File Nos.33-58282
811-7512
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. 8 [X]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
Amendment No. 8 [X]
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
DREYFUS PREMIER WORLDWIDE 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
Mark N. Jacobs, 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)
----
X on March 1, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (b)
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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)
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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.
_____
Dreyfus Premier Worldwide Growth Fund, Inc.
Investing in large-cap stocks for long-term capital appreciation
PROSPECTUS March 1, 1999
(reg.tm)
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not
approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
<PAGE>
The Fund
Dreyfus Premier Worldwide Growth Fund, Inc.
---------------------------------
Ticker Symbols CLASS A: PGROX
CLASS B: PGWBX
CLASS C: PGRCX
CLASS R: DPWRX
Contents
The Fund
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Goal/Approach INSIDE COVER
Main Risks 1
Past Performance 1
Expenses 2
Management 3
Financial Highlights 4
Your Investment
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Account Policies 6
Distributions and Taxes 8
Services for Fund Investors 9
Instructions for Regular Accounts 10
Instructions for IRAs 11
For More Information
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INFORMATION ON THE FUND'S RECENT STRATEGIES AND HOLDINGS CAN BE FOUND IN THE
CURRENT ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT. SEE BACK COVER.
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks long-term capital growth consistent with the preservation of
capital; current income is a secondary goal. To pursue these goals, the fund
normally invests in the common stock of U.S. and foreign companies. The fund
will normally invest at least 25% of its assets in foreign companies. The fund
focuses on "blue-chip," multinational companies with total market values of more
than $5 billion.
In choosing stocks, the fund first identifies economic sectors that it believes
will expand over the next three to five years or longer. Using fundamental
analysis, the fund then seeks companies within these sectors that have
demonstrated sustained patterns of profitability, strong balance sheets, an
expanding global presence and the potential to achieve predictable,
above-average earnings growth. The fund is also alert to companies which it
considers undervalued in terms of earnings, assets or growth prospects. The fund
generally maintains relatively large positions in the securities it purchases.
The fund employs a "buy-and-hold" investment strategy, and seeks to keep annual
portfolio turnover below 15%. As a result, the fund invests for long-term growth
rather than short-term profits.
The fund typically sells a stock when there is a change in a company's business
fundamentals or in the fund's view of company management.
Concepts to understand
MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES: large, established globally managed companies that
manufacture and distribute their products and services throughout the world.
These companies often have the resources to weather economic shifts, though they
can be slower to innovate than small companies. They may be subject to the risks
that are involved in investing in foreign securities.
"BUY-AND-HOLD" STRATEGY: an investment strategy characterized by a low portfolio
turnover rate, which helps reduce the fund's trading costs and minimizes tax
liability by limiting the distribution of capital gains.
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
While stocks have historically been a leading choice of long-term investors,
they do fluctuate in price. The value of your investment in the fund will go up
and down, which means that you could lose money.
Because different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of favor depending on
market and economic conditions, the fund's performance may sometimes be lower or
higher than that of other types of funds (such as those emphasizing smaller
companies). Moreover, since the fund holds large positions in a relatively small
number of stocks, its performance can be volatile when the large-capitalization
sector of the market is out of favor with investors.
Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When
these expectations are not met, investors can punish the stocks inordinately --
even if earnings showed an absolute increase. In addition, growth stocks
typically lack the dividend yield that can cushion stock prices in market
downturns.
Foreign securities, while allowing the fund to seek attractive opportunities
worldwide, also include special risks, such as exposure to currency
fluctuations, changing political climate, lack of adequate company information
and potentially less liquidity.
Under adverse market conditions, the fund could invest some or all of its assets
in money market securities. Although the fund would do this only in seeking to
avoid losses, it could have the effect of reducing the benefit from any upswing
in the market.
Other potential risks
The fund may, at times, engage in foreign currency transactions. When employed,
these practices are used primarily to hedge the fund's portfolio but also to
increase returns; however, there is the risk that such practices sometimes may
reduce returns or increase volatility.
PAST PERFORMANCE
The first table shows how the performance of the fund's Class A shares has
varied from year to year. Sales loads are not reflected in that table; if they
were, returns would be less than those shown. The second table compares the
performance of each share class over time to that of the S&P 500((reg.tm)), a
widely recognized unmanaged index of stock performance. The returns reflect any
applicable sales loads. Both tables assume the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions. As with all mutual funds, the past is not a prediction of the
future.
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Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
CLASS A SHARES
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.00 27.71 23.36 23.77 28.65
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +20.12%
WORST QUARTER: Q3 '98 -12.82%
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Inception Since
date 1 Year 5 Years inception
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A (7/15/93) 21.26% 19.25% 19.07%
CLASS B (7/15/93) 23.68% 19.57% 19.37%
CLASS C (6/21/95) 26.66% -- 23.50%
CLASS R (3/4/96) 29.01% -- 24.49%
S&P 500 28.60% 24.05% 22.72%*
* BASED ON LIFE OF CLASS A AND B. FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES, THE VALUE OF THE
INDEX ON 6/30/93 IS USED AS THE BEGINNING VALUE ON 7/15/93.
</TABLE>
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
The Fund 1
<PAGE>
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described in the tables below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fee table
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS R
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION FEES (FEES PAID FROM YOUR ACCOUNT)
Maximum front-end sales charge on purchases
AS A % OF OFFERING PRICE 5.75 NONE NONE NONE
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC)
AS A % OF PURCHASE OR SALE PRICE, WHICHEVER IS LESS NONE* 4.00 1.00 NONE
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ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES PAID FROM FUND ASSETS)
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees .75 .75 .75 .75
Rule 12b-1 fee NONE .75 .75 NONE
Shareholder services fee .25 .25 .25 NONE
Other expenses .20 .20 .16 .18
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TOTAL 1.20 1.95 1.91 .93
* SHARES BOUGHT WITHOUT AN INITIAL SALES CHARGE AS PART OF AN INVESTMENT OF $1
MILLION OR MORE MAY BE CHARGED A CDSC OF 1.00% IF REDEEMED WITHIN ONE YEAR.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A $690 $934 $1,197 $1,946
CLASS B
WITH REDEMPTION $598 $912 $1,252 $1,902**
WITHOUT REDEMPTION $198 $612 $1,052 $1,902**
CLASS C
WITH REDEMPTION $294 $600 $1,032 $2,233
WITHOUT REDEMPTION $194 $600 $1,032 $2,233
CLASS R $95 $296 $515 $1,143
** ASSUMES CONVERSION OF CLASS B TO CLASS A AT END OF THE SIXTH YEAR FOLLOWING
THE DATE OF PURCHASE.
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. Because actual
return and expenses will be different, the example is for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of its operation.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: the fee paid to Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc., the fund's
distributor, to finance the sale and distribution of Class B and Class C shares.
Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time
it will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying
other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: the fee paid to the fund's distributor for providing
shareholder services.
OTHER EXPENSES: fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such as transfer
agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
2
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
The investment adviser for the fund is The Dreyfus Corporation, 200 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10166. Founded in 1947, Dreyfus manages one of the nation's
leading mutual fund complexes, with more than $121 billion in more than 160
mutual fund portfolios. Dreyfus is the primary mutual fund business of Mellon
Bank Corporation, a broad-based financial services company with a bank at its
core. With more than $350 billion of assets under management and $1.7 trillion
of assets under administration and custody, Mellon provides a full range of
banking, investment and trust products and services to individuals, businesses
and institutions. Its mutual fund companies place Mellon as the leading bank
manager of mutual funds. Mellon is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Dreyfus has engaged Fayez Sarofim & Co., located at Two Houston Center, Suite
2907, Houston, Texas 77010, to serve as the fund's sub-investment adviser.
Sarofim, subject to Dreyfus' supervision and approval, provides investment
advisory assistance and research and the day-to-day management of the fund's
investments. As of June 30, 1998, Sarofim managed approximately $4.3 billion in
assets for four other registered investment companies and provided investment
advisory services to discretionary accounts having aggregate assets of
approximately $45.7 billion.
Management philosophy
The Dreyfus asset management philosophy is based on the belief that discipline
and consistency are important to investment success. For each fund, the firm
seeks to establish clear guidelines for portfolio management and to be
systematic in making decisions. This approach is designed to provide each fund
with a distinct, stable identity.
Portfolio manager
Fayez Sarofim, president and chairman of Sarofim, has been the fund's primary
portfolio manager since inception. Mr. Sarofim founded Fayez Sarofim & Co. in
1958.
Concepts to understand
YEAR 2000 ISSUES: the fund could be adversely affected if the computer systems
used by Dreyfus and the fund's other service providers do not properly process
and calculate date-related information from and after January 1, 2000.
Dreyfus is working to avoid year 2000-related problems in its systems and to
obtain assurances from other service providers that they are taking similar
steps. In addition, issuers of securities in which the fund invests may be
adversely affected by year 2000-related problems. This could have an impact on
the value of the fund's investments and its share price.
The Fund 3
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance of each share class for the fiscal
periods indicated. "Total return" shows how much your investment in the fund
would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had
reinvested all dividends and distributions. These figures have been
independently audited by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report, along with the fund's
financial statements, is included in the annual report.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
CLASS A 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 24.46 19.89 16.41 14.03 13.21
Investment operations: Investment income (loss) -- net .09 .11 .13 .20 .16
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 5.43 4.69 3.50 2.39 .66
Total from investment operations 5.52 4.80 3.63 2.59 .82
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.02) (.15) (.14) (.21) --
Dividends from net realized gain on investments (.01) (.08) (.01) -- --
Total distributions (.03) (.23) (.15) (.21) --
Net asset value, end of period 29.95 24.46 19.89 16.41 14.03
Total return (%)* 22.56 24.39 22.24 18.77 6.21
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RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.20 1.19 1.25 1.22 1.33
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) .51 .66 .98 1.59 1.49
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios due to actions by Dreyfus (%) -- .03 .12 .53 .75
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 5.33 1.20 1.24 1.16 .71
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Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 190,800 108,188 42,098 18,822 8,075
* EXCLUSIVE OF SALES LOAD.
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
CLASS B 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
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PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 24.01 19.58 16.22 13.89 13.17
Investment operations: Investment income (loss) -- net (.04) (.04)(1 .04 .12 .09
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 5.24 4.60 3.42 2.34 .63
Total from investment operations 5.20 4.56 3.46 2.46 .72
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net -- (.05) (.09) (.13) --
Dividends from net realized gain on investments (.01) (.08) (.01) -- --
Total distributions (.01) (.13) (.10) (.13) --
Net asset value, end of period 29.20 24.01 19.58 16.22 13.89
Total return (%) (2) 21.66 23.47 21.29 17.88 5.47
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RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.95 2.00 2.00 1.98 2.07
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (.24) (.17) .24 .84 .71
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios due to actions by Dreyfus (%) -- .03 .12 .46 .75
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 5.33 1.20 1.24 1.16 .71
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Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 543,079 264,375 74,833 32,555 10,867
(1) BASED ON AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING.
(2) EXCLUSIVE OF SALES LOAD.
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
CLASS C 1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 23.80 19.51 16.22 15.56
Investment operations: Investment income (loss) -- net (.01) (.06)(2) .14 (.01)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 5.17 4.57 3.29 .67
Total from investment operations 5.16 4.51 3.43 .66
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net -- (.14) (.13) --
Dividends from net realized gain on investments (.01) (.08) (.01) --
Total distributions (.01) (.22) (.14) --
Net asset value, end of period 28.95 23.80 19.51 16.22
Total return (%) (3) 21.69 23.36 21.23 4.71(4)
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RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.91 1.99 2.04 1.56(4)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (.21) (.24) .19 (.63)(4)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios due to actions by Dreyfus (%) -- .03 .11 .73(4)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 5.33 1.20 1.24 1.16
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Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 80,169 29,845 1,086 48
(1) FROM JUNE 21, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO OCTOBER 31, 1995.
(2) BASED ON AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING. (3) EXCLUSIVE OF SALES LOAD. (4) NOT ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
CLASS R 1998 1997 1996(1)
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<S> <C> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 24.30 19.74 18.03
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .20 .22 .03
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 5.35 4.60 1.69
Total from investment operations 5.55 4.82 1.72
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.07) (.18) --
Dividends from net realized gain on investments (.01) (.08) (.01)
Total distributions (.08) (.26) (.01)
Net asset value, end of period 29.77 24.30 19.74
Total return (%) 22.89 24.71 9.51(2)
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RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .93 .95 .75(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) .78 .87 .48(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios due to actions by Dreyfus (%) -- .04 .07(2)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 5.33 1.20 1.24
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Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 1,222 732 155
(1) FROM MARCH 4, 1996 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO OCTOBER 31, 1996.
(2) NOT ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
The Fund 5
<PAGE>
Your Investment
ACCOUNT POLICIES
THE DREYFUS PREMIER FUNDS are designed primarily for people who are investing
through a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or financial adviser, or in
a 401(k) or other retirement plan. Third parties with whom you open a fund
account may impose policies, limitations and fees which are different from
those described here.
YOU WILL NEED TO CHOOSE A SHARE CLASS before making your initial investment. In
making your choice, you should weigh the impact of all potential costs over the
length of your investment, including sales charges and annual fees. For example,
in some cases, it can be more economical to pay an initial sales charge than to
choose a class with no initial sales charge but higher annual fees and a CDSC.
