File No. 33-58282
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 [X]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
Amendment No. 3 [X]
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
c/o The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 922-6000
Daniel C. Maclean III, Esq.
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
----
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
----
X 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
----
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
----
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
----
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485
----
If appropriate, check the following box:
this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
----
Registrant has registered an indefinite number of shares of its common
stock under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 24(f) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Registrant's Rule 24f-2 Notice for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1994 was filed on December 27, 1994.
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
Cross-Reference Sheet Pursuant to Rule 495(a)
Items in
Part A of
Form N-1A Caption Page
_________ _______ ____
1 Cover Page Cover
2 Synopsis 3
3 Condensed Financial Information 4
4 General Description of Registrant 5
5 Management of the Fund 12
5(a) Management's Discussion of Fund's Performance *
6 Capital Stock and Other Securities 28
7 Purchase of Securities Being Offered 14
8 Redemption or Repurchase 21
9 Pending Legal Proceedings *
Items in
Part B of
Form N-1A
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10 Cover Page Cover
11 Table of Contents Cover
12 General Information and History B-26
13 Investment Objectives and Policies B-2
14 Management of the Fund B-8
15 Control Persons and Principal B-12
Holders of Securities
16 Investment Advisory and Other B-12
Services
_____________________________________
NOTE: * Omitted since answer is negative or inapplicable.
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
Cross-Reference Sheet Pursuant to Rule 495(a) (continued)
Items in
Part B of
Form N-1A Caption Page
_________ _______ _____
17 Brokerage Allocation B-24
18 Capital Stock and Other Securities B-26
19 Purchase, Redemption and Pricing B-16, B-17
of Securities Being Offered & B-21
20 Tax Status *
21 Underwriters B-26
22 Calculations of Performance Data B-25
23 Financial Statements B-35
Items in
Part C of
Form N-1A
_________
24 Financial Statements and Exhibits C-1
25 Persons Controlled by or Under C-4
Common Control with Registrant
26 Number of Holders of Securities C-4
27 Indemnification C-4
28 Business and Other Connections of C-5
Investment Adviser
29 Principal Underwriters C-11
30 Location of Accounts and Records C-14
31 Management Services C-14
32 Undertakings C-14
_____________________________________
NOTE: * Omitted since answer is negative or inapplicable.
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PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
(Lion Logo)
PROSPECTUS JULY 3, 1995
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Premier Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is an open-end, diversified,
management investment company, known as a mutual fund. Its primary goal is to
provide you with long-term capital growth consistent with the preservation of
capital. Current income is a secondary goal. The Fund invests principally in
equity securities issued by foreign and domestic issuers located throughout
the world.
By this Prospectus, Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund
are being offered. Class A shares are subject to a sales charge imposed at
the time of purchase; Class B shares are subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge imposed on redemptions made within six years of purchase; and
Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge imposed on
redemptions made within one year of purchase.Other differences among the
three Classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each
Class and certain voting rights, as described herein. The Fund offers these
alternatives to permit an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares
that is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length of time
the investor expects to hold the shares and other circumstances.
You can purchase or redeem Fund shares by telephone using the
TELETRANSFER Privilege.
The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") serves as the Fund's investment
adviser. Dreyfus has engaged Fayez Sarofim &Co. ("Sarofim") to serve as the
Fund's sub-investment adviser and provide day-to-day management of the Fund's
investments. Dreyfus and Sarofim are referred to collectively as "Advisers."
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the Fund that
you should know before investing. It should be read and retained for future
reference.
The Statement of Additional Information, dated July 3, 1995, which
may be revised from time to time, provides a further discussion of certain
areas in this Prospectus and other matters which may be of interest to some
investors. It has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
is incorporated herein by reference. For a free copy, write to the Fund at
144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or call
1-800-554-4611. When telephoning, ask for Operator 144.
MUTUAL FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER
AGENCY. MUTUAL FUND SHARES INVOLVE CERTAIN INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING THE
POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fee Table.......................................... 3
Condensed Financial Information.................... 4
Alternative Purchase Methods....................... 4
Description of the Fund............................ 5
Management of the Fund............................. 12
How to Buy Fund Shares............................. 14
Shareholder Services............................... 17
How to Redeem Fund Shares.......................... 21
Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan.... 25
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes................. 25
Performance Information............................ 27
General Information................................ 28
Page 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE
<C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price).............................. 4.50% None None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge Imposed on Redemptions
(as a percentage of the amount subject to charge)................ None* 4.00% 1.00%
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
Management Fees......................... .75% .75% .75%
12b-1 Fees.............................. None .75% .75%
Other Expenses........................... 1.33% 1.32% 1.33%
Total Fund Operating Expenses........... 2.08% 2.82% 2.83%
EXAMPLE
You would pay the following
expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming (1) 5% annual return and
(2) except where noted, redemption
at the end of each time period: CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
1 Year........................... $ 65 $69/$29** $39/$29**
3 Years.......................... $107 $117/$ 87** $88
5 Years.......................... $152 $169/$149** $149
10 Years........................... $275 $281*** $316
</TABLE>
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* A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% may be assessed on
certain redemptions of Class A shares purchased without an initial sales
charge as part of an investment of $1 million or more.
** Assuming no redemption of shares.
*** Ten year figures assume conversion of Class B shares to
Class A shares at the end of the six year following the date of purchase.
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THE AMOUNTS LISTED IN THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE INDICATED. MOREOVER, WHILE THE EXAMPLE ASSUMES
A 5% ANNUAL RETURN, THE FUND'S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE WILL
VARY AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACTUAL RETURN GREATER OR LESS THAN 5%.
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The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist you in
understanding the various costs and expenses that investors will bear,
directly or indirectly, the payment of which will reduce investors'
return on an annual basis. Other Expenses of Class C are based on amounts
for Class A for the Fund's last fiscal year. Total Fund Operating
Expenses are limited to the expense limitation provisions of the
Management Agreement. Long-term investors in Class B or Class C shares
could pay more in 12b-1 fees than the economic equivalent of paying a
front-end sales charge. The information in the foregoing table does not
reflect any fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements that may be
in effect. Certain Service Agents (as defined below) may charge their
clients direct fees for effecting transactions in Fund shares; such fees
are not reflected in the foregoing table. See "Management of the Fund,"
"How to Buy Fund Shares" and "Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services
Plan."
Page 3
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The information in the following table has been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent auditors, whose report thereon
appears in the Statement of Additional Information. Further financial
data and related notes for Class A and Class B are included in the
Statement of Additional Information, available upon request. No financial
information is available for Class C shares, which had not been offered
as of the date of this Prospectus.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Contained below is per share operating performance data for
Class A and Class B shares of Common Stock outstanding, total investment
return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for each
year indicated. This information has been derived from the Fund's
financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
------------------------------ -------------------------------
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA 1993(1) 1994 1993(1) 1994
-------- ------ --------- ------
Net asset value, beginning of year...... $12.50 $13.21 $12.50 $13.17
------- ------- ------- -------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Investment income (loss)-net........... (.01) .16 (.03) .09
Net realized and unrealized
gain on investments................... .72 .66 .70 .63
------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS........ .71 .82 .67 .72
------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of year............ $13.21 $14.03 $13.17 $13.89
======= ====== ====== ======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN(2)............... 5.68%(3) 6.21% 5.36%(3) 5.47%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Ratio of expenses to average net assets.... .77%(3) 1.33% 1.14%(3) 2.07%
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
to average net assets.......... (.12%)(3) 1.49% (.53%)(3) .71%
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios due to
undertakings by Dreyfus......... .88%(3) .75% 1.01%(3) .75%
Portfolio Turnover Rate................. -- .71% -- .71%
Net Assets, end of year (000's omitted).... $3,338 $8,075 $2,554 $10,867
</TABLE>
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(1) From July 15, 1993 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1993.
(2) Exclusive of sales load.
(3) Not annualized.
Further information about the Fund's performance is contained
in its annual report, which may be obtained without charge by writing to
the address or calling the number set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus.
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE METHODS
The Fund offers you three methods of purchasing Fund shares;
you may choose the Class of shares that best suits your needs, given the
amount of your purchase, the length of time you expect to hold your
shares and any other relevant circumstances. Each Fund share represents
an identical pro rata interest in the Fund's investment portfolio.
Class A shares are sold at net asset value per share plus a
maximum initial sales charge of 4.50% of the public offering price
imposed at the time of purchase. The initial sales charge may be reduced
or waived for certain purchases. See "How to Buy Fund Shares-Class A
Shares." These shares are subject to an annual service fee at the rate of
.25 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class A. See
"Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan-Shareholder Services
Plan."
Class B shares are sold at net asset value per share with no
initial sales charge at the time of purchase; as a result, the entire
purchase price is immediately invested in the Fund. Class B shares are
subject to a maximum 4% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC"), which
is assessed only if you redeem Class B shares within six years of
purchase. See "How to Buy Fund Shares_Class B Shares" and "How to Redeem
Fund Shares-Contingent Deferred Sales
Page 4
Charge-Class B Shares." These shares also are subject to an annual service
fee at the rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets
of Class B. In addition, Class B shares are subject to an annual
distribution fee at the rate of .75 of 1% of the value of the average
daily net assets of Class B. See "Distribution Plan and Shareholder
Services Plan." The distribution fee paid by Class B will cause such Class
to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than Class A.
Approximately six years after the date of purchase, Class B shares
automatically will convert to Class A shares, based on the relative net
asset values for shares of each Class, and will no longer be subject to
the distribution fee. Class B shares that have been acquired through the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions will be converted on a pro
rata basis together with other Class B shares, in the proportion that a
shareholder's Class B shares converting to Class A shares bears to the
total Class B shares not acquired through the reinvestment of dividends
and distributions.
Class C shares are sold at net asset value per share with no
initial sales charge at the time of purchase. Class C shares are subject
to a 1% CDSC, which is assessed only if you redeem Class C shares within
one year of their purchase. See "How to Buy Fund Shares - Class C
Shares" and "How to Redeem Fund Shares - Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge - Class C Shares." These shares also are subject to an annual
service fee at the rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the average daily
net assets of Class C and an annual distribution fee at the rate of .75
of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class C. See
"Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan." The distribution fee
paid by Class C will cause such Class to have a higher expense ratio and
to pay lower dividends than Class A.
The decision as to which Class of shares is more beneficial
to you depends on the amount and the intended length of your investment.
You should consider whether, during the anticipated life of your
investment in the Fund, the accumulated distribution fee and CDSC, if
any, on Class B or Class C shares would be less than the initial shares
charge on Class A shares purchased at the same time, and to what extent,
if any, such differential would be offset by the return of Class A.
Additionally, investors qualifying for reduced initial sales charges who
expect to maintain their investment for an extended period of time might
consider purchasing Class A shares because the accumulated continuing
distribution fees on Class B or Class C shares may exceed the initial
sales charge on Class A shares during the life of the investment.
Finally, you should consider the effect of the CDSC period and any
conversion rights of the Classes in the context of your own investment
time frame. For example, while Class C shares have a shorter CDSC period
than Class B shares, Class C shares do not have a conversion feature and,
therefore, are subject to an ongoing distribution fee. Thus, Class B
shares may be more attractive than Class C shares to investors with
longer term investment outlooks. Generally, Class A shares may be more
appropriate for investors who invest $100,000 or more in Fund shares, but
will not be appropriate for investors who invest less than $50,000 in
Fund shares.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
The Fund's primary goal is to provide you with long-term
capital growth consistent with the preservation of capital. Current
income is a secondary goal. The Fund's investment objectives cannot be
changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares.
There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objectives will be
achieved.
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The Fund invests principally in equity securities issued by
foreign and domestic issuers located throughout the world. Equity
securities include common stock, convertible securities and preferred
stocks. The Fund may invest in debt securities that management believes
offer opportunities for capital growth. At any one time, the Fund may
invest substantial portions of its assets in issuers in one or more
countries, although the Fund ordinarily will seek to invest
Page 5
its assets in the securities of issuers located in at least three
countries. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 25%
of its net assets in the securities of non-U.S. issuers and 25% of its net
assets in the securities of U.S. issuers. The Fund may invest up to 25% of
its total assets in the securities of issuers having their principal
business activities in the same industry, regardless of country.
There are no limitations on the type, size, operating history
or dividend paying record of companies or industries in which the Fund
may invest, the principal criteria for investment being that the
securities provide opportunities for capital growth. The Fund's policy is
to purchase marketable securities which are not restricted as to public
sale, subject to the limited exception set forth below under "Certain
Portfolio Securities-Illiquid Securities."
The debt securities in which the Fund may invest must be
rated at least Caa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or at
least CCC by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P"), Fitch Investors
Service, Inc. ("Fitch") or Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. ("Duff") or,
if unrated, deemed to be of comparable quality by the Advisers.
Securities rated Caa by Moody's or CCC by S&P, Fitch or Duff are of poor
standing and may be in default. The Fund intends to invest less than 35%
of its net assets in debt securities rated lower than investment grade by
Moody's, S&P, Fitch and Duff or, if unrated, deemed to be of comparable
quality by the Advisers. See "Risk Factors-Lower Rated Securities" below.
The Fund may invest, in anticipation of investing cash
positions or for temporary defensive purposes, in money market
instruments consisting of U.S. Government securities, certificates of
deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances, short-term investment grade
corporate bonds and other short-term debt instruments, and repurchase
agreements, as set forth under "Certain Portfolio Securities" below.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund does not expect to have a
substantial portion of its assets invested in money market instruments.
However, when the Advisers determine that adverse market conditions
exist, the Fund may adopt a temporary defensive posture and invest its
entire portfolio in money market instruments.
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
The Fund may engage in various investment techniques, such as
foreign exchange transactions, each of which may involve risk. See "Risk
Factors" below.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS - The Fund may engage in currency
exchange transactions to the extent consistent with its investment
objectives or to hedge its portfolio. The Fund will conduct its currency
exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the rate
prevailing in the currency exchange market, or through entering into
forward contracts to purchase or sell currencies. A forward currency
exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific
currency at a future date, which must be more than two days from the date
of the contract, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward
currency exchange contracts are entered into in the interbank market
conducted directly between currency traders (typically commercial banks
or other financial institutions) and their customers. The Fund also may
combine forward currency exchange contracts with investments in
securities denominated in other currencies.
BORROWING MONEY - As a fundamental policy, the Fund is permitted to
borrow to the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
However, the Fund currently intends to borrow money only for temporary or
emergency (not leveraging) purposes in an amount up to 15% of the value
of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) valued at the
lesser of cost or market, less liabilities (not including the amount
borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made. While borrowings exceed 5%
of the Fund's total assets, the Fund will not make any additional
investments.
FORWARD COMMITMENTS - The Fund may purchase debt securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, which means that the price is
fixed at the time of commitment, but delivery and payment ordinarily take
place a number of days after the date of the commit-
Page 6
ment to purchase. The Fund will make commitments to purchase such
securities only with the intention of actually acquiring the securities,
but the Fund may sell these securities before the settlement date if it
is deemed advisable. The Fund will not accrue income in respect of a
security purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis prior to
its stated delivery date.
Securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment
basis and certain other securities held by the Fund are subject to
changes in value (both generally changing in the same way, i.e.,
appreciating when interest rates decline and depreciating when interest
rates rise) based upon the public's perception of the creditworthiness of
the issuer and changes, real or anticipated, in the level of interest
rates. Securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis
may expose the Fund to risk because they may experience such fluctuations
prior to their actual delivery. Purchasing securities on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis can involve the additional risk that the yield
available in the market when the delivery takes place actually may be
higher than that obtained in the transaction itself. A segregated account
of the Fund consisting of cash, cash equivalents or U.S. Government
securities or other high quality liquid debt securities at least equal at
all times to the amount of the when-issued or forward commitments will be
established and maintained at the Fund's custodian bank. Purchasing
securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis when the Fund is
fully or almost fully invested may result in greater potential fluctuation
in the value of the Fund's net assets and its net asset value per share.
CERTAIN PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
AMERICAN, EUROPEAN AND CONTINENTAL DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS - The Fund's
assets may be invested in the securities of foreign issuers in the form
of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depositary Receipts
("EDRs"). These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same
currency as the securities into which they may be converted. ADRs are
receipts typically issued by a United States bank or trust company which
evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign
corporation. EDRs, which are sometimes referred to as Continental
Depositary Receipts ("CDRs"), are receipts issued in Europe typically by
non-United States banks and trust companies that evidence ownership of
either foreign or domestic securities. Generally, ADRs in registered form
are designed for use in the United States securities markets and EDRs and
CDRs in bearer form are designed for use in Europe.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES - The Fund may purchase convertible
securities, which are fixed-income securities, such as bonds or preferred
stock, that may be converted at either a stated price or stated rate into
underlying shares of common stock. Convertible securities have general
characteristics similar to both fixed-income and equity securities.
Although to a lesser extent than with fixed-income 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 feature, the market value
of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market
value of the underlying common stock, and, therefore, also will react to
variations 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. While no securities investments are without risk,
investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than
investments in common stock of the same issuer.
As fixed-income securities, convertible securities are
investments that provide for a stable stream of income with generally
higher yields than common stocks. Of course, like all fixed-
Page 7
income securities, there can be no assurance of current income because the
issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations.
Convertible securities, however, generally offer lower interest or
dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality
because of the potential for capital appreciation. A convertible
security, in addition to providing fixed income, offers the potential for
capital appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables the
holder to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying
common stock. There can be no assurance of capital appreciation, however,
because securities prices fluctuate.
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. Because of the
subordination feature, however, convertible securities typically have
lower ratings than similar non-convertible securities.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS - The Fund may invest in the circumstances
described under "Management Policies," in the following types of money
market instruments.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. The Fund may purchase securities issued
or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities, which include U.S. Treasury securities. Some
obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and
instrumentalities, for example, Government National Mortgage Association
pass-through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of
the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks,
by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others, such
as those issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, by
discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain
obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others, such as those
issued by the Student Loan Marketing Association, only by the credit of
the agency or instrumentality. These securities bear fixed, floating or
variable rates of interest. Principal and interest may fluctuate based on
generally recognized reference rates or the relationship of rates. While
the U.S. Government provides financial support to such U.S.
Government-sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, no assurance can be
given that it will always do so, because the U.S. Government is not
obligated to do so by law. The Fund will invest in such securities only
when it is satisfied that the credit risk with respect to the issuer is
minimal.
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in zero coupon U.S.
Treasury securities, which are Treasury Notes and Bonds that have been
stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves and
receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt
obligations and coupons. The Fund also may invest in zero coupon
securities issued by corporations and financial institutions which
constitute a proportionate ownership of the issuer's pool of underlying
U.S. Treasury securities. A zero coupon security pays no interest to its
holder during its life and is sold at a discount to its face value at
maturity. The amount of the discount fluctuates with the market price of
the security. The market prices of zero coupon securities generally are
more volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest
periodically and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in
interest rates than non-zero coupon securities having similar maturities
and credit qualities.
BANK OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may purchase certificates of deposit, time
deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations of
domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries of domestic banks, foreign branches
of domestic banks, and domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks,
domestic savings and loan associations and other banking institutions.
With respect to such securities issued by foreign branches of domestic
banks, foreign subsidiaries of domestic banks, and domestic and foreign
branches of foreign banks, the Fund may be subject to additional
investment risks that are different in some respects from those incurred
by a fund which invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic
issuers. Such risks include possible future political and economic
developments, the possible imposition of foreign withholding taxes on
Page 8
interest income payable on the securities, the possible establishment of
exchange controls or the adoption of other foreign governmental
restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of principal and
interest on these securities and the possible seizure or nationalization
of foreign deposits.
Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates
evidencing the obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for
a specified period of time.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a
banking institution for a specified period of time at a stated interest
rate. Time deposits which may be held by the Fund will not benefit from
insurance from the Bank Insurance Fund or the Savings Association
Insurance Fund administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
The Fund will not invest more than 15% of the value of its net assets in
time deposits that are illiquid and in other illiquid securities.
Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the
obligation of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These
instruments reflect the obligation both of the bank and of the drawer to
pay the full amount of the instrument upon maturity. The other short-term
obligations may include uninsured, direct obligations bearing fixed,
floating or variable interest rates.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Repurchase agreements involve the acquisition
by the Fund of an underlying debt instrument, subject to an obligation of
the seller to repurchase, and the Fund to resell, the instrument at a
fixed price usually not more than one week after its purchase. Certain
costs may be incurred by the Fund in connection with the sale of
securities if the seller does not repurchase them in accordance with the
repurchase agreement. In addition, if bankruptcy proceedings are
commenced with respect to the seller of the securities, realization on
the securities by the Fund may be delayed or limited.
COMMERCIAL PAPER AND OTHER SHORT-TERM CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS. Commercial
paper consists of short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued to finance
short-term credit needs. The commercial paper purchased by the Fund will
consist only of direct obligations which, at the time of their purchase,
are (a) rated not lower than Prime-1 by Moody's, A-1 by S&P, F-1 by Fitch
or Duff-1 by Duff, (b) issued by companies having an outstanding
unsecured debt issue currently rated not lower than Aa3 by Moody's or AA-
by S&P, Fitch or Duff, or (c) if unrated, determined by the Advisers to
be of comparable quality to those rated obligations which may be
purchased by the Fund. The Fund may purchase floating and variable rate
demand notes and bonds, which are obligations ordinarily having stated
maturities in excess of one year, but which permit the holder to demand
payment of principal at any time or at specified intervals.
WARRANTS - The Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in
warrants, except that this limitation does not apply to warrants acquired
in units or attached to securities. A warrant is an instrument issued by
a corporation which gives the holder the right to subscribe to a
specified amount of the corporation's capital stock at a set price for a
specified period of time.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES - The Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of
its net assets in securities as to which a liquid trading market does not
exist, provided such investments are consistent with the Fund's
investment objectives. Such securities may include securities that are
not readily marketable, such as certain securities that are subject to
legal or contractual restrictions on resale and repurchase agreements
providing for settlement in more than seven days after notice. As to
these securities, the Fund is subject to a risk that should the Fund
desire to sell them when a ready buyer is not available at a price the
Fund deems representative of their value, the value of the Fund's net
assets could be adversely affected.
CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
The Fund may (i) borrow money to the extent permitted under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, which currently limits borrowing to
no more than 331/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets; (ii) invest
up to 5% of its total assets in the obligations of any issuer, except
that up to 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested, and
securities issued or guaran-
Page 9
teed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities may be
purchased, without regard to any such limitation; and (iii) invest up to
25% of its total assets in the securities of issuers in a single industry,
provided that there is no such limitation on investments in securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities. This paragraph describes fundamental policies of the
Fund that cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a majority
(as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Fund's
outstanding voting shares. See "Investment Objectives and Management
Policies-Investment Restrictions" in the Fund's Statement of Additional
Information.
CERTAIN ADDITIONAL NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
The Fund may (i) purchase securities of any company having
less than three years' continuous operation (including operations of any
predecessors) if such purchase does not cause the value of its
investments in all such companies to exceed 5% of the value of its total
assets; (ii) pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its
assets, but only to secure permitted borrowings; and (iii) invest up to
15% of the value of its net assets in repurchase agreements providing for
settlement in more than seven days after notice and in other illiquid
securities. See "Investment Objectives and Management Policies-Investment
Restrictions" in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
RISK FACTORS
INVESTING IN FOREIGN SECURITIES - Foreign securities markets
generally are not as developed or efficient as those in the United
States. Securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Similarly, volume
and liquidity in most foreign securities markets are less than in the
United States and, at times, volatility of price can be greater than in
the United States. The issuers of some of these securities, such as
foreign bank obligations, may be subject to less stringent or different
regulations than are U.S. issuers. In addition, there may be less
publicly available information about a non-U.S. issuer, and non-U.S.
issuers generally are not subject to uniform accounting and financial
reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those
applicable to U.S. issuers.
Because stock certificates and other evidences of ownership
of such securities usually are held outside the United States, the Fund
will be subject to additional risks which include possible adverse
political and economic developments, possible seizure or nationalization
of foreign deposits and possible adoption of governmental restrictions
that might adversely affect the payment of principal, interest and
dividends on the foreign securities or might restrict the payment of
principal, interest and dividends to investors located outside the
country of the issuers, whether from currency blockage or otherwise.
Custodial expenses for a portfolio of non-U.S. securities generally are
higher than for a portfolio of U.S. securities.
Since foreign securities often are purchased with and payable
in currencies of foreign countries, the value of these assets as measured
in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in
currency rates and exchange control regulations. Some currency exchange
costs may be incurred when the Fund changes investments from one country
to another.
Furthermore, some of these securities may be subject to
brokerage taxes levied by foreign governments, which have the effect of
increasing the cost of such investment and reducing the realized gain or
increasing the realized loss on such securities at the time of sale.
Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be
reduced by withholding or other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax
conventions between certain countries and the United States, however, may
reduce or eliminate such taxes. All such taxes paid by the Fund will
reduce its net income available for distribution to shareholders.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE - Currency exchange rates may fluctuate
significantly over short periods of time. They generally are determined
by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets and
the relative merits of investments in different countries, actual or
perceived changes in interest rates and other complex factors, as seen
from an international
Page 10
perspective. Currency exchange rates also can be affected
unpredictably by intervention by U.S. or foreign governments or central
banks, or the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political
developments in the United States or abroad.
The foreign currency market offers less protection against
defaults in the forward trading of currencies than is available when
trading in currencies occurs on an exchange. Since a forward currency
contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on
the contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits or force the
Fund to cover its commitments for purchase or resale, if any, at the
current market price.
LOWER RATED SECURITIES - Investors should carefully consider the
relative risks of investing in the higher yielding (and, therefore,
higher risk) debt securities (commonly known as junk bonds) in which the
Fund may invest. These are securities such as those rated Ba by Moody's
or BB by S&P, Fitch or Duff or as low as Caa by Moody's or CCC by S&P,
Fitch or Duff. They generally are not meant for short-term investing and
may be subject to certain risks with respect to the issuing entity and to
greater market fluctuations than certain lower yielding, higher rated
fixed-income securities. Securities rated Ba by Moody's are judged to
have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well
assured and often the protection of interest and principal payments may
be very moderate. Securities rated BB by S&P, Fitch or Duff are regarded
as having predominantly speculative characteristics and, while such
obligations have less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative grade debt, they face major ongoing uncertainties or exposure
to adverse business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
Securities rated Caa by Moody's or CCC by S&P, Fitch or Duff are of poor
standing and may be in default or have current identifiable vulnerability
to default. Such obligations, though high yielding, are characterized by
great risk. See "Appendix" in the Fund's Statement of Additional
Information for a general description of Moody's, S&P, Fitch and Duff
securities ratings. The ratings of the various rating agencies represent
their opinions as to the quality of the obligations which they undertake
to rate. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are relative and
subjective and, although ratings may be useful in evaluating the safety
of interest and principal payments, they do not evaluate the market value
risk of such obligations. Therefore, although these ratings may be an
initial criterion for selection of portfolio investments, the Advisers
also will evaluate these securities and the ability of the issuers of
such securities to pay interest and principal. In this evaluation, the
Advisers will take into consideration, among other things, the issuer's
financial resources, its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends,
the quality of the issuer's management and regulatory matters. It also is
possible that a rating agency might not timely change the rating on a
particular issue to reflect subsequent events. The Fund's ability to
achieve its investment objectives may be more dependent on the Advisers'
credit analysis than might be the case for a fund that invested in higher
rated securities. Once the rating of a security owned by the Fund has been
changed, the Advisers will consider all circumstances deemed relevant in
determining whether the Fund should continue to hold the security. See
"Certain Portfolio Securities - Ratings" above.
The market price and yield of securities rated Ba or lower by
Moody's and BB or lower by S&P, Fitch or Duff are more volatile than
those of higher rated securities. Factors adversely affecting the market
price and yield of these securities will adversely affect the Fund's net
asset value. In addition, the retail secondary market for these
securities may be less liquid than that of higher rated securities;
adverse conditions could make it difficult at times for the Fund to sell
certain securities or could result in lower prices than those used in
calculating the Fund's net asset value.
The market values of certain lower rated debt securities tend
to reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than do
higher rated securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the
general level of interest rates, and tend to be more sensitive to
economic conditions than are higher rated securities. Companies that
issue such debt securities often are highly leveraged and may not have
available to them more traditional methods of financing.
Page 11
Therefore, the risk associated with acquiring the securities of such
issuers generally is greater than is the case with higher rated
securities. See "Investment Objectives and Policies-Risk Factors-Lower
Rated Securities" in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
OTHER INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS - The Fund's net asset value is not
fixed and should be expected to fluctuate.
You should be aware that equity securities fluctuate in
value, often based on factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the
securities, and that fluctuations can be pronounced. Changes in the value
of the Fund's securities, regardless of whether the securities are equity
or debt, will result in changes in the value of a share of the Fund and
thus the Fund's total return to investors.
For the portion of the Fund's assets invested in debt
securities, you should be aware that even though interest-bearing
securities are investments which promise a stable stream of income, the
prices of such securities are inversely affected by changes in interest
rates and, therefore, are subject to the risk of market price
fluctuations. The values of fixed-income securities also may be affected
by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of the issuing
entities.
The Fund invests for long-term growth rather than short-term
profits; however, a limited amount of short-term trading can be expected
in order to maintain a flexible portfolio strategy. In addition, the
possible need to realize cash for redemption of Fund shares may make it
necessary to sell securities even though such sales would not otherwise
be desirable from an investment standpoint. Consequently, portfolio
turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. Higher
portfolio turnover rates are likely to result in comparatively greater
brokerage commissions or transaction costs. Moreover, when extraordinary
market conditions prevail, investment strategy may shift rapidly, in
which case higher turnover rates can be expected. The amount of portfolio
activity will not be a limiting factor when making investment decisions.
Under normal market conditions, the portfolio turnover rate of the Fund
generally will be less than 100%. See "Portfolio Transactions" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from
those of other investment companies or accounts advised by Dreyfus or
Sarofim. However, if such other investment companies or accounts are
prepared to invest in, or desire to dispose of, securities of the type in
which the Fund invests at the same time as the Fund, available
investments or opportunities for sales will be allocated equitably to
each of them. In some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the size
of the position obtained for or disposed of by the Fund or the price paid
or received by the Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Dreyfus, located at 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York
10166, was formed in 1947 and serves as the Fund's investment adviser.
Dreyfus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation ("Mellon"). As of
March 31, 1995, Dreyfus managed or administered approximately $72 billion
in assets for more than 1.9 million investor accounts nationwide.
Dreyfus supervises and assists in the overall management of
the Fund's affairs under a Management Agreement with the Fund, subject to
the overall authority of the Fund's Board of Directors in accordance with
Maryland law.
Mellon is a publicly owned multibank holding company
incorporated under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the
Federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon provides a
comprehensive range of financial products and services in domestic and
selected international markets. Mellon is among the twenty-five largest
bank holding companies in the United States based on total assets.
Mellon's principal wholly-owned subsidiaries are Mellon Bank, N.A.,
Mellon Bank (DE) National Association, Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston
Company, Inc., AFCO Credit Corporation and a number of compa-
Page 12
nies known as Mellon Financial Services Corporations. Through its
subsidiaries, including Dreyfus, Mellon managed more than $200 billion in
assets as of March 31, 1995, including approximately $72 billion in mutual
fund assets. As of March 31, 1995, Mellon, through various subsidiaries,
provided non-investment services, such as custodial or administration
services, for approximately $680 billion in assets including $67 billion
in mutual fund assets.
Dreyfus has engaged Sarofim, located at Two Houston Center,
Suite 2907, Houston, Texas 77010, to serve as the Fund's sub-investment
adviser. Sarofim, a registered investment adviser was formed in 1958. As
of September 30, 1994, Sarofim managed approximately $30 billion in
assets for two other registered investment companies and numerous
separate discretionary accounts.
Sarofim, subject to the supervision and approval of Dreyfus,
provides investment advisory assistance and the day-to-day management of
the Fund's investments, as well as investment research and statistical
information, under a Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement with Dreyfus,
subject to the overall authority of the Fund's Board of Directors in
accordance with Maryland law.
The Fund's primary portfolio manager is Fayez Sarofim. He has
held that position since the Fund's inception. Mr. Sarofim founded Fayez
Sarofim & Co. in 1958. The Fund's other portfolio managers are identified
in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information. Dreyfus and Sarofim
also provide research services for the Fund as well as other funds advised
by Dreyfus or Sarofim, respectively, through a professional staff of
portfolio managers and securities analysts.
Under the Management Agreement, the Fund has agreed to pay
Dreyfus a monthly fee at the annual rate of .75 of 1% of the value of the
Fund's average daily net assets. For the fiscal year ended October 31,
1994, no management fee was paid to Dreyfus pursuant to an undertaking in
effect.
Under the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement, Dreyfus has
agreed to pay Sarofim an annual fee, payable monthly, as set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Fee as a Percentage of
Fund's Average Daily
Total Assets Net Assets
-------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C>
0 to $25 million.......................... .11 of 1%
$25 million to $75 million................ .18 of 1%
$75 million to $200 million............... .22 of 1%
$200 million to $300 million.............. .26 of 1%
$300 million or more...................... .275 of 1%
</TABLE>
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1994, no sub-advisory
fee was paid by Dreyfus to Sarofim pursuant to an agreement in effect
between Dreyfus and Sarofim.
EXPENSES
The management fee paid by the Fund is higher than that paid
by most other investment companies. From time to time, Dreyfus may waive
receipt of its fees and/or voluntarily assume certain expenses of the
Fund, which would have the effect of lowering the overall expense ratio
of the Fund and increasing yield to investors at the time such amounts
are waived or assumed, as the case may be. The Fund will not pay Dreyfus
at a later time for any amounts it may waive, nor will the Fund reimburse
Dreyfus for any amounts it may assume.
Dreyfus may pay the Fund's distributor for shareholder
services from Dreyfus' own assets, including past profits but not
including the management fee paid by the Fund. The Fund's distributor may
use part or all of such payments to pay Service Agents in respect of
these services.
DISTRIBUTOR
The Fund's distributor is Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FDI Distribution
Services, Inc., a provider of mutual fund administration services, which
in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FDI Holdings, Inc., the parent
company of which is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
Page 13
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, New York, New
York 10286, is the Fund's Custodian. The Shareholder Services Group,
Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corporation, P.O. Box 9671, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's Transfer and Dividend Disbursing
Agent (the "Transfer Agent").
HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
GENERAL
Fund shares may be purchased only by clients of certain
financial institutions (which may include banks), securities dealers
("Selected Dealers") and other industry professionals (collectively,
"Service Agents"), except that full-time or part-time employees of
Dreyfus or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, directors of Dreyfus,
Board members of a fund advised by Dreyfus, including members of the
Fund's Board, or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing may
purchase Class A shares directly through the Distributor. Subsequent
purchases may be sent directly to the Transfer Agent or your Service
Agent. Service Agents may receive different levels of compensation for
selling different Classes of shares. Management understands that some
Service Agents may impose certain conditions on their clients which are
different from those described in this Prospectus, and to the extent
permitted by applicable regulatory authority, may charge their clients
direct fees which would be in addition to any amounts which might be
received under the Shareholder Services Plan. Each Service Agent has
agreed to transmit to its clients a schedule of such fees. You should
consult your Service Agent in this regard. See "Distribution Plan and
Shareholder Services Plan."
When purchasing Fund shares, you must specify which Class is
being purchased. Stock certificates are issued only upon your written
request. No certificates are issued for fractional shares. The Fund
reserves the right to reject any purchase order.
The minimum initial investment is $1,000. Subsequent
investments must be at least $100. The initial investment must be
accompanied by the Fund's Account Application.
You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, or through the
TELETRANSFER Privilege described below. Checks should be made payable to
"Premier Growth Fund, Inc." Payments to open new accounts which are
mailed should be sent to Premier Growth Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 9387,
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9387, together with your Account
Application indicating which Class of shares is being purchased. For
subsequent investments, your Fund account number should appear on the
check and an investment slip should be enclosed and sent to Premier
Growth Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 105, Newark, New Jersey 07101-0105. Neither
initial nor subsequent investments should be made by third party check.
Wire payments may be made if your bank account is in a
commercial bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or any
other bank having a correspondent bank in New York City. Immediately
available funds may be transmitted by wire to The Bank of New York,
DDA#8900117826/Premier Growth Fund, Inc.-Class A shares, or DDA
#8900115262/Premier Growth Fund, Inc. - Class B shares, or DDA
8900______/Premier Growth Fund, Inc. - Class C shares, as the case may
be, for purchase of Fund shares in your name. The wire must include your
Fund account number (for new accounts, your Taxpayer Identification
Number ("TIN") should be included instead), account registration and
dealer number, if applicable. If your initial purchase of Fund shares is
by wire, please call 1-800-645-6561 after completing your wire payment to
obtain your Fund account number. Please include your Fund account number
on the Fund's Account Application and promptly mail the Account
Application to the Fund, as no redemptions will be permitted until the
Account Application is received. You may obtain further information about
remitting funds in this manner from your bank. All payments should be
made in U.S. dollars and, to avoid fees and delays, should be drawn only
on U.S. banks. A charge will be imposed if any check used for
Page 14
investment in your account does not clear. The Fund makes available to
certain large institutions the ability to issue purchase instructions
through compatible computer facilities.
Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic
transfer of funds from an account maintained in a bank or other domestic
financial institution that is an Automated Clearing House member. You
must direct the institution to transmit immediately available funds
through the Automated Clearing House to The Bank of New York with
instructions to credit your Fund account. The instructions must specify
your Fund account registration and your Fund account number PRECEDED BY
THE DIGITS "1111."
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis. Net asset value
per share of each Class is determined as of the close of trading on the
floor of the New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New York
time), on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Net
asset value per share of each Class is computed by dividing the value of
the Fund's net assets represented by such Class (i.e., the value of
assets less liabilities) by the total number of shares of such Class
outstanding. The Fund's investments are valued based on market value or,
where market quotations are not readily available, based on fair value as
determined in good faith by the Fund's Board of Directors. For further
information regarding the methods employed in valuing the Fund's
investments, see "Determination of Net Asset Value" in the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information.
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN
upon opening or reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes" and the Fund's Account Application for further information
concerning this requirement. Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the
Fund could subject you to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue
Service (the "IRS").
If an order is received in proper form by the Transfer Agent
or other agent by the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time) on a business day, Fund
shares will be purchased at the public offering price determined as of
the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on that
day. Otherwise, Fund shares will be purchased at the public offering
price determined as of the close of trading on the floor of the New York
Stock Exchange on the next business day, except where shares are
purchased through a dealer as provided below.
Orders for the purchase of Fund shares received by dealers by
the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on any
business day and transmitted to the Distributor or its designee by the
close of its business day (normally 5:15 p.m., New York time) will be
based on the public offering price per share determined as of the close
of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on that day.
Otherwise, the orders will be based on the next determined public
offering price. It is the dealer's responsibility to transmit orders so
that they will be received by the Distributor or its designee before the
close of its business day.
CLASS A SHARES
The public offering price for Class A shares is the net asset
value per share of that Class plus a sales load as shown below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Sales Load
-------------------------------------
As a % of As a % of Dealers' Reallowance
offering price net asset value as a % of
Amount of Transaction per share per share offering price
---------------------- --------------------- -------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000 4.50 4.70 4.25
$50,000 to less than $100,000 4.00 4.20 3.75
$100,000 to less than $250,000 3.00 3.10 2.75
$250,000 to less than $500,000 2.50 2.60 2.25
$500,000 to less than $1,000,000 2.00 2.00 1.75
</TABLE>
There is no initial sales charge on purchases of $1,000,000 or
more of Class A shares. However, if you purchase Class A shares without
an initial sales charge as part of an investment of at least
Page 15
$1,000,000 and redeem those shares within two years after purchase, a CDSC
of 1% will be imposed at the time of redemption. The terms contained in
the section of the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Redeem Fund Shares
- Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B" (other than the amount of
the CDSC and its time periods) are applicable to the Class A shares
subject to a CDSC. Letter of Intent and Right of Accumulation apply to
such purchases of Class A shares.
Full-time employees of NASD member firms and full-time
employees of other financial institutions which have entered into an
agreement with the Distributor pertaining to the sale of Fund shares (or
which otherwise have a brokerage related or clearing arrangement with an
NASD member firm or financial institution with respect to the sale of
Fund shares) may purchase Class A shares for themselves directly or
pursuant to an employee benefit plan or other program, or for their
spouses or minor children, at net asset value, provided that they have
furnished the Distributor with such information as it may request from
time to time in order to verify eligibility for this privilege. This
privilege also applies to full-time employees of financial institutions
affiliated with NASD member firms whose full-time employees are eligible
to purchase Class A shares at net asset value. In addition, Class A
shares are offered at net asset value to full-time or part-time employees
of Dreyfus or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, directors of
Dreyfus, Board members of a fund advised by Dreyfus, including members of
the Fund's Board, or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing.
Class A shares are offered at net asset value without a sales
load to employees participating in qualified or non-qualified employee
benefit plans or other programs where (i) the employers or affiliated
employers maintaining such plans or programs have a minimum of 250
employees eligible for participation in such plans or programs, or (ii)
such plan's or program's aggregate investment in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds or certain other products made available by the Distributor to such
plans or programs exceeds one million dollars ("Eligible Benefit Plans").
Plan sponsors, administrators or trustees, as applicable, are responsible
for notifying the Distributor when the relevant requirement is satisfied.
The Distributor may pay dealers a fee of up to .5% of the amount invested
through such dealers in Class A shares at net asset value by employees
participating in Eligible Benefit Plans. All present holdings of shares
of funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds by Eligible Benefit Plans will be
aggregated to determine the fee payable with respect to each such
purchase of Fund shares. The Distributor reserves the right to cease
paying these fees at any time. The Distributor will pay such fees from
its own funds, other than amounts received from the Fund, including past
profits or any other source available to it.
Class A shares also may be purchased (including by exchange)
at net asset value without a sales load for Dreyfus-sponsored IRA
"Rollover Accounts" with the distribution proceeds from a qualified
retirement plan or a Dreyfus-sponsored 403(b)(7) plan, provided that, at
the time of such distribution, such qualified retirement plan or
Dreyfus-sponsored 403(b)(7) plan (a) satisfied the requirements set forth
under either clause (i) or clause (ii) in the preceding paragraph and all
or a portion of such plan's assets were invested in funds in the Dreyfus
Family of Funds or certain other products made available by the
Distributor to such plans, or (b) invested all of its assets in certain
funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds or certain other products made
available by the Distributor to such plans.
The dealer reallowance may be changed from time to time but
will remain the same for all dealers. The Distributor, at its expense,
may provide additional promotional incentives to dealers that sell shares
of funds advised by Dreyfus which are sold with a sales load, such as the
Fund. In some instances, those incentives may be offered only to certain
dealers who have sold or may sell significant amounts of shares. Dealers
receive a larger percentage of the sales load from the Distributor than
they receive for selling most other funds. For the period from November
1, 1993 through August 23, 1994, Dreyfus Service Corporation, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus and distributor of the Fund's shares
prior to August 24, 1994, retained $10,171 from sales loads on Class A
shares.
Page 16
CLASS B SHARES
The public offering price for Class B shares is the net asset
value per share of that Class. No initial sales charge is imposed at the
time of purchase. A CDSC is imposed, however, on certain redemptions of
Class B shares as described under "How to Redeem Fund Shares." The
Distributor compensates certain Service Agents for selling Class B or
Class C shares at the time of purchase from the Distributor's own assets.
The proceeds of the CDSC and the distribution fee, in part, are used to
defray these expenses. For the period from November 1, 1993 through
August 23, 1994, $34,556 was retained by Dreyfus Service Corporation, as
former distributor, from the CDSC on Class B shares.
CLASS C SHARES
The public offering price for Class C shares is the net asset
value per share of that Class. No initial sales charge is imposed at the
time of purchase. A CDSC, however, is imposed on redemptions of Class C
shares made within the first year of purchase. See "Class B Shares" above
and "How to Redeem Fund Shares."
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION - CLASS A SHARES
Reduced sales loads apply to any purchase of Class A shares,
shares of other funds in the Premier Family of Funds, shares of certain
other funds purchased through an exchange from any funds in the Premier
Family of Funds, shares of certain other funds advised by Dreyfus which
are sold with a sales load and shares acquired by a previous exchange of
such shares (hereinafter referred to as "Eligible Funds"), by you and any
related "purchaser" as defined in the Statement of Additional
Information, where the aggregate investment, including such purchase, is
$50,000 or more. If, for example, you previously purchased and still hold
Class A shares of the Fund, or of any other Eligible Fund or combination
thereof, with an aggregate current market value of $40,000 and
subsequently purchase Class A shares of the Fund or an Eligible Fund
having a current value of $20,000, the sales load applicable to the
subsequent purchase would be reduced to 4% of the offering price. All
present holdings of Eligible Funds may be combined to determine the
current offering price of the aggregate investment in ascertaining the
sales load applicable to each subsequent purchase.
To qualify for reduced sales loads, at the time of purchase
you or your Service Agent must notify the Distributor if orders are made
by wire, or the Transfer Agent if orders are made by mail. The reduced
sales load is subject to confirmation of your holdings through a check of
appropriate records.
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE
You may purchase Fund shares (minimum $500, maximum $150,000
per day) by telephone if you have checked the appropriate box and
supplied the necessary information on the Fund's Account Application or
have filed a Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent. The
proceeds will be transferred between the bank account designated in one
of these documents and your Fund account. Only a bank account maintained
in a domestic financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House
member may be so designated. The Fund may modify or terminate this
Privilege at any time or charge a service fee upon notice to
shareholders. No such fee currently is contemplated.
If you have selected the TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a TELETRANSFER purchase of Fund shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The services and privileges described under this heading may
not be available to clients of certain Service Agents and some Service
Agents may impose certain conditions on their clients which are different
from those described in this Prospectus. You should consult your Service
Agent in this regard.
