudder Family of Funds pure no-load fund over investing
the same amount in a load fund that collects an 8.50% front-end load, a load
fund that collects only a 0.75% 12b-1 and/or service fee, and a no-load fund
charging only a 0.25% 12b-1 and/or service fee. The hypothetical figures in the
chart show the value of an account assuming a constant 10% rate of return over
the time periods indicated and reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================
Scudder No-Load Fund with
YEARS Pure No-Load(TM)Fund 8.50% Load Fund Load Fund with 0.75% 0.25% 12b-1 Fee
12b-1 Fee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
10 $25,937 $23,733 $24,222 $25,354
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15 41,772 38,222 37,698 40,371
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 67,275 61,557 58,672 64,282
====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
Investors are encouraged to review the fee tables on page 5 of the
Shares' prospectus for more specific information about the rates at which
management fees and other expenses are assessed.
Internet access
World Wide Web Site -- The address of the Scudder Funds site is
http://funds.scudder.com. The site offers guidance on global investing and
developing strategies to help meet financial goals and provides access to the
Scudder investor relations department via e-mail. The site also enables users to
access or view fund prospectuses and profiles with links between summary
information in Profiles and details in the Prospectus. Users can fill out new
account forms on-line, order free software, and request literature on funds.
The site is designed for interactivity, simplicity and maneuverability.
A section entitled "Planning Resources" provides information on asset
allocation, tuition, and retirement planning to users who fill out interactive
"worksheets." Investors can easily establish a "Personal Page," that presents
price information, updated daily, on funds they're interested in following. The
"Personal Page" also offers easy navigation to other parts of the site. Fund
performance data from both the Adviser and Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. are
available on the site. Also offered on the site is a news feature, which
provides timely and topical material on the Scudder Funds.
The Adviser has communicated with shareholders and other interested
parties on Prodigy since 1988 and has participated since 1994 in GALT's Networth
"financial marketplace" site on the Internet. The firm made Scudder Funds
information available on America Online in early 1996.
Account Access -- The Adviser is among the first mutual fund families to allow
shareholders to manage their fund accounts through the World Wide Web. Scudder
Fund shareholders can view a snapshot of current holdings, review account
activity and move assets between Scudder Fund accounts.
22
<PAGE>
The Adviser's personal portfolio capabilities -- known as SEAS (Scudder
Electronic Account Services) -- are accessible only by current Scudder Fund
shareholders who have set up a Personal Page on the Adviser's Web site. Using a
secure Web browser, shareholders sign on to their account with their Social
Security number and their SAIL password. As an additional security measure,
users can change their current password or disable access to their portfolio
through the World Wide Web.
An Account Activity option reveals a financial history of transactions
for an account, with trade dates, type and amount of transaction, share price
and number of shares traded. For users who wish to trade shares between Scudder
Funds, the Fund Exchange option provides a step-by-step procedure to exchange
shares among existing fund accounts or to new Scudder Fund accounts.
A Call MeTM feature enables users to speak with a Scudder Investor
Relations telephone representative while viewing their account on the Web site.
In order to use the Call MeTM feature, an individual must have two phone lines
and enter on the screen the phone number that is not being used to connect to
the Internet. They are connected to the next available Scudder Investor
Relations representative from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. eastern time.
Dividend and Capital Gain Distribution Options
Investors have freedom to choose whether to receive cash or to reinvest
any dividends from net investment income or distributions from realized capital
gains in additional Shares of the Fund. A change of instructions for the method
of payment must be given to the Transfer Agent in writing at least five days
prior to a dividend record date. Shareholders may change their dividend option
by calling 1-800-225-5163 or by sending written instructions to the Transfer
Agent. Please include your account number with your written request. See
"Investment Products and Services" in the Shares' prospectus for the address.
Reinvestment is usually made at the closing net asset value determined
on the business day following the record date. Investors may leave standing
instructions with the Transfer Agent designating their option for either
reinvestment or cash distribution of any income dividends or capital gains
distributions. If no election is made, dividends and distributions will be
invested in additional Shares of the Fund.
Investors may also have dividends and distributions automatically
deposited in their predesignated bank account through Scudder's
DistributionsDirect Program. Shareholders who elect to participate in the
DistributionsDirect Program, and whose predesignated checking account of record
is with a member bank of the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) can have
income and capital gain distributions automatically deposited to their personal
bank account usually within three business days after the Fund pays its
distribution. A DistributionsDirect request form can be obtained by calling
1-800-225-5163. Confirmation statements will be mailed to shareholders as
notification that distributions have been deposited.
Investors choosing to participate in Scudder's Automatic Withdrawal
Plan must reinvest any dividends or capital gains. For most retirement plan
accounts, the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains is also required.
Diversification
Your investment in the Fund represents an interest in a large,
diversified portfolio of carefully selected securities. Diversification may
protect you against the possible risks associated with concentrating in fewer
securities.
Scudder Investor Centers
Investors may visit any of the Centers maintained by the Distributor
listed in the Shares' prospectus. The Centers are designed to provide
individuals with services during any business day. Investors may pick up
literature or find assistance with opening an account, adding monies or special
options to existing accounts, making exchanges within the Scudder Family of
Funds, redeeming shares or opening retirement plans. Checks should not be mailed
to the Centers but should be mailed to "The Scudder Funds" at the address listed
under "Investment Products and Services" in the prospectus.
23
<PAGE>
Reports to Shareholders
The Fund issues to its shareholders unaudited semiannual financial
statements and annual financial statements audited by independent accountants,
including a list of investments held and statements of assets and liabilities,
operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights. Each distribution
will be accompanied by a brief explanation of the source of the distribution.
Transaction Summaries
Annual summaries of all transactions in each Fund account are available
to shareholders. The summaries may be obtained by calling 1-800-225-5163.
THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS
(See "Investment Products and Services" in the Funds' prospectuses.)
The Scudder Family of Funds is America's first family of mutual funds
and the nation's oldest family of no-load mutual funds. To assist investors in
choosing a Scudder fund, descriptions of the Scudder funds' objectives follow.
MONEY MARKET
Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund seeks to provide safety, liquidity and
stability of capital and, consistent therewith, to provide current
income. The Fund seeks to maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00
per share, although in certain circumstances this may not be possible,
and declares dividends daily.
Scudder Cash Investment Trust ("SCIT") seeks to maintain the stability
of capital and, consistent therewith, to maintain the liquidity of
capital and to provide current income. SCIT seeks to maintain a
constant net asset value of $1.00 per share, although in certain
circumstances this may not be possible, and declares dividends daily.
Scudder Money Market Series seeks to provide investors with as high a
level of current income as is consistent with its investment polices
and with preservation of capital and liquidity. The Fund seeks to
maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share, but there is no
assurance that it will be able to do so. The institutional class of
shares of this Fund is not within the Scudder Family of Funds.
Scudder Government Money Market Series seeks to provide investors with
as high a level of current income as is consistent with its investment
polices and with preservation of capital and liquidity. The Fund seeks
to maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share, but there is
no assurance that it will be able to do so. The institutional class of
shares of this Fund is not within the Scudder Family of Funds.
TAX FREE MONEY MARKET
Scudder Tax Free Money Fund ("STFMF") seeks to provide income exempt
from regular federal income tax and stability of principal through
investments primarily in municipal securities. STFMF seeks to maintain
a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share, although in extreme
circumstances this may not be possible.
Scudder Tax Free Money Market Series seeks to provide investors with as
high a level of current income that cannot be subjected to federal
income tax by reason of federal law as is consistent with its
investment policies and with preservation of capital and liquidity. The
Fund seeks to maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share,
but there is no assurance that it will be able to do so. The
institutional class of shares of this Fund is not within the Scudder
Family of Funds.
24
<PAGE>
Scudder California Tax Free Money Fund* seeks stability of capital and
the maintenance of a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share while
providing California taxpayers income exempt from both California State
personal and regular federal income taxes. The Fund is a professionally
managed portfolio of high quality, short-term California municipal
securities. There can be no assurance that the stable net asset value
will be maintained.
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund* seeks stability of capital and
the maintenance of a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share, while
providing New York taxpayers income exempt from New York State and New
York City personal income taxes and regular federal income tax. There
can be no assurance that the stable net asset value will be maintained.
TAX FREE
Scudder Limited Term Tax Free Fund seeks to provide as high a level of
income exempt from regular federal income tax as is consistent with a
high degree of principal stability.
Scudder Medium Term Tax Free Fund seeks to provide a high level of
income free from regular federal income taxes and to limit principal
fluctuation. The Fund will invest primarily in high-grade,
intermediate-term bonds.
Scudder Managed Municipal Bonds seeks to provide income exempt from
regular federal income tax primarily through investments in high-grade,
long-term municipal securities.
Scudder High Yield Tax Free Fund seeks to provide a high level of
interest income, exempt from regular federal income tax, from an
actively managed portfolio consisting primarily of investment-grade
municipal securities.
Scudder California Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide California taxpayers
with income exempt from both California State personal income and
regular federal income tax. The Fund is a professionally managed
portfolio consisting primarily of California municipal securities.
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide
Massachusetts taxpayers with as high a level of income exempt from
Massachusetts personal income tax and regular federal income tax, as is
consistent with a high degree of price stability, through a
professionally managed portfolio consisting primarily of
investment-grade municipal securities.
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide Massachusetts
taxpayers with income exempt from both Massachusetts personal income
tax and regular federal income tax. The Fund is a professionally
managed portfolio consisting primarily of investment-grade municipal
securities.
Scudder New York Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide New York taxpayers
with income exempt from New York State and New York City personal
income taxes and regular federal income tax. The Fund is a
professionally managed portfolio consisting primarily of New York
municipal securities.
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide Ohio taxpayers with income
exempt from both Ohio personal income tax and regular federal income
tax. The Fund is a professionally managed portfolio consisting
primarily of investment-grade municipal securities.
Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund* seeks to provide Pennsylvania
taxpayers with income exempt from both Pennsylvania personal income tax
and regular federal income tax. The Fund is a professionally managed
portfolio consisting primarily of investment-grade municipal
securities.
- ------------------
* These funds are not available for sale in all states. For information,
contact Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
25
<PAGE>
U.S. INCOME
Scudder Short Term Bond Fund seeks to provide a high level of income
consistent with a high degree of principal stability by investing
primarily in high quality short-term bonds.
Scudder Zero Coupon 2000 Fund seeks to provide as high an investment
return over a selected period as is consistent with investment in U.S.
Government securities and the minimization of reinvestment risk.
Scudder GNMA Fund seeks to provide high current income primarily from
U.S. Government guaranteed mortgage-backed (Ginnie Mae) securities.
Scudder Income Fund seeks a high level of income, consistent with the
prudent investment of capital, through a flexible investment program
emphasizing high-grade bonds.
Scudder Corporate Bond Fund seeks a high level of current income
through investment primarily in investment-grade corporate debt
securities.
Scudder High Yield Bond Fund seeks a high level of current income and,
secondarily, capital appreciation through investment primarily in below
investment-grade domestic debt securities.
GLOBAL INCOME
Scudder Global Bond Fund seeks to provide total return with an emphasis
on current income by investing primarily in high-grade bonds
denominated in foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. As a secondary
objective, the Fund will seek capital appreciation.
Scudder International Bond Fund seeks to provide income primarily by
investing in a managed portfolio of high-grade international bonds. As
a secondary objective, the Fund seeks protection and possible
enhancement of principal value by actively managing currency, bond
market and maturity exposure and by security selection.
Scudder Emerging Markets Income Fund seeks to provide high current
income and, secondarily, long-term capital appreciation through
investments primarily in high-yielding debt securities issued by
governments and corporations in emerging markets.
ASSET ALLOCATION
Scudder Pathway Series: Conservative Portfolio seeks primarily current
income and secondarily long-term growth of capital. In pursuing these
objectives, the Portfolio, under normal market conditions, will invest
substantially in a select mix of Scudder bond mutual funds, but will
have some exposure to Scudder equity mutual funds.
Scudder Pathway Series: Balanced Portfolio seeks to provide investors
with a balance of growth and income by investing in a select mix of
Scudder money market, bond and equity mutual funds.
Scudder Pathway Series: Growth Portfolio seeks to provide investors
with long-term growth of capital. In pursuing this objective, the
Portfolio will, under normal market conditions, invest predominantly in
a select mix of Scudder equity mutual funds designed to provide
long-term growth.
Scudder Pathway Series: International Portfolio seeks maximum total
return for investors. Total return consists of any capital appreciation
plus dividend income and interest. To achieve this objective, the
Portfolio invests in a select mix of established international and
global Scudder funds.
26
<PAGE>
U.S. GROWTH AND INCOME
Scudder Balanced Fund seeks a balance of growth and income from a
diversified portfolio of equity and fixed-income securities. The Fund
also seeks long-term preservation of capital through a quality-oriented
approach that is designed to reduce risk.
Scudder Dividend & Growth Fund seeks high current income and long-term
growth of capital through investment in income paying equity
securities.
Scudder Growth and Income Fund seeks long-term growth of capital,
current income, and growth of income.
Scudder S&P 500 Index Fund seeks to provide investment results that,
before expenses, correspond to the total return of common stocks
publicly traded in the United States, as represented by the Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index.
Scudder Real Estate Investment Fund seeks long-term capital growth and
current income by investing primarily in equity securities of companies
in the real estate industry.
U.S. GROWTH
Value
Scudder Large Company Value Fund seeks to maximize long-term capital
appreciation through a value-driven investment program.
Scudder Value Fund** seeks long-term growth of capital through
investment in undervalued equity securities.
Scudder Small Company Value Fund invests for long-term growth of
capital by seeking out undervalued stocks of small U.S. companies.
Scudder Micro Cap Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by investing
primarily in a diversified portfolio of U.S. micro-capitalization
("micro-cap") common stocks.
Growth
Scudder Classic Growth Fund** seeks to provide long-term growth of
capital with reduced share price volatility compared to other growth
mutual funds.
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of
capital through investment primarily in the equity securities of
seasoned, financially strong U.S. growth companies.
Scudder Development Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by investing
primarily in quality medium-size companies with the potential for
sustainable above-average earnings growth.
Scudder 21st Century Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by
investing primarily in the securities of emerging growth companies
poised to be leaders in the 21st century.
- ------------------
** Only the Scudder Shares are part of the Scudder Family of Funds.
27
<PAGE>
GLOBAL EQUITY
Worldwide
Scudder Global Fund seeks long-term growth of capital through a
diversified portfolio of marketable securities, primarily equity
securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and debt
securities convertible into common stocks.
Scudder International Value Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation
through investment primarily in undervalued foreign equity securities.
Scudder International Growth and Income Fund seeks long-term growth of
capital and current income primarily from foreign equity securities.
Scudder International Fund*** seeks long-term growth of capital
primarily through a diversified portfolio of marketable foreign equity
securities.
Scudder International Growth Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation
through investment primarily in the equity securities of foreign
companies with high growth potential.
Scudder Global Discovery Fund** seeks above-average capital
appreciation over the long term by investing primarily in the equity
securities of small companies located throughout the world.
Scudder Emerging Markets Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital
primarily through equity investment in emerging markets around the
globe.
Scudder Gold Fund seeks maximum return (principal change and income)
consistent with investing in a portfolio of gold-related equity
securities and gold.
Regional
Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital
through investments primarily in the equity securities of European
companies.
Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund seeks long-term growth of capital
through investment primarily in the equity securities of Pacific Basin
companies, excluding Japan.
Scudder Latin America Fund seeks to provide long-term capital
appreciation through investment primarily in the securities of Latin
American issuers.
The Japan Fund, Inc. seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing
primarily in equity securities (including American Depository
Receipts) of Japanese companies.
INDUSTRY SECTOR FUNDS
Choice Series
Scudder Financial Services Fund seeks long-term growth of capital
primarily through investment in equity securities of financial services
companies.
- ------------------
*** Only the International Shares are part of the Scudder Family of Funds.
** Only the Scudder Shares are part of the Scudder Family of Funds.
28
<PAGE>
Scudder Health Care Fund seeks long-term growth of capital primarily
through investment in securities of companies that are engaged in the
development, production or distribution of products or services related
to the treatment or prevention of diseases and other medical problems.
Scudder Technology Fund seeks long-term growth of capital primarily
through investment in securities of companies engaged in the
development, production or distribution of technology-related products
or services.
SCUDDER PREFERRED SERIES
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital on an
after-tax basis by investing primarily in established, medium- to
large-sized U.S. companies with leading competitive positions.
Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund seeks long-term growth of
capital on an after-tax basis through investment primarily in
undervalued stocks of small U.S. companies.
The net asset values of most Scudder funds can be found daily in the
"Mutual Funds" section of The Wall Street Journal under "Scudder Funds," and in
other leading newspapers throughout the country. Investors will notice the net
asset value and offering price are the same, reflecting the fact that no sales
commission or "load" is charged on the sale of shares of the Scudder funds. The
latest seven-day yields for the money-market funds can be found every Monday and
Thursday in the "Money-Market Funds" section of The Wall Street Journal. This
information also may be obtained by calling the Scudder Automated Information
Line (SAIL) at 1-800-343-2890.
The Scudder Family of Funds offers many conveniences and services,
including: active professional investment management; broad and diversified
investment portfolios; pure no-load funds with no commissions to purchase or
redeem shares or Rule 12b-1 distribution fees; individual attention from a
service representative of Scudder Investor Relations; and easy telephone
exchanges into other Scudder funds. Certain Scudder funds or classes thereof may
not be available for purchase or exchange. For more information, please call
1-800-225-5163.
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS
(See "Transaction Information", "Purchases", and "Exchanges and
Redemptions" in the Shares' prospectus.)
Detailed information on any Scudder investment plan, including the
applicable charges, minimum investment requirements and disclosures made
pursuant to Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") requirements, may be obtained
by contacting Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110-4103 or by calling toll free, 1-800-225-2470. The
discussions of the plans below describe only certain aspects of the federal
income tax treatment of the plan. The state tax treatment may be different and
may vary form state to state. It is advisable for an investor considering the
funding of the investment plans described below to consult with an attorney or
other investment or tax adviser with respect to the suitability requirements and
tax aspects thereof.
Shares of the Fund may also be a permitted investment under profit
sharing and pension plans and IRAs other than those offered by the Fund's
distributor depending on the provisions of the relevant plan or IRA.
None of the plans assures a profit or guarantees protection against
depreciation, especially in declining markets.
Scudder Retirement Plans: Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase
Pension Plans for Corporations and Self-Employed Individuals
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as the investment medium under a
plan in the form of a Scudder Profit-Sharing Plan (including a version of the
Plan which includes a cash-or-deferred feature) or a Scudder Money Purchase
Pension Plan (jointly referred to as the Scudder Retirement Plans) adopted by a
corporation, a self-employed individual or a group of self-employed individuals
(including sole proprietorships and partnerships), or other qualifying
organization. Each of these forms was approved by the IRS as a prototype. The
IRS's approval of an employer's plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code will be greatly facilitated if it is in such approved form. Under
29
<PAGE>
certain circumstances, the IRS will assume that a plan, adopted in this form,
after special notice to any employees, meets the requirements of Section 401(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code as to form.
Scudder 401(k): Cash or Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan
for Corporations and Self-Employed Individuals
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as the investment medium under a
plan in the form of a Scudder 401(k) Plan adopted by a corporation, a
self-employed individual or a group of self-employed individuals (including sole
proprietors and partnerships), or other qualifying organization. This plan has
been approved as a prototype by the IRS.
Scudder IRA: Individual Retirement Account
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as the underlying investment for an
Individual Retirement Account which meets the requirements of Section 408(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code.
A single individual who is not an active participant in an
employer-maintained retirement plan, a simplified employee pension plan, or a
tax-deferred annuity program (a "qualified plan"), and a married individual who
is not an active participant in a qualified plan and whose spouse is also not an
active participant in a qualified plan, are eligible to make tax deductible
contributions of up to $2,000 to an IRA prior to the year such individual
attains age 70 1/2. In addition, certain individuals who are active participants
in qualified plans (or who have spouses who are active participants) are also
eligible to make tax-deductible contributions to an IRA; the annual amount, if
any, of the contribution which such an individual will be eligible to deduct
will be determined by the amount of his, her, or their adjusted gross income for
the year. Whenever the adjusted gross income limitation prohibits an individual
from contributing what would otherwise be the maximum tax-deductible
contribution he or she could make, the individual will be eligible to contribute
the difference to an IRA in the form of nondeductible contributions.
An eligible individual may contribute as much as $2,000 of qualified
income (earned income or, under certain circumstances, alimony) to an IRA each
year (up to $2,000 per individual for married couples if only one spouse has
earned income). All income and capital gains derived from IRA investments are
reinvested and compound tax-deferred until distributed. Such tax-deferred
compounding can lead to substantial retirement savings.
The table below shows how much individuals would accumulate in a fully
tax-deductible IRA by age 65 (before any distributions) if they contribute
$2,000 at the beginning of each year, assuming average annual returns of 5, 10,
and 15%. (At withdrawal, accumulations in this table will be taxable.)
Value of IRA at Age 65
Assuming $2,000 Deductible Annual Contribution
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting
Age of Annual Rate of Return
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributions 5% 10% 15%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
25 $253,680 $973,704 $4,091,908
35 139,522 361,887 999,914
45 69,439 126,005 235,620
55 26,414 35,062 46,699
This next table shows how much individuals would accumulate in non-IRA
accounts by age 65 if they start with $2,000 in pretax earned income at the
beginning of each year (which is $1,380 after taxes are paid), assuming average
annual returns of 5, 10 and 15%. (At withdrawal, a portion of the accumulation
in this table will be taxable.)
30
<PAGE>
Value of a Non-IRA Account at
Age 65 Assuming $1,380 Annual Contributions
(post tax, $2,000 pretax) and a 31% Tax Bracket
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting
Age of Annual Rate of Return
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributions 5% 10% 15%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25 $119,318 $287,021 $741,431
35 73,094 136,868 267,697
45 40,166 59,821 90,764
55 16,709 20,286 24,681
</TABLE>
Scudder Roth IRA: Individual Retirement Account
Shares of the Fund(s) may be purchased as the underlying investment for
a Roth individual Retirement Account which meets the requirements of Section
408A of the Internal Revenue Code.
A single individual earning below $95,000 can contribute up to $2,000
per year to a Roth IRA. The maximum contribution amount diminishes and gradually
falls to zero for single filers with adjusted gross incomes ranging from $95,000
to $110,000. Married couples earning less than $150,000 combined, and filing
jointly, can contribute a full $4,000 per year ($2,000 per IRA). The maximum
contribution amount for married couples filing jointly phases out from $150,000
to $160,000.
An eligible individual can contribute money to a traditional IRA and a
Roth IRA as long as the total contribution to all IRAs does not exceed $2,000.
No tax deduction is allowed under Section 219 of the Internal Revenue Code for
contributions to a Roth IRA. Contributions to a Roth IRA may be made even after
the individual for whom the account is maintained has attained age 70 1/2.
All income and capital gains derived from Roth IRA investments are
reinvested and compounded tax-free. Such tax-free compounding can lead to
substantial retirement savings. No distributions are required to be taken prior
to the death of the original account holder. If a Roth IRA has been established
for a minimum of five years, distributions can be taken tax-free after reaching
age 59 1/2, for a first-time home purchase ($10,000 maximum, one-time use) or
upon death or disability. All other distributions of earnings from a Roth IRA
are taxable and subject to a 10% tax penalty unless an exception applies.
Exceptions to the 10% penalty include: disability, excess medical expenses, the
purchase of health insurance for an unemployed individual and education
expenses.
An individual with an income of less than $100,000 (who is not married
filing separately) can roll his or her existing IRA into a Roth IRA. However,
the individual must pay taxes on the taxable amount in his or her traditional
IRA. Individuals who complete the rollover in 1998 will be allowed to spread the
tax payments over a four-year period. After 1998, all taxes on such a rollover
will have to be paid in the tax year in which the rollover is made.
Scudder 403(b) Plan
Shares of the Fund may also be purchased as the underlying investment
for tax sheltered annuity plans under the provisions of Section 403(b)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code. In general, employees of tax-exempt organizations
described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (such as hospitals,
churches, religious, scientific, or literary organizations and educational
institutions) or a public school system are eligible to participate in a 403(b)
plan.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan
Non-retirement plan shareholders may establish an Automatic Withdrawal
Plan to receive monthly, quarterly or periodic redemptions from his or her
account for any designated amount of $50 or more. Shareholders may designate
which day they want the automatic withdrawal to be processed. The check amounts
may be based on the redemption of a fixed dollar amount, fixed share amount,
percent of account value or declining balance. The Plan provides for income
31
<PAGE>
dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, to be reinvested in
additional Shares. Shares are then liquidated as necessary to provide for
withdrawal payments. Since the withdrawals are in amounts selected by the
investor and have no relationship to yield or income, payments received cannot
be considered as yield or income on the investment and the resulting
liquidations may deplete or possibly extinguish the initial investment and any
reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions. Requests for increases in
withdrawal amounts or to change the payee must be submitted in writing, signed
exactly as the account is registered, and contain signature guarantee(s) as
described under "Transaction information -- Signature guarantees" in the Shares'
prospectus. Any such requests must be received by the Fund's transfer agent ten
days prior to the date of the first automatic withdrawal. An Automatic
Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time by the shareholder, the Trust or
its agent on written notice, and will be terminated when all shares of the Fund
under the Plan have been liquidated or upon receipt by the Trust of notice of
death of the shareholder.
An Automatic Withdrawal Plan request form can be obtained by calling
1-800-225-5163.
Group or Salary Deduction Plan
An investor may join a Group or Salary Deduction Plan where
satisfactory arrangements have been made with Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
for forwarding regular investments through a single source. The minimum annual
investment is $240 per investor which may be made in monthly, quarterly,
semiannual or annual payments. The minimum monthly deposit per investor is $20.
Except for trustees or custodian fees for certain retirement plans, at present
there is no separate charge for maintaining group or salary deduction plans;
however, the Trust and its agents reserve the right to establish a maintenance
charge in the future depending on the services required by the investor.
The Trust reserves the right, after notice has been given to the
shareholder, to redeem and close a shareholder's account in the event that the
shareholder ceases participating in the group plan prior to investment of $1,000
per individual or in the event of a redemption which occurs prior to the
accumulation of that amount or which reduces the account value to less than
$1,000 and the account value is not increased to $1,000 within a reasonable time
after notification. An investor in a plan who has not purchased shares for six
months shall be presumed to have stopped making payments under the plan.
Automatic Investment Plan
Shareholders may arrange to make periodic investments through automatic
deductions from checking accounts by completing the appropriate form and
providing the necessary documentation to establish this service.
The minimum investment is $50.
The Automatic Investment Plan involves an investment strategy called
dollar cost averaging. Dollar cost averaging is a method of investing whereby a
specific dollar amount is invested at regular intervals. By investing the same
dollar amount each period, when shares are priced low the investor will purchase
more shares than when the share price is higher. Over a period of time this
investment approach may allow the investor to reduce the average price of the
shares purchased. However, this investment approach does not assure a profit or
protect against loss. This type of regular investment program may be suitable
for various investment goals such as, but not limited to, college planning or
saving for a home.
Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act
Grandparents, parents or other donors may set up custodian accounts for
minors. The minimum initial investment is $1,000 unless the donor agrees to
continue to make regular share purchases for the account through Scudder's
Automatic Investment Plan (AIP). In this case, the minimum initial investment is
$500.
The Trust reserves the right, after notice has been given to the
shareholder and custodian, to redeem and close a shareholder's account in the
event that regular investments to the account cease before the $1,000 minimum is
reached.
32
<PAGE>
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
(See "DISTRIBUTIONS - Dividends and Capital Gains Distributions and
Taxes" in the Shares' prospectus.)
The Fund intends to follow the practice of distributing all of its
investment company taxable income, which includes any excess of net realized
short-term capital gains over net realized long-term capital losses. The Fund
may follow the practice of distributing the entire excess of net realized
long-term capital gains over net realized short-term capital losses. However,
the Fund may retain all or part of such gain for reinvestment after paying the
related federal income taxes for which the shareholders may then be asked to
claim a credit against their federal income tax liability. (See "TAXES.")
If the Fund does not distribute an amount of capital gain and/or
ordinary income required to be distributed by an excise tax provision of the
Code, it may be subject to such tax. (See "TAXES.") In certain circumstances,
the Fund may determine that it is in the interest of shareholders to distribute
less than such an amount.
Earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemptions of Fund
shares may be utilized by the Fund, to the extent permissible, as part of the
Fund's dividends paid deduction on its federal tax return.
The Trust intends to distribute the Fund's investment company taxable
income and any net realized capital gains in November or December to avoid
federal excise tax, although an additional distribution may be made if
necessary. Both types of distributions will be made in shares of the Fund and
confirmations will be mailed to each shareholder unless a shareholder has
elected to receive cash, in which case a check will be sent. Distributions of
investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains are taxable
(See "TAXES"), whether made in shares or cash.
Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. The characterization of distributions on such
correspondence may differ from the characterization for federal tax purposes. In
January of each year the Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the
federal income tax status of all distributions in the prior calendar year.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
(See "FUND SUMMARY -- Past Performance" in the Shares' prospectus.)
From time to time, quotations of the Shares' performance may be
included in advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders or
prospective investors. Effective April 16, 1998, Classic Growth Fund was divided
into four classes of shares. Shares of Classic Growth Fund outstanding on that
date were redesignated Scudder Shares of the Fund. The performance information
set forth below for periods prior to April 16, 1998 reflects the performance of
the Fund prior to such redesignation. Performance information for periods
subsequent to April 16, 1998 reflects the performance of the Scudder Shares of
the Fund only. These performance figures are calculated separately for each
class of shares of the Fund in the following manner:
Average Annual Total Return
Average annual total return is the average annual compound rate of
return for the periods of one year and the life of the Fund, ended on the last
day of a recent calendar quarter. Average annual total return quotations reflect
changes in the price of the Fund's shares and assume that all dividends and
capital gains distributions during the respective periods were reinvested in
Fund shares. Average annual total return is calculated by finding the average
annual compound rates of return of a hypothetical investment over such periods,
according to the following formula (average annual total return is then
expressed as a percentage):
T = (ERV/P)^1/n - 1
33
<PAGE>
Where:
T = Average Annual Total Return
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value: ERV is the
value, at the end of the applicable
period, of a hypothetical $1,000
investment made at the beginning of the
applicable period.
Average Annual Total Return for the periods ended August 31, 1998*
One Year Life of Class**
-2.72% 19.11%
* If the Adviser had not maintained expenses, the total return for the
one year and life of Class periods would have been lower.
** The Fund and the Scudder Shares class of the Fund commenced operations
on September 9, 1996.
Cumulative Total Return
Cumulative total return is the compound rate of return on a
hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 for a specified period. Cumulative
total return quotations reflect changes in the price of the Fund's shares and
assume that all dividends and capital gains distributions during the period were
reinvested in Fund shares. Cumulative total return is calculated by finding the
cumulative rate of return of a hypothetical investment over such periods,
according to the following formula (cumulative total return is then expressed as
a percentage):
C = (ERV/P) -1
Where:
C = Cumulative Total Return
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
ERV = ending redeemable value: ERV is the
value, at the end of the applicable
period, of a hypothetical $1,000
investment made at the beginning of the
applicable period.
Cumulative Total Return for the periods ended August 31, 1998*
One Year Life of Class**
-2.72% 41.25%
* If the Adviser had not maintained expenses, the total return for
the one year and life of Class periods would have been lower.
**TheFund and the Scudder Shares class of the Fund commenced
operations on September 9, 1996.
On April 16, 1998 Classic Growth Fund adopted its present name. Prior
to that date the Fund was known as Scudder Classic Growth Fund. Performance
information provided is for the Fund's Scudder Shares class.
Total Return
Total return is the rate of return on an investment for a specified
period of time calculated in the same manner as cumulative total return.
Quotations of the Fund's performance are historical and are not
intended to indicate future performance. An investor's shares when redeemed may
be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance of the Fund will
vary based on changes in market conditions and the level of the Fund's expenses.
34
<PAGE>
There may be quarterly periods following the periods reflected in the
performance bar chart in the fund's prospectus which may be higher or lower than
those included in the bar chart.
Comparison of Fund Performance
A comparison of the quoted non-standard performance offered for various
investments is valid only if performance is calculated in the same manner. Since
there are different methods of calculating performance, investors should
consider the effects of the methods used to calculate performance when comparing
performance of the Fund with performance quoted with respect to other investment
companies or types of investments.
In connection with communicating its performance to current or
prospective shareholders, the Fund also may compare these figures to the
performance of unmanaged indices which may assume reinvestment of dividends or
interest but generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
management costs. Examples include, but are not limited to the Dow Jones
Industrial Average, the Consumer Price Index, Standard & Poor's Corporation 500
Composite Stock Price Index (S&P 500), the Nasdaq OTC Composite Index, the
Nasdaq Industrials Index, the Russell 2000 Index, the Wilshire Real Estate
Securities Index and statistics published by the Small Business Administration.
From time to time, in advertising and marketing literature, this Fund's
performance may be compared to the performance of broad groups of mutual funds
with similar investment goals, as tracked by independent organizations such as,
Investment Company Data, Inc. ("ICD"), Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
("Lipper"), CDA Investment Technologies, Inc. ("CDA"), Morningstar, Inc., Value
Line Mutual Fund Survey and other independent organizations. When these
organizations' tracking results are used, the Fund will be compared to the
appropriate fund category, that is, by fund objective and portfolio holdings, or
to the appropriate volatility grouping, where volatility is a measure of a
fund's risk. For instance, a Scudder growth fund will be compared to funds in
the growth fund category; a Scudder income fund will be compared to funds in the
income fund category; and so on. Scudder funds (except for money market funds)
may also be compared to funds with similar volatility, as measured statistically
by independent organizations.
From time to time, in marketing and other Fund literature, Trustees and
officers of the Trust, the Fund's portfolio manager, or members of the portfolio
management team may be depicted and quoted to give prospective and current
shareholders a better sense of the outlook and approach of those who manage the
Fund. In addition, the amount of assets that the Adviser has under management in
various geographical areas may be quoted in advertising and marketing materials.
The Fund may be advertised as an investment choice in Scudder's college
planning program. The description may contain illustrations of projected future
college costs based on assumed rates of inflation and examples of hypothetical
fund performance, calculated as described above.
Statistical and other information, as provided by the Social Security
Administration, may be used in marketing materials pertaining to retirement
planning in order to estimate future payouts of social security benefits.
Estimates may be used on demographic and economic data.
Marketing and other Fund literature may include a description of the
potential risks and rewards associated with an investment in the Fund. The
description may include a "risk/return spectrum" which compares the Fund to
other Scudder funds or broad categories of funds, such as money market, bond or
equity funds, in terms of potential risks and returns. Money market funds are
designed to maintain a constant $1.00 share price and have a fluctuating yield.
Share price, yield and total return of a bond fund will fluctuate. The share
price and return of an equity fund also will fluctuate. The description may also
compare the Fund to bank products, such as certificates of deposit. Unlike
mutual funds, certificates of deposit are insured up to $100,000 by the U.S.
government and offer a fixed rate of return.
Because bank products guarantee the principal value of an investment
and money market funds seek stability of principal, these investments are
considered to be less risky than investments in either bond or equity funds,
which may involve the loss of principal. However, all long-term investments,
including investments in bank products, may be subject to inflation risk, which
is the risk of erosion of the value of an investment as prices increase over a
long time period. The risks/returns associated with an investment in bond or
equity funds depend upon many factors. For bond
35
<PAGE>
funds these factors include, but are not limited to, a fund's overall investment
objective, the average portfolio maturity, credit quality of the securities
held, and interest rate movements. For equity funds, factors include a fund's
overall investment objective, the types of equity securities held and the
financial position of the issuers of the securities. The risks/returns
associated with an investment in international bond or equity funds also will
depend upon currency exchange rate fluctuation.
A risk/return spectrum generally will position the various investment
categories in the following order: bank products, money market funds, bond funds
and equity funds. Shorter-term bond funds generally are considered less risky
and offer the potential for less return than longer-term bond funds. The same is
true of domestic bond funds relative to international bond funds, and bond funds
that purchase higher quality securities relative to bond funds that purchase
lower quality securities. Growth and income equity funds are generally
considered to be less risky and offer the potential for less return than growth
funds. In addition, international equity funds usually are considered more risky
than domestic equity funds but generally offer the potential for greater return.
Risk/return spectrums also may depict funds that invest in both
domestic and foreign securities or a combination of bond and equity securities.
Evaluation of Fund performance or other relevant statistical
information made by independent sources may also be used in advertisements
concerning the Fund, including reprints of, or selections from, editorials or
articles about this Fund. Sources for Fund performance information and articles
about the Fund include the following:
American Association of Individual Investors' Journal, a monthly publication of
the AAII that includes articles on investment analysis techniques.
