FOR USE BY BANKS ONLY
October 15, 1995
DREYFUS LARGE COMPANY GROWTH FUND
Supplement to Prospectus Dated October 1, 1995
All mutual fund shares involve certain investment risks, including
the possible loss of principal.
250/s101595BNK
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PROSPECTUS October 1, 1995
DREYFUS LARGE COMPANY GROWTH FUND
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DREYFUS LARGE COMPANY GROWTH FUND (THE "FUND") IS A SEPARATE
DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO OF DREYFUS GROWTH AND VALUE FUNDS, INC., AN OPEN-END,
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY (THE "COMPANY"), KNOWN AS A MUTUAL FUND. THE
FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS CAPITAL APPRECIATION. IT SEEKS TO ACHIEVE THIS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING PRINCIPALLY IN A PORTFOLIO OF
PUBLICLY-TRADED EQUITY SECURITIES OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN ISSUERS WHICH WOULD
BE CHARACTERIZED AS "GROWTH" COMPANIES ACCORDING TO CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY TH
E DREYFUS CORPORATION.
YOU CAN INVEST, REINVEST OR REDEEM SHARES AT ANY TIME WITHOUT CHARGE
OR PENALTY. YOU CAN PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES BY TELEPHONE USING DREYFUS
TELETRANSFER.
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION PROFESSIONALLY MANAGES THE FUND'S PORTFOLIO.
THIS PROSPECTUS SETS FORTH CONCISELY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND THAT
YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INVESTING. IT SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED OCTOBER 1, 1995, WHICH
MAY BE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME, PROVIDES A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
AREAS IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST TO SOME
INVESTORS. IT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. FOR A FREE COPY, WRITE TO THE FUND AT
144 GLENN CURTISS BOULEVARD, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK 11556-0144, OR CALL
1-800-645-6561. WHEN TELEPHONING, ASK FOR OPERATOR 144.
MUTUAL FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
THE NET ASSET VALUE OF FUNDS OF THIS TYPE WILL FLUCTUATE FROM TIME TO TIME.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Annual Fund Operating Expenses............................... 3
Condensed Financial Information.............................. 4
Description of the Fund...................................... 4
Management of the Fund....................................... 6
How to Buy Shares............................................ 7
Shareholder Services......................................... 10
How to Redeem Shares ........................................ 13
Shareholder Services Plan.................................... 15
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes........................... 15
Performance Information...................................... 16
General Information.......................................... 17
Appendix..................................................... 19
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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[This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
Page 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
<S> <C>
Management Fees (after expense reimbursement).......................... .26%
Other Expenses......................................................... .99%
Total Fund Operating Expenses (after expense reimbursement)............ 1.25%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Example:
You would pay the following
expenses on a $1,000
investment, assuming (1) 5% 1 YEAR3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
annual return and (2) redemption
at the end of each time period: $13 $40 $69 $151
</TABLE>
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THE AMOUNTS LISTED IN THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER
OR LESS THAN THOSE INDICATED. MOREOVER, WHILE THE EXAMPLE ASSUMES A 5% ANNUAL
RETURN, THE FUND'S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE WILL VARY AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACTUAL
RETURN GREATER OR LESS THAN 5%.
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The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist you in understanding
the costs and expenses borne by the Fund, the payment of which will reduce
investors' annual return. The information in the foregoing table has been
restated to reflect the Company's termination of its Rule 12b-1 Plan. The
expenses noted above, without reimbursement, would be: Management Fees _
.75% and Total Fund Operating Expenses _ 1.74% (Other Expenses and Total
Fund Operating Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal
year); and the amount of expenses that an investor would pay, assuming
redemption after one, three, five and ten years, would be $18, $55, $94 and
$205, respectively. You can purchase Fund shares without charge directly from
the Fund's distributor; you may be charged a nominal fee if you effect
transactions in Fund shares through a securities dealer, bank or other
financial institution. For a further description of the various costs and
expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, as well as expense
reimbursement or waiver arrangements, see "Management of the Fund," "How to
Buy Shares" and "Shareholder Services Plan."
Page 3
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The information in the following table has been audited (except where
noted) by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent auditors, whose report
thereon appears in the Statement of Additional Information. Further financial
data and related notes are included in the Statement of Additional
Information, available upon request.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Contained below is per share operating performance data for a share
of Common Stock outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net
assets and other supplemental data for each period indicated. This
information has been derived from the Fund's financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
OCTOBER 31, APRIL 30, 1995
1994(1) (UNAUDITED)
------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................................ $12.50 $13.05
------ ------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Investment income-net....................................................... .17 .05
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign
currency transactions....................................................... .38 .18
------ ------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS............................................ .55 .23
------ ------
DISTRIBUTIONS:
Dividends from investment income-net........................................ - (.21)
------ ------
Net asset value, end of period.............................................. $13.05 $13.07
====== ======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN(2).................................................... 4.40% 1.88%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets(2)........................ - .29%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(2)..................... 1.37% .40%
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios due
to undertaking by The Dreyfus Corporation.................................. 1.97% .82%
Portfolio Turnover Rate(2).................................................. 12.08% 8.59%
Net Assets, end of period (000's Omitted)................................... $5,281 $5,402
(1) From December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1994.
(2) Not annualized.
</TABLE>
Further information about the Fund's performance is contained in the
Fund's annual report, which may be obtained without charge by writing to the
address or calling the number set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's investment objective is capital appreciation. It cannot be
changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")) of the Fund's
outstanding voting shares. There can be no assurance that the Fund's
investment objective will be achieved.
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The Fund anticipates that at least 65% of the value of its total
assets (except when maintaining a temporary defensive position) will be
invested in equity securities of domestic and foreign issuers which would be
characterized as "growth" companies according to criteria established by The
Dreyfus
Page 4
Corporation. The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, substantially
all of its assets in equity securities of issuers with market capitalizations
of between $900 million and $90 billion. Equity securities consist of common
stocks, convertible securities and preferred stocks.
To manage the Fund, The Dreyfus Corporation classifies issuers as
"growth" or "value" companies. In general, The Dreyfus Corporation believes
that companies with relatively low price to book ratios, low price to
earnings ratios or higher than average dividend payments in relation to price
should be classified as value companies. Alternatively, companies which have
above average earnings or sales growth and retention of earnings and command
higher price to earnings ratios fit the more classic growth description.
While seeking desirable equity investments, the Fund may invest in
money market instruments consisting of U.S. Government securities,
certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances, short-term
investment grade corporate bonds and other short-term debt instruments, and
repurchase agreements, as set forth under "Appendix_Certain Portfolio
Securities_Money Market Instruments." Under normal market conditions, the
Fund does not expect to have a substantial portion of its assets invested in
money market instruments. However, when The Dreyfus Corporation determines
that adverse market conditions exist, the Fund may adopt a temporary
defensive posture and invest all of its assets in money market instruments.
The Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate is not expected to exceed
150%. Higher portfolio turnover rates usually generate additional brokerage
commissions and expenses and the short-term gains realized from these
transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In an effort to
increase returns, the Fund may engage in various investment techniques, such
as leveraging, lending portfolio securities, foreign currency transactions,
options and futures transactions and short-selling. See also "Investment
Considerations and Risks" below and "Investment Objective and Management
Policies_Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information.
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS
GENERAL _ The Fund's net asset value per share should be expected to
fluctuate. Investors should consider the Fund as a supplement to an overall
investment program and should invest only if they are willing to undertake
the risks involved. See "Investment Objective and Management
Policies_Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information for
a further discussion of certain risks.
EQUITY SECURITIES _ Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on
factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such
fluctuations can be pronounced. Changes in the value of the Fund's
investments will result in changes in the value of its shares and thus the
Fund's total return to investors.
The securities of the smaller companies in which the Fund may invest
may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger,
more-established companies, because these securities typically are traded in
lower volume and the issuers typically are subject to a greater degree to
changes in earnings and prospects.
FOREIGN SECURITIES _ Foreign securities markets generally are not as
developed or efficient as those in the United States. Securities of some
foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable U.S. issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign
securities markets are less than in the United States and, at times,
volatility of price can be greater than in the United States.
Because evidences of ownership of such securities usually are held
outside the United States, the Fund will be subject to additional risks which
include possible adverse political and economic developments, possible
seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits and possible adoption of
governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of
principal and interest on the foreign securities or might restrict the
payment of principal and interest to investors located outside the country of
the issuer, whether from currency blockage or otherwise.
Page 5
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.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ 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. See "Appendix_Investment
Techniques_Foreign Currency Transactions."
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in derivatives
("Derivatives"). These are financial instruments, which derive their
performance, at least in part, from the performance of an underlying asset,
index or interest rate. The Derivatives the Fund may use include options and
futures. While Derivatives can be used effectively in furtherance of the
Fund's investment objective, under certain market conditions, they can
increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value, can decrease the
liquidity of the Fund's investments and make more difficult the accurate
pricing of the Fund's portfolio. See "Appendix_Investment Techniques_Use of
Derivatives" below and "Investment Objective and Management
Policies_Management Policies_Derivatives" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
SIMULTANEOUS INVESTMENTS _ Investment decisions for the Fund are made
independently from those of the other investment companies advised by The
Dreyfus Corporation. 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.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER _ The Dreyfus Corporation, located at 200 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10166, was formed in 1947 and serves as the Fund's investment
adviser. The Dreyfus Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank,
N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation
("Mellon"). As of September 1, 1995, The Dreyfus Corporation managed or
administered approximately $80 billion in assets for more than 1.8 million
investor accounts nationwide.
The Dreyfus Corporation supervises and assists in the overall
management of the Fund's affairs under a Management Agreement with the
Company, subject to the authority of the Company's Board in accordance with
Maryland law. The Fund's primary portfolio manager is Michael L. Schonberg.
Mr. Schonberg has been employed by The Dreyfus Corporation since July 1995.
From March 1994 to July 1995, Mr. Schonberg was General Partner of Omega
Advisors, L.P. Prior thereto, he served as Managing Director and Chief Investm
ent Officer for UBS Asset Management (NY), Inc. The Fund's other portfolio
managers are identified in the Statement of Additional Information. The
Dreyfus Corporation also provides research services for the Fund and for
other funds advised by The Dreyfus Corporation through a professional staff
of portfolio managers and securities analysts.
Mellon is a publicly owned multibank holding company incorporated
under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the Federal Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon provides a comprehensive range of
financial products and services in domestic and selected international
markets. Mellon is among the twenty-five largest bank holding companies in
the United States based on total assets. Mellon's principal wholly-owned
subsidiaries are Mellon Bank, N.A., Mellon Bank (DE) National Association,
Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston Company, Inc., AFCO Credit Corporation and a
number of companies known as Mellon Financial Services Corporations. Through
its subsidiaries,
Page 6
including The Dreyfus Corporation, Mellon managed more than $203 billion in
assets as of June 30, 1995, including approximately $73 billion in mutual
fund assets. As of June 30, 1995, Mellon, through various subsidiaries,
provided non-investment services, such as custodial or administration
services, for more than $707 billion in assets, including approximately
$71 billion in mutual fund assets.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund has agreed to
pay The Dreyfus Corporation a monthly fee at the annual rate of .75 of 1% of
the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. The management fee is
higher than that paid by most other investment companies. From time to time,
The Dreyfus Corporation may waive receipt of its fees and/or voluntarily
assume certain expenses of the Fund, which would have the effect of lowering
the expense ratio of the Fund and increasing yield to investors. The Fund
will not pay The Dreyfus Corporation at a later time for any amounts it may
waive, nor will the Fund reimburse The Dreyfus Corporation for any amounts it
may assume. For the period December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations)
through October 31, 1994, no management fee was paid by the Fund pursuant to
an undertaking by The Dreyfus Corporation.
EXPENSES _ All expenses incurred in the operation of the Company are borne by
the Company, except to the extent specifically assumed by The Dreyfus
Corporation. The expenses borne by the Company include: organizational
costs, taxes, interest, loan commitment fees, interest and distributions paid
on securities sold short, 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 The Dreyfus Corporation or any
of its 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 the Company's existence, costs
attributable to investor services (including, without limitation, telephone
and personnel expenses), costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and
statements of additional information for regulatory purposes and for
distribution to existing shareholders, costs of shareholders' reports and
meetings, and any extraordinary expenses. Expenses attributable to the Fund
are charged against the assets of the Fund; other expenses of the Company are
allocated among the Company's portfolios on the basis determined by the
Board, including, but not limited to, proportionately in relation to the net
assets of each portfolio.
The Dreyfus Corporation may pay the Fund's distributor for
shareholder services from The Dreyfus Corporation's own assets, including
past profits but not including the management fee paid by the Fund. The
Fund's distributor may use part or all of such payments to pay Service Agents
(as defined below) in respect of these services.
DISTRIBUTOR _ The Fund's distributor is Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109. The Distributor's ultimate parent is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT _ The Bank of New York,
90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286, is the Fund's Custodian. The
Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corporation,
P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's Transfer
and Dividend Disbursing Agent (the "Transfer Agent").
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Fund shares are sold without a sales charge. You may be charged a
nominal fee if you effect transactions in Fund shares through a securities
dealer, bank or other financial institution (collectively, "Service Agents").
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.
Page 7
The minimum initial investment is $2,500, or $1,000 if you are a
client of a Service Agent which has made an aggregate minimum initial
purchase for its customers of $2,500. Subsequent investments must be at least
$100. However, the minimum initial investment for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh
Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and 403(b)(7) Plans with only one participant is $750,
with no minimum for subsequent purchases. Individuals who open an IRA also
may open a non-working spousal IRA with a minimum initial investment of $250.
Subsequent investments in a spousal IRA must be at least $250. The initial
investment must be accompanied by the Account Application. For full-time or
part-time employees of The Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or
subsidiaries, directors of The Dreyfus Corporation, Board members of a fund
advised by The Dreyfus Corporation, including members of the Company's Board,
or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing, the minimum initial
investment is $1,000. For full-time or part-time employees of The Dreyfus
Corporation or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries who elect to have a
portion of their pay directly deposited into their Fund account, the minimum
initial investment is $50. 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. Fund
shares also are offered without regard to the minimum initial investment
requirements through Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government
Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan pursuant to the
Dreyfus Step Program 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.
You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, or through the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege described below. Checks should be made payable to "The
Dreyfus Family of Funds," or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, to
"The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian" and should specify that you are
investing in the Fund. Payments to open new accounts which are mailed should
be sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9387, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-9387, together with your Account Application. For subsequent
investments, your Fund account number should appear on the check and an invest
ment slip should be enclosed and sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 105, Newark, New Jersey 07101-0105. For Dreyfus retirement plan accounts,
both initial and subsequent investments should be sent to The Dreyfus Trust
Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6427.
Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be made by third party
check. Purchase orders may be delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial
Center. THESE ORDERS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY
UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial
Center, please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General
Information."
Wire payments may be made if your bank account is in a commercial
bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or any other bank having
a correspondent bank in New York City. Immediately available funds may be
transmitted by wire to The Bank of New York, DDA# 8900088125/Dreyfus Growth
and Value Funds, Inc./Dreyfus Large Company Growth Fund, for purchase of Fund
shares in your name. The wire must include your Fund account number (for new
accounts, your Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") should be included
instead), account registration and dealer number, if applicable. If your
initial purchase of Fund shares is by wire, you should call 1-800-645-6561
after completing your wire payment to obtain your Fund account number. You
should include your Fund account number on the Account Application and
promptly mail the Account Application to the Fund, as no redemptions will be
permitted until the Account Application is received. You may obtain further
information about remitting funds in this manner from your bank. All payments
should be made in U.S.
Page 8
dollars and, to avoid fees and delays, should be drawn only on U.S. banks. A
charge will be imposed if any check used for investment in your account does
not clear. The Fund makes available to certain large institutions the ability
to issue purchase instructions through compatible computer facilities.
Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic transfer of
funds from an account maintained in a bank or other domestic financial
institution that is an Automated Clearing House member. You must direct the
institution to transmit immediately available funds through the Automated
Clearing House to The Bank of New York with instructions to credit your Fund
account. The instructions must specify your Fund account registration and
Fund account number PRECEDED BY THE DIGITS "1111."
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis at the net asset value per
share next determined after an order in proper form is received by the
Transfer Agent or other agent. 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. For purposes of determining net asset value, options and
futures contracts will be valued 15 minutes after the close of trading on the
floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Net asset value per share is computed
by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets (i.e., the value of its assets
less liabilities) by the total number of Fund shares 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
Company's Board. For further information regarding the methods employed in
valuing the Fund's investments, see "Determination of Net Asset Value" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
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.
The Distributor may pay dealers a fee of up to .5% 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 one million dollars ("Eligible Benefit
Plans"). All present holdings of shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds by Eligible Benefit Plans will be aggregated to determine the fee
payable with respect to each purchase of Fund shares. The Distributor
reserves the right to cease paying these fees at any time. The Distributor
will pay such fees from its own funds, other than amounts received from the
Fund, including past profits or any other source available to it.
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN upon
opening or reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" and
the Account Application for further information concerning this requirement.
Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the Fund could subject you to a $50
penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may purchase shares (minimum $500,
maximum $150,000 per day) 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.
The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER purchase of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Page 9
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
FUND EXCHANGES
You may purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares of
certain other funds managed or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation, to
the extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of residence. These
funds have different investment objectives which may be of interest to you.
Fund exchanges may be exercised twice during the calendar year as described
below. If you desire to use this service, you should consult your Service
Agent or call 1-800-645-6561 to determine if it is available and whether any
other conditions are imposed on its use.
To request an exchange, you must give exchange instructions to the
Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone. Before any exchange, you must
obtain and should review a copy of the current prospectus of the fund into
which the exchange is being made. Prospectuses may be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. Except in the case of personal retirement plans, the shares
being exchanged must have a current value of at least $500; furthermore, when
establishing a new account by exchange, the shares being exchanged must have
a value of at least the minimum initial investment required for the fund into
which the exchange is being made. The ability to issue exchange instructions
by telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless you
check the applicable "No" box on the Account Application, indicating that you
specifically refuse this Privilege. The Telephone Exchange Privilege may be
established for an existing account by written request, signed by all
shareholders on the account, or by a separate signed Shareholder Services
Form, also available by calling 1-800-645-6561. If you have established the
Telephone Exchange Privilege, you may telephone exchange instructions by
calling 1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-33
06. See "How to Redeem Shares_Procedures." Upon an exchange into a new
account, the following shareholder services and privileges, as applicable and
where available, will be automatically carried over to the fund into which
the exchange is made: Telephone Exchange Privilege, Wire Redemption
Privilege, Telephone Redemption Privilege, Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege and
the dividend/capital gain distribution option (except for Dreyfus Dividend
Sweep) selected by the investor.
Shares will be exchanged at the next determined net asset value;
however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges into funds
sold with a sales load. If you are exchanging into a fund that charges a
sales load, you may qualify for share prices which do not include the sales
load or which reflect a reduced sales load, if the shares of the fund from
which you are exchanging were: (a) purchased with a sales load, (b) acquired
by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a sales load, or (c)
acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions paid with respect
to the foregoing categories of shares. To qualify, at the time of the
exchange you must notify the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must notify
the Distributor. Any such qualification is subject to confirmation of your
holdings through a check of appropriate records. See "Shareholder Services"
in the Statement of Additional Information. No fees currently are charged
shareholders directly in connection with exchanges, although the Fund
reserves the right, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, to charge
shareholders a nominal fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
exchange request in whole or in part. The availability of Fund Exchanges may
be modified or terminated at any time upon notice to shareholders.
With respect to any shareholder who has exchanged into and out of the
Fund (or the reverse) twice during the calendar year, further purchase orders
(including those pursuant to exchange instructions) relating to any shares of
the Fund will be rejected for the remainder of the calendar year. Management
believes that this policy will enable shareholders to change their investment
program, while protecting the Fund against disruptions in portfolio
management resulting from frequent transactions by those seeking to time
market fluctuations. Exchanges made through omnibus accounts for various
retirement plans are not subject to such limit on exchanges.
Page 10
The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated
for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by
the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a
taxable gain or loss.
DREYFUS AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege enables you to invest regularly (on a
semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for shares of
the Fund, in shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of
which you are currently an investor. The amount you designate, which can be
expressed either in terms of a specific dollar or share amount ($100
minimum), will be exchanged automatically on the first and/or fifteenth day
of the month according to the schedule you have selected. Shares will be
exchanged at the then-current net asset value; however, a sales load may be
charged with respect to exchanges into funds sold with a sales load. See
"Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. The right
to exercise this Privilege may be modified or canceled by the Fund or the
Transfer Agent. You may modify or cancel your exercise of this Privilege at
any time by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. The Fund may charge a service
fee for the use of this Privilege. No such fee currently is contemplated. The
exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated for Federal
income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by the
shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a taxable
gain or loss. For more information concerning this Privilege and the funds in
the Dreyfus Family of Funds eligible to participate in this Privilege, or to
obtain a Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Authorization Form, please call toll free
1-800-645-6561.
DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDERRegistration Mark
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. At your option, the account
designated by you will be debited in the specified amount, and Fund shares
will be purchased, once a month, on either the first or fifteenth day, or
twice a month, on both days. Only an account maintained at a domestic
financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be so
designated. To establish a Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder account, you must
file an authorization form with the Transfer Agent. You may obtain the
necessary authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel your
participation in this Privilege or change the amount of purchase at any time
by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan
accounts, to The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-6427, and the notification will be effective three
business days following receipt. The Fund may modify or terminate this
Privilege at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
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 Federal government automatically deposited into your
Fund account. You may deposit as much of such payments as you elect. To
enroll in Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit, you must file with the Transfer
Agent a completed Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form for each type of payment that
you desire to include in this Privilege. The appropriate form may be obtained
by calling 1-800-645-6561. Death or legal incapacity will terminate your
participation in this Privilege. You may elect at any time to terminate your
participation by notifying in writing the appropriate Federal agency. The
Fund may terminate your participation upon 30 days' notice to you.
Page 11
DREYFUS PAYROLL SAVINGS PLAN
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan permits you to purchase Fund shares
(minimum of $100 per transaction) automatically on a regular basis. Depending
upon your employer's direct deposit program, you may have part or all of your
paycheck transferred to your existing Dreyfus account electronically through
the Automated Clearing House system at each pay period. To establish a
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan account, you must file an authorization form
with your employer's payroll department. Your employer must complete the
reverse side of the form and return it to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. You may obtain the necessary
authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may change the amount of
purchase or cancel the authorization only by written notification to your
employer. It is the sole responsibility of your employer, not the
Distributor, The Dreyfus Corporation, the Fund, the Transfer Agent or any
other person, to arrange for transactions under the Dreyfus Payroll Savings
Plan. The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
DREYFUS STEP PROGRAM
Dreyfus Step Program enables a shareholder to purchase Fund shares
without regard to the Fund's minimum initial investment requirements through
Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege
or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan. To establish a Dreyfus Step Program account,
a shareholder must supply the necessary information on the Account
Application and file the required authorization form(s) with the Transfer
Agent. For more information concerning this Program, or to request the
necessary authorization form(s), please call toll free 1-800-782-6620. A
shareholder may terminate participation in this Program at any time by
discontinuing participation in Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus
Government Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan, as the
case may be, as provided under the terms of such Privilege(s). The Fund may
modify or terminate this Program at any time. Investors who wish to purchase
Fund shares through the Dreyfus Step Program in conjunction with a
Dreyfus-sponsored retirement plan may do so only for IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA
"Rollover Accounts."
DREYFUS DIVIDEND OPTIONS
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep enables you to invest automatically dividends
or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, paid by the Fund in
shares of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a
shareholder. Shares of the other fund will be purchased at the then-current
net asset value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to
investments in shares of a fund sold with a sales load. If you are investing
in a fund that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share prices which
do not include the sales load or which reflect a reduced sales load. If you
are investing in a fund that charges a contingent deferred sales charge, the
shares purchased will be subject on redemption to the contingent deferred
sales charge, if any, applicable to the purchased shares. See "Shareholder
Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. 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.
For more information concerning these privileges or to request a
Dividend Options Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel
these privileges by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of
Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. To select a new
fund after cancellation, you must submit a new Dividend Options Form.
Enrollment in or cancellation of these privileges is effective three business
days following receipt. These privileges are available only for existing
accounts and may not be used to open new accounts. Minimum subsequent
investments do not apply for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep. The Fund may modify or
terminate these privileges at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee
currently is contemplated. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans are not eligible for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep.
Page 12
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to request withdrawal of a
specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly
basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account. An application for the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. There is a service
charge of 50cents for each withdrawal check. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan
may be ended at any time by you, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for
which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund offers a variety of pension and profit-sharing plans,
including Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," 401(k)
Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services also are
available. You can obtain details on the various plans by calling the
following numbers toll free: for Keogh Plans, please call 1-800-358-5566;
for IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," please call 1-800-645-6561; for
SEP-IRAs, 401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans, please call
1-800-322-7880.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
GENERAL
You may request redemption of your shares at any time. Redemption
requests should be transmitted to the Transfer Agent as described below. When
a request is received in proper form, the Fund will redeem the shares at the
next determined net asset value.
The Fund imposes no charges when shares are redeemed. Service Agents
may charge their clients a nominal fee for effecting redemptions of Fund
shares. Any certificates representing Fund shares being redeemed must be
submitted with the redemption request. The value of the shares redeemed may
be more or less than their original cost, depending upon the Fund's
then-current net asset value.
The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed within
seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in
proper form, except as provided by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED FUND SHARES BY CHECK, BY DREYFUS
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE OR THROUGH DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER AND
SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMIT A WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUEST TO THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE
REDEMPTION PROCEEDS WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON BANK CLEARANCE
OF YOUR PURCHASE CHECK, DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDER ORDER, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS OR MORE. IN
ADDITION, THE FUND WILL REJECT REQUESTS TO REDEEM SHARES BY WIRE OR TELEPHONE
OR PURSUANT TO THE DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHT
BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OF THE PURCHASE CHECK, THE
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR THE DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER ORDER
AGAINST WHICH SUCH REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED. THESE PROCEDURES WILL NOT APPLY
IF YOUR SHARES WERE PURCHASED BY WIRE PAYMENT, OR IF YOU OTHERWISE HAVE A
SUFFICIENT COLLECTED BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO COVER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST.
PRIOR TO THE TIME ANY REDEMPTION IS EFFECTIVE, DIVIDENDS ON SUCH SHARES WILL
ACCRUE AND BE PAYABLE, AND YOU WILL BE ENTITLED TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS
OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. Fund shares will not be redeemed until the Transfer
Agent has received your Account Application.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at its option upon
not less than 45 days' written notice if your account's net asset value is
$500 or less and remains so during the notice period.
PROCEDURES
You may redeem shares by using the regular redemption procedure
through the Transfer Agent, or, 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, through the Wire
Redemption Privilege, the Telephone Redemption Privilege or the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege.
Page 13
Other redemption procedures may be in effect for clients of certain Service
Agents. The Fund makes available to certain large institutions the ability to
issue redemption instructions through compatible computer facilities. The
Fund reserves the right to refuse any request made by wire or telephone,
including requests made shortly after a change of address, and may limit the
amount involved or the number of such requests. The Fund may modify or
terminate any redemption Privilege at any time or charge a service fee upon
notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is contemplated.
You may redeem shares by telephone if you have checked the
appropriate box on the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder
Services Form with the Transfer Agent. If you select a telephone redemption
privilege or telephone exchange privilege (which is granted automatically
unless you refuse it), you authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephone
instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be you, and
reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Fund will require
the Transfer Agent to employ reasonable procedures, such as requiring a form
of personal identification, to confirm that instructions are genuine and, if
it does not follow such procedures, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be
liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Neither
the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for following telephone
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you may
experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone to
request a redemption or exchange of Fund shares. In such cases, you should
consider using the other redemption procedures described herein. Use of these
other redemption procedures may result in your redemption request being
processed at a later time than it would have been if telephone redemption had
been used. During the delay, the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
REGULAR REDEMPTION _ Under the regular redemption procedure, you may redeem
shares by written request mailed to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. Redemption requests may be
delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial Center. THESE REQUESTS WILL
BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For
the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial Center, please call one of the
telephone numbers listed under "General Information." Redemption requests
must be signed by each shareholder, including each owner of a joint account,
and each signature must be guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted
standards and procedures pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper
form generally will be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit
unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations,
clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in
the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program, the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock Exchanges Medallion
Program. If you have any questions with respect to signature-guarantees,
please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General Information."
Redemption proceeds of at least $1,000 will be wired to any member
bank of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with a written
signature-guaranteed request.
WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by wire or telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $1,000) be wired to your account at a bank which
is a member of the Federal Reserve System, or a correspondent bank if your
bank is not a member. You also may direct that redemption proceeds be paid by
check (maximum $150,000 per day) made out to the owners of record and mailed
to your address. Redemption proceeds of less than $1,000 will be paid
automatically by check. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank accounts
may have redemption proceeds of not more than $250,000 wired within any
30-day period. You may telephone redemption requests by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. The
Statement of Additional Information sets forth instructions for transmitting
redemption requests by wire. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans, and shares for which certificates have been issued, are not
eligible for this Privilege.
Page 14
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that redemption
proceeds (maximum $150,000 per day) be paid by check and mailed to your
address. You may telephone redemption instructions by calling 1-800-221-4060
or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. Shares held under
Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares for which
certificates have been issued, are not eligible for this Privilege.
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that redemption
proceeds (minimum $500 per day) 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 so designated.
Redemption proceeds will be on deposit in your account at an Automated
Clearing House member bank ordinarily two days after receipt of the
redemption request or, at your request, paid by check (maximum $150,000 per
day) and mailed to your address. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank
accounts may redeem through the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege for transfer
to their bank account not more than $250,000 within any 30-day period.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER redemption of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares
issued in certificate form, are not eligible for this Privilege.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan, pursuant to which
it pays the Distributor for the provision of certain services to Fund
shareholders a fee at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the Fund's
average daily net assets. The services provided may include personal services
relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries
regarding the Fund and providing reports and other information, and services
related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make
payments to Service Agents in respect of these services. The Distributor
determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
Fund is treated as a separate corporation for purposes of qualification and
taxation as a regulated investment company. The Fund ordinarily pays
dividends from its net investment income and distributes net realized
securities gains, if any, once a year, but it may make distributions on a
more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code,
in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act. The
Fund will not make distributions from net realized securities gains unless
capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have expired. You may
choose whether to receive dividends and distributions in cash or to reinvest
in additional shares at net asset value. All expenses are accrued daily and
deducted before declaration of dividends to investors.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders
as ordinary income whether received in cash or reinvested in additional
shares. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains of the
Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders as long-term capital gains for
Federal income tax purposes, regardless of how long shareholders have held
their Fund shares and whether such distributions are received in cash or
reinvested in Fund shares. The Code provides that the net capital gain of an
individual generally will not be subject to Federal income tax at a rate
in excess of 28%. Dividends and distributions may be subject to state and
local taxes.
Page 15
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund to a foreign investor generally are
subject to U.S. nonresident withholding taxes at the rate of 30%, unless the
foreign investor claims the benefit of a lower rate specified in a tax
treaty. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains paid by
the Fund to a foreign investor as well as the proceeds of any redemptions
from a foreign investor's account, regardless of the extent to which gain or
loss may be realized, generally will not be subject to U.S. nonresident
withholding tax. However, such distributions may be subject to backup
withholding, as described below, unless the foreign investor certifies his
non-U.S. residency status.
Notice as to the tax status of your dividends and distributions will
be mailed to you annually. You also will receive periodic summaries of your
account which will include information as to dividends and distributions from
securities gains, if any, paid during the year.
Federal regulations generally require the Fund to withhold ("backup
withholding") and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, distributions
from net realized securities gains and the proceeds of any redemption,
regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized, paid to a
shareholder if such shareholder fails to certify either that the TIN
furnished in connection with opening an account is correct or that such
shareholder has not received notice from the IRS of being subject to backup
withholding as a result of a failure to properly report taxable dividend or
interest income on a Federal income tax return. Furthermore, the IRS may
notify the Fund to institute backup withholding if the IRS determines a
shareholder's TIN is incorrect or if a shareholder has failed to properly
report taxable dividend and interest income on a Federal income tax return.
A TIN is either the Social Security number or employer identification
number of the record owner of the account. Any tax withheld as a result of
backup withholding does not constitute an additional tax imposed on the
record owner of the account, and may be claimed as a credit on the record
owner's Federal income tax return.
Management of the Company believes that the Fund qualified for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1994 as a "regulated investment company" under
the Code. The Fund intends to continue to so qualify if such qualification is
in the best interests of its shareholders. Such qualification relieves the
Fund of any liability for Federal income tax to the extent its earnings are
distributed in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code. The Fund is
subject to a non-deductible 4% excise tax, measured with respect to certain
undistributed amounts of taxable investment income and capital gains.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding specific questions as
to Federal, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance may be calculated on the
basis of average annual total return and/or total return.
Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a standardized
formula which assumes that an investment was purchased with an initial
payment of $1,000 and that the investment was redeemed at the end of a stated
period of time, after giving effect to the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions during the period. The return is expressed as a percentage rate
which, if applied on a compounded annual basis, would result in the
redeemable value of the investment at the end of the period. Advertisements
of the Fund's performance will include the Fund's average annual total return
for one, five and ten year periods, or for shorter periods depending upon the
length of time during which the Fund has operated.
Total return is computed on a per share basis and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return generally is
expressed as a percentage rate which is calculated by combining the
Page 16
income and principal changes for a specified period and dividing by the net
asset value per share at the beginning of the period. Advertisements may
include the percentage rate of total return or may include the value of a
hypothetical investment at the end of the period which assumes the application
of the percentage rate of total return.
Performance will vary from time to time and past results are not
necessarily representative of future results. You should remember that
performance is a function of portfolio management in selecting the type and
quality of portfolio securities and is affected by operating expenses.
Performance information, such as that described above, may not provide a
basis for comparison with other investments or other investment companies
using a different method of calculating performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, Wilshire 5000
Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, MONEY MAGAZINE, Morningstar, Inc.
and other industry publications.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Company was incorporated under Maryland law on November 16, 1993,
and commenced operations on December 29, 1993. Before September 29, 1995, the
Company's name was Dreyfus Focus Funds Inc. The Company is authorized to
issue one billion shares of Common Stock (with 100 million allocated to the
Fund), par value $.001 per share. Each share has one vote.
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,
Fund shareholders may not consider each year the election of Board members or
the appointment of auditors. However, pursuant to the Company's By-Laws, the
holders of at least 10% of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote may
require the Company to hold a special meeting of shareholders for purposes of
removing a Board member from office or for any other purpose. Shareholders
may remove a Board member by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
Company'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 Company is a "series fund," which is a mutual fund divided into
separate portfolios, each of which is treated as a separate entity for
certain matters under the 1940 Act and for other purposes. A shareholder of
one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. For
certain matters shareholders vote together as a group; as to others they vote
separately by portfolio. By this Prospectus, shares of the Fund are being
offered. Other portfolios are sold pursuant to other offering documents.
To date, the Board has authorized the creation of ten series of
shares. All consideration received by the Company for shares of one of the
series and all assets in which such consideration is invested will belong to
that series (subject only to the rights of creditors of the Company) and will
be subject to the liabilities related thereto. The income attributable to,
and the expenses of, one series are treated separately from those of the
other series. The Company has the ability to create, from time to time, new
series without shareholder approval.
The Transfer Agent maintains a record of your ownership and sends you
confirmations and statements of account.
Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Fund at 144 Glenn
Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or by calling toll free
1-800-645-6561. In New York City, call 1-718-895-1206; outside the U.S. and
Canada, call 516-794-5452.
Page 17
APPENDIX
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ Foreign currency transactions may be entered
into 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; or to hedge the U.S. dollar value of securities the Fund already
owns, particularly 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 Dreyfus Corporation's ability to predict accurately the future exchange
rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar.
SHORT-SELLING _ In these transactions, the Fund sells a security it does not
own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security. To
complete the transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery
to the buyer. The Fund is obligated to replace the security borrowed by
purchasing it subsequently at the market price at the time of replacement.
The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the
security was sold by the Fund. The Fund will incur a loss if the price of the
security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which
the Fund replaces the borrowed security; it will realize a gain if the
security declines in price between those dates.
Securities will not be sold short if, after effect is given to any
such short sale, the total market value of all securities sold short would
exceed 25% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Fund may not sell short
the securities of any single issuer listed on a national securities exchange
to the extent of more than 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Fund
may not sell short the securities of any class of an issuer if, as a result
of such sale, the Fund would have sold short in the aggregate more than 5% of
the outstanding securities of that class.
The Fund also may make short sales "against the box," in which the
Fund enters into a short sale of a security it owns in order to hedge an
unrealized gain on the security. At no time will more than 15% of the value
of the Fund's net assets be in deposits on short sales against the box.
LEVERAGE _ Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any
increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund's portfolio. Money
borrowed for leveraging will be limited to 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund's
total assets. These borrowings will be subject to interest costs which may or
may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased; in certain
cases, interest costs may exceed the return received on the securities
purchased.
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with banks,
brokers or dealers. This form of borrowing involves the transfer by the Fund
of an underlying debt instrument in return for cash proceeds based on a
percentage of the value of the security. The Fund retains the right to
receive interest and principal payments on the security. At an agreed upon
future date, the Fund repurchases the security at principal plus accrued
interest. Except for these transactions, the Fund's borrowings generally will
be unsecured.
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ Although the Fund will not be a commodity pool,
Derivatives subject the Fund to the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission which limit the extent to which the Fund can invest in certain
Derivatives. The Fund may invest in futures contracts and options with
respect thereto for hedging purposes without limit. However, the Fund may not
invest in such contracts and options for other purposes if the sum of the
amount of initial margin deposits and premiums paid for
Page 18
unexpired options with respect to such contracts, other than for bona fide
hedging purposes, exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's assets,
after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on such
contracts and options; provided, however, that in the case of an option that
is in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be
excluded in calculating the 5% limitation.
The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets, represented by the
premium paid, in the purchase of call and put options. The Fund may write
(i.e., sell) covered call and put option contracts to the extent of 20% of
the value of its net assets at the time such option contracts are written.
When required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund will set
aside permissible liquid assets in a segregated account to cover its
obligations relating to its purchase of Derivatives. To maintain this
required cover, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at
disadvantageous prices or times since it may not be possible to liquidate a
Derivative position at a reasonable price.
Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than
their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in Derivatives
could have a large potential impact on the Fund's performance.
If the Fund invests in Derivatives at inappropriate times or judges
market conditions incorrectly, such investments may lower the Fund's return
or result in a loss. The Fund also could experience losses if its Derivatives
were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if the Fund were unable
to liquidate its position because of an illiquid secondary market. The market
for many Derivatives is, or suddenly can become, illiquid. Changes in
liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the
prices for Derivatives.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES _ The Fund may lend securities from its
portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to
borrow securities to complete certain transactions. In connection with such
loans, the Fund continues to be entitled to payments in amounts equal to the
interest, dividends or other distributions payable on the loaned securities.
Loans of portfolio securities afford the Fund an opportunity to earn interest
on the amount of the loan and at the same time to earn income on the loaned
securities' collateral. Loans of portfolio securities may not exceed 33-1/3%
of the value of the Fund's total assets. In connection with such loans, the
Fund will receive collateral consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities
or irrevocable letters of credit which will be maintained at all times in an
amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned
securities. Such loans are terminable by the Fund at any time upon specified
notice. The Fund might experience risk of loss if the institution with which
it has engaged in a portfolio loan transaction breaches its agreement with
the Fund.
CERTAIN PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES _ Convertible securities are fixed-income securities
that 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 prefer
red 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.
AMERICAN, EUROPEAN AND CONTINENTAL DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS _ The Fund may invest
in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"). These securities
may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities
into which they may be converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a
United States bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs, which are sometimes
referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts ("CDRs"), are receipts issued
in Europe typically by non-United States banks and trust companies that
evidence ownership of
Page 19
either foreign or domestic securities. Generally, ADRs in registered form are
designed for use in the United States securities markets and EDRs and CDRs
in bearer form are designed for use in Europe.
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.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS _ The Fund may invest, in the circumstances
described under "Description of the Fund_Management Policies," in the
following types of money market instruments.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury
securities that differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of
issuance. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies
and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury; others, by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury;
others, by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain
obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others, only by the credit
of the agency or instrumentality. These securities bear fixed, floating or
variable rates of interest. While the U.S. Government provides financial
support to such U.S. Government-sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, no
assurance can be given that it will always do so since it is not so obligated
by law.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys, and
the seller agrees to repurchase, a security at a mutually agreed upon time
and price (usually within seven days). The repurchase agreement thereby
determines the yield during the purchaser's holding period, while the
seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the value of the underlying
security. Repurchase agreements could involve risks in the event of a default
or insolvency of the other party to the agreement, including possible delays
or restrictions upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying
securities. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with certain banks
or non-bank dealers.
BANK OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may purchase certificates of deposit, time
deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations issued by
domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks,
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan
associations and other banking institutions. With respect to such securities
issued by foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, and
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, the Fund may be subject to
additional investment risks that are different in some respects from those
incurred by a fund which invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic
issuers.
Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates evidencing the
obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period
of time.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking
institution for a specified period of time (in no event longer than seven
days) at a stated interest rate.
Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation
of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect
the obligation both of the bank and the drawer to pay the face amount of the
instrument upon maturity. The other short-term obligations may include
uninsured, direct obligations bearing fixed, floating or variable interest
rates.
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper consists of short-term, unsecured
promissory notes issued to finance short-term credit needs. The commercial
paper purchased by the Fund will consist only of direct obligations which, at
the time of their purchase, are (a) rated not lower than Prime-1 by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), A-1 by Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P"), F-1 by Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") or Duff-1 by Duff &
Phelps Credit Rating Co. ("Duff"), (b) issued by companies having an
outstanding unsecured debt issue currently rated at least Aa3 by Moody's or
AA- by S&P, Fitch or Duff, or (c) if unrated, determined by The Dreyfus
Corporation to be of comparable quality to those rated obligations which may
be purchased by the Fund.
Page 20
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. Such 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.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE
FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OF THE FUND'S
SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM,
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
Page 21
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Page 22
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Page 23
DREYFUS
Large Company
Growth Fund
Prospectus
(LION LOGO)
Copy Rights 1995Dreyfus Service Corporation
250p1100195
Registration Mark
FOR USE BY BANKS ONLY
October 15, 1995
DREYFUS AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND
Supplement to Prospectus Dated October 1, 1995
All mutual fund shares involve certain investment risks, including
the possible loss of principal.
256/s101595BNK
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS OCTOBER 1, 1995
DREYFUS AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DREYFUS AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND (THE "FUND") IS A SEPARATE DIVERSIFIED
PORTFOLIO OF DREYFUS GROWTH AND VALUE FUNDS, INC., AN OPEN-END, MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANY (THE "COMPANY"), KNOWN AS A MUTUAL FUND. THE FUND'S
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS CAPITAL APPRECIATION. IT WILL SEEK TO ACHIEVE THIS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING PRINCIPALLY IN A PORTFOLIO OF
PUBLICLY-TRADED EQUITY SECURITIES OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN ISSUERS WHICH WOULD
BE CHARACTERIZED AS "GROWTH" COMPANIES ACCORDING TO CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION.
YOU CAN INVEST, REINVEST OR REDEEM SHARES AT ANY TIME WITHOUT CHARGE
OR PENALTY. YOU CAN PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES BY TELEPHONE USING DREYFUS TELET
RANSFER.
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION WILL PROFESSIONALLY MANAGE THE FUND'S
PORTFOLIO.
THIS PROSPECTUS SETS FORTH CONCISELY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND THAT
YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INVESTING. IT SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED OCTOBER 1, 1995, WHICH
MAY BE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME, PROVIDES A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
AREAS IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST TO SOME
INVESTORS. IT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. FOR A FREE COPY, WRITE TO THE FUND AT
144 GLENN CURTISS BOULEVARD, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK 11556-0144, OR CALL
1-800-645-6561. WHEN TELEPHONING, ASK FOR OPERATOR 144.
MUTUAL FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
THE NET ASSET VALUE OF FUNDS OF THIS TYPE WILL FLUCTUATE FROM TIME TO TIME.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Annual Fund Operating Expenses.................... 3
Description of the Fund........................... 3
Management of the Fund............................ 5
How to Buy Shares................................. 6
Shareholder Services.............................. 8
How to Redeem Shares ............................. 12
Shareholder Services Plan......................... 14
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes................ 14
Performance Information........................... 15
General Information............................... 15
Appendix.......................................... 17
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
Page 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
<S> <C>
Management Fees........................................................ .75%
Other Expenses......................................................... .50%
Total Fund Operating Expenses.......................................... 1.25%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
EXAMPLE:
You would pay the following
expenses on a $1,000
investment, assuming (1) 5% 1 YEAR 3 YEARS
annual return and (2) redemption
at the end of each time period: $13 $40
</TABLE>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AMOUNTS LISTED IN THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY
BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE INDICATED. MOREOVER, WHILE THE EXAMPLE ASSUMES
A 5% ANNUAL RETURN, THE FUND'S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE WILL VARY AND MAY RESULT IN
AN ACTUAL RETURN GREATER OR LESS THAN 5%.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist you in understanding
the costs and expenses borne by the Fund, the payment of which will reduce
investors' annual return. Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for
the current fiscal year. The information in the foregoing table does not
reflect any fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements that may be in
effect. You can purchase Fund shares without charge directly from the Fund's
distributor; you may be charged a nominal fee if you effect transactions in
Fund shares through a securities dealer, bank or other financial institution.
For a further description of the various costs and expenses incurred in the
operation of the Fund, as well as expense reimbursement or waiver
arrangements, see "Management of the Fund," "How to Buy Shares" and
"Shareholder Services Plan."
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's investment objective is capital appreciation. It cannot be
changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")) of the Fund's
outstanding voting shares. There can be no assurance that the Fund's
investment objective will be achieved.
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The Fund anticipates that at least 65% of the value of its total
assets (except when maintaining a temporary defensive position) will be
invested in equity securities of domestic and foreign issuers which would be
characterized as "growth" companies according to criteria established by The
Dreyfus Corporation. The Fund's securities selections generally will be made
without regard to an issuer's market capitalization. Equity securities
consist of common stocks and preferred stocks. The Fund may invest up to 30%
of the value of its total assets in the securities of foreign companies which
are not publicly traded in the United States and the debt securities of
foreign governments.
To manage the Fund, The Dreyfus Corporation classifies issuers as
"growth" or "value" companies. In general, The Dreyfus Corporation believes
that companies with relatively low price to book ratios, low price to
earnings ratios or higher than average dividend payments in relation to price
should be classified as value companies. Alternatively, companies which have
above average earnings or sales growth and retention of earnings and command
higher price to earnings ratios fit the more classic growth description.
Page 3
While seeking desirable equity investments, the Fund may invest in
money market instruments consisting of U.S. Government securities,
certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances, short-term
investment grade corporate bonds and other short-term debt instruments, and
repurchase agreements, as set forth under "Appendix_Certain Portfolio
Securities_Money Market Instruments." Under normal market conditions, the
Fund does not expect to have a substantial portion of its assets invested in
money market instruments. However, when The Dreyfus Corporation determines
that adverse market conditions exist, the Fund may adopt a temporary
defensive posture and invest all of its assets in money market instruments.
In an effort to increase returns, the Fund expects to trade actively
and that the annual portfolio turnover rate could exceed 150%. Higher
portfolio turnover rates usually generate additional brokerage commissions
and expenses and the short-term gains realized from these transactions are
taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, the Fund may engage
in various investment techniques, such as foreign currency transactions,
leveraging, options and futures transactions and short-selling. See also
"Investment Considerations and Risks" below and "Investment Objective and
Management Policies _ Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS
GENERAL _ The Fund's net asset value per share should be expected to
fluctuate. Investors should consider the Fund as a supplement to an overall
investment program and should invest only if they are willing to undertake
the risks involved. See "Investment Objective and Management Policies
_Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information for a
further discussion of certain risks.
EQUITY SECURITIES _ Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on
factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such
fluctuations can be pronounced. Changes in the value of the Fund's
investments will result in changes in the value of its shares and thus the
Fund's total return to investors.
The securities of the smaller companies in which the Fund may invest
may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger,
more-established companies, because these securities typically are traded in
lower volume and the issuers typically are subject to a greater degree to
changes in earnings and prospects.
FOREIGN SECURITIES _ Foreign securities markets generally are not as
developed or efficient as those in the United States. Securities of some
foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable U.S. issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign
securities markets are less than in the United States and, at times,
volatility of price can be greater than in the United States.
Because evidences of ownership of such securities usually are held
outside the United States, the Fund will be subject to additional risks which
include possible adverse political and economic developments, possible
seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits and possible adoption of
governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of
principal and interest on the foreign securities or might restrict the
payment of principal and interest to investors located outside the country of
the issuer, whether from currency blockage or otherwise.
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.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ 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. See "Appendix _ Investment
Techniques _ Foreign Currency Transactions."
Page 4
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ The Fund may invest in derivatives ("Derivatives").
These are financial instruments, which derive their performance, at least in
part, from the performance of an underlying asset, index or interest rate.
The Derivatives the Fund may use include options and futures. While
Derivatives can be used effectively in furtherance of the Fund's investment
objective, under certain market conditions, they can increase the volatility
of the Fund's net asset value, can decrease the liquidity of the Fund's
investments and make more difficult the accurate pricing of the Fund's
portfolio. See "Appendix _ Investment Techniques _ Use of Derivatives" below
and "Investment Objective and Management Policies _ Management Policies _
Derivatives" in the Statement of Additional Information.
SIMULTANEOUS INVESTMENTS _ Investment decisions for the Fund are made
independently from those of the other investment companies advised by The
Dreyfus Corporation. 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.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER _ The Dreyfus Corporation, located at 200 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10166, was formed in 1947 and serves as the Fund's
investment adviser. The Dreyfus Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank
Corporation ("Mellon"). As of September 1, 1995, The Dreyfus Corporation
managed or administered approximately $80 billion in assets for more than 1.8
million investor accounts nationwide.
The Dreyfus Corporation supervises and assists in the overall
management of the Fund's affairs under a Management Agreement with the
Company, subject to the authority of the Company's Board in accordance with
Maryland law. The Fund's primary portfolio manager is Michael L. Schonberg.
He has been employed by The Dreyfus Corporation since July 1995. Prior to
joining The Dreyfus Corporation, Mr. Schonberg was a General Partner of Omega
Advisors since 1994 and, for more than five years prior thereto, was Chief
Investment Officer and a Managing Director at UBS Asset Management. The
Fund's other portfolio managers are identified in the Statement of Additional
Information. The Dreyfus Corporation also provides research services for the
Fund and for other funds advised by The Dreyfus Corporation through a
professional staff of portfolio managers and securities analysts.
Mellon is a publicly owned multibank holding company incorporated
under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the Federal Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon provides a comprehensive range of
financial products and services in domestic and selected international
markets. Mellon is among the twenty-five largest bank holding companies in
the United States based on total assets. Mellon's principal wholly-owned
subsidiaries are Mellon Bank, N.A., Mellon Bank (DE) National Association,
Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston Company, Inc., AFCO Credit Corporation and a
number of companies known as Mellon Financial Services Corporations. Through
its subsidiaries, including The Dreyfus Corporation, Mellon managed more than
$203 billion in assets as of June 30, 1995, including approximately $73
billion in mutual fund assets. As of June 30, 1995, Mellon, through various
subsidiaries, provided non-investment services, such as custodial or
administration services, for more than $707 billion in assets, including
approximately $71 billion in mutual fund assets.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund has agreed to
pay The Dreyfus Corporation a monthly fee at the annual rate of .75 of 1% of
the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. The management fee is
higher than that paid by most other investment companies. From time to time,
The Dreyfus Corporation may waive receipt of its fees and/or voluntarily
assume certain expenses of the Fund, which would have the effect of lowering
the expense ratio of the Fund and increasing yield to investors. The Fund
will not pay The Dreyfus Corporation at a later time for any amounts it may
waive, nor will the Fund reimburse The Dreyfus Corporation for any amounts it
may assume.
Page 5
EXPENSES _ All expenses incurred in the operation of the Company are borne
by the Company, except to the extent specifically assumed by The Dreyfus
Corporation. The expenses borne by the Company will include: organizational
costs, taxes, interest, loan commitment fees, interest and distributions paid
on securities sold short, 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 The Dreyfus Corporation or any
of its 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 the Company's existence, costs
attributable to investor services (including, without limitation, telephone
and personnel expenses), costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and
statements of additional information for regulatory purposes and for
distribution to existing shareholders, costs of shareholders' reports and
meetings, and any extraordinary expenses. Expenses attributable to the Fund
are charged against the assets of the Fund; other expenses of the Company are
allocated among the Company's portfolios on the basis determined by the
Board, including, but not limited to, proportionately in relation to the net
assets of each portfolio.
The Dreyfus Corporation may pay the Fund's distributor for
shareholder services from The Dreyfus Corporation's own assets, including
past profits but not including the management fee paid by the Fund. The
Fund's distributor may use part or all of such payments to pay Service Agents
(as defined below) in respect of these services.
DISTRIBUTOR _ The Fund's distributor is Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109. The Distributor's ultimate parent is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT _ The Bank of New York,
90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286, is the Fund's Custodian. The
Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corporation,
P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's Transfer
and Dividend Disbursing Agent (the "Transfer Agent").
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Fund shares are sold without a sales charge. You may be charged a
nominal fee if you effect transactions in Fund shares through a securities
dealer, bank or other financial institution (collectively, "Service Agents").
Stock certificates are issued only upon your written request. No certificates
are issued for fractional shares. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
purchase order.
The minimum initial investment is $2,500, or $1,000 if you are a
client of a Service Agent which has made an aggregate minimum initial
purchase for its customers of $2,500. Subsequent investments must be at least
$100. However, the minimum initial investment for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh
Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and 403(b)(7) Plans with only one participant is $750,
with no minimum for subsequent purchases. Individuals who open an IRA also
may open a non-working spousal IRA with a minimum initial investment of $250.
Subsequent investments in a spousal IRA must be at least $250. The initial
investment must be accompanied by the Account Application. For full-time or
part-time employees of The Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or
subsidiaries, directors of The Dreyfus Corporation, Board members of a fund
advised by The Dreyfus Corporation, including members of the Company's Board,
or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing, the minimum initial
investment is $1,000. For full-time or part-time employees of The Dreyfus
Corporation or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries who elect to have a
portion of their pay directly deposited into their Fund account, the minimum
initial investment is $50. 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
Page 6
subsequent investment minimum requirements at any time. Fund
shares also are offered without regard to the minimum initial investment
requirements through Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government
Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan pursuant to the
Dreyfus Step Program 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.
You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, or through the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege described below. Checks should be made payable to "The
Dreyfus Family of Funds," or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, to
"The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian" and should specify that you are
investing in the Fund. Payments to open new accounts which are mailed should
be sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9387, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-9387, together with your Account Application. For subsequent
investments, your Fund account number should appear on the check and an invest
ment slip should be enclosed and sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 105, Newark, New Jersey 07101-0105. For Dreyfus retirement plan accounts,
both initial and subsequent investments should be sent to The Dreyfus Trust
Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6427.
Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be made by third party
check. Purchase orders may be delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial
Center. THESE ORDERS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY
UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial
Center, please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General
Information."
Wire payments may be made if your bank account is in a commercial
bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or any other bank having
a correspondent bank in New York City. Immediately available funds may be
transmitted by wire to The Bank of New York, DDA# 8900279621/Dreyfus Growth
and Value Funds, Inc./Dreyfus Aggressive Growth Fund, for purchase of Fund
shares in your name. The wire must include your Fund account number (for new
accounts, your Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") should be included
instead), account registration and dealer number, if applicable. If your
initial purchase of Fund shares is by wire, you should call 1-800-645-6561
after completing your wire payment to obtain your Fund account number. You
should include your Fund account number on the Account Application and
promptly mail the Account Application to the Fund, as no redemptions will be
permitted until the Account Application is received. You may obtain further
information about remitting funds in this manner from your bank. All payments
should be made in U.S. dollars and, to avoid fees and delays, should be drawn
only on U.S. banks. A charge will be imposed if any check used for investment
in your account does not clear. The Fund makes available to certain large
institutions the ability to issue purchase instructions through compatible
computer facilities.
Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic transfer of
funds from an account maintained in a bank or other domestic financial
institution that is an Automated Clearing House member. You must direct the
institution to transmit immediately available funds through the Automated
Clearing House to The Bank of New York with instructions to credit your Fund
account. The instructions must specify your Fund account registration and
Fund account number PRECEDED BY THE DIGITS "1111."
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis at the net asset value per
share next determined after an order in proper form is received by the
Transfer Agent or other agent. 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. For purposes of determining net asset value, options and
futures contracts will be valued 15 minutes after the close of trading on the
floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Net asset value per share is computed
by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets (i.e., the value of its assets
less liabilities) by the total number of Fund shares outstanding. The Fund's
investments are valued based on market value or, where market quota-
Page 7
tions are not readily available, based on fair value as determined in good
faith by the Company's Board. For further information regarding the methods
employed in valuing the Fund's investments, see "Determination of Net Asset
Value" in the Statement of Additional Information.
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.
The Distributor may pay dealers a fee of up to .5% 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 one million dollars ("Eligible Benefit
Plans"). All present holdings of shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds by Eligible Benefit Plans will be aggregated to determine the fee
payable with respect to each purchase of Fund shares. The Distributor
reserves the right to cease paying these fees at any time. The Distributor
will pay such fees from its own funds, other than amounts received from the
Fund, including past profits or any other source available to it.
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN upon
opening or reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" and
the Account Application for further information concerning this requirement.
Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the Fund could subject you to a $50
penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may purchase shares (minimum $500,
maximum $150,000 per day) 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.
The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER purchase of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
FUND EXCHANGES
You may purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares of
certain other funds managed or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation, to
the extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of residence. These
funds have different investment objectives which may be of interest to you.
Fund exchanges may be exercised twice during the calendar year as described
below. If you desire to use this service, you should consult your Service
Agent or call 1-800-645-6561 to determine if it is available and whether any
other conditions are imposed on its use.