Page 17
FUND EXCHANGES
Clients of certain Service Agents may purchase, in exchange
for Class A, Class B or Class C shares of the Fund, shares of the same
Class in certain other funds managed or administered by Dreyfus, to the
extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of residence. These
funds have different investment objectives which may be of interest to
you. You also may exchange your Fund shares that are subject to a CDSC
for shares of Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Inc. The shares
so purchased will be held in a special account created solely for this
purpose (the "Exchange Account"). Exchanges of shares from an Exchange
Account only can be made into certain other funds managed or administered
by Dreyfus. No CDSC is charged when an investor exchanges into an
Exchange Account; however, the applicable CDSC will be imposed when
shares are redeemed from an Exchange Account or other applicable Fund
account. Upon redemption, the applicable CDSC will be calculated without
regard to the time such shares were held in an Exchange Account. See "How
to Redeem Fund Shares." Redemption proceeds for Exchange Account shares
are paid by Federal wire or check only. Exchange Account shares also are
eligible for the Auto-Exchange Privilege, Dividend Sweep and the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan. If you desire to use this service, you should consult
your Service Agent or call 1-800-645-6561 to determine if it is available
and whether any conditions are imposed on its use.
To request an exchange, you or your Service Agent acting on
your behalf must give exchange instructions to the Transfer Agent in
writing or by telephone. Before any exchange, you must obtain and should
review a copy of the current prospectus of the fund into which the
exchange is being made. Prospectuses may be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. Except in the case of Personal Retirement Plans, the
shares being exchanged must have a current value of at least $500;
furthermore, when establishing a new account by exchange, the shares
being exchanged must have a value of at least the minimum initial
investment required for the fund into which the exchange is being made.
The ability to issue exchange instructions by telephone is given to all
Fund shareholders automatically, unless you check the applicable "No" box
on the Account Application, indicating that you specifically refuse this
Privilege. The Telephone Exchange Privilege may be established for an
existing account by written request, signed by all shareholders on the
account, or by a separate signed Shareholder Services Form, also
available by calling 1-800-645-6561. If you have established the
Telephone Exchange Privilege, you may telephone exchange instructions by
calling 1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call
1-401-455-3306. See "How to Redeem Fund Shares-Procedures." Upon an
exchange into a new account, the following shareholder services and
privileges, as applicable and where available, will be automatically
carried over to the fund into which the exchange is made: Telephone
Exchange Privilege, Wire Redemption Privilege, Telephone Redemption
Privilege, TELETRANSFER Privilege and the dividend/capital gain
distribution option (except for Dividend Sweep) selected by the investor.
Shares will be exchanged at the next determined net asset
value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges of
Class A shares into funds sold with a sales load. No CDSC will be imposed
on Class B or Class C shares at the time of an exchange; however, Class B
or Class C shares acquired through an exchange will be subject on
redemption to the higher CDSC applicable to the exchanged or acquired
shares. The CDSC applicable on redemption of the acquired Class B or
Class C shares will be calculated from the date of the initial purchase
of the Class B or Class C shares exchanged. If you are exchanging Class A
shares into a fund that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share
prices which do not include the sales load or which reflect a reduced
sales load, if the shares of the fund from which you are exchanging were:
(a) purchased with a sales load, (b) acquired by a previous exchange from
shares purchased with a sales load, or (c) acquired through reinvestment
of dividends or distributions paid with respect to the foregoing
categories of shares. To qualify, at the time of your exchange you must
notify the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must notify the
Page 18
Distributor. Any such qualification is subject to confirmation of your
holdings through a check of appropriate records. See "Shareholder
Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. No fees currently
are charged shareholders directly in connection with exchanges, although
the Fund reserves the right, upon not less than 60 days' written notice,
to charge shareholders a nominal fee in accordance with rules promulgated
by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fund reserves the right to
reject any exchange request in whole or in part. The availability of Fund
Exchanges may be modified or terminated at any time upon notice to
shareholders.
The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is
treated for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in
exchange by the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may
realize a taxable gain or loss.
AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Auto-Exchange Privilege enables you to invest regularly (on a
semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for shares
of the Fund, in shares of the same Class of other funds in the Premier
Family of Funds or certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of
which you are currently an investor. The amount you designate, which can
be expressed either in terms of a specific dollar or share amount ($100
minimum), will be exchanged automatically on the first and/or fifteenth
day of the month according to the schedule you have selected. Shares will
be exchanged at the then-current net asset value; however, a sales load
may be charged with respect to exchanges of Class A shares into funds
sold with a sales load. No CDSC will be imposed on Class B or Class C
shares at the time of an exchange; however, Class B or Class C shares
acquired through an exchange will be subject on redemption to the higher
CDSC applicable to the exchanged or acquired shares. The CDSC applicable
on redemption of the acquired Class B or Class C shares will be
calculated from the date of the initial purchase of the Class B or Class
C shares exchanged. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of
Additional Information. The right to exercise this Privilege may be
modified or canceled by the Fund or the Transfer Agent. You may modify or
cancel your exercise of this Privilege at any time by mailing written
notification to Premier Growth Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 6587, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-6587. The Fund may charge a service fee for the use of
this Privilege. No such fee currently is contemplated. The exchange of
shares of one fund for shares of another is treated for Federal income
tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by the shareholder
and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a taxable gain or
loss. For more information concerning this Privilege and the funds in the
Premier Family of Funds or Dreyfus Family of Funds eligible to
participate in this Privilege, or to obtain an Auto-Exchange
Authorization Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561.
AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER
AUTOMATIC Asset Builder permits you to purchase Fund shares
(minimum of $100 and maximum of $150,000 per transaction) at regular
intervals selected by you. Fund shares are purchased by transferring
funds from the bank account designated by you. At your option, the bank
account designated by you will be debited in the specified amount, and
Fund shares will be purchased, once a month, on either the first or
fifteenth day, or twice a month, on both days. Only an account maintained
at a domestic financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House
member may be so designated. To establish an AUTOMATIC Asset Builder
account, you must file an authorization form with the Transfer Agent. You
may obtain the necessary authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561.
You may cancel your participation in this Privilege or change the amount
of purchase at any time by mailing written notification to Premier Growth
Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 6587, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6587, or, if
for Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, to The Dreyfus Trust Company,
Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6427, and the
notification will be effective three business days following receipt. The
Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
Page 19
GOVERNMENT DIRECT DEPOSIT PRIVILEGE
Government Direct Deposit Privilege enables you to purchase
Fund shares (minimum of $100 and maximum of $50,000 per transaction) by
having Federal salary, Social Security, or certain veterans', military or
other payments from the Federal government automatically deposited into
your Fund account. You may deposit as much of such payments as you elect.
To enroll in Government Direct Deposit, you must file with the Transfer
Agent a completed Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form for each type of payment
that you desire to include in the Privilege. The appropriate form may be
obtained from your Service Agent or by calling 1-800-645-6561. Death or
legal incapacity will terminate your participation in this Privilege. You
may elect at any time to terminate your participation by notifying in
writing the appropriate Federal agency. Further, the Fund may terminate
your participation upon 30 days' notice to you.
DIVIDEND OPTIONS
Dividend Sweep enables you to invest automatically dividends
or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, paid by the Fund in
shares of the same Class of another fund in the Premier Family of Funds
or the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a shareholder. Shares of
the other fund will be purchased at the then-current net asset value;
however, a sales load may be charged with respect to investments in
shares of a fund sold with a sales load. If you are investing in a fund
that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share prices which do not
include the sales load or which reflect a reduced sales load. If you are
investing in a fund that charges a CDSC, the shares purchased will be
subject on redemption to the CDSC, if any, applicable to the purchased
shares. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional
Information. Dividend ACH permits you to transfer electronically
dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, from the
Fund to a designated bank account. Only an account maintained at a
domestic financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House
member may be so designated. Banks may charge a fee for this service.
For more information concerning these privileges, or to
request a Dividend Options Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561.
You may cancel these privileges by mailing written notification to
Premier Growth Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 6587, Providence, Rhode Island
02940-6587. To select a new fund after cancellation, you must submit a
new Dividend Options Form. Enrollment in or cancellation of these
privileges is effective three business days following receipt. These
privileges are available only for existing accounts and may not be used
to open new accounts. Minimum subsequent investments do not apply for
Dividend Sweep. The Fund may modify or terminate these privileges at any
time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans are not
eligible for these privileges.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to request
withdrawal of a specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a
monthly or quarterly basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account. An
application for the Automatic Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. There is a service charge of 50cents for each withdrawal
check. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be ended at any time by you, the
Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for which certificates have been
issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
Class B or Class C shares withdrawn pursuant to the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan will be subject to any applicable CDSC. Purchases of
additional Class A shares where a sales load is imposed concurrently with
withdrawals of Class A shares generally are undesirable.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund offers a variety of pension and profit-sharing
plans, including Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts,"
401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services
also are available. You can obtain details on the various plans by
calling the following numbers toll free:
Page 20
For Keogh Plans, please call 1-800-358-5566.
For IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," please call
1-800-645-6561.
For SEP-IRAs, 401(k) Salary Reduction Plans, and 403(b)(7)
Plans, please call 1-800-322-7880.
LETTER OF INTENT - CLASS A SHARES
By signing a Letter of Intent form, available from the
Distributor, you become eligible for the reduced sales load applicable to
the total number of Eligible Fund shares purchased in a 13-month period
pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Letter of Intent. A
minimum initial purchase of $5,000 is required. To compute the applicable
sales load, the offering price of shares you hold (on the date of
submission of the Letter of Intent) in any Eligible Fund that may be used
toward "Right of Accumulation" benefits described above may be used as a
credit toward completion of the Letter of Intent. However, the reduced
sales load will be applied only to new purchases.
The Transfer Agent will hold in escrow 5% of the amount
indicated in the Letter of Intent for payment of a higher sales load if
you do not purchase the full amount indicated in the Letter of Intent.
The escrow will be released when you fulfill the terms of the Letter of
Intent by purchasing the specified amount. If your purchases qualify for
a further sales load reduction, the sales load will be adjusted to
reflect your total purchase at the end of 13 months. If total purchases
are less than the amount specified, you will be requested to remit an
amount equal to the difference between the sales load actually paid and
the sales load applicable to the aggregate purchases actually made. If
such remittance is not received within 20 days, the Transfer Agent, as
attorney-in-fact pursuant to the terms of the Letter of Intent, will
redeem an appropriate number of Class A shares held in escrow to realize
the difference. Signing a Letter of Intent does not bind you to purchase,
or the Fund to sell, the full amount indicated at the sales load in
effect at the time of signing, but you must complete the intended
purchase to obtain the reduced sales load. At the time you purchase Class
A shares, you must indicate your intention to do so under a Letter of
Intent.
HOW TO REDEEM FUND SHARES
GENERAL
You may request redemption of your shares at any time.
Redemption requests should be transmitted to the Transfer Agent as
described below. When a request is received in proper form, the Fund will
redeem the shares at the next determined net asset value as described
below. If you hold Fund shares of more than one Class, any request for
redemption must specify the Class of shares being redeemed. If you fail
to specify the Class of shares to be redeemed or if you own fewer shares
of the Class than specified to be redeemed, the redemption request may be
delayed until the Transfer Agent receives further instructions from you
or your Service Agent.
The Fund imposes no charges (other than any applicable CDSC)
when shares are redeemed. Service Agents may charge a nominal fee for
effecting redemptions of Fund shares. Any certificates representing Fund
shares being redeemed must be submitted with the redemption request. The
value of the shares redeemed may be more or less than their original
cost, depending upon the Fund's then-current net asset value.
The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed
within seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption
request in proper form, except as provided by the rules of the Securities
and Exchange Commission. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED FUND SHARES BY
CHECK, BY THE TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE OR THROUGH AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER
AND SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMIT A WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUEST TO THE TRANSFER
AGENT, THE REDEMPTION PROCEEDS WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON
BANK CLEARANCE OF YOUR PURCHASE CHECK, TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDER ORDER, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS OR MORE. IN
ADDITION, THE FUND WILL REJECT REQUESTS TO REDEEM SHARES PURSUANT TO THE
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT
BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OF
Page 21
THE PURCHASE CHECK, THE TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR THE AUTOMATIC ASSET
BUILDER ORDER AGAINST WHICH SUCH REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED. THESE PROCEDURES
WILL NOT APPLY IF YOUR SHARES WERE PURCHASED BY WIRE PAYMENT, OR IF YOU
OTHERWISE HAVE A SUFFICIENT COLLECTED BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO COVER THE
REDEMPTION REQUEST. PRIOR TO THE TIME ANY REDEMPTION IS EFFECTIVE,
DIVIDENDS ON SUCH SHARES WILL ACCRUE AND BE PAYABLE, AND YOU WILL BE
ENTITLED TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. Fund shares
will not be redeemed until the Transfer Agent has received your Account
Application.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at its
option upon not less than 45 days' written notice if your account's net
asset value is $500 or less and remains so during the notice period.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE - CLASS B SHARES
A CDSC payable to the Distributor is imposed on any
redemption of Class B shares which reduces the current net asset value of
your Class B shares to an amount which is lower than the dollar amount of
all payments by you for the purchase of Class B shares of the Fund held
by you at the time of redemption. No CDSC will be imposed to the extent
that the net asset value of the Class B shares redeemed does not exceed
(i) the current net asset value of Class B shares acquired through
reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions, plus (ii)
increases in the net asset value of your Class B shares above the dollar
amount of all your payments for the purchase of Class B shares of the
Fund held by you at the time of redemption.
If the aggregate value of Class B shares redeemed has
declined below their original cost as a result of the Fund's performance,
a CDSC may be applied to the then-current net asset value rather than the
purchase price.
In circumstances where the CDSC is imposed, the amount of the
charge will depend on the number of years from the time you purchased the
Class B shares until the time of redemption of such shares. Solely for
purposes of determining the number of years from the time of any payment
for the purchase of Class B shares, all payments during a month will be
aggregated and deemed to have been made on the first day of the month.
The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Since CDSC as a % of Amount
Purchase Payment Invested or Redemption
Was Made Proceeds
------------------- ---------------
<S> <C>
First...................................................... 4.00
Second..................................................... 4.00
Third...................................................... 3.00
Fourth..................................................... 3.00
Fifth...................................................... 2.00
Sixth...................................................... 1.00
</TABLE>
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the
calculation will be made in a manner that results in the lowest possible
rate. It will be assumed that the redemption is made first of amounts
representing shares acquired pursuant to the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions; then of amounts representing the increases in net asset
value of Class B shares above the total amount of payments for the
purchase of Class B shares made during the preceding six years;
then of amounts representing the cost of shares purchased six years prior
to the redemption; and finally, of amounts representing the cost of
shares held for the longest period of time within the applicable six-year
period.
For example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares at $10 a
share for a cost of $1,000. Subsequently, the shareholder acquired 5
additional shares through dividend reinvestment. During the second year
after the purchase the investor decided to redeem $500 of his or her
investment. Assuming at the time of the redemption the net asset value
had appreciated to $12 per share, the value of the investor's shares
would be $1,260 (105 shares at $12 per share). The
Page 22
CDSC would not be applied to the value of the reinvested dividend shares
and the amount which represents appreciation ($260). Therefore, $240 of
the $500 redemption proceeds ($500 minus $260) would be charged at a rate
of 4% (the applicable rate in the second year after purchase) for a total
CDSC of $9.60.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE - CLASS C SHARES
A CDSC of 1.00% payable to the Distributor is imposed on any
redemption of Class C shares within one year of the date of purchase. The
basis for calculating the payment of any such CDSC will be the method
used in calculating the CDSC for Class B shares. See "Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge - Class B Shares" above.
WAIVER OF CDSC
The CDSC will be waived in connection with (a) redemptions
made within one year after the death or disability, as defined in Section
72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
of the shareholder, (b) redemptions by employees participating in
Eligible Benefit Plans, (c) redemptions as a result of a combination of
any investment company with the Fund by merger, acquisition of assets or
otherwise, (d) a distribution following retirement under a tax-deferred
retirement plan or upon attaining age 701/2 in the case of an IRA or
Keogh plan or custodial account pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code,
and (e) redemptions by such shareholders as the Securities and Exchange
Commission or its staff may permit. If the Fund's Directors determine to
discontinue the waiver of the CDSC, the disclosure in the Fund's
prospectus will be revised appropriately. Any Fund shares subject to a
CDSC which were purchased prior to the termination of such waiver will
have the CDSC waived as provided in the Fund's prospectus at the time of
the purchase of such shares.
To qualify for a waiver of the CDSC, at the time of
redemption you must notify the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must
notify the Distributor. Any such qualification is subject to confirmation
of your entitlement.
PROCEDURES
You may redeem Fund shares by using the regular redemption
procedure through the Transfer Agent, through the TELETRANSFER Privilege
or, if you are a client of a Selected Dealer, through the Selected
Dealer. If you have given your Service Agent authority to instruct the
Transfer Agent to redeem shares and to credit the proceeds of such
redemptions to a designated account at your Service Agent, you may redeem
shares only in this manner and in accordance with the regular redemption
procedure described below. If you wish to use the other redemption
methods described below, you must arrange with your Service Agent for
delivery of the required application(s) to the Transfer Agent. Other
redemption procedures may be in effect for clients of certain Service
Agents. The Fund makes available to certain large institutions the
ability to issue redemption instructions through compatible computer
facilities.
Your redemption request may direct that the redemption
proceeds be used to purchase shares of other funds advised or
administered by Dreyfus that are not available through the Exchange
Privilege. The applicable CDSC will be charged upon the redemption of
Class B or Class C shares. Your redemption proceeds will be invested in
shares of the other fund on the next business day. Before you make such a
request, you must obtain and should review a copy of the current
prospectus of the fund being purchased. Prospectuses may be obtained by
calling 1-800-645-6561. The prospectus will contain information
concerning minimum investment requirements and other conditions that may
apply to your purchase.
You may redeem Fund shares by telephone if you have checked
the appropriate box on the Fund's Account Application or have filed a
Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent. If you select the
TELETRANSFER redemption privilege or telephone exchange privilege (which
is granted automatically unless you refuse it), you authorize the Transfer
Agent to act on telephone instructions from any person representing
himself or herself to be you, or a representative of your Service Agent,
and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine.
Page 23
The Fund will require the Transfer Agent to employ reasonable procedures,
such as requiring a form of personal identification, to confirm that
instructions are genuine and, if it does not follow such procedures, the
Fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Neither the Fund nor the Transfer
Agent will be liable for following telephone instructions reasonably
believed to be genuine.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you
may experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone
to request a TELETRANSFER redemption or an exchange of Fund shares. In
such cases, you should consider using the other redemption procedures
described herein. Use of these other redemption procedures may result in
your redemption request being processed at a later time than it would
have been if TELETRANSFER redemption had been used. During the delay, the
Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
REGULAR REDEMPTION
Under the regular redemption procedure, you may redeem shares
by written request mailed to Premier Growth Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 6587,
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6587. Written redemption requests must be
signed by each shareholder, including each owner of a joint account, and
each signature must be guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted
standards and procedures pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper
form generally will be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers,
credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities
associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from
participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program,
the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock
Exchanges Medallion Program.
Redemption proceeds of at least $1,000 will be wired to any
member bank of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with a written
signature-guaranteed request.
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE
You may redeem Fund shares (minimum $500 per day) by
telephone if you have checked the appropriate box and supplied the
necessary information on the Fund's Account Application or have filed a
Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent. The proceeds will be
transferred between your Fund account and the bank account designated in
one of these documents. Only such an account maintained in a domestic
financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be
so designated. Redemption proceeds will be on deposit in your account at
an Automated Clearing House member bank ordinarily two days after receipt
of the redemption request or, at your request, paid by check (maximum
$150,000 per day) and mailed to your address. Holders of jointly
registered Fund or bank accounts may redeem through the TELETRANSFER
Privilege for transfer to their bank account not more than $250,000 within
any 30-day period. The Fund reserves the right to refuse any request made
by telephone, including requests made shortly after a change of address,
and may limit the amount involved or the number of such requests. The Fund
may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a service
fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is contemplated.
If you have selected the TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a TELETRANSFER redemption by telephoning 1-800-221-4060 or, if
you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. Shares held under
Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares issued in
certificate form, are not eligible for this Privilege.
REDEMPTION THROUGH A SELECTED DEALER
If you are a customer of a Selected Dealer, you may make
redemption requests to your Selected Dealer. If the Selected Dealer
transmits the redemption request so that it is received by the Transfer
Agent prior to the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time), the redemption request
will be effective on that day. If a redemption request is received by the
Transfer Agent after the close of trading on
Page 24
the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, the redemption request will be
effective on the next business day. It is the responsibility of the
Selected Dealer to transmit a request so that it is received in a timely
manner. The proceeds of the redemption are credited to your account with
the Selected Dealer. See "How to Buy Fund Shares" for a discussion of
additional conditions or fees that may be imposed upon redemption.
In addition, the Distributor or its designee will accept
orders from Selected Dealers with which the Distributor has sales
agreements for the repurchase of shares held by shareholders. Repurchase
orders received by dealers by the close of trading on the floor of the
New York Stock Exchange on any business day and transmitted to the
Distributor or its designee prior to the close of its business day
(normally 5:15 p.m., New York time) are effected at the price determined
as of the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on
that day. Otherwise, the shares will be redeemed at the next determined
net asset value. It is the responsibility of the Selected Dealer to
transmit orders on a timely basis. The Selected Dealer may charge the
shareholder a fee for executing the order. This repurchase arrangement is
discretionary and may be withdrawn at any time.
REINVESTMENT PRIVILEGE - CLASS A
You may reinvest up to the number of Class A shares you have
redeemed, within 30 days of redemption, at the then-prevailing net asset
value without a sales load, or reinstate your account for the purpose of
exercising the Exchange Privilege. The Reinvestment Privilege may be
exercised only once. The Reinvestment Privilege applies to only Class A
shares that are not subject to a CDSC.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
Class A, Class B and Class C shares are subject to a
Shareholder Services Plan and Class B and Class C shares only are subject
to a Distribution Plan.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
Under the Distribution Plan, adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund pays the Distributor
for distributing the Fund's Class B shares at an annual rate of .75 of 1%
of the value of the average daily net assets of Class B and Class C.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Fund pays the
Distributor for the provision of certain services to the holders of Class
A, Class B and Class C shares a fee at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of
the value of the average daily net assets of Class A, Class B and Class
C. The services provided may include personal services relating to
shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding
the Fund and providing reports and other information, and services
related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. Under the Shareholder
Services Plan, the Distributor may make payments to Service Agents in
respect of these services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be
paid to Service Agents. Each Service Agent is required to disclose to its
clients any compensation payable to it by the Fund pursuant to the
Shareholder Services Plan and any other compensation payable by their
clients in connection with the investment of their assets in Class A,
Class B or Class C shares.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The Fund ordinarily pays dividends from its net investment
income and distributes net realized securities gains, if any, once a
year, but the Fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to
comply with the distribution requirements of the Code, in all events in a
manner consistent with the provisions of the Investment Company Act of
1940. The Fund will not make distributions from net realized securities
gains unless capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have
expired. You may choose whether to receive dividends and distributions in
cash or to reinvest in additional Fund shares of the same Class from
which they were paid at net asset value without a sales load. All
expenses are accrued daily and deducted
Page 25
before declaration of dividends to investors. Dividends paid by each
Class will be calculated at the same time and in the same manner and will
be of the same amount, except that the expenses attributable solely to a
particular Class will be borne exclusively by that Class. Class B and
Class C shares will receive lower per share dividends than Class A shares
because of the higher expenses borne by the relevant Class. See
"Fee Table."
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of
certain market discount bonds, paid by the Fund will be taxable to U.S.
shareholders as ordinary income whether received in cash or reinvested in
Fund shares. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains
of the Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders as long-term capital
gains for Federal income tax purposes, regardless of how long
shareholders have held their Fund shares and whether such distributions
are received in cash or reinvested in Fund shares. The Code provides that
the net capital gain of an individual generally will not be subject to
Federal income tax at a rate in excess of 28%. Dividends and
distributions may be subject to state and local taxes.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of
certain market discount bonds, paid by the Fund to a foreign investor
generally are subject to U.S. nonresident withholding taxes at the rate
of 30%, unless the foreign investor claims the benefit of a lower rate
specified in a tax treaty. Distributions from net realized long-term
securities gains paid by the Fund to a foreign investor as well as the
proceeds of any redemptions from a foreign investor's account, regardless
of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized, generally will not
be subject to U.S. nonresident withholding tax. However, such
distributions may be subject to backup withholding, as described below,
unless the foreign investor certifies his non-U.S. residency status.
Notice as to the tax status of your dividends and
distributions will be mailed to you annually. You also will receive
periodic summaries of your account which will include information as to
dividends and distributions from securities gains, if any, paid during
the year.
The Code provides for the "carryover" of some or all of the
sales load imposed on Class A shares if an investor exchanges his Class A
shares for shares of another fund advised or administered by Dreyfus
within 91 days of purchase and such other fund reduces or eliminates its
otherwise applicable sales load for the purpose of the exchange. In this
case, the amount of the sales load charged the investor for Class A
shares, up to the amount of the reduction of the sales load charge on the
exchange, is not included in the basis of the investor's Class A shares
for purposes of computing gain or loss on the exchange, and instead is
added to the basis of the fund shares received on the exchange.
Federal regulations generally require the Fund to withhold
("backup withholding") and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends,
distributions from net realized securities gains and the proceeds of any
redemption, regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be
realized, paid to a shareholder if such shareholder fails to certify
either that the TIN furnished in connection with opening an account is
correct or that such shareholder has not received notice from the IRS of
being subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to properly
report taxable dividend or interest income on a Federal income tax
return. Furthermore, the IRS may notify the Fund to institute backup
withholding if the IRS determines a shareholder's TIN is incorrect or if
a shareholder has failed to properly report taxable dividend and interest
income on a Federal income tax return.
A TIN is either the Social Security number or employer
identification number of the record owner of the account. Any tax
withheld as a result of backup withholding does not constitute an
additional tax imposed on the record owner of the account, and may be
claimed as a credit on the record owner's Federal income tax return.
Page 26
Management of the Fund believes that the Fund has qualified
for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1994 as a "regulated investment
company" under the Code. The Fund intends to continue to so qualify if
such qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders. Such
qualification relieves the Fund of any liability for Federal income tax
to the extent its earnings are distributed in accordance with applicable
provisions of the Code. In addition, the Fund is subject to a
non-deductible 4% excise tax, measured with respect to certain
undistributed amounts of taxable investment income and capital gains.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding specific
questions as to Federal, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance for each Class of
shares will be calculated on the basis of average annual total return.
Advertisements also may include performance calculated on the basis of
total return. These total return figures reflect changes in the price of
the shares and assume that any income dividends and/or capital gains
distributions made by the Fund during the measuring period were
reinvested in shares of the same Class. Class A total return figures
include the maximum initial sales charge and Class B and Class C total
return figures include any applicable CDSC. These figures also take into
account any applicable service and distribution fees. As a result, at any
given time, the performance of Class B and Class C should be expected to
be lower than that of Class A. Performance for each Class will be
calculated separately.
Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a
standardized formula which assumes that an investment in the Fund was
purchased with an initial payment of $1,000 and that the investment was
redeemed at the end of a stated period of time, after giving effect to
the reinvestment of dividends and distributions during the period. The
return is expressed as a percentage rate which, if applied on a
compounded annual basis, would result in the redeemable value of the
investment at the end of the period. Advertisements of the Fund's
performance will include the Fund's average annual total return of Class
A, Class B and Class C for one, five and ten year periods, or for shorter
periods depending upon the length of time during which the Fund has
operated.
Total return is computed on a per share basis and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return generally is
expressed as a percentage rate which is calculated by combining the
income and principal changes for a specified period and dividing by the
maximum offering price per share in the case of Class A or the net asset
value per share in the case of Class B or Class C at the beginning of the
period. Advertisements may include the percentage rate of total return or
may include the value of a hypothetical investment at the end of the
period which assumes the application of the percentage rate of total
return. Total return also may be calculated by using the net asset value
per share at the beginning of the period instead of the maximum offering
price per share at the beginning of the period for Class A shares or
without giving effect to any applicable CDSC at the end of the period for
Class B or Class C shares. Such calculations do not reflect the deduction
of the applicable sales charge which, if reflected, would reduce the
performance quoted.
Performance will vary from time to time and past results are
not necessarily representative of future results. You should remember
that performance is a function of portfolio management in selecting the
type and quality of portfolio securities and is affected by operating
expenses. Performance information, such as that described above, may not
provide a basis for comparison with other investments or other investment
companies using a different method of calculating performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to
time in advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morgan Stanley Capital International
World Index, Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, Standard
& Poor's MidCap 400 Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Morningstar,
Inc. and other industry publications.
Page 27
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Fund was incorporated under Maryland law on February 5,
1993, and commenced operations on July 15, 1993. The Fund is authorized
to issue 300 million shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share.
The Fund's shares are classified into three classes. Each share has one
vote and shareholders will vote in the aggregate and not by class except
as otherwise required by law. However, only holders of Class B or Class C
shares, as the case may be, will be entitled to vote on matters submitted
to shareholders pertaining to the Distribution Plan.
Unless otherwise required by the Investment Company Act of
1940, ordinarily it will not be necessary for the Fund to hold annual
meetings of shareholders. As a result, Fund shareholders may not consider
each year the election of Directors or the appointment of auditors.
However, pursuant to the Fund's By-Laws, the holders of at least 10% of
the shares outstanding and entitled to vote may require the Fund to hold
a special meeting of shareholders for purposes of removing a Director
from office or for any other purpose. Fund shareholders may remove a
Director by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding
shares. In addition, the Board of Directors will call a meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Directors if, at any time, less
than a majority of the Directors then holding office have been elected by
shareholders.
While there is no current intention to do so, the Fund may
invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end
management investment company with substantially the same fundamental
investment objectives, policies and investment restrictions as the Fund.
The Transfer Agent maintains a record of your ownership and
sends you confirmations and statements of account.
Shareholder inquiries may be made to your Service Agent or by
writing to the Fund at 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York
11556-0144.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO
MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS
AND IN THE FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER
OF THE FUND'S SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH,
OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
070/628P4070395
Page 28
__________________________________________________________________________
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
CLASS A, CLASS B and CLASS C SHARES
PART B
(STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
JULY 3, 1995
__________________________________________________________________________
This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a prospectus,
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the current Prospectus
of Premier Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), dated July 3, 1995, as it may
be revised from time to time. To obtain a copy of the Fund's Prospectus,
please write to the Fund at 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New
York 11556-0144.
The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") serves as the Fund's investment
adviser and administrator. Dreyfus has engaged Fayez Sarofim & Co.
("Sarofim") to serve as the Fund's sub-investment adviser and to provide
day-to-day management of the Fund's investments, subject to the
supervision of Dreyfus. Dreyfus and Sarofim are referred to collectively
as the "Advisers."
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (the "Distributor") is the
distributor of the Fund's shares.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Investment Objectives and Management Policies. . . . . . . . B-2
Management of the Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8
Management Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12
Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan. . . . . . . B-14
Purchase of Fund Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-16
Redemption of Fund Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17
Shareholder Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-18
Determination of Net Asset Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-21
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-22
Portfolio Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-24
Performance Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-25
Information About the Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-26
Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent,
Counsel and Independent Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-27
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-28
Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-35
Report of Independent Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-44
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Description of the Fund."
Bank Obligations. Domestic commercial banks organized under Federal
law are supervised and examined by the Comptroller of the Currency and are
required to be members of the Federal Reserve System and to have their
deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the
"FDIC"). Domestic banks organized under state law are supervised and
examined by state banking authorities but are members of the Federal
Reserve System only if they elect to join. In addition, state banks whose
certificates of deposit ("CDs") may be purchased by the Fund are insured
by the FDIC (although such insurance may not be of material benefit to the
Fund, depending on the principal amount of the CDs of each bank held by
the Fund) and are subject to Federal examination and to a substantial body
of Federal law and regulation. As a result of Federal or state laws and
regulations, domestic branches of domestic banks whose CDs may be
purchased by the Fund generally are required, among other things, to
maintain specified levels of reserves, are limited in the amounts which
they can loan to a single borrower and are subject to other regulation
designed to promote financial soundness. However, not all of such laws
and regulations apply to the foreign branches of domestic banks.
Obligations of foreign branches of domestic banks, foreign
subsidiaries of domestic banks and domestic and foreign branches of
foreign banks, such as CDs and time deposits ("TDs"), may be general
obligations of the parent banks in addition to the issuing branch, or may
be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and governmental
regulation. Such obligations are subject to different risks than are
those of domestic banks. These risks include foreign economic and
political developments, foreign governmental restrictions that may
adversely affect payment of principal and interest on the obligations,
foreign exchange controls and foreign withholding and other taxes on
interest income. These foreign branches and subsidiaries are not
necessarily subject to the same or similar regulatory requirements that
apply to domestic banks, such as mandatory reserve requirements, loan
limitations, and accounting, auditing and financial record keeping
requirements. In addition, less information may be publicly available
about a foreign branch of a domestic bank or about a foreign bank than
about a domestic bank.
Obligations of United States branches of foreign banks may be general
obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may
be limited by the terms of a specific obligation or by Federal or state
regulation as well as governmental action in the country in which the
foreign bank has its head office. A domestic branch of a foreign bank
with assets in excess of $1 billion may be subject to reserve requirements
imposed by the Federal Reserve System or by the state in which the branch
is located if the branch is licensed in that state.
In addition, Federal branches licensed by the Comptroller of the
Currency and branches licensed by certain states ("State Branches") may be
required to: (1) pledge to the regulator, by depositing assets with a
designated bank within the state, a certain percentage of their assets as
fixed from time to time by the appropriate regulatory authority; and (2)
maintain assets within the state in an amount equal to a specified
percentage of the aggregate amount of liabilities of the foreign bank
payable at or through all of its agencies or branches within the state.
The deposits of Federal and State Branches generally must be insured by
the FDIC if such branches take deposits of less than $100,000.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund's custodian or subcustodian will
have custody of, and will hold in a segregated account, securities
acquired by it under a repurchase agreement. Repurchase agreements are
considered by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission to be
loans by the Fund. In an attempt to reduce the risk of incurring a loss
on a repurchase agreement, the Fund will enter into repurchase agreements
only with domestic banks with total assets in excess of $1 billion or
primary government securities dealers reporting to the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York, with respect to securities of the type in which the Fund
may invest, and will require that additional securities be deposited with
it if the value of the securities purchased should be decreased below
resale price. The Advisers will monitor on an ongoing basis the value of
the collateral to assure that it always equals or exceeds the repurchase
price. The Fund will consider on an ongoing basis, the creditworthiness
of the institutions with which it enters into repurchase agreements.
Commercial Paper and Other Short-Term Corporate Obligations.
Variable rate demand notes include variable amount master demand notes,
which are obligations that permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts
at varying rates of interest pursuant to direct arrangements between the
Fund, as lender, and the borrower. These notes permit daily changes in
the amounts borrowed. As mutually agreed between the parties, the Fund
may increase the amount under the notes at any time up to the full amount
provided by the note agreement, or decrease the amount, and the borrower
may repay up to the full amount of the note without penalty. Because
these obligations are direct lending arrangements between the lender and
the borrower, it is not contemplated that such instruments generally will
be traded, and there generally is no established secondary market for
these obligations, although they are redeemable at face value, plus
accrued interest, at any time. Accordingly, where these obligations are
not secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements, the
Fund's right to redeem is dependent on the ability of the borrower to pay
principal and interest on demand. In connection with floating and
variable rate demand obligations, the Advisers will consider, on an
ongoing basis, earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the
borrower, and the borrower's ability to pay principal and interest on
demand. Such obligations frequently are not rated by credit rating
agencies, and the Fund may invest in them only if at the time of an
investment the borrower meets the criteria set forth in the Fund's
Prospectus for other commercial paper issuers.
Illiquid Securities. When purchasing securities that have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and are not
readily marketable, the Fund will endeavor to obtain the right to
registration at the expense of the issuer. Generally, there will be a
lapse of time between the Fund's decision to sell any such security and
the registration of the security permitting sale. During any such period,
the price of the securities will be subject to market fluctuations.
However, if a substantial market of qualified institutional buyers
develops pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, for certain of these securities held by the Fund, the Fund
intends to treat such securities as liquid securities in accordance with
procedures approved by the Fund's Board of Directors. Because it is not
possible to predict with assurance how the market for restricted
securities pursuant to Rule 144A will develop, the Fund's Board of
Directors has directed the Advisers to monitor carefully the Fund's
investments in such securities with particular regard to trading activity,
availability of reliable price information and other relevant information.
To the extent that, for a period of time, qualified institutional buyers
cease purchasing restricted securities pursuant to Rule 144A, the Fund's
investing in such securities may have the effect of increasing the level
of illiquidity in the Fund's portfolio during such period.
American, European and Continental Depositary Receipts. The Fund may
invest in ADRs, EDRs and CDRs through "sponsored" or "unsponsored"
facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of
the underlying security and a depositary, whereas a depositary may
establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of
the deposited security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts
generally bear all the costs of such facilities and the depositary of an
unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute
shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited
security or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts
in respect of the deposited securities.
Foreign Currency Transactions. If the Fund enters into a currency
transaction, it shall deposit if so required by applicable regulations,
with its custodian cash or readily marketable securities in a segregated
account of the Fund in an amount at least equal to the value of the Fund's
total assets committed to the consummation of the forward contract. If
the value of the securities placed in the segregated account declines,
additional cash or securities will be placed in the account so that the
value of the account will equal the amount of the Fund's commitment with
respect to the contract.
At or before the maturity of a forward contract, the Fund either may
sell a security and make delivery of the currency, or retain the security
and offset its contractual obligation to deliver the currency by
purchasing a second contract pursuant to which the Fund will obtain, on
the same maturity date, the same amount of the currency which it is
obligated to deliver. If the Fund retains the security and engages in an
offsetting transaction, the Fund, at the time of execution of the
offsetting transaction, will incur a gain or loss to the extent movement
has occurred in forward contract prices. Should forward prices decline
during the period between the Fund's entering into a forward contract for
the sale of a currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract
for the purchase of the currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the
extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price
of the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices
increase, the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent the price of the
currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it
has agreed to sell.
The cost to the Fund of engaging in currency transactions varies with
factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period
and the market conditions then prevailing. Because transactions in
currency exchange usually are conducted on a principal basis, no fees or
commissions are involved. The use of forward currency exchange contracts
does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the
securities, but it does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved
in the future. If a devaluation generally is anticipated, the Fund may
not be able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the
devaluation level it anticipates.
Risk Factors--Lower Rated Securities. The Fund is permitted to
invest in securities rated below Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
("Moody's") and below BBB by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P"), Fitch
Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") and Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co.
("Duff") and as low as Caa by Moody's or CCC by S&P, Fitch or Duff. Such
securities, though higher yielding, are characterized by risk. See in the
Prospectus "Description of the Fund--Risk Factors--Lower Rated Securities"
for a discussion of certain risks and the "Appendix" for a general
description of Moody's, S&P, Fitch and Duff ratings. Although ratings may
be useful in evaluating the safety of interest and principal payments,
they do not evaluate the market value risk of these securities. The Fund
will rely on the Advisers' judgment, analysis and experience in evaluating
the creditworthiness of an issuer.
Investors should be aware that the market values of many of these
securities tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than are
higher rated securities and will fluctuate over time. These securities
are considered by S&P, Moody's, Fitch and Duff, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and
repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation and
generally will involve more credit risk than securities in the higher
rating categories.
Companies that issue certain of these securities often are highly
leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of
financing. Therefore, the risk associated with acquiring the securities
of such issuers generally is greater than is the case with the higher
rated securities. For example, during an economic downturn or a sustained
period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of these
securities may not have sufficient revenues to meet their interest payment
obligations. The issuer's ability to service its debt obligations also
may be affected adversely by specific corporate developments, forecasts,
or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss because
of default by the issuer is significantly greater for the holders of these
securities because such securities generally are unsecured and often are
subordinated to other creditors of the issuer.
Because there is no established retail secondary market for many of
these securities, the Fund anticipates that such securities could be sold
only to a limited number of dealers or institutional investors. To the
extent a secondary trading market for these securities does exist, it
generally is not as liquid as the secondary market for higher rated
securities. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse
impact on market price and yield and the Fund's ability to dispose of
particular issues when necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in
response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the
creditworthiness of the issuer. The lack of a liquid secondary market for
certain securities also may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain
accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing the Fund's securities
and calculating its net asset value. Adverse publicity and investor
perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease
the values and liquidity of these securities. In such cases, judgment may
play a greater role in valuation because less reliable, objective data may
be available.
These securities may be particularly susceptible to economic
downturns. It is likely that any economic recession could disrupt
severely the market for such securities and may have an adverse impact on
the value of such securities. In addition, it is likely that any such
economic downturn could adversely affect the ability of the issuers of
such securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon and increase
the incidence of default for such securities.
The Fund may acquire these securities during an initial offering.
Such securities may involve special risks because they are new issues.
The Fund has no arrangement with any persons concerning the acquisition of
such securities, and the Advisers will review carefully the credit and
other characteristics pertinent to such new issues.
Lower rated zero coupon securities involve special considerations.
The credit risk factors pertaining to lower rated securities also apply to
lower rated zero coupon securities. Such zero coupon securities carry an
additional risk in that, unlike securities which pay interest throughout
the period to maturity, the Fund will realize no cash until the cash
payment date unless a portion of such securities are sold and, if the
issuer defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment.
See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
Investment Restrictions. The Fund has adopted investment
restrictions numbered 1 through 10 as fundamental policies. These
restrictions cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a
majority (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "Act")) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares. Investment
restrictions numbered 11 through 17 are not fundamental policies and may
be changed by a vote of a majority of the Fund's Directors at any time.
The Fund may not:
1. Invest more than 5% of its assets in the obligations of any
single issuer, except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total
assets may be invested, and securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, or its agencies or instrumentalities may be purchased, without
regard to any such limitation.
2. Hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any
single issuer. This Investment Restriction applies only with respect to
75% of the Fund's total assets.
3. Concentrate its investments in any particular industry or
industries, except that the Fund may invest up to 25% of the value of its
total assets in a single industry, provided that, when the Fund has
adopted a defensive posture, there shall be no limitation on the purchase
of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies
or instrumentalities.
4. Invest in commodities, except that the Fund may purchase and
sell options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those
relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
5. Purchase, hold or deal in real estate, or oil, gas or other
mineral leases or exploration or development programs, but the Fund may
purchase and sell securities that are secured by real estate or issued by
companies that invest or deal in real estate.
6. Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the Act
(which currently limits borrowing to no more than 33 1/3% of the value of the
Fund's total assets). For purposes of this Investment Restriction, the
entry into options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those
relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices shall not
constitute borrowing.
7. Make loans to others, except through the purchase of debt
obligations and the entry into repurchase agreements. However, the Fund
may lend its portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 33-1/3% of
the value of its total assets. Any loans of portfolio securities will be
made according to guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the Fund's Board of Directors.
8. Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to
the extent the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities.
9. Issue any senior security (as such term is defined in Section
18(f) of the Act), except to the extent the activities permitted in
Investment Restriction Nos. 4, 6 and 13 may be deemed to give rise to a
senior security.
10. Purchase securities on margin, but the Fund may make margin
deposits in connection with transactions in options, forward contracts,
futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on
futures contracts or indices.
11. Purchase securities of any company having less than three years'
continuous operations (including operations of any predecessor) if such
purchase would cause the value of the Fund's investments in all such
companies to exceed 5% of the value of its total assets.
12. Invest in the securities of a company for the purpose of
exercising management or control, but the Fund will vote the securities it
owns in its portfolio as a shareholder in accordance with its views.
13. Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent
necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the
deposit of assets in escrow in connection with writing covered put and
call options and the purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis and collateral and initial or variation margin
arrangements with respect to options, forward contracts, futures
contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures
contracts or indices.
14. Purchase, sell or write puts, calls or combinations thereof,
except as described in the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information.
15. Enter into repurchase agreements providing for settlement in
more than seven days after notice or purchase securities which are
illiquid, if, in the aggregate, more than 15% of the value of the Fund's
net assets would be so invested.
16. Invest in securities of other investment companies, except to
the extent permitted under the Act.
17. Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if the officers
or Directors of the Fund or the Advisers who own beneficially more than
1/2 of 1% of the securities of such issuer together own beneficially more
than 5% of the securities of such issuers.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund may invest, notwithstanding any
other investment restriction (whether or not fundamental), all of the
Fund's assets in the securities of a single open-end management investment
company with substantially the same fundamental investment objectives,
policies and restrictions as the Fund.
If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment,
a later change in percentage resulting from a change in values or assets
will not constitute a violation of such restriction.
The Fund may make commitments more restrictive than the restrictions
listed above so as to permit the sale of Fund shares in certain states.
Should the Fund determine that a commitment is no longer in the best
interest of the Fund and its shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to
revoke the commitment by terminating the sale of Fund shares in the state
involved.
While not a fundamental policy, the Fund has undertaken to comply
with the following limitations for the purpose of registering Fund shares
for sale in certain states: The Fund will not invest in real estate
limited partnerships or in mineral leases, and will not invest more than
2% of its assets in warrants not listed on the New York Stock Exchange or
the American Stock Exchange.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Directors and officers of the Fund, together with information as to
their principal business occupations during at least the last five years,
are shown below. Each Director who is deemed to be an "interested person"
of the Fund, as defined in the Act, is indicated by an asterisk.
Directors of the Fund
CLIFFORD L. ALEXANDER, JR., Director. President of Alexander &
Associates, Inc., a management consulting firm. From 1977 to 1981,
Mr. Alexander served as Secretary of the Army and Chairman of the
Board of the Panama Canal Company, and from 1975 to 1977, he was a
member of the Washington, D.C. law firm of Verner, Liipfert,
Bernhard, McPherson and Alexander. He is a director of American Home
Products Corporation, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, MCI
Communications Corporation, Mutual of America Life Insurance Company
and Equitable Resources, Inc., a producer and distributor of natural
gas and crude petroleum. Mr. Alexander is also a Board member of 17
other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He is 61 years old and
his address is 400 C Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002.