Asian Wall Street Journal, a weekly Asian newspaper that often reviews U.S.
mutual funds investing internationally.
Banxquote, an on-line source of national averages for leading money market and
bank CD interest rates, published on a weekly basis by Masterfund, Inc. of
Wilmington, Delaware.
Barron's, a Dow Jones and Company, Inc. business and financial weekly that
periodically reviews mutual fund performance data.
Business Week, a national business weekly that periodically reports the
performance rankings and ratings of a variety of mutual funds investing abroad.
CDA Investment Technologies, Inc., an organization which provides performance
and ranking information through examining the dollar results of hypothetical
mutual fund investments and comparing these results against appropriate market
indices.
Consumer Digest, a monthly business/financial magazine that includes a "Money
Watch" section featuring financial news.
Financial Times, Europe's business newspaper, which features from time to time
articles on international or country-specific funds.
Financial World, a general business/financial magazine that includes a "Market
Watch" department reporting on activities in the mutual fund industry.
Forbes, a national business publication that from time to time reports the
performance of specific investment companies in the mutual fund industry.
Fortune, a national business publication that periodically rates the performance
of a variety of mutual funds.
The Frank Russell Company, a West-Coast investment management firm that
periodically evaluates international stock markets and compares foreign equity
market performance to U.S. stock market performance.
36
<PAGE>
Global Investor, a European publication that periodically reviews the
performance of U.S. mutual funds investing internationally.
IBC Money Fund Report, a weekly publication of IBC Financial Data, Inc.,
reporting on the performance of the nation's money market funds, summarizing
money market fund activity and including certain averages as performance
benchmarks, specifically "IBC's Money Fund Average," and "IBC's Government Money
Fund Average."
Ibbotson Associates, Inc., a company specializing in investment research and
data.
Investment Company Data, Inc., an independent organization which provides
performance ranking information for broad classes of mutual funds.
Investor's Business Daily, a daily newspaper that features financial, economic,
and business news.
Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly investment advisory publication
that periodically features the performance of a variety of securities.
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.'s Mutual Fund Performance Analysis, a weekly
publication of industry-wide mutual fund averages by type of fund.
Money, a monthly magazine that from time to time features both specific funds
and the mutual fund industry as a whole.
Morgan Stanley International, an integrated investment banking firm that
compiles statistical information.
Mutual Fund Values, a biweekly Morningstar, Inc. publication that provides
ratings of mutual funds based on fund performance, risk and portfolio
characteristics.
The New York Times, a nationally distributed newspaper which regularly covers
financial news.
The No-Load Fund Investor, a monthly newsletter, published by Sheldon Jacobs,
that includes mutual fund performance data and recommendations for the mutual
fund investor.
No-Load Fund*X, a monthly newsletter, published by DAL Investment Company, Inc.,
that reports on mutual fund performance, rates funds and discusses investment
strategies for the mutual fund investor.
Personal Investing News, a monthly news publication that often reports on
investment opportunities and market conditions.
Personal Investor, a monthly investment advisory publication that includes a
"Mutual Funds Outlook" section reporting on mutual fund performance measures,
yields, indices and portfolio holdings.
SmartMoney, a national personal finance magazine published monthly by Dow Jones
and Company, Inc. and The Hearst Corporation. Focus is placed on ideas for
investing, spending and saving.
Success, a monthly magazine targeted to the world of entrepreneurs and growing
business, often featuring mutual fund performance data.
United Mutual Fund Selector, a semi-monthly investment newsletter, published by
Babson United Investment Advisors, that includes mutual fund performance data
and reviews of mutual fund portfolios and investment strategies.
USA Today, a leading national daily newspaper.
U.S. News and World Report, a national news weekly that periodically reports
mutual fund performance data.
37
<PAGE>
Value Line Mutual Fund Survey, an independent organization that provides
biweekly performance and other information on mutual funds.
The Wall Street Journal, a Dow Jones and Company, Inc. newspaper which regularly
covers financial news.
Wiesenberger Investment Companies Services, an annual compendium of information
about mutual funds and other investment companies, including comparative data on
funds' backgrounds, management policies, salient features, management results,
income and dividend records and price ranges.
Working Woman, a monthly publication that features a "Financial Workshop"
section reporting on the mutual fund/financial industry.
Worth, a national publication issued 10 times per year by Capital Publishing
Company, a subsidiary of Fidelity Investments. Focus is placed on personal
financial journalism.
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND
(See "Investment Adviser" in the Shares' prospectus.)
The Fund is a series of Investment Trust, a Massachusetts business
trust established under a Declaration of Trust dated September 20, 1984, as
amended. The name of the Trust was changed from Scudder Investment Trust to its
present name on May 28, 1998. The name of the Fund was changed, effective April
16, 1998, from Scudder Classic Growth Fund to Classic Growth Fund. The Trust's
authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial
interest, par value $0.01 per share. The Trust's shares are currently divided
into eight series, Scudder Growth and Income Fund, Scudder Large Company Growth
Fund, Classic Growth Fund, Scudder S&P 500 Index Fund, Scudder Real Estate
Investment Fund, Scudder Dividend & Growth Fund, Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund
and Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Growth Fund. The Fund's shares are
currently divided into four classes, the Scudder Shares and Class A, B and C
shares.
The Trustees have the authority to issue additional series of shares
and to designate the relative rights and preferences as between the different
series. Each share of the Fund has equal rights with each other share of the
Fund as to voting, dividends and liquidation. All shares issued and outstanding
will be fully paid and nonassessable by the Trust, and redeemable as described
in this Statement of Additional Information and in the Shares' prospectus.
The assets of the Trust received for the issue or sale of the shares of
each series and all income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, subject only
to the rights of creditors, are specifically allocated to such series and
constitute the underlying assets of such series. The underlying assets of each
series are segregated on the books of account, and are to be charged with the
liabilities in respect to such series and with a proportionate share of the
general liabilities of the Trust. If a series were unable to meet its
obligations, the assets of all other series may in some circumstances be
available to creditors for that purpose, in which case the assets of such other
series could be used to meet liabilities which are not otherwise properly
chargeable to them. Expenses with respect to any two or more series are to be
allocated in proportion to the asset value of the respective series except where
allocations of direct expenses can otherwise be fairly made. The officers of the
Trust, subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, have the power to
determine which liabilities are allocable to a given series, or which are
general or allocable to two or more series. In the event of the dissolution or
liquidation of the Trust or any series, the holders of the shares of any series
are entitled to receive as a class the underlying assets of such shares
available for distribution to shareholders.
The Fund's activities are supervised by the Trust's Board of Trustees.
The Trust has adopted a plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 (the "Plan") under the 1940
Act to permit the Trust to establish a multiple class distribution system.
Under the Plan, shares of each class represent an equal pro rata
interest in the Fund and, generally, shall have identical voting, dividend,
liquidation, and other rights, preferences, powers, restrictions, limitations,
qualifications and terms and conditions, except that: (1) each class shall have
a different designation; (2) each class of shares shall bear its own "class
expenses;" (3) each class shall have exclusive voting rights on any matter
submitted to shareholders that
38
<PAGE>
relates to its administrative services, shareholder services or distribution
arrangements; (4) each class shall have separate voting rights on any matter
submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one class differ from the
interests of any other class; (5) each class may have separate and distinct
exchange privileges; (6) each class may have different conversion features, and
(7) each class may have separate account size requirements. Expenses currently
designated as "Class Expenses" by the Trust's Board of Trustees under the Plan
include, for example, transfer agency fees attributable to a specific class, and
certain securities registration fees.
Each share of each class of the Fund shall be entitled to one vote (or
fraction thereof in respect of a fractional share) on matters that such shares
(or class of shares) shall be entitled to vote. Shareholders of the Fund shall
vote together on any matter, except to the extent otherwise required by the 1940
Act, or when the Board of Trustees has determined that the matter affects only
the interest of shareholders of one or more classes of the Fund, in which case
only the shareholders of such class or classes of the Fund shall be entitled to
vote thereon. Any matter shall be deemed to have been effectively acted upon
with respect to the Fund if acted upon as provided in Rule 18f-2 under the 1940
Act, or any successor rule, and in the Fund's Declaration of Trust. As used in
the Prospectus and in this Statement of Additional Information, the term
"majority", when referring to the approvals to be obtained from shareholders in
connection with general matters affecting the Fund and all additional portfolios
(e.g., election of directors), means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the
Fund's shares represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of
the Fund's outstanding shares. The term "majority", when referring to the
approvals to be obtained from shareholders in connection with matters affecting
a single Fund or any other single portfolio (e.g., annual approval of investment
management contracts), means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of
the portfolio represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the portfolio are present in person or by proxy, or (ii)
more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the portfolio. Shareholders are
entitled to one vote for each full share held and fractional votes for
fractional shares held.
The Trustees, in their discretion, may authorize the division of shares
of the Fund (or shares of a series) into different classes, permitting shares of
different classes to be distributed by different methods. Although shareholders
of different classes of a series would have an interest in the same portfolio of
assets, shareholders of different classes may bear different expenses in
connection with different methods of distribution.
The Declaration of Trust provides that obligations of the Fund are not
binding upon the Trustees individually but only upon the property of the Fund,
that the Trustees and officers will not be liable for errors of judgment or
mistakes of fact or law and that the Fund will indemnify its Trustees and
officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation
in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Fund, except if
it is determined in the manner provided in the Declaration of Trust that they
have not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in
the best interests of the Fund. Nothing in the Declaration of Trust, however,
protects or indemnifies a Trustee or officer against any liability to which that
person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
that person's office.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
(See "Investment Adviser" in the Shares' prospectus.)
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser"), an investment counsel
firm, acts as investment adviser to the Fund. This organization, the predecessor
of which is Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc., is one of the most experienced
investment counsel firms in the U. S. It was established as a partnership in
1919 and pioneered the practice of providing investment counsel to individual
clients on a fee basis. In 1928 it introduced the first no-load mutual fund to
the public. In 1953 the Adviser introduced Scudder International Fund, Inc., the
first mutual fund available in the U.S. investing internationally in securities
of issuers in several foreign countries. The predecessor firm reorganized from a
partnership to a corporation on June 28, 1985. On June 26, 1997, Scudder,
Stevens & Clark, Inc. ("Scudder") entered into an agreement with Zurich
Insurance Company ("Zurich") pursuant to which Scudder and Zurich agreed to form
an alliance. On December 31, 1997, Zurich acquired a majority interest in
Scudder, and Zurich Kemper Investments, Inc., a Zurich subsidiary, became part
of Scudder. Scudder's name has been changed to Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
39
<PAGE>
Founded in 1872, Zurich is a multinational, public corporation
organized under the laws of Switzerland. Its home office is located at
Mythenquai 2, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland. Historically, Zurich's earnings have
resulted from its operations as an insurer as well as from its ownership of its
subsidiaries and affiliated companies (the "Zurich Insurance Group"). Zurich and
the Zurich Insurance Group provide an extensive range of insurance products and
services and have branch offices and subsidiaries in more than 40 countries
throughout the world.
The principal source of the Adviser's income is professional fees
received from providing continuous investment advice, and the firm derives no
income from brokerage or underwriting of securities. Today, it provides
investment counsel for many individuals and institutions, including insurance
companies, colleges, industrial corporations, and financial and banking
organizations. In addition, it manages Montgomery Street Income Securities,
Inc., Scudder California Tax Free Trust, Scudder Cash Investment Trust, Value
Equity Trust, Scudder Fund, Inc., Scudder Funds Trust, Global/International
Fund, Inc., Scudder Global High Income Fund, Inc., Scudder GNMA Fund, Scudder
Portfolio Trust, Scudder Institutional Fund, Inc., Scudder International Fund,
Inc., Investment Trust, Scudder Municipal Trust, Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc.,
Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc., Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc., Scudder Pathway
Series, Scudder Securities Trust, Scudder State Tax Free Trust, Scudder Tax Free
Money Fund, Scudder Tax Free Trust, Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund, Scudder
Variable Life Investment Fund, The Argentina Fund, Inc., The Brazil Fund, Inc.,
The Korea Fund, Inc., The Japan Fund, Inc. and Scudder Spain and Portugal Fund,
Inc. Some of the foregoing companies or trusts have two or more series.
The Adviser also provides investment advisory services to the mutual
funds which comprise the AARP Investment Program from Scudder. The AARP
Investment Program from Scudder has assets over $13 billion and includes the
AARP Growth Trust, AARP Income Trust, AARP Tax Free Income Trust, AARP Managed
Investment Portfolios Trust and AARP Cash Investment Funds.
Pursuant to an Agreement between the Adviser and AMA Solutions, Inc., a
subsidiary of the American Medical Association (the "AMA"), dated May 9, 1997,
the Adviser has agreed, subject to applicable state regulations, to pay AMA
Solutions, Inc. royalties in an amount equal to 5% of the management fee
received by the Adviser with respect to assets invested by AMA members in
Scudder funds in connection with the AMA InvestmentLinkSM Program. The Adviser
will also pay AMA Solutions, Inc. a general monthly fee, currently in the amount
of $833. The AMA and AMA Solutions, Inc. are not engaged in the business of
providing investment advice and neither is registered as an investment adviser
or broker/dealer under federal securities laws. Any person who participates in
the AMA InvestmentLinkSM Program will be a customer of the Adviser (or of a
subsidiary thereof) and not the AMA or AMA Solutions, Inc. AMA InvestmentLinkSM
is a service mark of AMA Solutions, Inc.
The Adviser maintains a large research department, which conducts
continuous studies of the factors that affect the position of various
industries, companies and individual securities. The Adviser receives published
reports and statistical compilations from issuers and other sources, as well as
analyses from brokers and dealers who may execute portfolio transactions for the
Adviser's clients. However, the Adviser regards this information and material as
an adjunct to its own research activities. Scudder's international investment
management team travels the world, researching hundreds of companies. In
selecting the securities in which the Fund may invest, the conclusions and
investment decisions of the Adviser with respect to the Fund are based primarily
on the analyses of its own research department.
Certain investments may be appropriate for the Fund and also for other
clients advised by the Adviser. Investment decisions for the Fund and other
clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives
and after consideration of such factors as their current holdings, availability
of cash for investment and the size of their investments generally. Frequently,
a particular security may be bought or sold for only one client or in different
amounts and at different times for more than one but less than all clients.
Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one
or more other clients are selling the security. In addition, purchases or sales
of the same security may be made for two or more clients on the same day. In
such event, such transactions will be allocated among the clients in a manner
believed by the Adviser to be equitable to each. In some cases, this procedure
could have an adverse effect on the price or amount of the securities purchased
or sold by the Fund. Purchase and sale orders for the Fund may be combined with
those of other clients of the Adviser in the interest of achieving the most
favorable net results to the Fund. An investment management agreement dated
September 9, 1996 was approved by the Trustees of the Trust on August 31, 1996
and by an initial shareholder of the Fund on September 4, 1996.
40
<PAGE>
The transaction between Scudder and Zurich resulted in the assignment
of the Fund's investment management agreement with Scudder, that agreement was
deemed to be automatically terminated at the consummation of the transaction. In
anticipation of the transaction, however, a new investment management agreement
between the Trust on behalf of the Fund and the Adviser was approved by the
Trust's Trustees on August 6, 1997. At the special meeting of the Fund's
shareholders held on October 27, 1997, the shareholders also approved the
investment management agreement. The new investment management agreement became
effective as of December 31, 1997.
On September 7, 1998, the businesses of Zurich (including Zurich's 70%
interest in Scudder Kemper) and the financial services businesses of B.A.T
Industries p.l.c. ("B.A.T") were combined to form a new global insurance and
financial services company known as Zurich Financial Services Group. By way of a
dual holding company structure, former Zurich shareholders initially owned
approximately 57% of Zurich Financial Services Group, with the balance initially
owned by former B.A.T shareholders.
Upon consummation of this transaction, the Fund's existing investment
management agreement with Scudder Kemper was deemed to have been assigned and,
therefore, terminated. The Board has approved a new investment management
agreement (the "Agreement") with Scudder Kemper, which is substantially
identical to the current investment management agreement, except for the dates
of execution and termination. The agreement became effective September 7, 1998,
upon the termination of the then current investment management agreement and was
approved at a shareholder meeting held in December 1998.
The Agreement dated September 7, 1998, was approved by the Trustees of
the Fund on August 11, 1998. The Agreement will continue in effect until
September 30, 1999 and from year to year thereafter only if its continuance is
approved annually by the vote of a majority of those Trustees who are not
parties to such Agreement or interested persons of the Adviser or the Fund, cast
in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and
either by a vote of the Trust's Trustees or of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund. The Agreement may be terminated at any time
without payment of penalty by either party on sixty days' written notice, and
automatically terminates in the event of its assignment.
The Adviser regularly provides the Fund with continuing investment
management for the Fund's portfolio consistent with the Fund's investment
objective, policies and restrictions and determines what securities shall be
purchased, held or sold and what portion of the Fund's assets shall be held
uninvested, subject to the Trust's Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, the 1940 Act,
the Code and to the Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions, and
subject, further, to such policies and instructions as the Board of Trustees of
the Trust may from time to time establish. The Adviser also advises and assists
the officers of the Trust in taking such steps as are necessary or appropriate
to carry out the decisions of its Trustees and the appropriate committees of the
Trustees regarding the conduct of the business of the Fund.
Under the Agreement, the Adviser renders significant administrative
services (not otherwise provided by third parties) necessary for the Fund's
operations as an open-end investment company including, but not limited to,
preparing reports and notices to the Trustees and shareholders; supervising,
negotiating contractual arrangements with, and monitoring various third-party
service providers to the Fund (such as the Fund's transfer agent, pricing
agents, Custodian, accountants and others); preparing and making filings with
the SEC and other regulatory agencies; assisting in the preparation and filing
of the Fund's federal, state and local tax returns; preparing and filing the
Fund's federal excise tax returns; assisting with investor and public relations
matters; monitoring the valuation of securities and the calculation of net asset
value; monitoring the registration of shares of the Fund under applicable
federal and state securities laws; maintaining the Fund's books and records to
the extent not otherwise maintained by a third party; assisting in establishing
accounting policies of the Fund; assisting in the resolution of accounting and
legal issues; establishing and monitoring the Fund's operating budget;
processing the payment of the Fund's bills; assisting the Fund in, and otherwise
arranging for, the payment of distributions and dividends and otherwise
assisting the Fund in the conduct of its business, subject to the direction and
control of the Trustees.
The Adviser pays the compensation and expenses of all Trustees,
officers and executive employees (except expenses incurred attending Board and
committee meetings outside New York, New York or Boston, Massachusetts) of the
Trust affiliated with the Adviser and makes available, without expense to the
Fund, the services of such Trustees, officers and employees of the Adviser as
may duly be elected officers of the Trust, subject to their individual consent
to serve and to any limitations imposed by law, and provides the Fund's office
space and facilities.
41
<PAGE>
For these services, the Fund will pay the Adviser an annual fee equal
to 0.70% of the Fund's average daily net assets, payable monthly, provided the
Fund will make such interim payments as may be requested by the Adviser not to
exceed 75% of the amount of the fee then accrued on the books of the Fund and
unpaid. The Adviser had agreed until April 15, 1998 to maintain the total
annualized expenses of the Fund at no more than 1.25% of the average daily net
assets of the Fund. Effective April 16, 1998, the Adviser agreed to waive 0.25%
of its management fee until December 31, 1998. For the fiscal period September
9, 1996 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 1997, the Adviser did not
impose any portion of its management fee amounting to $164,645. For the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1998 the Adviser waived a portion of its management fee
amounting to $281,142, and the fee imposed amounted to $371,001 of which $54,498
was unpaid. The Adviser has agreed to continue to waive 0.25% of its management
fee until December 31, 1999.
Under the Agreement the Fund is responsible for all of its other
expenses including: organizational costs, fees and expenses incurred in
connection with membership in investment company organizations; fees and
expenses of the Fund's accounting agent; brokers' commissions; legal, auditing
and accounting expenses; taxes and governmental fees; the fees and expenses of
the Transfer Agent; any other expenses of issue, sale, underwriting,
distribution, redemption or repurchase of shares; the expenses of and the fees
for registering or qualifying securities for sale; the fees and expenses of
Trustees, officers and employees of the Fund who are not affiliated with the
Adviser; the cost of printing and distributing reports and notices to
stockholders; and the fees and disbursements of custodians. The Fund may arrange
to have third parties assume all or part of the expenses of sale, underwriting
and distribution of shares of the Fund. The Fund is also responsible for its
expenses of shareholders' meetings, the cost of responding to shareholders'
inquiries, and its expenses incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings
and claims and the legal obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and
Trustees of the Fund with respect thereto.
The Agreement identifies the Adviser as the exclusive licensee of the
rights to use and sublicense the names "Scudder," "Scudder Kemper Investments,
Inc." and "Scudder, Stevens and Clark, Inc." (together, the "Scudder Marks").
Under this license, the Trust, with respect to the Fund, has the non-exclusive
right to use and sublicense the Scudder name and marks as part of its name, and
to use the Scudder Marks in the Trust's investment products and services.
In reviewing the terms of the Agreement and in discussions with the
Adviser concerning such Agreement, the Trustees of the Trust who are not
"interested persons" of the Adviser are represented by independent counsel at
the Fund's expense.
The Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any
error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in
connection with matters to which the Agreement relates, except a loss resulting
from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the
Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by the
Adviser of its obligations and duties under the Agreement.
Officers and employees of the Adviser from time to time may have
transactions with various banks, including the Fund's custodian bank. It is the
Adviser's opinion that the terms and conditions of those transactions which have
occurred were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other Fund
relationships.
The Adviser may serve as adviser to other funds with investment
objectives and policies similar to those of the Funds that may have different
distribution arrangements or expenses, which may affect performance.
None of the officers or Trustees of the Trust may have dealings with
the Fund as principals in the purchase or sale of securities, except as
individual subscribers to or holders of shares of the Fund.
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser
Employees of the Adviser are permitted to make personal securities
transactions, subject to requirements and restrictions set forth in the
Adviser's Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics contains provisions and
requirements designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest
between personal investment activities and the interests of investment advisory
clients such as the Fund. Among other things, the Code of Ethics, which
generally complies with standards recommended by the Investment Company
Institute's Advisory Group on Personal Investing, prohibits certain
42
<PAGE>
types of transactions absent prior approval, imposes time periods during which
personal transactions may not be made in certain securities, and requires the
submission of duplicate broker confirmations and monthly reporting of securities
transactions. Additional restrictions apply to portfolio managers, traders,
research analysts and others involved in the investment advisory process.
Exceptions to these and other provisions of the Code of Ethics may be granted in
particular circumstances after review by appropriate personnel.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Position with
Underwriter,
Name, Age Position Scudder Investor
and Address with Trust Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ----------- ---------- ---------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Daniel Pierce (64)+*= President and Trustee Managing Director of Scudder Director, Vice President
Kemper Investments, Inc. and Assistant Treasurer
Henry P. Becton, Jr. (55) Trustee President and General Manager, --
125 Western Avenue WGBH Educational Foundation
Allston, MA 02134
Dawn-Marie Driscoll (52) Trustee Executive Fellow, Center for --
4909 SW 9th Place Business Ethics, Bentley
Cape Coral, FL 33914 College; President, Driscoll
Associates
Peter B. Freeman (66) Trustee Corporate Director and Trustee --
100 Alumni Avenue
Providence, RI 02906
George M. Lovejoy, Jr. (68)= Trustee President and Director, Fifty --
50 Congress Street Associates (real estate
Suite 543 corporation)
============
Boston, MA 02109-4002
Wesley W. Marple, Jr. (66)= Trustee Professor of Business --
413 Hayden Hall Administration, Northeastern
360 Huntington Ave. University, College of Business
Boston, MA 02115 Administration
Kathryn L. Quirk (46)++*= Trustee, Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Director, Senior Vice
and Assistant Secretary Kemper Investments, Inc. President and Assistant
Clerk
Jean C. Tempel (55) Trustee Venture Partner, Internet --
Ten Post Office Square Capital Corp.
Suite 1325
Boston, MA 02109-4603
Bruce F. Beaty (40)++ Vice President Senior Vice President of --
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
Philip S. Fortuna (41)@ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Vice President
Kemper Investments, Inc.
43
<PAGE>
Position with
Underwriter,
Name, Age Position Scudder Investor
and Address with Trust Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ----------- ---------- ---------------------- --------------
William F. Gadsden (43)++ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Ann M. McCreary (48)++ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Robert T. Hoffman (40)++ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Thomas W. Joseph (59)+ Vice President Senior Vice President of Director, Vice President,
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. Treasurer and Assistant
Clerk
Valerie F. Malter (40)++ Vice President Senior Vice President of --
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
Thomas F. McDonough (51)+ Vice President and Senior Vice President of Clerk
===
Secretary Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
John R. Hebble (40)+ Treasurer Senior Vice President of --
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
Caroline Pearson (36)+ Assistant Secretary Senior Vice President of --
Scudder Kemper Investments,
Inc.; Associate, Dechert Price
& Rhoads (law firm) 1989 - 1997
</TABLE>
* Mr. Pierce and Ms. Quirk are considered by the Trust and counsel to be
persons who are "interested persons" of the Adviser or of the Trust, within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
** Unless otherwise stated, all the Trustees and officers have been associated
with their respective companies for more than five years, but not
necessarily in the same capacity.
= Messrs. Lovejoy, Pierce Marple and Ms. Quirk are members of the Executive
Committee for Investment Trust, which has the power to declare dividends
from ordinary income and distributions of realized capital gains to the
same extent as the Board is so empowered.
+ Address: Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts
++ Address: 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York
@ Address: 101 California Street, Suite 4100, San Francisco, California
The Trustees and officers of the Trust also serve in similar capacities
with other Scudder Funds.
To the knowledge of the Trust, as of November 30, 1998, all Trustees
and officers of the Trust as a group owned beneficially (as that term is defined
under Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) 227,473 Shares, or
3.68% of the Scudder Shares of the Fund outstanding on such date.
44
<PAGE>
To the knowledge of the Trust, as of November, 30, 1998, all Trustees
and officers of the Trust as a group owned beneficially (as that term is defined
under Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934less than 1% of the A,
B and C Shares of the Fund outstanding on such date.
As of November 30, 1998, 2,423,391 Scudder shares in the aggregate,
39.30% of the outstanding Shares of the Fund, were held in the name of State
Street Bank and Trust Co., Custodian for the Scudder Pathway Series: Balanced
Portfolio, One Heritage Drive, Quincy, MA 02171, who may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of certain of these shares, but disclaims any beneficial
ownership therein.
As of November 30, 1998, 12.28% of the outstanding Class B shares of
the Fund were held in the name of Lincoln Trust Company Trustee, P.O. Box 5831
Denver, CO 80217, who may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of certain of
these shares, but disclaims any beneficial ownership therein.
As of November 30, 1998, 5.33% of the outstanding Class C shares of the
Fund were held in the name of Everen Clearing Corp. Cust., Attn: Chris Scotto
111 E. Kilbourn Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202, who may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of certain of these shares, but disclaims any beneficial
ownership therein.
As of November 30, 1998, 6.57% of the outstanding Class C shares of the
Fund were held in the name of Lincoln Trust Company Trustee, P.O. Box 5831
Denver, CO 80217, who may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of certain of
these shares, but disclaims any beneficial ownership therein.
To the knowledge of the Trust, as of November 30, 1998, no person owned
beneficially more than 5% of the Fund's outstanding shares, except as stated
above.
REMUNERATION
Responsibilities of the Board -- Board and Committee Meetings
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the general oversight of the
Fund's business. A majority of the Board's members are not affiliated with
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. These "Independent Trustees" have primary
responsibility for assuring that the Fund is managed in the best interests of
its shareholders.
The Board of Trustees meets at least quarterly to review the investment
performance of the Fund and other operational matters, including policies and
procedures designed to ensure compliance with various regulatory requirements.
At least annually, the Independent Trustees review the fees paid to the Adviser
and its affiliates for investment advisory services and other administrative and
shareholder services. In this regard, they evaluate, among other things, the
Fund's investment performance, the quality and efficiency of the various other
services provided, costs incurred by the Adviser and its affiliates and
comparative information regarding fees and expenses of competitive funds. They
are assisted in this process by the Fund's independent public accountants and by
independent legal counsel selected by the Independent Trustees.
All the Independent Trustees serve on the Committee on Independent
Trustees, which nominates Independent Trustees and considers other related
matters, and the Audit Committee, which selects the Fund's independent public
accountants and reviews accounting policies and controls. In addition,
Independent Trustees from time to time have established and served on task
forces and subcommittees focusing on particular matters such as investment,
accounting and shareholder service issues.
Compensation of Officers and Trustees
The Independent Trustees receive the following compensation from the
Funds of Investment Trust: an annual trustee's fee of $2,400 for a Fund in which
total net assets do not exceed $100 million, $4,800 for a Fund in which total
net assets exceed $100 million but do not exceed $1 billion and $7,200 for a
Fund in which total net assets exceed $1 billion; a fee of $150 for attendance
at each board meeting, audit committee meeting or other meeting held for the
purposes of considering arrangements between the Trust for the Fund and the
Adviser or any affiliate of the Adviser; $75 for attendance at any other
committee meeting; and reimbursement of expenses incurred for travel to and from
Board
45
<PAGE>
Meetings. The Independent Trustee who serves as lead or liaison trustee receives
an additional annual retainer fee of $500 from each Fund. No additional
compensation is paid to any Independent Trustee for travel time to meetings,
attendance at directors' educational seminars or conferences, service on
industry or association committees, participation as speakers at directors'
conferences or service on special trustee task forces or subcommittees.
Independent Trustees do not receive any employee benefits such as pension,
retirement or health insurance. Notwithstanding the schedule of fees, the
Independent Trustees have in the past and may in the future waive a portion of
their compensation.
The Independent Trustees also serve in the same capacity for other
funds managed by the Adviser. These funds differ broadly in type and complexity
and in some cases have substantially different Trustee fee schedules. The
following table shows the aggregate compensation received by each Independent
Trustee during 1997 from the Trust and from all of the Scudder funds as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Investment Trust(1) All Scudder Funds
------------------- -----------------
Paid by Paid by the Paid by Paid by
Name the Trust Adviser(2) the Funds the Adviser(2)
---- --------- ---------- --------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Henry P. Becton $27,782 $2,100 $114,554 (24 funds) $9,500 (24 funds)
Trustee
Dawn-Marie Driscoll(3) $3,450 $0 $107,722 (24 funds) $8,800 (24 funds)
Trustee
Peter B. Freeman(3) $3,664 $0 $137,011 (42 funds) $14,625 (42 funds)
Trustee
George M. Lovejoy, Jr. $27,757 $2,100 $139,113 (22 funds) $10,700 (22 funds)
Trustee
Wesley W. Marple, Jr. $27,757 $2,100 $121,129 (23 funds) $10,100 (23 funds)
Trustee
Jean C. Tempel $27,982 $2,100 $122,504 (23 funds) $10,100 (23 funds)
Trustee
</TABLE>
(1) As of August 29, 1997, Investment Trust consisted of four funds: Scudder
Growth and Income Fund, Scudder Large Company Growth Fund, Scudder Classic
Growth Fund and Scudder S&P 500 Index. Scudder S&P 500 Index commenced
operations on August 29, 1997. Additioanl series of the Trust commenced
operations in 1998: Scudder Real Estate Investment Fund commenced
operations on March 2, 1998, Scudder Dividend & Growth Fund commenced
operations on June 1, 1998, Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund and Scudder Tax
Managed Small Company Growth Fund each commenced operations on July 31,
1998.
(2) Meetings associated with the Adviser's alliance with Zurich Insurance
Company. See "Investment Adviser" for additional information.
(3) Elected as Trustee on October 24, 1997.
Members of the Board of Trustees who are employees of the Adviser or
its affiliates receive no direct compensation from the Trust, although they are
compensated as employees of the Adviser, or its affiliates, as a result of which
they may be deemed to participate in fees paid by each Fund.
DISTRIBUTOR
The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has an underwriting agreement Scudder
Investor Services, Inc., Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110 (the
"Distributor"), a Massachusetts corporation, which is a subsidiary of
46
<PAGE>
the Adviser, a Delaware corporation. The Trust's underwriting agreement dated
September 7, 1998 will remain in effect until September 30, 1999 and from year
to year thereafter only if its continuance is approved annually by a majority of
the members of the Board of Trustees who are not parties to such agreement or
interested persons of any such party and either by vote of a majority of the
Board of Trustees or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Fund. The underwriting agreement was last approved by the Trustees on August 14,
1997.
Under the underwriting agreement, the Fund is responsible for: the
payment of all fees and expenses in connection with the preparation and filing
with the SEC of its registration statement and prospectus and any amendments and
supplements thereto; the registration and qualification of shares for sale in
the various states, including registering the Fund as a broker or dealer in
various states, as required; the fees and expenses of preparing, printing and
mailing prospectuses annually to existing shareholders (see below for expenses
relating to prospectuses paid by the Distributor); notices, proxy statements,
reports or other communications to shareholders of the Fund; the cost of
printing and mailing confirmations of purchases of shares and any prospectuses
accompanying such confirmations; any issuance taxes and/or any initial transfer
taxes; a portion of shareholder toll-free telephone charges and expenses of
shareholder service representatives; the cost of wiring funds for share
purchases and redemptions (unless paid by the shareholder who initiates the
transaction); the cost of printing and postage of business reply envelopes; and
a portion of the cost of computer terminals used by both the Fund and the
Distributor.
The Distributor will pay for printing and distributing prospectuses or
reports prepared for its use in connection with the offering of the Fund's
shares to the public and preparing, printing and mailing any other literature or
advertising in connection with the offering of shares of the Fund to the public.
The Distributor will pay all fees and expenses in connection with its
qualification and registration as a broker or dealer under federal and state
laws, a portion of the cost of toll-free telephone service and expenses of
shareholder service representatives, a portion of the cost of computer
terminals, and expenses of any activity which is primarily intended to result in
the sale of shares issued by the Fund.
Note: Although the Fund currently has no 12b-1 Plan with respect to its
Scudder Shares class and shareholder approval would be required in
order to adopt such a plan, the underwriting agreement provides that
the Fund will also pay those fees and expenses permitted to be paid or
assumed by the Fund pursuant to a 12b-1 Plan with respect to its
Scudder Shares class, if any, adopted by the Fund, notwithstanding any
other provision to the contrary in the underwriting agreement and the
Fund or a third party will pay those fees and expenses not specifically
allocated to the Distributor in the underwriting agreement.
As agent, the Distributor currently offers shares of the Fund on a
continuous basis to investors in all states in which shares of the Fund may from
time to time be registered or where permitted by applicable law. The
underwriting agreement provides that the Distributor accepts orders for shares
at net asset value as no sales commission or load is charged to the investor.
The Distributor has made no firm commitment to acquire shares of the Fund.
TAXES
(See "DISTRIBUTIONS - Dividends and Capital Gains Distributions and Taxes"
in the Shares' prospectus.)
The Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Code or a predecessor statute, and has qualified as
such since its inception. It intends to continue to qualify for such treatment.
Such qualification does not involve governmental supervision or management of
investment practices or policy.
A regulated investment company qualifying under Subchapter M of the
Code is required to distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income (including net short-term capital gain) and
generally is not subject to federal income tax to the extent that it distributes
annually its investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains in
the manner required under the Code.
The Fund is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on amounts
required to be but not distributed under a prescribed formula. The formula
requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions
representing at least 98% of the Fund's ordinary income for the calendar year,
at least 98% of the excess of its capital gains over capital losses (adjusted
for certain ordinary losses) realized during the one-year period ending October
31 during such year, and all ordinary income and capital gains for prior years
that were not previously distributed.
47
<PAGE>
Investment company taxable income includes dividends, interest and net
short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, less
expenses. Net realized capital gains for a fiscal year are computed by taking
into account any capital loss carryforward of the Fund. Presently, the Fund has
no capital loss carryforwards.
If any net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized
short-term capital losses are retained by the Fund for reinvestment, requiring
federal income taxes to be paid thereon by the Fund, the Fund intends to elect
to treat such capital gains as having been distributed to shareholders. As a
result, each shareholder will report such capital gains as long-term capital
gains, will be able to claim a relative share of federal income taxes paid by
the Fund on such gains as a credit against personal federal income tax
liability, and will be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis on Fund
shares by the difference between such reported gains and the individual tax
credit.
Distributions of investment company taxable income are taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income.