(pound) CLASS A shares may be appropriate for investors who prefer to pay the
fund's sales charge up front rather than upon the sale of their shares, want to
take advantage of the reduced sales charges available on larger investments
and/or have a longer-term investment horizon
(pound) CLASS B shares may be appropriate for investors who wish to avoid a
front-end sales charge, put 100% of their investment dollars to work immediately
and/or have a longer-term investment horizon
(pound) CLASS C shares may be appropriate for investors who wish to avoid a
front-end sales charge, put 100% of their investment dollars to work immediately
and/or have a shorter-term investment horizon
(pound) CLASS R shares are designed for eligible institu-
tions on behalf of their clients. Individuals may not purchase these shares
directly.
Your financial representative can help you choose the share class that is
appropriate for you.
Share class charges
EACH SHARE CLASS has its own fee structure. In some cases, you may not have to
pay a sales charge to buy or sell shares. Consult your financial representative
or refer to the SAI to see if this may apply to you. Shareholders owning shares
on or prior to November 30, 1996, may be eligible for lower sales loads.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales charges
CLASS A -- CHARGED WHEN YOU BUY SHARES
Sales charge Sales charge as
deducted as a % a % of your
Your investment of offering price net investment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to $49,999 5.75% 6.10%
$50,000 -- $99,999 4.50% 4.70%
$100,000 -- $249,999 3.50% 3.60%
$250,000 -- $499,999 2.50% 2.60%
$500,000 -- $999,999 2.00% 2.00%
$1 million or more* 0.00% 0.00%
* A 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge may be charged on any shares sold
within one year of purchase (except shares bought through reinvestment of
dividends).
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CLASS B -- CHARGED WHEN YOU SELL SHARES
Contingent deferred sales charge
Time since you bought as a % of your initial investment or
the shares you are selling your redemption (whichever is less)
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Up to 2 years 4.00%
2 -- 4 years 3.00%
4 -- 5 years 2.00%
5 -- 6 years 1.00%
More than 6 years Shares will automatically
convert to Class A
Class B shares also carry an annual Rule 12b-1 fee of 0.75% of the class's
average daily net assets.
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CLASS C -- CHARGED WHEN YOU SELL SHARES
A 1.00% CDSC is imposed on redemptions made within the first year of purchase.
Class C shares also carry an annual Rule 12b-1 fee of 0.75% of the class's
average daily net assets.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R -- NO SALES LOAD OR RULE 12B-1 FEES
Reduced Class A sales charge
LETTER OF INTENT: lets you purchase Class A shares over a 13-month period and
receive the same sales charge as if all shares had been purchased at once.
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION: lets you add the value of any Class A, B or C shares in
this fund or any other Dreyfus Premier fund sold with a sales load that you
already own to the amount of your next Class A investment for purposes of
calculating the sales charge.
CONSULT THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) OR YOUR FINANCIAL
REPRESENTATIVE FOR MORE DETAILS.
6
<PAGE>
Buying shares
THE NET ASSET VALUE (NAV) of each class is generally calculated as of the close
of trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time) every day the exchange is open. Your order will be priced at the NAV next
calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer agent or other
entity authorized to accept orders on behalf of the fund. 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.
ORDERS TO BUY AND SELL SHARES RECEIVED BY DEALERS by the close of trading on the
NYSE and transmitted to the distributor or its designee by the close of its
business day (normally 5:15 p.m. Eastern time) will be based on the NAV
determined as of the close of trading on the NYSE that day.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum investments
Initial Additional
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGULAR ACCOUNTS $1,000 $100; $500 FOR
TELETRANSFER INVESTMENTS
TRADITIONAL IRAS $750 NO MINIMUM
SPOUSAL IRAS $750 NO MINIMUM
ROTH IRAS $750 NO MINIMUM
EDUCATION IRAS $500 NO MINIMUM
AFTER THE FIRST YEAR
DREYFUS AUTOMATIC $100 $100
INVESTMENT PLANS
All investments must be in U.S. dollars. Third-party checks cannot be accepted.
You may be charged a fee for any check that does not clear. Maximum TeleTransfer
purchase is $150,000 per day.
Concepts to understand
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV): the market value of one share, computed by dividing the
total net assets of a fund or class by its shares outstanding. The fund's Class
A shares are offered to the public at NAV plus a sales charge. Classes B, C and
R are offered at NAV, but Classes B and C are subject to higher annual
distribution fees and may be subject to a sales charge upon redemption.
Selling shares
YOU MAY SELL SHARES AT ANY TIME through your financial representative, or you
can contact the fund directly. Your shares will be sold at the next NAV
calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer agent or other
entity authorized to accept orders on behalf of the fund. Any certificates
representing fund shares being sold must be returned with your redemption
request. Your order will be processed promptly and you will generally receive
the proceeds within a week.
TO KEEP YOUR CDSC AS LOW AS POSSIBLE, each time you request to sell shares we
will first sell shares that are not subject to a CDSC, and then those subject to
the lowest charge. The CDSC is based on the lesser of the original purchase cost
or the current market value of the shares being sold, and is not charged on
shares you acquired by reinvesting your dividends. There are certain instances
when you may qualify to have the CDSC waived. Consult the Statement of
Additional Information for details.
BEFORE SELLING RECENTLY PURCHASED SHARES, please note that if the fund has not
yet collected payment for the shares you are selling, it may delay sending the
proceeds for up to eight business days or until it has collected payment.
Written sell orders
Some circumstances require written sell orders along with signature guarantees.
These include:
(pound) amounts of $1,000 or more on accounts whose address has been changed
within the last 30 days
(pound) requests to send the proceeds to a different payee or address
Written sell orders of $100,000 or more must also be signature guaranteed.
A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE helps protect against fraud. You can obtain one from most
banks or securities dealers, but not from a notary public. For joint accounts,
each signature must be guaranteed. Please call us to ensure that your signature
guarantee will be processed correctly.
Your Investment 7
<PAGE>
ACCOUNT POLICIES (CONTINUED)
General policies
UNLESS YOU DECLINE TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES on your application, you may be
responsible for any fraudulent telephone order as long as Dreyfus takes
reasonable measures to verify the order.
THE FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO:
(pound) refuse any purchase or exchange request that could adversely affect the
fund or its operations, including those from any individual or group who, in the
fund's view, is likely to engage in excessive trading (usually defined as more
than four exchanges out of the fund within a calendar year)
(pound) refuse any purchase or exchange request in excess of 1% of the fund's
total assets
(pound) change or discontinue its exchange privilege, or temporarily suspend
this privilege during unusual market conditions
(pound) change its minimum investment amounts
(pound) delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days (generally
applies only in cases of very large redemptions, excessive trading or during
unusual market conditions)
The fund also reserves the right to make a "redemption in kind" -- payment in
portfolio securities rather than cash -- if the amount you are redeeming is
large enough to affect fund operations (for example, if it represents more than
1% of the fund's assets).
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
THE FUND GENERALLY PAYS ITS SHAREHOLDERS dividends from its net investment
income, and distributes any net capital gains that it has realized once a year.
Each share class will generate a different dividend because each has different
expenses. Your distributions will be reinvested in the fund unless you instruct
the fund otherwise. There are no fees or sales charges on reinvestments.
FUND DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS ARE TAXABLE to most investors (unless your
investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged account). The tax status of any
distribution is the same regardless of how long you have been in the fund and
whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in cash. In general,
distributions are taxable at the federal level as follows:
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Taxability of distributions
Type of Tax rate for Tax rate for
distribution 15% bracket 28% bracket or above
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME ORDINARY ORDINARY
DIVIDENDS INCOME RATE INCOME RATE
SHORT-TERM ORDINARY ORDINARY
CAPITAL GAINS INCOME RATE INCOME RATE
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS 10% 20%
Because everyone's tax situation is unique, always consult your tax professional
about federal, state and local tax consequences.
Small account policies
To offset the relatively higher costs of servicing smaller accounts, the fund
charges regular accounts with balances below $2,000 an annual fee of $12. The
fee will be imposed during the fourth quarter of each calendar year.
The fee will be waived for: any investor whose aggregate Dreyfus mutual fund
investments total at least $25,000; IRA accounts; accounts participating in
automatic investment programs; and accounts opened through a financial
institution.
If your account falls below $500, the fund may ask you to increase your balance.
If it is still below $500 after 45 days, the fund may close your account and
send you the proceeds.
Taxes on transactions
Except for tax-deferred accounts, any sale or exchange of fund shares may
generate a tax liability. Of course, withdrawals or distributions from
tax-deferred accounts are taxable when received.
The table above can provide a guide for potential tax liability when selling or
exchanging fund shares. "Short-term capital gains" applies to fund shares sold
or exchanged up to 12 months after buying them. "Long-term capital gains"
applies to shares sold or exchanged after 12 months.
8
<PAGE>
SERVICES FOR FUND INVESTORS
THE THIRD PARTY THROUGH WHOM YOU PURCHASED fund shares may impose different
restrictions on these services and privileges offered by the fund, or may not
make them available at all. Consult your financial representative for more
information on the availability of these services and privileges.
Automatic services
BUYING OR SELLING SHARES AUTOMATICALLY is easy with the services described
below. With each service, you select a schedule and amount, subject to certain
restrictions. You can set up most of these services with your application, or by
calling your financial representative or 1-800-554-4611.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For investing
DREYFUS AUTOMATIC For making automatic investments
ASSET BUILDER((reg.tm)) from a designated bank account.
DREYFUS GOVERNMENT For making automatic investments
DIRECT DEPOSIT from your federal employment,
PRIVILEGE Social Security or other regular
federal government check.
DREYFUS DIVIDEND For automatically reinvesting the
SWEEP dividends and distributions from
one Dreyfus fund into another
(not available for IRAs).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For exchanging shares
DREYFUS AUTO- For making regular exchanges
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE from one Dreyfus fund into
another.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For selling shares
DREYFUS AUTOMATIC For making regular withdrawals
WITHDRAWAL PLAN from most Dreyfus funds. There will be no CDSC
on Class B shares, as long as the amounts withdrawn do not exceed 12% annually
of the account value at the time the shareholder elects to participate in the
plan.
Exchange privilege
YOU CAN EXCHANGE SHARES WORTH $500 OR MORE (no minimum for retirement accounts)
from one class of the fund into the same class of another Dreyfus Premier fund.
You can request your exchange by contacting your financial representative. Be
sure to read the current prospectus for any fund into which you are exchanging
before investing. Any new account established through an exchange will generally
have the same privileges as your original account (as long as they are
available). There is currently no fee for exchanges, although you may be charged
a sales load when exchanging into any fund that has a higher one.
TeleTransfer privilege
TO MOVE MONEY BETWEEN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT and your Dreyfus fund account with a
phone call, use the TeleTransfer privilege. You can set up TeleTransfer on your
account by providing bank account information and following the instructions on
your application, or contact your financial representative.
Reinvestment privilege
UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, YOU CAN REINVEST up to the number of Class A or B shares
you redeemed within 45 days of selling them at the current share price without
any sales charge. If you paid a CDSC, it will be credited back to your account.
This privilege may be used only once.
Account statements
EVERY FUND INVESTOR automatically receives regular account statements. You'll
also be sent a yearly statement detailing the tax characteristics of any
dividends and distributions you have received.
Your Investment 9
<PAGE>
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGULAR ACCOUNTS
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT
In Writing
Complete the application.
Mail your application and a check to:
Name of Fund
P.O. Box 6587, Providence, RI 02940-6587 Attn: Institutional Processing
TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT
Fill out an investment slip, and write your account number on your check.
Mail the slip and the check to: Name of Fund P.O. Box 6587, Providence, RI
02940-6587 Attn: Institutional Processing
By Telephone
WIRE Have your bank send your
investment to The Bank of New York, with these instructions:
* ABA# 021000018
* DDA# 8900117826
* the fund name
* the share class
* your Social Security or tax ID number
* name(s) of investor(s)
* dealer number if applicable
Call us to obtain an account number. Return your application with the account
number on the application.
WIRE Have your bank send your investment to The Bank of New York, with these
instructions:
* ABA# 021000018
* DDA# 8900117826
* the fund name
* the share class
* your account number
* name(s) of investor(s)
* dealer number if applicable
ELECTRONIC CHECK Same as wire, but before your account number insert "1111"
TELETRANSFER Request TeleTransfer on your application. Call us to request your
transaction.
Automatically
WITH AN INITIAL INVESTMENT Indicate on your application which automatic
service(s) you want. Return your application with your investment.
ALL SERVICES Call us or your financial representative to request a form to add
any automatic investing service (see "Services for Fund Investors"). Complete
and return the form along with any other required materials.
TO SELL SHARES
Write a letter of instruction that includes:
* your name(s) and signature(s)
* your account number
* the fund name
* the dollar amount you want to sell
* how and where to send the proceeds
Obtain a signature guarantee or other documentation, if required (see page 7).
Mail your request to: The Dreyfus Family of Funds P.O. Box 6587, Providence, RI
02940-6587 Attn: Institutional Processing
TELETRANSFER Call us or your financial representative to request your
transaction. Be sure the fund has your bank account information on file.
Proceeds will be sent to your bank by electronic check.
CHECK Call us or your financial representative to request your transaction. A
check will be sent to the address of record.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN Call us or your financial representative to request a
form to add the plan. Complete the form, specifying the amount and frequency of
withdrawals you would like.
Be sure to maintain an account balance of $5,000 or more.
