SCUDDER
INVESTMENTS(SM)
[LOGO]
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EQUITY/GROWTH
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Scudder
Preferred Series
Scudder Tax Managed
Growth Fund Fund #306
Scudder Tax Managed Small
Company Fund Fund #307
Prospectus
March 1, 2000
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) does not approve
or disapprove these shares or determine
whether the information in this prospectus
is truthful or complete. It is a criminal
offense for anyone to inform you otherwise.
<PAGE>
Scudder Preferred Series
How the funds work
2 Tax Managed Growth Fund
6 Tax Managed Small Company Fund
10 Other Policies and Risks
11 Who Manages and Oversees the Funds
14 Financial Highlights
How to invest in the funds
17 How to Buy Shares
18 How to Exchange or Sell Shares
19 Policies You Should Know About
24 Understanding Distributions and Taxes
<PAGE>
How the funds work
These funds invest mainly in stocks, as a way of seeking growth of your
investment. Each fund actively seeks to maximize after-tax returns.
Remember that mutual funds are investments, not bank deposits. They're not
insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency, and you could
lose money by investing in them.
You can access all Scudder fund prospectuses online at: www.scudder.com
<PAGE>
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fund number | 306
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund
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Investment Approach
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital on an after-tax basis. The fund
invests at least 80% of total assets in common stocks and other equities of
established medium- to large-sized U.S. companies.
In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers begin by assigning ratings to the
companies in the Russell 1000 Index, favoring those with strong and sustainable
earnings growth and positive stock price movements. A quantitative stock
valuation model compares each company's stock price to earnings, book value,
sales and other measures of performance potential. The managers also consider
each company's relative valuation from several perspectives. The managers intend
to diversify the fund's holdings across industries and companies, typically
investing no more than 3% of total assets in any one security.
The managers actively use tax management techniques to maximize the fund's
after-tax performance. These techniques include:
o investing for the long term in order to avoid short-term capital gains
o keeping close track of stocks to identify those which will generate the
lowest taxes and selling those stocks first
o taking advantage of opportunities to use capital losses to offset capital
gains
The fund will normally sell a stock when the managers believe it is overvalued
or when its fundamental factors have changed, subject in either case to
consideration of the tax consequences on the overall portfolio.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
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OTHER INVESTMENTS
While most of the fund's equities are common stocks, some may be other types of
equities, such as convertible stocks or preferred stocks. The fund may invest up
to 20% of its total assets in U.S. Treasury obligations.
Although the fund is permitted to use various types of derivatives (contracts
whose value is based on, for example, indices, currencies or securities), the
managers don't intend to use them as principal investments, and might not use
them at all.
2
<PAGE>
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[ICON] This fund may be appropriate for investors who are investing
outside of tax-protected programs such as IRAs and want to
maximize their after-tax returns.
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Main Risks to Investors
There are several risk factors that could hurt the fund's performance, cause you
to lose money or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
As with most stock funds, the most important factor with this fund is how stock
markets perform. When stock prices fall, you should expect the value of your
investment to fall as well. Because a stock represents ownership in its issuer,
stock prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product demand and other
business risks. These may affect single companies as well as groups of
companies.
Although the fund uses many tax management techniques, it will still distribute
capital gains (some of which may be short-term) and may distribute dividends,
which generally are taxed as ordinary income.
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of economic trends,
industries, companies or other matters
o derivatives could produce disproportionate losses
o at times, it might be hard to value some investments or to get an
attractive price for them
3 | Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund
<PAGE>
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[ICON] While a fund's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of
how it will do in the future, it can be valuable for an
investor to know.
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The Fund's Track Record
The bar chart shows the fund's return for its first complete calendar year. The
table shows average annual total returns for the fund and a broad-based market
index (which, unlike the fund, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the fund and the index varies over time. All figures on this
page assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
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Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31
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THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
BAR CHART DATA:
'99 0.48
Best Quarter: 10.16%, Q2 1999 Worst Quarter: -10.77%, Q3 1999
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Average Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31/1999
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1 Year Since Inception*
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Fund 0.48 14.18
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Index 21.04 35.97
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Index: Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (S&P 500 Index), an
unmanaged capitalization-weighted index that includes 500 large-cap U.S. stocks.
* Fund inception: 9/18/98. Index comparison begins 9/30/98.
In both the table and the chart, total returns would have been lower if
operating expenses hadn't been reduced.
4 | Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
This fund has no sales charge or other shareholder fees, other than a short-term
redemption/exchange fee. The fund does have annual operating expenses, and as a
shareholder you pay them indirectly.
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Fee Table
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Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment)
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Redemption/Exchange fee, on shares owned less than a
year (as a % of amount redeemed) 2.00%
Annual Operating Expenses (deducted from fund assets)
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Management Fee 0.80%
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Distribution (12b-1) Fee None
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Other Expenses* 4.60%
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Total Annual Operating Expenses 5.40%
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Expense Reimbursement 4.15%
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Net Annual Operating Expenses** 1.25%
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* Includes costs of shareholder servicing, custody, accounting services
and similar expenses, which may vary with fund size and other factors.
** By contract, total annual operating expenses are capped at 1.25%
through 2/28/2001.
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Expense Example
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Based on the figures above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example is designed to help you compare this fund's expenses to
those of other funds. The example assumes operating expenses remain the same and
that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns and reinvested all dividends
and distributions and sold your shares at the end of each period. This is only
an example; actual expenses will be different.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
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$127 $1,243 $2,350 $5,080
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5 | Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund
<PAGE>
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fund number | 307
Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund
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Investment Approach
The fund seeks long-term growth of capital on an after-tax basis. The fund
invests at least 80% of total assets in undervalued securities of small public
U.S. companies similar in size or smaller than those in the Russell 2000 Index
of small stocks (typically less than $2 billion in total market value).
The portfolio managers begin by searching for small companies that appear to be
undervalued. A quantitative stock valuation model compares each company's stock
price to earnings, book value, sales and other measures of performance
potential. The managers also look for factors that may signal a rebound for a
company, whether through a recovery in its markets, a change in business
strategy or other factors. The managers intend to diversify the fund's holdings
across industries and companies, typically investing in more than 150
securities, but not investing more than 2% of total assets in any one security.
The managers actively use tax management techniques to maximize the fund's
after-tax performance. These techniques include:
o investing for the long term in order to avoid short-term capital gains
o keeping close track of stocks to identify those which will generate the
lowest taxes and selling those stocks first
o taking advantage of opportunities to use capital losses to offset
capital gains
The fund will normally sell a stock when it has outgrown the capitalization
limits of the Russell 2000 Index, when it is no longer considered undervalued or
when fundamental factors have changed, subject in any case to consideration of
the tax consequences on the overall portfolio.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
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OTHER INVESTMENTS
While most of the fund's equities are common stocks, some may be other types of
equities, such as convertible stocks or preferred stocks. The fund may invest up
to 20% of its total assets in U.S. Treasury obligations.
Although the fund is permitted to use various types of derivatives (contracts
whose value is based on, for example, indices, currencies or securities), the
managers don't intend to use them as principal investments, and might not use
them at all.
6 | Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund
<PAGE>
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[ICON] This fund may appeal to investors who want to invest in small
company stocks and can accept an above-average level of risk
while maximizing their after-tax returns.
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Main Risks to Investors
There are several risk factors that could hurt the fund's performance, cause you
to lose money or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
As with most stock funds, the most important factor with this fund is how stock
markets perform -- in this case, the small company portion of the U.S. market.
When small company stock prices fall, you should expect the value of your
investment to fall as well. Small company stocks tend to be more volatile than
stocks of larger companies, in part because small companies tend to be less
established than larger companies and more vulnerable to competitive challenges
and bad economic news. Because a stock represents ownership in its issuer, stock
prices can be hurt by poor management, shrinking product demand and other
business risks. These may affect single companies as well as groups of
companies.
Although the fund uses many tax management techniques, the fund will still
distribute capital gains (some of which may be short-term) and may distribute
dividends, which generally are taxed as ordinary income.
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of economic trends,
industries, companies or other matters
o value stocks could become unpopular
o derivatives could produce disproportionate losses
o at times, it might be hard to value some investments or to get an
attractive price for them
7 | Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund
<PAGE>
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[ICON] While a fund's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of
how it will do in the future, it can be valuable for an
investor to know.
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The Fund's Track Record
The bar chart shows the fund's return for its first complete calendar year. The
table shows average annual total returns for the fund and a broad-based market
index (which, unlike the fund, does not have any fees or expenses). The
performance of both the fund and the index varies over time. All figures on this
page assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
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Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31
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THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
BAR CHART DATA:
'99 0.77
Best Quarter: 21.07%, Q2 1999 Worst Quarter: -10.11%, Q1 1999
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Average Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31/1999
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1 Year Since Inception*
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Fund 0.77 8.36
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Index 21.26 31.66
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Index: Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted measure of
approximately 2,000 small U.S. stocks.
* Fund inception: 9/18/98. Index comparison begins 9/30/98.
In both the table and the chart, total returns would have been lower if
operating expenses hadn't been reduced.
8 | Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
This fund has no sales charge or other shareholder fees, other than a short-term
redemption/exchange fee. The fund does have annual operating expenses, and as a
shareholder you pay them indirectly.
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Fee Table
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Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment)
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Redemption/Exchange fee, on shares owned less than a
year (as a % of amount redeemed) 2.00%
Annual Operating Expenses (deducted from fund assets)
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Management Fee 0.90%
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Distribution (12b-1) Fee None
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Other Expenses* 6.97%
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Total Annual Operating Expenses 7.87%
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Expense Reimbursement 6.37%
-------
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Net Annual Operating Expenses** 1.50%
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* Includes costs of shareholder servicing, custody, accounting services
and similar expenses, which may vary with fund size and other factors.
** By contract, total annual operating expenses are capped at 1.50%
through 2/28/2001.
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Expense Example
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Based on the figures above (including one year of capped expenses in each
period), this example is designed to help you compare this fund's expenses to
those of other funds. The example assumes operating expenses remain the same and
that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns and reinvested all dividends
and distributions and sold your shares at the end of each period. This is only
an example; actual expenses will be different.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
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$153 $1,735 $3,228 $6,602
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9 | Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund
<PAGE>
Other Policies and Risks
While the fund-by-fund sections on the previous pages describe the main points
of each fund's strategy and risks, there are a few other issues to know about:
o Although major changes tend to be infrequent, a fund's Board could
change that fund's investment goal without seeking shareholder
approval.
o As a temporary defensive measure, either of these funds could shift up
to 100% of its assets into investments such as money market securities.
This could prevent losses, but would mean that the fund was not
pursuing its objective.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
This prospectus doesn't tell you about every policy or risk of investing in the
funds.
If you want more information on the funds' allowable securities and investment
practices and the characteristics and risks of each one, you may want to request
a copy of the Statement of Additional Information (the back cover tells you how
to do this).
Keep in mind that there is no assurance that any mutual fund will achieve its
goal.
10
<PAGE>
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[ICON] Scudder Kemper, the company with overall responsibility for
managing the funds, takes a team approach to asset management.
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Who Manages and Oversees the Funds
The investment adviser
The funds' investment adviser is Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., 345 Park
Avenue, New York, NY. Scudder Kemper has more than 80 years of experience
managing mutual funds, and currently has more than $290 billion in assets under
management.
Each fund is managed by a team of investment professionals, who individually
represent different areas of expertise and who together develop investment
strategies and make buy and sell decisions. Supporting the fund managers are
Scudder Kemper's many economists, research analysts, traders and other
investment specialists, located in offices across the United States and around
the world.
As payment for serving as investment adviser, Scudder Kemper receives a
management fee from each fund. Below are the actual rates paid by each fund for
the 12 months through the most recent fiscal year end, as a percentage of
average daily net assets.
Fund Name Fee Paid
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Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund 0%*
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Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund 0%*
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* Reflecting the effect of expense limitations and/or fee waivers then in
effect.
11
<PAGE>
The portfolio managers
The following people handle the day-to-day management of each fund in this
prospectus.
Scudder Tax Managed Scudder Tax Managed
Growth Fund Small Company Fund
Robert Tymoczko James M. Eysenbach
Lead Portfolio Manager Lead Portfolio Manager
o Began investment career in 1992 o Began investment career in 1984
o Joined the adviser in 1997 o Joined the adviser in 1991
o Joined the fund team in 1998 o Joined the fund team in 1998
Mark Berroth Calvin S. Young
o Began investment career in 1993 o Began investment career in 1988
o Joined the adviser in 1993 o Joined the adviser in 1990
o Joined the fund team in 2000 o Joined the fund team in 1998
12
<PAGE>
The Board
A mutual fund's Board is responsible for the general oversight of the fund's
business. The majority of the Board is not affiliated with Scudder Kemper. These
independent members have primary responsibility for assuring that each fund is
managed in the best interests of its shareholders. The following people comprise
each fund's Board.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Henry P. Becton, Jr. George M. Lovejoy, Jr.
o President and General Manager, o President and Director, Fifty
WGBH Educational Foundation Associates (real estate corporation)
Wesley W. Marple, Jr.
Linda C. Coughlin o Professor of Business
o Managing Director, Scudder Administration, Northeastern
Kemper Investments, Inc. University, College of Business
o President of the funds Administration
Dawn-Marie Driscoll Kathryn L. Quirk
o Executive Fellow, Center for o Managing Director, Scudder Kemper
Business Ethics, Bentley College Investments, Inc.
o President, Driscoll Associates o Vice President and
(consulting firm) Assistant Secretary of the fund
Peter B. Freeman Jean C. Tempel
o Corporate director and trustee o Venture Partner,
Internet Capital Corp.