Dividends from domestic corporations are expected to comprise a
substantial part of the Fund's gross income. To the extent that such dividends
constitute a portion of the Fund's gross income, a portion of the income
distributions of the Fund may be eligible for the deduction for dividends
received by corporations. Shareholders will be informed of the portion of
dividends which so qualify. The dividends-received deduction is reduced to the
extent the shares of the Fund with respect to which the dividends are received
are treated as debt-financed under federal income tax law, and is eliminated if
either those shares or the shares of the Fund are deemed to have been held by
the Fund or the shareholder, as the case may be, for less than 46 days during
the 90-day period beginning 45 days before the shares become ex-dividend.
Properly designated distributions of the excess of net long-term
capital gain over net short-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as
long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shares of the Fund
have been held by such shareholders. Such distributions are not eligible for the
dividends-received deduction. Any loss realized upon the redemption of shares
held at the time of redemption for six months or less will be treated as a
long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of
long-term capital gain during such six-month period.
Distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized
capital gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or
in cash. Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of
additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each
share so received equal to the net asset value of a share on the reinvestment
date.
All distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized
capital gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each
shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends and capital gains
distributions declared in October, November or December and payable to
shareholders of record in such a month will be deemed to have been received by
shareholders on December 31 if paid during January of the following year.
Redemptions of shares, including exchanges for shares of another Scudder fund,
may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder and are also
subject to these reporting requirements.
A qualifying individual may make a deductible IRA contribution for any
taxable year only if (i) neither the individual nor his or her spouse (unless
filing separate returns) is an active participant in an employer's retirement
plan, or (ii) the individual (and his or her spouse, if applicable) has an
adjusted gross income below a certain level ($40,050 for married individuals
filing a joint return, with a phase-out of the deduction for adjusted gross
income between $40,050 and $50,000; $25,050 for a single individual, with a
phase-out for adjusted gross income between $25,050 and $35,000). However, an
individual not permitted to make a deductible contribution to an IRA for any
such taxable year may nonetheless make nondeductible contributions up to $2,000
to an IRA (up to $2,000 per individual for married couples if only one spouse
has earned income) for that year. There are special rules for determining how
withdrawals are to be taxed if an IRA contains both deductible and nondeductible
amounts. In general, a proportionate amount of each withdrawal will be deemed to
be made from nondeductible contributions; amounts treated as a return of
nondeductible contributions will not be taxable. Also, annual contributions may
be made to a spousal IRA even if the spouse has earnings in a given year if the
spouse elects to be treated as having no earnings (for IRA contribution
purposes) for the year.
Distributions by the Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value
of the Fund's shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a
shareholder's cost basis, such distribution would nevertheless be taxable to the
48
<PAGE>
shareholder as ordinary income or capital gain as described above, even though,
from an investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of capital. In
particular, investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares just
prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at that time includes the
amount of the forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing just prior to a
distribution will then receive a partial return of capital upon the
distribution, which will nevertheless be taxable to them.
The Fund may invest in shares of certain foreign corporations which may
be classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs").
If the Fund receives a so-called "excess distribution" with respect to PFIC
stock, the Fund itself may be subject to a tax on a portion of the excess
distribution. Certain distributions from a PFIC as well as gains from the sale
of the PFIC shares are treated as "excess distributions." In general, under the
PFIC rules, an excess distribution is treated as having been realized ratably
over the period during which the Fund held the PFIC shares. The Fund will be
subject to tax on the portion, if any, of an excess distribution that is
allocated to prior Fund taxable years and an interest factor will be added to
the tax, as if the tax had been payable in such prior taxable years. Excess
distributions allocated to the current taxable year are characterized as
ordinary income even though, absent application of the PFIC rules, certain
excess distributions might have been classified as capital gain.
The Fund may make an election to mark to market its shares of these
foreign investment companies in lieu of being subject to U.S. federal income
taxation. At the end of each taxable year to which the election applies, the
Fund would report as ordinary income the amount by which the fair market value
of the foreign company's stock exceeds the Fund's adjusted basis in these
shares; any mark to market losses and any loss from an actual disposition of
shares would be deductible as ordinary loss to the extent of any net mark to
market gains included in income in prior years. The effect of the election would
be to treat excess distributions and gain on dispositions as ordinary income
which is not subject to a fund level tax when distributed to shareholders as a
dividend. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to include as income and gain its
share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of certain foreign
investment companies in lieu of being taxed in the manner described above.
Equity options (including covered call options on portfolio stock) and
over-the-counter options on debt securities written or purchased by the Fund
will be subject to tax under Section 1234 of the Code. In general, no loss is
recognized by the Fund upon payment of a premium in connection with the purchase
of a put or call option. The character of any gain or loss recognized (i.e.,
long-term or short-term) will generally depend, in the case of a lapse or sale
of the option, on the Fund's holding period for the option, and in the case of
an exercise of a put option, on the Fund's holding period for the underlying
stock. The purchase of a put option may constitute a short sale for federal
income tax purposes, causing an adjustment in the holding period of the
underlying stock or substantially identical stock in the Fund's portfolio. If
the Fund writes a put or call option, no gain is recognized upon its receipt of
a premium. If the option lapses or is closed out, any gain or loss is treated as
a short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option is exercised, any resulting
gain or loss is a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on the
holding period of the underlying stock. The exercise of a put option written by
the Fund is not a taxable transaction for the Fund.
Many futures contracts and certain foreign currency forward contracts
entered into by the Fund and all listed non-equity options written or purchased
by the Fund (including options on futures contracts and options on broad-based
stock indices) will be governed by Section 1256 of the Code. Absent a tax
election to the contrary, gain or loss attributable to the lapse, exercise or
closing out of any such position generally will be treated as 60% long-term and
40% short-term capital gain or loss, and on the last trading day of the Fund's
fiscal year, all outstanding Section 1256 positions will be marked to market
(i.e. treated as if such positions were closed out at their closing price on
such day), with any resulting gain or loss recognized as 60% long-term and 40%
short-term. Under Section 988 of the Code, discussed below, foreign currency
gain or loss from foreign currency-related forward contracts and similar
financial instruments entered into or acquired by the Fund will be treated as
ordinary income. Under certain circumstances, entry into a futures contract to
sell a security may constitute a short sale for federal income tax purposes,
causing an adjustment in the holding period of the underlying security or a
substantially identical security in the Fund's portfolio.
Positions of the Fund which consist of at least one stock and at least
one other position with respect to a related security which substantially
diminishes the Fund's risk of loss with respect to such stock could be treated
as a "straddle" which is governed by Section 1092 of the Code, the operation of
which may cause deferral of losses, adjustments in the holding periods of stock
or securities and conversion of short-term capital losses into long-term capital
losses. An exception to these straddle rules exists for certain "qualified
covered call options" on stock written by the Fund.
49
<PAGE>
Positions of the Fund which consist of at least one position not
governed by Section 1256 and at least one futures or forward contract or
non-equity option governed by Section 1256 which substantially diminishes the
Fund's risk of loss with respect to such other position will be treated as a
"mixed straddle." Although mixed straddles are subject to the straddle rules of
Section 1092 of the Code, certain tax elections exist for them which reduce or
eliminate the operation of these rules. The Fund intends to monitor its
transactions in options and futures and may make certain tax elections in
connection with these investments.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, recent tax law changes may
require the Fund to recognize gain (but not loss) from a constructive sale of
certain "appreciated financial positions" if the Fund enters into a short sale,
offsetting notional principal contract, futures or forward contract transaction
with respect to the appreciated position or substantially identical property.
Appreciated financial positions subject to this constructive sale treatment are
interests (including options, futures and forward contracts and short sales) in
stock, partnership interests, certain actively traded trust instruments and
certain debt instruments. Constructive sale treatment of appreciated financial
positions does not apply to certain transactions closed in the 90-day period
ending with the 30th day after the close of the Fund's taxable year, if certain
conditions are met.
Similarly, if a Fund enters into a short sale of property that becomes
substantially worthless, the Fund will be required to recognize gain at that
time as though it had closed the short sale. Future regulations may apply
similar treatment to other strategic transactions with respect to property that
becomes substantially worthless.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in
exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues receivables or
liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually
collects such receivables, or pays such liabilities, generally are treated as
ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities
denominated in a foreign currency, and on disposition of certain options,
futures contracts and forward contracts, gains or losses attributable to
fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the date of acquisition of
the security or contract and the date of disposition are also treated as
ordinary gain or loss. These gains or losses, referred to under the Code as
"Section 988" gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's
investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as
ordinary income.
The Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all
distributions of taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from
the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt
shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the
Code, distributions of taxable income and capital gains and proceeds from the
redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated investment company may be
subject to withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 31% in the case of
non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their
taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their
status under the federal income tax law. Withholding may also be required if the
Fund is notified by the IRS or a broker that the taxpayer identification number
furnished by the shareholder is incorrect or that the shareholder has previously
failed to report interest or dividend income. If the withholding provisions are
applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or
reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be
withheld.
Shareholders of the Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on
distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of the Fund's shares.
Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. In January of each year the Fund issues to each
shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.
The Fund is organized as a series of a Massachusetts business trust and
is not liable for any income or franchise tax in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, provided that it qualifies as a regulated investment company for
federal income tax purposes.
The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely
to the application of that law to U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens and
residents and U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each
shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax
consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the possibility that
such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or
at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on amounts constituting
ordinary income received by him or her, where such amounts are treated as income
from U.S. sources under the Code.
50
<PAGE>
Dividend and interest income received by the Fund from sources outside
the U.S. may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such foreign
jurisdictions. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce
or eliminate these foreign taxes, however, and foreign countries generally do
not impose taxes on capital gains respecting investments by foreign investors.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of
the provisions of tax law described in this Statement of Additional Information
in light of their particular tax situations.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Brokerage Commissions
Allocation of brokerage is supervised by the Adviser.
The primary objective of the Adviser in placing orders for the purchase
and sale of securities for the Fund's portfolio is to obtain the most favorable
net results taking into account such factors as price, commission where
applicable, size of order, difficulty of execution and skill required of the
executing broker/dealer. The Adviser seeks to evaluate the overall
reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid (to the extent applicable) through
familiarity with commissions charged on comparable transactions, as well as by
comparing commissions paid by the Fund to reported commissions paid by others.
The Adviser reviews on a routine basis commission rates, execution and
settlement services performed, making internal and external comparisons.
The Fund's purchases and sales of fixed-income securities are generally
placed by the Adviser with primary market makers for these securities on a net
basis, without any brokerage commission being paid by the Fund. Trading does,
however, involve transaction costs. Transactions with dealers serving as primary
market makers reflect the spread between the bid and asked prices. Purchases of
underwritten issues may be made, which will include an underwriting fee paid to
the underwriter.
When it can be done consistently with the policy of obtaining the most
favorable net results, it is the Adviser's practice to place such orders with
broker/dealers who supply research, market and statistical information to the
Fund. The term "research, market and statistical information" includes advice as
to the value of securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing or
selling securities; the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of
securities; and analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities,
economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts.
The Adviser is authorized when placing portfolio transactions for the Fund to
pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might charge
for executing the same transaction solely on account of the receipt of research,
market or statistical information. In effecting transactions in over-the-counter
securities, orders are placed with the principal market makers for the security
being traded unless, after exercising care, it appears that more favorable
results are available elsewhere.
In selecting among firms believed to meet the criteria for handling a
particular transaction, the Adviser may give consideration to those firms that
have sold or are selling shares of the Fund or other funds managed by the
Adviser.
To the maximum extent feasible, it is expected that the Adviser will
place orders for portfolio transactions through Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
("SIS"), a corporation registered as a broker-dealer and a subsidiary of the
Adviser. SIS will place orders on behalf of the Fund with issuers, underwriters
or other brokers and dealers. SIS will not receive any commission, fee or other
remuneration from the Fund for this service.
Although certain research, market and statistical information from
broker/dealers may be useful to the Fund and to the Adviser, it is the opinion
of the Adviser that such information only supplements its own research effort
since the information must still be analyzed, weighed and reviewed by the
Adviser's staff. Such information may be useful to the Adviser in providing
services to clients other than the Fund and not all such information is used by
the Adviser in connection with the Fund. Conversely, such information provided
to the Adviser by broker/dealers through whom other clients of the Adviser
effect securities transactions may be useful to the Adviser in providing
services to the Fund.
51
<PAGE>
The Trustees of the Fund review from time to time whether the recapture
for the benefit of the Fund of some portion of the brokerage commissions or
similar fees paid by the Fund on portfolio transactions is legally permissible
and advisable.
The Fund's average portfolio turnover rate is the ratio of the lesser
of sales or purchases to the monthly average value of the portfolio securities
owned during the year, excluding all securities with maturities or expiration
dates at the time of acquisition of one year or less. A higher rate involves
greater brokerage transaction expenses to the Fund and may result in the
realization of net capital gains, which would be taxable to shareholders when
distributed. Purchases and sales are made for the Fund's portfolio whenever
necessary, in management's opinion, to meet the Fund's objective.
For the fiscal period September 9, 1996 (commencement of operations) to
August 31, 1997 and the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the Fund paid
brokerage commissions of $150,026 and $106,423, respectively. For the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1998, $89,824 (84% of the total brokerage commissions
paid) resulted from orders placed, consistent with the policy of obtaining the
most favorable net results, with brokers and dealers who provided supplementary
research market and statistical information to the Fund or the Adviser. The
total amount of brokerage transactions aggregated $129,241,050 of which
$112,106,024 (87% of all brokerage transactions) were transactions which
included research commissions.
Portfolio Turnover
The portfolio turnover rates (defined by the SEC as the ratio of the
lesser of sales or purchases to the monthly average value of such securities
owned during the year, excluding all securities whose remaining maturities at
the time of acquisition were one year or less) for the fiscal period September
9, 1996 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 1997 and the fiscal year
ended August 31, 1998 were 27.4% and 48.5% respectively. Higher levels of
activity by the Fund result in higher transaction costs and may also result in
taxes on realized capital gains to be borne by the Fund's shareholders.
Purchases and sales are made for the Fund whenever necessary, in management's
opinion, to meet the Fund's objective.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of shares of the Fund is computed as of the close
of regular trading on the Exchange on each day the Exchange is open for trading
(the "Value Time"). The Exchange is scheduled to be closed on the following
holidays: New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas,
and on the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when one of these holidays
falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively. Net asset value per share is
determined by dividing the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all
liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding.
An exchange-traded equity security is valued at its most recent sale
price on the exchange it is traded as of the Value Time. Lacking any sales, the
security is valued at the calculated mean between the most recent bid quotation
and the most recent asked quotation (the "Calculated Mean") on such exchange as
of the Value Time. Lacking a Calculated Mean quotation the security is valued at
the most recent bid quotation on such exchange as of the Value Time. An equity
security which is traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers
Automated Quotation ("Nasdaq") system will be valued at its most recent sale
price on such system as of the Value Time. Lacking any sales, the security will
be valued at the most recent bid quotation as of the Value Time. The value of an
equity security not quoted on the Nasdaq system, but traded in another
over-the-counter market, is its most recent sale price if there are any sales of
such security on such market as of the Value Time. Lacking any sales, the
security is valued at the Calculated Mean quotation for such security as of the
Value Time. Lacking a Calculated Mean quotation the security is valued at the
most recent bid quotation as of the Value Time.
Debt securities, other than money market instruments, are valued at
prices supplied by the Fund's pricing agent(s) which reflect broker/dealer
supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques. Money market
instruments with an original maturity of sixty days or less maturing at par
shall be valued at amortized cost, which the Board believes approximates market
value. If it is not possible to value a particular debt security pursuant to
these
52
<PAGE>
valuation methods, the value of such security is the most recent bid quotation
supplied by a bona fide marketmaker. If it is not possible to value a particular
debt security pursuant to the above methods, the Adviser may calculate the price
of that debt security, subject to limitations established by the Board.
An exchange traded options contract on securities, currencies, futures
and other financial instruments is valued at its most recent sale price on such
exchange. Lacking any sales, the options contract is valued at the Calculated
Mean. Lacking any Calculated Mean, the options contract is valued at the most
recent bid quotation in the case of a purchased options contract, or the most
recent asked quotation in the case of a written options contract. An options
contract on securities, currencies and other financial instruments traded
over-the-counter is valued at the most recent bid quotation in the case of a
purchased options contract and at the most recent asked quotation in the case of
a written options contract. Futures contracts are valued at the most recent
settlement price. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are valued at the
value of the underlying currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
If a security is traded on more than one exchange, or upon one or more
exchanges and in the over-the-counter market, quotations are taken from the
market in which the security is traded most extensively.
If, in the opinion of the Fund's Valuation Committee, the value of a
portfolio asset as determined in accordance with these procedures does not
represent the fair market value of the portfolio asset, the value of the
portfolio asset is taken to be an amount which, in the opinion of the Valuation
Committee, represents fair market value on the basis of all available
information. The value of other portfolio holdings owned by the Fund is
determined in a manner which, in the discretion of the Valuation Committee most
fairly reflects fair market value of the property on the valuation date.
Following the valuations of securities or other portfolio assets in
terms of the currency in which the market quotation used is expressed ("Local
Currency"), the value of these portfolio assets in terms of U.S. dollars is
calculated by converting the Local Currency into U.S. dollars at the prevailing
currency exchange rate on the valuation date.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Experts
The Financial Highlights of the Fund included in the prospectus and the
Financial Statements incorporated by reference in this Statement of Additional
Information have been so included or incorporated by reference in reliance on
the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, One Post Office Square, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109, independent accountants, and given on the authority of that
firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Effective July 1, 1998, Coopers &
Lybrand L.L.P. and Price Waterhouse LLP merged to become PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP. PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP is responsible for performing annual audits of
the financial statements and financial highlights of the Fund in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards, and the preparation of federal tax
returns.
Shareholder Indemnification
The Trust is an organization of the type commonly known as a
"Massachusetts business trust". Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a
trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners
for the obligations of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust contains an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability in connection with the Fund's property or
the acts, obligations or affairs of a Fund. The Declaration of Trust also
provides for indemnification out of the Fund's property of any shareholder of
the Fund held personally liable for the claims and liabilities to which a
shareholder may become subject by reason of being or having been a shareholder
of the Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account
of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself
would be unable to meet its obligations.
53
<PAGE>
Other Information
Many of the investment changes in the Fund will be made at prices
different from those prevailing at the time they may be reflected in a regular
report to shareholders of the Fund. These transactions will reflect investment
decisions made by the Adviser in the light of its other portfolio holdings and
tax considerations and should not be construed as recommendations for similar
action by other investors.
The CUSIP number for Scudder Shares class of Classic Growth Fund is
460965-10-6.
The Fund has a fiscal year end of August 31.
The law firm of Dechert Price & Rhoads is counsel to the Fund.
The Fund employs State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 as Custodian.
Information set forth below for the fiscal period September 9, 1996
(commencement of operations) to August 31, 1997 with respect to Classic Growth
Fund is provided at the Fund level since the Fund consisted of one class of
shares (which class was re-designated the "Scudder Shares" class) on April 16,
1998.
Costs of $11,434 incurred by Scudder Classic Growth Fund in conjunction
with its organization are being amortized on a straight line basis over a five
year period beginning September 9, 1996.
Scudder Service Corporation ("Service Corporation"), P.O. Box 2291,
Boston, Massachusetts 02107-2291, a subsidiary of the Adviser, is the transfer
and dividend disbursing agent for the Scudder Shares of the Fund. Service
Corporation also serves as shareholder service agent and provides subaccounting
and recordkeeping services for shareholder accounts in certain retirement and
employee benefit plans. The Fund pays Service Corporation an annual fee for each
account maintained for a participant. The fee incurred by the Shares for the
fiscal period September 9, 1996 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 1997
and the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 amounted to $47,914, of which $37,902
was not imposed and $231,932, respectively, of which $24,065 was unpaid at
August 31, 1998.
The Fund, or the Adviser (including any affiliate of the Adviser), or
both, may pay unaffiliated third parties for providing recordkeeping and other
administrative services with respect to accounts of participants in retirement
plans or other beneficial owners of Fund shares whose interests are held in an
omnibus account.
Annual service fees are paid by the Fund to Scudder Trust Company, Two
International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103, an affiliate of the
Adviser, for certain retirement plan accounts. The fee incurred by the Shares
for the period September 9, 1996 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 1997
and the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 amounted to $2,315 of which $1,831 was
not imposed and $18,276, respectively, of which $6,468 was unpaid at August 31,
1998.
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation, Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110-4103, a subsidiary of the Adviser, computes net asset values
for the Fund. The Fund pays Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation an annual fee
equal to 0.065% of the first $150 million of average daily net assets, 0.04% of
such assets in excess of $150 million and 0.02% of such assets in excess of $1
billion, plus holding and transaction charges for this service. The fee incurred
by the Fund for the period September 9, 1996 (commencement of operations) to
August 31, 1997 and the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 amounted to $39,879 of
which $31,546 was not imposed and $61,932, respectively, of which $6,848 was
unpaid at August 31, 1998.
The Shares' prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information
omit certain information contained in the Registration Statement which the Fund
has filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933 and reference is hereby
made to the Registration Statement for further information with respect to the
Fund and the securities offered hereby. This Registration Statement and its
amendments are available for inspection by the public at the SEC in Washington,
D.C.
54
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements, including the investment portfolio, of
Classic Growth Fund, together with the Report of Independent Accountants,
Financial Highlights and notes to financial statements in the Annual Report to
the Shareholders of the Fund dated August 31, 1998, are incorporated herein by
reference, and are hereby deemed to be a part of this Statement of Additional
Information.
55
<PAGE>
[LOGO] KEMPER FUNDS
Kemper Classic
Growth Fund
PROSPECTUS January 1, 1999
CLASSIC GROWTH FUND
222 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606 (800) 621-1048
Mutual funds:
o are not FDIC-insured
o have no bank guarantees
o may lose value
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
<PAGE>
Contents
2 Fund Summary
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Investment objectives and principal
strategies
2 Principal risks
2 Past performance
3 Expense information
6 About The Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Principal strategies and investments
7 Additional principal risks
8 Financial highlights
9 Investment manager
12 About Your Investment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 Choosing a share class
13 Special features
14 Buying shares
19 Selling shares
19 Distributions and taxes
21 Transaction information
(Neither this table of contents nor the outside cover are part of the
prospectus.)
<PAGE>
FUND SUMMARY
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES
Classic Growth Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital with reduced
share price volatility compared to other growth mutual funds. Except as
otherwise indicated, the fund's investment objective and policies may be changed
without a vote of shareholders.
The fund invests in common stocks to achieve its objective. The fund is broadly
diversified and managed, with attention paid to stock valuation and risk, in
order to attempt to moderate share price volatility. The fund focuses on firms
with a record of strong and sustainable earnings growth, solid management with a
proven ability to add value over time and reasonable stock market valuations --
in short, firms with solid growth potential. 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.
The fund is intended to be a major component of the equity portion 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.
PRINCIPAL RISKS
Stock Market. The fund's returns and net asset value will go up and down, and it
is possible to lose money invested in the fund. Stock market movements will
affect the fund's share prices on a daily basis. Declines are possible both in
the overall stock market or in the types of securities held by the fund.
Portfolio Strategy. The portfolio management team's skill in choosing
appropriate investments for the fund will determine in large part the fund's
ability to achieve its investment objective.
Management Style. To the extent that the fund seeks to moderate share price
volatility compared with other growth stock mutual funds, the fund may
underperform in markets that favor more aggressive growth stock funds.
PAST PERFORMANCE
The chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in
the fund by illustrating how the fund has performed, and comparing this
information to a broad measure of market performance. Of course, past
performance is not necessarily an indication of future performance. The fund
currently offers four classes of shares. The original class of shares is
designated Class S. This prospectus sets forth information about Classes A, B
and C. Because Classes A, B and C had not commenced operations as of 12/31/97,
the
2 Fund Summary
<PAGE>
performance information set forth below is for Class S shares, and does not
reflect sales charges, which reduce return. All share Classes invest in the same
underlying portfolio of securities and have the same management team. Because of
different fees and expenses, performance of share classes will differ.
Total return for year ended December 31
[The following information was represented by a bar graph in the printed
materials.]
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
1997 34.86%
For the period included in the bar chart, the Class S shares' highest return for
a calendar quarter was 20.73% (the second quarter of 1997), and the Class S
shares' lowest return for a calendar quarter was -1.7% (the fourth quarter of
1997).
The Class A shares' year-to-date total return as of September 30, 1998 was
- -2.09%.
Average Annual Total Return
For periods ended
December 31, 1997 Class S S&P 500 Index+
----------------- ------- --------------
One Year 34.86% 33.38%
Since Inception (9/9/96) 36.89% 34.18% (9/30/96)
- -----------
+ The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index is an unmanaged
capitalization-weighted measure of 500 widely held common stocks listed on
the New York Stock Exchange and American Stock Exchange and traded on the
Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends
and, unlike fund returns, do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales
charges.
FEE AND EXPENSE INFORMATION
This information is designed to help you understand the fees and expenses that
you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. Each class of shares has a
different set of transaction fees, which will vary based on the length of time
you hold shares in the fund and the amount of your investment. You will find
details about fee discounts and waivers in the Buying shares and Choosing a
share class -- Special features sections of this prospectus.
Fund Summary 3
<PAGE>
Shareholder fees: Fees paid directly from your investment.
Class A Class B Class C
------- ------- -------
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed 5.75% None None
on Purchases (as % of offering price)
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge None(1) 4% 1%
(Load) (as % of redemption proceeds)
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on None None None
Reinvested Dividends/Distributions
Redemption Fee (as % of amount None None None
redeemed, if applicable)
Exchange Fee None None None
- -----------
(1) The redemption of Class A shares purchased at net asset value under the
Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege may be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge of 1% during the first year and .50% during the second year.
Annual fund operating expenses: Expenses that are deducted from fund assets.
Class A Class B Class C
------- ------- -------
Management Fee 0.70% 0.70% 0.70%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees None 0.75% 0.75%
Other Expenses 1.04% 1.07% 1.55%
----- ----- -----
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.74% 2.52% 3.00%
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the fund received reimbursement in
the amount of 0.50%, 0.40% and 0.91% for Class A, B and C shares, respectively.
As a result, actual total fund operating expenses were 1.24%, 2.12% and 2.09%
for Class A, B and C shares, respectively. The investment manager has agreed to
continue to waive 0.25% of its management fee until December 31, 1999. The
information contained in the above table and the example below reflects the
expenses of the fund without taking into account any applicable fee waivers
and/or reimbursements.
Example
This example is to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the
cost of investing in other mutual funds.
This example illustrates the impact of the above fees and expenses on an account
with an initial investment of $10,000, based on the expenses shown above. It
assumes a 5% annual return, the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions
and "annual fund operating expenses" remaining the same each year. The example
is hypothetical: actual fund expenses and return vary from year to year, and may
be higher or lower than those shown.
4 Fund Summary
<PAGE>
Fees and expenses if you sold shares after:
Class A Class B Class C
------- ------- -------
1 Year $742 $665 $405
3 Years $1,091 $1,107 $927
5 Years $1,464 $1,567 $1,577
10 Years $2,509 N/A $3,318
Fees and expenses if you did not sell your shares:
Class A Class B Class C
------- ------- -------
1 Year $742 $255 $303
3 Years $1,091 $785 $927
5 Years $1,464 $1,340 $1,577
10 Years $2,509 N/A $3,318
Fund Summary 5
<PAGE>
ABOUT THE FUND
PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES AND INVESTMENTS
Under normal market conditions, the fund invests primarily in a diversified
portfolio of common stocks which the investment manager believes offer
above-average appreciation potential, while offering the potential for less
share price volatility than other growth mutual funds.
In seeking such investments, the investment manager focuses its investments 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 investment manager looks
for companies with:
o strong and sustainable earnings growth
o solid management with a proven ability to add value over time
o reasonable stock market valuations.
These companies often have important business franchises, leading products,
services or technologies, or dominant marketing and distribution systems.
The fund employs a three-step process designed to help identify attractive
growth stocks. The fund's management team begins with a universe of quality
companies with market capitalizations greater than $2 billion. Then they narrow
the universe using fundamental and quantitative analysis to rank stocks based on
several factors including:
o strong fundamentals -- include stocks of companies that they believe have
the ability to deliver consistent earnings growth
o attractive valuations -- identify stocks that they believe are priced
attractively based on expectations for the company's growth prospects
o attractive share price performance -- a proven ability to create value for
shareholders over time.
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. The fund emphasizes U.S. investments, although it
can commit a portion of its assets to the equity securities of foreign growth
companies that meet the criteria applicable to domestic investments.
For temporary defensive purposes, the fund may invest up to 100% of its assets
in short-term high-grade debt securities, cash and cash equivalents. Because
this defensive policy differs from the fund's investment objective, the fund may
not achieve its goal during a defensive period.
6 About The Fund
<PAGE>
While not principal investments or strategies of the fund, the fund may utilize
other investments and investment techniques which may impact fund performance,
including options, futures and other strategic transactions. The fund is limited
to 5% of net assets for initial margin and premium amounts on futures positions
considered speculative by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission. More
information about these and other investments and strategies is provided in the
Statement of Additional Information. Of course, there can be no guarantee that
by following these investment strategies, the fund will achieve its objective.
ADDITIONAL PRINCIPAL RISKS
Equity investing risk. An investment in the common stock of a company represents
a proportionate ownership interest in that company. Therefore, the fund
participates in the success or failure of any company in which it holds stock.
Compared to other classes of financial assets, such as bonds or cash
equivalents, common stocks have historically offered a greater potential for
gain on investment. However, the market value of common stocks can fluctuate
significantly, reflecting such things as the business performance of the issuing
company, investors' perceptions of the company or the overall stock market and
general economic or financial market movements. Smaller companies are especially
sensitive to these factors and may even become valueless.
Foreign investing risk. Investing in foreign securities, and to a greater extent
emerging markets, involves risks in addition to those associated with investing
in securities in the U.S. To the extent that investments are denominated in
foreign currencies, adverse changes in the values of foreign currencies may have
a significant negative effect on any returns from these investments. Investing
in foreign securities exposes the fund to an increased risk of political and
economic instability.
Other risks of investing in foreign securities include: limited information,
higher brokerage costs, different accounting standards and thinner trading
markets as compared to U.S. markets.
Inflation risk. There is a possibility that the rising prices of goods and
services may have the effect of offsetting the fund's real return.
About The Fund 7
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The table below is intended to help you understand the classes' financial
performance for the period reflected below. Certain information reflects
financial information for a single class share outstanding throughout the period
(a). The total return figures represent the rate that an investor in each class
would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the class assuming reinvestment
of all dividends and distributions. This information has been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the fund's financial
statements, is included in the annual report, which is available upon request by
calling the Kemper Funds at 1-800-621-1048.
For the period April 16, 1998
(commencement of sale of
Class A, B and C shares) to August 31, 1998
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $20.30 $20.30 $20.30
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) .01 (.05) (.05)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investment transactions (3.69) (3.68) (3.68)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations (3.68) (3.73) (3.73)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $16.62 $16.57 $16.57
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return (%) (b) (c) (18.13)** (18.37)** (18.37)**
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) 7.2 5.9 .9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of operating expenses, net, to 1.24* 2.12* 2.09*
average daily net assets (%)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of operating expenses before
expense reductions, to average
daily net assets (%) 1.74* 2.52* 3.00*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average daily net assets (%) .10* (.79)* (.73)*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 48.5 48.5 48.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.
(c) Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
8 About The Fund
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT MANAGER
The fund retains the investment management firm of Scudder Kemper Investments,
Inc., Two International Place, Boston, MA, to manage its daily investment and
business affairs subject to the policies established by the fund's Board.
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. actively manages the fund's investments.
Professional management can be an important advantage for investors who do not
have the time or expertise to invest directly in individual securities. Scudder
Kemper Investments, Inc. is one of the largest and most experienced investment
management organizations worldwide managing more than $230 billion in assets
globally for mutual fund investors, retirement and pension plans, institutional
and corporate clients, and private family and individual accounts.
Because the investment manager and its subsidiaries agreed to waive all or
portions of their fees, for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the
investment manager received an investment management fee of 0.39% of the fund's
average daily net assets on an annual basis.
The investment manager has agreed to waive 0.25% of its management fee until
December 31, 1999.
Portfolio management
Name and Title Joined the Fund Background
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William F. Gadsden 1996 William Gadsden is responsible for
Co-Lead Manager the Fund's overall investment
strategy. Mr. Gadsden, who joined
the Adviser in 1983, has over 15
years of investment industry
experience.
Bruce F. Beaty 1996 Bruce Beaty is responsible for
Co-Lead Manager selecting securities and assisting
with the creation and implementation
of investment strategy for the Fund.
Mr. Beaty, who joined the Adviser in
1991, has over 16 years of
investment industry experience.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year 2000 readiness
Like other mutual funds and financial and business organizations worldwide, the
fund could be adversely affected if computer systems on which the fund relies,
which primarily includes those used by the investment manager, its affiliates or
other service providers, are unable to correctly process date-related
information on and after January 1, 2000. This risk is commonly called the Year
2000 Issue. Failure to successfully address the Year 2000 Issue could result in
interruptions to and other material adverse effects on the fund's business and
operations, such as problems with calculating net asset value and difficulties
in implementing the fund's purchase and redemption procedures. The investment
manager has commenced a review of the Year 2000 Issue as it may affect the
About The Fund 9
<PAGE>
fund and is taking steps it believes are reasonably designed to address the Year
2000 Issue, although there can be no assurances that these steps will be
sufficient. In addition, there can be no assurances that the Year 2000 Issue
will not have an adverse effect on the issuers whose securities are held by the
fund or on global markets or economies generally.
Euro conversion
The planned introduction of a new European currency, the Euro, may result in
uncertainties for European securities in the markets in which they trade and
with respect to the operation of the fund. Currently, the Euro is expected to be
introduced on January 1, 1999 by eleven European countries that are members of
the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). The introduction of the Euro
will require the redenomination of European debt and equity securities over a
period of time, which may result in various accounting differences and/or tax
treatments that otherwise would not likely occur. Additional questions are
raised by the fact that certain other EMU members, including the United Kingdom,
will not officially be implementing the Euro on January 1, 1999. If the
introduction of the Euro does not take place as planned, there could be negative
effects, such as severe currency fluctuations and market disruptions.
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., the fund's investment manager, is actively
working to address Euro-related issues and understands that other key service
providers are taking similar steps. At this time, however, no one knows
precisely what the degree of impact will be. To the extent that the market
impact or effect on a portfolio holding is negative, it could hurt the
portfolio's performance.
10 About The Fund
<PAGE>
ABOUT YOUR INVESTMENT
CHOOSING A SHARE CLASS
The fund provides investors with the option of purchasing shares in the
following ways:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares Offered at net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of
5.75% of the offering price. Reduced sales charges apply
to purchases of $50,000 or more. Class A shares purchased
at net asset value under the "Large Order NAV Purchase
Privilege" may be subject to a 1% contingent deferred
sales charge if redeemed within one year of purchase and a
0.50% contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within
the second year of purchase.
Class B Shares Offered at net asset value without an initial sales
charge, subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee and a contingent
deferred sales charge applied to the value of shares
redeemed within six years of purchase. The contingent
deferred sales charge is computed at the following rates:
Year of Redemption Contingent Deferred
After Purchase Sales Charge
----------------------------------------------------------
First 4%
Second 3%
Third 3%
Fourth 2%
Fifth 2%
Sixth 1%
----------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares convert to Class A Shares six years after
issuance.
Class C Shares Offered at net asset value without an initial sales
charge, but subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee and a 1%
contingent deferred sales charge on redemptions made
within one year of purchase. Class C shares do not convert
into any other class.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When placing purchase orders, investors must specify whether the order is for
Class A, Class B or Class C shares. Each class of shares represents interests in
the same portfolio of investments of the fund.
The decision as to which class to choose depends on a number of factors,
including the amount and intended length of the investment. Investors that
qualify for reduced sales charges might consider Class A shares. Investors who
prefer not to pay an initial sales charge and who plan to hold their investment
for more than six years might consider Class B shares. Investors who prefer not
to pay an initial sales charge but who plan to redeem their shares within six
years might consider Class C shares. For more information about these
arrangements, consult your financial representative or Kemper Service Company.
Be aware that financial services firms may receive different compensation
depending upon which class of shares they sell.
About Your Investment 11
<PAGE>
Rule 12b-1 plan
The fund has adopted a plan under Rule 12b-1 that provides for fees payable as
an expense of the Class B shares and the Class C shares that are used by the
transfer agent to pay for distribution and other services provided to
shareholders of those classes. Because 12b-1 fees are paid out of fund assets on
an ongoing basis, they will, over time, increase the cost of investment and may
cost more than other types of sales charges. Long-term shareholders may pay more
than the economic equivalent of the maximum initial sales charges permitted by
the National Association of Securities Dealers, although Kemper Distributors,
Inc. believes that it is unlikely, in the case of Class B shares, because of the
automatic conversion feature of those shares.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Class A Shares -- Combined Purchases. The fund's Class A shares (or the
equivalent) may be purchased at the rate applicable to the discount bracket
attained by combining concurrent investments in Class A shares of most Kemper
Funds.