To open an account, make subsequent investments or to sell shares, please
contact your financial representative or call toll free in the U.S.
1-800-554-4611. Make checks payable to: THE DREYFUS FAMILY OF FUNDS.
Concepts to understand
WIRE TRANSFER: for transferring money from one financial institution to another.
Wiring is the fastest way to move money, although your bank may charge a fee to
send or receive wire transfers.
ELECTRONIC CHECK: for transferring money out of a bank account. Your transaction
is entered electronically, but may take up to eight business days to clear.
Electronic checks usually are available without a fee at all Automated Clearing
House (ACH) banks.
10
<PAGE>
INSTRUCTIONS FOR IRAS
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT
In Writing
Complete an IRA application, making sure to specify the fund name and to
indicate the year the contribution is for.
Mail your application and a check to:
The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian P.O. Box 6427, Providence, RI 02940-6427
Attn: Institutional Processing
TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT
Fill out an investment slip, and write your account number on your check.
Indicate the year the contribution is for.
Mail in the slip and the check to: The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian P.O. Box
6427, Providence, RI 02940-6427 Attn: Institutional Processing
By Telephone
WIRE Have your bank send your investment to The Bank of New York, with these
instructions:
* ABA# 021000018
* DDA# 8900117826
* the fund name
* the share class * your account number
* name of investor
* the contribution year
* dealer number if applicable
ELECTRONIC CHECK Same as wire, but before your account number insert "1111"
Automatically
ALL SERVICES Call us or your financial representative to request a form to add
any automatic investing service (see "Services for Fund Investors"). Complete
and return the form along with any other required materials. All contributions
will count as current year.
TO SELL SHARES
Write a letter of instruction that includes:
* your name and signature
* your account number and fund name
* the dollar amount you want to sell
* how and where to send the proceeds
* whether the distribution is qualified or premature
* whether the 10% TEFRA should be withheld
Obtain a signature guarantee or other documentation, if required (see page 7).
Mail in your request to: The Dreyfus Trust Company P.O. Box 6427, Providence,
RI 02940-6427 Attn: Institutional Processing
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN Call us to request instructions to establish the
plan.
For information and assistance, contact your financial representative or call
toll free in the U.S. 1-800-554-4611. Make checks payable to: THE DREYFUS TRUST
COMPANY, CUSTODIAN.
Your Investment 11
<PAGE>
NOTES
<PAGE>
[Application p 1 here]
<PAGE>
[Application p 2 here]
<PAGE>
NOTES
<PAGE>
NOTES
<PAGE>
NOTES
<PAGE>
For More Information
Dreyfus Premier Worldwide Growth Fund, Inc.
- -------------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-7512
More information on this fund is available free upon request, including the
following:
Annual/Semiannual Report
Describes the fund's performance, lists portfolio holdings and contains a letter
from the fund's manager discussing recent market conditions, economic trends
and fund strategies that significantly affected the fund's performance during
the last fiscal year.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
Provides more details about the fund and its policies. A current SAI is on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is incorporated by
reference (is legally considered part of this prospectus).
To obtain information:
BY TELEPHONE Call your financial representative or 1-800-554-4611
BY MAIL Write to: The Dreyfus Premier Family of Funds 144 Glenn Curtiss
Boulevard Uniondale, NY 11556-0144
ON THE INTERNET Text-only versions of fund documents can be viewed online or
downloaded from: http://www.sec.gov
You can also obtain copies by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC (phone 1-800-SEC-0330) or by sending your request and a
duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC
20549-6009.
(c) 1999, Dreyfus Service Corporation
070P0399
<X>
<PAGE>
DREYFUS PREMIER WORLDWIDE GROWTH FUND, INC.
CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS R SHARES
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MARCH 1, 1999
This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a prospectus,
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the current Prospectus of
Dreyfus Premier Worldwide Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), dated March 1,
1999, 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 Fund's most recent Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to
Shareholders are separate documents supplied with this Statement of
Additional Information, and the financial statements, accompanying notes and
report of independent auditors appearing in the Annual Report are
incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional Information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Description of the Fund B-2
Management of the Fund B-10
Management Arrangements B-15
How to Buy Shares B-19
Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan B-25
How to Redeem Shares B-26
Shareholder Services B-30
Determination of Net Asset Value B-35
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes B-36
Portfolio Transactions B-38
Performance Information B-39
Information About the Fund B-41
Counsel and Independent Auditors B-42
Appendix B-43
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
The Fund is a Maryland corporation formed on February 5, 1993. The
Fund is an open-end management investment company, known as a mutual fund.
The Fund is a diversified fund, which means that, with respect to 75% of the
Fund's total assets, the Fund will not invest more than 5% of its assets in
the securities of any single issuer.
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 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.
Certain Portfolio Securities
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the Fund's Prospectus.
Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest in the securities of foreign
issuers in the form of American Depositary Receipts and American Depositary
Shares (collectively, "ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), Global
Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Shares (collectively, "GDRs") and
other forms of depositary receipts. 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. GDRs are receipts issued outside the United
States 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, EDRs and CDRs in bearer form are designed for use in Europe, and
GDRs in bearer form are designed for use outside the United States.
These securities may be purchased 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 Government Obligations; Securities of Supranational Entities.
The Fund may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by one or more
foreign governments or any of their political subdivisions, agencies or
instrumentalities that are determined by the Advisers to be of comparable
quality to the other obligations in which the Fund may invest. Such
securities also include debt obligations of supranational entities.
Supranational entities include international organizations designated or
supported by governmental entities to promote economic reconstruction or
development and international banking institutions and related government
agencies. Examples include the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (the World Bank), the European Coal and Steel Community, the
Asian Development Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank.
Convertible Securities. Convertible securities may be converted at
either a stated price or stated rate into underlying shares of common stock.
Convertible securities have characteristics similar to both fixed-income and
equity securities. 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.
Although to a lesser extent than with fixed-income securities, 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. 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.
Convertible securities are investments that provide for a stable stream
of income with generally higher yields than common stocks. There can be no
assurance of current income because the issuers of the convertible
securities may default on their obligations. 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, however, generally
offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of
similar quality because of the potential for capital appreciation.
Warrants. 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.
The Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in warrants, except that this
limitation does not apply to warrants purchased by the Fund that are sold in
units with, or attached to, other securities.
Corporate Debt Securities. The Fund may invest in debt securities that
management believes offer opportunities for capital growth. Corporate debt
securities include corporate bonds, debentures, notes and other similar
instruments, including certain convertible securities. Debt securities may
be acquired with warrants attached. Corporate income-producing securities
also may include forms of preferred or preference stock. The rate of
interest on a corporate debt security may be fixed, floating or variable,
and may vary inversely with respect to a reference rate. The rate of return
or return of principal on some debt obligations may be linked or indexed to
the level of exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency
or currencies.
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. Zero coupon securities also are 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 holders during its life and is
sold at a discount to its face value at maturity. 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.
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
objective. These securities may include securities that are not readily
marketable, such as certain securities that are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale, repurchase agreements providing for
settlement in more than seven days after notice, and certain privately
negotiated, non-exchange traded options and securities used to cover such
options. 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.
Money Market Instruments. When the Advisers determine that adverse
market conditions exist, the Fund may adopt a temporary defensive position
and invest all of its assets in money market instruments, including U.S.
Government securities, repurchase agreements, bank obligations and
commercial paper.
Investment Techniques
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the Fund's Prospectus.
Borrowing Money. The Fund is permitted to borrow to the extent
permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act"), which permits an investment company to borrow in an amount up to 33-
1/3% of the value of its total assets. 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 its 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.
Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund may enter into foreign
currency transactions for a variety of purposes, including: to fix in U.S.
dollars, between trade and settlement date, the value of a security the Fund
has agreed to buy or sell; to hedge the U.S. dollar value of securities the
Fund already owns, particularly if it expects a decrease in the value of the
currency in which the foreign security is denominated; or to gain exposure
to the foreign currency in an attempt to realize gains.
Foreign currency transactions may involve, for example, the Fund's
purchase of foreign currencies for U.S. dollars or the maintenance of short
positions in foreign currencies, which would involve the Fund agreeing to
exchange an amount of a currency it did not currently own for another
currency at a future date in anticipation of a decline in the value of the
currency sold relative to the currency the Fund contracted to receive in the
exchange. The Fund's success in these transactions will depend principally
on the Advisers' ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates
between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar.
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 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.
Forward Commitments. The Fund may purchase securities on a forward
commitment or when-issued basis, which means that delivery and payment take
place a number of days after the date of the commitment to purchase. The
payment obligation and the interest rate receivable on a forward commitment
or when-issued security are fixed when the Fund enters into the commitment
but the Fund does not make a payment until it receives delivery from the
counterparty. The Fund will commit 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 set aside in a segregated account permissible liquid assets at
least equal at all times to the amount of the Fund's purchase commitments.
Securities purchased on a forward commitment or when-issued basis are
subject to changes in value (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 forward commitment or when-issued basis may expose
the Fund to risks because they may experience such fluctuations prior to
their actual delivery. Purchasing securities on a forward commitment or
when-issued 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. Purchasing securities on a forward
commitment or when-issued 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.
Investment Considerations and Risks
Foreign Securities. 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 its assets in the securities of issuers
located in at least three countries. 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.
Because evidences of ownership of foreign securities usually are held
outside the United States, the Fund will be subject to additional risks
which include possible adverse political and economic developments, seizure
or nationalization of foreign deposits and adoption of governmental
restrictions which might adversely affect or restrict the payment of
principal and interest on the foreign securities to investors located
outside the country of the issuer, whether from currency blockage or
otherwise. Moreover, foreign securities held by the Fund may trade on days
when the Fund does not calculate its net asset value and thus affect the
Fund's net asset value on days when investors have no access to the Fund.
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.
Lower Rated Securities. The Fund may invest in higher yielding (and,
therefore, higher risk) debt securities, such as those rated Ba by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BB by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group
("S&P"), Fitch IBCA, Inc. ("Fitch") and Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co.
("Duff," and with the other rating agencies, the "Rating Agencies") and as
low as Caa by Moody's or CCC by S&P, Fitch or Duff (commonly known as junk
bonds). The Fund currently intends to invest less than 35% of its net
assets in these securities. They may be subject to certain risks and to
greater market fluctuations than lower yielding investment grade securities.
See "Appendix" for a general description of the Rating Agencies' 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.
You 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 generally are
considered by the Rating Agencies to be, on balance, 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 portfolio 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 an 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.
The credit risk factors pertaining to lower rated securities also apply
to lower rated zero coupon securities. 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."
Simultaneous Investments. Investment decisions for the Fund are made
independently from those of the other investment companies advised by
Dreyfus or Sarofim. If, however, such other investment companies desire to
invest in, or dispose of, the same securities as the Fund, available
investments or opportunities for sales will be allocated equitably to each
investment company. 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.
Investment Restrictions
The Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy, which cannot
be changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the
1940 Act) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares. In addition, the Fund
has adopted investment restrictions numbered 1 through 10 as fundamental
policies. Investment restrictions numbered 11 through 17 are not
fundamental policies and may be changed by a vote of a majority of the
Fund's Board members 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 1940 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.
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 1940 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 1940 Act.
17. Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if the officers or
Board members 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 issuer.
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.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund's Board is responsible for the management and supervision of
each Fund. The Board approves all significant agreements with those
companies that furnish services to the Fund. These companies are as
follows:
The Dreyfus Corporation Investment Adviser
Fayez Sarofim & Co.. Sub-Investment Adviser
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Distributor
Inc..
Dreyfus Transfer, Inc. Transfer Agent
The Bank of New York Custodian
Board members and officers of the Fund, together with information as to
their principal business occupations during at least the last five years,
are shown below.
Board Members of the Fund
JOSEPH S. DiMARTINO, Chairman of the Board. Since January 1995, Chairman of
the Board of various funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He also is
a director of The Noel Group, Inc., a venture capital company (for
which, from February 1995 until November 1997, he was Chairman of the
Board), The Muscular Dystrophy Association, HealthPlan Services
Corporation, a provider of marketing, administrative and risk
management services to health and other benefit programs, Carlyle
Industries, Inc. (formerly, Belding Heminway Company, Inc.), a button
packager and distributor, Century Business Services, Inc., a provider
of various outsourcing functions for small and medium sized companies,
and Career Blazers, Inc. (formerly, Staffing Resources, Inc.), a
temporary placement agency. For more than five years prior to January
1995, he was President, a director and, until August 1994, Chief
Operating Officer of the Manager and Executive Vice President and a
director of Dreyfus Service Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Dreyfus and, until August 24, 1994, the Fund's distributor. From
August 1994 until December 31, 1994, he was a director of Mellon Bank
Corporation. He is 55 years old and his address is 200 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10166.
CLIFFORD L. ALEXANDER, JR., Board Member. 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, IMS
Health, a service provider of marketing information and information
technology, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, MCI WorldCom and Mutual
of America Life Insurance Company. He is 65 years old and his address
is 400 C Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002.
PEGGY C. DAVIS, Board Member. 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. She is 56 years old and her address is c/o
New York University School of Law, 40 Washington Square South, New
York, New York 10012.
ERNEST KAFKA, Board Member. 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. He is
Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Cornell Medical School.
For more than the past five years, Dr. Kafka has held numerous
administrative positions, including President of the NY Psychoanalytic
Society, and has published many articles on subjects in the field of
psychoanalysis. He is 65 years old and his address is 23 East 92nd
Street, New York, New York 10021.