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
These tables are designed to help you understand each fund's financial
performance in recent years. The figures in the first part of each table are for
a single share. The total return figures represent the percentage that an
investor in a particular fund would have earned (or lost), assuming all
dividends and distributions were reinvested. This information has been audited
by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with each fund's financial
statements, is included in that fund's annual report (see "Shareholder reports"
on the back cover).
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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Years Ended October 31, 1999 1998(b)
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<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period $12.73 $12.00
-------------------
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Income from investment operations:
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Net investment income (a) .04 .01
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Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments .94 .72
-------------------
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Total from investment operations .98 .73
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Distributions to shareholders from net investment income (.06) --
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Redemption fee .01 --
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Net asset value, end of period $13.66 $12.73
-------------------
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Total Return (%) (c) 7.77 6.08(d)**
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Ratios and Supplemental Data
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Net assets, end of period ($ millions) 4 2
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Ratio of operating expenses to average daily net assets (%) 1.25 1.25*
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Ratio of operating expenses, before expense reductions,
to average daily net assets (%) 5.40 25.9*
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Ratio of net investment income to average daily net assets (%) .29 .42*
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Portfolio turnover rate (%) 60.8 --
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</TABLE>
(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) For the period September 18, 1998 (commencement of operations) to
October 31, 1998.
(c) Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been
reduced.
(d) Shareholders redeeming shares held less than one year will have a lower
total return due to the effect of the 2% redemption fee.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
14
<PAGE>
Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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Years ended October 31, 1999 1998(b)
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<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period $12.42 $12.00
-------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment (loss) (a) (.07) --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments .24 .42
-------------------
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Total from investment operations .17 .42
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Less distributions from net investment income (.05) --
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Redemption fees .04 --
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Net asset value, end of period $12.58 $12.42
-------------------
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Total Return (%) (c) 1.69 3.50(d)**
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Ratios and Supplemental Data
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Net assets, end of period ($ millions) 2 2
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Ratio of operating expenses, net to average daily net assets (%) 1.50 1.50*
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Ratio of operating expenses, before expense reductions,
to average daily net assets (%) 7.87 38.75*
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Ratio of net investment (loss) to average daily net assets (%) (.55) (0.13)*
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Portfolio turnover rate (%) 21.4 --
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</TABLE>
(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) For the period September 18, 1998 (commencement of operations) to
October 31, 1998.
(c) Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been
reduced.
(d) Shareholders redeeming shares held less than one year will have a lower
total return due to the effect of the 2% redemption fee.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
15
<PAGE>
How to invest in the funds
The following pages tell you how to invest in these funds and what to expect as
a shareholder. If you're investing directly with Scudder, all of this
information applies to you.
If you're investing through a "third party provider" -- for example, a workplace
retirement plan, financial supermarket or financial adviser -- your provider may
have its own policies or instructions, and you should follow those.
<PAGE>
How to Buy Shares
Use these instructions to invest directly with Scudder. Make out your check to
"The Scudder Funds."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First investment Additional investments
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<S> <C> <C>
$10,000 or more for regular $100 or more for regular
accounts accounts
$1,000 or more for IRAs $50 or more for IRAs
$50 or more with an Automatic
Investment Plan
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By mail or express o Fill out and sign an o Send a check and a Scudder
(see below) application investment slip to us at the
appropriate address below
o Send it to us at the
appropriate address, along o If you don't have an
with an investment check investment slip, simply include
a letter with your name,
account number, the full
name of the fund and your
investment instructions
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By wire o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for
instructions instructions
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By phone -- o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for
instructions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With an automatic -- o To set up regular investments
investment from a bank checking account,
plan call 1-800-SCUDDER
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Using -- o Call 1-800-SCUDDER
QuickBuy
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</TABLE>
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[ICON] Regular mail:
The Scudder Funds, PO Box 2291, Boston, MA 02107-2291
Express, registered or certified mail:
The Scudder Funds, 66 Brooks Drive, Braintree, MA 02184-3839
Fax number: 1-800-821-6234 (for exchanging and selling only)
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17
<PAGE>
How to Exchange or Sell Shares
Use these instructions to exchange or sell shares in an account opened directly
with Scudder. Remember that there is a 2% fee payable to these funds for
exchanges or redemptions of shares held for less than one year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exchanging into another fund Selling shares
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<S> <C> <C>
$2,500 or more to open a new Some transactions, including
account ($1,000 for IRAs) most for over $100,000, can
only be ordered in writing; if
$100 or more for exchanges you're in doubt, see page 21
between existing accounts
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By phone or wire o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for
instructions instructions
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Using SAIL(TM) o Call 1-800- 343-2890 and o Call 1-800-343-2890 and
follow the instructions follow the instructions
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By mail, Write a letter that includes: Write a letter that includes:
express or fax
(see previous o the fund, class and account o the fund, class and account
page) number you're exchanging number from which you want to
out of sell shares
o the dollar amount or number o the dollar amount or number
of shares you want to exchange of shares you want to sell
o the name and class of the o your name(s), signature(s)
fund you want to exchange into and address, as they appear on
your account
o your name(s), signature(s)
and address, as they appear o a daytime telephone number
on your account
o a daytime telephone number
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With an automatic -- o To set up regular cash
withdrawal payments from a Scudder
plan account, call 1-800-SCUDDER
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using -- o Call 1-800-SCUDDER
QuickSell
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE>
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[ICON] Questions? You can speak to a Scudder representative between 8
a.m. and 8 p.m. eastern time on any fund business day by
calling 1-800-SCUDDER.
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Policies You Should Know About
Along with the instructions on the previous pages, the policies below may affect
you as a shareholder. Some of this information, such as the section on dividends
and taxes, applies to all investors, including those investing through
investment providers.
If you are investing through an investment provider, check the materials you got
from them. As a general rule, you should follow the information in those
materials wherever it contradicts the information given here. Please note that
an investment provider may charge its own fees.
Policies about transactions
The funds are open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange is open.
Each fund calculates its share price every business day, as of the close of
regular trading on the Exchange (typically 4 p.m. eastern time, but sometimes
earlier, as in the case of scheduled half-day trading or unscheduled suspensions
of trading).
You can place an order to buy or sell shares at any time. Once your order is
received by Scudder Service Corporation, and they have determined that it is a
"good order," it will be processed at the next share price calculated.
Because orders placed through investment providers must be forwarded to Scudder
Service Corporation before they can be processed, you'll need to allow extra
time. A representative of your investment provider should be able to tell you
when your order will be processed.
19
<PAGE>
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[ICON] The Scudder Web site can be a valuable resource for
shareholders with Internet access. Go to www.scudder.com to
get up-to-date information, review balances or even place
orders for exchanges.
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SAIL(TM), the Scudder Automated Information Line, is available 24 hours a day by
calling 1-800-343-2890. You can use SAIL to get information on Scudder funds
generally and on accounts held directly at Scudder. You can also use it to make
exchanges and sell shares.
QuickBuy and QuickSell let you set up a link between a Scudder account and a
bank account. Once this link is in place, you can move money between the two
with a phone call. You'll need to make sure your bank has Automated Clearing
House (ACH) services. To set up QuickBuy or QuickSell on a new account, see the
account application; to add it to an existing account, call 1-800-SCUDDER.
When you call us to sell shares, we may record the call, ask you for certain
information, or take other steps designed to prevent fraudulent orders. It's
important to understand that as long as we take reasonable steps to ensure that
an order appears genuine, we are not responsible for any losses that may occur.
When you ask us to send or receive a wire, please note that while we don't
charge a fee to receive wires, we will deduct a $5 fee from all wires sent from
us to your bank. Your bank may charge its own fees for handling wires. The funds
can only accept wires of $100 or more.
Exchanges among Scudder funds are an option for shareholders who bought their
fund shares directly from Scudder and many other investors as well. Exchanges
are a shareholder privilege, not a right: we may reject any exchange order,
particularly when there appears to be a pattern of "market timing" or other
frequent purchases and sales. We may also reject purchase orders, for these or
other reasons.
20
<PAGE>
When you want to sell more than $100,000 worth of shares, you'll usually need to
place your order in writing and include a signature guarantee. The only
exception is if you want money wired to a bank account that is already on file
with us; in that case, you don't need a signature guarantee. Also, you don't
need a signature guarantee for an exchange, although we may require one in
certain other circumstances.
A signature guarantee is simply a certification of your signature -- a valuable
safeguard against fraud. You can get a signature guarantee from most brokers,
banks, savings institutions and credit unions. Note that you can't get a
signature guarantee from a notary public.
Money from shares you sell is normally sent out within one business day of when
your order is processed (not when it is received), although it could be delayed
for up to seven days. There are also two circumstances when it could be longer:
when you are selling shares you bought recently by check and that check hasn't
cleared yet (maximum delay: 15 days) or when unusual circumstances prompt the
SEC to allow further delays.
21
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] If you ever have difficulty placing an order by phone or fax,
you can always send us your order in writing.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How the funds calculate share prices
For each fund in this prospectus, the price at which you buy shares is its net
asset value per share, or NAV. To calculate NAV, the funds use the following
equation:
TOTAL ASSETS - TOTAL LIABILITIES
------------------------------------- = NAV
TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
The price at which you sell shares of each fund is also the fund's NAV, minus a
2.00% redemption/exchange fee on shares owned less than one year. You won't be
charged this fee if you're investing in an employer-sponsored retirement plan
that is set up directly with Scudder. If your employer-sponsored retirement plan
is through a third-party investment provider, or if you are investing through an
IRA or other individual retirement account, the fee will apply. Certain other
types of accounts, as discussed in the Statement of Additional Information, may
be eligible for this waiver.
We typically use market prices to value securities. However, when a market price
isn't available, or when we have reason to believe it doesn't represent market
realities, we may use fair value methods approved by a fund's Board. In such a
case, a fund's value for a security is likely to be different from quoted market
prices.
22
<PAGE>
Other rights we reserve
You should be aware that we may do any of the following:
o withhold 31% of your distributions as federal income tax if you have
been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding, or
if you fail to provide us with a correct taxpayer ID number or
certification that you are exempt from backup withholding
o charge you $10 a year if your account balance falls below $10,000, and
close your account and send you the proceeds if your balance falls
below $250; in either case, we will give you 60 days' notice so you can
either increase your balance or close your account (these policies
don't apply to retirement accounts, to investors with $100,000 or more
in Scudder fund shares or in any case where a fall in share price
created the low balance)
o reject a new account application if you don't provide a correct Social
Security or other tax ID number; if the account has already been
opened, we may give you 30 days' notice to provide the correct number
o pay you for shares you sell by "redeeming in kind," that is, by giving
you marketable securities (which typically will involve brokerage costs
for you to liquidate) rather than cash; in most cases, the fund
generally won't make a redemption in kind in marketable securities
unless your requests over a 90-day period total more than $250,000 or
1% of the value of the fund's net assets, whichever is less
o change, add or withdraw various services, fees and account policies
(for example, we may change or terminate the exchange privilege at any
time)
23
<PAGE>
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[ICON] Because each shareholder's tax situation is unique, it's
always a good idea to ask your tax professional about the tax
consequences of your investments, including any state and
local tax consequences.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Understanding Distributions and Taxes
By law, a mutual fund is required to pass through to its shareholders virtually
all of its net earnings. A fund can earn money in two ways: by receiving
interest, dividends or other income from securities it holds, and by selling
securities for more than it paid for them. (A fund's earnings are separate from
any gains or losses stemming from your own purchase of shares.) A fund may not
always pay a distribution for a given period.
The funds intend to pay dividends and distributions to their shareholders in
December, and if necessary may do so at other times as well.
You can choose how to receive your dividends and distributions. You can have
them all automatically reinvested in fund shares or all sent to you by check.
Tell us your preference on your application. If you don't indicate a preference,
your dividends and distributions will all be reinvested. For retirement plans,
reinvestment is the only option.
Buying and selling fund shares will usually have tax consequences for you
(except in an IRA or other tax-advantaged account). Your sales of shares may
result in a capital gain or loss for you; whether long-term or short-term
depends on how long you owned the shares. For tax purposes, an exchange is the
same as a sale.
24
<PAGE>
The tax status of the fund earnings you receive, and your own fund transactions,
generally depends on their type:
Generally taxed at ordinary income rates
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o short-term capital gains from selling fund shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o taxable income dividends you receive from a fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o short-term capital gains distributions you receive from a
fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Generally taxed at capital gains rates
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o long-term capital gains from selling fund shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o long-term capital gains distributions you receive from a
fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Each fund will send you detailed tax information every January. These statements
tell you the amount and the tax category of any dividends or distributions you
received. They also have certain details on your purchases and sales of shares.
The tax status of dividends and distributions is the same whether you reinvest
them or not. Dividends or distributions declared in the last quarter of a given
year are taxed in that year, even though you may not receive the money until the
following January.
If you invest right before a fund pays a dividend, you'll be getting some of
your investment back as a taxable dividend. You can avoid this, if you want, by
investing after the fund declares a dividend. In tax-advantaged retirement
accounts you don't need to worry about this.
Corporations may be able to take a dividends-received deduction for a portion of
income dividends they receive.
25
<PAGE>
Notes
<PAGE>
Notes
<PAGE>
Notes
<PAGE>
Notes
<PAGE>
To Get More Information
Shareholder reports -- These include commentary from each fund's management team
about recent market conditions and the effects of a fund's strategies on its
performance. For each fund, they also have detailed performance figures, a list
of everything the fund owns, and the fund's financial statements. Shareholders
get these reports automatically. To reduce costs, we mail one copy per
household. For more copies, call 1-800-SCUDDER.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI) -- This tells you more about each
fund's features and policies, including additional risk information. The SAI is
incorporated by reference into this document (meaning that it's legally part of
this prospectus).
If you'd like to ask for copies of these documents, or if you're a shareholder
and have questions, please contact Scudder or the SEC (see below). Materials you
get from Scudder are free; those from the SEC involve a copying fee. If you
like, you can look over these materials at the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC or request them electronically at [email protected].