To request an exchange, you must give exchange instructions to the
Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone. Before any exchange, you must
obtain and should review a copy of the current prospectus of the fund into
which the exchange is being made. Prospectuses may be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. Except in the case of personal retirement plans, the shares
being exchanged must have a current value of at least $500; furthermore, when
establishing a new account by exchange, the shares being exchanged must have
a value of at least the minimum initial investment required for the fund into
which the exchange is being made. The ability to issue exchange instructions
by telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless you
check the applicable "No" box on the Account Application, indi-
Page 8
cating that you specifically refuse this Privilege. The Telephone Exchange
Privilege may be established for an existing account by written request,
signed by all shareholders on the account, or by a separate signed Shareholder
Services Form, also available by calling 1-800-645-6561. If you have
established the Telephone Exchange Privilege, you may telephone exchange
instructions by calling 1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas,
call 1-401-455-3306. See "How to Redeem Shares_Procedures." Upon an exchange
into a new account, the following shareholder services and privileges, as
applicable and where available, will be automatically carried over to the
fund into which the exchange is made: Telephone Exchange Privilege, Wire
Redemption Privilege, Telephone Redemption Privilege, Dreyfus TELETRANSFER
Privilege and the dividend/capital gain distribution option (except for
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep) selected by the investor.
Shares will be exchanged at the next determined net asset value;
however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges into funds
sold with a sales load. If you are exchanging into a fund that charges a
sales load, you may qualify for share prices which do not include the sales
load or which reflect a reduced sales load, if the shares of the fund from
which you are exchanging were: (a) purchased with a sales load, (b) acquired
by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a sales load, or (c)
acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions paid with respect
to the foregoing categories of shares. To qualify, at the time of the
exchange you must notify the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must notify
the Distributor. Any such qualification is subject to confirmation of your
holdings through a check of appropriate records. See "Shareholder Services"
in the Statement of Additional Information. No fees currently are charged
shareholders directly in connection with exchanges, although the Fund
reserves the right, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, to charge
shareholders a nominal fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
exchange request in whole or in part. The availability of Fund Exchanges may
be modified or terminated at any time upon notice to shareholders.
With respect to any shareholder who has exchanged into and out of the
Fund (or the reverse) twice during the calendar year, further purchase orders
(including those pursuant to exchange instructions) relating to any shares of
the Fund will be rejected for the remainder of the calendar year. Management
believes that this policy will enable shareholders to change their investment
program, while protecting the Fund against disruptions in portfolio
management resulting from frequent transactions by those seeking to time
market fluctuations. Exchanges made through omnibus accounts for various
retirement plans are not subject to such limit on exchanges.
The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated
for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by
the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a
taxable gain or loss.
DREYFUS AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege enables you to invest regularly (on a
semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for shares of
the Fund, in shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of
which you are currently an investor. The amount you designate, which can be
expressed either in terms of a specific dollar or share amount ($100
minimum), will be exchanged automatically on the first and/or fifteenth day
of the month according to the schedule you have selected. Shares will be
exchanged at the then-current net asset value; however, a sales load may be
charged with respect to exchanges into funds sold with a sales load. See
"Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. The right
to exercise this Privilege may be modified or canceled by the Fund or the
Transfer Agent. You may modify or cancel your exercise of this Privilege at
any time by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. The Fund may charge a service
fee for the use of this Privilege. No such fee currently is contemplated. The
exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated for Federal
income tax pur-
Page 9
poses as a sale of the shares given in exchange by the shareholder and,
therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a taxable gain or loss. For
more information concerning this Privilege and the funds in the Dreyfus Family
of Funds eligible to participate in this Privilege, or to obtain a Dreyfus
Auto-Exchange Authorization Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561.
DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDERRegistration Mark
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. At your option, the account
designated by you will be debited in the specified amount, and Fund shares
will be purchased, once a month, on either the first or fifteenth day, or
twice a month, on both days. Only an account maintained at a domestic
financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be so
designated. To establish a Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder account, you must
file an authorization form with the Transfer Agent. You may obtain the
necessary authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel your
participation in this Privilege or change the amount of purchase at any time
by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan
accounts, to The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-6427, and the notification will be effective three
business days following receipt. The Fund may modify or terminate this
Privilege at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
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 Federal government automatically deposited into your
Fund account. You may deposit as much of such payments as you elect. To
enroll in Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit, you must file with the Transfer
Agent a completed Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form for each type of payment that
you desire to include in this Privilege. The appropriate form may be obtained
by calling 1-800-645-6561. Death or legal incapacity will terminate your
participation in this Privilege. You may elect at any time to terminate your
participation by notifying in writing the appropriate Federal agency. The
Fund may terminate your participation upon 30 days' notice to you.
DREYFUS PAYROLL SAVINGS PLAN
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan permits you to purchase Fund shares
(minimum of $100 per transaction) automatically on a regular basis. Depending
upon your employer's direct deposit program, you may have part or all of your
paycheck transferred to your existing Dreyfus account electronically through
the Automated Clearing House system at each pay period. To establish a
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan account, you must file an authorization form
with your employer's payroll department. Your employer must complete the
reverse side of the form and return it to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. You may obtain the necessary
authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may change the amount of
purchase or cancel the authorization only by written notification to your
employer. It is the sole responsibility of your employer, not the
Distributor, The Dreyfus Corporation, the Fund, the Transfer Agent or any
other person, to arrange for transactions under the Dreyfus Payroll Savings
Plan. The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
DREYFUS STEP PROGRAM
Dreyfus Step Program enables a shareholder to purchase Fund shares
without regard to the Fund's minimum initial investment requirements through
Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege
or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan. To establish a Dreyfus Step Program account,
a shareholder must supply the necessary information on the Account
Application and
Page 10
file the required authorization form(s) with the Transfer Agent. For more
information concerning this Program, or to request the necessary
authorization form(s), please call toll free 1-800-782-6620. A shareholder
may terminate participation in this Program at any time by discontinuing
participation in Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct
Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan, as the case may be, as
provided under the terms of such Privilege(s). The Fund may modify or
terminate this Program at any time. Investors who wish to purchase
Fund shares through the Dreyfus Step Program in conjunction with a
Dreyfus-sponsored retirement plan may do so only for IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA
"Rollover Accounts."
DREYFUS DIVIDEND OPTIONS
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep enables you to invest automatically dividends
or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, paid by the Fund in
shares of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a
shareholder. Shares of the other fund will be purchased at the then-current
net asset value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to
investments in shares of a fund sold with a sales load. If you are investing
in a fund that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share prices which
do not include the sales load or which reflect a reduced sales load. If you
are investing in a fund that charges a contingent deferred sales charge, the
shares purchased will be subject on redemption to the contingent deferred
sales charge, if any, applicable to the purchased shares. See "Shareholder
Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. 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.
For more information concerning these privileges or to request a
Dividend Options Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel
these privileges by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of
Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. To select a new
fund after cancellation, you must submit a new Dividend Options Form.
Enrollment in or cancellation of these privileges is effective three business
days following receipt. These privileges are available only for existing
accounts and may not be used to open new accounts. Minimum subsequent
investments do not apply for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep. The Fund may modify or
terminate these privileges at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee
currently is contemplated. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans are not eligible for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to request withdrawal of a
specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly
basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account. An application for the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. There is a service
charge of 50cents for each withdrawal check. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan
may be ended at any time by you, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for
which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund offers a variety of pension and profit-sharing plans,
including Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," 401(k)
Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services also are
available. You can obtain details on the various plans by calling the
following numbers toll free: for Keogh Plans, please call 1-800-358-5566;
for IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," please call 1-800-645-6561; for
SEP-IRAs, 401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans, please call
1-800-322-7880.
Page 11
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
GENERAL
You may request redemption of your shares at any time. Redemption
requests should be transmitted to the Transfer Agent as described below. When
a request is received in proper form, the Fund will redeem the shares at the
next determined net asset value.
The Fund imposes no charges when shares are redeemed. Service Agents
may charge their clients a nominal fee for effecting redemptions of Fund
shares. Any certificates representing Fund shares being redeemed must be
submitted with the redemption request. The value of the shares redeemed may
be more or less than their original cost, depending upon the Fund's
then-current net asset value.
The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed within
seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in
proper form, except as provided by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED FUND SHARES BY CHECK, BY DREYFUS
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE OR THROUGH DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER AND
SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMIT A WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUEST TO THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE
REDEMPTION PROCEEDS WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON BANK CLEARANCE
OF YOUR PURCHASE CHECK, DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDER ORDER, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS OR MORE. IN
ADDITION, THE FUND WILL REJECT REQUESTS TO REDEEM SHARES BY WIRE OR TELEPHONE
OR PURSUANT TO THE DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHT
BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OF THE PURCHASE CHECK, THE
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR THE DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER ORDER
AGAINST WHICH SUCH REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED. THESE PROCEDURES WILL NOT APPLY
IF YOUR SHARES WERE PURCHASED BY WIRE PAYMENT, OR IF YOU OTHERWISE HAVE A
SUFFICIENT COLLECTED BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO COVER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST.
PRIOR TO THE TIME ANY REDEMPTION IS EFFECTIVE, DIVIDENDS ON SUCH SHARES WILL
ACCRUE AND BE PAYABLE, AND YOU WILL BE ENTITLED TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS
OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. Fund shares will not be redeemed until the Transfer
Agent has received your Account Application.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at its option upon
not less than 45 days' written notice if your account's net asset value is
$500 or less and remains so during the notice period.
PROCEDURES
You may redeem shares by using the regular redemption procedure
through the Transfer Agent, or, 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, through the Wire
Redemption Privilege, the Telephone Redemption Privilege or the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege. Other redemption procedures may be in effect for
clients of certain Service Agents. The Fund makes available to certain large
institutions the ability to issue redemption instructions through compatible
computer facilities.
The Fund reserves the right to refuse any request made by wire or telephone,
including requests made shortly after a change of address, and may limit the
amount involved or the number of such requests. The Fund may modify or
terminate any redemption Privilege at any time or charge a service fee upon
notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is contemplated. You may redeem
shares by telephone if you have checked the appropriate box on the Account
Application or have filed a Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer
Agent. If you select a telephone redemption privilege or telephone exchange
privilege (which is granted automatically unless you refuse it), you
authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephone instructions from any person
representing himself or herself to be you, and reasonably believed by the
Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Fund will require the Transfer Agent to
employ reasonable procedures, such as requiring a form of personal
identification, to confirm that instructions are genuine and, if it does not
follow such procedures, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any
losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Neither the Fund nor
the Transfer Agent will be liable for following telephone instructions reasona
bly believed to be genuine.
Page 12
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you may
experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone to
request a redemption or exchange of Fund shares. In such cases, you should
consider using the other redemption procedures described herein. Use of these
other redemption procedures may result in your redemption request being
processed at a later time than it would have been if telephone redemption had
been used. During the delay, the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
REGULAR REDEMPTION _ Under the regular redemption procedure, you may redeem
shares by written request mailed to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. Redemption requests may be
delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial Center. THESE REQUESTS WILL
BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For
the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial Center, please call one of the
telephone numbers listed under "General Information." Redemption requests
must be signed by each shareholder, including each owner of a joint account,
and each signature must be guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted
standards and procedures pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper
form generally will be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit
unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations,
clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in
the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program, the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock Exchanges Medallion
Program. If you have any questions with respect to signature-guarantees,
please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General Information."
Redemption proceeds of at least $1,000 will be wired to any member
bank of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with a written
signature-guaranteed request.
WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by wire or telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $1,000) be wired to your account at a bank which
is a member of the Federal Reserve System, or a correspondent bank if your
bank is not a member. You also may direct that redemption proceeds be paid by
check (maximum $150,000 per day) made out to the owners of record and mailed
to your address. Redemption proceeds of less than $1,000 will be paid
automatically by check. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank accounts
may have redemption proceeds of not more than $250,000 wired within any
30-day period. You may telephone redemption requests by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. The
Statement of Additional Information sets forth instructions for transmitting
redemption requests by wire. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans, and shares for which certificates have been issued, are not
eligible for this Privilege.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (maximum $150,000 per day) be paid by check and mailed to
your address. You may telephone redemption instructions by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares for
which certificates have been issued, are not eligible for this Privilege.
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $500 per day) 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 so
designated. Redemption proceeds will be on deposit in your account at an
Automated Clearing House member bank ordinarily two days after receipt of the
redemption request or, at your request, paid by check (maximum $150,000 per
day) and mailed to your address. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank
accounts may redeem through the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege for transfer
to their bank account not more than $250,000 within any 30-day period.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER redemption of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares
issued in certificate form, are not eligible for this Privilege.
Page 13
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan, pursuant to which
it pays the Distributor for the provision of certain services to Fund
shareholders a fee at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the Fund's
average daily net assets. The services provided may include personal services
relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries
regarding the Fund and providing reports and other information, and services
related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make
payments to Service Agents in respect of these services. The Distributor
determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
Fund is treated as a separate corporation for purposes of qualification and
taxation as a regulated investment company. The Fund ordinarily pays
dividends from its net investment income and distributes net realized
securities gains, if any, once a year, but it may make distributions on a
more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code,
in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act. The
Fund will not make distributions from net realized securities gains unless
capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have expired. You may
choose whether to receive dividends and distributions in cash or to reinvest
in additional shares at net asset value. All expenses are accrued daily and
deducted before declaration of dividends to investors.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders
as ordinary income whether received in cash or reinvested in additional
shares. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains of the
Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders as long-term capital gains for Feder
al income tax purposes, regardless of how long shareholders have held their
Fund shares and whether such distributions are received in cash or reinvested
in Fund shares. The Code provides that the net capital gain of an individual
generally will not be subject to Federal income tax at a rate in excess of
28%. Dividends and distributions may be subject to state and local taxes.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund to a foreign investor generally are
subject to U.S. nonresident withholding taxes at the rate of 30%, unless the
foreign investor claims the benefit of a lower rate specified in a tax
treaty. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains paid by
the Fund to a foreign investor as well as the proceeds of any redemptions
from a foreign investor's account, regardless of the extent to which gain or
loss may be realized, generally will not be subject to U.S. nonresident
withholding tax. However, such distributions may be subject to backup
withholding, as described below, unless the foreign investor certifies his
non-U.S. residency status.
Notice as to the tax status of your dividends and distributions will
be mailed to you annually. You also will receive periodic summaries of your
account which will include information as to dividends and distributions from
securities gains, if any, paid during the year.
Federal regulations generally require the Fund to withhold ("backup
withholding") and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, distributions
from net realized securities gains and the proceeds of any redemption,
regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized, paid to a
shareholder if such shareholder fails to certify either that the TIN
furnished in connection with opening an account is correct or that such
shareholder has not received notice from the IRS of being subject to backup wi
thholding as a result of a failure to properly report taxable dividend or
interest income on a Federal income tax return. Furthermore, the IRS may
notify the Fund to institute backup withholding if the IRS determines
Page 14
a shareholder's TIN is incorrect or if a shareholder has failed to properly
report taxable dividend and interest income on a Federal income tax return.
A TIN is either the Social Security number or employer identification
number of the record owner of the account. Any tax withheld as a result of
backup withholding does not constitute an additional tax imposed on the
record owner of the account, and may be claimed as a credit on the record
owner's Federal income tax return.
It is expected that the Fund will qualify as a "regulated investment
company" under the Code so long as such qualification is in the best
interests of its shareholders. Such qualification relieves the Fund of any
liability for Federal income tax to the extent its earnings are distributed
in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code. The Fund is subject to
a non-deductible 4% excise tax, measured with respect to certain
undistributed amounts of taxable investment income and capital gains.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding specific questions as
to Federal, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance may be calculated on the
basis of average annual total return and/or total return.
Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a standardized
formula which assumes that an investment was purchased with an initial
payment of $1,000 and that the investment was redeemed at the end of a stated
period of time, after giving effect to the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions during the period. The return is expressed as a percentage rate
which, if applied on a compounded annual basis, would result in the
redeemable value of the investment at the end of the period. Advertisements
of the Fund's performance will include the Fund's average annual total return
for one, five and ten year periods, or for shorter periods depending upon the
length of time during which the Fund has operated.
Total return is computed on a per share basis and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return generally is
expressed as a percentage rate which is calculated by combining the income
and principal changes for a specified period and dividing by the net asset
value per share at the beginning of the period. Advertisements may include
the percentage rate of total return or may include the value of a
hypothetical investment at the end of the period which assumes the
application of the percentage rate of total return.
Performance will vary from time to time and past results are not
necessarily representative of future results. You should remember that
performance is a function of portfolio management in selecting the type and
quality of portfolio securities and is affected by operating expenses.
Performance information, such as that described above, may not provide a
basis for comparison with other investments or other investment companies
using a different method of calculating performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, Wilshire 5000
Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, MONEY MAGAZINE, Morningstar, Inc.
and other industry publications.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Company was incorporated under Maryland law on November 16, 1993,
and commenced operations on December 29, 1993. Before September 29, 1995, the
Company's name was Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc. The Company is authorized to
issue one billion shares of Common Stock (with 100 million allocated to the
Fund), par value $.001 per share. Each share has one vote.
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,
Fund shareholders may not consider each year the election of Board members or
the appointment of auditors. However, pursuant to the Company's By-Laws, the
holders of at least 10% of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote may
require the Company to hold
Page 15
a special meeting of shareholders for purposes of removing a Board member
from office or for any other purpose. Shareholders may remove a Board member
by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Company'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 Company is a "series fund," which is a mutual fund divided into
separate portfolios, each of which is treated as a separate entity for
certain matters under the 1940 Act and for other purposes. A shareholder of
one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. For
certain matters shareholders vote together as a group; as to others they vote
separately by portfolio. By this Prospectus, shares of the Fund are being
offered. Other portfolios are sold pursuant to other offering documents.
To date, the Board has authorized the creation of ten series of
shares. All consideration received by the Company for shares of one of the
series and all assets in which such consideration is invested will belong to
that series (subject only to the rights of creditors of the Company) and will
be subject to the liabilities related thereto. The income attributable to,
and the expenses of, one series are treated separately from those of the
other series. The Company has the ability to create, from time to time, new
series without shareholder approval.
The Transfer Agent maintains a record of your ownership and sends you
confirmations and statements of account.
Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Fund at 144 Glenn
Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or by calling toll free
1-800-645-6561. In New York City, call
1-718-895-1206; outside the U.S. and Canada, call 516-794-5452.
Page 16
APPENDIX
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ Foreign currency transactions may be entered
into 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; or 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 Dreyfus Corporation's ability to predict accurately the future exchange
rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar.
LEVERAGE _ Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any
increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund's portfolio. Money
borrowed for leveraging will be limited to 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund's
total assets. These borrowings will be subject to interest costs which may or
may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased; in certain
cases, interest costs may exceed the return received on the securities
purchased.
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with banks,
brokers or dealers. This form of borrowing involves the transfer by the Fund
of an underlying debt instrument in return for cash proceeds based on a
percentage of the value of the security. The Fund retains the right to
receive interest and principal payments on the security. At an agreed upon
future date, the Fund repurchases the security at principal plus accrued
interest. Except for these transactions, the Fund's borrowings generally will
be unsecured.
SHORT-SELLING _ In these transactions, the Fund sells a security it does not
own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security. To
complete the transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery
to the buyer. The Fund is obligated to replace the security borrowed by
purchasing it subsequently at the market price at the time of replacement.
The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the
security was sold by the Fund. The Fund will incur a loss if the price of the
security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which
the Fund replaces the borrowed security; it will realize a gain if the
security declines in price between those dates.
Securities will not be sold short if, after effect is given to any
such short sale, the total market value of all securities sold short would
exceed 25% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Fund may not sell short
the securities of any single issuer listed on a national securities exchange
to the extent of more than 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Fund
may not sell short the securities of any class of an issuer if, as a result
of such sale, the Fund would have sold short in the aggregate more than 5% of
the outstanding securities of that class.
The Fund also may make short sales "against the box," in which the
Fund enters into a short sale of a security it owns in order to hedge an
unrealized gain on the security. At no time will more than 15% of the value
of the Fund's net assets be in deposits on short sales against the box.
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ Although the Fund will not be a commodity pool,
Derivatives subject the Fund to the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission which limit the extent to which the Fund can invest in certain
Derivatives. The Fund may invest in futures contracts and options with
respect thereto for hedging purposes without limit. However, the Fund may not
invest in such contracts and options for other purposes if the sum of the
amount of initial margin deposits and premiums paid for unexpired options
with respect to such contracts, other than for bona fide hedging purposes,
exceed 5% of the liquidation value of
Page 17
the Fund's assets, after taking into account unrealized profits and
unrealized losses on such contracts and options; provided, however, that in
the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of purchase, the
in-the-money amount may be excluded in calculating the 5% limitation.
The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets, represented by the
premium paid, in the purchase of call and put options. The Fund may write
(i.e., sell) covered call and put option contracts to the extent of 20% of
the value of its net assets at the time such option contracts are written.
When required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund will set
aside permissible liquid assets in a segregated account to cover its
obligations relating to its purchase of Derivatives. To maintain this
required cover, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at
disadvantageous prices or times since it may not be possible to liquidate a
Derivative position at a reasonable price.
Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than
their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in Derivatives
could have a large potential impact on the Fund's performance.
If the Fund invests in Derivatives at inappropriate times or judges
market conditions incorrectly, such investments may lower the Fund's return
or result in a loss. The Fund also could experience losses if its Derivatives
were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if the Fund were unable
to liquidate its position because of an illiquid secondary market. The market
for many Derivatives is, or suddenly can become, illiquid. Changes in
liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the
prices for Derivatives.
CERTAIN PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS _ The Fund may invest in the securities of
foreign issuers in the form of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). 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.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS _ The Fund may invest, in the circumstances
described under "Description of the Fund _ Management Policies," in the
following types of money market instruments.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury
securities that differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of
issuance. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies
and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury; others, by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury;
others, by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain
obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others, only by the credit
of the agency or instrumentality. These securities bear fixed, floating or
variable rates of interest. While the U.S. Government provides financial
support to such U.S. Government-sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, no
assurance can be given that it will always do so since it is not so obligated
by law.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys, and
the seller agrees to repurchase, a security at a mutually agreed upon time
and price (usually within seven days). The repurchase agreement thereby
determines the yield during the purchaser's holding period, while the
seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the value of the underlying
security. Repurchase agreements could involve risks in the event of a default
or insolvency of the other party to the agreement, including possible delays
or restrictions upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying
securities. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with certain banks
or non-bank dealers.
BANK OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may purchase certificates of deposit, time
deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations issued by
domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks,
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan
associations and other banking institutions. With respect to such securities
issued by foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, and
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, the Fund
Page 18
may be subject to additional investment risks that are different in some
respects from those incurred by a fund which invests only in debt obligations
of U.S. domestic issuers.
Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates evidencing the
obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period
of time.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking
institution for a specified period of time (in no event longer than seven
days) at a stated interest rate.
Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation
of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect
the obligation both of the bank and the drawer to pay the face amount of the
instrument upon maturity. The other short-term obligations may include
uninsured, direct obligations bearing fixed, floating or variable interest
rates.
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper consists of short-term, unsecured
promissory notes issued to finance short-term credit needs. The commercial
paper purchased by the Fund will consist only of direct obligations which, at
the time of their purchase, are (a) rated not lower than Prime-1 by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or A-1 by Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P"), (b) issued by companies having an outstanding unsecured debt issue
currently rated at least A3 by Moody's or A- by S&P, or (c) if unrated, determ
ined by The Dreyfus Corporation to be of comparable quality to those rated
obligations which may be purchased by the Fund.
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. Such 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.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE
FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OF THE FUND'S
SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM,
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
Page 19
DREYFUS
Aggressive
Growth
Fund
Prospectus
(LION LOGO)
Registration Mark
Copy Rights 1995 Dreyfus Service Corporation
256p1100195
FOR USE BY BANKS ONLY
October 15, 1995
DREYFUS LARGE COMPANY VALUE FUND
Supplement to Prospectus Dated October 1, 1995
All mutual fund shares involve certain investment risks, including
the possible loss of principal.
251/s101595BNK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS OCTOBER 1, 1995
DREYFUS LARGE COMPANY VALUE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
DREYFUS LARGE COMPANY VALUE FUND (THE "FUND") IS A SEPARATE
DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO OF DREYFUS GROWTH AND VALUE FUNDS, INC., AN OPEN-END,
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY (THE "COMPANY"), KNOWN AS A MUTUAL FUND. THE
FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS CAPITAL APPRECIATION. IT SEEKS TO ACHIEVE THIS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING PRINCIPALLY IN A PORTFOLIO OF
PUBLICLY-TRADED EQUITY SECURITIES OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN ISSUERS WHICH WOULD
BE CHARACTERIZED AS "VALUE" COMPANIES ACCORDING TO CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE
DREYFUS CORPORATION.
YOU CAN INVEST, REINVEST OR REDEEM SHARES AT ANY TIME WITHOUT CHARGE
OR PENALTY. YOU CAN PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES BY TELEPHONE USING DREYFUS
TELETRANSFER.
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION PROFESSIONALLY MANAGES THE FUND'S PORTFOLIO.
THIS PROSPECTUS SETS FORTH CONCISELY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND THAT
YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INVESTING. IT SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED OCTOBER 1, 1995, WHICH
MAY BE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME, PROVIDES A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
AREAS IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST TO SOME
INVESTORS. IT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. FOR A FREE COPY, WRITE TO THE FUND AT
144 GLENN CURTISS BOULEVARD, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK 11556-0144, OR CALL
1-800-645-6561. WHEN TELEPHONING, ASK FOR OPERATOR 144.
MUTUAL FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
THE NET ASSET VALUE OF FUNDS OF THIS TYPE WILL FLUCTUATE FROM TIME TO TIME.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES.................... 3
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION................... 4
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND........................... 5
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND............................ 6
HOW TO BUY SHARES................................. 7
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES.............................. 9
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES ............................. 13
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN......................... 15
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES................ 15
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION........................... 16
GENERAL INFORMATION............................... 17
APPENDIX.......................................... 18
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
[This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
Page 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
<S> <C>
Management Fees (after expense reimbursement)............................................. .18%
Other Expenses ........................................................................... 1.07%
Total Fund Operating Expenses (after expense reimbursement)............................... 1.25%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
EXAMPLE: 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
You would pay the following expenses on
a $1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5%
annual return and (2) redemption at the
end of each time period: $13 $40 $69 $151
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AMOUNTS LISTED IN THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER
OR LESS THAN THOSE INDICATED. MOREOVER, WHILE THE EXAMPLE ASSUMES A 5% ANNUAL
RETURN, THE FUND'S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE WILL VARY AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACTUAL
RETURN GREATER OR LESS THAN 5%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist you in understanding
the costs and expenses borne by the Fund, the payment of which will reduce
investors' annual return. The information in the foregoing table has been
restated to reflect the Company's termination of its Rule 12b-1 Plan. The
expenses noted above, without reimbursement, would be: Management Fees _.75%
and Total Fund Operating Expenses _ 1.82% (Other Expenses and Total Fund
Operating Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal
year); and the amount of expenses that an investor would pay, assuming
redemption after one, three, five and ten years, would be $18, $57, $99 and
$214, respectively. You can purchase Fund shares without charge directly from
the Fund's distributor; you may be charged a nominal fee if you effect
transactions in Fund shares through a securities dealer, bank or other
financial institution. For a further description of the various costs and
expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, as well as expense
reimbursement or waiver arrangements, see "Management of the Fund," "How to
Buy Shares" and "Shareholder Services Plan."
Page 3
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The information in the following table has been audited (except where
noted) by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent auditors, whose report
thereon appears in the Statement of Additional Information. Further financial
data and related notes are included in the Statement of Additional
Information, available upon request.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Contained below is per share operating performance data for a share
of Common Stock outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net
assets and other supplemental data for each period indicated. This
information has been derived from the Fund's financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
OCTOBER 31, APRIL 30, 1995
1994(1) (UNAUDITED)
------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period...................................... $12.50 $12.63
------- ------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Investment income-net..................................................... .26 .12
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and foreign currency transactions......................... (.13) 1.14
------- ------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS.......................................... .13 1.26
------- ------
DISTRIBUTIONS:
Dividends from investment income-net...................................... -- (.32)
------- ------
Net asset value, end of period............................................ $12.63 $13.57
====== ======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN(2).................................................. 1.04% 10.36%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets(2)...................... -_ .28%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(2)................... 2.08% .99%
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios due
to undertaking by The Dreyfus Corporation................................ 2.01% .87%
Portfolio Turnover Rate(2)................................................ 48.35% 35.67%
Net Assets, end of period (000's Omitted)................................. $5,168 $5,724
1 From December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1994.
2 Not annualized.
</TABLE>
Further information about the Fund's performance is contained in the
Fund's annual report, which may be obtained without charge by writing to the
address or calling the number set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's investment objective is capital appreciation. It cannot be
changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")) of the Fund's
outstanding voting shares. There can be no assurance that the Fund's
investment objective will be achieved.
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The Fund anticipates that at least 65% of the value of its total
assets (except when maintaining a temporary defensive position) will be
invested in equity securities of domestic and foreign issuers which would be
characterized as "value" companies according to criteria established by The
Dreyfus Corporation. The Fund invests, under normal market conditions,
substantially all of its assets in equity securities of issuers with market
capitalizations of between $900 million and $90 billion. Equity securities
consist of common stocks, convertible securities and preferred stocks.
Page 4
To manage the Fund, The Dreyfus Corporation classifies issuers as
"growth" or "value" companies. In general, The Dreyfus Corporation believes
that companies with relatively low price to book ratios, low price to
earnings ratios or higher than average dividend payments in relation to price
should be classified as value companies. Alternatively, companies which have
above average earnings or sales growth and retention of earnings and command
higher price to earnings ratios fit the more classic growth description.
While seeking desirable equity investments, the Fund may invest in
money market instruments consisting of U.S. Government securities,
certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances, short-term
investment grade corporate bonds and other short-term debt instruments, and
repurchase agreements, as set forth under "Appendix _ Certain Portfolio
Securities _ Money Market Instruments." Under normal market conditions, the
Fund does not expect to have a substantial portion of its assets invested in
money market instruments. However, when The Dreyfus Corporation determines
that adverse market conditions exist, the Fund may adopt a temporary
defensive posture and invest all of its assets in money market instruments.
The Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate is not expected to exceed
150%. Higher portfolio turnover rates usually generate additional brokerage
commissions and expenses and the short-term gains realized from these
transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In an effort to
increase returns, the Fund may engage in various investment techniques, such
as leveraging, lending portfolio securities, foreign currency transactions,
options and futures transactions and short-selling. See also "Investment
Considerations and Risks" below and "Investment Objective and Management
Policies_Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information.
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS
GENERAL _ The Fund's net asset value per share should be expected to
fluctuate. Investors should consider the Fund as a supplement to an overall
investment program and should invest only if they are willing to undertake
the risks involved. See "Investment Objective and Management Policies _
Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information for a further
discussion of certain risks.
EQUITY SECURITIES _ Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on
factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such
fluctuations can be pronounced. Changes in the value of the Fund's
investments will result in changes in the value of its shares and thus the
Fund's total return to investors.
The securities of the smaller companies in which the Fund may invest
may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger,
more-established companies, because these securities typically are traded in
lower volume and the issuers typically are subject to a greater degree to
changes in earnings and prospects.
FOREIGN SECURITIES _ Foreign securities markets generally are not as
developed or efficient as those in the United States. Securities of some
foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable U.S. issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign
securities markets are less than in the United States and, at times,
volatility of price can be greater than in the United States.
Because evidences of ownership of such securities usually are held
outside the United States, the Fund will be subject to additional risks which
include possible adverse political and economic developments, possible
seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits and possible adoption of
governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of
principal and interest on the foreign securities or might restrict the
payment of principal and interest to investors located outside the country of
the issuer, whether from currency blockage or otherwise.
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.
Page 5
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ 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. See "Appendix _ Investment
Techniques _ Foreign Currency Transactions."
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in
derivatives ("Derivatives"). These are financial instruments, which derive
their performance, at least in part, from the performance of an underlying
asset, index or interest rate. The Derivatives the Fund may use include
options and futures. While Derivatives can be used effectively in furtherance
of the Fund's investment objective, under certain market conditions, they can
increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value, can decrease the
liquidity of the Fund's investments and make more difficult the accurate
pricing of the Fund's portfolio. See "Appendix _ Investment Techniques _ Use
of Derivatives" below and "Investment Objective and Management Policies _
Management Policies _ Derivatives" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
SIMULTANEOUS INVESTMENTS _ Investment decisions for the Fund are made
independently from those of the other investment companies advised by The
Dreyfus Corporation. 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.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER _ The Dreyfus Corporation, located at 200 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10166, was formed in 1947 and serves as the Fund's
investment adviser. The Dreyfus Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank
Corporation ("Mellon"). As of September 1, 1995, The Dreyfus Corporation
managed or administered approximately $80 billion in assets for more than 1.8
million investor accounts nationwide.
The Dreyfus Corporation supervises and assists in the overall
management of the Fund's affairs under a Management Agreement with the
Company, subject to the authority of the Company's Board in accordance with
Maryland law. The Fund's primary portfolio manager is Timothy M. Ghriskey.
Mr. Ghriskey has been employed by TheDreyfus Corporation since July 1995.
From 1988 to June 1995, Mr. Ghriskey was Vice President and Associate
Managing Partner of Loomis, Sayles & Company. The Fund's other portfolio
managers are identified in the Statement of Additional Information. The
Dreyfus Corporation also provides research services for the Fund and for
other funds advised by The Dreyfus Corporation through a professional staff
of portfolio managers and securities analysts.
Mellon is a publicly owned multibank holding company incorporated
under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the Federal Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon provides a comprehensive range of
financial products and services in domestic and selected international
markets. Mellon is among the twenty-five largest bank holding companies in
the United States based on total assets. Mellon's principal wholly-owned
subsidiaries are Mellon Bank, N.A., Mellon Bank (DE) National Association,
Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston Company, Inc., AFCO Credit Corporation and a
number of companies known as Mellon Financial Services Corporations. Through
its subsidiaries, including The Dreyfus Corporation, Mellon managed more than
$203 billion in assets as of June 30, 1995, including approximately $73
billion in mutual fund assets. As of June 30, 1995, Mellon, through various
subsidiaries, provided non-investment services, such as custodial or
administration services, for more than $707 billion in assets, including
approximately $71 billion in mutual fund assets.
Page 6
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund has agreed to
pay The Dreyfus Corporation a monthly fee at the annual rate of .75 of 1% of
the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. The management fee is
higher than that paid by most other investment companies. From time to time,
The Dreyfus Corporation may waive receipt of its fees and/or voluntarily
assume certain expenses of the Fund, which would have the effect of lowering
the expense ratio of the Fund and increasing yield to investors. The Fund
will not pay The Dreyfus Corporation at a later time for any amounts it may
waive, nor will the Fund reimburse The Dreyfus Corporation for any amounts it
may assume. For the period December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations)
through October 31, 1994, no management fee was paid by the Fund pursuant to
an undertaking by The Dreyfus Corporation.
EXPENSES _ All expenses incurred in the operation of the Company are borne
by the Company, except to the extent specifically assumed by The Dreyfus
Corporation. The expenses borne by the Company include: organizational costs,
taxes, interest, loan commitment fees, interest and distributions paid on
securities sold short, 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 The Dreyfus Corporation or any of its
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 the Company's existence, costs
attributable to investor services (including, without limitation, telephone
and personnel expenses), costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and
statements of additional information for regulatory purposes and for
distribution to existing shareholders, costs of shareholders' reports and
meetings, and any extraordinary expenses. Expenses attributable to the Fund
are charged against the assets of the Fund; other expenses of the Company are
allocated among the Company's portfolios on the basis determined by the
Board, including, but not limited to, proportionately in relation to the net
assets of each portfolio.
The Dreyfus Corporation may pay the Fund's distributor for
shareholder services from The Dreyfus Corporation's own assets, including
past profits but not including the management fee paid by the Fund. The
Fund's distributor may use part or all of such payments to pay Service Agents
(as defined below) in respect of these services.
DISTRIBUTOR _ The Fund's distributor is Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109. The Distributor's ultimate parent is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT _ The Bank of New York,
90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286, is the Fund's Custodian. The
Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corporation,
P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's Transfer
and Dividend Disbursing Agent (the "Transfer Agent").
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Fund shares are sold without a sales charge. You may be charged a
nominal fee if you effect transactions in Fund shares through a securities
dealer, bank or other financial institution (collectively, "Service Agents").
Stock certificates are issued only upon your written request. No certificates
are issued for fractional shares. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
purchase order.
The minimum initial investment is $2,500, or $1,000 if you are a
client of a Service Agent which has made an aggregate minimum initial
purchase for its customers of $2,500. Subsequent investments must be at least
$100. However, the minimum initial investment for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh
Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and 403(b)(7) Plans with only one participant is $750,
with no minimum for subsequent purchases. Individuals who open an IRA also
may open a non-working spousal IRA with a minimum initial investment of $250.
Subsequent investments in a spousal IRA must be at least $250. The initial
investment must be accompanied by the Account Application. For full-time or
part-time employees of The Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or
subsidiaries, directors of The Dreyfus
Page 7
Corporation, Board members of a fund advised by The Dreyfus Corporation,
including members of the Company's Board, or the spouse or minor child of any
of the foregoing, the minimum initial investment is $1,000. For full-time or
part-time employees of The Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or
subsidiaries who elect to have a portion of their pay directly deposited into
their Fund account, the minimum initial investment is $50. 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. Fund shares also are offered without
regard to the minimum initial investment requirements through
Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege
or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan pursuant to the Dreyfus Step Program
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.
You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, or through the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege described below. Checks should be made payable to "The
Dreyfus Family of Funds," or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, to
"The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian" and should specify that you are
investing in the Fund. Payments to open new accounts which are mailed should
be sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9387, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-9387, together with your Account Application. For subsequent
investments, your Fund account number should appear on the check and an invest
ment slip should be enclosed and sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 105, Newark, New Jersey 07101-0105. For Dreyfus retirement plan accounts,
both initial and subsequent investments should be sent to The Dreyfus Trust
Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6427.
Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be made by third party
check. Purchase orders may be delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial
Center. THESE ORDERS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY
UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial
Center, please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General
Information."
Wire payments may be made if your bank account is in a commercial
bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or any other bank having
a correspondent bank in New York City. Immediately available funds may be
transmitted by wire to The Bank of New York, DDA# 8900088133/Dreyfus Growth
and Value Funds, Inc./Dreyfus Large Company Value Fund, for purchase of Fund
shares in your name. The wire must include your Fund account number (for new
accounts, your Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") should be included
instead), account registration and dealer number, if applicable. If your
initial purchase of Fund shares is by wire, you should call 1-800-645-6561
after completing your wire payment to obtain your Fund account number. You
should include your Fund account number on the Account Application and
promptly mail the Account Application to the Fund, as no redemptions will be
permitted until the Account Application is received. You may obtain further
information about remitting funds in this manner from your bank. All payments
should be made in U.S. dollars and, to avoid fees and delays, should be drawn
only on U.S. banks. A charge will be imposed if any check used for investment
in your account does not clear. The Fund makes available to certain large
institutions the ability to issue purchase instructions through compatible
computer facilities.
Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic transfer of
funds from an account maintained in a bank or other domestic financial
institution that is an Automated Clearing House member. You must direct the
institution to transmit immediately available funds through the Automated
Clearing House to The Bank of New York with instructions to credit your Fund
account. The instructions must specify your Fund account registration and
Fund account number PRECEDED BY THE DIGITS "1111."
Page 8
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis at the net asset value per
share next determined after an order in proper form is received by the
Transfer Agent or other agent. 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. For purposes of determining net asset value, options and
futures contracts will be valued 15 minutes after the close of trading on the
floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Net asset value per share is computed
by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets (i.e., the value of its assets
less liabilities) by the total number of Fund shares 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
Company's Board. For further information regarding the methods employed in
valuing the Fund's investments, see "Determination of Net Asset Value" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
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.
The Distributor may pay dealers a fee of up to .5% 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 one million dollars ("Eligible Benefit
Plans"). All present holdings of shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds by Eligible Benefit Plans will be aggregated to determine the fee
payable with respect to each purchase of Fund shares. The Distributor
reserves the right to cease paying these fees at any time. The Distributor
will pay such fees from its own funds, other than amounts received from the
Fund, including past profits or any other source available to it.
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN upon
opening or reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" and
the Account Application for further information concerning this requirement.
Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the Fund could subject you to a $50
penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may purchase shares (minimum $500,
maximum $150,000 per day) 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.
The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER purchase of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
FUND EXCHANGES
You may purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares of
certain other funds managed or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation, to
the extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of residence. These
funds have different investment objectives which may be of interest to you.
Fund exchanges may be exercised twice during the calendar year as described
below. If you desire to use this service, you should consult your Service
Agent or call 1-800-645-6561 to determine if it is available and whether any
other conditions are imposed on its use.
Page 9
To request an exchange, you must give exchange instructions to the
Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone. Before any exchange, you must
obtain and should review a copy of the current prospectus of the fund into
which the exchange is being made. Prospectuses may be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. Except in the case of personal retirement plans, the shares
being exchanged must have a current value of at least $500; furthermore, when
establishing a new account by exchange, the shares being exchanged must have
a value of at least the minimum initial investment required for the fund into
which the exchange is being made. The ability to issue exchange instructions
by telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless you
check the applicable "No" box on the Account Application, indicating that you
specifically refuse this Privilege. The Telephone Exchange Privilege may be
established for an existing account by written request, signed by all
shareholders on the account, or by a separate signed Shareholder Services
Form, also available by calling 1-800-645-6561. If you have established the
Telephone Exchange Privilege, you may telephone exchange instructions by
calling 1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-33
06. See "How to Redeem Shares _ Procedures." Upon an exchange into a new
account, the following shareholder services and privileges, as applicable and
where available, will be automatically carried over to the fund into which
the exchange is made: Telephone Exchange Privilege, Wire Redemption
Privilege, Telephone Redemption Privilege, Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege and
the dividend/capital gain distribution option (except for Dreyfus Dividend
Sweep) selected by the investor.
Shares will be exchanged at the next determined net asset value;
however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges into funds
sold with a sales load. If you are exchanging into a fund that charges a
sales load, you may qualify for share prices which do not include the sales
load or which reflect a reduced sales load, if the shares of the fund from
which you are exchanging were: (a) purchased with a sales load, (b) acquired
by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a sales load, or (c)
acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions paid with respect
to the foregoing categories of shares. To qualify, at the time of the
exchange you must notify the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must notify
the Distributor. Any such qualification is subject to confirmation of your
holdings through a check of appropriate records. See "Shareholder Services"
in the Statement of Additional Information. No fees currently are charged
shareholders directly in connection with exchanges, although the Fund
reserves the right, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, to charge
shareholders a nominal fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
exchange request in whole or in part. The availability of Fund Exchanges may
be modified or terminated at any time upon notice to shareholders.
With respect to any shareholder who has exchanged into and out of the
Fund (or the reverse) twice during the calendar year, further purchase orders
(including those pursuant to exchange instructions) relating to any shares of
the Fund will be rejected for the remainder of the calendar year. Management
believes that this policy will enable shareholders to change their investment
program, while protecting the Fund against disruptions in portfolio
management resulting from frequent transactions by those seeking to time
market fluctuations. Exchanges made through omnibus accounts for various
retirement plans are not subject to such limit on exchanges.
The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated
for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by
the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a
taxable gain or loss.
DREYFUS AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege enables you to invest regularly (on a
semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for shares of
the Fund, in shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of
which you are currently an investor. The amount you designate, which can be
expressed either in terms of a specific dollar or share amount ($100
minimum), will be exchanged
Page 10
automatically on the first and/or fifteenth day of the month according to
the schedule you have selected. Shares will be exchanged at the then-current
net asset value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to
exchanges into funds sold with a sales load. See "Shareholder Services" in
the Statement of Additional Information. The right to exercise this Privilege
may be modified or canceled by the Fund or the Transfer Agent. You may modify
or cancel your exercise of this Privilege at any time by mailing written
notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-9671. The Fund may charge a service fee for the use of
this Privilege. No such fee currently is contemplated. The exchange of shares
of one fund for shares of another is treated for Federal income tax purposes
as a sale of the shares given in exchange by the shareholder and, therefore,
an exchanging shareholder may realize a taxable gain or loss. For more
information concerning this Privilege and the funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds eligible to participate in this Privilege, or to obtain a Dreyfus
Auto-Exchange Authorization Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561.
DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDERRegistration Mark
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. At your option, the account
designated by you will be debited in the specified amount, and Fund shares
will be purchased, once a month, on either the first or fifteenth day, or
twice a month, on both days. Only an account maintained at a domestic
financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be so
designated. To establish a Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder account, you must
file an authorization form with the Transfer Agent. You may obtain the
necessary authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel your
participation in this Privilege or change the amount of purchase at any time
by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan
accounts, to The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-6427, and the notification will be effective three
business days following receipt. The Fund may modify or terminate this
Privilege at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
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 Federal government automatically deposited into your
Fund account. You may deposit as much of such payments as you elect. To
enroll in Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit, you must file with the Transfer
Agent a completed Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form for each type of payment that
you desire to include in this Privilege. The appropriate form may be obtained
by calling 1-800-645-6561. Death or legal incapacity will terminate your
participation in this Privilege. You may elect at any time to terminate your
participation by notifying in writing the appropriate Federal agency. The
Fund may terminate your participation upon 30 days' notice to you.
DREYFUS PAYROLL SAVINGS PLAN
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan permits you to purchase Fund shares
(minimum of $100 per transaction) automatically on a regular basis. Depending
upon your employer's direct deposit program, you may have part or all of your
paycheck transferred to your existing Dreyfus account electronically through
the Automated Clearing House system at each pay period. To establish a
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan account, you must file an authorization form
with your employer's payroll department. Your employer must complete the
reverse side of the form and return it to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. You may obtain the necessary
authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may change the amount of
purchase or cancel the authorization only by written notification to your
employer. It is the sole responsibility of your employer, not
Page 11
the Distributor, The Dreyfus Corporation, the Fund, the Transfer Agent or any
other person, to arrange for transactions under the Dreyfus Payroll Savings
Plan. The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
DREYFUS STEP PROGRAM
Dreyfus Step Program enables a shareholder to purchase Fund shares
without regard to the Fund's minimum initial investment requirements through
Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege
or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan.
To establish a Dreyfus Step Program account, a shareholder must
supply the necessary information on the Account Application and file the
required authorization form(s) with the Transfer Agent. For more information
concerning this Program, or to request the necessary authorization form(s),
please call toll free 1-800-782-6620. A shareholder may terminate
participation in this Program at any time by discontinuing participation in
Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege
or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan, as the case may be, as provided under the
terms of such Privilege(s). The Fund may modify or terminate this Program at
any time. Investors who wish to purchase Fund shares through the Dreyfus Step
Program in conjunction with a Dreyfus-sponsored retirement plan may do so
only for IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts."
DREYFUS DIVIDEND OPTIONS
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep enables you to invest automatically dividends
or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, paid by the Fund in
shares of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a
shareholder. Shares of the other fund will be purchased at the then-current
net asset value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to
investments in shares of a fund sold with a sales load. If you are investing
in a fund that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share prices which
do not include the sales load or which reflect a reduced sales load. If you
are investing in a fund that charges a contingent deferred sales charge, the
shares purchased will be subject on redemption to the contingent deferred
sales charge, if any, applicable to the purchased shares. See "Shareholder
Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. 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.
For more information concerning these privileges or to request a
Dividend Options Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel
these privileges by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of
Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. To select a new
fund after cancellation, you must submit a new Dividend Options Form.
Enrollment in or cancellation of these privileges is effective three business
days following receipt. These privileges are available only for existing
accounts and may not be used to open new accounts. Minimum subsequent
investments do not apply for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep. The Fund may modify or
terminate these privileges at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee
currently is contemplated. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans are not eligible for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to request withdrawal of a
specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly
basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account. An application for the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. There is a service
charge of 50cents for each withdrawal check. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan
may be ended at any time by you, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for
which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan.
Page 12
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund offers a variety of pension and profit-sharing plans,
including Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," 401(k)
Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services also are
available. You can obtain details on the various plans by calling the
following numbers toll free: for Keogh Plans, please call 1-800-358-5566; for
IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," please call 1-800-645-6561; for SEP-IRAs,
401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans, please call 1-800-322-7880.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
GENERAL
You may request redemption of your shares at any time. Redemption
requests should be transmitted to the Transfer Agent as described below. When
a request is received in proper form, the Fund will redeem the shares at the
next determined net asset value.
The Fund imposes no charges when shares are redeemed. Service Agents
may charge their clients a nominal fee for effecting redemptions of Fund
shares. Any certificates representing Fund shares being redeemed must be
submitted with the redemption request. The value of the shares redeemed may
be more or less than their original cost, depending upon the Fund's
then-current net asset value.
The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed within
seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in
proper form, except as provided by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED FUND SHARES BY CHECK, BY DREYFUS
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE OR THROUGH DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER AND
SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMIT A WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUEST TO THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE
REDEMPTION PROCEEDS WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON BANK CLEARANCE
OF YOUR PURCHASE CHECK, DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDER ORDER, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS OR MORE. IN
ADDITION, THE FUND WILL REJECT REQUESTS TO REDEEM SHARES BY WIRE OR TELEPHONE
OR PURSUANT TO THE DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHT
BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OF THE PURCHASE CHECK, THE
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR THE DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER ORDER
AGAINST WHICH SUCH REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED. THESE PROCEDURES WILL NOT APPLY
IF YOUR SHARES WERE PURCHASED BY WIRE PAYMENT, OR IF YOU OTHERWISE HAVE A
SUFFICIENT COLLECTED BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO COVER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST.
PRIOR TO THE TIME ANY REDEMPTION IS EFFECTIVE, DIVIDENDS ON SUCH SHARES WILL
ACCRUE AND BE PAYABLE, AND YOU WILL BE ENTITLED TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS
OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. Fund shares will not be redeemed until the Transfer
Agent has received your Account Application.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at its option upon
not less than 45 days' written notice if your account's net asset value is
$500 or less and remains so during the notice period.
PROCEDURES
You may redeem shares by using the regular redemption procedure
through the Transfer Agent, or, 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, through the Wire
Redemption Privilege, the Telephone Redemption Privilege or the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege. Other redemption procedures may be in effect for
clients of certain Service Agents. The Fund makes available to certain large
institutions the ability to issue redemption instructions through compatible
computer facilities. The Fund reserves the right to refuse any request made
by wire or telephone, including requests made shortly after a change of
address, and may limit the amount involved or the number of such requests.
The Fund may modify or terminate any redemption Privilege at any time or
charge a service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
Page 13
You may redeem shares by telephone if you have checked the
appropriate box on the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder
Services Form with the Transfer Agent. If you select a telephone redemption
privilege or telephone exchange privilege (which is granted automatically
unless you refuse it), you authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephone
instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be you, and
reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Fund will require
the Transfer Agent to employ reasonable procedures, such as requiring a form
of personal identification, to confirm that instructions are genuine and, if
it does not follow such procedures, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be
liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Neither
the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for following telephone
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you may
experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone to
request a redemption or exchange of Fund shares. In such cases, you should
consider using the other redemption procedures described herein. Use of these
other redemption procedures may result in your redemption request being
processed at a later time than it would have been if telephone redemption had
been used. During the delay, the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
REGULAR REDEMPTION _ Under the regular redemption procedure, you may redeem
shares by written request mailed to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. Redemption requests may be
delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial Center. THESE REQUESTS WILL
BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For
the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial Center, please call one of the
telephone numbers listed under "General Information." Redemption requests
must be signed by each shareholder, including each owner of a joint account,
and each signature must be guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted
standards and procedures pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper
form generally will be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit
unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations,
clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in
the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program, the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock Exchanges Medallion
Program. If you have any questions with respect to signature-guarantees,
please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General Information."
Redemption proceeds of at least $1,000 will be wired to any member
bank of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with a written
signature-guaranteed request.
WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by wire or telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $1,000) be wired to your account at a bank which
is a member of the Federal Reserve System, or a correspondent bank if your
bank is not a member. You also may direct that redemption proceeds be paid by
check (maximum $150,000 per day) made out to the owners of record and mailed
to your address. Redemption proceeds of less than $1,000 will be paid
automatically by check. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank accounts
may have redemption proceeds of not more than $250,000 wired within any
30-day period. You may telephone redemption requests by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. The
Statement of Additional Information sets forth instructions for transmitting
redemption requests by wire. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans, and shares for which certificates have been issued, are not
eligible for this Privilege.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (maximum $150,000 per day) be paid by check and mailed to
your address. You may telephone redemption instructions by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares for
which certificates have been issued, are not eligible for this Privilege.
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE_You may request by telephone that redemption
proceeds (minimum $500 per day) be transferred between your Fund account and
your bank account. Only a bank
Page 14
account maintained in a domestic financial institution which is an Automated
Clearing House member may be so designated. Redemption proceeds will be on
deposit in your account at an Automated Clearing House member bank ordinarily
two days after receipt of the redemption request or, at your request, paid
by check (maximum $150,000 per day) and mailed to your address. Holders of
jointly registered Fund or bank accounts may redeem through the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege for transfer to their bank account not more than
$250,000 within any 30-day period.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER redemption of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares
issued in certificate form, are not eligible for this Privilege.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan, pursuant to which
it pays the Distributor for the provision of certain services to Fund
shareholders a fee at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the Fund's
average daily net assets. The services provided may include personal services
relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries
regarding the Fund and providing reports and other information, and services
related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make
payments to Service Agents in respect of these services. The Distributor
determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
Fund is treated as a separate corporation for purposes of qualification and
taxation as a regulated investment company. The Fund ordinarily pays
dividends from its net investment income and distributes net realized
securities gains, if any, once a year, but it may make distributions on a
more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code,
in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act. The
Fund will not make distributions from net realized securities gains unless
capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have expired. You may
choose whether to receive dividends and distributions in cash or to reinvest
in additional shares at net asset value. All expenses are accrued daily and
deducted before declaration of dividends to investors.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders
as ordinary income whether received in cash or reinvested in additional
shares. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains of the
Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders as long-term capital gains for
Federal income tax purposes, regardless of how long shareholders have held
their Fund shares and whether such distributions are received in cash or
reinvested in Fund shares. The Code provides that the net capital gain of an
individual generally will not be subject to Federal income tax at a rate in
excess of 28%. Dividends and distributions may be subject to state and local
taxes.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund to a foreign investor generally are
subject to U.S. nonresident withholding taxes at the rate of 30%, unless the
foreign investor claims the benefit of a lower rate specified in a tax
treaty. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains paid by
the Fund to a foreign investor as well as the proceeds of any redemptions
from a foreign investor's account, regardless of the extent to which gain or
loss may be realized, generally will not be subject to U.S. nonresident
withholding tax. However, such distributions may be subject to backup
withholding, as described below, unless the foreign investor certifies his
non-U.S. residency status.
Page 15
Notice as to the tax status of your dividends and distributions will
be mailed to you annually. You also will receive periodic summaries of your
account which will include information as to dividends and distributions from
securities gains, if any, paid during the year.
Federal regulations generally require the Fund to withhold ("backup
withholding") and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, distributions
from net realized securities gains and the proceeds of any redemption,
regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized, paid to a
shareholder if such shareholder fails to certify either that the TIN
furnished in connection with opening an account is correct or that such
shareholder has not received notice from the IRS of being subject to backup wi
thholding as a result of a failure to properly report taxable dividend or
interest income on a Federal income tax return. Furthermore, the IRS may
notify the Fund to institute backup withholding if the IRS determines a
shareholder's TIN is incorrect or if a shareholder has failed to properly
report taxable dividend and interest income on a Federal income tax return.
A TIN is either the Social Security number or employer identification
number of the record owner of the account. Any tax withheld as a result of
backup withholding does not constitute an additional tax imposed on the
record owner of the account, and may be claimed as a credit on the record
owner's Federal income tax return.
Management of the Company believes that the Fund qualified for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1994 as a "regulated investment company" under
the Code. The Fund intends to continue to so qualify if such qualification is
in the best interests of its shareholders. Such qualification relieves the
Fund of any liability for Federal income tax to the extent its earnings are
distributed in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code. The Fund is
subject to a non-deductible 4% excise tax, measured with respect to certain
undistributed amounts of taxable investment income and capital gains.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding specific questions as
to Federal, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance may be calculated on the
basis of average annual total return and/or total return.
Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a standardized
formula which assumes that an investment was purchased with an initial
payment of $1,000 and that the investment was redeemed at the end of a stated
period of time, after giving effect to the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions during the period. The return is expressed as a percentage rate
which, if applied on a compounded annual basis, would result in the
redeemable value of the investment at the end of the period. Advertisements
of the Fund's performance will include the Fund's average annual total return
for one, five and ten year periods, or for shorter periods depending upon the
length of time during which the Fund has operated.
Total return is computed on a per share basis and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return generally is
expressed as a percentage rate which is calculated by combining the income
and principal changes for a specified period and dividing by the net asset
value per share at the beginning of the period. Advertisements may include
the percentage rate of total return or may include the value of a
hypothetical investment at the end of the period which assumes the
application of the percentage rate of total return.
Performance will vary from time to time and past results are not
necessarily representative of future results. You should remember that
performance is a function of portfolio management in selecting the type and
quality of portfolio securities and is affected by operating expenses.
Performance information, such as that described above, may not provide a
basis for comparison with other investments or other investment companies
using a different method of calculating performance.
Page 16
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., Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, Wilshire 5000
Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Money Magazine, Morningstar, Inc.
and other industry publications.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Company was incorporated under Maryland law on November 16, 1993,
and commenced operations on December 29, 1993. Before September 29, 1995, the
Company's name was Dreyfus Focus Funds Inc. The Company is authorized to
issue one billion shares of Common Stock (with 100 million allocated to the
Fund), par value $.001 per share. Each share has one vote.
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,
Fund shareholders may not consider each year the election of Board members or
the appointment of auditors. However, pursuant to the Company's By-Laws, the
holders of at least 10% of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote may
require the Company to hold a special meeting of shareholders for purposes of
removing a Board member from office or for any other purpose. Shareholders
may remove a Board member by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
Company'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 Company is a "series fund," which is a mutual fund divided into
separate portfolios, each of which is treated as a separate entity for
certain matters under the 1940 Act and for other purposes. A shareholder of
one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. For
certain matters shareholders vote together as a group; as to others they vote
separately by portfolio. By this Prospectus, shares of the Fund are being
offered. Other portfolios are sold pursuant to other offering documents.