PEGGY C. DAVIS, Director. Shad Professor of Law, New York University
School of Law. Professor Davis has been a member of the New York
University law faculty since 1983. Prior to that time, she served
for three years as a judge in the courts of New York State; was
engaged for eight years in the practice of law, working in both
corporate and non-profit sectors; and served for two years as a
criminal justice administrator in the government of the City of New
York. She writes and teaches in the fields of evidence,
constitutional theory, family law, social sciences and the law, legal
process and professional methodology and training. Professor Davis
is also a Board member of 15 other funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds. She is 52 years old and her address is c/o New York
University School of Law, 249 Sullivan Street, New York, New York
10012.
*JOSEPH S. DiMARTINO, Chairman of the Board. Since January 1995, Chairman
of the Board of various funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. For
more than five years prior thereto, he was President, a director and,
until August 24, 1994, Chief Operating Officer of the Manager and
Executive Vice President and a director of Dreyfus Service
Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager and the Fund's
distributor until August 1994. From August 24, 1994 to December 31,
1994, he was a director of Mellon Bank Corporation. He is also a
director and former Treasurer of The Muscular Dystrophy Association;
a trustee of Bucknell University; and a director of the Noel Group,
Inc. Mr. DiMartino is also a Board member of 92 other funds in the
Dreyfus Family of Funds. He is 51 years old and his address is 200
Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166.
ERNEST KAFKA, Director. A physician engaged in private practice
specializing in the psychoanalysis of adults and adolescents. Since
1981, he has served as an Instructor at the New York Psychoanalytic
Institute and, prior thereto, held other teaching positions. For
more than the past five years, Dr. Kafka has held numerous
administrative positions and has published many articles on subjects
in the field of psychoanalysis. Dr. Kafka is also a Board member of
15 other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He is 62 years old
and his address is 23 East 92nd Street, New York, New York 10021.
SAUL B. KLAMAN, Director. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SBK
Associates, Inc., which provides research and consulting services to
financial institutions. Dr. Klaman was President of the National
Association of Mutual Savings Banks until November 1983, President of
the National Council of Savings Institutions until June 1985 and Vice
Chairman of Golembe Associates and BEI Golembe, Inc. until 1989 and
Chairman Emeritus of BEI Golembe, Inc. until 1992. He also served as
an Economist to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
and on several Presidential Commissions and has held numerous
consulting and advisory positions in the fields of economics and
housing finance. Dr. Klaman is also a Board member of 15 other funds
in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He is 76 years old and his address
is 431-B Dedham Street, The Gables, Newton Center, Massachusetts
02159.
NATHAN LEVENTHAL, Director. President of Lincoln Center for the
Performing Arts, Inc. Mr. Leventhal was Deputy Mayor for Operations
of New York City from September 1979 until March 1984 and
Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and
Development of New York City from February 1978 until September 1979.
Mr. Leventhal was an associate and then a member of the New
York law firm of Poletti Freidin Prashker Feldman and Gartner from
1974 to 1978. He was Commissioner of Rent and Housing Maintenance
for New York City from 1972 to 1973. Mr. Leventhal serves as
Chairman of Citizens Union, an organization which strives to reform
and modernize City and State government. Mr. Leventhal is also a
Board member of 15 other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He is
52 years old and his address is 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York,
New York 10023-6583.
For so long as the Fund's plans described in the section captioned
"Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan" remain in effect, the
Directors of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund, as
defined in the Act, will be selected and nominated by the Directors who
are not "interested persons" of the Fund.
The Fund typically pays its Directors an annual retainer and a per
meeting fee and reimburses them for their expenses. The Chairman of the
Board receives an additional 25% of such compensation. The aggregate
amount of compensation paid to each Director by the Fund for the fiscal
year ended October 31, 1994, and by all other funds in the Dreyfus Family
of Funds for which such person is a Board member for the year ended
December 31, 1994 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(3) (5)
(2) Pension or (4) Compensation from
(1) Aggregate Retirement Benefits Estimated Annual Fund and Fund
Name of Board Compensation from Accrued as Part of Benefits Upon Complex Paid to
Member Fund* Fund's Expenses Retirement Board Member
_____________ ________________ _________________ _________________ ________________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Clifford Alexander, Jr. $2,500 none none $73,210
Peggy C. Davis $2,500 none none $61,751
Joseph S. DiMartino $3,125** none none $445,000
Ernest Kafka $2,500 none none $61,001
Saul B. Klaman $2,500 none none $61,751
Nathan Leventhal $2,500 none none $61,751
___________________________
* Amount does not include reimbursed expenses for attending Board meetings, which amounted bo $156 for all Directors as a
group
** Estimated amounts for the current fiscal year ending October 31, 1995.
</TABLE>
Officers of the Fund
MARIE E. CONNOLLY, President and Treasurer. President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by Dreyfus. From December 1991 to
July 1994, she was President and Chief Compliance Officer of Funds
Distributor, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boston Company,
Inc. Prior to December 1991, she served as Vice President and
Controller, and later as Senior Vice President, of The Boston Company
Advisors, Inc. She is 37 years old.
JOHN E. PELLETIER, Vice President and Secretary. Senior Vice President
and General Counsel of the Distributor and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus. From
February 1992 to July 1994, he served as Counsel for The Boston
Company Advisors, Inc. From August 1990 to February 1992, he was
employed as an Associate at Ropes & Gray, and prior thereto, he was
employed as an Associate at Sidley & Austin. He is 30 years old.
ERIC B. FISCHMAN, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Associate
General Counsel of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by Dreyfus. From September 1992 to
August 1994, he was an attorney with the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System. He is 30 years old.
FREDERICK C. DEY, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice
President of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by Dreyfus. From 1988 to August
1994, he was manager of the High Performance Fabric Division of
Springs Industries Inc. He is 33 years old.
JOSEPH S. TOWER, III, Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice President,
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Distributor and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by
Dreyfus. From July 1988 to August 1994, he was employed by The
Boston Company, Inc. where he held various management positions in
the Corporate Finance and Treasury areas. He is 32 years old.
JOHN J. PYBURN, Assistant Treasurer. Vice President of the Distributor
and an officer of other investment companies advised or administered
by Dreyfus. From 1984 to July 1994, he was Assistant Vice President
in the Mutual Fund Accounting Department of Dreyfus. He is 59 years
old.
PAUL FURCINITO, Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice President of the
Distributor and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by Dreyfus. From January 1992 to July 1994, he was a
Senior Legal Product Manager, and from January 1990 to January 1992,
he was a mutual fund accountant, for The Boston Company Advisers,
Inc. He is 28 years old.
RUTH D. LEIBERT, Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice President of the
Distributor and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by Dreyfus. From March 1992 to July 1994, she was a
Compliance Officer for The Managers Funds, a registered investment
company. From March 1990 until September 1991, she was Development
Director of The Rockland Center for the Arts and, prior thereto, was
employed as a Research Assistant for the Bureau of National Affairs.
She is 50 years old.
The address of each officer of the Fund is 200 Park Avenue, New York,
New York 10166.
Directors and officers of the Fund, as a group, owned less than 1% of
the Fund's shares of common stock outstanding on April 29, 1995.
The following entities owned of record and beneficially 5% or more of
the Fund's shares outstanding as of April 29, 1995:
Class A: Fayez Sarofim & Co., P.O. Box 52830, Houston, Texas 77052 - 10%;
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, 4800 Deer Lake Drive E.,
Jacksonville, FL 32246 - 5.9%
Class B: Merrill Lynch/FDS, 4800 Deer Lake Drive E., Jacksonville, FL
32246 - 11.3%
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Management
of the Fund."
Management Agreement. Dreyfus supervises investment management of
the Fund pursuant to the Management Agreement (the "Management Agreement")
dated August 24, 1994 between Dreyfus and the Fund. The Management
Agreement is subject to annual approval by (i) the Fund's Board of
Directors or (ii) vote of a majority (as defined in the Act) of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event its
continuance also is approved by a majority of the Fund's Directors who are
not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund or Dreyfus,
by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
such approval. The Management Agreement was approved by shareholders on
August 3, 1994, and was last approved by the Fund's Board of Directors,
including a majority of Directors who are not "interested persons" of any
party to the Management Agreement, at a meeting held on January 11, 1995.
The Management Agreement is terminable without penalty, on 60 days'
notice, by the Fund's Directors or by vote of the holders of a majority of
the Fund's shares, or, on not less than 90 days' notice, by Dreyfus. The
Management Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment (as defined in the Act).
The following persons are officers and/or directors of Dreyfus:
Howard Stein, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; W. Keith
Smith, Vice Chairman of the Board; Robert E. Riley, President, Chief
Operating Officer and a director; Lawrence S. Kash, Vice Chairman-
Distribution and a director; Philip L. Toia, Vice Chairman-Operations and
Administration; Paul H. Snyder, Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial
Officer; Daniel C. Maclean, Vice President and General Counsel; Barbara E.
Casey, Vice President-Dreyfus Retirement Services; Diane M. Coffey, Vice
President-Corporate Communications; Elie M. Genadry, Vice President-
Institutional Sales; Henry D. Gottmann, Vice President-Retail Sales and
Service; Mark N. Jacobs, Vice President-Legal and Secretary; Jeffrey N.
Nachman, Vice President-Mutual Fund Accounting; Katherine C. Wickham, Vice
President-Human Resources; Maurice Bendrihem, Controller; and Mandell L.
Berman, Frank V. Cahouet, Alvin E. Friedman, Lawrence M. Greene, Julian M.
Smerling and David B. Truman, directors.
As compensation for Dreyfus' services, the Fund has agreed to pay
Dreyfus a monthly management fee at the annual rate of .75 of 1% of the
Fund's average daily net assets. For the period from July 15, 1993
(commencement of operations) through October 31, 1993 and for the fiscal
year ended October 31, 1994, the management fees payable amounted to
$8,343 and $99,498, respectively, which fees were waived pursuant to an
undertaking in effect.
Dreyfus maintains office facilities on behalf of the Fund, and
furnishes statistical and research data, clerical help, accounting, data
processing, bookkeeping and internal auditing and certain other required
services to the Fund. Dreyfus also may make such advertising and
promotional expenditures using its own resources, as it from time to time
deems appropriate.
Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement. Sarofim provides investment
advisory assistance and day-to-day management of the Fund's investments
pursuant to the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Sub-Advisory
Agreement") dated August 24, 1994 between Sarofim and Dreyfus. The
Sub-Advisory Agreement is subject to annual approval by (i) the Fund's
Board of Directors or (ii) vote of a majority (as defined in the Act) of
the Fund's outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event
the continuance also is approved by a majority of the Fund's Directors who
are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund or
Sarofim, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. The Sub-Advisory Agreement was last approved by
the Fund's Board of Directors, including a majority of the Directors who
are not "interested persons" of any party to the Sub-Advisory Agreement,
at a meeting held on January 11, 1995. Shareholders of the Fund approved
the Sub-Advisory Agreement on August 3, 1994. The Sub-Advisory Agreement
is terminable without penalty, on 60 days' notice, (i) by Dreyfus or (ii)
by the Fund's Board of Directors or by vote of the holders of a majority
of the Fund's shares, or, on not less than 90 days' notice, (iii) by
Sarofim. The Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the
event of its assignment (as defined in the Act) or upon the termination of
the Management Agreement for any reason.
Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, Dreyfus has agreed to pay Sarofim a
monthly fee at the annual rate set forth in the Fund's Prospectus. For
the period July 15, 1993 (commencement of operations) through October 31,
1993, and for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1994, no sub-advisory fee
was paid by Dreyfus to Sarofim pursuant to an agreement in effect between
Dreyfus and Sarofim.
The following persons are officers and/or directors of Sarofim:
Fayez S. Sarofim, Chairman of the Board and President; Raye G. White,
Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and a director; Russell M.
Frankel, Russell B. Hawkins, William K. McGee, Jr., Charles E. Sheedy and
Ralph Thomas, Senior Vice Presidents; and Nancy Daniel, Frank P. Lee and
James A. Reynolds, III, Vice Presidents.
Sarofim provides day-to-day management of the Fund's investments in
accordance with the stated policies of the Fund, subject to the
supervision of Dreyfus and the approval of the Fund's Board of Directors.
Dreyfus and Sarofim provide the Fund with portfolio managers who are
authorized by the Fund's Board of Directors to execute purchases and sales
of securities. The Fund's portfolio managers are Thomas A. Frank, Russell
B. Hawkins, Elaine Rees, Fayez S. Sarofim, Richard C. Shields and Howard
Stein. Dreyfus also maintains a research department with a professional
staff of portfolio managers and securities analysts who provide research
services for the Fund as well as other funds advised by Dreyfus. All
purchases and sales are reported for the Board's review at the meeting
subsequent to such transactions.
Expenses. All expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund are
borne by the Fund except to the extent specifically assumed by Dreyfus
and/or Sarofim. The expenses borne by the Fund include: organizational
costs, taxes, interest, brokerage fees and commissions, if any, fees of
Directors who are not officers, directors, employees or holders of 5% or
more of the outstanding voting securities of Dreyfus or Sarofim or their
affiliates, Securities and Exchange Commission fees, state Blue Sky
qualification fees, advisory fees, charges of custodians, transfer and
dividend disbursing agents' fees, certain insurance premiums, industry
association fees, outside auditing and legal expenses, costs of
independent pricing services, costs of maintaining corporate existence,
costs attributable to investor services (including, without limitation,
telephone and personnel expenses), costs of shareholders' reports and
meetings and any extraordinary expenses. Class A, Class B and Class C
shares are subject to an annual service fee for ongoing personal services
relating to shareholder accounts and services related to the maintenance
of shareholder accounts. In addition, Class B and Class C shares are
subject to an annual distribution fee for distributing the relevant Class
of shares pursuant to a distribution plan adopted in accordance with Rule
12b-1 under the Act. See "Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services
Plan."
Dreyfus has agreed that if in any fiscal year the aggregate expenses
of the Fund, exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage and (with the prior
written consent of the necessary state securities commissions)
extraordinary expenses, but including the advisory fees paid by the Fund,
exceed the expense limitation of any state having jurisdiction over the
Fund, Dreyfus will bear the excess expense to the extent required by state
law. Such payment, if any, will be estimated daily, and reconciled and
paid on a monthly basis.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan."
Class A, Class B and Class C shares are subject to a Shareholder
Services Plan and Class B and Class C shares only are subject to a
Distribution Plan.
Distribution Plan. Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") adopted by the Securities
and Exchange Commission under the Act provides, among other things, than
an investment company may bear expenses of distributing its shares only
pursuant to a plan adopted in accordance with the Rule. The Fund's Board
of Directors has adopted such a plan (the "Distribution Plan") with
respect to Class B and Class C shares, pursuant to which the Fund pays the
Distributor for distributing Class B and Class C shares. The Fund's Board
of Directors believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that the
Distribution Plan will benefit the Fund and the holders of the relevant
Class of shares. In some states, certain financial institutions effecting
transactions in Fund shares may be required to register as dealers
pursuant to state law.
A quarterly report of the amounts expended under the Distribution
Plan, and the purposes for which such expenditures were incurred, must be
made to the Directors for their review. In addition, the Distribution
Plan provides that it may not be amended to increase materially the costs
which holders of the relevant Class of shares may bear for distribution
pursuant to the Distribution Plan without the approval of the holders of
the affected Class of shares and that other material amendments of the
Distribution Plan must be approved by the Board of Directors, and by the
Directors who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the
Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of
the Distribution Plan, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of considering such amendments. The Distribution Plan is subject
to annual approval by such vote of the Directors cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Distribution Plan. The
Distribution Plan was so approved by the Directors at a meeting held on
April 12, 1995. As to each such Class, the Distribution Plan may be
terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Directors who are not
"interested persons" and have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Distribution Plan or by vote of the holders of a
majority of such Class of shares.
For the period from November 1, 1993 through August 23, 1994, the
Fund paid Dreyfus Service Corporation, as former distributor, $39,690 with
respect to Class B under the Distribution Plan. For the period from
August 24, 1994 through October 31, 1994, the Fund paid the Distributor
$14,924 with respect to Class B under the Distribution Plan. There were
no payments made under the Distribution Plan with respect to Class C
during the fiscal year ended October 31, 1994, as Class C shares had not
yet been offered.
Shareholder Services Plan. The Fund has adopted a Shareholder
Services Plan, pursuant to which the Fund pays the Distributor for the
provision of certain services to the holders of Class A, Class B and Class
C shares. Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Distributor may make
payments to certain financial institutions, securities dealers and other
financial industry professionals (collectively, "Service Agents") in
respect of these services.
A quarterly report of the amounts expended under the Shareholder
Services Plan, and the purposes for which such expenditures were incurred,
must be made to the Directors for their review. In addition, the
Shareholder Services Plan provides that it may not be amended without
approval of the Directors, and by the Directors who are neither
"interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund nor have any
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Shareholder
Services Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection with the
Shareholder Services Plan, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of considering such amendments. The Shareholder Services Plan
is subject to annual approval by such vote of the Directors cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Shareholder Services
Plan. The Shareholder Services Plan was so approved on April 12, 1995.
As to each Class, the Shareholder Services Plan is terminable at any time
by vote of a majority of the Directors who are not "interested persons"
and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of
the Shareholder Services Plan or in any agreements entered into in
connection with the Shareholder Services Plan.
For the period from November 1, 1993 through August 23, 1994, the
Fund paid Dreyfus Service Corporation, as former distributor, $11,338 with
respect to Class A, and $13,230, with respect to Class B, pursuant to the
Shareholder Services Plan. For the period from August 24, 1994 through
October 31, 1994, the Fund paid the Distributor $3,623, with respect to
Class A, and $4,875, with respect to Class B, pursuant to the Shareholder
Services Plan. There were no payments made under the Shareholder Services
Plan with respect to Class C during the fiscal year ended October 31,
1994, as Class C shares had not yet been offered.
PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Buy
Fund Shares."
The Distributor. The Distributor serves as the Fund's distributor
pursuant to an agreement dated August 24, 1994 which is renewable
annually. The Distributor also acts as distributor for the other funds in
the Premier Family of Funds, the Dreyfus Family of Funds and for certain
other investment companies.
Sales Loads--Class A. The scale of sales loads applies to purchases
of Class A shares made by any "purchaser," which term includes an
individual and/or spouse purchasing securities for his, her or their own
account or for the account of any minor children, or a trustee or other
fiduciary purchasing securities for a single trust estate or a single
fiduciary account (including a pension, profit-sharing or other employee
benefit trust created pursuant to a plan qualified under Section 401 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")) although more
than one beneficiary is involved; or a group of accounts established by or
on behalf of the employees of an employer or affiliated employers pursuant
to an employee benefit plan or other program (including accounts
established pursuant to Sections 403(b), 408(k), and 457 of the Code); or
an organized group which has been in existence for more than six months,
provided that it is not organized for the purpose of buying redeemable
securities of a registered investment company and provided that the
purchases are made through a central administration or a single dealer, or
by other means which result in economy of sales effort or expense.
Offering Prices. Based upon the Fund's net asset value at the close of
business on October 31, 1994 the maximum offering price of the Fund's
Class A and Class B shares would have been as follows. Class C shares
were not offered as of October 31, 1994.
Class A shares:
NET ASSET VALUE per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.03
Sales load for individual sales of shares aggregating less
than $50,000 - 4.5 percent of offering price
(approximately 4.7 percent of net asset value per share) .66
Offering price to public. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.69
Class B shares:
NET ASSET VALUE, redemption price and offering
price to public ***. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.89
_____________________
*** Class B shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge on
certain redemptions, see "How to Redeem Fund Shares" in the Fund's
Prospectus.
TeleTransfer Privilege. TeleTransfer purchase orders may be made
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., New York time, on any
business day that The Shareholder Services Group, Inc., the Fund's
transfer and dividend disbursing agent (the "Transfer Agent"), and the New
York Stock Exchange are open. Such purchases will be credited to the
shareholder's Fund account on the next bank business day. To qualify to
use the TeleTransfer Privilege, the initial payment for purchase of Fund
shares must be drawn on, and redemption proceeds paid to, the same bank
and account as are designated on the Account Application or Shareholder
Services Form on file. If the proceeds of a particular redemption are to
be wired to an account at any other bank, the request must be in writing
and signature-guaranteed. See "Redemption of Fund Shares--TeleTransfer
Privilege."
Reopening an Account. An investor may reopen an account with a
minimum investment of $100 without filing a new Account Application during
the calendar year the account is closed or during the following calendar
year, provided the information on the old Account Application is still
applicable.
REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to
Redeem Fund Shares."
TeleTransfer Privilege. Investors should be aware that if they have
selected the TeleTransfer Privilege, any request for a wire redemption
will be effected as a TeleTransfer transaction through the Automated
Clearing House ("ACH") system unless more prompt transmittal specifically
is requested. Redemption proceeds will be on deposit in the investor's
account at an ACH member bank ordinarily two business days after receipt
of the redemption request. See "Purchase of Fund Shares--TeleTransfer
Privilege."
Stock Certificates; Signatures. Any certificates representing Fund
shares to be redeemed must be submitted with the redemption request.
Written redemption requests must be signed by each shareholder, including
each holder of a joint account, and each signature must be guaranteed.
Signatures on endorsed certificates submitted for redemption also must be
guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted standards and procedures
pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper form generally will be
accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national
securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing
agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New
York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program, the Securities Transfer
Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock Exchange Medallion
Program. Guarantees must be signed by an authorized signatory of the
guarantor and "Signature-Guaranteed" must appear with the signature. The
Transfer Agent may request additional documentation from corporations,
executors, administrators, trustees or guardians, and may accept other
suitable verification arrangements from foreign investors, such as
consular verification.
Redemption Commitment. The Fund is committed to pay in cash all
redemption requests by any shareholder of record, limited in amount during
any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the value of the
Fund's net assets at the beginning of such period. Such commitment is
irrevocable without the prior approval of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. In the case of requests for redemption in excess of such
amount, the Board of Directors reserves the right to make payments in
whole or in part in securities or other assets in case of an emergency or
any time a cash distribution would impair the liquidity of the Fund to the
detriment of the existing shareholders. In such event, the securities
would be valued in the same manner as the Fund's portfolio is valued. If
the recipient sold such securities, brokerage charges would be incurred.
Suspension of Redemptions. The right of redemption may be suspended
or the date of payment postponed (a) during any period when the New York
Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday
closings), (b) when trading in the markets the Fund ordinarily utilizes is
restricted, or when an emergency exists as determined by the Securities
and Exchange Commission so that disposal of the Fund's investments or
determination of its net asset value is not reasonably practicable, or (c)
for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission by order
may permit to protect the Fund's shareholders.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Shareholder Services."
Fund Exchanges. Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund may
be exchanged for shares of the respective class of certain other funds
advised or administered by Dreyfus. Shares of the same Class of such
other funds purchased by exchange will be purchased on the basis of
relative net asset value per share as follows:
A. Class A shares of funds purchased without a sales load may be
exchanged for Class A shares of other funds sold with a sales
load, and the applicable sales load will be deducted.
B. Class A shares of funds purchased with or without a sales load
may be exchanged without a sales load for Class A shares of
other funds sold without a sales load.
C. Class A shares of funds purchased with a sales load, Class A
shares of funds acquired by a previous exchange from Class A
shares purchased with a sales load and additional Class A shares
acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions of
any such funds (collectively referred to herein as "Purchased
Shares") may be exchanged for Class A shares of other funds sold
with a sales load (referred to herein as "Offered Shares"),
provided that, if the sales load applicable to the Offered
Shares exceeds the maximum sales load that could have been
imposed in connection with the Purchased Shares (at the time the
Purchased Shares were acquired), without giving effect to any
reduced loads, the difference will be deducted.
D. Class B or Class C shares of any fund may be exchanged for the
same Class of shares of other funds without a sales load. Class
B or Class C shares of any fund exchanged for the same Class of
shares of another fund will be subject to the higher applicable
contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of the two exchanged
funds, and for purposes of calculating CDSC rates and conversion
periods, will be deemed to have been held since the date the
Class B or Class C shares being exchanged were initially
purchased.
To accomplish an exchange under item C above, an investor's Service
Agent must notify the Transfer Agent of the investor's prior ownership of
such Class A shares and the investor's account number.
To request an exchange, the investor's Service Agent acting on the
investor's behalf must give exchange instructions to the Transfer Agent in
writing or by telephone. The ability to issue exchange instructions by
telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless the
investor checks the applicable "No" box on the Account Application,
indicating that the investor specifically refuses this Privilege. By
using the Telephone Exchange Privilege, the investor authorizes the
Transfer Agent to act on telephonic instructions from any person
representing himself or herself to be the investor or a representative of
the investor's Service Agent, and reasonably believed by the Transfer
Agent to be genuine. Telephone exchanges may be subject to limitations as
to the amount involved or the number of telephone exchanges permitted.
Shares issued in certificate form are not eligible for telephone exchange.
To establish a Personal Retirement Plan by exchange, shares of the
fund being exchanged must have a value of at least the minimum initial
investment required for shares of the same Class of the fund into which
the exchange is being made. For Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs and
IRAs set up under Simplified Employee Pension Plans ("SEP-IRAs") with only
one participant, the minimum initial investment is $750. To exchange
shares held in Corporate Plans, 403(b)(7) Plans and SEP-IRAs with more
than one participant, the minimum initial investment is $100 if the plan
has at least $2,500 invested among the funds in the Premier Family of
Funds or the Dreyfus Family of Funds. To exchange shares held in Personal
Retirement Plans, the shares exchanged must have a current value of at
least $100.
Auto-Exchange Privilege. Auto-Exchange permits an investor to
purchase, in exchange for Class A, Class B or Class C shares of the Fund,
shares of the same Class of another fund in the Premier Family of Funds or
the Dreyfus Family of Funds. This Privilege is available only for
existing accounts. Shares will be exchanged on the basis of relative net
asset value as described above under "Fund Exchanges." Enrollment in or
modification or cancellation of this Privilege is effective three business
days following notification by the investor. An investor will be notified
if his account falls below the amount designated to be exchanged under
this Privilege. In this case, an investor's account will fall to zero
unless additional investments are made in excess of the designated amount
prior to the next Auto-Exchange transaction. Shares held under IRA and
other retirement plans are eligible for this Privilege. Exchanges of IRA
shares may be made between IRA accounts and from regular accounts to IRA
accounts, but not from IRA accounts to regular accounts. With respect to
all other retirement accounts, exchanges may be made only among those
accounts.
Fund Exchanges and the Auto-Exchange Privilege are available to
shareholders resident in any state in which shares of the fund being
acquired may legally be sold. Shares may be exchanged only between
accounts having identical names and other identifying designations.
Shareholder Services Forms and prospectuses of the other funds may be
obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. The Fund reserves the right to reject
any exchange request in whole or in part. The Fund Exchanges service or
the Auto-Exchange Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time upon
notice to shareholders.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits an
investor with a $5,000 minimum account to request withdrawal of a
specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly
basis. Withdrawal payments are the proceeds from sales of Fund shares,
not the yield on the shares. If withdrawal payments exceed reinvested
dividends and distributions, the investor's shares will be reduced and
eventually may be depleted. There is a service charge of $.50 for each
withdrawal check. Automatic Withdrawal may be terminated at any time by
the investor, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for which
certificates have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan. Class B or Class C shares withdrawn pursuant to the
Automatic Withdrawal Plan will be subject to any applicable CDSC.
Dividend Sweep. Dividend Sweep allows investors to invest their
dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, from the
Fund in shares of the same Class of another fund in the Premier Family of
Funds or the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which the investor is a
shareholder. Shares of the same Class of other funds purchased pursuant
to this privilege will be purchased on the basis of relative net asset
value per share as follows:
A. Dividends and distributions paid with respect to Class A shares
by a fund may be invested without imposition of a sales load in
Class A shares of other funds that are offered without a sales
load.
B. Dividends and distributions paid with respect to Class A shares
by a fund which does not charge a sales load may be invested in
Class A shares of other funds sold with a sales load, and the
applicable sales load will be deducted.
C. Dividends and distributions paid with respect to Class A shares
by a fund which charges a sales load may be invested in Class A
shares of other funds sold with a sales load (referred to herein
as "Offered Shares"), provided that, if the sales load
applicable to the Offered Shares exceeds the maximum sales load
charged by the fund from which dividends or distributions are
being swept, without giving effect to any reduced loads, the
difference will be deducted.
D. Dividends and distributions paid with respect to Class B or
Class C shares by a fund may be invested without imposition of
any applicable CDSC in the same Class of shares of other funds
and the relevant Class of shares of such other funds will be
subject on redemption to any applicable CDSC.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Buy
Fund Shares."
Valuation of Portfolio Securities. The Fund's investment securities,
including covered call options written by the Fund, are valued at the last
sale price on the securities exchange or national securities market on
which such securities primarily are traded. Securities not listed on an
exchange or national securities market, or securities in which there were
no transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and
asked prices, except in the case of open short positions where the asked
price is used for valuation purposes. Bid price is used when no asked
price is available. Any assets or liabilities initially expressed in
terms of foreign currency will be translated into dollars at the midpoint
of the New York interbank market spot exchange rate as quoted on the day
of such translation by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or if no such
rate is quoted on such date, at the exchange rate previously quoted by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York or at such other quoted market exchange
rate as may be determined to be appropriate by the Advisers. Forward
currency contracts will be valued at the current cost of offsetting the
contract. Because of the need to obtain prices as of the close of trading
on various exchanges throughout the world, the calculation of net asset
value does not take place contemporaneously with the determination of
prices of certain of the Fund's securities. Short-term investments are
carried at amortized cost, which approximates value. Any securities or
other assets for which recent market quotations are not readily available
are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund's Board
of Directors. Expenses and fees of the Fund, including the advisory fee
paid by the Fund are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose
of determining the net asset value of Fund shares.
Restricted securities, as well as securities or other assets for
which market quotations are not readily available, or are not valued by a
pricing service approved by the Board of Directors, are valued at fair
value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors will review the method of valuation on a current basis. In
making their good faith valuation of restricted securities, the Directors
generally will take the following factors into consideration: restricted
securities which are, or are convertible into, securities of the same
class of securities for which a public market exists usually will be
valued at market value less the same percentage discount at which
purchased. This discount will be revised periodically by the Board of
Directors if the Directors believe that it no longer reflects the value of
the restricted securities. Restricted securities not of the same class as
securities for which a public market exists usually will be valued
initially at cost. Any subsequent adjustment from cost will be based upon
considerations deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.
Expenses and fees, including the advisory fees (reduced by the
expense limitation, if any), and fees pursuant to the Shareholder Services
Plan, with respect to the Class A, Class B and Class C shares, and fees
pursuant to the Distribution Plan, with respect to the Class B and Class C
shares only, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of
determining the net asset value of the relevant Class of shares. Because
of the difference in operating expenses incurred by each Class, the per
share net asset value of each Class will differ.
New York Stock Exchange Closings. The holidays (as observed) on
which the New York Stock Exchange is closed currently are: New Year's
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes."
Management of the Fund believes that the Fund has qualified for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1994 as a "regulated investment company"
under the Code. The Fund intends to continue to so qualify if such
qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders. As a
regulated investment company, the Fund will pay no Federal income tax on
net investment income and net realized securities gains to the extent that
such income and gains are distributed to shareholders in accordance with
applicable provisions of the Code. To qualify as a regulated investment
company, the Fund must pay out to its shareholders at least 90% of its net
income (consisting of net investment income and net short-term capital
gain), must derive less than 30% of its annual gross income from gain on
the sale of securities held for less than three months, and must meet
certain asset diversification and other requirements. Accordingly, the
Fund may be restricted in the selling of securities held for less than
three months. The Code, however, allows the Fund to net certain
offsetting positions, making it easier for the Fund to satisfy the 30%
test. The term "regulated investment company" does not imply the
supervision of management or investment practices or policies by any
government agency.
Any dividend or distribution paid shortly after an investor's
purchase may have the effect of reducing the net asset value of the shares
below the cost of the investment. Such a dividend or distribution would
be a return of investment in an economic sense, although taxable as stated
above. In addition, the Code provides that if a shareholder holds shares
of the Fund for six months or less and has received a capital gain
distribution with respect to such shares, any loss incurred on the sale of
such shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the
capital gain distribution received.
Depending upon the composition of the Fund's income, the entire
amount or a portion of the dividends from net investment income may
qualify for the dividends received deduction allowable to qualifying U.S.
corporate shareholders ("dividends received deduction"). In general,
dividend income of the Fund distributed to the Fund's qualifying corporate
shareholders will be eligible for the dividends received deduction only to
the extent that the Fund's income consists of dividends paid by U.S.
corporations. However, Section 246(c) of the Code provides that if a
qualifying corporate shareholder has disposed of Fund shares not held for
more than 46 days and has received a dividend from net investment income
with respect to such shares, the portion designated by the Fund as
qualifying for the dividends received deduction will not be eligible for
such shareholder's dividends received deduction. In addition, the Code
provides other limitations with respect to the ability of a qualifying
corporate shareholder to claim the dividends received deduction in
connection with holding Fund shares.
The Fund may qualify for and may make an election permitted under
Section 853 of the Code so that shareholders may be eligible to claim a
credit or deduction on their Federal income tax returns for, and will be
required to treat as part of the amounts distributed to them, their pro
rata portion of qualified taxes paid or incurred by the Fund to foreign
countries (which taxes relate primarily to investment income). The Fund
may make an election under Section 853, provided that more than 50% of the
value of the Fund's total assets at the close of the taxable year consists
of securities in foreign corporations, and the Fund satisfies the
applicable distribution provisions of the Code. The foreign tax credit
available to shareholders is subject to certain limitations imposed by the
Code.
Ordinarily, gains and losses realized from portfolio transactions
will be treated as capital gains and losses. However, a portion of the
gain or loss realized from the disposition of foreign currencies
(including foreign currency denominated bank deposits) and non-US. dollar
denominated securities (including debt instruments and certain forward
contracts and options) may be treated as ordinary income or loss under
Section 988 of the Code. In addition, all or a portion of any gain
realized from the sale or other disposition of certain market discount
bonds will be treated as ordinary income under Section 1276. Finally, all
or a portion of the gain realized from engaging in "conversion
transactions" may be treated as ordinary income under Section 1258.
"Conversion transactions" are defined to include certain forward, futures,
option and straddle transactions, transactions marketed or sold to produce
capital gains, or transactions described in Treasury regulations to be
issued in the future.
Under Section 1256 of the Code, any gain or loss the Fund realizes
from certain forward contracts and options transactions will be treated as
60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or
loss. Gain or loss will arise upon exercise or lapse of such contracts
and options as well as from closing transactions. In addition, any such
contracts or options remaining unexercised at the end of the Fund's
taxable year will be treated as sold for their then fair market value,
resulting in additional gain or loss to the Fund characterized in the
manner described above.
Offsetting positions held by the Fund involving certain foreign
currency forward contracts or options may constitute "straddles."
"Straddles" are defined to include "offsetting positions" in actively
traded personal property. The tax treatment of "straddles" is governed by
Section 1092 of the Code, which, in certain circumstances, overrides or
modifies the provisions of Sections 1256 and 988 of the Code. If the Fund
were treated as entering into "straddles" by reason of its engaging in
certain forward contracts or options transactions, such "straddles" would
be characterized as "mixed straddles" if the forward contracts or options
transactions comprising a part of such "straddles" were governed by
Section 1256. The Fund may make one or more elections with respect to
"mixed straddles." Depending on which election is made, if any, the
results to the Fund may differ. If no election is made to the extent the
"straddle" rules apply to positions established by the Fund, losses
realized by the Fund will be deferred to the extent of unrealized gain in
the offsetting position. Moreover, as a result of the "straddle" rules,
short-term capital loss on "straddle" positions may be recharacterized as
long-term capital loss, and long-term capital gains may be treated as
short-term capital gains.
Investment by the Fund in securities issued at a discount or
providing for deferred interest or for payment of interest in the form of
additional obligations could under special tax rules affect the amount,
timing and character of distributions to shareholders by causing the Fund
to recognize income prior to the receipt of cash payments. For example,
the Fund could be required to accrue as income each year a portion of the
discount (or deemed discount) at which such securities were issued and to
distribute such income. In such case, the Fund may have to dispose of
securities which it might otherwise have continued to hold in order to
generate cash to satisfy these distribution requirements.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Dreyfus assumes general supervision over placing orders on behalf of
the Fund for the purchase or sale of investment securities. Allocation of
brokerage transactions, including their frequency, is made in Dreyfus'
best judgment and in a manner deemed fair and reasonable to shareholders.
The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders at the most
favorable net price. Subject to this consideration, the brokers selected
will include those that supplement the Advisers' research facilities with
statistical data, investment information, economic facts and opinions.
Information so received is in addition to and not in lieu of services
required to be performed by the Advisers and the Advisers' fees are not
reduced as a consequence of the receipt of such supplemental information.
Such information may be useful to Dreyfus in serving both the Fund
and other funds which it advises and to Sarofim in serving both the Fund
and the other funds or accounts it advises, and, conversely, supplemental
information obtained by the placement of business of other clients may be
useful to the Advisers in carrying out their obligations to the Fund.
Sales of Fund shares by a broker may be taken into consideration, and
brokers also will be selected because of their ability to handle special
executions such as are involved in large block trades or broad
distributions, provided the primary consideration is met. Large block
trades may, in certain cases, result from two or more funds advised or
administered by Dreyfus being engaged simultaneously in the purchase or
sale of the same security. Certain of the Fund's transactions in
securities of foreign issuers may not benefit from the negotiated
commission rates available to the Fund for transactions in securities of
domestic issuers. When transactions are executed in the over-the-counter
market, the Fund will deal with the primary market makers unless a more
favorable price or execution otherwise is obtainable.
Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year as well as within a
year. Under normal market conditions, it is anticipated that in any
fiscal year the turnover rate generally will be less than 100%; however,
in periods in which extraordinary market conditions prevail, the Advisers
will not be deterred from changing investment strategy as rapidly as
needed, in which case higher turnover rates can be anticipated which would
result in greater brokerage expenses. The overall reasonableness of
brokerage commissions paid is evaluated by Dreyfus based upon its
knowledge of available information as to the general level of commissions
paid by other institutional investors for comparable services.
For the period July 15, 1993 (commencement of operations) through
October 31, 1993 and for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1994, the Fund
paid brokerage commissions of $4,789, and $11,081, respectively, none of
which was paid to the Distributor. There were no gross spreads or
concessions on principal transactions for the period July 15, 1993
(commencement of operations) through October 31, 1993 or the fiscal year
ended October 31, 1994.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Performance Information."
Class C shares had not been offered as of the date of the financials
and, therefore, no performance data is provided for Class C.
The average annual total return for the 1 and 1.299 year periods
ended October 31, 1994 for Class A was 1.45% and 5.48%, respectively. The
average annual total return for Class B was 1.47% and 5.44%, respectively,
for such periods. Average annual total return is calculated by
determining the ending redeemable value of an investment purchased at net
asset value (maximum offering price in the case of Class A) per share with
a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period
(assuming the reinvestment of dividends and distributions), dividing by
the amount of the initial investment, taking the "n"th root of the
quotient (where "n" is the number of years in the period) and subtracting
1 from the result. A Class's average annual total return figures
calculated in accordance with such formula assume that in the case of
Class A the maximum sales load has been deducted from the hypothetical
initial investment at the time of purchase or in the case of Class B or
Class C the maximum applicable CDSC has been paid upon redemption at the
end of the period.
Total return is calculated by subtracting the amount of the Fund's
net asset value (maximum offering price in the case of Class A) per share
at the beginning of a stated period from the net asset value per share at
the end of the period (after giving effect to the reinvestment of
dividends and distributions during the period and any applicable CDSC),
and dividing the result by the net asset value (maximum offering price in
the case of Class A) per share at the beginning of the period. Total
return also may be calculated based on the net asset value per share at
the beginning of the period instead of the maximum offering price per
share at the beginning of the period for Class A shares or without giving
effect to any applicable CDSC at the end of the period for Class B or
Class C shares. In such cases, the calculation would not reflect the
deduction of the sales load with respect to Class A shares or any
applicable CDSC with respect to Class B or Class C shares, which, if
reflected would reduce the performance quoted. The total return for the
Fund's Class A and Class B shares for the period July 15, 1993
(commencement of operations) through October 31, 1994 was 12.24% and
11.12%, respectively. Based on net asset value per share, the total
return for the Fund's Class A and Class B shares for this period was 7.18%
and 7.12%, respectively.
From time to time, advertising materials for the Fund may refer to
the fact that the Fund currently looks for successful companies with
established brands that are expanding into the world marketplace. From
time to time, advertising materials or the Fund may also refer to the
clients of Sarofim, such as large corporations, states, universities and
other institutions and organizations.
From time to time, advertising materials for the Fund may refer to
Morningstar ratings and related analyses supporting the rating.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "General
Information."
Each Fund share has one vote and, when issued and paid for in
accordance with the terms of the offering, is fully paid and
non-assessable. Shares have no preemptive or subscription rights and are
freely transferable.
The Fund sends annual and semi-annual financial statements to all its
shareholders.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT, COUNSEL
AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, New York, New York
10286, is the Fund's custodian. The Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a
subsidiary of First Data Corporation, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent.
Neither The Bank of New York nor The Shareholder Services Group, Inc. has
any part in determining the investment policies of the Fund or which
securities are to be purchased or sold by the Fund.
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, 7 Hanover Square, New York, New York
10004-2696, as counsel for the Fund, has rendered its opinion as to
certain legal matters regarding the due authorization and valid issuance
of the shares of Common Stock being sold pursuant to the Fund's
Prospectus.
Ernst & Young LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019,
independent auditors, have been selected as auditors of the Fund.
APPENDIX
Description of certain ratings assigned by Standard & Poor's
Corporation ("S&P"), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Fitch
Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") and Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co.
("Duff"):
S&P
Bond Ratings
AAA
Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to
pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA
Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A
Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than
obligations in higher rated categories.
BBB
Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay
interest and repay principal for bonds in this category than for bonds in
higher rated categories.
BB
Bonds rated BB have less near-term vulnerability to default than
other speculative grade debt. However, it faces major ongoing
uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or economic
conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest
and principal payment.
B
Bonds rated B have a greater vulnerability to default but presently
has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments.
Adverse business, financial or economic conditions would likely impair
capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
CCC
Bonds rated CCC have a current identifiable vulnerability to default,
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic
conditions to meet timely payments of principal. In the event of adverse
business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
S&P's letter ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or
minus (-) sign designation, which is used to show relative standing within
the major rating categories, except in the AAA (Prime Grade) category.
Commercial Paper Rating
The designation A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety
regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those
issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are
denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.
Moody's
Bond Ratings
Aaa
Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be
visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position
of such issues.
Aa
Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what generally are
known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds
because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or
fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there
may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear
somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A
Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but
elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment
sometime in the future.
Baa
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest
payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding
investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as
well.
Ba
Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection
of interest and principal payments may be very moderate, and therefore not
well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future.
Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B
Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time
may be small.
Caa
Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be
in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
Moody's applies the numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to show relative
standing within the major rating categories, except in the Aaa category.
The modifier 1 indicates a ranking for the security in the higher end of a
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the
modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of a rating category.
Commercial Paper Rating
The rating Prime-1 (P-1) is the highest commercial paper rating
assigned by Moody's. Issuers of P-1 paper must have a superior capacity
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations, and ordinarily will be
evidenced by leading market positions in well established industries, high
rates of return on funds employed, conservative capitalization structures
with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection, broad margins
in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash
generation, and well established access to a range of financial markets
and assured sources of alternate liquidity.
Fitch
Bond Ratings
The ratings represent Fitch's assessment of the issuer's ability to
meet the obligations of a specific debt issue or class of debt. The
ratings take into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current financial
condition and operative performance of the issuer and of any guarantor, as
well as the political and economic environment that might affect the
issuer's future financial strength and credit quality.
AAA
Bonds rated AAA are considered to be investment grade and of the
highest credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability
to pay interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by
reasonably foreseeable events.
AA
Bonds rated AA are considered to be investment grade and of very high
credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal
is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because
bonds rated in the AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable
to foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is
generally rated F-1+.
A
Bonds rated A are considered to be investment grade and of high
credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal
is considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes
in economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB
Bonds rated BBB are considered to be investment grade and of
satisfactory credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic
conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have an adverse
impact on these bonds and, therefore, impair timely payment. The
likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment
grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
BB
Bonds rated BB are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to
pay interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse
economic changes. However, business and financial alternatives can be
identified which could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service
requirements.
B
Bonds rated B are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this
class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of
continued timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's
limited margin of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic
activity throughout the life of the issue.
CCC
Bonds rated CCC have certain identifiable characteristics, which, if
not remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations
requires an advantageous business and economic environment.
Plus (+) and minus (-) signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category.
Short-Term Ratings
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable
on demand or have original maturities of up to three years, including
commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and
municipal and investment notes.
Although the credit analysis is similar to Fitch's bond rating
analysis, the short-term rating places greater emphasis than bond ratings
on the existence of liquidity necessary to meet the issuer's obligations
in a timely manner.
F-1+
Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are
regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.
F-1
Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an
assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated
F-1+.
Duff
AAA
Bond Ratings
Bonds rated AAA are considered highest credit quality. The risk
factors are negligible, being only slightly more than for risk-free U.S.
Treasury debt.
AA
Bonds rated AA are considered high credit quality. Protection
factors are strong. Risk is modest but may vary slightly from time to
time because of economic conditions.
A
Bonds rated A have protection factors which are average but adequate.
However, risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of economic
stress.
BBB
Bonds rated BBB are considered to have below average protection
factors but still considered sufficient for prudent investment.
Considerable variability in risk during economic cycles.
BB
Bonds rated BB are below investment grade but are deemed by Duff as
likely to meet obligations when due. Present or prospective financial
protection factors fluctuate according to industry conditions or company
fortunes. Overall quality may move up or down frequently within the
category.
B
Bonds rated B are below investment grade and possess the risk that
obligations will not be met when due. Financial protection factors will
fluctuate widely according to economic cycles, industry conditions and/or
company fortunes. Potential exists for frequent changes in quality rating
within this category or into a higher or lower quality rating grade.