SAUL B. KLAMAN, Board Member. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SBK
Associates, 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, Vice
Chairman of Golembe Associates and BEI Golembe, Inc. until 1989, and
Chairman Emeritus of BEI Golembe, Inc. until November 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. He is 79 years old and his address is 431-B Dedham
Street, The Gables, Newton Center, Massachusetts 02159.
NATHAN LEVENTHAL, Board Member. 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 also served as Chairman of Citizens Union, an organization
which strives to reform and modernize city and state government from
June 1994 until June 1997. He is 56 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
Board members of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund, as
defined in the 1940 Act, will be selected and nominated by the Board members
who are not "interested persons" of the Fund.
The Fund typically pays its Board members 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. Emeritus Board
members are entitled to receive an annual retainer and a per meeting fee of
one-half the amount paid to them as Board members. The aggregate amount of
compensation paid to each Board member by the Fund for the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1998, and by all funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which
such person is a Board member (the number of which is set forth in
parenthesis next to each Board member's total compensation) for the year
ended December 31, 1998, were as follows:
Total
Compensation From
Aggregate Fund and Fund
Name of Board Member Compensation From Complex Paid to
the Fund* Board Member
Joseph S. DiMartino $4,375 $619,660 (99)
Clifford L. Alexander, $3,250 $80,917 (21)
Jr.
Peggy C. Davis $3,500 $64,000 (16)
Ernest Kafka $3,250 $57,500 (16)
Saul B. Klaman $3,500 $64,000 (16)
Nathan Leventhal $3,500 $64,000 (16)
_________________
* Amount does not include reimbursed expenses for attending Board
meetings, which amounted to $1,346 for all Board members as a group.
Officers of the Fund
MARIE E. CONNOLLY, President and Treasurer. President, Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and a director of the Distributor and
Funds Distributor, Inc., the ultimate parent of which is Boston
Institutional Group, Inc., and an officer of other investment companies
advised or administered by Dreyfus. She is 41 years old.
MARGARET W. CHAMBERS, Vice President and Secretary. Senior Vice President
and General Counsel of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of
other investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus. From
August 1996 to March 1998, she was Vice President and Assistant
General Counsel for Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. From January 1986
to July 1996, she was an associate with the law firm of Ropes & Gray.
She is 39 years old.
MICHAEL S. PETRUCELLI, Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant
Treasurer. Senior Vice President of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by
Dreyfus. From December 1989 through November 1996, he was employed by
GE Investments where he held various financial, business development
and compliance positions. He also served as Treasurer of the GE Funds
and as a Director of GE Investment Services. He is 37 years old.
STEPHANIE D. PIERCE, Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant
Treasurer. Vice President and Client Development Manager of Funds
Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other investment companies
advised or administered by Dreyfus. From April 1997 to March 1998,
she was employed as a Relationship Manager with Citibank, N.A. From
August 1995 to April 1997, she was an Assistant Vice President with
Hudson Valley Bank, and from September 1990 to August 1995, she was
Second Vice President with Chase Manhattan Bank. She is 30 years old.
MARY A. NELSON, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Vice President of
the Distributor and Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus. From
September 1989 to July 1994, she was an Assistant Vice President and
Client Manager for The Boston Company, Inc. She is 34 years old.
GEORGE A. RIO, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Executive Vice
President and Client Service Director of Funds Distributor, Inc., and
an officer of other investment companies advised or administered by
Dreyfus. From June 1995 to March 1998, he was Senior Vice President
and Senior Key Account Manager for Putnam Mutual Funds. From May 1994
to June 1995, he was Director of Business Development for First Data
Corporation. From September 1983 to May 1994, he was Senior Vice
President and Manager of Client Services and Director of Internal
Audit at The Boston Company, Inc. He is 44 years old.
JOSEPH F. TOWER, III, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice
President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and a director of the
Distributor and Funds Distributor, Inc., 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 37 years old.
DOUGLAS C. CONROY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice
President of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus. From April
1993 to January 1995, he was a Senior Fund Accountant for Investors
Bank & Trust Company. He is 29 years old.
CHRISTOPHER J. KELLEY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice
President and Senior Associate General Counsel of the Distributor and
Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other investment companies
advised or administered by Dreyfus. From April 1994 to July 1996, he
was Assistant Counsel at Forum Financial Group. From October 1992 to
March 1994, he was employed by Putnam Investments in legal and
compliance capacities. He is 35 years old.
KATHLEEN K. MORRISEY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Manager of
Treasury Services Administration of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by
Dreyfus. From July 1994 to November 1995, she was a Fund Accountant
for Investors Bank & Trust Company. She is 26 years old.
ELBA VASQUEZ, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice
President of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus. From March
1990 to May 1996, she was employed by U.S. Trust Company of New York
where she held various sales and marketing positions. She is 37 years
old.
The address of each officer of the Fund is 200 Park Avenue, New York,
New York 10166.
The Fund's Board members and officers, as a group, owned less than 1%
of the Fund's voting securities outstanding on February 1, 1999.
The following shareholders owned of record 5% or more of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities February 1, 1999: Class A - Merrill Lynch
Pierce Fenner & Smith, 4800 Deer Lake Drive E., Jacksonville, Fl 32246 -
9.5%; Class B - Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, 4800 Deer Lake Drive
E., Jacksonville, Fl 32246 - 19.8%; Class C - Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner &
Smith, 4800 Deer Lake Drive E., Jacksonville, FL 32246 - 44.9%; Class R -
Boston Safe Deposit & Trust Company, Trustee As Agent - Omnibus Account, 1
Cabot Road, Medford, MA 02155-5141 - 44.7%; Mac & Co., P.O. Box 3198,
Pittsburgh, PA 15230-3198 - 15.4%; Hoenig & Co. Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing
Plan FBO Alan Herzog, 39 Nutmeg Drive, Greenwich, CT 06831-3211 - 11.2%;
Strafe & Co. FAO Aeromet, P.O. Box 160, Westerville OH 43086-0160 - 8.9%;
Bost & Co., Mutual Fund Operations, P.O. Box 3198, Pittsburgh, PA 15230-3198
- - 6.0%. A shareholder who beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, 25%
or more of the Fund's voting securities may be deemed to be a "control
person" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund.
MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Investment Adviser. Dreyfus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon
Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation
("Mellon"). 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.
Dreyfus supervises investment management of the Fund pursuant to the
Management Agreement (the "Management Agreement") dated August 24, 1994 with
the Fund. The Management Agreement is subject to annual approval by (i) the
Fund's Board or (ii) vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 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 Board members who
are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 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,
including a majority of the Board members who are not "interested persons"
of any party to the Management Agreement, at a meeting held on January 13,
1999. The Management Agreement is terminable without penalty, on 60 days'
notice, by the Fund's Board 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 1940 Act).
The following persons are officers and/or directors of Dreyfus:
Christopher M. Condron, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer;
Stephen E. Canter, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Investment
Officer and a director; Thomas F. Eggers, Vice Chairman - Institutional and
a director; Lawrence S. Kash, Vice Chairman and a director; Ronald P.
O'Hanley III, Vice Chairman; J. David Officer, Vice Chairman and a director;
William T. Sandalls, Jr., Executive Vice President; Mark N. Jacobs, Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary; Patrice M. Kozlowski, Vice
President--Corporate Communications; Mary Beth Leibig, Vice President--Human
Resources; Andrew S. Wasser, Vice President--Information Systems; Theodore
A. Schachar, Vice President--Tax; Wendy Strutt, Vice President; Richard
Terres, Vice President; William H. Maresca, Controller; James Bitetto,
Assistant Secretary; Steven F. Newman, Assistant Secretary; and Mandell L.
Berman, Burton C. Borgelt, Steven G. Elliott, Martin G. McGuinn, Richard W.
Sabo and Richard Syron, directors.
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 may pay the Distributor for shareholder
services from Dreyfus' own assets, including past profits but not including
the management fee paid by the Fund. The Distributor may use part or all of
such payments to pay Service Agents (as defined below) in respect of these
services. Dreyfus also may make such advertising and promotional
expenditures, using its own resources, as it from time to time deems
appropriate.
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 fiscal years ended October 31,
1996, 1997 and 1998, the management fees payable amounted to $640,511,
$1,866,529 and $4,593,712, respectively, which fees were reduced by
$102,124, $79,402 and $0, respectively, resulting in $538,387 being paid in
fiscal 1996, $1,787,127 being paid in fiscal 1997 and $4,593,712 being paid
in fiscal 1998.
Sub-Investment Adviser. 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 or (ii) vote of a
majority (as defined in the 1940 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 Board members who are not "interested persons"
(as defined in the 1940 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, including a
majority of the Board members who are not "interested persons" of any party
to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, at a meeting held on January 13, 1999.
Shareholders of the Fund approved the Sub-Advisory Agreement on August 3,
1994. The Sub-Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty (i) by
Dreyfus on 60 days' notice, (ii) by the Fund's Board or by vote of the
holders of a majority of the Fund's shares on 60 days' notice, or (iii) by
Sarofim on not less than 90 days' notice. The Sub-Advisory Agreement will
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the
1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement for any
reason.
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 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. Dreyfus and Sarofim
provide the Fund with portfolio managers who are authorized by the Fund's
Board to execute purchases and sales of securities. The Fund's portfolio
managers are Russell B. Hawkins, Elaine Rees, Christopher Sarofim and Fayez
S. Sarofim. Dreyfus also maintains a research department with a
professional staff of portfolio managers and securities analysts who provide
research services for the Fund and other funds advised by Dreyfus.
Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, Dreyfus has agreed to pay Sarofim an
annual fee, payable monthly, as set forth below:
Annual Fee as
a Percentage
of Fund's
Average Daily
Total Assets Net
Assets
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%
For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the sub-
investment advisory fees paid by Dreyfus to Sarofim amounted to $84,976,
$497,234 and $1,521,155, respectively.
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: taxes, interest, brokerage fees and
commissions, if any, fees of Board members 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. In addition, Class B
and Class C shares are subject to an annual distribution fee and Class A,
Class B and Class C shares are subject to an annual service fee. See
"Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan."
Dreyfus has agreed that if in any fiscal year the aggregate expenses of
the Fund, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest and (with the prior
written consent of the necessary state securities commissions) extraordinary
expenses, but including the management fee, exceed the expense limitation of
any state having jurisdiction over the Fund, the Fund may deduct from the
payment to be made to Dreyfus under the Management Agreement, or Dreyfus
will bear, such excess expense to the extent required by state law. Such
deduction or payment, if any, will be estimated daily, and reconciled and
effected or paid, as the case may be, on a monthly basis.
The aggregate of the fees payable to Dreyfus is not subject to
reduction as the value of the Fund's net assets increases.
Distributor. The Distributor, located at 60 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109, serves as the Fund's distributor on a best efforts
basis pursuant to an agreement which is renewable annually.
For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the
Distributor retained $36,872, $305,946 and $390,264, respectively, from
sales loads on Class A shares. For the same periods, the Distributor
retained $97,671, $264,725 and $844,267, respectively, from contingent
deferred sales charges ("CDSC") on Class B shares and $558, $10,891 and
$36,140 from the CDSC on Class C shares.
The Distributor may pay dealers a fee of up to .50% of the amount
invested through such dealers in Fund shares 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
Distributor to such plans or programs exceeds $1,000,000 ("Eligible Benefit
Plans"). Shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds then held by
Eligible Benefit Plans will be aggregated to determine the fee payable.
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 a Fund, including past profits or any other source available
to it.
The Distributor, at its expense, may provide promotional incentives to
dealers that sell shares of funds advised by Dreyfus which are sold with a
sales load. In some instances, those incentives may be offered only to
certain dealers who have sold or may sell significant amounts of shares.
Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and Custodian. Dreyfus
Transfer, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Dreyfus, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's
transfer and dividend disbursing agent. Under a transfer agency agreement
with the Fund, the Transfer Agent arranges for the maintenance of
shareholder account records for the Fund, the handling of certain
communications between shareholders and the Fund and the payment of
dividends and distributions payable by the Fund. For these services, the
Transfer Agent receives a monthly fee computed on the basis of the number
of shareholder accounts it maintains for the Fund during the month, and is
reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
The Bank of New York (the "Custodian"), 90 Washington Street, New
York, New York 10286, acts as custodian of the Fund's investments. The
Custodian has no part in determining the investment policies of the Fund or
which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Fund. Under a custody
agreement with the Fund, the Custodian holds the Fund's securities and
keeps all necessary accounts and records. For its custody services, the
Custodian receives a monthly fee based on the market value of the Fund's
assets held in custody and receives certain securities transactions
charges.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
General. Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C 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 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.
Class R shares are offered only to institutional investors acting for
themselves or in a fiduciary, advisory, agency, custodial or similar
capacity for qualified or non-qualified employee benefit plans, including
pension, profit-sharing, IRAs set up under a Simplified Employee Pension
Plan ("SEP-IRAs") and other deferred compensation plans, whether established
by corporations, partnerships, non-profit entities or state and local
governments ("Retirement Plans"). The term "Retirement Plans" does not
include IRAs or IRA "Rollover Accounts." Class R shares may be purchased
for a Retirement Plan only by a custodian, trustee, investment manager or
other entity authorized to act on behalf of such Retirement Plan.
Institutions effecting transactions in Class R shares for the accounts of
their clients may charge their clients direct fees in connection with such
transactions.
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.