Class A Shares -- Letter of Intent. The same reduced sales charges for Class A
shares also apply to the aggregate amount of purchases made by any purchaser
within a 24-month period under a written Letter of Intent ("Letter") provided by
Kemper Distributors, Inc. The Letter, which imposes no obligation to purchase or
sell additional Class A shares, provides for a price adjustment depending upon
the actual amount purchased within such period.
Class A Shares -- Cumulative Discount. Class A shares of the fund may also be
purchased at the rate applicable to the discount bracket attained by adding to
the cost of shares of the fund being purchased, the value of all Class A shares
of most Kemper Funds (computed at the maximum offering price at the time of the
purchase for which the discount is applicable) already owned by the investor.
Class A Shares -- Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege. Class A shares of the fund
may be purchased at net asset value by any purchaser provided that the amount
invested in the fund or other Kemper Mutual Funds totals at least $1,000,000
including purchases of Class A shares pursuant to the "Combined Purchases,"
"Letter of Intent" and "Cumulative Discount" features described above (the
"Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege").
Exchange Privilege -- General. Shareholders of Class A, Class B and Class C
shares may exchange their shares for shares of the corresponding class of Kemper
Mutual Funds. Shares of a Kemper Fund with a value in excess of $1,000,000
(except Kemper Cash Reserves Fund) acquired by exchange from another Kemper
Fund, or from a Money Market Fund, may not be exchanged thereafter until they
have been owned for 15 days (the "15-Day Hold Policy"). For purposes of
determining whether the 15-Day Hold Policy applies to a particular exchange, the
value of the shares to be exchanged shall be computed by aggregating the value
of shares being exchanged for all accounts under
12 About Your Investment
<PAGE>
common control, direction or advice, including without limitation accounts
administered by a financial services firm offering market timing, asset
allocation or similar services.
For purposes of determining any contingent deferred sales charge that may be
imposed upon the redemption of the shares received on exchange, amounts
exchanged retain their original cost and purchase date.
BUYING SHARES
You may purchase shares of the fund by contacting the securities dealer or other
financial services firm from whom you received this prospectus.
Class A Shares
Public Offering Price. Including Sales Charge
Sales Charge as a % Sales Charge as a % of
Amount of Purchase of Offering Price Net Asset Value*
- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------
Less than $50,000 5.75% 6.10%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50 4.71
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50 3.63
$250,000 but less than $500,000 2.60 2.67
$500,000 but less than $1 million 2.00 2.04
$1 million and over 0.00** 0.00**
- -----------
* Rounded to nearest one-hundreth percent.
** Redemption of shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
as discussed below.
NAV Purchases
Class A shares of the fund may be purchased at net asset value by:
o shareholders in connection with the investment or reinvestment of income
and capital gains dividends
o participant-directed qualified retirement plan or a participant-directed
non-qualified deferred compensation plan or a participant-directed
qualified retirement plan which is not sponsored by a K-12 school
district, provided in each case that such plan has not less than 200
eligible employees
o any purchaser with Kemper Funds investment totals of at least $1,000,000 D
unitholders of unit investment trusts sponsored by Ranson & Associates,
Inc. or its predecessors through reinvestment programs described in the
prospectuses of such trusts that have such programs
o officers, trustees, directors, employees (including retirees) and sales
representatives of the fund, its investment manager, its principal
underwriter or certain affiliated companies, for themselves or members of
their families, any trust, pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan
for only such persons
About Your Investment 13
<PAGE>
o persons who purchase shares through bank trust departments that process
such trades through an automated, integrated mutual fund clearing program
provided by a third party clearing firm
o registered representatives and employees of broker-dealers having selling
group agreements with Kemper Distributors, any trust, pension,
profit-sharing or other benefit plan for only such persons
o officers, directors, and employees of service agents of the fund
o members of the plaintiff class in the proceeding known as Howard and
Audrey Tabankin, et al. v. Kemper Short-Term Global Income Fund, et. al.,
Case No. 93 C 5231 (N.D.IL)
o selected employees (including their spouses and dependent children) of
banks and other financial services firms that provide administrative
services related to the fund pursuant to an agreement with Kemper
Distributors or one of its affiliates
o certain professionals who assist in the promotion of Kemper Funds pursuant
to personal services contracts with Kemper Distributors, for themselves or
members of their families
o in connection with the acquisition of the assets of or merger or
consolidation with another investment company
o shareholders who owned shares of Kemper Value Series, Inc. ("KVS") on
September 8, 1995, and have continuously owned shares of KVS (or a Kemper
Fund acquired by exchange of KVS shares) since that date, for themselves
or members of their families, any trust, pension, profit-sharing or other
benefit plan for only such persons
o persons who purchase shares of the fund through Kemper Distributors as
part of an automated billing and wage deduction program administered by
RewardsPlus of America
o through certain investment advisers registered under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940 and other financial services firms, acting solely as
agent for their clients, that adhere to certain standards established by
Kemper Distributors, including a requirement that such shares be purchased
for the benefit of their clients participating in an investment advisory
program or agency commission program under which such clients pay a fee to
the investment adviser or other firm for portfolio management or agency
brokerage services.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed upon redemption of Class A
shares purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege as follows: 1% if
they are redeemed within one year of purchase and 0.50% if redeemed during the
second year following purchase. The charge will not be imposed upon redemption
of reinvested dividends or share appreciation. The charge is applied to the
value of the shares redeemed, excluding amounts not subject to the charge. The
contingent deferred sales charge will be waived in the event of:
14 About Your Investment
<PAGE>
o redemptions under the fund's Systematic Withdrawal Plan at a maximum of
10% per year of the net asset value of the account
o redemption of shares of a shareholder (including a registered joint owner)
who has died
o redemption of shares of a shareholder (including a registered joint owner)
who after purchase of the shares being redeemed becomes totally disabled
(as evidenced by a determination by the federal Social Security
Administration)
o redemptions by a participant-directed qualified retirement plan or a
participant-directed non-qualified deferred compensation plan or a
participant-directed qualified retirement plan which is not sponsored by a
K-12 school district
o redemptions by employer sponsored employee benefit plans using the
subaccount record keeping system made available through the Shareholder
Service Agent
o redemptions of shares whose dealer of record at the time of the investment
notifies Kemper Distributors that the dealer waives the commission
applicable to such Large Order NAV Purchase.
Rule 12b-1 Fee
None
Exchange Privilege
Class A shares may be exchanged for each other at their relative net asset
values. Shares of Money Market Funds and Kemper Cash Reserves Fund acquired by
purchase (not including shares acquired by dividend reinvestment) are subject to
the applicable sales charge on exchange.
Class A shares purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege may be
exchanged for Class A shares of any Kemper Fund or a Money Market Fund without
paying any contingent deferred sales charge. If the Class A shares received on
exchange are redeemed thereafter, a contingent deferred sales charge may be
imposed.
CLASS B SHARES
Public Offering Price
Net asset value per share without any sales charge at the time of purchase.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed upon redemption of Class B
shares. There is no such charge upon redemption of any share appreciation or
reinvested dividends. The charge is computed at the following rates applied to
the value of the shares redeemed excluding amounts not subject to the charge.
About Your Investment 15
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year of Redemption
After Purchase: First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge: 4% 3% 3% 2% 2% 1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived:
o for redemptions to satisfy required minimum distributions after age 70 1/2
from an IRA account (with the maximum amount subject to this waiver being
based only upon the shareholder's Kemper IRA accounts)
o for redemptions made pursuant to any IRA systematic withdrawal based on
the shareholder's life expectancy including, but not limited to,
substantially equal periodic payments described in Code Section
72(t)(2)(A)(iv) prior to age 59
o for redemptions made pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan (see
"Special Features -- Systematic Withdrawal Plan" below)
o in the event of the total disability (as evidenced by a determination by
the federal Social Security Administration) of the shareholder (including
a registered joint owner) occurring after the purchase of the shares being
redeemed
o in the event of the death of the shareholder (including a registered joint
owner).
The contingent deferred sales charge will also be waived in connection with the
following redemptions of shares held by employer sponsored employee benefit
plans maintained on the subaccount record keeping system made available by the
shareholder service agent:
o redemptions to satisfy participant loan advances (note that loan
repayments constitute new purchases for purposes of the contingent
deferreosales charge and the conversion privilege)
o redemptions in connection with retirement distributions (limited at any
one time to 10% of the total value of plan assets invested in the fund
o redemptions in connection with distributions qualifying under the hardship
provisions of the Code
o redemptions representing returns of excess contributions to such plans.
Rule 12b-1 Fee
0.75%
Conversion Feature
Class B shares of the fund will automatically convert to Class A shares of the
same fund six years after issuance on the basis of the relative net asset value
per share. Shares purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and other
distributions paid with respect to Class B shares in a shareholder's fund
account will be converted to Class A shares on a pro rata basis.
16 About Your Investment
<PAGE>
Exchange Privilege
Class B shares of the fund and Class B shares of most Kemper Funds may be
exchanged for each other at their relative net asset values without a contingent
deferred sales charge.
CLASS C SHARES
Public Offering Price
Net asset value per share without any sales charge at the time of purchase.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
A contingent deferred sales charge of 1% may be imposed upon redemption of Class
C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. The charge will not be imposed
upon redemption of reinvested dividends or share appreciation. The charge is
applied to the value of the shares redeemed, excluding amounts not subject to
the charge. The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived in the event of:
o redemptions by a participant-directed qualified retirement plan described
in Code Section 401(a) or a participant-directed non-qualified deferred
compensation plan described in Code Section 457
o redemptions by employer sponsored employee benefit plans (or their
participants) using the subaccount record keeping system made available
through the Shareholder Service Agent
o redemption of shares of a shareholder (including a registered joint owner)
who has died.
o redemption of shares of a shareholder (including a registered joint owner)
who after purchase of the shares being redeemed becomes totally disabled
(as evidenced by a determination by the federal Social Security
Administration)
o redemptions under the fund's Systematic Withdrawal Plan at a maximum of
10% per year of the net asset value of the account
o redemption of shares by an employer sponsored employee benefit plan that
offers funds in addition to Kemper Funds and whose dealer of record has
waived the advance of the first year administrative service and
distribution fees applicable to such shares and agrees to receive such
fees quarterly
o redemption of shares purchased through a dealer-sponsored asset allocation
program maintained on an omnibus record-keeping system provided the dealer
of record has waived the advance of the first year administrative services
and distribution fees applicable to such shares and has agreed to receive
such fees quarterly.
Rule 12b-1 Fee
0.75%
Conversion Feature
None
About Your Investment 17
<PAGE>
Exchange Privilege
Class C shares of the fund and Class C shares of most Kemper Funds may be
exchanged for each other at their relative net asset values. Class C shares may
be exchanged without a contingent deferred sales charge.
SELLING AND EXCHANGING SHARES
General
Contact your securities dealer or other financial services firm to arrange for
share redemptions or exchanges.
Any shareholder may require the fund to redeem his or her shares. When shares
are held for the account of a shareholder by the fund's transfer agent, the
shareholder may redeem them by sending a written request with signatures
guaranteed to Kemper Mutual Funds, Attention: Redemption Department, P.O.
Box 419557, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6557.
An exchange of shares entails the sale of fund shares and subsequent purchase of
shares of another Kemper Mutual Fund.
Share certificates
When certificates for shares have been issued, they must be mailed to or
deposited with the Kemper Service Company, along with a duly endorsed stock
power and accompanied by a written request for redemption. Redemption requests
and a stock power must be endorsed by the account holder with signatures
guaranteed. The redemption request and stock power must be signed exactly as the
account is registered, including any special capacity of the registered owner.
Additional documentation may be requested, and a signature guarantee is normally
required, from institutional and fiduciary account holders, such as
corporations, custodians (e.g., under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act),
executors, administrators, trustees or guardians.
Reinvestment privilege
Under certain circumstances, a shareholder who has redeemed Class A shares may
reinvest up to the full amount redeemed at net asset value at the time of the
reinvestment. These reinvested shares will retain their original cost and
purchase date for purposes of the contingent deferred sales charge. Also, a
holder of Class B shares who has redeemed shares may reinvest up to the full
amount redeemed, less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge that may
have been imposed upon the redemption of such shares, at net asset value in
Class A shares. The reinvestment privilege may be terminated or modified at any
time. The reinvestment privilege can be used only once as to any specific shares
and reinvestment must be effected within six months of the redemption.
18 About Your Investment
<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends and capital gains distributions
The fund intends to distribute dividends from its net investment income
annually, in December. The fund intends to distribute net realized capital gains
after utilization of capital loss carryforwards, if any, in December. An
additional distribution may be made at a later date, if necessary.
Any dividends or capital gains distributions declared in October, November or
December with a record date in such month and paid during the following January
will be treated by shareholders for federal income tax purposes as if received
on December 31 of the calendar year declared. Dividends ordinarily will vary
from one class of the fund to another.
Income and capital gains dividends, if any, of the fund will be credited to
shareholder accounts in full and fractional shares of the same class of that
fund at net asset value on the reinvestment date, except that, upon written
request to the Shareholder Service Agent, a shareholder may select one of the
following options:
(1) To receive income and short-term capital gains dividends in cash and
long-term capital gains dividends in shares of the same class at net asset
value; or
(2) To receive income and capital gains dividends in cash.
Any dividends of the fund that are reinvested will normally be reinvested in
shares of the same class of that same fund. However, by writing to the
Shareholder Service Agent, you may choose to have dividends invested in shares
of the same class of another Kemper fund at the net asset value of that class
and fund. To use this privilege, you must maintain a minimum account value of
$1,000 in the fund distributing the dividends. The fund will reinvest dividend
checks (and future dividends) in shares of that same fund and class if checks
are returned as undeliverable. Dividends and other distributions in the
aggregate amount of $10 or less are automatically reinvested in shares of the
same fund unless you request that such policy not be applied to your account.
Distributions are generally taxable whether received in cash or reinvested.
Exchanges among funds are also taxable events.
Taxes
Generally, dividends from net investment income are taxable to shareholders as
ordinary income. Long-term capital gains distributions, if any, are taxable to
individual shareholders at a maximum 20% capital gains rate, regardless of the
length of time shareholders have owned shares. Short-term capital gains and any
other taxable income distributions are taxable as ordinary income. A portion of
dividends from ordinary income may qualify for the dividends-received deduction
for corporations.
Unless your investment is in a tax-deferred account, you may want to avoid
investing a large amount close to the date of a distribution because you may
receive part of your investment back as a taxable distribution.
About Your Investment 19
<PAGE>
The fund sends detailed tax information to its shareholders about the amount and
type of its distributions by January 31 of the following year.
A sale or exchange of shares is a taxable event and may result in a capital gain
or loss which may be long-term or short-term, generally depending on how long
you owned the shares.
The fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 31%
of all taxable distributions payable to shareholders who fail to provide the
fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required
certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to
backup withholding. Any such withheld amounts may be credited against the
shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability.
Shareholders may be subject to state, local and foreign taxes on fund
distributions and dispositions of fund shares. You should consult your tax
advisor regarding the particular consequences of an investment in the fund.
TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Share price
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation determines the net asset value per share of
the fund as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange,
normally 4 p.m. eastern time, on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open
for trading. Market prices are used to determine the value of the fund's assets.
If market prices are not readily available for a security or if a security's
price is not considered to be market indicative, that security may be valued by
another method that the Board or its delegate believes accurately reflects fair
value. In those circumstances where a security's price is not considered to be
market indicative, the security's valuation may differ from an available market
quotation.
The net asset value per share of the fund is the value of one share and is
determined separately for each class by dividing the value of the fund's net
assets attributable to that class, less all liabilities, by the number of shares
of that class outstanding. The per share net asset value of the Class B and
Class C shares of the fund will generally be lower than that of the Class A
shares of the fund because of the higher annual expenses borne by the Class B
and Class C shares.
To the extent that the fund invests in foreign securities, these securities may
be listed on foreign exchanges that trade on days when the fund does not price
its shares. As a result, the net asset value per share of the fund may change at
a time when shareholders are not able to purchase or redeem their shares.
Processing time
All requests to buy and sell shares that are received in good order by the
fund's transfer agent by the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange are executed at the net asset value per share calculated at the close
of trading that day (subject to any applicable sales load or contingent deferred
sales charge). Orders received by dealers or other financial services firms
prior to the
20 About Your Investment
<PAGE>
determination of net asset value and received by the Kemper Distributors prior
to the close of its business day will be confirmed at a price based on the net
asset value effective on that day. If an order is accompanied by a check drawn
on a foreign bank, funds must normally be collected before shares will be
purchased.
Payment for shares you sell will be made in cash as promptly as practicable but
in no event later than seven days after receipt of a properly executed request.
If you have share certificates, these must accompany your order in proper form
for transfer. When you place an order to sell shares for which the fund may not
yet have received good payment (i.e., purchases by check, EXPRESS-Transfer or
Bank Direct Deposit), the fund may delay transmittal of the proceeds until it
has determined that collected funds have been received for the purchase of such
shares. This may be up to 10 days from receipt by the fund of the purchase
amount. The redemption of shares within certain time periods may be subject to
contingent deferred sales charges, as noted above.
Signature guarantees
A signature guarantee is required unless you sell $50,000 or less worth of
shares (prior to the imposition of any contingent deferred sales charge) and the
proceeds are payable to the shareholder of record at the address of record. You
can obtain a guarantee from most brokerage houses and financial institutions,
although not from a notary public. The fund will normally send you the proceeds
within one business day following your 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
fund and its transfer agent each reserves the right to reject purchases of fund
shares (including exchanges) for any reason, including when there is evidence of
a pattern of frequent purchases and sales made in response to short-term
fluctuations in the fund's share price. The fund reserves the right to withdraw
all or any part of the offering made by this prospectus and to reject purchase
orders. Also, from time to time, the fund may temporarily suspend the offering
of its shares or a class of its shares to new investors. During the period of
such suspension, persons who are already shareholders normally are permitted to
continue to purchase additional shares and to have dividends reinvested.
Minimum balances
The minimum initial investment for the fund is $1,000 and the minimum subsequent
investment is $100. The minimum initial investment for an Individual Retirement
Account is $250 and the minimum subsequent investment is $50. Under an automatic
investment plan, such as Bank Direct Deposit, Payroll Direct Deposit or
Government Direct Deposit, the minimum initial and subsequent investment is $50.
These minimum amounts may be changed at any time in management's discretion.
Because of the high cost of maintaining small accounts, the fund may assess a
quarterly fee of $9 on an account with a balance below $1,000 for the quarter.
About Your Investment 21
<PAGE>
The fee will not apply to accounts enrolled in an automatic investment program,
Individual Retirement Accounts or employer sponsored employee benefit plans
using the subaccount record keeping system made available through the
Shareholder Service Agent.
Third party transactions
If you buy and sell shares of the fund through a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (other than the fund's transfer agent,
Kemper Distributors), that member may charge a fee for that service. This
prospectus should be read in connection with such firm's material regarding its
fees and services.
Redemption-in-kind
The fund reserves the right to honor any request for redemption or repurchase by
making payment in whole or in part in readily marketable securities
("redemptions in kind"). These securities will be chosen by the fund and valued
as they are for purposes of computing the fund's net asset value. A shareholder
may incur transaction expenses in converting these securities to cash.
22 About Your Investment
<PAGE>
Additional information about the fund may be found in the Statement of
Additional Information, the Shareholder Services Guide and in shareholder
reports. Shareholder inquiries may be made by calling the toll-free telephone
number listed below. The Statement of Additional Information contains more
information on fund investments and operations. The Shareholder Services Guide
contains more information about purchases and sales of fund shares. The
semiannual and annual shareholder reports contain a discussion of the market
conditions and the investment strategies that significantly affected the fund's
performance during the last fiscal year, as well as a listing of portfolio
holdings and financial statements. These and other fund documents may be
obtained without charge from the following sources:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Phone Call the Kemper Funds at: 1-800-621-1048
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Mail Kemper Distributors, Inc.
222 South Riverside Plaza
Chicago, IL 60606-5808
or
Public Reference Section Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549-6009
(a duplication fee is charged)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Person Public Reference Room
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.
(Call 1-800-SEC-0330
for more information.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Internet http://www.sec.gov
http://www.kemper.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference into this
prospectus (is legally a part of this prospectus).
Investment Company Act file number:
Classic Growth Fund 811-43
[SOYINK LOGO] PRINTED WITH [RECYCLE LOGO] Printed on recycled paper
SOYINK
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
January 1, 1999
KEMPER CLASSIC GROWTH FUND
222 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606
1-800-621-1048
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It is the
Statement of Additional Information for Class A, B and C Shares (the "Shares" or
"Kemper Shares") of Classic Growth Fund (the "Fund"), a diversified series of
Investment Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end management investment company. It
should be read in conjunction with the prospectus of the Shares dated January 1,
1999. The prospectus may be obtained without charge from the Fund at the address
or telephone number on this cover or the firm from which this Statement of
Additional Information was received.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS....................................................3
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES.........................................4
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES........................................15
PERFORMANCE...............................................................19
INVESTMENT MANAGER AND UNDERWRITER........................................21
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS....................................................27
PURCHASE, REPURCHASE, AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES............................30
PURCHASE OF SHARES........................................................30
REDEMPTION OR REPURCHASE OF SHARES........................................35
SPECIAL FEATURES..........................................................39
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES.....................................................43
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS........................................................47
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser") serves as the Fund's investment
manager.
<PAGE>
The financial statements appearing in the Fund's 1998 Annual Report to
Shareholders are incorporated herein by reference. The Annual Report for the
Fund accompanies this document.
2
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment restrictions which cannot be
changed without approval of a "majority" of its outstanding voting Shares. As
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), this
means the lesser of (1) 67% of the Fund's Shares present at a meeting where more
than 50% of the outstanding Shares are present in person or by proxy; or (2)
more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding Shares.
Any investment restrictions herein which involve a maximum percentage of
securities or assets shall not be considered to be violated unless an excess
over the percentage occurs immediately after and is caused by an acquisition or
encumbrance of securities or assets of, or borrowings by, the Fund.
The Fund has elected to be classified as a diversified series of an open-end
management investment company.
The Fund may not, as a fundamental policy:
1. borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or
modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time;
2. issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as
interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from
time to time;
3. concentrate its investments in a particular industry, as that term is used
in the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority
having jurisdiction, from time to time;
4. engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others, except
to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter in
connection with the disposition of portfolio securities;
5. purchase or sell real estate, which term does not include securities of
companies which deal in real estate or mortgages or investments secured by
real estate or interests therein, except that the Fund reserves freedom of
action to hold and to sell real estate acquired as a result of the Fund's
ownership of securities;
6. purchase physical commodities or contracts relating to physical
commodities; or
7. make loans to other persons, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as
interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from
time to time.
Other Investment Policies
The Trustees of the Trust have voluntarily adopted certain policies and
restrictions which are observed in the conduct of each Fund's affairs. These
represent intentions of the Trustees based upon current circumstances. They
differ from fundamental investment policies in that they may be changed or
amended by action of the Trustees without requiring prior notice to or approval
of shareholders.
As a matter of nonfundamental policy, the Fund currently does not intend to:
1. borrow money in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets, except (i)
for temporary or emergency purposes and (ii) by engaging in reverse
repurchase agreements, dollar rolls, or other investments or transactions
described in the Fund's registration statement which may be deemed to be
borrowings;
2. enter into either of reverse repurchase agreements or dollar rolls in an
amount greater than 5% of its total assets;
3. purchase securities on margin or make short sales, except (i) short sales
against the box, (ii) in connection with arbitrage transactions, (iii) for
margin deposits in connection with futures contracts, options or other
permitted investments, (iv) that transactions in futures contracts and
options shall not be deemed to constitute selling securities short, and (v)
that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for
the clearance of securities transactions;
4. purchase options, unless the aggregate premiums paid on all such options
held by the Fund at any time do not exceed 20% of its total assets; or sell
put options, if as a result, the aggregate value of the obligations
underlying such put options would exceed 50% of its total assets;
5. enter into futures contracts or purchase options thereon unless immediately
after the purchase, the value of the aggregate initial margin with respect
to such futures contracts entered into on behalf of the Fund and the
premiums paid for such options on futures contracts does not exceed 5% of
the fair market value of the Fund's total assets;
3
<PAGE>
provided that in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of
purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in computing the 5%
limit;
6. purchase warrants if as a result, such securities, taken at the lower of
cost or market value, would represent more than 5% of the value of the
Fund's total assets (for this purpose, warrants acquired in units or
attached to securities will be deemed to have no value); and
7. lend portfolio securities in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets.
Master/feeder fund structure. The Board of Trustees has the discretion to retain
the current distribution arrangement for the Fund while investing in a master
fund in a master/feeder fund structure as described below.
A master/feeder fund structure is one in which a fund (a "feeder fund"), instead
of investing directly in a portfolio of securities, invests most or all of its
investment assets in a separate registered investment company (the "master
fund") with substantially the same investment objective and policies as the
feeder fund. Such a structure permits the pooling of assets of two or more
feeder funds, preserving separate identities or distribution channels at the
feeder fund level. Based on the premise that certain of the expenses of
operating an investment portfolio are relatively fixed, a larger investment
portfolio may eventually achieve a lower ratio of operating expenses to average
net assets. An existing investment company is able to convert to a feeder fund
by selling all of its investments, which involves brokerage and other
transaction costs and realization of a taxable gain or loss, or by contributing
its assets to the master fund and avoiding transaction costs and, if proper
procedures are followed, the realization of taxable gain or loss.
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES
Classic Growth Fund offers the following classes of shares: Scudder Shares (the
"Scudder Shares" or "Shares") and Classic Growth Fund Class A, B and C shares
(the "Kemper Shares"). Only the Kemper Shares of Classic Growth Fund are offered
herein.
GENERAL. The Fund's investment objectives are to seek 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 financial markets. Accordingly, shareholders
should be comfortable with stock market risk and view the Fund as a long-term
investment.
Except as otherwise indicated, the Fund's investment objectives and policies are
not fundamental and may be changed without a vote of shareholders. If there is a
change in investment objective, shareholders should consider whether the Fund
remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current financial
position and needs. There can be no assurance that the Fund's objectives will be
met.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in a diversified
portfolio of common stocks which the Fund's investment adviser, Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser"), believes offers above-average appreciation
potential yet, as a portfolio, offers the potential for less share price
volatility than other growth mutual funds.
In seeking such investments, the Adviser focuses its investment in securities of
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.
Classic Growth Fund's investment approach centers on identifying a group of
stocks with both attractive return potential and moderate risk. In order to
serve the Fund's dual objectives, the Fund's managers avoid "high-expectation"
stocks--stocks with tremendous performance potential but whose prices can
quickly tumble on earnings disappointments. Additionally, the portfolio managers
select stocks with higher average market capitalizations and
4
<PAGE>
lower average price-earnings ratios than those held by the average growth fund.
In general, a fund comprised of stocks with lower P/E ratios will exhibit less
volatility over time. The portfolio managers will use portfolio construction
techniques to reduce overall portfolio risk. Although individual securities may
experience price volatility, the Fund will be managed for reduced share price
fluctuation in comparison to other growth funds.
The Fund allocates its investments among different industries and companies, and
adjusts its portfolio securities based on long-term investment considerations as
opposed to short-term trading. While the Fund emphasizes U.S. investments, it
can commit a portion of assets to the equity securities of foreign growth
companies that meet the criteria applicable to the Fund's 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, illiquid securities and warrants. The Fund's policy is
to remain substantially invested in these securities, which may be listed on
national securities exchanges or, less commonly, trade over-the-counter. Also,
the Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements and
engage in strategic transactions. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may
invest without limit in high quality money market securities, including U.S.
Treasury bills, repurchase agreements, commercial paper, certificates of deposit
issued by domestic and foreign branches of U.S. banks, bankers' acceptances, and
other debt securities, such as U.S. Government obligations and corporate debt
instruments when the Adviser deems such a position advisable in light of
economic or market conditions. It is impossible to accurately predict for how
long such alternative 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 "Specialized investment
techniques."
Common stocks. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests primarily in common
stocks. Common stock is issued by companies to raise cash for business purposes
and represents a proportionate interest in the issuing companies. Therefore, the
Fund participates in the success or failure of any company in which it holds
stock. The market values of common stock can fluctuate significantly, reflecting
the business performance of the issuing company, investor perception and general
economic or financial market movements. Smaller companies are especially
sensitive to these factors and may even become valueless. Despite the risk of
price volatility, however, common 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. When the Adviser believes that it is appropriate to do so in
order to achieve the Fund's objective of long-term capital appreciation, the
Fund may invest in debt securities including bonds of private issuers and
supranational organizations. Portfolio debt investments will be selected on the
basis of, among other things, credit quality, and the fundamental outlooks for
currency, economic and interest rate trends, taking into account the ability to
hedge a degree of currency or local bond price risk. The Fund may purchase
"investment-grade" bonds, rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's") or AAA, AA, A or BBB by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P")
or, if unrated, judged to be of equivalent quality as determined by the Adviser.
The principal risks involved with investments in bonds include interest rate
risk, credit risk and pre-payment risk. Interest rate risk refers to the likely
decline in the value of bonds as interest rates rise. Generally, longer-term
securities are more susceptible to changes in value as a result of interest-rate
changes than are shorter-term securities. Credit risk refers to the risk that an
issuer of a bond may default with respect to the payment of principal and
interest. The lower a bond is rated, the more it is considered to be a
speculative or risky investment. Pre-payment risk is commonly associated with
pooled debt securities, such as mortgage-backed securities and asset backed
securities, but may affect other debt securities as well. When the underlying
debt obligations are prepaid ahead of schedule, the return on the security will
be lower than expected. Pre-payment rates usually increase when interest rates
are falling.
Convertible Securities. The Fund may invest in convertible securities which are
bonds, notes, debentures, preferred stocks, and other securities which are
convertible into common stocks. Investments in convertible securities can
provide income through interest and dividend payments and/or an opportunity for
capital appreciation by virtue of their conversion or exchange features.
The convertible securities in which the Fund may invest may be converted or
exchanged at a stated or determinable exchange ratio into underlying shares of
common stock. The exchange ratio for any particular convertible security may be
adjusted from time to time due to stock splits, dividends, spin-offs, other
corporate distributions, or scheduled
5
<PAGE>
changes in the exchange ratio. Convertible debt securities and convertible
preferred stocks, until converted, have general characteristics similar to both
debt and equity securities. Although to a lesser extent than with debt
securities generally, the market value of convertible securities tends to
decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as
interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion or exchange
feature, the market value of convertible securities typically changes as the
market value of the underlying common stocks changes, and, therefore, also tends
to follow movements in the general market for equity securities. A unique
feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying
common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a
yield basis and so may not experience market value declines to the same extent
as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common
stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a
reflection of the value of the underlying common stock, although typically not
as much as the underlying common stock. While no securities investments are
without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk
than investments in common stock of the same issuer.
As fixed income securities, convertible securities are investments which provide
for a stream of income (or in the case of zero coupon securities, accretion of
income) with generally higher yields than common stocks. Of course, like all
fixed income securities, there can be no assurance of income or principal
payments because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their
obligations. Convertible securities generally offer lower yields than
non-convertible securities of similar quality because of their conversion or
exchange features.
Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but
non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, as
corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity
securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock, of the
same issuer. However, because of the subordination feature, convertible bonds
and convertible preferred stock typically have lower ratings than similar
non-convertible securities.
Convertible securities may be issued as fixed income obligations that pay
current income or as zero coupon notes and bonds, including Liquid Yield Option
Notes (LYONs). Zero coupon securities pay no cash income and are sold at
substantial discounts from their value at maturity. When held to maturity, their
entire income, which consists of accretion of discount, comes from the
difference between the purchase price and their value at maturity. Zero coupon
convertible securities offer the opportunity for capital appreciation as
increases (or decreases) in market value of such securities closely follow the
movements in the market value of the underlying common stock. Zero coupon
convertible securities generally are expected to be less volatile than the
underlying common stocks as they usually are issued with shorter maturities (15
years or less) and are issued with options and/or redemption features
exercisable by the holder of the obligation entitling the holder to redeem the
obligation and receive a defined cash payment.
Illiquid Securities. The Fund may occasionally purchase securities other than in
the open market. While such purchases may often offer attractive opportunities
for investment not otherwise available on the open market, the securities so
purchased are often "restricted securities" or "not readily marketable," i.e.,
securities which cannot be sold to the public without registration under the
Securities Act of 1933 or the availability of an exemption from registration
(such as Rules 144 or 144A) or because they are subject to other legal or
contractual delays in or restrictions on resale.
Generally speaking, restricted securities may be sold only to qualified
institutional buyers, or in a privately negotiated transaction to a limited
number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held for a
specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant to an exemption
from registration, or in a public offering for which a registration statement is
in effect under the Securities Act of 1933. The Fund may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933 when selling restricted
securities to the public, and in such event the Fund may be liable to purchasers
of such securities if such sale is made in violation of the 1933 Act or if the
registration statement prepared by the issuer, or the prospectus forming a part
of it, is materially inaccurate or misleading.
The Adviser will monitor the liquidity of such restricted securities subject to
the supervision of the Board of Trustees. In reaching liquidity decisions, the
Adviser will consider the following factors: (1) the frequency of trades and
quotes for the security, (2) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell
the security and the number of their potential purchasers, (3) dealer
undertakings to make a market in the security; and (4) the nature of the
security and the nature of the marketplace trades (i.e. the time needed to
dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of
the transfer).
Warrants. The Fund may invest in warrants up to 5% of the value of its
respective total assets. The holder of a warrant has the right, until the
warrant expires, to purchase a given number of shares of a particular issuer at
a specified price. Such investments can provide a greater potential for profit
or loss than an equivalent investment in the
6
<PAGE>
underlying security. Prices of warrants do not necessarily move, however, in
tandem with the prices of the underlying securities and are, therefore,
considered speculative investments. Warrants pay no dividends and confer no
rights other than a purchase option. Thus, if a warrant held by the Fund were
not exercised by the date of its expiration, the Fund would lose the entire
purchase price of the warrant.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with member
banks of the Federal Reserve System, any foreign bank or with any domestic or
foreign broker-dealer which is recognized as a reporting government securities
dealer if the creditworthiness of the bank or broker-dealer has been determined
by the Adviser to be at least as high as that of other obligations the Fund may
purchase.
A repurchase agreement provides a means for the Fund to earn income on funds for
periods as short as overnight. It is an arrangement under which the purchaser
(i.e., the Fund) acquires a security ("Obligation") and the seller agrees, at
the time of sale, to repurchase the Obligation at a specified time and price.
Securities subject to a repurchase agreement are held in a segregated account
and the value of such securities kept at least equal to the repurchase price on
a daily basis. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the
difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may
be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to the Fund together with the
repurchase price upon repurchase. In either case, the income to the Fund is
unrelated to the interest rate on the Obligation itself. Obligations will be
held by the Custodian or in the Federal Reserve Book Entry system.
For purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"),
a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan from the Fund to the seller of the
Obligation subject to the repurchase agreement and is therefore subject to the
Fund's investment restriction applicable to loans. It is not clear whether a
court would consider the Obligation purchased by the Fund subject to a
repurchase agreement as being owned by the Fund or as being collateral for a
loan by the Fund to the seller. In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy
or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the Obligation before
repurchase of the Obligation under a repurchase agreement, the Fund may
encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Delays
may involve loss of interest or decline in price of the Obligation. If the court
characterizes the transaction as a loan and the Fund has not perfected a
security interest in the Obligation, the Fund may be required to return the
Obligation to the seller's estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the
seller. As an unsecured creditor, the Fund would be at risk of losing some or
all of the principal and income involved in the transaction. As with any
unsecured debt instrument purchased for the Fund, the Adviser seeks to minimize
the risk of loss through repurchase agreements by analyzing the creditworthiness
of the obligor, in this case the seller of the Obligation. Apart from the risk
of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is also the risk that the seller
may fail to repurchase the Obligation, in which case the Fund may incur a loss
if the proceeds to the Fund of the sale to a third party are less than the
repurchase price. However, if the market value of the Obligation subject to the
repurchase agreement becomes less than the repurchase price (including
interest), the Fund will direct the seller of the Obligation to deliver
additional securities so that the market value of all securities subject to the
repurchase agreement will equal or exceed the repurchase price. It is possible
that the Fund will be unsuccessful in seeking to enforce the seller's
contractual obligation to deliver additional securities. A repurchase agreement
with foreign banks may be available with respect to government securities of the
particular foreign jurisdiction, and such repurchase agreements involve risks
similar to repurchase agreements with U.S. entities.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells
a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in
return for cash and agrees to repurchase the instrument at a particular price
and time. While a reverse repurchase agreement is outstanding, the Fund will
maintain liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover its obligation
under the agreement. The Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only
with parties whose creditworthiness has been found satisfactory by the Adviser.