CCC
Bonds rated CCC are well below investment grade securities. Such
bonds may be in default or have considerable uncertainty as to timely
payment of interest, preferred dividends and/or principal. Protection
factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with unfavorable economic
or industry conditions and/or with unfavorable company developments.
Plus (+) and minus (-) signs are used with a rating symbol (except
AAA) to indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating
category.
Commercial Paper Rating
The rating Duff-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by
Duff. Paper rated Duff-1 is regarded as having very high certainty of
timely payment with excellent liquidity factors which are supported by
ample asset protection. Risk factors are minor.
<TABLE>
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1994
COMMON STOCKS--84.5% SHARES VALUE
-------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AEROSPACE & ELECTRONICS--6.3% Emerson Electric 3,000 $ 182,250
General Electric................. 12,000 586,500
Motorola......................... 4,000 235,500
Texas Instruments................ 2,500 187,188
-------------
1,191,438
-------------
AUTO RELATED--1.6% Ford Motor 10,000 295,000
-------------
BANKING--6.5% Citicorp 10,000 477,500
Deutsche Bank A.D.R. ............ 900 438,300
Union Bank of Switzerland........ 1,510 320,867
-------------
1,236,667
-------------
CHEMICALS--4.9% Dow Chemical 7,000 514,500
duPont (EI) de Nemours........... 7,000 417,375
-------------
931,875
-------------
ENERGY--8.6% Chevron 6,000 270,000
Elf Aquitaine A.D.S. ............ 5,000 183,125
Exxon............................ 4,500 282,938
Mobil............................ 3,500 301,000
Royal Dutch Petroleum............ 4,000 466,000
TOTAL, Cl. B, A.D.S. ............ 4,000 132,000
-------------
1,635,063
-------------
FINANCIAL--3.7% Eurafrance 1,000 346,019
HSBC Holdings PLC, A.D.R. ....... 3,000 348,000
-------------
694,019
-------------
FOOD, BEVERAGE & TOBACCO--18.6% Coca-Cola 15,000 753,750
Guinness PLC, A.D.R. ............ 10,000 371,250
Kellogg.......................... 3,000 176,250
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton A.D.R. 15,050 485,362
Nestle A.D.R. ................... 4,000 187,000
PepsiCo. ........................ 8,000 280,000
Philip Morris Cos. .............. 12,500 765,625
Sara Lee......................... 5,000 123,125
Seagram.......................... 12,000 370,500
-------------
3,512,862
-------------
HEALTH CARE--8.3% Johnson & Johnson 6,000 327,750
Merck............................ 15,000 536,250
Pfizer........................... 5,000 370,625
Roche Holdings A.D.S. ........... 7,500 332,344
-------------
1,566,969
-------------
INSURANCE--2.4% AXA 8,000 370,796
Zuerich Versicherung............. 100 91,126
-------------
461,922
-------------
MEDIA/ENTERTAINMENT--5.1% News A.D.S 6,000 293,250
Pearson PLC...................... 40,000 413,581
Reader's Digest Association, Cl. A 6,000 263,250
-------------
970,081
-------------
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) OCTOBER 31, 1994
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
-------------- -------------
METALS--1.3% Debeers Consolidated Mining A.D.R. 10,000 $ 238,750
-------------
MULTI INDUSTRY--3.7% Eaux (Generale Des) 4,000 366,214
Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing. 6,000 332,250
-------------
698,464
-------------
OFFICE & BUSINESS EQUIPMENT--3.6% AT&T 8,000 440,000
Ericsson (LM) Telephone, Cl. B, A.D.R. 2,500 152,344
MCI Communications............... 4,000 92,000
-------------
684,344
-------------
PERSONAL CARE--5.9% Gillette 4,500 334,688
L'Oreal A.D.R. .................. 9,000 391,500
Procter & Gamble................. 3,500 218,750
Unilever N.V. ................... 1,500 178,125
-------------
1,123,063
-------------
PHOTOGRAPHY--1.5% Eastman Kodak 6,000 288,750
-------------
RETAIL--2.5% Toys R Us 5,000 (a) 192,500
Wal-Mart Stores.................. 12,000 282,000
-------------
474,500
-------------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $15,066,320)............. $16,003,767
=============
PRINCIPAL
CORPORATE BOND--.0% AMOUNT
-------------
Zuerich International,
2%, 3/1/2001
(cost $3,384).................. $ 5,000 $ 3,342
=============
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--14.6%
U.S. TREASURY BILLS: 4.81%, 11/10/1994 $ 1,555,000 $ 1,553,074
4.595%, 11/25/1994............. 1,207,000 1,203,404
-------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $2,756,478).............. $ 2,756,478
=============
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $17,826,182) ................................ 99.1% $18,763,587
====== =============
CASH AND RECEIVABLES (NET).................................................. .9% $ 179,021
====== =============
NET ASSETS.................................................................. 100.0% $18,942,608
====== =============
NOTE TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS;
(a) Non-income producing.
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
OCTOBER 31, 1994
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(cost $17,826,182)-see statement...................................... $18,763,587
Cash.................................................................... 135,279
Receivable for subscriptions to Common Stock............................ 110,152
Dividends and interest receivable....................................... 28,402
Prepaid expenses........................................................ 88,041
Due from The Dreyfus Corporation........................................ 25,382
-------------
19,150,843
LIABILITIES:
Payable for investment securities purchased............................. $132,066
Due to the Distributor.................................................. 10,732
Payable for Common Stock redeemed....................................... 5,820
Accrued expenses and other liabilities.................................. 59,617 208,235
---------- -------------
NET ASSETS ................................................................ $18,942,608
=============
REPRESENTED BY:
Paid-in capital......................................................... $17,864,411
Accumulated undistributed investment income-net-Note 1(c)............... 140,756
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain on investments.............. 36
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments-Note 3........... 937,405
-------------
NET ASSETS at value......................................................... $18,942,608
=============
Shares of Common Stock outstanding:
Class A Shares
(150 million shares of $.001 par value authorized).................... 575,647
=============
Class B Shares
(150 million shares of $.001 par value authorized).................... 782,479
=============
NET ASSET VALUE per share:
Class A Shares
($8,075,402 / 575,647 shares)......................................... $14.03
=======
Class B Shares
($10,867,206 / 782,479 shares)........................................ $13.89
=======
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1994
<S> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
INCOME:
Cash dividends (net of $17,080 foreign taxes withheld at source)...... $242,276
Interest.............................................................. 129,340
----------
TOTAL INCOME.................................................... $371,616
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fee--Note 2(a).................................... 99,498
Shareholder servicing costs-Note 2(c)................................. 63,185
Distribution fees (Class B shares)-Note 2(b).......................... 54,614
Registration fees..................................................... 34,353
Organization expenses................................................. 18,717
Auditing fees......................................................... 15,374
Directors' fees and expenses-Note 2(d)................................ 13,614
Legal fees............................................................ 11,818
Prospectus and shareholders' reports.................................. 11,648
Custodian fees........................................................ 6,029
Miscellaneous......................................................... 1,508
----------
330,358
Less-investment advisory fee waived due to
undertaking-Note 2(a)............................................. 99,498
----------
TOTAL EXPENSES.................................................. 230,860
----------
INVESTMENT INCOME--NET.......................................... 140,756
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS:
Net realized gain on investments--Note 3................................ $ 36
Net unrealized appreciation on investments.............................. 713,079
----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS................. 713,115
----------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS........................ $853,871
==========
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
-------------------------------
1993* 1994
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Investment income (loss)--net........................................... $ (8,679) $ 140,756
Net realized gain on investments........................................ 59 36
Net unrealized appreciation on investments for the year................. 224,326 713,079
------------- -------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS.............. 215,706 853,871
------------- -------------
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from shares sold:
Class A shares........................................................ 3,328,136 6,206,463
Class B shares........................................................ 2,451,603 9,723,924
Cost of shares redeemed:
Class A shares........................................................ (196,158) (1,868,176)
Class B shares........................................................ (7,760) (1,865,001)
------------- -------------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS............ 5,575,821 12,197,210
------------- -------------
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS.................................... 5,791,527 13,051,081
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year....................................................... 100,000 5,891,527
------------- -------------
End of year [including investment (loss)-net of ($8,679) in 1993 and
undistributed
investment income-net of $140,756 in 1994]............................ $ 5,891,527 $18,942,608
============= =============
SHARES
--------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B
------------------------------- -----------------------------
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
------------------------------- -----------------------------
1993 1994 1993* 1994
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Shares sold............................ 263,706 463,318 190,488 729,175
Shares redeemed........................ (15,066) (140,311) (599) (140,585)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
NET INCREASE IN SHARES OUTSTANDING 248,640 323,007 189,889 588,590
============= ========== ============ =============
* From July 15, 1993 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1993.
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Reference is made to page 4 of the Fund's Prospectus dated July 3, 1995.
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Act")
as a diversified open-end management investment company. The Dreyfus
Corporation ("Dreyfus") serves as the Fund's investment adviser. Fayez
Sarofim & Co. ("Sarofim") serves as the Fund's sub-investment adviser.
Dreyfus Service Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, until
August 24, 1994, acted as the distributor of the Fund's shares. Effective
August 24, 1994, Dreyfus became a direct subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A.
On August 24, 1994, Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (the
"Distributor") was engaged as the Fund's distributor. The Distributor,
located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Institutional Administration Services, Inc., a provider of
mutual fund administration services, the parent company of which is Boston
Institutional Group, Inc.
The Fund offers both Class A and Class B shares. Class A shares are
subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase and Class B shares
are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge imposed at the time of
redemption on redemptions made within six years of purchase. Other
differences between the two Classes include the services offered to and the
expenses borne by each Class and certain voting rights.
(A) PORTFOLIO VALUATION: Investments in securities (including options and
financial futures) are valued at the last sales price on the securities
exchange on which such securities are primarily traded or at the last sales
price on the national securities market. Securities not listed on an exchange
or the national securities market, or securities for which there were no
transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked
prices. Bid price is used when no asked price is available. Short-term
investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates value.
Investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars
at the prevailing rates of exchange.
(B) SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME: Securities
transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gain and loss from
securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend
income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including,
where applicable, amortization of discount on investments, is recognized on
the accrual basis.
(C) DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS: Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend
date. Dividends from investment income-net and dividends from net realized
capital gain are normally declared and paid annually, but the Fund may make
distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. To the extent that net realized
capital gain can be offset by capital loss carryovers, if any, it is the
policy of the Fund not to distribute such gain.
During the year ended October 31, 1994, the Fund reclassed $8,679 from
accumulated undistributed investment income to paid-in capital and reclassed
$59 from paid-in capital to accumulated undistributed net realized capital
gains. These reclass adjustments resulted primarily from a net-operating loss
in a prior fiscal year, which is not deductable for Federal income tax
purposes and cannot be carried forward to any future tax year.
(D) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: It is the policy of the Fund to continue to
qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the
best interests of its shareholders, by complying with the applicable
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, and to make distributions of taxable
income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all Federal income and
excise taxes.
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 2--INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE, SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES:
(A) Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with Dreyfus, the
investment advisory fee is computed at the annual rate of .75 of 1% of the
average daily value of the Fund's net assets and is payable monthly. The
Investment Advisory Agreement further provides that if in any full fiscal
year the aggregate expenses of the Fund, excluding interest, taxes, brokerage
and extraordinary expenses, exceed the expense limitation of any state having
jurisdiction over the Fund, the Fund may deduct from the fee to be paid to
Dreyfus, or Dreyfus will bear, such excess expense to the extent required by
state law. The most stringent state expense limitation applicable to the Fund
presently requires reimbursement of expenses in any full fiscal year that
such expenses (exclusive of distribution expenses and certain expenses as
described above) exceed 2 1/2% of the first $30 million, 2% of the next $70
million and 11/2% of the excess over $100 million of the average value of the
Fund's net assets in accordance with California "blue sky" regulations.
However, Dreyfus has undertaken from November 1, 1993 through December
31, 1994, or until such time as the net assets of the Fund exceed $50
million, regardless of whether they remain at that level, to waive receipt of
the investment advisory fee payable to it by the Fund. The investment
advisory fee waived pursuant to the undertaking amounted to $99,498 for the
year ended October 31, 1994.
Pursuant to a Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between Dreyfus and
Sarofim, Dreyfus has agreed to pay Sarofim a monthly sub-advisory fee,
computed at the following annual rates:
<TABLE>
ANNUAL FEE AS A PERCENTAGE OF
TOTAL NET ASSETS AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
------------------ -----------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
0 to $25 million....................................... .11 of 1%
$25 up to $75 million.................................. .18 of 1%
$75 up to $200 million................................. .22 of 1%
$200 up to $300 million................................ .26 of 1%
In excess of $300 million.............................. .275 of 1%
</TABLE>
Sarofim is currently waiving its sub-investment advisory fee.
Dreyfus Service Corporation retained $10,171 during the year ended
October 31, 1994 from commissions earned on sales of the Fund's Class A
shares.
Prior to August 24, 1994, Dreyfus Service Corporation retained $34,556
from contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions of the Fund's
Class B shares.
(B) On August 3, 1994, the Fund's Shareholders approved a revised
Distribution Plan with respect to Class B shares only (the "Class B
Distribution Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Pursuant to the
Class B Distribution Plan, effective August 24, 1994, the Fund pays the
Distributor for distributing the Fund's Class B shares at an annual rate of
.75 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class B shares.
Prior to August 24, 1994, the Distribution Plan ("prior Class B
Distribution Plan") provided that the Fund pay Dreyfus Service Corporation at
an annual rate of .75 of 1% of the value of the Fund's Class B shares average
daily net assets, for the costs and expenses in connection with advertising,
marketing and distributing the Fund's Class B shares. Dreyfus Service
Corporation made payments to one or more Service Agents based on the value of
the Fund's Class B shares owned by clients of the Service Agent.
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
During the year ended October 31, 1994, $14,924 was charged to the Fund
pursuant to the Class B Distribution Plan and $39,690 was charged to the Fund
pursuant to the prior Class B Distribution Plan.
(C) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Fund pays the Distributor,
at an annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets
of Class A and Class B shares for servicing shareholder accounts. The
services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder
accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the Fund and
providing reports and other information, and services related to the
maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to
Service Agents in respect of these services. The Distributor determines the
amounts to be paid to Service Agents. From May 1, 1994 through August 23,
1994, $11,338 and $13,230 were charged to Class A and Class B shares,
respectively, by Dreyfus Service Corporation. From August 24, 1994 through
October 31, 1994, $3,623 and $4,975 were charged to Class A and Class B
shares, respectively, by the Distributor pursuant to the Shareholder Services
Plan.
(D) Prior to August 24, 1994, certain officers and directors of the Fund
were "affiliated persons," as defined in the Act, of Dreyfus and/or Dreyfus
Service Corporation. Each director who is not an "affiliated person" receives
an annual fee of $1,500 and an attendance fee of $250 per meeting.
NOTE 3--SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities,
other than short-term securities, during the year ended October 31, 1994,
amounted to $11,492,819 and $69,563, respectively.
At October 31, 1994, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on
investments was $937,405, consisting of $1,175,048 gross unrealized
appreciation and $237,643 gross unrealized depreciation.
At October 31, 1994, the cost of investments for Federal income tax
purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting
purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of
Premier Growth Fund, Inc., including the statement of investments, as of
October 31, 1994, and the related statement of operations for the year then
ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in
the period then ended, and financial highlights for each of the years
indicated therein. These financial statements and financial highlights are
the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and
financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures
in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of
securities owned as of October 31, 1994 by correspondence with the custodian
and brokers. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide
a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights
referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Premier Growth Fund, Inc. at October 31, 1994, the results of its
operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of
the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each
of the indicated years, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
(Ernst & Young LLP Signature Logo)
New York, New York
December 9, 1994
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
_________________________
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - List
_______ _________________________________________
(a) Financial Statements:
Included in Part A of the Registration Statement
Condensed Financial Information for the period from July 15,
1993 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1993 and for
the year ended October 31, 1994.
Included in Part B of the Registration Statement:
Statement of Investments -- October 31, 1994
Statement of Assets and Liabilities -- October 31, 1994
Statement of Operations -- year ended October 31, 1994
Statement of Changes in Net Assets -- for the period
from July 15, 1993 (commencement of operations) to
October 31, 1993 and for the year ended October 31, 1994
Notes to Financial Statements
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors, dated
December 9, 1994
Schedules No. I through VII and other financial statement information, for
which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, are either omitted because they are not
required under the related instructions, they are inapplicable, or the
required information is presented in the financial statements or notes
thereto which are included in Part B of the Registration Statement.
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - List (continued)
_______ _____________________________________________________
(b) Exhibits:
(1)(a) Registrant's Articles of Incorporation.
(2) Registrant's By-Laws.
(5)(a) Management Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (5)
of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A, filed on December 30, 1994.
(5)(b) Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (5)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on December 30, 1994.
(6)(a) Distribution Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
(5)(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on December 30, 1994.
(6)(b) Form of Distribution Plan Agreement.
(6)(c) Form of Shareholder Services Plan Agreement.
(8) Custody Agreement with the Bank of New York is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 8 of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on June 15, 1993.
(9) Shareholder Services Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
(9) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on December 30, 1994.
(10) Opinion and consent of Registrant's counsel.
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors.
(15) Distribution Plan.
(16) Schedules of Computation of Performance Data with respect to
Class A and Class B are incorporated by reference to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Fund's Registration Statement
on Form N-1A, filed on December 23, 1993.
(18) Registrant's Rule 18f-3 Plan.
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - List (continued)
________ _____________________________________________________
Other Exhibits
______________
(a) Power of Attorney of the Directors and officers is
incorporated by reference to Other Exhibits (a) of Post-
Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement
on Form N-1A, filed on December 30, 1994.
(b) Certificate of Secretary is incorporated by reference to
Other Exhibits (b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on
December 30, 1994.
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.
_______ ______________________________________________________________
Not Applicable
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities.
_______ ________________________________
(1) (2)
Number of Record
Title of Class Holders as of April 29, 1995
______________ ______________________________
Common Stock
(Par value $.001)
Class A 1,032
Class B 1,426
Item 27. Indemnification
_______ _______________
The Statement as to the general effect of any contract,
arrangements or statute under which a director, officer,
underwriter or affiliated person of the Registrant is insured or
indemnified in any manner against any liability which may be
incurred in such capacity, other than insurance provided by any
director, officer, affiliated person or underwriter for their own
protection, is incorporated by reference to Item 4 of Part II of
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A, filed on June 15, 1993.
Reference is also made to the Distribution Agreement filed as
Exhibit (6)(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement on From N-1A, filed on December 30, 1994.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.
_______ ____________________________________________________
The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") and subsidiary companies
comprise a financial service organization whose business consists
primarily of providing investment management services as the
investment adviser and manager for sponsored investment companies
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and as an
investment adviser to institutional and individual accounts.
Dreyfus also serves as sub-investment adviser to and/or
administrator of other investment companies. Dreyfus Service
Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, serves primarily
as the registered broker-dealer of shares of investment companies
sponsored by Dreyfus and of other investment companies for which
Dreyfus acts as investment adviser, sub-investment adviser or
administrator. Dreyfus Management, Inc., another wholly-owned
subsidiary, provides investment management services to various
pension plans, institutions and individuals.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser (continued)
________ ________________________________________________________________
Officers and Directors of Investment Adviser
____________________________________________
Name and Position
with Dreyfus Other Businesses
_________________ ________________
MANDELL L. BERMAN Real estate consultant and private investor
Director 29100 Northwestern Highway, Suite 370
Southfield, Michigan 48034;
Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of
Skillman Foundation.
Member of The Board of Vintners Intl.
FRANK V. CAHOUET Chairman of the Board, President and
Director Chief Executive Officer:
Mellon Bank Corporation
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258;
Mellon Bank, N.A.
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258
Director:
Avery Dennison Corporation
150 North Orange Grove Boulevard
Pasadena, California 91103;
Saint-Gobain Corporation
750 East Swedesford Road
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19482;
Teledyne, Inc.
1901 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, California 90067
ALVIN E. FRIEDMAN Senior Adviser to Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.
Director 535 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022;
Director and member of the Executive
Committee of Avnet, Inc.**
LAWRENCE M. GREENE Director:
Director Dreyfus America Fund
JULIAN M. SMERLING None
Director
DAVID B. TRUMAN Educational consultant;
Director Past President of the Russell Sage Foundation
230 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017;
Past President of Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075;
DAVID B. TRUMAN Former Director:
(cont'd) Student Loan Marketing Association
1055 Thomas Jefferson Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006;
Former Trustee:
College Retirement Equities Fund
730 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10017
HOWARD STEIN Chairman of the Board:
Chairman of the Board and Dreyfus Acquisition Corporation*;
Chief Executive Officer The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Dreyfus Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer:
Major Trading Corporation*;
Director:
Avnet, Inc.**;
Dreyfus America Fund++++;
The Dreyfus Fund International
Limited+++++;
World Balanced Fund+++;
Dreyfus Partnership Management,
Inc.*;
Dreyfus Personal Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Precious Metals, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.*;
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.*;
Trustee:
Corporate Property Investors
New York, New York;
W. KEITH SMITH Chairman and Chief Executive Officer:
Vice Chairman of the Board The Boston Company
One Boston Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Vice Chairman of the Board:
Mellon Bank Corporation
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258;
Mellon Bank, N.A.
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258
Director:
Dentsply International, Inc.
570 West College Avenue
York, Pennsylvania 17405
ROBERT E. RILEY Director:
President, Chief Dreyfus Service Corporation
Operating Officer,
and a Director
LAWRENCE S. KASH Chairman, President and Chief
Vice Chairman-Distribution Executive Officer:
and a Director The Boston Company Advisors, Inc.
53 State Street
Exchange Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Executive Vice President and Director:
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.*;
Director:
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
The Dreyfus Trust Company++'
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
President:
The Boston Company
One Boston Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02108;
Laurel Capital Advisors
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258;
Boston Group Holdings, Inc.
Executive Vice President
Mellon Bank, N.A.
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258;
Boston Safe Deposit & Trust
One Boston Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
PHILIP L. TOIA Chairman of the Board and Trust Investment
Vice Chairman-Operations Officer:
and Administration The Dreyfus Trust Company+++;
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer:
Major Trading Corporation*;
Director:
The Dreyfus Security Savings Bank F.S.B.+;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.*;
President and Director:
Dreyfus Acquisition Corporation*;
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Dreyfus-Lincoln, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Personal Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Partnership Management, Inc.+;
Dreyfus Service Organization*;
The Truepenny Corporation*;
Formerly, Senior Vice President:
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and
The Chase Manhattan Capital Markets
Corporation
One Chase Manhattan Plaza
New York, New York 10081
PAUL H. SNYDER Director:
Vice President-Finance Pennsylvania Economy League
and Chief Financial Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
Officer Children's Crisis Treatment Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*
Director and Vice President:
Financial Executives Institute,
Philadelphia Chapter
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
BARBARA E. CASEY President:
Vice President- Dreyfus Retirement Services Division;
Dreyfus Retirement Executive Vice President:
Services Boston Safe Deposit & Trust Co.
One Boston Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02108;
DIANE M. COFFEY None
Vice President-
Corporate Communications
ELIE M. GENADRY President:
Vice President- Institutional Services Division of Dreyfus
Institutional Sales Service Corporation*;
Broker-Dealer Division of Dreyfus Service
Corporation*;
Group Retirement Plans Division of Dreyfus
Service Corporation;
Executive Vice President:
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.*;
Vice President:
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
HENRY D. GOTTMANN Executive Vice President:
Vice President-Retail Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Sales and Service Vice President:
Dreyfus Precious Metals*;
DANIEL C. MACLEAN Director, Vice President and Secretary:
Vice President and General Dreyfus Precious Metals, Inc.*;
Counsel Director and Vice President:
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Director and Secretary:
Dreyfus Partnership Management, Inc.*;
Major Trading Corporation*;
The Truepenny Corporation+;
Director:
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
Secretary:
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.*;
JEFFREY N. NACHMAN None
Vice President-Mutual Fund
Accounting
WILLIAM F. GLAVIN, JR. Senior Vice President:
Vice President-Product The Boston Company Advisors, Inc.
Management 53 State Street
Exchange Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
KATHERINE C. WICKHAM Formerly, Assistant Commissioner:
Vice President- Department of Parks and Recreation of the
Human Resources City of New York
830 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10022
MARK N. JACOBS Vice President, Secretary and Director:
Vice President-Fund Lion Management, Inc.*;
Legal and Compliance, Secretary:
and Secretary The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Dreyfus Management, Inc.*;
Assistant Secretary:
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.*;
Major Trading Corporation*;
The Truepenny Corporation*
ANDREW S. WASSER Vice President:
Vice President-Information Mellon Bank Corporation
Services One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258
MAURICE BENDRIHEM Treasurer:
Controller Dreyfus Partnership Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.*;
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.*;
The Truepenny Corporation*;
Controller:
Dreyfus Acquisition Corporation*;
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Assistant Treasurer:
Dreyfus Precious Metals*
Formerly, Vice President-Financial Planning,
Administration and Tax:
Showtime/The Movie Channel, Inc.
1633 Broadway
New York, New York 10019
______________________________________
* The address of the business so indicated is 200 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10166.
** The address of the business so indicated is 80 Cutter Mill Road,
Great Neck, New York 11021.
*** The address of the business so indicated is 45 Broadway, New York,
New York 10006.
**** The address of the business so indicated is Five Triad Center, Salt
Lake City, Utah 84180.
+ The address of the business so indicated is Atrium Building, 80 Route
4 East, Paramus, New Jersey 07652.
++ The address of the business so indicated is 144 Glenn Curtiss
Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144.
+++ The address of the business so indicated is One Rockefeller Plaza,
New York, New York 10020.
++++ The address of the business so indicated is 2 Boulevard Royal,
Luxembourg.
+++++ The address of the business so indicated is Nassau, Bahama Islands.
Item 29. Principal Underwriters
________ ______________________
(a) Other investment companies for which Registrant's principal
underwriter (exclusive distributor) acts as principal underwriter or
exclusive distributor:
1) Comstock Partners Strategy Fund, Inc.
2) Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc.
3) Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc.
4) Dreyfus Asset Allocation Fund, Inc.
5) Dreyfus Balanced Fund, Inc.
6) Dreyfus BASIC Money Market Fund, Inc.
7) Dreyfus BASIC Municipal Fund, Inc.
8) Dreyfus BASIC U.S. Government Money Market Fund
9) Dreyfus California Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
10) Dreyfus California Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
11) Dreyfus California Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
12) Dreyfus Capital Value Fund, Inc.
13) Dreyfus Cash Management
14) Dreyfus Cash Management Plus, Inc.
15) Dreyfus Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
16) Dreyfus Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
17) The Dreyfus Convertible Securities Fund, Inc.
18) Dreyfus Edison Electric Index Fund, Inc.
19) Dreyfus Florida Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
20) Dreyfus Florida Municipal Money Market Fund
21) Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
22) The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated
23) Dreyfus Global Bond Fund, Inc.
24) Dreyfus Global Growth, L.P. (A Strategic Fund)
25) Dreyfus Global Investing, Inc.
26) Dreyfus GNMA Fund, Inc.
27) Dreyfus Government Cash Management
28) Dreyfus Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
29) Dreyfus Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc.
30) Dreyfus Institutional Money Market Fund
31) Dreyfus Institutional Short Term Treasury Fund
32) Dreyfus Insured Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
33) Dreyfus Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
34) Dreyfus International Equity Fund, Inc.
35) Dreyfus Investors GNMA Fund
36) The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds, Inc.
37) The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds Trust
38) The Dreyfus/Laurel Tax-Free Municipal Funds
39) The Dreyfus/Laurel Investment Series
40) The Dreyfus Leverage Fund, Inc.
41) Dreyfus Life and Annuity Index Fund, Inc.
42) Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Inc.
43) Dreyfus Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
44) Dreyfus Massachusetts Municipal Money Market Fund
45) Dreyfus Massachusetts Tax Exempt Bond Fund
46) Dreyfus Michigan Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
47) Dreyfus Money Market Instruments, Inc.
48) Dreyfus Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
49) Dreyfus Municipal Cash Management Plus
50) Dreyfus Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
51) Dreyfus New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
52) Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
53) Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
54) Dreyfus New Leaders Fund, Inc.
55) Dreyfus New York Insured Tax Exempt Bond Fund
56) Dreyfus New York Municipal Cash Management
57) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
58) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Intermediate Bond Fund
59) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
60) Dreyfus Ohio Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
61) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Intermediate Term Fund
62) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Long Term Fund
63) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
64) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Short Term Fund
65) Dreyfus Pennsylvania Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
66) Dreyfus Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund
67) Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund
68) Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
69) Dreyfus Short-Term Income Fund, Inc.
70) The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.
71) Dreyfus Strategic Growth, L.P.
72) Dreyfus Strategic Income
73) Dreyfus Strategic Investing
74) Dreyfus Tax Exempt Cash Management
75) Dreyfus Treasury Cash Management
76) Dreyfus Treasury Prime Cash Management
77) Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
78) Dreyfus-Wilshire Target Funds, Inc.
79) Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Inc.
80) General California Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
81) General California Municipal Money Market Fund
82) General Government Securities Money Market Fund, Inc.
83) General Money Market Fund, Inc.
84) General Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
85) General Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
86) General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
87) General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
88) Pacifica Funds Trust -
Pacific American Money Market Portfolio
Pacific American U.S. Treasury Portfolio
89) Peoples Index Fund, Inc.
90) Peoples S&P MidCap Index Fund, Inc.
91) Premier Insured Municipal Bond Fund
92) Premier California Municipal Bond Fund
93) Premier GNMA Fund
94) Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
95) Premier Municipal Bond Fund
96) Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund
97) Premier State Municipal Bond Fund
(b)
Positions and
Name and principal Positions and offices with offices with
business address the Distributor Registrant
__________________ ___________________________ _____________
Marie E. Connolly+ Director, President, Chief President and
Operating Officer and Compliance Treasurer
Officer
Joseph F. Tower, III+ Senior Vice President, Treasurer Assistant
and Chief Financial Officer Treasurer
John E. Pelletier+ Senior Vice President, General Vice President
Counsel, Secretary and Clerk and Secretary
Frederick C. Dey++ Senior Vice President Vice President
and Assistant
Treasurer
Eric B. Fischman++ Vice President and Associate Vice President
General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary
Lynn H. Johnson+ Vice President None
Ruth D. Leibert++ Assistant Vice President Assistant
Secretary
Paul D. Furcinito++ Assistant Vice President Assistant
Secretary
Paul Prescott+ Assistant Vice President None
Leslie M. Gaynor+ Assistant Treasurer None
Mary Nelson+ Assistant Treasurer None
John J. Pyburn++ Assistant Treasurer Assistant
Treasurer
Jean M. O'Leary+ Assistant Secretary and None
Assistant Clerk
John W. Gomez+ Director None
William J. Nutt+ Director None
________________________________
+ Principal business address is One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109.
++ Principal business address is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166.
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
________________________________
1. The Shareholder Services Group, Inc.,
a subsidiary of First Data Corporation
P.O. Box 9671
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671
2. The Bank of New York
90 Washington Street
New York, New York 10286
3. The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
Item 31. Management Services
_______ ___________________
Not Applicable
Item 32. Undertakings
________ ____________
(1) To call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon
the question of removal of a director or directors when
requested in writing to do so by the holders of at least 10% of
the Registrant's outstanding shares of common stock and in
connection with such meeting to comply with the provisions of
Section 16(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 relating to
shareholder communications.
(2) To furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered with a
copy of the Fund's latest Annual Report to Shareholders, upon
request and without charge.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this
Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, and State of
New York on the 3rd day of May, 1995.
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
BY: /s/Marie E. Connolly*
Marie E. Connolly, PRESIDENT
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, this Amendment to the Registration Statement
has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the
date indicated.
Signatures Title Date
___________________________ ______________________________ ___________
/s/Marie E. Connolly* President (Principal Executive 5/3/95
______________________________ Officer) and Treasurer
Marie E. Connolly
/s/Joseph F. Tower, III* Assistant Treasurer (Principal 5/3/95
______________________________ Financial Officer)
Joseph F. Tower, III
/s/Joseph S. DiMartino* Chairman of the Board of 5/3/95
______________________________ Directors
Joseph S. DiMartino
/s/Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.* Director 5/3/95
______________________________
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.
/s/Peggy C. Davis* Director 5/3/95
______________________________
Peggy C. Davis
/s/Ernst Kafka* Director 5/3/95
______________________________
Ernest Kafka
/s/Saul B. Klaman* Director 5/3/95
______________________________
Saul B. Klaman
/s/Nathan Leventhal* Director 5/3/95
______________________________
Nathan Leventhal
*BY: __________________________
Eric B. Fischman,
Attorney-in-Fact
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
ITEM PAGE
(1)(a) Registrant's Articles of Incorporation
(2) Registrant's By-Laws
(6)(b) Form of Distribution Plan Agreement
(6)(c) Form of Shareholder Services Plan Agreement
(10) Opinion and Consent of Registrant's Counsel
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors
(15) Distribution Plan
(18) Registrant's Rule 18f-3 Plan
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
FIRST: The undersigned, Julie A. Beyers, whose address
is Seven Hanover Square, New York, New York 10004-2696, being at
least eighteen years of age, hereby forms a corporation under the
Maryland General Corporation Law.
SECOND: The name of the corporation (hereinafter called
the "corporation") is Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
THIRD: The corporation is formed for the following
purpose or purposes:
(a) to conduct, operate and carry on the
business of an investment company;
(b) to subscribe for, invest in, reinvest
in, purchase or otherwise acquire, hold, pledge, sell,
assign, transfer, lend, write options on, exchange,
distribute or otherwise dispose of and deal in and with
securities of every nature, kind, character, type and
form, including without limitation of the generality of
the foregoing, all types of stocks, shares, futures
contracts, bonds, debentures, notes, bills and other
negotiable or non-negotiable instruments, obligations,
evidences of interest, certificates of interest,
certificates of participation, certificates, interests,
evidences of ownership, guarantees, warrants, options or
evidences of indebtedness issued or created by or
guaranteed as to principal and interest by any state or
local government or any agency or instrumentality
thereof, by the United States Government or any agency,
instrumentality, territory, district or possession
thereof, by any foreign government or any agency,
instrumentality, territory, district or possession
thereof, by any corporation organized under the laws of
any state, the United States or any territory or
possession thereof or under the laws of any foreign
country, bank certificates of deposit, bank time
deposits, bankers' acceptances and commercial paper; to
pay for the same in cash or by the issue of stock,
including treasury stock, bonds or notes of the
corporation or otherwise; and to exercise any and all
rights, powers and privileges of ownership or interest
in respect of any and all such investments of every kind
and description, including without limitation, the right
to consent and otherwise act with respect thereto, with
power to designate one or more persons, firms,
associations or corporations to exercise any of said
rights, powers and privileges in respect of any said
instruments;
(c) to borrow money or otherwise obtain credit
and to secure the same by mortgaging, pledging or
otherwise subjecting as security the assets of the
corporation;
(d) to issue, sell, repurchase, redeem,
retire, cancel, acquire, hold, resell, reissue, dispose
of, transfer, and otherwise deal in, shares of stock of
the corporation, including shares of stock of the
corporation in fractional denominations, and to apply to
any such repurchase, redemption, retirement,
cancellation or acquisition of shares of stock of the
corporation any funds or property of the corporation
whether capital or surplus or otherwise, to the full
extent now or hereafter permitted by the laws of the
State of Maryland;
(e) to conduct its business, promote its
purposes and carry on its operations in any and all of
its branches and maintain offices both within and
without the State of Maryland, in any States of the
United States of America, in the District of Columbia
and in any other parts of the world; and
(f) to do all and everything necessary,
suitable, convenient, or proper for the conduct,
promotion and attainment of any of the businesses and
purposes herein specified or which at any time may be
incidental thereto or may appear conducive to or
expedient for the accomplishment of any of such
businesses and purposes and which might be engaged in or
carried on by a corporation incorporated or organized
under the Maryland General Corporation Law, and to have
and exercise all of the powers conferred by the laws of
the State of Maryland upon corporations incorporated or
organized under the Maryland General Corporation Law.
The foregoing provisions of this Article THIRD shall be
construed both as purposes and powers and each as an independent
purpose and power. The foregoing enumeration of specific purposes
and powers shall not be held to limit or restrict in any manner
the purposes and powers of the corporation, and the purposes and
powers herein specified shall, except when otherwise provided in
this Article THIRD, be in no wise limited or restricted by
reference to, or inference from, the terms of any provision of
this or any other Article of these Articles of Incorporation;
provided, that the corporation shall not conduct any business,
promote any purpose, or exercise any power or privilege within or
without the State of Maryland which, under the laws thereof, the
corporation may not lawfully conduct, promote, or exercise.
FOURTH: The post office address of the principal office
of the corporation within the State of Maryland, and of the
resident agent of the corporation within the State of Maryland, is
The Corporation Trust Incorporated, 32 South Street, Baltimore,
Maryland 21202.
FIFTH: (1) The total number of shares of stock which
the corporation has authority to issue is three hundred million
(300,000,000) shares of Common Stock, all of which are of a par
value of one tenth of one cent ($.001) each.
(2) The aggregate par value of all the authorized
shares of stock is three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00).
(3) The Board of Directors of the corporation is
authorized, from time to time, to fix the price or the minimum
price or the consideration or minimum consideration for, and to
issue, the shares of stock of the corporation.
(4) The Board of Directors of the corporation is
authorized, from time to time, to classify or to reclassify, as
the case may be, any unissued shares of stock of the corporation.
(5) Subject to the power of the Board of Directors to
reclassify unissued shares, the shares of each class of stock of
the corporation shall have the following preferences, conversion
and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption:
(i) All consideration received by the
corporation for the issuance or sale of shares together
with all income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof,
shall irrevocably belong to such class for all purposes,
subject only to the rights of creditors, and are herein
referred to as "assets belonging to" such class. The
assets belonging to a class may be invested with the
assets belonging to one or more other classes in a
common investment portfolio. If the assets belonging to
more than one class are invested in a common investment
portfolio, the income and expenses of the investment
portfolio shall be allocated among the classes in
accordance with the number of shares outstanding of each
class or as otherwise determined by the Board of
Directors.
(ii) The assets belonging to such class shall
be charged with the liabilities of the corporation in
respect of such class and with such class' share of the
general liabilities of the corporation, in the latter
case in proportion that the net asset value of such
class bears to the net asset value of all classes. The
determination of the Board of Directors shall be
conclusive as to the allocation of liabilities,
including accrued expenses and reserves, to a class.
(iii) Dividends or distributions on shares of
each class, whether payable in stock or cash, shall be
paid only out of earnings, surplus or other assets
belonging to such class.
(iv) In the event of the liquidation or
dissolution of the corporation, stockholders of each
class shall be entitled to receive, as a class, out of
the assets of the corporation available for distribution
to stockholders, the assets belonging to such class and
the assets so distributable to the stockholders of such
class shall be distributed among such stockholders in
proportion to the number of shares of such class held by
them.
(v) On each matter submitted to a vote of the
stockholders, each holder of a share of stock shall be
entitled to one vote for each share standing in his name
on the books of the corporation irrespective of the
class thereof. All holders of shares of stock shall
vote as a single class except with respect to any matter
which affects only one or more classes of stock, in
which case only the holders of shares of the class or
classes affected shall be entitled to vote.
Except as provided above, all provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation relating to stock of the corporation shall apply to
shares of, and to the holders of, all classes of stock.
(6) Notwithstanding any provisions of the Maryland Gen-
eral Corporation Law requiring a greater proportion than a
majority of the votes of stockholders entitled to be cast in order
to take or authorize any action, any such action may be taken or
authorized upon the concurrence of a majority of the aggregate
number of votes entitled to be cast thereon.
(7) The presence in person or by proxy of the holders
of one-third of the shares of stock of the corporation entitled to
vote (without regard to class) shall constitute a quorum at any
meeting of the stockholders, except with respect to any matter
which, under applicable statutes or regulatory requirements,
requires approval by a separate vote of one or more classes of
stock, in which case the presence in person or by proxy of the
holders of one-third of the shares of stock of each class required
to vote as a class on the matter shall constitute a quorum.
(8) The corporation may issue shares of stock in
fractional denominations to the same extent as its whole shares,
and shares in fractional denominations shall be shares of stock
having proportionately to the respective fractions represented
thereby all the rights of whole shares, including, without
limitation, the right to vote, the right to receive dividends and
distributions and the right to participate upon liquidation of the
corporation, but excluding the right to receive a stock
certificate evidencing a fractional share.
(9) No holder of any shares of any class of the
corporation shall be entitled as of right to subscribe for,
purchase, or otherwise acquire any shares of any class which the
corporation proposes to issue, or any rights or options which the
corporation proposes to issue or to grant for the purchase of
shares of any class or for the purchase of any shares, bonds,
securities, or obligations of the corporation which are
convertible into or exchangeable for, or which carry any rights to
subscribe for, purchase, or otherwise acquire shares of any class
of the corporation; and any and all of such shares, bonds,
securities or obligations of the corporation, whether now or
hereafter authorized or created, may be issued, or may be reissued
or transferred if the same have been reacquired and have treasury
status, and any and all of such rights and options may be granted
by the Board of Directors to such persons, firms, corporations and
associations, and for such lawful consideration, and on such
terms, as the Board of Directors in its discretion may determine,
without first offering the same, or any thereof, to any said
holder.
SIXTH: (1) The number of directors of the corporation,
until such number shall be increased or decreased pursuant to the
by-laws of the corporation, is one. The number of directors shall
never be less than the minimum number prescribed by the Maryland
General Corporation Law.
(2) The name of the person who shall act as director of
the corporation until the first annual meeting or until his
successor or successors are duly chosen and qualify is as follows:
Mark N. Jacobs
(3) The initial by-laws of the corporation shall be
adopted by the directors at their organizational meeting or by
their informal written action, as the case may be. Thereafter,
the power to make, alter, and repeal the by-laws of the
corporation shall be vested in the Board of Directors of the
corporation.
(4) Any determination made in good faith by or pursuant
to the direction of the Board of Directors, as to: the amount of
the assets, debts, obligations, or liabilities of the corporation;
the amount of any reserves or charges set up and the propriety
thereof; the time of or purpose for creating such reserves or
charges; the use, alteration or cancellation of any reserves or
charges (whether or not any debt, obligation or liability for
which such reserves or charges shall have been created shall have
been paid or discharged or shall be then or thereafter required to
be paid or discharged); the value of any investment or fair value
of any other asset of the corporation; the amount of net
investment income; the number of shares of stock outstanding; the
estimated expense in connection with purchases or redemptions of
the corporation's stock; the ability to liquidate investments in
orderly fashion; the extent to which it is practicable to deliver
a cross-section of the portfolio of the corporation in payment for
any such shares, or as to any other matters relating to the issue,
sale, purchase, redemption and/or other acquisition or disposition
of investments or shares of the corporation, or the determination
of the net asset value of shares of the corporation shall be final
and conclusive, and shall be binding upon the corporation and all
holders of its shares, past, present and future, and shares of the
corporation are issued and sold on the condition and understanding
that any and all such determinations shall be binding as
aforesaid.
SEVENTH: (1) To the fullest extent that limitations on
the liability of directors and officers are permitted by the
Maryland General Corporation Law, no director or officer of the
corporation shall have any liability to the corporation or its
stockholders for damages. This limitation on liability applies to
events occurring at the time a person serves as a director or
officer of the corporation whether or not such person is a
director or officer at the time of any proceeding in which
liability is asserted.
(2) The corporation shall indemnify and advance
expenses to its currently acting and its former directors to the
fullest extent that indemnification of directors is permitted by
the Maryland General Corporation Law. The corporation shall
indemnify and advance expenses to its officers to the same extent
as its directors and to such further extent as is consistent with
law. The board of directors may, through a by-law, resolution or
agreement, make further provisions for indemnification of
directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent
permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law.
(3) No provision of this Article SEVENTH shall be
effective to protect or purport to protect any director or officer
of the corporation against any liability to the corporation or its
stockholders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.
(4) References to the Maryland General Corporation Law
in this Article SEVENTH are to the law as from time to time
amended. No amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the
corporation shall affect any right of any person under this
Article SEVENTH based on any event, omission or proceeding prior
to such amendment.
EIGHTH: Any holder of shares of stock of the
corporation may require the corporation to redeem and the
corporation shall be obligated to redeem at the option of such
holder all or any part of the shares of the corporation owned by
said holder, at the redemption price, pursuant to the method, upon
the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth:
(a) The redemption price per share shall be the
net asset value per share determined at such time or
times as the Board of Directors of the corporation shall
designate in accordance with any provision of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, any rule or regulation
thereunder or exemption or exception therefrom, or any
rule or regulation made or adopted by any securities
association registered under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934.
(b) Net asset value per share of a class shall
be determined by dividing:
(i) The total value of the assets of
such class determined as provided in Subsec-
tion (c) below less, to the extent determined
by or pursuant to the direction of the Board
of Directors, all debts, obligations and
liabilities of such class (which debts,
obligations and liabilities shall include,
without limitation of the generality of the
foregoing, any and all debts, obligations,
liabilities, or claims, of any and every kind
and nature, fixed, accrued and otherwise,
including the estimated accrued expenses of
management and supervision, administration and
distribution and any reserves or charges for
any or all of the foregoing, whether for
taxes, expenses or otherwise) but excluding
such class' liability upon its shares and its
surplus, by
(ii) The total number of shares of such
class outstanding.
The Board of Directors is empowered, in its
absolute discretion, to establish other methods for
determining such net asset value whenever such other
methods are deemed by it to be necessary in order to
enable the corporation to comply with, or are deemed by
it to be desirable provided they are not inconsistent
with, any provision of the Investment Company Act of
1940 or any rule or regulation thereunder.
(c) In determining for the purposes of these
Articles of Incorporation the total value of the assets
of the corporation at any time, investments and any
other assets of the corporation shall be valued in such
manner as may be determined from time to time by the
Board of Directors.
(d) Payment of the redemption price by the
corporation may be made either in cash or in securities
or other assets at the time owned by the corporation or
partly in cash and partly in securities or other assets
at the time owned by the corporation. The value of any
part of such payment to be made in securities or other
assets of the corporation shall be the value employed in
determining the redemption price. Payment of the
redemption price shall be made on or before the seventh
day following the day on which the shares are properly
presented for redemption hereunder, except that delivery
of any securities included in any such payment shall be
made as promptly as any necessary transfers on the books
of the issuers whose securities are to be delivered may
be made.
