SEC File Nos.2-83847
811-3734
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
Registration Statement
Under
the Securities Act of 1933
Post-Effective Amendment No. 23
and
Registration Statement
Under
The Investment Company Act of 1940
Amendment No. 23
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in charter)
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(213) 486-9200
Vincent P. Corti
Capital Research and Management Company
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
(name and address of agent for service)
Copies to:
Michael J. Fairclough, Esq.
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
400 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
(Counsel for the Registrant)
Approximate date of proposed public offering:
It is proposed that this filing become effective on March 15, 2001, pursuant
to paragraph (b) of rule 485.
EuroPacific Growth Fund/(R)/
Prospectus
TABLE OF CONTENTS ----------------------------------------------------- 1 Risk/Return Summary ----------------------------------------------------- 4 Fees and Expenses of the Fund ----------------------------------------------------- 5 Investment Objective, Strategies and Risks ----------------------------------------------------- 8 Management and Organization ----------------------------------------------------- 10 Shareholder Information ----------------------------------------------------- 11 Choosing a Share Class ----------------------------------------------------- 13 Purchase and Exchange of Shares ----------------------------------------------------- 14 Sales Charges ----------------------------------------------------- 16 Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers ----------------------------------------------------- 17 Plans of Distribution ----------------------------------------------------- 18 How to Sell Shares ----------------------------------------------------- 19 Distributions and Taxes ----------------------------------------------------- 20 Financial Highlights ----------------------------------------------------- |
MARCH 15, 2001
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED
OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES. FURTHER, IT HAS NOT DETERMINED THAT THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
The fund seeks to make your investment grow over time by investing primarily in stocks of issuers located in Europe and the Pacific Rim.
The fund is designed for investors seeking greater capital appreciation through investments in stocks of issuers based outside the U.S. Investors in the fund should have a long-term perspective and be able to tolerate potentially wide price fluctuations.
An investment in the fund is subject to risks, including the possibility that the fund's income and the value of its investments may fluctuate in response to economic, political or social events in the U.S. or abroad. Securities in the fund's portfolio may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations or world political, social and economic instability. The values of equity securities owned by the fund may be affected by events specifically involving the companies issuing those securities.
Your investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency, entity or person.
YOU MAY LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE FUND. THE LIKELIHOOD OF LOSS IS GREATER
IF YOU INVEST FOR A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
HISTORICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund by showing changes in the fund's investment results from year to year and by showing how the fund's average annual returns for various periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. Past results are not an indication of future results.
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS FOR CLASS A SHARES
(Results do not include a sales charge; if one were included, results would
be lower.)
[bar chart]
1991 18.59%
1992 2.30%
1993 35.60%
1994 1.13%
1995 12.87%
1996 18.64%
1997 9.19%
1998 15.54%
1999 56.97%
2000 -17.84%
[end bar chart]
The fund's highest/lowest quarterly results during this time period were:
HIGHEST 29.10% (quarter ended December 31, 1999) LOWEST -13.60% (quarter ended September 30, 1998) |
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
Unlike the bar chart on the previous page, the table below reflects the fund's results with the maximum initial or deferred sales charge imposed, as required by Securities and Exchange Commission rules. Class A share results reflect the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. Sales charges are reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more. Results would be higher if calculated without a sales charge. All fund results reflect the reinvestment of dividend and capital gain distributions.
Since the fund's Class B shares began investment operations on March 15, 2000 and Class C and F shares began investment operations on March 15, 2001, comparable results for those classes are not available for the 2000 calendar year.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2000: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ONE YEAR FIVE YEARS TEN YEARS LIFETIME Class A - began 4/16/84 (with the maximum sales charge -22.56% 12.72% 13.07% 15.16% imposed) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MSCI EAFE Index/1/ -13.96% 7.43% 8.56% 13.09% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
1 The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE (Europe, Australasia, Far East) Index measures all major stock markets outside North America. This index is unmanaged and does not reflect sales charges, commissions or expenses.
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FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
SHAREHOLDER FEES (PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS F -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a 5.75%/1/ none none none percentage of offering price) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum sales charge imposed on reinvested none none none none dividends -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum deferred sales charge none/2/ 5.00%/3/ 1.00%/4/ none -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Redemption or exchange fees none none none none -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
1 Sales charges are reduced or eliminated for purchases of $25,000 or more.
2 A contingent deferred sales charge of 1% applies on certain redemptions made
within 12 months following purchases of $1 million or more made without a
sales charge.
3 Deferred sales charges are reduced after 12 months and eliminated after six
years.
4 Deferred sales charge is eliminated after 12 months.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS)
CLASS A CLASS B/1/ CLASS C/1/ CLASS F/1/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Fees 0.46% 0.46% 0.46% 0.46% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees/2/ 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% 0.25% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Expenses 0.13% 0.13% 0.22% 0.21% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.84% 1.59% 1.68% 0.92% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
1 Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
2 Class A and F 12b-1 fees may not exceed 0.25% and 0.50%, respectively, of the
class' average net assets annually.
EXAMPLE
The examples below are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same as shown above. The "Class A" example reflects the maximum initial sales charge in the first year. The "Class B- and Class C-assuming redemption" examples reflect applicable contingent deferred sales charges through six years and one year, respectively (after which times they are eliminated). The examples do not include fees charged by financial intermediaries, typically applicable mainly to Class F shares. Both Class B examples reflect Class A expenses for years 9 and 10 since Class B shares automatically convert to Class A after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your cumulative expenses would be:
ONE YEAR THREE YEARS FIVE YEARS TEN YEARS Class A $656 $828 $1,014 $1,553 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B - assuming redemption $662 $902 $1,066 $1,688 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B - assuming no redemption $162 $502 $ 866 $1,688 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C - assuming redemption $271 $530 $ 913 $1,987 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C - assuming no redemption $171 $530 $ 913 $1,987 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class F - excludes intermediary fees/*/ $ 94 $293 $ 509 $1,131 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Fees charged by financial intermediaries are independent of fund expenses and will increase the overall cost of your investment. Intermediary fees typically range from 0.50% to 3.00% of assets annually depending on services offered. |
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
The fund's investment objective is to provide you with long-term growth of capital. It invests primarily in stocks of issuers located in Europe and the Pacific Rim.
The values of equity securities held by the fund may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned in the fund, adverse conditions affecting the general economy, overall market declines, world political, social and economic instability, and currency and interest rate fluctuations. The growth-oriented, equity-type securities generally purchased by the fund may involve large price swings and potential for loss.
Investments outside the U.S. may be affected by these events to a greater extent and may also be affected by differing securities regulations, and administrative difficulties such as delays in clearing and settling portfolio transactions. These risks are potentially heightened in connection with investments in developing countries.
The fund may also hold cash or money market instruments. The size of the fund's cash position will vary and will depend on various factors, including market conditions and purchases and redemptions of fund shares. A larger cash position could detract from the achievement of the fund's objective, but it also would reduce the fund's exposure in the event of a market downturn and provide liquidity to make additional investments or to meet redemptions.
The fund relies on the professional judgment of its investment adviser, Capital Research and Management Company, to make decisions about the fund's portfolio investments. The basic investment philosophy of the investment adviser is to seek undervalued securities that represent good long-term investment opportunities. Securities may be sold when the investment adviser believes they no longer represent good long-term value.
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ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESULTS
Unlike the investment results table shown on an earlier page, the table below reflects the fund's results calculated without a sales charge.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000: ONE YEAR FIVE YEARS TEN YEARS LIFETIME Class A - began 4/16/84 -17.84% 14.06% 13.74% 15.57% (with no sales charge imposed) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MSCI EAFE Index/1/ -13.96% 7.43% 8.56% 13.09% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lipper International Funds -15.60% 9.45% 9.85% 12.68% Average/2/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
1 The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE (Europe, Australasia, Far East) Index measures all major stock markets outside North America. This index is unmanaged and does not reflect sales charges, commissions or expenses. 2 The Lipper International Funds Average consists of funds that invest assets in securities with primary trading markets outside the United States. The results of the underlying funds in the index include the reinvestment of dividend and capital gain distributions and brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do not reflect sales charges.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
HOLDINGS BY INDUSTRY AS OF MARCH 31, 2000:
[pie chart]
Electronic Components 11.66%
Diversified Telecommunication Services 11.51%
Electrical & Electronics 7.84%
Wireless Telecommunications Services 7.70%
Broadcasting & Publishing 7.59%
Other Industries 45.52%
Bonds & Notes 0.42%
Cash & Cash Equivalents 7.76%
[end pie chart]
PERCENT OF PERCENT OF PERCENT INVESTED BY COUNTRY NET ASSETS TEN LARGEST INDIVIDUAL HOLDINGS NET ASSETS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Europe Vodafone AirTouch 5.68% ----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- United Kingdom 17.6% Samsung Electronics 2.62 --------------------------------------------- France 5.1 Rohm 2.16 --------------------------------------------- Germany 4.6 Ericsson 2.10 --------------------------------------------- Netherlands 3.5 AstraZeneca 2.04 --------------------------------------------- Sweden 3.4 Telefonos de Mexico 1.94 --------------------------------------------- Italy 3.1 Murata Manufacturing 1.80 --------------------------------------------- Finland 2.2 Taiwan Semiconductor 1.70 --------------------------------------------- Ireland 1.5 Nokia 1.70 --------------------------------------------- Switzerland 1.3 News Corp. 1.50 --------------------------------------------- Norway .8 Spain .7 Denmark .5 Other Europe 1.1 Pacific Basin ----------------------------------------- Asia Japan 23.2 South Korea 4.5 Australia 4.1 Taiwan 4.0 Hong Kong .7 Philippines .3 Other Asia .7 The Americas Canada 3.3 Mexico 3.1 Other Americas .2 ------------ Other ----------------------------------------- Brazil .6 South Africa .5 India .5 Other Countries 1.1 |
Because the fund is actively managed, its holdings will change from time to time.
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MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Capital Research and Management Company, an experienced investment management organization founded in 1931, serves as investment adviser to the fund and other funds, including those in The American Funds Group. Capital Research and Management Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc., is headquartered at 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. Capital Research and Management Company manages the investment portfolio and business affairs of the fund. The total management fee paid by the fund, as a percentage of average net assets, for the previous fiscal year appears earlier under "Fees and Expenses of the Fund."
MULTIPLE PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR SYSTEM
Capital Research and Management Company uses a system of multiple portfolio counselors in managing mutual fund assets. Under this approach the portfolio of a fund is divided into segments managed by individual counselors. Counselors decide how their respective segments will be invested, within the limits provided by a fund's objective(s) and policies and by Capital Research and Management Company's investment committee. In addition, Capital Research and Management Company's research professionals may make investment decisions with respect to a portion of a fund's portfolio. The primary individual portfolio counselors for EuroPacific Growth Fund are:
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR/ FUND COUNSELOR PRIMARY TITLE WITH INVESTMENT ADVISER TITLE (IF APPLICABLE) SINCE (OR AFFILIATE) AND INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THIERRY VANDEVENTER 1984 Director, Capital Research and Management Company Vice Chairman Investment professional with Capital Research and Management Company or affiliate since 1963 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARK E. DENNING 1991 (3 years as a Director, Capital Research and Management Company President, Principal research professional Investment professional with Capital Research and Executive Officer and for the fund) Management Company or affiliate since 1982 Trustee --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STEPHEN E. BEPLER 1984 Senior Vice President, Capital Research Company Executive Vice President Investment professional since 1966 and with Capital Research and Management Company or affiliate since 1972 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ROBERT W. LOVELACE 1994 (13 years as a President and Director, Capital Research Company Senior Vice President research professional Investment professional with Capital Research and for the fund) Management Company or affiliate since 1985 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JANET A. MCKINLEY 1990 (5 years as a Director, Capital Research and Management Company Senior Vice President research professional Investment professional since 1976 and with Capital for the fund) Research and Management Company or affiliate since 1982 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ALWYN W. HEONG 1996 (5 years as a Vice President, Capital Research Company Vice President research professional Investment professional since 1988 and with Capital for the fund) Research and Management Company or affiliate since 1992 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARTIAL G. CHAILLET 1994 (12 years as a Senior Vice President, Capital Research Company research professional Investment professional with Capital Research and for the fund) Management Company or affiliate since 1972 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
American Funds Service Company, the fund's transfer agent, offers you a wide range of services you can use to alter your investment program should your needs and circumstances change. These services may be terminated or modified at any time upon 60 days written notice. For your convenience, American Funds Service Company has four service centers across the country.
AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY SERVICE AREAS
Call toll-Free from anywhere in the U.S.
(8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET):
800/421-0180
[map of the United States]
Western Western Central Eastern Central Eastern Service Center Service Center Service Center Service Center American Funds American Funds American Funds American Funds Service Company Service Company Service Company Service Company P.O. Box 2205 P.O. Box 659522 P.O. Box 6007 P.O. Box 2280 Brea, California San Antonio, Texas Indianapolis, Indiana Norfolk, Virginia 92822-2205 78265-9522 46206-6007 23501-2280 Fax: 714/671-7080 Fax: 210/474-4050 Fax: 317/735-6620 Fax: 757/670-4773 |
A MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF POLICIES AND SERVICES IS INCLUDED IN THE FUND'S STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND THE OWNER'S GUIDE SENT TO NEW AMERICAN FUNDS SHAREHOLDERS TITLED "WELCOME TO THE FAMILY." Both are available by writing or calling American Funds Service Company.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
CHOOSING A SHARE CLASS
The fund offers four different classes of shares. Each share class represents investments in the same portfolio of securities, but each class has its own sales charge and expense structure, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your situation. WHEN YOU PURCHASE SHARES OF THE FUND, YOU MUST CHOOSE A SHARE CLASS. IF NONE IS CHOSEN, YOUR INVESTMENT WILL BE MADE IN CLASS A SHARES.
Shares of the fund may be purchased through various investment programs or accounts, including many types of retirement plans. The services or share classes available to you may vary depending upon how you wish to purchase shares of the fund.
Factors you should consider in choosing a class of shares include:
. How long you expect to own the shares
. How much you intend to invest
. Total expenses associated with owning shares of each class
. Whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges (for example, Class A shares may be a less expensive option over time if you qualify for a sales charge reduction or waiver)
. Class B and C shares generally are not available to certain retirement plans, including employer-sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k) plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, and money purchase pension and profit sharing plans
. Class F shares are generally only available to fee-based programs of investment firms and registered investment advisers that have special agreements with the fund's distributor
EACH INVESTOR'S FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ARE DIFFERENT. YOU SHOULD SPEAK WITH
YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHICH SHARE CLASS IS BEST FOR YOU.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY OF THE PRIMARY DIFFERENCES AMONG SHARE CLASSES
CLASS A SHARES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Initial sales charge up to 5.75% (reduced or eliminated for purchases of $25,000 or more) Contingent deferred sales none (except on certain redemptions on purchases charge of $1 million or more bought without an initial sales charge) 12b-1 fees up to 0.25% annually Dividends higher than other classes due to lower annual expenses Purchase maximum none Conversion none CLASS B SHARES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Initial sales charge none Contingent deferred sales starts at 5.00% and declines each year until it charge reaches 0% after six years 12b-1 fees 1.00% annually Dividends lower than Class A and F shares due to higher distribution fees and other expenses Purchase maximum $100,000 Conversion automatic conversion to Class A shares after eight years, reducing future annual expenses CLASS C SHARES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Initial sales charge none Contingent deferred sales 1.00% if shares are sold within one year after charge being purchased 12b-1 fees 1.00% annually Dividends lower than Class A and F shares due to higher distribution fees and other expenses Purchase maximum $500,000 Conversion automatic conversion to Class F shares after ten years, reducing future annual expenses CLASS F SHARES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Initial sales charge none Contingent deferred sales none charge 12b-1 fees currently 0.25% annually (may not exceed 0.50% annually) Dividends higher than Class B and C shares due to lower distribution fees, but typically lower than Class A shares due to higher other expenses Purchase maximum none Conversion none ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
PURCHASE AND EXCHANGE OF SHARES
PURCHASE OF CLASS A, B AND C SHARES
Generally, you may open an account and purchase Class A, B and C shares by contacting any investment dealer (who may impose transaction charges in addition to those described in this prospectus) authorized to sell the fund's shares. You may purchase additional shares in various ways, including through your investment dealer and by mail, telephone, the Internet and bank wire.
PURCHASE OF CLASS F SHARES
Generally, you may only open an account and purchase Class F shares through fee-based programs of investment firms and registered investment advisers with special agreements with the fund's distributor. These firms and advisers typically charge ongoing fees for services they provide.
EXCHANGE
Generally, you may exchange your shares into shares of the same class of other funds in The American Funds Group without a sales charge. For purposes of computing the contingent deferred sales charge on Class B and C shares, the length of time you have owned your shares will be measured from the date of original purchase and will not be affected by any exchange.
Exchanges of shares from the money market funds initially purchased without a sales charge generally will be subject to the appropriate sales charge. Exchanges have the same tax consequences as ordinary sales and purchases. See "Transactions by Telephone..." for information regarding electronic exchanges.