Such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of the fund's
assets and may be viewed as a form of leverage.
Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest up to 25% of the Fund's
assets in listed and unlisted foreign securities. Investors should recognize
that investing in foreign securities involves certain special considerations,
including those set forth below, which are not typically associated with
investing in United States securities and which may favorably or unfavorably
affect the Fund's performance. As foreign companies are not generally subject to
uniform accounting and auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and
requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic companies, there may be
less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a
domestic company. Many foreign stock markets, while growing in volume of trading
activity, have substantially less volume than the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
(the "Exchange"), and securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and
more volatile than securities of domestic companies. Similarly, volume and
liquidity in most foreign markets are less than the volume and liquidity in the
United States and at times, volatility of price can be greater than in the
United States. Further, foreign markets have different clearance and settlement
procedures and in certain
7
<PAGE>
markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace
with the volume of securities transactions making it difficult to conduct such
transactions. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets
of the Fund are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the
Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause
the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of
portfolio securities due to settlement problems either could result in losses to
the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if
the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in
possible liability to the purchaser. Payment for securities without delivery may
be required in certain foreign markets. Fixed commissions on some foreign stock
exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges,
although the Fund will endeavor to achieve the most favorable net results on its
portfolio transactions. Further, the Fund may encounter difficulties or be
unable to pursue legal remedies and obtain judgments in foreign courts. There is
generally less government supervision and regulation of business and industry
practices, stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies than in the United
States. It may be more difficult for the Fund's agents to keep currently
informed about corporate actions such as stock dividends or other matters which
may affect the prices of portfolio securities. Communications between the United
States and foreign countries may be less reliable than within the United States,
thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or
loss of certificates for portfolio securities. In addition, with respect to
certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of nationalization,
expropriation, the imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, political,
social, or economic instability, or diplomatic developments which could affect
United States investments in those countries. Investments in foreign securities
may also entail certain risks, such as possible currency blockages or transfer
restrictions, and the difficulty of enforcing rights in other countries.
Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from
the United States economy in such respects as growth of gross national product,
rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance
of payments position.
These considerations generally are more of a concern in developing countries.
For example, the possibility of revolution and the dependence on foreign
economic assistance may be greater in these countries than in developed
countries. The management of the Fund seeks to mitigate the risks associated
with these considerations through diversification and active professional
management. Although investments in companies domiciled in developing countries
may be subject to potentially greater risks than investments in developed
countries, the Fund will not invest in any securities of issuers located in
developing countries if the securities, in the judgment of the Adviser, are
speculative.
Foreign Currencies. The Fund may invest in foreign securities. Because
investments in foreign securities usually will involve currencies of foreign
countries, and because the Fund may hold foreign currencies and forward
contracts, futures contracts and options on futures contracts on foreign
currencies, the value of the assets of the Fund as measured in U.S. dollars may
be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency exchange
rates and exchange control regulations, and the Fund may incur costs in
connection with conversions between various currencies. Although the Fund values
its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does not intend to convert its
holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. It will do so
from time to time, and investors should be aware of the costs of currency
conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for
conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the "spread")
between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies.
Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate,
while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that
currency to the dealer. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange
transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in
the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward or
futures contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies.
Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest indirectly in securities of emerging
country issuers through sponsored or unsponsored American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), International Depositary Receipts
("IDRs") and other types of Depositary Receipts (which, together with ADRs, GDRs
and IDRs are hereinafter referred to as "Depositary Receipts"). Depositary
Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
underlying securities into which they may be converted. In addition, the issuers
of the stock of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose
material information in the United States and, therefore, there may not be a
correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary
Receipts. ADRs are Depositary Receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign
corporation. GDRs, IDRs and other types of Depositary Receipts are typically
issued by foreign banks or trust companies, although they also may be issued by
United States banks or trust companies, and evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by either a foreign or a United States corporation. Generally,
Depositary Receipts in registered form are designed for use in the United States
securities markets and Depositary Receipts in bearer form are designed for use
in securities markets outside the United States. For purposes of the Fund's
investment policies, the Fund's investments in ADRs, GDRs and other types of
Depositary Receipts will be deemed to be investments in the
8
<PAGE>
underlying securities. Depositary Receipts other than those denominated in U.S.
dollars will be subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk. Certain
Depositary Receipts may not be listed on an exchange and therefore may be
illiquid securities.
Borrowing. As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund will not borrow money,
except as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted or
modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. While
the Trustees do not currently intend to borrow for investment leverage purposes,
if such a strategy were implemented in the future it would increase the Fund's
volatility and the risk of loss in a declining market. Borrowing by the Fund
will involve special risk considerations. Although the principal of the Fund's
borrowings will be fixed, the Fund's assets may change in value during the time
a borrowing is outstanding, thus increasing exposure to capital risk.
Strategic Transactions and Derivatives. The Fund may, but is not required to,
utilize various other investment strategies as described below to hedge various
market risks (such as interest rates, currency exchange rates, and broad or
specific equity or fixed-income market movements), to manage the effective
maturity or duration of the fixed-income securities in the Fund's portfolio, or
to enhance potential gain. These strategies may be executed through the use of
derivative contracts. Such strategies are generally accepted as a part of modern
portfolio management and are regularly utilized by many mutual funds and other
institutional investors. Techniques and instruments may change over time as new
instruments and strategies are developed or regulatory changes occur.
In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may purchase and
sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities,
equity and fixed-income indices and other financial instruments, purchase and
sell financial futures contracts and options thereon, enter into various
interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars, and enter
into various currency transactions such as currency forward contracts, currency
futures contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies or currency futures
(collectively, all the above are called "Strategic Transactions"). Strategic
Transactions may be used without limit to attempt to protect against possible
changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased for the
Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange rate
fluctuations, to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its
portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment
purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of the fixed-income
securities in the Fund's portfolio, or to establish a position in the
derivatives markets as a temporary substitute for purchasing or selling
particular securities. Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to enhance
potential gain although no more than 5% of the Fund's assets will be committed
to Strategic Transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes. Any or all of
these investment techniques may be used at any time and in any combination, and
there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather
than another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous
variables including market conditions. The ability of the Fund to utilize these
Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on the Adviser's ability to
predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. The Fund will
comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing these
strategies, techniques and instruments. Strategic Transactions involving
financial futures and options thereon will be purchased, sold or entered into
only for bona fide hedging, risk management or portfolio management purposes and
not to create leveraged exposure in the Fund.
Strategic Transactions, including derivative contracts, have risks associated
with them including possible default by the other party to the transaction,
illiquidity and, to the extent the Adviser's view as to certain market movements
is incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic Transactions could result
in losses greater than if they had not been used. Use of put and call options
may result in losses to the Fund, force the sale or purchase of portfolio
securities at inopportune times or for prices higher than (in the case of put
options) or lower than (in the case of call options) current market values,
limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on its investments or
cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The use of currency
transactions can result in the Fund incurring losses as a result of a number of
factors including the imposition of exchange controls, suspension of
settlements, or the inability to deliver or receive a specified currency. The
use of options and futures transactions entails certain other risks. In
particular, the variable degree of correlation between price movements of
futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio position of the
Fund creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be
greater than gains in the value of the Fund's position. In addition, futures and
options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances and certain
over-the-counter options may have no markets. As a result, in certain markets,
the Fund might not be able to close out a transaction without incurring
substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of futures and options
transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a
decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to limit
any potential gain which might result from an increase in value of such
position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts
would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of
options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium.
Losses
9
<PAGE>
resulting from the use of Strategic Transactions would reduce net asset value,
and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if the Strategic
Transactions had not been utilized.
General Characteristics of Options. Put options and call options typically have
similar structural characteristics and operational mechanics regardless of the
underlying instrument on which they are purchased or sold. Thus, the following
general discussion relates to each of the particular types of options discussed
in greater detail below. In addition, many Strategic Transactions involving
options require segregation of Fund assets in special accounts, as described
below under "Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts."
A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the
right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying security,
commodity, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price. For
instance, the Fund's purchase of a put option on a security might be designed to
protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some cases, a similar
instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value by giving the Fund
the right to sell such instrument at the option exercise price. A call option,
upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy,
and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument at the exercise
price. The Fund's purchase of a call option on a security, financial future,
index, currency or other instrument might be intended to protect the Fund
against an increase in the price of the underlying instrument that it intends to
purchase in the future by fixing the price at which it may purchase such
instrument. An American style put or call option may be exercised at any time
during the option period while a European style put or call option may be
exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior thereto. The Fund
is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed options and over-the-counter
options ("OTC options"). Exchange listed options are issued by a regulated
intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), which guarantees
the performance of the obligations of the parties to such options. The
discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable to other
financial intermediaries.
With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options generally settle
by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency, although in the
future cash settlement may become available. Index options and Eurodollar
instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the option is
"in-the-money" (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument exceeds, in
the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put option, the
exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised. Frequently,
rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument through the
process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by entering into
offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in ownership of the
new option.
The Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller of an OCC
or exchange listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the liquidity
of the option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid
option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in certain
options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii) trading
halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to particular
classes or series of options or underlying securities including reaching daily
price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the OCC or an
exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or OCC to handle
current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options),
in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease
to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would generally continue
to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours during
which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that the
option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial
instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the
underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial
institutions or other parties ("Counterparties") through direct bilateral
agreement with the Counterparty. In contrast to exchange listed options, which
generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all the terms of an
OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price,
premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the parties. The
Fund will only sell OTC options (other than OTC currency options) that are
subject to a buy-back provision permitting the Fund to require the Counterparty
to sell the option back to the Fund at a formula price within seven days. The
Fund expects generally to enter into OTC options that have cash settlement
provisions, although they are not required to do so.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or guaranty
function in an OTC option. As a result, if the Counterparty fails to make or
take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying an OTC
option it has entered into with the Fund or fails to make a cash settlement
payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund will lose any
premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the
transaction.
10
<PAGE>
Accordingly, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of each such
Counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the Counterparty's credit
to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC option will be satisfied.
The Fund will engage in OTC option transactions only with U.S. government
securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as
"primary dealers" or broker/dealers, domestic or foreign banks or other
financial institutions which have received (or the guarantors of the obligation
of which have received) a short-term credit rating of A-1 from S&P or P-1 from
Moody's or an equivalent rating from any nationally recognized statistical
rating organization ("NRSRO") or are determined to be of equivalent credit
quality by the Adviser. The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC") currently takes the position that OTC options purchased by the Fund, and
portfolio securities "covering" the amount of the Fund's obligation pursuant to
an OTC option sold by it (the cost of the sell-back plus the in-the-money
amount, if any) are illiquid, and are subject to the Fund's limitation on
investing its assets in illiquid securities. The Fund can invest no more than
15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
If the Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve as a
partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in the
value of the underlying securities or instruments in its portfolio or will
increase the Fund's income. The sale of put options can also provide income.
The Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities including U.S.
Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt
securities, equity securities (including convertible securities) and Eurodollar
instruments that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and in the
over-the-counter markets, and on securities indices, currencies and futures
contracts. All calls sold by the Fund must be "covered" (i.e., the Fund must own
the securities or futures contract subject to the call) or must meet the asset
segregation requirements described below as long as the call is outstanding.
Even though the Fund will receive the option premium to help protect it against
loss, a call sold by the Fund exposes the Fund during the term of the option to
possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the market price of the
underlying security or instrument and may require the Fund to hold a security or
instrument which it might otherwise have sold.
The Fund may purchase and sell put options on securities including U.S. Treasury
and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt securities,
equity securities (including convertible securities), and on securities indices
and futures contracts other than futures on individual corporate debt and
individual equity securities. The Fund may also purchase and sell put options in
foreign sovereign debt, Eurodollar instruments and currencies. The Fund will not
sell put options if, as a result, more than 50% of the Fund's assets would be
required to be segregated to cover its potential obligations under such put
options other than those with respect to futures and options thereon. In selling
put options, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to buy the underlying
security at a disadvantageous price above the market price.
General Characteristics of Futures. The Fund may enter into financial futures
contracts or purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as a hedge
against anticipated interest rate or equity market changes, for duration
management and for risk management purposes. In addition, the Fund may enter
into financial futures contracts or purchase or sell put and call options on
such futures as a hedge against anticipated currency market changes. Futures are
generally bought and sold on the commodities exchanges where they are listed
with payment of initial and variation margin as described below. The sale of a
futures contract creates a firm obligation by the Fund, as seller, to deliver to
the buyer the specific type of financial instrument called for in the contract
at a specific future time for a specified price (or, with respect to index
futures and Eurodollar instruments, the net cash amount). Options on futures
contracts are similar to options on securities except that an option on a
futures contract gives the purchaser the right in return for the premium paid to
assume a position in a futures contract and obligates the seller to deliver such
position.
The Fund's use of financial futures and options thereon will in all cases be
consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and in particular the rules
and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and will be entered
into only for bona fide hedging, risk management (including duration management)
or other portfolio management purposes. Typically, maintaining a futures
contract or selling an option thereon requires the Fund to deposit with a
financial intermediary as security for its obligations an amount of cash or
other specified assets (initial margin) which initially is typically 1% to 10%
of the face amount of the contract (but may be higher in some circumstances).
Additional cash or assets (variation margin) may be required to be deposited
thereafter on a daily basis as the mark to market value of the contract
fluctuates. The purchase of an option on financial futures involves payment of a
premium for the option without any further obligation on the part of the Fund.
If the Fund exercises an option on a futures contract it will be obligated to
post initial margin (and potential subsequent variation margin) for the
resulting futures position just as it would for any position. Futures contracts
and options thereon are generally settled by entering into an offsetting
transaction but there can be no assurance that the position can be offset prior
to settlement at an advantageous price, nor that delivery will occur.
11
<PAGE>
The Fund will not enter into a futures contract or related option (except for
closing transactions) if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the amount of its
initial margin and premiums on open futures contracts and options thereon would
exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets (taken at current value); however, in the
case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of the purchase, the
in-the-money amount may be excluded in calculating the 5% limitation. The
segregation requirements with respect to futures contracts and options thereon
are described below.
Options on Securities Indices and Other Financial Indices. The Fund also may
purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices and other financial
indices and in so doing can achieve many of the same objectives it would achieve
through the sale or purchase of options on individual securities or other
instruments. Options on securities indices and other financial indices are
similar to options on a security or other instrument except that, rather than
settling by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, they settle by cash
settlement, i.e., an option on an index gives the holder the right to receive,
upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the index
upon which the option is based exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than,
in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option (except if, in the case
of an OTC option, physical delivery is specified). This amount of cash is equal
to the excess of the closing price of the index over the exercise price of the
option, which also may be multiplied by a formula value. The seller of the
option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of
this amount. The gain or loss on an option on an index depends on price
movements in the instruments making up the market, market segment, industry or
other composite on which the underlying index is based, rather than price
movements in individual securities, as is the case with respect to options on
securities.
Currency Transactions. The Fund may engage in currency transactions with
Counterparties in order to hedge the value of portfolio holdings denominated in
particular currencies against fluctuations in relative value. Currency
transactions include forward currency contracts, exchange listed currency
futures, exchange listed and OTC options on currencies, and currency swaps. A
forward currency contract involves a privately negotiated obligation to purchase
or sell (with delivery generally required) a specific currency at a future date,
which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon
by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. A currency swap is
an agreement to exchange cash flows based on the notional difference among two
or more currencies and operates similarly to an interest rate swap, which is
described below. The Fund may enter into currency transactions with
Counterparties which have received (or the guarantors of the obligations which
have received) a credit rating of A-1 or P-1 by S&P or Moody's, respectively, or
that have an equivalent rating from a NRSRO or (except for OTC currency options)
are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser.
The Fund's dealings in forward currency contracts and other currency
transactions such as futures, options, options on futures and swaps will be
limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio
positions. Transaction hedging is entering into a currency transaction with
respect to specific assets or liabilities of the Fund, which will generally
arise in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities or the
receipt of income therefrom. Position hedging is entering into a currency
transaction with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or
generally quoted in that currency.
The Fund will not enter into a transaction to hedge currency exposure to an
extent greater, after netting all transactions intended wholly or partially to
offset other transactions, than the aggregate market value (at the time of
entering into the transaction) of the securities held in its portfolio that are
denominated or generally quoted in or currently convertible into such currency,
other than with respect to proxy hedging as described below.
The Fund may also cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions to
purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value
relative to other currencies to which the Fund has or in which the Fund expects
to have portfolio exposure.
To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing or
anticipated holdings of portfolio securities, the Fund may also engage in proxy
hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the Fund's
portfolio is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the dollar. Proxy
hedging entails entering into a commitment or option to sell a currency whose
changes in value are generally considered to be correlated to a currency or
currencies in which some or all of the Fund's portfolio securities are or are
expected to be denominated, in exchange for U.S. dollars. The amount of the
commitment or option would not exceed the value of the Fund's securities
denominated in correlated currencies. For example, if the Adviser considers that
the Austrian schilling is correlated to the German deutschemark (the "D-mark"),
the Fund holds securities denominated in schillings and the Adviser believes
that the value of schillings will decline against the U.S. dollar, the Adviser
may enter into a commitment or option to sell D-marks and buy dollars. Currency
hedging involves some of the same risks and considerations as other transactions
with similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in losses to the Fund
if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction
that is not anticipated. Further, there is the risk that the perceived
correlation between various
12
<PAGE>
currencies may not be present or may not be present during the particular time
that the Fund is engaging in proxy hedging. If the Fund enters into a currency
hedging transaction, the Fund will comply with the asset segregation
requirements described below.
Risks of Currency Transactions. The Fund is subject to currency transactions
risks different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency
control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences
economic planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related
instruments can be negatively affected by government exchange controls,
blockages, and manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments.
These can result in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive
currency or funds in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it
has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as
well as incurring transaction costs. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are
subject to the same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Further,
settlement of a currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies
must occur at a bank based in the issuing nation. Trading options on currency
futures is relatively new, and the ability to establish and close out positions
on such options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market which may not
always be available. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors
extrinsic to that country's economy.
Combined Transactions. The Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including
multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions, multiple currency
transactions (including forward currency contracts) and multiple interest rate
transactions and any combination of futures, options, currency and interest rate
transactions ("component" transactions), instead of a single Strategic
Transaction, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the opinion of
the Adviser, it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. A combined
transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of
its component transactions. Although combined transactions are normally entered
into based on the Adviser's judgment that the combined strategies will reduce
risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management
goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or
hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars. Among the Strategic Transactions into which the
Fund may enter are interest rate, currency and index swaps and the purchase or
sale of related caps, floors and collars. The Fund expects to enter into these
transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment
or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency fluctuations, as a
duration management technique or to protect against any increase in the price of
securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. The Fund intends to
use these transactions as hedges and not as speculative investments and will not
sell interest rate caps or floors where they do not own securities or other
instruments providing the income stream the Fund may be obligated to pay.
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g., an exchange of floating
rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a notional amount of
principal. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows on a notional
amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value differential among
them and an index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on a notional amount
based on changes in the values of the reference indices. The purchase of a cap
entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from
the party selling such cap to the extent that a specified index exceeds a
predetermined interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor entitles the
purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party
selling such floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a
predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a
floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest
rates or values.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two payment
streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as these swaps, caps,
floors and collars are entered into for good faith hedging purposes, the Adviser
and the Fund believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities under
the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to its
borrowing restrictions. The Fund will not enter into any swap, cap, floor or
collar transaction unless, at the time of entering into such transaction, the
unsecured long-term debt of the Counterparty, combined with any credit
enhancements, is rated at least A by S&P or Moody's or has an equivalent rating
from a NRSRO or is determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser.
If there is a default by the Counterparty, the Fund may have contractual
remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. The swap market
has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and
investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing
standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become
relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more recent innovations for
which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed and,
accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
Eurodollar Instruments. The Fund may make investments in Eurodollar instruments.
Eurodollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts or options
thereon which are linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate
13
<PAGE>
("LIBOR"), although foreign currency-denominated instruments are available from
time to time. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed
rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings.
The Fund might use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to hedge
against changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed income
instruments are linked.
Risks of Strategic Transactions Outside the U.S. When conducted outside the
U.S., Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as in the U.S.,
may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to
the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign
securities, currencies and other instruments. The value of such positions also
could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and
economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the U.S. of data on which to
make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon economic
events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the U.S., (iv)
the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and
margin requirements than in the U.S., and (v) lower trading volume and
liquidity.
Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts. Many Strategic Transactions, in
addition to other requirements, require that the Fund segregate cash or liquid
assets with its custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian")
to the extent Fund obligations are not otherwise "covered" through ownership of
the underlying security, financial instrument or currency. In general, either
the full amount of any obligation by the Fund to pay or deliver securities or
assets must be covered at all times by the securities, instruments or currency
required to be delivered, or, subject to any regulatory restrictions, an amount
of cash or liquid securities at least equal to the current amount of the
obligation must be segregated with the custodian. The segregated assets cannot
be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are substituted in their place
or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. For example, a call option
written by the Fund will require the Fund to hold the securities subject to the
call (or securities convertible into the needed securities without additional
consideration) or to segregate cash or liquid securities sufficient to purchase
and deliver the securities if the call is exercised. A call option sold by the
Fund on an index will require the Fund to own portfolio securities which
correlate with the index or to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the
excess of the index value over the exercise price on a current basis. A put
option written by the Fund requires the Fund to segregate cash or liquid assets
equal to the exercise price.
Except when the Fund enters into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of
a security denominated in a particular currency, which requires no segregation,
a currency contract which obligates the Fund to buy or sell currency will
generally require the Fund to hold an amount of that currency or liquid
securities denominated in that currency equal to the Fund's obligations or to
segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the amount of the Fund's obligation.
OTC options entered into by the Fund, including those on securities, currency,
financial instruments or indices and OCC issued and exchange listed index
options, will generally provide for cash settlement. As a result, when the Fund
sells these instruments it will only segregate an amount of assets equal to its
accrued net obligations, as there is no requirement for payment or delivery of
amounts in excess of the net amount. These amounts will equal 100% of the
exercise price in the case of a non cash-settled put, the same as an OCC
guaranteed listed option sold by the Fund, or the in-the-money amount plus any
sell-back formula amount in the case of a cash-settled put or call. In addition,
when the Fund sells a call option on an index at a time when the in-the-money
amount exceeds the exercise price, the Fund will segregate, until the option
expires or is closed out, cash or cash equivalents equal in value to such
excess. OCC issued and exchange listed options sold by the Fund other than those
above generally settle with physical delivery, and the Fund will segregate an
amount of assets equal to the full value of the option. OTC options settling
with physical delivery, or with an election of either physical delivery or cash
settlement will be treated the same as other options settling with physical
delivery.
In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon, the Fund must deposit
initial margin and possible daily variation margin in addition to segregating
assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities or
currencies, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based
futures contract. Such assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt
or equity securities or other acceptable assets.
With respect to swaps, the Fund will accrue the net amount of the excess, if
any, of its obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap on a
daily basis and will segregate an amount of cash or liquid high grade securities
having a value equal to the accrued excess. Caps, floors and collars require
segregation of assets with a value equal to the Fund's net obligation, if any.
Strategic Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent with
applicable regulatory policies. The Fund may also enter into offsetting
transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated assets,
equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and Strategic
Transactions. For example, the Fund could purchase a put
14
<PAGE>
option if the strike price of that option is the same or higher than the strike
price of a put option sold by the Fund. Moreover, instead of segregating assets
if the Fund held a futures or forward contract, it could purchase a put option
on the same futures or forward contract with a strike price as high or higher
than the price of the contract held. Other Strategic Transactions may also be
offset in combinations. If the offsetting transaction terminates at the time of
or after the primary transaction no segregation is required, but if it
terminates prior to such time, assets equal to any remaining obligation would
need to be segregated.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may seek to increase its return by
lending portfolio securities. Under present regulatory policies, including those
of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the SEC, such loans
may be made to member firms of the Exchange, and would be required to be secured
continuously by collateral in cash, U.S. Government securities or other high
grade debt obligations or liquid assets maintained on a current basis at an
amount at least equal to the market value and accrued interest of the securities
loaned. The Fund would have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities
loaned on no more than five days' notice. During the existence of a loan, the
Fund would continue to receive the equivalent of the interest paid by the issuer
on the securities loaned and would also receive compensation based on investment
of the collateral. As with other extensions of credit there are risks of delay
in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the
securities fail financially. However, the loans would be made only to firms
deemed by the Adviser to be of good standing, and when, in the judgment of the
Adviser, the consideration which can be earned currently from securities loans
of this type justifies the attendant risk. If the Fund determines to make
securities loans, the value of the securities loaned will not exceed 5% of the
value of the Fund's total assets at the time any loan is made.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends. The Fund intends to follow the practice of distributing all of its
investment company taxable income, which includes any excess of net realized
short-term capital gains over net realized long-term capital losses. The Fund
may follow the practice of distributing the entire excess of net realized
long-term capital gains over net realized short-term capital losses. However,
the Fund may retain all or part of such gain for reinvestment after paying the
related federal income taxes for which the shareholders may then be asked to
claim a credit against their federal income tax liability. (See "Taxes"
hereafter.)
If the Fund does not distribute an amount of capital gain and/or ordinary income
required to be distributed by an excise tax provision of the Code, it may be
subject to such tax. (See "Taxes" hereafter.) In certain circumstances, the Fund
may determine that it is in the interest of shareholders to distribute less than
such an amount.
Earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemptions of Fund shares
may be utilized by the Fund, to the extent permissible, as part of the Fund's
dividend paid deduction on its federal tax return.
The Trust intends to distribute the Fund's investment company taxable income and
any net realized capital gains in November or December to avoid federal excise
tax, although an additional distribution may be made if necessary. Both types of
distributions will be made in shares of the Fund and confirmations will be
mailed to each shareholder unless a shareholder has elected to receive cash, in
which case a check will be sent. Distributions of investment company taxable
income and net realized capital gains are taxable (See "Taxes" hereafter),
whether made in shares or cash.
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 tax purposes as if
received on December 31 of the calendar year declared.
Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. The characterization of distributions on such
correspondence may differ from the characterization for federal tax purposes. In
January of each year the Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the
federal income tax status of all distributions in the prior calendar year.
Dividends paid by the Fund with respect to each class of its shares will be
calculated in the same manner, at the same time and on the same day. The level
of income dividends per share (as a percentage of net asset value) will be lower
for Class B and Class C Shares than for Class A Shares primarily as a result of
the distribution services fee applicable to Class B and Class C Shares.
Distributions of capital gains, if any, will be paid in the same amount for each
class.
Income and capital gain dividends, if any, of the Fund will be credited to
shareholder accounts in full and fractional shares of the same class of the Fund
at net asset value on the reinvestment date, except that, upon written request
to the Shareholder Service Agent, a shareholder may select one of the following
options:
15
<PAGE>
1. To receive income and short-term capital gain dividends in cash and long-term
capital gain dividends in shares of the same class at net asset value; or
2. To receive income and capital gain dividends in cash.
Dividends will be reinvested in Shares of the same class of the Fund unless
shareholders indicate in writing that they wish to receive them in cash or in
Shares of other Kemper Funds as provided in the prospectus. See "Special
Features -- Class A Shares -- Combined Purchases" for a list of such other
Kemper Funds. To use this privilege of investing dividends of the Fund in shares
of another Kemper Fund, shareholders must maintain a minimum account value of
$1,000 in the Fund distributing the dividends. The Fund will reinvest dividend
checks (and future dividends) in shares of that same Fund and class if checks
are returned as undeliverable. Dividends and other distributions of the Fund in
the aggregate amount of $10 or less are automatically reinvested in shares of
the Fund unless the shareholder requests that such policy not be applied to the
shareholder's account.
Taxes. The Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Code or a predecessor statute, and has qualified as
such since its inception. It intends to continue to qualify for such treatment.
Such qualification does not involve governmental supervision or management of
investment practices or policy.
A regulated investment company qualifying under Subchapter M of the Code is
required to distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its investment
company taxable income (including net short-term capital gain) and generally is
not subject to federal income tax to the extent that it distributes annually its
investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains in the manner
required under the Code.
The Fund is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on amounts required to be
but not distributed under a prescribed formula. The formula requires payment to
shareholders during a calendar year of distributions representing at least 98%
of the Fund's ordinary income for the calendar year, at least 98% of the excess
of its capital gains over capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses)
realized during the one-year period ending October 31 during such year, and all
ordinary income and capital gains for prior years that were not previously
distributed.
Investment company taxable income includes dividends, interest and net
short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, less
expenses. Net realized capital gains for a fiscal year are computed by taking
into account any capital loss carryforward of the Fund. Presently, the Fund has
no capital loss carryforwards.
If any net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized short-term
capital losses are retained by the Fund for reinvestment, requiring federal
income taxes to be paid thereon by the Fund, the Fund intends to elect to treat
such capital gains as having been distributed to shareholders. As a result, each
shareholder will report such capital gains as long-term capital gains, will be
able to claim a relative share of federal income taxes paid by the Fund on such
gains as a credit against personal federal income tax liability, and will be
entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis on Fund shares by the difference
between a pro rata share of such gains owned and the individual tax credit.
Distributions of investment company taxable income are taxable to shareholders
as ordinary income.
Dividends from domestic corporations are expected to comprise a substantial part
of the Fund's gross income. To the extent that such dividends constitute a
portion of the Fund's gross income, a portion of the income distributions of the
Fund may be eligible for the deduction for dividends received by corporations.
Shareholders will be informed of the portion of dividends which so qualify. The
dividends-received deduction is reduced to the extent the shares of the Fund
with respect to which the dividends are received are treated as debt-financed
under federal income tax law, and is eliminated if either those shares or the
shares of the Fund are deemed to have been held by the Fund or the shareholder,
as the case may be, for less than 46 days during the 90-day period beginning 45
days before the shares become ex-dividend.
Properly designated distributions of the excess of net long-term capital gain
over net short-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as long-term
capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shares of the Fund have been
held by such shareholders. Such distributions are not eligible for the
dividends-received deduction. Any loss realized upon the redemption of shares
held at the time of redemption for six months or less will be treated as a
long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of
long-term capital gain during such six-month period.
Distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized capital
gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or in cash.
Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of additional shares
will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received
equal to the net asset value of a share on the reinvestment date.
16
<PAGE>
All distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized capital
gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each
shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends and capital gains
distributions declared in October, November or December and payable to
shareholders of record in such a month will be deemed to have been received by
shareholders on December 31 if paid during January of the following year.
Redemptions of shares, including exchanges for shares of another Kemper fund,
may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder and are also
subject to these reporting requirements.
A qualifying individual may make a deductible IRA contribution for any taxable
year only if (i) neither the individual nor his or her spouse (unless filing
separate returns) is an active participant in an employer's retirement plan, or
(ii) the individual (and his or her spouse, if applicable) has an adjusted gross
income below a certain level ($40,050 for married individuals filing a joint
return, with a phase-out of the deduction for adjusted gross income between
$40,050 and $50,000; $25,050 for a single individual, with a phase-out for
adjusted gross income between $25,050 and $35,000). However, an individual not
permitted to make a deductible contribution to an IRA for any such taxable year
may nonetheless make nondeductible contributions up to $2,000 to an IRA (up to
$2,000 per individual for married couples if only one spouse has earned income)
for that year. There are special rules for determining how withdrawals are to be
taxed if an IRA contains both deductible and nondeductible amounts. In general,
a proportionate amount of each withdrawal will be deemed to be made from
nondeductible contributions; amounts treated as a return of nondeductible
contributions will not be taxable. Also, annual contributions may be made to a
spousal IRA even if the spouse has earnings in a given year if the spouse elects
to be treated as having no earnings (for IRA contribution purposes) for the
year.
Distributions by the Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value of the
Fund's shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a
shareholder's cost basis, such distribution would nevertheless be taxable to the
shareholder as ordinary income or capital gain as described above, even though,
from an investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of capital. In
particular, investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares just
prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at that time includes the
amount of the forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing just prior to a
distribution will then receive a partial return of capital upon the
distribution, which will nevertheless be taxable to them.
The Fund may invest in shares of certain foreign corporations which may be
classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). If
the Fund receives a so-called "excess distribution" with respect to PFIC stock,
the Fund itself may be subject to a tax on a portion of the excess distribution.
Certain distributions from a PFIC as well as gains from the sale of the PFIC
shares are treated as "excess distributions." In general, under the PFIC rules,
an excess distribution is treated as having been realized ratably over the
period during which the Fund held the PFIC shares. The Fund will be subject to
tax on the portion, if any, of an excess distribution that is allocated to prior
Fund taxable years and an interest factor will be added to the tax, as if the
tax had been payable in such prior taxable years. Excess distributions allocated
to the current taxable year are characterized as ordinary income even though,
absent application of the PFIC rules, certain excess distributions might have
been classified as capital gain.
The Fund may make an election to mark to market its shares of these foreign
investment companies in lieu of being subject to U.S. federal income taxation.
At the end of each taxable year to which the election applies, the Fund would
report as ordinary income the amount by which the fair market value of the
foreign company's stock exceeds the Fund's adjusted basis in these shares; any
mark to market losses and any loss from an actual disposition of shares would be
deductible as ordinary loss to the extent of any net mark to market gains
included in income in prior years. The effect of the election would be to treat
excess distributions and gain on dispositions as ordinary income which is not
subject to a fund level tax when distributed to shareholders as a dividend.
Alternatively, the Fund may elect to include as income and gain its share of the
ordinary earnings and net capital gain of certain foreign investment companies
in lieu of being taxed in the manner described above.
Equity options (including covered call options on portfolio stock) and
over-the-counter options on debt securities written or purchased by the Fund
will be subject to tax under Section 1234 of the Code. In general, no loss is
recognized by a Fund upon payment of a premium in connection with the purchase
of a put or call option. The character of any gain or loss recognized (i.e.,
long-term or short-term) will generally depend, in the case of a lapse or sale
of the option, on the Fund's holding period for the option, and in the case of
an exercise of a put option, on the Fund's holding period for the underlying
stock. The purchase of a put option may constitute a short sale for federal
income tax purposes, causing an adjustment in the holding period of the
underlying stock or substantially identical stock in the Fund's portfolio. If
the Fund writes a put or call option, no gain is recognized upon its receipt of
a premium. If the option lapses or is closed out, any gain or loss is treated as
a short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option is exercised, any resulting
gain or loss is a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on the
holding
17
<PAGE>
period of the underlying stock. The exercise of a put option written by the Fund
is not a taxable transaction for the Fund.
Many futures contracts and certain foreign currency forward contracts entered
into by the Fund and all listed non-equity options written or purchased by the
Fund (including options on futures contracts and options on broad-based stock
indices) will be governed by Section 1256 of the Code. Absent a tax election to
the contrary, gain or loss attributable to the lapse, exercise or closing out of
any such position generally will be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term
capital gain or loss, and on the last trading day of the Fund's fiscal year, all
outstanding Section 1256 positions will be marked to market (i.e. treated as if
such positions were closed out at their closing price on such day), with any
resulting gain or loss recognized as 60% long-term and 40% short-term. Under
Section 988 of the Code, discussed below, foreign currency gain or loss from
foreign currency-related forward contracts and similar financial instruments
entered into or acquired by the Fund will be treated as ordinary income. Under
certain circumstances, entry into a futures contract to sell a security may
constitute a short sale for federal income tax purposes, causing an adjustment
in the holding period of the underlying security or a substantially identical
security in the Fund's portfolio.
Positions of the Fund which consist of at least one stock and at least one other
position with respect to a related security which substantially diminishes the
Fund's risk of loss with respect to such stock could be treated as a "straddle"
which is governed by Section 1092 of the Code, the operation of which may cause
deferral of losses, adjustments in the holding periods of stock or securities
and conversion of short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. An
exception to these straddle rules exists for certain "qualified covered call
options" on stock written by the Fund.
Positions of the Fund which consist of at least one position not governed by
Section 1256 and at least one futures or forward contract or non-equity option
governed by Section 1256 which substantially diminishes the Fund's risk of loss
with respect to such other position will be treated as a "mixed straddle."