The corporation, pursuant to resolution of the
Board of Directors, may deduct from the payment made for
any shares redeemed a liquidating charge not in excess
of five percent (5%) of the redemption price of the
shares so redeemed, and the Board of Directors may alter
or suspend any such liquidating charge from time to
time.
(e) Redemption of shares of stock by the
corporation is conditional upon the corporation having
funds or property legally available therefor.
(f) The corporation, either directly or through
an agent, may repurchase its shares, out of funds
legally available therefor, upon such terms and
conditions and for such consideration as the Board of
Directors shall deem advisable, by agreement with the
owner at a price not exceeding the net asset value per
share as determined by the corporation at such time or
times as the Board of Directors of the corporation shall
designate, less a charge not to exceed five percent (5%)
of such net asset value, if and as fixed by resolution
of the Board of Directors of the corporation from time
to time, and take all other steps deemed necessary or
advisable in connection therewith.
(g) The corporation, pursuant to resolution of
the Board of Directors, may cause the redemption, upon
the terms set forth in such resolution and in
subsections (a) through (e) and subsection (h) of this
Article EIGHTH, of shares of stock owned by stockholders
whose shares have an aggregate net asset value of five
hundred dollars or less or such other amount as may be
fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article
EIGHTH, if certificates representing such shares have
been issued, the redemption price need not be paid by
the corporation until such certificates are presented in
proper form for transfer to the corporation or the agent
of the corporation appointed for such purpose; however,
the redemption shall be effective, in accordance with
the resolution of the Board of Directors, regardless of
whether or not such presentation has been made.
(h) The obligations set forth in this Article
EIGHTH may be suspended or postponed as may be
permissible under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the rules and regulations thereunder.
(i) The Board of Directors may establish other
terms and conditions and procedures for redemption,
including requirements as to delivery of certificates
evidencing shares, if issued.
NINTH: All persons who shall acquire stock or other
securities of the corporation shall acquire the same subject to
the provisions of the corporation's Charter, as from time to time
amended.
TENTH: From time to time any of the provisions of the
Charter of the corporation may be amended, altered or repealed,
including amendments which alter the contract rights of any class
of stock outstanding, and other provisions authorized by the Mary-
land General Corporation Law at the time in force may be added or
inserted in the manner and at the time prescribed by said Law, and
all rights at any time conferred upon the stockholders of the
corporation by its Charter are granted subject to the provisions
of this Article.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have adopted and signed these
Articles of Incorporation and do hereby acknowledge that the
adoption and signing are my act.
Dated: February 4, 1993
/s/Julie A. Beyers
Julie A. Beyers, Incorporator
BY-LAWS
OF
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
(A Maryland Corporation)
___________
ARTICLE I
STOCKHOLDERS
1. CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING STOCK. Certificates
representing shares of stock shall set forth thereon the
statements prescribed by Section 2-211 of the Maryland General
Corporation Law ("General Corporation Law") and by any other
applicable provision of law and shall be signed by the Chairman of
the Board or the President or a Vice President and countersigned
by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer or an
Assistant Treasurer and may be sealed with the corporate seal.
The signatures of any such officers may be either manual or
facsimile signatures and the corporate seal may be either
facsimile or any other form of seal. In case any such officer who
has signed manually or by facsimile any such certificate ceases to
be such officer before the certificate is issued, it nevertheless
may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as if the
officer had not ceased to be such officer as of the date of its
issue.
No certificate representing shares of stock shall be
issued for any share of stock until such share is fully paid,
except as otherwise authorized in Section 2-207 of the General
Corporation Law.
The corporation may issue a new certificate of stock in
place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have
been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Board of Directors may
require, in its discretion, the owner of any such certificate or
his legal representative to give bond, with sufficient surety, to
the corporation to indemnify it against any loss or claim that may
arise by reason of the issuance of a new certificate.
2. SHARE TRANSFERS. Upon compliance with provisions
restricting the transferability of shares of stock, if any,
transfers of shares of stock of the corporation shall be made only
on the stock transfer books of the corporation by the record
holder thereof or by his attorney thereunto authorized by power of
attorney duly executed and filed with the Secretary of the
corporation or with a transfer agent or a registrar, if any, and
on surrender of the certificate or certificates for such shares of
stock properly endorsed and the payment of all taxes due thereon.
3. RECORD DATE FOR STOCKHOLDERS. The Board of
Directors may fix, in advance, a date as the record date for the
purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of, or to
vote at, any meeting of stockholders, or stockholders entitled to
receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any rights or
in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other
proper purpose. Such date, in any case, shall be not more than
90 days, and in case of a meeting of stockholders not less than
10 days, prior to the date on which the meeting or particular
action requiring such determination of stockholders is to be held
or taken. In lieu of fixing a record date, the Board of Directors
may provide that the stock transfer books shall be closed for a
stated period but not to exceed 20 days. If the stock transfer
books are closed for the purpose of determining stockholders
entitled to notice of, or to vote at, a meeting of stockholders,
such books shall be closed for at least 10 days immediately
preceding such meeting. If no record date is fixed and the stock
transfer books are not closed for the determination of stock-
holders: (1) The record date for the determination of stock-
holders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, a meeting of
stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day on which
the notice of meeting is mailed or the day 30 days before the
meeting, whichever is the closer date to the meeting; and (2) The
record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to
receive payment of a dividend or an allotment of any rights shall
be at the close of business on the day on which the resolution of
the Board of Directors declaring the dividend or allotment of
rights is adopted, provided that the payment or allotment date
shall not be more than 60 days after the date on which the
resolution is adopted.
4. MEANING OF CERTAIN TERMS. As used herein in respect
of the right to notice of a meeting of stockholders or a waiver
thereof or to participate or vote thereat or to consent or dissent
in writing in lieu of a meeting, as the case may be, the term
"share of stock" or "shares of stock" or "stockholder" or "stock-
holders" refers to an outstanding share or shares of stock and to
a holder or holders of record of outstanding shares of stock when
the corporation is authorized to issue only one class of shares of
stock and said reference also is intended to include any outstand-
ing share or shares of stock and any holder or holders of record
of outstanding shares of stock of any class or series upon which
or upon whom the Charter confers such rights where there are two
or more classes or series of shares or upon which or upon whom the
General Corporation Law confers such rights notwithstanding that
the Charter may provide for more than one class or series of
shares of stock, one or more of which are limited or denied such
rights thereunder.
5. STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS.
- ANNUAL MEETINGS. If a meeting of the stockholders of
the corporation is required by the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended, to elect the directors, then there shall be submitted
to the stockholders at such meeting the question of the election
of directors, and a meeting called for that purpose shall be
designated the annual meeting of stockholders for that year. In
other years in which no action by stockholders is required for the
aforesaid election of directors, no annual meeting need be held.
- SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special stockholder meetings for
any purpose may be called by the Board of Directors or the
President and shall be called by the Secretary for the purpose
of removing a Director and for all other purposes whenever the
holders of shares entitled to at least ten percent of all the
votes entitled to be cast at such meeting shall make a duly
authorized request that such meeting be called. Such request
shall state the purpose of such meeting and the matters proposed
to be acted on thereat, and no other business shall be transacted
at any such special meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
unless requested by stockholders entitled to cast a majority of
the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting, a special meeting of
the stockholders need not be called at the request of stockholders
to consider any matter that is substantially the same as a matter
voted on at any special meeting of the stockholders held during
the preceding twelve (12) months.
- PLACE AND TIME. Stockholder meetings shall be held
at such place, either within the State of Maryland or at such
other place within the United States, and at such date or dates as
the directors from time to time may fix.
- NOTICE OR ACTUAL OR CONSTRUCTIVE WAIVER OF NOTICE.
Written or printed notice of all meetings shall be given by the
Secretary and shall state the time and place of the meeting. The
notice of a special meeting shall state in all instances the
purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Written or
printed notice of any meeting shall be given to each stockholder
either by mail or by presenting it to him personally or by leaving
it at his residence or usual place of business not less than ten
days and not more than ninety days before the date of the meeting,
unless any provisions of the General Corporation Law shall
prescribe a different elapsed period of time, to each stockholder
at his address appearing on the books of the corporation or the
address supplied by him for the purpose of notice. If mailed,
notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United
States mail addressed to the stockholder at his post office
address as it appears on the records of the corporation with
postage thereon prepaid. Whenever any notice of the time, place
or purpose of any meeting of stockholders is required to be given
under the provisions of these by-laws or of the General Corpora-
tion Law, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the stockholder
and filed with the records of the meeting, whether before or after
the holding thereof, or actual attendance or representation at the
meeting shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice to
such stockholder. The foregoing requirements of notice also shall
apply, whenever the corporation shall have any class of stock
which is not entitled to vote, to holders of stock who are not en-
titled to vote at the meeting, but who are entitled to notice
thereof and to dissent from any action taken thereat.
- STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS. The President of the corpora-
tion or, if the Board of Directors shall determine otherwise, some
other executive officer thereof, shall prepare or cause to be pre-
pared annually a full and correct statement of the affairs of the
corporation, including a balance sheet and a financial statement
of operations for the preceding fiscal year, which shall be filed
at the principal office of the corporation in the State of Mary-
land.
- CONDUCT OF MEETING. Meetings of the stockholders
shall be presided over by one of the following officers in the
order of seniority and if present and acting: the President, the
Chairman of the Board, a Vice President or, if none of the
foregoing is in office and present and acting, by a chairman to be
chosen by the stockholders. The Secretary of the corporation or,
in his absence, an Assistant Secretary, shall act as secretary of
every meeting, but if neither the Secretary nor an Assistant
Secretary is present the chairman of the meeting shall appoint a
secretary of the meeting.
- PROXY REPRESENTATION. Every stockholder may author-
ize another person or persons to act for him by proxy in all
matters in which a stockholder is entitled to participate, whether
for the purposes of determining his presence at a meeting, or
whether by waiving notice of any meeting, voting or participating
at a meeting, expressing consent or dissent without a meeting or
otherwise. Every proxy shall be executed in writing by the stock-
holder or by his duly authorized attorney-in-fact and filed with
the Secretary of the corporation. No unrevoked proxy shall be
valid after eleven months from the date of its execution, unless a
longer time is expressly provided therein.
- INSPECTORS OF ELECTION. The directors, in advance of
any meeting, may, but need not, appoint one or more inspectors to
act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. If an inspector or
inspectors are not appointed, the person presiding at the meeting
may, but need not, appoint one or more inspectors. In case any
person who may be appointed as an inspector fails to appear or
act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the direc-
tors in advance of the meeting or at the meeting by the person
presiding thereat. Each inspector, if any, before entering upon
the discharge of his duties, shall take and sign an oath to
execute faithfully the duties of inspector at such meeting with
strict impartiality and according to the best of his ability. The
inspectors, if any, shall determine the number of shares outstand-
ing and the voting power of each, the shares represented at the
meeting, the existence of a quorum and the validity and effect of
proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots or consents, hear and
determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with
the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes, ballots or
consents, determine the result and do such acts as are proper to
conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders.
On request of the person presiding at the meeting or any stock-
holder, the inspector or inspectors, if any, shall make a report
in writing of any challenge, question or matter determined by him
or them and execute a certificate of any fact found by him or
them.
- VOTING. Each share of stock shall entitle the holder
thereof to one vote, except in the election of directors, at which
each said vote may be cast for as many persons as there are direc-
tors to be elected. Except for election of directors, a majority
of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders, duly called and at
which a quorum is present, shall be sufficient to take or
authorize action upon any matter which may come before a meeting,
unless more than a majority of votes cast is required by the
corporation's Articles of Incorporation. A plurality of all the
votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be
sufficient to elect a director.
6. INFORMAL ACTION. Any action required or permitted
to be taken at a meeting of stockholders may be taken without a
meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth such action, is
signed by all the stockholders entitled to vote on the subject
matter thereof and any other stockholders entitled to notice of a
meeting of stockholders (but not to vote thereat) have waived in
writing any rights which they may have to dissent from such action
and such consent and waiver are filed with the records of the
corporation.
ARTICLE II
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1. FUNCTIONS AND DEFINITION. The business and affairs
of the corporation shall be managed under the direction of a Board
of Directors. The use of the phrase "entire board" herein refers
to the total number of directors which the corporation would have
if there were no vacancies.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND NUMBER. Each director shall be a
natural person of full age. A director need not be a stockholder,
a citizen of the United States or a resident of the State of Mary-
land. The initial Board of Directors shall consist of one person.
Thereafter, the number of directors constituting the entire board
shall never be less than three or the number of stockholders,
whichever is less. At any regular meeting or at any special
meeting called for that purpose, a majority of the entire Board of
Directors may increase or decrease the number of directors,
provided that the number thereof shall never be less than three or
the number of stockholders, whichever is less, nor more than
twelve and further provided that the tenure of office of a
director shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of
directors.
3. ELECTION AND TERM. The first Board of Directors
shall consist of the director named in the Articles of Incorpora-
tion and shall hold office until the first meeting of stockholders
or until his successor has been elected and qualified.
Thereafter, directors who are elected at a meeting of
stockholders, and directors who are elected in the interim to fill
vacancies and newly created directorships, shall hold office until
their successors have been elected and qualified. Newly created
directorships and any vacancies in the Board of Directors, other
than vacancies resulting from the removal of directors by the
stockholders, may be filled by the Board of Directors, subject to
the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940. All
vacancies to be filled by the Board of Directors may be filled by
a majority of the remaining members of the Board of Directors,
although such majority is less than a quorum thereof.
4. MEETINGS.
- TIME. Meetings shall be held at such time as the
Board shall fix, except that the first meeting of a newly elected
Board shall be held as soon after its election as the directors
conveniently may assemble.
- PLACE. Meetings shall be held at such place within
or without the State of Maryland as shall be fixed by the Board.
- CALL. No call shall be required for regular meetings
for which the time and place have been fixed. Special meetings
may be called by or at the direction of the President or of a
majority of the directors in office.
- NOTICE OR ACTUAL OR CONSTRUCTIVE WAIVER. Whenever
any notice of the time, place or purpose of any meeting of direc-
tors or any committee thereof is required to be given under the
provisions of the General Corporation Law or of these by-laws, a
waiver thereof in writing, signed by the director or committee
member entitled to such notice and filed with the records of the
meeting, whether before or after the holding thereof, or actual
attendance at the meeting shall be deemed equivalent to the giving
of such notice to such director or such committee member.
- QUORUM AND ACTION. A majority of the entire Board of
Directors shall constitute a quorum except when a vacancy or
vacancies prevents such majority, whereupon a majority of the
directors in office shall constitute a quorum, provided such
majority shall constitute at least one-third of the entire Board
and, in no event, less than two directors. A majority of the
directors present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn
a meeting to another time and place. Except as otherwise
specifically provided by the Articles of Incorporation, the
General Corporation Law or these by-laws, the action of a majority
of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present
shall be the action of the Board of Directors.
- CHAIRMAN OF THE MEETING. The Chairman of the Board,
if any and if present and acting, or the President or any other
director chosen by the Board, shall preside at all meetings.
5. REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS. Any or all of the directors
may be removed for cause or without cause by the stockholders, who
may elect a successor or successors to fill any resulting vacancy
or vacancies for the unexpired term of the removed director or
directors.
6. COMMITTEES. The Board of Directors may appoint from
among its members an Executive Committee and other committees
composed of two or more directors and may delegate to such
committee or committees, in the intervals between meetings of
the Board of Directors, any or all of the powers of the Board of
Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the
corporation, except the power to amend the by-laws, to approve any
consolidation, merger, share exchange or transfer of assets, to
declare dividends, to issue stock or to recommend to stockholders
any action requiring the stockholders' approval. In the absence
of any member of any such committee, the members thereof present
at any meeting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may
appoint a member of the Board of Directors to act in the place of
such absent member.
7. INFORMAL ACTION. Any action required or permitted
to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any
committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if a written
consent to such action is signed by all members of the Board of
Directors or any such committee, as the case may be, and such
written consent is filed with the minutes of the proceedings of
the Board or any such committee.
Members of the Board of Directors or any committee
designated thereby may participate in a meeting of such Board or
committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communica-
tions equipment by means of which all persons participating in the
meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation by
such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
The corporation may have a Chairman of the Board and
shall have a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, who shall
be elected by the Board of Directors, and may have such other
officers, assistant officers and agents as the Board of Directors
shall authorize from time to time. Any two or more offices,
except those of President and Vice President, may be held by the
same person, but no person shall execute, acknowledge or verify
any instrument in more than one capacity, if such instrument is
required by law to be executed, acknowledged or verified by two or
more officers.
Any officer or agent may be removed by the Board of
Directors whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the
corporation will be served thereby.
ARTICLE IV
PRINCIPAL OFFICE - RESIDENT AGENT - STOCK LEDGER
The address of the principal office of the corporation
in the State of Maryland prescribed by the General Corporation Law
is 32 South Street, c/o The Corporation Trust Incorporated,
Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The name and address of the resident
agent in the State of Maryland prescribed by the General
Corporation Law are: The Corporation Trust Incorporated, 32 South
Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
The corporation shall maintain, at its principal office
in the State of Maryland prescribed by the General Corporation Law
or at the business office or an agency of the corporation, an
original or duplicate stock ledger containing the names and ad-
dresses of all stockholders and the number of shares of each class
held by each stockholder. Such stock ledger may be in written
form or any other form capable of being converted into written
form within a reasonable time for visual inspection.
The corporation shall keep at said principal office in
the State of Maryland the original or a certified copy of the by-
laws, including all amendments thereto, and shall duly file
thereat the annual statement of affairs of the corporation
prescribed by Section 2-314 of the General Corporation Law.
ARTICLE V
CORPORATE SEAL
The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name
of the corporation and shall be in such form and contain such
other words and/or figures as the Board of Directors shall deter-
mine or the law require.
ARTICLE VI
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed, and
shall be subject to change, by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII
CONTROL OVER BY-LAWS
The power to make, alter, amend and repeal the by-laws
is vested in the Board of Directors of the corporation.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
1. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. The
corporation shall indemnify its directors to the fullest extent
that indemnification of directors is permitted by the law. The
corporation shall indemnify its officers to the same extent as its
directors and to such further extent as is consistent with law.
The corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers who
while serving as directors or officers also serve at the request
of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee,
employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust, other enterprise or employee benefit plan to
the same extent as its directors and, in the case of officers, to
such further extent as is consistent with law. The indemnifica-
tion and other rights provided by this Article shall continue as
to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall
inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of
such a person. This Article shall not protect any such person
against any liability to the corporation or any stockholder
thereof to which such 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 his office
("disabling conduct").
2. ADVANCES. Any current or former director or officer
of the corporation seeking indemnification within the scope of
this Article shall be entitled to advances from the corporation
for payment of the reasonable expenses incurred by him in con-
nection with the matter as to which he is seeking indemnification
in the manner and to the fullest extent permissible under the
General Corporation Law. The person seeking indemnification shall
provide to the corporation a written affirmation of his good faith
belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification
by the corporation has been met and a written undertaking to repay
any such advance if it should ultimately be determined that the
standard of conduct has not been met. In addition, at least one
of the following additional conditions shall be met: (a) the
person seeking indemnification shall provide a security in form
and amount acceptable to the corporation for his undertaking;
(b) the corporation is insured against losses arising by reason of
the advance; or (c) a majority of a quorum of directors of the
corporation who are neither "interested persons" as defined in
Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, nor parties to the proceeding ("disinterested non-party
directors"), or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion,
shall have determined, based on a review of facts readily avail-
able to the corporation at the time the advance is proposed to be
made, that there is reason to believe that the person seeking in-
demnification will ultimately be found to be entitled to
indemnification.
3. PROCEDURE. At the request of any person claiming
indemnification under this Article, the Board of Directors shall
determine, or cause to be determined, in a manner consistent with
the General Corporation Law, whether the standards required by
this Article have been met. Indemnification shall be made only
following: (a) a final decision on the merits by a court or other
body before whom the proceeding was brought that the person to be
indemnified was not liable by reason of disabling conduct or
(b) in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination,
based upon a review of the facts, that the person to be indemni-
fied was not liable by reason of disabling conduct by (i) the vote
of a majority of a quorum of disinterested non-party directors or
(ii) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
4. INDEMNIFICATION OF EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS. Employees
and agents who are not officers or directors of the corporation
may be indemnified, and reasonable expenses may be advanced to
such employees or agents, as may be provided by action of the
Board of Directors or by contract, subject to any limitations
imposed by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
5. OTHER RIGHTS. The Board of Directors may make
further provision consistent with law for indemnification and
advance of expenses to directors, officers, employees and agents
by resolution, agreement or otherwise. The indemnification
provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any
other right, with respect to indemnification or otherwise, to
which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any
insurance or other agreement or resolution of stockholders or
disinterested non-party directors or otherwise.
6. AMENDMENTS. References in this Article are to the
General Corporation Law and to the Investment Company Act of 1940
as from time to time amended. No amendment of the by-laws shall
affect any right of any person under this Article based on any
event, omission or proceeding prior to the amendment.
Dated: February 12, 1993
BANK AFFILIATED BROKER-DEALER AGREEMENT
(FULLY DISCLOSED BASIS)
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
One Exchange Place
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Gentlemen:
We are a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"). We desire to make available to our customers shares of
beneficial interest or common stock of open-end registered investment
companies managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation
or its subsidiaries or affiliates (hereinafter referred to individually as a
"Fund" and collectively as the "Funds"). You are the principal underwriter
(as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended) of the offering of shares of the Funds and the exclusive agent
for the continuous distribution of such shares pursuant to the terms of a
Distribution Agreement between you and each Fund. Unless the context
otherwise requires, as used herein the term "Prospectus" shall mean the
prospectus and related statement of additional information (the
"Statement of Additional Information") incorporated therein by reference
(as amended or supplemented) of each of the respective Funds included in
the then currently effective registration statement (or post-effective
amendment thereto) of each such Fund, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Registration Statement").
In consideration for the mutual covenants contained herein, it is hereby
agreed that our respective rights and obligations shall be as follows:
1. With respect to any and all transactions in the shares of any Fund
pursuant to this Agreement, it is understood and agreed in each case that:
(a) we shall be acting solely as agent for the account of our customer; (b)
each transaction shall be initiated solely upon the order of our customer;
(c) you shall execute transactions only upon receiving instructions from
us acting as agent for our customer; (d) as between us and our customer,
our customer will have full beneficial ownership of all Fund shares; and
(e) each transaction shall be for the account of our customer and not for
our account. We represent and warrant to you that we will have full right,
power and authority to effect transactions (including, without limitation,
any purchases, exchanges and redemptions) in Fund shares on behalf of all
customer accounts provided by us to you or to any transfer agent as such
term is defined in the Prospectus of each Fund (the "Transfer Agent").
2. All orders for the purchase of any Fund shares shall be executed at
the then current public offering price per share (i.e., the net asset value
per share plus the applicable sales charge, if any) and all orders for the
redemption of any Fund shares shall be executed at the net asset value per
share less the applicable deferred sales charge, redemption fee or similar
charge or fee, if any, in each case as described in the Prospectus of such
Fund. The minimum initial purchase order and minimum subsequent
purchase order shall be as set forth in the Prospectus of such Fund. All
orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by you at your sole
discretion. Unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing, each transaction
shall be promptly confirmed in writing directly to the customer on a fully
disclosed basis and a copy of each confirmation shall be sent
simultaneously to us. You reserve the right, at your discretion and without
notice, to suspend the sale of shares or withdraw entirely the sale of
shares of any or all of the Funds.
3. In ordering shares of any Fund, we shall rely solely and conclusively
on the representations contained in the Prospectus of such Fund. We agree
that we shall not make shares of any Fund available to our customers
except in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, and the
rules, regulations, requirements and conditions of all applicable
regulatory and self-regulatory agencies or authorities. We agree that we
shall not purchase any Fund shares, as agent for any customer, unless we
deliver or cause to be delivered to such customer, at or prior to the time
of such purchase, a copy of the Prospectus of such Fund, or unless such
customer has acknowledged receipt of the Prospectus of such Fund. We
further agree to obtain from each customer for whom we act as agent for
the purchase of Fund shares any taxpayer identification number
certification and such other information as may be required from time to
time under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and to provide you or your
designee with timely written notice of any failure to obtain such taxpayer
identification number certification or other information in order to enable
the implementation of any required withholding. We will be responsible
for the proper instruction and training of all sales personnel employed by
us. Unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing, you shall deliver or
cause to be delivered to each of the customers who purchases shares of
any of the Funds through us pursuant to this Agreement copies of all
annual and interim reports, proxy solicitation materials and any other
information and materials relating to such Funds and prepared by or on
behalf of you, the Fund or its investment adviser, custodian, Transfer
Agent or dividend disbursing agent for distribution to each such customer.
You agree to supply us with copies of the Prospectus, Statement of
Additional Information, annual reports, interim reports, proxy solicitation
materials and any such other information and materials relating to each
Fund in reasonable quantities upon request.
4. We shall not make any representations concerning any Fund shares
other than those contained in the Prospectus of such Fund or in any
promotional materials or sales literature furnished to us by you or the
Fund. We shall not furnish or cause to be furnished to any person or display
or publish any information or materials relating to any Fund (including,
without limitation, promotional materials and sales literature,
advertisements, press releases, announcements, statements, posters,
signs or other similar materials), except such information and materials
as may be furnished to us by you or the Fund, and such other information
and materials as may be approved in writing by you. In making Fund shares
available to our customers hereunder, or in providing investment advice
regarding such shares to our customers, we shall at all times act in
compliance with the Interagency Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit
Investment Products issued by The Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of
the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Office of Thrift Supervision
(February 15, 1994) or any successor interagency requirements as in force
at the time such services are provided.
5. In determining the amount of any reallowance payable to us
hereunder, you reserve the right to exclude any sales which you reasonably
determine are not made in accordance with the terms of the applicable
Fund Prospectuses or the provisions of this Agreement.
6. (a) In the case of any Fund shares sold with a sales charge,
customers may be entitled to a reduction in the sales charge on purchases
made under a letter of intent ("Letter of Intent") in accordance with the
Fund Prospectus. In such a case, our reallowance will be paid based upon
the reduced sales charge, but an adjustment to the reallowance will be
made in accordance with the Prospectus of the applicable Fund to reflect
actual purchases of the customer if such customer's Letter of Intent is
not fulfilled. The sales charge and/or reallowance may be changed at any
time in your sole discretion upon written notice to us.
(b) Subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus of
each Fund sold with a sales charge, a reduced sales charge may be
applicable with respect to customer accounts through a right of
accumulation under which customers are permitted to purchase shares of
a Fund at the then current public offering price per share applicable to the
total of (i) the dollar amount of shares then being purchased plus (ii) an
amount equal to the then current net asset value or public offering price
originally paid per share, whichever is higher, of the customer's combined
holdings of the shares of such Fund and of any other open-end registered
investment company as may be permitted by the applicable Fund
Prospectus. In such case, we agree to furnish to you or the Transfer Agent
sufficient information to permit your confirmation of qualification for a
reduced sales charge, and acceptance of the purchase order is subject to
such confirmation.
(c) With respect to Fund shares sold with a sales charge, we agree to
advise you promptly at your request as to amounts of any and all
purchases of Fund shares made by us, as agent for our customers,
qualifying for a reduced sales charge.
(d) Exchanges (i.e., the investment of the proceeds from the
liquidation of shares of one open-end registered investment company
managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or its
subsidiaries or affiliates in the shares of another open-end registered
investment company managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus
Corporation or its subsidiaries or affiliates) shall, where available, be
made subject to and in accordance with the terms of each relevant Fund's
Prospectus.
(e) Unless at the time of transmitting an order we advise you or the
Transfer Agent to the contrary, the shares ordered will be deemed to be
the total holdings of the specified customer.
7. Subject to and in accordance with the terms of each Fund Prospectus
and Service Plan, Shareholder Services Plan, Distribution Plan or other
similar plan, if any, we understand that you may pay to certain financial
institutions, securities dealers and other industry professionals with
which you have entered into an agreement in substantially the form
annexed hereto as Appendix A, B or C (or such other form as may be
approved from time to time by the board of directors, or trustees or
managing general partners of the Fund) such fees as may be determined by
you in accordance with such agreement for shareholder, administrative or
distribution-related services as described therein.
8. The procedures relating to all orders and the handling thereof will
be subject to the terms of the Prospectus of each Fund and your written
instructions to us from time to time. No conditional orders will be
accepted. We agree to place orders with you immediately for the same
number of shares and at the same price as any orders we receive from our
customers. We shall not withhold placing orders received from customers
so as to profit ourselves as a result of such withholding by a change in the
net asset value from that used in determining the offering price to such
customers, or otherwise; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not
prevent the purchase of shares of any Fund by us for our own bona fide
investment. We agree that: (a) we shall not effect any transactions
(including, without limitation, any purchases, exchanges and redemptions)
in any Fund shares registered in the name of, or beneficially owned by, any
customer unless such customer has granted us full right, power and
authority to effect such transactions on such customer's behalf, and (b)
you, each Fund, the Transfer Agent and your and their respective officers,
directors, trustees, managing general partners, agents, employees and
affiliates shall not be liable for, and shall be fully indemnified and held
harmless by us from and against, any and all claims, demands, liabilities
and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees)
which may be incurred by you or any of the foregoing persons entitled to
indemnification from us hereunder arising out of or in connection with the
execution of any transactions in Fund shares registered in the name of, or
beneficially owned by, any customer in reliance upon any oral or written
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine and to have been given by or
on behalf of us.
9. (a) We agree to remit on behalf of our customers the purchase price
for purchase orders of any Fund shares placed by us in accordance with the
terms of the Prospectus of the applicable Fund. On or before the
settlement date of each purchase order for shares of any Fund, we shall
either (i) remit to an account designated by you with the Transfer Agent
an amount equal to the then current public offering price of the shares of
such Fund being purchased less our reallowance, if any, with respect to
such purchase order as determined by you in accordance with the terms of
the applicable Fund Prospectus, or (ii) remit to an account designated by
you with the Transfer Agent an amount equal to the then current public
offering price of the shares of such Fund being purchased without
deduction for our reallowance, if any, with respect to such purchase order
as determined by you in accordance with the terms of the applicable Fund
Prospectus, in which case our reallowance, if any, shall be payable to us
by you on at least a monthly basis. If payment for any purchase order is
not received in accordance with the terms of the applicable Fund
Prospectus, you reserve the right, without notice, to cancel the sale and
to hold us responsible for any loss sustained as a result thereof.
(b) If any shares sold to us as agent for our customers under the
terms of this Agreement are sold with a sales charge and are redeemed
for the account of the Fund or are tendered for redemption within seven
(7) business days after the date of purchase: (i) we shall forthwith refund
to you the full reallowance received by us on the sale; and (ii) you shall
forthwith pay to the Fund your portion of the sales charge on the sale
which had been retained by you and shall also pay to the Fund the amount
refunded by us.
10. Certificates for shares sold to us as agent for our customers
hereunder shall only be issued in accordance with the terms of each Fund's
Prospectus upon our customers' specific request and, upon such request,
shall be promptly delivered to our customers by the Transfer Agent unless
other arrangements are made by us. However, in making delivery of such
share certificates to our customers, the Transfer Agent shall have
adequate time to clear any checks drawn for the payment of Fund shares.
11. Each party hereby represents and warrants to the other party that:
(a) it is a corporation, partnership or other entity duly organized and
validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in
which it was organized; (b) it is duly registered as a broker-dealer with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and, to the extent required, with
applicable state agencies or authorities having jurisdiction over
securities matters, and it is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"); (c) it will comply with all applicable
federal and state laws, and the rules, regulations, requirements and
conditions of all applicable regulatory and self-regulatory agencies or
authorities in the performance of its duties and responsibilities
hereunder; (d) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
performance of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary action, and all other authorizations and
approvals (if any) required for its lawful execution and delivery of this
Agreement and its performance hereunder have been obtained; and (e) upon
execution and delivery by it, and assuming due and valid execution and
delivery by the other party, this Agreement will constitute a valid and
binding agreement, enforceable in accordance with its terms. Each party
agrees to provide the other party with such information and access to
appropriate records as may be reasonably required to verify its
compliance with the provisions of this Agreement.
12. You agree to inform us, upon our request, as to the states in which
you believe the shares of the Funds have been qualified for sale under, or
are exempt from the requirements of, the respective securities laws of
such states, but you shall have no obligation or responsibility as to our
right to make shares of any Funds available to our customers in any
jurisdiction. We agree to notify you immediately in the event of (a) our
expulsion or suspension from the NASD, or (b) our violation of any
applicable federal or state law, rule, regulation, requirement or condition
arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, or which may
otherwise affect in any material way our ability to act in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement. Our expulsion from the NASD will
automatically terminate this Agreement immediately without notice. Our
suspension from the NASD for violation of any applicable federal or state
law, rule, regulation, requirement or condition will terminate this
Agreement effective immediately upon your written notice of termination
to us.
13. (a) You agree to indemnify, defend and hold us, our several officers
and directors, and any person who controls us within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless
from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or
liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which
we, our officers and directors, or any such controlling person, may incur
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under common law or
otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by you herein, or (ii) any
failure by you to perform your obligations as set forth herein, or (iii) any
untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact
contained in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus, or arising out
of or based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material
fact required to be stated in either any Registration Statement or any
Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in any thereof not
misleading; provided, however, that your agreement to indemnify us, our
officers and directors, and any such controlling person shall not be
deemed to cover any claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arising out
of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to you
or the Fund by us specifically for use in the preparation thereof. Your
agreement to indemnify us, our officers and directors, and any such
controlling person, as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon your being
notified of any action brought against our officers or directors, or any
such controlling person, such notification to be given by letter or by
telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day delivery received
by you at your address as specified in Paragraph 18 of this Agreement
within seven (7) days after the summons or other first legal process shall
have been served. The failure so to notify you of any such action shall not
relieve you from any liability which you may have to the person against
whom such action is brought by reason of any such breach, failure or
untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or alleged omission,
otherwise than on account of your indemnity agreement contained in this
Paragraph 13(a). You will be entitled to assume the defense of any suit
brought to enforce any such claim, demand, liability or expense. In the
event that you elect to assume the defense of any such suit and retain
counsel, the defendant or defendants in such suit shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them; but in case you
do not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, you will reimburse us,
our officers and directors, and any controlling persons named as
defendants in such suit, for the fees and expenses of any counsel retained
by us and/or them. Your indemnification agreement contained in this
Paragraph 13(a) shall remain operative and in full force and effect
regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any person entitled
to indemnification pursuant to this Paragraph 13(a), and shall survive the
delivery of any Fund shares and termination of this Agreement. This
agreement of indemnity will inure exclusively to the benefit of the
persons entitled to indemnification from you pursuant to this Agreement
and their respective estates, successors and assigns.
(b) We agree to indemnify, defend and hold you and your several
officers and directors, and each Fund and its several officers and
directors or trustees or managing general partners, and any person who
controls you and/or each Fund within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless from and against
any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost
of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any
counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which you and your several
officers and directors, or the Fund and its officers and directors or
trustees or managing general partners, or any such controlling person, may
incur under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under common law
or otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by us herein, or (ii) any failure
by us to perform our obligations as set forth herein, or (iii) any untrue, or
alleged untrue, statement of a material fact contained in the information
furnished in writing by us to you or any Fund specifically for use in such
Fund's Registration Statement or Prospectus, or used in the answers to
any of the items of the Registration Statement or in the corresponding
statements made in the Prospectus, or arising out of or based upon any
omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact in connection with
such information furnished in writing by us to you or the Fund and required
to be stated in such answers or necessary to make such information not
misleading. Our agreement to indemnify you and your officers and
directors, and the Fund and its officers and directors or trustees or
managing general partners, and any such controlling person, as aforesaid,
is expressly conditioned upon our being notified of any action brought
against any person or entity entitled to indemnification hereunder, such
notification to be given by letter or by telecopier, telex, telegram or
similar means of same day delivery received by us at our address as
specified in Paragraph 18 of this Agreement within seven (7) days after
the summons or other first legal process shall have been served. The
failure so to notify us of any such action shall not relieve us from any
liability which we may have to you or your officers and directors, or to
the Fund or its officers and directors or trustees or managing general
partners, or to any such controlling person, by reason of any such breach,
failure or untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or alleged
omission, otherwise than on account of our indemnity agreement contained
in this Paragraph 13(b). We will be entitled to assume the defense of any
suit brought to enforce any such claim, demand, liability or expense. In the
event that we elect to assume the defense of any such suit and retain
counsel, the defendant or defendants in such suit shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them; but in case we
do not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, we will reimburse you
and your officers and directors, and the Fund and its officers and directors
or trustees or managing general partners, and any controlling persons
named as defendants in such suit, for the fees and expenses of any counsel
retained by you and/or them. Our indemnification agreements contained in
Paragraph 8 above, Paragraph 16 below and this Paragraph 13(b) shall
remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of any person entitled to
indemnification pursuant to Paragraph 8 above, Paragraph 16 below or this
Paragraph 13(b), and shall survive the delivery of any Fund shares and
termination of this Agreement. Such agreements of indemnity will inure
exclusively to the benefit of the persons entitled to indemnification
hereunder and their respective estates, successors and assigns.
14. The names and addresses and other information concerning our
customers are and shall remain our sole property, and neither you nor your
affiliates shall use such names, addresses or other information for any
purpose except in connection with the performance of your duties and
responsibilities hereunder and except for servicing and informational
mailings relating to the Funds. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this
Paragraph 14 shall not prohibit you or any of your affiliates from utilizing
for any purpose the names, addresses or other information concerning any
of our customers if such names, addresses or other information are
obtained in any manner other than from us pursuant to this Agreement. The
provisions of this Paragraph 14 shall survive the termination of this
Agreement.
15. We agree to serve as a service agent or to provide distribution
assistance, in accordance with the terms of the Form of Service
Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix A, Form of Shareholder Services
Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix B, and/or Form of Distribution Plan
Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix C, as applicable, for all of our
customers who purchase shares of any and all Funds whose Prospectuses
provide therefor. By executing this Agreement, each of the parties hereto
agrees to be bound by all terms, conditions, rights and obligations set
forth in the forms of agreement annexed hereto and further agrees that
such forms of agreement supersede any and all prior service agreements
or other similar agreements between the parties hereto relating to any
Fund or Funds. It is recognized that certain parties may not be permitted
to collect distribution fees under the Form of Distribution Plan Agreement
annexed hereto, and if we are such a party, we will not collect such fees.
16. By completing the Expedited Redemption Information Form annexed
hereto as Appendix D, we agree that you, each Fund with respect to which
you permit us to exercise an expedited redemption privilege, the transfer
agent of each such Fund, and your and their respective officers, directors
or trustees or managing general partners, agents, employees and affiliates
shall not be liable for and shall be fully indemnified and held harmless by
us from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of
or in connection with any expedited redemption payments made in reliance
upon the information set forth in such Appendix D.
17. Neither this Agreement nor the performance of the services of the
respective parties hereunder shall be considered to constitute an
exclusive arrangement, or to create a partnership, association or joint
venture between you and us. Neither party hereto shall be, act as, or
represent itself as, the agent or representative of the other, nor shall
either party have the right or authority to assume, create or incur any
liability or any obligation of any kind, express or implied, against or in the
name of, or on behalf of, the other party. This Agreement is not intended
to, and shall not, create any rights against either party hereto by any third
party solely on account of this Agreement. Neither party hereto shall use
the name of the other party in any manner without the other party's prior
written consent, except as required by any applicable federal or state law,
rule, regulation, requirement or condition, and except pursuant to any
promotional programs mutually agreed upon in writing by the parties
hereto.
18. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all notices
required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be
given in writing and delivered by personal delivery or by postage prepaid,
registered or certified United States first class mail, return receipt
requested, or by telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day
delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided herein). Unless
otherwise notified in writing, all notices to you shall be given or sent to
you at your offices located at One Exchange Place, Tenth Floor, Boston, MA
02109, Attention: President (with a copy to the same address, Attention:
General Counsel), and all notices to us shall be given or sent to us at our
address shown below.
19. This Agreement shall become effective only when accepted and
signed by you, and may be terminated at any time by either party hereto
upon 15 days' prior written notice to the other party. This Agreement,
including the Appendices hereto, may be amended by you upon 15 days'
prior written notice to us, and such amendment shall be deemed accepted
by us upon the placement of any order for the purchase of Fund shares or
the acceptance of a fee payable under this Agreement, including the
Appendices hereto, after the effective date of any such amendment. This
Agreement may not be assigned by us without your prior written consent.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes any and all prior agreements between the parties hereto
relating to the subject matter hereof.
20. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to
principles of conflicts of laws.
Very truly yours,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank Name (Please Print or Type)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address
Date: --------------------------------- By:----------------------------------
Authorized Signature
NOTE: Please sign and return both copies of this Agreement to Premier
Mutual Fund Services, Inc. Upon acceptance one countersigned copy will be
returned to you for your files.
Accepted:
PREMIER MUTUAL FUND SERVICES, INC.
Date: --------------------------------- By:----------------------------------
Authorized Signature
APPENDIX B
TO BANK AFFILIATED BROKER-DEALER AGREEMENT
FORM OF SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AGREEMENT
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
One Exchange Place
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Gentlemen:
We wish to enter into an Agreement with you for servicing shareholders
of, and administering shareholder accounts in, certain mutual fund(s)
managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or its
subsidiaries or affiliates (hereinafter referred to individually as the
"Fund" and collectively as the "Funds"). You are the principal underwriter
as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"),
and the exclusive agent for the continuous distribution of shares of the
Funds.
The terms and conditions of this Agreement are as follows:
1. We agree to provide shareholder and administrative services for our
clients who own shares of the Funds ("clients"), which services may
include, without limitation: assisting clients in changing dividend options,
account designations and addresses; performing sub-accounting;
establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts and records; processing
purchase and redemption transactions; providing periodic statements
and/or reports showing a client's account balance and integrating such
statements with those of other transactions and balances in the client's
other accounts serviced by us; arranging for bank wires; and providing
such other information and services as you reasonably may request, to the
extent we are permitted by applicable statute, rule or regulation. In this
regard, if we are a subsidiary or affiliate of a federally chartered and
supervised bank or other banking organization, you recognize that we may
be subject to the provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act and other laws,
rules, regulations or requirements governing, among other things, the
conduct of our activities. As such, we are restricted in the activities we
may undertake and for which we may be paid and, therefore, intend to
perform only those activities as are consistent with our statutory and
regulatory obligations. We represent and warrant to, and agree with you,
that the compensation payable to us hereunder, together with any other
compensation payable to us by clients in connection with the investment
of their assets in shares of the Funds, will be properly disclosed by us to
our clients, will be authorized by our clients and will not result in an
excessive or unauthorized fee to us.
2. We shall provide such office space and equipment, telephone
facilities and personnel (which may be all or any part of the space,
equipment and facilities currently used in our business, or all or any
personnel employed by us) as is necessary or beneficial for providing
information and services to each Fund's shareholders, and to assist you in
servicing accounts of clients. We shall transmit promptly to clients all
communications sent to us for transmittal to clients by or on behalf of
you, any Fund, or any Fund's investment adviser, custodian or transfer or
dividend disbursing agent. We agree that in the event an issue pertaining
to a Fund's Shareholder Services Plan is submitted for shareholder
approval, we will vote any Fund shares held for our own account in the
same proportion as the vote of those shares held for our clients' accounts.
3. We agree that neither we nor any of our employees or agents are
authorized to make any representation concerning shares of any Fund,
except those contained in the then current Prospectus for such Fund,
copies of which will be supplied by you to us in reasonable quantities upon
request. If we are a subsidiary or an affiliate of a federally supervised
bank or thrift institution, we agree that in providing services hereunder
we shall at all times act in compliance with the Interagency Statement on
Retail Sales of Nondeposit Investment Products issued by The Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Office
of Thrift Supervision (February 15, 1994) or any successor interagency
requirements as in force at the time such services are provided. We shall
have no authority to act as agent for the Funds or for you.
4. You reserve the right, at your discretion and without notice, to
suspend the sale of shares or withdraw the sale of shares of any or all of
the Funds.
5. We acknowledge that this Agreement shall become effective for a
Fund only when approved by vote of a majority of (i) the Fund's Board of
Directors or Trustees or Managing General Partners, as the case may be
(collectively "Directors," individually "Director"), and (ii) Directors who
are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and have no
direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
6. This Agreement shall continue until the last day of the calendar year
next following the date of execution, and thereafter shall continue
automatically for successive annual periods ending on the last day of each
calendar year. Such continuance must be approved specifically at least
annually by a vote of a majority of (i) the Fund's Board of Directors and
(ii) Directors who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of
the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in this
Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. This Agreement is terminable without penalty, at
any time, by a majority of the Fund's Directors who are not "interested
persons" (as defined in the Act) and have no direct or indirect financial
interest in this Agreement. This Agreement is terminable without penalty
upon 15 days' notice by either party. In addition, you may terminate this
Agreement as to any or all Funds immediately, without penalty, if the
present investment adviser of such Fund(s) ceases to serve the Fund(s) in
such capacity, or if you cease to act as distributor of such Fund(s).
Notwithstanding anything contained herein, if we fail to perform the
shareholder servicing and administrative functions contemplated herein
by you as to any or all of the Funds, this Agreement shall be terminable
effective upon receipt of notice thereof by us. This Agreement also shall
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the
Act).
7. In consideration of the services and facilities described herein, we
shall be entitled to receive from you, and you agree to pay to us, the fees
described as payable to us in each Fund's Shareholder Services Plan and
Prospectus and related Statement of Additional Information. We
understand that any payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid
only so long as this Agreement and such Plan are in effect. We agree that
no Director, officer or shareholder of the Fund shall be liable individually
for the performance of the obligations hereunder or for any such payments.
8. We agree to provide to you and each applicable Fund such information
relating to our services hereunder as may be required to be maintained by
you and/or such Fund under applicable federal or state laws, and the rules,
regulations, requirements or conditions of applicable regulatory and self-
regulatory agencies or authorities.