Scudder Funds SEC
PO Box 2291 450 Fifth Street,
Boston, MA 02107-2291 N.W. Washington, DC 20549-0102
1-800-SCUDDER 1-202-942-8090
www.scudder.com www.sec.gov
Fund Name SEC File #
---------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund 811-43
---------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund 811-43
---------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
SCUDDER TAX MANAGED GROWTH FUND
SCUDDER TAX MANAGED SMALL COMPANY FUND
Each a series of Investment Trust
Two No-Load (No Sales Charges) Mutual Funds, Each Seeking
Long-Term Growth of Capital on an After-Tax Basis Through
Diversified Investment in U.S. Equity Securities.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
March 1, 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should be read
in conjunction with the prospectus for Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund and
Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund dated March 1, 2000, as amended from time
to time, a copy of which may be obtained without charge by writing to Scudder
Investor Services, Inc., Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02110-4103.
The Annual Report to Shareholders of Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund and Scudder
Tax Managed Small Company Fund dated October 31, 1999, is incorporated by
reference and is hereby deemed to be part of this Statement of Additional
Information.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
<S> <C>
THE FUNDS'INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES...................................................................1
Introduction to Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund and Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund...........1
General Investment Objective and Policies............................................................2
Investments..........................................................................................2
Investment Strategies................................................................................3
Master/feeder structure.............................................................................13
Investment Restrictions.............................................................................13
PURCHASES....................................................................................................15
Additional Information About Opening An Account.....................................................15
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments..........................................15
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments by QuickBuy..............................15
Checks..............................................................................................16
Wire Transfer of Federal Funds......................................................................16
Share Price.........................................................................................17
Share Certificates..................................................................................17
Other Information...................................................................................17
EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS....................................................................................17
Exchanges...........................................................................................17
Special Redemption and Exchange Information.........................................................18
Redemption By Telephone.............................................................................19
Redemption by QuickSell.............................................................................20
Redemption by Mail or Fax...........................................................................20
Redemption-in-Kind..................................................................................20
Other Information...................................................................................21
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND....................................................................21
The No-Load Concept.................................................................................21
Internet access.....................................................................................22
Dividends and Capital Gains Distribution Options....................................................22
Scudder Investor Centers............................................................................23
Reports to Shareholders.............................................................................23
Transaction Summaries...............................................................................23
THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS..................................................................................23
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS........................................................................................26
Scudder Retirement Plans: Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans for Corporations and
Self-Employed Individuals......................................................................27
Scudder 401(k): Cash or Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan for Corporations
and Self-Employed Individuals..................................................................27
Scudder IRA: Individual Retirement Account.........................................................27
Scudder Roth IRA: Individual Retirement Account....................................................27
Scudder 403(b) Plan.................................................................................28
Automatic Withdrawal Plan...........................................................................28
Group or Salary Deduction Plan......................................................................29
Automatic Investment Plan...........................................................................29
Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act...............................................................29
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS....................................................................29
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION......................................................................................30
Average Annual Total Return.........................................................................30
Cumulative Total Return.............................................................................31
Total Return........................................................................................31
i
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Page
Comparison of Fund Performance......................................................................32
FUND ORGANIZATION............................................................................................32
INVESTMENT ADVISER...........................................................................................34
Investment Adviser..................................................................................34
AMA InvestmentLink(SM) Program......................................................................36
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser....................................................36
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS........................................................................................37
REMUNERATION.................................................................................................40
Responsibilities of the Board -- Board and Committee Meetings.......................................40
Compensation of Officers and Trustees...............................................................40
DISTRIBUTOR..................................................................................................41
TAXES........................................................................................................42
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS.......................................................................................45
Brokerage Commissions...............................................................................45
Portfolio Turnover..................................................................................47
NET ASSET VALUE..............................................................................................47
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.......................................................................................48
Experts.............................................................................................48
Other Information...................................................................................48
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.........................................................................................49
ii
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Page
iii
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Page
</TABLE>
iv
<PAGE>
THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
(See "Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund" and "Scudder Tax Managed
Small Company Fund" in the Funds' prospectus.)
Introduction to Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund and Scudder Tax Managed Small
Company Fund
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund and Scudder Tax Managed Small Company
Fund (each a "Fund," collectively, the "Funds") is each a no-load diversified
series of Investment Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end management investment
company which continuously offers and redeems shares at net asset value. Each
Fund is a company of the type commonly known as a mutual fund and is advised by
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser").
Each Fund is managed with the objective of seeking long-term growth of
capital on an after-tax basis through diversified investment in U.S. equity
securities. A discussion of the Funds' investment policies and strategies is
provided below.
Most mutual funds are managed for pre-tax return without regard to the
tax consequences of portfolio activity that may result in sizable annual
distributions taxable to shareholders. A significant part of an investor's total
return from a mutual fund investment held outside of group or individual
retirement plans may be subject each year to federal income tax rates as high as
39.6% on distributions of dividends and short-term capital gains, and as high as
20% on distributions of long-term capital gains.
Each Fund is designed for long-term investors who seek growth of
capital on an after-tax basis. Effective tax-sensitive investing requires
trading off complex and occasionally conflicting factors. Each Fund evaluates
these tradeoffs using the following tax-sensitive management techniques:
o Each Fund maintains a long-term investment horizon for
selecting equity securities. Each Fund is actively managed and
will likely have higher portfolio turnover than passively
managed funds, but the portfolio turnover for each Fund is
expected to be significantly lower than the average actively
managed diversified equity fund.
o The Adviser uses a tax-sensitive portfolio optimization model
to efficiently keep each Fund focused on stocks with
above-average long-term return potential, while managing the
tax consequences of selling securities where the future return
potential has diminished. Holdings are analyzed on a
lot-by-lot basis for before- and after-tax return potential
and risk impact on the portfolio. Based on this comparison,
stocks are sold when the after-tax return potential of the
portfolio can be improved by making this sale.
o The Adviser will sell securities to realize capital losses to
offset accumulated or future capital gains when suitable
replacements with similar or better return and risk
characteristics can be found.
o Each Fund has a 2% redemption fee applied to shares held for
less than one year to encourage long-term investing.
While each Fund seeks to provide a high level of after-tax total
returns over time, each may realize some capital gains and earn dividends, from
time to time, that will be distributed to shareholders. This may occur, for
instance, when the Adviser determines that the risk of remaining in a security
with a lower expected return outweighs the tax benefit of continuing to hold it.
In addition, shareholders may also be required to pay federal and state taxes if
they realize a capital gain upon the sale of their shares of a Fund. The Funds
are not designed for IRAs and other tax-deferred retirement accounts, where
annual earnings are not subject to taxes. The Funds are each managed for
long-term growth on an after-tax basis.
<PAGE>
General Investment Objective and Policies
Descriptions in this Statement of Additional Information of a
particular investment practice or technique in which a Fund may engage (such as
short selling, hedging, etc.) or a financial instrument which a Fund may
purchase (such as options, etc.) are meant to describe the spectrum of
investments that the Adviser, in its discretion, might, but is not required to,
use in managing a Fund's portfolio assets. The Adviser may, in its discretion,
at any time employ such practice, technique or instrument for one or more funds,
but not for all funds advised by it. Furthermore, it is possible that certain
types of financial instruments or investment techniques described herein may not
be available, permissible, economically feasible or effective for their intended
purposes in all markets. Certain practices, techniques, or instruments may not
be principal activities of a Fund, but, to the extent employed, could from time
to time have a material impact on a Fund's performance.
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital on an
after-tax basis. The Fund invests primarily in established, medium- to
large-sized U.S. companies. While the stocks the Fund invests in are broadly
diversified and invested in stocks of financially sound companies, its share
price will move up and down with changes in the general level of the financial
markets, particularly the U.S. stock market. Investors should be comfortable
with stock market risk and view the Fund only as a long-term investment.
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. Although the Fund will invest in a large number of securities and
pursue a value-oriented investment strategy, investment in small company stocks
does entail above-average investment risk in comparison to larger stocks. Shares
of the Fund should be purchased with a long-term investment horizon in mind.
To encourage long-term investing and to facilitate its tax-sensitive
management style, each Fund has a redemption fee of 2% which will apply for
sales and exchanges of shares held for less than one year. The fee will be
assessed and retained by each Fund for the benefit of the remaining
shareholders, helping to offset the tax costs that can occur when a Fund is
forced to sell portfolio securities and realize capital gains as a result of
short-term investor activity.
Except as otherwise indicated, each Fund's investment objective 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 financial position and needs. There can be no assurance that either Fund's
objective will be met.
Investments
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund, under normal market conditions, will invest at
least 80% of its total assets in equity securities of established,
medium-to-large sized U.S. companies that, in the opinion of the Adviser, offer
potential for long-term growth of capital.
Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund, under normal circumstances, will invest
at least 80% of its total assets in equity securities of small U.S. companies.
The Fund will invest in securities of companies that are similar in size or
smaller than those in the Russell 2000 Index of small stocks. The Fund will sell
securities of companies that have grown in market capitalization above the
maximum of the Russell 2000 Index, as necessary to keep the Fund focused on
smaller companies.
Each Fund allocates its investments among different industries and
companies and adjusts its portfolio securities based on investment
considerations and the effect of portfolio adjustments on the after-tax total
returns of the Fund.
While each Fund invests predominantly in common stocks, each can
purchase other types of equity securities including preferred stocks
(convertible securities), rights, warrants, and illiquid securities. Securities
may be listed on national exchanges or traded over-the-counter. Each Fund also
may invest up to 20% of their total assets in U.S.
2
<PAGE>
Treasury, agency and instrumentality obligations on a temporary basis, may enter
into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements and may engage in
strategic transactions, using such derivatives contracts as index options and
futures, to increase stock market participation, enhance liquidity and manage
transaction costs. Each Fund currently intends to borrow only for temporary or
emergency purposes, such as providing for redemptions or distributions, and not
for investment leverage purposes.
For temporary defensive purposes, a Fund may invest without limit in
cash and cash equivalents when the Adviser deems such a position advisable in
light of economic or market conditions. It is impossible to predict accurately
how long such alternate strategies may be utilized.
Investment Strategies
The Funds are actively managed and use disciplined investment
approaches. The Adviser uses proprietary computerized models to evaluate and
rate each security for return potential based on characteristics such as
relative valuation, growth trends, price momentum and volatility. A
tax-sensitive portfolio optimization system is designed to manage risk and the
tax implications of trading securities.
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund invests in established, medium- to large-sized
U.S. companies. In choosing stocks, the portfolio managers begin by assigning
rating to the companies in the Russell 1000 Index, favoring those with strong
and sustainable earnings growth and positive stock price momentum. The managers
also consider each company's relative valuation from several perspectives. The
managers intend to diversify the fund's holdings across industries and
companies, typically investing no more than 3% of total assets in any one
security.
Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund seeks to identify small, public U.S.
companies with above average potential for stock price appreciation and to
manage portfolio transactions to produce attractive after-tax total returns for
shareholders. The portfolio managers begin by searching for small companies that
appear to be undervalued. A quantitative stock valuation model compares each
company's stock price to the company's earnings, book value, sales and other
measures of performance potential. The managers also look for factors that may
signal a rebound for a company, whether through a recovery in its markets, a
change in business strategy, or other factors. The managers intend to diversify
the fund's holdings across industries and companies, typically investing in more
than 150 securities, but not more than 2% of total assets in any one security.
Special Risks of Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund. While, historically,
small company stocks have outperformed the stocks of large companies, the former
have customarily involved more risk, as well. Small companies may have limited
product lines, markets or financial resources; may lack management depth or
experience; and may be more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic
developments than large companies. The prices of small company securities are
often more volatile than prices associated with large company issues, and can
display abrupt or erratic movements at times, due to limited trading volumes and
less publicly available information.
Also, because small companies normally have fewer shares outstanding
and these shares trade less frequently than large companies, it may be more
difficult for the Fund to buy and sell significant amounts of such shares
without an unfavorable impact on prevailing market prices.
Some of the companies in which the Fund may invest may distribute, sell
or produce products which have recently been brought to market and may be
dependent on key personnel.
The securities of small companies are often traded over-the-counter and
may not be traded in the volumes typical on a national securities exchange.
Consequently, in order to sell this type of holding, the Fund may need to
discount the securities from recent prices or dispose of the securities over a
long period of time.
Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with any
member bank of the Federal Reserve System and any broker-dealer which is
recognized as a reporting government securities dealer if the creditworthiness
of the bank or broker-dealer has been determined by the Adviser to be at least
as high as that of other
3
<PAGE>
obligations the Fund may purchase or to be at least equal to that of issuers of
commercial paper rated within the two highest grades assigned by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard and Poor's Corporation ("S&P").
A repurchase agreement provides a means for a Fund to earn income on
assets for periods as short as overnight. It is an arrangement under which the
purchaser (i.e., a 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 a 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 a 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 a Fund's investment restriction applicable to loans. It is not clear
whether a court would consider the Obligation purchased by a 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, a 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 a 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, a 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 a 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 a 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), a 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 a Fund will be
unsuccessful in seeking to enforce the seller's contractual obligation to
deliver additional securities.
Convertible Securities. Each Fund may invest in convertible securities, i.e.,
bonds, notes, debentures, preferred stocks and other securities which are
convertible into common stock. Investments in convertible securities can provide
an opportunity for capital appreciation and/or income through interest and
dividend payments by virtue of their conversion or exchange features.
The convertible securities in which a Fund may invest are either
fixed-income or zero coupon debt securities which may be converted or exchanged
at a stated or determinable exchange ratio into underlying shares of common
stock. 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.
4
<PAGE>
As debt 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 debt 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"(TM)).
Illiquid Investments. Each 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.