Although mixed straddles are subject to the straddle rules of Section 1092 of
the Code, certain tax elections exist for them which reduce or eliminate the
operation of these rules. The Fund intends to monitor its transactions in
options and futures and may make certain tax elections in connection with these
investments.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, recent tax law changes may require the
Fund to recognize gain (but not loss) from a constructive sale of certain
"appreciated financial positions" if the Fund enters into a short sale,
offsetting notional principal contract, futures or forward contract transaction
with respect to the appreciated position or substantially identical property.
Appreciated financial positions subject to this constructive sale treatment are
interests (including options, futures and forward contracts and short sales) in
stock, partnership interests, certain actively traded trust instruments and
certain debt instruments. Constructive sale treatment of appreciated financial
positions does not apply to certain transactions closed in the 90-day period
ending with the 30th day after the close of the Fund's taxable year, if certain
conditions are met.
Similarly, if a Fund enters into a short sale of property that becomes
substantially worthless, the Fund will be required to recognize gain at that
time as though it had closed the short sale. Future regulations may apply
similar treatment to other strategic transactions with respect to property that
becomes substantially worthless.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates
which occur between the time the Fund accrues receivables or liabilities
denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such
receivables, or pays such liabilities, generally are treated as ordinary income
or ordinary loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a
foreign currency, and on disposition of certain options, futures contracts and
forward contracts, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of
foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and
the date of disposition are also treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains
or losses, referred to under the Code as "Section 988" gains or losses, may
increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable income
to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.
The Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all
distributions of taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from
the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt
shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the
Code, distributions of taxable income and capital gains and proceeds from the
redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated investment company may be
subject to withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 31% in the case of
non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their
taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their
status under the federal income tax law. Withholding may also be required if the
Fund is notified by the IRS or a broker that the taxpayer identification number
furnished by the shareholder is incorrect or that the shareholder has previously
failed to report interest or dividend income. If the withholding provisions are
applicable, any such
18
<PAGE>
distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional
shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld.
Shareholders of the Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on
distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of the Fund's shares.
Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. In January of each year the Fund issues to each
shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.
The Fund is organized as a series of a Massachusetts business trust and is not
liable for any income or franchise tax in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
provided that it qualifies as a regulated investment company for federal income
tax purposes.
The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely to the
application of that law to U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and
U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each shareholder who is not
a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership
of shares of the Fund, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be
subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under an
applicable income tax treaty) on amounts constituting ordinary income received
by him or her, where such amounts are treated as income from U.S. sources under
the Code.
Dividend and interest income received by the Fund from sources outside the U.S.
may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such foreign
jurisdictions. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce
or eliminate these foreign taxes, however, and foreign countries generally do
not impose taxes on capital gains respecting investments by foreign investors.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of the
provisions of tax law described in this Statement of Additional Information in
light of their particular tax situations.
PERFORMANCE
The Shares' historical performance or return for a class of Shares may be shown
in the form of "average annual total return" and "total return" figures. These
measures of performance are described below. Performance information will be
computed separately for each class. The Adviser has agreed to a reduction of its
management fee for the Fund to the extent specified in the prospectus. See
"Investment Manager and Underwriter." This fee reduction will improve the
performance results of the Fund.
The Fund may advertise several types of performance information for a class of
shares, including "average annual total return" and "total return." Performance
information will be computed separately for each of Class A, Class B and Class C
shares. Each of these figures is based upon historical results and is not
representative of the future performance of any class of the Fund.
There may be quarterly periods following the periods reflected in the
performance bar chart in the fund's prospectus which may be higher or lower than
those included in the bar chart.
Average annual total return and total return measure both the net investment
income generated by, and the effect of any realized or unrealized appreciation
or depreciation of, the underlying investments in the Fund's portfolio. The
Fund's average annual total return quotation is computed in accordance with a
standardized method prescribed by rules of the SEC. The average annual total
return for each class of the Fund for a specific period is found by first taking
a hypothetical $1,000 investment ("initial investment") in the class' Shares on
the first day of the period, adjusting to deduct the maximum sales charge (in
the case of Class A Shares), and computing the "redeemable value" of that
investment at the end of the period. Average annual return quotations will be
determined to the nearest 1/100th of 1%. The redeemable value in the case of
Class B Shares or Class C Shares include the effect of the applicable contingent
deferred sales charge that may be imposed at the end of the period. The
redeemable value is then divided by the initial investment, and this quotient is
taken to the Nth root (N representing the number of years in the period) and 1
is subtracted from the result, which is then expressed as a percentage. Average
annual return calculated in accordance with this formula does not take into
account any required payments for federal of state income taxes. Such quotations
for Class B Shares for periods over six years will reflect conversion of such
Shares to Class A Shares at the end of the sixth year. The calculation assumes
that all income and capital gains dividends paid by the Fund have been
reinvested at net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period.
Average annual total return may also be calculated in a
19
<PAGE>
manner not consistent with the standard formula described above, without
deducting the maximum sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Return for the periods ended August 31, 1998*
One Year Life of Class
<S> <C> <C>
Class A -8.20% 15.62%
Class B -5.76% 17.71%
Class C -2.90% 19.0%
</TABLE>
* Average annual total return measures net investment income and
capital gain or loss from portfolio investments, assuming
reinvestment of all dividends. On April 16, 1998, the fund
offered an additional three classes of shares, namely the Class
A, B And C shares described herein. Prior to that date, the fund
consisted of one class of shares which, on that date, were
re-designated as Class S shares of the fund. Returns shown for
Class A, B And C shares for periods prior to their inception are
derived from the historical performance of Class S shares of
Classic Growth Fund during such periods and have been adjusted to
reflect the current maximum 5.75% initial sales charge for Class
A shares or the maximum contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC),
if any, currently applicable to Class B AND C shares. Class S
shares have no sales charges, Rule 12B-1 fees, or Administrative
Service Fees (ASF). Class B share performance is adjusted for the
applicable CDSC, which is 4% within the first year after
purchase, declining to 0% after six years. Class C share
performance is adjusted for a CDSC, which is 1% within the first
year after purchase. The performance figures have not been
adjusted to reflect Rule 12B-1 fees of .75%, which are applicable
to each of Class B and C shares, and ASF of up to .25%, which are
applicable to each of Class A, B and C shares from the date of
each such class's inception. The Rule 12b-1 fees and ASF
applicable to the respective classes of shares of the fund will
affect performance. Class S shares are subject to certain other,
or different levels of, expenses than Classes A, B AND C. The
expenses applicable to Class S have been reflected in the
performance presented. The difference in expenses will affect
performance. The performance figures reflect an expense
limitation of 1.25% of average daily net assets in effect for the
period September 9, 1996 to April 15, 1998. If the Adviser had
not maintained expenses, the total return for the one year and
life of fund periods would have been lower. During the periods
noted, securities prices fluctuated.
Calculation of the Fund's total return is not subject to a standardized formula,
except when calculated for the Fund's financial statements and prospectus. Total
return performance for a specific period is calculated by first taking a
hypothetical investment ("initial investment") in the shares of a class of the
Fund `shares on the first day of the period, either adjusting or not adjusting
to deduct the maximum sales charge (in the case of Class A Shares), and
computing the "ending value" of that investment at the end of the period. The
total return percentage is then determined by subtracting the initial investment
from the ending value and dividing the remainder by the initial investment and
expressing the result as a percentage. The ending value in the case of Class B
Shares or Class C Shares may or may not include the effect of the applicable
contingent deferred sales charge that may be imposed at the end of the period.
The calculation assumes that all income and capital gains dividends paid by the
Fund have been reinvested at net asset value per share on the reinvestment dates
during the period. Total return may also be shown as the increased dollar value
of the hypothetical investment over the period. Total return calculations that
do not include the effect of the sales
20
<PAGE>
charge for Class A Shares or the contingent deferred sales charge for Class B
and Class C Shares would be reduced if such charges were included.
The Fund's performance figures are based upon historical results and are not
necessarily representative of future performance. The Fund's Class A Shares are
sold at net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 5.75% of the offering
price. Class B and Class C Shares are sold at net asset value. Redemption of
Class B Shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge that is 4%
in the first year following the purchase, declines by a specified percentage
each year thereafter and becomes zero after six years. Redemption of Class C
Shares may be subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge in the first year
following the purchase. Returns and net asset value will fluctuate. Factors
affecting the Fund's performance include general market conditions, operating
expenses and investment management. Any additional fees charged by a dealer or
other financial services firm would reduce returns described in this section.
Shares of the Fund are redeemable at the then current net asset value, which may
be more or less than original cost.
There are differences and similarities between the investments which a Fund may
purchase and the investments measured by the indices which are described herein.
The Consumer Price Index is generally considered to be a measure of inflation.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index are
indices of common stocks which are considered to be generally representative of
the U.S. stock market. The Financial Times/Standard & Poor's Actuaries World
Index-Europe(TM) is a managed index that is generally representative of the
equity securities of European markets. The foregoing indices are unmanaged. The
net asset value and returns of a Fund will fluctuate.
Investors may want to compare the performance of the Fund to certificates of
deposit issued by banks and other depository institutions. Certificates of
deposit may offer fixed or variable interest rates and principal is guaranteed
and may be insured. Withdrawal of deposits prior to maturity will normally be
subject to a penalty. Rates offered by banks and other depository institutions
are subject to change at any time specified by the issuing institution.
Information regarding bank products may be based upon, among other things, the
BANK RATE MONITOR National Index(TM) for certificates of deposit, which is an
unmanaged index and is based on stated rates and the annual effective yields of
certificates of deposit in the ten largest banking markets in the United States,
or the CDA Investment Technologies, Inc. Certificate of Deposit Index, which is
an unmanaged index based on the average monthly yields of certificates of
deposit.
Investors also may want to compare the performance of the Fund to that of U.S.
Treasury bills, notes or bonds. Treasury obligations are issued in selected
denominations. Rates of Treasury obligations are fixed at the time of issuance
and payment of principal and interest is backed by the full faith and credit of
the U.S. Treasury. The market value of such instruments will generally fluctuate
inversely with interest rates prior to maturity and will equal par value at
maturity. Information regarding the performance of Treasury obligations may be
based upon, among other things, the Towers Data Systems U.S. Treasury Bill
index, which is an unmanaged index based on the average monthly yield of
treasury bills maturing in six months. Due to their short maturities, Treasury
bills generally experience very low market value volatility.
Investors may want to compare the performance of the Fund to that of money
market funds. Money market funds seek to maintain a stable net asset value and
yield fluctuates. Information regarding the performance of money market funds
may be based upon, among other things, IBC/Donoghue's Money Fund Averages(R)
(All Taxable). As reported by IBC/Donoghue's, all investment results represent
total return (annualized results for the period net of management fees and
expenses) and one year investment results are effective annual yields assuming
reinvestment of dividends.
INVESTMENT MANAGER AND UNDERWRITER
INVESTMENT MANAGER. Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser"), Two
International Place, Boston, Massachusetts, an investment counsel firm, acts as
investment adviser to the Fund. This organization, the predecessor of which is
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc., ("Scudder") is one of the most experienced
investment counsel firms in the U. S. It was established as a partnership in
1919 and pioneered the practice of providing investment counsel to individual
clients on a fee basis. In 1928 it introduced the first no-load mutual fund to
the public. In 1953 the Adviser introduced Scudder International Fund, Inc., the
first mutual fund available in the U.S. investing internationally in securities
of issuers in several foreign countries. The predecessor firm reorganized from a
partnership to a corporation on June 28, 1985. On June 26, 1997, Scudder entered
into an agreement with Zurich Insurance Company ("Zurich") pursuant to which
Scudder and Zurich agreed to form an alliance. On December 31, 1997, Zurich
acquired a majority interest in Scudder, and Zurich Kemper Investments, Inc., a
Zurich subsidiary, became part of Scudder. Scudder's name has been changed to
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. The Adviser manages the Fund's daily investment
and business affairs subject to the policies established by the Trust's Board of
Trustees. The Trustees have overall responsibility for the management of the
Fund under Massachusetts law.
21
<PAGE>
Founded in 1872, Zurich is a multinational, public corporation organized under
the laws of Switzerland. Its home office is located at Mythenquai 2, 8002
Zurich, Switzerland. Historically, Zurich's earnings have resulted from its
operations as an insurer as well as from its ownership of its subsidiaries and
affiliated companies (the "Zurich Insurance Group"). Zurich and the Zurich
Insurance Group provide an extensive range of insurance products and services
and have branch offices and subsidiaries in more than 40 countries throughout
the world.
Pursuant to an investment management agreement with the Fund, the Adviser acts
as the Fund's investment adviser, manages its investments, administers its
business affairs, furnishes office facilities and equipment, provides clerical
and administrative services and permits any of its officers or employees to
serve without compensation as trustees or officers of the Fund if elected to
such positions.
The principal source of the Adviser's income is professional fees received from
providing continuous investment advice, and the firm derives no income from
brokerage or underwriting of securities. Today it provides investment counsel
for many individuals and institutions, including insurance companies, industrial
corporations, and financial and banking organizations.
The Adviser maintains a large research department, which conducts continuous
studies of the factors that affect the position of various industries, companies
and individual securities. The Adviser receives published reports and
statistical compilations from issuers and other sources, as well as analyses
from brokers and dealers who may execute portfolio transactions for the
Adviser's clients. However, the Adviser regards this information and material as
an adjunct to its own research activities. The Adviser's international
investment management team travels the world researching hundreds of companies.
In selecting securities in which the Fund may invest, the conclusions and
investment decisions of the Adviser with respect to the Fund are based primarily
on the analyses of its own research department.
Certain investments may be appropriate for the Fund and also for other clients
advised by the Adviser. Investment decisions for the Fund and other clients are
made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives and after
consideration of such factors as their current holdings, availability of cash
for investment and the size of their investments generally. Frequently, a
particular security may be bought or sold for only one client or in different
amounts and at different times for more than one but less than all clients.
Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one
or more other clients are selling the security. In addition, purchases or sales
of the same security may be made for two or more clients on the same day. In
such event, such transactions will be allocated among the clients in a manner
believed by the Adviser to be equitable to each. In some cases, this procedure
could have an adverse effect on the price or amount of the securities purchased
or sold by the Fund. Purchase and sale orders for the Fund may be combined with
those of other clients of the Adviser in the interest of achieving the most
favorable net results to the Fund.
Because the transaction between Scudder and Zurich resulted in the assignment of
the Fund's investment management agreement with Scudder, that agreement was
deemed to be automatically terminated at the consummation of the transaction. In
anticipation of the transaction, however, a new investment management agreement
between the Trust on behalf of the Fund and the Adviser was approved by the
Trust's Trustees on August 6, 1997. At the special meeting of the Fund's
shareholders held on October 27, 1997, the shareholders also approved the new
investment management agreement. The new investment management agreement (the
"Agreement") became effective as of December 31, 1997 and will be in effect for
an initial term ending on September 30, 1998. The Agreement is in all material
respects on the same terms as the previous investment management agreement which
it supersedes. The Agreement incorporates conforming changes which promote
consistency among all of the funds advised by the Adviser and which permit ease
of administration.
The Agreement dated December 31, 1997 was last approved by the Trustees of the
Fund on August 6, 1998. The Agreement will continue in effect until September
30, 1999 from year to year thereafter only if its continuance is approved
annually by the vote of a majority of those Trustees who are not parties to such
Agreement or interested persons of the Adviser or the Fund, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and either by a vote
of the Trust's Trustees or of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Fund. The Agreement may be terminated at any time without payment of penalty
by either party on sixty days' written notice and automatically terminates in
the event of its assignment.
On September 7, 1998, the businesses of Zurich (including Zurich's 70% interest
in Scudder Kemper) and the financial services businesses of B.A.T Industries
p.l.c. ("B.A.T") were combined to form a new global insurance and financial
services company known as Zurich Financial Services Group. By way of a dual
holding company structure, former
22
<PAGE>
Zurich shareholders initially owned approximately 57% of Zurich Financial
Services Group, with the balance initially owned by former B.A.T shareholders.
Upon consummation of this transaction, the Fund's existing investment management
agreement with Scudder Kemper was deemed to have been assigned and, therefore,
terminated. The Board has approved a new investment management agreement with
Scudder Kemper, which is substantially identical to the current investment
management agreement, except for the date of execution and termination. This
agreement became effective on September 7, 1998 upon the termination of the then
current investment management agreement and was approved at a shareholder
meeting held in December 1998. The Adviser regularly provides the Fund with
continuing investment management for the Fund's portfolio consistent with the
Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions and determines what
securities shall be purchased, held or sold and what portion of the Fund's
assets shall be held uninvested, subject to the Trust's Declaration of Trust,
By-Laws, the 1940 Act, the Code and to the Fund's investment objective, policies
and restrictions, and subject, further, to such policies and instructions as the
Board of Trustees of the Trust may from time to time establish. The Adviser also
advises and assists the officers of the Trust in taking such steps as are
necessary or appropriate to carry out the decisions of its Trustees and the
appropriate committees of the Trustees regarding the conduct of the business of
the Fund.
Under the Agreement, the Adviser renders significant administrative services
(not otherwise provided by third parties) necessary for the Fund's operations as
an open-end investment company including, but not limited to, preparing reports
and notices to the Trustees and shareholders; supervising, negotiating
contractual arrangements with, and monitoring various third-party service
providers to the Fund (such as the Fund's transfer agent, pricing agents,
Custodian, accountants and others); preparing and making filings with the SEC
and other regulatory agencies; assisting in the preparation and filing of the
Fund's federal, state and local tax returns; preparing and filing the Fund's
federal excise tax returns; assisting with investor and public relations
matters; monitoring the valuation of securities and the calculation of net asset
value; monitoring the registration of shares of the Fund under applicable
federal and state securities laws; maintaining the Fund's books and records to
the extent not otherwise maintained by a third party; assisting in establishing
accounting policies of the Fund; assisting in the resolution of accounting and
legal issues; establishing and monitoring the Fund's operating budget;
processing the payment of the Fund's bills; assisting the Fund in, and otherwise
arranging for, the payment of distributions and dividends; and otherwise
assisting the Fund in the conduct of its business, subject to the direction and
control of the Trustees.
The Adviser pays the compensation and expenses of all Trustees, officers and
executive employees (except expenses incurred attending Board and committee
meetings outside New York, New York; Boston, Massachusetts and Chicago,
Illinois) of the Fund affiliated with the Adviser and makes available, without
expense to the Trust, the services of such Trustees, officers and employees of
the Adviser as may duly be elected officers or Trustees of the Trust, subject to
their individual consent to serve and to any limitations imposed by law, and
provides the Fund's office space and facilities.
For these services, the Fund will pay the Adviser an annual fee equal to 0.70%
of the Fund's average daily net assets, payable monthly, provided the Fund will
make such interim payments as may be requested by the Adviser not to exceed 75%
of the amount of the fee then accrued on the books of the Fund and unpaid. The
Adviser had agreed until April 15, 1998 to maintain the total annualized
expenses of the Fund at no more than 1.25% of the average daily net assets of
the Fund. Effective April 16, 1998, the Adviser agreed to waive 0.25% of its
management fee until December 31, 1998. For the fiscal period September 9, 1996
(commencement of operations) to August 31, 1997, the Adviser did not impose any
portion of its management fee amounting to $164,645. For the fiscal year ended
August 31, 1998, the Adviser waived a portion of its management fee amounting to
$281,142, and the fee imposed amounted to $371,001 of which $54,498 was unpaid.
The Adviser has agreed to continue to waive 0.25% of its management fee until
December 31, 1999.
Under the Agreement the Fund is responsible for all of its other expenses
including organizational costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with
membership in investment company organizations; fees and expenses of the Fund's
accounting agent; brokers' commissions; legal, auditing and accounting expenses;
taxes and governmental fees; the fees and expenses of the Transfer Agent; and
any other expenses of issue, sale, underwriting, distribution, redemption or
repurchase of shares; the expenses of and the fees for registering or qualifying
securities for sale; the fees and expenses of Trustees, officers and employees
of the Fund who are not affiliated with the Adviser; the cost of printing and
distributing reports and notices to stockholders; and the fees and disbursements
of custodians. The Fund may arrange to have third parties assume all or part of
the expenses of sale, underwriting and distribution of shares of the Fund. The
Fund is also responsible for its expenses of shareholder meetings, the cost of
responding to
23
<PAGE>
shareholders' inquiries, and its expenses incurred in connection with
litigation, proceedings and claims and the legal obligation it may have to
indemnify its officers and Trustees of the Fund with respect thereto. The
Agreement identifies the Adviser as the exclusive licensee of the rights to use
and sublicense the names "Scudder," "Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc." and
"Scudder, Stevens and Clark, Inc." (together, the "Scudder Marks"). Under this
license, the Trust, with respect to the Fund, has the non-exclusive right to use
and sublicense the Scudder name and marks as part of its name, and to use the
Scudder Marks in the Trust's investment products and services.
In reviewing the terms of the Agreement and in discussions with the Adviser
concerning such Agreement, the Trustees of the Trust who are not "interested
persons" of the Adviser are represented by independent counsel at the Fund's
expense.
The Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any error of
judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection
with matters to which the Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from
willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in
the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by the Adviser of its
obligations and duties under the Agreement.
Officers and employees of the Adviser from time to time may have transactions
with various banks, including the Fund's custodian bank. It is the Adviser's
opinion that the terms and conditions of those transactions which have occurred
were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other Fund
relationships.
The Adviser may serve as adviser to other funds with investment objectives and
policies similar to those of the Funds that may have different distribution
arrangements or expenses, which may affect performance.
None of the officers or Trustees of the Trust may have dealings with the Fund as
principals in the purchase or sale of securities, except as individual
subscribers to or holders of Shares of the Fund.
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser
Employees of the Adviser and certain of its subsidiaries are permitted to make
personal securities transactions, subject to requirements and restrictions set
forth in the Adviser's Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics contains provisions
and requirements designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest
between personal investment activities and the interests of investment advisory
clients such as the Fund. Among other things, the Code of Ethics, which
generally complies with standards recommended by the Investment Company
Institute's Advisory Group on Personal Investing, prohibits certain types of
transactions absent prior approval, imposes time periods during which personal
transactions may not be made in certain securities, and requires the submission
of duplicate broker confirmations and monthly reporting of securities
transactions. Additional restrictions apply to portfolio managers, traders,
research analysts and others involved in the investment advisory process.
Exceptions to these and other provisions of the Code of Ethics may be granted in
particular circumstances after review by appropriate personnel.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER. Pursuant to separate underwriting and distribution
services agreements ("distribution agreements"), Kemper Distributors, Inc.
("KDI"), 222 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606, an affiliate of the
Adviser, is the principal underwriter and distributor for the Class A, B and C
shares of the Fund and acts as agent of the Fund in the continuous offering of
its Shares. KDI bears all of its expenses of providing services pursuant to the
distribution agreement, including the payment of any commissions. The Fund pays
the cost for the prospectus and shareholder reports to be set in type and
printed for existing shareholders, and KDI, as principal underwriter, pays for
the printing and distribution of copies thereof used in connection with the
offering of Shares to prospective investors. KDI also pays for supplementary
sales literature and advertising costs.
The distribution agreement continues in effect from year to year so long as such
continuance is approved for each class at least annually by a vote of the Board
of Trustees of the Fund, including the Trustees who are not interested persons
of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
agreement. The agreement automatically terminates in the event of its assignment
and may be terminated for a class at any time without penalty by the Fund or by
KDI upon 60 days' notice. Termination by the Fund with respect to a class may be
by vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees or a majority of the Trustees who
are not interested persons of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the distribution agreement or a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" of the class of the Fund, as defined under the
1940 Act. The distribution agreement may not be amended for a class to increase
the fee to be paid by the Fund with respect to such class without approval by a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of such class of the Fund, and all
material amendments must in any event be approved by the Board of Trustees in
the manner described above with respect to the continuation of the distribution
agreement.
24
<PAGE>
Class A Shares. The following information concerns the underwriting commissions
paid in connection with the distribution of the Fund's Class A shares for the
fiscal period April 15, 1998 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Commissions Commissions KDI Commissions Paid to KDI
Fiscal Period Retained by KDI Paid to All Firms Affiliated Firms
------------- --------------- ----------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1998 $0 $61,551 $0
</TABLE>
Class B Shares and Class C Shares. The Fund has adopted a plan under Rule 12b-1
(the "Rule 12b-1 Plan") that provides for fees payable as an expense of the
Class B shares and Class C shares that are used by KDI to pay for distribution
and services for those classes. Because 12b-1 fees are paid out of fund assets
on an ongoing basis they will, over time, increase the cost of an investment and
cost more than other types of sales charges.
The table below shows amounts paid in connection with the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan
during its 1998 fiscal year.
Expenses for the Fund and of KDI in connection with the Rule 12b-1 plans for the
Class B and Class C shares are set forth below. A portion of the marketing,
sales and operating expenses shown below could be considered overhead expense.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contingent Total
---------- -----
Distribution Deferred Sales Distribution Fees
------------ -------------- -----------------
Fiscal Year Fees Paid by Charges Paid to Paid by KDI to Distribution Paid by KDI to
- ----------- ------------ --------------- -------------- ---------------------------
1998 Fund to KDI KDI Firms KDI Affiliated Firms
- ---- ----------- --- ----- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class B Shares $6,154 $1,260 $0 $0
------
Class C Shares $396 $15 $505 $0
</TABLE>
25
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Other Distribution Expenses paid by KDI
---------------------------------------
Advertising Marketing Misc.
Fiscal and Prospectus and Sales Operating Interest
Year Literature Printing Expenses Expenses Expenses
- ---- ---------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998
Class B $3,714 $184 $9,338 $1,297 $2,781
Shares
- ------
Class C $560 $29 $1,471 $200 $26
Shares
</TABLE>
Rule 12b-1 Plan. Since the distribution agreement provides for fees payable as
an expense of the Class B shares and the Class C shares that are used by KDI to
pay for distribution services for those classes, that agreement is approved and
reviewed separately for the Class B shares and the Class C shares in accordance
with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which regulates the manner in which an
investment company may, directly or indirectly, bear the expenses of
distributing its shares. As of August 10, 1998, the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan has
been separated from its distribution agreement.
If a Rule 12b-1 Plan (the "Plan") is terminated in accordance with its terms,
the obligation of a Fund to make payments to KDI pursuant to the Plan will cease
and the Fund will not be required to make any payments past the termination
date. Thus, there is no legal obligation for the Fund to pay any expenses
incurred by KDI in excess of its fees under a Plan, if for any reason the Plan
is terminated in accordance with its terms. Future fees under the Plan may or
may not be sufficient to reimburse KDI for its expenses incurred.
For its services under the distribution agreement, KDI receives a fee from the
Fund, payable monthly, at the annual rate of 0.75% of average daily net assets
of the Fund attributable to Class B shares. This fee is accrued daily as an
expense of Class B shares. KDI also receives any contingent deferred sales
charges. KDI currently compensates firms for sales of Class B shares at a
commission rate of 3.75%.
For its services under the distribution agreement, KDI receives a fee from the
Fund, payable monthly, at the annual rate of 0.75% of average daily net assets
of the Fund attributable to Class C shares. This fee is accrued daily as an
expense of Class C shares. KDI currently advances to firms the first year
distribution fee at a rate of 0.75% of the purchase price of Class C shares. For
periods after the first year, KDI currently pays firms for sales of Class C
shares a distribution fee, payable quarterly, at an annual rate of 0.75% of net
assets attributable to Class C shares maintained and serviced by the firm and
the fee continues until terminated by KDI or a Fund. KDI also receives any
contingent deferred sales charges.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES. Administrative services are provided to the Fund under
an administrative services agreement ("administrative agreement") with KDI. KDI
bears all its expenses of providing services pursuant to the administrative
agreement between KDI and the Fund, including the payment of service fees. The
Fund pays KDI an administrative services fee, payable monthly, at an annual rate
of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets of Class A, B and C shares of the
Fund.
KDI enters into related arrangements with various broker-dealer firms and other
service or administrative firms ("firms") that provide services and facilities
for their customers or clients who are investors in the Fund. The firms provide
such office space and equipment, telephone facilities and personnel as is
necessary or beneficial for providing information and services to their clients.
Such services and assistance may include, but are not limited to, establishing
and maintaining accounts and records, processing purchase and redemption
transactions, answering routine inquiries regarding the Fund, assistance to
clients in changing dividend and investment options, account designations and
addresses and such other administrative services as may be agreed upon from time
to time and permitted by applicable statute, rule or regulation. With respect to
Class A Shares, KDI pays each firm a service fee, payable quarterly, at an
annual rate of up to 0.25% of the net assets in Fund accounts that it maintains
and services attributable to Class A Shares, commencing with the month after
investment. With respect to Class B and Class C Shares, KDI currently advances
to firms the first-year service fee at a rate of up to 0.25% of the purchase
price of such Shares. For periods
26
<PAGE>
after the first year, KDI currently intends to pay firms a service fee at a rate
of up to 0.25% (calculated monthly and paid quarterly) of the net assets
attributable to Class B and Class C Shares maintained and serviced by the firm.
After the first year, a firm becomes eligible for the quarterly service fee and
the fee continues until terminated by KDI or the Fund. Firms to which service
fees may be paid may include affiliates of KDI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Administrative Service Fees
Service Fees Total Service Paid by KDI to
Paid by the Fees Paid by KDI-Affiliated
Fund KDI to Firms Firms
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A 1998 $0 $0 $0
Class B 1998 $913 $0 $0
Class C 1998 $0 $0 $0
</TABLE>
KDI also may provide some of the above services and may retain any portion of
the fee under the administrative agreement not paid to firms to compensate
itself for administrative functions performed for the Fund. Currently, the
administrative services fee payable to KDI is based only upon Fund assets in
accounts for which a firm provides administrative services listed on the Fund's
records, and it is intended that KDI will pay all the administrative services
fee that it receives from the Fund to firms in the form of service fees. The
effective administrative services fee rate to be charged against all assets of
the Fund while this procedure is in effect will depend upon the proportion of
Fund assets that is in accounts for which a firm of record provides
administrative services. The Board of Trustees of the Fund, in its discretion,
may approve basing the fee to KDI on all Fund assets in the future.
Certain trustees or officers of the Fund are also directors or officers of the
Adviser or KDI, as indicated under "Officers and Trustees."
FUND ACCOUNTING AGENT. Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation, ("SFAC") Two
International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103, a subsidiary of the
Adviser, computes net asset values for the Fund. The Fund pays Scudder Fund
Accounting Corporation an annual fee equal to 0.025% of the first $150 million
of average daily net assets, 0.075% of such assets in excess of $150 million and
0.045% of such assets in excess of $1 billion, plus holding and transaction
charges for this service. The fee incurred by the Fund for the period September
9, 1996 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 1997 and the fiscal year
ended August 31, 1998 amounted to $39,879 of which $31,546 was not imposed, and
$61,932, respectively, of which $6,468 was unpaid as of August 31, 1998.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICE AGENT. State Street Bank and
Trust Company (the "Custodian"), 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02110, as custodian, has custody of all securities and cash of the Fund held
outside the United States. The Custodian attends to the collection of principal
and income, and payment for and collection of proceeds of securities bought and
sold by the Fund. Kemper Service Company ("KSVC"), 811 Main Street, Kansas City,
Missouri 64105-2005, an affiliate of the Adviser, is the Fund's transfer agent,
dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent for the Fund's Class A, B
and C shares. KSVC receives as transfer agent, annual account fees of $6 per
account plus account set up, transaction and maintenance charges, annual fees
associated with the contingent deferred sales charge (Class B shares only) and
out-of-pocket expense reimbursement.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS AND REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS. The Fund's independent
accountants, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, audit and report on the Fund's annual
financial statements, review certain regulatory reports and the Fund's federal
income tax return, and perform other professional accounting, auditing, tax and
advisory services when engaged to do so by the Fund. Shareholders will receive
annual audited financial statements and semi-annual unaudited financial
statements.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Brokerage Commissions
Allocation of brokerage may be placed by the Adviser.
27
<PAGE>
The primary objective of the Adviser in placing orders for the purchase and sale
of securities for the Fund's portfolio is to obtain the most favorable net
results taking into account such factors as price. commission where applicable,
size of order, difficulty of execution and skill required of the executing
broker/dealer. The Adviser seeks to evaluate the overall reasonableness of
brokerage commissions paid (to the extent applicable) through familiarity with
commissions charged on comparable transactions, as well as by comparing
commissions paid by the Fund to reported commissions paid by others. The Adviser
reviews on a routine basis commission rates, execution and settlement services
performed, making internal and external comparisons.
The Fund's purchases and sales of fixed-income securities are generally placed
by the Adviser with primary market makers for these securities on a net basis,
without any brokerage commission being paid by the Fund. Trading does, however,
involve transaction costs. Transactions with dealers serving as primary market
makers reflect the spread between the bid and asked prices. Purchases of
underwritten issues may be made, which will include an underwriting fee paid to
the underwriter.
When it can be done consistently with the policy of obtaining the most favorable
net results, it is the Adviser's practice to place such orders with
broker/dealers who supply research, market and statistical information to the
Fund. The term "research, market and statistical information" includes advice as
to the value of securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing or
selling securities; the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of
securities; and analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities,
economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts.
The Adviser is not authorized when placing portfolio transactions for the Fund
to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might
charge for executing the same transaction solely on account of the receipt of
research, market or statistical information. In effecting transactions in
over-the-counter securities, orders are placed with the principal market makers
for the security being traded unless, after exercising care, it appears that
more favorable results are available elsewhere.
In selecting among firms believed to meet the criteria for handling a particular
transaction, the Adviser may give consideration to those firms that have sold or
are selling shares of the Fund or other funds managed by the Adviser.
To the maximum extent feasible, it is expected that the Adviser will place
orders for portfolio transactions through Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
("SIS"), a corporation registered as a broker-dealer and a subsidiary of the
Adviser. SIS will place orders on behalf of the Fund with issuers, underwriters
or other brokers and dealers. SIS will not receive any commission, fee or other
remuneration from the Fund for this service.
Although certain research, market and statistical information from
broker/dealers may be useful to the Fund and to the Adviser, it is the opinion
of the Adviser that such information only supplements its own research effort
since the information must still be analyzed, weighed and reviewed by the
Adviser's staff. Such information may be useful to the Adviser in providing
services to clients other than the Fund and not all such information is used by
the Adviser in connection with the Fund. Conversely, such information provided
to the Adviser by broker/dealers through whom other clients of the Adviser
effect securities transactions may be useful to the Adviser in providing
services to the Fund.
The Trustees of the Fund review from time to time whether the recapture for the
benefit of the Fund of some portion of the brokerage commissions or similar fees
paid by the Fund on portfolio transactions is legally permissible and advisable.
The Fund's average portfolio turnover rate is the ratio of the lesser of sales
or purchases to the monthly average value of the portfolio securities owned
during the year, excluding all securities with maturities or expiration dates at
the time of acquisition of one year or less. A higher rate involves greater
brokerage transaction expenses to the Fund and may result in the realization of
net capital gains, which would be taxable to shareholders when distributed.
Purchases and sales are made for the Fund's portfolio whenever necessary, in
management's opinion, to meet the Fund's objective.
For the fiscal period September 9, 1996 (commencement of operations) to
August 31, 1997 and the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the Fund paid
brokerage commissions of $150,026 and $106,423, respectively. For the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1998, $89,824 (84% of the total brokerage commissions
paid) resulted from orders placed, consistent with the policy of obtaining the
most favorable net results, with brokers and dealers who provided supplementary
research market and statistical information to the Fund or the Adviser. The
total amount of brokerage transactions aggregated $129,241,050 of which
$112,106,024 (87% of all brokerage transactions) were transactions which
included research commissions.
28
<PAGE>
Portfolio Turnover
The portfolio turnover rates for each class of the Fund (defined by the SEC as
the ratio of the lesser of sales or purchases to the monthly average value of
such securities owned during the year, excluding all securities whose remaining
maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less) for the fiscal year
ended August 31, 1997 and1998 was 27.4% and 48.5%, respectively.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of shares of the Fund is computed as of the close of regular
trading on the Exchange on each day the Exchange is open for trading. The
Exchange is scheduled to be closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day,
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Net asset value per
share of each class of Classic Growth Fund is computed by dividing the value of
the total assets attributable to shares of a class, less all liabilities
attributable shares of that class, by the total number of outstanding shares of
that class.
An exchange-traded equity security is valued at its most recent sale price.