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 the Fund's Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information, and, to the extent permitted by applicable
regulatory authority, may charge their clients direct fees. You should
consult your Service Agent in this regard.
The minimum initial investment is $1,000. Subsequent investments must
be at least $100. However, the minimum initial investment is $750 for
Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs (including regular IRAs, spousal IRAs
for a non-working spouse, Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs and rollover IRAs) and
403(b)(7) Plans with only one participant and $500 for Dreyfus-sponsored
Education IRAs, with no minimum for subsequent purchases. The initial
investment must be accompanied by the Account Application. The Fund
reserves the right to offer Fund shares without regard to minimum purchase
requirements to employees participating in certain qualified or non-
qualified employee benefit plans or other programs where contributions or
account information can be transmitted in a manner and form acceptable to
the Fund. The Fund reserves the right to vary further the initial and
subsequent investment minimum requirements at any time.
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), imposes
various limitations on the amount that may be contributed to certain
Retirement Plans. These limitations apply with respect to participants at
the plan level and, therefore, do not directly affect the amount that may be
invested in the Fund by a Retirement Plan. Participants and plan sponsors
should consult their tax advisers for details.
Fund shares also may be purchased through Dreyfus-Automatic Asset
Builderr and Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege described under
"Shareholder Services." These services enable you to make regularly
scheduled investments and may provide you with a convenient way to invest
for long-term financial goals. You should be aware, however, that periodic
investment plans do not guarantee a profit and will not protect an investor
against loss in a declining market.
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis. Net asset value per share
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 its 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. For further information regarding the methods employed in valuing
the Fund's investments, see "Determination of Net Asset Value."
If an order is received in proper form by the Transfer Agent or other
entity authorized to receive orders on behalf of the Fund 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. For
certain institutions that have entered into agreements with the Distributor,
payment for the purchase of Fund shares may be transmitted, and must be
received by the Transfer Agent, within three business days after the order
is placed. If such payment is not received within three business days after
the order is placed, the order may be canceled and the institution could be
held liable for resulting fees and/or losses.
Class A Shares. The public offering price for Class A shares is the
net asset value per share of that Class plus, except for shareholders
beneficially owning Class A shares on November 30, 1996, a sales load as
shown below:
Total Sales Load
As a % As a % Dealers'
Amount of of of Reallowance
Transaction offerin Net as a % of
g price asset offering
per value price
share per
share
Less than $50,000 5.75 6.10 5.00
$50,000 to less than 4.50 4.70 3.75
$100,000
$100,000 to less 3.50 3.60 2.75
than $250,000
$250,000 to less 2.50 2.60 2.25
than $500,000
$500,000 to less 2.00 2.00 1.75
than $1,000,000
$1,000,000 or more -0- -0- -0-
For shareholders who beneficially owned Class A shares on November 30,
1996, 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:
Total Sales Load
As a % As a % Dealers'
Amount of of of Reallowance
Transaction offerin Net as a % of
g price asset offering
per value price
share per
share
Less than $50,000 4.50 4.70 4.25
$50,000 to less than 4.00 4.20 3.75
$100,000
$100,000 to less 3.00 3.10 2.75
than $250,000
$250,000 to less 2.50 2.60 2.25
than $500,000
$500,000 to less 2.00 2.00 1.75
than $1,000,000
$1,000,000 or more -0- -0- -0-
A CDSC of 1% will 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 one year of purchase. The
Distributor may pay Service Agents an amount up to 1% of the net asset value
of Class A shares purchased by their clients that are subject to a CDSC.
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 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.
Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering
price of the Fund's Class A shares. The example assumes a purchase of Class
A shares aggregating less than $50,000 subject to the schedule of sales
charges set forth above at a price based upon the net asset value of the
Fund's Class A share on October 31, 1998:
Net Asset Value per Share $29.95
Per Share Sales Charge -
5.75%*
Of offering price (6.11% of $ 1.83
net asset value per share)
Per Share Offering Price to
The Public $31.78
_____________________
* Class A shares purchased by shareholders beneficially owning Class A
shares on November 30, 1996 are subject to a different sales load
schedule, as described above.
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 such 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 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 Eligible Benefit Plans. 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, at the time of such distribution, such qualified retirement plan
or Dreyfus-sponsored 403(b)(7) plan (a) met the requirements of an Eligible
Benefit Plan and all or a portion of such plan's assets were invested in
funds in the Dreyfus Premier Family of Funds or 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 Premier
Family of Funds or the Dreyfus Family of Funds or certain other products
made available by the Distributor to such plans.
Class A shares may be purchased at net asset value through certain
broker-dealers and other financial institutions which have entered into an
agreement with the Distributor, which includes a requirement that such
shares be sold for the benefit of clients participating in a "wrap account"
or a similar program under which such clients pay a fee to such broker-
dealer or other financial institution.
Class A shares also may be purchased at net asset value, subject to
appropriate documentation, through a broker-dealer or other financial
institution with the proceeds from the redemption of shares of a registered
open-end management investment company not managed by Dreyfus or its
affiliates. The purchase of Class A shares must be made within 60 days of
such redemption and the shares redeemed must have been subject to an initial
sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge.
Class A shares also may be purchased at net asset value, subject to
appropriate documentation, by (i) qualified separate accounts maintained by
an insurance company pursuant to the laws of any State or territory of the
United States, (ii) a State, county or city or instrumentality thereof,
(iii) a charitable organization (as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the
Code) investing $50,000 or more in Fund shares, and (iv) a charitable
remainder trust (as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code).
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 in the Fund's Prospectus and in this
Statement of Additional Information under "How to Redeem Shares--Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge--Class B Shares." The Distributor compensates certain
Service Agents for selling Class B 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.
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 such Class. 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. 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 is imposed, however, on redemptions of
Class C shares made within the first year of purchase. See "Class B Shares"
above and "How to Redeem Shares."
Class R Shares. The public offering for Class R shares is the net
asset value per share of that Class.
Right of Accumulation--Class A Shares. Reduced sales loads apply to
any purchase of Class A shares, shares of other funds in the Dreyfus 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 above, where the aggregate investment, including such
purchase, is $50,000 or more. If, for example, you previously purchased and
still hold Class A shares, or shares of any other Eligible Fund or
combination thereof, with an aggregate current market value of $40,000 and
subsequently purchase Class A shares or shares of an Eligible Fund having a
current value of $20,000, the sales load applicable to the subsequent
purchase would be reduced to 4.5% 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. Class A shares purchased by shareholders
beneficially owning Class A shares on November 30, 1996 are subject to a
different sales load schedule, as described above under "Class A Shares."
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.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege. You may purchase shares by telephone
if you have checked the appropriate box and supplied the necessary
information on the 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.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer purchase orders may be made at any time.
Purchase orders received by 4:00 p.m., New York time, on any business day
that the Transfer Agent and the New York Stock Exchange are open for
business will be credited to the shareholder's Fund account on the next
bank business day following such purchase order. Purchase orders made
after 4:00 p.m., New York time, on any business day the Transfer Agent and
the New York Stock Exchange are open for business, or orders made on
Saturday, Sunday or any Fund holiday (e.g., when the New York Stock
Exchange is not open for business), will be credited to the shareholder's
Fund account on the second bank business day following such purchase order.
To qualify to use Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, the initial payment for
purchase of 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 "How to Redeem
Shares-Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege."
Reopening an Account. You 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.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
Class B and Class C shares are subject to a Distribution Plan and Class
A, Class B and Class C shares are subject to a Shareholder Services Plan.
Distribution Plan. Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") adopted by the Securities
and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act provides, among other things,
that 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
has adopted such a plan (the "Distribution Plan") with respect to the Fund's
Class B and Class C shares pursuant to which the Fund pays the Distributor
for distributing each such Class of shares a fee at the annual rate of .75%
of the value of the average daily net assets of Class B and Class C shares.
The Fund's Board believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that the
Distribution Plan will benefit the Fund and holders of its Class B and
Class C shares.
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 Board for its review. In addition, the Distribution Plan provides that
it may not be amended to increase materially the costs which holders of a
Fund's Class B or Class C shares may bear pursuant to the Distribution Plan
without the approval of the holders of such shares and that other material
amendments of the Distribution Plan must be approved by the Fund's Board,
and by the Board members who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the
1940 Act) of the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any agreements entered into in
connection with 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 cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on the Distribution Plan. The Distribution
Plan was last so approved by the Board at a meeting held on January 13,
1999. As to the relevant Class of shares, the Distribution Plan may be
terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Board members who are
not "interested persons" and have no direct or indirect financial interest
in the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any agreements entered into
in connection with the Distribution Plan or by vote of the holders of a
majority of such Class of shares.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund paid the
Distributor $3,050,389 with respect to Class B and $409,331 with respect to
Class C pursuant to the Distribution Plan.
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 the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C
shares a fee at the annual rate of .25% of the value of the average daily
net assets of each such Class. 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 such shareholder accounts. Under
the Shareholder Services Plan, the Distributor may make payments to 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 Board for its review. In addition, the Shareholder
Services Plan provides that material amendments must be approved by the
Fund's Board, and by the Board members who are not "interested persons" (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund and 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, 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 cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on the Shareholder Services Plan. The Shareholder
Services Plan was last so approved by the Board at a meeting held on January
13, 1999. As to the relevant Class of shares, the Shareholder Services Plan
is terminable at any time by vote of a majority of the Board members 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 fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund paid the
Distributor $375,430 with respect to Class A, $1,016,796 with respect to
Class B, and $136,444 with respect to Class C, pursuant to the Shareholder
Services Plan.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
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 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 for 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 for Class B
shares:
Year Since CDSC as a % of
Purchase Payment Amount Invested
Was Made or
Redemption
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 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 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.
For example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares at $10 per share
for a cost of $1,000. Subsequently, the shareholder acquired five
additional shares through dividend reinvestment. During the second year
after the purchase the investor decided to redeem $500 of the 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 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% 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 applicable to Class B and Class C shares
may 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 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 70-1/2 in the case of an IRA or Keogh
plan or custodial account pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code, and (e)
redemptions pursuant to the Automatic Withdrawal Plan, as described below.
If the Company's Board determines to discontinue the waiver of the CDSC,
the disclosure herein 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 or
this Statement of Additional Information 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.
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 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 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. Upon written request, you may reinvest up to
the number of Class A or Class B shares you have redeemed, within 45 days of
redemption, at the then-prevailing net asset value without a sales load, or
reinstate your account for the purpose of exercising Fund Exchanges. Upon
reinstatement, with respect to Class B shares, or Class A shares if such
shares were subject to a CDSC, your account will be credited with an amount
equal to the CDSC previously paid upon redemption of the Class A or Class B
shares reinvested. The Reinvestment Privilege may be exercised only once.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege. You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds be transferred between your Fund account and your bank
account. Only a bank account maintained in a domestic financial
institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be designated.
Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank accounts may redeem through the
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege for transfer to their bank account not more
than $250,000 within any 30-day period. Redemption proceeds will be on
deposit in the your account at an ACH member bank ordinarily two business
days after receipt of the redemption request. You should be aware that if
you have selected the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, any request for a
wire redemption will be effected as a Dreyfus TeleTransfer transaction
through the Automated Clearing House ("ACH") system unless more prompt
transmittal specifically is requested. See "How to Buy Shares--Dreyfus
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 Exchanges 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 has committed itself 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 and is a fundamental policy of the Fund which may not be changed
without shareholder approval. In the case of requests for redemption in
excess of such amount, the Board 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 securities are 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
Fund Exchanges. Clients of certain Service Agents may purchase, in
exchange for shares of a Class, shares of the same Class of certain other
funds managed or administered by Dreyfus, to the extent such shares are
offered for sale in such client's state of residence. Shares of the same
Class of such funds purchased by exchange will be purchased on the basis of
relative net asset value per share as follows:
A. Exchanges for shares of funds that are offered without a
sales load will be made without a sales load.
B. Shares of funds purchased without a sales load may be
exchanged for shares of other funds sold with a sales load, and
the applicable sales load will be deducted.
C. Shares of funds purchased with a sales load may be exchanged
without a sales load for shares of other funds sold without a
sales load.
D. Shares of funds purchased with a sales load, shares of funds
acquired by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a sales
load and additional shares acquired through reinvestment of
dividends or distributions of any such funds (collectively
referred to herein as "Purchased Shares") may be exchanged for
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.
E. Shares of funds subject to a CDSC that are exchanged for
shares of another fund will be subject to the higher applicable
CDSC of the two funds, and for purposes of calculating CDSC rates
and conversion periods, if any, will be deemed to have been held
since the date the shares being exchanged were initially
purchased.
To accomplish an exchange under item D above, your Service Agent acting
on your behalf must notify the Transfer Agent of your prior ownership of
Fund shares and your account number.
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
("Exchange Account"). Exchanges of shares from an Exchange Account only can
be made into certain other funds managed or administered by the Manager. 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 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.
To request an exchange, your Service Agent acting on your 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 you check the applicable "No" box on the
Account Application, indicating that you specifically refuse this Privilege.
By using the Telephone Exchange Privilege, you authorize the Transfer Agent
to act on telephonic instructions (including over The Dreyfus Touchr
automated telephone system) 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. 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. 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
administrative fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
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 the fund into which the exchange is being made.
Exchanges of Class R shares held by a Retirement Plan may be made only
between the investor's Retirement Plan account in one fund and such
investor's Retirement Plan account in another fund.