THE FUND AND AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, THE FUND'S DISTRIBUTOR, RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY PURCHASE ORDER FOR ANY REASON, INCLUDING PURCHASES WHICH ARE PART OF EXCHANGE ACTIVITY THAT COULD INVOLVE ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL HARM TO THE FUND.
PURCHASE MINIMUMS FOR ALL CLASSES OF SHARES To establish an account (including retirement plan accounts) $ 250 For a retirement plan account through payroll deduction $ 25 To add to an account $ 50 For a retirement plan account through payroll deduction $ 25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PURCHASE MAXIMUM FOR CLASS B SHARES $100,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PURCHASE MAXIMUM FOR CLASS C SHARES $500,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
SHARE PRICE
The fund calculates its share price, also called net asset value, as of approximately 4:00 p.m. New York time, which is the normal close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, every day the Exchange is open. In calculating net asset value, market prices are used when available. The fund has adopted procedures to make "fair value" determinations when reliable market prices for particular securities are not available.
Your shares will be purchased at the net asset value (plus any applicable sales charge in the case of Class A shares), or sold at the net asset value next determined after American Funds Service Company receives and accepts your request. A contingent deferred sales charge may apply at the time you sell certain Class A, B and C shares.
SALES CHARGES
CLASS A
The initial sales charge you pay when you buy Class A shares differs depending upon the amount you invest and may be reduced or eliminated for larger purchases as indicated below.
SALES CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF ---------------------------------- DEALER NET COMMISSION OFFERING AMOUNT AS % OF INVESTMENT PRICE INVESTED OFFERING PRICE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Less than $25,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.00% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $25,000 but less than 5.00% 5.26% 4.25% $50,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $50,000 but less than 4.50% 4.71% 3.75% $100,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $100,000 but less than 3.50% 3.63% 2.75% $250,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $250,000 but less than 2.50% 2.56% 2.00% $500,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $500,000 but less than 2.00% 2.04% 1.60% $750,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $750,000 but less than $1 1.50% 1.52% 1.20% million ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $1 million or more and certain other investments none none none described below ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
CLASS A PURCHASES NOT SUBJECT TO SALES CHARGE
INVESTMENTS OF $1 MILLION OR MORE MAY BE SUBJECT TO A 1% CONTINGENT DEFERRED
SALES CHARGE IF SHARES ARE SOLD WITHIN ONE YEAR OF PURCHASE.
Employer-sponsored defined contribution-type plans investing $1 million or more, or with 100 or more eligible employees, and Individual Retirement Account rollovers involving retirement plan assets invested in the American Funds, may invest with no sales charge and are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Also exempt are investments made through retirement plans, endowments or
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
foundations with $50 million or more in assets, and investments made through accounts that purchased fund shares before March 15, 2001 and are part of certain qualified fee-based programs. The distributor may pay dealers up to 1% on investments made in Class A shares with no initial sales charge. The fund may reimburse the distributor for these payments through its Plan of Distribution (see below).
CLASS B AND C
Class B and C shares are sold without any initial sales charge. American Funds Distributors pays 4% of the amount invested to dealers who sell Class B shares and 1% to dealers who sell Class C shares.
For Class C shares, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% applies if shares are sold within one year of purchase. For Class B shares, a contingent deferred sales charge may be applied to shares you sell within six years of purchase, as shown in the table below.
CLASS B SHARES SOLD WITHIN YEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE 5% 4% 4% 3% 2% 1% |
Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. In addition, the contingent deferred sales charge may be waived in certain circumstances. See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers for Class B and C Shares" below. The contingent deferred sales charge is based on the original purchase cost or the current market value of the shares being sold, whichever is less. For purposes of determining the contingent deferred sales charge, if you sell only some of your shares, shares that are not subject to any contingent deferred sales charge will be sold first and then shares that you have owned the longest.
CONVERSION OF CLASS B AND C SHARES
Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares in the month of the eight-year anniversary of the purchase date. Class C shares automatically convert to Class F shares in the month of the ten-year anniversary of the purchase date. The Internal Revenue Service currently takes the position that these automatic conversions are not taxable. Should their position change, shareholders would still have the option of converting but may face certain tax consequences.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS
You must let your investment dealer or American Funds Service Company know if you qualify for a reduction in your Class A sales charge or waiver of your Class B or C contingent deferred sales charge.
REDUCING YOUR CLASS A SALES CHARGE
You and your "immediate family" (your spouse and your children under the age of 21) may combine investments to reduce your Class A sales charge.
AGGREGATING ACCOUNTS
To receive a reduced Class A sales charge, investments made by you and your immediate family (see above) may be aggregated if made for your own account(s) and/or, for instance:
. trust accounts established by the above individuals. However, if the person(s) who established the trust is deceased, the trust account may be aggregated with accounts of the person who is the primary beneficiary of the trust.
. solely controlled business accounts.
. single-participant retirement plans.
CONCURRENT PURCHASES
You may combine simultaneous purchases of any class of shares of two or more American Funds, as well as individual holdings in various American Legacy variable annuities or variable life insurance policies, to qualify for a reduced Class A sales charge. Direct purchases of money market funds are excluded.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION
You may take into account the current value (or if greater, the amount you invested less any withdrawals) of your existing holdings in any class of shares of the American Funds, as well as individual holdings in various American Legacy variable annuities or variable life insurance policies, to determine your Class A sales charge. Direct purchases of money market funds are excluded.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION
You can reduce the sales charge you pay on your Class A share purchases by establishing a Statement of Intention. A Statement of Intention allows you to combine all non-money market fund purchases of all share classes, as well as individual American Legacy variable annuity and life insurance policies you intend to make over a 13-month period, to determine the applicable sales charge. At your request, purchases made during the previous 90 days may be included; however, capital appreciation and reinvested dividends and capital gains do not apply toward these combined purchases. A portion of your account may be held in escrow to cover additional Class A sales charges which may be due if your total investments over the 13-month period do not qualify for the applicable sales charge reduction.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE WAIVERS FOR CLASS B AND C SHARES
The contingent deferred sales charge on Class B and C shares may be waived in the following cases:
. when receiving payments through systematic withdrawal plans (up to 12% of the value of each fund account);
. when receiving required minimum distributions from retirement accounts upon reaching age 70 1/2; or
. for redemptions due to death or post-purchase disability of the shareholder.
PLANS OF DISTRIBUTION
The fund has Plans of Distribution or "12b-1 Plans" under which it may finance activities primarily intended to sell shares, provided the categories of expenses are approved in advance by the fund's board of trustees. The plans provide for annual expenses of up to 0.25% for Class A shares, 1.00% for Class B and C shares, and up to 0.50% for Class F shares. For all share classes, up to 0.25% of these expenses may be used to pay service fees to qualified dealers for providing certain shareholder services. The remaining expense for each share class may be used for distribution expenses.
The 12b-1 fees paid by the fund, as a percentage of average net assets, for the previous fiscal year are indicated earlier under "Fees and Expenses of the Fund." Since these fees are paid out of the fund's assets or income on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost and reduce the return of an investment. The higher fees for Class B and C shares may cost you more over time than paying the initial sales charge for Class A shares.
OTHER COMPENSATION TO DEALERS
American Funds Distributors may pay, or sponsor informational meetings for, dealers as described in the statement of additional information.
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HOW TO SELL SHARES
Once a sufficient period of time has passed to reasonably assure that checks or drafts (including certified or cashiers' checks) for shares purchased have cleared (normally 15 calendar days), you may sell (redeem) those shares in any of the following ways:
THROUGH YOUR DEALER OR FINANCIAL ADVISER (CERTAIN CHARGES MAY APPLY)
. Shares held for you in your dealer's name must be sold through the dealer.
. Class F shares must be sold through your dealer or financial adviser.
WRITING TO AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY
. Requests must be signed by the registered shareholder(s).
. A signature guarantee is required if the redemption is:
-- Over $50,000;
-- Made payable to someone other than the registered shareholder(s); or
-- Sent to an address other than the address of record, or an address of record which has been changed within the last 10 days.
. American Funds Service Company reserves the right to require signature guarantee(s) on any redemptions.
. Additional documentation may be required for sales of shares held in corporate, partnership or fiduciary accounts.
TELEPHONING OR FAXING AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY, OR BY USING AMERICAN
FUNDSLINE/(R)/ OR AMERICAN FUNDSLINE ONLINE/(R)/:
. Redemptions by telephone, fax, or computer (including American FundsLine and American FundsLine OnLine) are limited to $50,000 per shareholder each day.
. Checks must be made payable to the registered shareholder.
. Checks must be mailed to an address of record that has been used with the account for at least 10 days.
TRANSACTIONS BY TELEPHONE, FAX, AMERICAN FUNDSLINE OR FUNDSLINE ONLINE
Generally, you are automatically eligible to use these services for redemptions and exchanges unless you notify us in writing that you do not want any or all of these services. You may reinstate these services at any time.
Unless you decide not to have telephone, fax, or computer services on your account(s), you agree to hold the fund, American Funds Service Company, any of its affiliates or mutual funds managed by such affiliates, and each of their respective directors, trustees, officers, employees and agents harmless from any losses, expenses, costs or liabilities (including attorney fees) which may be incurred in connection with the exercise of these privileges, provided American Funds Service Company employs reasonable procedures to confirm that the instructions received from any person with appropriate account information are genuine. If reasonable procedures are not employed, it and/or the fund may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The fund intends to distribute dividends to you, usually in December. Capital gains, if any, are usually distributed in December. When a dividend or capital gain is distributed, the net asset value per share is reduced by the amount of the payment.
You may elect to reinvest dividends and/or capital gain distributions to purchase additional shares of this fund or any other American Fund, or you may elect to receive them in cash. Most shareholders do not elect to take capital gain distributions in cash because these distributions reduce principal value.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions you receive from the fund may be subject to income tax and may also be subject to state or local taxes - unless you are exempt from taxation.
For federal tax purposes, any taxable dividends and distributions of short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income. The fund's distributions of net long-term capital gains are taxable to you as long-term capital gains. Any taxable distributions you receive from the fund will normally be taxable to you when made, regardless of whether you reinvest distributions or receive them in cash.
TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS
Your redemptions, including exchanges, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment is the difference between the cost of your shares, including any sales charges, and the price you receive when you sell them.
Please see your tax adviser for further information.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS/1/
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's results for the past five years and is currently only shown for Class A and B shares. A similar table will be shown for Class C and F shares beginning with the fund's 2001 fiscal year end. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the fund's financial statements, is included in the statement of additional information, which is available upon request.
Net gains/(losses) on Net asset securities Dividends value, Net (both realized Total from (from net Distributions Period ended beginning of investment and investment investment (from capital Total March 31 period income unrealized) operations income) gains) distributions --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A: 9/30/00 $44.61 $.31/2/ $(6.85)/2/ $(6.54) - - - 2000 30.21 .34 15.74/2/ 16.08 $(.29) $(1.39) $(1.68) 1999 29.56 .42 1.85 2.27 (.36) (1.26) (1.62) 1998 26.70 .45 4.79 5.24 (.45) (1.93) (2.38) 1997 24.28 .46 3.28 3.74 (.44) (.88) (1.32) 1996 20.89 .46 3.63 4.09 (.49) (.21) (.70) CLASS B: 9/30/00 44.59 .12/2/ (6.79)/2/ (6.67) - - - 2000/5/ 43.09 .03 1.47/2/ 1.50 - - - Ratio of Ratio of Net asset Net assets, expenses to income to Period ended value, end of end of year average net average net Portfolio March 31 year Total return (in millions) assets assets turnover rate --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A: 9/30/00 $38.07 (14.66)% $34,349 .85%/3/ 1.50%/3/ 15.98%/4/ 2000 44.61 54.31 38,837 .84 .93 28.94 1999 30.21 8.18 22,083 .84 1.45 31.73 1998 29.56 20.97 21,316 .86 1.64 30.51 1997 26.70 15.88 16,737 .90 1.77 25.82 1996 24.28 19.84 12,335 .95 2.09 21.77 CLASS B: 9/30/00 37.92 (14.96) 231 1.58/3/ .58/3/ 15.98/4/ 2000/5/ 44.59 3.48 30 1.61/3/ 1.36/3/ 28.94 |
1 The periods 1996 through 2000 represent fiscal years ended March 31. The
periods ended September 30, 2000 represent the six-month period ended September
30, 2000 (unaudited). Total returns for the six-month periods are based on
activity during the period and thus are not representative of a full year.
Total returns exclude all sales charges, including contingent deferred sales
charges.
2 Based on average shares outstanding.
3 Annualized.
4 Represents portfolio turnover rate (equivalent for all share classes) for the six months ended September 30, 2000.
5 Class B shares were not offered before March 15, 2000. The period 2000 represents the 16-day period ended March 31, 2000.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
FOR SHAREHOLDER SERVICES American Funds Service Company 800/421-0180 FOR RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES Call your employer or plan administrator FOR DEALER SERVICES American Funds Distributors 800/421-9900 Ext. 11 FOR 24-HOUR INFORMATION American FundsLine(R) 800/325-3590 American FundsLine OnLine(R) http://www.americanfunds.com |
Telephone conversations may be recorded or monitored for verification, recordkeeping and quality assurance purposes.
* * * * *
MULTIPLE TRANSLATIONS This prospectus may be translated into other languages. If there is any inconsistency or ambiguity as to the meaning of any word or phrase in a translation, the English text will prevail.
ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS Contains additional information about the fund including financial statements, investment results, portfolio holdings, a statement from portfolio management discussing market conditions and the fund's investment strategies, and the independent accountants' report (in the annual report).
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) AND CODES OF ETHICS The SAI contains more detailed information on all aspects of the fund, including the fund's financial statements and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The Codes of Ethics describe the personal investing policies adopted by the fund and the fund's investment adviser and its affiliated companies.
The Codes of Ethics and current SAI have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These and other related materials about the fund are available for review or to be copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. (202/942-8090) or on the EDGAR database on the SEC's Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov, or, after payment of a duplicating fee, via e-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
HOUSEHOLD MAILINGS Each year you are automatically sent an updated prospectus, annual and semi-annual report for the fund. You may also occasionally receive proxy statements for the fund. In order to reduce the volume of mail you receive, when possible, only one copy of these documents will be sent to shareholders that are part of the same family and share the same residential address.
If you would like to receive individual copies of these documents, or a free
copy of the SAI or Codes of Ethics, please call American Funds Service Company
at 800/421-0180 or write to the Secretary of the fund at 333 South Hope
Street, Los Angeles, California 90071.
Investment Company File No. 811-3734
Printed on recycled paper
EUPAC-010-0301/B
THE FUND PROVIDES SPANISH TRANSLATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PUBLIC OFFERING AND SALE OF ITS SHARES. THE FOLLOWING IS A FAIR AND ACCURATE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF A SPANISH LANGUAGE PROSPECTUS FOR THE FUND.
/s/ Vincent P. Corti Vincent P. Corti Secretary |
EuroPacific Growth Fund/(R)/
Prospectus
TABLE OF CONTENTS ----------------------------------------------------- 1 Risk/Return Summary ----------------------------------------------------- 4 Fees and Expenses of the Fund ----------------------------------------------------- 5 Investment Objective, Strategies and Risks ----------------------------------------------------- 8 Management and Organization ----------------------------------------------------- 10 Shareholder Information ----------------------------------------------------- 11 Choosing a Share Class ----------------------------------------------------- 13 Purchase and Exchange of Shares ----------------------------------------------------- 14 Sales Charges ----------------------------------------------------- 16 Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers ----------------------------------------------------- 17 Plans of Distribution ----------------------------------------------------- 18 How to Sell Shares ----------------------------------------------------- 19 Distributions and Taxes ----------------------------------------------------- 20 Financial Highlights ----------------------------------------------------- |
MARCH 15, 2001
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED
OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES. FURTHER, IT HAS NOT DETERMINED THAT THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
The fund seeks to make your investment grow over time by investing primarily in stocks of issuers located in Europe and the Pacific Rim.
The fund is designed for investors seeking greater capital appreciation through investments in stocks of issuers based outside the U.S. Investors in the fund should have a long-term perspective and be able to tolerate potentially wide price fluctuations.
An investment in the fund is subject to risks, including the possibility that the fund's income and the value of its investments may fluctuate in response to economic, political or social events in the U.S. or abroad. Securities in the fund's portfolio may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations or world political, social and economic instability. The values of equity securities owned by the fund may be affected by events specifically involving the companies issuing those securities.
Your investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency, entity or person.
YOU MAY LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE FUND. THE LIKELIHOOD OF LOSS IS GREATER
IF YOU INVEST FOR A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
HISTORICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the fund by showing changes in the fund's investment results from year to year and by showing how the fund's average annual returns for various periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. Past results are not an indication of future results.
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS FOR CLASS A SHARES
(Results do not include a sales charge; if one were included, results would
be lower.)
[bar chart]
1991 18.59%
1992 2.30%
1993 35.60%
1994 1.13%
1995 12.87%
1996 18.64%
1997 9.19%
1998 15.54%
1999 56.97%
2000 -17.84%
[end bar chart]
The fund's highest/lowest quarterly results during this time period were:
HIGHEST 29.10% (quarter ended December 31, 1999) LOWEST -13.60% (quarter ended September 30, 1998) |
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
Unlike the bar chart on the previous page, the table below reflects the fund's results with the maximum initial or deferred sales charge imposed, as required by Securities and Exchange Commission rules. Class A share results reflect the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. Sales charges are reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more. Results would be higher if calculated without a sales charge. All fund results reflect the reinvestment of dividend and capital gain distributions.