The absence of a trading market can make it difficult to ascertain a
market value for these investments. This investment practice, therefore, could
have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity of a Fund. It is a Fund's
policy that illiquid securities (including repurchase agreements of more than
seven days duration, certain restricted securities, and other securities which
are not readily marketable) may not constitute, at the time of purchase, more
than 15% of the value of a Fund's net assets. The Fund's Board of Trustees has
approved guidelines for use by the Adviser in determining whether a security is
illiquid.
Generally speaking, illiquid or restricted investments 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. Issuers of restricted securities may not be subject
to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would be
applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If adverse market
conditions were to develop during the period between a Fund's decision to sell a
restricted or illiquid security and the point at which the Fund is permitted or
able to sell such security, the Fund might obtain a price less favorable than
the price that prevailed when it decided to sell. Where a registration statement
is required for the resale of restricted securities, the Fund may be required to
bear all or part of the registration expenses. A 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 a Fund may be liable to purchasers
of such securities 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).
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a 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, a Fund will
maintain liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover its obligation
under the agreement. A 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 a Fund's
assets and may be viewed as a form of leverage.
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Short Sales Against the Box. Each Fund may make short sales of common stocks if,
at all times when a short position is open, the applicable Fund owns the stock
or owns preferred stocks or debt securities convertible or exchangeable, without
payment of further consideration, into the shares of common stock sold short.
Short sales of this kind are referred to as short sales "against the box." The
broker/dealer that executes a short sale generally invests cash proceeds of the
sale until they are paid to a Fund. Arrangements may be made with the
broker/dealer to obtain a portion of the interest earned by the broker on the
investment of short sale proceeds. The Funds will segregate the common stock or
convertible or exchangeable preferred stock or debt securities in a special
account with the Custodian.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. Each Fund may seek to increase its net income
by lending portfolio securities. Such loans may be made to registered
broker/dealers or other financial institutions and are required to be secured
continuously by collateral in cash 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. A Fund has the right to call a loan and obtain the
securities loaned on five days notice or, in connection with securities trading
on foreign markets, within such longer period of time which coincides with the
normal settlement period for purchases and sales of such securities in such
foreign markets. During the existence of a loan, a Fund will continue to receive
the equivalent of any distributions paid by the issuer on the securities loaned
and will also receive compensation based on investment of the collateral. The
risks in lending securities, as with other extensions of secured credit, consist
of a possible delay in recovery or even a loss of rights in the collateral
should the borrower of the securities fail financially. Loans will only be made
to firms deemed by the Adviser to be of good standing, and will not be made
unless, in the judgment of the Adviser, the consideration to be earned from such
loans would justify the risk. The value of the securities loaned will not exceed
5% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the time any loan is made.
Borrowing. As a matter of fundamental policy, the Funds 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 for the funds to borrow for investment
leverage purposes, if such a strategy were implemented in the future it would
increase a Fund's volatility and the risk of loss in a declining market.
Borrowing by the Funds will involve special risk considerations. Although the
principal of the Fund's borrowings will be fixed, the Funds' assets may change
in value during the time a borrowing is outstanding, thus increasing exposure to
capital risk.
Warrants. Each 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 underlying security. Prices of
warrants do not necessarily move, however, in tandem with the prices of the
underlying securities and are, therefore, considered speculative investments.
Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights other than a purchase option.
Thus, if a warrant held by a Fund were not exercised by the date of its
expiration, the Fund would lose the entire purchase price of the warrant.
Investment Company Securities. Each Fund may acquire securities of other
investment companies to the extent consistent with its investment objective and
subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act. Each Fund will indirectly bear its
proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other
investment companies.
For example, each Fund may invest in a variety of investment companies which
seek to track the composition and performance of specific indexes or a specific
portion of an index. These index-based investments hold substantially all of
their assets in securities representing their specific index. Accordingly, the
main risk of investing in index-based investments is the same as investing in a
portfolio of equity securities comprising the index. The market prices of
index-based investments will fluctuate in accordance with both changes in the
market value of their underlying portfolio securities and due to supply and
demand for the instruments on the exchanges on which they are traded (which may
result in their trading at a discount or premium to their NAVs). Index-based
investments may not replicate exactly the performance of their specified index
because of transaction costs and because of the temporary unavailability of
certain component securities of the index.
Examples of index-based investments include:
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SPDRs(R): SPDRs, an acronym for "Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts," are
based on the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index. They are issued by the SPDR
Trust, a unit investment trust that holds shares of substantially all the
companies in the S&P 500 in substantially the same weighting and seeks to
closely track the price performance and dividend yield of the Index.
MidCap SPDRs(R): MidCap SPDRs are based on the S&P MidCap 400 Index. They are
issued by the MidCap SPDR Trust, a unit investment trust that holds a portfolio
of securities consisting of substantially all of the common stocks in the S&P
MidCap 400 Index in substantially the same weighting and seeks to closely track
the price performance and dividend yield of the Index.
Select Sector SPDRs(R): Select Sector SPDRs are based on a particular sector or
group of industries that are represented by a specified Select Sector Index
within the Standard & Poor's Composite Stock Price Index. They are issued by The
Select Sector SPDR Trust, an open-end management investment company with nine
portfolios that each seeks to closely track the price performance and dividend
yield of a particular Select Sector Index.
DIAMONDS(SM): DIAMONDS are based on the Dow Jones Industrial Average(SM). They
are issued by the DIAMONDS Trust, a unit investment trust that holds a portfolio
of all the component common stocks of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and seeks
to closely track the price performance and dividend yield of the Dow.
Nasdaq-100 Shares: Nasdaq-100 Shares are based on the Nasdaq 100 Index. They are
issued by the Nasdaq-100 Trust, a unit investment trust that holds a portfolio
consisting of substantially all of the securities, in substantially the same
weighting, as the component stocks of the Nasdaq-100 Index and seeks to closely
track the price performance and dividend yield of the Index.
WEBs(SM): WEBs, an acronym for "World Equity Benchmark Shares," are based on 17
country-specific Morgan Stanley Capital International Indexes. They are issued
by the WEBs Index Fund, Inc., an open-end management investment company that
seeks to generally correspond to the price and yield performance of a specific
Morgan Stanley Capital International Index.
Strategic Transactions and Derivatives. Each Fund may, but is not required to,
utilize various other investment strategies as described below for a variety of
purposes, such as hedging various market risks, managing the effective maturity
or duration of fixed-income securities in each Fund's portfolio, or enhancing
potential gain. These strategies may be executed through the use of derivative
contracts.
In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, each Fund may
purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on
securities, equity and fixed-income indices and other instruments, purchase and
sell futures contracts and options thereon, enter into various transactions such
as swaps, caps, floors, collars, currency forward contracts, currency futures
contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies, or currency futures and
various other currency transactions (collectively, all the above are called
"Strategic Transactions"). In addition, strategic transactions may also include
new techniques, instruments or strategies that are permitted as regulatory
changes occur. Strategic Transactions may be used without limit (subject to
certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act) to attempt to protect against
possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased
for each Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange
rate fluctuations, to protect each Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its
portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment
purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of fixed-income
securities in each Fund's portfolio, or to establish a position in the
derivatives markets as a substitute for purchasing or selling particular
securities. Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to enhance potential
gain although no more than 5% of each 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 each Fund to utilize these
Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on the Adviser's ability to
predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. Each Fund will
comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing these
strategies, techniques and instruments. Strategic Transactions will not be used
to alter fundamental
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investment purposes and characteristics of each Fund, and each Fund will
segregate assets (or as provided by applicable regulations, enter into certain
offsetting positions) to cover its obligations under options, futures and swaps
to limit leveraging of each 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 each 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 each Fund can realize on its
investments or cause each Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The
use of currency transactions can result in each 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
each Fund creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be
greater than gains in the value of each 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,
each 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, each 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 each 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. Each Fund's purchase of a call option on a
security, financial future, index, currency or other instrument might be
intended to protect each 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. Each Fund is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed options
and over-the-counter options ("OTC options"). Exchange listed options are issued
by a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"),
which guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to such
options. The discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable
to other financial intermediaries.
With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options
generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency,
although in the future cash settlement may become available. Index options and
Eurodollar instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the
option is "in-the-money" (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument
exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put
option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised.
Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument
through the process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by
entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in
ownership of the new option.
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Each 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. Each
Fund will only sell OTC options (other than OTC currency options) that are
subject to a buy-back provision permitting each Fund to require the Counterparty
to sell the option back to each Fund at a formula price within seven days. Each
Fund expects generally to enter into OTC options that have cash settlement
provisions, although it is not required to do so.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or
guaranty function in an OTC option. As a result, if the Counterparty fails to
make or take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying
an OTC option it has entered into with each Fund or fails to make a cash
settlement payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, each 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. Each Fund will engage in OTC option transactions only
with U.S. government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York as "primary dealers" or broker/dealers, domestic or foreign banks or
other financial institutions which have received (or the guarantors of the
obligation of which have received) a short-term credit rating of A-1 from S&P or
P-1 from Moody's or an equivalent rating from any nationally recognized
statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") or, in the case of OTC currency
transactions, are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser.
The staff of the SEC currently takes the position that OTC options purchased by
each Fund, and portfolio securities "covering" the amount of each 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 each Fund's
limitation on investing no more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
securities.
If a 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.
Each Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities including
U.S. Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, foreign
sovereign debt, corporate debt securities, equity securities (including
convertible securities) and Eurodollar instruments 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 each
Fund must be "covered" (i.e., a 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 each Fund will receive the
option premium to help protect it against loss, a call sold by a Fund exposes
the Fund during the term of the option to possible
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loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the market price of the
underlying security or instrument and may require a Fund to hold a security or
instrument which it might otherwise have sold.
Each Fund may purchase and sell put options on securities including
U.S. Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, foreign
sovereign debt, corporate debt securities, equity securities (including
convertible securities) and Eurodollar instruments (whether or not it holds the
above securities in its portfolio), and on securities indices, currencies and
futures contracts other than futures on individual corporate debt and individual
equity securities. Each Fund will not sell put options if, as a result, more
than 50% of the Fund's total 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 a
Fund may be required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price
above the market price.
General Characteristics of Futures. Each Fund may enter into futures contracts
or purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as a hedge against
anticipated interest rate, currency or equity market changes, and for duration
management, risk management and return enhancement purposes. Futures are
generally bought and sold on the commodities exchanges where they are listed
with payment of initial and variation margin as described below. The sale of a
futures contract creates a firm obligation by a 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.
Each Fund's use of futures and options thereon will in all cases be
consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and in particular the rules
and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and will be entered
into for bona fide hedging, risk management (including duration management) or
other portfolio and return enhancement 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 a Fund. If a 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.
Each 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 each 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. Each 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,
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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.
Combined Transactions. Each 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
each Fund may enter are interest rate, currency, index and other swaps and the
purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. Each 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 each Fund anticipates purchasing at a later
date. Each Fund will not sell interest rate caps or floors where it does not own
securities or other instruments providing the income stream each Fund may be
obligated to pay. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by each 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.
Each 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 each Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as each Fund will
segregate assets (or enter into offsetting positions) to cover its obligations
under swaps, the Adviser and each 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. Each 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, each
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.
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 each 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.
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Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts. Many Strategic Transactions, in
addition to other requirements, require that each Fund segregate cash or liquid
assets with its custodian to the extent Fund obligations are not otherwise
"covered" through ownership of the underlying security, financial instrument or
currency. In general, either the full amount of any obligation by a 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 assets 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 each 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 assets sufficient to
purchase and deliver the securities if the call is exercised. A call option sold
by a 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 a Fund requires the Fund to segregate cash or liquid assets
equal to the exercise price.
Except when each 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 each Fund to buy or sell
currency will generally require each Fund to hold an amount of that currency or
liquid assets denominated in that currency equal to each Fund's obligations or
to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the amount of each Fund's
obligation.
OTC options entered into by each 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
each Fund sells these instruments it will only segregate an amount of cash or
liquid 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 each 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 each Fund sells a call option on an index at a time when
the in-the-money amount exceeds the exercise price, each 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 each Fund
other than those above generally settle with physical delivery, or with an
election of either physical delivery or cash settlement and each Fund will
segregate an amount of cash or liquid 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, each Fund must
deposit initial margin and possible daily variation margin in addition to
segregating cash or liquid 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 liquid assets may consist of cash, cash
equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets.
With respect to swaps, each Fund will accrue the net amount of the
excess, if any, of its obligations over its entitlements with respect to each
swap on a daily basis and will segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets
having a value equal to the accrued excess. Caps, floors and collars require
segregation of assets with a value equal to each Fund's net obligation, if any.
Strategic Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent
with applicable regulatory policies. Each 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, each 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 each Fund. Moreover, instead of segregating cash or liquid assets if
each 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, cash or liquid assets equal to any remaining obligation
would need to be segregated.
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Master/feeder structure
The Board of Trustees has the discretion to retain the current
distribution arrangement for each Fund while investing in a master fund in a
master/feeder structure fund 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.
Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program.
Each Fund has received exemptive relief from the SEC which permits each
Fund to participate in an interfund lending program among certain investment
companies advised by the Adviser. The interfund lending program allows the
participating funds to borrow money from and loan money to each other for
temporary or emergency purposes. The program is subject to a number of
conditions designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all participating
funds, including the following: (1) no fund may borrow money through the program
unless it receives a more favorable interest rate than a rate approximating the
lowest interest rate at which bank loans would be available to any of the
participating funds under a loan agreement; and (2) no fund may lend money
through the program unless it receives a more favorable return than that
available from an investment in repurchase agreements and, to the extent
applicable, money market cash sweep arrangements. In addition, a fund may
participate in the program only if and to the extent that such participation is
consistent with each Fund's investment objectives and policies (for instance,
money market funds would normally participate only as lenders and tax exempt
funds only as borrowers). Interfund loans and borrowings may extend overnight,
but could have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one
day's notice. A fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if
an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending
fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional costs. The
program is subject to the oversight and periodic review of the Boards of the
participating funds. To the extent each Fund is actually engaged in borrowing
through the interfund lending program, each Fund, as a matter of non-fundamental
policy, may not borrow for other than temporary or emergency purposes (and not
for leveraging), except that each Fund may engage in reverse repurchase
agreements and dollar rolls for any purpose.