9. This Agreement shall not constitute either party the legal
representative of the other, nor shall either party have the right or
authority to assume, create or incur any liability or any obligation of any
kind, express or implied, against or in the name of or on behalf of the
other party.
10. All notices required or permitted to be given pursuant to this
Agreement shall be given in writing and delivered by personal delivery or
by postage prepaid, registered or certified United States first class mail,
return receipt requested, or by telecopier, telex, telegram or similar
means of same day delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided
herein). Unless otherwise notified in writing, all notices to you shall be
given or sent to you at One Exchange Place, Tenth Floor, Boston, MA 02109
Attention: President (with a copy to the same address, Attention: General
Counsel), and all notices to us shall be given or sent to us at our address
which shall be furnished to you in writing on or before the effective date
of this Agreement.
11. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the internal
laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of
conflict of laws.
BROKER-DEALER AGREEMENT
(FULLY DISCLOSED BASIS)
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
One Exchange Place
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Gentlemen:
We desire to enter into an Agreement with you for the sale of shares of
beneficial interest or common stock of open-end registered investment
companies managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation
or its subsidiaries or affiliates (hereinafter referred to individually as a
"Fund" and collectively as the "Funds"), for which you are the principal
underwriter, as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, and for which you are the exclusive agent for the
continuous distribution of shares pursuant to the terms of a Distribution
Agreement between you and each Fund. Unless the context otherwise
requires, as used herein the term "Prospectus" shall mean the prospectus
and related statement of additional information (the "Statement of
Additional Information") incorporated therein by reference (as amended or
supplemented) of each of the respective Funds included in the then
currently effective registration statement (or post-effective amendment
thereto) of each such Fund, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Registration Statement").
In consideration for the mutual covenants contained herein, it is hereby
agreed that our respective rights and obligations shall be as follows:
1. In all sales of Fund shares to the public, we shall act as dealer for
our own account and in no transaction shall we have any authority to act
as agent for any Fund, for you or for any other dealer.
2. All orders for the purchase of any Fund shares shall be executed at
the then current public offering price per share (i.e., the net asset value
per share plus the applicable sales charge, if any) and all orders for the
redemption of any Fund shares shall be executed at the net asset value per
share, less the applicable deferred sales charge, redemption fee, or
similar charge or fee, if any, in each case as described in the Prospectus
of such Fund. The minimum initial purchase order and minimum subsequent
purchase order shall be as set forth in the Prospectus of such Fund. All
orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by you at your sole
discretion. Unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing, each transaction
shall be promptly confirmed in writing directly to the customer on a fully
disclosed basis and a copy of each confirmation shall be sent
simultaneously to us. You reserve the right, at your discretion and without
notice, to suspend the sale of shares or withdraw entirely the sale of
shares of any or all of the Funds.
3. In ordering shares of any Fund, we shall rely solely and conclusively
on the representations contained in the Prospectus of such Fund. We agree
that we shall not offer or sell shares of any Fund except in compliance
with all applicable federal and state securities laws, and the rules,
regulations, requirements and conditions of all applicable regulatory and
self-regulatory agencies or authorities. In connection with offers to sell
and sales of shares of each Fund, we agree to deliver or cause to be
delivered to each person to whom any such offer or sale is made, at or
prior to the time of such offer or sale, a copy of the Prospectus and, upon
request, the Statement of Additional Information of such Fund. We further
agree to obtain from each customer to whom we sell Fund shares any
taxpayer identification number certification and such other information
as may be required from time to time under the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the regulations promulgated
thereunder, and to provide you or your designee with timely written notice
of any failure to obtain such taxpayer identification number certification
or other information in order to enable the implementation of any required
withholding. We will be responsible for the proper instruction and training
of all sales personnel employed by us. Unless otherwise mutually agreed
in writing, you shall deliver or cause to be delivered to each of the
customers who purchases shares of any of the Funds from or through us
pursuant to this Agreement copies of all annual and interim reports, proxy
solicitation materials and any other information and materials relating to
such Funds and prepared by or on behalf of you, the Fund or its investment
adviser, custodian, transfer agent or dividend disbursing agent for
distribution to each such customer. You agree to supply us with copies of
the Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, annual reports,
interim reports, proxy solicitation materials and any such other
information and materials relating to each Fund in reasonable quantities
upon request.
4. We shall not make any representations concerning any Fund shares
other than those contained in the Prospectus of such Fund or in any
promotional materials or sales literature furnished to us by you or the
Fund. We shall not furnish or cause to be furnished to any person or display
or publish any information or materials relating to any Fund (including,
without limitation, promotional materials and sales literature,
advertisements, press releases, announcements, statements, posters,
signs or other similar materials), except such information and materials
as may be furnished to us by you or the Fund, and such other information
and materials as may be approved in writing by you.
5. In determining the amount of any dealer reallowance payable to us
hereunder, you reserve the right to exclude any sales which you reasonably
determine are not made in accordance with the terms of the applicable
Fund Prospectuses or the provisions of this Agreement.
6. (a) In the case of any Fund shares sold with a sales charge,
customers may be entitled to a reduction in the sales charge on purchases
made under a letter of intent ("Letter of Intent") in accordance with the
Fund Prospectus. In such a case, our dealer reallowance will be paid based
upon the reduced sales charge, but an adjustment to the dealer
reallowance will be made in accordance with the Prospectus of the
applicable Fund to reflect actual purchases of the customer if such
customer's Letter of Intent is not fulfilled. The sales charge and/or dealer
reallowance may be changed at any time in your sole discretion upon
written notice to us.
(b) Subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus of
each Fund sold with a sales charge, a reduced sales charge may be
applicable with respect to customer accounts through a right of
accumulation under which customers are permitted to purchase shares of
a Fund at the then current public offering price per share applicable to the
total of (i) the dollar amount of shares then being purchased plus (ii) an
amount equal to the then current net asset value or public offering price
originally paid per share, whichever is higher, of the customer's combined
holdings of the shares of such Fund and of any other open-end registered
investment company as may be permitted by the applicable Fund
Prospectus. In such case, we agree to furnish to you or the transfer agent,
as such term is defined in the Prospectus of each Fund (the "Transfer
Agent"), sufficient information to permit your confirmation of
qualification for a reduced sales charge, and acceptance of the purchase
order is subject to such confirmation.
(c) With respect to Fund shares sold with a sales charge, we agree to
advise you promptly at your request as to amounts of any and all sales by
us to the public qualifying for a reduced sales charge.
(d) Exchanges (i.e., the investment of the proceeds from the
liquidation of shares of one open-end registered investment company
managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or its
subsidiaries or affiliates in the shares of another open-end registered
investment company managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus
Corporation or its subsidiaries or affiliates) shall, where available, be
made subject to and in accordance with the terms of each relevant Fund's
Prospectus.
(e) Unless at the time of transmitting an order we advise you or the
Transfer Agent to the contrary, the shares ordered will be deemed to be
the total holdings of the specified customer.
7. Subject to and in accordance with the terms of each Fund Prospectus
and Service Plan, Shareholder Services Plan, Distribution Plan or similar
plan, if any, we understand that you may pay to certain financial
institutions, securities dealers and other industry professionals with
which you have entered into an agreement in substantially the form
annexed hereto as Appendix A, B or C (or such other form as may be
approved from time to time by the board of directors, trustees or
managing general partners of the Fund) such fees as may be determined by
you in accordance with such agreement for shareholder, administrative or
distribution-related services as described therein.
8. The procedures relating to all orders and the handling thereof will
be subject to the terms of the Prospectus of each Fund and your written
instructions to us from time to time. No conditional orders will be
accepted. We agree to place orders with you immediately for the same
number of shares and at the same price as any orders we receive from our
customers. We shall not withhold placing orders received from customers
so as to profit ourselves as a result of such withholding by a change in the
net asset value from that used in determining the offering price to such
customers, or otherwise. We agree that: (a) we shall not effect any
transactions (including, without limitation, any purchases, exchanges and
redemptions) in any Fund shares registered in the name of, or beneficially
owned by, any customer unless such customer has granted us full right,
power and authority to effect such transactions on such customer's
behalf, and (b) you, each Fund, the Transfer Agent and your and their
respective officers, directors, trustees, managing general partners,
agents, employees and affiliates shall not be liable for, and shall be fully
indemnified and held harmless by us from and against, any and all claims,
demands, liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation,
reasonable attorneys' fees) which may be incurred by you or any of the
foregoing persons entitled to indemnification from us hereunder arising
out of or in connection with the execution of any transactions in Fund
shares registered in the name of, or beneficially owned by, any customer
in reliance upon any oral or written instructions reasonably believed to be
genuine and to have been given by or on behalf of us.
9. (a) We agree to pay for purchase orders for Fund shares placed by us
in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus of the applicable Fund. On
or before the settlement date of each purchase order for shares of any
Fund, we shall either (i) remit to an account designated by you with the
Transfer Agent an amount equal to the then current public offering price
of the shares of such Fund being purchased less our dealer reallowance, if
any, with respect to such purchase order as determined by you in
accordance with the terms of the applicable Fund Prospectus, or (ii) remit
to an account designated by you with the Transfer Agent an amount equal
to the then current public offering price of the shares of such Fund being
purchased without deduction for our dealer reallowance, if any, with
respect to such purchase order as determined by you in accordance with
the terms of the applicable Fund Prospectus, in which case our dealer
reallowance, if any, shall be payable to us on at least a monthly basis. If
payment for any purchase order is not received in accordance with the
terms of the applicable Fund Prospectus, you reserve the right, without
notice, to cancel the sale and to hold us responsible for any loss sustained
as a result thereof.
(b) If any shares sold to us under the terms of this Agreement are
sold with a sales charge and are redeemed for the account of the Fund or
are tendered for redemption within seven (7) business days after the date
of purchase: (i) we shall forthwith refund to you the full dealer
reallowance received by us on the sale; and (ii) you shall forthwith pay to
the Fund your portion of the sales charge on the sale which had been
retained by you and shall also pay to the Fund the amount refunded by us.
10. Certificates for shares sold to us hereunder shall only be issued in
accordance with the terms of each Fund's Prospectus upon our customer's
specific request and, upon such request, shall be promptly delivered to us
by the Transfer Agent unless other arrangements are made by us.
However, in making delivery of such share certificates to us, the Transfer
Agent shall have adequate time to clear any checks drawn for the payment
of Fund shares.
11. Each party hereby represents and warrants to the other party that:
(a) it is a corporation, partnership or other entity duly organized and
validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in
which it was organized; (b) it is duly registered as a broker-dealer with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and, to the extent required, with
applicable state agencies or authorities having jurisdiction over
securities matters, and it is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"); (c) it will comply with all applicable
federal and state laws, and the rules, regulations, requirements and
conditions of all applicable regulatory and self-regulatory agencies or
authorities in the performance of its duties and responsibilities
hereunder; (d) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
performance of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary action, and all other authorizations and
approvals (if any) required for its lawful execution and delivery of this
Agreement and its performance hereunder have been obtained; and (e) upon
execution and delivery by it, and assuming due and valid execution and
delivery by the other party, this Agreement will constitute a valid and
binding agreement, enforceable in accordance with its terms. Each party
agrees to provide the other party with such information and access to
appropriate records as may be reasonably required to verify its
compliance with the provisions of this Agreement.
12. You agree to inform us, upon our request, as to the states in which
you believe the shares of the Funds have been qualified for sale under, or
are exempt from the requirements of, the respective securities laws of
such states, but you shall have no obligation or responsibility as to our
right to sell shares in any jurisdiction. We agree to notify you
immediately in the event of (a) our expulsion or suspension from the
NASD, or (b) our violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule,
regulation, requirement or condition arising out of or in connection with
this Agreement, or which may otherwise affect in any material way our
ability to act as a dealer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Our expulsion from the NASD will automatically terminate this Agreement
immediately without notice. Our suspension from the NASD for violation
of any applicable federal or state law, rule, regulation, requirement or
condition will terminate this Agreement effective immediately upon your
written notice of termination to us.
13. (a) You agree to indemnify, defend and hold us, our several officers
and directors, and any person who controls us within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless
from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or
liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which
we, our officers and directors, or any such controlling person, may incur
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under common law or
otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by you herein, or (ii) any
failure by you to perform your obligations as set forth herein, or (iii) any
untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact
contained in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus, or arising out
of or based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material
fact required to be stated in either any Registration Statement or any
Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in any thereof not
misleading; provided, however, that your agreement to indemnify us, our
officers and directors, and any such controlling person shall not be
deemed to cover any claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arising out
of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to you
or the Fund by us specifically for use in the preparation thereof. Your
agreement to indemnify us, our officers and directors, and any such
controlling person, as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon your being
notified of any action brought against our officers or directors, or any
such controlling person, such notification to be given by letter or by
telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day delivery received
by you at your address as specified in Paragraph 18 of this Agreement
within seven (7) days after the summons or other first legal process shall
have been served. The failure so to notify you of any such action shall not
relieve you from any liability which you may have to the person against
whom such action is brought by reason of any such breach, failure or
untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or alleged omission,
otherwise than on account of your indemnity agreement contained in this
Paragraph 13(a). You will be entitled to assume the defense of any suit
brought to enforce any such claim, demand, liability or expense. In the
event that you elect to assume the defense of any such suit and retain
counsel, the defendant or defendants in such suit shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them; but in case you
do not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, you will reimburse us,
our officers and directors, and any controlling persons named as
defendants in such suit, for the fees and expenses of any counsel retained
by us and/or them. Your indemnification agreement contained in this
Paragraph 13(a) shall remain operative and in full force and effect
regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any person entitled
to indemnification pursuant to this Paragraph 13(a), and shall survive the
delivery of any Fund shares and termination of this Agreement. This
agreement of indemnity will inure exclusively to the benefit of the
persons entitled to indemnification from you pursuant to this Agreement
and their respective estates, successors and assigns.
(b) We agree to indemnify, defend and hold you and your several
officers and directors, and each Fund and its several officers and
directors or trustees or managing general partners, and any person who
controls you and/or each Fund within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless from and against
any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost
of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any
counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which you and your several
officers and directors, or the Fund and its officers and directors or
trustees or managing general partners, or any such controlling person, may
incur under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under common law
or otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by us herein, or (ii) any failure
by us to perform our obligations as set forth herein, or (iii) any untrue, or
alleged untrue, statement of a material fact contained in the information
furnished in writing by us to you or any Fund specifically for use in such
Fund's Registration Statement or Prospectus, or used in the answers to
any of the items of the Registration Statement or in the corresponding
statements made in the Prospectus, or arising out of or based upon any
omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact in connection with
such information furnished in writing by us to you or the Fund and required
to be stated in such answers or necessary to make such information not
misleading. Our agreement to indemnify you and your officers and
directors, and the Fund and its officers and directors or trustees or
managing general partners, and any such controlling person, as aforesaid,
is expressly conditioned upon our being notified of any action brought
against any person or entity entitled to indemnification hereunder, such
notification to be given by letter or by telecopier, telex, telegram or
similar means of same day delivery received by us at our address as
specified in Paragraph 18 of this Agreement within seven (7) days after
the summons or other first legal process shall have been served. The
failure so to notify us of any such action shall not relieve us from any
liability which we may have to you or your officers and directors, or to
the Fund or its officers and directors or trustees or managing general
partners, or to any such controlling person, by reason or any such breach,
failure or untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or alleged
omission, otherwise than on account of our indemnity agreement contained
in this Paragraph 13(b). We shall be entitled to assume the defense of any
suit brought to enforce any such claim, demand, liability or expense. In the
event that we elect to assume the defense of any such suit and retain
counsel, the defendant or defendants in such suit shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them; but in case we
do not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, we will reimburse you
and your officers and directors, and the Fund and its officers and directors
or trustees or managing general partners, and any controlling persons
named as defendants in such suit, for the fees and expenses of any counsel
retained by you and/or them. Our indemnification agreements contained in
Paragraph 8 above, Paragraph 16 below and this Paragraph 13(b) shall
remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of any person entitled to
indemnification pursuant to Paragraph 8 above, Paragraph 16 below or this
Paragraph 13(b), and shall survive the delivery of any Fund shares and
termination of this Agreement. Such agreements of indemnity will inure
exclusively to the benefit of the persons entitled to indemnification
hereunder and their respective estates, successors and assigns.
14. The names and addresses and other information concerning our
customers are and shall remain our sole property, and neither you nor your
affiliates shall use such names, addresses or other information for any
purpose except in connection with the performance of your duties and
responsibilities hereunder and except for servicing and informational
mailings relating to the Funds. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this
Paragraph 14 shall not prohibit you or any of your affiliates from utilizing
for any purpose the names, addresses or other information concerning any
of our customers if such names, addresses or other information are
obtained in any manner other than from us pursuant to this Agreement. The
provisions of this Paragraph 14 shall survive the termination of this
Agreement.
15. We agree to serve as a service agent or to provide distribution
assistance, in accordance with the terms of the Form of Service
Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix A, Form of Shareholder Services
Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix B, and/or Form of Distribution Plan
Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix C, as applicable, for all of our
customers who purchase shares of any and all Funds whose Prospectuses
provide therefor. By executing this Agreement, each of the parties hereto
agrees to be bound by all terms, conditions, rights and obligations set
forth in the forms of agreement annexed hereto and further agrees that
such forms of agreement supersede any and all prior service agreements
or other similar agreements between the parties hereto relating to any
Fund or Funds. It is recognized that certain parties may not be permitted
to collect distribution fees under the Form of Distribution Plan Agreement
annexed hereto, and if we are such a party, we will not collect such fees.
16. By completing the Expedited Redemption Information Form annexed
hereto as Appendix D, we agree that you, each Fund with respect to which
you permit us to exercise an expedited redemption privilege, the Transfer
Agent of each such Fund, and your and their respective officers, directors
or trustees or managing general partners, agents, employees and affiliates
shall not be liable for and shall be fully indemnified and held harmless by
us from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of
or in connection with any expedited redemption payments made in reliance
upon the information set forth in such Appendix D.
17. Neither this Agreement nor the performance of the services of the
respective parties hereunder shall be considered to constitute an
exclusive arrangement, or to create a partnership, association or joint
venture between you and us. Neither party hereto shall be, act as, or
represent itself as, the agent or representative of the other, nor shall
either party have the right or authority to assume, create or incur any
liability or any obligation of any kind, express or implied, against or in the
name of, or on behalf of, the other party. This Agreement is not intended
to, and shall not, create any rights against either party hereto by any third
party solely on account of this Agreement. Neither party hereto shall use
the name of the other party in any manner without the other party's prior
written consent, except as required by any applicable federal or state law,
rule, regulation, requirement or condition, and except pursuant to any
promotional programs mutually agreed upon in writing by the parties
hereto.
18. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all notices
required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be
given in writing and delivered by personal delivery or by postage prepaid,
registered or certified United States first class mail, return receipt
requested, or by telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day
delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided herein). Unless
otherwise notified in writing, all notices to you shall be given or sent to
you at your offices, located at One Exchange Place, Tenth Floor, Boston, MA
02109, Attn: President (with a copy to the same address, Attention:
General Counsel), and all notices to us shall be given or sent to us at our
address shown below.
19. This Agreement shall become effective only when accepted and
signed by you, and may be terminated at any time by either party hereto
upon 15 days' prior written notice to the other party. This Agreement,
including the Appendices hereto, may be amended by you upon 15 days'
prior written notice to us, and such amendment shall be deemed accepted
by us upon the placement of any order for the purchase of Fund shares or
the acceptance of a fee payable under this Agreement, including the
Appendices hereto, after the effective date of any such amendment. This
Agreement may not be assigned by us without your prior written consent.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes any and all prior agreements between the parties hereto
relating to the subject matter hereof.
20. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to
principles of conflicts of laws.
Very truly yours,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Broker or Dealer (Please Print
or Type)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address
Date: --------------------------------- By:----------------------------------
Authorized Signature
NOTE: Please sign and return both copies of this Agreement to Premier
Mutual Fund Services, Inc. Upon acceptance one countersigned copy will be
returned to you for your files.
Accepted:
PREMIER MUTUAL FUND SERVICES, INC.
Date: --------------------------------- By:----------------------------------
Authorized Signature
APPENDIX B
TO BROKER-DEALER AGREEMENT
FORM OF SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AGREEMENT
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
One Exchange Place
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Gentlemen:
We wish to enter into an Agreement with you for servicing shareholders
of, and administering shareholder accounts in, certain mutual fund(s)
managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or its
subsidiaries or affiliates (hereinafter referred to individually as the
"Fund" and collectively as the "Funds"). You are the principal underwriter
as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"),
and the exclusive agent for the continuous distribution of shares of the
Funds.
The terms and conditions of this Agreement are as follows:
1. We agree to provide shareholder and administrative services for our
clients who own shares of the Funds ("clients"), which services may
include, without limitation: assisting clients in changing dividend options,
account designations and addresses; performing sub-accounting;
establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts and records; processing
purchase and redemption transactions; providing periodic statements
and/or reports showing a client's account balance and integrating such
statements with those of other transactions and balances in the client's
other accounts serviced by us; arranging for bank wires; and providing
such other information and services as you reasonably may request, to the
extent we are permitted by applicable statute, rule or regulation. We
represent and warrant to, and agree with you, that the compensation
payable to us hereunder, together with any other compensation payable to
us by clients in connection with the investment of their assets in shares
of the Funds, will be properly disclosed by us to our clients, will be
authorized by our clients and will not result in an excessive or
unauthorized fee to us. We will act solely as agent for, upon the order of,
and for the account of, our clients.
2. We shall provide such office space and equipment, telephone
facilities and personnel (which may be all or any part of the space,
equipment and facilities currently used in our business, or all or any
personnel employed by us) as is necessary or beneficial for providing
information and services to each Fund's shareholders, and to assist you in
servicing accounts of clients. We shall transmit promptly to clients all
communications sent to us for transmittal to clients by or on behalf of
you, any Fund, or any Fund's investment adviser, custodian or transfer or
dividend disbursing agent. We agree that in the event an issue pertaining
to a Fund's Shareholder Services Plan is submitted for shareholder
approval, we will vote any Fund shares held for our own account in the
same proportion as the vote of those shares held for our client's accounts.
3. We agree that neither we nor any of our employees or agents are
authorized to make any representation concerning shares of any Fund,
except those contained in the then current Prospectus for such Fund,
copies of which will be supplied by you to us in reasonable quantities upon
request. We shall have no authority to act as agent for the Funds or for
you.
4. You reserve the right, at your discretion and without notice, to
suspend the sale of shares or withdraw the sale of shares of any or all of
the Funds.
5. We acknowledge that this Agreement shall become effective for a
Fund only when approved by vote of a majority of (i) the Fund's Board of
Directors or Trustees or Managing General Partners, as the case may be
(collectively "Directors," individually "Director"), and (ii) Directors who
are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and have no
direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
6. This Agreement shall continue until the last day of the calendar year
next following the date of execution, and thereafter shall continue
automatically for successive annual periods ending on the last day of each
calendar year. Such continuance must be approved specifically at least
annually by a vote of a majority of (i) the Fund's Board of Directors and
(ii) Directors who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of
the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in this
Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. This Agreement is terminable without penalty, at
any time, by a majority of the Fund's Directors who are not "interested
persons" (as defined in the Act) and have no direct or indirect financial
interest in this Agreement. This Agreement is terminable without penalty
upon 15 days' notice by either party. In addition, you may terminate this
Agreement as to any or all Funds immediately, without penalty, if the
present investment adviser of such Fund(s) ceases to serve the Fund(s) in
such capacity, or if you cease to act as distributor of such Fund(s).
Notwithstanding anything contained herein, if we fail to perform the
shareholder servicing and administrative functions contemplated herein
by you as to any or all of the Funds, this Agreement shall be terminable
effective upon receipt of notice thereof by us. This Agreement also shall
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the
Act).
7. In consideration of the services and facilities described herein, we
shall be entitled to receive from you, and you agree to pay to us, the fees
described as payable to us in each Fund's Shareholder Services Plan and
Prospectus and related Statement of Additional Information. We
understand that any payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid
only so long as this Agreement and such Plan are in effect. We agree that
no Director, officer or shareholder of the Fund shall be liable individually
for the performance of the obligations hereunder or for any such payments.
8. We agree to provide to you and each applicable Fund such information
relating to our services hereunder as may be required to be maintained by
you and/or such Fund under applicable federal or state laws, and the rules,
regulations, requirements or conditions of applicable regulatory and self-
regulatory agencies or authorities.
9. This Agreement shall not constitute either party the legal
representative of the other, nor shall either party have the right or
authority to assume, create or incur any liability or any obligation of any
kind, express or implied, against or in the name of or on behalf of the
other party.
10. All notices required or permitted to be given pursuant to this
Agreement shall be given in writing and delivered by personal delivery or
by postage prepaid, registered or certified United States first class mail,
return receipt requested, or by telex, telecopier, telegram or similar
means of same day delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided
herein). Unless otherwise notified in writing, all notices to you shall be
given or sent to you at One Exchange Place, Tenth Floor, Boston, MA 02109,
Attention: President (with a copy to the same address, Attention: General
Counsel), and all notices to us shall be given or sent to us at our address
which shall be furnished to you in writing on or before the effective date
of this Agreement.
11. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the internal
laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of
conflict of laws.
BANK AGREEMENT
(Fully Disclosed Basis)
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
One Exchange Place
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Gentlemen:
We are a "bank" (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") ). We
desire to make available to our customers shares of beneficial interest or
common stock of open-end registered investment companies managed,
advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or its subsidiaries or
affiliates (hereinafter referred to individually as a "Fund" and collectively
as the "Funds"). You are the principal underwriter (as such term is defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the offering of
shares of the Funds and the exclusive agent for the continuous distribution
of such shares pursuant to the terms of a Distribution Agreement between
you and each Fund. Unless the context otherwise requires, as used herein
the term "Prospectus" shall mean the prospectus and related statement of
additional information ("Statement of Additional Information")
incorporated therein by reference (as amended and supplemented) of each
of the respective Funds included in the then currently effective
registration statement (or post-effective amendment thereto) of each
such Fund, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant
to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Registration Statement").
In consideration for the mutual covenants contained herein, it is hereby
agreed that our respective rights and obligations shall be as follows:
1. With respect to any and all transactions in the shares of any Fund
pursuant to this Agreement, it is understood and agreed in each case that:
(a) we shall be acting solely as agent for the account of our customer; (b)
each transaction shall be initiated solely upon the order of our customer;
(c) you shall execute transactions only upon receiving instructions from
us acting as agent for our customer; (d) as between us and our customer,
our customer will have full beneficial ownership of all Fund shares; and
(e) each transaction shall be for the account of our customer and not for
our account. Each transaction shall be without recourse to us provided
that we act in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. We represent
and warrant to you that we will have full right, power and authority to
effect transactions (including, without limitation, any purchases,
exchanges and redemptions) in Fund shares on behalf of all customer
accounts provided by us to you or to any transfer agent as such term is
defined in the Prospectus of each Fund (the "Transfer Agent").
2. All orders for the purchase of any Fund shares shall be executed at
the then current public offering price per share (i.e., the net asset value
per share plus the applicable sales charge, if any) and all orders for the
redemption of any Fund shares shall be executed at the net asset value per
share less the applicable deferred sales charge, redemption fee or similar
charge or fee, if any, in each case as described in the Prospectus of such
Fund. The minimum initial purchase order and minimum subsequent
purchase order shall be as set forth in the Prospectus of such Fund. All
orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by you at your sole
discretion. Unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing, each transaction
shall be promptly confirmed in writing directly to the customer on a fully
disclosed basis and a copy of each confirmation shall be sent
simultaneously to us. You reserve the right, at your discretion and without
notice, to suspend the sale of shares or withdraw entirely the sale of
shares of any or all of the Funds.
3. In ordering shares of any Fund, we shall rely solely and conclusively
on the representations contained in the Prospectus of such Fund. We agree
that we shall not make shares of any Fund available to our customers
except in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, and the
rules, regulations and requirements of applicable regulatory agencies or
authorities. We agree that we shall not purchase any Fund shares, as agent
for any customer, unless we deliver or cause to be delivered to such
customer, at or prior to the time of such purchase, a copy of the
Prospectus of such Fund, or unless such customer has acknowledged
receipt of the Prospectus of such Fund. We further agree to obtain from
each customer for whom we act as agent for the purchase of Fund shares
any taxpayer identification number certification and such other
information as may be required from time to time under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the regulations
promulgated thereunder, and to provide you or your designee with timely
written notice of any failure to obtain such taxpayer identification
number certification or other information in order to enable the
implementation of any required withholding. We will be responsible for
the proper instruction and training of all sales personnel employed by us.
Unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing, you shall deliver or cause to
be delivered to each of the customers who purchases shares of any of the
Funds through us pursuant to this Agreement copies of all annual and
interim reports, proxy solicitation materials and any other information
and materials relating to such Funds and prepared by or on behalf of you,
the Fund or its investment adviser, custodian, Transfer Agent or dividend
disbursing agent for distribution to each such customer. You agree to
supply us with copies of the Prospectus, Statement of Additional
Information, annual reports, interim reports, proxy solicitation materials
and any such other information and materials relating to each Fund in
reasonable quantities upon request.
4. We shall not make any representations concerning any Fund shares
other than those contained in the Prospectus of such Fund or in any
promotional materials or sales literature furnished to us by you or the
Fund. We shall not furnish or cause to be furnished to any person or display
or publish any information or materials relating to any Fund (including,
without limitation, promotional materials and sales literature,
advertisements, press releases, announcements, statements, posters,
signs or other similar materials), except such information and materials
as may be furnished to us by you or the Fund, and such other information
and materials as may be approved in writing by you. In making Fund shares
available to our customers hereunder, or in providing investment advice
regarding such shares to our customers, we shall at all times act in
compliance with the Interagency Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit
Investment Products issued by The Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of
the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Office of Thrift Supervision
(February 15, 1994) or any successor interagency requirements as in force
at the time such services are provided.
5. In determining the amount of any reallowance payable to us
hereunder, you reserve the right to exclude any sales which you reasonably
determine are not made in accordance with the terms of the applicable
Fund Prospectuses or the provisions of this Agreement.
6. (a) In the case of any Fund shares sold with a sales charge,
customers may be entitled to a reduction in sales charge on purchases
made under a letter of intent ("Letter of Intent") in accordance with the
Fund Prospectus. In such case, our reallowance will be paid based upon the
reduced sales charge, but an adjustment will be made as described in the
Prospectus of the applicable Fund to reflect actual purchases of the
customer if he should fail to fulfill his Letter of Intent. The sales charge
and/or reallowance may be changed at any time in your sole discretion
upon written notice to us.
(b) Subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus of
each Fund sold with a sales charge, a reduced sales charge may be
applicable with respect to customer accounts through a right of
accumulation under which customers are permitted to purchase shares of
a Fund at the then current public offering price per share applicable to the
total of (i) the dollar amount of shares then being purchased plus (ii) an
amount equal to the then current net asset value or public offering price
originally paid per share, whichever is higher, of the customer's combined
holdings of the shares of such Fund and of any other open-end registered
investment company as may be permitted by the applicable Fund
Prospectus. In such case, we agree to furnish to you or the Transfer Agent
sufficient information to permit your confirmation of qualification for a
reduced sales charge, and acceptance of the purchase order is subject to
such confirmation.
(c) With respect to Fund shares sold with a sales charge, we agree to
advise you promptly at your request as to amounts of any and all
purchases of Fund shares made by us, as agent for our customers,
qualifying for a reduced sales charge.
(d) Exchanges (i.e., the investment of the proceeds from the
liquidation of shares of one open-end registered investment company
managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or its
subsidiaries or affiliates in the shares of another open-end registered
investment company managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus
Corporation or its subsidiaries or affiliates) shall, where available, be
made subject to and in accordance with the terms of each Fund's
Prospectus.
(e) Unless at the time of transmitting an order we advise you to the
contrary, the shares ordered will be deemed to be the total holdings of the
specified customer.
7. Subject to and in accordance with the terms of each Fund Prospectus
and Service Plan, Shareholder Services Plan, Distribution Plan or other
similar plan, if any, we understand that you may pay to certain financial
institutions, securities dealers and other industry professionals with
which you have entered into an agreement in substantially the form
annexed hereto as Appendix A, B, or C (or such other form as may be
approved from time to time by the board of directors or trustees or
managing general partners of the Fund) such fees as may be determined by
you in accordance with such agreement for shareholder, administrative or
distribution-related services as described therein.
8. The procedures relating to all orders and the handling thereof will
be subject to the terms of the Prospectus of each Fund and your written
instructions to us from time to time. No conditional orders will be
accepted. We agree to place orders with you immediately for the same
number of shares and at the same price as any orders we receive from our
customers. We shall not withhold placing orders received from customers
so as to profit ourselves as a result of such withholding by a change in the
net asset value from that used in determining the offering price to such
customers, or otherwise; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not
prevent the purchase of shares of any Fund by us for our own bona fide
investment. We agree that: (a) we shall not effect any transactions
(including, without limitation, any purchases, exchanges and redemptions)
in any Fund shares registered in the name of, or beneficially owned by, any
customer unless such customer has granted us full right, power and
authority to effect such transactions on such customer's behalf, and (b)
you, each Fund, the Transfer Agent and your and their respective officers,
directors, trustees, managing general partners, agents, employees and
affiliates shall not be liable for, and shall be fully indemnified and held
harmless by us from and against, any and all claims, demands, liabilities
and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees)
which may be incurred by you or any of the foregoing persons entitled to
indemnification from us hereunder arising out of or in connection with the
execution of any transactions in Fund shares registered in the name of, or
beneficially owned by, any customer in reliance upon any oral or written
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine and to have been given by or
on behalf of us.
9. (a) We agree to pay for purchase orders of any Fund shares placed by
us in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus of the applicable Fund.
On or before the settlement date of each purchase order for shares of any
Fund, we shall either (i) remit to an account designated by you with the
Transfer Agent an amount equal to the then current public offering price
of the shares of such Fund being purchased less our reallowance, if any,
with respect to such purchase order as determined by you in accordance
with the terms of the applicable Fund Prospectus, or (ii) remit to an
account designated by you with the Transfer Agent an amount equal to the
then current public offering price of the shares of such Fund being
purchased without deduction for our reallowance, if any, with respect to
such purchase order as determined by you in accordance with the terms of
the applicable Fund Prospectus, in which case our reallowance, if any,
shall be payable to us by you on at least a monthly basis. If payment for
any purchase order is not received in accordance with the terms of the
applicable Fund Prospectus, you reserve the right, without notice, to
cancel the sale and to hold us responsible for any loss sustained as a
result thereof.
(b) If any shares sold to us as agent for our customers under the
terms of this Agreement are sold with a sales charge and are redeemed
for the account of the Fund or are tendered for redemption within seven
(7) days after the date of purchase: (i) we shall forthwith refund to you
the full reallowance received by us on the sale; and (ii) you shall
forthwith pay to the Fund your portion of the sales charge on the sale
which had been retained by you and shall also pay to the Fund the amount
refunded by us.
10. Certificates for shares sold to us as agent for our customers
hereunder shall only be issued in accordance with the terms of each Fund's
Prospectus upon our customers' specific request and, upon such request,
shall be promptly delivered to our customers by the Transfer Agent unless
other arrangements are made by us. However, in making delivery of such
share certificates to our customers, the Transfer Agent shall have
adequate time to clear any checks drawn for the payment of Fund shares.
11. We hereby represent and warrant to you that: (a) we are a "bank" as
such term is defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Exchange Act; (b) we are a
duly organized and validly existing "bank" in good standing under the laws
of the jurisdiction in which we were organized; (c) all authorizations (if
any) required for our lawful execution of this Agreement and our
performance hereunder have been obtained; and (d) upon execution and
delivery by us, and assuming due and valid execution and delivery by you,
this Agreement will constitute a valid and binding agreement, enforceable
against us in accordance with its terms. We agree to give written notice
to you promptly in the event that we shall cease to be a "bank" as such
term is defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Exchange Act. In such event, this
Agreement shall be automatically terminated upon such written notice.
12. You agree to inform us, upon our request, as to the states in which
you believe the shares of the Funds have been qualified for sale under, or
are exempt from the requirements of, the respective securities laws of
such states, but you shall have no obligation or responsibility as to our
right to make shares of any Funds available to our customers in any
jurisdiction. We agree to comply with all applicable federal and state
laws, rules, regulations and requirements relating to the performance of
our duties and responsibilities hereunder.
13. (a) You agree to indemnify, defend and hold us, our several officers
and directors, and any person who controls us within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless
from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or
liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which
we, our officers and directors, or any such controlling person, may incur
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under common law or
otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by you herein, or (ii) any
failure by you to perform your obligations as set forth herein, or (iii) any
untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact
contained in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus, or arising out
of or based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material
fact required to be stated in either any Registration Statement or any
Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in any thereof not
misleading; provided, however, that your agreement to indemnify us, our
officers and directors, and any such controlling person shall not be
deemed to cover any claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arising out
of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to you
or the Fund by us specifically for use in the preparation thereof. Your
agreement to indemnify us, our officers and directors, and any such
controlling person, as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon your being
notified of any action brought against our officers or directors, or any
such controlling person, such notification to be given by letter or by
telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day delivery received
by you at your address as specified in Paragraph 18 of this Agreement
within seven (7) days after the summons or other first legal process shall
have been served. The failure so to notify you of any such action shall not
relieve you from any liability which you may have to the person against
whom such action is brought by reason of any such breach, failure or
untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or alleged omission,
otherwise than on account of your indemnity agreement contained in this
Paragraph 13(a). You will be entitled to assume the defense of any suit
brought to enforce any such claim, demand, liability or expense. In the
event that you elect to assume the defense of any such suit and retain
counsel, the defendant or defendants in such suit shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them; but in case you
do not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, you will reimburse us,
our officers and directors, or any controlling persons named as defendants
in such suit, for the fees and expenses of any counsel retained by us or
them. Your indemnification agreement contained in this Paragraph 13(a)
shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of any person entitled to
indemnification pursuant to this Paragraph 13(a), and shall survive the
delivery of any Fund shares and termination of this Agreement. This
agreement of indemnity will inure exclusively to the benefit of the
persons entitled to indemnification from you pursuant to this Agreement
and their respective estates, successors and assigns.
(b) We agree to indemnify, defend and hold you and your several
officers and directors, and each Fund and its several officers and
directors or trustees or managing general partners, and any person who
controls you and/or each Fund within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless from and against
any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost
of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any
counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which you and your several
officers and directors, or the Fund and its officers and directors or
trustees or managing general partners, or any such controlling person, may
incur under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under common law
or otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by us herein, or (ii) any failure
by us to perform our obligations as set forth herein, or (iii) any untrue, or
alleged untrue, statement of a material fact contained in the information
furnished in writing by us to you or any Fund specifically for use in such
Fund's Registration Statement or Prospectus, or used in the answers to
any of the items of the Registration Statement or in the corresponding
statements made in the Prospectus, or arising out of or based upon any
omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact in connection with
such information furnished in writing by us to you or the Fund and required
to be stated in such answers or necessary to make such information not
misleading. Our agreement to indemnify you and your officers and
directors, and the Fund and its officers and directors or trustees, and any
such controlling person, as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon our
being notified of any action brought against any person or entity entitled
to indemnification hereunder, such notification to be given by letter or by
telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day delivery received
by us at our address as specified in Paragraph 18 of this Agreement
within seven (7) days after the summons or other first legal process shall
have been served. The failure so to notify us of any such action shall not
relieve us from any liability which we may have to you or your officers
and directors, or the Fund or its officers and directors or trustees or
managing general partners, or to any such controlling person, by reason of
any such breach, failure or untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or
omission, or alleged omission, otherwise than on account of our indemnity
agreement contained in this Paragraph 13(b). Our indemnification
agreements contained in Paragraph 8 above, Paragraph 16 below and this
Paragraph 13(b) shall remain operative and in full force and effect
regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any person entitled
to indemnification pursuant to Paragraph 8 above, Paragraph 16 below or
this Paragraph 13(b), and shall survive the delivery of any Fund shares and
termination of this Agreement. Such agreements of indemnity will inure
exclusively to the benefit of the persons entitled to indemnification
hereunder and their respective estates, successors and assigns.
14. The names and addresses and other information concerning our
customers are and shall remain our sole property, and neither you nor your
affiliates shall use such names, addresses or other information for any
purpose except in connection with the performance of your duties and
responsibilities hereunder and except for servicing and informational
mailings relating to the Funds. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this
Paragraph 14 shall not prohibit you or any of your affiliates from utilizing
for any purpose the names, addresses or other information concerning any
of our customers if such names, addresses or other information are
obtained in any manner other than from us pursuant to this Agreement. The
provisions of this Paragraph 14 shall survive the termination of this
Agreement.
15. We agree to serve as a service agent, in accordance with the terms
of the Form of Service Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix A, Form of
Shareholder Services Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix B, and/or
Form of Distribution Plan Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix C, as
applicable, for all of our customers who purchase shares of any and all
Funds whose Prospectuses provide therefor. By executing this Agreement,
each of the parties hereto agrees to be bound by all terms, conditions,
rights and obligations set forth in the forms of agreements annexed hereto
and further agrees that such forms of agreement supersede any and all
prior service agreements or other similar agreements between the parties
hereto, relating to any Fund or Funds. It is recognized that certain parties
may not be permitted to collect distribution fees under the Form of
Distribution Plan Agreement annexed hereto, and if we are such a party,
we will not collect such fees.
16. By completing the Expedited Redemption Information Form annexed
hereto as Appendix D, we agree that you, each Fund with respect to which
you permit us to exercise an expedited redemption privilege, the Transfer
Agent of each such Fund, and your and their respective officers, directors
or trustees or managing general partners, agents, employees and affiliates
shall not be liable for and shall be fully indemnified and held harmless by
us from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of
or in connection with any expedited redemption payments made in reliance
upon the information set forth in such Appendix D.
17. Neither this Agreement nor the performance of the services of the
respective parties hereunder shall be considered to constitute an
exclusive arrangement, or to create a partnership, association or joint
venture between you and us. Neither party hereto shall be, act as, or
represent itself as, the agent or representative of the other, nor shall
either party have the right or authority to assume, create or incur any
liability or any obligation of any kind, express or implied, against or in the
name of, or on behalf of, the other party. This Agreement is not intended
to, and shall not, create any rights against either party hereto by any third
party solely on account of this Agreement. Neither party hereto shall use
the name of the other party in any manner without the other party's prior
written consent, except as required by any applicable federal or state law,
rule, regulation or requirement, and except pursuant to any promotional
programs mutually agreed upon in writing by the parties hereto.
18. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all notices
required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be
given in writing and delivered by personal delivery or by postage prepaid,
registered or certified United States first class mail, return receipt
requested, or by telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day
delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided herein). Unless
otherwise notified in writing, all notices to you shall be given or sent to
you at your offices, located at One Exchange Place, Tenth Floor, Boston, MA
02109, Attn: President (with a copy to the same address, Attention:
General Counsel), and all notices to us shall be given or sent to us at our
address shown below.
19. This Agreement shall become effective only when accepted and
signed by you, and may be terminated at any time by either party hereto
upon 15 days' prior written notice to the other party. This Agreement may
be amended by you upon 15 days' prior written notice to us, and such
amendment shall be deemed accepted by us upon the placement of any
order for the purchase of Fund shares or the acceptance of a fee payable
under this Agreement, including the Appendices hereto, after the effective
date of any such amendment. This Agreement may not be assigned by us
without your prior written consent. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement and understanding between the parties hereto relating to the
subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior agreements
between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof.
20. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to
principles of conflicts of laws.
Very truly yours,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank Name (Please Print or Type)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address
Date: --------------------------------- By:----------------------------------
Authorized Signature
NOTE: Please sign and return both copies of this Agreement to Premier
Mutual Fund Services, Inc. Upon acceptance one countersigned copy will be
returned to you for your files.
Accepted:
PREMIER MUTUAL FUND SERVICES, INC.
Date: --------------------------------- By:----------------------------------
Authorized Signature
APPENDIX B
TO BANK AGREEMENT
FORM OF SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AGREEMENT
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
One Exchange Place
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Gentlemen:
We wish to enter into an Agreement with you for servicing shareholders
of, and administering shareholder accounts in, certain mutual fund(s)
managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or its
subsidiaries or affiliates (hereinafter referred to individually as the
"Fund" and collectively as the "Funds"). You are the principal underwriter
as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"),
and the exclusive agent for the continuous distribution of shares of the
Funds.
The terms and conditions of this Agreement are as follows:
1. We agree to provide shareholder and administrative services for our
clients who own shares of the Funds ("clients"), which services may
include, without limitation: assisting clients in changing dividend options,
account designations and addresses; performing sub-accounting;
establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts and records; processing
purchase and redemption transactions; providing periodic statements
and/or reports showing a client's account balance and integrating such
statements with those of other transactions and balances in the client's
other accounts serviced by us; arranging for bank wires; and providing
such other information and services as you reasonably may request, to the
extent we are permitted by applicable statute, rule or regulation. In this
regard, if we are a federally chartered and supervised bank or other
banking organization, you recognize that we may be subject to the
provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act and other laws, rules, regulations, or
requirements governing, among other things, the conduct of our activities.
As such, we are restricted in the activities we may undertake and for
which we may be paid and, therefore, intend to perform only those
activities as are consistent with our statutory and regulatory obligations.
We represent and warrant to, and agree with you, that the compensation
payable to us hereunder, together with any other compensation payable to
us by clients in connection with the investment of their assets in shares
of the Funds, will be properly disclosed by us to our clients, will be
authorized by our clients and will not result in an excessive or
unauthorized fee to us.
2. We shall provide such office space and equipment, telephone
facilities and personnel (which may be all or any part of the space,
equipment and facilities currently used in our business, or all or any
personnel employed by us) as is necessary or beneficial for providing
information and services to each Fund's shareholders, and to assist you in
servicing accounts of clients. We shall transmit promptly to clients all
communications sent to us for transmittal to clients by or on behalf of
you, any Fund, or any Fund's investment adviser, custodian or transfer or
dividend disbursing agent. We agree that in the event an issue pertaining
to a Fund's Shareholder Services Plan is submitted for shareholder
approval, we will vote any Fund shares held for our own account in the
same proportion as the vote of those shares held for our clients' accounts.