Since the fund's Class B shares began investment operations on March 15, 2000 and Class C and F shares began investment operations on March 15, 2001, comparable results for those classes are not available for the 2000 calendar year.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2000: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ONE YEAR FIVE YEARS TEN YEARS LIFETIME Class A - began 4/16/84 (with the maximum sales charge -22.56% 12.72% 13.07% 15.16% imposed) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MSCI EAFE Index/1/ -13.96% 7.43% 8.56% 13.09% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
1 The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE (Europe, Australasia, Far East) Index measures all major stock markets outside North America. This index is unmanaged and does not reflect sales charges, commissions or expenses.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
SHAREHOLDER FEES (PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS F -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a 5.75%/1/ none none none percentage of offering price) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum sales charge imposed on reinvested none none none none dividends -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum deferred sales charge none/2/ 5.00%/3/ 1.00%/4/ none -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Redemption or exchange fees none none none none -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
1 Sales charges are reduced or eliminated for purchases of $25,000 or more.
2 A contingent deferred sales charge of 1% applies on certain redemptions made
within 12 months following purchases of $1 million or more made without a
sales charge.
3 Deferred sales charges are reduced after 12 months and eliminated after six
years.
4 Deferred sales charge is eliminated after 12 months.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS)
CLASS A CLASS B/1/ CLASS C/1/ CLASS F/1/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Fees 0.46% 0.46% 0.46% 0.46% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees/2/ 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% 0.25% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Expenses 0.13% 0.13% 0.22% 0.21% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.84% 1.59% 1.68% 0.92% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
1 Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
2 Class A and F 12b-1 fees may not exceed 0.25% and 0.50%, respectively, of the
class' average net assets annually.
EXAMPLE
The examples below are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same as shown above. The "Class A" example reflects the maximum initial sales charge in the first year. The "Class B- and Class C-assuming redemption" examples reflect applicable contingent deferred sales charges through six years and one year, respectively (after which times they are eliminated). The examples do not include fees charged by financial intermediaries, typically applicable mainly to Class F shares. Both Class B examples reflect Class A expenses for years 9 and 10 since Class B shares automatically convert to Class A after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your cumulative expenses would be:
ONE YEAR THREE YEARS FIVE YEARS TEN YEARS Class A $656 $828 $1,014 $1,553 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B - assuming redemption $662 $902 $1,066 $1,688 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B - assuming no redemption $162 $502 $ 866 $1,688 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C - assuming redemption $271 $530 $ 913 $1,987 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C - assuming no redemption $171 $530 $ 913 $1,987 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class F - excludes intermediary fees/*/ $ 94 $293 $ 509 $1,131 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Fees charged by financial intermediaries are independent of fund expenses and will increase the overall cost of your investment. Intermediary fees typically range from 0.50% to 3.00% of assets annually depending on services offered. |
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
The fund's investment objective is to provide you with long-term growth of capital. It invests primarily in stocks of issuers located in Europe and the Pacific Rim.
The values of equity securities held by the fund may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned in the fund, adverse conditions affecting the general economy, overall market declines, world political, social and economic instability, and currency and interest rate fluctuations. The growth-oriented, equity-type securities generally purchased by the fund may involve large price swings and potential for loss.
Investments outside the U.S. may be affected by these events to a greater extent and may also be affected by differing securities regulations, and administrative difficulties such as delays in clearing and settling portfolio transactions. These risks are potentially heightened in connection with investments in developing countries.
The fund may also hold cash or money market instruments. The size of the fund's cash position will vary and will depend on various factors, including market conditions and purchases and redemptions of fund shares. A larger cash position could detract from the achievement of the fund's objective, but it also would reduce the fund's exposure in the event of a market downturn and provide liquidity to make additional investments or to meet redemptions.
The fund relies on the professional judgment of its investment adviser, Capital Research and Management Company, to make decisions about the fund's portfolio investments. The basic investment philosophy of the investment adviser is to seek undervalued securities that represent good long-term investment opportunities. Securities may be sold when the investment adviser believes they no longer represent good long-term value.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESULTS
Unlike the investment results table shown on an earlier page, the table below reflects the fund's results calculated without a sales charge.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000: ONE YEAR FIVE YEARS TEN YEARS LIFETIME Class A - began 4/16/84 -17.84% 14.06% 13.74% 15.57% (with no sales charge imposed) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MSCI EAFE Index/1/ -13.96% 7.43% 8.56% 13.09% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lipper International Funds -15.60% 9.45% 9.85% 12.68% Average/2/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
1 The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE (Europe, Australasia, Far East) Index measures all major stock markets outside North America. This index is unmanaged and does not reflect sales charges, commissions or expenses. 2 The Lipper International Funds Average consists of funds that invest assets in securities with primary trading markets outside the United States. The results of the underlying funds in the index include the reinvestment of dividend and capital gain distributions and brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do not reflect sales charges.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
HOLDINGS BY INDUSTRY AS OF MARCH 31, 2000:
[pie chart]
Electronic Components 11.66%
Diversified Telecommunication Services 11.51%
Electrical & Electronics 7.84%
Wireless Telecommunications Services 7.70%
Broadcasting & Publishing 7.59%
Other Industries 45.52%
Bonds & Notes 0.42%
Cash & Cash Equivalents 7.76%
[end pie chart]
PERCENT OF PERCENT OF PERCENT INVESTED BY COUNTRY NET ASSETS TEN LARGEST INDIVIDUAL HOLDINGS NET ASSETS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Europe Vodafone AirTouch 5.68% ----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- United Kingdom 17.6% Samsung Electronics 2.62 --------------------------------------------- France 5.1 Rohm 2.16 --------------------------------------------- Germany 4.6 Ericsson 2.10 --------------------------------------------- Netherlands 3.5 AstraZeneca 2.04 --------------------------------------------- Sweden 3.4 Telefonos de Mexico 1.94 --------------------------------------------- Italy 3.1 Murata Manufacturing 1.80 --------------------------------------------- Finland 2.2 Taiwan Semiconductor 1.70 --------------------------------------------- Ireland 1.5 Nokia 1.70 --------------------------------------------- Switzerland 1.3 News Corp. 1.50 --------------------------------------------- Norway .8 Spain .7 Denmark .5 Other Europe 1.1 Pacific Basin ----------------------------------------- Asia Japan 23.2 South Korea 4.5 Australia 4.1 Taiwan 4.0 Hong Kong .7 Philippines .3 Other Asia .7 The Americas Canada 3.3 Mexico 3.1 Other Americas .2 ------------ Other ----------------------------------------- Brazil .6 South Africa .5 India .5 Other Countries 1.1 |
Because the fund is actively managed, its holdings will change from time to time.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Capital Research and Management Company, an experienced investment management organization founded in 1931, serves as investment adviser to the fund and other funds, including those in The American Funds Group. Capital Research and Management Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc., is headquartered at 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. Capital Research and Management Company manages the investment portfolio and business affairs of the fund. The total management fee paid by the fund, as a percentage of average net assets, for the previous fiscal year appears earlier under "Fees and Expenses of the Fund."
MULTIPLE PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR SYSTEM
Capital Research and Management Company uses a system of multiple portfolio counselors in managing mutual fund assets. Under this approach the portfolio of a fund is divided into segments managed by individual counselors. Counselors decide how their respective segments will be invested, within the limits provided by a fund's objective(s) and policies and by Capital Research and Management Company's investment committee. In addition, Capital Research and Management Company's research professionals may make investment decisions with respect to a portion of a fund's portfolio. The primary individual portfolio counselors for EuroPacific Growth Fund are:
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR/ FUND COUNSELOR PRIMARY TITLE WITH INVESTMENT ADVISER TITLE (IF APPLICABLE) SINCE (OR AFFILIATE) AND INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THIERRY VANDEVENTER 1984 Director, Capital Research and Management Company Vice Chairman Investment professional with Capital Research and Management Company or affiliate since 1963 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARK E. DENNING 1991 (3 years as a Director, Capital Research and Management Company President, Principal research professional Investment professional with Capital Research and Executive Officer and for the fund) Management Company or affiliate since 1982 Trustee --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STEPHEN E. BEPLER 1984 Senior Vice President, Capital Research Company Executive Vice President Investment professional since 1966 and with Capital Research and Management Company or affiliate since 1972 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ROBERT W. LOVELACE 1994 (13 years as a President and Director, Capital Research Company Senior Vice President research professional Investment professional with Capital Research and for the fund) Management Company or affiliate since 1985 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JANET A. MCKINLEY 1990 (5 years as a Director, Capital Research and Management Company Senior Vice President research professional Investment professional since 1976 and with Capital for the fund) Research and Management Company or affiliate since 1982 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ALWYN W. HEONG 1996 (5 years as a Vice President, Capital Research Company Vice President research professional Investment professional since 1988 and with Capital for the fund) Research and Management Company or affiliate since 1992 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARTIAL G. CHAILLET 1994 (12 years as a Senior Vice President, Capital Research Company research professional Investment professional with Capital Research and for the fund) Management Company or affiliate since 1972 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
American Funds Service Company, the fund's transfer agent, offers you a wide range of services you can use to alter your investment program should your needs and circumstances change. These services may be terminated or modified at any time upon 60 days written notice. For your convenience, American Funds Service Company has four service centers across the country.
AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY SERVICE AREAS
Call toll-Free from anywhere in the U.S.
(8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET):
800/421-0180
[map of the United States]
Western Western Central Eastern Central Eastern Service Center Service Center Service Center Service Center American Funds American Funds American Funds American Funds Service Company Service Company Service Company Service Company P.O. Box 2205 P.O. Box 659522 P.O. Box 6007 P.O. Box 2280 Brea, California San Antonio, Texas Indianapolis, Indiana Norfolk, Virginia 92822-2205 78265-9522 46206-6007 23501-2280 Fax: 714/671-7080 Fax: 210/474-4050 Fax: 317/735-6620 Fax: 757/670-4773 |
A MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF POLICIES AND SERVICES IS INCLUDED IN THE FUND'S STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND THE OWNER'S GUIDE SENT TO NEW AMERICAN FUNDS SHAREHOLDERS TITLED "WELCOME TO THE FAMILY." Both are available by writing or calling American Funds Service Company.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
CHOOSING A SHARE CLASS
The fund offers four different classes of shares. Each share class represents investments in the same portfolio of securities, but each class has its own sales charge and expense structure, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your situation. WHEN YOU PURCHASE SHARES OF THE FUND, YOU MUST CHOOSE A SHARE CLASS. IF NONE IS CHOSEN, YOUR INVESTMENT WILL BE MADE IN CLASS A SHARES.
Shares of the fund may be purchased through various investment programs or accounts, including many types of retirement plans. The services or share classes available to you may vary depending upon how you wish to purchase shares of the fund.
Factors you should consider in choosing a class of shares include:
. How long you expect to own the shares
. How much you intend to invest
. Total expenses associated with owning shares of each class
. Whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges (for example, Class A shares may be a less expensive option over time if you qualify for a sales charge reduction or waiver)
. Class B and C shares generally are not available to certain retirement plans, including employer-sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k) plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, and money purchase pension and profit sharing plans
. Class F shares are generally only available to fee-based programs of investment firms and registered investment advisers that have special agreements with the fund's distributor
EACH INVESTOR'S FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ARE DIFFERENT. YOU SHOULD SPEAK WITH
YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHICH SHARE CLASS IS BEST FOR YOU.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY OF THE PRIMARY DIFFERENCES AMONG SHARE CLASSES
CLASS A SHARES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Initial sales charge up to 5.75% (reduced or eliminated for purchases of $25,000 or more) Contingent deferred sales none (except on certain redemptions on purchases charge of $1 million or more bought without an initial sales charge) 12b-1 fees up to 0.25% annually Dividends higher than other classes due to lower annual expenses Purchase maximum none Conversion none CLASS B SHARES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Initial sales charge none Contingent deferred sales starts at 5.00% and declines each year until it charge reaches 0% after six years 12b-1 fees 1.00% annually Dividends lower than Class A and F shares due to higher distribution fees and other expenses Purchase maximum $100,000 Conversion automatic conversion to Class A shares after eight years, reducing future annual expenses CLASS C SHARES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Initial sales charge none Contingent deferred sales 1.00% if shares are sold within one year after charge being purchased 12b-1 fees 1.00% annually Dividends lower than Class A and F shares due to higher distribution fees and other expenses Purchase maximum $500,000 Conversion automatic conversion to Class F shares after ten years, reducing future annual expenses CLASS F SHARES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Initial sales charge none Contingent deferred sales none charge 12b-1 fees currently 0.25% annually (may not exceed 0.50% annually) Dividends higher than Class B and C shares due to lower distribution fees, but typically lower than Class A shares due to higher other expenses Purchase maximum none Conversion none ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
PURCHASE AND EXCHANGE OF SHARES
PURCHASE OF CLASS A, B AND C SHARES
Generally, you may open an account and purchase Class A, B and C shares by contacting any investment dealer (who may impose transaction charges in addition to those described in this prospectus) authorized to sell the fund's shares. You may purchase additional shares in various ways, including through your investment dealer and by mail, telephone, the Internet and bank wire.
PURCHASE OF CLASS F SHARES
Generally, you may only open an account and purchase Class F shares through fee-based programs of investment firms and registered investment advisers with special agreements with the fund's distributor. These firms and advisers typically charge ongoing fees for services they provide.
EXCHANGE
Generally, you may exchange your shares into shares of the same class of other funds in The American Funds Group without a sales charge. For purposes of computing the contingent deferred sales charge on Class B and C shares, the length of time you have owned your shares will be measured from the date of original purchase and will not be affected by any exchange.
Exchanges of shares from the money market funds initially purchased without a sales charge generally will be subject to the appropriate sales charge. Exchanges have the same tax consequences as ordinary sales and purchases. See "Transactions by Telephone..." for information regarding electronic exchanges.
THE FUND AND AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, THE FUND'S DISTRIBUTOR, RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY PURCHASE ORDER FOR ANY REASON, INCLUDING PURCHASES WHICH ARE PART OF EXCHANGE ACTIVITY THAT COULD INVOLVE ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL HARM TO THE FUND.
PURCHASE MINIMUMS FOR ALL CLASSES OF SHARES To establish an account (including retirement plan accounts) $ 250 For a retirement plan account through payroll deduction $ 25 To add to an account $ 50 For a retirement plan account through payroll deduction $ 25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PURCHASE MAXIMUM FOR CLASS B SHARES $100,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PURCHASE MAXIMUM FOR CLASS C SHARES $500,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
SHARE PRICE
The fund calculates its share price, also called net asset value, as of approximately 4:00 p.m. New York time, which is the normal close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, every day the Exchange is open. In calculating net asset value, market prices are used when available. The fund has adopted procedures to make "fair value" determinations when reliable market prices for particular securities are not available.
Your shares will be purchased at the net asset value (plus any applicable sales charge in the case of Class A shares), or sold at the net asset value next determined after American Funds Service Company receives and accepts your request. A contingent deferred sales charge may apply at the time you sell certain Class A, B and C shares.
SALES CHARGES
CLASS A
The initial sales charge you pay when you buy Class A shares differs depending upon the amount you invest and may be reduced or eliminated for larger purchases as indicated below.
SALES CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF ---------------------------------- DEALER NET COMMISSION OFFERING AMOUNT AS % OF INVESTMENT PRICE INVESTED OFFERING PRICE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Less than $25,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.00% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $25,000 but less than 5.00% 5.26% 4.25% $50,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $50,000 but less than 4.50% 4.71% 3.75% $100,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $100,000 but less than 3.50% 3.63% 2.75% $250,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $250,000 but less than 2.50% 2.56% 2.00% $500,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $500,000 but less than 2.00% 2.04% 1.60% $750,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $750,000 but less than $1 1.50% 1.52% 1.20% million ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $1 million or more and certain other investments none none none described below ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
CLASS A PURCHASES NOT SUBJECT TO SALES CHARGE
INVESTMENTS OF $1 MILLION OR MORE MAY BE SUBJECT TO A 1% CONTINGENT DEFERRED
SALES CHARGE IF SHARES ARE SOLD WITHIN ONE YEAR OF PURCHASE.
Employer-sponsored defined contribution-type plans investing $1 million or more, or with 100 or more eligible employees, and Individual Retirement Account rollovers involving retirement plan assets invested in the American Funds, may invest with no sales charge and are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Also exempt are investments made through retirement plans, endowments or
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
foundations with $50 million or more in assets, and investments made through accounts that purchased fund shares before March 15, 2001 and are part of certain qualified fee-based programs. The distributor may pay dealers up to 1% on investments made in Class A shares with no initial sales charge. The fund may reimburse the distributor for these payments through its Plan of Distribution (see below).
CLASS B AND C
Class B and C shares are sold without any initial sales charge. American Funds Distributors pays 4% of the amount invested to dealers who sell Class B shares and 1% to dealers who sell Class C shares.