To date, the Board has authorized the creation of ten series of
shares. All consideration received by the Company for shares of one of the
series and all assets in which such consideration is invested will belong to
that series (subject only to the rights of creditors of the Company) and will
be subject to the liabilities related thereto. The income attributable to,
and the expenses of, one series are treated separately from those of the
other series. The Company has the ability to create, from time to time, new
series without shareholder approval.
The Transfer Agent maintains a record of your ownership and sends you
confirmations and statements of account.
Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Fund at 144 Glenn
Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or by calling toll free
1-800-645-6561. In New York City, call 1-718-895-1206; outside the U.S. and
Canada, call 516-794-5452.
Page 17
APPENDIX
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ Foreign currency transactions may be entered
into 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; or to hedge the U.S. dollar value of securities the Fund already
owns, particularly 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 Dreyfus Corporation's ability to predict accurately the future exchange
rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar.
SHORT-SELLING _ In these transactions, the Fund sells a security it does not
own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security. To
complete the transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery
to the buyer. The Fund is obligated to replace the security borrowed by
purchasing it subsequently at the market price at the time of replacement.
The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the
security was sold by the Fund. The Fund will incur a loss if the price of the
security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which
the Fund replaces the borrowed security; it will realize a gain if the
security declines in price between those dates.
Securities will not be sold short if, after effect is given to any
such short sale, the total market value of all securities sold short would
exceed 25% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Fund may not sell short
the securities of any single issuer listed on a national securities exchange
to the extent of more than 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Fund
may not sell short the securities of any class of an issuer if, as a result
of such sale, the Fund would have sold short in the aggregate more than 5% of
the outstanding securities of that class.
The Fund also may make short sales "against the box," in which the
Fund enters into a short sale of a security it owns in order to hedge an
unrealized gain on the security. At no time will more than 15% of the value
of the Fund's net assets be in deposits on short sales against the box.
LEVERAGE _ Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any
increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund's portfolio. Money
borrowed for leveraging will be limited to 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund's
total assets. These borrowings will be subject to interest costs which may or
may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased; in certain
cases, interest costs may exceed the return received on the securities
purchased.
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with banks,
brokers or dealers. This form of borrowing involves the transfer by the Fund
of an underlying debt instrument in return for cash proceeds based on a
percentage of the value of the security. The Fund retains the right to
receive interest and principal payments on the security. At an agreed upon
future date, the Fund repurchases the security at principal plus accrued
interest. Except for these transactions, the Fund's borrowings generally will
be unsecured.
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ Although the Fund will not be a commodity pool,
Derivatives subject the Fund to the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission which limit the extent to which the Fund can invest in certain
Derivatives. The Fund may invest in futures contracts and options with
respect thereto for hedging purposes without limit. However, the Fund may not
invest in such contracts and options for other purposes if the sum of the
amount of initial margin deposits and premiums paid for
Page 18
unexpired options with respect to such contracts, other than for bona fide
hedging purposes, exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's assets,
after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on such
contracts and options; provided, however, that in the case of an option that
is in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be
excluded in calculating the 5% limitation.
The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets, represented by the
premium paid, in the purchase of call and put options. The Fund may write
(i.e., sell) covered call and put option contracts to the extent of 20% of
the value of its net assets at the time such option contracts are written.
When required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund will set
aside permissible liquid assets in a segregated account to cover its
obligations relating to its purchase of Derivatives. To maintain this required
cover, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at disadvantageous
prices or times since it may not be possible to liquidate a Derivative
position at a reasonable price.
Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than
their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in Derivatives
could have a large potential impact on the Fund's performance.
If the Fund invests in Derivatives at inappropriate times or judges
market conditions incorrectly, such investments may lower the Fund's return
or result in a loss. The Fund also could experience losses if its Derivatives
were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if the Fund were unable
to liquidate its position because of an illiquid secondary market. The market
for many Derivatives is, or suddenly can become, illiquid. Changes in
liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the
prices for Derivatives.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES _ The Fund may lend securities from its
portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to
borrow securities to complete certain transactions. In connection with such
loans, the Fund continues to be entitled to payments in amounts equal to the
interest, dividends or other distributions payable on the loaned securities.
Loans of portfolio securities afford the Fund an opportunity to earn interest
on the amount of the loan and at the same time to earn income on the loaned
securities' collateral. Loans of portfolio securities may not exceed 33-1/3%
of the value of the Fund's total assets. In connection with such loans, the
Fund will receive collateral consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities
or irrevocable letters of credit which will be maintained at all times in an
amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned
securities. Such loans are terminable by the Fund at any time upon specified
notice. The Fund might experience risk of loss if the institution with which
it has engaged in a portfolio loan transaction breaches its agreement with
the Fund.
CERTAIN PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES _ Convertible securities are fixed-income securities
that 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 prefer
red 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.
AMERICAN, EUROPEAN AND CONTINENTAL DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS _ The Fund may invest
in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"). These securities
may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities
into which they may be converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a
United States bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs, which are sometimes
referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts ("CDRs"), are receipts issued
in Europe typically by non-United States banks and trust companies that
evidence ownership of either foreign or domestic securities. Generally, ADRs
in registered form are designed for use in the United States securities
markets and EDRs and CDRs in bearer form are designed for use in Europe.
Page 19
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.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS _ The Fund may invest, in the circumstances
described under "Description of the Fund_Management Policies," in the
following types of money market instruments.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury
securities that differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of
issuance. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies
and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury; others, by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury;
others, by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain
obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others, only by the credit
of the agency or instrumentality. These securities bear fixed, floating or
variable rates of interest. While the U.S. Government provides financial
support to such U.S. Government-sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, no
assurance can be given that it will always do so since it is not so obligated
by law.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys, and
the seller agrees to repurchase, a security at a mutually agreed upon time
and price (usually within seven days). The repurchase agreement thereby
determines the yield during the purchaser's holding period, while the
seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the value of the underlying
security. Repurchase agreements could involve risks in the event of a default
or insolvency of the other party to the agreement, including possible delays
or restrictions upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying
securities. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with certain banks
or non-bank dealers.
BANK OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may purchase certificates of deposit, time
deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations issued by
domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks,
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan
associations and other banking institutions. With respect to such securities
issued by foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, and
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, the Fund may be subject to
additional investment risks that are different in some respects from those
incurred by a fund which invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic
issuers.
Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates evidencing the
obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period
of time.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking
institution for a specified period of time (in no event longer than seven
days) at a stated interest rate.
Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation
of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect
the obligation both of the bank and the drawer to pay the face amount of the
instrument upon maturity. The other short-term obligations may include
uninsured, direct obligations bearing fixed, floating or variable interest
rates.
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper consists of short-term, unsecured
promissory notes issued to finance short-term credit needs. The commercial
paper purchased by the Fund will consist only of direct obligations which, at
the time of their purchase, are (a) rated not lower than Prime-1 by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), A-1 by Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P"), F-1 by Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") or Duff-1 by Duff &
Phelps Credit Rating Co. ("Duff"), (b) issued by companies having an outstandi
ng unsecured debt issue currently rated at least Aa3 by Moody's or AA- by
S&P, Fitch or Duff, or (c) if unrated, determined by The Dreyfus Corporation
to be of comparable quality to those rated obligations which may be purchased
by the Fund.
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
Page 20
investment objective. Such 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.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE
FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OF THE FUND'S
SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM,
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
Page 21
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Page 23
DREYFUS
Large
Company
Value Fund
Prospectus
(LION LOGO)
Copy Rights 1995 Dreyfus Service Corporation,
251p1100195
Registration Mark
FOR USE BY BANKS ONLY
October 15, 1995
DREYFUS AGGRESSIVE VALUE FUND
Supplement to Prospectus Dated October 1, 1995
All mutual fund shares involve certain investment risks, including
the possible loss of principal.
257/s101595BNK
______________________________________________________________________________
PROSPECTUS OCTOBER 1, 1995
DREYFUS AGGRESSIVE VALUE FUND
______________________________________________________________________________
DREYFUS AGGRESSIVE VALUE FUND (THE "FUND") IS A SEPARATE DIVERSIFIED
PORTFOLIO OF DREYFUS GROWTH AND VALUE FUNDS, INC., AN OPEN-END, MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANY (THE "COMPANY"), KNOWN AS A MUTUAL FUND. THE FUND'S
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS CAPITAL APPRECIATION. IT WILL SEEK TO ACHIEVE THIS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING PRINCIPALLY IN A PORTFOLIO OF PUBLICLY-
TRADED EQUITY SECURITIES OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN ISSUERS WHICH WOULD BE
CHARACTERIZED AS "VALUE" COMPANIES ACCORDING TO CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE
DREYFUS CORPORATION.
YOU CAN INVEST, REINVEST OR REDEEM SHARES AT ANY TIME WITHOUT CHARGE
OR PENALTY. YOU CAN PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES BY TELEPHONE USING DREYFUS
TELETRANSFER.
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION WILL PROFESSIONALLY MANAGE THE FUND'S
PORTFOLIO.
THIS PROSPECTUS SETS FORTH CONCISELY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND THAT
YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INVESTING. IT SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED OCTOBER 1, 1995, WHICH
MAY BE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME, PROVIDES A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
AREAS IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST TO SOME
INVESTORS. IT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. FOR A FREE COPY, WRITE TO THE FUND AT
144 GLENN CURTISS BOULEVARD, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK 11556-0144, OR CALL
1-800-645-6561. WHEN TELEPHONING, ASK FOR OPERATOR 144.
MUTUAL FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
THE NET ASSET VALUE OF FUNDS OF THIS TYPE WILL FLUCTUATE FROM TIME TO TIME.
______________________________________________________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Annual Fund Operating Expenses.................... 3
Description of the Fund........................... 3
Management of the Fund............................ 5
How to Buy Shares................................. 7
Shareholder Services.............................. 9
How to Redeem Shares ............................. 12
Shareholder Services Plan......................... 14
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes................ 14
Performance Information........................... 15
General Information............................... 16
Appendix.......................................... 18
______________________________________________________________________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
______________________________________________________________________________
[This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
Page 2
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
Management Fees.............................. .75%
Other Expenses............................... .50%
Total Fund Operating Expenses................ 1.25%
EXAMPLE:
You would pay the following
expenses on a $1,000
investment, assuming (1) 5% 1 YEAR 3 YEARS
annual return and (2) redemption
at the end of each time period: $13 $40
______________________________________________________________________________
THE AMOUNTS LISTED IN THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS
THAN THOSE INDICATED. MOREOVER, WHILE THE EXAMPLE ASSUMES A 5% ANNUAL RETURN,
THE FUND'S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE WILL VARY AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACTUAL RETURN
GREATER OR LESS THAN 5%.
__________________________________________________________________________----
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist you in understanding
the costs and expenses borne by the Fund, the payment of which will reduce
investors' annual return. Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for
the current fiscal year. The information in the foregoing table does not
reflect any fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements that may be in
effect. You can purchase Fund shares without charge directly from the Fund's
distributor; you may be charged a nominal fee if you effect transactions in
Fund shares through a securities dealer, bank or other financial institution.
For a further description of the various costs and expenses incurred in the
operation of the Fund, as well as expense reimbursement or waiver
arrangements, see "Management of the Fund," "How to Buy Shares" and
"Shareholder Services Plan."
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's investment objective is capital appreciation. It cannot be
changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")) of the Fund's
outstanding voting shares. There can be no assurance that the Fund's
investment objective will be achieved.
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The Fund anticipates that at least 65% of the value of its total
assets (except when maintaining a temporary defensive position) will be
invested in equity securities of domestic and foreign issuers which would be
characterized as "value" companies according to criteria established by The
Dreyfus Corporation. The Fund's securities selections generally will be made
without regard to an issuer's market capitalization. Equity securities
consist of common stocks, convertible securities and preferred stocks. The
Fund may invest up to 30% of the value of its assets in the securities of
foreign companies which are not publicly traded in the United States and the
debt securities of foreign governments.
To manage the Fund, The Dreyfus Corporation classifies issuers as
"growth" or "value" companies. In general, The Dreyfus Corporation believes
that companies with relatively low price to book ratios, low price to
earnings ratios or higher than average dividend payments in relation to price
should be classified as value companies. Alternatively, companies which have
above average earnings or sales growth and retention of earnings and command
higher price to earnings ratios fit the more classic growth description.
The Fund may invest in convertible securities, preferred stocks and
debt securities without limitation when management believes that such
securities offer opportunities for capital growth. The debt
Page 3
securities in which the Fund may invest must be rated at least Caa by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or CCC by Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P") or, if unrated, deemed to be of comparable quality by The Dreyfus
Corporation. Obligations rated Caa by Moody's and CCC by S&P are considered
to have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to
pay interest and repay principal and to be of poor standing. The Fund intends
to invest less than 35% of its net assets in debt securities rated lower than
investment grade by Moody's and S&P. See "Investment Considerations and
Risks" below for a discussion of certain risks.
While seeking desirable equity investments, the Fund may invest in
money market instruments consisting of U.S. Government securities,
certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances, short-term
investment grade corporate bonds and other short-term debt instruments, and
repurchase agreements, as set forth under "Appendix_Certain Portfolio
Securities_Money Market Instruments." Under normal market conditions, the
Fund does not expect to have a substantial portion of its assets invested in
money market instruments. However, when The Dreyfus Corporation determines
that adverse market conditions exist, the Fund may adopt a temporary
defensive posture and invest all of its assets in money market instruments.
In an effort to increase returns, the Fund expects to trade actively
and that the annual portfolio turnover rate could exceed 150%. Higher
portfolio turnover rates usually generate additional brokerage commissions
and expenses and the short-term gains realized from these transactions are
taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, the Fund may engage
in various investment techniques, such as foreign currency transactions,
options and futures transactions and short-selling. See also "Investment
Considerations and Risks" below and "Investment Objective and Management
Policies_Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information.
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS
GENERAL _ The Fund's net asset value per share should be expected to
fluctuate. Investors should consider the Fund as a supplement to an overall
investment program and should invest only if they are willing to undertake
the risks involved. See "Investment Objective and Management
Policies_Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information for
a further discussion of certain risks.
EQUITY SECURITIES _ Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on
factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such
fluctuations can be pronounced. Changes in the value of the Fund's
investments will result in changes in the value of its shares and thus the
Fund's total return to investors.
The securities of the smaller companies in which the Fund may invest
may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger,
more-established companies, because these securities typically are traded in
lower volume and the issuers typically are subject to a greater degree to
changes in earnings and prospects.
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES _ Even though interest-bearing securities are
investments which promise a stable stream of income, the prices of such
securities generally are inversely affected by changes in interest rates and,
therefore, are subject to the risk of market price fluctuations. The values
of fixed-income securities also may be affected by changes in the credit
rating or financial condition of the issuer. Certain securities that may be
purchased by the Fund, such as those rated Baa or below by Moody's and BBB or
below by S&P may be subject to such risk with respect to the issuing entity
and to greater market fluctuations than certain lower yielding, higher rated
fixed-income securities. See "Lower Rated Securities" below and
"Appendix_Certain Portfolio Securities_Ratings," and Appendix in the
Statement of Additional Information.
LOWER RATED SECURITIES _ The Fund may invest up to 35% of its net assets in
higher yielding (and, therefore, higher risk) debt securities. These are
securities such as those rated Ba by Moody's or BB by S&P or as low as Caa by
Moody's or CCC by S&P (commonly known as junk bonds). They generally
Page 4
are not meant for short-term investing and may be subject to certain risks
with respect to the issuing entity and to greater market fluctuations than
certain lower yielding, higher rated fixed-income securities. The retail
secondary market for these securities may be less liquid than that of higher
rated securities; adverse conditions could make it difficult at times for the
Fund to sell certain securities or could result in lower prices than those
used in calculating the Fund's net asset value.
FOREIGN SECURITIES _ Foreign securities markets generally are not as
developed or efficient as those in the United States. Securities of some
foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable U.S. issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign
securities markets are less than in the United States and, at times,
volatility of price can be greater than in the United States.
Because evidences of ownership of such securities usually are held
outside the United States, the Fund will be subject to additional risks which
include possible adverse political and economic developments, possible
seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits and possible adoption of
governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of
principal and interest on the foreign securities or might restrict the
payment of principal and interest to investors located outside the country of
the issuer, whether from currency blockage or otherwise.
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.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ 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. See "Appendix _ Investment
Techniques _ Foreign Currency Transactions."
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in
derivatives ("Derivatives"). These are financial instruments, which derive
their performance, at least in part, from the performance of an underlying
asset, index or interest rate. The Derivatives the Fund may use include
options and futures. While Derivatives can be used effectively in furtherance
of the Fund's investment objective, under certain market conditions, they can
increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value, can decrease the
liquidity of the Fund's investments and make more difficult the accurate
pricing of the Fund's portfolio. See "Appendix _ Investment Techniques _ Use
of Derivatives" below and "Investment Objective and Management Policies _
Management Policies _ Derivatives" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
SIMULTANEOUS INVESTMENTS _ Investment decisions for the Fund are made
independently from those of the other investment companies advised by The
Dreyfus Corporation. 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.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER _ The Dreyfus Corporation, located at 200 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10166, was formed in 1947 and serves as the Fund's
investment adviser. The Dreyfus Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank
Corporation ("Mellon"). As of September 1, 1995, The Dreyfus Corporation
managed or administered approximately $80 billion in assets for more than 1.8
million investor accounts nationwide.
The Dreyfus Corporation supervises and assists in the overall
management of the Fund's affairs under a Management Agreement with the
Company, subject to the authority of the Company's Board in
Page 5
accordance with Maryland law. The Fund's primary portfolio manager is
Timothy M. Ghriskey. He has been employed by The Dreyfus Corporation since
July 1995. Prior to joining The Dreyfus Corporation, Mr. Ghriskey was a Vice
President and Associate Managing Partner at Loomis, Sayles & Co. since 1985.
The Fund's other portfolio managers are identified in the Statement of
Additional Information. The Dreyfus Corporation also provides research
services for the Fund and for other funds advised by The Dreyfus Corporation
through a professional staff of portfolio managers and securities analysts.
Mellon is a publicly owned multibank holding company incorporated
under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the Federal Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon provides a comprehensive range of
financial products and services in domestic and selected international
markets. Mellon is among the twenty-five largest bank holding companies in
the United States based on total assets. Mellon's principal wholly-owned
subsidiaries are Mellon Bank, N.A., Mellon Bank (DE) National Association,
Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston Company, Inc., AFCO Credit Corporation and a
number of companies known as Mellon Financial Services Corporations. Through
its subsidiaries, including The Dreyfus Corporation, Mellon managed more than
$203 billion in assets as of June 30, 1995, including approximately $73
billion in mutual fund assets. As of June 30, 1995, Mellon, through various
subsidiaries, provided non-investment services, such as custodial or
administration services, for more than $707 billion in assets, including
approximately $71 billion in mutual fund assets.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund has agreed to
pay The Dreyfus Corporation a monthly fee at the annual rate of .75 of 1% of
the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. The management fee is
higher than that paid by most other investment companies. From time to time,
The Dreyfus Corporation may waive receipt of its fees and/or voluntarily
assume certain expenses of the Fund, which would have the effect of lowering
the expense ratio of the Fund and increasing yield to investors. The Fund
will not pay The Dreyfus Corporation at a later time for any amounts it may
waive, nor will the Fund reimburse The Dreyfus Corporation for any amounts it
may assume.
EXPENSES _ All expenses incurred in the operation of the Company are borne
by the Company, except to the extent specifically assumed by The Dreyfus
Corporation. The expenses borne by the Company include: organizational
costs, taxes, interest, loan commitment fees, interest and distributions paid
on securities sold short, 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 The Dreyfus Corporation or any
of its 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 the Company's existence, costs
attributable to investor services (including, without limitation, telephone
and personnel expenses), costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and
statements of additional information for regulatory purposes and for
distribution to existing shareholders, costs of shareholders' reports and
meetings, and any extraordinary expenses. Expenses attributable to the Fund
are charged against the assets of the Fund; other expenses of the Company are
allocated among the Company's portfolios on the basis determined by the
Board, including, but not limited to, proportionately in relation to the net
assets of each portfolio.
The Dreyfus Corporation may pay the Fund's distributor for
shareholder services from The Dreyfus Corporation's own assets, including
past profits but not including the management fee paid by the Fund. The
Fund's distributor may use part or all of such payments to pay Service Agents
(as defined below) in respect of these services.
DISTRIBUTOR _ The Fund's distributor is Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109. The Distributor's ultimate parent is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
Page 6
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT _ The Bank of New York,
90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286, is the Fund's Custodian. The
Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corporation,
P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's Transfer
and Dividend Disbursing Agent (the "Transfer Agent").
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Fund shares are sold without a sales charge. You may be charged a
nominal fee if you effect transactions in Fund shares through a securities
dealer, bank or other financial institution (collectively, "Service Agents").
Stock certificates are issued only upon your written request. No certificates
are issued for fractional shares. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
purchase order.
The minimum initial investment is $2,500, or $1,000 if you are a
client of a Service Agent which has made an aggregate minimum initial
purchase for its customers of $2,500. Subsequent investments must be at least
$100. However, the minimum initial investment for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh
Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and 403(b)(7) Plans with only one participant is $750,
with no minimum for subsequent purchases. Individuals who open an IRA also
may open a non-working spousal IRA with a minimum initial investment of $250.
Subsequent investments in a spousal IRA must be at least $250. The initial
investment must be accompanied by the Account Application. For full-time or
part-time employees of The Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or
subsidiaries, directors of The Dreyfus Corporation, Board members of a fund
advised by The Dreyfus Corporation, including members of the Company's Board,
or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing, the minimum initial
investment is $1,000. For full-time or part-time employees of The Dreyfus
Corporation or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries who elect to have a
portion of their pay directly deposited into their Fund account, the minimum
initial investment is $50. 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. Fund
shares also are offered without regard to the minimum initial investment
requirements through Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government
Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan pursuant to the
Dreyfus Step Program 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.
You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, or through the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege described below. Checks should be made payable to "The
Dreyfus Family of Funds," or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, to
"The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian" and should specify that you are
investing in the Fund. Payments to open new accounts which are mailed should
be sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9387, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-9387, together with your Account Application. For subsequent
investments, your Fund account number should appear on the check and an invest
ment slip should be enclosed and sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 105, Newark, New Jersey 07101-0105. For Dreyfus retirement plan accounts,
both initial and subsequent investments should be sent to The Dreyfus Trust
Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6427.
Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be made by third party
check. Purchase orders may be delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial
Center. THESE ORDERS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY
UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial
Center, please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General
Information."
Wire payments may be made if your bank account is in a commercial
bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or any other bank having
a correspondent bank in New York City. Immediately
Page 7
available funds may be transmitted by wire to The Bank of New York,
DDA# 8900279648/Dreyfus Growth and Value Funds, Inc./Dreyfus Aggressive Value
Fund, for purchase of Fund shares in your name. The wire must include your
Fund account number (for new accounts, your Taxpayer Identification Number
("TIN") should be included instead), account registration and dealer number,
if applicable. If your initial purchase of Fund shares is by wire, you should
call 1-800-645-6561 after completing your wire payment to obtain your Fund
account number. You should include your Fund account number on the Account
Application and promptly mail the Account Application to the Fund, as no
redemptions will be permitted until the Account Application is received. You
may obtain further information about remitting funds in this manner from your
bank. All payments should be made in U.S. dollars and, to avoid fees and
delays, should be drawn only on U.S. banks. A charge will be imposed if any
check used for investment in your account does not clear. The Fund makes
available to certain large institutions the ability to issue purchase
instructions through compatible computer facilities.
Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic transfer of
funds from an account maintained in a bank or other domestic financial
institution that is an Automated Clearing House member. You must direct the
institution to transmit immediately available funds through the Automated
Clearing House to The Bank of New York with instructions to credit your Fund
account. The instructions must specify your Fund account registration and
Fund account number PRECEDED BY THE DIGITS "1111."
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis at the net asset value per
share next determined after an order in proper form is received by the
Transfer Agent or other agent. 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. For purposes of determining net asset value, options and
futures contracts will be valued 15 minutes after the close of trading on the
floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Net asset value per share is computed
by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets (i.e., the value of its assets
less liabilities) by the total number of Fund shares 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
Company's Board. For further information regarding the methods employed in
valuing the Fund's investments, see "Determination of Net Asset Value" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
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.
The Distributor may pay dealers a fee of up to .5% 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 one million dollars ("Eligible Benefit
Plans"). All present holdings of shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds by Eligible Benefit Plans will be aggregated to determine the fee
payable with respect to each purchase of Fund shares. The Distributor
reserves the right to cease paying these fees at any time. The Distributor
will pay such fees from its own funds, other than amounts received from the
Fund, including past profits or any other source available to it.
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN upon
opening or reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" and
the Account Application for further information concerning this requirement.
Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the Fund could subject you to a $50
penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
Page 8
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may purchase shares (minimum $500,
maximum $150,000 per day) 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.
The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER purchase of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
FUND EXCHANGES
You may purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares of
certain other funds managed or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation, to
the extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of residence. These
funds have different investment objectives which may be of interest to you.
Fund exchanges may be exercised twice during the calendar year as described
below. If you desire to use this service, you should consult your Service
Agent or call 1-800-645-6561 to determine if it is available and whether any
other conditions are imposed on its use.
To request an exchange, you must give exchange instructions to the
Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone. Before any exchange, you must
obtain and should review a copy of the current prospectus of the fund into
which the exchange is being made. Prospectuses may be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. Except in the case of personal retirement plans, the shares
being exchanged must have a current value of at least $500; furthermore, when
establishing a new account by exchange, the shares being exchanged must have
a value of at least the minimum initial investment required for the fund into
which the exchange is being made. The ability to issue exchange instructions
by telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless you
check the applicable "No" box on the Account Application, indicating that you
specifically refuse this Privilege. The Telephone Exchange Privilege may be
established for an existing account by written request, signed by all
shareholders on the account, or by a separate signed Shareholder Services
Form, also available by calling 1-800-645-6561. If you have established the
Telephone Exchange Privilege, you may telephone exchange instructions by
calling 1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-
3306. See "How to Redeem Shares_Procedures." Upon an exchange into a new
account, the following shareholder services and privileges, as applicable and
where available, will be automatically carried over to the fund into which
the exchange is made: Telephone Exchange Privilege, Wire Redemption
Privilege, Telephone Redemption Privilege, Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege and
the dividend/capital gain distribution option (except for Dreyfus Dividend
Sweep) selected by the investor.
Shares will be exchanged at the next determined net asset value;
however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges into funds
sold with a sales load. If you are exchanging into a fund that charges a
sales load, you may qualify for share prices which do not include the sales
load or which reflect a reduced sales load, if the shares of the fund from
which you are exchanging were: (a) purchased with a sales load, (b) acquired
by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a sales load, or (c)
acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions paid with respect
to the foregoing categories of shares. To qualify, at the time of the
exchange you must notify the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must notify
the Distributor. Any such qualification is subject to confirmation of your
holdings through a check of appropriate records. See "Shareholder Services"
in the Statement of Additional Information. No fees currently are charged
shareholders directly in connection with exchanges, although the Fund
reserves the right, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, to charge
shareholders a nominal fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fund
Page 9
reserves the right to reject any exchange request in whole or in part. The
availability of Fund Exchanges may be modified or terminated at any time upon
notice to shareholders.
With respect to any shareholder who has exchanged into and out of the
Fund (or the reverse) twice during the calendar year, further purchase orders
(including those pursuant to exchange instructions) relating to any shares of
the Fund will be rejected for the remainder of the calendar year. Management
believes that this policy will enable shareholders to change their investment
program, while protecting the Fund against disruptions in portfolio
management resulting from frequent transactions by those seeking to time
market fluctuations. Exchanges made through omnibus accounts for various
retirement plans are not subject to such limit on exchanges.
The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated
for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by
the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a
taxable gain or loss.
DREYFUS AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege enables you to invest regularly (on a
semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for shares of
the Fund, in shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of
which you are currently an investor. The amount you designate, which can be
expressed either in terms of a specific dollar or share amount ($100
minimum), will be exchanged automatically on the first and/or fifteenth day
of the month according to the schedule you have selected. Shares will be
exchanged at the then-current net asset value; however, a sales load may be
charged with respect to exchanges into funds sold with a sales load. See
"Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. The right
to exercise this Privilege may be modified or canceled by the Fund or the
Transfer Agent. You may modify or cancel your exercise of this Privilege at
any time by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. The Fund may charge a service
fee for the use of this Privilege. No such fee currently is contemplated. The
exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated for Federal
income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by the
shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a taxable
gain or loss. For more information concerning this Privilege and the funds in
the Dreyfus Family of Funds eligible to participate in this Privilege, or to
obtain a Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Authorization Form, please call toll free
1-800-645-6561.
DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDERRegistration Mark
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. At your option, the account
designated by you will be debited in the specified amount, and Fund shares
will be purchased, once a month, on either the first or fifteenth day, or
twice a month, on both days. Only an account maintained at a domestic
financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be so
designated. To establish a Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder account, you must
file an authorization form with the Transfer Agent. You may obtain the
necessary authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel your
participation in this Privilege or change the amount of purchase at any time
by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9671,
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan
accounts, to The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-6427, and the notification will be effective three
business days following receipt. The Fund may modify or terminate this
Privilege at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
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
Page 10
veterans', military or other payments from the Federal government auto-
matically deposited into your Fund account. You may deposit as much of such
payments as you elect. To enroll in Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit, you
must file with the Transfer Agent a completed Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form for
each type of payment that you desire to include in this Privilege. The
appropriate form may be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. Death or legal
incapacity will terminate your participation in this Privilege. You may elect
at any time to terminate your participation by notifying in writing the
appropriate Federal agency. The Fund may terminate your participation upon
30 days' notice to you.
DREYFUS PAYROLL SAVINGS PLAN
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan permits you to purchase Fund shares
(minimum of $100 per transaction) automatically on a regular basis. Depending
upon your employer's direct deposit program, you may have part or all of your
paycheck transferred to your existing Dreyfus account electronically through
the Automated Clearing House system at each pay period. To establish a
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan account, you must file an authorization form
with your employer's payroll department. Your employer must complete the
reverse side of the form and return it to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. You may obtain the necessary
authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may change the amount of
purchase or cancel the authorization only by written notification to your
employer. It is the sole responsibility of your employer, not the
Distributor, The Dreyfus Corporation, the Fund, the Transfer Agent or any
other person, to arrange for transactions under the Dreyfus Payroll Savings
Plan. The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
DREYFUS STEP PROGRAM
Dreyfus Step Program enables a shareholder to purchase Fund shares
without regard to the Fund's minimum initial investment requirements through
Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege
or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan. To establish a Dreyfus Step Program account,
a shareholder must supply the necessary information on the Account
Application and file the required authorization form(s) with the Transfer
Agent. For more information concerning this Program, or to request the
necessary authorization form(s), please call toll free 1-800-782-6620. A
shareholder may terminate participation in this Program at any time by
discontinuing participation in Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus
Government Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan, as the
case may be, as provided under the terms of such Privilege(s). The Fund may
modify or terminate this Program at any time. Investors who wish to purchase
Fund shares through the Dreyfus Step Program in conjunction with a
Dreyfus-sponsored retirement plan may do so only for IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA
"Rollover Accounts."
DREYFUS DIVIDEND OPTIONS
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep enables you to invest automatically dividends
or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, paid by the Fund in
shares of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a
shareholder. Shares of the other fund will be purchased at the then-current
net asset value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to
investments in shares of a fund sold with a sales load. If you are investing
in a fund that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share prices which
do not include the sales load or which reflect a reduced sales load. If you
are investing in a fund that charges a contingent deferred sales charge, the
shares purchased will be subject on redemption to the contingent deferred
sales charge, if any, applicable to the purchased shares. See "Shareholder
Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. 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.
Page 11
For more information concerning these privileges or to request a
Dividend Options Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel
these privileges by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of
Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. To select a new
fund after cancellation, you must submit a new Dividend Options Form.
Enrollment in or cancellation of these privileges is effective three business
days following receipt. These privileges are available only for existing
accounts and may not be used to open new accounts. Minimum subsequent
investments do not apply for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep. The Fund may modify or
terminate these privileges at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee
currently is contemplated. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans are not eligible for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to request withdrawal of a
specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly
basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account. An application for the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. There is a service
charge of 50cents for each withdrawal check. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan
may be ended at any time by you, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for
which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund offers a variety of pension and profit-sharing plans,
including Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," 401(k)
Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services also are
available. You can obtain details on the various plans by calling the
following numbers toll free: for Keogh Plans, please call 1-800-358-5566;
for IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," please call 1-800-645-6561; for
SEP-IRAs, 401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans, please call
1-800-322-7880.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
GENERAL
You may request redemption of your shares at any time. Redemption
requests should be transmitted to the Transfer Agent as described below. When
a request is received in proper form, the Fund will redeem the shares at the
next determined net asset value.
The Fund imposes no charges when shares are redeemed. Service Agents
may charge their clients a nominal fee for effecting redemptions of Fund
shares. Any certificates representing Fund shares being redeemed must be
submitted with the redemption request. The value of the shares redeemed may
be more or less than their original cost, depending upon the Fund's
then-current net asset value.
The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed within
seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in
proper form, except as provided by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED FUND SHARES BY CHECK, BY DREYFUS
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE OR THROUGH DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER AND
SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMIT A WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUEST TO THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE
REDEMPTION PROCEEDS WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON BANK CLEARANCE
OF YOUR PURCHASE CHECK, DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDER ORDER, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS OR MORE. IN
ADDITION, THE FUND WILL REJECT REQUESTS TO REDEEM SHARES BY WIRE OR TELEPHONE
OR PURSUANT TO THE DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHT
BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OF THE PURCHASE CHECK, THE
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR THE DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER ORDER
AGAINST WHICH SUCH REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED. THESE PROCEDURES WILL NOT APPLY
IF YOUR SHARES WERE PURCHASED BY WIRE PAYMENT, OR IF YOU OTHERWISE HAVE A
SUFFICIENT COLLECTED BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO COVER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST.
PRIOR TO THE TIME ANY REDEMPTION IS EFFECTIVE, DIVIDENDS ON SUCH SHARES WILL
ACCRUE AND BE PAYABLE, AND
Page 12
YOU WILL BE ENTITLED TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP.
Fund shares will not be redeemed until the Transfer Agent has received your
Account Application.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at its option upon
not less than 45 days' written notice if your account's net asset value is
$500 or less and remains so during the notice period.
PROCEDURES
You may redeem shares by using the regular redemption procedure
through the Transfer Agent, or, 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, through the Wire
Redemption Privilege, the Telephone Redemption Privilege or the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege. Other redemption procedures may be in effect for
clients of certain Service Agents. The Fund makes available to certain large
institutions the ability to issue redemption instructions through compatible
computer facilities. The Fund reserves the right to refuse any request made
by wire or telephone, including requests made shortly after a change of
address, and may limit the amount involved or the number of such requests.
The Fund may modify or terminate any redemption Privilege at any time or
charge a service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
You may redeem shares by telephone if you have checked the
appropriate box on the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder
Services Form with the Transfer Agent. If you select a telephone redemption
privilege or telephone exchange privilege (which is granted automatically
unless you refuse it), you authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephone
instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be you, and
reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Fund will require
the Transfer Agent to employ reasonable procedures, such as requiring a form
of personal identification, to confirm that instructions are genuine and, if
it does not follow such procedures, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be
liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Neither
the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for following telephone
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you may
experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone to
request a redemption or exchange of Fund shares. In such cases, you should
consider using the other redemption procedures described herein. Use of these
other redemption procedures may result in your redemption request being
processed at a later time than it would have been if telephone redemption had
been used. During the delay, the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
REGULAR REDEMPTION _ Under the regular redemption procedure, you may redeem
shares by written request mailed to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. Redemption requests may be
delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial Center. THESE REQUESTS WILL
BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For
the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial Center, please call one of the
telephone numbers listed under "General Information." Redemption requests
must be signed by each shareholder, including each owner of a joint account,
and each signature must be guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted
standards and procedures pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper
form generally will be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit
unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations,
clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in
the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program, the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock Exchanges Medallion
Program. If you have any questions with respect to signature-guarantees,
please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General Information."
Redemption proceeds of at least $1,000 will be wired to any member
bank of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with a written
signature-guaranteed request.
Page 13
WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by wire or telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $1,000) be wired to your account at a bank which
is a member of the Federal Reserve System, or a correspondent bank if your
bank is not a member. You also may direct that redemption proceeds be paid by
check (maximum $150,000 per day) made out to the owners of record and mailed
to your address. Redemption proceeds of less than $1,000 will be paid
automatically by check. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank accounts
may have redemption proceeds of not more than $250,000 wired within any
30-day period. You may telephone redemption requests by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. The
Statement of Additional Information sets forth instructions for transmitting
redemption requests by wire. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans, and shares for which certificates have been issued, are not
eligible for this Privilege.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (maximum $150,000 per day) be paid by check and mailed to
your address. You may telephone redemption instructions by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares for
which certificates have been issued, are not eligible for this Privilege.
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $500 per day) 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 so
designated. Redemption proceeds will be on deposit in your account at an
Automated Clearing House member bank ordinarily two days after receipt of the
redemption request or, at your request, paid by check (maximum $150,000 per
day) and mailed to your address. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank
accounts may redeem through the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege for transfer
to their bank account not more than $250,000 within any 30-day period.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER redemption of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares
issued in certificate form, are not eligible for this Privilege.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan, pursuant to which
it pays the Distributor for the provision of certain services to Fund
shareholders a fee at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the Fund's
average daily net assets. The services provided may include personal services
relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries
regarding the Fund and providing reports and other information, and services
related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make
payments to Service Agents in respect of these services. The Distributor
determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
Fund is treated as a separate corporation for purposes of qualification and
taxation as a regulated investment company. The Fund ordinarily pays
dividends from its net investment income and distributes net realized
securities gains, if any, once a year, but it may make distributions on a
more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code,
in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act. The
Fund will not make distributions from net realized securities gains unless
capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have expired. You may
choose whether to receive dividends and distributions in cash or to reinvest
in additional shares at net asset value. All expenses are accrued daily and
deducted before declaration of dividends to investors.
Page 14
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders
as ordinary income whether received in cash or reinvested in additional
shares. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains of the
Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders as long-term capital gains for
Federal income tax purposes, regardless of how long shareholders have held
their Fund shares and whether such distributions are received in cash or
reinvested in Fund shares. The Code provides that the net capital gain of an
individual generally will not be subject to Federal income tax at a rate in
excess of 28%. Dividends and distributions may be subject to state and local
taxes.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund to a foreign investor generally are
subject to U.S. nonresident withholding taxes at the rate of 30%, unless the
foreign investor claims the benefit of a lower rate specified in a tax
treaty. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains paid by
the Fund to a foreign investor as well as the proceeds of any redemptions
from a foreign investor's account, regardless of the extent to which gain or
loss may be realized, generally will not be subject to U.S. nonresident
withholding tax. However, such distributions may be subject to backup
withholding, as described below, unless the foreign investor certifies his
non-U.S. residency status.
Notice as to the tax status of your dividends and distributions will
be mailed to you annually. You also will receive periodic summaries of your
account which will include information as to dividends and distributions from
securities gains, if any, paid during the year.
Federal regulations generally require the Fund to withhold ("backup
withholding") and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, distributions
from net realized securities gains and the proceeds of any redemption,
regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized, paid to a
shareholder if such shareholder fails to certify either that the TIN
furnished in connection with opening an account is correct or that such
shareholder has not received notice from the IRS of being subject to backup wi
thholding as a result of a failure to properly report taxable dividend or
interest income on a Federal income tax return. Furthermore, the IRS may
notify the Fund to institute backup withholding if the IRS determines a
shareholder's TIN is incorrect or if a shareholder has failed to properly
report taxable dividend and interest income on a Federal income tax return.
A TIN is either the Social Security number or employer identification
number of the record owner of the account. Any tax withheld as a result of
backup withholding does not constitute an additional tax imposed on the
record owner of the account, and may be claimed as a credit on the record
owner's Federal income tax return.
It is expected that the Fund will qualify as a "regulated investment
company" under the Code so long as such qualification is in the best
interests of its shareholders. Such qualification relieves the Fund of any
liability for Federal income tax to the extent its earnings are distributed
in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code. The Fund is subject to
a non-deductible 4% excise tax, measured with respect to certain
undistributed amounts of taxable investment income and capital gains.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding specific questions as
to Federal, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance may be calculated on the
basis of average annual total return and/or total return.
Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a standardized
formula which assumes that an investment was purchased with an initial
payment of $1,000 and that the investment was redeemed at the end of a stated
period of time, after giving effect to the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions during the period. The return is expressed as a percentage rate
which, if applied on a compounded
Page 15
annual basis, would result in the redeemable value of the investment at the
end of the period. Advertisements of the Fund's performance will include the
Fund's average annual total return for one, five and ten year periods, or for
shorter periods depending upon the length of time during which the Fund
has operated.
Total return is computed on a per share basis and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return generally is
expressed as a percentage rate which is calculated by combining the income
and principal changes for a specified period and dividing by the net asset
value per share at the beginning of the period. Advertisements may include
the percentage rate of total return or may include the value of a
hypothetical investment at the end of the period which assumes the
application of the percentage rate of total return.
Performance will vary from time to time and past results are not
necessarily representative of future results. You should remember that
performance is a function of portfolio management in selecting the type and
quality of portfolio securities and is affected by operating expenses.
Performance information, such as that described above, may not provide a
basis for comparison with other investments or other investment companies
using a different method of calculating performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, Wilshire 5000
Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, MONEY MAGAZINE, Morningstar, Inc.
and other industry publications.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Company was incorporated under Maryland law on November 16, 1993,
and commenced operations on December 29, 1993. Before September 29, 1995, the
Company's name was Dreyfus Focus Funds Inc. The Company is authorized to
issue one billion shares of Common Stock (with 100 million allocated to the
Fund), par value $.001 per share. Each share has one vote.
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,
Fund shareholders may not consider each year the election of Board members or
the appointment of auditors. However, pursuant to the Company's By-Laws, the
holders of at least 10% of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote may
require the Company to hold a special meeting of shareholders for purposes of
removing a Board member from office or for any other purpose. Shareholders
may remove a Board member by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
Company'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 Company is a "series fund," which is a mutual fund divided into
separate portfolios, each of which is treated as a separate entity for certain
matters under the 1940 Act and for other purposes. A shareholder of
one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. For
certain matters shareholders vote together as a group; as to others they vote
separately by portfolio. By this Prospectus, shares of the Fund are being
offered. Other portfolios are sold pursuant to other offering documents.
To date, the Board has authorized the creation of ten series of
shares. All consideration received by the Company for shares of one of the
series and all assets in which such consideration is invested will belong to
that series (subject only to the rights of creditors of the Company) and will
be subject to the liabilities related thereto. The income attributable to,
and the expenses of, one series are treated separately from those of the
other series. The Company has the ability to create, from time to time, new
series without shareholder approval.
Page 16
The Transfer Agent maintains a record of your ownership and sends you
confirmations and statements of account.
Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Fund at 144 Glenn
Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or by calling toll free
1-800-645-6561. In New York City, call
1-718-895-1206; outside the U.S. and Canada, call 516-794-5452.
Page 17
APPENDIX
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ Foreign currency transactions may be entered
into 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; or to hedge the U.S. dollar value of securities the Fund already
owns, particularly 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 Dreyfus Corporation's ability to predict accurately the future exchange
rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar.
SHORT-SELLING _ In these transactions, the Fund sells a security it does not
own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security. To
complete the transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery
to the buyer. The Fund is obligated to replace the security borrowed by
purchasing it subsequently at the market price at the time of replacement.
The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the
security was sold by the Fund. The Fund will incur a loss if the price of the
security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which
the Fund replaces the borrowed security; it will realize a gain if the
security declines in price between those dates.
Securities will not be sold short if, after effect is given to any
such short sale, the total market value of all securities sold short would
exceed 25% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Fund may not sell short
the securities of any single issuer listed on a national securities exchange
to the extent of more than 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Fund
may not sell short the securities of any class of an issuer if, as a result
of such sale, the Fund would have sold short in the aggregate more than 5% of
the outstanding securities of that class.
The Fund also may make short sales "against the box," in which the
Fund enters into a short sale of a security it owns in order to hedge an
unrealized gain on the security. At no time will more than 15% of the value
of the Fund's net assets be in deposits on short sales against the box.
LEVERAGE _ The Fund is permitted to borrow to the extent permitted under the
1940 Act, which permits an investment company to borrow in an amount up to
33-1/3% of the value of such company's 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.
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ Although the Fund will not be a commodity pool,
Derivatives subject the Fund to the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission which limit the extent to which the Fund can invest in certain
Derivatives. The Fund may invest in futures contracts and options with
respect thereto for hedging purposes without limit. However, the Fund may not
invest in such contracts and options for other purposes if the sum of the
amount of initial margin deposits and premiums paid for unexpired options
with respect to such contracts, other than for bona fide hedging purposes,
exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's assets, after taking into
account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on such contracts and
options; provided, however, that in the case of an option that is
in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded
in calculating the 5% limitation.
Page 18
The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets, represented by the
premium paid, in the purchase of call and put options. The Fund may write
(i.e., sell) covered call and put option contracts to the extent of 20% of
the value of its net assets at the time such option contracts are written.
When required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund will set
aside permissible liquid assets in a segregated account to cover its
obligations relating to its purchase of Derivatives. To maintain this required
cover, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at disadvantageous
prices or times since it may not be possible to liquidate a Derivative
position at a reasonable price.
Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than
their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in Derivatives
could have a large potential impact on the Fund's performance.
If the Fund invests in Derivatives at inappropriate times or judges
market conditions incorrectly, such investments may lower the Fund's return
or result in a loss. The Fund also could experience losses if its Derivatives
were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if the Fund were unable
to liquidate its position because of an illiquid secondary market. The market
for many Derivatives is, or suddenly can become, illiquid. Changes in
liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the
prices for Derivatives.
CERTAIN PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES _ Convertible securities are fixed-income securities
that 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.
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS _ The Fund may invest in the securities of
foreign issuers in the form of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). 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.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS _ The Fund may invest, in the circumstances
described under "Description of the Fund_Management Policies," in the
following types of money market instruments.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury
securities that differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of
issuance. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies
and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury; others, by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury;
others, by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain
obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others, only by the credit
of the agency or instrumentality. These securities bear fixed, floating or
variable rates of interest. While the U.S. Government provides financial
support to such U.S. Government-sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, no
assurance can be given that it will always do so since it is not so obligated
by law.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys, and
the seller agrees to repurchase, a security at a mutually agreed upon time
and price (usually within seven days). The repurchase agreement thereby
determines the yield during the purchaser's holding period, while the
seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the value of the underlying
security. Repurchase agreements could involve risks in the event of a default
or insolvency of the other party to the agreement, including possible delays
or restrictions upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying
securities. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with certain banks
or non-bank dealers.
Page 19
BANK OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may purchase certificates of deposit, time
deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations issued by
domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks,
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan
associations and other banking institutions. With respect to such securities
issued by foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, and
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, the Fund may be subject to
additional investment risks that are different in some respects from those
incurred by a fund which invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic
issuers.
Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates evidencing the
obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period
of time.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking
institution for a specified period of time (in no event longer than seven
days) at a stated interest rate.
Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation
of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect
the obligation both of the bank and the drawer to pay the face amount of the
instrument upon maturity. The other short-term obligations may include
uninsured, direct obligations bearing fixed, floating or variable interest
rates.
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper consists of short-term, unsecured
promissory notes issued to finance short-term credit needs. The commercial
paper purchased by the Fund will consist only of direct obligations which, at
the time of their purchase, are (a) rated not lower than Prime-1 by Moody's
or A-1 by S&P, (b) issued by companies having an outstanding unsecured debt
issue currently rated at least A3 by Moody's or A- by S&P, or (c) if unrated,
determined by The Dreyfus Corporation to be of comparable quality to those
rated obligations which may be purchased by the Fund.
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. Such 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.
RATINGS _ Securities rated Ba by Moody's are judged to have speculative
elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured and often the
protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate.
Securities rated BB by S&P are regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics and, while such obligations have less near-term vulnerability
to default than other speculative grade debt, they face major ongoing
uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or economic
conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest
and principal payments. Securities rated Caa by Moody's are of poor standing
and may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect
to principal or interest. S&P typically assigns a CCC rating to debt which has
a current identifiable vulnerability to default and is dependent upon
favorable business, financial and economic conditions to meet timely payments
of interest and repayment of principal. Such securities, though high yielding,
are characterized by great risk. See Appendix in the Statement of Additional
Information for a general description of securities ratings.
The ratings of Moody's and S&P represent their opinions as to the
quality of the obligations which they undertake to rate. Ratings are relative
and subjective and, although ratings may be useful in evaluating the safety
of interest and principal payments, they do not evaluate the market value
risk of such obligations. Although these ratings may be an initial criterion
for selection of portfolio investments, The Dreyfus Corporation also will
evaluate these securities and the ability of the issuers of such securities
to pay interest and principal. The Fund's ability to achieve its investment
objective may be more depen-
Page 20
dent on The Dreyfus Corporation's credit analysis than might be the case for
a fund that invested in higher rated securities.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE
FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OF THE FUND'S
SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM,
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
Page 21
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Page 22
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Page 23
DREYFUS
Aggressive
Value
Fund
Prospectus
(LION LOGO)
Registration Mark
Copy Rights 1995 Dreyfus Service Corporation
257p1100195
FOR USE BY BANKS ONLY
October 15, 1995
DREYFUS MIDCAP VALUE FUND
Supplement to Prospectus Dated October 1, 1995
All mutual fund shares involve certain investment risks, including
the possible loss of principal.
258/s101595BNK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS OCTOBER 1, 1995
DREYFUS MIDCAP VALUE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
DREYFUS MIDCAP VALUE FUND (THE "FUND") IS A SEPARATE DIVERSIFIED
PORTFOLIO OF DREYFUS GROWTH AND VALUE FUNDS, INC., AN OPEN-END, MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANY (THE "COMPANY"), KNOWN AS A MUTUAL FUND. THE FUND'S
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE INVESTMENT RESULTS THAT EXCEED THE TOTAL
RETURN PERFORMANCE OF PUBLICLY TRADED COMMON STOCKS IN THE AGGREGATE, AS
REPRESENTED BY A RECOGNIZED INDEX OF MID CAP STOCKS. THE FUND IS USING THE
RUSSELL MID CAP INDEX AS ITS BENCHMARK INDEX. IT WILL SEEK TO ACHIEVE THIS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING PRINCIPALLY IN A PORTFOLIO OF
PUBLICLY-TRADED EQUITY SECURITIES OF U.S. ISSUERS WHICH WOULD BE
CHARACTERIZED AS "VALUE" COMPANIES ACCORDING TO CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE
FUND'S INVESTMENT ADVISERS. THE FUND IS NEITHER SPONSORED BY NOR AFFILIATED
WITH FRANK RUSSELL COMPANY.
YOU CAN INVEST, REINVEST OR REDEEM SHARES AT ANY TIME WITHOUT CHARGE
OR PENALTY. YOU CAN PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES BY TELEPHONE USING DREYFUS TELET
RANSFER.
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION WILL SERVE AS THE FUND'S INVESTMENT ADVISER.
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION HAS ENGAGED ITS AFFILIATE, THE BOSTON COMPANY ASSET
MANAGEMENT, INC. ("TBC ASSET MANAGEMENT"), TO SERVE AS THE FUND'S
SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISER AND PROVIDE DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND'S
INVESTMENTS. THE DREYFUS CORPORATION AND TBC ASSET MANAGEMENT ARE REFERRED TO
COLLECTIVELY AS THE "ADVISERS."
THIS PROSPECTUS SETS FORTH CONCISELY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND THAT
YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INVESTING. IT SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED OCTOBER 1, 1995, WHICH
MAY BE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME, PROVIDES A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
AREAS IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST TO SOME
INVESTORS. IT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. FOR A FREE COPY, WRITE TO THE FUND AT
144 GLENN CURTISS BOULEVARD, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK 11556-0144, OR CALL
1-800-645-6561. WHEN TELEPHONING, ASK FOR OPERATOR 144.
MUTUAL FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
THE NET ASSET VALUE OF FUNDS OF THIS TYPE WILL FLUCTUATE FROM TIME TO TIME.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Page Page
Annual Fund Operating Expenses....... 3 Shareholder Services Plan...... 14
Description of the Fund.............. 3 Dividends, Distributions and Taxes 14
Management of the Fund............... 5 Performance Information........ 15
How to Buy Shares.................... 6 General Information............ 16
Shareholder Services................. 9 Appendix....................... 17
How to Redeem Shares ................ 12
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
[This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
Page 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
<S> <C>
Management Fees........................................................ .75%
Other Expenses......................................................... .50%
Total Fund Operating Expenses.......................................... 1.25%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
EXAMPLE:
You would pay the following
expenses on a $1,000
investment, assuming (1) 5% 1 YEAR 3 YEARS
annual return and (2) redemption
at the end of each time period: $13 $40
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AMOUNTS LISTED IN THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS
THAN THOSE INDICATED. MOREOVER, WHILE THE EXAMPLE ASSUMES A 5% ANNUAL RETURN,
THE FUND'S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE WILL VARY AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACTUAL RETURN
GREATER OR LESS THAN 5%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist you in understanding
the costs and expenses borne by the Fund, the payment of which will reduce
investors' annual return. Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for
the current fiscal year. The information in the foregoing table does not
reflect any fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements that may be in
effect. You can purchase Fund shares without charge directly from the Fund's
distributor; you may be charged a nominal fee if you effect transactions in
Fund shares through a securities dealer, bank or other financial institution.
For a further description of the various costs and expenses incurred in the
operation of the Fund, as well as expense reimbursement or waiver
arrangements, see "Management of the Fund," "How to Buy Shares" and
"Shareholder Services Plan."
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's investment objective is to provide investment results that
exceed the total return performance of publicly traded common stocks in the
aggregate, as represented by a recognized index of mid cap stocks. The Fund's
investment objective cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a
majority (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act")) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares. There can be no
assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be achieved.
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The Fund anticipates that, under normal market conditions, at least
65% of the value of its total assets (except when maintaining a temporary
defensive position) will be invested in common stocks of domestic and foreign
issuers with market capitalizations of between $400 million and $4 billion at
the time of purchase which would be characterized as "value" companies
according to criteria established by the Advisers. From this universe, the
Advisers will identify those stocks with a particular combination of
composite attributes or fundamental factors expected to produce in the
aggregate investment results that exceed those of the benchmark index. The
Russell Mid Cap Index currently is the Fund's benchmark. In the future, one
or more other indices for the Fund may be selected if such standard of
comparison is deemed to be more representative of the performance of the
securities the Fund seeks to exceed. The Fund may invest up to 15% of the
value of its total assets in the securities of foreign issuers. The Fund also
may invest, to a limited extent, in convertible securities and preferred
stocks.
To manage the Fund, the Advisers classify issuers as "growth" or
"value" companies. In general, the Advisers believe that companies with
relatively low price to book ratios, low price to earnings ratios
Page 3
or higher than average dividend payments in relation to price should be
classified as value companies. Alternatively, companies which have above
average earnings or sales growth and retention of earnings and command higher
price to earnings ratios fit the more classic growth description.
While seeking desirable equity investments, the Fund may invest in
money market instruments consisting of U.S. Government securities,
certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances, short-term
investment grade corporate bonds and other short-term debt instruments, and
repurchase agreements, as set forth under "Appendix_Certain Portfolio
Securities_Money Market Instruments." Under normal market conditions, the
Fund does not expect to have a substantial portion of its assets invested in
money market instruments. However, when the Advisers determine that adverse
market conditions exist, the Fund may adopt a temporary defensive posture and
invest all of its assets in money market instruments.
The Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate is not expected to exceed
125%. Higher portfolio turnover rates usually generate additional brokerage
commissions and expenses and the short-term gains realized from these
transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, the
Fund currently intends, to a limited extent, to engage in options and futures
transactions and short-selling. See also "Investment Considerations and
Risks" below and "Investment Objective and Management Policies _ Management
Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Investment Considerations and Risks
GENERAL _ The Fund's net asset value per share should be expected to
fluctuate. Investors should consider the Fund as a supplement to an overall
investment program and should invest only if they are willing to undertake
the risks involved. See "Investment Objective and Management
Policies_Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information for
a further discussion of certain risks.
EQUITY SECURITIES _ Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on
factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such
fluctuations can be pronounced. Changes in the value of the Fund's
investments will result in changes in the value of its shares and thus the
Fund's total return to investors.
The securities of the midcap companies in which the Fund may invest
may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger
capitalized companies, because these securities typically are traded in lower
volume and the issuers typically are subject to a greater degree to changes
in earnings and prospects.
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in
derivatives ("Derivatives"). These are financial instruments, which derive
their performance, at least in part, from the performance of an underlying
asset, index or interest rate. The Derivatives the Fund may use include
options and futures. While Derivatives can be used effectively in furtherance
of the Fund's investment objective, under certain market conditions, they can
increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value, can decrease the
liquidity of the Fund's investments and make more difficult the accurate
pricing of the Fund's portfolio. See "Appendix _ Investment Techniques _ Use
of Derivatives" below and "Investment Objective and Management Policies _
Management Policies _ Derivatives" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
FOREIGN SECURITIES _ Foreign securities markets generally are not as
developed or efficient as those in the United States. Securities of some
foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable U.S. issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign
securities markets are less than in the United States and, at times,
volatility of price can be greater than in the United States.
Because evidences of ownership of such securities usually are held
outside the United States, the Fund will be subject to additional risks which
include possible adverse political and economic developments, possible
seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits and possible adoption of
governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of
principal and interest on the foreign securities or might restrict the
payment of principal and interest to investors located outside the country of
the issuer, whether from currency blockage or otherwise.
Page 4
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.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE _ Currency exchange rates may fluctuate
significantly over short periods of time. They generally are determined by
the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets and the
relative merits of investments in different countries, actual or perceived
changes in interest rates and other complex factors, as seen from an
international 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. See "Appendix _ Investment
Techniques _ Foreign Currency Transactions."