3. We agree that neither we nor any of our employees or agents are
authorized to make any representation concerning shares of any Fund,
except those contained in the then current Prospectus for such Fund,
copies of which will be supplied by you to us in reasonable quantities upon
request. If we are a federally supervised bank or thrift institution, we
agree that, in providing services hereunder, we shall at all times act in
compliance with the Interagency Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit
Investment Products issued by The Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of
the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Office of Thrift Supervision
(February 15, 1994) or any successor interagency requirements as in force
at the time such services are provided. We shall have no authority to act
as agent for the Funds or for you.
4. You reserve the right, at your discretion and without notice, to
suspend the sale of shares or withdraw the sale of shares of any or all of
the Funds.
5. We acknowledge that this Agreement shall become effective for a
Fund only when approved by vote of a majority of (i) the Fund's Board of
Directors or Trustees or Managing General Partners, as the case may be
(collectively "Directors," individually "Director"), and (ii) Directors who
are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and have no
direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
6. This Agreement shall continue until the last day of the calendar year
next following the date of execution, and thereafter shall continue
automatically for successive annual periods ending on the last day of each
calendar year. Such continuance must be approved specifically at least
annually by a vote of a majority of (i) the Fund's Board of Directors and
(ii) Directors who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of
the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in this
Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. This Agreement is terminable without penalty, at
any time, by a majority of the Fund's Directors who are not "interested
persons" (as defined in the Act) and have no direct or indirect financial
interest in this Agreement. This Agreement is terminable without penalty
upon 15 days' notice by either party. In addition, you may terminate this
Agreement as to any or all Funds immediately, without penalty, if the
present investment adviser of such Fund(s) ceases to serve the Fund(s) in
such capacity, or if you cease to act as distributor of such Fund(s).
Notwithstanding anything contained herein, if we fail to perform the
shareholder servicing and administrative functions contemplated herein
by you as to any or all of the Funds, this Agreement shall be terminable
effective upon receipt of notice thereof by us. This Agreement also shall
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the
Act).
7. In consideration of the services and facilities described herein, we
shall be entitled to receive from you, and you agree to pay to us, the fees
described as payable to us in each Fund's Shareholder Services Plan and
Prospectus and related Statement of Additional Information. We
understand that any payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid
only so long as this Agreement and such Plan are in effect. We agree that
no Director, officer or shareholder of the Fund shall be liable individually
for the performance of the obligations hereunder or for any such payments.
8. We agree to provide to you and each applicable Fund such information
relating to our services hereunder as may be required to be maintained by
you and/or such fund under applicable federal or state laws, and the rules,
regulations, requirements or conditions of applicable regulatory and self-
regulatory agencies or authorities.
9. This Agreement shall not constitute either party the legal
representative of the other, nor shall either party have the right or
authority to assume, create or incur any liability or any obligation of any
kind, express or implied, against or in the name of or on behalf of the
other party.
10. All notices required or permitted to be given pursuant to this
Agreement shall be given in writing and delivered by personal delivery or
by postage prepaid, registered or certified United States first class mail,
return receipt requested, or by telecopier, telex, telegram or similar
means of same day delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided
herein). Unless otherwise notified in writing, all notices to you shall be
given or sent to you at One Exchange Place, Tenth Floor, Boston, MA 02109,
Attention: President (with a copy to the same address, Attention: General
Counsel), and all notices to us shall be given or sent to us at our address
which shall be furnished to you in writing on or before the effective date
of this Agreement.
11. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the internal
laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of
conflict of laws.
BANK AFFILIATED BROKER-DEALER AGREEMENT
(FULLY DISCLOSED BASIS)
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
One Exchange Place
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Gentlemen:
We are a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"). We desire to make available to our customers shares of
beneficial interest or common stock of open-end registered investment
companies managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation
or its subsidiaries or affiliates (hereinafter referred to individually as a
"Fund" and collectively as the "Funds"). You are the principal underwriter
(as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended) of the offering of shares of the Funds and the exclusive agent
for the continuous distribution of such shares pursuant to the terms of a
Distribution Agreement between you and each Fund. Unless the context
otherwise requires, as used herein the term "Prospectus" shall mean the
prospectus and related statement of additional information (the
"Statement of Additional Information") incorporated therein by reference
(as amended or supplemented) of each of the respective Funds included in
the then currently effective registration statement (or post-effective
amendment thereto) of each such Fund, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Registration Statement").
In consideration for the mutual covenants contained herein, it is hereby
agreed that our respective rights and obligations shall be as follows:
1. With respect to any and all transactions in the shares of any Fund
pursuant to this Agreement, it is understood and agreed in each case that:
(a) we shall be acting solely as agent for the account of our customer; (b)
each transaction shall be initiated solely upon the order of our customer;
(c) you shall execute transactions only upon receiving instructions from
us acting as agent for our customer; (d) as between us and our customer,
our customer will have full beneficial ownership of all Fund shares; and
(e) each transaction shall be for the account of our customer and not for
our account. We represent and warrant to you that we will have full right,
power and authority to effect transactions (including, without limitation,
any purchases, exchanges and redemptions) in Fund shares on behalf of all
customer accounts provided by us to you or to any transfer agent as such
term is defined in the Prospectus of each Fund (the "Transfer Agent").
2. All orders for the purchase of any Fund shares shall be executed at
the then current public offering price per share (i.e., the net asset value
per share plus the applicable sales charge, if any) and all orders for the
redemption of any Fund shares shall be executed at the net asset value per
share less the applicable deferred sales charge, redemption fee or similar
charge or fee, if any, in each case as described in the Prospectus of such
Fund. The minimum initial purchase order and minimum subsequent
purchase order shall be as set forth in the Prospectus of such Fund. All
orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by you at your sole
discretion. Unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing, each transaction
shall be promptly confirmed in writing directly to the customer on a fully
disclosed basis and a copy of each confirmation shall be sent
simultaneously to us. You reserve the right, at your discretion and without
notice, to suspend the sale of shares or withdraw entirely the sale of
shares of any or all of the Funds.
3. In ordering shares of any Fund, we shall rely solely and conclusively
on the representations contained in the Prospectus of such Fund. We agree
that we shall not make shares of any Fund available to our customers
except in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, and the
rules, regulations, requirements and conditions of all applicable
regulatory and self-regulatory agencies or authorities. We agree that we
shall not purchase any Fund shares, as agent for any customer, unless we
deliver or cause to be delivered to such customer, at or prior to the time
of such purchase, a copy of the Prospectus of such Fund, or unless such
customer has acknowledged receipt of the Prospectus of such Fund. We
further agree to obtain from each customer for whom we act as agent for
the purchase of Fund shares any taxpayer identification number
certification and such other information as may be required from time to
time under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and to provide you or your
designee with timely written notice of any failure to obtain such taxpayer
identification number certification or other information in order to enable
the implementation of any required withholding. We will be responsible
for the proper instruction and training of all sales personnel employed by
us. Unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing, you shall deliver or
cause to be delivered to each of the customers who purchases shares of
any of the Funds through us pursuant to this Agreement copies of all
annual and interim reports, proxy solicitation materials and any other
information and materials relating to such Funds and prepared by or on
behalf of you, the Fund or its investment adviser, custodian, Transfer
Agent or dividend disbursing agent for distribution to each such customer.
You agree to supply us with copies of the Prospectus, Statement of
Additional Information, annual reports, interim reports, proxy solicitation
materials and any such other information and materials relating to each
Fund in reasonable quantities upon request.
4. We shall not make any representations concerning any Fund shares
other than those contained in the Prospectus of such Fund or in any
promotional materials or sales literature furnished to us by you or the
Fund. We shall not furnish or cause to be furnished to any person or display
or publish any information or materials relating to any Fund (including,
without limitation, promotional materials and sales literature,
advertisements, press releases, announcements, statements, posters,
signs or other similar materials), except such information and materials
as may be furnished to us by you or the Fund, and such other information
and materials as may be approved in writing by you. In making Fund shares
available to our customers hereunder, or in providing investment advice
regarding such shares to our customers, we shall at all times act in
compliance with the Interagency Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit
Investment Products issued by The Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of
the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Office of Thrift Supervision
(February 15, 1994) or any successor interagency requirements as in force
at the time such services are provided.
5. In determining the amount of any reallowance payable to us
hereunder, you reserve the right to exclude any sales which you reasonably
determine are not made in accordance with the terms of the applicable
Fund Prospectuses or the provisions of this Agreement.
6. (a) In the case of any Fund shares sold with a sales charge,
customers may be entitled to a reduction in the sales charge on purchases
made under a letter of intent ("Letter of Intent") in accordance with the
Fund Prospectus. In such a case, our reallowance will be paid based upon
the reduced sales charge, but an adjustment to the reallowance will be
made in accordance with the Prospectus of the applicable Fund to reflect
actual purchases of the customer if such customer's Letter of Intent is
not fulfilled. The sales charge and/or reallowance may be changed at any
time in your sole discretion upon written notice to us.
(b) Subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus of
each Fund sold with a sales charge, a reduced sales charge may be
applicable with respect to customer accounts through a right of
accumulation under which customers are permitted to purchase shares of
a Fund at the then current public offering price per share applicable to the
total of (i) the dollar amount of shares then being purchased plus (ii) an
amount equal to the then current net asset value or public offering price
originally paid per share, whichever is higher, of the customer's combined
holdings of the shares of such Fund and of any other open-end registered
investment company as may be permitted by the applicable Fund
Prospectus. In such case, we agree to furnish to you or the Transfer Agent
sufficient information to permit your confirmation of qualification for a
reduced sales charge, and acceptance of the purchase order is subject to
such confirmation.
(c) With respect to Fund shares sold with a sales charge, we agree to
advise you promptly at your request as to amounts of any and all
purchases of Fund shares made by us, as agent for our customers,
qualifying for a reduced sales charge.
(d) Exchanges (i.e., the investment of the proceeds from the
liquidation of shares of one open-end registered investment company
managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or its
subsidiaries or affiliates in the shares of another open-end registered
investment company managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus
Corporation or its subsidiaries or affiliates) shall, where available, be
made subject to and in accordance with the terms of each relevant Fund's
Prospectus.
(e) Unless at the time of transmitting an order we advise you or the
Transfer Agent to the contrary, the shares ordered will be deemed to be
the total holdings of the specified customer.
7. Subject to and in accordance with the terms of each Fund Prospectus
and Service Plan, Shareholder Services Plan, Distribution Plan or other
similar plan, if any, we understand that you may pay to certain financial
institutions, securities dealers and other industry professionals with
which you have entered into an agreement in substantially the form
annexed hereto as Appendix A, B or C (or such other form as may be
approved from time to time by the board of directors, or trustees or
managing general partners of the Fund) such fees as may be determined by
you in accordance with such agreement for shareholder, administrative or
distribution-related services as described therein.
8. The procedures relating to all orders and the handling thereof will
be subject to the terms of the Prospectus of each Fund and your written
instructions to us from time to time. No conditional orders will be
accepted. We agree to place orders with you immediately for the same
number of shares and at the same price as any orders we receive from our
customers. We shall not withhold placing orders received from customers
so as to profit ourselves as a result of such withholding by a change in the
net asset value from that used in determining the offering price to such
customers, or otherwise; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not
prevent the purchase of shares of any Fund by us for our own bona fide
investment. We agree that: (a) we shall not effect any transactions
(including, without limitation, any purchases, exchanges and redemptions)
in any Fund shares registered in the name of, or beneficially owned by, any
customer unless such customer has granted us full right, power and
authority to effect such transactions on such customer's behalf, and (b)
you, each Fund, the Transfer Agent and your and their respective officers,
directors, trustees, managing general partners, agents, employees and
affiliates shall not be liable for, and shall be fully indemnified and held
harmless by us from and against, any and all claims, demands, liabilities
and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees)
which may be incurred by you or any of the foregoing persons entitled to
indemnification from us hereunder arising out of or in connection with the
execution of any transactions in Fund shares registered in the name of, or
beneficially owned by, any customer in reliance upon any oral or written
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine and to have been given by or
on behalf of us.
9. (a) We agree to remit on behalf of our customers the purchase price
for purchase orders of any Fund shares placed by us in accordance with the
terms of the Prospectus of the applicable Fund. On or before the
settlement date of each purchase order for shares of any Fund, we shall
either (i) remit to an account designated by you with the Transfer Agent
an amount equal to the then current public offering price of the shares of
such Fund being purchased less our reallowance, if any, with respect to
such purchase order as determined by you in accordance with the terms of
the applicable Fund Prospectus, or (ii) remit to an account designated by
you with the Transfer Agent an amount equal to the then current public
offering price of the shares of such Fund being purchased without
deduction for our reallowance, if any, with respect to such purchase order
as determined by you in accordance with the terms of the applicable Fund
Prospectus, in which case our reallowance, if any, shall be payable to us
by you on at least a monthly basis. If payment for any purchase order is
not received in accordance with the terms of the applicable Fund
Prospectus, you reserve the right, without notice, to cancel the sale and
to hold us responsible for any loss sustained as a result thereof.
(b) If any shares sold to us as agent for our customers under the
terms of this Agreement are sold with a sales charge and are redeemed
for the account of the Fund or are tendered for redemption within seven
(7) business days after the date of purchase: (i) we shall forthwith refund
to you the full reallowance received by us on the sale; and (ii) you shall
forthwith pay to the Fund your portion of the sales charge on the sale
which had been retained by you and shall also pay to the Fund the amount
refunded by us.
10. Certificates for shares sold to us as agent for our customers
hereunder shall only be issued in accordance with the terms of each Fund's
Prospectus upon our customers' specific request and, upon such request,
shall be promptly delivered to our customers by the Transfer Agent unless
other arrangements are made by us. However, in making delivery of such
share certificates to our customers, the Transfer Agent shall have
adequate time to clear any checks drawn for the payment of Fund shares.
11. Each party hereby represents and warrants to the other party that:
(a) it is a corporation, partnership or other entity duly organized and
validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in
which it was organized; (b) it is duly registered as a broker-dealer with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and, to the extent required, with
applicable state agencies or authorities having jurisdiction over
securities matters, and it is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"); (c) it will comply with all applicable
federal and state laws, and the rules, regulations, requirements and
conditions of all applicable regulatory and self-regulatory agencies or
authorities in the performance of its duties and responsibilities
hereunder; (d) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
performance of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary action, and all other authorizations and
approvals (if any) required for its lawful execution and delivery of this
Agreement and its performance hereunder have been obtained; and (e) upon
execution and delivery by it, and assuming due and valid execution and
delivery by the other party, this Agreement will constitute a valid and
binding agreement, enforceable in accordance with its terms. Each party
agrees to provide the other party with such information and access to
appropriate records as may be reasonably required to verify its
compliance with the provisions of this Agreement.
12. You agree to inform us, upon our request, as to the states in which
you believe the shares of the Funds have been qualified for sale under, or
are exempt from the requirements of, the respective securities laws of
such states, but you shall have no obligation or responsibility as to our
right to make shares of any Funds available to our customers in any
jurisdiction. We agree to notify you immediately in the event of (a) our
expulsion or suspension from the NASD, or (b) our violation of any
applicable federal or state law, rule, regulation, requirement or condition
arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, or which may
otherwise affect in any material way our ability to act in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement. Our expulsion from the NASD will
automatically terminate this Agreement immediately without notice. Our
suspension from the NASD for violation of any applicable federal or state
law, rule, regulation, requirement or condition will terminate this
Agreement effective immediately upon your written notice of termination
to us.
13. (a) You agree to indemnify, defend and hold us, our several officers
and directors, and any person who controls us within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless
from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or
liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which
we, our officers and directors, or any such controlling person, may incur
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under common law or
otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by you herein, or (ii) any
failure by you to perform your obligations as set forth herein, or (iii) any
untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact
contained in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus, or arising out
of or based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material
fact required to be stated in either any Registration Statement or any
Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in any thereof not
misleading; provided, however, that your agreement to indemnify us, our
officers and directors, and any such controlling person shall not be
deemed to cover any claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arising out
of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to you
or the Fund by us specifically for use in the preparation thereof. Your
agreement to indemnify us, our officers and directors, and any such
controlling person, as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon your being
notified of any action brought against our officers or directors, or any
such controlling person, such notification to be given by letter or by
telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day delivery received
by you at your address as specified in Paragraph 18 of this Agreement
within seven (7) days after the summons or other first legal process shall
have been served. The failure so to notify you of any such action shall not
relieve you from any liability which you may have to the person against
whom such action is brought by reason of any such breach, failure or
untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or alleged omission,
otherwise than on account of your indemnity agreement contained in this
Paragraph 13(a). You will be entitled to assume the defense of any suit
brought to enforce any such claim, demand, liability or expense. In the
event that you elect to assume the defense of any such suit and retain
counsel, the defendant or defendants in such suit shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them; but in case you
do not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, you will reimburse us,
our officers and directors, and any controlling persons named as
defendants in such suit, for the fees and expenses of any counsel retained
by us and/or them. Your indemnification agreement contained in this
Paragraph 13(a) shall remain operative and in full force and effect
regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any person entitled
to indemnification pursuant to this Paragraph 13(a), and shall survive the
delivery of any Fund shares and termination of this Agreement. This
agreement of indemnity will inure exclusively to the benefit of the
persons entitled to indemnification from you pursuant to this Agreement
and their respective estates, successors and assigns.
(b) We agree to indemnify, defend and hold you and your several
officers and directors, and each Fund and its several officers and
directors or trustees or managing general partners, and any person who
controls you and/or each Fund within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless from and against
any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost
of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any
counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which you and your several
officers and directors, or the Fund and its officers and directors or
trustees or managing general partners, or any such controlling person, may
incur under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under common law
or otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by us herein, or (ii) any failure
by us to perform our obligations as set forth herein, or (iii) any untrue, or
alleged untrue, statement of a material fact contained in the information
furnished in writing by us to you or any Fund specifically for use in such
Fund's Registration Statement or Prospectus, or used in the answers to
any of the items of the Registration Statement or in the corresponding
statements made in the Prospectus, or arising out of or based upon any
omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact in connection with
such information furnished in writing by us to you or the Fund and required
to be stated in such answers or necessary to make such information not
misleading. Our agreement to indemnify you and your officers and
directors, and the Fund and its officers and directors or trustees or
managing general partners, and any such controlling person, as aforesaid,
is expressly conditioned upon our being notified of any action brought
against any person or entity entitled to indemnification hereunder, such
notification to be given by letter or by telecopier, telex, telegram or
similar means of same day delivery received by us at our address as
specified in Paragraph 18 of this Agreement within seven (7) days after
the summons or other first legal process shall have been served. The
failure so to notify us of any such action shall not relieve us from any
liability which we may have to you or your officers and directors, or to
the Fund or its officers and directors or trustees or managing general
partners, or to any such controlling person, by reason of any such breach,
failure or untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or alleged
omission, otherwise than on account of our indemnity agreement contained
in this Paragraph 13(b). We will be entitled to assume the defense of any
suit brought to enforce any such claim, demand, liability or expense. In the
event that we elect to assume the defense of any such suit and retain
counsel, the defendant or defendants in such suit shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them; but in case we
do not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, we will reimburse you
and your officers and directors, and the Fund and its officers and directors
or trustees or managing general partners, and any controlling persons
named as defendants in such suit, for the fees and expenses of any counsel
retained by you and/or them. Our indemnification agreements contained in
Paragraph 8 above, Paragraph 16 below and this Paragraph 13(b) shall
remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of any person entitled to
indemnification pursuant to Paragraph 8 above, Paragraph 16 below or this
Paragraph 13(b), and shall survive the delivery of any Fund shares and
termination of this Agreement. Such agreements of indemnity will inure
exclusively to the benefit of the persons entitled to indemnification
hereunder and their respective estates, successors and assigns.
14. The names and addresses and other information concerning our
customers are and shall remain our sole property, and neither you nor your
affiliates shall use such names, addresses or other information for any
purpose except in connection with the performance of your duties and
responsibilities hereunder and except for servicing and informational
mailings relating to the Funds. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this
Paragraph 14 shall not prohibit you or any of your affiliates from utilizing
for any purpose the names, addresses or other information concerning any
of our customers if such names, addresses or other information are
obtained in any manner other than from us pursuant to this Agreement. The
provisions of this Paragraph 14 shall survive the termination of this
Agreement.
15. We agree to serve as a service agent or to provide distribution
assistance, in accordance with the terms of the Form of Service
Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix A, Form of Shareholder Services
Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix B, and/or Form of Distribution Plan
Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix C, as applicable, for all of our
customers who purchase shares of any and all Funds whose Prospectuses
provide therefor. By executing this Agreement, each of the parties hereto
agrees to be bound by all terms, conditions, rights and obligations set
forth in the forms of agreement annexed hereto and further agrees that
such forms of agreement supersede any and all prior service agreements
or other similar agreements between the parties hereto relating to any
Fund or Funds. It is recognized that certain parties may not be permitted
to collect distribution fees under the Form of Distribution Plan Agreement
annexed hereto, and if we are such a party, we will not collect such fees.
16. By completing the Expedited Redemption Information Form annexed
hereto as Appendix D, we agree that you, each Fund with respect to which
you permit us to exercise an expedited redemption privilege, the transfer
agent of each such Fund, and your and their respective officers, directors
or trustees or managing general partners, agents, employees and affiliates
shall not be liable for and shall be fully indemnified and held harmless by
us from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of
or in connection with any expedited redemption payments made in reliance
upon the information set forth in such Appendix D.
17. Neither this Agreement nor the performance of the services of the
respective parties hereunder shall be considered to constitute an
exclusive arrangement, or to create a partnership, association or joint
venture between you and us. Neither party hereto shall be, act as, or
represent itself as, the agent or representative of the other, nor shall
either party have the right or authority to assume, create or incur any
liability or any obligation of any kind, express or implied, against or in the
name of, or on behalf of, the other party. This Agreement is not intended
to, and shall not, create any rights against either party hereto by any third
party solely on account of this Agreement. Neither party hereto shall use
the name of the other party in any manner without the other party's prior
written consent, except as required by any applicable federal or state law,
rule, regulation, requirement or condition, and except pursuant to any
promotional programs mutually agreed upon in writing by the parties
hereto.
18. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all notices
required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be
given in writing and delivered by personal delivery or by postage prepaid,
registered or certified United States first class mail, return receipt
requested, or by telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day
delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided herein). Unless
otherwise notified in writing, all notices to you shall be given or sent to
you at your offices located at One Exchange Place, Tenth Floor, Boston, MA
02109, Attention: President (with a copy to the same address, Attention:
General Counsel), and all notices to us shall be given or sent to us at our
address shown below.
19. This Agreement shall become effective only when accepted and
signed by you, and may be terminated at any time by either party hereto
upon 15 days' prior written notice to the other party. This Agreement,
including the Appendices hereto, may be amended by you upon 15 days'
prior written notice to us, and such amendment shall be deemed accepted
by us upon the placement of any order for the purchase of Fund shares or
the acceptance of a fee payable under this Agreement, including the
Appendices hereto, after the effective date of any such amendment. This
Agreement may not be assigned by us without your prior written consent.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes any and all prior agreements between the parties hereto
relating to the subject matter hereof.
20. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to
principles of conflicts of laws.
Very truly yours,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank Name (Please Print or Type)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address
Date: --------------------------------- By:----------------------------------
Authorized Signature
NOTE: Please sign and return both copies of this Agreement to Premier
Mutual Fund Services, Inc. Upon acceptance one countersigned copy will be
returned to you for your files.
Accepted:
PREMIER MUTUAL FUND SERVICES, INC.
Date: --------------------------------- By:----------------------------------
Authorized Signature
APPENDIX C
TO BANK AFFILIATED BROKER-DEALER AGREEMENT
FORM OF DISTRIBUTION PLAN AGREEMENT
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
One Exchange Place
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Gentlemen:
We wish to enter into an Agreement with you with respect to our
providing distribution assistance relating to shares of certain mutual
fund(s) managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or
its subsidiaries or affiliates (hereinafter referred to individually as the
"Fund" and collectively as the "Funds"). You are the principal underwriter
as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"),
and the exclusive agent for the continuous distribution of shares of the
Funds.
The terms and conditions of this Agreement are as follows:
1. We agree to provide distribution assistance in connection with the
sale of shares of the Funds. In this regard, if we are a subsidiary or
affiliate of a federally chartered and supervised bank or other banking
organization, you recognize that we may be subject to the provisions of
the Glass-Steagall Act and other laws, rules, regulations or requirements
governing, among other things, the conduct of our activities. As such, we
are restricted in the activities we may undertake and for which we may be
paid and, therefore, intend to perform only those activities as are
consistent with our statutory and regulatory obligations. We represent and
warrant to, and agree with you, that the compensation payable to us
hereunder, together with any other compensation payable to us by clients
in connection with the investment of their assets in shares of the Funds,
will be properly disclosed by us to our clients.
2. We shall provide such office space and equipment, telephone
facilities and personnel (which may be all or any part of the space,
equipment and facilities currently used in our business, or all or any
personnel employed by us) as is necessary or beneficial for providing
services hereunder. We shall transmit promptly to clients all
communications sent to us for transmittal to clients by or on behalf of
you, any Fund, or any Fund's investment adviser, custodian or transfer or
dividend disbursing agent.
3. We agree that neither we nor any of our employees or agents are
authorized to make any representation concerning shares of any Fund,
except those contained in the then current Prospectus for such Fund,
copies of which will be supplied by you to us in reasonable quantities upon
request. If we are a subsidiary or an affiliate of a federally supervised
bank or thrift institution, we agree that in providing services hereunder
we shall at all times act in compliance with the Interagency Statement on
Retail Sales of Nondeposit Investment Products issued by The Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Office
of Thrift Supervision (February 15, 1994) or any successor interagency
requirements as in force at the time such services are provided. We shall
have no authority to act as agent for the Funds or for you.
4. You reserve the right, at your discretion and without notice, to
suspend the sale of shares or withdraw the sale of shares of any or all of
the Funds.
5. We acknowledge that this Agreement shall become effective for a
Fund only when approved by vote of a majority of (i) the Fund's Board of
Directors or Trustees or Managing General Partners, as the case may be
(collectively "Directors," individually "Director"), and (ii) Directors who
are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and have no
direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
6. This Agreement shall continue until the last day of the calendar year
next following the date of execution, and thereafter shall continue
automatically for successive annual periods ending on the last day of each
calendar year. Such continuance must be approved specifically at least
annually by a vote of a majority of (i) the Fund's Board of Directors and
(ii) Directors who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of
the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in this
Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. This Agreement is terminable without penalty, at
any time, by a majority of the Fund's Directors who are not "interested
persons" (as defined in the Act) and have no direct or indirect financial
interest in this Agreement or, upon not more than 60 days' written notice,
by vote of holders of a majority of the Fund's shares. This Agreement is
terminable without penalty upon 15 days' notice by either party. In
addition, you may terminate this Agreement as to any or all Funds
immediately, without penalty, if the present investment adviser of such
Fund(s) ceases to serve the Fund(s) in such capacity, or if you cease to act
as distributor of such Fund(s). Notwithstanding anything contained herein,
if we fail to perform the distribution functions contemplated herein by
you as to any or all of the Funds, this Agreement shall be terminable
effective upon receipt of notice thereof by us. This Agreement also shall
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the
Act).
7. In consideration of the services and facilities described herein, we
shall be entitled to receive from you, and you agree to pay to us, the fees
described as payable to us in each Fund's Distribution Plan adopted
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, and Prospectus and related
Statement of Additional Information. We understand that any payments
pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid only so long as this Agreement
and such Plan are in effect. We agree that no Director, officer or
shareholder of the Fund shall be liable individually for the performance of
the obligations hereunder or for any such payments.
8. We agree to provide to you and each applicable Fund such information
relating to our services hereunder as may be required to be maintained by
you and/or such Fund under applicable federal or state laws, and the rules,
regulations, requirements or conditions of applicable regulatory and self-
regulatory agencies or authorities.
9. This Agreement shall not constitute either party the legal
representative of the other, nor shall either party have the right or
authority to assume, create or incur any liability or any obligation of any
kind, express or implied, against or in the name of or on behalf of the
other party.
10. All notices required or permitted to be given pursuant to this
Agreement shall be given in writing and delivered by personal delivery or
by postage prepaid, registered or certified United States first class mail,
return receipt requested, or by telecopier, telex, telegram or similar
means of same day delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided
herein). Unless otherwise notified in writing, all notices to you shall be
given or sent to you at One Exchange Place, Tenth Floor, Boston, MA 02109,
Attention: President (with a copy to the same address, Attention: General
Counsel), and all notices to us shall be given or sent to us at our address
which shall be furnished to you in writing on or before the effective date
of this Agreement.
11. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the internal
laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of
conflict of laws.
BROKER-DEALER AGREEMENT
(FULLY DISCLOSED BASIS)
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
One Exchange Place
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Gentlemen:
We desire to enter into an Agreement with you for the sale of shares of
beneficial interest or common stock of open-end registered investment
companies managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation
or its subsidiaries or affiliates (hereinafter referred to individually as a
"Fund" and collectively as the "Funds"), for which you are the principal
underwriter, as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, and for which you are the exclusive agent for the
continuous distribution of shares pursuant to the terms of a Distribution
Agreement between you and each Fund. Unless the context otherwise
requires, as used herein the term "Prospectus" shall mean the prospectus
and related statement of additional information (the "Statement of
Additional Information") incorporated therein by reference (as amended or
supplemented) of each of the respective Funds included in the then
currently effective registration statement (or post-effective amendment
thereto) of each such Fund, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Registration Statement").
In consideration for the mutual covenants contained herein, it is hereby
agreed that our respective rights and obligations shall be as follows:
1. In all sales of Fund shares to the public, we shall act as dealer for
our own account and in no transaction shall we have any authority to act
as agent for any Fund, for you or for any other dealer.
2. All orders for the purchase of any Fund shares shall be executed at
the then current public offering price per share (i.e., the net asset value
per share plus the applicable sales charge, if any) and all orders for the
redemption of any Fund shares shall be executed at the net asset value per
share, less the applicable deferred sales charge, redemption fee, or
similar charge or fee, if any, in each case as described in the Prospectus
of such Fund. The minimum initial purchase order and minimum subsequent
purchase order shall be as set forth in the Prospectus of such Fund. All
orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by you at your sole
discretion. Unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing, each transaction
shall be promptly confirmed in writing directly to the customer on a fully
disclosed basis and a copy of each confirmation shall be sent
simultaneously to us. You reserve the right, at your discretion and without
notice, to suspend the sale of shares or withdraw entirely the sale of
shares of any or all of the Funds.
3. In ordering shares of any Fund, we shall rely solely and conclusively
on the representations contained in the Prospectus of such Fund. We agree
that we shall not offer or sell shares of any Fund except in compliance
with all applicable federal and state securities laws, and the rules,
regulations, requirements and conditions of all applicable regulatory and
self-regulatory agencies or authorities. In connection with offers to sell
and sales of shares of each Fund, we agree to deliver or cause to be
delivered to each person to whom any such offer or sale is made, at or
prior to the time of such offer or sale, a copy of the Prospectus and, upon
request, the Statement of Additional Information of such Fund. We further
agree to obtain from each customer to whom we sell Fund shares any
taxpayer identification number certification and such other information
as may be required from time to time under the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the regulations promulgated
thereunder, and to provide you or your designee with timely written notice
of any failure to obtain such taxpayer identification number certification
or other information in order to enable the implementation of any required
withholding. We will be responsible for the proper instruction and training
of all sales personnel employed by us. Unless otherwise mutually agreed
in writing, you shall deliver or cause to be delivered to each of the
customers who purchases shares of any of the Funds from or through us
pursuant to this Agreement copies of all annual and interim reports, proxy
solicitation materials and any other information and materials relating to
such Funds and prepared by or on behalf of you, the Fund or its investment
adviser, custodian, transfer agent or dividend disbursing agent for
distribution to each such customer. You agree to supply us with copies of
the Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, annual reports,
interim reports, proxy solicitation materials and any such other
information and materials relating to each Fund in reasonable quantities
upon request.
4. We shall not make any representations concerning any Fund shares
other than those contained in the Prospectus of such Fund or in any
promotional materials or sales literature furnished to us by you or the
Fund. We shall not furnish or cause to be furnished to any person or display
or publish any information or materials relating to any Fund (including,
without limitation, promotional materials and sales literature,
advertisements, press releases, announcements, statements, posters,
signs or other similar materials), except such information and materials
as may be furnished to us by you or the Fund, and such other information
and materials as may be approved in writing by you.
5. In determining the amount of any dealer reallowance payable to us
hereunder, you reserve the right to exclude any sales which you reasonably
determine are not made in accordance with the terms of the applicable
Fund Prospectuses or the provisions of this Agreement.
6. (a) In the case of any Fund shares sold with a sales charge,
customers may be entitled to a reduction in the sales charge on purchases
made under a letter of intent ("Letter of Intent") in accordance with the
Fund Prospectus. In such a case, our dealer reallowance will be paid based
upon the reduced sales charge, but an adjustment to the dealer
reallowance will be made in accordance with the Prospectus of the
applicable Fund to reflect actual purchases of the customer if such
customer's Letter of Intent is not fulfilled. The sales charge and/or dealer
reallowance may be changed at any time in your sole discretion upon
written notice to us.
(b) Subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus of
each Fund sold with a sales charge, a reduced sales charge may be
applicable with respect to customer accounts through a right of
accumulation under which customers are permitted to purchase shares of
a Fund at the then current public offering price per share applicable to the
total of (i) the dollar amount of shares then being purchased plus (ii) an
amount equal to the then current net asset value or public offering price
originally paid per share, whichever is higher, of the customer's combined
holdings of the shares of such Fund and of any other open-end registered
investment company as may be permitted by the applicable Fund
Prospectus. In such case, we agree to furnish to you or the transfer agent,
as such term is defined in the Prospectus of each Fund (the "Transfer
Agent"), sufficient information to permit your confirmation of
qualification for a reduced sales charge, and acceptance of the purchase
order is subject to such confirmation.
(c) With respect to Fund shares sold with a sales charge, we agree to
advise you promptly at your request as to amounts of any and all sales by
us to the public qualifying for a reduced sales charge.
(d) Exchanges (i.e., the investment of the proceeds from the
liquidation of shares of one open-end registered investment company
managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or its
subsidiaries or affiliates in the shares of another open-end registered
investment company managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus
Corporation or its subsidiaries or affiliates) shall, where available, be
made subject to and in accordance with the terms of each relevant Fund's
Prospectus.
(e) Unless at the time of transmitting an order we advise you or the
Transfer Agent to the contrary, the shares ordered will be deemed to be
the total holdings of the specified customer.
7. Subject to and in accordance with the terms of each Fund Prospectus
and Service Plan, Shareholder Services Plan, Distribution Plan or similar
plan, if any, we understand that you may pay to certain financial
institutions, securities dealers and other industry professionals with
which you have entered into an agreement in substantially the form
annexed hereto as Appendix A, B or C (or such other form as may be
approved from time to time by the board of directors, trustees or
managing general partners of the Fund) such fees as may be determined by
you in accordance with such agreement for shareholder, administrative or
distribution-related services as described therein.
8. The procedures relating to all orders and the handling thereof will
be subject to the terms of the Prospectus of each Fund and your written
instructions to us from time to time. No conditional orders will be
accepted. We agree to place orders with you immediately for the same
number of shares and at the same price as any orders we receive from our
customers. We shall not withhold placing orders received from customers
so as to profit ourselves as a result of such withholding by a change in the
net asset value from that used in determining the offering price to such
customers, or otherwise. We agree that: (a) we shall not effect any
transactions (including, without limitation, any purchases, exchanges and
redemptions) in any Fund shares registered in the name of, or beneficially
owned by, any customer unless such customer has granted us full right,
power and authority to effect such transactions on such customer's
behalf, and (b) you, each Fund, the Transfer Agent and your and their
respective officers, directors, trustees, managing general partners,
agents, employees and affiliates shall not be liable for, and shall be fully
indemnified and held harmless by us from and against, any and all claims,
demands, liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation,
reasonable attorneys' fees) which may be incurred by you or any of the
foregoing persons entitled to indemnification from us hereunder arising
out of or in connection with the execution of any transactions in Fund
shares registered in the name of, or beneficially owned by, any customer
in reliance upon any oral or written instructions reasonably believed to be
genuine and to have been given by or on behalf of us.
9. (a) We agree to pay for purchase orders for Fund shares placed by us
in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus of the applicable Fund. On
or before the settlement date of each purchase order for shares of any
Fund, we shall either (i) remit to an account designated by you with the
Transfer Agent an amount equal to the then current public offering price
of the shares of such Fund being purchased less our dealer reallowance, if
any, with respect to such purchase order as determined by you in
accordance with the terms of the applicable Fund Prospectus, or (ii) remit
to an account designated by you with the Transfer Agent an amount equal
to the then current public offering price of the shares of such Fund being
purchased without deduction for our dealer reallowance, if any, with
respect to such purchase order as determined by you in accordance with
the terms of the applicable Fund Prospectus, in which case our dealer
reallowance, if any, shall be payable to us on at least a monthly basis. If
payment for any purchase order is not received in accordance with the
terms of the applicable Fund Prospectus, you reserve the right, without
notice, to cancel the sale and to hold us responsible for any loss sustained
as a result thereof.
(b) If any shares sold to us under the terms of this Agreement are
sold with a sales charge and are redeemed for the account of the Fund or
are tendered for redemption within seven (7) business days after the date
of purchase: (i) we shall forthwith refund to you the full dealer
reallowance received by us on the sale; and (ii) you shall forthwith pay to
the Fund your portion of the sales charge on the sale which had been
retained by you and shall also pay to the Fund the amount refunded by us.
10. Certificates for shares sold to us hereunder shall only be issued in
accordance with the terms of each Fund's Prospectus upon our customer's
specific request and, upon such request, shall be promptly delivered to us
by the Transfer Agent unless other arrangements are made by us.
However, in making delivery of such share certificates to us, the Transfer
Agent shall have adequate time to clear any checks drawn for the payment
of Fund shares.
11. Each party hereby represents and warrants to the other party that:
(a) it is a corporation, partnership or other entity duly organized and
validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in
which it was organized; (b) it is duly registered as a broker-dealer with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and, to the extent required, with
applicable state agencies or authorities having jurisdiction over
securities matters, and it is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"); (c) it will comply with all applicable
federal and state laws, and the rules, regulations, requirements and
conditions of all applicable regulatory and self-regulatory agencies or
authorities in the performance of its duties and responsibilities
hereunder; (d) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
performance of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary action, and all other authorizations and
approvals (if any) required for its lawful execution and delivery of this
Agreement and its performance hereunder have been obtained; and (e) upon
execution and delivery by it, and assuming due and valid execution and
delivery by the other party, this Agreement will constitute a valid and
binding agreement, enforceable in accordance with its terms. Each party
agrees to provide the other party with such information and access to
appropriate records as may be reasonably required to verify its
compliance with the provisions of this Agreement.
12. You agree to inform us, upon our request, as to the states in which
you believe the shares of the Funds have been qualified for sale under, or
are exempt from the requirements of, the respective securities laws of
such states, but you shall have no obligation or responsibility as to our
right to sell shares in any jurisdiction. We agree to notify you
immediately in the event of (a) our expulsion or suspension from the
NASD, or (b) our violation of any applicable federal or state law, rule,
regulation, requirement or condition arising out of or in connection with
this Agreement, or which may otherwise affect in any material way our
ability to act as a dealer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Our expulsion from the NASD will automatically terminate this Agreement
immediately without notice. Our suspension from the NASD for violation
of any applicable federal or state law, rule, regulation, requirement or
condition will terminate this Agreement effective immediately upon your
written notice of termination to us.
13. (a) You agree to indemnify, defend and hold us, our several officers
and directors, and any person who controls us within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless
from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or
liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which
we, our officers and directors, or any such controlling person, may incur
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under common law or
otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by you herein, or (ii) any
failure by you to perform your obligations as set forth herein, or (iii) any
untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact
contained in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus, or arising out
of or based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material
fact required to be stated in either any Registration Statement or any
Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in any thereof not
misleading; provided, however, that your agreement to indemnify us, our
officers and directors, and any such controlling person shall not be
deemed to cover any claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arising out
of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to you
or the Fund by us specifically for use in the preparation thereof. Your
agreement to indemnify us, our officers and directors, and any such
controlling person, as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon your being
notified of any action brought against our officers or directors, or any
such controlling person, such notification to be given by letter or by
telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day delivery received
by you at your address as specified in Paragraph 18 of this Agreement
within seven (7) days after the summons or other first legal process shall
have been served. The failure so to notify you of any such action shall not
relieve you from any liability which you may have to the person against
whom such action is brought by reason of any such breach, failure or
untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or alleged omission,
otherwise than on account of your indemnity agreement contained in this
Paragraph 13(a). You will be entitled to assume the defense of any suit
brought to enforce any such claim, demand, liability or expense. In the
event that you elect to assume the defense of any such suit and retain
counsel, the defendant or defendants in such suit shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them; but in case you
do not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, you will reimburse us,
our officers and directors, and any controlling persons named as
defendants in such suit, for the fees and expenses of any counsel retained
by us and/or them. Your indemnification agreement contained in this
Paragraph 13(a) shall remain operative and in full force and effect
regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any person entitled
to indemnification pursuant to this Paragraph 13(a), and shall survive the
delivery of any Fund shares and termination of this Agreement. This
agreement of indemnity will inure exclusively to the benefit of the
persons entitled to indemnification from you pursuant to this Agreement
and their respective estates, successors and assigns.
(b) We agree to indemnify, defend and hold you and your several
officers and directors, and each Fund and its several officers and
directors or trustees or managing general partners, and any person who
controls you and/or each Fund within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless from and against
any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost
of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any
counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which you and your several
officers and directors, or the Fund and its officers and directors or
trustees or managing general partners, or any such controlling person, may
incur under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under common law
or otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by us herein, or (ii) any failure
by us to perform our obligations as set forth herein, or (iii) any untrue, or
alleged untrue, statement of a material fact contained in the information
furnished in writing by us to you or any Fund specifically for use in such
Fund's Registration Statement or Prospectus, or used in the answers to
any of the items of the Registration Statement or in the corresponding
statements made in the Prospectus, or arising out of or based upon any
omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact in connection with
such information furnished in writing by us to you or the Fund and required
to be stated in such answers or necessary to make such information not
misleading. Our agreement to indemnify you and your officers and
directors, and the Fund and its officers and directors or trustees or
managing general partners, and any such controlling person, as aforesaid,
is expressly conditioned upon our being notified of any action brought
against any person or entity entitled to indemnification hereunder, such
notification to be given by letter or by telecopier, telex, telegram or
similar means of same day delivery received by us at our address as
specified in Paragraph 18 of this Agreement within seven (7) days after
the summons or other first legal process shall have been served. The
failure so to notify us of any such action shall not relieve us from any
liability which we may have to you or your officers and directors, or to
the Fund or its officers and directors or trustees or managing general
partners, or to any such controlling person, by reason or any such breach,
failure or untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or alleged
omission, otherwise than on account of our indemnity agreement contained
in this Paragraph 13(b). We shall be entitled to assume the defense of any
suit brought to enforce any such claim, demand, liability or expense. In the
event that we elect to assume the defense of any such suit and retain
counsel, the defendant or defendants in such suit shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them; but in case we
do not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, we will reimburse you
and your officers and directors, and the Fund and its officers and directors
or trustees or managing general partners, and any controlling persons
named as defendants in such suit, for the fees and expenses of any counsel
retained by you and/or them. Our indemnification agreements contained in
Paragraph 8 above, Paragraph 16 below and this Paragraph 13(b) shall
remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of any person entitled to
indemnification pursuant to Paragraph 8 above, Paragraph 16 below or this
Paragraph 13(b), and shall survive the delivery of any Fund shares and
termination of this Agreement. Such agreements of indemnity will inure
exclusively to the benefit of the persons entitled to indemnification
hereunder and their respective estates, successors and assigns.
14. The names and addresses and other information concerning our
customers are and shall remain our sole property, and neither you nor your
affiliates shall use such names, addresses or other information for any
purpose except in connection with the performance of your duties and
responsibilities hereunder and except for servicing and informational
mailings relating to the Funds. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this
Paragraph 14 shall not prohibit you or any of your affiliates from utilizing
for any purpose the names, addresses or other information concerning any
of our customers if such names, addresses or other information are
obtained in any manner other than from us pursuant to this Agreement. The
provisions of this Paragraph 14 shall survive the termination of this
Agreement.
15. We agree to serve as a service agent or to provide distribution
assistance, in accordance with the terms of the Form of Service
Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix A, Form of Shareholder Services
Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix B, and/or Form of Distribution Plan
Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix C, as applicable, for all of our
customers who purchase shares of any and all Funds whose Prospectuses
provide therefor. By executing this Agreement, each of the parties hereto
agrees to be bound by all terms, conditions, rights and obligations set
forth in the forms of agreement annexed hereto and further agrees that
such forms of agreement supersede any and all prior service agreements
or other similar agreements between the parties hereto relating to any
Fund or Funds. It is recognized that certain parties may not be permitted
to collect distribution fees under the Form of Distribution Plan Agreement
annexed hereto, and if we are such a party, we will not collect such fees.
16. By completing the Expedited Redemption Information Form annexed
hereto as Appendix D, we agree that you, each Fund with respect to which
you permit us to exercise an expedited redemption privilege, the Transfer
Agent of each such Fund, and your and their respective officers, directors
or trustees or managing general partners, agents, employees and affiliates
shall not be liable for and shall be fully indemnified and held harmless by
us from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of
or in connection with any expedited redemption payments made in reliance
upon the information set forth in such Appendix D.