For Class C shares, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% applies if shares are sold within one year of purchase. For Class B shares, a contingent deferred sales charge may be applied to shares you sell within six years of purchase, as shown in the table below.
CLASS B SHARES SOLD WITHIN YEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE 5% 4% 4% 3% 2% 1% |
Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. In addition, the contingent deferred sales charge may be waived in certain circumstances. See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers for Class B and C Shares" below. The contingent deferred sales charge is based on the original purchase cost or the current market value of the shares being sold, whichever is less. For purposes of determining the contingent deferred sales charge, if you sell only some of your shares, shares that are not subject to any contingent deferred sales charge will be sold first and then shares that you have owned the longest.
CONVERSION OF CLASS B AND C SHARES
Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares in the month of the eight-year anniversary of the purchase date. Class C shares automatically convert to Class F shares in the month of the ten-year anniversary of the purchase date. The Internal Revenue Service currently takes the position that these automatic conversions are not taxable. Should their position change, shareholders would still have the option of converting but may face certain tax consequences.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS
You must let your investment dealer or American Funds Service Company know if you qualify for a reduction in your Class A sales charge or waiver of your Class B or C contingent deferred sales charge.
REDUCING YOUR CLASS A SALES CHARGE
You and your "immediate family" (your spouse and your children under the age of 21) may combine investments to reduce your Class A sales charge.
AGGREGATING ACCOUNTS
To receive a reduced Class A sales charge, investments made by you and your immediate family (see above) may be aggregated if made for your own account(s) and/or, for instance:
. trust accounts established by the above individuals. However, if the person(s) who established the trust is deceased, the trust account may be aggregated with accounts of the person who is the primary beneficiary of the trust.
. solely controlled business accounts.
. single-participant retirement plans.
CONCURRENT PURCHASES
You may combine simultaneous purchases of any class of shares of two or more American Funds, as well as individual holdings in various American Legacy variable annuities or variable life insurance policies, to qualify for a reduced Class A sales charge. Direct purchases of money market funds are excluded.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION
You may take into account the current value (or if greater, the amount you invested less any withdrawals) of your existing holdings in any class of shares of the American Funds, as well as individual holdings in various American Legacy variable annuities or variable life insurance policies, to determine your Class A sales charge. Direct purchases of money market funds are excluded.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION
You can reduce the sales charge you pay on your Class A share purchases by establishing a Statement of Intention. A Statement of Intention allows you to combine all non-money market fund purchases of all share classes, as well as individual American Legacy variable annuity and life insurance policies you intend to make over a 13-month period, to determine the applicable sales charge. At your request, purchases made during the previous 90 days may be included; however, capital appreciation and reinvested dividends and capital gains do not apply toward these combined purchases. A portion of your account may be held in escrow to cover additional Class A sales charges which may be due if your total investments over the 13-month period do not qualify for the applicable sales charge reduction.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE WAIVERS FOR CLASS B AND C SHARES
The contingent deferred sales charge on Class B and C shares may be waived in the following cases:
. when receiving payments through systematic withdrawal plans (up to 12% of the value of each fund account);
. when receiving required minimum distributions from retirement accounts upon reaching age 70 1/2; or
. for redemptions due to death or post-purchase disability of the shareholder.
PLANS OF DISTRIBUTION
The fund has Plans of Distribution or "12b-1 Plans" under which it may finance activities primarily intended to sell shares, provided the categories of expenses are approved in advance by the fund's board of trustees. The plans provide for annual expenses of up to 0.25% for Class A shares, 1.00% for Class B and C shares, and up to 0.50% for Class F shares. For all share classes, up to 0.25% of these expenses may be used to pay service fees to qualified dealers for providing certain shareholder services. The remaining expense for each share class may be used for distribution expenses.
The 12b-1 fees paid by the fund, as a percentage of average net assets, for the previous fiscal year are indicated earlier under "Fees and Expenses of the Fund." Since these fees are paid out of the fund's assets or income on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost and reduce the return of an investment. The higher fees for Class B and C shares may cost you more over time than paying the initial sales charge for Class A shares.
OTHER COMPENSATION TO DEALERS
American Funds Distributors may pay, or sponsor informational meetings for, dealers as described in the statement of additional information.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
HOW TO SELL SHARES
Once a sufficient period of time has passed to reasonably assure that checks or drafts (including certified or cashiers' checks) for shares purchased have cleared (normally 15 calendar days), you may sell (redeem) those shares in any of the following ways:
THROUGH YOUR DEALER OR FINANCIAL ADVISER (CERTAIN CHARGES MAY APPLY)
. Shares held for you in your dealer's name must be sold through the dealer.
. Class F shares must be sold through your dealer or financial adviser.
WRITING TO AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY
. Requests must be signed by the registered shareholder(s).
. A signature guarantee is required if the redemption is:
-- Over $50,000;
-- Made payable to someone other than the registered shareholder(s); or
-- Sent to an address other than the address of record, or an address of record which has been changed within the last 10 days.
. American Funds Service Company reserves the right to require signature guarantee(s) on any redemptions.
. Additional documentation may be required for sales of shares held in corporate, partnership or fiduciary accounts.
TELEPHONING OR FAXING AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY, OR BY USING AMERICAN
FUNDSLINE/(R)/ OR AMERICAN FUNDSLINE ONLINE/(R)/:
. Redemptions by telephone, fax, or computer (including American FundsLine and American FundsLine OnLine) are limited to $50,000 per shareholder each day.
. Checks must be made payable to the registered shareholder.
. Checks must be mailed to an address of record that has been used with the account for at least 10 days.
TRANSACTIONS BY TELEPHONE, FAX, AMERICAN FUNDSLINE OR FUNDSLINE ONLINE
Generally, you are automatically eligible to use these services for redemptions and exchanges unless you notify us in writing that you do not want any or all of these services. You may reinstate these services at any time.
Unless you decide not to have telephone, fax, or computer services on your account(s), you agree to hold the fund, American Funds Service Company, any of its affiliates or mutual funds managed by such affiliates, and each of their respective directors, trustees, officers, employees and agents harmless from any losses, expenses, costs or liabilities (including attorney fees) which may be incurred in connection with the exercise of these privileges, provided American Funds Service Company employs reasonable procedures to confirm that the instructions received from any person with appropriate account information are genuine. If reasonable procedures are not employed, it and/or the fund may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The fund intends to distribute dividends to you, usually in December. Capital gains, if any, are usually distributed in December. When a dividend or capital gain is distributed, the net asset value per share is reduced by the amount of the payment.
You may elect to reinvest dividends and/or capital gain distributions to purchase additional shares of this fund or any other American Fund, or you may elect to receive them in cash. Most shareholders do not elect to take capital gain distributions in cash because these distributions reduce principal value.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions you receive from the fund may be subject to income tax and may also be subject to state or local taxes - unless you are exempt from taxation.
For federal tax purposes, any taxable dividends and distributions of short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income. The fund's distributions of net long-term capital gains are taxable to you as long-term capital gains. Any taxable distributions you receive from the fund will normally be taxable to you when made, regardless of whether you reinvest distributions or receive them in cash.
TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS
Your redemptions, including exchanges, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment is the difference between the cost of your shares, including any sales charges, and the price you receive when you sell them.
Please see your tax adviser for further information.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS/1/
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's results for the past five years and is currently only shown for Class A and B shares. A similar table will be shown for Class C and F shares beginning with the fund's 2001 fiscal year end. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report, along with the fund's financial statements, is included in the statement of additional information, which is available upon request.
Net gains/(losses) on Net asset securities Dividends value, Net (both realized Total from (from net Distributions Period ended beginning of investment and investment investment (from capital Total March 31 period income unrealized) operations income) gains) distributions --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A: 9/30/00 $44.61 $.31/2/ $(6.85)/2/ $(6.54) - - - 2000 30.21 .34 15.74/2/ 16.08 $(.29) $(1.39) $(1.68) 1999 29.56 .42 1.85 2.27 (.36) (1.26) (1.62) 1998 26.70 .45 4.79 5.24 (.45) (1.93) (2.38) 1997 24.28 .46 3.28 3.74 (.44) (.88) (1.32) 1996 20.89 .46 3.63 4.09 (.49) (.21) (.70) CLASS B: 9/30/00 44.59 .12/2/ (6.79)/2/ (6.67) - - - 2000/5/ 43.09 .03 1.47/2/ 1.50 - - - Ratio of Ratio of Net asset Net assets, expenses to income to Period ended value, end of end of year average net average net Portfolio March 31 year Total return (in millions) assets assets turnover rate --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A: 9/30/00 $38.07 (14.66)% $34,349 .85%/3/ 1.50%/3/ 15.98%/4/ 2000 44.61 54.31 38,837 .84 .93 28.94 1999 30.21 8.18 22,083 .84 1.45 31.73 1998 29.56 20.97 21,316 .86 1.64 30.51 1997 26.70 15.88 16,737 .90 1.77 25.82 1996 24.28 19.84 12,335 .95 2.09 21.77 CLASS B: 9/30/00 37.92 (14.96) 231 1.58/3/ .58/3/ 15.98/4/ 2000/5/ 44.59 3.48 30 1.61/3/ 1.36/3/ 28.94 |
1 The periods 1996 through 2000 represent fiscal years ended March 31. The
periods ended September 30, 2000 represent the six-month period ended September
30, 2000 (unaudited). Total returns for the six-month periods are based on
activity during the period and thus are not representative of a full year.
Total returns exclude all sales charges, including contingent deferred sales
charges.
2 Based on average shares outstanding.
3 Annualized.
4 Represents portfolio turnover rate (equivalent for all share classes) for the six months ended September 30, 2000.
5 Class B shares were not offered before March 15, 2000. The period 2000 represents the 16-day period ended March 31, 2000.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND / PROSPECTUS
FOR SHAREHOLDER SERVICES American Funds Service Company 800/421-0180 FOR RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES Call your employer or plan administrator FOR DEALER SERVICES American Funds Distributors 800/421-9900 Ext. 11 FOR 24-HOUR INFORMATION American FundsLine(R) 800/325-3590 American FundsLine OnLine(R) http://www.americanfunds.com |
Telephone conversations may be recorded or monitored for verification, recordkeeping and quality assurance purposes.
* * * * *
MULTIPLE TRANSLATIONS This prospectus may be translated into other languages. If there is any inconsistency or ambiguity as to the meaning of any word or phrase in a translation, the English text will prevail.
ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS Contains additional information about the fund including financial statements, investment results, portfolio holdings, a statement from portfolio management discussing market conditions and the fund's investment strategies, and the independent accountants' report (in the annual report).
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) AND CODES OF ETHICS The SAI contains more detailed information on all aspects of the fund, including the fund's financial statements and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The Codes of Ethics describe the personal investing policies adopted by the fund and the fund's investment adviser and its affiliated companies.
The Codes of Ethics and current SAI have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These and other related materials about the fund are available for review or to be copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. (202/942-8090) or on the EDGAR database on the SEC's Internet Web site at http://www.sec.gov, or, after payment of a duplicating fee, via e-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
HOUSEHOLD MAILINGS Each year you are automatically sent an updated prospectus, annual and semi-annual report for the fund. You may also occasionally receive proxy statements for the fund. In order to reduce the volume of mail you receive, when possible, only one copy of these documents will be sent to shareholders that are part of the same family and share the same residential address.
If you would like to receive individual copies of these documents, or a free
copy of the SAI or Codes of Ethics, please call American Funds Service Company
at 800/421-0180 or write to the Secretary of the fund at 333 South Hope
Street, Los Angeles, California 90071.
Investment Company File No. 811-3734
Printed on recycled paper
EUPAC-010-0301/B
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND
Part B
Statement of Additional Information
March 15, 2001
This document is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction with the current prospectus of EuroPacific Growth Fund (the "fund" or "EUPAC") dated March 15, 2001. The prospectus may be obtained from your investment dealer or financial planner or by writing to the fund at the following address:
EuroPacific Growth Fund Attention: Secretary 333 South Hope Street Los Angeles, California 90071 (213) 486-9200
Shareholders who purchase shares at net asset value through eligible retirement plans should note that not all of the services or features described below may be available to them, and they should contact their employer for details.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item Page No. ---- -------- Certain Investment Limitations and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Description of Certain Securities and Investment Techniques . . . . 2 Fundamental Policies and Investment Restrictions. . . . . . . . . . 6 Fund Organization and Voting Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fund Trustees and Other Officers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Taxes and Distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Purchase of Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Sales Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Rollovers . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Price of Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Selling Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Shareholder Account Services and Privileges . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Execution of Portfolio Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Class A Share Investment Results and Related Statistics . . . . . . 39 Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Financial Statements |
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 1
CERTAIN INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS AND GUIDELINES
The following limitations and guidelines are considered at the time of purchase, under normal market conditions, and are based on a percentage of the fund's net assets unless otherwise noted. This summary is not intended to reflect all of the fund's investment limitations.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
. Generally, the fund will invest at least 65% of its assets in securities of issuers domiciled in Europe and the Pacific Basin.
DEBT SECURITIES
. The fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in straight debt securities rated Baa or BBB or below by Moody's Investor Services, Inc. or Standard & Poor's Corporation or in unrated securities that are determined to be of equivalent quality by Capital Research and Management Company (the "Investment Adviser").
The fund may experience difficulty liquidating certain portfolio securities during significant market declines or periods of heavy redemptions.
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
The descriptions below are intended to supplement the material in the prospectus under "Investment Objective, Strategies and Risks."
EQUITY SECURITIES - Equity securities represent an ownership position in a company. These securities may include common stocks and securities with equity conversion or purchase rights. The prices of equity securities fluctuate based on changes in the financial condition of their issuers and on market and economic conditions. The fund's results will be related to the overall markets for these securities.
INVESTING IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES - Investing outside the U.S. involves special risks, caused by, among other things: currency controls and fluctuating currency values; different accounting, auditing, and financial reporting regulations and practices in some countries; changing local and regional economic, political, and social conditions; expropriation or confiscatory taxation; greater market volatility; differing securities market structures; and various administrative difficulties such as delays in clearing and settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends. However, in the opinion of Capital Research and Management Company, investing outside the U.S. also can reduce certain portfolio risks due to greater diversification opportunities.
The risks described above are potentially heightened in connection with investments in developing countries. Although there is no universally accepted definition, a developing country is generally considered to be a country which is in the initial stages of its industrialization cycle with a low per capita gross national product. For example, political and/or economic structures in these countries may be in their infancy and developing rapidly. Historically, the markets of developing countries have been more volatile than the markets of developed countries. The fund may only invest in securities of issuers in developing countries to a limited extent.
Additional costs could be incurred in connection with the fund's investment activities outside the U.S. Brokerage commissions may be higher outside the U.S., and the fund will bear certain
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 2
expenses in connection with its currency transactions. Furthermore, increased custodian costs may be associated with the maintenance of assets in certain jurisdictions.
CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS - The fund can purchase and sell currencies to facilitate securities transactions and enter into forward currency contracts to protect against changes in currency exchange rates. A forward currency contract is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward currency contracts entered into by the fund will involve the purchase or sale of one currency against the U.S. dollar. While entering into forward currency transactions could minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, it could also limit any potential gain which might result from an increase in the value of the currency. The fund will not generally attempt to protect against all potential changes in exchange rates. The fund will segregate liquid assets which will be marked to market daily to meet its forward contract commitments to the extent required by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code may affect the extent to which the fund may enter into forward contracts. Such transactions may also affect the character and timing of income, gain or loss recognized by the fund for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
INVESTING IN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION STOCKS - The fund may invest in the stocks of smaller capitalization companies (typically companies with market capitalizations of less than $1.5 billion at the time of purchase). The Investment Adviser believes that the issuers of smaller capitalization stocks often provide attractive investment opportunities. However, investing in smaller capitalization stocks can involve greater risk than is customarily associated with investing in stocks of larger, more established companies. For example, smaller companies often have limited product lines, markets, or financial resources, may be dependent for management on one or a few key persons, and can be more susceptible to losses. Also, their securities may be thinly traded (and therefore have to be sold at a discount from current prices or sold in small lots over an extended period of time), may be followed by fewer investment research analysts, and may be subject to wider price swings, thus creating a greater chance of loss than securities of larger capitalization companies.
DEBT SECURITIES - Bonds and other debt securities are used by issuers to borrow money. Issuers pay investors interest and generally must repay the amount borrowed at maturity. Some debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest, but are purchased at a discount from their face values. The prices of debt securities fluctuate depending on such factors as interest rates, credit quality, and maturity. In general, their prices decline when interest rates rise and vice versa.
Lower rated bonds, rated Ba or below by S&P and BB or below by Moody's or unrated but considered to be of equivalent quality, are described by the rating agencies as speculative and involve greater risk of default or price changes due to changes in the issuer's creditworthiness than higher rated bonds, or they may already be in default. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate more than higher quality securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty. It may be more difficult to dispose of, or to determine the value of, lower rated bonds.
Certain risk factors relating to lower rated bonds are discussed below.
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 3
SENSITIVITY TO INTEREST RATE AND ECONOMIC CHANGES - Lower rated bonds, like other bonds, may be sensitive to adverse economic changes and political and corporate developments and may be sensitive to interest rate changes. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience increased financial stress that would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional financing. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices and yields of lower rated bonds.