Lacking any sales, the security is valued at the calculated mean between the
most recent bid quotation and the most recent asked quotation (the "Calculated
Mean"). Lacking a Calculated Mean, the security is valued at the most recent bid
quotation. An equity security which is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market
("Nasdaq") system is valued at its most recent sale price. Lacking any sales,
the security is valued at the most recent bid quotation. The value of an equity
security not quoted on the Nasdaq System, but traded in another over-the-counter
market, is its most recent sale price. Lacking any sales, the security is valued
at the Calculated Mean. Lacking a Calculated Mean, the security is valued at the
most recent bid quotation.
Debt securities, other than short-term securities, are valued at prices supplied
by the Fund's pricing agent(s) which reflect broker/dealer supplied valuations
and electronic data processing techniques. Short-term securities purchased with
remaining maturities of sixty days or less shall be valued by the amortized cost
method, which the Board believes approximates market value. If it is not
possible to value a particular debt security pursuant to these valuation
methods, the value of such security is the most recent bid quotation supplied by
a bona fide marketmaker. If it is not possible to value a particular debt
security pursuant to the above methods, the Adviser may calculate the price of
that debt security, subject to limitations established by the Board.
An exchange traded options contract on securities, currencies, futures and other
financial instruments is valued at its most recent sale price on such exchange.
Lacking any sales, the options contract is valued at the Calculated Mean.
Lacking any Calculated Mean, the options contract is valued at the most recent
bid quotation in the case of a purchased options contract, or the most recent
asked quotation in the case of a written options contract. An options contract
on securities, currencies and other financial instruments traded
over-the-counter is valued at the most recent bid quotation in the case of a
purchased options contract and at the most recent asked quotation in the case of
a written options contract. Futures contracts are valued at the most recent
settlement price. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are valued at the
value of the underlying currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
If a security is traded on more than one exchange, or upon one or more exchanges
and in the over-the-counter market, quotations are taken from the market in
which the security is traded most extensively.
If, in the opinion of the Fund's Valuation Committee, the value of a portfolio
asset as determined in accordance with these procedures does not represent the
fair market value of the portfolio asset, the value of the portfolio asset is
taken to be an amount which, in the opinion of the Valuation Committee,
represents fair market value on the basis of all available information. The
value of other portfolio holdings owned by the Fund is determined in a manner
which, in the discretion of the Valuation Committee most fairly reflects fair
market value of the property on the valuation date.
Following the valuations of securities or other portfolio assets in terms of the
currency in which the market quotation used is expressed ("Local Currency"), the
value of these portfolio assets in terms of U.S. dollars is calculated by
converting the Local Currency into U.S. dollars at the prevailing currency
exchange rate on the valuation date.
29
<PAGE>
PURCHASE, REPURCHASE, AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Fund Shares are sold at their public offering price, which is the net asset
value per such shares next determined after an order is received in proper form
plus, with respect to Class A Shares, an initial sales charge. The minimum
initial investment for Class A, B or C is $1,000 and the minimum subsequent
investment is $100 but such minimum amounts may be changed at any time. The Fund
may waive the minimum for purchases by trustees, directors, officers or
employees of the Fund or the Adviser and its affiliates. An order for the
purchase of Shares that is accompanied by a check drawn on a foreign bank (other
than a check drawn on a Canadian bank in U.S. Dollars) will not be considered in
proper form and will not be processed unless and until the Fund determines that
it has received payment of the proceeds of the check. The time required for such
a determination will vary and cannot be determined in advance.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE ARRANGEMENTS. Class A shares of the Fund are sold to
investors subject to an initial sales charge. Class B shares are sold without an
initial sales charge but are subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A
shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions.
Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares six years after issuance.
Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to
higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares, are subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions within the first year
following purchase, and do not convert into another class. When placing purchase
orders, investors must specify whether the order is for Class A, Class B or
Class C shares.
The primary distinctions among the classes of the Fund's shares lie in their
initial and contingent deferred sales charge structures and in their ongoing
expenses, including asset-based sales charges in the form of Rule 12b-1
distribution fees. These differences are summarized in the table below. Each
class has distinct advantages and disadvantages for different investors, and
investors may choose the class that best suits their circumstances and
objectives.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual 12b-1 Fees
(as a % of average
Sales Charge daily net assets) Other Information
------------ ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Maximum initial sales charge of None Initial sales charge
5.75% of the public offering price waived or reduced for
certain purchases
Class B Maximum contingent deferred sales 0.75% Shares convert to Class A
charge of 4% of redemption shares six years after
proceeds; declines to zero after issuance
six years
Class C Contingent deferred sales charge of 0.75% No conversion feature
1% of redemption proceeds for
redemptions made during first year
after purchase
</TABLE>
(1) Class A shares purchased at net asset value under the "Large Order NAV
Purchase Privilege" may be subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge
if redeemed within one year of purchase and a 0.50% contingent deferred
sales charge if redeemed within the second year of purchase.
The minimum initial investment for each of Class A, B and C of the Fund is
$1,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $100. The minimum initial
investment for an Individual Retirement Account is $250 and the minimum
subsequent investment is $50. Under an automatic investment plan, such as
Bank Direct Deposit, Payroll Direct Deposit or Government Direct Deposit,
the minimum initial and subsequent investment is $50. These minimum amounts
may be changed at any time in management's discretion.
30
<PAGE>
Share certificates will not be issued unless requested in writing and may
not be available for certain types of account registrations. It is
recommended that investors not request share certificates unless needed for
a specific purpose. You cannot redeem shares by telephone or wire transfer
or use the telephone exchange privilege if share certificates have been
issued. A lost or destroyed certificate is difficult to replace and can be
expensive to the shareholder (a bond worth 2% or more of the certificate
value is normally required).
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE -- Class A Shares. The public offering price of
Class A shares for purchasers choosing the initial sales charge alternative is
the net asset value plus a sales charge, as set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Sales Charge
------------
Allowed to Dealers
As a Percentage of As a Percentage of as a Percentage of
Amount of Purchase Offering Price Net Asset Value* Offering Price
- ------------------ -------------- ---------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.20%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50 4.71 4.00
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50 3.63 3.00
$250,000 but less than $500,000 2.60 2.67 2.25
$500,000 but less than $1 million 2.00 2.04 1.75
$1 million and over .00** .00** ***
</TABLE>
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
** Redemption of shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
as discussed below.
*** Commission is payable by KDI as discussed below.
The Fund receives the entire net asset value of all its shares sold. KDI, the
Fund's principal underwriter, retains the sales charge on sales of Class A
shares from which it allows discounts from the applicable public offering price
to investment dealers, which discounts are uniform for all dealers in the United
States and its territories. The normal discount allowed to dealers is set forth
in the above table. Upon notice to all dealers with whom it has sales
agreements, KDI may re-allow to dealers up to the full applicable sales charge,
as shown in the above table, during periods and for transactions specified in
such notice and such re-allowances may be based upon attainment of minimum sales
levels. During periods when 90% or more of the sales charge is re-allowed, such
dealers may be deemed to be underwriters as that term is defined in the
Securities Act of 1933.
Class A shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value to the extent
that the amount invested represents the net proceeds from a redemption of shares
of a mutual fund for which the investment manager does not serve as investment
manager and KDI does not serve as Distributor ("non-Kemper Fund") provided that:
(a) the investor has previously paid either an initial sales charge in
connection with the purchase of the non-Kemper Fund shares redeemed or a
contingent deferred sales charge in connection with the redemption of the
non-Kemper Fund shares, and (b) the purchase of Fund shares is made within 90
days after the date of such redemption. To make such a purchase at net asset
value, the investor or the investor's dealer must, at the time of purchase,
submit a request that the purchase be processed at net asset value pursuant to
this privilege. KDI may in its discretion compensate firms for sales of Class A
shares under this privilege at a commission rate of 0.50% of the amount of Class
A shares purchased. The redemption of the shares of the non-Kemper Fund is, for
Federal income tax purposes, a sale upon which a gain or loss may be realized.
Class A shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value by: (a) any
purchaser, provided that the amount invested in such Fund or other Kemper Fund
listed under "Special Features -- Class A Shares -- Combined Purchases" totals
at least $1,000,000 including purchases of Class A shares pursuant to the
"Combined Purchases," "Letter of Intent" and "Cumulative Discount" features
described under "Special Features"; or (b) a participant-directed qualified
retirement plan described in Code Section 401(a), a participant-directed
non-qualified deferred compensation plan described in Code Section 457 or a
participant-directed qualified retirement plan described in Code Section
403(b)(7) which is not sponsored by a K-12 school district, provided in each
case that such plan has not less than 200 eligible employees (the "Large Order
NAV Purchase Privilege"). Redemption within two years of the purchase of shares
purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege may be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge. See "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares --
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge -- Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege."
KDI may at its discretion compensate investment dealers or other financial
services firms in connection with the sale of Class A shares of the Fund at net
asset value in accordance with the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege up to the
following amounts: 1.00% of the net asset value of shares sold on amounts up to
$5 million, 0.50% on the next $45 million and 0.25% on amounts over $50 million.
The commission schedule will be reset on a calendar year basis for sales of
shares pursuant to the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege to employer-sponsored
employee benefit plans using the subaccount recordkeeping system made available
through Kemper Service Company. For purposes of
31
<PAGE>
determining the appropriate commission percentage to be applied to a particular
sale, KDI will consider the cumulative amount invested by the purchaser in the
Fund and other Kemper Fund listed under "Special Features -- Class A Shares --
Combined Purchases," including purchases pursuant to the "Combined Purchases,"
"Letter of Intent" and "Cumulative Discount" features referred to above. The
privilege of purchasing Class A shares of the Fund at net asset value under the
Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege is not available if another net asset value
purchase privilege also applies.
Class A shares of the Fund or of any other Kemper Fund listed under "Special
Features -- Class A Shares -- Combined Purchases" may be purchased at net asset
value in any amount by members of the plaintiff class in the proceeding known as
Howard and Audrey Tabankin, et al. v. Kemper Short-Term Global Income Fund, et
al., Case No. 93 C 5231 (N.D. IL). This privilege is generally non-transferable
and continues for the lifetime of individual class members and for a ten year
period for non-individual class members. To make a purchase at net asset value
under this privilege, the investor must, at the time of purchase, submit a
written request that the purchase be processed at net asset value pursuant to
this privilege specifically identifying the purchaser as a member of the
"Tabankin Class." Shares purchased under this privilege will be maintained in a
separate account that includes only shares purchased under this privilege. For
more details concerning this privilege, class members should refer to the Notice
of (1) Proposed Settlement with Defendants; and (2) Hearing to Determine
Fairness of Proposed Settlement, dated August 31, 1995, issued in connection
with the aforementioned court proceeding. For sales of Fund shares at net asset
value pursuant to this privilege, KDI may in its discretion pay investment
dealers and other financial services firms a concession, payable quarterly, at
an annual rate of up to 0.25% of net assets attributable to such shares
maintained and serviced by the firm. A firm becomes eligible for the concession
based upon assets in accounts attributable to shares purchased under this
privilege in the month after the month of purchase and the concession continues
until terminated by KDI. The privilege of purchasing Class A shares of the Fund
at net asset value under this privilege is not available if another net asset
value purchase privilege also applies.
Class A shares of a Fund may be purchased at net asset value by persons who
purchase such shares through bank trust departments that process such trades
through an automated, integrated mutual fund clearing program provided by a
third party clearing firm.
Class A shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value in any amount by
certain professionals who assist in the promotion of Kemper Funds pursuant to
personal services contracts with KDI, for themselves or members of their
families. KDI in its discretion may compensate financial services firms for
sales of Class A shares under this privilege at a commission rate of 0.50% of
the amount of Class A shares purchased.
Class A shares of a Fund may be purchased at net asset value by persons who
purchase shares of the Fund through KDI as part of an automated billing and wage
deduction program administered by RewardsPlus of America for the benefit of
employees of participating employer groups.
Class A shares may be sold at net asset value in any amount to: (a) officers,
trustees, employees (including retirees) and sales representatives of the Fund,
its investment manager, its principal underwriter or certain affiliated
companies, for themselves or members of their families; (b) registered
representatives and employees of broker-dealers having selling group agreements
with KDI and officers, directors and employees of service agents of the Fund,
for themselves or their spouses or dependent children; (c) any trust, pension,
profit-sharing or other benefit plan for only such persons; (d) persons who
purchase such shares through bank trust departments that process such trades
through an automated, integrated mutual fund clearing program provided by a
third party clearing firm; and (e) persons who purchase shares of the Fund
through KDI as part of an automated billing and wage deduction program
administered by RewardsPlus of America for the benefit of employees of
participating employer groups. Class A shares may be sold at net asset value in
any amount to selected employees (including their spouses and dependent
children) of banks and other financial services firms that provide
administrative services related to order placement and payment to facilitate
transactions in shares of the Fund for their clients pursuant to an agreement
with KDI or one of its affiliates. Only those employees of such banks and other
firms who as part of their usual duties provide services related to transactions
in Fund shares may purchase Fund Class A shares at net asset value hereunder.
Class A shares may be sold at net asset value in any amount to unit investment
trusts sponsored by Ranson & Associates, Inc. In addition, unitholders of unit
investment trusts sponsored by Ranson & Associates, Inc. or its predecessors may
purchase the Fund's Class A shares at net asset value through reinvestment
programs described in the prospectuses of such trusts that have such programs.
Class A shares of the Fund may be sold at net asset value through certain
investment advisers registered under the 1940 Act and other financial services
firms acting solely as agent for their clients, that adhere to certain standards
established by KDI, including a requirement that such shares be sold for the
benefit of their clients participating in an investment advisory program or
agency commission program under which such clients pay a fee to the investment
adviser or other firm for
32
<PAGE>
portfolio management or agency brokerage services. Such shares are sold for
investment purposes and on the condition that they will not be resold except
through redemption or repurchase by the Fund. The Fund may also issue Class A
shares at net asset value in connection with the acquisition of the assets of or
merger or consolidation with another investment company, or to shareholders in
connection with the investment or reinvestment of income and capital gain
dividends.
The sales charge scale is applicable to purchases made at one time by any
"purchaser" which includes: an individual; or an individual, his or her spouse
and children under the age of 21; or a trustee or other fiduciary of a single
trust estate or single fiduciary account; or an organization exempt from federal
income tax under Section 501(c)(3) or (13) of the Code; or a pension,
profit-sharing or other employee benefit plan whether or not qualified under
Section 401 of the Code; or other organized group of persons whether
incorporated or not, provided the organization has been in existence for at
least six months and has some purpose other than the purchase of redeemable
securities of a registered investment company at a discount. In order to qualify
for a lower sales charge, all orders from an organized group will have to be
placed through a single investment dealer or other firm and identified as
originating from a qualifying purchaser.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE -- Class B Shares. Investors choosing the
deferred sales charge alternative may purchase Class B shares at net asset value
per share without any sales charge at the time of purchase. Since Class B shares
are being sold without an initial sales charge, the full amount of the
investor's purchase payment will be invested in Class B shares for his or her
account. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed upon redemption of
Class B shares. See "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares -- Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge -- Class B Shares."
KDI compensates firms for sales of Class B shares at the time of sale at a
commission rate of up to 3.75% of the amount of Class B shares purchased. KDI is
compensated by the Fund for services as distributor and principal underwriter
for Class B shares. See "Investment Manager and Underwriter."
Class B shares of the Fund will automatically convert to Class A shares of the
Fund six years after issuance on the basis of the relative net asset value per
share of the Class B shares. The purpose of the conversion feature is to relieve
holders of Class B shares from the distribution services fee when they have been
outstanding long enough for KDI to have been compensated for distribution
related expenses. For purposes of conversion to Class A shares, shares purchased
through the reinvestment of dividends and other distributions paid with respect
to Class B shares in a shareholder's Fund account will be converted to Class A
shares on a pro rata basis.
33
<PAGE>
PURCHASE OF CLASS C SHARES. The public offering price of the Class C shares of
the Fund is the next determined net asset value. No initial sales charge is
imposed. Since Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge, the full
amount of the investor's purchase payment will be invested in Class C shares for
his or her account. A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed upon the
redemption of Class C shares if they are redeemed within one year of purchase.
See "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares -- Contingent Deferred Sales Charge --
Class C Shares." KDI currently advances to firms the first year distribution fee
at a rate of 0.75% of the purchase price of such shares. For periods after the
first year, KDI currently intends to pay firms for sales of Class C shares a
distribution fee, payable quarterly, at an annual rate of 0.75% of net assets
attributable to Class C shares maintained and serviced by the firm. KDI is
compensated by the Fund for services as distributor and principal underwriter
for Class C shares. See "Investment Manager and Underwriter."
WHICH ARRANGEMENT IS BEST FOR YOU? The decision as to which class of shares
provides a more suitable investment for an investor depends on a number of
factors, including the amount and intended length of the investment. Investors
making investments that qualify for reduced sales charges might consider Class A
shares. Investors who prefer not to pay an initial sales charge and who plan to
hold their investment for more than six years might consider Class B shares.
Investors who prefer not to pay an initial sales charge but who plan to redeem
their shares within six years might consider Class C shares. Orders for Class B
shares or Class C shares for $500,000 or more will be declined. Orders for Class
B shares or Class C shares by employer sponsored employee benefit plans using
the subaccount record keeping system made available through the Shareholder
Service Agent will be invested instead in Class A shares at net asset value
where the combined subaccount value in the Fund or other Kemper Funds listed
under "Special Features -- Class A Shares -- Combined Purchases" is in excess of
$5 million including purchases pursuant to the "Combined Purchases," "Letter of
Intent" and "Cumulative Discount" features described under "Special Features."
For more information about the three sales arrangements, consult your financial
representative or the Shareholder Service Agent. Financial services firms may
receive different compensation depending upon which class of shares they sell.
GENERAL. Banks and other financial services firms may provide administrative
services related to order placement and payment to facilitate transactions in
shares of the Fund for their clients, and KDI may pay them a transaction fee up
to the level of the discount or commission allowable or payable to dealers, as
described above. Banks are currently prohibited under the Glass-Steagall Act
from providing certain underwriting or distribution services. Banks or other
financial services firms may be subject to various state laws regarding the
services described above and may be required to register as dealers pursuant to
state law. If banking firms were prohibited from acting in any capacity or
providing any of the described services, management would consider what action,
if any, would be appropriate. KDI does not believe that termination of a
relationship with a bank would result in any material adverse consequences to
the Fund.
KDI may, from time to time, pay or allow to firms a 1% commission on the amount
of shares of the Fund sold under the following conditions: (i) the purchased
shares are held in a Kemper IRA account, (ii) the shares are purchased as a
direct "roll over" of a distribution from a qualified retirement plan account
maintained on a participant subaccount record keeping system provided by Kemper
Service Company, (iii) the registered representative placing the trade is a
member of ProStar, a group of persons designated by KDI in acknowledgment of
their dedication to the employee benefit plan area; and (iv) the purchase is not
otherwise subject to a commission.
In addition to the discounts or commissions described above, KDI will, from time
to time, pay or allow additional discounts, commissions or promotional
incentives, in the form of cash or other compensation, to firms that sell shares
of the Fund. Non cash compensation includes luxury merchandise and trips to
luxury resorts. In some instances, such discounts, commissions or other
incentives will be offered only to certain firms that sell during specified time
periods certain minimum amounts of shares of the Fund, or other Fund
underwritten by KDI.
Orders for the purchase of shares of the Fund will be confirmed at a price based
on the net asset value of the Fund next determined after receipt in good order
by KDI of the order accompanied by payment. However, orders received by dealers
or other financial services firms prior to the determination of net asset value
(see "Net Asset Value") and received in good order by KDI prior to the close of
its business day will be confirmed at a price based on the net asset value
effective on that day ("trade date"). The Fund reserves the right to determine
the net asset value more frequently than once a day if deemed desirable. Dealers
and other financial services firms are obligated to transmit orders promptly.
Collection may take significantly longer for a check drawn on a foreign bank
than for a check drawn on a domestic bank. Therefore, if an order is accompanied
by a check drawn on a foreign bank, funds must normally be collected before
shares will be purchased. See "Purchase and Redemption of Shares."
34
<PAGE>
Investment dealers and other firms provide varying arrangements for their
clients to purchase and redeem the Fund's shares. Some may establish higher
minimum investment requirements than set forth above. Firms may arrange with
their clients for other investment or administrative services. Such firms may
independently establish and charge additional amounts to their clients for such
services, which charges would reduce the clients' return. Firms also may hold
the Fund's shares in nominee or street name as agent for and on behalf of their
customers. In such instances, the Fund's transfer agent will have no information
with respect to or control over the accounts of specific shareholders. Such
shareholders may obtain access to their accounts and information about their
accounts only from their firm. Certain of these firms may receive compensation
from the Fund through the Shareholder Service Agent for recordkeeping and other
expenses relating to these nominee accounts. In addition, certain privileges
with respect to the purchase and redemption of shares or the reinvestment of
dividends may not be available through such firms. Some firms may participate in
a program allowing them access to their clients' accounts for servicing
including, without limitation, transfers of registration and dividend payee
changes; and may perform functions such as generation of confirmation statements
and disbursement of cash dividends. Such firms, including affiliates of KDI, may
receive compensation from the Fund through the Shareholder Service Agent for
these services. This prospectus should be read in connection with such firms'
material regarding their fees and services.
The Fund reserves the right to withdraw all or any part of the offering made by
this prospectus and to reject purchase orders for any reason. Also, from time to
time, the Fund may temporarily suspend the offering of any class of its shares
to new investors. During the period of such suspension, persons who are already
shareholders of such class of such Fund normally are permitted to continue to
purchase additional shares of such class and to have dividends reinvested.
TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. Be sure to complete the Tax Identification Number
section of the Fund's application when you open an account. Federal tax law
requires the Fund to withhold 31% of taxable dividends, capital gains
distributions and redemption and exchange proceeds from accounts (other than
those of certain exempt payees) without a 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 Fund
reserves the right to reject new account applications without a correct
certified Social Security or tax identification number. The Fund also reserves
the right, following 30 days' notice, to redeem all shares in accounts without a
correct certified Social Security or tax identification number. A shareholder
may avoid involuntary redemption by providing the applicable Fund with a tax
identification number during the 30-day notice period.
Shareholders should direct their inquiries to Kemper Service Company, 811 Main
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105-2005 or to the firm from which they received
this prospectus.
REDEMPTION OR REPURCHASE OF SHARES
GENERAL. Any shareholder may require the Fund to redeem his or her shares. When
shares are held for the account of a shareholder by the Fund's transfer agent,
the shareholder may redeem such shares by sending a written request with
signatures guaranteed to Kemper Funds, Attention: Redemption Department, P.O.
Box 419557, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6557. When certificates for shares have
been issued, they must be mailed to or deposited with the Shareholder Service
Agent, along with a duly endorsed stock power and accompanied by a written
request for redemption. Redemption requests and a stock power must be endorsed
by the account holder with signatures guaranteed by a commercial bank, trust
company, savings and loan association, federal savings bank, member firm of a
national securities exchange or other eligible financial institution. The
redemption request and stock power must be signed exactly as the account is
registered including any special capacity of the registered owner. Additional
documentation may be requested, and a signature guarantee is normally required,
from institutional and fiduciary account holders, such as corporations,
custodians (e.g., under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act), executors,
administrators, trustees or guardians.
The redemption price for shares of a class of the Fund will be the net asset
value per share of that class of the Fund next determined following receipt by
the Shareholder Service Agent of a properly executed request with any required
documents as described above. Payment for shares redeemed will be made in cash
as promptly as practicable but in no event later than seven days after receipt
of a properly executed request accompanied by any outstanding share certificates
in proper form for transfer. When the Fund is asked to redeem shares for which
it may not have yet received good payment (i.e., purchases by check,
EXPRESS-Transfer or Bank Direct Deposit), it may delay transmittal of redemption
proceeds until it has determined that collected funds have been received for the
purchase of such shares, which will be up to 10 days from receipt by the Fund of
the purchase amount. The redemption within two years of Class A shares purchased
at net asset value under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege may be subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge (see "Purchase of Shares -- Initial Sales
Charge Alternative -- Class A Shares"), the redemption
35
<PAGE>
of Class B shares within six years may be subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge -- Class B Shares" below), and the
redemption of Class C shares within the first year following purchase may be
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (see "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge -- Class C Shares" below).
Because of the high cost of maintaining small accounts, the Fund may assess a
quarterly fee of $9 on any account with a balance below $1,000 for the quarter.
The fee will not apply to accounts enrolled in an automatic investment program,
Individual Retirement Accounts or employer-sponsored employee benefit plans
using the subaccount record-keeping system made available through the
Shareholder Service Agent.
Shareholders can request the following telephone privileges: expedited wire
transfer redemptions and EXPRESS-Transfer transactions (see "Special Features")
and exchange transactions for individual and institutional accounts and
pre-authorized telephone redemption transactions for certain institutional
accounts. Shareholders may choose these privileges on the account application or
by contacting the Shareholder Service Agent for appropriate instructions. Please
note that the telephone exchange privilege is automatic unless the shareholder
refuses it on the account application. The Fund or its agents may be liable for
any losses, expenses or costs arising out of fraudulent or unauthorized
telephone requests pursuant to these privileges unless the Fund or its agents
reasonably believe, based upon reasonable verification procedures, that the
telephonic instructions are genuine. The shareholder will bear the risk of loss,
including loss resulting from fraudulent or unauthorized transactions, so long
as reasonable verification procedures are followed. Verification procedures
include recording instructions, requiring certain identifying information before
acting upon instructions and sending written confirmations.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS. If the proceeds of the redemption (prior to the
imposition of any contingent deferred sales charge) are $50,000 or less and the
proceeds are payable to the shareholder of record at the address of record,
normally a telephone request or a written request by any one account holder
without a signature guarantee is sufficient for redemptions by individual or
joint account holders, and trust, executor and guardian account holders
(excluding custodial accounts for gifts and transfers to minors), provided the
trustee, executor or guardian is named in the account registration. Other
institutional account holders and guardian account holders of custodial accounts
for gifts and transfers to minors may exercise this special privilege of
redeeming shares by telephone request or written request without signature
guarantee subject to the same conditions as individual account holders and
subject to the limitations on liability described under "General" above,
provided that this privilege has been pre-authorized by the institutional
account holder or guardian account holder by written instruction to the
Shareholder Service Agent with signatures guaranteed. Telephone requests may be
made by calling 1-800-621-1048. Shares purchased by check or through
EXPRESS-Transfer or Bank Direct Deposit may not be redeemed under this privilege
of redeeming shares by telephone request until such shares have been owned for
at least 10 days. This privilege of redeeming shares by telephone request or by
written request without a signature guarantee may not be used to redeem shares
held in certificated form and may not be used if the shareholder's account has
had an address change within 30 days of the redemption request. During periods
when it is difficult to contact the Shareholder Service Agent by telephone, it
may be difficult to use the telephone redemption privilege, although investors
can still redeem by mail. The Fund reserves the right to terminate or modify
this privilege at any time.
REPURCHASES (CONFIRMED REDEMPTIONS). A request for repurchase may be
communicated by a shareholder through a securities dealer or other financial
services firm to KDI, which the Fund has authorized to act as its agent. There
is no charge by KDI with respect to repurchases; however, dealers or other firms
may charge customary commissions for their services. Dealers and other financial
services firms are obligated to transmit orders promptly. The repurchase price
will be the net asset value of the Fund next determined after receipt of a
request by KDI. However, requests for repurchases received by dealers or other
firms prior to the determination of net asset value (see "Net Asset Value") and
received by KDI prior to the close of KDI's business day will be confirmed at
the net asset value effective on that day. The offer to repurchase may be
suspended at any time. Requirements as to stock powers, certificates, payments
and delay of payments are the same as for redemptions.
EXPEDITED WIRE TRANSFER REDEMPTIONS. If the account holder has given
authorization for expedited wire redemption to the account holder's brokerage or
bank account, shares of the Fund can be redeemed and proceeds sent by federal
wire transfer to a single previously designated account. Requests received by
the Shareholder Service Agent prior to the determination of net asset value will
result in shares being redeemed that day at the net asset value per Share Fund
effective on that day and normally the proceeds will be sent to the designated
account the following business day. Delivery of the proceeds of a wire
redemption of $250,000 or more may be delayed by the Fund for up to seven days
if the Fund or the Shareholder Service Agent deems it appropriate under
then-current market conditions. Once authorization is on file, the Shareholder
Service Agent will honor requests by telephone at 1-800-621-1048 or in writing,
subject to the limitations on liability described under "General" above. The
36
<PAGE>
Fund is not responsible for the efficiency of the federal wire system or the
account holder's financial services firm or bank. The Fund currently does not
charge the account holder for wire transfers. The account holder is responsible
for any charges imposed by the account holder's firm or bank. There is a $1,000
wire redemption minimum (including any contingent deferred sales charge). To
change the designated account to receive wire redemption proceeds, send a
written request to the Shareholder Service Agent with signatures guaranteed as
described above or contact the firm through which shares of the Fund were
purchased. Shares purchased by check or through EXPRESS-Transfer or Bank Direct
Deposit may not be redeemed by wire transfer until such shares have been owned
for at least 10 days. Account holders may not use this privilege to redeem
shares held in certificated form. During periods when it is difficult to contact
the Shareholder Service Agent by telephone, it may be difficult to use the
expedited wire transfer redemption privilege, although investors can still
redeem by mail. The Fund reserves the right to terminate or modify this
privilege at any time.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE -- LARGE ORDER NAV PURCHASE PRIVILEGE. A
contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed upon redemption of Class A
shares that are purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege as
follows: 1% if they are redeemed within one year of purchase and 0.50% if they
are redeemed during the second year after purchase. The charge will not be
imposed upon redemption of reinvested dividends or share appreciation. The
charge is applied to the value of the shares redeemed, excluding amounts not
subject to the charge. The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived in
the event of: (a) redemptions by a participant-directed qualified retirement
plan described in Code Section 401(a), a participant-directed non-qualified
deferred compensation plan described in Code Section 457 or a
participant-directed qualified retirement plan described in Code Section
403(b)(7) which is not sponsored by a K-12 school district; (b) redemptions by
employer-sponsored employee benefit plans using the subaccount record keeping
system made available through the Shareholder Service Agent; (c) redemption of
shares of a shareholder (including a registered joint owner) who has died; (d)
redemption of shares of a shareholder (including a registered joint owner) who
after purchase of the shares being redeemed becomes totally disabled (as
evidenced by a determination by the federal Social Security Administration); (e)
redemptions under the Fund's Systematic Withdrawal Plan at a maximum of 10% per
year of the net asset value of the account; and (f) redemptions of shares whose
dealer of record at the time of the investment notifies KDI that the dealer
waives the discretionary commission applicable to such Large Order NAV Purchase.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE -- CLASS B SHARES. A contingent deferred sales
charge may be imposed upon redemption of Class B shares. There is no such charge
upon redemption of any share appreciation or reinvested dividends on Class B
shares. The charge is computed at the following rates applied to the value of
the shares redeemed, excluding amounts not subject to the charge.
Year of Redemption Contingent Deferred
After Purchase Sales Charge
- -------------- ------------
First 4%
Second 3%
Third 3%
Fourth 2%
Fifth 2%
Sixth 1%
The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived: (a) in the event of the
total disability (as evidenced by a determination by the federal Social Security
Administration) of the shareholder (including a registered joint owner)
occurring after the purchase of the shares being redeemed, (b) in the event of
the death of the shareholder (including a registered joint owner), (c) for
redemptions made pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan (see "Special Features
- -- Systematic Withdrawal Plan" below), (d) for redemptions made pursuant to any
IRA systematic withdrawal based on the shareholder's life expectancy including,
but not limited to, substantially equal periodic payments described in Internal
Revenue Code Section 72(t)(2)(A)(iv) prior to age 59 1/2 and (e) for redemptions
to satisfy required minimum distributions after age 70 1/2 from an IRA account
(with the maximum amount subject to this waiver being based only upon the
shareholder's Kemper IRA accounts). The contingent deferred sales charge will
also be waived in connection with the following redemptions of shares held by
employer sponsored employee benefit plans maintained on the subaccount record
keeping system made available by the Shareholder Service Agent: (a) redemptions
to satisfy participant loan advances (note that loan repayments constitute new
purchases for purposes of the contingent deferred sales charge and the
conversion privilege), (b) redemptions in connection with retirement
distributions (limited at any one time to 10% of the total value of plan assets
invested in the Fund), (c) redemptions in connection with distributions
qualifying under the hardship provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and (d)
redemptions representing returns of excess contributions to such plans.
37
<PAGE>
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE -- CLASS C SHARES. A contingent deferred sales
charge of 1% may be imposed upon redemption of Class C shares if they are
redeemed within one year of purchase. The charge will not be imposed upon
redemption of reinvested dividends or share appreciation. The charge is applied
to the value of the shares redeemed, excluding amounts not subject to the
charge. The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived: (a) in the event of
the total disability (as evidenced by a determination by the federal Social
Security Administration) of the shareholder (including a registered joint owner)
occurring after the purchase of the shares being redeemed, (b) in the event of
the death of the shareholder (including a registered joint owner), (c) for
redemptions made pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan (limited to 10% of the
net asset value of the account during the first year, see "Special Features --
Systematic Withdrawal Plan"), (d) for redemptions made pursuant to any IRA
systematic withdrawal based on the shareholder's life expectancy including, but
not limited to, substantially equal periodic payments described in Internal
Revenue Code Section 72(t)(2)(A)(iv) prior to age 59 1/2, (e) for redemptions to
satisfy required minimum distributions after age 70 1/2 from an IRA account
(with the maximum amount subject to this waiver being based only upon the
shareholder's Kemper IRA accounts), (f) for any participant-directed redemption
of shares held by employer-sponsored employee benefit plans maintained on the
subaccount record keeping system made available by the Shareholder Service
Agent, and (g) for redemption of shares by an employer sponsored employee
benefit plan that (i) offers funds in addition to Kemper Funds (i.e.,
"multi-manager"), and (ii) whose dealer of record has waived the advance of the
first year administrative service and distribution fees applicable to such
shares and agrees to receive such fees quarterly, and (h) redemption of shares
purchased through a dealer-sponsored asset allocation program maintained on an
omnibus record-keeping system provided the dealer of record has waived the
advance of the first year and administrative services and distribution fees
applicable to such shares and has agreed to receive such fees quarterly.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE -- GENERAL. The following example will
illustrate the operation of the contingent deferred sales charge. Assume that an
investor makes a single purchase of $10,000 of the Fund's Class B shares and
that 16 months later the value of the shares has grown by $1,000 through
reinvested dividends and by an additional $1,000 of share appreciation to a
total of $12,000. If the investor were then to redeem the entire $12,000 in
share value, the contingent deferred sales charge would be payable only with
respect to $10,000 because neither the $1,000 of reinvested dividends nor the
$1,000 of share appreciation is subject to the charge. The charge would be at
the rate of 3% ($300) because it was in the second year after the purchase was
made.
The rate of the contingent deferred sales charge is determined by the length of
the period of ownership. Investments are tracked on a monthly basis. The period
of ownership for this purpose begins the first day of the month in which the
order for the investment is received. For example, an investment made in March
1998 will be eligible for the second year's charge if redeemed on or after March
1, 1999. In the event no specific order is requested when redeeming shares
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, the redemption will be made first
from shares representing reinvested dividends and then from the earliest
purchase of shares. KDI receives any contingent deferred sales charge directly.
REINVESTMENT PRIVILEGE. A shareholder who has redeemed Class A shares of the
Fund or any other Kemper Fund listed under "Special Features -- Class A Shares
- -- Combined Purchases" (other than shares of the Kemper Cash Reserves Fund
purchased directly at net asset value) may reinvest up to the full amount
redeemed at net asset value at the time of the reinvestment in Class A shares of
the Fund or of the other listed Kemper Funds. A shareholder of the Fund or other
Kemper Funds who redeems Class A shares purchased under the Large Order NAV
Purchase Privilege (see "Purchase of Shares -- Initial Sales Charge Alternative
- -- Class A Shares") or Class B shares or Class C shares and incurs a contingent
deferred sales charge may reinvest up to the full amount redeemed at net asset
value at the time of the reinvestment, in the same class of shares as the case
may be, of the Fund or of other Kemper Funds. The amount of any contingent
deferred sales charge also will be reinvested. These reinvested shares will
retain their original cost and purchase date for purposes of the contingent
deferred sales charge schedule. Also, a holder of Class B shares who has
redeemed shares may reinvest up to the full amount redeemed, less any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge that may have been imposed upon the redemption
of such shares, at net asset value in Class A shares of the Fund or of the other
Kemper Funds listed under "Special Features -- Class A Shares -- Combined
Purchases." Purchases through the reinvestment privilege are subject to the
minimum investment requirements applicable to the shares being purchased and may
only be made for Kemper Funds available for sale in the shareholder's state of
residence as listed under "Special Features -- Exchange Privilege." The
reinvestment privilege can be used only once as to any specific shares and
reinvestment must be effected within six months of the redemption. If a loss is
realized on the redemption of shares of the Fund, the reinvestment in shares of
the Fund may be subject to the "wash sale" rules if made within 30 days of the
redemption, resulting in a postponement of the recognition of such loss for
federal income tax purposes. The reinvestment privilege may be terminated or
modified at any time.