SIMULTANEOUS INVESTMENTS _ Investment decisions for the Fund are made
independently from those of the other investment companies or accounts
advised by the Advisers. If, however, such other investment companies or
accounts 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. In some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the size of the
position obtained for or disposed of by the Fund or the price paid or
received by the Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER _ The Dreyfus Corporation, located at 200 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10166, was formed in 1947 and serves as the Fund's
investment adviser. The Dreyfus Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank
Corporation ("Mellon"). As of September 1, 1995, The Dreyfus Corporation
managed or administered approximately $80 billion in assets for more than 1.8
million investor accounts nationwide.
The Dreyfus Corporation supervises and assists in the overall
management of the Fund's affairs under a Management Agreement with the
Company, subject to the authority of the Company's Board in accordance with
Maryland law.
The Dreyfus Corporation has engaged TBC Asset Management, located at
One Boston Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, to serve as the Fund's
sub-investment adviser. TBC Asset Management, a registered investment adviser
formed in 1970, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon and, thus,
an affiliate of The Dreyfus Corporation. As of July 31, 1995, TBC Asset
Management managed approximately [$10.7] billion in assets and serves as the
investment adviser of four other investment companies.
TBC Asset Management, subject to the supervision and approval of The
Dreyfus Corporation, provides investment advisory assistance and the
day-to-day management of the Fund's investments, as well as investment
research and statistical information, under a Sub-Investment Advisory
Agreement with The Dreyfus Corporation, subject to the overall authority of
the Company's Board in accordance with Maryland law. The Fund's primary
portfolio manager is Peter I. Higgins. He has been employed by TBC Asset
Management or its predecessor since May 1991. For more than five years prior
to joining TBC Asset Management, Mr. Higgins was a Vice President and Senior
Investment Officer for Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company. The Fund's
other portfolio managers are identified in the Statement of Additional
Information.
Mellon is a publicly owned multibank holding company incorporated
under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the Federal Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon provides a comprehensive range of
financial products and services in domestic and selected international
markets. Mellon is among the twenty-five largest bank holding companies in
the United States based on total assets. Mellon's principal wholly-owned
subsidiaries are Mellon Bank, N.A., Mellon Bank (DE) National Association,
Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston Company, Inc., AFCO Credit Corporation and a
number of companies known as Mellon Financial Services Corporations. Through
its subsidiaries,
Page 5
including The Dreyfus Corporation, Mellon managed more than $203 billion in
assets as of June 30, 1995, including approximately $73 billion in mutual
fund assets. As of June 30, 1995, Mellon, through various subsidiaries,
provided non-investment services, such as custodial or administration
services, for more than $707 billion in assets, including approximately
$71 billion in mutual fund assets.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund has agreed to
pay The Dreyfus Corporation a monthly fee at the annual rate of .75 of 1% of
the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. The management fee is
higher than that paid by most other investment companies. Under the
Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement, The Dreyfus Corporation has agreed to pay
TBC Asset Management a monthly fee at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the
first $100 million of the Fund's average daily net assets, .20 of 1% of the
next $900 million of such assets, .15 of 1% of the next $500 million of such
assets and .10 of 1% of such assets over $1.5 billion.
From time to time, The Dreyfus Corporation may waive receipt of its
fees and/or voluntarily assume certain expenses of the Fund, which would have
the effect of lowering the expense ratio of the Fund and increasing yield to
investors. The Fund will not pay The Dreyfus Corporation at a later time for
any amounts it may waive, nor will the Fund reimburse The Dreyfus Corporation
for any amounts it may assume.
EXPENSES _ All expenses incurred in the operation of the Company are borne
by the Company, except to the extent specifically assumed by The Dreyfus
Corporation. The expenses borne by the Company include: organizational
costs, taxes, interest, loan commitment fees, interest and distributions paid
on securities sold short, 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 the Advisers 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 the Company's existence, costs attributable to investor services
(including, without limitation, telephone and personnel expenses), costs of
preparing and printing prospectuses and statements of additional information
for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders, costs
of shareholders' reports and meetings, and any extraordinary expenses.
Expenses attributable to the Fund are charged against the assets of the Fund;
other expenses of the Company are allocated among the Company's portfolios on
the basis determined by the Board, including, but not limited to,
proportionately in relation to the net assets of each portfolio.
The Dreyfus Corporation may pay the Fund's distributor for
shareholder services from The Dreyfus Corporation's own assets, including
past profits but not including the management fee paid by the Fund. The
Fund's distributor may use part or all of such payments to pay Service Agents
(as defined below) in respect of these services.
DISTRIBUTOR _ The Fund's distributor is Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109. The Distributor's ultimate parent is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT _ The Bank of New York,
90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286, is the Fund's Custodian. The
Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corporation,
P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's Transfer
and Dividend Disbursing Agent (the "Transfer Agent").
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Fund shares are sold without a sales charge. You may be charged a
nominal fee if you effect transactions in Fund shares through a securities
dealer, bank or other financial institution (collectively, "Service Agents").
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.
Page 6
The minimum initial investment is $2,500, or $1,000 if you are a
client of a Service Agent which has made an aggregate minimum initial
purchase for its customers of $2,500. Subsequent investments must be at least
$100. However, the minimum initial investment for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh
Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and 403(b)(7) Plans with only one participant is $750,
with no minimum for subsequent purchases. Individuals who open an IRA also
may open a non-working spousal IRA with a minimum initial investment of $250.
Subsequent investments in a spousal IRA must be at least $250. The initial
investment must be accompanied by the Account Application. For full-time or
part-time employees of The Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or
subsidiaries, directors of The Dreyfus Corporation, Board members of a fund
advised by The Dreyfus Corporation, including members of the Company's Board,
or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing, the minimum initial
investment is $1,000. For full-time or part-time employees of The Dreyfus
Corporation or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries who elect to have a
portion of their pay directly deposited into their Fund account, the minimum
initial investment is $50. 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. Fund
shares also are offered without regard to the minimum initial investment
requirements through Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government
Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan pursuant to the
Dreyfus Step Program 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.
You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, or through the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege described below. Checks should be made payable to "The
Dreyfus Family of Funds," or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, to
"The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian" and should specify that you are
investing in the Fund. Payments to open new accounts which are mailed should
be sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9387, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-9387, together with your Account Application. For subsequent
investments, your Fund account number should appear on the check and an invest
ment slip should be enclosed and sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 105, Newark, New Jersey 07101-0105. For Dreyfus retirement plan accounts,
both initial and subsequent investments should be sent to The Dreyfus Trust
Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6427.
Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be made by third party
check. Purchase orders may be delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial
Center. These orders will be forwarded to the Fund and will be processed only
upon receipt thereby. For the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial
Center, please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General
Information."
Wire payments may be made if your bank account is in a commercial
bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or any other bank having
a correspondent bank in New York City. Immediately available funds may be
transmitted by wire to The Bank of New York, DDA# 8900279656/Dreyfus Growth
and Value Funds, Inc./Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund, for purchase of Fund shares
in your name. The wire must include your Fund account number (for new
accounts, your Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") should be included
instead), account registration and dealer number, if applicable. If your
initial purchase of Fund shares is by wire, you should call 1-800-645-6561
after completing your wire payment to obtain your Fund account number. You
should include your Fund account number on the Account Application and
promptly mail the Account Application to the Fund, as no redemptions will be
permitted until the Account Application is received. You may obtain further
information about remitting funds in this manner from your bank. All payments
should be made in U.S. dollars and, to
page 7
avoid fees and delays, should be drawn only on U.S. banks. A charge will be
imposed if any check used for investment in your account does not clear. The
Fund makes available to certain large institutions the ability to issue
purchase instructions through compatible computer facilities.
Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic transfer of
funds from an account maintained in a bank or other domestic financial
institution that is an Automated Clearing House member. You must direct the
institution to transmit immediately available funds through the Automated
Clearing House to The Bank of New York with instructions to credit your Fund
account. The instructions must specify your Fund account registration and
Fund account number PRECEDED BY THE DIGITS "1111."
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis at the net asset value per
share next determined after an order in proper form is received by the
Transfer Agent or other agent. 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. For purposes of determining net asset value, options and
futures contracts will be valued 15 minutes after the close of trading on the
floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Net asset value per share is computed
by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets (i.e., the value of its assets
less liabilities) by the total number of Fund shares 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
Company's Board. For further information regarding the methods employed in
valuing the Fund's investments, see "Determination of Net Asset Value" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
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.
The Distributor may pay dealers a fee of up to .5% 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 one million dollars ("Eligible Benefit
Plans"). All present holdings of shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds by Eligible Benefit Plans will be aggregated to determine the fee
payable with respect to each purchase of Fund shares. The Distributor
reserves the right to cease paying these fees at any time. The Distributor
will pay such fees from its own funds, other than amounts received from the
Fund, including past profits or any other source available to it.
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN upon
opening or reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" and
the Account Application for further information concerning this requirement.
Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the Fund could subject you to a $50
penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may purchase shares (minimum $500,
maximum $150,000 per day) 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.
The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER purchase of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Page 8
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
FUND EXCHANGES
You may purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares of
certain other funds managed or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation, to
the extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of residence. These
funds have different investment objectives which may be of interest to you.
Fund exchanges may be exercised twice during the calendar year as described
below. If you desire to use this service, you should consult your Service
Agent or call 1-800-645-6561 to determine if it is available and whether any
other conditions are imposed on its use.
To request an exchange, you must give exchange instructions to the
Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone. Before any exchange, you must
obtain and should review a copy of the current prospectus of the fund into
which the exchange is being made. Prospectuses may be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. Except in the case of personal retirement plans, the shares
being exchanged must have a current value of at least $500; furthermore, when
establishing a new account by exchange, the shares being exchanged must have
a value of at least the minimum initial investment required for the fund into
which the exchange is being made. The ability to issue exchange instructions
by telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless you
check the applicable "No" box on the Account Application, indicating that you
specifically refuse this Privilege. The Telephone Exchange Privilege may be
established for an existing account by written request, signed by all
shareholders on the account, or by a separate signed Shareholder Services
Form, also available by calling 1-800-645-6561. If you have established the
Telephone Exchange Privilege, you may telephone exchange instructions by
calling 1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-33
06. See "How to Redeem Shares_Procedures." Upon an exchange into a new
account, the following shareholder services and privileges, as applicable and
where available, will be automatically carried over to the fund into which
the exchange is made: Telephone Exchange Privilege, Wire Redemption
Privilege, Telephone Redemption Privilege, Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege and
the dividend/capital gain distribution option (except for Dreyfus Dividend
Sweep) selected by the investor.
Shares will be exchanged at the next determined net asset value;
however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges into funds
sold with a sales load. If you are exchanging into a fund that charges a
sales load, you may qualify for share prices which do not include the sales
load or which reflect a reduced sales load, if the shares of the fund from
which you are exchanging were: (a) purchased with a sales load, (b) acquired
by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a sales load, or (c)
acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions paid with respect
to the foregoing categories of shares. To qualify, at the time of the
exchange you must notify the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must notify
the Distributor. Any such qualification is subject to confirmation of your
holdings through a check of appropriate records. See "Shareholder Services"
in the Statement of Additional Information. No fees currently are charged
shareholders directly in connection with exchanges, although the Fund
reserves the right, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, to charge
shareholders a nominal fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
exchange request in whole or in part. The availability of Fund Exchanges may
be modified or terminated at any time upon notice to shareholders.
With respect to any shareholder who has exchanged into and out of the
Fund (or the reverse) twice during the calendar year, further purchase orders
(including those pursuant to exchange instructions) relating to any shares of
the Fund will be rejected for the remainder of the calendar year. Management
believes that this policy will enable shareholders to change their investment
program, while protecting the Fund against disruptions in portfolio
management resulting from frequent transactions by those seeking to time
market fluctuations. Exchanges made through omnibus accounts for various
retirement plans are not subject to such limit on exchanges.
Page 9
The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated
for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by
the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a
taxable gain or loss.
DREYFUS AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege enables you to invest regularly (on a
semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for shares of
the Fund, in shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of
which you are currently an investor. The amount you designate, which can be
expressed either in terms of a specific dollar or share amount ($100
minimum), will be exchanged automatically on the first and/or fifteenth day
of the month according to the schedule you have selected. Shares will be
exchanged at the then-current net asset value; however, a sales load may be
charged with respect to exchanges into funds sold with a sales load. See
"Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. The right
to exercise this Privilege may be modified or canceled by the Fund or the
Transfer Agent. You may modify or cancel your exercise of this Privilege at
any time by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. The Fund may charge a service
fee for the use of this Privilege. No such fee currently is contemplated. The
exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated for Federal
income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by the
shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a taxable
gain or loss. For more information concerning this Privilege and the funds in
the Dreyfus Family of Funds eligible to participate in this Privilege, or to
obtain a Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Authorization Form, please call toll free
1-800-645-6561.
DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDERRegistration Mark
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. At your option, the account
designated by you will be debited in the specified amount, and Fund shares
will be purchased, once a month, on either the first or fifteenth day, or
twice a month, on both days. Only an account maintained at a domestic
financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be so
designated. To establish a Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder account, you must
file an authorization form with the Transfer Agent. You may obtain the
necessary authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel your
participation in this Privilege or change the amount of purchase at any time
by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan
accounts, to The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-6427, and the notification will be effective three
business days following receipt. The Fund may modify or terminate this
Privilege at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
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 Federal government automatically deposited into your
Fund account. You may deposit as much of such payments as you elect. To
enroll in Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit, you must file with the Transfer
Agent a completed Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form for each type of payment that
you desire to include in this Privilege. The appropriate form may be obtained
by calling 1-800-645-6561. Death or legal incapacity will terminate your
participation in this Privilege. You may elect at any time to terminate your
participation by notifying in writing the appropriate Federal agency. The
Fund may terminate your participation upon 30 days' notice to you.
Page 10
DREYFUS PAYROLL SAVINGS PLAN
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan permits you to purchase Fund shares
(minimum of $100 per transaction) automatically on a regular basis. Depending
upon your employer's direct deposit program, you may have part or all of your
paycheck transferred to your existing Dreyfus account electronically through
the Automated Clearing House system at each pay period. To establish a
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan account, you must file an authorization form
with your employer's payroll department. Your employer must complete the
reverse side of the form and return it to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. You may obtain the necessary
authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may change the amount of
purchase or cancel the authorization only by written notification to your
employer. It is the sole responsibility of your employer, not the
Distributor, The Dreyfus Corporation, the Fund, the Transfer Agent or any
other person, to arrange for transactions under the Dreyfus Payroll Savings
Plan. The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
DREYFUS STEP PROGRAM
Dreyfus Step Program enables a shareholder to purchase Fund shares
without regard to the Fund's minimum initial investment requirements through
Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege
or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan. To establish a Dreyfus Step Program account,
a shareholder must supply the necessary information on the Account
Application and file the required authorization form(s) with the Transfer
Agent. For more information concerning this Program, or to request the
necessary authorization form(s), please call toll free 1-800-782-6620. A
shareholder may terminate participation in this Program at any time by
discontinuing participation in Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus
Government Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan, as the
case may be, as provided under the terms of such Privilege(s). The Fund may
modify or terminate this Program at any time. Investors who wish to purchase
Fund shares through the Dreyfus Step Program in conjunction with a
Dreyfus-sponsored retirement plan may do so only for IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA
"Rollover Accounts."
DREYFUS DIVIDEND OPTIONS
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep enables you to invest automatically dividends
or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, paid by the Fund in
shares of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a
shareholder. Shares of the other fund will be purchased at the then-current
net asset value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to
investments in shares of a fund sold with a sales load. If you are investing
in a fund that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share prices which
do not include the sales load or which reflect a reduced sales load. If you
are investing in a fund that charges a contingent deferred sales charge, the
shares purchased will be subject on redemption to the contingent deferred
sales charge, if any, applicable to the purchased shares. See "Shareholder
Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. 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.
For more information concerning these privileges or to request a
Dividend Options Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel
these privileges by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of
Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. To select a new
fund after cancellation, you must submit a new Dividend Options Form.
Enrollment in or cancellation of these privileges is effective three business
days following receipt. These privileges are available only for existing
accounts and may not be used to open new accounts. Minimum subsequent
investments do not apply for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep. The Fund may modify or
terminate these privileges at any time or
Page 11
charge a service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated. Shares held under
Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans are not eligible for Dreyfus
Dividend Sweep.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to request withdrawal of a
specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly
basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account. An application for the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. There is a service
charge of 50cents for each withdrawal check. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan
may be ended at any time by you, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for
which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund offers a variety of pension and profit-sharing plans,
including Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," 401(k)
Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services also are
available. You can obtain details on the various plans by calling the
following numbers toll free: for Keogh Plans, please call 1-800-358-5566;
for IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," please call 1-800-645-6561; for
SEP-IRAs, 401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans, please call
1-800-322-7880.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
GENERAL
You may request redemption of your shares at any time. Redemption
requests should be transmitted to the Transfer Agent as described below. When
a request is received in proper form, the Fund will redeem the shares at the
next determined net asset value.
The Fund imposes no charges when shares are redeemed. Service Agents
may charge their clients a nominal fee for effecting redemptions of Fund
shares. Any certificates representing Fund shares being redeemed must be
submitted with the redemption request. The value of the shares redeemed may
be more or less than their original cost, depending upon the Fund's
then-current net asset value.
The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed within
seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in
proper form, except as provided by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED FUND SHARES BY CHECK, BY DREYFUS
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE OR THROUGH DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER AND
SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMIT A WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUEST TO THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE
REDEMPTION PROCEEDS WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON BANK CLEARANCE
OF YOUR PURCHASE CHECK, DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDER ORDER, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS OR MORE. IN
ADDITION, THE FUND WILL REJECT REQUESTS TO REDEEM SHARES BY WIRE OR TELEPHONE
OR PURSUANT TO THE DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHT
BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OF THE PURCHASE CHECK, THE
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR THE DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER ORDER
AGAINST WHICH SUCH REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED. THESE PROCEDURES WILL NOT APPLY
IF YOUR SHARES WERE PURCHASED BY WIRE PAYMENT, OR IF YOU OTHERWISE HAVE A
SUFFICIENT COLLECTED BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO COVER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST.
PRIOR TO THE TIME ANY REDEMPTION IS EFFECTIVE, DIVIDENDS ON SUCH SHARES WILL
ACCRUE AND BE PAYABLE, AND YOU WILL BE ENTITLED TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS
OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. Fund shares will not be redeemed until the Transfer
Agent has received your Account Application.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at its option upon
not less than 45 days' written notice if your account's net asset value is
$500 or less and remains so during the notice period.
PROCEDURES
You may redeem shares by using the regular redemption procedure
through the Transfer Agent, or, if you have checked the appropriate box and
supplied the necessary information on the Account
Page 12
Application or have filed a Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent,
through the Wire Redemption Privilege, the Telephone Redemption Privilege or
the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege. Other redemption procedures may be in
effect for clients of certain Service Agents. The Fund makes available to
certain large institutions the ability to issue redemption instructions
through compatible computer facilities. The Fund reserves the right to refuse
any request made by wire or telephone, including requests made shortly after
a change of address, and may limit the amount involved or the number of such
requests. The Fund may modify or terminate any redemption Privilege at any
time or charge a service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee
currently is contemplated.
You may redeem shares by telephone if you have checked the
appropriate box on the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder
Services Form with the Transfer Agent. If you select a telephone redemption
privilege or telephone exchange privilege (which is granted automatically
unless you refuse it), you authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephone
instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be you, and
reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Fund will require
the Transfer Agent to employ reasonable procedures, such as requiring a form
of personal identification, to confirm that instructions are genuine and, if
it does not follow such procedures, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be
liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Neither
the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for following telephone
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you may
experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone to
request a redemption or exchange of Fund shares. In such cases, you should
consider using the other redemption procedures described herein. Use of these
other redemption procedures may result in your redemption request being
processed at a later time than it would have been if telephone redemption had
been used. During the delay, the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
REGULAR REDEMPTION _ Under the regular redemption procedure, you may redeem
shares by written request mailed to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. Redemption requests may be
delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial Center. THESE REQUESTS WILL
BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For
the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial Center, please call one of the
telephone numbers listed under "General Information." Redemption requests
must be signed by each shareholder, including each owner of a joint account,
and each signature must be guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted
standards and procedures pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper
form generally will be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit
unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations,
clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in
the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program, the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock Exchanges Medallion
Program. If you have any questions with respect to signature-guarantees,
please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General Information."
Redemption proceeds of at least $1,000 will be wired to any member
bank of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with a written
signature-guaranteed request.
WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by wire or telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $1,000) be wired to your account at a bank which
is a member of the Federal Reserve System, or a correspondent bank if your
bank is not a member. You also may direct that redemption proceeds be paid by
check (maximum $150,000 per day) made out to the owners of record and mailed
to your address. Redemption proceeds of less than $1,000 will be paid
automatically by check. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank accounts
may have redemption proceeds of not more than $250,000 wired within any
30-day period. You may telephone redemption requests by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. The
Statement of Additional Information sets forth instructions
Page 13
for transmitting redemption requests by wire. Shares held under Keogh Plans,
IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares for which certificates have been
issued, are not eligible for this Privilege.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (maximum $150,000 per day) be paid by check and mailed to
your address. You may telephone redemption instructions by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares for
which certificates have been issued, are not eligible for this Privilege.
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $500 per day) 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 so
designated. Redemption proceeds will be on deposit in your account at an
Automated Clearing House member bank ordinarily two days after receipt of the
redemption request or, at your request, paid by check (maximum $150,000 per
day) and mailed to your address. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank
accounts may redeem through the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege for transfer
to their bank account not more than $250,000 within any 30-day period.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER redemption of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares
issued in certificate form, are not eligible for this Privilege.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan, pursuant to which
it pays the Distributor for the provision of certain services to Fund
shareholders a fee at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the Fund's
average daily net assets. The services provided may include personal services
relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries
regarding the Fund and providing reports and other information, and services
related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make
payments to Service Agents in respect of these services. The Distributor
determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
Fund is treated as a separate corporation for purposes of qualification and
taxation as a regulated investment company. The Fund ordinarily pays
dividends from its net investment income and distributes net realized
securities gains, if any, once a year, but it may make distributions on a
more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code,
in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act. The
Fund will not make distributions from net realized securities gains unless
capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have expired. You may
choose whether to receive dividends and distributions in cash or to reinvest
in additional shares at net asset value. All expenses are accrued daily and
deducted before declaration of dividends to investors.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders
as ordinary income whether received in cash or reinvested in additional
shares. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains of the
Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders as long-term capital gains for Feder
al income tax purposes, regardless of how long shareholders have held their
Fund shares and whether such distributions are received in cash or reinvested
in Fund shares. The Code provides that the net capital gain of an individual
generally will not be subject to Federal income tax at a rate in excess of
28%. Dividends and distributions may be subject to state and local taxes.
Page 14
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund to a foreign investor generally are
subject to U.S. nonresident withholding taxes at the rate of 30%, unless the
foreign investor claims the benefit of a lower rate specified in a tax
treaty. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains paid by
the Fund to a foreign investor as well as the proceeds of any redemptions
from a foreign investor's account, regardless of the extent to which gain or
loss may be realized, generally will not be subject to U.S. nonresident
withholding tax. However, such distributions may be subject to backup
withholding, as described below, unless the foreign investor certifies his
non-U.S. residency status.
Notice as to the tax status of your dividends and distributions will
be mailed to you annually. You also will receive periodic summaries of your
account which will include information as to dividends and distributions from
securities gains, if any, paid during the year.
Federal regulations generally require the Fund to withhold ("backup
withholding") and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, distributions
from net realized securities gains and the proceeds of any redemption,
regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized, paid to a
shareholder if such shareholder fails to certify either that the TIN
furnished in connection with opening an account is correct or that such
shareholder has not received notice from the IRS of being subject to backup
withholding as a result of a failure to properly report taxable dividend or
interest income on a Federal income tax return. Furthermore, the IRS may
notify the Fund to institute backup withholding if the IRS determines a
shareholder's TIN is incorrect or if a shareholder has failed to properly
report taxable dividend and interest income on a Federal income tax return.
A TIN is either the Social Security number or employer identification
number of the record owner of the account. Any tax withheld as a result of
backup withholding does not constitute an additional tax imposed on the
record owner of the account, and may be claimed as a credit on the record
owner's Federal income tax return.
It is expected that the Fund will qualify as a "regulated investment
company" under the Code so long as such qualification is in the best
interests of its shareholders. Such qualification relieves the Fund of any
liability for Federal income tax to the extent its earnings are distributed
in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code. The Fund is subject to
a non-deductible 4% excise tax, measured with respect to certain
undistributed amounts of taxable investment income and capital gains.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding specific questions as
to Federal, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance may be calculated on the
basis of average annual total return and/or total return.
Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a standardized
formula which assumes that an investment was purchased with an initial
payment of $1,000 and that the investment was redeemed at the end of a stated
period of time, after giving effect to the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions during the period. The return is expressed as a percentage rate
which, if applied on a compounded annual basis, would result in the
redeemable value of the investment at the end of the period. Advertisements
of the Fund's performance will include the Fund's average annual total return
for one, five and ten year periods, or for shorter periods depending upon the
length of time during which the Fund has operated.
Total return is computed on a per share basis and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return generally is
expressed as a percentage rate which is calculated by combining the income
and principal changes for a specified period and dividing by the net asset
value per share at the beginning of the period. Advertisements may include
the percentage rate of total return or may include
Page 15
the value of a hypothetical investment at the end of the period which assumes
the application of the percentage rate of total return.
Performance will vary from time to time and past results are not
necessarily representative of future results. You should remember that
performance is a function of portfolio management in selecting the type and
quality of portfolio securities and is affected by operating expenses.
Performance information, such as that described above, may not provide a
basis for comparison with other investments or other investment companies
using a different method of calculating performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., Russell Mid Cap Index, Standard & Poor's MidCap
400 Index, Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, the Dow Jones Industrial
Average, MONEY MAGAZINE, Morningstar, Inc. and other industry publications.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Company was incorporated under Maryland law on November 16, 1993,
and commenced operations on December 29, 1993. Before September 29, 1995, the
Company's name was Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc. The Company is authorized to
issue one billion shares of Common Stock (with 100 million allocated to the
Fund), par value $.001 per share. Each share has one vote.
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,
Fund shareholders may not consider each year the election of Board members or
the appointment of auditors. However, pursuant to the Company's By-Laws, the
holders of at least 10% of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote may
require the Company to hold a special meeting of shareholders for purposes of
removing a Board member from office or for any other purpose. Shareholders
may remove a Board member by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
Company'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 Company is a "series fund," which is a mutual fund divided into
separate portfolios, each of which is treated as a separate entity for
certain matters under the 1940 Act and for other purposes. A shareholder of
one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. For
certain matters shareholders vote together as a group; as to others they vote
separately by portfolio. By this Prospectus, shares of the Fund are being
offered. Other portfolios are sold pursuant to other offering documents.
To date, the Board has authorized the creation of ten series of
shares. All consideration received by the Company for shares of one of the
series and all assets in which such consideration is invested will belong to
that series (subject only to the rights of creditors of the Company) and will
be subject to the liabilities related thereto. The income attributable to,
and the expenses of, one series are treated separately from those of the
other series. The Company has the ability to create, from time to time, new
series without shareholder approval.
Inclusion of a security in the Russell Mid Cap Index in no way
implies an opinion by the sponsor of the Index as to its attractiveness as an
investment. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the
sponsor of the Russell Mid Cap Index.
The Transfer Agent maintains a record of your ownership and sends you
confirmations and statements of account.
Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Fund at 144 Glenn
Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or by calling toll free
1-800-645-6561. In New York City, call
1-718-895-1206; outside the U.S. and Canada, call 516-794-5452.
Page 16
APPENDIX
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ Foreign currency transactions may be entered
into 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; or 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.
BORROWING MONEY _ The Fund is permitted to borrow to the extent permitted
under the 1940 Act, which permits an investment company to borrow in an
amount up to 33-1/3% of the value of such company's 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.
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ Although the Fund will not be a commodity pool,
Derivatives subject the Fund to the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission which limit the extent to which the Fund can invest in certain
Derivatives. The Fund may invest in futures contracts and options with
respect thereto for hedging purposes without limit. However, the Fund may not
invest in such contracts and options for other purposes if the sum of the
amount of initial margin deposits and premiums paid for unexpired options
with respect to such contracts, other than for bona fide hedging purposes,
exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's assets, after taking into
account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on such contracts and
options; provided, however, that in the case of an option that is
in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded
in calculating the 5% limitation.
CERTAIN PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS _ The Fund may invest in the securities of
foreign issuers in the form of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). 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.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS _ The Fund may invest, in the circumstances
described under "Description of the Fund_Management Policies," in the
following types of money market instruments.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury
securities that differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of
issuance. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies
and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury; others, by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury;
others, by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain
obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others, only by the credit
of the agency or instrumentality. These securities bear fixed, floating or
variable rates of interest. While the U.S.
Page 17
Government provides financial support to such U.S. Government-sponsored
agencies and instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it will always
do so since it is not so obligated by law.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys, and
the seller agrees to repurchase, a security at a mutually agreed upon time
and price (usually within seven days). The repurchase agreement thereby
determines the yield during the purchaser's holding period, while the
seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the value of the underlying
security. Repurchase agreements could involve risks in the event of a default
or insolvency of the other party to the agreement, including possible delays
or restrictions upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying
securities. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with certain banks
or non-bank dealers.
BANK OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may purchase certificates of deposit, time
deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations issued by
domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks,
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan
associations and other banking institutions. With respect to such securities
issued by foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, and
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, the Fund may be subject to
additional investment risks that are different in some respects from those
incurred by a fund which invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic
issuers.
Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates evidencing the
obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period
of time.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking
institution for a specified period of time (in no event longer than seven
days) at a stated interest rate.
Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation
of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect
the obligation both of the bank and the drawer to pay the face amount of the
instrument upon maturity. The other short-term obligations may include
uninsured, direct obligations bearing fixed, floating or variable interest
rates.
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper consists of short-term, unsecured
promissory notes issued to finance short-term credit needs. The commercial
paper purchased by the Fund will consist only of direct obligations which, at
the time of their purchase, are (a) rated not lower than Prime-1 by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or A-1 by Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P"), (b) issued by companies having an outstanding unsecured debt issue
currently rated at least A3 by Moody's or A- by S&P, or (c) if unrated, determ
ined by the Advisers to be of comparable quality to those rated obligations
which may be purchased by the Fund.
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. Such 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.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE
FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OF THE FUND'S
SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM,
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
Page 18
[This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
Page 19
DREYFUS
Midcap
Value
Fund
Prospectus
(LION LOGO)
Copy Rights 1995 Dreyfus Service Corporation
258p1100195
Registration Mark
FOR USE BY BANKS ONLY
October 15, 1995
DREYFUS SMALL COMPANY VALUE FUND
Supplement to Prospectus Dated October 1, 1995
All mutual fund shares involve certain investment risks, including
the possible loss of principal.
253/s101595BNK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS OCTOBER 1, 1995
DREYFUS SMALL COMPANY VALUE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
DREYFUS SMALL COMPANY VALUE FUND (THE "FUND") IS A SEPARATE
DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO OF DREYFUS GROWTH AND VALUE FUNDS, INC., AN OPEN-END,
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY (THE "COMPANY"), KNOWN AS A MUTUAL FUND. THE
FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS CAPITAL APPRECIATION. IT SEEKS TO ACHIEVE THIS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING PRINCIPALLY IN A PORTFOLIO OF
PUBLICLY-TRADED EQUITY SECURITIES OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN ISSUERS WHICH WOULD
BE CHARACTERIZED AS "VALUE" COMPANIES ACCORDING TO CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE
DREYFUS CORPORATION.
YOU CAN INVEST, REINVEST OR REDEEM SHARES AT ANY TIME WITHOUT CHARGE
OR PENALTY. YOU CAN PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES BY TELEPHONE USING DREYFUS
TELETRANSFER.
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION SERVES AS THE FUND'S INVESTMENT ADVISER. THE
DREYFUS CORPORATION HAS ENGAGED ITS AFFILIATE, THE BOSTON COMPANY ASSET
MANAGEMENT, INC. ("TBC ASSET MANAGEMENT"), TO SERVE AS THE FUND'S
SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISER AND PROVIDE DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND'S
INVESTMENTS. THE DREYFUS CORPORATION AND TBC ASSET MANAGEMENT ARE REFERRED TO
COLLECTIVELY AS THE "ADVISERS."
THIS PROSPECTUS SETS FORTH CONCISELY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND THAT
YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INVESTING. IT SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED OCTOBER 1, 1995, WHICH
MAY BE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME, PROVIDES A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
AREAS IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST TO SOME
INVESTORS. IT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. FOR A FREE COPY, WRITE TO THE FUND AT
144 GLENN CURTISS BOULEVARD, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK 11556-0144, OR CALL
1-800-645-6561. WHEN TELEPHONING, ASK FOR OPERATOR 144.
MUTUAL FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
THE NET ASSET VALUE OF FUNDS OF THIS TYPE WILL FLUCTUATE FROM TIME TO TIME.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES................................ 3
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION............................... 4
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND....................................... 5
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND........................................ 7
HOW TO BUY SHARES............................................. 8
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES.......................................... 10
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES ......................................... 13
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN...................................... 15
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES............................ 16
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION....................................... 17
GENERAL INFORMATION........................................... 17
APPENDIX...................................................... 19
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
[This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Page 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
<S> <C>
Management Fees (after expense reimbursement).......................... . .00%
Other Expenses......................................................... . 1.25%
Total Fund Operating Expenses (after expense reimbursement)............ . 1.25%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Example:
You would pay the following
expenses on a $1,000
investment, assuming (1) 5% 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
annual return and (2) redemption
at the end of each time period: $13 $40 $69 $151
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AMOUNTS LISTED IN THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER
OR LESS THAN THOSE INDICATED. MOREOVER, WHILE THE EXAMPLE ASSUMES A 5%
ANNUAL RETURN, THE FUND'S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE WILL VARY AND MAY RESULT IN AN
ACTUAL RETURN GREATER OR LESS THAN 5%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist you in understanding
the costs and expenses borne by the Fund, the payment of which will reduce
investors' annual return. The information in the foregoing table has been
restated to reflect the Company's termination of its Rule 12b-1 Plan. The
expenses noted above, without reimbursement would be: Management Fees _ .75%
and Total Fund Operating Expenses _ 2.00% (Other Expenses and Total Fund
Operating Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal
year); and the amount of expenses that an investor would pay, assuming
redemption after one, three, five and ten years, would be $20, $63, $108 and
$233, respectively. You can purchase Fund shares without charge directly from
the Fund's distributor; you may be charged a nominal fee if you effect
transactions in Fund shares through a securities dealer, bank or other
financial institution. For a further description of the various costs and
expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, as well as expense
reimbursement or waiver arrangements, see "Management of the Fund," "How to
Buy Shares" and "Shareholder Services Plan."
Page 3
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The information in the following table has been audited (except where
noted) by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent auditors, whose report
thereon appears in the Statement of Additional Information. Further financial
data and related notes are included in the Statement of Additional
Information, available upon request.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Contained below is per share operating performance data for a share
of Common Stock outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net
assets and other supplemental data for each period indicated. This
information has been derived from the Fund's financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
OCTOBER 31, APRIL 30, 1995
1994(1) (UNAUDITED)
----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................................ $12.50 $12.43
------ ------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Investment income-net....................................................... .30 .05
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign
currency transactions....................................................... (.37) .59
------ ------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS............................................ (.07) .64
------ ------
DISTRIBUTIONS:
Dividends from investment income-net........................................ -- (.33)
Dividends from net realized gain
on investments.............................................................. -- (.48)
Dividends in excess of net realized
gain on investments......................................................... - (.05)
------ ------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS......................................................... - (.86)
------ ------
Net asset value, end of period.............................................. $12.43 $12.21
====== ======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN(2).................................................... (.56%) 5.79%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets(2)........................ -_ .36%
Ratio of interest expense and
dividends on securities sold short
to average net assets(2).................................................... .01% .04%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(2)..................... 2.39% .44%
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to undertaking by The Dreyfus Corporation............................. 2.07% .84%
Portfolio Turnover Rate(2).................................................. 219.63% 66.18%
Net Assets, end of period (000's Omitted)................................... $5,166 $5,522
(1) From December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1994.
(2) Not annualized.
</TABLE>
Further information about the Fund's performance is contained in the
Fund's annual report, which may be obtained without charge by writing to the
address or calling the number set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus.
Page 4
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's investment objective is capital appreciation. It cannot be
changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")) of the Fund's
outstanding voting shares. There can be no assurance that the Fund's
investment objective will be achieved.
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The Fund anticipates that at least 65% of the value of its total
assets (except when maintaining a temporary defensive position) will be
invested in equity securities of domestic and foreign issuers which would be
characterized as "value" companies according to criteria established by the
Advisers. The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, substantially all
of its assets in equity securities of issuers with market capitalizations of
between $90 million and $900 million. Equity securities consist of common
stocks, convertible securities and preferred stocks.
To manage the Fund, the Advisers classify issuers as "growth" or
"value" companies. In general, the Advisers believe that companies with
relatively low price to book ratios, low price to earnings ratios or higher
than average dividend payments in relation to price should be classified as
value companies. Alternatively, companies which have above average earnings
or sales growth and retention of earnings and command higher price to
earnings ratios fit the more classic growth description.
While seeking desirable equity investments, the Fund may invest in
money market instruments consisting of U.S. Government securities,
certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances, short-term
investment grade corporate bonds and other short-term debt instruments, and
repurchase agreements, as set forth under "Appendix _ Certain Portfolio
Securities _ Money Market Instruments." Under normal market conditions, the
Fund does not expect to have a substantial portion of its assets invested in
money market instruments. However, when the Advisers determine that adverse
market conditions exist, the Fund may adopt a temporary defensive posture and
invest all of its assets in money market instruments.
The Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate is not expected to exceed
150%. Higher portfolio turnover rates usually generate additional brokerage
commissions and expenses and the short-term gains realized from these
transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In an effort to
increase returns, the Fund may engage in various investment techniques, such
as leveraging, lending portfolio securities, foreign currency transactions,
options and futures transactions and short-selling. See also "Investment
Considerations and Risks" below and "Investment Objective and Management
Policies _Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information.
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS
GENERAL _ The Fund's net asset value per share should be expected to
fluctuate. Investors should consider the Fund as a supplement to an overall
investment program and should invest only if they are willing to undertake
the risks involved. See "Investment Objective and Management
Policies_Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information for
a further discussion of certain risks.
EQUITY SECURITIES _ Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on
factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such
fluctuations can be pronounced. Changes in the value of the Fund's
investments will result in changes in the value of its shares and thus the
Fund's total return to investors.
The securities of the smaller companies in which the Fund may invest
may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger,
more-established companies, because these securities typically are traded in
lower volume and the issuers typically are subject to a greater degree to
changes in earnings and prospects.
Page 5
FOREIGN SECURITIES _ Foreign securities markets generally are not as
developed or efficient as those in the United States. Securities of some
foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable U.S. issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign
securities markets are less than in the United States and, at times,
volatility of price can be greater than in the United States.
Because evidences of ownership of such securities usually are held
outside the United States, the Fund will be subject to additional risks which
include possible adverse political and economic developments, possible
seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits and possible adoption of
governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of
principal and interest on the foreign securities or might restrict the
payment of principal and interest to investors located outside the country of
the issuer, whether from currency blockage or otherwise.
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.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ 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. See "Appendix_Investment
Techniques_Foreign Currency Transactions."
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in derivatives
("Derivatives"). These are financial instruments, which derive their
performance, at least in part, from the performance of an underlying asset,
index or interest rate. The Derivatives the Fund may use include options and
futures. While Derivatives can be used effectively in furtherance of the
Fund's investment objective, under certain market conditions, they can
increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value, can decrease the
liquidity of the Fund's investments and make more difficult the accurate
pricing of the Fund's portfolio. See "Appendix_Investment Techniques _ Use of
Derivatives" below and "Investment Objective and Management
Policies_Management Policies_Derivatives" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
SIMULTANEOUS INVESTMENTS _ Investment decisions for the Fund are made
independently from those of the other investment companies or accounts
advised by the Advisers. If, however, such other investment companies or
accounts 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. In some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the size of the
position obtained for or disposed of by the Fund or the price paid or
received by the Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER _ The Dreyfus Corporation, located at 200 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10166, was formed in 1947 and serves as the Fund's investment
adviser. The Dreyfus Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank,
N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation
("Mellon"). As of September 1, 1995, The Dreyfus Corporation managed or
administered approximately $80 billion in assets for more than 1.8 million
investor accounts nationwide.
The Dreyfus Corporation supervises and assists in the overall
management of the Fund's affairs under a Management Agreement with the
Company, subject to the authority of the Company's Board in accordance with
Maryland law.
The Dreyfus Corporation has engaged TBC Asset Management, located at
One Boston Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, to serve as the Fund's
sub-investment adviser. TBC Asset Management, a registered investment adviser
formed in 1970, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon and, thus,
Page 6
an affiliate of The Dreyfus Corporation. As of July 31, 1995, TBC Asset
Management managed approximately $10.7 billion in assets and serves as the
investment adviser of four other investment companies.
TBC Asset Management, subject to the supervision and approval of The
Dreyfus Corporation, provides investment advisory assistance and the
day-to-day management of the Fund's investments, as well as investment
research and statistical information, under a Sub-Investment Advisory
Agreement with The Dreyfus Corporation, subject to the overall authority of
the Company's Board in accordance with Maryland law. The Fund's primary
portfolio manager is David L. Diamond. He has held that position since
September 29, 1995 and has been employed by TBC Asset Management since 1991
and, pursuant to a dual employment agreement between the Advisers, by The
Dreyfus Corporation since May 1995. Prior to joining TBC Asset Management,
Mr. Diamond was a research analyst and portfolio manager at Delphi
Management. The Fund's other portfolio managers are identified in the
Statement of Additional Information.
Mellon is a publicly owned multibank holding company incorporated
under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the Federal Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon provides a comprehensive range of
financial products and services in domestic and selected international
markets. Mellon is among the twenty-five largest bank holding companies in
the United States based on total assets. Mellon's principal wholly-owned
subsidiaries are Mellon Bank, N.A., Mellon Bank (DE) National Association,
Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston Company, Inc., AFCO Credit Corporation and a
number of companies known as Mellon Financial Services Corporations. Through
its subsidiaries, including The Dreyfus Corporation, Mellon managed more than
$203 billion in assets as of June 30, 1995, including approximately $73
billion in mutual fund assets. As of June 30, 1995, Mellon, through various
subsidiaries, provided non-investment services, such as custodial or
administration services, for more than $707 billion in assets, including
approximately $71 billion in mutual fund assets.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund has agreed to
pay The Dreyfus Corporation a monthly fee at the annual rate of .75 of 1% of
the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. The management fee is
higher than that paid by most other investment companies. Under the
Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement, The Dreyfus Corporation has agreed to pay
TBC Asset Management a monthly fee at the annual rate of .375 of 1% of the
value of the Fund's average daily net assets. For the period December 29,
1993 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 1994, no management fee
was paid by the Fund pursuant to an undertaking by The Dreyfus Corporation.
From time to time, The Dreyfus Corporation may waive receipt of its
fees and/or voluntarily assume certain expenses of the Fund, which would have
the effect of lowering the expense ratio of the Fund and increasing yield to
investors. The Fund will not pay The Dreyfus Corporation at a later time for
any amounts it may waive, nor will the Fund reimburse The Dreyfus Corporation
for any amounts it may assume.
EXPENSES _ All expenses incurred in the operation of the Company are borne by
the Company, except to the extent specifically assumed by The Dreyfus
Corporation. The expenses borne by the Company include: organizational
costs, taxes, interest, loan commitment fees, interest and distributions paid
on securities sold short, 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 the Advisers 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 the Company's existence, costs attributable to investor services
(including, without limitation, telephone and personnel expenses), costs of
preparing and printing prospectuses and statements of additional information
for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders, costs
of shareholders' reports and meetings, and any extraordinary expenses.
Expenses attributable to
Page 7
the Fund are charged against the assets of the Fund; other expenses of the
Company are allocated among the Company's portfolios on the basis determined
by the Board, including, but not limited to, proportionately in relation to
the net assets of each portfolio.
The Dreyfus Corporation may pay the Fund's distributor for
shareholder services from The Dreyfus Corporation's own assets, including
past profits but not including the management fee paid by the Fund. The
Fund's distributor may use part or all of such payments to pay Service Agents
(as defined below) in respect of these services.
DISTRIBUTOR _ The Fund's distributor is Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109. The Distributor's ultimate parent is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT _ The Bank of New York,
90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286, is the Fund's Custodian. The
Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corporation,
P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's Transfer
and Dividend Disbursing Agent (the "Transfer Agent").
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Fund shares are sold without a sales charge. You may be charged a
nominal fee if you effect transactions in Fund shares through a securities
dealer, bank or other financial institution (collectively, "Service Agents").
Stock certificates are issued only upon your written request. No certificates
are issued for fractional shares. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
purchase order.
The minimum initial investment is $2,500, or $1,000 if you are a
client of a Service Agent which has made an aggregate minimum initial
purchase for its customers of $2,500. Subsequent investments must be at least
$100. However, the minimum initial investment for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh
Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and 403(b)(7) Plans with only one participant is $750,
with no minimum for subsequent purchases. Individuals who open an IRA also
may open a non-working spousal IRA with a minimum initial investment of $250.
Subsequent investments in a spousal IRA must be at least $250. The initial
investment must be accompanied by the Account Application. For full-time or
part-time employees of The Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or
subsidiaries, directors of The Dreyfus Corporation, Board members of a fund
advised by The Dreyfus Corporation, including members of the Company's Board,
or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing, the minimum initial
investment is $1,000. For full-time or part-time employees of The Dreyfus
Corporation or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries who elect to have a
portion of their pay directly deposited into their Fund account, the minimum
initial investment is $50. 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. Fund
shares also are offered without regard to the minimum initial investment
requirements through Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government
Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan pursuant to the
Dreyfus Step Program 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.
You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, or through the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege described below. Checks should be made payable to "The
Dreyfus Family of Funds," or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, to
"The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian" and should specify that you are
investing in the Fund. Payments to open new accounts which are mailed should
be sent to The Dreyfus
Page 8
Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9387, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9387, together
with your Account Application. For subsequent investments, your Fund account
number should appear on the check and an investment slip should be enclosed
and sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 105, Newark, New Jersey
07101-0105. For Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, both initial and subsequent
investments should be sent to The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O.
Box 6427, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6427. Neither initial nor subsequent
investments should be made by third party check. Purchase orders may be
delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial Center. THESE ORDERS WILL BE
FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For
the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial Center, please call one of the
telephone numbers listed under "General Information."
Wire payments may be made if your bank account is in a commercial
bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or any other bank having
a correspondent bank in New York City. Immediately available funds may be
transmitted by wire to The Bank of New York, DDA# 8900088168/Dreyfus Growth
and Value Funds, Inc./Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund, for purchase of Fund
shares in your name. The wire must include your Fund account number (for new
accounts, your Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") should be included
instead), account registration and dealer number, if applicable. If your
initial purchase of Fund shares is by wire, you should call 1-800-645-6561
after completing your wire payment to obtain your Fund account number. You
should include your Fund account number on the Account Application and
promptly mail the Account Application to the Fund, as no redemptions will be
permitted until the Account Application is received. You may obtain further
information about remitting funds in this manner from your bank. All payments
should be made in U.S. dollars and, to avoid fees and delays, should be drawn
only on U.S. banks. A charge will be imposed if any check used for investment
in your account does not clear. The Fund makes available to certain large
institutions the ability to issue purchase instructions through compatible
computer facilities.
Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic transfer of
funds from an account maintained in a bank or other domestic financial
institution that is an Automated Clearing House member. You must direct the
institution to transmit immediately available funds through the Automated
Clearing House to The Bank of New York with instructions to credit your Fund
account. The instructions must specify your Fund account registration and
Fund account number PRECEDED BY THE DIGITS "1111."
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis at the net asset value per
share next determined after an order in proper form is received by the
Transfer Agent or other agent. 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. For purposes of determining net asset value, options and
futures contracts will be valued 15 minutes after the close of trading on the
floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Net asset value per share is computed
by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets (i.e., the value of its assets
less liabilities) by the total number of Fund shares 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
Company's Board. For further information regarding the methods employed in
valuing the Fund's investments, see "Determination of Net Asset Value" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
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.
The Distributor may pay dealers a fee of up to .5% 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 mini-
Page 9
mum of 250 employees eligible for participation in such plans or programs or
(ii) such plan's or program's aggregate investment in the Dreyfus
Family of Funds or certain other products made available by the Distributor
to such plans or programs exceeds one million dollars ("Eligible Benefit
Plans"). All present holdings of shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds by Eligible Benefit Plans will be aggregated to determine the fee
payable with respect to each purchase of Fund shares. The Distributor
reserves the right to cease paying these fees at any time. The Distributor
will pay such fees from its own funds, other than amounts received from the
Fund, including past profits or any other source available to it.
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN upon
opening or reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" and
the Account Application for further information concerning this requirement.
Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the Fund could subject you to a $50
penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may purchase shares (minimum $500,
maximum $150,000 per day) 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.
The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER purchase of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
FUND EXCHANGES
You may purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares of
certain other funds managed or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation, to
the extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of residence. These
funds have different investment objectives which may be of interest to you.
Fund exchanges may be exercised twice during the calendar year as described
below. If you desire to use this service, you should consult your Service
Agent or call 1-800-645-6561 to determine if it is available and whether any
other conditions are imposed on its use.
To request an exchange, you must give exchange instructions to the
Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone. Before any exchange, you must
obtain and should review a copy of the current prospectus of the fund into
which the exchange is being made. Prospectuses may be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. Except in the case of personal retirement plans, the shares
being exchanged must have a current value of at least $500; furthermore, when
establishing a new account by exchange, the shares being exchanged must have
a value of at least the minimum initial investment required for the fund into
which the exchange is being made. The ability to issue exchange instructions
by telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless you
check the applicable "No" box on the Account Application, indicating that you
specifically refuse this Privilege. The Telephone Exchange Privilege may be
established for an existing account by written request, signed by all
shareholders on the account, or by a separate signed Shareholder Services
Form, also available by calling 1-800-645-6561. If you have established the
Telephone Exchange Privilege, you may telephone exchange instructions by
calling 1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-33
06. See "How to Redeem Shares_Procedures." Upon an exchange into a new
account, the following shareholder services and privileges, as applicable and
where available, will be automatically carried over to the fund into which
the exchange is made: Telephone Exchange Privilege, Wire Redemption
Privilege, Telephone Redemption Privilege, Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege and
the dividend/capital gain distribution option (except for Dreyfus Dividend
Sweep) selected by the investor.
Shares will be exchanged at the next determined net asset value;
however, a sales load may be
Page 10
charged with respect to exchanges into funds sold with a sales load. If you
are exchanging into a fund that charges a sales load, you may qualify for
share prices which do not include the sales load or which reflect a reduced
sales load, if the shares of the fund from which you are exchanging were:
(a) purchased with a sales load, (b) acquired by a previous exchange from
shares purchased with a sales load, or (c) acquired through reinvestment of
dividends or distributions paid with respect to the foregoing categories of
shares. To qualify, at the time of the exchange you must notify the Transfer
Agent or your Service Agent must notify the Distributor. Any such
qualification is subject to confirmation of your holdings through a check of
appropriate records. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of
Additional Information. No fees currently are charged shareholders directly
in connection with exchanges, although the Fund reserves the right, upon not
less than 60 days' written notice, to charge shareholders a nominal fee in
accordance with rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange request in whole or in
part. The availability of Fund Exchanges may be modified or terminated at any
time upon notice to shareholders.
With respect to any shareholder who has exchanged into and out of the
Fund (or the reverse) twice during the calendar year, further purchase orders
(including those pursuant to exchange instructions) relating to any shares of
the Fund will be rejected for the remainder of the calendar year. Management
believes that this policy will enable shareholders to change their investment
program, while protecting the Fund against disruptions in portfolio
management resulting from frequent transactions by those seeking to time
market fluctuations. Exchanges made through omnibus accounts for various
retirement plans are not subject to such limit on exchanges.
The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated
for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by
the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a
taxable gain or loss.
DREYFUS AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege enables you to invest regularly (on a
semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for shares of
the Fund, in shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of
which you are currently an investor. The amount you designate, which can be
expressed either in terms of a specific dollar or share amount ($100
minimum), will be exchanged automatically on the first and/or fifteenth day
of the month according to the schedule you have selected. Shares will be
exchanged at the then-current net asset value; however, a sales load may be
charged with respect to exchanges into funds sold with a sales load. See
"Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. The right
to exercise this Privilege may be modified or canceled by the Fund or the
Transfer Agent. You may modify or cancel your exercise of this Privilege at
any time by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. The Fund may charge a service
fee for the use of this Privilege. No such fee currently is contemplated. The
exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated for Federal
income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by the
shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a taxable
gain or loss. For more information concerning this Privilege and the funds in
the Dreyfus Family of Funds eligible to participate in this Privilege, or to
obtain a Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Authorization Form, please call toll free
1-800-645-6561.
DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDERRegistration Mark
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. At your option, the account
designated by you will be debited in the specified amount, and Fund shares
will be purchased, once a month, on either the first or fifteenth day, or
twice a month, on both days. Only an account maintained at a domestic
financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be so
designated. To estab-
Page 11
lish a Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder account, you must file an
authorization form with the Transfer Agent. You may obtain the necessary
authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel your
participation in this Privilege or change the amount of purchase at any time
by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan
accounts, to The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-6427, and the notification will be effective three
business days following receipt. The Fund may modify or terminate this
Privilege at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
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 Federal government automatically deposited into your
Fund account. You may deposit as much of such payments as you elect. To
enroll in Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit, you must file with the Transfer
Agent a completed Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form for each type of payment that
you desire to include in this Privilege. The appropriate form may be obtained
by calling 1-800-645-6561. Death or legal incapacity will terminate your
participation in this Privilege. You may elect at any time to terminate your
participation by notifying in writing the appropriate Federal agency. The
Fund may terminate your participation upon 30 days' notice to you.
DREYFUS PAYROLL SAVINGS PLAN
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan permits you to purchase Fund shares
(minimum of $100 per transaction) automatically on a regular basis. Depending
upon your employer's direct deposit program, you may have part or all of your
paycheck transferred to your existing Dreyfus account electronically through
the Automated Clearing House system at each pay period. To establish a
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan account, you must file an authorization form
with your employer's payroll department. Your employer must complete the
reverse side of the form and return it to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. You may obtain the necessary
authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may change the amount of
purchase or cancel the authorization only by written notification to your
employer. It is the sole responsibility of your employer, not the
Distributor, The Dreyfus Corporation, the Fund, the Transfer Agent or any
other person, to arrange for transactions under the Dreyfus Payroll Savings
Plan. The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
DREYFUS STEP PROGRAM
Dreyfus Step Program enables a shareholder to purchase Fund shares
without regard to the Fund's minimum initial investment requirements through
Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege
or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan. To establish a Dreyfus Step Program account,
a shareholder must supply the necessary information on the Account
Application and file the required authorization form(s) with the Transfer
Agent. For more information concerning this Program, or to request the
necessary authorization form(s), please call toll free 1-800-782-6620. A
shareholder may terminate participation in this Program at any time by
discontinuing participation in Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus
Government Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan, as the
case may be, as provided under the terms of such Privilege(s). The Fund may
modify or terminate this Program at any time. Investors who wish to purchase
Fund shares through the Dreyfus Step Program in conjunction with a
Dreyfus-sponsored retirement plan may do so only for IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA
"Rollover Accounts."
Page 12
DREYFUS DIVIDEND OPTIONS
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep enables you to invest automatically dividends
or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, paid by the Fund in
shares of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a
shareholder. Shares of the other fund will be purchased at the then-current
net asset value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to
investments in shares of a fund sold with a sales load. If you are investing
in a fund that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share prices which
do not include the sales load or which reflect a reduced sales load. If you
are investing in a fund that charges a contingent deferred sales charge, the
shares purchased will be subject on redemption to the contingent deferred
sales charge, if any, applicable to the purchased shares. See "Shareholder
Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. 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.
For more information concerning these privileges or to request a
Dividend Options Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel
these privileges by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of
Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. To select a new
fund after cancellation, you must submit a new Dividend Options Form.
Enrollment in or cancellation of these privileges is effective three business
days following receipt. These privileges are available only for existing
accounts and may not be used to open new accounts. Minimum subsequent
investments do not apply for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep. The Fund may modify or
terminate these privileges at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee
currently is contemplated. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans are not eligible for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to request withdrawal of a
specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly
basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account. An application for the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. There is a service
charge of 50cents for each withdrawal check. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan
may be ended at any time by you, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for
which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund offers a variety of pension and profit-sharing plans,
including Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," 401(k)
Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services also are
available. You can obtain details on the various plans by calling the
following numbers toll free: for Keogh Plans, please call 1-800-358-5566;
for IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," please call 1-800-645-6561; for
SEP-IRAs, 401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans, please call
1-800-322-7880.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
GENERAL
You may request redemption of your shares at any time. Redemption
requests should be transmitted to the Transfer Agent as described below. When
a request is received in proper form, the Fund will redeem the shares at the
next determined net asset value.
The Fund imposes no charges when shares are redeemed. Service Agents
may charge their clients a nominal fee for effecting redemptions of Fund
shares. Any certificates representing Fund shares being redeemed must be
submitted with the redemption request. The value of the shares redeemed may
be more or less than their original cost, depending upon the Fund's
then-current net asset value.
Page 13
The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed within
seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in
proper form, except as provided by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED FUND SHARES BY CHECK, BY DREYFUS
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE OR THROUGH DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER AND
SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMIT A WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUEST TO THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE
REDEMPTION PROCEEDS WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON BANK CLEARANCE
OF YOUR PURCHASE CHECK, DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDER ORDER, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS OR MORE. IN
ADDITION, THE FUND WILL REJECT REQUESTS TO REDEEM SHARES BY WIRE OR TELEPHONE
OR PURSUANT TO THE DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHT
BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OF THE PURCHASE CHECK, THE
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR THE DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER ORDER
AGAINST WHICH SUCH REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED. THESE PROCEDURES WILL NOT APPLY
IF YOUR SHARES WERE PURCHASED BY WIRE PAYMENT, OR IF YOU OTHERWISE HAVE A
SUFFICIENT COLLECTED BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO COVER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST.