PAYMENT EXPECTATIONS - Lower rated bonds, like other bonds, may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the fund would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. If the issuer of a bond defaults on its obligations to pay interest or principal or enters into bankruptcy proceedings, the fund may incur losses or expenses in seeking recovery of amounts owed to it.
LIQUIDITY AND VALUATION - There may be little trading in the secondary market for particular bonds, which may affect adversely the fund's ability to value accurately or dispose of such bonds. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and liquidity of lower rated bonds.
The Investment Adviser attempts to reduce the risks described above through diversification of the portfolio and by credit analysis of each issuer, as well as by monitoring broad economic trends and corporate and legislative developments, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so.
SECURITIES WITH EQUITY AND DEBT CHARACTERISTICS - The fund may invest in securities that have a combination of equity and debt characteristics. These securities may at times behave more like equity than debt and vice versa. Some types of convertible bonds or preferred stock automatically convert into common stock. The prices and yields of non-convertible preferred stock generally move with changes in interest rates and the issuer's credit quality, similar to the factors affecting debt securities.
Convertible bonds, convertible preferred stock, and other securities may sometimes be converted into common stock or other securities at a stated conversion ratio. These securities, prior to conversion, pay a fixed rate of interest or a dividend. Because convertible securities have both debt and equity characteristics, their value varies in response to many factors, including the value of the underlying equity, general market and economic conditions, convertible market valuations, as well as changes in interest rates, credit spreads, and the credit quality of the issuer.
WARRANTS AND RIGHTS - The fund may purchase warrants, which may be issued together with bonds or preferred stocks. Warrants generally entitle the holder to buy a proportionate amount of common stock at a specified price, usually higher than the current market price. Warrants may be issued with an expiration date or in perpetuity. Rights are similar to warrants except that they normally entitle the holder to purchase common stock at a lower price than the current market price.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES - Securities guaranteed by the U.S. Government include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds. For these securities,
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 4
the payment of principal and interest is unconditionally guaranteed by the U.S. Government, and thus they are of the highest possible credit quality. Such securities are subject to variations in market value due to fluctuations in interest rates, but, if held to maturity, will be paid in full.
Certain securities issued by U.S. Government instrumentalities and certain federal agencies are neither direct obligations of, nor guaranteed by, the Treasury. However, they generally involve federal sponsorship in one way or another; some are backed by specific types of collateral; some are supported by the issuer's right to borrow from the Treasury; some are supported by the discretionary authority of the Treasury to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; and others are supported only by the credit of the issuing government agency or instrumentality. These agencies and instrumentalities include, but are not limited to: Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal National Mortgage Association, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Federal Farm Credit Bank System.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - These securities include: (i) commercial paper (e.g., short-term notes up to 9 months in maturity issued by corporations, governmental bodies or bank/ corporation sponsored conduits (asset-backed commercial paper)), (ii) commercial bank obligations (e.g., certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances (time drafts on a commercial bank where the bank accepts an irrevocable obligation to pay at maturity)), (iii) savings association and savings bank obligations (e.g., bank notes and certificates of deposit issued by savings banks or savings associations), (iv) securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities that mature, or may be redeemed, in one year or less, and (v) corporate bonds and notes that mature, or that may be redeemed, in one year or less.
FORWARD COMMITMENTS - The fund may enter into commitments to purchase or sell securities at a future date. When the fund agrees to purchase such securities, it assumes the risk of any decline in value of the security beginning on the date of the agreement. When the fund agrees to sell such securities, it does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the securities beginning on the date of the agreement. If the other party to such a transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, the fund could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity, or could experience a loss.
The fund will not use these transactions for the purpose of leveraging and will segregate liquid assets which will be marked to market daily in an amount sufficient to meet its payment obligations in these transactions. Although these transactions will not be entered into for leveraging purposes, to the extent the fund's aggregate commitments under these transactions exceed its segregated assets, the fund temporarily could be in a leveraged position (because it may have an amount greater than its net assets subject to market risk). Should market values of the fund's portfolio securities decline while the fund is in a leveraged position, greater depreciation of its net assets would likely occur than were it not in such a position. The fund will not borrow money to settle these transactions and therefore, will liquidate other portfolio securities in advance of settlement if necessary to generate additional cash to meet its obligations thereunder.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS - The fund may enter into repurchase agreements, under which the fund buys a security and obtains a simultaneous commitment from the seller to repurchase the security at a specified time and price. Repurchase agreements permit the fund to maintain liquidity and earn income over periods of time as short as overnight. The seller must maintain with the fund's custodian collateral equal to at least 100% of the repurchase price, including accrued interest, as monitored daily by the Investment Adviser. The fund will only enter into
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 5
repurchase agreements involving securities in which it could otherwise invest and with selected banks and securities dealers whose financial condition is monitored by the Investment Adviser. If the seller under the repurchase agreement defaults, the fund may incur a loss if the value of the collateral securing the repurchase agreement has declined and may incur disposition costs in connection with liquidating the collateral. If bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller, realization of the collateral by the fund may be delayed or limited.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES AND LIQUIDITY - The fund may purchase securities subject to restrictions on resale. Securities not actively traded will be considered illiquid unless they have been specifically determined to be liquid under procedures which may be adopted by the fund's board of trustees, taking into account factors such as the frequency and volume of trading, the commitment of dealers to make markets and the availability of qualified investors, all of which can change from time to time. The fund may incur certain additional costs in disposing of illiquid securities.
FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES AND INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES - The fund has adopted the following fundamental policies and investment restrictions which may not be changed without approval by holders of a majority of its outstanding shares. Such majority is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act") as the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the outstanding voting securities present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities. All percentage limitations are considered at the time securities are purchased and are based on the fund's net assets unless otherwise indicated. None of the following investment restrictions involving a maximum percentage of assets will be considered violated unless the excess occurs immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition by the fund.
1. Invest in securities of another issuer (other than the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities), if immediately after and as a result of such investment more than 5% of the value of the total assets would be invested in the securities of such other issuer (except with respect to 25% of the value of the total assets, the fund may exceed the 5% limitation with regards to investments in the securities of any one foreign government);
2. Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or management;
3. Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of companies primarily engaged in any one industry;
4. Invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of other investment companies; such investments shall be limited to 3% of the voting stock of any investment company provided, however, that investment in the open market of a closed-end investment company where no more than customary brokers' commissions are involved and investment in connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition or reorganization shall not be prohibited by this restriction;
5. Buy or sell real estate in the ordinary course of its business; however, the fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies, including real estate investment trusts and funds, which invest in real estate or interests therein;
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 6
6. Buy or sell commodities or commodity contracts in the ordinary course of its business, provided, however, that entering into foreign currency contracts shall not be prohibited by this restriction;
7. Invest more than 10% of the value of its total assets in securities which are not readily marketable or more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities which are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale (except repurchase agreements) or engage in the business of underwriting of securities of other issuers, except to the extent that the disposal of an investment position may technically constitute the fund an underwriter as that term is defined under the Securities Act of 1933. The fund may buy and sell securities outside the U.S. which are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or marketable in the U.S. without regard to this restriction. The fund may not enter into any repurchase agreement if, as a result, more than 10% of total assets would be subject to repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days. (See "Repurchase Agreements" above);
8. Lend any of its assets; provided, however that entering into repurchase agreements, investment in government obligations, publicly traded bonds, debentures, other debt securities or in cash equivalents such as short term commercial paper, certificates of deposit, or bankers acceptances, shall not be prohibited by this restriction;
9. Sell securities short except to the extent that the fund contemporaneously owns or has the right to acquire, at no additional cost, securities identical to those sold short;
10. Purchase securities on margin;
11. Borrow amounts in excess of 5% of the value of its total assets or issue senior securities. In any event, the fund may borrow only as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes and not for investment in securities;
12. Mortgage, pledge or hypothecate its total assets to any extent;
13. Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer, if those individual officers and trustees of the fund, its investment adviser or principal underwriter, each owning beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of such issuer, together own more than 5% of the securities of such issuer;
14. Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of companies having, together with their predecessors, a record of less than three years of continuous operation;
15. Invest in puts, calls, straddles or spreads, or combinations thereof; or
16. Purchase partnership interests in oil, gas, or mineral exploration, drilling or mining ventures.
With respect to fundamental investment restriction #7, the fund will not invest more than 10% of the value of its net assets in securities which are not readily marketable or more than 5% of the value of its net assets in securities which are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale (except repurchase agreements).
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 7
In addition, it is a non-fundamental policy of the fund that, as to 75% of the fund's total assets, investments in any one issuer will be limited to no more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer.
FUND ORGANIZATION AND VOTING RIGHTS
The fund, an open-end, diversified management investment company, was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on May 17, 1983.
All fund operations are supervised by the fund's Board of Trustees which meets periodically and performs duties required by applicable state and federal laws. Members of the board who are not employed by Capital Research and Management Company or its affiliates are paid certain fees for services rendered to the fund as described in "Trustees and Trustee Compensation" below. They may elect to defer all or a portion of these fees through a deferred compensation plan in effect for the fund.
The fund has four classes of shares - Class A, B, C and F. The shares of each class represent an interest in the same investment portfolio. Each class has equal rights as to voting, redemption, dividends and liquidation, except that each class bears different distribution expenses and may bear different transfer agent fees and other expenses properly attributable to the particular class as approved by the Board of Trustees and set forth in the fund's rule 18f-3 Plan. Class A, B, C and F shareholders have exclusive voting rights with respect to the respective class' rule 12b-1 Plans adopted in connection with the distribution of shares and on other matters in which the interests of one class are different from interests in another class. Shares of all classes of the fund vote together on matters that affect all classes in substantially the same manner. Each class votes as a class on matters that affect that class alone.
The fund does not hold annual meetings of shareholders. However, significant matters which require shareholder approval, such as certain elections of board members or a change in a fundamental investment policy, will be presented to shareholders at a meeting called for such purpose. Shareholders have one vote per share owned. At the request of the holders of at least 10% of the shares, the fund will hold a meeting at which any member of the board could be removed by a majority vote.
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 8
FUND TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Trustees and Trustee Compensation
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION (INCLUDING VOLUNTARILY DEFERRED COMPENSATION/1/) FROM THE FUND POSITION DURING FISCAL YEAR WITH PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING ENDED NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE REGISTRANT PAST 5 YEARS SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elisabeth Allison Trustee Administrative Director, ANZI, Ltd. $ 27,500 ANZI, Ltd. (financial publishing and consulting); 1770 Massachusetts Ave. Publishing Consultant, Harvard Medical Cambridge, MA 02140 School; former Senior Vice President, Age: 54 Planning and Development, McGraw Hill, Inc. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Mark E. Denning President, Director, Capital Research and None/4/ 25 Bedford Street Principal Management Company London, England Executive Age: 43 Officer and Trustee ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Gina H. Despres Chairman Senior Vice President, Capital None/4/ 3000 K Street, N.W. of the Research and Management Company Washington, DC 20007 Board Age: 59 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert A. Fox Trustee Managing General Partner, Fox $24,900/3/ P.O. Box 457 Investments LP; Professor and Livingston, CA 95334 Executive in Residence, University of Age: 63 California, Davis; former President and Chief Executive Officer, Foster Farms ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alan Greenway Trustee President, Greenway Associates, Inc. $ 27,600 7413 Fairway Road (management consulting services) La Jolla, CA 92037 Age: 73 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Koichi Itoh Trustee Group Vice President - Asia/Pacific, $27,500/3/ Autosplice Inc. Autosplice Inc., former President and 3-7-39 Minami-cho Chief Executive Officer, IMPAC Higashi-Kurume City (management consulting services); Tokyo, Japan 203-0031 former Managing Partner, VENCA Age: 60 Management (venture capital) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- William H. Kling Trustee President, Minnesota Public Radio; $25,600/3/ 45 East Seventh Street President, Greenspring Co.; former St. Paul, MN 55101 President, American Public Radio (now Age: 58 Public Radio International) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John G. McDonald Trustee The IBJ Professor of Finance, Graduate $24,900/3/ Graduate School of School of Business, Stanford Business University Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305 Age: 63 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ++ William I. Miller Trustee Chairman of the Board, Irwin Financial $27,000/3/ 500 Washington Street Corporation Box 929 Columbus, IN 47202 Age: 44 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kirk P. Pendleton Trustee Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, $27,500/3/ Cairnwood, Inc. Cairnwood, Inc. (venture capital 1800 Byberry Road investment) Huntingdon, PA 19006 Age: 61 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Donald E. Petersen Trustee Former Chairman of the Board and Chief $25,100/3/ 222 East Brown, Suite 460 Executive Officer, Ford Motor Company Birmingham, MI 48009 Age: 74 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Thierry Vandeventer Vice Chairman Director, Capital Research and None/4/ 3 Place des Bergues of the Board Management Company 1201 Geneva, Switzerland Age: 65 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL COMPENSATION (INCLUDING VOLUNTARILY DEFERRED COMPENSATION/1/) FROM TOTAL NUMBER ALL FUNDS MANAGED BY OF FUND CAPITAL RESEARCH AND BOARDS MANAGEMENT COMPANY ON WHICH OR ITS AFFILIATES/2/ FOR THE TRUSTEE NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 SERVES/2/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elisabeth Allison $ 72,500 3 ANZI, Ltd. 1770 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 02140 Age: 54 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Mark E. Denning None/4/ 1 25 Bedford Street London, England Age: 43 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Gina H. Despres None/4/ 4 3000 K Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20007 Age: 59 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert A. Fox $151,000/3/ 7 P.O. Box 457 Livingston, CA 95334 Age: 63 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alan Greenway $ 114,000 3 7413 Fairway Road La Jolla, CA 92037 Age: 73 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Koichi Itoh $73,000/3/ 3 Autosplice Inc. 3-7-39 Minami-cho Higashi-Kurume City Tokyo, Japan 203-0031 Age: 60 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- William H. Kling $112,500/3/ 6 45 East Seventh Street St. Paul, MN 55101 Age: 58 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- John G. McDonald $239,500/3/ 8 Graduate School of Business Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305 Age: 63 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ++ William I. Miller $72,000/3/ 3 500 Washington Street Box 929 Columbus, IN 47202 Age: 44 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kirk P. Pendleton $147,000/3/ 6 Cairnwood, Inc. 1800 Byberry Road Huntingdon, PA 19006 Age: 61 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Donald E. Petersen $110,000/3/ 5 222 East Brown, Suite 460 Birmingham, MI 48009 Age: 74 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Thierry Vandeventer None/4/ 1 3 Place des Bergues 1201 Geneva, Switzerland Age: 65 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 11
+ "Interested persons" within the meaning of the 1940 Act on the basis of their affiliation with the fund's Investment Adviser, Capital Research and Management Company, or the parent company of the Investment Adviser, The Capital Group Companies, Inc.
++ May be deemed an "interested person" of the fund due to membership on the board of directors of the parent company of a registered broker-dealer. 1 Amounts may be deferred by eligible Trustees under a non-qualified deferred compensation plan adopted by the fund in 1993. Deferred amounts accumulate at an earnings rate determined by the total return of one or more funds in The American Funds Group as designated by the Trustees.
2 Capital Research and Management Company manages The American Funds Group consisting of 29 funds: AMCAP Fund, Inc., American Balanced Fund, Inc., American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., American High-Income Trust, American Mutual Fund, Inc., The Bond Fund of America, Inc., The Cash Management Trust of America, Capital Income Builder, Inc., Capital World Growth and Income Fund, Inc., Capital World Bond Fund, Inc., EuroPacific Growth Fund, Fundamental Investors, Inc., The Growth Fund of America, Inc., The Income Fund of America, Inc., Intermediate Bond Fund of America, The Investment Company of America, Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America, The New Economy Fund, New Perspective Fund, Inc., New World Fund, Inc., SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc., The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America, Inc., The Tax-Exempt Fund of California, The Tax-Exempt Fund of Maryland, The Tax-Exempt Fund of Virginia, The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America, The U. S. Treasury Money Fund of America, U.S. Government Securities Fund and Washington Mutual Investors Fund, Inc. Capital Research and Management Company also manages American Variable Insurance Series and Anchor Pathway Fund, which serve as the underlying investment vehicle for certain variable insurance contracts; and Endowments, whose shareholders are limited to (i) any entity exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("501(c)(3) organization"); (ii) any trust, the present or future beneficiary of which is a 501(c)(3) organization, and (iii) any other entity formed for the primary purpose of benefiting a 501(c)(3) organization. An affiliate of Capital Research and Management Company, Capital International, Inc., manages Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc.
3 Since the deferred compensation plan's adoption, the total amount of deferred compensation accrued by the fund (plus earnings thereon) through the 2000 fiscal year for participating Trustees is as follows: Robert A. Fox ($328,110), Koichi Itoh ($135,919), William H. Kling ($162,752), John G. McDonald ($152,979), William I. Miller ($134,963), Kirk P. Pendleton ($129,422) and Donald E. Petersen ($34,108). Amounts deferred and accumulated earnings thereon are not funded and are general unsecured liabilities of the fund until paid to the Trustees.