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege. Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege
permits you to purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares of the
same Class of another fund in the Dreyfus Premier Family of Funds or
certain funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a
shareholder. This Privilege is available only for existing accounts. With
respect to Class R shares held by a Retirement Plan, exchanges may be made
only between the investor's Retirement Plan account in one fund and such
investor's Retirement Plan account in another fund. 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. You will be notified if your account falls below the amount
designated to be exchanged under this Privilege. In this case, your
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 Dreyfus 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 1-800-554-4611. The Fund reserves the right to reject
any exchange request in whole or in part. The Fund Exchanges service or
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time
upon notice to shareholders.
Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builderr. Dreyfus-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.
Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege. Dreyfus 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 U.S.
Government automatically deposited into your fund account. You may deposit
as much of such payments as you elect.
Dreyfus Dividend Options. Dreyfus Dividend Sweep allows you to invest
automatically your dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions,
if any, from the Fund in shares of the same Class of another fund in the
Dreyfus Premier Family of Funds or certain funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds of which you are 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 by a fund may be invested
without imposition of a sales load in shares of other funds
that are offered without a sales load.
(b) Dividends and distributions paid by a fund which does not
charge a sales load may be invested in shares of other funds
sold with a sales load, and the applicable sales load will be
deducted.
(c) Dividends and distributions paid by a fund which charges a
sales load may be invested in 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 by a fund may be invested in
shares of other funds that impose a CDSC and the applicable
CDSC, if any, will be imposed upon redemption of such shares.
Dreyfus 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.
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.
Withdrawal payments are the proceeds from sales of Fund shares, not the
yield on the shares. If withdrawal payments exceed reinvested dividends and
distributions, your shares will be reduced and eventually may be depleted.
Automatic Withdrawal may be terminated 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.
No CDSC with respect to Class B shares will be imposed on withdrawals
made under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan, provided that the amounts
withdrawn under the plan do not exceed on an annual basis 12% of the
account value at the time the shareholder elects to participate in the
Automatic Withdrawal Plan. Withdrawals with respect to Class B shares
under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan that exceed on an annual basis 12% of
the value of the shareholders account will be subject to a CDSC on the
amounts exceeding 12% of the initial account value. Withdrawals of Class
A shares subject to a CDSC and Class C shares under the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan will be subject to any applicable CDSC. Purchases of
additional Class A shares where the sales load is imposed concurrently
with withdrawals of Class A shares generally are undesirable.
Certain Retirement Plans, including Dreyfus-sponsored retirement
plans, may permit certain participants to establish an automatic
withdrawal plan from such Retirement Plans. Participants should consult
their Retirement Plan sponsor and tax adviser for details. Such a
withdrawal plan is different than the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
Letter of Intent--Class A Shares. By signing a Letter of Intent
form, which can be obtained by calling 1-800-554-4611, 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 of the Fund 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. Purchases
pursuant to a Letter of Intent will be made at the then-current net asset
value plus the applicable sales load in effect at the time such Letter of
Intent was executed.
Corporate Pension/Profit-Sharing and Personal Retirement Plans. The
Fund makes available to corporations a variety of prototype pension and
profit-sharing plans, including a 401(k) Salary Reduction Plan. In
addition, the Fund makes available Keogh Plans, IRAs (including regular
IRAs, spousal IRAs for a non-working spouse, Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Rollover
IRAs and Education IRAs) and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services also
are available.
If you wish to purchase Fund shares in conjunction with a Keogh Plan, a
403(b)(7) Plan or an IRA, including a SEP-IRA, you may request from the
Distributor forms for adoption of such plans.
The entity acting as custodian for Keogh Plans, 403(b)(7) Plans or IRAs
may charge a fee, payment of which could require the liquidation of shares.
All fees charged are described in the appropriate form.
Shares may be purchased in connection with these plans only by direct
remittance to the entity acting as custodian. Purchases for these plans may
not be made in advance of receipt of funds.
The minimum initial investment for corporate plans, Salary Reduction
Plans, 403(b)(7) Plans and SEP-IRAs with more than one participant, is
$1,000 with no minimum for subsequent purchases. The minimum initial
investment is $750 for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs (including
regular IRAs, spousal IRAs for a non-working spouse, Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs,
and rollover IRAs) and 403(b)(7) Plans with only one participant and $500
for Dreyfus-sponsored Education IRAs, with no minimum for subsequent
purchases.
You should read the prototype retirement plan and the appropriate form
of custodial agreement for further details on eligibility, service fees and
tax implications, and you should consult a tax adviser.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
Valuation of Portfolio Securities. Portfolio securities 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 U.S. 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. If the Fund has to obtain prices as of the close of trading on
various exchanges throughout the world, the calculation of net asset value
may 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. Expenses and fees, including the
management fee and fees pursuant to the Distribution Plan and Shareholder
Services Plan, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of
determining the net asset value of the Fund's shares. Because of the
difference in operating expenses incurred by each Class, the per share asset
value of each Class will differ.
Restricted securities, as well as securities or other assets for which
recent market quotations are not readily available, or are not valued by a
pricing service approved by the Board, are valued at fair value as
determined in good faith by the Board. The Board will review the method of
valuation on a current basis. In making their good faith valuation of
restricted securities, the Board members 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 if the Board members 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.
New York Stock Exchange Closings. The holidays (as observed) on which
the New York Stock Exchange is closed currently are: New Year's Day, Martin
Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Management believes that the Fund has qualified as a "regulated
investment company" under the Code for the fiscal year ended October 31,
1998. 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
distribute at least 90% of its net income (consisting of net investment
income and net short-term capital gain) to its shareholders and meet certain
asset diversification and other requirements. If the Fund did not qualify
as a regulated investment company, it would be treated for tax purposes as
an ordinary corporation subject to Federal income tax. The term "regulated
investment company" does not imply the supervision of management or
investment practices or policies by any government agency.
If you elect to receive dividends and distributions in cash, and your
dividend or distribution check is returned to the Fund as undeliverable or
remains uncashed for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest
such dividends or distributions and all future dividends and distributions
payable to you in additional Fund shares at net asset value. No interest
will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution or redemption
checks.
Any dividend or distribution paid shortly after an investor's purchase
may have the effect of reducing the aggregate 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 in the
Fund's Prospectus. 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
from 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 held for less than 46 days, which 46
days generally must be during the 90-day period commencing 45 days before
the shares become ex-dividend, 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 of the Code, 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-U.S. 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 gains realized from the sale or
other disposition of certain market discount bonds will be treated as
ordinary income under Section 1276 of the Code. Finally, all or a portion
of the gain realized from engaging in "conversion transactions" may be
treated as ordinary income under Section 1258 of the Code. "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 realized by the Fund
from certain forward contracts and options transactions (other than those
taxed under Section 988 of the Code) 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 the exercise or lapse of such contracts and options as well
as from closing transactions. In addition, any such contract or option
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 forward
contracts or options transactions may be considered, for tax purposes, to
constitute "straddles." "Straddles" are defined to include "offsetting
positions" in actively traded personal property. The tax treatment of
"straddles" is governed by Sections 1092 and 1258 of the Code, which, in
certain circumstances, override or modify the provisions of Sections 988 and
1256 of the Code. As such, all or a portion of any short or long-term
capital gain from certain "straddle" transactions may be recharacterized as
ordinary income.
If the Fund were treated as entering into "straddles" by reason of its
engaging in forward contracts or options transactions, such "straddles"
could be characterized as "mixed straddles" if forward contracts or options
transactions comprising a part of such "straddles" were governed by Section
1256 of the Code. The Fund may make one or more elections with respect to
"mixed straddles." Depending upon 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 any
offsetting positions. Moreover, as a result of the "straddle" and
conversion transaction rules, short-term capital loss on "straddle"
positions may be recharacterized as long-term capital loss, and long-term
capital gain on "straddle" positions may be treated as short-term capital
gain or ordinary income.
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 included constructive sale provisions
that generally apply if the Fund either (1) holds an appreciated financial
position with respect to stock, certain debt obligations, or partnership
interests ("appreciated financial position") and then enters into a short
sale, futures or forward contract, or offsetting notional principal contract
(collectively, a "Contract") with respect to the same or substantially
identical property or (2) holds an appreciated financial position that is a
Contract and then acquires property that is the same as, or substantially
identical to, the underlying property. In each instance, with certain
exceptions, the Fund generally will be taxed as if the appreciated financial
position were sold at its fair market value on the date the Fund enters into
the financial position or acquires the property, respectively. Transactions
that are identified hedging or straddle transactions under other provisions
of the Code can be subject to the constructive sale provisions.
If the Fund invests in an entity that is classified as a "passive
foreign investment company" ("PFIC") for Federal income tax purposes, the
operation of certain provisions of the Code applying to PFICs could result
in the imposition of certain Federal income taxes on the Fund. In addition,
gain realized from the sale or other disposition of PFIC securities may be
treated as ordinary income under Section 1291 of the Code and, with respect
to PFIC securities that are marked-to-market, under Section 1296 of the
Code.
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 supervises the placement of orders on behalf of the Fund for
the purchase or sale of portfolio 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
clients 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 by a broker of shares of the Fund or other funds advised by
Dreyfus or its affiliates 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, 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. Foreign
exchange transactions are made with banks or institutions in the interbank
market at prices reflecting a mark-up or mark-down and/or commission.
Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year as well as within a year.
In periods in which extraordinary market conditions prevail, the Advisers
will not be deterred from changing the Fund's 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 fiscal years ended October 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the Fund
paid brokerage commissions of $46,668, $260,415 and $415,740, respectively,
none of which was paid to the Distributor. For the fiscal years ended
October 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the Fund paid $12,610, $13,082 and $0,
respectively, in gross spreads or concessions on principal transactions.
The aggregate amount of transactions during the last fiscal year in
securities effected on an agency basis through a broker in consideration of,
among other things, research services provided was $59,353,915 and the
commissions and concessions related to such transactions were $51,950.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The average annual total return for the 1, 5 and 5.30 year periods
ended October 31, 1998 for Class A was 15.53%, 17.24% and 17.42%,
respectively. The average annual total return for Class B for such periods
was 17.66%, 17.56% and 17.74%, respectively. The average annual total
return for the 1 and 3.37 year periods ended October 31, 1998 for Class C
was 20.69% and 21.16%, respectively. The average annual total return for
the 1 and 2.66 year periods ended October 31, 1998 for Class R was 22.89%
and 21.49%, respectively. 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, 1998 was
134.20% and 137.66%, respectively. Based on net asset value per share for
Class A or without giving effect to the CDSC for Class B, the total return
for the Fund's Class A and Class B shares for this period was 148.44% and
138.66%, respectively. The total return for the Fund's Class C shares for
the period June 21, 1995 (commencement of initial offering) through October
31, 1998 was 90.56%. Without giving effect to the CDSC, the total return
for the Fund's Class C shares for this period was 90.56%. The total return
for the Fund's Class R shares for the period March 4, 1996 (commencement of
initial offering) through October 31, 1998 was 67.83%.
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 and may refer to
current global revenues of the portfolio companies. Advertising materials
for 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, advertisements may include statistical data or general
discussions about the growth and development of Dreyfus Retirement Services
(in terms of new customers, assets under management, market share, etc.) and
its presence in the defined contribution plan market.
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. From time to time, advertising materials for the
Fund may refer to Morningstar ratings and related analyses supporting the
rating.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
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.
Fund shares have no preemptive or subscription rights and are freely
transferable.
Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act, ordinarily it will not be
necessary for the Fund to hold annual meetings of shareholders. As a
result, shareholders may not consider each year the election of Board
members or the appointment of auditors. However, 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 Board
member from office. Shareholders may remove a Board member by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting shares. In
addition, the Board will call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of
electing Board members if, at any time, less than a majority of the Board
members then holding office have been elected by shareholders.
The Fund is intended to be a long-term investment vehicle and is not
designed to provide investors with a means of speculating on short-term
market movements. A pattern of frequent purchases and exchanges can be
disruptive to efficient portfolio management and, consequently, can be
detrimental to the Fund's performance and its shareholders. Accordingly, if
the Fund's management determines that an investor is following a market-
timing strategy or is otherwise engaging in excessive trading, the Fund,
with or without prior notice, may temporarily or permanently terminate the
availability of Fund Exchanges, or reject in whole or part any purchase or
exchange request, with respect to such investor's account. Such investors
also may be barred from purchasing other funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds. Generally, an investor who makes more than four exchanges out of a
Fund during any calendar year or who makes exchanges that appear to coincide
with a market-timing strategy may be deemed to be engaged in excessive
trading. Accounts under common ownership or control will be considered as
one account for purposes of determining a pattern of excessive trading. In
addition, the Fund may refuse or restrict purchase or exchange requests for
Fund shares by any person or group if, in the judgment of the Fund's
management, the Fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in
accordance with its investment objective and policies or could otherwise be
adversely affected or if the Fund receives or anticipates receiving
simultaneous orders that may significantly affect the Fund (e.g., amounts
equal to 1% or more of the Fund's total assets). If an exchange request is
refused, the Fund will take no other action with respect to the Fund shares
until it receives further instructions from the investor. The Fund may
delay forwarding redemption proceeds for up to seven days if the investor
redeeming shares is engaged in excessive trading or if the amount of the
redemption request otherwise would be disruptive to efficient portfolio
management or would adversely affect the Fund. The Fund's policy on
excessive trading applies to investors who invest in the Fund directly or
through financial intermediaries, but does not apply to the Auto-Exchange
Privilege, to any automatic investment or withdrawal privilege described
herein, or to participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, the Fund may
suspend Fund Exchanges temporarily without notice and treat exchange
requests based on their separate components -- redemption orders with a
simultaneous request to purchase the other fund's shares. In such a case,
the redemption request would be processed at the Fund's next determined net
asset value but the purchase order would be effective only at the net asset
value next determined after the fund being purchased receives the proceeds
of the redemption, which may result in the purchase being delayed.