Investment Restrictions
The policies set forth below are fundamental policies of the Funds and
may not be changed without the approval of a majority of each Fund's outstanding
shares. As used in this Statement of Additional Information, a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund" 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.
Each Fund has elected to be classified as a diversified series of an open-end
investment company.
In addition, as a matter of fundamental policy, each Fund will not:
(1) borrow money, except as permitted under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by
regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time;
(2) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted
or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from
time to time;
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(3) purchase physical commodities or contracts relating to
physical commodities;
(4) concentrate its investments in a particular industry, as that
term is used in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory
authority having jurisdiction, from time to time;
(5) 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;
(6) 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; and
(7) make loans except as permitted under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by
regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
The 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, each Fund currently does not
intend to:
(a) 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;
(b) enter into either of reverse repurchase agreements or dollar
rolls in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets;
(c) 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;
(d) 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;
(e) enter into futures contracts or purchase options thereon
unless immediately after the purchase, the value of the
aggregate initial margin with respect to such futures
contracts entered into on behalf of the Fund and the premiums
paid for such options on futures contracts does not exceed 5%
of the fair market value of the Fund's total assets; provided
that in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time
of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in
computing the 5% limit;
(f) 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
(g) lend portfolio securities in an amount greater than 5% of its
total assets.
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The foregoing nonfundamental policies are in addition to policies
otherwise stated in the Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information.
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, a Fund.
PURCHASES
(See "About Your Investment" in the Funds' prospectus.)
Additional Information About Opening An Account
Clients having a regular investment counsel account with the Adviser or
its affiliates and members of their immediate families, officers and employees
of the Adviser or of any affiliated organization and their immediate families,
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") and
banks may, if they prefer, subscribe initially for at least $10,000 of Fund
shares through Scudder Investor Services, Inc. (the "Distributor") by letter,
fax, or telephone.
Shareholders of other Scudder funds who have submitted an account
application and have a certified 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 ($10,000 minimum), name of bank or
trust company from which the wire will be sent, the exact registration of the
new account, the taxpayer 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, State Street Bank and Trust Company, 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.
Shareholders must maintain a share balance worth at least $10,000,
which minimum may be changed by the Board of Trustees.
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. Contact the Distributor at 1-800-SCUDDER for additional
information. 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
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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 days. If you
purchase shares and there are insufficient funds in your bank account the
purchase will be canceled and you may 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.
Each 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 a Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Funds will not be liable
for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that they reasonably
believe 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 a Fund are purchased by a check which proves to be
uncollectible, the Trust reserves the right to cancel the purchase immediately
and the purchaser may 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 a Fund.
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Share Price
Purchases will be filled without sales charge at the net asset value
next computed after the receipt of a purchase request 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 a 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
Each Fund has authorized certain members of the NASD other than the
Distributor to accept purchase and redemption orders for its shares. Those
brokers may also designate other parties to accept purchase and redemption
orders on the Funds' behalf. Orders for purchase or redemption will be deemed to
have been received by a Fund when such brokers or their authorized designees
accept the orders. Subject to the terms of the contract between a 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 a Fund's shares are arranged and
settlement is made at an investor's election through any other authorized NASD
member, that member may, at its discretion, charge a fee for that service. The
Board of Trustees and the Distributor, also the Funds' 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 Fund shares 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 Fund shares 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 Funds reserve 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 Funds 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 "About Your Investment" in the Funds' prospectus.)
Exchanges
Exchanges are comprised of a redemption from one Scudder fund and
purchase into another Scudder fund. The purchase side of the exchange may be
either an additional investment into an existing account or may involve opening
a
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new account in another 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 into a new fund account must be for a minimum of $10,000. When an
exchange represents an additional investment into an existing account, the
account receiving the exchange proceeds must have identical registration, tax
identification number, address, and account options/features as the account of
origin. Exchanges into an existing account must be for $100 or more. If the
account receiving the exchange proceeds is to be different in any respect, the
exchange request must be in writing and must contain an original signature
guarantee.
Exchange orders received before the close of regular trading on the
Exchange on any business day ordinarily will be executed at the respective net
asset values determined on that day. Exchange orders received after the close of
regular trading on the Exchange will be executed on the following business day.
Investors may also request, at no extra charge, to have exchanges
automatically executed on a predetermined schedule from one Scudder fund to an
existing account in another Scudder fund, at current net asset value, through
Scudder's Automatic Exchange Program. Exchanges must be for a minimum of $50.
Shareholders may add this free feature over the telephone or in writing.
Automatic exchanges will continue until the shareholder requests by telephone or
in writing to have the feature removed, or until the originating account is
depleted. The 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
(except for exchanges from funds which impose a redemption fee on shares held
less than a year). (See "Special Redemption and Exchange Information below.) 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 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. Each 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 Funds do not follow such
procedures, they may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
telephone instructions. Each Fund will not be liable for acting upon
instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably believes to be
genuine. The Funds 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.
Special Redemption and Exchange Information
In general, shares of each Fund may be exchanged or redeemed at net
asset value. However, shares of a Fund held for less than one year are
redeemable at a price equal to 98% of the then current net asset value per
share. This 2% discount, referred to in the prospectus and this combined
Statement of Additional Information as a redemption/exchange fee, directly
affects the amount a shareholder who is subject to the discount receives upon
exchange or redemption. It is intended to encourage long-term investment in a
Fund, to avoid transaction and other expenses caused by early redemptions and to
facilitate portfolio management. The fee is not a deferred sales charge, is not
a commission paid to the Adviser or its subsidiaries, and does not benefit the
Adviser in any way. Each Fund reserves the right to modify the terms of or
terminate this fee at any time.
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A redemption fee will not be applied to (a) a redemption of any shares
of a Fund outstanding for one year or more, (b) a redemption of reinvestment
shares (i.e., shares purchased through the reinvestment of dividends or capital
gains distributions paid by a Fund), (c) a redemption of shares by a Fund upon
exercise of its right to liquidate accounts (i) falling below the minimum
account size by reason of shareholder redemptions or (ii) when the shareholder
has failed to provide tax identification information or (d) a redemption of
shares due to the death of the registered shareholder of a Fund account or due
to the death of all registered shareholders of a Fund account with more than one
registered shareholder, (i.e. joint tenant account), upon receipt from Scudder
Service Corporation of appropriate written instructions and documentation
satisfactory to Scudder Service Corporation. However, if shares are purchased
for a retirement plan account through a broker, financial institution or
recordkeeper maintaining an omnibus account for the shares, such waiver may not
apply. For this purpose and without regard to the shares actually redeemed,
shares will be redeemed as follows: first, reinvestment shares; second,
purchased shares held one year or more; and third, purchased shares held for
less than one year. Finally, if a shareholder enters into a transaction in Fund
shares which, although it may technically be treated as a redemption and
purchase for recordkeeping purposes, does not involve the termination of
economic interest in a Fund, no redemption fee will apply and applicability of
the redemption fee, if any, on any subsequent redemption or exchange will be
determined by reference to the date the shares were originally purchased, and
not the date of the transaction.
Redemption By Telephone
Shareholders currently receive the right, automatically without having
to elect it, to redeem by telephone up to $100,000 to their address of record.
Shareholders may also request by telephone to have the proceeds mailed or wired
to their predesignated bank account. In order to request wire redemptions by
telephone, shareholders must have completed and returned to the Transfer Agent
the application, including the designation of a bank account to which the
redemption proceeds are to be sent.
(a) NEW INVESTORS wishing to establish the telephone redemption
privilege must complete the appropriate section on the
application.
(b) EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS (except those who are Scudder IRA,
Scudder pension and profit-sharing, Scudder 401(k) and Scudder
403(b) Planholders) who wish to establish telephone redemption
to a predesignated bank account or who want to change the bank
account previously designated to receive redemption proceeds
should either return a Telephone Redemption Option Form
(available upon request), or send a letter identifying the
account and specifying the exact information to be changed.
The letter must be signed exactly as the shareholder's name(s)
appears on the account. An original signature and an original
signature guarantee are required for each person in whose name
the account is registered.
If a request for a redemption to a shareholder's bank account is made
by telephone or fax, payment will be by Federal Reserve bank wire to the bank
account designated on the application, unless a request is made that the
redemption check be mailed to the designated bank account. There will be a $5
charge for all wire redemptions.
Note: Investors designating a savings bank to receive their
telephone redemption proceeds are advised that if the savings
bank is not a participant in the Federal Reserve System,
redemption proceeds must be wired through a commercial bank
which is a correspondent of the savings bank. As this may
delay receipt by the shareholder's account, it is suggested
that investors wishing to use a savings bank discuss wire
procedures with their bank and submit any special wire
transfer information with the telephone redemption
authorization. If appropriate wire information is not
supplied, redemption proceeds will be mailed to the designated
bank.
The Funds employ 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 Funds do not follow such procedures, it may be
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liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The
Funds will not be liable for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone
that it reasonably believes to be genuine.
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 Funds 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 4:00 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 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 15 days for this service to be available.
The Funds employ 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 a Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Funds will not be liable
for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that they reasonably
believe to be genuine.
Redemption by Mail or Fax
In order to ensure proper authorization before redeeming shares, the
Transfer Agent may request additional documents such as, but not restricted to,
stock powers, trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as
executor, certificates of corporate authority and waivers of tax (required in
some states when settling estates).
It is suggested that shareholders holding share certificates or shares
registered in other than individual names contact the Transfer Agent prior to
any redemptions to ensure that all necessary documents accompany the request.
When shares are held in the name of a corporation, trust, fiduciary agent,
attorney or partnership, the Transfer Agent requires, in addition to the stock
power, certified evidence of authority to sign. These procedures are for the
protection of shareholders and should be followed to ensure prompt payment.
Redemption requests must not be conditional as to date or price of the
redemption. Proceeds of a redemption will be sent within seven (7) business days
after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a request for redemption that complies
with the above requirements. Delays of more than seven (7) days of payment for
shares tendered for repurchase or redemption may result, but only until the
purchase check has cleared.
The requirements for IRA redemptions are different from those for
regular accounts. For more information call 1-800-225-5163.
Redemption-in-Kind
The Funds reserve 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
each Fund and valued as they are for purposes of computing each Fund's net asset
value (a redemption-in-kind). If payment is made in securities, a shareholder
may incur transaction expenses in converting these securities into cash. The
Trust has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act as a
result of which the Funds are obligated to
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redeem shares, with respect to any one shareholder during any 90 day period,
solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of that
Fund at the beginning of the period.
Other Information
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. 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 may be suspended at times and a
shareholder's right to redeem shares and to receive payment therefore may be
suspended at times during which (a) the Exchange is closed, other than customary
weekend and holiday closings, (b) trading on the Exchange is restricted for any
reason, (c) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by a 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)
the SEC has by order permiteed such a suspension for the protection of the
Trust's shareholders, provided that applicable rules and regulations of the SEC
(or any succeeding governmental authority) shall govern as to whether the
conditions prescribed in (b) or (c) exist.
Shareholders must maintain an account balance of $10,000 in a Fund,
which minimum amount may be changed by the Board of Trustees. Each Fund reserves
the right, following 60 days' written notice to shareholders, to redeem all
shares in accounts below $250, including accounts of new investors, where a
reduction in value has occurred due to a redemption or exchange out of the
account. Each Fund will mail the proceeds of the redeemed account to the
shareholder at the address of record. Reductions in value that result solely
from market activity will not trigger an involuntary redemption.
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND
(See "Investment products and services" in the Funds' prospectus.)
The No-Load 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 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.
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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 and classes in the Scudder Family of Funds do not pay any
asset-based sales charges or service fees, Scudder uses the phrase no-load to
distinguish Scudder funds and classes from other no-load 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.
Internet access
World Wide Web Site -- The address of the Scudder Funds site is
http://www.scudder.com. The site offers guidance on global investing and
developing strategies to help meet financial goals and provides access to the
Scudder investor relations department via e-mail. The site also enables users to
access or view fund prospectuses and profiles with links between summary
information in Profiles and details in the Prospectus. Users can fill out new
account forms on-line, order free software, and request literature on funds.
Account Access -- The Adviser is among the first mutual fund families to allow
shareholders to manage their fund accounts through the World Wide Web. Scudder
Fund shareholders can view a snapshot of current holdings, review account
activity and move assets between Scudder Fund accounts.
The Adviser's personal portfolio capabilities -- known as SEAS (Scudder
Electronic Account Services) -- are accessible only by current Scudder Fund
shareholders who have set up a Personal Page on Scudder's Web site. Using a
secure Web browser, shareholders sign on to their account with their Social
Security number and their SAIL password. As an additional security measure,
users can change their current password or disable access to their portfolio
through the World Wide Web.
An Account Activity option reveals a financial history of transactions
for an account, with trade dates, type and amount of transaction, share price
and number of shares traded. For users who wish to trade shares between Scudder
Funds, the Fund Exchange option provides a step-by-step procedure to exchange
shares among existing fund accounts or to new Scudder Fund accounts.
Dividends and Capital Gains Distribution Options
Investors have freedom to choose whether to receive cash or to reinvest
any dividends from net investment income or distributions from realized capital
gains in additional shares of a Fund. A change of instructions for the method of
payment must be received by the Transfer Agent at least five days prior to a
dividend record date. Shareholders also may change their dividend option either
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
"Purchases" in the Funds' prospectuses 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 a 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
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request form can be obtained by calling 1-800-225-5163. Confirmation statements
will be mailed to shareholders as notification that distributions have been
deposited.