4 Mark E. Denning, Gina H. Despres and Thierry Vandeventer are affiliated with the Investment Adviser and, accordingly, receive no compensation from the fund.
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 12
OTHER OFFICERS
POSITION(S) PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING NAME AND ADDRESS AGE WITH REGISTRANT PAST 5 YEARS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stephen E. Bepler 58 Executive Vice Senior Vice President, Capital 630 Fifth Avenue President Research Company* New York, NY 10111 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert W. Lovelace 38 Senior Vice President and Director, Capital 11100 Santa Monica Blvd. President Research Company* Los Angeles, CA 90025 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Janet A. McKinley 46 Senior Vice Director, Capital Research and 630 Fifth Avenue President Management Company New York, NY 10111 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alwyn Heong 41 Vice President Vice President, Capital 630 Fifth Avenue Research Company* New York, NY 10111 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiromi Ishikawa 39 Vice President Vice President, Capital Yamato Seimei Building Research 1-1-7 Uchisaiwaicho, Company* Chiyodaku Tokyo 100, Japan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vincent P. Corti 44 Secretary Vice President - Fund Business 333 South Hope Street Management Group, Capital Los Angeles, CA 90071 Research and Management Company ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- R. Marcia Gould 46 Treasurer Vice President - Fund Business 135 South State College Management Group, Capital Blvd. Research Brea, CA 92821 and Management Company ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dayna G. Yamabe 34 Assistant Vice President - Fund 135 South State College Treasurer Business Management Group, Blvd. Capital Brea, CA 92821 Research and Management Company ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
* Company affiliated with Capital Research and Management Company.
All of the officers listed, except Hiromi Ishikawa, are officers and/or directors/trustees of one or more of the other funds for which Capital Research and Management Company serves as Investment Adviser.
No compensation is paid by the fund to any officer or Trustee who is a director, officer or employee of the Investment Adviser or affiliated companies. The fund pays annual fees of $21,000 to Trustees who are not affiliated with the Investment Adviser, plus $1,000 for each Board of Trustees meeting attended, plus $500 for each meeting attended as a member of a committee of the Board of Trustees. No pension or retirement benefits are accrued as part of fund expenses. The Trustees may elect, on a voluntary basis, to defer all or a portion of their fees through a deferred compensation plan in effect for the fund. The fund also reimburses certain expenses of the Trustees who are not affiliated with the Investment Adviser. As of February 15, 2001 the officers and Trustees of the fund and their families, as a group, owned beneficially or of record less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the fund.
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MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT ADVISER - The Investment Adviser, Capital Research and Management Company, founded in 1931, maintains research facilities in the U.S. and abroad (Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Washington, D.C., London, Geneva, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo), with a staff of professionals, many of whom have a number of years of investment experience. The Investment Adviser is located at 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071, and at 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821. The Investment Adviser's research professionals travel several million miles a year, making more than 5,000 research visits in more than 50 countries around the world. The Investment Adviser believes that it is able to attract and retain quality personnel. The Investment Adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc.
The Investment Adviser is responsible for managing more than $300 billion of stocks, bonds and money market instruments and serves over 11 million shareholder accounts of all types throughout the world. These investors include privately owned businesses and large corporations as well as schools, colleges, foundations and other non-profit and tax-exempt organizations.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT - The Investment Advisory and Service Agreement (the "Agreement") between the fund and the Investment Adviser will continue in effect until December 31, 2001, unless sooner terminated, and may be renewed from year to year thereafter, provided that any such renewal has been specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board of Trustees, or by the vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the fund, and (ii) the vote of a majority of Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Agreement provides that the Investment Adviser has no liability to the fund for its acts or omissions in the performance of its obligations to the fund not involving willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations under the Agreement. The Agreement also provides that either party has the right to terminate it, without penalty, upon 60 days' written notice to the other party, and that the Agreement automatically terminates in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
The Investment Adviser, in addition to providing investment advisory services, furnishes the services and pays the compensation and travel expenses of persons to perform the executive, administrative, clerical and bookkeeping functions of the fund, and provides suitable office space, necessary small office equipment and utilities, general purpose accounting forms, supplies, and postage used at the offices of the fund. The fund pays all expenses not assumed by the Investment Adviser, including, but not limited to, custodian, stock transfer and dividend disbursing fees and expenses; shareholder recordkeeping and administrative services; costs of the designing, printing and mailing of reports, prospectuses, proxy statements, and notices to its shareholders; taxes; expenses of the issuance and redemption of shares of the fund (including stock certificates, registration and qualification fees and expenses); expenses pursuant to the fund's Plans of Distribution (described below); legal and auditing expenses; compensation, fees, and expenses paid to directors unaffiliated with the Investment Adviser; association dues; costs of stationery and forms prepared exclusively for the fund; and costs of assembling and storing shareholder account data.
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As compensation for its services, the Investment Adviser receives a monthly fee which is accrued daily, calculated at the annual rate of 0.69% on the first $500 million of the fund's average net assets, 0.59% of such assets in excess of $500 million but not exceeding $1.0 billion, 0.53% of such assets in excess of $1.0 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion, 0.50% of such assets in excess of $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion, 0.48% of such assets in excess of $2.5 billion but not exceeding $4.0 billion, 0.47% of such assets in excess of $4.0 billion but not exceeding $6.5 billion, 0.46% of such assets in excess of $6.5 billion but not exceeding $10.5 billion, 0.45% of such assets in excess of $10.5 billion but not exceeding $17 billion, 0.44% of such assets in excess of $17 billion but not exceeding $21 billion, 0.43% of such net assets in excess of $21 billion but not exceeding $27 billion, 0.425% of such net assets in excess of $27 billion but not exceeding $34 billion, 0.42% of such net assets in excess of $34 billion but not exceeding $44 billion, and 0.415% of such net assets in excess of $44 billion.
The Investment Adviser has agreed that in the event the Class A expenses of the fund (with the exclusion of interest, taxes, brokerage costs, extraordinary expenses such as litigation and acquisitions or other expenses excludable under applicable state securities laws or regulations) for any fiscal year ending on a date on which the Agreement is in effect, exceed the expense limitations, if any, applicable to the fund pursuant to state securities laws or any regulations thereunder, it will reduce its fee by the extent of such excess and, if required pursuant to any such laws or any regulations thereunder, will reimburse the fund in the amount of such excess. To the extent the fund's management fee must be waived due to Class A share expense ratios exceeding the above limit, management fees will be reduced similarly for all classes of shares of the fund or other Class A fees will be waived in lieu of management fees. For the fiscal years ended 2000, 1999, and 1998, the Investment Adviser received advisory fees of $131,596,000, $96,690,000, and $90,507,000, respectively.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT - The Administrative Services Agreement (the
"Administrative Agreement") between the fund and the Investment Adviser,
relating to the fund's Class C and F shares, will continue in effect until
December 31, 2002, unless sooner terminated, and may be renewed from year to
year thereafter, provided that any such renewal has been specifically approved
at least annually by the vote of a majority of Trustees who are not parties to
the Administrative Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting
on such approval. The Administrative Agreement provides that the fund may
terminate the agreement at any time by vote of a majority of Trustees who are
not interested persons of the fund. The Investment Adviser has the right to
terminate the Administrative Agreement upon 60 days' written notice to the fund.
The Administrative Agreement automatically terminates in the event of its
assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
Under the Administrative Agreement, the Investment Adviser provides certain transfer agent and administrative services for shareholders of the fund's Class C and F shares. The Investment Adviser contracts with third parties, including American Funds Service Company, the fund's Transfer Agent, to provide these services. Services include, but are not limited to, shareholder account maintenance, transaction processing, tax information reporting, and shareholder and fund communications. In addition, the Investment Adviser monitors, coordinates and oversees the activities performed by third parties.
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 15
As compensation for its services, the Investment Adviser receives transfer agent
fees for transfer agent services provided to the fund's Class C and F shares.
Transfer agent fees are paid monthly according to a fee schedule contained in a
Shareholder Services Agreement between the fund and American Funds Service
Company. The fund's Class C and F shares pay only those transfer agent fees
that are attributed to accounts and activities generated by their respective
share class. The Investment Adviser also receives an administrative services
fee for administrative services provided to the fund's Class C and F shares.
Administrative services fees are paid monthly, accrued daily and calculated at
the annual rate of 0.15% of the average net assets of the fund's Class C and F
shares.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER AND PLANS OF DISTRIBUTION - American Funds Distributors, Inc. (the "Principal Underwriter") is the principal underwriter of the fund's shares. The Principal Underwriter is located at 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071, 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821, 3500 Wiseman Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78251, 8332 Woodfield Crossing Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46240, and 5300 Robin Hood Road, Norfolk, VA 23513.
The fund has adopted Plans of Distribution (the "Plans"), pursuant to rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Principal Underwriter receives amounts payable pursuant to the Plans (see below). In addition, the Principal Underwriter receives revenues from sales of the fund's shares. For Class A shares, the Principal Underwriter receives commission revenue consisting of that portion of the Class A sales charge remaining after the allowances by the Principal Underwriter to investment dealers. For Class B shares, the Principal Underwriter sells the rights to Class B 12b-1 fees paid by the fund for distribution expenses to a third party and receives the revenue remaining after compensating investment dealers for sales of Class B shares. The fund also pays the Principal Underwriter for advancing the immediate service fees paid to qualified dealers of Class B shares. For Class C shares, the Principal Underwriter receives any contingent deferred sales charges that apply to Class C shares during the first year after purchase. The fund pays the Principal Underwriter for advancing the immediate service fees and commissions paid to qualified dealers of Class C shares. For Class F shares, the fund pays the Principal Underwriter for advancing the immediate service fees paid to qualified dealers and advisers of Class F shares.
Commissions retained by the Principal Underwriter on sales of Class A shares during the 2000 fiscal year amounted to $11,090,000 after an allowance of $52,981,000 to dealers. During the fiscal years ended 1999 and 1998, the Principal Underwriter retained $6,399,000 and $10,044,000, respectively, on sales of Class A shares after an allowance of $31,625,000 and $50,962,000 to dealers, respectively.
As required by rule 12b-1 and the 1940 Act, the Plans (together with the Principal Underwriting Agreement) have been approved by the full Board of Trustees and separately by a majority of the trustees who are not "interested persons" of the fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans or the Principal Underwriting Agreement. Potential benefits of the Plans to the fund include shareholder services, savings to the fund in transfer agency costs, savings to the fund in advisory fees and other expenses, benefits to the investment process from growth or stability of assets and maintenance of a financially healthy management organization. The selection and nomination of trustees who are not "interested persons" of the fund are committed to the discretion of the trustees who are not "interested persons" during the existence of the Plans. The Plans may not be amended to increase materially the amount spent
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 16
for distribution without shareholder approval. Plan expenses are reviewed quarterly and the Plans must be renewed annually by the Board of Trustees.
Under the Plans, the fund may annually expend (i) for Class A shares, up to 0.25% of its net assets attributable to Class A shares, (ii) for Class B shares, 1.00% of its net assets attributable to Class B shares, (iii) for Class C shares, 1.00% of its net assets attributable to Class C shares, and (iv) for Class F shares, up to 0.50% of its net assets attributable to Class F shares, to finance any activity which is primarily intended to result in the sale of fund shares, provided the fund's Board of Trustees has approved the category of expenses for which payment is being made.
For Class A shares, (i) up to 0.25% is reimbursed to the Principal Underwriter
for paying service-related expenses, including service fees paid to qualified
dealers, and (ii) up to the amount allowable under the fund's Class A 12b-1
limit is reimbursed to the Principal Underwriter for paying distribution-related
expenses, including dealer commissions and wholesaler compensation paid on sales
of shares of $1 million or more purchased without a sales charge (including
purchases by employer-sponsored defined contribution-type retirement plans
investing $1 million or more or with 100 or more eligible employees, and
retirement plans, endowments and foundations with $50 million or more in assets)
("no load purchases"). Commissions on no load purchases of Class A shares in
excess of the Class A Plan limitation not reimbursed to the Principal
Underwriter during the most recent fiscal quarter are recoverable for five
quarters, provided that such commissions do not exceed the annual expense limit.
After five quarters these commissions are not recoverable.
For Class B shares, (i) 0.25% is paid to the Principal Underwriter for paying
service-related expenses, including service fees paid to qualified dealers, and
(ii) 0.75% is paid to the Principal Underwriter for distribution-related
expenses, including the financing of commissions paid to qualified dealers.
For Class C shares, (i) 0.25% is paid to the Principal Underwriter for paying
service-related expenses, including service fees paid to qualified dealers, and
(ii) 0.75% is paid to the Principal Underwriter for paying distribution-related
expenses, including commissions paid to qualified dealers.
For Class F shares, 0.25% is paid to the Principal Underwriter for paying service-related expenses, including service fees paid to qualified dealers or advisers. Currently, no compensation is paid under the fund's Class F Plan for distribution-related expenses.
During the 2000 fiscal year, the fund paid or accrued $71,410,000 for compensation to dealers or the Principal Underwriter under the Plan for Class A shares and $8,000 under the Plan for Class B shares. As of March 31, 2000, accrued and unpaid expenses under the Plans for Class A shares and Class B shares were $7,502,000 and $8,000, respectively.
OTHER COMPENSATION TO DEALERS - The Principal Underwriter, at its expense (from a designated percentage of its income), currently provides additional compensation to dealers. Currently these payments are limited to the top 100 dealers who have sold shares of the fund or other funds in The American Funds Group. These payments will be based principally on a pro rata share of a qualifying dealer's sales. The Principal Underwriter will, on an annual basis, determine the advisability of continuing these payments.
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TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS
FUND TAXATION - The fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. A regulated investment company qualifying under Subchapter M of the Code is required to distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (including the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital losses) and generally is not subject to federal income tax to the extent that it distributes annually 100% of its investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains in the manner required under the Code. The fund intends to distribute annually all of its investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains and therefore does not expect to pay federal income tax, although in certain circumstances the fund may determine that it is in the interest of shareholders to distribute less than that amount.
To be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, the fund must also (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to the business of investing in such securities or currencies, and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the fund's assets is represented by cash, U.S. Government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities (for purposes of this calculation generally limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the market value of the fund's assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer) and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies), or two or more issuers which the fund controls and which are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses.
Under the Code, a nondeductible excise tax of 4% is imposed on the excess of a
regulated investment company's "required distribution" for the calendar year
ending within the regulated investment company's taxable year over the
"distributed amount" for such calendar year. The term "required distribution"
means the sum of (i) 98% of ordinary income (generally net investment income)
for the calendar year, (ii) 98% of capital gain (both long-term and short-term)
for the one-year period ending on October 31 (as though the one-year period
ending on October 31 were the regulated investment company's taxable year), and
(iii) the sum of any untaxed, undistributed net investment income and net
capital gains of the regulated investment company for prior periods. The term
"distributed amount" generally means the sum of (i) amounts actually distributed
by the fund from its current year's ordinary income and capital gain net income
and (ii) any amount on which the fund pays income tax during the periods
described above. Although the fund intends to distribute its net investment
income and net capital gains so as to avoid excise tax liability, the fund may
determine that it is the interest of shareholders to distribute a lesser amount.
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS - Dividends and capital gain distributions on fund shares will be reinvested in shares of the fund of the same class, unless shareholders indicate in writing that they wish to receive them in cash or in shares of the same class of other American Funds, as provided in the prospectus.
Distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains to individual shareholders will be taxable whether received in shares or in cash. Shareholders electing to
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 18
receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to the net asset value of that share on the reinvestment date.
DIVIDENDS - The fund intends to follow the practice of distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income, which includes any excess of net realized short-term gains over net realized long-term capital losses. Investment company taxable income generally includes dividends, interest, net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, and certain foreign currency gains, if any, less expenses and certain foreign currency losses.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time the fund accrues receivables or liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the fund actually collects such receivables, or pays such liabilities, generally are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain futures contracts, forward contracts and options, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition are also treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains or losses, referred to under the Code as "Section 988" gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of the fund's investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.
If the fund invests in stock of certain passive foreign investment companies, the fund may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a portion of any "excess distribution" with respect to, or gain from the disposition of, such stock. The tax would be determined by allocating such distribution or gain ratably to each day of the fund's holding period for the stock. The distribution or gain so allocated to any taxable year of the fund, other than the taxable year of the excess distribution or disposition, would be taxed to the fund at the highest ordinary income rate in effect for such year, and the tax would be further increased by an interest charge to reflect the value of the tax deferral deemed to have resulted from the ownership of the foreign company's stock. Any amount of distribution or gain allocated to the taxable year of the distribution or disposition would be included in the fund's investment company taxable income and, accordingly, would not be taxable to the fund to the extent distributed by the fund as a dividend to its shareholders.
To avoid such tax and interest, the fund intends to elect to treat these securities as sold on the last day of its fiscal year and recognize any gains for tax purposes at that time. Under this election, deductions for losses are allowable only to the extent of any prior recognized gains, and both gains and losses will be treated as ordinary income or loss. The fund will be required to distribute any resulting income, even though it has not sold the security and received cash to pay such distributions. Upon disposition of these securities, any gain recognized is treated as ordinary income and loss is treated as ordinary loss to the extent of any prior recognized gain.