PRIOR TO THE TIME ANY REDEMPTION IS EFFECTIVE, DIVIDENDS ON SUCH SHARES WILL
ACCRUE AND BE PAYABLE, AND YOU WILL BE ENTITLED TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS
OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. Fund shares will not be redeemed until the Transfer
Agent has received your Account Application.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at its option upon
not less than 45 days' written notice if your account's net asset value is
$500 or less and remains so during the notice period.
PROCEDURES
You may redeem shares by using the regular redemption procedure
through the Transfer Agent, or, 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, through the Wire
Redemption Privilege, the Telephone Redemption Privilege or the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege. Other redemption procedures may be in effect for
clients of certain Service Agents. The Fund makes available to certain large
institutions the ability to issue redemption instructions through compatible
computer facilities. The Fund reserves the right to refuse any request made
by wire or telephone, including requests made shortly after a change of
address, and may limit the amount involved or the number of such requests.
The Fund may modify or terminate any redemption Privilege at any time or
charge a service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
You may redeem shares by telephone if you have checked the
appropriate box on the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder
Services Form with the Transfer Agent. If you select a telephone redemption
privilege or telephone exchange privilege (which is granted automatically
unless you refuse it), you authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephone
instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be you, and
reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Fund will require
the Transfer Agent to employ reasonable procedures, such as requiring a form
of personal identification, to confirm that instructions are genuine and, if
it does not follow such procedures, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be
liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Neither
the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for following telephone
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you may
experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone to
request a redemption or exchange of Fund shares. In such cases, you should
consider using the other redemption procedures described herein. Use of these
other redemption procedures may result in your redemption request being
processed at a later time than it would have been if telephone redemption had
been used. During the delay, the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
REGULAR REDEMPTION _ Under the regular redemption procedure, you may redeem
shares by written request mailed to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671.
Page 14
Redemption requests may be delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial
Center. THESE REQUESTS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED
ONLY UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial
Center, please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General
Information." Redemption requests must be signed by each shareholder,
including each owner of a joint account, and each signature must be
guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted standards and procedures pursuant
to which signature-guarantees in proper form generally will be accepted from
domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities
exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings
associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange
Medallion Signature Program, the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program
("STAMP") and the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program. If you have any
questions with respect to signature-guarantees, please call one of the
telephone numbers listed under "General Information."
Redemption proceeds of at least $1,000 will be wired to any member
bank of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with a written
signature-guaranteed request.
WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by wire or telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $1,000) be wired to your account at a bank which
is a member of the Federal Reserve System, or a correspondent bank if your
bank is not a member. You also may direct that redemption proceeds be paid by
check (maximum $150,000 per day) made out to the owners of record and mailed
to your address. Redemption proceeds of less than $1,000 will be paid
automatically by check. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank accounts
may have redemption proceeds of not more than $250,000 wired within any
30-day period. You may telephone redemption requests by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. The
Statement of Additional Information sets forth instructions for transmitting
redemption requests by wire. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans, and shares for which certificates have been issued, are not
eligible for this Privilege.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that redemption
proceeds (maximum $150,000 per day) be paid by check and mailed to your
address. You may telephone redemption instructions by calling 1-800-221-4060
or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. Shares held under
Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares for which
certificates have been issued, are not eligible for this Privilege.
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that redemption
proceeds (minimum $500 per day) 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 so designated.
Redemption proceeds will be on deposit in your account at an Automated
Clearing House member bank ordinarily two days after receipt of the
redemption request or, at your request, paid by check (maximum $150,000 per
day) and mailed to your address. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank
accounts may redeem through the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege for transfer
to their bank account not more than $250,000 within any 30-day period.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER redemption of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares
issued in certificate form, are not eligible for this Privilege.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan, pursuant to which
it pays the Distributor for the provision of certain services to Fund
shareholders a fee at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the Fund's
average daily net assets. The services provided may include personal services
relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries
regarding the Fund and providing reports and other information, and services
related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor
Page 15
may make payments to Service Agents in respect of these services. The
Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
Fund is treated as a separate corporation for purposes of qualification and
taxation as a regulated investment company. The Fund ordinarily pays
dividends from its net investment income and distributes net realized
securities gains, if any, once a year, but it may make distributions on a
more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code,
in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act. The
Fund will not make distributions from net realized securities gains unless
capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have expired. You may
choose whether to receive dividends and distributions in cash or to reinvest
in additional shares at net asset value. All expenses are accrued daily and
deducted before declaration of dividends to investors.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders
as ordinary income whether received in cash or reinvested in additional
shares. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains of the
Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders as long-term capital gains for Feder
al income tax purposes, regardless of how long shareholders have held their
Fund shares and whether such distributions are received in cash or reinvested
in Fund shares. The Code provides that the net capital gain of an individual
generally will not be subject to Federal income tax at a rate in excess of
28%. Dividends and distributions may be subject to state and local taxes.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund to a foreign investor generally are
subject to U.S. nonresident withholding taxes at the rate of 30%, unless the
foreign investor claims the benefit of a lower rate specified in a tax
treaty. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains paid by
the Fund to a foreign investor as well as the proceeds of any redemptions
from a foreign investor's account, regardless of the extent to which gain or
loss may be realized, generally will not be subject to U.S. nonresident
withholding tax. However, such distributions may be subject to backup
withholding, as described below, unless the foreign investor certifies his
non-U.S. residency status.
Notice as to the tax status of your dividends and distributions will
be mailed to you annually. You also will receive periodic summaries of your
account which will include information as to dividends and distributions from
securities gains, if any, paid during the year.
Federal regulations generally require the Fund to withhold ("backup
withholding") and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, distributions
from net realized securities gains and the proceeds of any redemption,
regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized, paid to a
shareholder if such shareholder fails to certify either that the TIN
furnished in connection with opening an account is correct or that such
shareholder has not received notice from the IRS of being subject to backup
withholding as a result of a failure to properly report taxable dividend or
interest income on a Federal income tax return. Furthermore, the IRS may
notify the Fund to institute backup withholding if the IRS determines a
shareholder's TIN is incorrect or if a shareholder has failed to properly
report taxable dividend and interest income on a Federal income tax return.
A TIN is either the Social Security number or employer identification
number of the record owner of the account. Any tax withheld as a result of
backup withholding does not constitute an additional tax imposed on the
record owner of the account, and may be claimed as a credit on the record
owner's Federal income tax return.
Page 16
Management of the Company believes that the Fund qualified for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1994 as a "regulated investment company" under
the Code. The Fund intends to continue to so qualify if such qualification is
in the best interests of its shareholders. Such qualification relieves the
Fund of any liability for Federal income tax to the extent its earnings are
distributed in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code. The Fund is
subject to a non-deductible 4% excise tax, measured with respect to certain
undistributed amounts of taxable investment income and capital gains.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding specific questions as
to Federal, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance may be calculated on the
basis of average annual total return and/or total return.
Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a standardized
formula which assumes that an investment was purchased with an initial
payment of $1,000 and that the investment was redeemed at the end of a stated
period of time, after giving effect to the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions during the period. The return is expressed as a percentage rate
which, if applied on a compounded annual basis, would result in the
redeemable value of the investment at the end of the period. Advertisements
of the Fund's performance will include the Fund's average annual total return
for one, five and ten year periods, or for shorter periods depending upon the
length of time during which the Fund has operated.
Total return is computed on a per share basis and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return generally is
expressed as a percentage rate which is calculated by combining the income
and principal changes for a specified period and dividing by the net asset
value per share at the beginning of the period. Advertisements may include
the percentage rate of total return or may include the value of a
hypothetical investment at the end of the period which assumes the
application of the percentage rate of total return.
Performance will vary from time to time and past results are not
necessarily representative of future results. You should remember that
performance is a function of portfolio management in selecting the type and
quality of portfolio securities and is affected by operating expenses.
Performance information, such as that described above, may not provide a
basis for comparison with other investments or other investment companies
using a different method of calculating performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, Wilshire 5000
Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Money Magazine, Morningstar, Inc.
and other industry publications.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Company was incorporated under Maryland law on November 16, 1993,
and commenced operations on December 29, 1993. Before September 29, 1995, the
Company's name was Dreyfus Focus Funds Inc. The Company is authorized to
issue one billion shares of Common Stock (with 100 million allocated to the
Fund), par value $.001 per share. Each share has one vote.
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,
Fund shareholders may not consider each year the election of Board members or
the appointment of auditors. However, pursuant to the Company's By-Laws, the
holders of at least 10% of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote may
require the Company to hold a special meeting of shareholders for purposes of
removing a Board member from office or for any other purpose. Shareholders
may remove a Board member by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
Company'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.
Page 17
The Company is a "series fund," which is a mutual fund divided into
separate portfolios, each of which is treated as a separate entity for
certain matters under the 1940 Act and for other purposes. A shareholder of
one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. For
certain matters shareholders vote together as a group; as to others they vote
separately by portfolio. By this Prospectus, shares of the Fund are being
offered. Other portfolios are sold pursuant to other offering documents.
To date, the Board has authorized the creation of ten series of
shares. All consideration received by the Company for shares of one of the
series and all assets in which such consideration is invested will belong to
that series (subject only to the rights of creditors of the Company) and will
be subject to the liabilities related thereto. The income attributable to,
and the expenses of, one series are treated separately from those of the
other series. The Company has the ability to create, from time to time, new
series without shareholder approval.
The Transfer Agent maintains a record of your ownership and sends you
confirmations and statements of account.
Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Fund at 144 Glenn
Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or by calling toll free
1-800-645-6561. In New York City, call 1-718-895-1206; outside the U.S. and
Canada, call 516-794-5452.
Page 18
APPENDIX
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ Foreign currency transactions may be entered
into 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; or to hedge the U.S. dollar value of securities the Fund already
owns, particularly 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.
SHORT-SELLING _ In these transactions, the Fund sells a security it does not
own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security. To
complete the transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery
to the buyer. The Fund is obligated to replace the security borrowed by
purchasing it subsequently at the market price at the time of replacement.
The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the
security was sold by the Fund. The Fund will incur a loss if the price of the
security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which
the Fund replaces the borrowed security; it will realize a gain if the
security declines in price between those dates.
Securities will not be sold short if, after effect is given to any
such short sale, the total market value of all securities sold short would
exceed 25% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Fund may not sell short
the securities of any single issuer listed on a national securities exchange
to the extent of more than 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Fund
may not sell short the securities of any class of an issuer if, as a result
of such sale, the Fund would have sold short in the aggregate more than 5% of
the outstanding securities of that class.
The Fund also may make short sales "against the box," in which the
Fund enters into a short sale of a security it owns in order to hedge an
unrealized gain on the security. At no time will more than 15% of the value
of the Fund's net assets be in deposits on short sales against the box.
LEVERAGE _ Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any
increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund's portfolio. Money
borrowed for leveraging will be limited to 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund's
total assets. These borrowings will be subject to interest costs which may or
may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased; in certain
cases, interest costs may exceed the return received on the securities
purchased.
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with banks,
brokers or dealers. This form of borrowing involves the transfer by the Fund
of an underlying debt instrument in return for cash proceeds based on a
percentage of the value of the security. The Fund retains the right to
receive interest and principal payments on the security. At an agreed upon
future date, the Fund repurchases the security at principal plus accrued
interest. Except for these transactions, the Fund's borrowings generally will
be unsecured.
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ Although the Fund will not be a commodity pool,
Derivatives subject the Fund to the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission which limit the extent to which the Fund can invest in certain
Derivatives. The Fund may invest in futures contracts and options with
respect thereto for hedging purposes without limit. However, the Fund may not
invest in such contracts and options for other purposes if the sum of the
amount of initial margin deposits and premiums paid for unexpired options
with respect to such contracts, other than for bona fide hedging pur-
Page 19
poses, exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's assets, after taking
into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on such contracts and
options; provided, however, that in the case of an option that is
in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded
in calculating the 5% limitation.
The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets, represented by the
premium paid, in the purchase of call and put options. The Fund may write
(i.e., sell) covered call and put option contracts to the extent of 20% of
the value of its net assets at the time such option contracts are written.
When required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund will set
aside permissible liquid assets in a segregated account to cover its
obligations relating to its purchase of Derivatives. To maintain this
required cover, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at
disadvantageous prices or times since it may not be possible to liquidate a
Derivative position at a reasonable price.
Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than
their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in Derivatives
could have a large potential impact on the Fund's performance.
If the Fund invests in Derivatives at inappropriate times or judges
market conditions incorrectly, such investments may lower the Fund's return
or result in a loss. The Fund also could experience losses if its Derivatives
were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if the Fund were unable
to liquidate its position because of an illiquid secondary market. The market
for many Derivatives is, or suddenly can become, illiquid. Changes in
liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the
prices for Derivatives.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES _ The Fund may lend securities from its
portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to
borrow securities to complete certain transactions. In connection with such
loans, the Fund continues to be entitled to payments in amounts equal to the
interest, dividends or other distributions payable on the loaned securities.
Loans of portfolio securities afford the Fund an opportunity to earn interest
on the amount of the loan and at the same time to earn income on the loaned
securities' collateral. Loans of portfolio securities may not exceed 33-1/3%
of the value of the Fund's total assets. In connection with such loans, the
Fund will receive collateral consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities
or irrevocable letters of credit which will be maintained at all times in an
amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned
securities. Such loans are terminable by the Fund at any time upon specified
notice. The Fund might experience risk of loss if the institution with which
it has engaged in a portfolio loan transaction breaches its agreement with
the Fund.
CERTAIN PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES _ Convertible securities are fixed-income securities
that 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 prefer
red 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.
AMERICAN, EUROPEAN AND CONTINENTAL DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS _ The Fund may invest
in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"). These securities
may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities
into which they may be converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a
United States bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs, which are sometimes
referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts ("CDRs"), are receipts issued
in Europe typically by non-United States banks and trust companies that
evidence ownership of either foreign or domestic securities. Generally, ADRs
in registered form are designed for use in the United States securities
markets and EDRs and CDRs in bearer form are designed for use in Europe.
Page 20
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.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS _ The Fund may invest, in the circumstances
described under "Description of the Fund_Management Policies," in the
following types of money market instruments.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury
securities that differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of
issuance. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies
and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury; others, by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury;
others, by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain
obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others, only by the credit
of the agency or instrumentality. These securities bear fixed, floating or
variable rates of interest. While the U.S. Government provides financial
support to such U.S. Government-sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, no
assurance can be given that it will always do so since it is not so obligated
by law.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys, and
the seller agrees to repurchase, a security at a mutually agreed upon time
and price (usually within seven days). The repurchase agreement thereby
determines the yield during the purchaser's holding period, while the
seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the value of the underlying
security. Repurchase agreements could involve risks in the event of a default
or insolvency of the other party to the agreement, including possible delays
or restrictions upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying
securities. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with certain banks
or non-bank dealers.
BANK OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may purchase certificates of deposit, time
deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations issued by
domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks,
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan
associations and other banking institutions. With respect to such securities
issued by foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, and
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, the Fund may be subject to
additional investment risks that are different in some respects from those
incurred by a fund which invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic
issuers.
Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates evidencing the
obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period
of time.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking
institution for a specified period of time (in no event longer than seven
days) at a stated interest rate.
Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation
of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect
the obligation both of the bank and the drawer to pay the face amount of the
instrument upon maturity. The other short-term obligations may include
uninsured, direct obligations bearing fixed, floating or variable interest
rates.
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper consists of short-term, unsecured
promissory notes issued to finance short-term credit needs. The commercial
paper purchased by the Fund will consist only of direct obligations which, at
the time of their purchase, are (a) rated not lower than Prime-1 by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), A-1 by Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P"), F-1 by Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") or Duff-1 by Duff &
Phelps Credit Rating Co. ("Duff"), (b) issued by companies having an
outstanding unsecured debt issue currently rated at least Aa3 by Moody's or
AA- by S&P, Fitch or Duff, or (c) if unrated, determined by The Dreyfus
Corporation to be of comparable quality to those rated obligations which may
be purchased by the Fund.
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
Page 21
investment objective. Such 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.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE
FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OF THE FUND'S
SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM,
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
Page 22
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Page 23
DREYFUS
Small Company
Value Fund
Prospectus
(LION LOGO)
Copy Rights 1995 Dreyfus Service Corporation
253p1100195
Registration Mark
FOR USE BY BANKS ONLY
October 15, 1995
DREYFUS INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND
Supplement to Prospectus Dated October 1, 1995
All mutual fund shares involve certain investment risks, including
the possible loss of principal.
254/s101595BNK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS OCTOBER 1, 1995
DREYFUS INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
DREYFUS INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND (THE "FUND") IS A SEPARATE
DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO OF DREYFUS GROWTH AND VALUE FUNDS, INC., AN OPEN-END,
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY (THE "COMPANY"), KNOWN AS A MUTUAL FUND. THE
FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS LONG-TERM CAPITAL GROWTH. IT WILL SEEK TO
ACHIEVE THIS INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING PRINCIPALLY IN A PORTFOLIO OF
PUBLICLY-TRADED EQUITY SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS WHICH WOULD BE
CHARACTERIZED AS "VALUE" COMPANIES ACCORDING TO CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE
FUND'S INVESTMENT ADVISERS.
YOU CAN INVEST, REINVEST OR REDEEM SHARES AT ANY TIME WITHOUT CHARGE
OR PENALTY. YOU CAN PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES BY TELEPHONE USING DREYFUS TELET
RANSFER.
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION WILL SERVE AS THE FUND'S INVESTMENT ADVISER.
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION HAS ENGAGED ITS AFFILIATE, THE BOSTON COMPANY ASSET
MANAGEMENT, INC. ("TBC ASSET MANAGEMENT"), TO SERVE AS THE FUND'S
SUB-INVESTMENT ADVISER AND PROVIDE DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND'S
INVESTMENTS. THE DREYFUS CORPORATION AND TBC ASSET MANAGEMENT ARE REFERRED TO
COLLECTIVELY AS THE "ADVISERS."
THIS PROSPECTUS SETS FORTH CONCISELY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND THAT
YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INVESTING. IT SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED OCTOBER 1, 1995, WHICH
MAY BE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME, PROVIDES A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
AREAS IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST TO SOME
INVESTORS. IT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. FOR A FREE COPY, WRITE TO THE FUND AT
144 GLENN CURTISS BOULEVARD, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK 11556-0144, OR CALL
1-800-645-6561. WHEN TELEPHONING, ASK FOR OPERATOR 144.
MUTUAL FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
THE NET ASSET VALUE OF FUNDS OF THIS TYPE WILL FLUCTUATE FROM TIME TO TIME.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Page Page
Annual Fund Operating Expenses....... 3 Shareholder Services Plan...... 14
Description of the Fund.............. 3 Dividends, Distributions and Taxes 14
Management of the Fund............... 5 Performance Information........ 15
How to Buy Shares.................... 6 General Information............ 16
Shareholder Services................. 8 Appendix....................... 17
How to Redeem Shares ................ 12
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
[This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
Page 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
<S> <C>
Management Fees..................................................... 1.00%
Other Expenses...................................................... .50%
Total Fund Operating Expenses....................................... 1.50%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
EXAMPLE:
You would pay the following
expenses on a $1,000
investment, assuming (1) 5% 1 YEAR 3 YEARS
annual return and (2) redemption
at the end of each time period: $15 $47
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AMOUNTS LISTED IN THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS
THAN THOSE INDICATED. MOREOVER, WHILE THE EXAMPLE ASSUMES A 5% ANNUAL RETURN,
THE FUND'S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE WILL VARY AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACTUAL RETURN
GREATER OR LESS THAN 5%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist you in understanding
the costs and expenses borne by the Fund, the payment of which will reduce
investors' annual return. Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for
the current fiscal year. The information in the foregoing table does not
reflect any fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements that may be in
effect. You can purchase Fund shares without charge directly from the Fund's
distributor; you may be charged a nominal fee if you effect transactions in
Fund shares through a securities dealer, bank or other financial institution.
For a further description of the various costs and expenses incurred in the
operation of the Fund, as well as expense reimbursement or waiver
arrangements, see "Management of the Fund," "How to Buy Shares" and
"Shareholder Services Plan."
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's investment objective is long-term capital growth. It
cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")) of the
Fund's outstanding voting shares. There can be no assurance that the Fund's
investment objective will be achieved.
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The Fund anticipates that at least 65% of the value of its total
assets (except when maintaining a temporary defensive position) will be
invested in equity securities principally of foreign issuers which would be
characterized as "value" companies according to criteria established by the
Advisers. Under normal market conditions, the Fund expects that substantially
all of its assets will be invested in securities of foreign issuers. While
there are no prescribed limits on geographic asset distribution outside the
United States, the Fund ordinarily will seek to invest its assets in not less
than three foreign countries. The Fund's securities selections generally will
be made without regard to an issuer's market capitalization. Equity
securities consist of common stocks, convertible securities and preferred
stocks.
To manage the Fund, the Advisers classify issuers as "growth" or
"value" companies. In general, the Advisers believe that companies with
relatively low price to book ratios, low price to earnings ratios or higher
than average dividend payments in relation to price should be classified as
value companies. Alternatively, companies which have above average earnings
or sales growth and retention of earnings and command higher price to
earnings ratios fit the more classic growth description.
The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in debt securities issued
by foreign governments and securities issued by closed-end investment
companies. While seeking desirable investments, the Fund
Page 3
may invest in money market instruments consisting of U.S. Government
securities, certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances,
short-term investment grade corporate bonds and other short-term debt
instruments, and repurchase agreements, as set forth under "Appendix _
Certain Portfolio Securities _ Money Market Instruments." Under normal
market conditions, the Fund does not expect to have a substantial portion of
its assets invested in money market instruments. However, when the Advisers
determine that adverse market conditions exist, the Fund may adopt a
temporary defensive posture and invest all of its assets in money market
instruments.
The Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate is not expected to exceed
150%. Higher portfolio turnover rates usually generate additional brokerage
commissions and expenses and the short-term gains realized from these
transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, the
Fund currently intends, to a limited extent, to engage in options and futures
transactions. See also "Investment Considerations and Risks" below and
"Investment Objective and Management Policies _ Management Policies" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS
GENERAL _ The Fund's net asset value per share should be expected to
fluctuate. Investors should consider the Fund as a supplement to an overall
investment program and should invest only if they are willing to undertake
the risks involved. See "Investment Objective and Management Policies _
Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information for a further
discussion of certain risks.
EQUITY SECURITIES _ Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on
factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such
fluctuations can be pronounced. Changes in the value of the Fund's
investments will result in changes in the value of its shares and thus the
Fund's total return to investors.
The securities of the smaller companies in which the Fund may invest
may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger,
more-established companies, because these securities typically are traded in
lower volume and the issuers typically are subject to a greater degree to
changes in earnings and prospects.
FOREIGN SECURITIES _ Foreign securities markets generally are not as
developed or efficient as those in the United States. Securities of some
foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable U.S. issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign
securities markets are less than in the United States and, at times,
volatility of price can be greater than in the United States.
Because evidences of ownership of such securities usually are held
outside the United States, the Fund will be subject to additional risks which
include possible adverse political and economic developments, possible
seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits and possible adoption of
governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of
principal and interest on the foreign securities or might restrict the
payment of principal and interest to investors located outside the country of
the issuer, whether from currency blockage or otherwise.
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.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ 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. See "Appendix _ Investment
Techniques _ Foreign Currency Transactions."
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in
derivatives ("Derivatives"). These are financial instruments, which derive
their performance, at least in part, from the performance of an
Page 4
underlying asset, index or interest rate. The Derivatives the Fund may use
include options and futures. While Derivatives can be used effectively in
furtherance of the Fund's investment objective, under certain market
conditions, they can increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value,
can decrease the liquidity of the Fund's investments and make more difficult
the accurate pricing of the Fund's portfolio. See "Appendix _ Investment
Techniques _ Use of Derivatives" below and "Investment Objective and
Management Policies _ Management Policies _ Derivatives" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
SIMULTANEOUS INVESTMENTS _ Investment decisions for the Fund are made
independently from those of the other investment companies or accounts
advised by the Advisers. If, however, such other investment companies or
accounts 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. In some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the size of the
position obtained for or disposed of by the Fund or the price paid or
received by the Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER _ The Dreyfus Corporation, located at 200 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10166, was formed in 1947 and serves as the Fund's
investment adviser. The Dreyfus Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank
Corporation ("Mellon"). As of September 1, 1995, The Dreyfus Corporation
managed or administered approximately $80 billion in assets for more than 1.8
million investor accounts nationwide.
The Dreyfus Corporation supervises and assists in the overall
management of the Fund's affairs under a Management Agreement with the
Company, subject to the authority of the Company's Board in accordance with
Maryland law.
The Dreyfus Corporation has engaged TBC Asset Management, located at
One Boston Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, to serve as the Fund's
sub-investment adviser. TBC Asset Management, a registered investment adviser
formed in 1970, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon and, thus,
an affiliate of The Dreyfus Corporation. As of July 31, 1995, TBC Asset
Management managed approximately $10.7 billion in assets and serves as the
investment adviser of four other investment companies.
TBC Asset Management, subject to the supervision and approval of The
Dreyfus Corporation, provides investment advisory assistance and the
day-to-day management of the Fund's investments, as well as investment
research and statistical information, under a Sub-Investment Advisory
Agreement with The Dreyfus Corporation, subject to the overall authority of
the Company's Board in accordance with Maryland law. The Fund's primary
portfolio manager is Sander Cseh. He has been employed by TBC Asset
Management or its predecessor since October 1994. Prior to joining TBC Asset
Management, Mr. Cseh was President of Cseh International & Associates Inc.,
the international money management division of Cashman, Farrell & Associates,
and was a securities analyst with several banks. The Fund's other portfolio
managers are identified in the Statement of Additional Information.
Mellon is a publicly owned multibank holding company incorporated
under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the Federal Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon provides a comprehensive range of
financial products and services in domestic and selected international
markets. Mellon is among the twenty-five largest bank holding companies in
the United States based on total assets. Mellon's principal wholly-owned
subsidiaries are Mellon Bank, N.A., Mellon Bank (DE) National Association,
Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston Company, Inc., AFCO Credit Corporation and a
number of companies known as Mellon Financial Services Corporations. Through
its subsidiaries, including The Dreyfus Corporation, Mellon managed more than
$203 billion in assets as of June 30, 1995, including approximately $73
billion in mutual fund assets. As of June 30, 1995, Mellon, through various
subsidiaries, provided non-investment services, such as custodial or
administration services, for more than $707 billion in assets, including
approximately $71 billion in mutual fund assets.
Page 5
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund has agreed to
pay The Dreyfus Corporation a monthly fee at the annual rate of 1.00% of the
value of the Fund's average daily net assets. The management fee is higher
than that paid by most other investment companies. Under the Sub-Investment
Advisory Agreement, The Dreyfus Corporation has agreed to pay TBC Asset
Management a monthly fee at the annual rate of .50 of 1% of the value of the
Fund's average daily net assets.
From time to time, The Dreyfus Corporation may waive receipt of its
fees and/or voluntarily assume certain expenses of the Fund, which would have
the effect of lowering the expense ratio of the Fund and increasing yield to
investors. The Fund will not pay The Dreyfus Corporation at a later time for
any amounts it may waive, nor will the Fund reimburse The Dreyfus Corporation
for any amounts it may assume.
EXPENSES _ All expenses incurred in the operation of the Company are borne
by the Company, except to the extent specifically assumed by The Dreyfus
Corporation. The expenses to be borne by the Company include: organizational
costs, taxes, interest, loan commitment fees, interest and distributions paid
on securities sold short, 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 the Advisers 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 the Company's existence, costs
attributable to investor services (including, without limitation, telephone
and personnel expenses), costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and
statements of additional information for regulatory purposes and for
distribution to existing shareholders, costs of shareholders' reports and
meetings, and any extraordinary expenses. Expenses attributable to the Fund
are charged against the assets of the Fund; other expenses of the Company are
allocated among the Company's portfolios on the basis determined by the
Board, including, but not limited to, proportionately in relation to the net
assets of each portfolio.
The Dreyfus Corporation may pay the Fund's distributor for
shareholder services from The Dreyfus Corporation's own assets, including
past profits but not including the management fee paid by the Fund. The
Fund's distributor may use part or all of such payments to pay Service Agents
(as defined below) in respect of these services.
DISTRIBUTOR _ The Fund's distributor is Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109. The Distributor's ultimate parent is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT _ The Bank of New York,
90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286, is the Fund's Custodian. The
Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corporation,
P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's Transfer
and Dividend Disbursing Agent (the "Transfer Agent").
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Fund shares are sold without a sales charge. You may be charged a
nominal fee if you effect transactions in Fund shares through a securities
dealer, bank or other financial institution (collectively, "Service Agents").
Stock certificates are issued only upon your written request. No certificates
are issued for fractional shares. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
purchase order.
The minimum initial investment is $2,500, or $1,000 if you are a
client of a Service Agent which has made an aggregate minimum initial
purchase for its customers of $2,500. Subsequent investments must be at least
$100. However, the minimum initial investment for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh
Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and 403(b)(7) Plans with only one participant is $750,
with no minimum for subsequent purchases. Individuals who open an IRA also
may open a non-working spousal IRA with a minimum initial investment of $250.
Subsequent investments in a spousal IRA must be at least $250. The
Page 6
initial investment must be accompanied by the Account Application. For
full-time or part-time employees of The Dreyfus Corporation or any of its
affiliates or subsidiaries, directors of The Dreyfus Corporation, Board
members of a fund advised by The Dreyfus Corporation, including members of
the Company's Board, or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing,
the minimum initial investment is $1,000. For full-time or part-time
employees of The Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries
who elect to have a portion of their pay directly deposited into their Fund
account, the minimum initial investment is $50. 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. Fund shares also are offered without regard
to the minimum initial investment requirements through Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC
Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll
Savings Plan pursuant to the Dreyfus Step Program 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.
You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, or through the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege described below. Checks should be made payable to "The
Dreyfus Family of Funds," or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, to
"The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian" and should specify that you are
investing in the Fund. Payments to open new accounts which are mailed should
be sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9387, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-9387, together with your Account Application. For subsequent
investments, your Fund account number should appear on the check and an invest
ment slip should be enclosed and sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 105, Newark, New Jersey 07101-0105. For Dreyfus retirement plan accounts,
both initial and subsequent investments should be sent to The Dreyfus Trust
Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6427.
Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be made by third party
check. Purchase orders may be delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial
Center. THESE ORDERS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY
UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial
Center, please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General
Information."
Wire payments may be made if your bank account is in a commercial
bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or any other bank having
a correspondent bank in New York City. Immediately available funds may be
transmitted by wire to The Bank of New York, DDA# 8900279605/Dreyfus Growth
and Value Funds, Inc./Dreyfus International Value Fund, for purchase of Fund
shares in your name. The wire must include your Fund account number (for new
accounts, your Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") should be included
instead), account registration and dealer number, if applicable. If your
initial purchase of Fund shares is by wire, you should call 1-800-645-6561
after completing your wire payment to obtain your Fund account number. You
should include your Fund account number on the Account Application and
promptly mail the Account Application to the Fund, as no redemptions will be
permitted until the Account Application is received. You may obtain further
information about remitting funds in this manner from your bank. All payments
should be made in U.S. dollars and, to avoid fees and delays, should be drawn
only on U.S. banks. A charge will be imposed if any check used for investment
in your account does not clear. The Fund makes available to certain large
institutions the ability to issue purchase instructions through compatible
computer facilities.
Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic transfer of
funds from an account maintained in a bank or other domestic financial
institution that is an Automated Clearing House member. You must direct the
institution to transmit immediately available funds through the Automated
Clearing
Page 7
House to The Bank of New York with instructions to credit your Fund
account. The instructions must specify your Fund account registration and
Fund account number PRECEDED BY THE DIGITS "1111."
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis at the net asset value per
share next determined after an order in proper form is received by the
Transfer Agent or other agent. 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 is computed by dividing the value of
the Fund's net assets (i.e., the value of its assets less liabilities) by the
total number of Fund shares 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 Company's Board. For
further information regarding the methods employed in valuing the Fund's
investments, see "Determination of Net Asset Value" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
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.
The Distributor may pay dealers a fee of up to .5% 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 one million dollars ("Eligible Benefit
Plans"). All present holdings of shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds by Eligible Benefit Plans will be aggregated to determine the fee
payable with respect to each purchase of Fund shares. The Distributor
reserves the right to cease paying these fees at any time. The Distributor
will pay such fees from its own funds, other than amounts received from the
Fund, including past profits or any other source available to it.
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN upon
opening or reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" and
the Account Application for further information concerning this requirement.
Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the Fund could subject you to a $50
penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may purchase shares (minimum $500,
maximum $150,000 per day) 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.
The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER purchase of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
FUND EXCHANGES
You may purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares of
certain other funds managed or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation, to
the extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of residence. These
funds have different investment objectives which may be of interest to you.
Fund exchanges may be exercised twice during the calendar year as described
below. If you desire to use this service, you should consult your Service
Agent or call 1-800-645-6561 to determine if it is available and whether any
other conditions are imposed on its use.
Page 8
To request an exchange, you must give exchange instructions to the
Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone. Before any exchange, you must
obtain and should review a copy of the current prospectus of the fund into
which the exchange is being made. Prospectuses may be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. Except in the case of personal retirement plans, the shares
being exchanged must have a current value of at least $500; furthermore, when
establishing a new account by exchange, the shares being exchanged must have
a value of at least the minimum initial investment required for the fund into
which the exchange is being made. The ability to issue exchange instructions
by telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless you
check the applicable "No" box on the Account Application, indicating that you
specifically refuse this Privilege. The Telephone Exchange Privilege may be
established for an existing account by written request, signed by all
shareholders on the account, or by a separate signed Shareholder Services
Form, also available by calling 1-800-645-6561. If you have established the
Telephone Exchange Privilege, you may telephone exchange instructions by
calling 1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-33
06. See "How to Redeem Shares_Procedures." Upon an exchange into a new
account, the following shareholder services and privileges, as applicable and
where available, will be automatically carried over to the fund into which
the exchange is made: Telephone Exchange Privilege, Wire Redemption
Privilege, Telephone Redemption Privilege, Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege and
the dividend/capital gain distribution option (except for Dreyfus Dividend
Sweep) selected by the investor.
Shares will be exchanged at the next determined net asset value;
however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges into funds
sold with a sales load. If you are exchanging into a fund that charges a
sales load, you may qualify for share prices which do not include the sales
load or which reflect a reduced sales load, if the shares of the fund from
which you are exchanging were: (a) purchased with a sales load, (b) acquired
by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a sales load, or (c)
acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions paid with respect
to the foregoing categories of shares. To qualify, at the time of the
exchange you must notify the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must notify
the Distributor. Any such qualification is subject to confirmation of your
holdings through a check of appropriate records. See "Shareholder Services"
in the Statement of Additional Information. No fees currently are charged
shareholders directly in connection with exchanges, although the Fund
reserves the right, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, to charge
shareholders a nominal fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
exchange request in whole or in part. The availability of Fund Exchanges may
be modified or terminated at any time upon notice to shareholders.
With respect to any shareholder who has exchanged into and out of the
Fund (or the reverse) twice during the calendar year, further purchase orders
(including those pursuant to exchange instructions) relating to any shares of
the Fund will be rejected for the remainder of the calendar year. Management
believes that this policy will enable shareholders to change their investment
program, while protecting the Fund against disruptions in portfolio
management resulting from frequent transactions by those seeking to time
market fluctuations. Exchanges made through omnibus accounts for various
retirement plans are not subject to such limit on exchanges.
The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated
for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by
the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a
taxable gain or loss.
DREYFUS AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege enables you to invest regularly (on a
semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for shares of
the Fund, in shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of
which you are currently an investor. The amount you designate, which can be
expressed either in terms of a specific dollar or share amount ($100
minimum), will be exchanged
Page 9
automatically on the first and/or fifteenth day of the month according to the
schedule you have selected. Shares will be exchanged at the then-current net
asset value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges
into funds sold with a sales load. See "Shareholder Services" in the
Statement of Additional Information. The right to exercise this Privilege may
be modified or canceled by the Fund or the Transfer Agent. You may modify or
cancel your exercise of this Privilege at any time by mailing written
notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-9671. The Fund may charge a service fee for the use of
this Privilege. No such fee currently is contemplated. The exchange of shares
of one fund for shares of another is treated for Federal income tax purposes
as a sale of the shares given in exchange by the shareholder and, therefore,
an exchanging shareholder may realize a taxable gain or loss. For more
information concerning this Privilege and the funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds eligible to participate in this Privilege, or to obtain a Dreyfus
Auto-Exchange Authorization Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561.
DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDERRegistration Mark
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. At your option, the account
designated by you will be debited in the specified amount, and Fund shares
will be purchased, once a month, on either the first or fifteenth day, or
twice a month, on both days. Only an account maintained at a domestic
financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be so
designated. To establish a Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder account, you must
file an authorization form with the Transfer Agent. You may obtain the
necessary authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel your
participation in this Privilege or change the amount of purchase at any time
by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan
accounts, to The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-6427, and the notification will be effective three
business days following receipt. The Fund may modify or terminate this
Privilege at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
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 Federal government automatically deposited into your
Fund account. You may deposit as much of such payments as you elect. To
enroll in Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit, you must file with the Transfer
Agent a completed Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form for each type of payment that
you desire to include in this Privilege. The appropriate form may be obtained
by calling 1-800-645-6561. Death or legal incapacity will terminate your
participation in this Privilege. You may elect at any time to terminate your
participation by notifying in writing the appropriate Federal agency. The
Fund may terminate your participation upon 30 days' notice to you.
DREYFUS PAYROLL SAVINGS PLAN
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan permits you to purchase Fund shares
(minimum of $100 per transaction) automatically on a regular basis. Depending
upon your employer's direct deposit program, you may have part or all of your
paycheck transferred to your existing Dreyfus account electronically through
the Automated Clearing House system at each pay period. To establish a
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan account, you must file an authorization form
with your employer's payroll department. Your employer must complete the
reverse side of the form and return it to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. You may obtain the necessary
authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may change the amount of
purchase or cancel the authorization only by written notification to your
employer. It is the sole responsibility of your employer, not
Page 10
the Distributor, The Dreyfus Corporation, the Fund, the Transfer Agent or any
other person, to arrange for transactions under the Dreyfus Payroll Savings
Plan. The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
DREYFUS STEP PROGRAM
Dreyfus Step Program enables a shareholder to purchase Fund shares
without regard to the Fund's minimum initial investment requirements through
Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege
or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan. To establish a Dreyfus Step Program account,
a shareholder must supply the necessary information on the Account
Application and file the required authorization form(s) with the Transfer
Agent. For more information concerning this Program, or to request the
necessary authorization form(s), please call toll free 1-800-782-6620. A
shareholder may terminate participation in this Program at any time by
discontinuing participation in Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus
Government Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan, as the
case may be, as provided under the terms of such Privilege(s). The Fund may
modify or terminate this Program at any time. Investors who wish to purchase
Fund shares through the Dreyfus Step Program in conjunction with a
Dreyfus-sponsored retirement plan may do so only for IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA
"Rollover Accounts."
DREYFUS DIVIDEND OPTIONS
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep enables you to invest automatically dividends
or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, paid by the Fund in
shares of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a
shareholder. Shares of the other fund will be purchased at the then-current
net asset value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to
investments in shares of a fund sold with a sales load. If you are investing
in a fund that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share prices which
do not include the sales load or which reflect a reduced sales load. If you
are investing in a fund that charges a contingent deferred sales charge, the
shares purchased will be subject on redemption to the contingent deferred
sales charge, if any, applicable to the purchased shares. See "Shareholder
Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. 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.
For more information concerning these privileges or to request a
Dividend Options Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel
these privileges by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of
Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. To select a new
fund after cancellation, you must submit a new Dividend Options Form.
Enrollment in or cancellation of these privileges is effective three business
days following receipt. These privileges are available only for existing
accounts and may not be used to open new accounts. Minimum subsequent
investments do not apply for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep. The Fund may modify or
terminate these privileges at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee
currently is contemplated. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans are not eligible for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to request withdrawal of a
specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly
basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account. An application for the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. There is a service
charge of 50cents for each withdrawal check. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan
may be ended at any time by you, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for
which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan.
Page 11
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund offers a variety of pension and profit-sharing plans,
including Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," 401(k)
Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services also are
available. You can obtain details on the various plans by calling the
following numbers toll free: for Keogh Plans, please call 1-800-358-5566;
for IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," please call 1-800-645-6561; for
SEP-IRAs, 401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans, please call
1-800-322-7880.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
GENERAL
You may request redemption of your shares at any time. Redemption
requests should be transmitted to the Transfer Agent as described below. When
a request is received in proper form, the Fund will redeem the shares at the
next determined net asset value.
The Fund imposes no charges when shares are redeemed. Service Agents
may charge their clients a nominal fee for effecting redemptions of Fund
shares. Any certificates representing Fund shares being redeemed must be
submitted with the redemption request. The value of the shares redeemed may
be more or less than their original cost, depending upon the Fund's
then-current net asset value.
The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed within
seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in
proper form, except as provided by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED FUND SHARES BY CHECK, BY DREYFUS
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE OR THROUGH DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER AND
SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMIT A WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUEST TO THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE
REDEMPTION PROCEEDS WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON BANK CLEARANCE
OF YOUR PURCHASE CHECK, DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDER ORDER, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS OR MORE. IN
ADDITION, THE FUND WILL REJECT REQUESTS TO REDEEM SHARES BY WIRE OR TELEPHONE
OR PURSUANT TO THE DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHT
BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OF THE PURCHASE CHECK, THE
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR THE DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER ORDER
AGAINST WHICH SUCH REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED. THESE PROCEDURES WILL NOT APPLY
IF YOUR SHARES WERE PURCHASED BY WIRE PAYMENT, OR IF YOU OTHERWISE HAVE A
SUFFICIENT COLLECTED BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO COVER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST.
PRIOR TO THE TIME ANY REDEMPTION IS EFFECTIVE, DIVIDENDS ON SUCH SHARES WILL
ACCRUE AND BE PAYABLE, AND YOU WILL BE ENTITLED TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS
OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. Fund shares will not be redeemed until the Transfer
Agent has received your Account Application.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at its option upon
not less than 45 days' written notice if your account's net asset value is
$500 or less and remains so during the notice period.
PROCEDURES
You may redeem shares by using the regular redemption procedure
through the Transfer Agent, or, 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, through the Wire
Redemption Privilege, the Telephone Redemption Privilege or the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege. Other redemption procedures may be in effect for
clients of certain Service Agents. The Fund makes available to certain large
institutions the ability to issue redemption instructions through compatible
computer facilities. The Fund reserves the right to refuse any request made
by wire or telephone, including requests made shortly after a change of
address, and may limit the amount involved or the number of such requests.
The Fund may modify or terminate any redemption Privilege at any time or
charge a service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
You may redeem shares by telephone if you have checked the
appropriate box on the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder
Services Form with the Transfer Agent. If you select a telephone
Page 12
redemption privilege or telephone exchange privilege (which is granted
automatically unless you refuse it), you authorize the Transfer Agent to act
on telephone instructions from any person representing himself or herself to
be you, and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The
Fund will require the Transfer Agent to employ reasonable procedures, such
as requiring a form of personal identification, to confirm that instructions
are genuine and, if it does not follow such procedures, the Fund or the
Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions. Neither the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for
following telephone instructions reasonably believed to be genuine.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you may
experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone to
request a redemption or exchange of Fund shares. In such cases, you should
consider using the other redemption procedures described herein. Use of these
other redemption procedures may result in your redemption request being
processed at a later time than it would have been if telephone redemption had
been used. During the delay, the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
REGULAR REDEMPTION _ Under the regular redemption procedure, you may redeem
shares by written request mailed to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. Redemption requests may be
delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial Center. THESE REQUESTS WILL
BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For
the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial Center, please call one of the
telephone numbers listed under "General Information." Redemption requests
must be signed by each shareholder, including each owner of a joint account,
and each signature must be guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted
standards and procedures pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper
form generally will be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit
unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations,
clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in
the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program, the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock Exchanges Medallion
Program. If you have any questions with respect to signature-guarantees,
please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General Information."
Redemption proceeds of at least $1,000 will be wired to any member
bank of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with a written
signature-guaranteed request.
WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by wire or telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $1,000) be wired to your account at a bank which
is a member of the Federal Reserve System, or a correspondent bank if your
bank is not a member. You also may direct that redemption proceeds be paid by
check (maximum $150,000 per day) made out to the owners of record and mailed
to your address. Redemption proceeds of less than $1,000 will be paid
automatically by check. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank accounts
may have redemption proceeds of not more than $250,000 wired within any
30-day period. You may telephone redemption requests by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. The
Statement of Additional Information sets forth instructions for transmitting
redemption requests by wire. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans, and shares for which certificates have been issued, are not
eligible for this Privilege.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (maximum $150,000 per day) be paid by check and mailed to
your address. You may telephone redemption instructions by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares for
which certificates have been issued, are not eligible for this Privilege.
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $500 per day) 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
Page 13
may be so designated. Redemption proceeds will be on deposit in your account
at an Automated Clearing House member bank ordinarily two days after receipt
of the redemption request or, at your request, paid by check (maximum
$150,000 per day) and mailed to your address. Holders of jointly registered
Fund or bank accounts may redeem through the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege
for transfer to their bank account not more than $250,000 within any
30-day period.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER redemption of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares
issued in certificate form, are not eligible for this Privilege.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan, pursuant to which
it pays the Distributor for the provision of certain services to Fund
shareholders a fee at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the Fund's
average daily net assets. The services provided may include personal services
relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries
regarding the Fund and providing reports and other information, and services
related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make
payments to Service Agents in respect of these services. The Distributor
determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
Fund is treated as a separate corporation for purposes of qualification and
taxation as a regulated investment company. The Fund ordinarily pays
dividends from its net investment income and distributes net realized
securities gains, if any, once a year, but it may make distributions on a
more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code,
in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act. The
Fund will not make distributions from net realized securities gains unless
capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have expired. You may
choose whether to receive dividends and distributions in cash or to reinvest
in additional shares at net asset value. All expenses are accrued daily and
deducted before declaration of dividends to investors.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders
as ordinary income whether received in cash or reinvested in additional
shares. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains of the
Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders as long-term capital gains for Feder
al income tax purposes, regardless of how long shareholders have held their
Fund shares and whether such distributions are received in cash or reinvested
in Fund shares. The Code provides that the net capital gain of an individual
generally will not be subject to Federal income tax at a rate in excess of
28%. Dividends and distributions may be subject to state and local taxes.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund to a foreign investor generally are
subject to U.S. nonresident withholding taxes at the rate of 30%, unless the
foreign investor claims the benefit of a lower rate specified in a tax
treaty. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains paid by
the Fund to a foreign investor as well as the proceeds of any redemptions
from a foreign investor's account, regardless of the extent to which gain or
loss may be realized, generally will not be subject to U.S. nonresident
withholding tax. However, such distributions may be subject to backup
withholding, as described below, unless the foreign investor certifies his
non-U.S. residency status.
Page 14
Notice as to the tax status of your dividends and distributions will
be mailed to you annually. You also will receive periodic summaries of your
account which will include information as to dividends and distributions from
securities gains, if any, paid during the year.
Federal regulations generally require the Fund to withhold ("backup
withholding") and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, distributions
from net realized securities gains and the proceeds of any redemption,
regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized, paid to a
shareholder if such shareholder fails to certify either that the TIN
furnished in connection with opening an account is correct or that such
shareholder has not received notice from the IRS of being subject to backup wi
thholding as a result of a failure to properly report taxable dividend or
interest income on a Federal income tax return. Furthermore, the IRS may
notify the Fund to institute backup withholding if the IRS determines a
shareholder's TIN is incorrect or if a shareholder has failed to properly
report taxable dividend and interest income on a Federal income tax return.
A TIN is either the Social Security number or employer identification
number of the record owner of the account. Any tax withheld as a result of
backup withholding does not constitute an additional tax imposed on the
record owner of the account, and may be claimed as a credit on the record
owner's Federal income tax return.
It is expected that the Fund will qualify as a "regulated investment
company" under the Code so long as such qualification is in the best
interests of its shareholders. Such qualification relieves the Fund of any
liability for Federal income tax to the extent its earnings are distributed
in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code. The Fund is subject to
a non-deductible 4% excise tax, measured with respect to certain
undistributed amounts of taxable investment income and capital gains.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding specific questions as
to Federal, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance may be calculated on the
basis of average annual total return and/or total return.
Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a standardized
formula which assumes that an investment was purchased with an initial
payment of $1,000 and that the investment was redeemed at the end of a stated
period of time, after giving effect to the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions during the period. The return is expressed as a percentage rate
which, if applied on a compounded annual basis, would result in the
redeemable value of the investment at the end of the period. Advertisements
of the Fund's performance will include the Fund's average annual total return
for one, five and ten year periods, or for shorter periods depending upon the
length of time during which the Fund has operated.
Total return is computed on a per share basis and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return generally is
expressed as a percentage rate which is calculated by combining the income
and principal changes for a specified period and dividing by the net asset
value per share at the beginning of the period. Advertisements may include
the percentage rate of total return or may include the value of a
hypothetical investment at the end of the period which assumes the
application of the percentage rate of total return.
Performance will vary from time to time and past results are not
necessarily representative of future results. You should remember that
performance is a function of portfolio management in selecting the type and
quality of portfolio securities and is affected by operating expenses.
Performance information, such as that described above, may not provide a
basis for comparison with other investments or other investment companies
using a different method of calculating performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, Wilshire 5000
Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, MONEY MAGAZINE, Morningstar, Inc.
and other industry publications.
Page 15
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Company was incorporated under Maryland law on November 16, 1993,
and commenced operations on December 29, 1993. Before September 29, 1995, the
Company's name was Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc. The Company is authorized to
issue one billion shares of Common Stock (with 100 million allocated to the
Fund), par value $.001 per share. Each share has one vote.
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,
Fund shareholders may not consider each year the election of Board members or
the appointment of auditors. However, pursuant to the Company's By-Laws, the
holders of at least 10% of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote may
require the Company to hold a special meeting of shareholders for purposes of
removing a Board member from office or for any other purpose. Shareholders
may remove a Board member by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
Company'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 Company is a "series fund," which is a mutual fund divided into
separate portfolios, each of which is treated as a separate entity for
certain matters under the 1940 Act and for other purposes. A shareholder of
one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. For
certain matters shareholders vote together as a group; as to others they vote
separately by portfolio. By this Prospectus, shares of the Fund are being
offered. Other portfolios are sold pursuant to other offering documents.
To date, the Board has authorized the creation of ten series of
shares. All consideration received by the Company for shares of one of the
series and all assets in which such consideration is invested will belong to
that series (subject only to the rights of creditors of the Company) and will
be subject to the liabilities related thereto. The income attributable to,
and the expenses of, one series are treated separately from those of the
other series. The Company has the ability to create, from time to time, new
series without shareholder approval.
The Transfer Agent maintains a record of your ownership and sends you
confirmations and statements of account.
Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Fund at 144 Glenn
Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or by calling toll free
1-800-645-6561. In New York City, call
1-718-895-1206; outside the U.S. and Canada, call 516-794-5452.
Page 16
APPENDIX
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ Foreign currency transactions may be entered
into 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; or 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.
BORROWING MONEY _ The Fund is permitted to borrow to the extent permitted
under the 1940 Act, which permits an investment company to borrow in an
amount up to 33-1/3% of the value of such company's 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.
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ Although the Fund will not be a commodity pool,
Derivatives subject the Fund to the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission which limit the extent to which the Fund can invest in certain
Derivatives. The Fund may invest in futures contracts and options with
respect thereto for hedging purposes without limit. However, the Fund may not
invest in such contracts and options for other purposes if the sum of the
amount of initial margin deposits and premiums paid for unexpired options
with respect to such contracts, other than for bona fide hedging purposes,
exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's assets, after taking into
account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on such contracts and
options; provided, however, that in the case of an option that is
in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded
in calculating the 5% limitation.
CERTAIN PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
AMERICAN, EUROPEAN AND CONTINENTAL DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS _ The Fund may invest
in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"). These securities
may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities
into which they may be converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a
United States bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs, which are sometimes
referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts ("CDRs"), are receipts issued
in Europe typically by non-United States banks and trust companies that
evidence ownership of either foreign or domestic securities. Generally, ADRs
in registered form are designed for use in the United States securities
markets and EDRs and CDRs in bearer form are designed for use in Europe.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS _ The Fund may invest, in the circumstances
described under "Description of the Fund_Management Policies," in the
following types of money market instruments.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury
securities that differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of
issuance. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies
and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury; others, by the right of the
Page 17
issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others, by discretionary authority of
the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or
instrumentality; and others, only by the credit of the agency or
instrumentality. These securities bear fixed, floating or variable rates of
interest. While the U.S. Government provides financial support to such U.S.
Government-sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, no assurance can be
given that it will always do so since it is not so obligated by law.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys, and
the seller agrees to repurchase, a security at a mutually agreed upon time
and price (usually within seven days). The repurchase agreement thereby
determines the yield during the purchaser's holding period, while the
seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the value of the underlying
security. Repurchase agreements could involve risks in the event of a default
or insolvency of the other party to the agreement, including possible delays
or restrictions upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying
securities. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with certain banks
or non-bank dealers.
BANK OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may purchase certificates of deposit, time
deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations issued by
domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks,
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan
associations and other banking institutions. With respect to such securities
issued by foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, and
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, the Fund may be subject to
additional investment risks that are different in some respects from those
incurred by a fund which invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic
issuers.
Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates evidencing the
obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period
of time.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking
institution for a specified period of time (in no event longer than seven
days) at a stated interest rate.
Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation
of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect
the obligation both of the bank and the drawer to pay the face amount of the
instrument upon maturity. The other short-term obligations may include
uninsured, direct obligations bearing fixed, floating or variable interest
rates.
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper consists of short-term, unsecured
promissory notes issued to finance short-term credit needs. The commercial
paper purchased by the Fund will consist only of direct obligations which, at
the time of their purchase, are (a) rated not lower than Prime-1 by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or A-1 by Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P"), (b) issued by companies having an outstanding unsecured debt issue
currently rated at least A3 by Moody's or A- by S&P, or (c) if unrated, determ
ined by the Advisers to be of comparable quality to those rated obligations
which may be purchased by the Fund.
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. Such 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.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE
FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OF THE FUND'S
SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM,
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
Page 18
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Page 19
DREYFUS
International
Value
Fund
Prospectus
(LION LOGO)
Copy Rights 1995 Dreyfus Service Corporation
254p1100195
Registration Mark
FOR USE BY BANKS ONLY
October 15, 1995
DREYFUS EMERGING LEADERS FUND
Supplement to Prospectus Dated October 1, 1995
All mutual fund shares involve certain investment risks, including
the possible loss of principal.
259/s101595BNK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS OCTOBER 1, 1995
DREYFUS EMERGING LEADERS FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
DREYFUS EMERGING LEADERS FUND (THE "FUND") IS A SEPARATE DIVERSIFIED
PORTFOLIO OF DREYFUS GROWTH AND VALUE FUNDS, INC., AN OPEN-END, MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANY (THE "COMPANY"), KNOWN AS A MUTUAL FUND. THE FUND'S
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS CAPITAL GROWTH. IT WILL SEEK TO ACHIEVE THIS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING PRINCIPALLY IN A PORTFOLIO OF
PUBLICLY-TRADED EQUITY SECURITIES OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN ISSUERS, TYPICALLY
WITH MARKET CAPITALIZATIONS OF LESS THAN $750 MILLION, WHICH WOULD BE
CHARACTERIZED AS "GROWTH" COMPANIES ACCORDING TO CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE
DREYFUS CORPORATION.
YOU CAN INVEST, REINVEST OR REDEEM SHARES AT ANY TIME WITHOUT CHARGE
OR PENALTY. YOU CAN PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES BY TELEPHONE USING DREYFUS TELET
RANSFER.
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION WILL PROFESSIONALLY MANAGE THE FUND'S
PORTFOLIO.
THIS PROSPECTUS SETS FORTH CONCISELY INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO
THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INVESTING. IT SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE.
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED OCTOBER 1, 1995, WHICH
MAY BE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME, PROVIDES A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
AREAS IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST TO SOME
INVESTORS. IT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. FOR A FREE COPY, WRITE TO THE FUND AT
144 GLENN CURTISS BOULEVARD, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK 11556-0144, OR CALL
1-800-645-6561. WHEN TELEPHONING, ASK FOR OPERATOR 144.
MUTUAL FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
THE NET ASSET VALUE OF FUNDS OF THIS TYPE WILL FLUCTUATE FROM TIME TO TIME.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Annual Fund Operating Expenses.................... 3
Description of the Fund........................... 3
Management of the Fund............................ 5
How to Buy Shares................................. 6
Shareholder Services.............................. 8
How to Redeem Shares ............................. 12
Shareholder Services Plan......................... 14
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes................ 14
Performance Information........................... 15
General Information............................... 15
Appendix.......................................... 17
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
[This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
Page 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
<S> <C>
Management Fees..................................................... .90%
Other Expenses...................................................... .35%
Total Fund Operating Expenses....................................... 1.25%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
EXAMPLE:
You would pay the following
expenses on a $1,000
investment, assuming (1) 5% 1 YEAR 3 YEARS
annual return and (2) redemption
at the end of each time period: $13 $40
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AMOUNTS LISTED IN THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS
THAN THOSE INDICATED. MOREOVER, WHILE THE EXAMPLE ASSUMES A 5% ANNUAL RETURN,
THE FUND'S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE WILL VARY AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACTUAL RETURN
GREATER OR LESS THAN 5%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist you in understanding
the costs and expenses borne by the Fund, the payment of which will reduce
investors' annual return. Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for
the current fiscal year. The information in the foregoing table does not
reflect any fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements that may be in
effect. You can purchase Fund shares without charge directly from the Fund's
distributor; you may be charged a nominal fee if you effect transactions in
Fund shares through a securities dealer, bank or other financial institution.
For a further description of the various costs and expenses incurred in the
operation of the Fund, as well as expense reimbursement or waiver
arrangements, see "Management of the Fund," "How to Buy Shares" and
"Shareholder Services Plan."
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's investment objective is capital growth. It cannot be
changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")) of the Fund's
outstanding voting shares. There can be no assurance that the Fund's
investment objective will be achieved.