REDEMPTION IN KIND. Although it is the Fund's present policy to redeem in cash,
if the Board of Trustees determines that a material adverse effect would be
experienced by the remaining shareholders if payment were made
38
<PAGE>
wholly in cash, the Fund will satisfy the redemption request in whole or in part
by a distribution of portfolio securities in lieu of cash, in conformity with
the applicable rules of the SEC, taking such securities at the same value used
to determine net asset value, and selecting the securities in such manner as the
Board of Trustees may deem fair and equitable. If such a distribution occurred,
shareholders receiving securities and selling them could receive less than the
redemption value of such securities and in addition would incur certain
transaction costs. Such a redemption would not be as liquid as a redemption
entirely in cash. The Trust has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1
under the 1940 Act, as a result of which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares,
with respect to any one shareholder during any 90-day period, solely in cash up
to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of a Share at the
beginning of the period.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Class A Shares -- Combined Purchases. Each Fund's Class A shares (or the
equivalent) may be purchased at the rate applicable to the discount bracket
attained by combining concurrent investments in Class A shares of any of the
following funds: Kemper Adjustable Rate U.S. Government Fund, Kemper Aggressive
Growth Fund, Kemper Asian Growth Fund, Kemper Blue Chip Fund, Kemper California
Tax-Free Income Fund, Kemper Cash Reserves Fund, Kemper Contrarian Fund, Kemper
Diversified Income Fund, Kemper Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Kemper Emerging
Markets Income Fund, Kemper Europe Fund, Kemper Florida Tax-Free Income Fund,
Kemper Global Blue Chip Fund, Kemper Global Income Fund, Kemper Growth Fund,
Kemper High Yield Fund, Kemper High Yield Opportunity, Kemper Horizon 10+
Portfolio, Kemper Horizon 20+ Portfolio, Kemper Horizon 5 Portfolio, Kemper
Income And Capital Preservation Fund, Kemper Intermediate Municipal Bond, Kemper
International Fund, Kemper International Growth and Income Fund, Kemper Large
Company Growth Fund (currently available only to employees of Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc.; not available in all states), Kemper Latin America Fund,
Kemper Municipal Bond Fund, Kemper New York Tax-Free Income Fund, Kemper Ohio
Tax-Free Income Fund, Kemper Quantitative Equity Fund, Kemper Research Fund
(currently available only to employees of Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.; not
available in all states), Kemper Retirement Fund -- Series I, Kemper Retirement
Fund -- Series II, Kemper Retirement Fund -- Series III, Kemper Retirement Fund
- -- Series IV, Kemper Retirement Fund -- Series V, Kemper Retirement Fund --
Series VI, Kemper Retirement Fund -- Series VII, Kemper Short-Intermediate
Government Fund, Kemper Small Cap Value Fund, Kemper Small Cap Value+Growth Fund
(currently available only to employees of Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.; not
available in all states), Kemper Small Capitalization Equity Fund, Kemper Small
Cap Relative Value Fund, Kemper Technology Fund, Kemper Total Return Fund,
Kemper U.S. Government Securities Fund, Kemper U.S. Growth and Income Fund,
Kemper U.S. Mortgage Fund, Kemper Value+Growth Fund, Kemper Worldwide 2004 Fund,
Kemper-Dreman High Return Equity Fund, Kemper-Dreman Financial Services Fund
("Kemper Mutual Funds"). Except as noted below, there is no combined purchase
credit for direct purchases of shares of Zurich Money Funds, Cash Equivalent
Fund, Tax-Exempt California Money Market Fund, Cash Account Trust, Investors
Municipal Cash Fund or Investors Cash Trust ("Money Market Funds"), which are
not considered "Kemper Mutual Funds" for purposes hereof. For purposes of the
Combined Purchases feature described above as well as for the Letter of Intent
and Cumulative Discount features described below, employer sponsored employee
benefit plans using the subaccount record keeping system made available through
the Shareholder Service Agent or its affiliates may include: (a) Money Market
Funds as "Kemper Mutual Funds," (b) all classes of shares of any Kemper Mutual
Fund, and (c) the value of any other plan investments, such as guaranteed
investment contracts and employer stock, maintained on such subaccount record
keeping system.
39
<PAGE>
CLASS A SHARES -- LETTER OF INTENT. The same reduced sales charges for Class A
shares, as shown in the applicable prospectus, also apply to the aggregate
amount of purchases of such Kemper Funds listed above made by any purchaser
within a 24-month period under a written Letter of Intent ("Letter") provided by
KDI. The Letter, which imposes no obligation to purchase or sell additional
Class A shares, provides for a price adjustment depending upon the actual amount
purchased within such period. The Letter provides that the first purchase
following execution of the Letter must be at least 5% of the amount of the
intended purchase, and that 5% of the amount of the intended purchase normally
will be held in escrow in the form of shares pending completion of the intended
purchase. If the total investments under the Letter are less than the intended
amount and thereby qualify only for a higher sales charge than actually paid,
the appropriate number of escrowed shares are redeemed and the proceeds used
toward satisfaction of the obligation to pay the increased sales charge. The
Letter for an employer-sponsored employee benefit plan maintained on the
subaccount record keeping system available through the Shareholder Service Agent
may have special provisions regarding payment of any increased sales charge
resulting from a failure to complete the intended purchase under the Letter. A
shareholder may include the value (at the maximum offering price) of all shares
of such Kemper Funds held of record as of the initial purchase date under the
Letter as an "accumulation credit" toward the completion of the Letter, but no
price adjustment will be made on such shares. Only investments in Class A shares
are included for this privilege.
CLASS A SHARES -- CUMULATIVE DISCOUNT. Class A shares of the Fund may also be
purchased at the rate applicable to the discount bracket attained by adding to
the cost of shares of the Fund being purchased, the value of all Class A shares
of the above mentioned Kemper Funds (computed at the maximum offering price at
the time of the purchase for which the discount is applicable) already owned by
the investor.
CLASS A SHARES -- AVAILABILITY OF QUANTITY DISCOUNTS. An investor or the
investor's dealer or other financial services firm must notify the Shareholder
Service Agent or KDI whenever a quantity discount or reduced sales charge is
applicable to a purchase. Upon such notification, the investor will receive the
lowest applicable sales charge. Quantity discounts described above may be
modified or terminated at any time.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. Shareholders of Class A, Class B and Class C shares may
exchange their shares for shares of the corresponding class of other Kemper
Funds in accordance with the provisions below.
CLASS A SHARES. Class A shares of the Kemper Funds and shares of the Money
Market Funds listed under "Special Features -- Class A Shares -- Combined
Purchases" above may be exchanged for each other at their relative net asset
values. Shares of Money Market Funds and the Kemper Cash Reserves Fund that were
acquired by purchase (not including shares acquired by dividend reinvestment)
are subject to the applicable sales charge on exchange. Series of Kemper Target
Equity Fund are available on exchange only during the Offering Period for such
series as described in the applicable prospectus. Cash Equivalent Fund,
Tax-Exempt California Money Market Fund, Cash Account Trust, Investors Municipal
Cash Fund and Investors Cash Trust are available on exchange but only through a
financial services firm having a services agreement with KDI.
Class A shares of the Fund purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase
Privilege may be exchanged for Class A shares of another Kemper Fund or a Money
Market Fund under the exchange privilege described above without paying any
contingent deferred sales charge at the time of exchange. If the Class A shares
received on exchange are redeemed thereafter, a contingent deferred sales charge
may be imposed in accordance with the foregoing requirements provided that the
shares redeemed will retain their original cost and purchase date for purposes
of calculating the contingent deferred sales charge.
CLASS B SHARES. Class B shares of the Fund and Class B shares of any other
Kemper Fund listed under "Special Features -- Class A Shares -- Combined
Purchases" may be exchanged for each other at their relative net asset values.
Class B shares may be exchanged without a contingent deferred sales charge being
imposed at the time of exchange. For purposes of calculating the contingent
deferred sales charge that may be imposed upon the redemption of the Class B
shares received on exchange, amounts exchanged retain their original cost and
purchase date.
CLASS C SHARES. Class C shares of the Fund and Class C shares of any other
Kemper Fund listed under "Special Features -- Class A Shares -- Combined
Purchases" may be exchanged for each other at their relative net asset values.
Class C shares may be exchanged without a contingent deferred sales charge being
imposed at the time of exchange.
40
<PAGE>
For purposes of determining whether there is a contingent deferred sales charge
that may be imposed upon the redemption of the Class C shares received by
exchange, they retain the cost and purchase date of the shares that were
originally purchased and exchanged.
GENERAL. Shares of a Kemper Fund with a value in excess of $1,000,000 (except
Kemper Cash Reserves Fund) acquired by exchange through another Kemper Fund, or
from a Money Market Fund, may not be exchanged thereafter until they have been
owned for 15 days (the "15-Day Hold Policy"). For purposes of determining
whether the 15-Day Hold Policy applies to a particular exchange, the value of
the shares to be exchanged shall be computed by aggregating the value of shares
being exchanged for all accounts under common control, discretion or advice,
including, without limitation, accounts administered by a financial services
firm offering market timing, asset allocation or similar services. The total
value of shares being exchanged must at least equal the minimum investment
requirement of the Kemper Fund into which they are being exchanged. Exchanges
are made based on relative dollar values of the shares involved in the exchange.
There is no service fee for an exchange; however, dealers or other firms may
charge for their services in effecting exchange transactions. Exchanges will be
effected by redemption of shares of the fund held and purchase of shares of the
other fund. For federal income tax purposes, any such exchange constitutes a
sale upon which a gain or loss may be realized, depending upon whether the value
of the shares being exchanged is more or less than the shareholder's adjusted
cost basis of such shares. Shareholders interested in exercising the exchange
privilege may obtain prospectuses of the other Funds from dealers, other firms
or KDI. Exchanges may be accomplished by a written request to Kemper Service
Company, Attention: Exchange Department, P.O. Box 419557, Kansas City, Missouri
64141-6557, or by telephone if the shareholder has given authorization. Once the
authorization is on file, the Shareholder Service Agent will honor requests by
telephone at 1-800-621-1048, subject to the limitations on liability under
"Redemption or Repurchase of Shares -- General." Any share certificates must be
deposited prior to any exchange of such shares. During periods when it is
difficult to contact the Shareholder Service Agent by telephone, it may be
difficult to use the telephone exchange privilege. The exchange privilege is not
a right and may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time. Exchanges may
only be made for Funds that are available for sale in the shareholder's state of
residence. Currently, Tax-Exempt California Money Market Fund is available for
sale only in California and Investors Municipal Cash Fund is available for sale
only in certain states. Except as otherwise permitted by applicable regulations,
60 days' prior written notice of any termination or material change will be
provided.
SYSTEMATIC EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. The owner of $1,000 or more of any class of the
shares of a Kemper Fund or Money Market Fund may authorize the automatic
exchange of a specified amount ($100 minimum) of such shares for shares of the
same class of another such Kemper Fund. If selected, exchanges will be made
automatically until the privilege is terminated by the shareholder or the Kemper
Fund. Exchanges are subject to the terms and conditions described above under
"Exchange Privilege," except that the $1,000 minimum investment requirement for
the Kemper Fund acquired on exchange is not applicable. This privilege may not
be used for the exchange of shares held in certificated form.
EXPRESS-Transfer. EXPRESS-Transfer permits the transfer of money via the
Automated Clearing House System (minimum $100 and maximum $50,000) from a
shareholder's bank, savings and loan, or credit union account to purchase shares
in the Fund. Shareholders can also redeem Shares (minimum $100 and maximum
$50,000) from their Fund account and transfer the proceeds to their bank,
savings and loan, or credit union checking account. Shares purchased by check or
through EXPRESS-Transfer or Bank Direct Deposit may not be redeemed under this
privilege until such Shares have been owned for at least 10 days. By enrolling
in EXPRESS-Transfer, the shareholder authorizes the Shareholder Service Agent to
rely upon telephone instructions from any person to transfer the specified
amounts between the shareholder's Fund account and the predesignated bank,
savings and loan or credit union account, subject to the limitations on
liability under "Redemption or Repurchase of Shares -- General." Once enrolled
in EXPRESS-Transfer, a shareholder can initiate a transaction by calling Kemper
Shareholder Services toll free at 1-800-621-1048, Monday through Friday, 8:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Chicago time. Shareholders may terminate this privilege by
sending written notice to Kemper Service Company, P.O. Box 419415, Kansas City,
Missouri 64141-6415. Termination will become effective as soon as the
Shareholder Service Agent has had a reasonable amount of time to act upon the
request. EXPRESS-Transfer cannot be used with passbook savings accounts or for
tax-deferred plans such as Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs").
BANK DIRECT DEPOSIT. A shareholder may purchase additional shares of the Fund
through an automatic investment program. With the Bank Direct Deposit Purchase
Plan ("Bank Direct Deposit"), investments are made automatically (maximum
$50,000) from the shareholder's account at a bank, savings and loan or credit
union into the shareholder's Fund account. By enrolling in Bank Direct Deposit,
the shareholder authorizes the Fund and its agents to either draw checks or
initiate Automated Clearing House debits against the designated account at a
bank or other financial institution. This privilege may be selected by
completing the appropriate section on the Account Application
41
<PAGE>
or by contacting the Shareholder Service Agent for appropriate forms. A
shareholder may terminate his or her Plan by sending written notice to Kemper
Service Company, P.O. Box 419415, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6415. Termination
by a shareholder will become effective within thirty days after the Shareholder
Service Agent has received the request. A Fund may immediately terminate a
shareholder's Plan in the event that any item is unpaid by the shareholder's
financial institution. The Fund may terminate or modify this privilege at any
time.
PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT AND GOVERNMENT DIRECT DEPOSIT. A shareholder may invest
in the Fund through Payroll Direct Deposit or Government Direct Deposit. Under
these programs, all or a portion of a shareholder's net pay or government check
is automatically invested in the Fund account each payment period. A shareholder
may terminate participation in these programs by giving written notice to the
shareholder's employer or government agency, as appropriate. (A reasonable time
to act is required.) The Fund is not responsible for the efficiency of the
employer or government agency making the payment or any financial institutions
transmitting payments.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN. The owner of $5,000 or more of a class of the Fund's
shares at the offering price (net asset value plus, in the case of Class A
shares, the initial sales charge) may provide for the payment from the owner's
account of any requested dollar amount to be paid to the owner or a designated
payee monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually. The $5,000 minimum account
size is not applicable to Individual Retirement Accounts. The minimum periodic
payment is $100. The maximum annual rate at which Class B shares may be redeemed
(and Class A shares purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege and
Class C shares in their first year following the purchase) under a systematic
withdrawal plan is 10% of the net asset value of the account. Shares are
redeemed so that the payee will receive payment approximately the first of the
month. Any income and capital gain dividends will be automatically reinvested at
net asset value. A sufficient number of full and fractional shares will be
redeemed to make the designated payment. Depending upon the size of the payments
requested and fluctuations in the net asset value of the shares redeemed,
redemptions for the purpose of making such payments may reduce or even exhaust
the account.
The purchase of Class A shares while participating in a systematic withdrawal
plan will ordinarily be disadvantageous to the investor because the investor
will be paying a sales charge on the purchase of shares at the same time that
the investor is redeeming shares upon which a sales charge may have already been
paid. Therefore, the Fund will not knowingly permit additional investments of
less than $2,000 if the investor is at the same time making systematic
withdrawals. KDI will waive the contingent deferred sales charge on redemptions
of Class A shares purchased under the Large Order NAV Purchase Privilege, Class
B shares and Class C shares made pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan. The
right is reserved to amend the systematic withdrawal plan on 30 days' notice.
The plan may be terminated at any time by the investor or the Fund.
TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS. The Shareholder Service Agent provides
retirement plan services and documents and KDI can establish investor accounts
in any of the following types of retirement plans:
o Traditional, Roth and Education Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs").
This includes Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small Employers
("SIMPLE"), Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SEP") IRA accounts and
prototype documents.
o 403(b)(7) Custodial Accounts. This type of plan is available to employees
of most non-profit organizations.
o Prototype money purchase pension and profit-sharing plans may be adopted by
employers. The maximum annual contribution per participant is the lesser of
25% of compensation or $30,000.
Brochures describing the above plans as well as model defined benefit plans,
target benefit plans, 457 plans, 401(k) plans, simple 401(k) plans and materials
for establishing them are available from the Shareholder Service Agent upon
request. Investors should consult with their own tax advisors before
establishing a retirement plan.
The Fund may suspend the right of redemption or delay payment more than seven
days (a) during any period when the New York Stock Exchange ("Exchange") is
closed other than customary weekend and holiday closings or during any period in
which trading on the Exchange is restricted, (b) during any period when an
emergency exists as a result of which (i) disposal of the Fund's investments is
not reasonably practicable, or (ii) it is not reasonably practicable for the
Fund to determine the value of its net assets, or (c) for such other periods as
the SEC may by order permit for the protection of the Fund's shareholders.
The net asset value per Share of the Fund is determined separately for each
class by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets attributable to that class
by the number of Shares of that class outstanding. The per share net asset value
of the
42
<PAGE>
Class B and Class C Shares of the Fund will generally be lower than that of the
Class A Shares of the Fund because of the higher expenses borne by the Class B
and Class C Shares. The net asset value of Shares of the Fund is computed as of
the close of regular trading on the Exchange on each day the Exchange is open
for trading. The Exchange is scheduled to be closed on the following holidays:
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Although it is the Fund's present policy to redeem in cash, if the Board of
Trustees determines that a material adverse effect would be experienced by the
remaining shareholders if payment were made wholly in cash, the Fund will
satisfy the redemption request in whole or in part by a distribution of
portfolio securities in lieu of cash, in conformity with the applicable rules of
the SEC, taking such securities at the same value used to determine net asset
value, and selecting the securities in such manner as the Board of Trustees may
deem fair and equitable. If such a distribution occurred, shareholders receiving
securities and selling them could receive less than the redemption value of such
securities and in addition would incur certain transaction costs. Such a
redemption would not be so liquid as a redemption entirely in cash.
The conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares may be subject to the
continuing availability of an opinion of counsel, ruling by the Internal Revenue
Service or other assurance acceptable to the Fund to the effect that (a) the
assessment of the distribution services fee with respect to Class B Shares and
not Class A Shares does not result in the Fund's dividends constituting
"preferential dividends" under the Internal Revenue Code, and (b) that the
conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares does not constitute a taxable
event under the Internal Revenue Code. The conversion of Class B Shares to Class
A Shares may be suspended if such assurance is not available. In that event, no
further conversions of Class B Shares would occur, and Shares might continue to
be subject to the distribution services fee for an indefinite period that may
extend beyond the proposed conversion date as described in the prospectus.
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
The officers and trustees of the Trust, their ages, their principal occupations
and their affiliations, if any, with the Adviser, and Scudder Investor Services,
Inc., are as follows (the number following each person's title is the number of
investment companies managed by the Adviser for which he or she holds similar
positions and the date following each person's name is his or her date of
birth):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Position with Underwriter,
Name, Age and Address Position with Trust Principal Occupation** Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
- --------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- --------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Daniel Pierce (64)+*= President and Trustee Managing Director of Scudder Kemper Vice President, Director and
Investments, Inc. Assistant Treasurer
Henry P. Becton, Jr. (55) Trustee President and General Manager, WGBH --
125 Western Avenue Educational Foundation
Allston, MA 02134
Dawn-Marie Driscoll (52) Trustee Executive Fellow, Center for --
4909 SW 9th Place Business Ethics, Bentley College;
Cape Coral, FL 33914 President, Driscoll Associates
Peter B. Freeman (66) Trustee Corporate Director and Trustee --
100 Alumni Avenue
Providence, RI 02906
George M. Lovejoy, Jr. Trustee President and Director, Fifty --
(68)= Associates (real corporation)
50 Congress Street
Suite 543
Boston, MA 02109-4002
43
<PAGE>
Wesley W. Marple, Jr. Trustee Professor of Business --
(66)= Administration, Northeastern
413 Hayden Hall University, College of Business
360 Huntington Ave. Administration
Boston, MA 02115
Kathryn L. Quirk (46)++*= Trustee, Vice Managing Director of Scudder Kemper Senior Vice President,
President and Investments, Inc. Director and Assistant Clerk
Assistant Secretary
Jean C. Tempel (55) Trustee Venture Partner, --
Ten Post Office Square Internet Capital Corp.
Suite 1325
Boston, MA 02109-4603
Bruce F. Beaty (40)++ Vice President Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Philip S. Fortuna (41)@ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper Vice President
Investments, Inc.
William F. Gadsden (43)++ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Robert T. Hoffman (40)++ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Thomas W. Joseph (59)+ Vice President Senior Vice President of Scudder Vice President, Director,
Kemper Investments, Inc. Treasurer and Assistant Clerk
Valerie F. Malter (40)++ Vice President Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Ann McCreary (48) ++ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc.
Thomas F. McDonough (51)+ Vice President and Senior Vice President of Scudder Clerk
Secretary Kemper Investments, Inc.
John R. Hebble (40)+ Treasurer Senior Vice President of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Caroline Pearson (36)+ Assistant Secretary Senior Vice President, Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc. formerly
Associate, Dechert Price & Rhoads,
(law firm) 1989 to 1997.
</TABLE>
* Mr. Pierce and Ms. Quirk are considered by the Trust and counsel to be
persons who are "interested persons" of the Adviser or of the Trust, within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
** Unless otherwise stated, all the Trustees and officers have been associated
with their respective companies for more than five years, but not
necessarily in the same capacity.
= Messrs. Lovejoy, Pierce Marple and Ms. Quirk are members of the Executive
Committee for Investment Trust, which has the power to declare dividends
from ordinary income and distributions of realized capital gains to the
same extent as the Board is so empowered.
+ Address: Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts
++ Address: 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York
@ Address: 101 California Street, Suite 4100, San Francisco, California
The Trustees and officers of the Trust also serve in similar capacities with
other Scudder Funds.
To the knowledge of the Trust, as of November 30, 1998, all Trustees and
officers of the Trust as a group owned beneficially (as that term is defined
under Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) less than 1% of the
Shares of the Fund outstanding on such date.
44
<PAGE>
To the knowledge of the Trust, as of November 30, 1998, no person owned
beneficially more than 5% of the Shares of the Fund outstanding on such date,
with the exception of the following:
Name and Address Class Percentage
- ---------------- ----- ----------
Lincoln Trust Company Ttee B 12.28
P.O. Box 5831
Denver, CO 80217
Everen Clearing Corp Cust C 5.33
Attn Chris Scotto
111 E Kilbourn Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Lincoln Trust Company Ttee C 6.57
P.O. Box 5831
Denver, CO 80217
REMUNERATION
Responsibilities of the Board--Board and Committee Meetings
The Board of Trustees of the Trust is responsible for the general oversight of
the Fund's business. A majority of the Board's members are not affiliated with
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. These "Independent Trustees" have primary
responsibility for assuring that the Fund is managed in the best interests of
its shareholders.
The Board of Trustees meets at least quarterly to review the investment
performance of each Fund of the Trust and other operational matters, including
policies and procedures designated to assure compliance with various regulatory
requirements. At least annually, the Independent Trustees review the fees paid
to Scudder and its affiliates for investment advisory services and other
administrative and shareholder services. In this regard, they evaluate, among
other things, the quality and efficiency of the various other services provided,
costs incurred by Scudder and its affiliates, and comparative information
regarding fees and expenses of competitive funds. They are assisted in this
process by the Fund's independent public accountants and by independent legal
counsel selected by the Independent Trustees.
All of the Independent Trustees serve on the Committee of Independent Trustees,
which nominates Independent Trustees and considers other related matters, and
the Audit Committee, which selects the Fund's independent public accountants and
reviews accounting policies and controls. In addition, Independent Trustees from
time to time have established and served on task forces and subcommittees
focusing on particular matters such as investment, accounting and shareholder
service issues.
Compensation of Officers and Trustees of the Fund
The Independent Trustees receive the following compensation from the Funds of
Investment Trust: an annual trustee's fee of $2,400 for a Fund in which assets
do not exceed $100 million, $4,800 for assets which exceed $100 million, but not
exceeding $1 billion, and $7,200 if assets exceed $1 billion; a fee of $150 for
attendance at each board meeting, audit committee meeting, or other meeting held
for the purposes of considering arrangements between the Trust for the Fund and
Scudder or any affiliate of Scudder; $75 for any other committee meeting
(although in some cases the Independent Trustees have waived committee meeting
fees); and reimbursement of expenses incurred for travel to and from Board
Meetings. No additional compensation is paid to any Independent Trustee for
travel time to meetings, attendance at directors' educational seminars or
conferences, service on industry or association committees, participation as
speakers at directors' conferences, service on special trustee task forces or
subcommittees or service as lead or liaison trustee. Independent Trustees do not
receive any employee benefits such as pension, retirement or health insurance.
The Independent Trustees also serve in the same capacity for other funds managed
by Scudder. These funds differ broadly in type an complexity and in some cases
have substantially different Trustee fee schedules. The following table
45
<PAGE>
shows the aggregate compensation received by each Independent Trustee during
1997 from the Trust and from all of Scudder funds as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INVESTMENT TRUST(1) ALL ADVISER FUNDS
PAID BY PAID BY THE PAID BY PAID BY
NAME THE TRUST ADVISER(2) THE FUNDS THE ADVISER(2)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Henry P. Becton $27,782 $2,100 $114,554 $9,500 (24 funds)
Trustee
Dawn-Marie Driscoll(3) $3,450 $0 $107,722 $8,800 (24 funds)
Trustee
Peter B. Freeman(3) $3,646 $0 $137,011 $14,625 (42 funds)
Trustee
George M. Lovejoy, Jr. $27,757 $2,100 $139,113 $10,700 (22 funds)
Trustee
Wesley W. Marple, Jr. $27,757 $2,100 $121,129 $10,100 (23 funds)
Trustee
Jean C. Tempel $27,982 $2,100 $122,504 $10,100 (23 funds)
Trustee
</TABLE>
46
<PAGE>
(1) Until August 29, 1997, Investment Trust consisted of four funds:
Scudder Growth and Income Fund, Scudder Large Company Growth Fund,
Scudder Classic Growth Fund and Scudder S&P 500 Index. Scudder S&P 500
Index commenced operations on August 29, 1997. Scudder Real Estate
Investment Fund commenced operations on March 2, 1998. Scudder
Dividend & Growth Fund commenced operations on June 1, 1998. Scudder
Tax Managed Growth Fund and Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Growth
Fund each commenced operations on July 31, 1998.
(2) Meetings associated with the Adviser's alliance with Zurich Insurance
Company. See "Investment Adviser" for additional information.
(3) Elected as Trustee on October 24, 1997.
Members of the Board of Trustees who are employees of the Adviser or its
affiliates receive no direct compensation from the Trust, although they are
compensated as employees of the Adviser, or its affiliates, as a result of which
they may be deemed to participate in fees paid by each Fund.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
The Fund is an open-end diversified series of Investment Trust, a Massachusetts
business trust established under a Declaration of Trust dated September 20,
1984, as amended. The name of the Trust was changed, effective April 16, 1998,
from Scudder Classic Growth Fund. The Trust's authorized capital consists of an
unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share.
The Trust's shares are currently divided into four classes, the Scudder Shares,
Kemper Classic Growth Fund Class A, B and C Shares.
The Trust may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest in one
or more series or "Portfolios," all having a par value of $.01, which may be
divided by the Board of Trustees into classes of shares. The Board of Trustees
of the Fund may authorize the issuance of additional classes and additional
Portfolios if deemed desirable, each with its own investment objective, policies
and restrictions. Since the Trust may offer multiple Portfolios, it is known as
a "series company." Currently, the Trust offers four classes of shares of the
Fund. These are Class A, Class B, Class C and Scudder Shares. Shares of a
Portfolio have equal noncumulative voting rights except that Class B and Class C
shares have separate and exclusive voting rights with respect to each such
class' Rule 12b-1 Plan. Shares of each class also have equal rights with respect
to dividends, assets and liquidation of the Fund subject to any preferences
(such as resulting from different Rule 12b-1 distribution fees), rights or
privileges of any classes of shares of the Fund. Shares are fully paid and
nonassessable when issued, are transferable without restriction and have no
preemptive or conversion rights. If shares of more than one Portfolio are
outstanding, shareholders will vote by Portfolio and not in the aggregate or by
class except when voting in the aggregate is required under the 1940 Act, such
as for the election of trustees, or when voting by class is appropriate.
The Fund generally is not required to hold meetings of its shareholders. Under
the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Fund ("Declaration of Trust"),
however, shareholder meetings will be held in connection with the following
matters: (a) the election or removal of trustees if a meeting is called for such
purpose; (b) the adoption of any contract for which approval by shareholders is
required by the 1940 Act; (c) any termination of the Fund or a class to the
extent and as provided in the Declaration of Trust; (d) any amendment of the
Declaration of Trust (other than amendments changing the name of the Fund,
supplying any omission, curing any ambiguity or curing, correcting or
supplementing any defective or inconsistent provision thereof); and (e) such
additional matters as may be required by law, the Declaration of Trust, the
By-laws of the Fund, or any registration of the Fund with the SEC or any state,
or as the trustees may consider necessary or desirable. The shareholders also
would vote upon changes in fundamental policies or restrictions.
Any matter shall be deemed to have been effectively acted upon with respect to a
Fund if acted upon as provided in Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act, or any
successor rule, and in the Trust's Declaration of Trust. As used in the
Prospectuses and in this Statement of Additional Information, the term
"majority", when referring to the approvals to be obtained from shareholders in
connection with general matters affecting the Funds and all additional
portfolios (e.g.,
47
<PAGE>
election of directors), means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the Trust's
Shares represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding Shares are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of
the Trust's outstanding Shares. The term "majority", when referring to the
approvals to be obtained from shareholders in connection with matters affecting
a single Fund or any other single portfolio (e.g., annual approval of investment
management contracts), means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the Shares of
the portfolio represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding Shares of the portfolio are present in person or by proxy, or (ii)
more than 50% of the outstanding Shares of the portfolio.
Each trustee serves until the next meeting of shareholders, if any, called for
the purpose of electing trustees and until the election and qualification of a
successor or until such trustee sooner dies, resigns, retires or is removed by a
majority vote of the Shares entitled to vote (as described below) or a majority
of the trustees. In accordance with the 1940 Act (a) the Fund will hold a
shareholder meeting for the election of trustees at such time as less than a
majority of the trustees have been elected by shareholders, and (b) if, as a
result of a vacancy in the Board of Trustees, less than two-thirds of the
trustees have been elected by the shareholders, that vacancy will be filled only
by a vote of the shareholders.
Any of the Trustees may be removed (provided the aggregate number of Trustees
after such removal shall not be less than one) with cause, by the action of
two-thirds of the remaining Trustees. Any Trustee may be removed at any meeting
of shareholders by vote of two-thirds of the Outstanding Shares. The Trustees
shall promptly call a meeting of the shareholders for the purpose of voting upon
the question of removal of any such Trustee or Trustees when requested in
writing to do so by the holders of not less than ten percent of the Outstanding
Shares, and in that connection, the Trustees will assist shareholder
communications to the extent provided for in Section 16(c) under the 1940 Act.
The Fund's Declaration of Trust specifically authorizes the Board of Trustees to
terminate the Fund or any Portfolio or class by notice to the shareholders
without shareholder approval.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust could,
under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for obligations of the
Fund. The Declaration of Trust, however, disclaims shareholder liability for
acts or obligations of the Fund and requires that notice of such disclaimer be
given in each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by
the Fund or the Fund's trustees. Moreover, the Declaration of Trust provides for
indemnification out of Fund property for all losses and expenses of any
shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund and the Fund
will be covered by insurance which the trustees consider adequate to cover
foreseeable tort claims. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial
loss on account of shareholder liability is considered by the Adviser remote and
not material, since it is limited to circumstances in which a disclaimer is
inoperative and the Fund itself is unable to meet its obligations.
The assets of the Trust received for the issue or sale of the Shares of each
series and all income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, subject only to
the rights of creditors, are specifically allocated to such series and
constitute the underlying assets of such series. The underlying assets of each
series are segregated on the books of account and are to be charged with the
liabilities in respect to such series and with a proportionate share of the
general liabilities of the Trust. If a series were unable to meet its
obligations, the assets of all other series may in some circumstances be
available to creditors for that purpose, in which case the assets of such other
series could be used to meet liabilities which are not otherwise properly
chargeable to them. Expenses with respect to any two or more series are to be
allocated in proportion to the asset value of the respective series except where
allocations of direct expenses can otherwise be fairly made. The officers of the
Trust, subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, have the power to
determine which liabilities are allocable to a given series, or which are
general or allocable to two or more series. In the event of the dissolution or
liquidation of the Trust or any series, the holders of the Shares of any series
are entitled to receive as a class the underlying assets of such Shares
available for distribution to shareholders.
Further, the Fund's Board of Trustees may determine, without prior shareholder
approval, in the future that the objectives of the Fund would be achieved more
effectively by investing in a master fund in a master/feeder fund structure.
The Fund's activities are supervised by the Trust's Board of Trustees. The Trust
has adopted a plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 (the "Plan") under the 1940 Act to
permit the Trust to establish a multiple class distribution system.
Under the Plan, shares of each class represent an equal pro rata interest in the
Fund and, generally, shall have identical voting, dividend, liquidation, and
other rights, preferences, powers, restrictions, limitations, qualifications and
terms and conditions, except that: (1) each class shall have a different
designation; (2) each class of shares shall bear its own "class expenses;" (3)
each class shall have exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to
shareholders that relates to its administrative services, shareholder services
or distribution arrangements; (4) each class shall have separate voting rights
on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one class
differ from the interests of any
48
<PAGE>
other class; (5) each class may have separate and distinct exchange privileges;
(6) each class may have different conversion features, and (7) each class may
have separate account size requirements. Expenses currently designated as "Class
Expenses" by the Trust's Board of Trustees under the Plan include, for example,
transfer agency fees attributable to a specific class, and certain securities
registration fees.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Other Information
The CUSIP number of each class is Class A 811167 600; Class B 811167 709; and
Class C 811167 808.
The Fund has a fiscal year ending August 31.
Many of the investment changes in the Fund will be made at prices different from
those prevailing at the time they may be reflected in a regular report to
shareholders of the Fund. These transactions will reflect investment decisions
made by the Adviser in light of the Fund's investment objectives and policies,
its other portfolio holdings and tax considerations, and should not be construed
as recommendations for similar action by other investors.
Costs of $11,434 incurred by Scudder Classic Growth Fund in conjunction with its
organization are amortized on a straight line basis over a five-year period
beginning September 9, 1996.
Portfolio securities of the Fund are held separately pursuant to a custodian
agreement, by the Fund's custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225
Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
The law firm of Dechert Price & Rhoads is counsel to the Fund.
The name "Classic Growth Fund" is the designation of the Trust for the time
being under a Declaration of Trust dated April 1998, as amended from time to
time, and all persons dealing with the Fund must look solely to the property of
the Fund for the enforcement of any claims against the Fund as neither the
Trustees, officers, agents, shareholders nor other series of the Trust assume
any personal liability for obligations entered into on behalf of the Fund. No
other series of the Trust assumes any liabilities for obligations entered into
on behalf of the Fund. Upon the initial purchase of Shares, the shareholder
agrees to be bound by the Fund's Declaration of Trust, as amended from time to
time. The Declaration of Trust is on file at the Massachusetts Secretary of
State's Office in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Fund's Kemper Shares prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information
omit certain information contained in the Registration Statement and its
amendments which the Fund has filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of
1933 and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement for further
information with respect to the Fund and the securities offered hereby. The
Registration Statement and its amendments, are available for inspection by the
public at the SEC in Washington, D.C.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements, including the investment portfolio of the Fund,
together with the Report of Independent Accountants, Financial Highlights and
notes to financial statements in the Annual Report to the Shareholders of the
Fund dated August 31, 1998, are incorporated herein by reference and are hereby
deemed to be a part of this Statement of Additional Information.
Effective April 16, 1998, the Trust's Board of Trustees has approved a name
change of the Fund from Scudder Classic Growth Fund to Classic Growth Fund. In
addition, the Board of Trustees has subdivided the Fund into classes. The
financial statements incorporated herein reflect the investment performance of
the Fund for the year of the aforementioned redesignation of shares.
49