A portion of the difference between the issue price of zero coupon securities and their face value ("original issue discount") is considered to be income to the fund each year, even though the fund will not receive cash interest payments from these securities. This original issue discount (imputed income) will comprise a part of the investment company taxable income of the fund which must be distributed to shareholders in order to maintain
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 19
the qualification of the fund as a regulated investment company and to avoid federal income taxation at the level of the fund.
In addition, some of the bonds may be purchased by a fund at a discount that exceeds the original issue discount on such bonds, if any. This additional discount represents market discount for federal income tax purposes. The gain realized on the disposition of any bond having market discount generally will be treated as taxable ordinary income to the extent it does not exceed the accrued market discount on such bond (unless a fund elects to include market discount in income in tax years to which it is attributable). Generally, market discount accrues on a daily basis for each day the bond is held by a fund on a straight-line basis over the time remaining to the bond's maturity. In the case of any debt security having a fixed maturity date of not more than one year from its date of issue, the gain realized on disposition generally will be treated as short-term capital gain. In general, any gain realized on disposition of a security held less than one year is treated as short-term capital gain.
Dividend and interest income received by the fund from sources outside the U.S. may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such foreign jurisdictions. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate these foreign taxes, however. Most foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in respect of investments by foreign investors.
CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS - The fund also intends to follow the practice of distributing the entire excess of net realized long-term capital gains over net realized short-term capital losses. Net capital gains for a fiscal year are computed by taking into account any capital loss carry-forward of the fund.
If any net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses are retained by the fund for reinvestment, requiring federal income taxes to be paid thereon by the fund, the fund intends to elect to treat such capital gains as having been distributed to shareholders. As a result, each shareholder will report such capital gains as long-term capital gains taxable to individual shareholders at a maximum 20% capital gains rate, will be able to claim a pro rata share of federal income taxes paid by the fund on such gains as a credit against personal federal income tax liability, and will be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis on fund shares by the difference between a pro rata share of the retained gains and their related tax credit.
SHAREHOLDER TAXATION - In January of each year individual shareholders of the fund will receive a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions. Shareholders of the fund also may be subject to state and local taxes on distributions received from the fund. Distributions of the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses which the fund properly designates as "capital gain dividends" generally will be taxable to individual shareholders at a maximum 20% capital gains rate, regardless of the length of time the shares of the fund have been held by such shareholders. Any loss realized upon the redemption of shares held at the time of redemption for six months or less from the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain during such six-month period.
Distributions by the fund result in a reduction in the net asset value of the fund's shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a shareholder's cost basis, such distribution would
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 20
nevertheless be taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income or capital gain as described above, even though, from an investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of investment capital. For this reason, investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares just prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at that time includes the amount of the forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing just prior to a distribution will then receive a partial return of investment capital upon the distribution, which will nevertheless be taxable to them.
The fund may make the election permitted under Section 853 of the Code so that
shareholders may (subject to limitations) be able 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 by the fund to foreign countries (which taxes relate primarily to
investment income). The fund may make an election under Section 853 of the
Code, provided that more than 50% of the value of the total assets of the fund
at the close of the taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations.
The foreign tax credit available to shareholders is subject to certain
limitation imposed by the Code.
Redemptions of shares, including exchanges for shares of another American Fund, may result in federal, state and local tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder. However, conversion from one class to another class in the same fund should not be a taxable event.
If a shareholder exchanges or otherwise disposes of shares of the fund within 90 days of having acquired such shares, and if, as a result of having acquired those shares, the shareholder subsequently pays a reduced sales charge for shares of the fund, or of a different fund, the sales charge previously incurred in acquiring the fund's shares will not be taken into account (to the extent such previous sales charges do not exceed the reduction in sales charges) for the purposes of determining the amount of gain or loss on the exchange, but will be treated as having been incurred in the acquisition of such other funds. Also, any loss realized on a redemption or exchange of shares of the fund will be disallowed to the extent substantially identical shares are reacquired within the 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of.
The fund will be required to report to the IRS all distributions of investment company taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the Code, distributions of investment company taxable income and capital gains and proceeds from the redemption or exchange of a regulated investment company may be subject to withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 31% in the case of non-exempt U.S. shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law. Withholding may also be required if the fund is notified by the IRS or a broker that the taxpayer identification number furnished by the shareholder is incorrect or that the shareholder has previously failed to report interest or dividend income. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld.
The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely to the application of that law to U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership of shares of the fund, including the possibility that such a
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 21
shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on dividend income received by the shareholder.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of federal, state and local tax law in light of their particular situation.
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 22
PURCHASE OF SHARES
METHOD INITIAL INVESTMENT ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See "Purchase $50 minimum (except where a Minimums" for initial lower minimum is noted under investment minimums. "Purchase Minimums"). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By contacting Visit any investment Mail directly to your your investment dealer dealer who is investment dealer's address registered in the printed on your account state where the statement. purchase is made and who has a sales agreement with American Funds Distributors. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By mail Make your check Fill out the account additions payable to the fund form at the bottom of a recent and mail to the account statement, make your address indicated on check payable to the fund, the account write your account number on application. Please your check, and mail the check indicate an investment and form in the envelope dealer on the account provided with your account application. statement. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By telephone Please contact your Complete the "Investments by investment dealer to Phone" section on the account open account, then application or American follow the procedures FundsLink Authorization Form. for additional Once you establish the investments. privilege, you, your financial advisor or any person with your account information can call American FundsLine(R) and make investments by telephone (subject to conditions noted in "Shareholder Account Services and Privileges - Telephone and Computer Purchases, Redemptions and Exchanges" below). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By computer Please contact your Complete the American FundsLink investment dealer to Authorization Form. Once you open account, then established the privilege, you, follow the procedures your financial advisor or any for additional person with your account investments. information may access American FundsLine OnLine(R) on the Internet and make investments by computer (subject to conditions noted in "Shareholder Account Services and Privileges - Telephone and Computer Purchases, Redemptions and Exchanges" below). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By wire Call 800/421-0180 to Your bank should wire your obtain your account additional investments in the number(s), if same manner as described under necessary. Please "Initial Investment." indicate an investment dealer on the account. Instruct your bank to wire funds to: Wells Fargo Bank 155 Fifth Street, Sixth Floor San Francisco, CA 94106 (ABA#121000248) For credit to the account of: American Funds Service Company a/c# 4600-076178 (fund name) (your fund acct. no.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The funds and the Principal Underwriter reserve the right to reject any purchase order. Generally, Class F shares may only be purchased through fee-based programs of investment firms and registered investment advisers who have special agreements with the fund's distributor. Class B and C shares are generally not available to certain employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, and money purchase
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 23
pension and profit sharing plans. In addition, the state tax-exempt funds are only offered in certain states and tax-exempt funds in general should not serve as retirement plan investments.
PURCHASE MINIMUMS - The minimum initial investment for all funds in The American Funds Group, except the money market funds and the state tax-exempt funds, is $250. The minimum initial investment for the money market funds (The Cash Management Trust of America, The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America, and The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of America) and the state tax-exempt funds (The Tax-Exempt Fund of California, The Tax-Exempt Fund of Maryland, and The Tax-Exempt Fund of Virginia) is $1,000. Purchase minimums are reduced to $50 for purchases through "Automatic Investment Plans" (except for the money market funds) or to $25 for purchases by retirement plans through payroll deductions and may be reduced or waived for shareholders of other funds in The American Funds Group. The minimum is $50 for additional investments (except for retirement plan payroll deductions as noted above).
PURCHASE MAXIMUM FOR CLASS B SHARES - The maximum purchase order for Class B shares for all American Funds is $100,000. For investments above $100,000, Class A shares are generally a less expensive option over time due to sales charge reductions or waivers.
PURCHASE MAXIMUM FOR CLASS C SHARES - The maximum purchase order for Class C shares for all American Funds is $500,000.
FUND NUMBERS - Here are the fund numbers for use with our automated phone line, American FundsLine/(R)/ (see description below):
FUND FUND FUND FUND NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER FUND CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS F ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STOCK AND STOCK/BOND FUNDS AMCAP Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 202 302 402 American Balanced Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . 11 211 311 411 American Mutual Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . 03 203 303 403 Capital Income Builder/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . 12 212 312 412 Capital World Growth and Income Fund/SM/ . . 33 233 333 433 EuroPacific Growth Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . 16 216 316 416 Fundamental Investors/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . 10 210 310 410 The Growth Fund of America/(R)/ . . . . . . . 05 205 305 405 The Income Fund of America/(R)/ . . . . . . . 06 206 306 406 The Investment Company of America/(R)/ . . . 04 204 304 404 The New Economy Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . 14 214 314 414 New Perspective Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . 07 207 307 407 New World Fund/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 236 336 436 SMALLCAP World Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . 35 235 335 435 Washington Mutual Investors Fund/SM/ . . . . 01 201 301 401 BOND FUNDS American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund/(R)/ 40 240 340 440 American High-Income Trust/SM/ . . . . . . . 21 221 321 421 The Bond Fund of America/SM/ . . . . . . . . 08 208 308 408 Capital World Bond Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . 31 231 331 431 Intermediate Bond Fund of America/SM/ . . . . 23 223 323 423 Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 243 343 443 The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America/(R)/ . . 19 219 319 419 The Tax-Exempt Fund of California/(R)/* . . . 20 220 320 420 The Tax-Exempt Fund of Maryland/(R)/* . . . . 24 224 324 424 The Tax-Exempt Fund of Virginia/(R)/* . . . . 25 225 325 425 U.S. Government Securities Fund/SM/ . . . . . 22 222 322 422 MONEY MARKET FUNDS The Cash Management Trust of America/(R)/ . . 09 209 309 409 The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America/SM/ . . 39 N/A N/A N/A The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of America/SM/ . 49 N/A N/A N/A ___________ *Available only in certain states. |
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SALES CHARGES
CLASS A SALES CHARGES - The sales charges you pay when purchasing Class A shares of stock, stock/bond, and bond funds of The American Funds Group are set forth below. The money market funds of The American Funds Group are offered at net asset value. (See "Fund Numbers" for a listing of the funds.)
DEALER SALES CHARGE AS CONCESSION PERCENTAGE OF THE: AS PERCENTAGE ------------------ OF THE AMOUNT OF PURCHASE AT THE OFFERING PRICE NET AMOUNT OFFERING OFFERING -INVESTED- PRICE PRICE ------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ----- ----- STOCK AND STOCK/BOND FUNDS Less than $25,000 . . . . . . . . . 6.10% 5.75% 5.00% $25,000 but less than $50,000 . . . 5.26 5.00 4.25 $50,000 but less than $100,000. . 4.71 4.50 3.75 BOND FUNDS Less than $100,000 . . . . . . . . 3.90 3.75 3.00 STOCK, STOCK/BOND, AND BOND FUNDS $100,000 but less than $250,000 . 3.63 3.50 2.75 $250,000 but less than $500,000 . 2.56 2.50 2.00 $500,000 but less than $750,000 . 2.04 2.00 1.60 $750,000 but less than $1 million 1.52 1.50 1.20 $1 million or more . . . . . . . . . . none none (see below) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
CLASS A PURCHASES NOT SUBJECT TO SALES CHARGES - Investments of $1 million or more are sold with no initial sales charge. HOWEVER, A 1% CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE (CDSC) MAY BE
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 25
IMPOSED IF REDEMPTIONS ARE MADE WITHIN ONE YEAR OF PURCHASE. Employer-sponsored defined contribution-type plans investing $1 million or more, or with 100 or more eligible employees, and Individual Retirement Account rollovers from retirement plans with assets invested in the American Funds (see "Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Rollovers" below) may invest with no sales charge and are not subject to a CDSC. 403(b) plans may be treated as employer-sponsored plans for sales charge purposes if: (i) the American Funds are principal investment options; (ii) the employer facilitates the enrollment process by, for example, allowing for onsite group enrollment meetings held during working hours; and (iii) there is only one dealer firm assigned to the plans. 403(b) plans meeting these criteria may invest with no sales charge and are not subject to a CDSC if investing $1 million or more or having 100 or more eligible employees.
Investments made through accounts that purchased Class A shares of the fund before March 15, 2001 and are part of certain qualified fee-based programs, and retirement plans, endowments or foundations with $50 million or more in assets, may also be made with no sales charge and are not subject to a CDSC. A dealer concession of up to 1% may be paid by the fund under its Class A Plan of Distribution on investments made with no initial sales charge.
In addition, Class A shares of the stock, stock/bond and bond funds may be sold at net asset value to:
(1) current or retired directors, trustees, officers and advisory board members of, and certain lawyers who provide services to, the funds managed by Capital Research and Management Company, current or retired employees of Washington Management Corporation, current or retired employees and partners of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. and its affiliated companies, certain family members and employees of the above persons, and trusts or plans primarily for such persons;
(2) current registered representatives, retired registered representatives with respect to accounts established while active, or full-time employees (and their spouses, parents, and children) of dealers who have sales agreements with the Principal Underwriter (or who clear transactions through such dealers) and plans for such persons or the dealers;
(3) companies exchanging securities with the fund through a merger, acquisition or exchange offer;
(4) insurance company separate accounts;
(5) accounts managed by subsidiaries of The Capital Group Companies, Inc.;
(6) The Capital Group Companies, Inc., its affiliated companies and Washington Management Corporation; and
(7) wholesalers and full-time employees of insurance companies involved in the distribution of insurance company separate accounts whose underlying investments are managed by any affiliate of The Capital Group Companies, Inc.
Shares are offered at net asset value to these persons and organizations due to anticipated economies in sales effort and expense.
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 26
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ON CLASS A AND C SHARES - Except as described above, a CDSC of 1% applies to redemptions of Class A shares of the American Funds, other than the money market funds, made within 12 months following the purchase of Class A shares of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge. A CDSC of 1% also applies to redemptions of Class C shares of the American Funds made within 12 months following the purchase of the Class C shares. The charge is 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions) or the total cost of such shares. Shares held the longest are assumed to be redeemed first for purposes of calculating this CDSC. The CDSC may be waived in certain circumstances. See "CDSC Waivers for Class A and C Shares" below.
CLASS B SALES CHARGES - Class B shares are sold without any initial sales charge. However, a CDSC may be applied to shares you sell within six years of purchase, as shown in the table below:
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ON SHARES SOLD WITHIN YEAR AS A % OF SHARES BEING SOLD ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 5.00% 2 4.00% 3 4.00% 4 3.00% 5 2.00% 6 1.00% |
There is no CDSC on appreciation in share value above the initial purchase price
or on shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain
distributions. In addition, the CDSC may be waived in certain circumstances.
See "CDSC Waivers for Class B shares" below. The CDSC is based on the original
purchase cost or the current market value of the shares being sold, whichever is
less. In processing redemptions of Class B shares, shares that are not subject
to any CDSC will be redeemed first followed by shares that you have owned the
longest during the six-year period.
CLASS F SALES CHARGE - Class F shares are sold with no initial or contingent deferred sales charge.
DEALER COMMISSIONS AND COMPENSATION - For Class A shares, commissions (up to 1%)
are paid to dealers who initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1 million
or more, for purchases by any employer-sponsored defined contribution-type plan
investing $1 million or more or with 100 or more eligible employees, IRA
rollover accounts (as described in "Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
Rollovers" below), and for purchases made at net asset value by certain
retirement plans, endowments and foundations with assets of $50 million or more.
Commissions on investments in Class A shares are paid at the following rates:
1.00% on amounts of $1 million to $4 million, 0.50% on amounts over $4 million
to $10 million, and 0.25% on amounts over $10 million. Commissions are based on
cumulative investments and are not annually reset.
For Class B shares, compensation equal to 4.00% of the amount invested is paid by the Principal Underwriter to dealers who sell Class B shares.
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 27
For Class C shares, compensation equal to 1.00% of the amount invested is paid by the Principal Underwriter to dealers who sell Class C shares.
CONVERSION OF CLASS B AND C SHARES - Class B shares automatically convert to
Class A shares in the month of the eight-year anniversary of the purchase date.
Class C shares automatically convert to Class F shares in the month of the
ten-year anniversary of the purchase date. The conversion of shares is subject
to the Internal Revenue Service's continued position that the conversions are
not subject to federal income tax. In the event the Internal Revenue Service no
longer takes this position, the automatic conversion feature may be suspended,
in which event no further conversions of Class B or C shares would occur while
such suspension remained in effect. In that event, at your option, Class B
shares could be exchanged for Class A shares and Class C shares for Class F
shares on the basis of the relative net asset values of the two classes, without
the imposition of a sales charge or fee; however, such an exchange could
constitute a taxable event for you. Absent such an exchange, Class B and C
shares would continue to be subject to higher expenses for longer than eight
years and ten years, respectively.
SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS
REDUCING YOUR CLASS A SALES CHARGE - You and your "immediate family" (your spouse and your children under age 21) may combine investments to reduce your costs. You must let your investment dealer or American Funds Service Company (the "Transfer Agent") know if you qualify for a reduction in your sales charge using one or any combination of the methods described below.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION - You may enter into a non-binding commitment to purchase shares of a fund(s) over a 13-month period and receive the same sales charge as if all shares had been purchased at once. This includes purchases made during the previous 90 days, but does not include future appreciation of your investment or reinvested distributions. The reduced sales charges and offering prices set forth in the Prospectus apply to purchases of $25,000 or more for equity funds and $100,000 or more for bond funds made within a 13-month period subject to the following statement of intention (the "Statement"). The Statement is not a binding obligation to purchase the indicated amount.