17. Neither this Agreement nor the performance of the services of the
respective parties hereunder shall be considered to constitute an
exclusive arrangement, or to create a partnership, association or joint
venture between you and us. Neither party hereto shall be, act as, or
represent itself as, the agent or representative of the other, nor shall
either party have the right or authority to assume, create or incur any
liability or any obligation of any kind, express or implied, against or in the
name of, or on behalf of, the other party. This Agreement is not intended
to, and shall not, create any rights against either party hereto by any third
party solely on account of this Agreement. Neither party hereto shall use
the name of the other party in any manner without the other party's prior
written consent, except as required by any applicable federal or state law,
rule, regulation, requirement or condition, and except pursuant to any
promotional programs mutually agreed upon in writing by the parties
hereto.
18. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all notices
required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be
given in writing and delivered by personal delivery or by postage prepaid,
registered or certified United States first class mail, return receipt
requested, or by telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day
delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided herein). Unless
otherwise notified in writing, all notices to you shall be given or sent to
you at your offices, located at One Exchange Place, Tenth Floor, Boston, MA
02109, Attn: President (with a copy to the same address, Attention:
General Counsel), and all notices to us shall be given or sent to us at our
address shown below.
19. This Agreement shall become effective only when accepted and
signed by you, and may be terminated at any time by either party hereto
upon 15 days' prior written notice to the other party. This Agreement,
including the Appendices hereto, may be amended by you upon 15 days'
prior written notice to us, and such amendment shall be deemed accepted
by us upon the placement of any order for the purchase of Fund shares or
the acceptance of a fee payable under this Agreement, including the
Appendices hereto, after the effective date of any such amendment. This
Agreement may not be assigned by us without your prior written consent.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes any and all prior agreements between the parties hereto
relating to the subject matter hereof.
20. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to
principles of conflicts of laws.
Very truly yours,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Broker or Dealer (Please Print
or Type)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address
Date: --------------------------------- By:----------------------------------
Authorized Signature
NOTE: Please sign and return both copies of this Agreement to Premier
Mutual Fund Services, Inc. Upon acceptance one countersigned copy will be
returned to you for your files.
Accepted:
PREMIER MUTUAL FUND SERVICES, INC.
Date: --------------------------------- By:----------------------------------
Authorized Signature
APPENDIX C
TO BROKER-DEALER AGREEMENT
FORM OF DISTRIBUTION PLAN AGREEMENT
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
One Exchange Place
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Gentlemen:
We wish to enter into an Agreement with you with respect to our
providing distribution assistance relating to shares of certain mutual
fund(s) managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or
its subsidiaries or affiliates (hereinafter referred to individually as the
"Fund" and collectively as the "Funds"). You are the principal underwriter
as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"),
and the exclusive agent for the continuous distribution of shares of the
Funds.
The terms and conditions of this Agreement are as follows:
1. We agree to provide distribution assistance in connection with the
sale of shares of the Funds. We represent and warrant to, and agree with
you, that the compensation payable to us hereunder, together with any
other compensation payable to us by clients in connection with the
investment of their assets in shares of the Funds, will be properly
disclosed by us to our clients.
2. We shall provide such office space and equipment, telephone
facilities and personnel (which may be all or any part of the space,
equipment and facilities currently used in our business, or all or any
personnel employed by us) as is necessary or beneficial for providing
services hereunder. We shall transmit promptly to clients all
communications sent to us for transmittal to clients by or on behalf of
you, any Fund, or any Fund's investment adviser, custodian or transfer or
dividend disbursing agent.
3. We agree that neither we nor any of our employees or agents are
authorized to make any representation concerning shares of any Fund,
except those contained in the then current Prospectus for such Fund,
copies of which will be supplied by you to us in reasonable quantities upon
request. We shall have no authority to act as agent for the Funds or for
you.
4. You reserve the right, at your discretion and without notice, to
suspend the sale of shares or withdraw the sale of shares of any or all of
the Funds.
5. We acknowledge that this Agreement shall become effective for a
Fund only when approved by vote of a majority of (i) the Fund's Board of
Directors or Trustees or Managing General Partners, as the case may be
(collectively "Directors," individually "Director"), and (ii) Directors who
are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and have no
direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
6. This Agreement shall continue until the last day of the calendar year
next following the date of execution, and thereafter shall continue
automatically for successive annual periods ending on the last day of each
calendar year. Such continuance must be approved specifically at least
annually by a vote of a majority of (i) the Fund's Board of Directors and
(ii) Directors who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of
the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in this
Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. This Agreement is terminable without penalty, at
any time, by a majority of the Fund's Directors who are not "interested
persons" (as defined in the Act) and have no direct or indirect financial
interest in this Agreement, or upon not more than 60 days' written notice,
by vote of holders of a majority of the Fund's shares. This Agreement is
terminable without penalty upon 15 days' notice by either party. In
addition, you may terminate this Agreement as to any or all Funds
immediately, without penalty, if the present investment adviser of such
Fund(s) ceases to serve the Fund(s) in such capacity, or if you cease to act
as distributor of such Fund(s). Notwithstanding anything contained herein,
if we fail to perform the distribution functions contemplated herein by
you as to any or all of the Funds, this Agreement shall be terminable
effective upon receipt of notice thereof by us. This Agreement also shall
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the
Act).
7. In consideration of the services and facilities described herein, we
shall be entitled to receive from you, and you agree to pay to us, the fees
described as payable to us in each Fund's Distribution Plan adopted
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, and Prospectus and related
Statement of Additional Information. We understand that any payments
pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid only so long as this Agreement
and such Plan are in effect. We agree that no Director, officer or
shareholder of the Fund shall be liable individually for the performance of
the obligations hereunder or for any such payments.
8. We agree to provide to you and each applicable Fund such information
relating to our services hereunder as may be required to be maintained by
you and/or such Fund under applicable federal or state laws, and the rules,
regulations, requirements or conditions of applicable regulatory and self-
regulatory agencies or authorities.
9. This Agreement shall not constitute either party the legal
representative of the other, nor shall either party have the right or
authority to assume, create or incur any liability or any obligation of any
kind, express or implied, against or in the name of or on behalf of the
other party.
10. All notices required or permitted to be given pursuant to this
Agreement shall be given in writing and delivered by personal delivery or
by postage prepaid, registered or certified United States first class mail,
return receipt requested, or by telecopier, telex, telegram or similar
means of same day delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided
herein). Unless otherwise notified in writing, all notices to you shall be
given or sent to you at One Exchange Place, Tenth Floor, Boston, MA 02109,
Attention: President (with a copy to the same address, Attention: General
Counsel), and all notices to us shall be given or sent to us at our address
which shall be furnished to you in writing on or before the effective date
of this Agreement.
11. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the internal
laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of
conflict of laws.
BANK AGREEMENT
(Fully Disclosed Basis)
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
One Exchange Place
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Gentlemen:
We are a "bank" (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") ). We
desire to make available to our customers shares of beneficial interest or
common stock of open-end registered investment companies managed,
advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or its subsidiaries or
affiliates (hereinafter referred to individually as a "Fund" and collectively
as the "Funds"). You are the principal underwriter (as such term is defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the offering of
shares of the Funds and the exclusive agent for the continuous distribution
of such shares pursuant to the terms of a Distribution Agreement between
you and each Fund. Unless the context otherwise requires, as used herein
the term "Prospectus" shall mean the prospectus and related statement of
additional information ("Statement of Additional Information")
incorporated therein by reference (as amended and supplemented) of each
of the respective Funds included in the then currently effective
registration statement (or post-effective amendment thereto) of each
such Fund, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant
to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Registration Statement").
In consideration for the mutual covenants contained herein, it is hereby
agreed that our respective rights and obligations shall be as follows:
1. With respect to any and all transactions in the shares of any Fund
pursuant to this Agreement, it is understood and agreed in each case that:
(a) we shall be acting solely as agent for the account of our customer; (b)
each transaction shall be initiated solely upon the order of our customer;
(c) you shall execute transactions only upon receiving instructions from
us acting as agent for our customer; (d) as between us and our customer,
our customer will have full beneficial ownership of all Fund shares; and
(e) each transaction shall be for the account of our customer and not for
our account. Each transaction shall be without recourse to us provided
that we act in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. We represent
and warrant to you that we will have full right, power and authority to
effect transactions (including, without limitation, any purchases,
exchanges and redemptions) in Fund shares on behalf of all customer
accounts provided by us to you or to any transfer agent as such term is
defined in the Prospectus of each Fund (the "Transfer Agent").
2. All orders for the purchase of any Fund shares shall be executed at
the then current public offering price per share (i.e., the net asset value
per share plus the applicable sales charge, if any) and all orders for the
redemption of any Fund shares shall be executed at the net asset value per
share less the applicable deferred sales charge, redemption fee or similar
charge or fee, if any, in each case as described in the Prospectus of such
Fund. The minimum initial purchase order and minimum subsequent
purchase order shall be as set forth in the Prospectus of such Fund. All
orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by you at your sole
discretion. Unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing, each transaction
shall be promptly confirmed in writing directly to the customer on a fully
disclosed basis and a copy of each confirmation shall be sent
simultaneously to us. You reserve the right, at your discretion and without
notice, to suspend the sale of shares or withdraw entirely the sale of
shares of any or all of the Funds.
3. In ordering shares of any Fund, we shall rely solely and conclusively
on the representations contained in the Prospectus of such Fund. We agree
that we shall not make shares of any Fund available to our customers
except in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, and the
rules, regulations and requirements of applicable regulatory agencies or
authorities. We agree that we shall not purchase any Fund shares, as agent
for any customer, unless we deliver or cause to be delivered to such
customer, at or prior to the time of such purchase, a copy of the
Prospectus of such Fund, or unless such customer has acknowledged
receipt of the Prospectus of such Fund. We further agree to obtain from
each customer for whom we act as agent for the purchase of Fund shares
any taxpayer identification number certification and such other
information as may be required from time to time under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the regulations
promulgated thereunder, and to provide you or your designee with timely
written notice of any failure to obtain such taxpayer identification
number certification or other information in order to enable the
implementation of any required withholding. We will be responsible for
the proper instruction and training of all sales personnel employed by us.
Unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing, you shall deliver or cause to
be delivered to each of the customers who purchases shares of any of the
Funds through us pursuant to this Agreement copies of all annual and
interim reports, proxy solicitation materials and any other information
and materials relating to such Funds and prepared by or on behalf of you,
the Fund or its investment adviser, custodian, Transfer Agent or dividend
disbursing agent for distribution to each such customer. You agree to
supply us with copies of the Prospectus, Statement of Additional
Information, annual reports, interim reports, proxy solicitation materials
and any such other information and materials relating to each Fund in
reasonable quantities upon request.
4. We shall not make any representations concerning any Fund shares
other than those contained in the Prospectus of such Fund or in any
promotional materials or sales literature furnished to us by you or the
Fund. We shall not furnish or cause to be furnished to any person or display
or publish any information or materials relating to any Fund (including,
without limitation, promotional materials and sales literature,
advertisements, press releases, announcements, statements, posters,
signs or other similar materials), except such information and materials
as may be furnished to us by you or the Fund, and such other information
and materials as may be approved in writing by you. In making Fund shares
available to our customers hereunder, or in providing investment advice
regarding such shares to our customers, we shall at all times act in
compliance with the Interagency Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit
Investment Products issued by The Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of
the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Office of Thrift Supervision
(February 15, 1994) or any successor interagency requirements as in force
at the time such services are provided.
5. In determining the amount of any reallowance payable to us
hereunder, you reserve the right to exclude any sales which you reasonably
determine are not made in accordance with the terms of the applicable
Fund Prospectuses or the provisions of this Agreement.
6. (a) In the case of any Fund shares sold with a sales charge,
customers may be entitled to a reduction in sales charge on purchases
made under a letter of intent ("Letter of Intent") in accordance with the
Fund Prospectus. In such case, our reallowance will be paid based upon the
reduced sales charge, but an adjustment will be made as described in the
Prospectus of the applicable Fund to reflect actual purchases of the
customer if he should fail to fulfill his Letter of Intent. The sales charge
and/or reallowance may be changed at any time in your sole discretion
upon written notice to us.
(b) Subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus of
each Fund sold with a sales charge, a reduced sales charge may be
applicable with respect to customer accounts through a right of
accumulation under which customers are permitted to purchase shares of
a Fund at the then current public offering price per share applicable to the
total of (i) the dollar amount of shares then being purchased plus (ii) an
amount equal to the then current net asset value or public offering price
originally paid per share, whichever is higher, of the customer's combined
holdings of the shares of such Fund and of any other open-end registered
investment company as may be permitted by the applicable Fund
Prospectus. In such case, we agree to furnish to you or the Transfer Agent
sufficient information to permit your confirmation of qualification for a
reduced sales charge, and acceptance of the purchase order is subject to
such confirmation.
(c) With respect to Fund shares sold with a sales charge, we agree to
advise you promptly at your request as to amounts of any and all
purchases of Fund shares made by us, as agent for our customers,
qualifying for a reduced sales charge.
(d) Exchanges (i.e., the investment of the proceeds from the
liquidation of shares of one open-end registered investment company
managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or its
subsidiaries or affiliates in the shares of another open-end registered
investment company managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus
Corporation or its subsidiaries or affiliates) shall, where available, be
made subject to and in accordance with the terms of each Fund's
Prospectus.
(e) Unless at the time of transmitting an order we advise you to the
contrary, the shares ordered will be deemed to be the total holdings of the
specified customer.
7. Subject to and in accordance with the terms of each Fund Prospectus
and Service Plan, Shareholder Services Plan, Distribution Plan or other
similar plan, if any, we understand that you may pay to certain financial
institutions, securities dealers and other industry professionals with
which you have entered into an agreement in substantially the form
annexed hereto as Appendix A, B, or C (or such other form as may be
approved from time to time by the board of directors or trustees or
managing general partners of the Fund) such fees as may be determined by
you in accordance with such agreement for shareholder, administrative or
distribution-related services as described therein.
8. The procedures relating to all orders and the handling thereof will
be subject to the terms of the Prospectus of each Fund and your written
instructions to us from time to time. No conditional orders will be
accepted. We agree to place orders with you immediately for the same
number of shares and at the same price as any orders we receive from our
customers. We shall not withhold placing orders received from customers
so as to profit ourselves as a result of such withholding by a change in the
net asset value from that used in determining the offering price to such
customers, or otherwise; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not
prevent the purchase of shares of any Fund by us for our own bona fide
investment. We agree that: (a) we shall not effect any transactions
(including, without limitation, any purchases, exchanges and redemptions)
in any Fund shares registered in the name of, or beneficially owned by, any
customer unless such customer has granted us full right, power and
authority to effect such transactions on such customer's behalf, and (b)
you, each Fund, the Transfer Agent and your and their respective officers,
directors, trustees, managing general partners, agents, employees and
affiliates shall not be liable for, and shall be fully indemnified and held
harmless by us from and against, any and all claims, demands, liabilities
and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees)
which may be incurred by you or any of the foregoing persons entitled to
indemnification from us hereunder arising out of or in connection with the
execution of any transactions in Fund shares registered in the name of, or
beneficially owned by, any customer in reliance upon any oral or written
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine and to have been given by or
on behalf of us.
9. (a) We agree to pay for purchase orders of any Fund shares placed by
us in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus of the applicable Fund.
On or before the settlement date of each purchase order for shares of any
Fund, we shall either (i) remit to an account designated by you with the
Transfer Agent an amount equal to the then current public offering price
of the shares of such Fund being purchased less our reallowance, if any,
with respect to such purchase order as determined by you in accordance
with the terms of the applicable Fund Prospectus, or (ii) remit to an
account designated by you with the Transfer Agent an amount equal to the
then current public offering price of the shares of such Fund being
purchased without deduction for our reallowance, if any, with respect to
such purchase order as determined by you in accordance with the terms of
the applicable Fund Prospectus, in which case our reallowance, if any,
shall be payable to us by you on at least a monthly basis. If payment for
any purchase order is not received in accordance with the terms of the
applicable Fund Prospectus, you reserve the right, without notice, to
cancel the sale and to hold us responsible for any loss sustained as a
result thereof.
(b) If any shares sold to us as agent for our customers under the
terms of this Agreement are sold with a sales charge and are redeemed
for the account of the Fund or are tendered for redemption within seven
(7) days after the date of purchase: (i) we shall forthwith refund to you
the full reallowance received by us on the sale; and (ii) you shall
forthwith pay to the Fund your portion of the sales charge on the sale
which had been retained by you and shall also pay to the Fund the amount
refunded by us.
10. Certificates for shares sold to us as agent for our customers
hereunder shall only be issued in accordance with the terms of each Fund's
Prospectus upon our customers' specific request and, upon such request,
shall be promptly delivered to our customers by the Transfer Agent unless
other arrangements are made by us. However, in making delivery of such
share certificates to our customers, the Transfer Agent shall have
adequate time to clear any checks drawn for the payment of Fund shares.
11. We hereby represent and warrant to you that: (a) we are a "bank" as
such term is defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Exchange Act; (b) we are a
duly organized and validly existing "bank" in good standing under the laws
of the jurisdiction in which we were organized; (c) all authorizations (if
any) required for our lawful execution of this Agreement and our
performance hereunder have been obtained; and (d) upon execution and
delivery by us, and assuming due and valid execution and delivery by you,
this Agreement will constitute a valid and binding agreement, enforceable
against us in accordance with its terms. We agree to give written notice
to you promptly in the event that we shall cease to be a "bank" as such
term is defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Exchange Act. In such event, this
Agreement shall be automatically terminated upon such written notice.
12. You agree to inform us, upon our request, as to the states in which
you believe the shares of the Funds have been qualified for sale under, or
are exempt from the requirements of, the respective securities laws of
such states, but you shall have no obligation or responsibility as to our
right to make shares of any Funds available to our customers in any
jurisdiction. We agree to comply with all applicable federal and state
laws, rules, regulations and requirements relating to the performance of
our duties and responsibilities hereunder.
13. (a) You agree to indemnify, defend and hold us, our several officers
and directors, and any person who controls us within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless
from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or
liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which
we, our officers and directors, or any such controlling person, may incur
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under common law or
otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by you herein, or (ii) any
failure by you to perform your obligations as set forth herein, or (iii) any
untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact
contained in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus, or arising out
of or based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material
fact required to be stated in either any Registration Statement or any
Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in any thereof not
misleading; provided, however, that your agreement to indemnify us, our
officers and directors, and any such controlling person shall not be
deemed to cover any claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arising out
of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to you
or the Fund by us specifically for use in the preparation thereof. Your
agreement to indemnify us, our officers and directors, and any such
controlling person, as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon your being
notified of any action brought against our officers or directors, or any
such controlling person, such notification to be given by letter or by
telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day delivery received
by you at your address as specified in Paragraph 18 of this Agreement
within seven (7) days after the summons or other first legal process shall
have been served. The failure so to notify you of any such action shall not
relieve you from any liability which you may have to the person against
whom such action is brought by reason of any such breach, failure or
untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or alleged omission,
otherwise than on account of your indemnity agreement contained in this
Paragraph 13(a). You will be entitled to assume the defense of any suit
brought to enforce any such claim, demand, liability or expense. In the
event that you elect to assume the defense of any such suit and retain
counsel, the defendant or defendants in such suit shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by any of them; but in case you
do not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, you will reimburse us,
our officers and directors, or any controlling persons named as defendants
in such suit, for the fees and expenses of any counsel retained by us or
them. Your indemnification agreement contained in this Paragraph 13(a)
shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of any person entitled to
indemnification pursuant to this Paragraph 13(a), and shall survive the
delivery of any Fund shares and termination of this Agreement. This
agreement of indemnity will inure exclusively to the benefit of the
persons entitled to indemnification from you pursuant to this Agreement
and their respective estates, successors and assigns.
(b) We agree to indemnify, defend and hold you and your several
officers and directors, and each Fund and its several officers and
directors or trustees or managing general partners, and any person who
controls you and/or each Fund within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless from and against
any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost
of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any
counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which you and your several
officers and directors, or the Fund and its officers and directors or
trustees or managing general partners, or any such controlling person, may
incur under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under common law
or otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant made by us herein, or (ii) any failure
by us to perform our obligations as set forth herein, or (iii) any untrue, or
alleged untrue, statement of a material fact contained in the information
furnished in writing by us to you or any Fund specifically for use in such
Fund's Registration Statement or Prospectus, or used in the answers to
any of the items of the Registration Statement or in the corresponding
statements made in the Prospectus, or arising out of or based upon any
omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact in connection with
such information furnished in writing by us to you or the Fund and required
to be stated in such answers or necessary to make such information not
misleading. Our agreement to indemnify you and your officers and
directors, and the Fund and its officers and directors or trustees, and any
such controlling person, as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon our
being notified of any action brought against any person or entity entitled
to indemnification hereunder, such notification to be given by letter or by
telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day delivery received
by us at our address as specified in Paragraph 18 of this Agreement
within seven (7) days after the summons or other first legal process shall
have been served. The failure so to notify us of any such action shall not
relieve us from any liability which we may have to you or your officers
and directors, or the Fund or its officers and directors or trustees or
managing general partners, or to any such controlling person, by reason of
any such breach, failure or untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or
omission, or alleged omission, otherwise than on account of our indemnity
agreement contained in this Paragraph 13(b). Our indemnification
agreements contained in Paragraph 8 above, Paragraph 16 below and this
Paragraph 13(b) shall remain operative and in full force and effect
regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any person entitled
to indemnification pursuant to Paragraph 8 above, Paragraph 16 below or
this Paragraph 13(b), and shall survive the delivery of any Fund shares and
termination of this Agreement. Such agreements of indemnity will inure
exclusively to the benefit of the persons entitled to indemnification
hereunder and their respective estates, successors and assigns.
14. The names and addresses and other information concerning our
customers are and shall remain our sole property, and neither you nor your
affiliates shall use such names, addresses or other information for any
purpose except in connection with the performance of your duties and
responsibilities hereunder and except for servicing and informational
mailings relating to the Funds. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this
Paragraph 14 shall not prohibit you or any of your affiliates from utilizing
for any purpose the names, addresses or other information concerning any
of our customers if such names, addresses or other information are
obtained in any manner other than from us pursuant to this Agreement. The
provisions of this Paragraph 14 shall survive the termination of this
Agreement.
15. We agree to serve as a service agent, in accordance with the terms
of the Form of Service Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix A, Form of
Shareholder Services Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix B, and/or
Form of Distribution Plan Agreement annexed hereto as Appendix C, as
applicable, for all of our customers who purchase shares of any and all
Funds whose Prospectuses provide therefor. By executing this Agreement,
each of the parties hereto agrees to be bound by all terms, conditions,
rights and obligations set forth in the forms of agreements annexed hereto
and further agrees that such forms of agreement supersede any and all
prior service agreements or other similar agreements between the parties
hereto, relating to any Fund or Funds. It is recognized that certain parties
may not be permitted to collect distribution fees under the Form of
Distribution Plan Agreement annexed hereto, and if we are such a party,
we will not collect such fees.
16. By completing the Expedited Redemption Information Form annexed
hereto as Appendix D, we agree that you, each Fund with respect to which
you permit us to exercise an expedited redemption privilege, the Transfer
Agent of each such Fund, and your and their respective officers, directors
or trustees or managing general partners, agents, employees and affiliates
shall not be liable for and shall be fully indemnified and held harmless by
us from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of
or in connection with any expedited redemption payments made in reliance
upon the information set forth in such Appendix D.
17. Neither this Agreement nor the performance of the services of the
respective parties hereunder shall be considered to constitute an
exclusive arrangement, or to create a partnership, association or joint
venture between you and us. Neither party hereto shall be, act as, or
represent itself as, the agent or representative of the other, nor shall
either party have the right or authority to assume, create or incur any
liability or any obligation of any kind, express or implied, against or in the
name of, or on behalf of, the other party. This Agreement is not intended
to, and shall not, create any rights against either party hereto by any third
party solely on account of this Agreement. Neither party hereto shall use
the name of the other party in any manner without the other party's prior
written consent, except as required by any applicable federal or state law,
rule, regulation or requirement, and except pursuant to any promotional
programs mutually agreed upon in writing by the parties hereto.
18. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all notices
required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be
given in writing and delivered by personal delivery or by postage prepaid,
registered or certified United States first class mail, return receipt
requested, or by telecopier, telex, telegram or similar means of same day
delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided herein). Unless
otherwise notified in writing, all notices to you shall be given or sent to
you at your offices, located at One Exchange Place, Tenth Floor, Boston, MA
02109, Attn: President (with a copy to the same address, Attention:
General Counsel), and all notices to us shall be given or sent to us at our
address shown below.
19. This Agreement shall become effective only when accepted and
signed by you, and may be terminated at any time by either party hereto
upon 15 days' prior written notice to the other party. This Agreement may
be amended by you upon 15 days' prior written notice to us, and such
amendment shall be deemed accepted by us upon the placement of any
order for the purchase of Fund shares or the acceptance of a fee payable
under this Agreement, including the Appendices hereto, after the effective
date of any such amendment. This Agreement may not be assigned by us
without your prior written consent. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement and understanding between the parties hereto relating to the
subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior agreements
between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof.
20. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to
principles of conflicts of laws.
Very truly yours,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank Name (Please Print or Type)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address
Date: --------------------------------- By:----------------------------------
Authorized Signature
NOTE: Please sign and return both copies of this Agreement to Premier
Mutual Fund Services, Inc. Upon acceptance one countersigned copy will be
returned to you for your files.
Accepted:
PREMIER MUTUAL FUND SERVICES, INC.
Date: --------------------------------- By:----------------------------------
Authorized Signature
APPENDIX C
TO BANK AGREEMENT
FORM OF DISTRIBUTION PLAN AGREEMENT
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
One Exchange Place
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Gentlemen:
We wish to enter into an Agreement with you with respect to our
providing distribution assistance relating to shares of certain mutual
fund(s) managed, advised or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation or
its subsidiaries or affiliates (hereinafter referred to individually as the
"Fund" and collectively as the "Funds"). You are the principal underwriter
as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"),
and the exclusive agent for the continuous distribution of shares of the
Funds.
The terms and conditions of this Agreement are as follows:
1. We agree to provide distribution assistance in connection with the
sale of the shares of the Funds. In this regard, if we are a federally
chartered and supervised bank or other banking organization, you recognize
that we may be subject to the provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act and
other laws, rules, regulations or requirements governing, among other
things, the conduct of our activities. As such, we are restricted in the
activities we may undertake and for which we may be paid and, therefore,
intend to perform only those activities as are consistent with our
statutory and regulatory obligations. We represent and warrant to, and
agree with you, that the compensation payable to us hereunder, together
with any other compensation payable to us by clients in connection with
the investment of their assets in shares of the Funds, will be properly
disclosed by us to our clients.
2. We shall provide such office space and equipment, telephone
facilities and personnel (which may be all or any part of the space,
equipment and facilities currently used in our business, or all or any
personnel employed by us) as is necessary or beneficial for providing
services hereunder. We shall transmit promptly to clients all
communications sent to us for transmittal to clients by or on behalf of
you, any Fund, or any Fund's investment adviser, custodian or transfer or
dividend disbursing agent.
3. We agree that neither we nor any of our employees or agents are
authorized to make any representation concerning shares of any Fund,
except those contained in the then current Prospectus for such Fund,
copies of which will be supplied by you to us in reasonable quantities upon
request. If we are a federally supervised bank or thrift institution, we
agree that, in providing services hereunder, we shall at all times act in
compliance with the Interagency Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit
Investment Products issued by The Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of
the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Office of Thrift Supervision
(February 15, 1994) or any successor interagency requirements as in force
at the time such services are provided. We shall have no authority to act
as agent for the Funds or for you.
4. You reserve the right, at your discretion and without notice, to
suspend the sale of shares or withdraw the sale of shares of any or all of
the Funds.
5. We acknowledge that this Agreement shall become effective for a
Fund only when approved by vote of a majority of (i) the Fund's Board of
Directors or Trustees or Managing General Partners, as the case may be
(collectively "Directors," individually "Director"), and (ii) Directors who
are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and have no
direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
6. This Agreement shall continue until the last day of the calendar year
next following the date of execution, and thereafter shall continue
automatically for successive annual periods ending on the last day of each
calendar year. Such continuance must be approved specifically at least
annually by a vote of a majority of (i) the Fund's Board of Directors and
(ii) Directors who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of
the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in this
Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. This Agreement is terminable without penalty, at
any time, by a majority of the Fund's Directors who are not "interested
persons" (as defined in the Act) and have no direct or indirect financial
interest in this Agreement or, upon not more than 60 days' written notice,
by vote of holders of a majority of the Fund's shares. This Agreement is
terminable without penalty upon 15 days' notice by either party. In
addition, you may terminate this Agreement as to any or all Funds
immediately, without penalty, if the present investment adviser of such
Fund(s) ceases to serve the Fund(s) in such capacity, or if you cease to act
as distributor of such Fund(s). Notwithstanding anything contained herein,
if we fail to perform the distribution functions contemplated herein by
you as to any or all of the Funds, this Agreement shall be terminable
effective upon receipt of notice thereof by us. This Agreement also shall
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the
Act).
7. In consideration of the services and facilities described herein, we
shall be entitled to receive from you, and you agree to pay to us, the fees
described as payable to us in each Fund's Distribution Plan adopted
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, and Prospectus and related
Statement of Additional Information. We understand that any payments
pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid only so long as this Agreement
and such Plan are in effect. We agree that no Director, officer or
shareholder of the Fund shall be liable individually for the performance of
the obligations hereunder or for any such payments.
8. We agree to provide to you and each applicable Fund such information
relating to our services hereunder as may be required to be maintained by
you and/or such Fund under applicable federal or state laws, and the rules,
regulations, requirements or conditions of applicable regulatory and self-
regulatory agencies or authorities.
9. This Agreement shall not constitute either party the legal
representative of the other, nor shall either party have the right or
authority to assume, create or incur any liability or any obligation of any
kind, express or implied, against or in the name of or on behalf of the
other party.
10. All notices required or permitted to be given pursuant to this
Agreement shall be given in writing and delivered by personal delivery or
by postage prepaid, registered or certified United States first class mail,
return receipt requested, or by telecopier, telex, telegram or similar
means of same day delivery (with a confirming copy by mail as provided
herein). Unless otherwise notified in writing, all notices to you shall be
given or sent to you at One Exchange Place, Tenth Floor, Boston, MA 02109,
Attention: President (with a copy to the same address, Attention: General
Counsel), and all notices to us shall be given or sent to us at our address
which shall be furnished to you in writing on or before the effective date
of this Agreement.
11. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the internal
laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of
conflict of laws.
[STROOCK & STROOCK & LAVAN LETTERHEAD]
June 15, 1993
Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard
Uniondale, New York 11556-0144
Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Premier Growth Fund, Inc. (the
"Fund") in connection with the preparation of a Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, Registration No. 33-58282 (the
"Registration Statement"), covering shares of common stock (the
"Common Stock") of the Fund.
We have examined copies of the Articles of Incorporation and By-
Laws of the Fund, the Registration Statement and such other
documents, records, papers, statutes and authorities as we deemed
necessary to form a basis for the opinion hereinafter expressed.
In our examination of such material, we have assumed the
genuineness of all signatures and the conformity to original
documents of all copies submitted to us. As to various questions
of fact material to such opinion, we have relied upon statements
and certificates of officers and representatives of the Fund and
others.
Attorneys involved in the preparation of this opinion are
admitted only to the bar of the State of New York. As to various
questions arising under the laws of the State of Maryland, we
have relied on the opinion of Messrs. Venable, Baetjer & Howard,
a copy of which is attached hereto. Qualifications set forth in
their opinion are deemed incorporated herein.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that (a) the
4,000 shares of presently issued and outstanding Class A Common
Stock and the 4,000 shares of presently issued and outstanding
Class B Common Stock of the Fund have been validly and legally
issued and are fully paid and nonassessable; and (b) the shares
of Common Stock to be offered for sale pursuant to the Prospectus
are, to the extent of the number of shares of each of Class A and
Class B authorized to be issued by the Fund in its Articles of
Incorporation, duly authorized and, when sold, issued and paid for as
contemplated by the Prospectus and authorized by the Board
of Directors of the Fund, will have been validly and legally
issued and will be fully paid and nonassessable.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement and to the reference to us in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement, and to the
filing of this opinion as an exhibit to any application made by
or on behalf of the Fund or any distributor or dealer in
connection with the registration and qualification of the Fund or
its Class A and Class B shares of Common Stock under the
securities laws of any state or jurisdiction. In giving such
permission, we do not admit hereby that we come within the
category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of
the Securities Act of 1933 or the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
STROOCK & STROOCK & LAVAN
[VENABLE, BAETJER AND HOWARD LETTERHEAD]
June 15, 1993
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan
Seven Hanover Square
New York, New York 10004
Re: Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Maryland counsel for Premier Growth
Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Fund"), in connection
with the organization of the Fund and the issuance of shares of
its Class A Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, and its
Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (collectively,
the "Common Stock").
As Maryland counsel for the Fund, we are familiar with its
Charter and Bylaws. We have examined the prospectus included in
its Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File No. 33-58282 (the
"Registration Statement"), substantially in the form in which it
is to become effective (the "Prospectus"). We have further
examined and relied upon a certificate of the Maryland State
Department of Assessments and Taxation to the effect that the
Fund is duly incorporated and existing under the laws of the
State of Maryland and is in good standing and duly authorized to
transact business in the State of Maryland.
We have also examined and relied upon such corporate records of
the Fund and other documents and certificates with respect to
factual matters as we have deemed necessary to render the opinion
expressed herein. We have assumed, without independent
verification, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity
of all documents submitted to us as originals, and the conformity
with originals of all documents submitted to us as copies.
Based on such examination, we are of the opinion and so advise
you that:
1. The Fund is duly organized and validly existing as a
corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of
Maryland.
2. The 4,000 shares of presently issued and outstanding Class A
Common Stock and the 4,000 shares of presently issued and
outstanding Class B Common Stock of the Fund have been
validly and legally issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable.
3. The shares of Common Stock of the Fund to be offered for
sale pursuant to the Prospectus are, to the extent of the
number of shares of each of Class A and Class B authorized
to be issued by the Fund in its Articles of Incorporation,
duly authorized and, when sold, issued and paid for as
contemplated by the Prospectus, will have been validly and
legally issued and will be fully paid and nonassessable.
This letter expresses our opinion with respect to the Maryland
General Corporation Law governing matters such as due
organization and the authorization and issuance of stock. It
does not extend to the securities or "Blue Sky" laws of Maryland,
to federal securities laws or to other laws.
You may rely upon our foregoing opinion in rendering your opinion
to the Fund that is to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement. We consent to the filing of this opinion as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
VENABLE, BAETJER AND HOWARD
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Condensed
Financial Information" and "Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Disbursing
Agent, Counsel and Independent Auditors" and to the use of our report
dated December 9, 1994, in this Registration Statement (Form N-1A
No. 33-58282) of Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
May 3, 1995
PREMIER GROWTH FUND, INC.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
Introduction: It has been proposed that the above-
captioned investment company (the "Fund") adopt a Distribution
Plan (the "Plan") in accordance with Rule 12b-1, promulgated
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Act"). The Plan would pertain to each class set forth on
Exhibit A hereto, as such Exhibit may be revised from time to
time (each, a "Class"). Under the Plan, the Fund would pay the
Fund's distributor (the "Distributor") for distributing shares
of each Class. If this proposal is to be implemented, the Act
and said Rule 12b-1 require that a written plan describing all
material aspects of the proposed financing be adopted by the
Fund.
The Fund's Board, in considering whether the Fund
should implement a written plan, has requested and evaluated
such information as it deemed necessary to an informed
determination as to whether a written plan should be implemented
and has considered such pertinent factors as it deemed necessary
to form the basis for a decision to use assets attributable to
each Class for such purposes.
In voting to approve the implementation of such a plan,
the Board members have concluded, in the exercise of their
reasonable business judgment and in light of their respective
fiduciary duties, that there is a reasonable likelihood that the
plan set forth below will benefit the Fund and shareholders of
each Class.
The Plan: The material aspects of this Plan are as
follows:
1. The Fund shall pay to the Distributor for
distribution a fee in respect of each Class at the annual rate
set forth on Exhibit A.
2. For the purposes of determining the fees payable
under this Plan, the value of the Fund's net assets attributable
to each Class shall be computed in the manner specified in the
Fund's charter documents as then in effect for the computation
of the value of the Fund's net assets attributable to such
Class.
3. The Fund's Board shall be provided, at least
quarterly, with a written report of all amounts expended
pursuant to this Plan. The report shall state the purpose for
which the amounts were expended.
4. As to each Class, this Plan will become effective
upon approval by (a) holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of such Class, and (b) a majority of the Board members,
including a majority of the Board members who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation
of this Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection
with this Plan, pursuant to a vote cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on the approval of this Plan.
5. This Plan shall continue for a period of one year
from its effective date, unless earlier terminated in accordance
with its terms, and thereafter shall continue automatically for
successive annual periods, provided such continuance is approved
at least annually in the manner provided in paragraph 4(b)
hereof.
6. As to each Class, this Plan may be amended at any
time by the Fund's Board, provided that (a) any amendment to
increase materially the costs which such Class may bear pursuant
to this Plan shall be effective only upon approval by a vote of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of such
Class, and (b) any material amendments of the terms of this Plan
shall become effective only upon approval as provided in
paragraph 4(b) hereof.
7. As to each Class, this Plan is terminable without
penalty at any time by (a) vote of a majority of the Board
members who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act)
of the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of this Plan or in any agreements entered into in
connection with this Plan, or (b) vote of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of such Class.
Dated: May 26, 1994
Revised: April 12, 1995
EXHIBIT A
Fee as a Percentage of
Name of Class Average Daily Net Assets
- ------------- ------------------------
Class B .75 of 1%
Class C .75 of 1%
THE DREYFUS FAMILY OF FUNDS
(Premier Family of Equity Funds)
Rule 18f-3 Plan
Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the "1940 Act"), requires that the Board of an
investment company desiring to offer multiple classes pursuant
to said Rule adopt a plan setting forth the separate arrangement
and expense allocation of each class, and any related conversion
features or exchange privileges.
The Board, including a majority of the non-interested
Board members, of each of the investment companies, or series
thereof, listed on Schedule A attached hereto (each, a "Fund")
which desires to offer multiple classes has determined that the
following plan is in the best interests of each class
individually and the Fund as a whole:
1. Class Designation: Fund shares shall be divided
into Class A, Class B and Class C.
2. Differences in Services: The services offered to
shareholders of each Class shall be substantially the same,
except that Right of Accumulation, Letter of Intent and
Reinvestment Privilege shall be available only to holders of
Class A shares.
3. Differences in Distribution Arrangements: Class
A shares shall be offered with a front-end sales charge, as such
term is defined in Article III, Section 26(b), of the Rules of
Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., and a deferred sales charge (a "CDSC"), as such term is
defined in said Section 26(b), may be assessed on certain
redemptions of Class A shares purchased without an initial sales
charge as part of an investment of $1 million or more. The
amount of the sales charge and the amount of and provisions
relating to the CDSC pertaining to the Class A shares are set
forth on Schedule B hereto.
Class B shares shall not be subject to a front-end
sales charge, but shall be subject to a CDSC and shall be
charged an annual distribution fee under a Distribution Plan
adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The amount
of and provisions relating to the CDSC, and the amount of the
fees under the Distribution Plan pertaining to the Class B
shares, are set forth on Schedule C hereto.
Class C shares shall not be subject to a front-end
sales charge, but shall be subject to a CDSC and shall be
charged an annual distribution fee under a Distribution Plan
adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The amount
of and provisions relating to the CDSC, and the amount of the
fees under the Distribution Plan pertaining to the Class C
shares, are set forth on Schedule D hereto.
Each Class of shares shall be subject to an annual
service fee at the rate of .25% of the value of the average
daily net assets of such Class pursuant to a Shareholder
Services Plan.
4. Expense Allocation. The following expenses
shall be allocated, to the extent practicable, on a Class-by-
Class basis: (a) fees under the Distribution Plan and
Shareholder Services Plan; (b) printing and postage expenses
related to preparing and distributing materials, such as
shareholder reports, prospectuses and proxies, to current
shareholders of a specific Class; (c) Securities and Exchange
Commission and Blue Sky registration fees incurred by a specific
Class; (d) the expense of administrative personnel and services
as required to support the shareholders of a specific Class; (e)
litigation or other legal expenses relating solely to a specific
Class; (f) transfer agent fees identified by the Fund's transfer
agent as being attributable to a specific Class; and (g) Board
members' fees incurred as a result of issues relating to a
specific Class.
5. Conversion Features. Class B shares shall
automatically convert to Class A shares after a specified period
of time after the date of purchase, based on the relative net
asset value of each such Class without the imposition of any
sales charge, fee or other charge, as set forth on Schedule E
hereto. No other Class shall be subject to any automatic
conversion feature.
6. Exchange Privileges. Shares of a Class shall be
exchangeable only for (a) shares of the same Class of other
investment companies managed or administered by The Dreyfus
Corporation and (b) shares of certain other investment companies
specified from time to time.
Dated: April 12, 1995
Revised: April 24, 1995
SCHEDULE A
Dreyfus Capital Value Fund (A Premier Fund)
Premier Global Investing, Inc.
Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
SCHEDULE B
Front-End Sales Charge--Class A Shares--The public offering
price for Class A shares shall be the net asset value per share
of that Class plus a sales load as shown below:
Total Sales Load
-----------------------
As a % of As a % of
offering net asset
price per value per
share share
Amount of Transaction ----------- ----------
Less than $50,000. . . . . . . . . . 4.50 4.70
$50,000 to less than $100,000 . . . 4.00 4.20
$100,000 to less than $250,000 . . . 3.00 3.10
$250,000 to less than $500,000 . . . 2.50 2.60
$500,000 to less than $1,000,000 . . 2.00 2.00
$1,000,000 or more . . . . . . . . . -0- -0-
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge--Class A Shares--A CDSC of 1%
shall be assessed at the time of redemption of Class A shares
purchased without an initial sales charge as part of an
investment of at least $1,000,000 and redeemed within two years
after purchase. The terms contained in Schedule C pertaining to
the CDSC assessed on redemptions of Class B shares (other than
the amount of the CDSC and its time periods), including the
provisions for waiving the CDSC, shall be applicable to the
Class A shares subject to a CDSC. Letter of Intent and Right of
Accumulation shall apply to such purchases of Class A shares.
SCHEDULE C
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge--Class B Shares--A CDSC payable
to the Fund's Distributor shall be imposed on any redemption of
Class B shares which reduces the current net asset value of such
Class B shares to an amount which is lower than the dollar
amount of all payments by the redeeming shareholder for the
purchase of Class B shares of the Fund held by such shareholder
at the time of redemption. No CDSC shall be imposed to the
extent that the net asset value of the Class B shares redeemed
does not exceed (i) the current net asset value of Class B
shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital
gain distributions, plus (ii) increases in the net asset value
of the shareholder's Class B shares above the dollar amount of
all payments for the purchase of Class B shares of the Fund held
by such shareholder at the time of redemption.
If the aggregate value of the Class B shares redeemed
has declined below their original cost as a result of the Fund's
performance, a CDSC may be applied to the then-current net asset
value rather than the purchase price.
In circumstances where the CDSC is imposed, the amount
of the charge shall depend on the number of years from the time
the shareholder purchased the Class B shares until the time of
redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining
the number of years from the time of any payment for the
purchase of Class B shares, all payments during a month shall be
aggregated and deemed to have been made on the first day of the
month. The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC:
CDSC as a % of
Year Since Amount Invested
Purchase Payment or Redemption
Was Made Proceeds
- ---------------- ----------------
First. . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
Second . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
Third. . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Fourth . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Fifth. . . . . . . . . . . 2.00
Sixth. . . . . . . . . . . 1.00
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a
redemption, the calculation shall be made in a manner that
results in the lowest possible rate. Therefore, it shall be
assumed that the redemption is made first of amounts
representing shares acquired pursuant to the reinvestment of
dividends and distributions; then of amounts representing the
increase in net asset value of Class B shares above the total
amount of payments for the purchase of Class B shares made
during the preceding six years; then of amounts representing the
cost of shares purchased six years prior to the redemption; and
finally, of amounts representing the cost of shares held for the
longest period of time within the applicable six-year period.
Waiver of CDSC--The CDSC shall be waived in connection with (a)
redemptions made within one year after the death or disability,
as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), of the shareholder,
(b) redemptions by employees participating in qualified or non-
qualified employee benefit plans or other programs where (i) the
employers or affiliated employers maintaining such plans or
programs have a minimum of 250 employees eligible for
participation in such plans or programs, or (ii) such plan's or
program's aggregate investment in the Dreyfus Family of Funds or
certain other products made available by the Fund's Distributor
exceeds one million dollars, (c) redemptions as a result of a
combination of any investment company with the Fund by merger,
acquisition of assets or otherwise, and (d) a distribution
following retirement under a tax-deferred retirement plan or
upon attaining age 70-1/2 in the case of an IRA or Keogh plan or
custodial account pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code. Any
Fund shares subject to a CDSC which were purchased prior to the
termination of such waiver shall have the CDSC waived as
provided in the Fund's prospectus at the time of the purchase of
such shares.
Amount of Distribution Plan Fees--Class B Shares--.75 of 1% of
the value of the average daily net assets of Class B.
SCHEDULE D
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge--Class C Shares--A CDSC of
1.00% payable to the Fund's Distributor shall be imposed on any
redemption of Class C shares within one year of the date of
purchase. The basis for calculating the payment of any such
CDSC shall be the method used in calculating the CDSC for Class
B shares. In addition, the provisions for waiving the CDSC
shall be those set forth for Class B shares.
Amount of Distribution Plan Fees--Class C Shares--.75 of 1% of
the value of the average daily net assets of Class C.
SCHEDULE E
Conversion of Class B Shares--Approximately six years after the
date of purchase, Class B shares automatically shall convert to
Class A shares, based on the relative net asset values for
shares of each such Class, and shall no longer be subject to the
distribution fee. At that time, Class B shares that have been
acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions
("Dividend Shares") shall be converted in the proportion that a
shareholder's Class B shares (other than Dividend Shares)
converting to Class A shares bears to the total Class B shares
then held by the shareholder which were not acquired through the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