Investors choosing to participate in Scudder's Automatic Withdrawal
Plan must reinvest any dividends or capital gains. For most retirement plan
accounts, the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains is also required.
Scudder Investor Centers
Investors may visit any of the Investor Centers maintained by the
Distributor listed in the Funds' prospectuses. The Centers are designed to
provide individuals with services during any business day. Investors may pick up
literature or obtain 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 "Purchases" in the prospectus.
Reports to Shareholders
The Trust issues 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. The Trust presently intends to
distribute to shareholders informal quarterly reports during the intervening
quarters, containing a statement of the investments of the Funds.
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; a list of Scudder's
funds follows.
MONEY MARKET
Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund
Scudder Cash Investment Trust
Scudder Money Market Series^+
Scudder Government Money Market Series^+
TAX FREE MONEY MARKET
Scudder Tax Free Money Fund
Scudder Tax Free Money Market Series^+
Scudder California Tax Free Money Fund*
- ----------------------------------
+ The institutional class of shares is not part of the Scudder Family of
Funds.
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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*
U.S. INCOME
Scudder Short Term Bond Fund
Scudder GNMA Fund
Scudder Income Fund
Scudder Corporate Bond Fund
Scudder High Yield Bond Fund
GLOBAL INCOME
Scudder Global Bond Fund
Scudder International Bond Fund
Scudder Emerging Markets Income Fund
ASSET ALLOCATION
Scudder Pathway Series: Conservative Portfolio
Scudder Pathway Series: Balanced Portfolio
Scudder Pathway Series: Growth Portfolio
- ----------------------------------
* These funds are not available for sale in all states. For information,
contact Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
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<PAGE>
U.S. GROWTH AND INCOME
Scudder Balanced Fund
Scudder Dividend & Growth Fund
Scudder Growth and Income Fund
Scudder Select 500 Fund
Scudder 500 Index Fund
Scudder Real Estate Investment Fund
U.S. GROWTH
Value
Scudder Large Company Value Fund
Scudder Value Fund**
Scudder Small Company Value Fund
Scudder Micro Cap Fund
Growth
Scudder Classic Growth Fund**
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund
Scudder Select 1000 Growth Fund
Scudder Development Fund
Scudder 21st Century Growth Fund
GLOBAL EQUITY
Worldwide
Scudder Global Fund
Scudder International Value Fund
Scudder International Growth and Income Fund
Scudder International Fund***
- ----------------------------------
** Only the Scudder Shares are part of the Scudder Family of Funds.
*** Only the International Shares are part of the Scudder Family of Funds.
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<PAGE>
Scudder 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
SCUDDER PREFERRED SERIES
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund
Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund
The net asset values of most Scudder funds can be found daily in the
"Mutual Funds" section of The Wall Street Journal under "Scudder Funds," and in
other leading newspapers throughout the country. Investors will notice the net
asset value and offering price are the same, reflecting the fact that no sales
commission or "load" is charged on the sale of shares of the Scudder funds. The
latest seven-day yields for the money-market funds can be found every Monday and
Thursday in the "Money-Market Funds" section of The Wall Street Journal. This
information also may be obtained by calling the Scudder Automated Information
Line (SAIL) at 1-800-343-2890.
Certain Scudder funds or classes thereof may not be available for
purchase or exchange. For more information, please call 1-800-225-5163.
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS
(See "Scudder tax-advantaged retirement plans," "Purchases --
By Automatic Investment Plan" and "Exchanges and redemptions --
By Automatic Withdrawal Plan" in the Funds' prospectuses.)
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
26
<PAGE>
treatment of the plan. The state tax treatment may be different and may vary
from 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 a Fund may also be a permitted investment under profit
sharing and pension plans and IRAs other than those offered by a 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 a Fund may be purchased as the investment medium under a plan
in the form of a Scudder Profit-Sharing Plan (including a version of the Plan
which includes a cash-or-deferred feature) or a Scudder Money Purchase Pension
Plan (jointly referred to as the Scudder Retirement Plans) adopted by a
corporation, a self-employed individual or a group of self-employed individuals
(including sole proprietorships and partnerships), or other qualifying
organization. Each of these forms was approved by the IRS as a prototype. The
IRS's approval of an employer's plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code will be greatly facilitated if it is in such approved form. Under
certain circumstances, the IRS will assume that a plan, adopted in this form,
after special notice to any employees, meets the requirements of Section 401(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code as to form.
Scudder 401(k): Cash or Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan
for Corporations and Self-Employed Individuals
Shares of a 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 a Fund may be purchased as the underlying investment for an
Individual Retirement Account which meets the requirements of Section 408(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code.
A single individual who is not an active participant in an
employer-maintained retirement plan, a simplified employee pension plan, or a
tax-deferred annuity program (a "qualified plan"), and a married individual who
is not an active participant in a qualified plan and whose spouse is also not an
active participant in a qualified plan, are eligible to make tax deductible
contributions of up to $2,000 to an IRA prior to the year such individual
attains age 70 1/2. In addition, certain individuals who are active participants
in qualified plans (or who have spouses who are active participants) are also
eligible to make tax-deductible contributions to an IRA; the annual amount, if
any, of the contribution which such an individual will be eligible to deduct
will be determined by the amount of his, her, or their adjusted gross income for
the year. Whenever the adjusted gross income limitation prohibits an individual
from contributing what would otherwise be the maximum tax-deductible
contribution he or she could make, the individual will be eligible to contribute
the difference to an IRA in the form of nondeductible contributions.
An eligible individual may contribute as much as $2,000 of qualified
income (earned income or, under certain circumstances, alimony) to an IRA each
year (up to $2,000 per individual for married couples, even if only one spouse
has earned income). All income and capital gains derived from IRA investments
are reinvested and compound tax-deferred until distributed. Such tax-deferred
compounding can lead to substantial retirement savings.
Scudder Roth IRA: Individual Retirement Account
Shares of a Fund 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.
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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, certain medical expenses, the
purchase of health insurance for an unemployed individual and qualified higher
education expenses.
An individual with an income of $100,000 or less (who is not married
filing separately) can roll his or her existing IRA into a Roth IRA. However,
the individual must pay taxes on the taxable amount in his or her traditional
IRA. Individuals who complete the rollover in 1998 will be allowed to spread the
tax payments over a four-year period. After 1998, all taxes on such a rollover
will have to be paid in the tax year in which the rollover is made.
Scudder 403(b) Plan
Shares of a Fund may also be purchased as the underlying investment for
tax sheltered annuity plans under the provisions of Section 403(b)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code. In general, employees of tax-exempt organizations
described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (such as hospitals,
churches, religious, scientific, or literary organizations and educational
institutions) or a public school system are eligible to participate in a 403(b)
plan.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan
Non-retirement plan shareholders may establish an Automatic Withdrawal
Plan to receive monthly, quarterly or periodic redemptions from his or her
account for any designated amount of $50 or more. Shareholders may designate
which day they want the automatic withdrawal to be processed. The check amounts
may be based on the redemption of a fixed dollar amount, fixed share amount,
percent of account value or declining balance. The Plan provides for income
dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, to be reinvested in
additional shares. Shares are then liquidated as necessary to provide for
withdrawal payments. Since the withdrawals are in amounts selected by the
investor and have no relationship to yield or income, payments received cannot
be considered as yield or income on the investment and the resulting
liquidations may deplete or possibly extinguish the initial investment and any
reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions. Requests for increases in
withdrawal amounts or to change the payee must be submitted in writing, signed
exactly as the account is registered, and contain signature guarantee(s) as
described under "Transaction information -- Redeeming shares -- Signature
guarantees" in each Fund's prospectus. Any such requests must be received by
each 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 Trust of
notice of death of the shareholder.
An Automatic Withdrawal Plan request form can be obtained by calling
1-800-225-5163.
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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, Corporation] 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.
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
(See "Distributions" and "Taxes" in the Funds' prospectus.)
Each 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 Funds
may follow the practice of distributing the entire excess of net realized
long-term capital gains over net realized short-term capital losses. However, a
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 a
Fund does not distribute the amount of capital gain and/or ordinary income
required to be distributed by an excise tax provision of the Code, that Fund may
be subject to that excise tax. In certain circumstances, the Fund may determine
that it is in the interest of shareholders to distribute less than the required
amount. (See "TAXES.")
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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 Funds intend to distribute dividends from their net investment
income annually in December. The Funds intend to distribute net realized capital
gains after utilization of capital loss carryforwards, if any, in November or
December to prevent application of a federal excise tax. An additional
distribution may be made, if necessary.
Both types of distributions will be made in shares of a 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 a Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the
federal income tax status of all distributions in the prior calendar year.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
(See "Past performance" in the Funds' prospectus.)
From time to time, quotations of each Fund's performance may be
included in advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders or
prospective investors. These performance figures will be calculated in the
following manner for each Fund:
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 a Fund, ended on the last day
of a recent calendar quarter. Average annual total return quotations reflect
changes in the price of a Fund's shares and assume that all dividends and
capital gains distributions during the respective periods were reinvested in
Fund shares. Average annual total return is calculated by finding the average
annual compound rates of return of a hypothetical investment over such periods,
according to the following formula (average annual total return is then
expressed as a percentage):
T = (ERV/P)^1/n - 1
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
T = Average Annual Total Return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value: ERV is the
value, at the end of the applicable
period, of a hypothetical $1,000
investment made at the beginning of the
applicable period.
Total Return for the periods ended October 31, 1999
1 Year Life of the Fund ^(1)
------ -----------------
Scudder Tax Managed 7.77% 12.79%
Growth Fund
Scudder Tax Managed Small 1.69% 4.70%
Company Fund
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(1) The Fund commenced operations on September 18, 1998.
Note: If the Adviser had not maintained expenses, the total returns
would have been lower.
As described above, average annual total return is based on historical
earnings and is not intended to indicate future performance. Average annual
total return for a Fund will vary based on changes in market conditions and the
level of the Fund's expenses.
In connection with communicating its average annual total return to
current or prospective shareholders, a Fund also may compare these figures to
the performance of other mutual funds tracked by mutual fund rating services or
to unmanaged indices which may assume reinvestment of dividends but generally do
not reflect deductions for administrative and management costs.
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 a 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 rates of return of a hypothetical investment over such periods,
according to the following formula (Cumulative Total Return is then expressed as
a percentage):
C = (ERV/P) - 1
Where:
C = Cumulative Total Return
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
ERV = ending redeemable value: ERV is the
value, at the end of the applicable
period, of a hypothetical $1,000
investment made at the beginning of the
applicable period.
Cumulative Total Return for the periods ended October 31, 1999
1 Year Life of the Fund ^(1)
------ -----------------
Scudder Tax Managed 7.77% 14.33%
Growth Fund
Scudder Tax Managed Small
Company Fund 1.69% 5.24%
(1) The Fund commenced operations on September 18, 1998.
Note: If the Adviser had not maintained expenses, the total returns
would have been lower.
Total Return
Total Return is the rate of return on an investment for a specified
period of time calculated in the same manner as Cumulative Total Return.
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Comparison of Fund Performance
In connection with communicating its performance to current or
prospective shareholders, the Funds 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.
From time to time, in advertising and marketing literature, a Fund's
performance may be compared to the performance of broad groups of mutual funds
with similar investment goals, as tracked by independent organizations.
From time to time, in marketing and other Fund literature, Trustees and
officers of a Fund, the Funds' 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 Funds may be advertised as an investment choice in Scudder's
college planning program.
Marketing and other Fund literature may include a description of the
potential risks and rewards associated with an investment in a Fund. The
description may include a "risk/return spectrum" which compares the Funds 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 Funds to bank products, such as certificates of deposit. Unlike
mutual funds, certificates of deposit are insured up to $100,000 by the U.S.
government and offer a fixed rate of return.
Because bank products guarantee the principal value of an investment
and money market funds seek stability of principal, these investments are
considered to be less risky than investments in either bond or equity funds,
which may involve the loss of principal. However, all long-term investments,
including investments in bank products, may be subject to inflation risk, which
is the risk of erosion of the value of an investment as prices increase over a
long time period. The risks/returns associated with an investment in bond or
equity funds depend upon many factors. For bond funds these factors include, but
are not limited to, a fund's overall investment objective, the average portfolio
maturity, credit quality of the securities held, and interest rate movements.
For equity funds, factors include a fund's overall investment objective, the
types of equity securities held and the financial position of the issuers of the
securities. The risks/returns associated with an investment in international
bond or equity funds also will depend upon currency exchange rate fluctuation.
A risk/return spectrum generally will position the various investment
categories in the following order: bank products, money market funds, bond funds
and equity funds. Shorter-term bond funds generally are considered less risky
and offer the potential for less return than longer-term bond funds. The same is
true of domestic bond funds relative to international bond funds, and bond funds
that purchase higher quality securities relative to bond funds that purchase
lower quality securities. Growth and income equity funds are generally
considered to be less risky and offer the potential for less return than growth
funds. In addition, international equity funds usually are considered more risky
than domestic equity funds but generally offer the potential for greater return.
Evaluation of Fund performance or other relevant statistical
information made by independent sources may also be used in advertisements
concerning a Fund, including reprints of, or selections from, editorials or
articles about a Fund.
FUND ORGANIZATION
32
<PAGE>
(See "About the funds" in the Funds' prospectus.)
Each Fund is a 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 May 15, 1991,
from Scudder Growth and Income Fund, and on June 10, 1998 from Scudder
Investment Trust. 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 Fund.
The Trustees have the authority to issue additional series of shares
and to designate the relative rights and preferences as between the different
series. Each share of a Fund has equal rights with each other share of a 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
combined Statement of Additional Information and in the Funds' prospectus.