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The Fund anticipates that at least 65% of the value of its total
assets (except when maintaining a temporary defensive position) will be
invested in equity securities of domestic and foreign issuers, typically with
market capitalizations of less than $750 million, which would be
characterized as "growth" companies according to criteria established by The
Dreyfus Corporation. Primary emphasis will be placed on growth companies
defined by dominant market positions within major product lines, sustained
records of achievement and strong financial condition. The Fund also will be
alert to companies which The Dreyfus Corporation considers to be new
leaders_that is, emerging smaller-sized companies which The Dreyfus
Corporation believes to be characterized by new or innovative products,
services or processes which should enhance prospects for growth in future
earnings. The Fund may make investments based on prospective economic or
political changes that The Dreyfus Corporation believes will enhance prospects
for growth in future earnings. The Fund also will seek investment
opportunities created by corporate restructurings. The Fund may invest up to
25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of foreign issuers.
Equity securities consist of common stocks, convertible securities and
preferred stocks.
Page 3
To manage the Fund, The Dreyfus Corporation classifies issuers as
"growth" or "value" companies. In general, The Dreyfus Corporation believes
that companies with relatively low price to book ratios, low price to
earnings ratios or higher than average dividend payments in relation to price
should be classified as value companies. Alternatively, companies which have
above average earnings or sales growth and retention of earnings and command
higher price to earnings ratios fit the more classic growth description.
While seeking desirable equity investments, the Fund may invest in
money market instruments consisting of U.S. Government securities,
certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances, short-term
investment grade corporate bonds and other short-term debt instruments, and
repurchase agreements, as set forth under "Appendix _ Certain Portfolio
Securities _ Money Market Instruments." Under normal market conditions, the
Fund does not expect to have a substantial portion of its assets invested in
money market instruments. However, when The Dreyfus Corporation determines
that adverse market conditions exist, the Fund may adopt a temporary
defensive posture and invest all of its assets in money market instruments.
The Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate is not expected to exceed
150%. Higher portfolio turnover rates usually generate additional brokerage
commissions and expenses and the short-term gains realized from these
transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, the
Fund currently intends, to a limited extent, to engage in options and futures
transactions and short-selling. See also "Investment Considerations and
Risks" below and "Investment Objective and Management Policies_Management
Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information.
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS
GENERAL _ The Fund's net asset value per share should be expected to
fluctuate. Investors should consider the Fund as a supplement to an overall
investment program and should invest only if they are willing to undertake
the risks involved. See "Investment Objective and Management Policies _
Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information for a further
discussion of certain risks.
EQUITY SECURITIES _ Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on
factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such
fluctuations can be pronounced. Changes in the value of the Fund's
investments will result in changes in the value of its shares and thus the
Fund's total return to investors.
The securities of the smaller companies in which the Fund may invest
may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger,
more-established companies, because these securities typically are traded in
lower volume and the issuers typically are subject to a greater degree to
changes in earnings and prospects.
FOREIGN SECURITIES _ Foreign securities markets generally are not as
developed or efficient as those in the United States. Securities of some
foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable U.S. issuers. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign
securities markets are less than in the United States and, at times,
volatility of price can be greater than in the United States.
Because evidences of ownership of such securities usually are held
outside the United States, the Fund will be subject to additional risks which
include possible adverse political and economic developments, possible
seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits and possible adoption of
governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of
principal and interest on the foreign securities or might restrict the
payment of principal and interest to investors located outside the country of
the issuer, whether from currency blockage or otherwise.
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.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ 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
Page 4
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. See
"Appendix _ Investment Techniques _ Foreign Currency Transactions."
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in
derivatives ("Derivatives"). These are financial instruments, which derive
their performance, at least in part, from the performance of an underlying
asset, index or interest rate. The Derivatives the Fund may use include
options and futures. While Derivatives can be used effectively in furtherance
of the Fund's investment objective, under certain market conditions, they can
increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value, can decrease the
liquidity of the Fund's investments and make more difficult the accurate
pricing of the Fund's portfolio. See "Appendix _ Investment Techniques _ Use
of Derivatives" below and "Investment Objective and Management Policies _
Management Policies _ Derivatives" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
SIMULTANEOUS INVESTMENTS _ Investment decisions for the Fund are made
independently from those of the other investment companies advised by The
Dreyfus Corporation. 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.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER _ The Dreyfus Corporation, located at 200 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10166, was formed in 1947 and serves as the Fund's
investment adviser. The Dreyfus Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank
Corporation ("Mellon"). As of September 1, 1995, The Dreyfus Corporation
managed or administered approximately $80 billion in assets for more than 1.8
million investor accounts nationwide.
The Dreyfus Corporation supervises and assists in the overall
management of the Fund's affairs under a Management Agreement with the
Company, subject to the authority of the Company's Board in accordance with
Maryland law. The Fund's primary portfolio manager is Thomas A. Frank, who
has been an employee of The Dreyfus Corporation since 1985. The Fund's other
portfolio managers are identified in the Statement of Additional Information.
The Dreyfus Corporation also provides research services for the Fund and for
other funds advised by The Dreyfus Corporation through a professional staff
of portfolio managers and securities analysts.
Mellon is a publicly owned multibank holding company incorporated
under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the Federal Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon provides a comprehensive range of
financial products and services in domestic and selected international
markets. Mellon is among the twenty-five largest bank holding companies in
the United States based on total assets. Mellon's principal wholly-owned
subsidiaries are Mellon Bank, N.A., Mellon Bank (DE) National Association,
Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston Company, Inc., AFCO Credit Corporation and a
number of companies known as Mellon Financial Services Corporations. Through
its subsidiaries, including The Dreyfus Corporation, Mellon managed more than
$203 billion in assets as of June 30, 1995, including approximately $73
billion in mutual fund assets. As of June 30, 1995, Mellon, through various
subsidiaries, provided non-investment services, such as custodial or
administration services, for more than $707 billion in assets, including
approximately $71 billion in mutual fund assets.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund has agreed to
pay The Dreyfus Corporation a monthly fee at the annual rate of .90 of 1% of
the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. The management fee is
higher than that paid by most other investment companies. From time to time,
The Dreyfus Corporation may waive receipt of its fees and/or voluntarily
assume certain expenses
Page 5
of the Fund, which would have the effect of lowering the expense ratio of the
Fund and increasing yield to investors. The Fund will not pay The Dreyfus
Corporation at a later time for any amounts it may waive, nor will the Fund
reimburse The Dreyfus Corporation for any amounts it may assume.
EXPENSES _ All expenses incurred in the operation of the Company are borne
by the Company, except to the extent specifically assumed by The Dreyfus
Corporation. The expenses borne by the Company include: organizational
costs, taxes, interest, loan commitment fees, interest and distributions paid
on securities sold short, 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 The Dreyfus Corporation,
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 the Company's existence, costs attributable to investor services
(including, without limitation, telephone and personnel expenses), costs of
preparing and printing prospectuses and statements of additional information
for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders, costs
of shareholders' reports and meetings, and any extraordinary expenses.
Expenses attributable to the Fund are charged against the assets of the Fund;
other expenses of the Company are allocated among the Company's portfolios on
the basis determined by the Board, including, but not limited to,
proportionately in relation to the net assets of each portfolio.
The Dreyfus Corporation may pay the Fund's distributor for
shareholder services from The Dreyfus Corporation's own assets, including
past profits but not including the management fee paid by the Fund. The
Fund's distributor may use part or all of such payments to pay Service Agents
(as defined below) in respect of these services.
DISTRIBUTOR _ The Fund's distributor is Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109. The Distributor's ultimate parent is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT _ The Bank of New York,
90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286, is the Fund's Custodian. The
Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corporation,
P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's Transfer
and Dividend Disbursing Agent (the "Transfer Agent").
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Fund shares are sold without a sales charge. You may be charged a
nominal fee if you effect transactions in Fund shares through a securities
dealer, bank or other financial institution (collectively, "Service Agents").
Stock certificates are issued only upon your written request. No certificates
are issued for fractional shares. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
purchase order.
The minimum initial investment is $2,500, or $1,000 if you are a
client of a Service Agent which has made an aggregate minimum initial
purchase for its customers of $2,500. Subsequent investments must be at least
$100. However, the minimum initial investment for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh
Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and 403(b)(7) Plans with only one participant is $750,
with no minimum for subsequent purchases. Individuals who open an IRA also
may open a non-working spousal IRA with a minimum initial investment of $250.
Subsequent investments in a spousal IRA must be at least $250. The initial
investment must be accompanied by the Account Application. For full-time or
part-time employees of The Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or
subsidiaries, directors of The Dreyfus Corporation, Board members of a fund
advised by The Dreyfus Corporation, including members of the Company's Board,
or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing, the minimum initial
investment is $1,000. For full-time or part-time employees of The Dreyfus
Corporation or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries who elect to have a
portion of their pay directly deposited into their Fund account, the minimum
initial investment is $50. The Fund reserves the right to offer Fund shares
without regard to mini-
Page 6
mum 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. Fund shares also are offered
without regard to the minimum initial investment requirements through
Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege
or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan pursuant to the Dreyfus Step Program
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.
You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, or through the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege described below. Checks should be made payable to "The
Dreyfus Family of Funds," or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, to
"The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian" and should specify that you are
investing in the Fund. Payments to open new accounts which are mailed should
be sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9387, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-9387, together with your Account Application. For subsequent
investments, your Fund account number should appear on the check and an
investment slip should be enclosed and sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds,
P.O. Box 105, Newark, New Jersey 07101-0105. For Dreyfus retirement plan
accounts, both initial and subsequent investments should be sent to
The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-6427. Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be
made by third party check. Purchase orders may be delivered in person only
to a Dreyfus Financial Center. THESE ORDERS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND
WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For the location of the nearest
Dreyfus Financial Center, please call one of the telephone numbers listed
under "General Information."
Wire payments may be made if your bank account is in a commercial
bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or any other bank having
a correspondent bank in New York City. Immediately available funds may be
transmitted by wire to The Bank of New York, DDA# 8900279664/Dreyfus Growth
and Value Funds, Inc./Dreyfus Emerging Leaders Fund, for purchase of Fund
shares in your name. The wire must include your Fund account number (for new
accounts, your Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") should be included
instead), account registration and dealer number, if applicable. If your
initial purchase of Fund shares is by wire, you should call 1-800-645-6561
after completing your wire payment to obtain your Fund account number. You
should include your Fund account number on the Account Application and
promptly mail the Account Application to the Fund, as no redemptions will be
permitted until the Account Application is received. You may obtain further
information about remitting funds in this manner from your bank. All payments
should be made in U.S. dollars and, to avoid fees and delays, should be drawn
only on U.S. banks. A charge will be imposed if any check used for investment
in your account does not clear. The Fund makes available to certain large
institutions the ability to issue purchase instructions through compatible
computer facilities.
Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic transfer of
funds from an account maintained in a bank or other domestic financial
institution that is an Automated Clearing House member. You must direct the
institution to transmit immediately available funds through the Automated
Clearing House to The Bank of New York with instructions to credit your Fund
account. The instructions must specify your Fund account registration and
Fund account number PRECEDED BY THE DIGITS "1111."
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis at the net asset value per
share next determined after an order in proper form is received by the
Transfer Agent or other agent. 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. For purposes of determining net asset value, options and
futures contracts will be valued 15 minutes after the close of
Page 7
trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Net asset value per
share is computed by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets (i.e., the
value of its assets less liabilities) by the total number of Fund shares
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 Company's Board. For further information
regarding the methods employed in valuing the Fund's investments, see
"Determination of Net Asset Value" in the Statement of Additional Information.
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.
The Distributor may pay dealers a fee of up to .5% 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 one million dollars ("Eligible Benefit
Plans"). All present holdings of shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds by Eligible Benefit Plans will be aggregated to determine the fee
payable with respect to each purchase of Fund shares. The Distributor
reserves the right to cease paying these fees at any time. The Distributor
will pay such fees from its own funds, other than amounts received from the
Fund, including past profits or any other source available to it.
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN upon
opening or reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" and
the Account Application for further information concerning this requirement.
Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the Fund could subject you to a $50
penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may purchase shares (minimum $500,
maximum $150,000 per day) 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.
The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER purchase of shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
FUND EXCHANGES
You may purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares of
certain other funds managed or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation, to
the extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of residence. These
funds have different investment objectives which may be of interest to you.
Fund exchanges may be exercised twice during the calendar year as described
below. If you desire to use this service, you should consult your Service
Agent or call 1-800-645-6561 to determine if it is available and whether any
other conditions are imposed on its use.
To request an exchange, you must give exchange instructions to the
Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone. Before any exchange, you must
obtain and should review a copy of the current prospectus of the fund into
which the exchange is being made. Prospectuses may be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. Except in the case of personal retirement plans, the shares
being exchanged must have a current value of at least $500; furthermore, when
establishing a new account by exchange, the shares being
Page 8
exchanged must have a value of at least the minimum initial investment
required for the fund into which the exchange is being made. The ability to
issue exchange instructions by telephone is given to all Fund shareholders
automatically, unless you check the applicable "No" box on the Account
Application, indicating that you specifically refuse this Privilege. The
Telephone Exchange Privilege may be established for an existing account by
written request, signed by all shareholders on the account, or by a separate
signed Shareholder Services Form, also available by calling 1-800-645-6561.
If you have established the Telephone Exchange Privilege, you may telephone
exchange instructions by calling 1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from
overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. See "How to Redeem Shares_Procedures." Upon
an exchange into a new account, the following shareholder services and
privileges, as applicable and where available, will be automatically carried
over to the fund into which the exchange is made: Telephone Exchange
Privilege, Wire Redemption Privilege, Telephone Redemption Privilege, Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege and the dividend/capital gain distribution option
(except for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep) selected by the investor.
Shares will be exchanged at the next determined net asset value;
however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges into funds
sold with a sales load. If you are exchanging into a fund that charges a
sales load, you may qualify for share prices which do not include the sales
load or which reflect a reduced sales load, if the shares of the fund from
which you are exchanging were: (a) purchased with a sales load, (b) acquired
by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a sales load, or (c)
acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions paid with respect
to the foregoing categories of shares. To qualify, at the time of the
exchange you must notify the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must notify
the Distributor. Any such qualification is subject to confirmation of your
holdings through a check of appropriate records. See "Shareholder Services"
in the Statement of Additional Information. No fees currently are charged
shareholders directly in connection with exchanges, although the Fund
reserves the right, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, to charge
shareholders a nominal fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
exchange request in whole or in part. The availability of Fund Exchanges may
be modified or terminated at any time upon notice to shareholders.
With respect to any shareholder who has exchanged into and out of the
Fund (or the reverse) twice during the calendar year, further purchase orders
(including those pursuant to exchange instructions) relating to any shares of
the Fund will be rejected for the remainder of the calendar year. Management
believes that this policy will enable shareholders to change their investment
program, while protecting the Fund against disruptions in portfolio
management resulting from frequent transactions by those seeking to time
market fluctuations. Exchanges made through omnibus accounts for various
retirement plans are not subject to such limit on exchanges.
The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated
for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by
the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a
taxable gain or loss.
DREYFUS AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege enables you to invest regularly (on a
semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for shares of
the Fund, in shares of certain other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of
which you are currently an investor. The amount you designate, which can be
expressed either in terms of a specific dollar or share amount ($100
minimum), will be exchanged automatically on the first and/or fifteenth day
of the month according to the schedule you have selected. Shares will be
exchanged at the then-current net asset value; however, a sales load may be
charged with respect to exchanges into funds sold with a sales load. See
"Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. The right
to exercise this Privilege may be modified or canceled by the Fund or the
Transfer Agent. You may modify or cancel your exercise of this Privilege at
any time by mailing
Page 9
written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9671,
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. The Fund may charge a service
fee for the use of this Privilege. No such fee currently is contemplated. The
exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated for Federal
income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by the
shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a taxable
gain or loss. For more information concerning this Privilege and the funds in
the Dreyfus Family of Funds eligible to participate in this Privilege, or to
obtain a Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Authorization Form, please call toll free
1-800-645-6561.
DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDERRegistration Mark
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. At your option, the account
designated by you will be debited in the specified amount, and Fund shares
will be purchased, once a month, on either the first or fifteenth day, or
twice a month, on both days. Only an account maintained at a domestic
financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be so
designated. To establish a Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder account, you must
file an authorization form with the Transfer Agent. You may obtain the
necessary authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel your
participation in this Privilege or change the amount of purchase at any time
by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan
accounts, to The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence,
Rhode Island 02940-6427, and the notification will be effective three
business days following receipt. The Fund may modify or terminate this
Privilege at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
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 Federal government automatically deposited into your
Fund account. You may deposit as much of such payments as you elect. To
enroll in Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit, you must file with the Transfer
Agent a completed Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form for each type of payment that
you desire to include in this Privilege. The appropriate form may be obtained
by calling 1-800-645-6561. Death or legal incapacity will terminate your
participation in this Privilege. You may elect at any time to terminate your
participation by notifying in writing the appropriate Federal agency. The
Fund may terminate your participation upon 30 days' notice to you.
DREYFUS PAYROLL SAVINGS PLAN
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan permits you to purchase Fund shares
(minimum of $100 per transaction) automatically on a regular basis. Depending
upon your employer's direct deposit program, you may have part or all of your
paycheck transferred to your existing Dreyfus account electronically through
the Automated Clearing House system at each pay period. To establish a
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan account, you must file an authorization form
with your employer's payroll department. Your employer must complete the
reverse side of the form and return it to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O.
Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. You may obtain the necessary
authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561. You may change the amount of
purchase or cancel the authorization only by written notification to your
employer. It is the sole responsibility of your employer, not the
Distributor, The Dreyfus Corporation, the Fund, the Transfer Agent or any
other person, to arrange for transactions under the Dreyfus Payroll Savings
Plan. The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
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DREYFUS STEP PROGRAM
Dreyfus Step Program enables a shareholder to purchase Fund shares
without regard to the Fund's minimum initial investment requirements through
Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege
or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan. To establish a Dreyfus Step Program account,
a shareholder must supply the necessary information on the Account
Application and file the required authorization form(s) with the Transfer
Agent. For more information concerning this Program, or to request the
necessary authorization form(s), please call toll free 1-800-782-6620. A
shareholder may terminate participation in this Program at any time by
discontinuing participation in Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, Dreyfus
Government Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan, as the
case may be, as provided under the terms of such Privilege(s). The Fund may
modify or terminate this Program at any time. Investors who wish to purchase
Fund shares through the Dreyfus Step Program in conjunction with a
Dreyfus-sponsored retirement plan may do so only for IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA
"Rollover Accounts."
DREYFUS DIVIDEND OPTIONS
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep enables you to invest automatically dividends
or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, paid by the Fund in
shares of another portfolio of the Fund or shares of another fund in the
Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a shareholder. Shares of the other
fund will be purchased at the then-current net asset value; however, a sales
load may be charged with respect to investments in shares of a fund sold with
a sales load. If you are investing in a fund that charges a sales load, you
may qualify for share prices which do not include the sales load or which
reflect a reduced sales load. If you are investing in a fund that charges a
contingent deferred sales charge, the shares purchased will be subject on
redemption to the contingent deferred sales charge, if any, applicable to the
purchased shares. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional
Information. 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.
For more information concerning these privileges or to request a
Dividend Options Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel
these privileges by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of
Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. To select a new
fund after cancellation, you must submit a new Dividend Options Form.
Enrollment in or cancellation of these privileges is effective three business
days following receipt. These privileges are available only for existing
accounts and may not be used to open new accounts. Minimum subsequent
investments do not apply for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep. The Fund may modify or
terminate these privileges at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee
currently is contemplated. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans are not eligible for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to request withdrawal of a
specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly
basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account. An application for the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. There is a service
charge of 50cents for each withdrawal check. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan
may be ended at any time by you, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for
which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund offers a variety of pension and profit-sharing plans,
including Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," 401(k)
Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services also are
available. You can obtain details on the various plans by calling the
following numbers
Page 11
toll free: for Keogh Plans, please call 1-800-358-5566; for IRAs and IRA
"Rollover Accounts," please call 1-800-645-6561; for SEP-IRAs, 401(k)
Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans, please call 1-800-322-7880.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
GENERAL
You may request redemption of your shares at any time. Redemption
requests should be transmitted to the Transfer Agent as described below. When
a request is received in proper form, the Fund will redeem the shares at the
next determined net asset value.
The Fund imposes no charges when shares are redeemed. Service Agents
may charge their clients a nominal fee for effecting redemptions of Fund
shares. Any certificates representing Fund shares being redeemed must be
submitted with the redemption request. The value of the shares redeemed may
be more or less than their original cost, depending upon the Fund's
then-current net asset value.
The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed within
seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in
proper form, except as provided by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED FUND SHARES BY CHECK, BY DREYFUS
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE OR THROUGH DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER AND
SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMIT A WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUEST TO THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE
REDEMPTION PROCEEDS WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON BANK CLEARANCE
OF YOUR PURCHASE CHECK, DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDER ORDER, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS OR MORE. IN
ADDITION, THE FUND WILL REJECT REQUESTS TO REDEEM SHARES BY WIRE OR TELEPHONE
OR PURSUANT TO THE DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHT
BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OF THE PURCHASE CHECK, THE
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR THE DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER ORDER
AGAINST WHICH SUCH REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED. THESE PROCEDURES WILL NOT APPLY
IF YOUR SHARES WERE PURCHASED BY WIRE PAYMENT, OR IF YOU OTHERWISE HAVE A
SUFFICIENT COLLECTED BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO COVER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST.
PRIOR TO THE TIME ANY REDEMPTION IS EFFECTIVE, DIVIDENDS ON SUCH SHARES WILL
ACCRUE AND BE PAYABLE, AND YOU WILL BE ENTITLED TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS
OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. Fund shares will not be redeemed until the Transfer
Agent has received your Account Application.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at its option upon
not less than 45 days' written notice if your account's net asset value is
$500 or less and remains so during the notice period.
PROCEDURES
You may redeem shares by using the regular redemption procedure
through the Transfer Agent, or, 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, through the Wire
Redemption Privilege, the Telephone Redemption Privilege, or the Dreyfus
TELETRANSFER Privilege. Other redemption procedures may be in effect for
clients of certain Service Agents. The Fund makes available to certain large
institutions the ability to issue redemption instructions through compatible
computer facilities. The Fund reserves the right to refuse any request made
by wire or telephone, including requests made shortly after a change of
address, and may limit the amount involved or the number of such requests.
The Fund may modify or terminate any redemption Privilege at any time or
charge a service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
You may redeem shares by telephone if you have checked the
appropriate box on the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder
Services Form with the Transfer Agent. If you select a telephone redemption
privilege or telephone exchange privilege (which is granted automatically
unless you refuse it), you authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephone
instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be you, and
reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Fund will require
the Transfer Agent to employ reasonable procedures, such as requiring a form
of personal iden-
Page 12
tification, to confirm that instructions are genuine and, if it does not
follow such procedures, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any
losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Neither
the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for following telephone
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you may
experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone to
request a redemption or exchange of Fund shares. In such cases, you should
consider using the other redemption procedures described herein. Use of these
other redemption procedures may result in your redemption request being
processed at a later time than it would have been if telephone redemption had
been used. During the delay, the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
REGULAR REDEMPTION _ Under the regular redemption procedure, you may redeem
shares by written request mailed to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. Redemption requests may be
delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial Center. THESE REQUESTS WILL
BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For
the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial Center, please call one of the
telephone numbers listed under "General Information." Redemption requests
must be signed by each shareholder, including each owner of a joint account,
and each signature must be guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted
standards and procedures pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper
form generally will be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit
unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations,
clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in
the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program, the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock Exchanges Medallion
Program. If you have any questions with respect to signature-guarantees,
please call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General Information."
Redemption proceeds of at least $1,000 will be wired to any member
bank of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with a written
signature-guaranteed request.
WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by wire or telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $1,000) be wired to your account at a bank which
is a member of the Federal Reserve System, or a correspondent bank if your
bank is not a member. You also may direct that redemption proceeds be paid by
check (maximum $150,000 per day) made out to the owners of record and mailed
to your address. Redemption proceeds of less than $1,000 will be paid
automatically by check. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank accounts
may have redemption proceeds of not more than $250,000 wired within any
30-day period. You may telephone redemption requests by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. The
Statement of Additional Information sets forth instructions for transmitting
redemption requests by wire. Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans, and shares for which certificates have been issued, are not
eligible for this Privilege.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (maximum $150,000 per day) be paid by check and mailed to
your address. You may telephone redemption instructions by calling
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares for
which certificates have been issued, are not eligible for this Privilege.
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $500 per day) 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 so
designated. Redemption proceeds will be on deposit in your account at an
Automated Clearing House member bank ordinarily two days after receipt of the
redemption request or, at your request, paid by check (maximum $150,000 per
day) and mailed to your address. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank
accounts may redeem through the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege for transfer
to their bank account not more than $250,000 within any 30-day period.
Page 13
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER redemption of Portfolio shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans, and shares
issued in certificate form, are not eligible for this Privilege.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan, pursuant to which
it pays the Distributor for the provision of certain services to Fund
shareholders a fee at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the Fund's
average daily net assets. The services provided may include personal services
relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries
regarding the Fund and providing reports and other information, and services
related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make
payments to Service Agents in respect of these services. The Distributor
determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
Fund is treated as a separate corporation for purposes of qualification and
taxation as a regulated investment company. The Fund ordinarily pays
dividends from its net investment income and distributes net realized
securities gains, if any, once a year, but it may make distributions on a
more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code,
in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act. The
Fund will not make distributions from net realized securities gains unless
capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have expired. You may
choose whether to receive dividends and distributions in cash or to reinvest
in additional shares at net asset value. All expenses are accrued daily and
deducted before declaration of dividends to investors.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders
as ordinary income whether received in cash or reinvested in additional
shares. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains of the
Fund will be taxable to U.S. shareholders as long-term capital gains for Feder
al income tax purposes, regardless of how long shareholders have held their
Fund shares and whether such distributions are received in cash or reinvested
in Fund shares. The Code provides that the net capital gain of an individual
generally will not be subject to Federal income tax at a rate in excess of
28%. Dividends and distributions may be subject to state and local taxes.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain
market discount bonds, paid by the Fund to a foreign investor generally are
subject to U.S. nonresident withholding taxes at the rate of 30%, unless the
foreign investor claims the benefit of a lower rate specified in a tax
treaty. Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains paid by
the Fund to a foreign investor as well as the proceeds of any redemptions
from a foreign investor's account, regardless of the extent to which gain or
loss may be realized, generally will not be subject to U.S. nonresident
withholding tax. However, such distributions may be subject to backup
withholding, as described below, unless the foreign investor certifies his
non-U.S. residency status.
Notice as to the tax status of your dividends and distributions will
be mailed to you annually. You also will receive periodic summaries of your
account which will include information as to dividends and distributions from
securities gains, if any, paid during the year.
Federal regulations generally require the Fund to withhold ("backup
withholding") and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends, distributions
from net realized securities gains and the proceeds of any redemption,
regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized, paid to a
shareholder if such
Page 14
shareholder fails to certify either that the TIN furnished in connection with
opening an account is correct or that such shareholder has not received
notice from the IRS of being subject to backup withholding as a result of a
failure to properly report taxable dividend or interest income on a Federal
income tax return. Furthermore, the IRS may notify the Fund to institute
backup withholding if the IRS determines a shareholder's TIN is incorrect or
if a shareholder has failed to properly report taxable dividend and interest
income on a Federal income tax return.
A TIN is either the Social Security number or employer identification
number of the record owner of the account. Any tax withheld as a result of
backup withholding does not constitute an additional tax imposed on the
record owner of the account, and may be claimed as a credit on the record
owner's Federal income tax return.
It is expected that the Fund will qualify as a "regulated investment
company" under the Code so long as such qualification is in the best
interests of its shareholders. Such qualification relieves the Fund of any
liability for Federal income tax to the extent its earnings are distributed
in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code. The Fund is subject to
a non-deductible 4% excise tax, measured with respect to certain
undistributed amounts of taxable investment income and capital gains.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding specific questions as
to Federal, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance may be calculated on the
basis of average annual total return and/or total return.
Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a standardized
formula which assumes that an investment was purchased with an initial
payment of $1,000 and that the investment was redeemed at the end of a stated
period of time, after giving effect to the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions during the period. The return is expressed as a percentage rate
which, if applied on a compounded annual basis, would result in the
redeemable value of the investment at the end of the period. Advertisements
of the Fund's performance will include the Fund's average annual total return
for one, five and ten year periods, or for shorter periods depending upon the
length of time during which the Fund has operated.
Total return is computed on a per share basis and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return generally is
expressed as a percentage rate which is calculated by combining the income
and principal changes for a specified period and dividing by the net asset
value per share at the beginning of the period. Advertisements may include
the percentage rate of total return or may include the value of a
hypothetical investment at the end of the period which assumes the
application of the percentage rate of total return.
Performance will vary from time to time and past results are not
necessarily representative of future results. You should remember that
performance is a function of portfolio management in selecting the type and
quality of portfolio securities and is affected by operating expenses.
Performance information, such as that described above, may not provide a
basis for comparison with other investments or other investment companies
using a different method of calculating performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., Micropal, Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index,
Wilshire 5000 Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, MONEY MAGAZINE, Morning
star, Inc. and other industry publications.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Company was incorporated under Maryland law on November 16, 1993,
and commenced operations on December 29, 1993. Before September 29, 1995, the
Company's name was Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc. The Company is authorized to
issue one billion shares of Common Stock (with 100 million allocated to the
Fund), par value $.001 per share. Each share has one vote.
Page 15
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,
Fund shareholders may not consider each year the election of Board members or
the appointment of auditors. However, pursuant to the Company's By-Laws, the
holders of at least 10% of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote may
require the Company to hold a special meeting of shareholders for purposes of
removing a Board member from office or for any other purpose. Shareholders
may remove a Board member by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
Company'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 Company is a "series fund," which is a mutual fund divided into
separate portfolios, each of which is treated as a separate entity for
certain matters under the 1940 Act and for other purposes. A shareholder of
one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. For
certain matters shareholders vote together as a group; as to others they vote
separately by portfolio. By this Prospectus, shares of the Fund are being
offered. Other portfolios are sold pursuant to other offering documents.
To date, the Board has authorized the creation of ten series of
shares. All consideration received by the Company for shares of one of the
series and all assets in which such consideration is invested will belong to
that series (subject only to the rights of creditors of the Company) and will
be subject to the liabilities related thereto. The income attributable to,
and the expenses of, one series are treated separately from those of the
other series. The Company has the ability to create, from time to time, new
series without shareholder approval.
The Transfer Agent maintains a record of your ownership and sends you
confirmations and statements of account.
Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Fund at 144 Glenn
Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or by calling toll free
1-800-645-6561. In New York City, call
1-718-895-1206; outside the U.S. and Canada, call 516-794-5452.
Page 16
APPENDIX
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS _ Foreign currency transactions may be entered
into 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; or to hedge the U.S. dollar value of securities the Fund already
owns, particularly 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 Dreyfus Corporation's ability to predict accurately the future exchange
rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar.
BORROWING MONEY _ The Fund is permitted to borrow to the extent permitted
under the 1940 Act, which permits an investment company to borrow in an
amount up to 33-1/3% of the value of such company's 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.
SHORT-SELLING _ The Fund may make short sales "against the box," in which
the Fund enters into a short sale of a security it owns in order to hedge an
unrealized gain on the security. At no time will more than 15% of the value
of the Fund's net assets be in deposits on short sales against the box.
USE OF DERIVATIVES _ Although the Fund will not be a commodity pool,
Derivatives subject the Fund to the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission which limit the extent to which the Fund can invest in certain
Derivatives. The Fund may invest in futures contracts and options with
respect thereto for hedging purposes without limit. However, the Fund may not
invest in such contracts and options for other purposes if the sum of the
amount of initial margin deposits and premiums paid for unexpired options
with respect to such contracts, other than for bona fide hedging purposes,
exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's assets, after taking into
account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on such contracts and
options; provided, however, that in the case of an option that is
in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded
in calculating the 5% limitation.
CERTAIN PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS _ The Fund may invest, in the circumstances
described under "Description of the Fund _ Management Policies," in the
following types of money market instruments.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury
securities that differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of
issuance. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies
and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury; others, by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury;
others, by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain
obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others, only by the credit
of the agency or instrumentality. These securities bear fixed, floating or
variable rates of interest. While the U.S. Government provides financial
support to such U.S. Government-sponsored agencies and instrumentalities, no
assurance can be given that it will always do so since it is not so obligated
by law.
Page 17
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys, and
the seller agrees to repurchase, a security at a mutually agreed upon time
and price (usually within seven days). The repurchase agreement thereby
determines the yield during the purchaser's holding period, while the
seller's obligation to repurchase is secured by the value of the underlying
security. Repurchase agreements could involve risks in the event of a default
or insolvency of the other party to the agreement, including possible delays
or restrictions upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying
securities. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with certain banks
or non-bank dealers.
BANK OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may purchase certificates of deposit, time
deposits, bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations issued by
domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks,
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, domestic savings and loan
associations and other banking institutions. With respect to such securities
issued by foreign subsidiaries or foreign branches of domestic banks, and
domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks, the Fund may be subject to
additional investment risks that are different in some respects from those
incurred by a fund which invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic
issuers.
Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates evidencing the
obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period
of time.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking
institution for a specified period of time (in no event longer than seven
days) at a stated interest rate.
Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation
of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect
the obligation both of the bank and the drawer to pay the face amount of the
instrument upon maturity. The other short-term obligations may include
uninsured, direct obligations bearing fixed, floating or variable interest
rates.
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper consists of short-term, unsecured
promissory notes issued to finance short-term credit needs. The commercial
paper purchased by the Fund will consist only of direct obligations which, at
the time of their purchase, are (a) rated not lower than Prime-1 by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or A-1 by Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P"), (b) issued by companies having an outstanding unsecured debt issue
currently rated at least A3 by Moody's or A- by S&P, or (c) if unrated, determ
ined by The Dreyfus Corporation to be of comparable quality to those rated
obligations which may be purchased by the Fund.
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. Such 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.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE
FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OF THE FUND'S
SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM,
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
Page 18
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Page 19
DREYFUS
Emerging
Leaders
Fund
Prospectus
(LION LOGO)
Copy Rights 1995 Dreyfus Service Corporation
259p2100195
Registration Mark
DREYFUS GROWTH AND VALUE FUNDS, INC.
DREYFUS LARGE COMPANY GROWTH FUND
DREYFUS AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND
DREYFUS SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND
DREYFUS LARGE COMPANY VALUE FUND
DREYFUS AGGRESSIVE VALUE FUND
DREYFUS MIDCAP VALUE FUND
DREYFUS SMALL COMPANY VALUE FUND
DREYFUS INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND
DREYFUS EMERGING LEADERS FUND
PART B
(STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
OCTOBER 1, 1995
This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a prospectus,
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the current Prospectus
of the series named above (each, a "Fund") of Dreyfus Growth and Value
Funds, Inc. (the "Company"), dated October 1, 1995, as each may be revised
from time to time. To obtain a copy of the relevant Fund's Prospectus,
please write to the Fund at 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New
York 11556-0144, or call the following numbers:
Call Toll Free 1-800-645-6561
In New York City -- Call 1-718-895-1206
Outside the U.S. and Canada -- Call 516-794-5452
The Dreyfus Corporation (the "Manager") serves as each Fund's
investment adviser. The Manager has engaged its affiliate, The Boston
Company Asset Management, Inc. ("TBC Asset Management"), to serve as sub-
investment adviser to Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund, Dreyfus Midcap
Value Fund and Dreyfus International Value Fund and to provide day-to-day
management of each such Fund's investments, subject to the Manager's
supervision.
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (the "Distributor") is the
distributor of each Fund's shares.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Investment Objective and Management Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
Management of the Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-14
Management Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17
Purchase of Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-20
Shareholder Services Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-21
Redemption of Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-24
Shareholder Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-25
Determination of Net Asset Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-28
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-29
Portfolio Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-31
Performance Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-33
Information About the Funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-33
Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent,
Counsel and Independent Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-34
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-35
Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-39
Report of Independent Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-60;
B-84
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the sections in each Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Description of the Fund" and "Appendix."
Portfolio Securities
American, European and Continental Depositary Receipts. (All Funds,
except Dreyfus Emerging Leaders Fund) A Fund may invest in American
Depositary Receipts, European Depositary Receipts and Continental
Depositary Receipts 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.
Repurchase Agreements. (All Funds) The Funds' custodian or sub-
custodian will have custody of, and will hold in a segregated account,
securities acquired by a Fund under a repurchase agreement. Repurchase
agreements are considered by the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission to be loans by the Fund. In an attempt to reduce the risk of
incurring a loss on a repurchase agreement, each Fund will enter into
repurchase agreements only with domestic banks with total assets in excess
of $1 billion, or primary government securities dealers reporting to the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York, with respect to securities of the type in
which the Fund may invest, and will require that additional securities be
deposited with it if the value of the securities purchased should decrease
below the resale price.
Commercial Paper and Other Short-Term Corporate Obligations. (All
Funds) These instruments include variable amount master demand notes,
which are obligations that permit a Fund to invest fluctuating amounts at
varying rates of interest pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund,
as lender, and the borrower. These notes permit daily changes in the
amounts borrowed. Because these obligations are direct lending
arrangements between the lender and borrower, it is not contemplated that
such instruments generally will be traded, and there generally is no
established secondary market for these obligations, although they are
redeemable at face value, plus accrued interest, at any time. Accordingly,
where these obligations are not secured by letters of credit or other
credit support arrangements, the Fund's right to redeem is dependent on the
ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. Such
obligations frequently are not rated by credit rating agencies, and a Fund
may invest in them only if at the time of an investment the borrower meets
the criteria set forth in the Fund's Prospectus for other commercial paper
issuers.
Convertible Securities. (All Funds) Convertible securities are
fixed-income securities that 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
generally, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as
interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest
rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market
value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the
market value of the underlying common stock. A unique feature of
convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying common
stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a
yield basis, and so may not experience market value declines to the same
extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the
underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities
tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock.
While no securities investments are without risk, investments in
convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in
common stock of the same issuer.
As fixed-income securities, convertible securities are investments
that provide for a stable stream of income with generally higher yields
than common stocks. As with all fixed-income securities, there can be no
assurance of current income because the issuers of the convertible
securities may default on their obligations. Convertible securities,
however, generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-
convertible securities of similar quality because of the potential for
capital appreciation. A convertible security, in addition to providing
fixed income, offers the potential for capital appreciation through the
conversion feature, which enables the holder to benefit from increases in
the market price of the underlying common stock. There can be no assurance
of capital appreciation, however, because securities prices fluctuate.
Closed-End Investment Companies. (All Funds) A Fund may invest in
securities issued by closed-end investment companies. Under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), a Fund's investment in
such securities, subject to certain exceptions, currently is limited to (i)
3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the
Fund's net assets with respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10%
of the Fund's net assets in the aggregate. Investments in the securities
of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and
certain other expenses.
Foreign Government Obligations; Securities of Supranational Entities.
(All Funds) A 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 Manager (and TBC Asset
Management with respect to Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund, Dreyfus Midcap
Value Fund and Dreyfus International Value Fund) 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.
Illiquid Securities. (All Funds) When purchasing securities that
have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
are not readily marketable, each Fund will endeavor, to the extent
practicable, to obtain the right to registration at the expense of the
issuer. Generally, there will be a lapse of time between the Fund's
decision to sell any such security and the registration of the security
permitting sale. During any such period, the price of the securities will
be subject to market fluctuations. However, where a substantial market of
qualified institutional buyers has developed for certain unregistered
securities purchased by the Fund pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, the Fund intends to treat such securities as
liquid securities in accordance with procedures approved by the Company's
Board. Because it is not possible to predict with assurance how the market
for specific restricted securities sold pursuant to Rule 144A will develop,
the Company's Board has directed the Manager (and TBC Asset Management with
respect to Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund, Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund and
Dreyfus International Value Fund) to monitor carefully the relevant Fund's
investments in such securities with particular regard to trading activity,
availability of reliable price information and other relevant information.
To the extent that, for a period of time, qualified institutional buyers
cease purchasing restricted securities pursuant to Rule 144A, a Fund's
investing in such securities may have the effect of increasing the level of
illiquidity in its investment portfolio during such period.
Management Policies
Leverage. (All Funds) For borrowings for investment purposes, the
1940 Act requires the Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is,
total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of
borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed. If the required coverage
should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, a Fund
may be required to sell some of its portfolio securities within three days
to reduce the amount of its borrowings and restore the 300% asset coverage,
even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell
securities at that time. Each Fund also may be required to maintain
minimum average balances in connection with such borrowing or pay a
commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these
requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest
rate. To the extent a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, the
Fund will maintain in a segregated custodial account cash or U.S.
Government securities or other high quality liquid debt securities at least
equal to the aggregate amount of its reverse repurchase obligations, plus
accrued interest, in certain cases, in accordance with releases promulgated
by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Securities and Exchange
Commission views reverse repurchase transactions as collateralized
borrowings by a Fund.
Short-Selling. (All Funds) In these transactions, a Fund sells a
security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value
of the security. To complete the transaction, the Fund must borrow the
security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is obligated to replace
the security borrowed by purchasing it subsequently at the market price at
the time of replacement. A Fund will incur a loss if the price of the
security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which
the Fund replaces the borrowed security; it will realize a gain if the
security declines in price between those dates.
Securities will not be sold short if, after effect is given to any
such short sale, the total market value of all securities sold short would
exceed 25% of the value of a Fund's net assets. A Fund may not sell short
the securities of any single issuer listed on a national securities
exchange to the extent of more than 5% of the value of the Fund's net
assets. A Fund may not sell short the securities of any class of an issuer
if, as a result of such sale, the Fund would have sold short in the
aggregate more than 5% of the outstanding securities of that class.
A Fund also may make short sales "against the box," in which the Fund
enters into a short sale of a security it owns in order to hedge an
unrealized gain on the security. At no time will more than 15% of the
value of the Fund's net assets be in deposits on short sales against the
box.
Until a Fund closes its short position or replaces the borrowed
security, it will: (a) maintain a segregated account, containing cash or
U.S. Government securities, at such a level that the amount deposited in
the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral (i)
will equal the current value of the security sold short and (ii) will not
be less than the market value of the security at the time it was sold
short; or (b) otherwise cover its short position.
Lending Portfolio Securities. (Dreyfus Large Company Growth Fund,
Dreyfus Large Company Value Fund, Dreyfus Small Company Growth Fund and
Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund only). A Fund may lend securities from
its portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing
to borrow securities to complete certain transactions. In connection with
such loans, the Fund continues to be entitled to payments in amounts equal
to the interest, dividends or other distributions payable on the loaned
securities. Loans of portfolio securities afford a Fund an opportunity to
earn interest on the amount of the loan and at the same time to earn income
on the loaned securities' collateral. Loans of portfolio securities may
not exceed 33-1/3% of the value of a Fund's total assets. In connection
with such loans, the Fund will receive collateral consisting of cash, U.S.
Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit which will be
maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current
market value of the loaned securities. Such loans are terminable by the
Fund at any time upon specified notice. A Fund might experience risk of
loss if the institution with which it has engaged in a portfolio loan
transaction breaches its agreement with the Fund. In connection with its
securities lending transactions, a Fund may return to the borrower or a
third party which is unaffiliated with the Fund, and which is acting as a
"placing broker," a part of the interest earned from the investment of
collateral received for securities loaned.
The Securities and Exchange Commission currently requires that the
following conditions must be met whenever portfolio securities are loaned:
(1) the Fund must receive at least 100% cash collateral from the borrower;
(2) the borrower must increase such collateral whenever the market value of
the securities rises above the level of such collateral; (3) the Fund must
be able to terminate the loan at any time; (4) the Fund must receive
reasonable interest on the loan, as well as any dividends, interest or
other distributions payable on the loaned securities, and any increase in
market value; (5) the Fund may pay only reasonable custodian fees in
connection with the loan; and (6) while voting rights on the loaned
securities may pass to the borrower, the Company's Board must terminate the
loan and regain the right to vote the securities if a material event
adversely affecting the investment occurs.
Derivatives. (All Funds) A Fund may invest in Derivatives (as
defined in the Fund's Prospectus) for a variety of reasons, including to
hedge certain market risks, to provide a substitute for purchasing or
selling particular securities or to increase potential income gain.
Derivatives may provide a cheaper, quicker or more specifically focused way
for the Fund to invest than "traditional" securities would.
Derivatives can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of
risk, depending upon the characteristics of the particular Derivative and
the portfolio as a whole. Derivatives permit a Fund to increase, decrease
or change the level of risk to which its portfolio is exposed in much the
same way as the Fund can increase, decrease or change the risk of its
portfolio by making investments in specific securities.
In addition, Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are
greater than their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in
Derivatives could have a large potential impact on a Fund's performance.
If a Fund invests in Derivatives at inappropriate times or judges
market conditions incorrectly, such investments may lower the Fund's return
or result in a loss. A Fund also could experience losses if its
Derivatives were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if the
Fund were unable to liquidate its position because of an illiquid secondary
market. The market for many Derivatives is, or suddenly can become,
illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and
unpredictable changes in the prices for Derivatives.
A Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets, represented by the premium
paid, in the purchase of call and put options. A Fund may write (i.e.,
sell) covered call and put option contracts to the extent of 20% of the
value of its net assets at the time such option contracts are written.
When required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund will set
aside permissible liquid assets in a segregated account to cover its
obligations relating to its purchase of Derivatives. To maintain this
required cover, a Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at
disadvantageous prices or times since it may not be possible to liquidate a
Derivative position at a reasonable price. Derivatives may be purchased on
established exchanges or through privately negotiated transactions referred
to as over-the-counter Derivatives. Exchange-traded Derivatives generally
are guaranteed by the clearing agency which is the issuer or counterparty
to such Derivatives. This guarantee usually is supported by a daily
payment system (i.e., margin requirements) operated by the clearing agency
in order to reduce overall credit risk. As a result, unless the clearing
agency defaults, there is relatively little counterparty credit risk
associated with Derivatives purchased on an exchange. By contrast, no
clearing agency guarantees over-the-counter Derivatives. Therefore, each
party to an over-the-counter Derivative bears the risk that the
counterparty will default. Accordingly, the Manager (and TBC Asset
Management with respect to Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund, Dreyfus Midcap
Value Fund and Dreyfus International Value Fund) will consider the credit-
worthiness of counterparties to over-the-counter Derivatives in the same
manner as it would review the credit quality of a security to be purchased
by a Fund. Over-the-counter Derivatives are less liquid than exchange-
traded Derivatives since the other party to the transaction may be the only
investor with sufficient understanding of the Derivative to be interested
in bidding for it.
Futures Transactions--In General. (All Funds) A Fund may enter into
futures contracts in U.S. domestic markets, such as the Chicago Board of
Trade and the International Monetary Market of the Chicago Mercantile
Exchange, or, if permitted in its Prospectus, on exchanges located outside
the United States, such as the London International Financial Futures
Exchange and the Sydney Futures Exchange Limited. Foreign markets may
offer advantages such as trading opportunities or arbitrage possibilities
not available in the United States. Foreign markets, however, may have
greater risk potential than domestic markets. For example, some foreign
exchanges are principal markets so that no common clearing facility exists
and an investor may look only to the broker for performance of the
contract. In addition, any profits that a Fund might realize in trading
could be eliminated by adverse changes in the exchange rate, or the Fund
could incur losses as a result of those changes. Transactions on foreign
exchanges may include both commodities which are traded on domestic
exchanges and those which are not. Unlike trading on domestic commodity
exchanges, trading on foreign commodity exchanges is not regulated by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Engaging in these transactions involves risk of loss to a Fund which
could adversely affect the value of the Fund's net assets. Although each
Fund intends to purchase or sell futures contracts only if there is an
active market for such contracts, no assurance can be given that a liquid
market will exist for any particular contract at any particular time. Many
futures exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation
permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. Once the
daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be
made that day at a price beyond that limit or trading may be suspended for
specified periods during the trading day. Futures contract prices could
move to the limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no
trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and
potentially subjecting the Fund to substantial losses.
Successful use of futures by a Fund also is subject to the ability of
the Manager (and TBC Asset Management with respect to Dreyfus Small Company
Value Fund, Dreyfus Small company Value Fund, Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund and
Dreyfus International Value Fund) to predict correctly movements in the
direction of the relevant market and, to the extent the transaction is
entered into for hedging purposes, to ascertain the appropriate correlation
between the transaction being hedged and the price movements of the futures
contract. For example, if a Fund uses futures to hedge against the
possibility of a decline in the market value of securities held in its
portfolio and the prices of such securities instead increase, the Fund will
lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of securities which
it has hedged because it will have offsetting losses in its futures
positions. Furthermore, if in such circumstances the Fund has insufficient
cash, it may have to sell securities to meet daily variation margin
requirements. A Fund may have to sell such securities at a time when it
may be disadvantageous to do so.
Pursuant to regulations and/or published positions of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, a Fund may be required to segregate cash or high
quality money market instruments in connection with its commodities
transactions in an amount generally equal to the value of the underlying
commodity. The segregation of such assets will have the effect of limiting
a Fund's ability otherwise to invest those assets.
Specific Futures Transactions. A Fund may purchase and sell stock index
futures contracts. A stock index future obligates a Fund to pay or receive
an amount of cash equal to a fixed dollar amount specified in the futures
contract multiplied by the difference between the settlement price of the
contract on the contract's last trading day and the value of the index
based on the stock prices of the securities that comprise it at the opening
of trading in such securities on the next business day.
Dreyfus Aggressive Value Fund may purchase and sell interest rate
futures contracts. An interest rate future obligates the Fund to purchase
or sell an amount of a specific debt security at a future date at a
specific price.
A Fund may purchase and sell currency futures. A foreign currency
future obligates the Fund to purchase or sell an amount of a specific
currency at a future date at a specific price.
Options--In General. (All Funds) A Fund may purchase and write
(i.e., sell) call or put options with respect to specific securities. A
call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and
obligates the writer to sell, the underlying security or securities at the
exercise price at any time during the option period, or at a specific date.
Conversely, a put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to
sell, and obligates the writer to buy, the underlying security or
securities at the exercise price at any time during the option period.
A covered call option written by a Fund is a call option with respect
to which the Fund owns the underlying security or otherwise covers the
transaction by segregating cash or other securities. A put option written
by a Fund is covered when, among other things, cash or liquid securities
having a value equal to or greater than the exercise price of the option
are placed in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian to fulfill the
obligation undertaken. The principal reason for writing covered call and
put options is to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater
return than would be realized on the underlying securities alone. A Fund
receives a premium from writing covered call or put options which it
retains whether or not the option is exercised.
There is no assurance that sufficient trading interest to create a
liquid secondary market on a securities exchange will exist for any
particular option or at any particular time, and for some options no such
secondary market may exist. A liquid secondary market in an option may
cease to exist for a variety of reasons. In the past, for example, higher
than anticipated trading activity or order flow, or other unforeseen
events, at times have rendered certain of the clearing facilities
inadequate and resulted in the institution of special procedures, such as
trading rotations, restrictions on certain types of orders or trading halts
or suspensions in one or more options. There can be no assurance that
similar events, or events that may otherwise interfere with the timely
execution of customers' orders, will not recur. In such event, it might
not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options. If,
as a covered call option writer, the Fund is unable to effect a closing
purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the
underlying security until the option expires or it delivers the underlying
security upon exercise or it otherwise covers its position.
Specific Options Transactions. A Fund may purchase and sell call and
put options in respect of specific securities (or groups or "baskets" of
specific securities) or stock indices listed on national securities
exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter market. An option on a stock
index is similar to an option in respect of specific securities, except
that settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the
index. Instead, the option holder receives an amount of cash if the
closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater
than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the
exercise price of the option. Thus, the effectiveness of purchasing or
writing stock index options will depend upon price movements in the level
of the index rather than the price of a particular stock.
A Fund may purchase and sell call and put options on foreign currency.
These options convey the right to buy or sell the underlying currency at a
price which is expected to be lower or higher than the spot price of the
currency at the time the option is exercised or expires.
A Fund may purchase cash-settlement options on equity index swaps in
pursuit of its investment objective. Equity index swaps involve the
exchange by the Fund with another party of cash flows based upon the
performance of an index or a portion of an index of securities which
usually includes dividends. A cash-settled option on a swap gives the
purchaser the right, but not the obligation, in return for the premium
paid, to receive an amount of cash equal to the value of the underlying
swap as of the exercise date. These options typically are purchased in
privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions, including
securities brokerage firms.
Successful use by a Fund of options will be subject to the ability of
the Manager (and TBC Asset Management with respect to Dreyfus Small Company
Value Fund, Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund and Dreyfus International Value Fund)
to predict correctly movements in the prices of individual stocks or the
stock market generally. To the extent such predictions are incorrect, a
Fund may incur losses.
Future Developments. A Fund may take advantage of opportunities in
the area of options and futures contracts and options on futures contracts
and any other Derivatives which are not presently contemplated for use by
the Fund or which are not currently available but which may be developed,
to the extent such opportunities are both consistent with the Fund's
investment objective and legally permissible for the Fund. Before entering
into such transactions or making any such investment, the Fund will provide
appropriate disclosure in its Prospectus or Statement of Additional
Information.
Forward Commitments. (All Funds) A 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 that will be
received on a forward commitment or when-issued security are fixed at the
time the Fund enters into the commitment. However, a Fund does not make a
payment until it receives delivery from the other party to the transaction.
A Fund will make commitments to purchase such securities only with the
intention of actually acquiring the securities, but the Fund may sell these
securities before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable. A
segregated account of the Fund consisting of cash, cash equivalents or U.S.
Government securities or other high quality liquid debt securities at least
equal at all times to the amount of the commitments will be established and
maintained at the Fund's custodian bank.
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 a Fund to risks because they may experience such fluctuations
prior to their actual delivery. Purchasing securities on a 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 a 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.
Risk Factors
Lower Rated Securities. (Dreyfus Aggressive Value Fund only) The Fund is
permitted to invest in securities rated below Baa by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and below BBB by Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P" and with Moody's, the "Rating Agencies") and as low as Caa by
Moody's or CCC by S&P. Such securities, though higher yielding, are
characterized by risk. See in the Fund's Prospectus "Description of the
Fund--Investment Considerations and Risks--Lower Rated Securities" for a
discussion of certain risks and the 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 Manager's
judgment, analysis and experience in evaluating the creditworthiness of an
issuer.
Investors should be aware that the market values of many of these
securities tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than are higher
rated securities. 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.
Dreyfus Aggressive Value 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 Manager will review carefully
the credit and other characteristics pertinent to such new issues.
Investment Restrictions
Each Fund has adopted investment restrictions numbered 1 through 10 as
fundamental policies. These restrictions cannot be changed, as to a Fund,
without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of such Fund's outstanding voting shares. Investment restrictions numbered
11 through 16 are not fundamental policies and may be changed by vote of a
majority of the Company's Board members at any time. No Fund may:
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. Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the
securities of issuers in any single industry, provided that 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 or real estate investment
trusts.
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 Company'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, 13 and 14 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
purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and the
deposit of assets in escrow in connection with writing covered put and call
options 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 relevant 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. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except to the
extent permitted under the 1940 Act.
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.
Each Fund may invest, notwithstanding any other investment restriction
(whether or not fundamental), all of its assets in the securities of a
single open-end management investment company with substantially the same
fundamental investment objective, policies and restrictions as the Fund.
The Company may make commitments more restrictive than the
restrictions listed above so as to permit the sale of Fund shares in
certain states. Should the Company determine that a commitment is no
longer in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders, the Company
reserves the right to revoke the commitment by terminating the sale of such
Fund's shares in the state involved.
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
Directors and officers of the Company, together with information as to
their principal business occupations during at least the last five years,
are shown below. Each Director who is deemed to be an "interested person"
of the Company, as defined in the 1940 Act, is indicated by an asterisk.
Directors of the Company
* JOSEPH S. DiMARTINO, Chairman of the Board. Since January 1995, Chairman
of the Board of various funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. For
more than five years prior thereto, he was President, a director and,
until August 1994, Chief Operating Officer of the Manager and
Executive Vice President and a director of Dreyfus Service
Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager and, until
August 24, 1994, the Company's distributor. From August 1994 until
December 31, 1994, he was a director of Mellon Bank Corporation. He
is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of Noel Group, Inc., a
venture capital company; a trustee of Bucknell University; and a
director of The Muscular Dystrophy Association, HealthPlan Services
Corporation, Belding Heminway Company, Inc., a manufacturer and
marketer of industrial threads, specialty yarns, home furnishings and
fabrics, Curtis Industries, Inc., a national distributor of security
products, chemicals and automotive and other hardware, Simmons Outdoor
Corporation and Staffing Resources, Inc. He is 51 years old and his
address is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166.
JOHN M. FRASER, JR., Director. President of Fraser Associates, a service
company for planning and arranging corporate meetings and other
events. From September 1975 to June 1978, he was Executive Vice
President of Flagship Cruises, Ltd. Prior thereto, he was Senior Vice
President and Resident Director of the Swedish-American Line for the
United States and Canada. He is 74 years old and his address is 133
East 64th Street, New York, New York 10021.
EHUD HOUMINER, Director. Since July 1991, Professor and
Executive-in-Residence at the Columbia Business School, Columbia
University and, since February 1992, a Consultant to Bear, Stearns &
Co. Inc., investment bankers. He was President and Chief Executive
Officer of Philip Morris USA, manufacturers of consumer products, from
December 1988 to September 1990. He also is a Director of Avnet Inc.
He is 55 years old and his address is c/o Columbia Business School,
Columbia University, Uris Hall, Room 526, New York, New York 10027.
GLORIA MESSINGER, Director. From 1981 to 1993, Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and
Publishers). She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Yale
Law School Fund and Theater for a New Audience, Inc., and was
secretary of the ASCAP Foundation and served as a Trustee of the
Copyright Society of the United States. She is also a member of
numerous professional and civic organizations. She is 65 years old
and her address is 747 Third Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, New York
10017.
For so long as the Company's plan described in the section captioned
"Shareholder Services Plan" remains in effect, the Board members who are
not "interested persons" of the Company, as defined in the 1940 Act, will
be selected and nominated by the Board members who are not "interested
persons" of the Company.