To offset the relatively higher costs of servicing smaller accounts,
the Fund will charge regular accounts with balances below $2,000 an annual
fee of $12. The valuation of accounts and the deductions are expected to
take place during the last four months of each year. The fee will be waived
for any investor whose aggregate Dreyfus mutual fund investments total at
least $24,000, and will not apply to IRA accounts or to accounts
participating in automatic investment programs or opened through a
securities dealer, bank or other financial institution, or to other
fiduciary accounts.
The Fund will send annual and semi-annual financial statements to all
its shareholders.
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, LLP, 180 Maiden Lane, New York, New York
10038-4982, as counsel for the Fund, has rendered its opinion as to certain
legal matters regarding the due authorization and valid issuance of the
shares 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 independent auditors of the
Fund.
APPENDIX
Description of S&P, Moody's, Fitch and Duff ratings:
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, 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.
B
Bonds rated B have a greater vulnerability to default but presently
have 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 are dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions
to meet timely payments of interest and repayment of principal. In the
event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, they are 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 a
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
An S&P commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more
than 365 days. Issues assigned an A rating are regarded as having the
greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are
delineated with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the relative degree of
safety.
A-1
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 (+) 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 generally are 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 and
in the categories below B. 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. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in the AAA category covering 12-36
months.
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
Bond Ratings
AAA
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. There may be
considerable variability in risk for bonds in this category 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.
DREYFUS PREMIER WORLDWIDE GROWTH FUND, INC.
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
_________________________
ITEM 23 Exhibits. - List
_______ _________________
(1)(a) Registrant's Articles of Incorporation are incorporated by reference
to Exhibit (1)(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on February 21, 1996.
(1)(b) Registrant's Articles Supplementary are incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (1)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on February 21, 1996.
(1)(c) Amendment to Articles of Incorporation are incorporated by reference
to Exhibit (1)(c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 1, 1997.
(2) Registrant's By-Laws are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (2) of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A, filed on May 3, 1995.
(4)(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.
(4)(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.
(5)(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.
(5)(b) Form of Distribution Plan Agreement is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (6)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on May 3, 1995.
(5)(c) Form of Shareholder Services Plan Agreement is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit (6)(c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on May 3, 1995.
(7) Custody Agreement with The Bank of New York is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit (8) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on February 21, 1996.
(8) Shareholder Services Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (9)
of Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A, filed on March 1, 1997.
Item 23. Exhibits. - List (continued)
_______ _____________________________________________________
(9) Opinion and consent of Registrant's counsel is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit (10) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on May 3, 1995.
(10) Consent of Independent Auditors.
(13) Distribution Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (15) of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A, filed on May 3, 1995.
(14) Financial Data Schedules are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (13)
of Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A, filed on December 23, 1998.
(15) Registrant's Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
(18) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement
on Form N-1A, filed on March 1, 1997.
Other Exhibits
______________
(a) Powers of Attorney are incorporated by
reference to Other Exhibits (a) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement on Form N-
1A, filed on December 23, 1998.
(b) Certificate of Secretary is incorporated
by reference to Other Exhibits (b) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement on Form N-
1A, filed on December 23, 1998.
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.
_______ ______________________________________________________________
Not Applicable
Item 25. 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 Form N-1A, filed on December 30, 1994.
Item 26. 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 Investment Advisors, Inc., another wholly-
owned subsidiary, provides investment management services to
various pension plans, institutions and individuals.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser (continued)
Officers and Directors of Investment Adviser
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Name and Position
With Dreyfus Other Businesses Position Held Dates
Christopher M. Condron Mellon Preferred Director 3/96 - 11/96
Chairman of the Board and Capital Corporation*
Chief Executive Officer
TBCAM Holdings, Inc.* President 10/97 - 6/98
Chairman 10/97 - 6/98
The Boston Company Chairman 1/98 - 6/98
Asset Management, LLC* President 1/98 - 6/98
The Boston Company President 9/95 - 1/98
Asset Management, Inc.* Chairman 4/95 - 1/98
Chief Executive Officer 4/95 - 4/97
Pareto Partners Partner Representative 11/95 - 5/97
271 Regent Street
London, England W1R 8PP
Franklin Portfolio Holdings, Inc.* Director 1/97 - Present
Franklin Portfolio
Associates Trust* Trustee 9/95 - 1/97
Certus Asset Advisors Corp.**
Director 6/95 - Present
The Boston Company of Director 6/95 - 4/96
Southern California Chief Executive Officer 6/95 - 4/96
Los Angeles, CA
Mellon Capital Management Director 5/95 - Present
Corporation***
Mellon Bond Associates, LLP+ Executive Committee 1/98 - Present
Member
Mellon Bond Associates+ Trustee 5/95 -1/98
Mellon Equity Associates, LLP+ Executive Committee 1/98 - Present
Member
Mellon Equity Associates+ Trustee 5/95 - 1/98
Boston Safe Advisors, Inc.* Director 5/95 - Present
President 5/95 - Present
Access Capital Strategies Corp. Director 5/95 - 1/97
124 Mount Auburn Street
Suite 200 North
Cambridge, MA 02138
Mellon Bank, N.A. + Chief Operating Officer 3/98 - Present
President 3/98 - Present
Vice Chairman 11/94 - Present
Christopher M. Condron Mellon Bank Corporation+ Chief Operating Officer 1/99 - Present
Chairman and Chief President 1/99 - Present
Executive Director 1/98 - Present
Officer (Continued) Vice Chairman 11/94 - 1/99
The Boston Company Financial Director 4/94- 8/96
Services, Inc.* President 4/94 - 8/96
The Boston Company, Inc.* Vice Chairman 1/94 - Present
Director 5/93 - Present
Laurel Capital Advisors, LLP+ Exec. Committee 1/98 - Present
Member
Laurel Capital Advisors+ Trustee 10/93 - 1/98
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Chairman 3/93 - 2/96
Company of CA Chief Executive Officer 6/93 - 2/96
Los Angeles, CA Director 6/89 - 2/96
MY, Inc.* President 9/91 - 3/96
Director 9/91 - 3/96
Reco, Inc.* President 8/91 - 11/96
Director 8/91 - 11/96
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Director 6/89 - 2/96
Company of NY
New York, NY
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust President 9/89 - 6/96
Company* Director 5/93 -Present
The Boston Company Financial President 6/89 - Present
Strategies, Inc. * Director 6/89 - Present
The Boston Company Financial President 6/89 - 1/97
Strategies Group, Inc. * Director 6/89- 1/97
Mandell L. Berman Self-Employed Real Estate Consultant, 11/74 - Present
Director 29100 Northwestern Highway Residential Builder and
Suite 370 Private Investor
Southfield, MI 48034
Burton C. Borgelt DeVlieg Bullard, Inc. Director 1/93 - Present
Director 1 Gorham Island
Westport, CT 06880
Mellon Bank Corporation+ Director 6/91 - Present
Mellon Bank, N.A. + Director 6/91 - Present
Dentsply International, Inc. Director 2/81 - Present
570 West College Avenue Chief Executive Officer 2/81 - 12/96
York, PA Chairman 3/89 - 1/96
Stephen E. Canter Dreyfus Investment Chairman of the Board 1/97 - Present
President, Chief Operating Advisors, Inc.++ Director 5/95 - Present
Officer, Chief Investment President 5/95 - Present
Officer, and Director
Founders Asset Management, LLC Acting Chief Executive 7/98 - 12/98
2930 East Third Ave. Officer
Denver, CO 80206
The Dreyfus Trust Company+++ Director 6/95 - Present
Thomas F. Eggers Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Executive Vice President 4/96 - Present
Vice Chairman - Institutional Director 9/96 - Present
and Director
Steven G. Elliott Mellon Bank Corporation+ Senior Vice Chairman 1/99 - Present
Director Chief Financial Officer 1/90 - Present
Vice Chairman 6/92 - 1/99
Treasurer 1/90 - 5/98
Mellon Bank, N.A.+ Senior Vice Chairman 3/98 - Present
Vice Chairman 6/92 - 3/98
Chief Financial Officer 1/90 - Present
Mellon EFT Services Corporation Director 10/98 - Present
Mellon Bank Center, 8th Floor
1735 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Mellon Financial Services Director 1/96 - Present
Corporation #1 Vice President 1/96 - Present
Mellon Bank Center, 8th Floor
1735 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Boston Group Holdings, Inc.* Vice President 5/93 - Present
APT Holdings Corporation Treasurer 12/87 - Present
Pike Creek Operations Center
4500 New Linden Hill Road
Wilmington, DE 19808
Allomon Corporation Director 12/87 - Present
Two Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15259
Collection Services Corporation Controller 10/90 - Present
500 Grant Street Director 9/88 - Present
Pittsburgh, PA 15258 Vice President 9/88 - Present
Treasurer 9/88 - Present
Mellon Financial Company+ Principal Exec. Officer 1/88 - Present
Chief Financial Officer 8/87 - Present
Director 8/87 - Present
President 8/87 - Present
Mellon Overseas Investments Director 4/88 - Present
Corporation+ Chairman 7/89 - 11/97
President 4/88 - 11/97
Chief Executive Officer 4/88 - 11/97
Mellon International Investment Director 9/89 - 8/97
Corporation+
Mellon Financial Services Treasurer 12/87 - Present
Corporation # 5+
Lawrence S. Kash Dreyfus Investment Director 4/97 - Present
Vice Chairman Advisors, Inc.++
And Director
Dreyfus Brokerage Services, Inc. Chairman 11/97 - Present
401 North Maple Ave. Chief Executive Officer 11/97 - Present
Beverly Hills, CA
Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Director 1/95 - Present
President 9/96 - Present
Dreyfus Precious Metals, Inc.++ + Director 3/96 - 12/98
President 10/96 - 12/98
Dreyfus Service Director 12/94 - Present
Organization, Inc.++ President 1/97 - Present
Executive Vice President 12/94 - 1/97
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc. ++ Director 1/97 - Present
Dreyfus Insurance Agency of Chairman 5/97 - Present
Massachusetts, Inc.++++ President 5/97 - Present
Director 5/97 - Present
The Dreyfus Trust Company+++ Chairman 1/97 - Present
President 2/97 - Present
Chief Executive Officer 2/97 - Present
Director 12/94 - Present
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Chairman 5/97 - Present
Corporation++ President 5/97 - Present
Director 12/94 - Present
The Boston Company Advisors* Chairman 8/93 - 11/95
The Boston Company Advisors, Chairman 12/95 - Present
Inc. Chief Executive Officer 12/95 - Present
Wilmington, DE President 12/95 - Present
Cornice Acquisition Board of Managers 12/97 - Present
Company, LLC
Denver, CO
The Boston Company, Inc.* Director 5/93 - Present
President 5/93 - Present
Mellon Bank, N.A.+ Executive Vice President 2/92 - Present
Laurel Capital Advisors, LLP+ President 12/91 - Present
Executive Committee 12/91 - Present
Member
Boston Group Holdings, Inc.* Director 5/93 - Present
President 5/93 - Present
Martin G. McGuinn Mellon Bank Corporation+ Chairman 1/99 - Present
Director Chief Executive Officer 1/99 - Present
Director 1/98 - Present
Vice Chairman 1/90 - 1/99
Martin G. McGuinn Mellon Bank, N. A. + Chairman 3/98 -Present
Director (Continued) Chief Executive Officer 3/98 - Present
Director 1/98 - Present
Vice Chairman 1/90 - 1/99
Mellon Leasing Corporation+ Vice Chairman 12/96 - Present
Mellon Bank (DE) National Director 4/89 - 12/98
Association
Wilmington, DE
Mellon Bank (MD) National Director 1/96 - 4/98
Association
Rockville, Maryland
Mellon Financial Vice President 9/86 - 10/97
Corporation (MD)
Rockville, Maryland
J. David Officer Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Executive Vice President 5/98 - Present
Vice Chairman
And Director Dreyfus Insurance Agency of Director 5/98 - Present
Massachusetts, Inc.++++
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.++ Director 10/98 - Present
Mellon Residential Funding Corp. + Director 4/97 - Present
Mellon Trust of Florida, N.A. Director 8/97 - Present
2875 Northeast 191st Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33180
Mellon Bank, NA+ Executive Vice President 7/96 - Present
The Boston Company, Inc.* Vice Chairman 1/97 - Present
Director 7/96 - Present
Mellon Preferred Capital Director 11/96 - Present
Corporation*
RECO, Inc.* President 11/96 - Present
Director 11/96 - Present
The Boston Company Financial President 8/96 - Present
Services, Inc.* Director 8/96 - Present
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Director
Company* President 7/96 - Present
Executive Vice President 7/96 - 1/99
1/91 - 7/96
Mellon Trust of New York Director
1301 Avenue of the Americas 6/96 - Present
New York, NY 10019
Mellon Trust of California Director 6/96 - Present
400 South Hope Street
Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90071