The assets of the Trust received for the issue or sale of the shares of
each series and all income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, subject only
to the rights of creditors, are specifically allocated to such series and
constitute the underlying assets of such series. The underlying assets of each
series are segregated on the books of account and are to be charged with the
liabilities in respect to such series and with a proportionate share of the
general liabilities of the Trust. If a series were unable to meet its
obligations, the assets of all other series may in some circumstances be
available to creditors for that purpose, in which case the assets of such other
series could be used to meet liabilities which are not otherwise properly
chargeable to them. Expenses with respect to any two or more series are to be
allocated in proportion to the asset value of the respective series except where
allocations of direct expenses can otherwise be fairly made. The officers of the
Trust, subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, have the power to
determine which liabilities are allocable to a given series, or which are
general or allocable to two or more series. In the event of the dissolution or
liquidation of the Trust or any series, the holders of the shares of any series
are entitled to receive as a class the underlying assets of such shares
available for distribution to shareholders.
Shares of the Trust entitle their holders to one vote per share;
however, separate votes are taken by each series on matters affecting an
individual series. For example, a change in investment policy for a series would
be voted upon only by shareholders of the series involved. Additionally,
approval of the investment advisory agreement is a matter to be determined
separately by each series. Approval by the shareholders of one series is
effective as to that series whether or not enough votes are received from the
shareholders of the other series to approve such agreement as to other series.
The Trustees, in their discretion, may authorize the division of shares
of a 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 a Fund are not
binding upon the Trustees individually but only upon the property of a Fund,
that the Trustees and officers will not be liable for errors of judgment or
mistakes of fact or law and that a 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 a 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 a 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.
33
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT ADVISER
(See "Investment adviser" in the Funds' prospectus.)
Investment Adviser
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser"), an investment counsel
firm, acts as investment adviser to the Funds. 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 December 31, 1997, Zurich Insurance Company ("Zurich") acquired a
majority interest in the Adviser, and Zurich Kemper Investments, Inc., a Zurich
subsidiary, became part of the Adviser. The Adviser's name changed to Scudder
Kemper Investments, Inc. 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.
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. Today, it provides
investment counsel for many individuals and institutions, including insurance
companies, colleges, industrial corporations, and financial and banking
organizations as well as providing investment advice to over 280 open and
closed-end mutual funds.
The Adviser maintains a large research department, which conducts
continuous studies of the factors that affect the position of various
industries, companies and individual securities. The Adviser receives published
reports and statistical compilations from issuers and other sources, as well as
analyses from brokers and dealers who may execute portfolio transactions for the
Adviser's clients. However, the Adviser regards this information and material as
an adjunct to its own research activities. The Adviser's international
investment management team travels the world, researching hundreds of companies.
In selecting the securities in which the Funds may invest, the conclusions and
investment decisions of the Adviser with respect to the Funds are based
primarily on the analyses of its own research department.
Certain investments may be appropriate for a fund and also for other
clients advised by the Adviser. Investment decisions for a 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 a fund. Purchase and sale orders for a fund may be combined with
those of other clients of the Adviser in the interest of achieving the most
favorable net results to that fund.
34
<PAGE>
In certain cases, the investments for a fund are managed by the same
individuals who manage one or more other mutual funds advised by the Adviser,
that have similar names, objectives and investment styles. You should be aware
that the Funds are likely to differ from these other mutual funds in size, cash
flow pattern and tax matters. Accordingly, the holdings and performance of the
Funds can be expected to vary from those of these other mutual funds.
The present investment management agreements (the "Agreements") were
approved by the Trustees on August 9, 1999. The Agreements will continue in
effect until September 30, 2000 and from year to year thereafter only if their
continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of those Trustees who
are not parties to such Agreements or interested persons of the Adviser or the
Trust, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval, and either by a vote of the Trust's Trustees or of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the respective Fund. The Agreements may be
terminated at any time without payment of penalty by either party on sixty days'
written notice and automatically terminate in the event of their assignment.
The Adviser regularly provides each Fund with continuing investment
management for each Fund's portfolio consistent with that Fund's investment
objective, policies and restrictions and determines what securities shall be
purchased, held or sold and what portion of each Fund's assets shall be held
uninvested, subject to the Trust's Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, the 1940 Act,
the Code and to each 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 Funds.
Under the Agreements, the Adviser renders significant administrative
services (not otherwise provided by third parties) necessary for each 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 Funds (such as the Funds' transfer agent, pricing
agents, custodian, accountants and others); preparing and making filings with
the Commission and other regulatory agencies; assisting in the preparation and
filing of the Funds' federal, state and local tax returns; preparing and filing
the Funds' 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 each Fund under
applicable federal and state securities laws; maintaining each Fund's books and
records to the extent not otherwise maintained by a third party; assisting in
establishing accounting policies of each Fund; assisting in the resolution of
accounting and legal issues; establishing and monitoring each Fund's operating
budget; processing the payment of each Fund's bills; assisting each 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 (except those of
attending Board and committee meetings outside New York, New York or Boston,
Massachusetts) of all Trustees, officers and executive employees 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.
For these services Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund and Scudder Tax
Managed Small Company Growth Fund pay the Adviser 0.80% and 0.90%, respectively,
payable monthly, provided each Fund will make such interim payments as may be
requested by the Adviser not to exceed 75% of the amount of the fee then accrued
on the books of each Fund and unpaid. The Adviser has agreed to voluntarily
waive management fees to the extent necessary so that the total annualized
expenses of Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund and Scudder Tax Managed Small
Company Fund do not exceed 1.25% and 1.50%, respectively, of each Fund's average
daily net assets until February 28, 2001. These expense limitation arrangements
can decrease the Funds' expenses and improve its performance.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999, each of Scudder Tax Managed
Growth Fund and Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund was charged by the
Adviser aggregate fees pursuant to their then effective investment management
agreement of $29,423 and $19,641, respectively. For the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1998, each of
35
<PAGE>
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund and Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund was
charged by the Adviser aggregate fees pursuant to their then effective
investment management agreement of $1,625 and $1,206, respectively. Due to
expense limitations in place, the Adviser did not impose its fee for either
fiscal year ended October 31, 1998 or October 31, 1999.
Under the Agreements each Fund is responsible for all of its other
expenses including: fees and expenses incurred in connection with membership in
investment company organizations; brokers' commissions; legal, auditing and
accounting expenses; the calculation of net asset value; taxes and governmental
fees; the fees and expenses of the Transfer Agent; the cost of preparing share
certificates or any other expenses of issue, sale, underwriting, distribution,
redemption or repurchase of shares; the expenses of and the fees for registering
or qualifying securities for sale; the fees and expenses of 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. Each Fund may arrange to have third parties assume
all or part of the expenses of sale, underwriting and distribution of shares of
the Fund. Each 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 Trust 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 Corporation, with respect to the Fund, has the
non-exclusive right to use and sublicense the Scudder name and marks as part of
its name, and to use the Scudder Marks in the Trusts' investment products and
services.
In reviewing the terms of each Agreement and in discussions with the
Adviser concerning such Agreement, the Trustees of each Fund who are not
"interested persons" of the Adviser are represented by independent counsel at
the Fund's expense.
Each Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any
error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by each 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 each Agreement.
The term Scudder Investments is the designation given to the services
provided by Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. and its affiliates to the Scudder
Family of Funds.
AMA InvestmentLink(SM) Program
Pursuant to an Agreement between the Adviser and AMA Solutions, Inc., a
subsidiary of the American Medical Association (the "AMA"), dated May 9, 1997,
the Adviser has agreed, subject to applicable state regulations, to pay AMA
Solutions, Inc. royalties in an amount equal to 5% of the management fee
received by the Adviser with respect to assets invested by AMA members in
Scudder funds in connection with the AMA InvestmentLink(SM) Program. The Adviser
will also pay AMA Solutions, Inc. a general monthly fee, currently in the amount
of $833. The AMA and AMA Solutions, Inc. are not engaged in the business of
providing investment advice and neither is registered as an investment adviser
or broker/dealer under federal securities laws. Any person who participates in
the AMA InvestmentLink(SM) Program will be a customer of the Adviser (or of a
subsidiary thereof) and not the AMA or AMA Solutions, Inc. AMA
InvestmentLink(SM) is a service mark of AMA Solutions, Inc.
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
36
<PAGE>
advisory clients such as the Funds. 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.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Position with
Underwriter, Scudder
Name, Age and Address Position with Trust Principal Occupation** Investor Services, Inc.
- --------------------- ------------------- -------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Linda C. Coughlin (48)+*= President and Trustee Managing Director of Scudder Senior Vice President
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Henry P. Becton, Jr. (56) Trustee President and General Manager, --
WGBH WGBH Educational Foundation
125 Western Avenue
Allston, MA 02134
Dawn-Marie Driscoll (53) Trustee Executive Fellow, Center for --
4909 SW 9th Place Business Ethics, Bentley
Cape Coral, FL 33914 College; President, Driscoll
Associates
Peter B. Freeman (67) Trustee Director, The A.H. Belo --
100 Alumni Avenue Company; Trustee, Eastern
Providence, RI 02906 Utilities Associates (public
utility holding company);
Director, AMICA Life Insurance
Co.; Director, AMICA Insurance
Co.
George M. Lovejoy, Jr. (69)= 50 Trustee President and Director, Fifty --
Congress Street Associates (real estate
Suite 543 investment trust)
Boston, MA 02109
Wesley W. Marple, Jr. (67)= 413 Trustee Professor of Business --
Hayden Hall Administration, Northeastern
360 Huntington Ave. University, College of Business
Boston, MA 02115 Administration
Kathryn L. Quirk (47)++*= Trustee, Vice President Managing Director of Scudder Director, Assistant
and Assistant Secretary Kemper Investments, Inc. Treasurer and Senior Vice
President
Jean C. Tempel (56) Trustee Managing Partner, Technology --
Ten Post Office Square Suite Equity Partners
1325Boston, MA 02109
37
<PAGE>
Position with
Underwriter, Scudder
Name, Age and Address Position with Trust Principal Occupation** Investor Services, Inc.
- --------------------- ------------------- -------------------- -----------------------
Bruce F. Beaty (41)++ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Jennifer P. Carter (37)+++ Vice President Vice President, Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
James M. Eysenbach (37)+++ Vice President Vice President, Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
William F. Gadsden (44)++ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Ann M. McCreary (43)++ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Valerie F. Malter (41)++ Vice President Managing Director of Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Kathleen Millard (39)++ Vice President Managing Director, Scudder --
Kemper Investment s, Inc.
John Millette (37)+ Vice President & Vice President, Scudder Kemper --
Secretary Investments, Inc.
Robert C. Peck (53)@ Vice President Managing Director, Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Robert Tymoczko (30)+++ Vice President Senior Vice President, Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc
Caroline Pearson (37)+ Assistant Secretary Senior Vice President, Scudder --
Kemper Investments, Inc.;
Associate, Dechert Price &
Rhoads (law firm) 1989 to 1997
John R. Hebble (41)+ Treasurer Senior Vice President of --
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
</TABLE>
38
<PAGE>
* Ms. Coughlin and Ms. Quirk are considered by the Funds and their
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 of 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 and Marple and Ms. Coughlin and Ms. Quirk are members
of the Executive Committee for the 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
@ Address: 222 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois
The Trustees and officers of the Fund also serve in similar capacities
with respect to other Scudder funds.
As of January 31, 2000, to the knowledge of the Trust, Trustees and
officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Scudder Tax
Managed Growth Fund.
As of January 31, 2000, to the knowledge of the Trust, Trustees and
officers as a group owned 2,017 shares or 1.28% of the outstanding shares of
Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund.
As of January 31, 2000, 33,507 shares in the aggregate, or 21.26% of
the outstanding shares of Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund were held in
the name of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, P.O. Box 2052, Jersey City, NJ, 07303,
who may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of certain of these shares, but
disclaims any beneficial ownership therein.
As of January 31, 2000, 39,313 shares in the aggregate, or 16.40% of
the outstanding shares of Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund were held in the name
of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, P.O. Box 2052, Jersey City, NJ, 07303, who may
be deemed to be the beneficial owner of certain of these shares, but disclaims
any beneficial ownership therein.
As of January 31, 2000, 13,748 shares in the aggregate, or 5.73% of the
outstanding shares of Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund were held in the name of
Mary & John Wagnes, 319 4th Avenue, Bradley Beach, NJ, 07720, who may be deemed
to be the beneficial owner of certain of these shares, but disclaims any
beneficial ownership therein.
39
<PAGE>
As of January 31, 2000, 13,128 shares in the aggregate, or 5.47% of the
outstanding shares of Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund were held in the name of
Salvatore and Katherine Arcabascio, 32-56 36th Street, Astoria, NY, 11106, who
may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of certain of these shares, but
disclaims any beneficial ownership therein.
REMUNERATION
Responsibilities of the Board -- Board and Committee Meetings
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the general oversight of each
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 each 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 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, each
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 each 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 each 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 on behalf of 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 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 or
retirement benefits 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. During 1999, the Independent Trustees participated in 25
meetings of the Fund's board or board committees, which were held on 21
different days during the year.
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 1999 from the Trust and from all of the Scudder funds as a group.
40
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Investment Trust(1) All Scudder Funds
------------------- -----------------
Name
----
<S> <C> <C>
Henry P. Becton $31,110 $140,000
Trustee (30 funds)
Dawn-Marie Driscoll $33,218 $150,000
Trustee (30 funds)
Peter B. Freeman $31,916 $179,782
Trustee (51 funds)
George M. Lovejoy, Jr. $31,025 $153,200
Trustee (31 funds)
Wesley W. Marple, Jr. $31,025 $140,000
Trustee (30 funds)
Jean C. Tempel $31,025 $140,000
Trustee (30 funds)
</TABLE>
(1) Investment Trust consists of eight funds: Scudder Growth and
Income Fund, Scudder Large Company Growth Fund, Classic Growth
Fund, Scudder S&P 500 Index, Scudder Real Estate Investment
Fund, Scudder Dividend & Growth Fund, Scudder Tax Managed
Growth Fund and Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund.