The Company 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 Company for the fiscal year
ended October 31, 1994, and by all other funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds for which such person is a Board member (the number of which is set
forth in parenthesis next to each Board member's total compensation) for
the year ended December 31, 1994, were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(5)
(3) Total Compensation
(2) Pension or (4) From Company and
(1) Aggregate Retirement Benefits Estimated Annual Fund Complex
Name of Board Compensation Accrued as Part of Benefits Upon Paid to Board
Member From Company* Company's Expenses Retirement Member
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Joseph S. DiMartino $5,000** none none $445,000***(93)
John M. Fraser, Jr. $1,832 none none $ 46,766(12)
Ehud Houminer $3,750 none none $ 25,701(12)
Gloria Messinger $3,750 none none $ 3,277(1)
* Amount does not include reimbursed expenses for attending Board meetings, which amounted to $0 for all
Board members as a group.
** Estimated amount for the fiscal year ending October 31, 1995.
*** Estimated amount for the year ending December 31, 1995.
</TABLE>
Officers of the Company
MARIE E. CONNOLLY, President and Treasurer. President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. From December 1991
to July 1994, she was President and Chief Compliance Officer of Funds
Distributor, Inc., the ultimate parent of which is Boston
Institutional Group, Inc. Prior to December 1991, she served as Vice
President and Controller, and later as Senior Vice President, of The
Boston Company Advisors, Inc. She is 37 years old.
JOHN E. PELLETIER, Vice President and Secretary. Senior Vice President and
General Counsel of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. From February 1992
to July 1994, he served as Counsel for The Boston Company Advisors,
Inc. From August 1990 to February 1992, he was employed as an
Associate at Ropes & Gray. He is 31 years old.
FREDERICK C. DEY, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice
President of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. From 1988 to August
1994, he was manager of the High Performance Fabric Division of
Springs Industries Inc. He is 33 years old.
ERIC B. FISCHMAN, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Associate
General Counsel of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. From September 1992
to August 1994, he was an attorney with the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System. He is 30 years old.
JOSEPH S. TOWER, III, Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice President,
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Distributor and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by the
Manager. 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 33 years old.
JOHN J. PYBURN, Assistant Treasurer. Assistant Treasurer of the
Distributor and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by the Manager. From 1984 to July 1994, he was Assistant
Vice President in the Mutual Fund Accounting Department of the
Manager. He is 59 years old.
RUTH D. LEIBERT, Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice President of the
Distributor and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by the Manager. From March 1992 to July 1994, she was a
Compliance Officer for The Managers Funds, a registered investment
company. From March 1990 until September 1991, she was Development
Director of The Rockland Center for the Arts. She is 50 years old.
The address of each officer of the Company is 200 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10166.
The Company's Board members and officers, as a group, owned less than
1% of each Fund's voting securities outstanding on September 11, 1995.
The following persons are known by the Company to own of record or
beneficially 5% or more of a Fund's outstanding voting securities as of
September 11, 1995: Major Trading Corporation, attn. Maurice Bendrihem,
200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166 - 97.3% of the outstanding shares
of Dreyfus Large Company Growth Fund, 95.9% of the outstanding shares of
Dreyfus Large Company Value Fund, 93.3% of the outstanding shares of
Dreyfus Small Company Growth Fund and 96.6% of the outstanding shares of
Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund. A shareholder who beneficially owns,
directly or indirectly, more than 25% of a Fund's voting securities may be
deemed a "control person" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund.
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in each Fund's Prospectus entitled "Management
of the Company."
Management Agreement. The Manager provides management services
pursuant to the Management Agreement (the "Agreement") dated August 24,
1994, as amended September 29, 1995, with the Company. As to each Fund,
the Agreement is subject to annual approval by (i) the Company's Board or
(ii) vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding
voting securities of such Fund, provided that in either event the
continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board members who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company or the
Manager, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. The Agreement was approved by shareholders on
August 5, 1994 in respect of Dreyfus Large Company Growth Fund and Dreyfus
Large Company Value Fund, on September 29, 1995 in respect of Dreyfus Small
Company Value Fund and was last approved by the Company's Board, including
a majority of the Board members who are not "interested persons" of any
party to the Agreement, at a meeting held on September 14, 1995. As to
each Fund, the Agreement is terminable without penalty, on 60 days' notice,
by the Company's Board or by vote of the holders of a majority of such
Fund's shares, or, on not less than 90 days' notice, by the Manager. The
Agreement will terminate automatically, as to the relevant Fund, in the
event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
The following persons are officers and/or directors of the Manager:
Howard Stein, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; W. Keith
Smith, Vice Chairman of the Board; Robert E. Riley, President, Chief
Operating Officer and a director; Stephen E. Canter, Vice Chairman, Chief
Investment Officer and a director; Lawrence S. Kash, Vice Chairman-
- -Distribution and a director; Philip L. Toia, Vice Chairman--Operations and
Administration and a director; Barbara E. Casey, Vice President--Dreyfus
Retirement Services; Diane M. Coffey, Vice President--Corporate
Communications; Elie M. Genadry, Vice President--Institutional Sales;
William F. Glavin, Jr., Vice President--Corporate Development; Henry D.
Gottmann, Vice President--Retail Sales and Services; Mark N. Jacobs, Vice
President--Fund Legal and Compliance and Secretary; Daniel C. Maclean, Vice
President and General Counsel; Jeffrey N. Nachman, Vice President--Mutual
Fund Accounting; Andrew S. Wasser, Vice President--Information Services;
Katherine C. Wickham, Vice President--Human Resources; Maurice Bendrihem,
Controller; Elvira Oslapas, Assistant Secretary; and Mandell L. Berman,
Frank V. Cahouet, Alvin E. Friedman, Lawrence M. Greene, Julian M. Smerling
and David B. Truman, directors.
TBC Asset Management provides investment advisory assistance and day-
to-day management of Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund's, Dreyfus Midcap
Value Fund's and Dreyfus International Value Fund's investments pursuant to
the Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Sub-Advisory Agreement"), dated
September 14, 1995, as amended September 29, 1995, between TBC Asset
Management and the Manager. As to each such Fund, the Sub-Advisory
Agreement is subject to annual approval by (i) the Company's Board or (ii)
vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting
securities of such Fund, provided that in either event the continuance also
is approved by a majority of the Board members who are not "interested
persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company or the Manager or TBC
Asset Management, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval. As to each such Fund, the Sub-Advisory
Agreement is terminable without penalty, (i) by the Manager on 60 days'
notice, (ii) by the Company's Board or by vote of the holders of a majority
of such Fund's shares on 60 days' notice, or (iii) upon not less than 60
days' notice, by TBC Asset Management. The Sub-Advisory Agreement will
terminate automatically, as to the relevant Fund, in the event of its
assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
The following persons are officers and/or directors of TBC Asset
Management: Christopher M. Condron, Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer; Philip R. Roberts and W. Keith Smith, directors.
The Manager manages each Fund's investments in accordance with the
stated policies of such Fund, subject to the approval of the Company's
Board. TBC Asset Management provides day-to-day management of Dreyfus
Small Company Value Fund's, Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund's and Dreyfus
International Value Fund's portfolio, subject to the supervision of the
Manager and the approval of the Company's Board. The Manager (and TBC
Asset Management with respect to Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund, Dreyfus
Midcap Value Fund and Dreyfus International Value Fund) is responsible for
investment decisions, and provides the Funds with portfolio managers who
are authorized by the Board to execute purchases and sales of securities.
The Funds' portfolio managers are [Howard Stein (with respect to Dreyfus
Large Company Growth Fund, Dreyfus Large Company Value Fund and Dreyfus
Small Company Value Fund), David L. Diamond (with respect to Dreyfus Small
Company Value Fund and Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund), Peter I. Higgins (with
respect to Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund), Richard B. Hoey (with respect to
Dreyfus Large Company Growth Fund, Dreyfus Large Company Value Fund and
Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund), Thomas A. Frank (with respect to Dreyfus
Emerging Leaders Fund), Jeffrey F. Friedman (with respect to Dreyfus Large
Company Growth Fund, Dreyfus Large Company Value Fund and Dreyfus Small
Company Value Fund) and Ernest G. Wiggins, Jr. (with respect to Dreyfus
Large Company Growth Fund, Dreyfus Large Company Value Fund and Dreyfus
Small Company Value Fund)]. The Manager and TBC Asset Management also
maintain research departments each with a professional staff of portfolio
managers and securities analysts who provide research services for the
Funds as well as for other funds advised by the Manager. All purchases and
sales are reported for the Board's review at the meeting subsequent to such
transactions.
The Manager maintains office facilities on behalf of the Funds, and
furnishes statistical and research data, clerical help, accounting, data
processing, bookkeeping and internal auditing and certain other required
services to the Funds. The Manager also may make such advertising and
promotional expenditures, using its own resources, as it from time to time
deems appropriate.
Expenses. All expenses incurred in the operation of the Company are
borne by the Company, except to the extent specifically assumed by the
Manager. The expenses borne by the Company include: organizational costs,
taxes, interest, loan commitment fees, interest and distributions paid on
securities sold short, 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 the Manager or TBC Asset
Management 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
maintaining the Company's existence, costs of independent pricing services,
costs attributable to investor services (including, without limitation,
telephone and personnel expenses), costs of preparing and printing
prospectuses and statements of additional information for regulatory
purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders, costs of
shareholders' reports and meetings, and any extraordinary expenses. In
addition, the Company is subject to an annual service fee for ongoing
personal services relating to shareholder accounts and services related to
the maintenance of shareholder accounts. See "Shareholder Services Plan."
Expenses attributable to a particular Fund are charged against the assets
of that Fund; other expenses of the Company are allocated among the Funds
on the basis determined by the Board, including, but not limited to,
proportionately in relation to the net assets of each Fund.
As compensation for the Manager's services to the Company, the Company
has agreed to pay the Manager a monthly management fee at the annual rate
of 1.00% of the value of Dreyfus International Growth Fund's and Dreyfus
International Value Fund's average daily net assets, .90 of 1% of the value
of Dreyfus Emerging Leaders Fund's average daily net assets and .75 of 1%
of the value of each other Fund's average daily net assets. For the period
December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 1994,
the management fee payable by the Company, and amounts waived by the
Manager, for each then-existing Fund were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Management Reduction
Fund Fee Payable in Fee Net Fee Paid
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dreyfus Large Company Growth $31,700 $31,700 $0
Fund
Dreyfus Large Company Value $32,302 $32,302 $0
Fund
Dreyfus Small Company Growth $30,774 $30,774 $0
Fund
Dreyfus Small $32,544 $32,544 $0
Company Value Fund
</TABLE>
As to each Fund, the Manager has agreed that if in any fiscal year the
aggregate expenses of the Fund, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on
borrowings 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 the Manager under the Agreement, or the Manager 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 the Manager is not subject to
reduction as the value of a Fund's net assets increases.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in each Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Buy
Shares."
The Distributor. The Distributor serves as each Fund's distributor
pursuant to an agreement which is renewable annually. The Distributor also
acts as distributor for the other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds and
for certain other investment companies. In some states, certain financial
institutions effecting transactions in Fund shares may be required to
register as dealers pursuant to state law.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege. Dreyfus TeleTransfer purchase orders
may be made between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., New York time, on
any business day that The Shareholder Services Group, Inc., each Fund's
transfer and dividend disbursing agent (the "Transfer Agent"), and the New
York Stock Exchange are open. Such purchases will be credited to the
shareholder's Fund account on the next bank business day. To qualify to
use the 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 "Redemption of Shares--Dreyfus TeleTransfer
Privilege."
Reopening an Account. An investor may reopen an account with a
minimum investment of $100 without filing a new Account Application during
the calendar year the account is closed or during the following calendar
year, provided the information on the old Account Application is still
applicable.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in each Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Shareholder Services Plan."
The Company has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan, pursuant to which
the Company pays the Distributor for the provision of certain services to
each Fund's shareholders. The services provided may include personal
services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder
inquiries regarding the Company 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 certain securities dealers, financial institutions and other
financial industry professionals (collectively, "Service Agents") in
respect of these services.
A quarterly report of the amounts expended under the Shareholder
Services Plan, and the purposes for which such expenditures were incurred,
must be made to the Board members for their review. In addition, the
Shareholder Services Plan provides that it may be amended only with the
approval of the Board members, and by the Board members who are neither
"interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company nor have
any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the
Shareholder Services Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection
with the Shareholder Services Plan, by vote cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of considering such amendments. As to each Fund,
the Shareholder Services Plan is subject to annual approval by such vote of
the Board members cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on the Shareholder Services Plan. The Shareholder Services Plan was
so approved on September 14, 1995. The Shareholder Services Plan is
terminable with respect to each Fund 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 period August 24, 1994 (effective date of Shareholder Services
Plan) through October 31, 1994, the amounts charged to each then-existing
Fund pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan were as follows:
Fund Amount Charged
Dreyfus Large Company Growth Fund $2,410
Dreyfus Large Company Value Fund $2,457
Dreyfus Small Company Growth Fund $2,291
Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund $2,439
Prior Distribution Plans and Shareholder Services Plan. As of
September 14, 1995, the Company terminated its then-existing Distribution
Plan that had been in effect from August 24, 1994. That Distribution Plan,
adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, provided that the
Company (i) reimburse the Distributor for payments to certain Service
Agents for distributing shares and (ii) pay the Manager, Dreyfus Service
Corporation or any affiliate (collectively, "Dreyfus") for advertising and
marketing relating to the Company and servicing shareholders accounts, at
an aggregate annual rate of .50 of 1% of the value of each Fund's average
daily net assets. For the period August 24, 1994 through October 31, 1994,
the amounts payable by each then-existing Fund pursuant to such plan were
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Prospectus
and
statement of
Advertising, additional
Marketing Distribution information Reductions
and expenses expenses due to Net Amount
Fund servicing payable payable undertakings paid
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dreyfus Large
Company Growth
Fund $4,819 $0 $0 $4,819 $0
Dreyfus Large
Company Value
Fund $4,914 $0 $0 $4,914 $0
Dreyfus Small
Company Growth
Fund $4,582 $0 $0 $4,582 $0
Dreyfus Small
Company Value
Fund $4,878 $0 $0 $4,878 $0
</TABLE>
As of August 24, 1994, the Company terminated its then-existing
Distribution Plan, which provided for payments to be made to Dreyfus
Service Corporation, the Company's distributor prior to such date, for
advertising, marketing and distributing shares at the annual rate of .50 of
1% of the value of each Fund's average daily net assets. For the period
December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations) through August 23, 1994, the
amounts payable by each then-existing Fund pursuant to such plan were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Prospectus
Advertising, and statement
marketing and of additional
distribution information Reductions
expenses expenses due to Net amount
Fund payable payable undertakings paid
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dreyfus Large
Company Growth
Fund $16,314 $0 $16,314 $0
Dreyfus Large
Company Value Fund $16,620 $0 $16,620 $0
Dreyfus Small
Company Growth Fund $15,934 $0 $15,934 $0
Dreyfus Small
Company Value Fund $16,818 $0 $16,818 $0
</TABLE>
As of August 24, 1994, the Company also terminated its then-existing
Shareholder Services Plan, which provided for payments to be made to
Dreyfus Service Corporation for the provision of certain services to each
Fund's shareholders. For the period December 29, 1993 (commencement of
operations) through August 23, 1994, the amounts charged to each then-
existing Fund pursuant to such plan were as follows:
Fund Amount Charged
Dreyfus Large Company Growth Fund $8,157
Dreyfus Large Company Value Fund $8,310
Dreyfus Small Company Growth Fund $7,967
Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund $8,409
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in each Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to
Redeem Shares."
Wire Redemption Privilege. By using this Privilege, the investor
authorizes the Transfer Agent to act on wire or telephone redemption
instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be the
investor and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine.
Ordinarily, the Company will initiate payment for shares redeemed pursuant
to this Privilege on the next business day after receipt by the Transfer
Agent of the redemption request in proper form. Redemption proceeds
($1,000 minimum) will be transferred by Federal Reserve wire only to the
commercial bank account specified by the investor on the Account
Application or Shareholder Services Form, or to a correspondent bank if the
investor's bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System. Fees
ordinarily are imposed by such bank and usually are borne by the investor.
Immediate notification by the correspondent bank to the investor's bank is
necessary to avoid a delay in crediting the funds to the investor's bank
account.
Investors with access to telegraphic equipment may wire redemption
requests to the Transfer Agent by employing the following transmittal code
which may be used for domestic or overseas transmissions:
Transfer Agent's
Transmittal Code Answer Back Sign
144295 144295 TSSG PREP
Investors who do not have direct access to telegraphic equipment may
have the wire transmitted by contacting a TRT Cables operator at
1-800-654-7171, toll free. Investors should advise the operator that the
above transmittal code must be used and should also inform the operator of
the Transfer Agent's answer back sign.
To change the commercial bank or account designated to receive
redemption proceeds, a written request must be sent to the Transfer Agent.
This request must be signed by each shareholder, with each signature
guaranteed as described below under "Stock Certificates; Signatures."
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege. Investors should be aware that if
they 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. Redemption proceeds will be on
deposit in the investor's account at an ACH member bank ordinarily two
business days after receipt of the redemption request. See "Purchase of
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. For more information with respect to signature-guarantees,
please call one of the telephone numbers listed on the cover.
Redemption Commitment. The Company has committed itself to pay in
cash all redemption requests by any shareholder of record of a Fund,
limited in amount during any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1%
of the value of such Fund's net assets at the beginning of such period.
Such commitment is irrevocable without the prior approval of the Securities
and Exchange Commission. In the case of requests for redemption in excess
of such amount, the Board 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 relevant Fund ordinarily
utilizes is restricted, or when an emergency exists as determined by the
Securities and Exchange Commission so that disposal of the Fund's
investments or determination of its net asset value is not reasonably
practicable, or (c) for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange
Commission by order may permit to protect the Fund's shareholders.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in each Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Shareholder Services."
Fund Exchanges. Shares of 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 in shares of other funds
that are offered 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.
To accomplish an exchange under item D above, shareholders must notify
the Transfer Agent of their prior ownership of fund shares and their
account number.
To request an exchange, shareholders must give exchange instructions
to the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone. The ability to issue
exchange instructions by telephone is given to all Fund shareholders
automatically, unless the investor checks the applicable "No" box on the
Account Application, indicating that the investor specifically refuses this
Privilege. By using the Telephone Exchange Privilege, the investor
authorizes the Transfer Agent to act on telephonic instructions from any
person representing himself or herself to be the investor, and reasonably
believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. Telephone exchanges may be
subject to limitations as to the amount involved or the number of telephone
exchanges permitted. Shares issued in certificate form are not eligible
for telephone exchange.
To establish a personal retirement plan by exchange, shares of the
fund being exchanged must have a value of at least the minimum initial
investment required for the fund into which the exchange is being made.
For Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs and IRAs set up under a Simplified
Employee Pension Plan ("SEP-IRAs") with only one participant, the minimum
initial investment is $750. To exchange shares held in corporate plans,
403(b)(7) Plans and SEP-IRAs with more than one participant, the minimum
initial investment is $100 if the plan has at least $2,500 invested among
the funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. To exchange shares held in a
personal retirement plan account, the shares exchanged must have a current
value of at least $100.
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege. Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege
permits an investor to purchase, in exchange for shares of a Fund, shares
of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. This Privilege is
available only for existing accounts. Shares will be exchanged on the
basis of relative net asset value as described above under "Fund
Exchanges." Enrollment in or modification or cancellation of this
Privilege is effective three business days following notification by the
investor. An investor will be notified if the investor's account falls
below the amount designated to be exchanged under this Privilege. In this
case, an investor's account will fall to zero unless additional investments
are made in excess of the designated amount prior to the next Auto-Exchange
transaction. Shares held under IRA and other retirement plans are eligible
for this Privilege. Exchanges of IRA shares may be made between IRA
accounts and from regular accounts to IRA accounts, but not from IRA
accounts to regular accounts. With respect to all other retirement
accounts, exchanges may be made only among those accounts.
Fund Exchanges and the 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 1-800-645-6561. The Company reserves the right to
reject any exchange request in whole or in part. The Fund Exchanges
service or the Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege may be modified or
terminated at any time upon notice to shareholders.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits an
investor with a $5,000 minimum account to request withdrawal of a specified
dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly basis.
Withdrawal payments are the proceeds from sales of Fund shares, not the
yield on the shares. If withdrawal payments exceed reinvested dividends
and distributions, the investor's shares will be reduced and eventually may
be depleted. There is a service charge of $.50 for each withdrawal check.
Automatic Withdrawal may be terminated at any time by the investor, the
Company or the Transfer Agent. Shares for which certificates have been
issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep. Dreyfus Dividend Sweep allows investors to
invest on the payment date their dividends or dividends and capital gain
distributions, if any, from a Fund in shares of another fund in the
Dreyfus Family of Funds of which the investor is a shareholder. Shares 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 contingent deferred sales
charge ("CDSC") and the applicable CDSC, if any, will be imposed
upon redemption of such shares.
Corporate Pension/Profit-Sharing and Retirement Plans. The Company
makes available to corporations a variety of prototype pension and profit-
sharing plans including a 401(k) Salary Reduction Plan. In addition, the
Company makes available Keogh Plans, IRAs, including SEP-IRAs and IRA
"Rollover Accounts," and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services also are
available.
Investors who wish to purchase Fund shares in conjunction with a Keogh
Plan, a 403(b)(7) Plan or an IRA, including a SEP-IRA, 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
$2,500 with no minimum for subsequent purchases. The minimum initial
investment for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and 403(b)(7)
Plans with only one participant, is ordinarily $750, with no minimum for
subsequent purchases. Individuals who open an IRA also may open a
non-working spousal IRA with a minimum investment of $250.
Each investor should read the prototype retirement plan and the
appropriate form of custodial agreement for further details on eligibility,
service fees and tax implications, and should consult a tax adviser.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in each Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Buy
Shares."
Valuation of Portfolio Securities. Each Fund's securities, including
covered call options written by a Fund, are valued at the last sale price
on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such
securities primarily are traded. Securities not listed on an exchange or
national securities market, or securities in which there were no
transactions, are valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked
prices, except in the case of open short positions where the asked price is
used for valuation purposes. Bid price is used when no asked price is
available. Any assets or liabilities initially expressed in terms of
foreign currency will be translated into U.S. dollars at the midpoint of
the New York interbank market spot exchange rate as quoted on the day of
such translation or, if no such rate is quoted on such date, such other
quoted market exchange rate as may be determined to be appropriate by the
Manager (and TBC Asset Management with respect to Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund
and Dreyfus International Value Fund). Forward currency contracts will be
valued at the current cost of offsetting the contract. If a 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 Funds'
securities. Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which
approximates value. Expenses and fees, including the management fee and
fees pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan, are accrued daily and taken
into account for the purpose of determining the net asset value of a Fund's
shares.
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,
Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving and Christmas.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in each Fund's Prospectus entitled "Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes."
Management of the Company believes that Dreyfus Large Company Growth
Fund, Dreyfus Large Company Value Fund, Dreyfus Small Company Growth Fund
and Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund have qualified for the fiscal year
ended October 31, 1994 as a "regulated investment company" under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). It is expected
that each other Fund will qualify as a regulated investment company under
the Code. Each Fund intends to continue to so qualify if such
qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders. As a regulated
investment company, each 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, derive less than 30% of its annual gross income from gain
on the sale of securities held for less than three months, and meet certain
asset diversification and other requirements. Accordingly, each Fund may
be restricted in the selling of securities held for less than three months.
The Code, however, allows each Fund to net certain offsetting positions,
making it easier for each Fund to satisfy the 30% test. The term
"regulated investment company" does not imply the supervision of management
or investment practices or policies by any government agency.
Any dividend or distribution paid shortly after an investor's purchase
may have the effect of reducing the net asset value of the shares below the
cost of the investment. Such a dividend or distribution would be a return
of investment in an economic sense, although taxable as stated above. In
addition, the Code provides that if a shareholder holds shares of a 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 a Fund's income, the entire amount
or a portion of the dividends paid by such Fund from net investment income
may qualify for the dividends received deduction allowable to qualifying
U.S. corporate shareholders ("dividends received deduction"). In general,
dividend income of a Fund distributed to qualifying corporate shareholders
will be eligible for the dividends received deduction only to the extent
that such Fund's income consists of dividends paid by U.S. corporations.
However, Section 246(c) of the Code provides that if a qualifying corporate
shareholder has disposed of Fund shares not held for more than 46 days and
has received a dividend from net investment income with respect to such
shares, the portion designated by the Fund as qualifying for the dividends
received deduction will not be eligible for such shareholder's dividends
received deduction. In addition, the Code provides other limitations with
respect to the ability of a qualifying corporate shareholder to claim the
dividends received deduction in connection with holding Fund shares.
A 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). A Fund may
make an election under Section 853, provided that more than 50% of the
value of the Fund's total assets at the close of the taxable year consists
of securities in foreign corporations, and the Fund satisfies the
applicable distribution provisions of the Code. The foreign tax credit
available to shareholders is subject to certain limitations imposed by the
Code.
Ordinarily, gains and losses realized from portfolio transactions will
be treated as capital gains and losses. However, a portion of the gain or
loss realized from the disposition of foreign currencies (including foreign
currency denominated bank deposits) and non-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. Finally, all or a portion of the gain
realized from engaging in "conversion transactions" may be treated as
ordinary income under Section 1258. "Conversion transactions" are defined
to include certain forward, futures, option and straddle transactions,
transactions marketed or sold to produce capital gains, or transactions
described in Treasury regulations to be issued in the future.
Under Section 1256 of the Code, any gain or loss realized by a Fund
from certain forward contracts and options transactions will be treated as
60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss.
Gain or loss will arise upon exercise or lapse of such contracts and
options as well as from closing transactions. In addition, any such
contracts or options remaining unexercised at the end of the Fund's taxable
year will be treated as sold for their then fair market value, resulting in
additional gain or loss to such Fund characterized in the manner described
above.
Offsetting positions held by a Fund involving certain foreign currency
forward contracts or options may constitute "straddles." "Straddles" are
defined to include "offsetting positions" in actively traded personal
property. The tax treatment of "straddles" is governed by Sections 1092
and 1258 of the Code, which, in certain circumstances, overrides or
modifies the provisions of Sections 1256 and 988 of the Code. As such, all
or a portion of any short or long-term capital gain from certain "straddle"
transactions may be recharacterized to ordinary income.
If a Fund were treated as entering into "straddles" by reason of its
engaging in certain forward contracts or options transactions, such
"straddles" would be characterized as "mixed straddles" if the forward
contracts or options transactions comprising a part of such "straddles"
were governed by Section 1256 of the Code. A Fund may make one or more
elections with respect to "mixed straddles." Depending on which election
is made, if any, the results to the Fund may differ. If no election is
made, to the extent the "straddle" and conversion transaction rules apply
to positions established by the Fund, losses realized by the Fund will be
deferred to the extent of unrealized gain in the offsetting position.
Moreover, as a result of the "straddle" and conversion transaction rules,
short-term capital loss on "straddle" positions may be recharacterized as
long-term capital loss, and long-term capital gains may be treated as
short-term capital gains or ordinary income.
If a 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 Portfolio. 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.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
The Manager assumes general supervision over placing orders on behalf
of the Company for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities.
Allocation of brokerage transactions, including their frequency, is made in
the best judgment of the Manager (and TBC Asset Management with respect to
Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund, Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund or Dreyfus
International Value Fund) 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 Manager's 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 Manager and the Manager's fees are
not reduced as a consequence of the receipt of such supplemental
information. Such information may be useful to the Manager (and TBC Asset
Management with respect to Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund, Dreyfus Midcap
Value Fund or Dreyfus International Value Fund) in serving both the Company
and other funds which it advises and, conversely, supplemental information
obtained by the placement of business of other clients may be useful to the
Manager (and TBC Asset Management with respect to Dreyfus Small Company
Value Fund, Dreyfus Midcap Value Fund or Dreyfus International Value Fund)
in carrying out its obligations to the Company.
Sales of Fund shares by a broker may be taken into consideration, and
brokers also will be selected because of their ability to handle special
executions such as are involved in large block trades or broad
distributions, provided the primary consideration is met. Large block
trades may, in certain cases, result from two or more funds advised or
administered by the Manager being engaged simultaneously in the purchase or
sale of the same security. Certain of the Funds' transactions in
securities of foreign issuers may not benefit from the negotiated
commission rates available to the Funds for transactions in securities of
domestic issuers. When transactions are executed in the over-the-counter
market, each 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. It is anticipated that in any fiscal year the turnover rate of each
Fund, other than Dreyfus Aggressive Growth Fund may approach the 150% level
and that the turnover rate of Dreyfus Aggressive Growth Fund may exceed
150% annually. In periods in which extraordinary market conditions
prevail, the Manager will not be deterred from changing a 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 the Manager
based upon its knowledge of available information as to the general level
of commissions paid by other institutional investors for comparable
services.
For the period December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations) through
October 31, 1994, the following amounts were paid by each then-existing
Fund for brokerage commissions, none of which was paid to the Distributor:
Fund Amount Paid
Dreyfus Large Company Growth Fund $ 6,813
Dreyfus Large Company Value Fund $14,019
Dreyfus Small Company Growth Fund $12,169
Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund $57,029
For the period December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations) through
October 31, 1994, there were no gross spreads and concessions on principal
transactions.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in each Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Performance Information."
The average annual return for the 1 and 1.337 year periods ended April
30, 1995 for the then-existing Funds was: Dreyfus Large Company Growth
Fund 10.70% and 4.72%, respectively; Dreyfus Large Company Value Fund--
11.87% and 8.49%, respectively; Dreyfus Small Company Growth Fund-- 6.59%
and .78%, respectively; and Dreyfus Small Company Value Fund--5.45% and
3.86%, respectively. Average annual total return is calculated by
determining the ending redeemable value of an investment purchased 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.
Total return for the period December 29, 1993 (commencement of
operations) through April 30, 1995 for the then-existing Funds was:
Dreyfus Large Company Growth Fund--6.36%; Dreyfus Large Company Value Fund-
- -11.51%; Dreyfus Small Company Growth Fund--1.05%; and Dreyfus Small
Company Value Fund--5.19%. Total return is calculated by subtracting the
amount of the Fund's net asset value 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 dividing the result by the net asset value per share at the
beginning of the period.
From time to time, the Company may compare a Fund's performance
against inflation with the performance of other instruments against
inflation, such as short-term Treasury Bills (which are direct obligations
of the U.S. Government) and FDIC-insured bank money market accounts.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in each Fund's Prospectus entitled "General
Information."
Each Fund share has one vote and, when issued and paid for in
accordance with the terms of the offering, is fully paid and
non-assessable. Fund shares are of one class and have equal rights as to
dividends and in liquidation. Shares have no preemptive, subscription or
conversion rights and are freely transferable.
Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be
submitted under the provisions of the 1940 Act or applicable state law or
otherwise to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an
investment company, such as the Company, will not be deemed to have been
effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of each series affected by such matter. Rule 18f-2
further provides that a series shall be deemed to be affected by a matter
unless it is clear that the interests of each series in the matter are
identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of such series.
However, the Rule exempts the selection of independent accountants and the
election of Board members from the separate voting requirements of the
Rule.
Each Fund will send annual and semi-annual financial statements to all
its shareholders.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT, COUNSEL
AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286,
is the Company's custodian. The Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a
subsidiary of First Data Corporation, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-9671, is the Company's transfer and dividend disbursing agent.
Neither The Bank of New York nor The Shareholder Services Group, Inc. has
any part in determining the investment policies of each Fund or which
securities are to be purchased or sold by a Fund.
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, 7 Hanover Square, New York, New York
10004-2696, as counsel for the Company, has rendered its opinion as to
certain legal matters regarding the due authorization and valid issuance of
the shares being sold pursuant to each Fund's Prospectus.
Ernst & Young LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019,
independent auditors, have been selected as auditors of the Company.
APPENDIX
Description of S&P and Moody's 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
This designation 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.
A-2
Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong.
However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues
designated A-1.
A-3
Issues carrying this designation have a satisfactory capacity for
timely payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher
designations.
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.
Issuers (or related supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 (P-2) have
a strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This
ordinarily will be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but
to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will
be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still
appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate
liquidity is maintained.
Issuers (or related supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 (P-3) have
an acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.
The effect of industry characteristics and market composition may be more
pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in
changes in the level of debt protection measurements and the requirements
for relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is
maintained.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DREYFUS FOCUS FUNDS, INC., Large Company Growth Portfolio
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1994
COMMON STOCKS_97.0% SHARES VALUE
--------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
CONSUMER NON-DURABLES_10.9%
Archer-Daniels-Midland............... 3,360 $ 96,180
Coca-Cola........................ 2,200 110,550
Colgate-Palmolive................ 1,000 61,000
General Mills.................... 1,000 56,000
Gillette......................... 1,000 74,375
International Flavors & Fragrances 1,200 52,650
Roche Holdings, A.D.R. .......... 1,900 84,194
Wrigley, (Wm.) Jr................ 900 40,612
---------
575,561
---------
CONSUMER SERVICES_4.5%
Bell Cablemedia, A.D.R. (a) 3,200 75,200
Comcast, Cl. A .................. 2,900 48,212
Comcast, Cl. A (Non-voting)...... 1,450 23,744
Grupo Televisa S.A. ............. 2,000 88,750
---------
235,906
---------
ENERGY_11.3%
Anadarko Petroleum................ 1,600 78,200
Ashland Oil...................... 1,500 58,313
Baker Hughes..................... 4,700 96,350
Louisiana Land & Exploration..... 1,900 86,212
Schlumberger..................... 2,700 158,625
Total, Cl. B, A.D.S. ............ 3,600 118,800
---------
596,500
---------
FINANCE_8.9%
American International Group......... 1,400 131,075
Federal National Mortgage Association.... 1,400 106,400
MGIC Investment.................. 3,100 97,263
Morgan (J.P.) & Co............... 1,300 80,437
Progressive Corp, Ohio........... 1,500 57,000
---------
472,175
---------
HEALTH CARE_10.7%
ALZA.............................. (a) 3,300 58,575
Abbott Laboratories.............. 3,000 93,000
Amgen............................. (a) 1,200 66,900
Chiron............................ (a) 1,000 67,375
Genentech......................... (a) 1,200 60,900
Genzyme........................... (a) 2,400 78,600
U.S. HealthCare.................. 1,350 63,788
United Healthcare................ 1,400 73,850
---------
562,988
---------
NON-ENERGY MINERALS_1.7%
Inco .............................. 3,000 90,375
---------
PRODUCER MAUFACTURING_4.2%
Deere & Co.......................... 1,200 86,100
General Electric................. 1,800 87,975
Trinity Industries............... 1,400 47,950
---------
222,025
---------
DREYFUS FOCUS FUNDS, INC., Large Company Growth Portfolio (continued)
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
OCTOBER 31, 1994
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
---------- -----------
RETAIL TRADE_1.3%
Albertson's......................... 2,200 $ 66,000
---------
TECHNOLOGY_19.9%
Apple Computer...................... 2,200 95,013
COMPAQ Computer................... (a) 2,400 96,300
Ericsson (LM) Telephone, Cl. B, A.D.R. 2,400 146,250
General Instrument................ (a) 4,800 160,800
Hewlett-Packard.................. 1,100 107,525
Microsoft........................ (a) 2,200 138,600
Motorola......................... 2,800 164,850
Scientific-Atlanta............... 3,600 77,850
Tandem Computers................. (a) 3,700 65,212
---------
1,052,400
---------
TRANSPORTATION_2.9%
AMR............................... (a) 1,400 77,175
Delta Air Lines.................. 1,500 78,188
---------
155,363
---------
UTILITIES_20.7%
Cable & Wireless, A.D.S. ......... 3,100 63,550
Hong Kong Telecom, A.D.R. ....... 4,200 89,250
LIN Broadcasting................. (a) 700 96,600
MCI Communications............... 6,200 142,600
MFS Communications................ (a) 2,000 74,000
NEXTEL Communications, Cl. A..... (a) 2,100 43,969
Telecom Corp New Zealand, A.D.S. 1,800 100,125
Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras S.A., A.D.R. 2,300 110,400
Telefonica de Espana, A.D.S. .... 2,000 81,000
Telefonos de Mexico, Cl. L, A.D.R. 1,500 82,687
Telephone & Data Systems......... 1,700 84,150
Vodafone Group, A.D.R. .......... 3,600 125,100
---------
1,093,431
---------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $4,853,687).............. $5,122,724
==========
PRINCIPAL
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS_.5% AMOUNT
----------
U.S. TREASURY BILL; 4.42%, 11/10/94
(cost $25,971)................. $ 26,000 $ 25,971
==========
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $4,879,658)................... 97.5% $5,148,695
===== ===========
CASH AND RECEIVABLES (NET)............................ 2.5% $ 132,261
===== ===========
NET ASSETS............................................ 100.0% $5,280,956
===== ===========
NOTE TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS;
(a) Non-income producing.
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DREYFUS FOCUS FUNDS, INC., Large Company Value Portfolio
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1994
COMMON STOCKS_95.6% SHARES VALUE
------ -------
<S> <C> <C>
CONSUMER DURABLES_5.0%
American Greetings, Cl. A ........ 800 $ 21,900
Black & Decker................... 500 12,563
Fleetwood Enterprises............ 200 4,600
Ford Motor....................... 4,000 118,000
Masco............................ 1,000 23,750
Volkswagen A.G., A.D.R........... 1,300 76,050
---------
256,863
---------
CONSUMER NON-DURABLE_-7.8%
American Brands.................. 800 27,800
Archer-Daniels-Midland........... 2,730 78,146
Dean Foods....................... 300 8,663
Heinz (H.J.)..................... 700 25,988
Liz Claiborne.................... 1,100 25,437
Pet ............................. 1,500 25,875
Philip Morris Cos................ 1,800 110,250
RJR Nabisco Holdings.............. (a) 6,500 44,687
Seagram.......................... 1,800 55,575
---------
402,421
---------
CONSUMER SERVICES_1.1%
King World Productions............ (a) 500 17,750
Knight-Ridder.................... 800 41,200
---------
58,950
---------
ENERGY_5.8%
Amerada Hess...................... 500 24,875
Exxon............................ 1,100 69,163
Horsham.......................... 2,200 34,100
MAPCO............................ 500 27,312
Mobil............................ 500 43,000
Royal Dutch Petroleum............ 500 58,250
Tosco............................ 1,300 41,275
---------
297,975
---------
FINANCE_22.5%
ACE.......................... 1,100 25,025
Aetna Life & Casualty............ 2,200 101,475
Ahmanson (H.F.) & Co. ........... 1,000 19,125
Allmerica Property & Casualty Cos 1,100 17,600
American Express................. 4,700 144,525
American International Group..... 600 56,175
BankAmerica...................... 1,518 66,033
Chase Manhattan.................. 1,900 68,400
Commerce Bancshares.............. 600 19,050
Crestar Financial................ 800 33,000
Federal National Mortgage Association 1,400 106,400
First Chicago.................... 1,600 78,400
First Tennessee National......... 600 28,200
Fleet Financial Group............ 1,800 61,650
Lincoln National................. 800 29,000
Merrill Lynch & Co............... 700 27,562
DREYFUS FOCUS FUNDS, INC., Large Company Value Portfolio (continued)
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) OCTOBER 31, 1994
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
------- --------
FINANCE (CONTINUED)
Morgan (J.P.) & Co ............... 1,100 $ 68,063
Ryder System..................... 1,000 23,500
St. Paul Cos. ................... 1,000 43,625
Student Loan Marketing Association 1,800 57,825
SunAmerica....................... 800 31,100
Travelers........................ 1,700 59,075
---------
1,164,808
---------
HEALTH CARE_4.7%
Columbia/HCA Healthcare............. 40 1,665
FHP International................. (a) 700 20,300
Genetics Institute (Depository Shares)(a) 200 8,100
Healthtrust-The Hospital Company.. (a) 1,600 56,000
Johnson & Johnson................ 700 38,238
Lily (Eli) & Co.................. 700 43,400
Schering-Plough.................. 500 35,625
Warner-Lambert................... 500 38,125
---------
241,453
---------
NON-ENERGY MINERALS_1.2%
AK Steel Holding............... (a) 1,300 42,575
Bethlehem Steel................... (a) 1,200 22,800
---------
65,375
---------
PROCESS INDUSTRIES_5.4%
Bowater............. 900 24,300
Georgia-Pacific.................. 300 22,163
Grace (W.R.) & Co. .............. 1,600 63,400
IMC Global........................ (a) 1,100 46,750
International Paper.............. 300 22,350
James River...................... 1,200 27,450
Rayonier......................... 250 7,375
Sherwin-Williams................. 600 19,575
Stone Container................... (a) 1,000 16,750
Temple-Inland.................... 600 28,350
---------
278,463
---------
PRODUCER MANUFACTURING_12.8%
Canadian Pacific.......... 1,800 28,800
Champion International........... 1,400 51,800
Dial............................. 2,000 41,250
General Electric................. 1,300 63,537
Honeywell........................ 1,700 54,825
ITT....................... 800 70,600
Litton Industries................. (a) 700 25,725
Loews...................... 600 52,950
Louisiana Pacific................ 1,400 42,875
Philips Electronics, N.V. ....... 3,900 127,725
Varity............................ (a) 1,000 38,250
Xerox................................. 600 61,500
---------
659,837
---------
DREYFUS FOCUS FUNDS, INC., Large Company Value Portfolio (continued)
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) OCTOBER 31, 1994
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
------- ---------
RETAIL TRADE_15.4%
American Stores................... 1,500 $ 40,688
Dayton Hudson.................... 400 31,000
Dillard Department Stores, Cl. A 2,600 68,900
Kroger............................ (a) 1,500 39,188
May Department Stores............ 1,900 71,487
Melville......................... 600 20,025
Mercantile Stores................ 700 31,850
Penney (J.C.).................... 1,500 75,937
Premark International............ 2,500 111,875
Rite Aid......................... 1,500 36,000
Sears, Roebuck & Co. ............ 2,400 118,800
Tandy............................ 2,400 106,200
United States Shoe............... 2,400 42,900
---------
794,850
---------
TECHNOLOGY_5.1%
Apple Computer............. 1,300 56,144
Martin Marietta.................. 1,700 77,988
Rockwell International........... 1,700 59,287
Sun Microsystems.................. (a) 1,400 45,850
Unicom........................... 1,200 25,950
---------
265,219
---------
TRANSPORTATION_2.8%
AMR............................ (a) 500 27,563
Conrail.......................... 1,100 59,812
Illinois Central, Ser. A......... 700 22,487
Southern Pacific Rail............. (a) 2,000 34,750
---------
144,612
---------
UTILITIES_6.0%
AT&T................... 1,000 55,000
CMS Energy....................... 2,400 55,200
Illinova......................... 2,500 49,375
MCI Communications............... 2,000 46,000
NYNEX............................ 700 27,475
Pinnacle West Capital............ 2,500 46,562
TransCanada Pipelines............ 2,500 32,500
---------
312,112
---------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $4,942,654).............. $4,942,938
==========
PRINCIPAL
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS_2.0% AMOUNT
-------
U.S. TREASURY BILLS; 4.40%, 11/10/94
(cost $100,889)................ $ 101,000 $ 100,889
==========
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $5,043,543)........... 97.6% $5,043,827
===== ===========
CASH AND RECEIVABLES (NET).................... 2.4% $ 124,571
===== ===========
NET ASSETS................................... 100.0% $5,168,398
===== ===========
NOTE TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS;
(a) Non-income producing.
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DREYFUS FOCUS FUNDS, INC., Small Company Growth Portfolio
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1994
COMMON STOCKS_83.7% SHARES VALUE
---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
CONSUMER DURABLES_3.8%
Avid Technology.................. (a) 2,800 $ 105,350
Oakwood Homes.................... 3,600 85,500
---------
190,850
---------
CONSUMER SERVICES_1.0%
People's Choice TV............ (a) 2,700 52,650
---------
ENERGY_18.6%
Global Marine............... (a) 32,300 153,425
Helmerich & Payne................ 2,800 87,500
Hornbeck Offshore Services........ (a) 4,900 73,500
Noble Drilling.................... (a) 8,500 62,688
Parker Drilling................... (a) 15,100 92,488
Rowan............................. (a) 15,900 121,237
Sonat Offshore Drilling.......... 5,000 99,375
Unit.............................. (a) 12,200 44,225
Varco International.............. .(a) 11,900 83,300
Weatherford International......... (a) 10,500 119,437
---------
937,175
---------
FINANCE_3.8%
Ethical Holdings, A.D.R. ...... (a) 7,500 53,437
PXRE............................. 3,000 73,875
United Companies Financial....... 2,000 66,500
---------
193,812
---------
HEALTH CARE_9.4%
COR Therapeutics............. (a) 6,500 84,500
Centocor.......................... (a) 5,500 97,281
GMIS.............................. (a) 4,400 82,500
Immune Response................... (a) 8,000 65,000
Mariner Health Group.............. (a) 3,500 79,188
Noven Pharmaceuticals............. (a) 4,300 65,575
---------
474,044
---------
INDUSTRIAL SERVICES_1.5%
Catalina Marketing............... (a) 1,500 76,312
---------
MISCELLANEOUS_1.7%
Brown (Tom).................... (a) 6,700 85,844
---------
NON-ENERGY MINERALS_1.5%
Cleveland-Cliffs............ 2,000 76,250
---------
PROCESS INDUSTRIES_2.5%
Albany International, Cl. A ............. 3,700 73,075
Seda Speciality Packaging......... (a) 4,000 52,000
---------
125,075
---------
PRODUCER MANUFACTURING_1.8%
Lam Research........... (a) 2,000 90,000
---------
TECHNOLOGY_24.9%
ANTEC...................... (a) 3,100 88,350
Altera........................... (a) 2,400 94,650
Andrew........................... (a) 2,400 124,200
Aspen Technology................. (a) 4,500 76,500
Auspex Systems.................... (a) 8,600 63,425
Chipcom........................... (a) 2,600 156,650
DREYFUS FOCUS FUNDS, INC., Small Company Growth Portfolio (continued)
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) OCTOBER 31, 1994
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
-------- -------------
TECHNOLOGY (CONTINUED)
FORE Systems ................... (a) 2,000 $ 99,500
Keane............................. (a) 3,300 67,650
Novellus Systems................. .(a) 1,800 98,100
Tellabs........................... (a) 5,400 263,250
Zilog............................. (a) 4,200 120,750
---------
1,253,025
---------
TRANSPORTATION_4.0%
Comair Holdings........... 3,200 69,600
SkyWest.......................... 3,000 61,500
Werner Enterprises............... 2,700 68,850
---------
199,950
---------
UTILITIES_9.2%
Associated Communications, Cl. B (a) 3,200 82,400
C-TEC, Cl. B...................... (a) 2,400 67,200
Cellular Communications, Cl. A ... (a) 2,800 149,100
Rogers Cantel Mobile Communications, Cl. B (a) 2,800 85,575
United International Holdings, Cl. A (a) 5,200 81,900
---------
466,175
---------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $3,954,924).............. $4,221,162
==========
PRINCIPAL
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS_13.5% AMOUNT
-----------
U.S. TREASURY BILLS: 4.42%, 11/10/94 $ 307,000 $ 306,661
4.61%, 11/17/94.................. 235,000 234,518
4.73%, 12/22/94.................. 139,000 138,069
==========
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $679,248)................ $ 679,248
==========
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $4,634,172).......... 97.2% $4,900,410
===== ===========
CASH AND RECEIVABLES (NET)................... 2.8% $ 138,955
===== ===========
NET ASSETS................................... 100.0% $5,039,365
===== ===========
NOTE TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS;
(a) Non-income producing.
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DREYFUS FOCUS FUNDS, INC., Small Company Value Portfolio
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1994
COMMON STOCKS_86.1% SHARES VALUE
-------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CONSUMER DURABLES_5.6%
Coachmen Industries .............. 3,000 $ 38,250
Continental Homes Holding........ 2,300 31,913
Fedders........................... (a) 3,900 23,400
Fedders, Cl. A (non-voting)...... 1,950 8,775
Johnson Worldwide Associates, Cl. A (a) 1,500 33,938
LADD Furniture................... 2,600 16,250
NVR............................... (a) 1,700 9,775
Pentech International............. (a) 4,000 20,250
Scotts, Cl. A..................... (a) 1,500 23,250
U.S. Home......................... (a) 2,000 31,750
Vista Resources................... (a) 2,300 49,737
---------
287,288
---------
CONSUMER NON-DURABLE_5.4%
Alberto Culver, Cl. A............. 3,500 82,688
Block Drug, Cl. A (non-voting)... 500 17,812
DeSoto............................ (a) 3,600 18,000
Duplex Products................... (a) 1,000 9,500
Ennis Business Forms............. 2,600 35,100
Gibson (C.R.).................... 2,200 17,187
GoodMark Foods................... 4,200 67,725
Graphic Industries............... 3,100 30,225
---------
278,237
---------
CONSUMER SERVICES_8.8%
Broadcasting Partners, Cl. A ..... (a) 1,800 28,575
Chris-Craft Industries........... (a) 1,339 50,547
Daka International................ (a) 5,400 82,350
Kinder-Care Learning Centers...... (a) 2,800 37,100
Longhorn Steaks................... (a) 4,300 35,475
Luby's Cafeterias................ 1,900 43,938
MDC, Cl. A........................ (a) 18,500 36,918
Plenum Publishing................ 700 17,850
Pulitzer Publishing.............. 1,000 35,750
Ryan's Family Steak House........ (a) 3,000 18,750
SFX Broadcasting, Cl. A........... (a) 3,900 66,300
---------
453,553
---------
ENERGY_8.4%
DI Industries................... (a) 12,000 12,000
Grad & Walker Energy.............. (a) 2,600 22,700
Offshore Pipelines................ (a) 4,000 81,500
Plains Petroleum................. 2,500 67,500
Santa Fe Energy Resources........ (a) 6,000 54,750
Total Petroleum, N.A............. 4,800 69,000
Trident NGL Holdings............. 4,500 47,812
Western Co. of North America...... (a) 4,600 81,650
---------
436,912
---------
FINANCE_14.3%
Acceptance Insurance Cos. (Warrants) (a) 10,000 53,750
Advantage Bancorp................ (a) 700 20,038
DREYFUS FOCUS FUNDS, INC., Small Company Value Portfolio (continued)
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) OCTOBER 31, 1994
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
------- ----------
FINANCE (CONTINUED)
Albank Financial.................. 2,000 $ 44,750
Allmerica Property & Casualty Cos. 1,800 28,800
AmeriFed Financial............... 500 22,000
Anchor Bancorp................... (a) 2,000 29,625
Argonaut Group................... 1,100 31,075
Astoria Financial................ 900 25,875
Capital Guaranty................. 800 12,100
Citizens......................... 1,000 16,375
City National..................... (a) 3,800 41,800
Downey Savings & Loan Association. 2,300 43,412
Fidelity New York Federal Savings Bank (a) 2,300 64,544
First Palm Beach Bancorp.......... (a) 1,300 22,100
Fleet Financial Group............ 548 18,769
MMI Cos.......................... 3,000 43,125
Merchants Group.................. 1,300 19,175
Meridian Insurance Group......... 3,600 37,800
NBB Bancorp...................... 800 38,200
National Mercantile Bancorp...... (a) 2,700 12,319
Primark........................... (a) 1,000 13,000
Roosevelt Financial Group........ 2,211 33,441
Standard Federal Bank............ 2,000 53,000
Sterling Financial................ (a) 1,430 16,087
---------
741,160
---------
HEALTH CARE_6.0%
Advanced Technology Laboratories.......... (a) 1,300 20,800
Datascope......................... (a) 1,500 26,250
Living Centers of America........ (a) 2,800 84,350
Nellcor.......................... (a) 1,500 46,500
OrNda Healthcorp.................. (a) 1,294 20,542
PSICOR............................ (a) 1,300 12,188
Safeguard Health Enterprises...... (a) 2,900 27,912
SpaceLabs Medical................ (a) 2,400 50,400
Wellpoint Health Networks, Cl. A (a) 700 19,250
---------
308,192
---------
INDUSTRIAL SERVICES_3.0%
Appliance Recycling Centers of America (a) 2,000 14,000
CHC Helicopter, Cl. B............ 5,700 24,751
Groundwater Technology........... (a) 1,300 16,575
International Recovery........... 5,300 82,150
UTILX............................. (a) 5,000 19,375
---------
156,851
---------
NON-ENERGY MINERALS_2.5%
Chaparral Steel................... 3,400 27,200
Kentucky Electric Steel........... (a) 2,400 24,600
Miramar Mining................... (a) 4,000 17,369
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Cl. A 2,600 59,150
---------
128,319
---------
DREYFUS FOCUS FUNDS, INC., Small Company Value Portfolio (continued)
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) OCTOBER 31, 1994
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
---------- ----------
PROCESS INDUSTRIES_3.2%
CalMat.................... 3,500 $ 72,625
Lone Star Industries............. (a) 324 6,278
NCH.............................. 500 33,312
Paragon Trade Brands............. (a) 1,100 26,400
Slocan Forest Products........... 2,800 27,938
---------
166,553
---------
PRODUCER MANUFACTURING_5.5%
Borg-Warner Automotive......... 1,500 33,750
Cherry, Cl. A ................... 800 12,600
Cherry, Cl. B .................... (a) 800 13,600
Defiance.......................... (a) 3,400 24,650
Harnischfeger Industries......... 2,000 50,000
Nashua........................... 1,200 27,300
PAR Technology................... (a) 6,600 49,500
RB&W............................. (a) 4,700 36,425
Thomas Industries................ 2,400 35,400
---------
283,225
---------
RETAIL TRADE_9.6%Allou Health & Beauty, Cl. A (a) 1,500 12,563
Blair............................ 600 25,200
Bon-Ton Stores................... (a) 6,800 85,000
Designs.......................... (a) 3,300 24,338
Dress Barn........................ (a) 3,700 36,537
Lechters.......................... (a) 3,500 62,125
Lillian Vernon................... 2,600 43,875
Little Switzerland................ (a) 1,800 9,675
Morgan Products................... (a) 3,200 16,000
Pier 1 Imports................... 6,500 50,375
Shopko Stores.................... 1,700 16,787
Uni-Marts........................ 10,000 56,250
Venture Stores................... 300 4,650
Waban............................. (a) 3,000 53,250
---------
496,625
---------
TECHNOLOGY_10.5%
Beamscope Canada.................. 7,000 67,258
Code Alarm........................ (a) 5,800 63,800
Conner Peripherals................ (a) 4,000 46,000
Core Industries.................. 2,400 21,600
Cray Research..................... (a) 1,400 26,775
Evans & Sutherland Computer...... (a) 1,000 11,750
Micrografx........................ (a) 4,700 29,375
Printronix........................ (a) 2,000 42,000
QMS............................... (a) 10,500 105,000
Quantum.......................... (a) 1,500 23,062
Read-Rite......................... (a) 3,000 52,125
Rexon............................. (a) 10,000 52,500
Tripos........................... 333 1,582
---------
542,827
---------
DREYFUS FOCUS FUNDS, INC., Small Company Value Portfolio (continued)
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) OCTOBER 31, 1994
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
------- ----------
TRANSPORTATION_3.2%
Alexander & Baldwin................ 1,100 $ 25,575
Arkansas Best.................... 4,500 58,219
Builders Transport................ (a) 3,500 39,375
Cannon Express, Cl. B............. (a) 2,100 25,200
Matlack Systems................... (a) 1,500 14,812
---------
163,181
---------
UTILITIES_.1%
Associated Communication, Cl. A .. (a) 300 7,762
---------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $4,824,118).............. $4,450,685
==========
PRINCIPAL
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS_12.5% AMOUNT
------------
U.S. TREASURY BILLS: 4.50%, 12/1/94..... (b) $ 292,000 $ 290,905
4.71%, 12/22/94.... 355,000 352,630
---------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $643,535)................ $ 643,535
===========
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $5,467,653).......... 98.6% $5,094,220
===== ===========
CASH AND RECEIVABLES (NET)................ 1.4% $ 71,571
===== ===========
NET ASSETS................................. 100.0% $5,165,791
===== ===========
NOTES TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS:
(a) Non-income producing.
(b) Partially held by broker as collateral for open short positions
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc., Small Company Value Portfolio
Statement of Securities Sold Short
October 31, 1994
Common Stocks_1.6% Shares Value
------ --------
<S> <C> <C>
Appliance Recycling Centers of America...................................... 4,000 $ 28,000
Lone Star Industries........................................................ 324 6,278
Lone Star Industries (Warrants)............................................. 1,654 13,232
Presstek.................................................................... 1,000 34,000
--------
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT
(proceeds $99,299)...................................................... $ 81,510
========
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 1994
Large Large Small Small
Company Company Company Company
Growth Value Growth Value
Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio
---------- ----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
[cost_Note 4(b)]_see statement....... $5,148,695 $5,043,827 $4,900,410 $5,094,220
Cash................................... 76,556 52,091 98,631 --
Receivable for investment securities sold 42,562 174,100 167,359 239,851
Dividends and interest receivable...... 4,112 10,367 -- 11,123
Receivable from brokers for proceeds on
securities sold short................ -- -- -- 99,299
Prepaid expenses_Note 2(g)............. 25,091 26,133 26,201 25,764
Due from The Dreyfus Corporation....... 6,180 7,032 6,048 8,316
---------- --------- --------- ---------
5,303,196 5,313,550 5,198,649 5,478,573
---------- --------- --------- ---------
LIABILITIES:
Due to the Distributor................. $ 3,276 $ 3,263 $ 3,137 $ 3,286
Due to Custodian....................... -- -- -- 205,310
Payable for investment securities purchased -- 120,885 138,500 --
Securities sold short, at value (proceeds $99,299) -- -- -- 81,510
Accrued expenses and other liabilities. 18,964 21,004 17,647 22,676
---------- --------- --------- ---------
22,240 145,152 159,284 312,782
---------- --------- --------- ---------
NET ASSETS ...................... $5,280,956 $5,168,398 $5,039,365 $5,165,791
=========== ========== ========== ==========
REPRESENTED BY:
Paid-in capital........................ $5,060,887 $5,116,478 $5,131,448 $5,197,419
Accumulated undistributed investment
income_net.......................... 68,916 106,661 38,622 123,146
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain
(loss) on investments, securities sold short
and foreign currency transactions.... (117,884) (55,025) (396,943) 200,873
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments, securities
sold short and foreign currency
transactions_Note 4(b)............... 269,037 284 266,238 (355,647)
---------- --------- --------- ---------
NET ASSETS at value........................ $5,280,956 $5,168,398 $5,039,365 $5,165,791
=========== ========== ========== ==========
Shares Outstanding
[400 million shares (with 100 million allocated
to each series) of $.001 par value Common Stock
authorized]............................ 404,823 409,217 410,862 415,510
=========== ========== ========== ==========
NET ASSET VALUE per share
(Net Assets / Shares Outstanding)...... $13.05 $12.63 $12.27 $12.43
=========== ========== ========== ==========
See notes to financial statements.