J. David Officer Mellon Bank, N.A.+ Executive Vice President 2/94 - Present
Vice Chairman and
Director (Continued) Mellon United National Bank Director 3/98 - Present
1399 SW 1st Ave., Suite 400
Miami, Florida
Boston Group Holdings, Inc.* Director 12/97 - Present
Dreyfus Financial Services Corp. + Director 9/96 - Present
Dreyfus Investment Services Director 4/96 - Present
Corporation+
Richard W. Sabo Founders Asset Management LLC President 12/98 - Present
Director 2930 East Third Avenue Chief Executive Officer 12/98 - Present
Denver, CO. 80206
Prudential Securities Senior Vice President 07/91 - 11/98
New York, NY Regional Director 07/91 - 11/98
Richard F. Syron American Stock Exchange Chairman 4/94 - Present
Director 86 Trinity Place Chief Executive Officer 4/94 - Present
New York, NY 10006
Ronald P. O'Hanley Franklin Portfolio Holdings, Inc.* Director 3/97 - Present
Vice Chairman
TBCAM Holdings, Inc.* Chairman 6/98 - Present
Director 10/97 - Present
The Boston Company Asset Chairman 6/98 - Present
Management, LLC* Director 1/98 - 6/98
The Boston Company Asset Director 2/97 - 12/97
Management, Inc. *
Boston Safe Advisors, Inc. * Chairman 6/97 - Present
Director 2/97 - Present
Pareto Partners Partner Representative 5/97 - Present
271 Regent Street
London, England W1R 8PP
Mellon Capital Management Director 5/97 -Present
Corporation***
Certus Asset Advisors Corp.** Director 2/97 - Present
Mellon Bond Associates+ Trustee 2/97 - Present
Chairman 2/97 - Present
Mellon Equity Associates+ Trustee 2/97 - Present
Chairman 2/97 - Present
Mellon-France Corporation+ Director 3/97 - Present
Laurel Capital Advisors+ Trustee 3/97 - Present
Ronald P. O'Hanley McKinsey & Company, Inc. Partner 8/86 - 2/97
Vice Chairman (Continued) Boston, MA
Mark N. Jacobs Dreyfus Investment Director 4/97 -Present
General Counsel, Advisors, Inc.++ Secretary 10/77 - 7/98
Vice President, and
Secretary The Dreyfus Trust Company+++ Director 3/96 - Present
The TruePenny Corporation++ President 10/98 - Present
Director 3/96 - Present
Lion Management, Inc.++ Director 1/88 - 10/96
Vice President 1/88 - 10/96
Secretary 1/88 - 10/96
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Secretary 4/83 - 3/96
Corporation++
Dreyfus Service Director 3/97 - Present
Organization, Inc.++ Assistant Secretary 4/83 -3/96
Major Trading Corporation++ Assistant Secretary 5/81 - 8/96
William H. Maresca The Dreyfus Trust Company+++ Director 3/97 - Present
Controller
Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Chief Financial Officer 12/98 - Present
Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corp.++ Treasurer 10/98 - Present
Dreyfus Investment Treasurer 10/98 - Present
Advisors, Inc. ++
Dreyfus-Lincoln, Inc. Vice President 10/98 - Present
4500 New Linden Hill Road
Wilmington, DE 19808
The TruePenny Corporation++ Vice President 10/98 - Present
Dreyfus Precious Metals, Inc.+++ Treasurer 10/98 - 12/98
The Trotwood Corporation++ Vice President 10/98 - Present
Trotwood Hunters Corporation++ Vice President 10/98 - Present
Trotwood Hunters Site A Corp. ++ Vice President 10/98 - Present
Dreyfus Transfer, Inc. Chief Financial Officer 5/98 - Present
One American Express Plaza,
Providence, RI 02903
Dreyfus Service Assistant Treasurer 3/93 - Present
Organization, Inc.++
Dreyfus Insurance Agency of Assistant Treasurer 5/98 - Present
Massachusetts, Inc.++++
William T. Sandalls, Jr. Dreyfus Transfer, Inc. Chairman 2/97 - Present
Executive Vice President One American Express Plaza,
Providence, RI 02903
William T. Sandalls, Jr. Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Director 1/96 - Present
Executive Vice President Treasurer 1/96 - 2/97
(Continued) Executive Vice President 2/97 - Present
Chief Financial Officer 2/97 - 12/98
Dreyfus Investment Director 1/96 - Present
Advisors, Inc.++ Treasurer 1/96 - 10/98
Dreyfus-Lincoln, Inc. Director 12/96 - Present
4500 New Linden Hill Road President 1/97 - Present
Wilmington, DE 19808
Dreyfus Acquisition Corporation++ Director VP and CFO 1/96 - 8/96
Vice President 1/96 - 8/96
Chief Financial Officer 1/96 - 8/96
Lion Management, Inc.++ Director 1/96 - 10/96
President 1/96 - 10/96
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.++ Director 1/96 - 10/98
Treasurer 10/96 - 10/98
The Dreyfus Consumer Director 1/96 - Present
Credit Corp.++ Vice President 1/96 - Present
Treasurer 1/97 - 10/98
Dreyfus Partnership President 1/97 - 6/97
Management, Inc.++ Director 1/96 - 6/97
Dreyfus Service Organization, Director 1/96 - 6/97
Inc.++ Executive Vice President 1/96 - 6/97
Treasurer 10/96 - Present
Dreyfus Insurance Agency of Director 5/97 - Present
Massachusetts, Inc.++++ Treasurer 5/97 - Present
Executive Vice President 5/97 - Present
Major Trading Corporation++ Director 1/96 - 8/96
Treasurer 1/96 - 8/96
The Dreyfus Trust Company+++ Director 1/96 - 4/97
Treasurer 1/96 - 4/97
Chief Financial Officer 1/96 - 4/97
Dreyfus Personal Director 1/96 - 4/97
Management, Inc.++ Treasurer 1/96 - 4/97
Patrice M. Kozlowski None
Vice President - Corporate
Communications
Mary Beth Leibig None
Vice President -
Human Resources
Andrew S. Wasser Mellon Bank Corporation+ Vice President 1/95 - Present
Vice President -
Information Systems
Theodore A. Schachar Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Vice President -Tax 10/96 - Present
Vice President - Tax
Dreyfus Investment Advisors, Inc.++ Vice President - Tax 10/96 - Present
Dreyfus Precious Metals, Inc. +++ Vice President - Tax 10/96 - 12/98
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.++ Vice President - Tax 10/96 - Present
Wendy Strutt None
Vice President
Richard Terres None
Vice President
James Bitetto The TruePenny Corporation++ Secretary 9/98 - Present
Assistant Secretary
Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Assistant Secretary 8/98 - Present
Dreyfus Investment Assistant Secretary 7/98 - Present
Advisors, Inc.++
Dreyfus Service Assistant Secretary 7/98 - Present
Organization, Inc.++
Steven F. Newman Dreyfus Transfer, Inc. Vice President 2/97 - Present
Assistant Secretary One American Express Plaza Director 2/97 - Present
Providence, RI 02903 Secretary 2/97 - Present
Dreyfus Service Secretary 7/98 - Present
Organization, Inc.++ Assistant Secretary 5/98 - 7/98
_______________________________
* The address of the business so indicated is One Boston Place, Boston,
Massachusetts, 02108.
** The address of the business so indicated is One Bush Street, Suite 450, San
Francisco, California 94104.
*** The address of the business so indicated is 595 Market Street, Suite 3000,
San Francisco, California 94105.
+ The address of the business so indicated is One Mellon Bank Center,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258.
++ The address of the business so indicated is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New
York 10166.
+++ 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 53 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109
</TABLE>
Item 27. Principal Underwriters
________ ______________________
(a) Other investment companies for which Registrant's principal
underwriter (exclusive distributor) acts as principal underwriter or
exclusive distributor:
1) Comstock Partners Funds, 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 GNMA Fund
7) Dreyfus BASIC Money Market Fund, Inc.
8) Dreyfus BASIC Municipal Fund, Inc.
9) Dreyfus BASIC U.S. Government Money Market Fund
10) Dreyfus California Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
11) Dreyfus California Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
12) Dreyfus California Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
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) Dreyfus Florida Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
18) Dreyfus Florida Municipal Money Market Fund
19) The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated
20) Dreyfus Global Bond Fund, Inc.
21) Dreyfus Global Growth Fund
22) Dreyfus GNMA Fund, Inc.
23) Dreyfus Government Cash Management Funds
24) Dreyfus Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
25) Dreyfus Growth and Value Funds, Inc.
26) Dreyfus Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc.
27) Dreyfus Debt and Equity Funds
28) Dreyfus Index Funds, Inc.
29) Dreyfus Institutional Money Market Fund
30) Dreyfus Institutional Preferred 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 Funds, Inc.
35) Dreyfus Investment Grade Bond Funds, Inc.
36) Dreyfus Investment Portfolios
37) The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds, Inc.
38) The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds Trust
39) The Dreyfus/Laurel Tax-Free Municipal Funds
40) Dreyfus LifeTime Portfolios, Inc.
41) Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Inc.
42) Dreyfus Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
43) Dreyfus Massachusetts Municipal Money Market Fund
44) Dreyfus Massachusetts Tax Exempt Bond Fund
45) Dreyfus MidCap Index Fund
46) Dreyfus Money Market Instruments, Inc.
47) Dreyfus Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
48) Dreyfus Municipal Cash Management Plus
49) Dreyfus Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
50) Dreyfus New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
51) Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
52) Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
53) Dreyfus New Leaders Fund, Inc.
54) Dreyfus New York Insured Tax Exempt Bond Fund
55) Dreyfus New York Municipal Cash Management
56) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
57) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Intermediate Bond Fund
58) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
59) Dreyfus U.S. Treasury Intermediate Term Fund
60) Dreyfus U.S. Treasury Long Term Fund
61) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
62) Dreyfus U.S. Treasury Short Term Fund
63) Dreyfus Pennsylvania Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
64) Dreyfus Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund
65) Dreyfus Premier California Municipal Bond Fund
66) Dreyfus Premier Equity Funds, Inc.
67) Dreyfus Premier International Funds, Inc.
68) Dreyfus Premier GNMA Fund
69) Dreyfus Premier Worldwide Growth Fund, Inc.
70) Dreyfus Premier Municipal Bond Fund
71) Dreyfus Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund
72) Dreyfus Premier State Municipal Bond Fund
73) Dreyfus Premier Value Fund
74) Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund
75) Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
76) The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.
77) Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc.
78) Dreyfus Tax Exempt Cash Management
79) The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.
80) Dreyfus Treasury Cash Management
81) Dreyfus Treasury Prime Cash Management
82) Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
83) Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Inc.
84) Founders Funds, Inc.
85) General California Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
86) General California Municipal Money Market Fund
87) General Government Securities Money Market Fund, Inc.
88) General Money Market Fund, Inc.
89) General Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
90) General Municipal Money Market Funds, Inc.
91) General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
92) General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
Positions and
Name and principal Positions and offices with offices with
business address the Distributor Registrant
__________________ ___________________________ _____________
Marie E. Connolly+ Director, President, Chief President and
Executive Officer and Chief Treasurer
Compliance Officer
Joseph F. Tower, III+ Director, Senior Vice President, Vice President
Treasurer and Chief Financial and Assistant
Officer Treasurer
Mary A. Nelson+ Vice President Vice President
and Assistant
Treasurer
Jean M. O'Leary+ Assistant Vice President, None
Assistant Secretary and
Assistant Clerk
William J. Nutt+ Chairman of the Board None
Michael S. Petrucelli++ Senior Vice President Vice President,
Assistant
Treasurer and
Assistant
Secretary
Patrick W. McKeon+ Vice President None
Joseph A. Vignone+ Vice President None
________________________________
+ Principal business address is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02109.
++ Principal business address is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York
10166.
Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records
_______ ________________________________
1. First Data Investor 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. Dreyfus Transfer, Inc.
P.O. Box 9671
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671
4. The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
Item 29. Management Services
_______ ___________________
Not Applicable
Item 30. Undertakings
_______ ____________
None
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all
of the requirements for effectiveness of this Amendment to the Registration
Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and 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 23rd day of February, 1999.
DREYFUS PREMIER WORLDWIDE GROWTH FUND, INC.
BY: /s/Marie E. Connolly*
----------------------------
Marie E. Connolly, PRESIDENT
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, 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 and Treasurer 2/23/99
______________________________ (Principal Executive Officer)
Marie E. Connolly
/s/Joseph F. Tower, III* Assistant Treasurer (Principal 2/23/99
______________________________ Accounting and Financial Officer)
Joseph F. Tower, III
/s/Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.* Director 2/23/99
______________________________
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.
/s/Peggy C. Davis* Director 2/23/99
______________________________
Peggy C. Davis
/s/Joseph S. DiMartino* Chairman of the Board of 2/23/99
______________________________ Directors
Joseph S. DiMartino
/s/Ernst Kafka* Director 2/23/99
______________________________
Ernest Kafka
/s/Saul B. Klaman* Director 2/23/99
______________________________
Saul B. Klaman
/s/Nathan Leventhal* Director 2/23/99
______________________________
Nathan Leventhal
*BY: /s/Stephanie Pierce
__________________________
Stephanie Pierce,
Attorney-in-Fact
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
ITEM
(10) Consent of Independent Auditors
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Financial
Highlights" and "Counsel and Independent Auditors" and to the use of our
report dated December 4, 1998, which is incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement (Form N-1A No. 33-58282) of Dreyfus Premier Worldwide
Growth Fund, Inc.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
February 19, 1999