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 each 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 the
Adviser, a Delaware corporation. The Trust's underwriting agreement dated
September 7, 1998 will remain in effect until September 30, 2000 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 11,
1998.
Under the underwriting agreement, each Fund is responsible for: the
payment of all fees and expenses in connection with the preparation and filing
with the Commission of its registration statement and prospectus and any
amendments and supplements thereto; the registration and qualification of shares
for sale in the various states, including registering a Fund as a broker/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 the prospectuses
accompanying such confirmations; any issuance taxes and/or any initial transfer
taxes; a portion of shareholder toll-free telephone charges and expenses of
customer 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 a Fund and the Distributor.
41
<PAGE>
The Distributor will pay for printing and distributing prospectuses or
reports prepared for its use in connection with the offering of a Fund's shares
to the public and preparing, printing and mailing any other literature or
advertising in connection with the offering of shares of a 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
service representatives, a portion of the cost of computer terminals and
expenses of any activity which is primarily intended to result in the sale of
shares issued by the Fund, unless a Rule 12b-1 plan is in effect which provides
that each Fund shall bear some or all of such expenses.
Note: Although the Trust currently has no 12b-1 Plan with respect to
the Funds and the Trustees have no current intention of
adopting one, the Fund will also pay those fees and expenses
permitted to be paid or assumed by the Trust pursuant to a
12b-1 Plan, if any, adopted by the Trust, notwithstanding any
other provision to the contrary in the underwriting agreement.
As agent, the Distributor currently offers a Fund's shares on a
continuous basis to investors in all states. The Underwriting Agreement provides
that the Distributor accepts orders for shares at net asset value as no sales
commission or load is charged the investor. The Distributor has made no firm
commitment to acquire shares of a Fund.
TAXES
(See "Distributions" and "Taxes" in the Fund's prospectus.)
Each Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Code or a predecessor statute, and has qualified as
such since its inception. Such qualification does not involve governmental
supervision or management of investment practices or policy.
A regulated investment company qualifying under Subchapter M of the
Code is required to distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income (including net short-term capital gain) and
generally is not subject to federal income tax to the extent that it distributes
annually its investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains in
the manner required under the Code.
If for any taxable year a Fund does not qualify for the special federal
income tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, all of its taxable
income will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates (without
any deduction for distributions to its shareholders). In such event, dividend
distributions would be taxable to shareholders to the extent of a Fund's
earnings and profits, and would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction
in the case of corporate shareholders.
Each 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 a Fund.
If any net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized
short-term capital losses are retained by a Fund for reinvestment, requiring
federal income taxes to be paid thereon by that Fund, that 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
that Fund on such gains
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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 a Fund's gross income. To the extent that such dividends
constitute a portion of that Fund's gross income, a portion of the income
distributions of that 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 that 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 that Fund are deemed to have been held by
that 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 a 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 ($52,000 for married individuals
filing a joint return, with a phase-out of the deduction for adjusted gross
income between $52,000 and $62,000; $32,000 for a single individual, with a
phase-out for adjusted gross income between $32,000 and $42,000). 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 a Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value of
that 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.
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Equity options (including covered call options on portfolio stock) and
over-the-counter options on debt securities written or purchased by a 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 that Fund's holding period for the option, and in the case of
an exercise of a put option, on that 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 that Fund's portfolio. If
that 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
a Fund is not a taxable transaction for that Fund.
Many futures contracts entered into by a Fund and all listed non-equity
options written or purchased by a 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 that 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 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 a Fund's portfolio.
Positions of a Fund which consist of at least one stock and at least
one other position with respect to a related security which substantially
diminishes that 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 that Fund.
Positions of a Fund which consist of at least one position not governed
by Section 1256 and at least one futures contract or non-equity option governed
by Section 1256 which substantially diminishes that 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. Each 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 a Fund to recognize gain (but not loss) from a constructive sale of
certain "appreciated financial positions" if that 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 that Fund's taxable year, if certain
conditions are met.
Similarly, if a Fund enters into a short sale of property that becomes
substantially worthless, that 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.
A portion of the difference between the issue price of zero coupon
securities and their face value ("original issue discount") is considered to be
income to a Fund each year, even though that Fund will not receive cash interest
payments from these securities. This original issue discount (imputed income)
will comprise a part of the investment company taxable income of that Fund which
must be distributed to shareholders in order to maintain the qualification of
that Fund as a regulated investment company and to avoid federal income tax at
the level of that Fund. Shareholders
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will be subject to income tax on such original issue discount, whether or not
they elect to receive their distributions in cash.
Each 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 a
Fund is notified by the IRS or a broker that the taxpayer identification number
furnished by the shareholder is incorrect or that the shareholder has previously
failed to report interest or dividend income. If the withholding provisions are
applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or
reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be
withheld.
Shareholders of a Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on
distributions received from that Fund and on redemptions of that Fund's shares.
Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. In January of each year each Fund issues to each
shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.
Each 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 a Fund, including the possibility that
such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or
at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on amounts constituting
ordinary income received by him or her, where such amounts are treated as income
from U.S. sources under the Code.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of
the provisions of tax law described in this Statement of Additional Information
in light of their particular tax situations.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Brokerage Commissions
Allocation of brokerage is supervised by the Adviser.
The primary objective of the Adviser in placing orders for the purchase
and sale of securities for a Fund is to obtain the most favorable net results,
taking into account such factors as price, commission where applicable, size of
order, difficulty of execution and skill required of the executing
broker/dealer. The Adviser seeks to evaluate the overall reasonableness of
brokerage commissions paid (to the extent applicable) through the familiarity of
the Distributor with commissions charged on comparable transactions, as well as
by comparing commissions paid by a Fund to reported commissions paid by others.
The Adviser routinely reviews commission rates, execution and settlement
services performed and makes internal and external comparisons.
The Funds' 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 a 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.
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When it can be done consistently with the policy of obtaining the most
favorable net results, it is the Adviser's practice to place such orders with
broker/dealers who supply brokerage and research services to the Adviser or a
Fund. The term "research services" includes advice as to the value of
securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities;
the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; and
analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic
factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts. The
Adviser is authorized when placing portfolio transactions, if applicable, for a
Fund to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might
charge for executing the same transaction on account of execution services and
the receipt of research services. The Adviser has negotiated arrangements, which
are not applicable to most fixed-income transactions, with certain
broker/dealers pursuant to which a broker/dealer will provide research services,
to the Adviser or a Fund in exchange for the direction by the Adviser of
brokerage transactions to the broker/dealer. These arrangements regarding
receipt of research services generally apply to equity security transactions.
The Adviser will not place orders with a broker/dealer on the basis that the
broker/dealer has or has not sold shares of a Fund. In effecting transactions in
over-the-counter securities, orders are placed with the principal market makers
for the security being traded unless, after exercising care, it appears that
more favorable results are available elsewhere.
To the maximum extent feasible, it is expected that the Adviser will
place orders for portfolio transactions through the Distributor, which is a
corporation registered as a broker/dealer and a subsidiary of the Adviser; the
Distributor will place orders on behalf of the Funds with issuers, underwriters
or other brokers and dealers. The Distributor will not receive any commission,
fee or other remuneration from the Funds for this service.
Although certain research services from broker/dealers may be useful to
a Fund and to the Adviser, it is the opinion of the Adviser that such
information only supplements the Adviser's own research effort since the
information must still be analyzed, weighed, and reviewed by the Adviser's
staff. Such information may be useful to the Adviser in providing services to
clients other than a Fund, and not all such information is used by the Adviser
in connection with a 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 a Fund.
The Trustees review, from time to time, whether the recapture
for the benefit of the Funds of some portion of the brokerage commissions or
similar fees paid by the Funds on portfolio transactions is legally permissible
and advisable.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999, Scudder Tax Managed Growth
Fund paid brokerage commissions of $3,782. For the fiscal year ended October 31,
1999, $8, (0.21% 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 Trust or Adviser. For the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1999, the total amount of brokerage transactions aggregated
$6.062.478, of which $792,160 (13.07% of all brokerage transactions) were
transactions which included research commissions.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, Scudder Tax Managed Growth
Fund paid brokerage commissions of $1,466. For the fiscal year ended October 31,
1998, $5, (0.34% 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 Trust or Adviser. For the fiscal year ended
October 31,1998, the total amount of brokerage transactions aggregated
2,085,531, of which $7,399 (0.35% of all brokerage transactions) were
transactions which included research commissions.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999, Scudder Tax Managed Small
Company Fund paid brokerage commissions of $1,869. For the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1999, $0, (0% 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 Trust or Adviser. For the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1999, the total amount of brokerage transactions aggregated
$1,495,900, of which $894,513 (59.80% of all brokerage transactions) were
transactions which included research commissions.
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For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, Scudder Tax Managed Small
Company Fund paid brokerage commissions of $1,894. For the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1998, $115, (6.05% 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 Trust or Adviser. The total amount of
brokerage transactions aggregated $1,449,763, of which $62,588 (4.32% of all
brokerage transactions) were transactions which included research commissions.
Portfolio Turnover
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund's average annual portfolio turnover
rate, i.e. the ratio of the lesser of sales or purchases to the monthly average
value of the portfolio (excluding from both the numerator and the denominator
all securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less),
for the fiscal years ended October 31, 1999 and October 31, 1998 was 60.8% and
N/A%. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1999 and October 31, 1998, Scudder
Tax Managed Small Company Fund had an annualized portfolio turnover rate of
21.4% and N/A%. Higher levels of activity by the Funds result in higher
transaction costs and may also result in taxes on realized capital gains to be
borne by the Funds' shareholders. Purchases and sales are made for a Fund
whenever necessary, in management's opinion, to meet the Fund's objective.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of shares of each Fund is computed as of the close
of regular trading on the Exchange on each day the Exchange is open for trading.
The Exchange is scheduled to be closed on the following holidays: New Year's
Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas and on the
preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when one of these holidays falls on
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 Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. ("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 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.
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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 Trust'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 a 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 each Fund included in the Funds' prospectus
and the Financial Statements incorporated by reference in this Statement of
Additional Information have been so included or incorporated by reference in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 160 Federal Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110, independent accountants, given on the authority of
said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
audits the financial statements of each Fund and provides other audit, tax, and
related services.
Other Information
Many of the investment changes in the Funds will be made at prices
different from those prevailing at the time they may be reflected in a regular
report to shareholders of the Funds. These transactions will reflect investment
decisions made by the Adviser in the light of its other portfolio holdings and
tax considerations and should not be construed as recommendations for similar
action by other investors.
The CUSIP number of Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund is 460965-86-6.
The CUSIP number of Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund is
460965-87-4.
Each Fund has a fiscal year end of October 31.
Each Fund employs State Street Bank and Trust Company as Custodian.
The law firm of Dechert Price & Rhoads acts as general counsel to the
Funds.
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation ("SFAC"), Two International Place,
Boston, Massachusetts, 02110-4103, a subsidiary of the Adviser, computes net
asset value for each Fund. Each Fund pays SFAC 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. For the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1999, SFAC did not impose any of its annual fee, which, for Scudder
Tax Managed Growth Fund and Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund, amounted to
$37,500 and $37,500, respectively. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998,
SFAC did not impose any of its annual fee, which, for Scudder Tax Managed Growth
Fund and Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund, amounted to $5,512 and $6,430,
respectively.
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Scudder Service Corporation ("Service Corporation", or "SSC"), P.O.
Box 2291, Boston, Massachusetts, 02107-2291, a subsidiary of the Adviser, is the
transfer and dividend disbursing agent for each Fund. Service Corporation also
serves as shareholder service agent and provides subaccounting and recordkeeping
services for shareholder accounts in certain retirement and employee benefit
plans. The Fund pays Service Corporation an annual fee of $26.00 for each
account maintained for a participant. For the fiscal year ended October 31,
1999, SSC did not impose any of its annual fee, which, for Scudder Tax Managed
Growth Fund and Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund, amounted to $4,824 and
$4,029, respectively. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, SSC did not
impose any of its annual fee, which, for Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund and
Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund, amounted to $1,352 and $1,071,
respectively.
Scudder Trust Company ("STC"), an affiliate of the Adviser, provides
subaccounting and recordkeeping services for shareholder accounts in certain
retirement and employee benefit plans. Annual service fees are paid by the Fund
to Scudder Trust Company, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02110-4103, an affiliate of the Adviser, for such accounts. Each Fund pays
Scudder Trust Company an annual fee of $17.55 per shareholder account. For the
fiscal years ended October 31, 1999 and October 31, 1998, the Funds did not
incur any of these fees.
The Funds 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 generally are
held in an omnibus account.
The Funds' prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information omit
certain information contained in the Registration Statement which each Fund has
filed with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and reference is
hereby made to the Registration Statement for further information with respect
to the Fund and the securities offered hereby. This Registration Statement and
its amendments are available for inspection by the public at the Commission in
Washington, D.C.
This Statement of Additional Information combines the information of
both Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund and Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund.
Each Fund, through its individual prospectus, offers only its own shares, yet it
is possible that one Fund might become liable for a misstatement regarding the
other Fund. The Trustees of the Trust have considered this, and have approved
the use of a combined Statement of Additional Information.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements, including the investment portfolio,
of Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund and Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund,
together with the Report of Independent Accountants, and Financial Highlights,
are incorporated by reference in the Annual Report to the Shareholders of the
Funds dated 10/31/1999, and are hereby deemed to be a part of this Statement of
Additional Information.
49