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
Statement of Operations
from December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1994
Large Large Small Small
Company Company Company Company
Growth Value Growth Value
Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio
---------- --------- --------- ---------
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Income:
Cash dividends (net of $2,225, $1,328 and $333
foreign taxes withheld at source for the Large
Company Growth, Large Company Value and
Small Company Value Portfolios, respectively) $ 54,058 $ 98,206 $ 8,750 $ 100,925
Interest.................................. 14,858 8,455 29,872 22,605
---------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Income........................ 68,916 106,661 38,622 123,530
---------- --------- --------- ---------
Expenses_Note 2(d):
Management fee_Note 3(a).................. $ 31,700 $ 32,302 $ 30,774 $ 32,544
Shareholder servicing costs_Note 3(b,c)... 35,544 36,046 33,266 36,393
Auditing fees............................. 10,013 10,012 9,613 10,413
Legal fees................................ 6,899 7,071 6,724 7,122
Organization expenses_Note 2(g)........... 5,303 5,447 5,411 5,485
Shareholders' reports..................... 3,174 3,182 3,143 3,250
Registration fees......................... 2,246 2,535 2,558 2,536
Directors' fees and expenses_Note 3(d).... 2,013 2,111 1,951 2,300
Custodian fees............................ 1,206 3,328 1,335 5,761
Dividends on securities sold short........ -- -- -- 384
Miscellaneous............................. 1,046 959 956 962
---------- --------- --------- ---------
99,144 102,993 95,731 107,150
Less_expense reimbursement from Manager
due to undertaking_Note 3(a).......... 99,144 102,993 95,731 106,766
---------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Expenses...................... -- -- -- 384
---------- --------- --------- ---------
INVESTMENT INCOME_NET............... 68,916 106,661 38,622 123,146
---------- --------- --------- ---------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
ON INVESTMENTS:
Net realized gain (loss) on investments_Note 4(a):
Long transactions (including foreign currency
transactions)....................... $(117,884) $ (55,025) $(396,943) $ 182,814
Short sale transactions............... -- -- -- 18,059
---------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Realized Gain (Loss).............. (117,884) (55,025) (396,943) 200,873
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
investments, securities sold short and foreign
currency transactions................. 269,037 284 266,238 (355,647)
---------- --------- --------- ---------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS...... 151,153 (54,741) (130,705) (154,774)
---------- --------- --------- ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS................... $ 220,069 $ 51,920 $ (92,083) $ (31,628)
========== ========= =========== ===========
See notes to financial statements.
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
from December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1994
Large Large Small Small
Company Company Company Company
Growth Value Growth Value
Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio
---------- --------- --------- ---------
OPERATIONS:
Investment income_net................. $ 68,916 $ 106,661 $ 38,622 $ 123,146
Net realized gain (loss) on investments (117,884) (55,025) (396,943) 200,873
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
investments for the period........... 269,037 284 266,238 (355,647)
---------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets
Resulting From Operations...... 220,069 51,920 (92,083) (31,628)
---------- --------- --------- ---------
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from shares sold.......... 5,053,200 5,101,555 5,286,073 5,174,759
Cost of shares redeemed................ (17,313) (10,077) (179,625) (2,340)
---------- --------- --------- ---------
Increase In Net Assets From Capital
Stock Transactions............. 5,035,887 5,091,478 5,106,448 5,172,419
---------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Increase In Net Assets 5,255,956 5,143,398 5,014,365 5,140,791
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period_Note 1............ 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000
---------- --------- --------- ---------
End of period (including undistributed
investment income_net_see Statement of
Assets and Liabilities).............. $5,280,956 $5,168,398 $5,039,365 $5,165,791
---------- --------- --------- ---------
---------- --------- --------- ---------
Shares Shares Shares Shares
---------- --------- --------- ---------
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Shares sold............................ 404,190 407,991 424,287 413,701
Shares redeemed........................ (1,367) (774) (15,425) (191)
---------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Increase In Shares Outstanding 402,823 407,217 408,862 413,510
========= ========== ======= ==========
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
Financial Highlights
Reference is made to Page 4 of each Fund's Prospectus dated
October 1, 1995.
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1_General:
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc. (the "Fund") was incorporated on November 16,
1993 and operates as a series company currently offering four classes of
shares of Common Stock: the Large Company Growth Portfolio, the Large Company
Value Portfolio, the Small Company Growth Portfolio and the Small Company
Value Portfolio. The Fund accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and
operations of each series. The Fund had no operations until December 29, 1993
(when operations commenced for all series) other than matters relating to its
organization and registration as a diversified open-end management investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Act") and the Securities
Act of 1933 and the sale and issuance of 2,000 shares of Common Stock ("Initia
l Shares") of each series to The Dreyfus Corporation ("Manager"). Dreyfus
Service Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, until August
24, 1994, acted as the distributor of the Fund's shares. Effective August 24,
1994, the Manager became a direct subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A.
As of October 31, 1994 Major Trading Corporation, a subsidiary of Mellon
Bank Investments Corporation, the parent company of which is Mellon Bank,
held the following shares:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio 402,000 Small Company Growth Portfolio 402,000
Large Company Value Portfolio 402,000 Small Company Value Portfolio 407,816
</TABLE>
On August 24, 1994, Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc, (the "Distributor")
was engaged as the Fund's distributor. The Distributor, located at One Exchange
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Institutional Administration Services, Inc., a provider of mutual fund
administration services, the parent company of which is Boston Institutional
Group, Inc.
NOTE 2_Significant Accounting Policies:
(a) Portfolio valuation: Each series' investments in securities are
valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange on which such
securities are primarily traded or at the last sales price on the national
securities market. Securities not listed on an exchange or the national
securities market, or securities for which there were no transactions, are
valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices, except for
open short positions, where the asked price is used for valuation purposes.
Bid price is used when no asked price is available. Short-term investments
are carried at amortized cost, which approximates value. Investments
denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the
prevailing rates of exchange.
(b) Foreign currency transactions: The Fund does not isolate that portion
of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates
on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of
securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and
unrealized gain or loss from investments.
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales
and maturities of short-term securities, sales of foreign currencies,
currency gains or losses realized on securities transactions, the difference
between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes
recorded on the Fund's books, and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts
actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses
arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities other than
investments in securities at fiscal year end, resulting from changes in
exchange rate.
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(c) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities
transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gain and loss from
securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend
income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including,
where applicable, amortization of discount on investments, is recognized on
the accrual basis.
(d) Expenses: Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged
to that series' operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are
allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
(e) Dividends to shareholders: Dividends payable to shareholders are
recorded by each series on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from investment
income-net and dividends from net realized capital gain, with respect to each
series, are normally declared and paid annually, but each series may make
distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. To the extent that a net realized
capital gain of a series can be offset by a capital loss carryover of that
series, such gain will not be distributed.
(f) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the Fund to qualify as a
regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the best interests
of its shareholders, by complying with the applicaple provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code, and to make distributions of taxable income sufficient
to relieve it from substantially all Federal income and excise taxes. For
Federal income tax purposes, each series is treated as a single entity for
the purpose of determining such qualification.
The Large Company Growth Portfolio has an unused capital loss carryover
of approximately $118,000 available for Federal income tax purposes to be
applied against future net securities profits, if any, realized subsequent to
October 31, 1994. If not applied, the carryover expires in fiscal 2002.
The Large Company Value Portfolio has an unused capital loss carryover of
approximately $55,000 available for Federal income tax purposes to be applied
against future net securities profits, if any, realized subsequent to October
31, 1994. If not applied, the carryover expires in fiscal 2002.
The Small Company Growth Portfolio has an unused capital loss carryover
of approximately $397,000 available for Federal income tax purposes to be
applied against future net securities profits, if any, realized subsequent to
October 31, 1994. If not applied, the carryover expires in fiscal 2002.
(g) Other: Organization expenses paid by the Fund are included in prepaid
expenses and are being amortized to operations from the date operations
commenced over the period during which it is expected that a benefit will be
realized, not to exceed five years. At October 31, 1994, the unamortized
balance of such expenses for each of the respective series amounted to the
following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio $23,629 Small Company Growth Portfolio $24,133
Large Company Value Portfolio 24,235 Small Company Value Portfolio 23,947
</TABLE>
In the event that any of the Initial Shares, with respect to all series,
are redeemed during the amortization period, the redemption proceeds will be
reduced by any unamortized organization expenses for that series in the same
proportion as the number of such shares being redeemed bears to the number of
such shares outstanding of that series at the time of such redemption.
NOTE 3_Management Fee and Other Transactions With Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to a management agreement ("Agreement") with the Manager,
the management fee is computed at the annual rate of .75 of 1% of the average
daily value of each series' net assets and is payable monthly. The Agreement
provides that if in any full fiscal year the aggregate expenses of any
series, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings (which, in the
view of Stroock & Stroock &
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Lavan, counsel to the Fund, also contemplates dividends accrued on securities
sold short) and extraordinary expenses, exceed the expense limitation of any
state having jurisdiction over the Series, that series may deduct from
payments to be made to the Manager, or the Manager will bear the amount of
such excess to the extent required by state law. The most stringent state
expense limitation applicable to each Series presently requires reimbursement
of expenses in any full fiscal year that such expenses (exclusive of
distribution expenses and certain expenses as described above) exceed 2 1/2%
of the first $30 million, 2% of the next $70 million and 1 1/2% of the excess
over $100 million of the average value of that series' net assets in
accordance with California "blue sky" regulations. However, the Manager has
undertaken from December 29, 1993 through December 31, 1994, or until such
time as the net assets of a series exceed $25 million, regardless of whether
they remain at that level, to assume all expenses of each Series (excluding
certain expenses as described above).
The expense reimbursements, pursuant to the undertaking amounted to the
following for the period ended October 31, 1994:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio $ 99,144 Small Company Growth Portfolio $ 95,731
Large Company Value Portfolio 102,993 Small Company Value Portfolio 106,766
</TABLE>
The undertaking may be modified by the Manager from time to time,
provided that the resulting expense reimbursement would not be less than the
amount required pursuant to the agreement.
(b) On August 5, 1994, the shareholders approved a revised Distribution
Plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Pursuant to the Plan,
effective August 24, 1994, the Fund (a) reimburses the Distributor for
payments to certain Service Agents for distributing each Series' shares and
(b) pays the Manager, Dreyfus Service Corporation and any affiliate of either
of them for advertising and marketing relating to each Series, at an
aggregate annual rate of .50 of 1% of the value of each Series' average daily
net assets. The Distributor may pay one or more Service Agents in respect of
distribution services. The Distributor determines the amounts, if any, to be
paid to Service Agents under the Plan and the basis on which such payments
are made. The fees payable under the Plan are payable without regard to
actual expenses incurred. The Plan also separately provides for the Fund to
bear the costs of preparing, printing and distributing certain of the Fund's
prospectuses and statements of additional information and costs associated
with implementing and operating the Plan, not to exceed the greater of
$100,000 or .005 of 1% of each Series' average daily net assets for any full
fiscal year.
Prior to August 24, 1994, the Fund's Distribution Plan ("prior
Distribution Plan") provided that each Series pay Dreyfus Service Corporation
at an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the value of each Series' average daily net
assets, for costs and expenses in connection with advertising, marketing and
distributing the Series' shares and for servicing shareholder accounts.
Dreyfus Service Corporation made payments to one or more Service Agents based
on the value of the Series' shares owned by clients of the Service Agents.
The prior Distribution Plan also separately provided for the Fund to bear the
costs of preparing, printing and distributing certain of the Fund's
prospectuses and statements of additional information and costs associated
with implementing and operating the prior Distibution Plan, not to exceed the
greater of $100,000 or .005 of 1% of each Series' average daily net assets
for any full fiscal year.
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
During the period ended October 31, 1994, the following was charged to
each series pursuant to the Plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio $4,819 Small Company Growth Portfolio $4,582
Large Company Value Portfolio 4,914 Small Company Value Portfolio 4,878
</TABLE>
and the following was charged to each series pursuant to the prior
Distribution Plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio $16,314 Small Company Growth Portfolio $15,934
Large Company Value Portfolio 16,620 Small Company Value Portfolio 16,818
</TABLE>
(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, each series pays the Distributor
at an annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of a series' average daily net
assets for servicing shareholder accounts. The services provided may include
personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering
shareholder inquiries regarding the Series and providing reports and other
information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents in respect of these
services. The Distributor determines the amount to be paid to Service Agents.
The following summarizes the aggregate amount charged by Dreyfus Service
Corporation, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan from December 29, 1994
through August 23, 1994:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio $8,157 Small Company Growth Portfolio $7,967
Large Company Value Portfolio 8,310 Small Company Value Portfolio 8,409
</TABLE>
and the following summarizes the aggregate amount charged by the Distributor,
pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan from August 24, 1994 through
October 31, 1994:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio $2,410 Small Company Growth Portfolio $2,291
Large Company Value Portfolio 2,457 Small Company Value Portfolio 2,439
</TABLE>
(d) Prior to August 24, 1994 certain officers and directors of the Fund
were "affiliated persons," as defined in the Act, of the Manager and/or
Dreyfus Service Corporation. Each director who is not an "affiliated person"
receives from the Fund an annual fee of $3,000 and an attendance fee of $250
per meeting.
NOTE 4_Securities Transactions:
(a) The following summarizes the aggregate amount of purchases and sales
of investment securities and securities sold short, excluding short-term
securities, for the period ended October 31, 1994:
Long Transactions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Purchases Sales
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio................................... $ 5,538,049 $ 566,037
Large Company Value Portfolio.................................... 7,397,149 2,399,042
Small Company Growth Portfolio................................... 5,410,726 1,058,375
Small Company Value Portfolio.................................... 14,802,118 10,160,353
Short Sale Transactions;
Purchases Sales
------------- -------------
Small Company Value Portfolio.................................... $ 315,298 $ 432,656
</TABLE>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The Small Company Value Portfolio is engaged in short-selling which
obligates the Series to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the
security at current market value. The Series would incur a loss if the price
of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on
which the Series replaces the borrowed security. The Series would realize a
gain if the price of the security declines between those dates. Until the
Series replaces the borrowed security, the Series will maintain daily, a
segregated account with a broker and custodian, of cash and/or U.S.
Government securities sufficient to cover its short position. Securities sold
short at October 31, 1994 and their related market values and proceeds are
set forth in the Statement of Securities Sold Short.
(b) The following summarizes the accumulated net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments, excluding foreign currency transactions, for
each series at October 31, 1994:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Gross
Appreciation (Depreciation) Net
--------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio.......................... $525,342 $(256,305) $ 269,037
Large Company Value Portfolio........................... 241,180 (240,896) 284
Small Company Growth Portfolio.......................... 532,190 (265,952) 266,238
Small Company Value Portfolio........................... 179,642 (535,286) (355,644)
</TABLE>
At October 31, 1994, the cost of investments of each series for Federal
income tax purposes was substantially the same as the
cost for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments for each
series for financial reporting purposes as of October 31, 1994 was as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio $4,879,658 Small Company Growth Portfolio $4,634,172
Large Company Value Portfolio 5,043,543 Small Company Value Portfolio 5,467,653
</TABLE>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the statements of investments and securities sold short, of Dreyfus
Focus Funds, Inc. (comprising, respectively, the Large Company Growth
Portfolio, the Large Company Value Portfolio, the Small Company Growth
Portfolio and the Small Company Value Portfolio), as of October 31, 1994, and
the related statements of operations and changes in net assets and financial
highlights for the period from December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations)
to October 31, 1994. These financial statements and financial highlights are
the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and
financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures
in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of
securities owned as of October 31, 1994 by correspondence with the custodian
and brokers. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides
a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights
referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of each of the respective portfolios constituting the Dreyfus Focus
Funds, Inc. at October 31, 1994, and the results of their operations, the
changes in their net assets and the financial highlights for the period from
December 29, 1993 to October 31, 1994, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
December 5, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc., Large Company Growth Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Investments April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
COMMON STOCKS--91.9% SHARES VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Consumer Non-Durables--9.2% Archer-Daniels-Midland........................ 5,040 $ 91,980
Coca-Cola..................................... 2,200 127,875
Colgate-Palmolive............................. 1,000 70,250
General Mills................................. 1,000 61,000
Gillette...................................... 1,000 82,000
International Flavors & Fragrances............ 1,200 61,650
----------
494,755
----------
Consumer Services--5.8% Bell Cablemedia, A.D.R........................(a) 3,200 53,200
Comcast, Cl. A................................(a) 2,900 45,131
Comcast, Cl. A (Non-voting)...................(a) 1,450 22,838
LIN Broadcasting..............................(a) 700 87,325
MFS Communications............................(a) 2,000 71,500
NEXTEL Communications, Cl. A..................(a) 2,100 33,862
----------
313,856
----------
Energy--10.8% Anadarko Petroleum............................ 1,600 65,800
Baker Hughes.................................. 4,700 105,750
British Petroleum, A.D.R...................... 1,000 86,125
Louisiana Land & Exploration.................. 1,900 69,588
Mobil......................................... 900 85,387
Schlumberger.................................. 2,700 169,763
----------
582,413
----------
Finance--9.7% American International Group.................. 1,400 149,450
General Re.................................... 800 101,900
MGIC Investment............................... 3,100 131,363
Progressive Corp, Ohio........................ 1,500 56,625
Transatlantic Holdings........................ 1,300 82,550
----------
521,888
----------
Health Care--13.8% ALZA..........................................(a) 3,300 64,350
Abbott Laboratories........................... 3,000 118,125
Amgen.........................................(a) 1,200 87,225
Chiron........................................(a) 617 34,089
Genentech.....................................(a) 1,200 60,450
Genzyme-General Division......................(a) 2,400 102,600
Roche Holdings, A.D.R......................... 1,900 114,237
U.S. HealthCare............................... 1,350 36,113
U.S. Surgical................................. 3,500 77,875
United Healthcare............................. 1,400 50,750
----------
745,814
----------
Non-Energy Minerals--1.4% Inco.......................................... 3,000 77,625
----------
Producer Manufacturing--4.7% Deere & Co.................................... 1,200 98,400
General Electric.............................. 1,800 100,800
Trinity Industries............................ 1,400 54,075
----------
253,275
----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc., Large Company Growth Portfolio (continued)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Investments (continued) April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Technology--19.7% Apple Computer................................ 2,200 $ 84,150
Compaq Computer...............................(a) 2,400 91,200
Ericsson (LM) Telephone, Cl. B, A.D.R......... 2,400 160,950
General Instrument............................(a) 4,800 163,800
Hewlett-Packard............................... 2,200 145,475
Microsoft.....................................(a) 2,200 179,850
Motorola...................................... 2,800 159,250
Scientific-Atlanta............................ 3,600 81,900
----------
1,066,575
----------
Transportation--3.6% AMR...........................................(a) 1,400 94,325
Delta Air Lines............................... 1,500 98,062
----------
192,387
----------
Utilities--13.2% Hong Kong Telecom, A.D.R...................... 4,200 81,900
MCI Communications............................ 6,200 134,850
Telecom Corp New Zealand, A.D.S............... 1,800 120,150
Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras S.A., A.D.R...... 2,300 82,225
Telefonica de Espana, A.D.S................... 2,000 73,500
Telefonos de Mexico, Cl. L, A.D.R............. 1,500 45,375
Telephone & Data Systems...................... 1,700 63,325
Vodafone Group, A.D.R......................... 3,600 114,750
----------
716,075
----------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $4,520,250)........................... $4,964,663
----------
----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--5.9% AMOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury Bill; 5.59%, 5/4/95
(cost $317,852)............................ $ 318,000 $ 317,752
----------
----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $4,838,102)........................................... 97.8% $5,282,415
------- ----------
------- ----------
CASH AND RECEIVABLES (NET).................................................... 2.2% $ 119,819
------- ----------
------- ----------
NET ASSETS.................................................................... 100.0% $5,402,234
------- ----------
------- ----------
</TABLE>
NOTE TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS;
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Non-income producing.
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc., Large Company Value Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Investments April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
COMMON STOCKS--94.0% SHARES VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Consumer Durables--3.3% Black & Decker................................ 1,700 $ 51,000
Fleetwood Enterprises......................... 200 4,600
Ford Motor.................................... 5,000 135,000
----------
190,600
----------
Consumer Non-Durables--8.2% American Brands............................... 700 28,350
Archer-Daniels-Midland........................ 3,095 56,484
Dial.......................................... 2,000 48,250
Liz Claiborne................................. 2,200 39,600
Philip Morris Cos............................. 2,400 162,600
RJR Nabisco Holdings.......................... 3,040 83,220
Seagram....................................... 1,800 48,825
----------
467,329
----------
Consumer Services--.8% King World Productions........................(a) 1,100 44,275
----------
Energy--7.2% Amerada Hess.................................. 500 25,313
Exxon......................................... 1,700 118,363
Horsham....................................... 2,200 29,975
MAPCO......................................... 500 28,437
Mobil......................................... 500 47,437
Oryx Energy...................................(a) 1,700 23,375
Repsol, S.A., A.D.R........................... 1,100 35,200
Royal Dutch Petroleum......................... 500 62,000
Tosco......................................... 1,300 44,525
----------
414,625
----------
Finance--16.7% ACE........................................... 1,100 29,150
Aetna Life & Casualty......................... 500 28,500
American Express.............................. 3,400 118,150
American International Group.................. 600 64,050
Bank of Boston................................ 2,400 80,400
BankAmerica................................... 1,118 55,341
Chase Manhattan............................... 2,000 87,500
Crestar Financial............................. 800 36,000
Dean Witter Discover & Co..................... 1,400 59,325
First Chicago................................. 1,800 99,450
First Tennessee National...................... 600 25,500
Fleet Financial Group......................... 2,500 81,875
Morgan (J.P.) & Co............................ 700 45,938
Shawmut National.............................. 1,000 26,500
St. Paul Cos.................................. 1,700 81,812
SunAmerica.................................... 800 39,200
----------
958,691
----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc., Large Company Value Portfolio (continued)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Investments (continued) April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Health Care--6.1% Astra AB, A.D.R., Cl. A.......................(a) 1,800 $ 52,763
Columbia/HCA Healthcare....................... 1,408 59,136
Lilly (Eli) & Co.............................. 1,100 82,225
Schering-Plough............................... 700 52,762
National Medical Enterprises..................(a) 3,900 66,300
Upjohn........................................ 1,000 36,250
----------
349,436
----------
Process Industries--5.5% Boise Cascade................................. 800 26,200
Bowater....................................... 900 34,425
Georgia-Pacific............................... 300 23,813
Grace (W.R.) & Co............................. 1,400 75,075
International Paper........................... 300 23,100
James River................................... 1,200 32,550
Praxair....................................... 1,200 28,500
Rayonier...................................... 850 28,156
Sherwin-Williams.............................. 1,200 42,750
----------
314,569
----------
Producer Manufacturing--12.9% Canadian Pacific.............................. 4,700 71,675
Champion International........................ 1,400 61,600
General Electric.............................. 1,300 72,800
ITT........................................... 800 83,600
Litton Industries.............................(a) 700 24,238
Loews......................................... 1,100 112,062
Louisiana Pacific............................. 1,400 35,700
Masco......................................... 1,000 25,500
Philips Electronics, N.V...................... 4,300 165,550
TRW........................................... 400 29,750
Varity........................................ 1,300 54,925
----------
737,400
----------
Retail Trade--12.8% American Stores................................ 1,500 38,438
Dillard Department Stores, Cl. A............... 2,600 67,275
Kroger.........................................(a) 2,200 56,100
Limited........................................ 5,700 121,837
May Department Stores.......................... 1,900 68,875
Mercantile Stores.............................. 700 30,975
Penney (J.C.).................................. 1,500 65,625
Rite Aid....................................... 2,200 51,150
Sears, Roebuck & Co............................ 1,000 54,250
Tandy.......................................... 2,400 118,800
Toys R Us......................................(a) 2,300 58,075
----------
731,400
----------
Technology--14.2% AT&T........................................... 1,000 50,750
Advanced Micro Devices.........................(a) 800 28,800
Apple Computer................................. 1,300 49,725
Digital Equipment..............................(a) 2,300 106,088
International Business Machines................ 2,000 189,500
Intel.......................................... 400 40,950
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc., Large Company Value Portfolio (continued)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Investments (continued) April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Technology (continued) Lockheed Martin............................... 1,700 $ 98,175
MCI Communications............................ 4,000 87,000
Rockwell International........................ 1,700 74,162
Sun Microsystems..............................(a) 1,400 55,825
UniCom........................................ 1,200 31,500
----------
812,475
----------
Transportation--1.5% Illinois Central, Ser. A...................... 700 24,587
Pittston Services............................. 1,200 28,500
Southern Pacific Rail.........................(a) 2,000 34,750
----------
87,837
----------
Utilities--4.8% CMS Energy.................................... 2,400 56,100
GTE........................................... 1,800 61,425
NYNEX......................................... 1,100 44,963
Pinnacle West Capital......................... 2,500 53,750
TransCanada Pipelines......................... 2,500 33,437
Western Resources............................. 800 24,300
----------
273,975
----------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $4,904,007)........................... $5,382,612
----------
----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--4.5% AMOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury Bills: 5.64%, 6/1/95................................. $ 25,000 $ 24,870
5.57%, 7/20/95................................ 235,000 231,971
----------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $256,967)............................. $ 256,841
----------
----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $5,160,974)........................................... 98.5% $5,639,453
------- ----------
------- ----------
CASH AND RECEIVABLES (NET).................................................... 1.5% $ 84,520
------- ----------
------- ----------
NET ASSETS.................................................................... 100.0% $5,723,973
------- ----------
------- ----------
</TABLE>
NOTE TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS;
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Non-income producing.
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc., Small Company Growth Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Investments April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
COMMON STOCKS--84.3% SHARES VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Consumer Durables--1.3% Oakwood Homes................................ 2,800 $ 70,000
----------
Consumer Services--10.3% Associated Group, Cl. A...................... 800 13,800
Associated Group, Cl. B...................... 800 13,800
C-TEC, Cl. B.................................(a) 2,400 52,800
Catalina Marketing...........................(a) 1,500 70,500
Cellular Communications, Cl. A...............(a) 2,800 130,550
Grupo Iusacell, S.A. de C.V., Cl. L, A.D.R...(a) 2,500 36,250
People's Choice TV...........................(a) 2,700 76,950
Rogers Cantel Mobile
Communications, Cl. B......................(a) 2,800 66,938
United International Holdings, Cl. A.........(a) 5,200 74,100
----------
535,688
----------
Energy--19.6% Brown (Tom)..................................(a) 6,700 94,637
Global Marine................................(a) 32,300 141,313
Helmerich & Payne............................ 2,800 82,950
Hornbeck Offshore Services...................(a) 4,900 67,375
Noble Drilling...............................(a) 8,500 56,312
Parker Drilling..............................(a) 15,100 71,725
Rowan........................................(a) 15,900 109,313
Sonat Offshore Drilling...................... 5,000 135,000
Unit.........................................(a) 12,200 42,700
Varco International..........................(a) 11,900 99,662
Weatherford International....................(a) 10,500 115,500
----------
1,016,487
----------
Finance--7.8% NAC Re....................................... 2,500 82,500
PXRE......................................... 3,000 72,750
Trenwick Group............................... 1,800 80,156
United Companies Financial................... 2,200 83,875
Vesta Insurance Group........................ 2,500 83,438
----------
402,719
----------
Health Care--11.3% BioChem Pharma...............................(a) 5,000 80,000
COR Therapeutics.............................(a) 6,500 107,250
Centocor.....................................(a) 5,500 77,688
Ethical Holdings, A.D.R......................(a) 7,500 45,937
GMIS.........................................(a) 4,400 95,700
Immune Response..............................(a) 8,000 24,000
Liposome Technology..........................(a) 6,800 61,200
Mariner Health Group.........................(a) 4,000 58,500
Noven Pharmaceuticals........................(a) 4,300 36,550
----------
586,825
----------
Non-Energy Minerals--1.4% Cleveland-Cliffs............................. 2,000 73,250
----------
Process Industries--2.4% Albany International, Cl. A.................. 3,700 80,937
Seda Speciality Packaging....................(a) 4,000 42,500
----------
123,437
----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc., Small Company Growth Portfolio (continued)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Investments (continued) April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Producer Manufacturing--4.0% Lam Research.................................(a) 2,000 $ 101,000
Novellus Systems.............................(a) 1,800 109,350
----------
210,350
----------
Technology--22.5% Altera.......................................(a) 2,400 194,100
Andrew.......................................(a) 3,600 178,200
Aspen Technology.............................(a) 4,500 93,375
Auspex Systems...............................(a) 8,600 89,225
Avid Technology..............................(a) 2,800 112,875
Chipcom......................................(a) 3,900 127,725
Keane........................................(a) 3,300 83,325
Network Equipment Technologies...............(a) 3,400 74,375
Tracor.......................................(a) 5,000 65,000
Zilog........................................(a) 4,200 147,525
----------
1,165,725
----------
Transportation--3.7% Comair Holdings............................... 3,200 80,600
SkyWest....................................... 3,000 53,250
Werner Enterprises............................ 2,700 57,375
----------
191,225
----------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $4,184,380)........................... $4,375,706
----------
----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--13.5% AMOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury Bills: 5.59%, 5/4/95................................. $ 551,000 $ 550,570
5.69%, 6/1/95................................. 149,000 148,227
----------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $699,013)............................. $ 698,797
----------
----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $4,883,393)............................................ 97.8% $5,074,503
------- ----------
------- ----------
CASH AND RECEIVABLES (NET)..................................................... 2.2% $ 111,910
------- ----------
------- ----------
NET ASSETS..................................................................... 100.0% $5,186,413
------- ----------
------- ----------
</TABLE>
NOTE TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS;
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Non-income producing.
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc., Small Company Value Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Investments April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
COMMON STOCKS--95.7% SHARES VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Consumer Durables--6.3% Bally Gaming International...................(a) 4,900 $ 47,775
Continental Homes Holding.................... 2,100 24,150
Fedders, Cl. A (non-voting).................. 4,950 28,462
Fieldcrest Cannon............................(a) 800 17,700
HMI Industries............................... 1,200 19,500
Hi-Lo Automotive.............................(a) 4,600 38,525
Lifetime Hoan................................(a) 1,400 16,975
Scotts, Cl. A................................(a) 4,600 92,000
U.S. Home....................................(a) 2,200 40,150
Vista Resources..............................(a) 1,200 24,300
----------
349,537
----------
Consumer Non-Durables--5.7% Alberto-Culver, Cl. A........................ 4,300 118,250
Duplex Products..............................(a) 4,000 33,500
Graphic Industries........................... 3,600 35,550
INTERCO......................................(a) 4,000 25,500
Jones Apparel Group..........................(a) 900 23,625
Michael Foods................................ 1,800 22,613
Phillips-Van Heusen.......................... 2,200 33,825
Tultex....................................... 4,700 24,087
----------
316,950
----------
Consumer Services--9.9% Broadcasting Partners, Cl. A.................(a) 4,000 81,000
Chris-Craft Industries.......................(a) 1,997 67,399
Daka International...........................(a) 3,000 51,750
Longhorn Steaks..............................(a) 2,700 37,125
MDC, Cl. A...................................(a) 18,500 34,070
Multimedia...................................(a) 2,800 105,350
Ryan's Family Steak House....................(a) 6,100 42,700
SFX Broadcasting, Cl. A......................(a) 3,900 89,700
Team Rental Group, Cl. A..................... 4,300 34,937
----------
544,031
----------
Energy--8.3% Alexander Energy.............................(a) 7,000 33,250
DI Industries................................(a) 12,000 9,750
Diamond Shamrock............................. 800 21,500
McDermott (J. Ray), S.A...................... 2,400 66,000
NGC.......................................... 2,232 21,483
Noble Drilling...............................(a) 4,800 31,800
Plains Petroleum............................. 2,500 58,438
Santa Fe Energy Resources....................(a) 6,000 56,250
Tesoro Petroleum.............................(a) 2,500 24,687
Total Petroleum, N.A......................... 4,800 60,000
Tuboscope Vetco International................(a) 6,600 46,200
Weatherford International....................(a) 2,400 26,400
----------
455,758
----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc., Small Company Value Portfolio (continued)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Investments (continued) April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Finance--14.4% Acceptance Insurance Cos.....................(a) 8,000 $ 122,000
Advantage Bancorp............................ 700 20,125
Albank Financial............................. 1,600 41,400
Allmerica Property & Casualty Cos............ 800 15,200
Astoria Financial............................(a) 1,400 47,600
Bay Ridge Bancorp............................(a) 1,800 32,513
Citizens..................................... 1,000 17,000
City National................................ 2,900 29,363
Downey Financial............................. 1,900 34,200
First Palm Beach Bancorp..................... 1,300 23,400
Fleet Financial Group........................ 1,713 56,101
Fleet Financial Group (Warrants).............(a) 224 1,022
Highwoods Properties......................... 1,300 28,600
Horace Mann Educators........................ 1,700 35,063
Long Island Bancorp.......................... 2,300 42,550
Meridian Insurance Group..................... 1,200 14,100
MLF Bancorp.................................. 1,700 29,537
MMI Cos...................................... 500 9,062
Norwalk Savings Society...................... 2,000 30,500
PXRE......................................... 800 19,400
Primark......................................(a) 1,000 16,250
Security-Connecticut......................... 1,500 37,500
Standard Federal Bank........................ 2,000 56,250
Summit Properties............................ 900 14,962
Transnational Re, Cl. A......................(a) 1,200 24,300
----------
797,998
----------
Health Care--5.4% Advanced Technology Laboratories.............(a) 2,300 36,225
Kinetic Concepts............................. 5,000 37,500
Nichols Research.............................(a) 1,800 26,100
OrNda Healthcorp.............................(a) 3,494 61,145
PSICOR.......................................(a) 1,300 13,975
Safeguard Health Enterprises.................(a) 2,900 27,550
United Wisconsin Services.................... 1,200 24,300
Wellpoint Health Networks, Cl. A.............(a) 1,900 52,962
Windmere..................................... 2,600 19,825
----------
299,582
----------
Industrial Services--2.3% Groundwater Technology.......................(a) 1,300 16,575
International Recovery....................... 3,000 55,125
Republic Environmental Systems............... 1,060 2,981
Republic Waste Industries....................(a) 5,300 17,888
TRC Cos......................................(a) 4,200 32,025
----------
124,594
----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc., Small Company Value Portfolio (continued)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Investments (continued) April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Non-Energy Minerals--3.9% Chaparral Steel.............................. 2,000 $ 19,000
Handy & Harman............................... 3,100 46,500
INDRESCO.....................................(a) 4,000 56,000
Miramar Mining...............................(a) 4,000 20,626
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Cl. A............ 1,600 34,800
Texas Industries............................. 1,000 37,625
----------
214,551
----------
Process Industries--9.4% Calgon Carbon................................ 5,000 61,250
CalMat....................................... 1,300 25,675
Dexter....................................... 2,000 45,750
Ferro........................................ 1,500 42,563
Fuller (H.B.)................................ 1,000 37,750
Interface, Cl. A............................. 3,700 51,337
Measurex..................................... 1,600 40,000
NCH.......................................... 500 32,000
Oneita Industries............................(a) 4,000 47,500
Paragon Trade Brands.........................(a) 3,100 48,050
Sealright.................................... 1,800 31,500
Slocan Forest Products....................... 2,108 18,052
Stepan....................................... 2,000 39,250
----------
520,677
----------
Producer Manufacturing--4.4% Defiance..................................... 2,400 15,600
Harnischfeger Industries..................... 1,000 29,500
Insilco......................................(a) 2,200 58,850
MagneTek.....................................(a) 2,700 40,163
Park-Ohio Industries.........................(a) 1,569 17,847
Triarc Cos., Cl. A...........................(a) 3,000 45,000
Zero......................................... 2,700 37,125
----------
244,085
----------
Retail Trade--12.9% Bon-Ton Stores...............................(a) 5,800 60,175
Carr-Gottstein Foods.........................(a) 7,000 41,125
Chart House Enterprises......................(a) 7,000 63,000
Claire's Stores.............................. 2,000 27,750
Diagnostek...................................(a) 2,300 42,550
Dress Barn...................................(a) 1,800 17,325
Fay's........................................ 5,000 45,000
Finish Line, Cl. A...........................(a) 6,000 44,250
InterTan.....................................(a) 3,700 28,213
Little Switzerland...........................(a) 1,800 8,100
Pier 1 Imports............................... 10,080 90,720
Ross Stores.................................. 4,900 47,775
ShowBiz Pizza Time...........................(a) 2,800 24,850
Uni-Marts.................................... 9,000 50,625
Uno Restaurant...............................(a) 2,700 29,700
Venture Stores............................... 300 3,263
Waban........................................(a) 2,100 34,912
Younkers.....................................(a) 3,000 55,875
----------
715,208
----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc., Small Company Value Portfolio (continued)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Investments (continued) April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) SHARES VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Technology--9.1% ASM Lithography Holding...................... 3,000 $ 82,125
Conner Peripherals...........................(a) 4,500 47,812
Digital Systems International................(a) 4,300 27,413
Dynatech.....................................(a) 2,400 42,000
Esterline Technologies.......................(a) 2,000 33,750
Micrografx...................................(a) 4,700 29,375
QMS..........................................(a) 5,500 33,000
Quantum......................................(a) l,500 27,750
Renaissance Solutions........................ 500 6,500
Rexon........................................(a) 7,000 31,500
State of the Art.............................(a) 1,600 17,600
Telxon....................................... 2,700 42,525
Tivoli Systems............................... 2,000 76,500
Tripos....................................... 333 2,081
----------
499,931
----------
Transportation--3.1% Arkansas Best................................ 2,500 25,312
Cannon Express, Cl. B........................(a) 2,100 28,613
Intertrans................................... 2,723 58,885
Stolt-Nielsen, S.A...........................(a) 2,300 56,206
----------
169,016
----------
Utilities--.6% Associated Group, Cl. A...................... 75 1,294
Associated Group, Cl. B...................... 75 1,294
Central Maine Power.......................... 2,700 30,037
----------
32,625
----------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost $5,230,327).......................... $5,284,543
----------
----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS--6.6% AMOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury Bills: 5.68%, 5/4/95................................. $ 30,000 $ 29,977
5.63%, 5/11/95................................(b) 41,000 40,924
5.55%, 7/6/95.................................(b) 295,000 291,858
----------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $362,918)............................. $ 362,759
----------
----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (cost $5,593,245)............................................ 102.3% $5,647,302
------- ----------
------- ----------
LIABILITIES, LESS CASH AND RECEIVABLES......................................... (2.3%) $(124,859)
------- ----------
------- ----------
NET ASSETS..................................................................... 100.0% $5,522,443
------- ----------
------- ----------
</TABLE>
NOTES TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Non-income producing.
(b) Partially held by broker as collateral for open short positions.
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc., Small Company Value Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Securities Sold Short April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
COMMON STOCKS--6.7% SHARES VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Appliance Recycling Centers of America........................................ 4,000 $ 20,500
Best Buy...................................................................... 1,000 27,375
CellStar...................................................................... 1,300 25,187
Champion Industries........................................................... 1,500 31,125
Department 56................................................................. 600 22,200
Electronics for Imaging....................................................... 300 13,650
Fritz Cos..................................................................... 1,035 62,359
Lowe's Cos.................................................................... 1,000 28,875
NGC........................................................................... 2,480 23,870
Presstek...................................................................... 500 41,500
WMS Industries................................................................ 2,940 55,492
Williams-Sonoma............................................................... 1,000 18,813
---------
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT
(proceeds $375,592)......................................................... $ 370,946
---------
---------
</TABLE>
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Assets and Liabilities April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
LARGE LARGE SMALL SMALL
COMPANY COMPANY COMPANY COMPANY
GROWTH VALUE GROWTH VALUE
PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
[cost--Note 5(b)]--see statement............ $5,282,415 $5,639,453 $5,074,503 $5,647,302
Cash.......................................... 113,471 585 102,819 10,210
Receivable for investment securities sold..... -- 221,753 -- --
Dividends and interest receivable............. 2,781 8,757 575 3,600
Receivable from brokers for proceeds on
securities sold short....................... -- -- -- 375,592
Prepaid expenses.............................. 22,700 26,642 27,122 22,671
Due from The Dreyfus Corporation.............. 2,530 3,447 2,364 3,406
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
5,423,897 5,900,637 5,207,383 6,062,781
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
LIABILITIES:
Due to Distributor............................ $ 3,286 $ 3,447 $ 3,122 $ 3,406
Payable for investment securities purchased... -- 153,520 -- --
Bank loans payable--Note 3.................... -- -- -- 143,000
Securities sold short, at value
(proceeds $375,592)......................... -- -- -- 370,946
Interest payable.............................. -- -- -- 1,349
Accrued expenses and other liabilities........ 18,377 19,697 17,848 21,637
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
21,663 176,664 20,970 540,338
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET ASSETS...................................... $5,402,234 $5,723,973 $5,186,413 $5,522,443
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
REPRESENTED BY:
Paid-in capital............................... $5,164,205 $5,270,278 $5,173,425 $5,609,390
Accumulated undistributed investment
income--net................................. 4,358 27,283 2,201 8,748
Accumulated net realized (loss) on
investments, securities sold short
and foreign currency transactions and
distributions in excess of net realized gain
on investments--Note 2(e)................... (210,642) (52,067) (180,323) (154,398)
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation
on investments, securities sold short and
foreign currency transactions--Note 5(b).... 444,313 478,479 191,110 58,703
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET ASSETS at value............................. $5,402,234 $5,723,973 $5,186,413 $5,522,443
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Shares Outstanding
[400 million shares (with 100 million
allocated to each series) of $.001 par value
Common Stock authorized].................... 413,254 421,824 415,001 452,214
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET ASSET VALUE per share
(Net Assets / Shares Outstanding)........... $13.07 $13.57 $12.50 $12.21
------ ------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------ ------
</TABLE>
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Operations six months ended April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
LARGE LARGE SMALL SMALL
COMPANY COMPANY COMPANY COMPANY
GROWTH VALUE GROWTH VALUE
PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
INCOME:
Cash dividends (net of $1,083, $245 and $130
foreign taxes withheld at source for the
Large Company Growth, Large Company
Value and Small Company Value Portfolios,
respectively)............................. $ 26,594 $ 61,376 $ 7,199 $ 22,870
Interest.................................... 8,554 5,059 23,932 18,480
-------- -------- -------- ----------
TOTAL INCOME......................... 35,148 66,435 31,131 41,350
-------- -------- -------- ----------
EXPENSES--NOTE 3(D):
Management fee--Note 4(a)................... $ 19,051 $ 19,406 $ 18,496 $ 19,367
Shareholder servicing costs--Note 4(b,c).... 20,657 20,923 19,436 20,929
Auditing fees............................... 4,817 5,216 4,816 4,817
Organization expenses....................... 2,904 2,591 2,955 2,559
Registration fees........................... 2,587 3,884 3,631 3,190
Shareholders' reports....................... 2,472 3,172 3,947 3,370
Directors' fees and expenses--Note 4(d)..... 1,494 1,534 1,497 1,498
Legal fees.................................. 1,176 1,237 1,243 1,161
Custodian fees.............................. 849 1,182 1,120 2,541
Dividends on securities sold short.......... -- -- -- 266
Interest--Note 3............................ -- -- -- 1,815
Miscellaneous............................... 847 855 851 851
-------- -------- -------- ---------
56,854 60,000 57,992 62,364
Less--expense reimbursement from Manager
due to undertaking--Note 4(a)............. 42,216 45,136 41,742 43,748
-------- -------- -------- ---------
TOTAL EXPENSES.......................... 14,638 14,864 16,250 18,616
-------- -------- -------- ---------
INVESTMENT INCOME--NET.................. 20,510 51,571 14,881 22,734
-------- -------- -------- ---------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
ON INVESTMENTS:
Net realized gain (loss) on investments--
Note 5(a):
Long transactions (including foreign
currency transactions).................... $(92,758) $ 2,958 $216,620 $(109,403)
Short sale transactions..................... -- -- -- (25,625)
-------- -------- -------- ---------
NET REALIZED GAIN (LOSS).................... (92,758) 2,958 216,620 (135,028)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments, securities sold short and
foreign currency transactions............... 175,276 478,195 (75,128) 414,350
-------- -------- -------- ---------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
GAIN ON INVESTMENTS................. 82,518 481,153 141,492 279,322
-------- -------- -------- ---------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS............................... $103,028 $532,724 $156,373 $ 302,056
-------- -------- -------- ---------
-------- -------- -------- ---------
</TABLE>
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Large Company Large Company
Growth Portfolio Value Portfolio
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Ended Six Months Ended Year Ended Six Months Ended
October 31, April 30, 1995 October 31, April 30, 1995
1994(1) (Unaudited) 1994(1) (Unaudited)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Investment income--net....................... $ 68,916 $ 20,510 $ 106,661 $ 51,571
Net realized gain (loss) on investments...... (117,884) (92,758) (55,025) 2,958
Net unrealized appreciation on investments
for the period............................. 269,037 175,276 284 478,195
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS.......................... 220,069 103,028 51,920 532,724
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM;
Investment income--net....................... -- (85,068) -- (130,949)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from shares sold................ 5,053,200 22,383 5,101,555 65,622
Dividends reinvested......................... -- 85,068 -- 130,949
Cost of shares redeemed...................... (17,313) (4,133) (10,077) (42,771)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL STOCK
TRANSACTIONS............................. 5,035,887 103,318 5,091,478 153,800
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS........... 5,255,956 121,278 5,143,398 555,575
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period.......................... 25,000 5,280,956 25,000 5,168,398
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
End of period................................ $ 5,280,956(2) $ 5,402,234(2) $ 5,168,398(3) $ 5,723,973(3)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<CAPTION>
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Shares sold.................................. 404,190 1,772 407,991 4,871
Shares issued for dividends reinvested....... -- 6,990 -- 11,116
Shares redeemed.............................. (1,367) (331) (774) (3,380)
----------- ----------- ---------- -----------
NET INCREASE IN SHARES OUTSTANDING......... 402,823 8,431 407,217 12,607
----------- ----------- ---------- -----------
----------- ----------- ---------- -----------
<FN>
- ---------------------
(1) From December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1994.
(2) Includes undistributed investment income--net: $68,916 in 1994 and $4,358 in 1995.
(3) Includes undistributed investment income--net: $106,661 in 1994 and $27,283 in 1995.
</TABLE>
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Small Company Small Company
Growth Portfolio Value Portfolio
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Year Ended Six Months Ended Year Ended Six Months Ended
October 31, April 30, 1995 October 31, April 30, 1995
1994(1) (Unaudited) 1994(1) (Unaudited)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Investment income--net....................... $ 38,622 $ 14,881 $ 123,146 $ 22,734
Net realized gain (loss) on investments...... (396,943) 216,620 200,873 (135,028)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on investments for the period.............. 266,238 (75,128) (355,647) 414,350
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS................ (92,083) 156,373 (31,628) 302,056
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
From investment income--net.................. -- (51,302) -- (137,132)
From net realized gain on investments........ -- -- -- (200,873)
In excess of net realized gain on investments -- -- -- (19,370)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL DIVIDENDS............................ -- (51,302) -- (357,375)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from shares sold................ 5,286,073 344,171 5,174,759 195,813
Dividends reinvested......................... -- 51,302 -- 357,374
Cost of shares redeemed...................... (179,625) (353,496) (2,340) (141,216)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL
STOCK TRANSACTIONS....................... 5,106,448 41,977 5,172,419 411,971
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS........... 5,014,365 147,048 5,140,791 356,652
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period.......................... 25,000 5,039,365 25,000 5,165,791
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
End of period................................ $5,039,365(2) $5,186,413(2) $5,165,791(3) $5,522,443(3)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<CAPTION>
SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Shares sold.................................. 424,287 30,049 413,701 17,024
Shares issued for dividends reinvested....... -- 4,465 -- 31,965
Shares redeemed.............................. (15,425) (30,375) (191) (12,285)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET INCREASE IN SHARES OUTSTANDING......... 408,862 4,139 413,510 36,704
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<FN>
- ---------------------
(1) From December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1994.
(2) Includes undistributed investment income--net: $38,622 in 1994 and $2,201
in 1995.
(3) Includes undistributed investment income--net: $123,146 in 1994 and $8,748
in 1995.
</TABLE>
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
Reference is made to Page 4 of each Fund's Prospectus dated
October 1, 1995.
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1--GENERAL:
The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Act") as
a diversified open-end management investment company and operates as a series
company currently offering four classes of shares of Common Stock: the Large
Company Growth Portfolio, the Large Company Value Portfolio, the Small Company
Growth Portfolio and the Small Company Value Portfolio. Premier Mutual Fund
Services, Inc. (the "Distributor") acts as the distributor of the Fund's shares
which are sold without a sales charge. The Distributor, located at One
Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
FDI Distribution Services, Inc., a provider of mutual fund administration
services, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FDI Holdings, Inc., the
parent company of which is Boston Institutional Group, Inc. The Dreyfus
Corporation ("Manager") serves as the Fund's investment adviser. The Manager is
a direct subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A.
As of April 30, 1995, Major Trading Corporation, a subsidiary of Mellon Bank
Investments Corporation, the parent company of which is Mellon Bank, held the
following shares:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio 408,937 Small Company Growth Portfolio 406,198
Large Company Value Portfolio 412,920 Small Company Value Portfolio 439,186
</TABLE>
NOTE 2--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
(A) PORTFOLIO VALUATION: Each series' investments in securities are valued
at the last sales price on the securities exchange on which such securities are
primarily traded or at the last sales price on the national securities market.
Securities not listed on an exchange or the national securities market, or
securities for which there were no transactions, are valued at the average of
the most recent bid and asked prices, except for open short positions, where
the asked price is used for valuation purposes. Bid price is used when no asked
price is available. Investments denominated in foreign currencies are
translated to U.S. dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange.
(B) FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS: The Fund does not isolate that portion of
the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on
investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of
securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and
unrealized gain or loss from investments.
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales and
maturities of short-term securities, sales of foreign currencies, currency
gains or losses realized on securities transactions, the difference between the
amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the
Fund's books, and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received
or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes
in the value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities,
resulting from changes in exchange rates.
(C) SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME: Securities transactions
are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gain and loss from securities
transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is
recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income, including, where
applicable, amortization of discount on investments, is recognized on the
accrual basis.
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(D) EXPENSES: Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to
that series' operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are
allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
(E) DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS: Dividends payable to shareholders are
recorded by each series on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from investment
income-net and dividends from net realized capital gain, with respect to each
series, are normally declared and paid annually, but each series may make
distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. To the extent that a net realized
capital gain of a series can be offset by a capital loss carryover of that
series, such gain will not be distributed.
Dividends in excess of net realized gains on investments for financial
statement purposes result from wash sale loss deferrals from security
transactions during the period.
(F) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: It is the policy of the Fund to qualify as a
regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the best interests of
its shareholders, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code, and to make distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve
it from substantially all Federal income and excise taxes. For Federal income
tax purposes, each series is treated as a single entity for the purpose of
determining such qualification.
The Large Company Growth Portfolio has an unused capital loss carryover of
approximately $118,000 available for Federal income tax purposes to be applied
against future net securities profits, if any, realized subsequent to October
31, 1994. If not applied, the carryover expires in fiscal 2002.
The Large Company Value Portfolio has an unused capital loss carryover of
approximately $55,000 available for Federal income tax purposes to be applied
against future net securities profits, if any, realized subsequent to October
31, 1994. If not applied, the carryover expires in fiscal 2002.
The Small Company Growth Portfolio has an unused capital loss carryover of
approximately $397,000 available for Federal income tax purposes to be applied
against future net securities profits, if any, realized subsequent to October
31, 1994. If not applied, the carryover expires in fiscal 2002.
NOTE 3--BANK LINES OF CREDIT:
In accordance with an agreement with a bank, each Series may borrow up to
$2 million under a short-term unsecured line of credit. Interest on borrowings
is charged at rates which are related to Federal Funds rate in effect from time
to time.
Small Company Value Portfolio:
Outstanding borrowings on April 30, 1995, under the line of credit,
amounted to approximately $143,000, at an annualized interest rate of 7.04%.
The average daily amount of short-term debt outstanding during the six
months ended April 30, 1995 was approximately $51,000, with a related weighted
average annualized interest rate of 7.15%. The maximum amount of such debt
outstanding at any time during the six months ended April 30, 1995, was
$268,000.
NOTE 4--MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES:
(A) Pursuant to a management agreement ("Agreement") with the Manager, the
management fee is computed at the annual rate of .75 of 1% of the average daily
value of each series' net assets and is
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
payable monthly. The Agreement provides that if in any full fiscal year the
aggregate expenses of any series, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on
borrowings (which, in the view of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, counsel to the
Fund, also contemplates dividends accrued on securities sold short) and
extraordinary expenses, exceed the expense limitation of any state having
jurisdiction over the Series, that series may deduct from payments to be made
to the Manager, or the Manager will bear the amount of such excess to the
extent required by state law. The most stringent state expense limitation
applicable to each Series presently requires reimbursement of expenses in any
full fiscal year that such expenses (exclusive of distribution expenses and
certain expenses as described above) exceed 2-1/2% of the first $30 million, 2%
of the next $70 million and 1-1/2% of the excess over $100 million of the
average value of that series' net assets in accordance with California "blue
sky" regulations. However, the Manager had undertaken from November 1, 1994
through December 31, 1994, to assume all expenses of each Series (excluding
certain expenses as described above). The Manager has currently undertaken from
January 1, 1995 to April 30, 1995 to waive receipt of the management, service
and distribution fees.
The expense reimbursements, pursuant to the undertakings amounted to the
following for the six months ended April 30, 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio $42,216 Small Company Growth Portfolio $41,742
Large Company Value Portfolio 45,136 Small Company Value Portfolio 43,748
</TABLE>
The undertaking may be modified by the Manager from time to time, provided
that the resulting expense reimbursement would not be less than the amount
required pursuant to the agreement.
(B) Under the Distribution Plan (the "Plan") adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the Act, the Fund (a) reimburses the Distributor for payments to certain
Service Agents for distributing each Series' shares and (b) pays the Manager,
Dreyfus Service Corporation and any affiliate of either of them for advertising
and marketing relating to each Series, at an aggregate annual rate of .50 of 1%
of the value of each Series' average daily net assets. The Distributor may pay
one or more Service Agents in respect of distribution services. The Distributor
determines the amounts, if any, to be paid to Service Agents under the Plan and
the basis on which such payments are made. The fees payable under the Plan are
payable without regard to actual expenses incurred. The Plan also separately
provides for the Fund to bear the costs of preparing, printing and distributing
certain of the Fund's prospectuses and statements of additional information and
costs associated with implementing and operating the Plan, not to exceed the
greater of $100,000 or .005 of 1% of each Series' average daily net assets for
any full fiscal year.
During the six months ended ended April 30, 1995, the following was charged
to each series pursuant to the Plan:
Large Company Growth Portfolio $12,701 Small Company Growth Portfolio $12,331
Large Company Value Portfolio 12,937 Small Company Value Portfolio 12,912
(C) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, each series pays the Distributor
at an annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of a series' average daily net
assets for servicing shareholder accounts. The services provided may include
personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering
shareholder inquiries regarding the Series and providing reports and other
information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents in respect
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
of these services. The Distributor determines the amount to be paid to Service
Agents. The following summarizes the aggregate amount charged by the
Distributor, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan during the six months
ended April 30, 1995:
Large Company Growth Portfolio $6,350 Small Company Growth Portfolio $6,165
Large Company Value Portfolio 6,469 Small Company Value Portfolio 6,456
(D) Each director who is not an "affiliated person" as defined in the Act
receives from the Fund an annual fee of $3,000 and an attendance fee of $250
per meeting. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional 25% of such
compensation.
NOTE 5--SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS:
(A) The following summarizes the aggregate amount of purchases and sales of
investment securities and securities sold short, excluding short-term
securities, for the six months ended April 30, 1995:
LONG TRANSACTIONS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PURCHASES SALES
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio.................... $ 412,317 $ 653,010
Large Company Value Portfolio..................... 1,791,082 1,832,692
Small Company Growth Portfolio.................... 682,212 669,315
Small Company Value Portfolio..................... 3,626,340 3,110,830
</TABLE>
SHORT SALE TRANSACTIONS;
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PURCHASES SALES
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Small Company Value Portfolio..................... $ 180,699 $ 431,368
</TABLE>
The Small Company Value Portfolio is engaged in short-selling which
obligates the Series to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the
security at current market value. The Series would incur a loss if the price
of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on
which the Series replaces the borrowed security. The Series would realize a
gain if the price of the security declines between those dates. Until the
Series replaces the borrowed security, the Series will maintain daily, a
segregated account with a broker and/or custodian, of cash and/or U.S.
Government securities sufficient to cover its short position. Securities sold
short at April 30, 1995 and their related market values and proceeds are set
forth in the Statement of Securities Sold Short.
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(B) The following summarizes the accumulated net unrealized appreciation on
investments, excluding foreign currency transactions, for each series at April
30, 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROSS GROSS
APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION) NET
-------------- -------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio........ $751,332 $(307,019) $444,313
Large Company Value Portfolio......... 613,623 (135,144) 478,479
Small Company Growth Portfolio........ 625,987 (434,877) 191,110
Small Company Value Portfolio......... 433,074 (374,371) 58,703
</TABLE>
At April 30, 1995, the cost of investments for each series for Federal
income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial
reporting purposes. The cost of investments for each series for financial
reporting purposes as of April 30, 1995 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Large Company Growth Portfolio $4,838,102 Small Company Growth Portfolio $4,883,393
Large Company Value Portfolio 5,160,974 Small Company Value Portfolio 5,593,245
</TABLE>
Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Accountants
SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DREYFUS FOCUS FUNDS, INC.
We have reviewed the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the statements of investments and securities sold short, of Dreyfus
Focus Funds, Inc. as of April 30, 1995 (comprising, respectively, the Large
Company Growth Portfolio, the Large Company Value Portfolio, the Small Company
Growth Portfolio and the Small Company Value Portfolio), and the related
statements of operations and changes in net assets and financial highlights for
the six month period ended April 30, 1995. These financial statements and
financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management.
We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim
financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to
financial data, and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and
accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted
in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, which will be
performed for the full year with the objective of expressing an opinion
regarding the financial statements and financial highlights taken as a whole.
Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that
should be made to the interim financial statements and financial highlights
referred to above for them to be in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the statement of changes in net assets and financial highlights for
the period from December 29, 1993 (commencement of operations) to October 31,
1994 and in our report dated December 5, 1994, we expressed an unqualified
opinion on such statement of changes in net assets and financial highlights.
Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
June 6, 1995