When a shareholder elects to use a Statement in order to qualify for a reduced sales charge, shares equal to 5% of the dollar amount specified in the Statement will be held in escrow in the shareholder's account out of the initial purchase (or subsequent purchases, if necessary) by the Transfer Agent. All dividends and any capital gain distributions on shares held in escrow will be credited to the shareholder's account in shares (or paid in cash, if requested). If the intended investment is not completed within the specified 13-month period, the purchaser will remit to the Principal Underwriter the difference between the sales charge actually paid and the sales charge which would have been paid if the total of such purchases had been made at a single time. If the difference is not paid by the close of the Statement period, the appropriate number of shares held in escrow will be redeemed to pay such difference. If the proceeds from this redemption are inadequate, the purchaser will be liable to the Principal Underwriter for the balance still outstanding.
The Statement may be revised upward at any time during the 13-month period, and such a revision will be treated as a new Statement, except that the 13-month period during which the purchase must be made will remain unchanged. Accordingly, upon your
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 28
request, the sales charge paid on investments made 90 days prior to the Statement revision will be adjusted to reflect the revised Statement.
Existing holdings eligible for rights of accumulation (see below), including Class A shares held in a fee-based arrangement, other classes of shares of the American Funds, and any individual investments in American Legacy variable annuities and variable life insurance policies (American Legacy, American Legacy II and American Legacy III variable annuities, American Legacy Life, American Legacy Variable Life, and American Legacy Estate Builder) may be credited toward satisfying the Statement.
During the Statement period reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions, investments in money market funds, and investments made under a right of reinstatement will not be credited toward satisfying the Statement. The Statement will be considered completed if the shareholder dies within the 13-month Statement period. Commissions will not be adjusted or paid on the difference between the Statement amount and the amount actually invested before the shareholder's death.
When the trustees of certain retirement plans purchase shares by payroll deduction, the sales charge for the investments made during the 13-month period will be handled as follows: the regular monthly payroll deduction investment will be multiplied by 13 and then multiplied by 1.5. The current value of existing American Funds investments (other than money market fund investments) and any rollovers or transfers reasonably anticipated to be invested in non-money market American Funds during the 13-month period, and any individual investments in American Legacy variable annuities and variable life insurance policies are added to the figure determined above. The sum is the Statement amount and applicable breakpoint level. On the first investment and all other investments made pursuant to the Statement, a sales charge will be assessed according to the sales charge breakpoint thus determined. There will be no retroactive adjustments in sales charges on investments made during the 13-month period.
Shareholders purchasing shares at a reduced sales charge under a Statement indicate their acceptance of these terms with their first purchase.
AGGREGATION - Sales charge discounts are available for certain aggregated investments. Qualifying investments include those made by you and your immediate family (your spouse and your children under the age of 21), if all parties are purchasing shares for their own accounts and/or:
. individual-type employee benefit plan(s), such as an IRA, 403(b) plan (see exception below), or single-participant Keogh-type plan;
. business accounts solely controlled by you or your immediate family (for example, you own the entire business);
. trust accounts established by you or your immediate family. However, if the person(s) who established the trust is deceased, the trust account may be aggregated with accounts of the person who is the primary beneficiary of the trust; or
. endowments or foundations established and controlled by you or your immediate family.
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 29
Individual purchases by a trustee(s) or other fiduciary(ies) may also be aggregated if the investments are:
. for a single trust estate or fiduciary account, excluding individual-type employee benefit plans described above;
. made for two or more employee benefit plans of a single employer or of affiliated employers as defined in the 1940 Act, again excluding individual-type employee benefit plans described above;
. for a diversified common trust fund or other diversified pooled account not specifically formed for the purpose of accumulating fund shares;
. for non-profit, charitable or educational organizations (or any employer-sponsored retirement plan for such an endowment or foundation) or any endowments or foundations established and controlled by the organization; or
. for participant accounts of a 403(b) plan that is treated as an employer-sponsored plan (see "Class A Purchases Not Subject to Sales Charges" above), or made for two or more 403(b) plans that are treated as employer-sponsored plans of a single employer or affiliated employers as defined in the 1940 Act.
Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts (securities held in the name of an investment dealer or another nominee such as a bank trust department instead of the customer) may not be aggregated with those made for other accounts and may not be aggregated with other nominee or street name accounts unless otherwise qualified as described above.
CONCURRENT PURCHASES - You may combine purchases of all classes of shares of two or more funds in The American Funds Group, as well as individual holdings in American Legacy variable annuities and variable life insurance policies. Shares of money market funds purchased through an exchange, reinvestment or cross-reinvestment from a fund having a sales charge also qualify. However, direct purchases of the money market funds are excluded.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION - You may take into account the current value (or if greater, the amount you invested less any withdrawals) of your existing holdings in all share classes of The American Funds Group, as well as your holdings in Endowments (shares of which may be owned only by tax-exempt organizations), to determine your sales charge on investments in accounts eligible to be aggregated, or when making a gift to an individual or charity. When determining your sales charge, you may also take into account the value of your individual holdings, as of the end of the week prior to your investment, in various American Legacy variable annuities and variable life insurance policies. Direct purchases of the money market funds are excluded.
CDSC WAIVERS FOR CLASS A AND C SHARES - Any CDSC on Class A and C shares may be waived in the following cases:
(1) Exchanges (except if shares acquired by exchange are then redeemed within 12 months of the initial purchase).
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 30
(2) Distributions from 403(b) plans or IRAs due to death, post-purchase disability or attainment of age 59-1/2.
(3) Tax-free returns of excess contributions to IRAs.
(4) Redemptions through systematic withdrawal plans (see "Automatic Withdrawals" below), not exceeding 12% each year of the lesser of the original purchase cost or the current market value of the shares being sold that would otherwise be subject to a CDSC.
CDSC WAIVERS FOR CLASS B SHARES - Any CDSC on Class B shares may be waived in the following cases:
(1) Redemptions through systematic withdrawal plans ("SWPs") (see "Automatic Withdrawals" below) not exceeding 12% each year of the lesser of the original purchase cost or the current market value of the shares being sold that would otherwise be subject to a CDSC. Shares not subject to a CDSC (such as shares representing reinvestment of distributions) will be redeemed first and will count toward the 12% limitation. If there are insufficient shares not subject to a CDSC, shares subject to the lowest CDSC will be redeemed next until the 12% limit is reached.
The 12% fee from CDSC limit is calculated on a pro rata basis at the time the first payment is made and is recalculated thereafter on a pro rata basis at the time of each SWP payment. Shareholders who establish a SWP should be aware that the amount of that payment not subject to a CDSC may vary over time depending on fluctuations in net asset value of their account. This privilege may be revised or terminated at any time.
(2) Required minimum distributions taken from retirement accounts upon the attainment of age 70-1/2.
(3) Distributions due to death or post-purchase disability of a shareholder. In the case of joint tenant accounts, if one joint tenant dies, the surviving joint tenant(s), at the time they notify the Transfer Agent of the decedent's death and remove his/her name from the account, may redeem shares from the account without incurring a CDSC. Redemptions subsequent to the notification to the Transfer Agent of the death of one of the joint owners will be subject to a CDSC.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (IRA) ROLLOVERS
Assets from a retirement plan (plan assets) may be invested in any class of shares of the American Funds (except as described below) through an IRA rollover plan. All such rollover investments will be subject to the terms and conditions for Class A, B, C and F shares contained in the fund's current prospectus and statement of additional information. In the case of an IRA rollover involving plan assets that offered an investment option managed by any affiliate of The Capital Group Companies, Inc., including any of the American Funds, the assets may only be invested in Class A shares of the American Funds. Such investments will be at net asset value and will not be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Dealers who initiate and are responsible for such investments will be compensated pursuant to the schedule applicable to Class A share investments of $1 million or more (see "Dealers Commissions and Compensation" above).
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 31
PRICE OF SHARES
Shares are purchased at the offering price next determined after the purchase order is received and accepted by the fund or the Transfer Agent; this offering price is effective for orders received prior to the time of determination of the net asset value and, in the case of orders placed with dealers, accepted by the Principal Underwriter prior to its close of business. In the case of orders sent directly to the fund or the Transfer Agent, an investment dealer MUST be indicated. The dealer is responsible for promptly transmitting purchase orders to the Principal Underwriter.
Orders received by the investment dealer, the Transfer Agent, or the fund after the time of the determination of the net asset value will be entered at the next calculated offering price. Prices which appear in the newspaper do not always indicate prices at which you will be purchasing and redeeming shares of the fund, since such prices generally reflect the previous day's closing price whereas purchases and redemptions are made at the next calculated price. The price you pay for shares, the offering price, is based on the net asset value per share which is calculated once daily as of approximately 4:00 p.m. New York time, which is the normal close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange each day the Exchange is open. If, for example, the Exchange closes at 1:00 p.m., the fund's share price would still be determined as of 4:00 p.m. New York time. The New York Stock Exchange is currently closed on weekends and on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
All portfolio securities of funds managed by Capital Research and Management Company (other than money market funds) are valued, and the net asset value per share is determined as follows:
1. Equity securities, including depositary receipts, are valued at the last reported sale price on the exchange or market on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid price. In cases where equity securities are traded on more than one exchange, the securities are valued on the exchange or market determined by the Investment Adviser to be the broadest and most representative market, which may be either a securities exchange or the over-the-counter market. Fixed-income securities are valued at prices obtained from a pricing service, when such prices are available; however, in circumstances where the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate to do so, such securities will be valued at the mean quoted bid and asked prices or at prices for securities of comparable maturity, quality and type.
Short-term securities maturing within 60 days are valued at amortized cost which approximates market value.
Assets or liabilities initially expressed in terms of non-U.S. currencies are translated prior to the next determination of the net asset value of the fund's shares into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates.
Securities and assets for which representative market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under policies approved by the fund's Board. The fair value of all other assets is added to the value of securities to arrive at the total assets;
2. Liabilities, including accruals of taxes and other expense items, are deducted from total assets; and
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3. Net assets so obtained are then divided by the total number of shares outstanding, and the result, rounded to the nearer cent, is the net asset value per share.
Any purchase order may be rejected by the Principal Underwriter or by the fund. The Principal Underwriter will not knowingly sell shares of the fund directly or indirectly to any person or entity, where, after the sale, such person or entity would own beneficially directly or indirectly more than 4.5% of the outstanding shares of the fund without the consent of a majority of the fund's Board of Trustees.
SELLING SHARES
Shares are sold at the net asset value next determined after your request is received in good order by the Transfer Agent. Sales of certain Class A, B and C shares may be subject to a CDSC. Generally, Class F shares may only be sold through fee-based programs of investment firms and registered investment advisers with special agreements with the fund's distributor.
You may sell (redeem) other classes of shares in your account in any of the following ways:
THROUGH YOUR DEALER (certain charges may apply)
- Shares held for you in your dealer's street name must be sold through the dealer.
WRITING TO AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY
- Requests must be signed by the registered shareholder(s).
- A signature guarantee is required if the redemption is:
- Over $50,000;
- Made payable to someone other than the registered shareholder(s); or
- Sent to an address other than the address of record, or an address of record which has been changed within the last 10 days.
Your signature may be guaranteed by a domestic stock exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., bank, savings association or credit union that is an eligible guarantor institution. The Transfer Agent reserves the right to require a signature guarantee on any redemptions.
- Additional documentation may be required for sales of shares held in corporate, partnership or fiduciary accounts.
- You must include any shares you wish to sell that are in certificate form.
TELEPHONING OR FAXING AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY, OR BY USING AMERICAN
FUNDSLINE/(R)/ OR AMERICAN FUNDSLINE ONLINE/(R)/
- Redemptions by telephone or fax (including American FundsLine/(R)/ and American FundsLine OnLine/(R)/) are limited to $50,000 per shareholder each day.
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- Checks must be made payable to the registered shareholder(s).
- Checks must be mailed to an address of record that has been used with the account for at least 10 days.
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
- You may have redemptions of $1,000 or more wired to your bank by writing American Funds Service Company.
- You may establish check writing privileges (use the money market funds application).
- If you request check writing privileges, you will be provided with checks that you may use to draw against your account. These checks may be made payable to anyone you designate and must be signed by the authorized number of registered shareholders exactly as indicated on your checking account signature card.
- Check writing is not available for Class B, C or F shares of The Cash Management Trust.
If you sell Class A, B or C shares and request a specific dollar amount to be sold, we will sell sufficient shares so that the sale proceeds, after deducting any applicable CDSC, equals the dollar amount requested.
Redemption proceeds will not be mailed until sufficient time has passed to provide reasonable assurance that checks or drafts (including certified or cashier's checks) for shares purchased have cleared (which may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date). Except for delays relating to clearance of checks for share purchases or in extraordinary circumstances (and as permissible under the 1940 Act), sale proceeds will be paid on or before the seventh day following receipt and acceptance of an order. Interest will not accrue or be paid on amounts that represent uncashed distribution or redemption checks.
You may reinvest proceeds from a redemption or a dividend or capital gain distribution of Class A, B, C or F shares without a sales charge in the Class A shares of any fund in The American Funds Group within 90 days after the date of the redemption or distribution (any CDSC on Class A or C shares will be credited to your account). In addition, proceeds from a redemption or a dividend or capital gain distribution of Class C shares may be reinvested in Class C shares. Redemption proceeds of shares representing direct purchases in the money market funds that are reinvested in non-money market funds will be subject to a sales charge. Proceeds will be reinvested at the next calculated net asset value after your request is received and accepted by the Transfer Agent.
SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT SERVICES AND PRIVILEGES
The following services and privileges are generally available to all shareholders. However, certain services and privileges may not be available if your account is held with an investment dealer.
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AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN - An automatic investment plan enables you to make monthly or quarterly investments in The American Funds through automatic debits from your bank account. To set up a plan you must fill out an account application and specify the amount you would like to invest ($50 minimum) and the date on which you would like your investments to occur. The plan will begin within 30 days after your account application is received. Your bank account will be debited on the day or a few days before your investment is made, depending on the bank's capabilities. The Transfer Agent will then invest your money into the fund you specified on or around the date you specified. For example, if the date you specified falls on a weekend or holiday, your money will be invested on the next business day. If your bank account cannot be debited due to insufficient funds, a stop-payment or the closing of the account, the plan may be terminated and the related investment reversed. You may change the amount of the investment or discontinue the plan at any time by writing to the Transfer Agent.
AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT - Dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested in additional shares of the same class and fund at net asset value unless you indicate otherwise on the account application. You also may elect to have dividends and/or capital gain distributions paid in cash by informing the fund, the Transfer Agent or your investment dealer.
If you have elected to receive dividends and/or capital gain distributions in cash, and the postal or other delivery service is unable to deliver checks to your address of record, or you do not respond to mailings from American Funds Service Company with regard to uncashed distribution checks, your distribution option will automatically be converted to having all dividends and other distributions reinvested in additional shares.
CROSS-REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS - You may cross-reinvest dividends and capital gains ("distributions") of the same share class into any other fund in The American Funds Group at net asset value, subject to the following conditions:
(a) The aggregate value of your account(s) in the fund(s) paying distributions equals or exceeds $5,000 (this is waived if the value of the account in the fund receiving the distributions equals or exceeds that fund's minimum initial investment requirement),
(b) If the value of the account of the fund receiving distributions is below the minimum initial investment requirement, distributions must be automatically reinvested,
(c) If you discontinue the cross-reinvestment of distributions, the value of the account of the fund receiving distributions must equal or exceed the minimum initial investment requirement. If you do not meet this requirement within 90 days of notification, the fund has the right to automatically redeem the account.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE - You may only exchange shares into other funds in The American Funds Group within the same class. However, exchanges from Class A shares of The Cash Management Trust of America may be made to Class B or C shares of any other American Fund for dollar cost averaging purposes. Exchange purchases are subject to the minimum investment requirements of the fund purchased and no sales charge generally applies. However, exchanges of shares from the money market funds are subject to applicable sales charges on the fund being purchased, unless the money market fund shares were acquired by an exchange from a fund having a sales charge, or by reinvestment or cross-reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions.
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Exchanges of Class F shares generally may only be done through fee-based programs of investment firms and registered investment advisers with special agreements with the fund's distributor. You may exchange shares of other classes by writing to the Transfer Agent (see "Selling Shares"), by contacting your investment dealer, by using American FundsLine and American FundsLine OnLine (see "American FundsLine and American FundsLine OnLine" below), or by telephoning 800/421-0180 toll-free, faxing (see "American Funds Service Company Service Areas" -- "Principal Underwriter and Transfer Agent" in the prospectus for the appropriate fax numbers) or telegraphing the Transfer Agent. (See "Telephone and Computer Purchases, Redemptions and Exchanges" below.) Shares held in corporate-type retirement plans for which Capital Bank and Trust Company serves as trustee may not be exchanged by telephone, computer, fax or telegraph. Exchange redemptions and purchases are processed simultaneously at the share prices next determined after the exchange order is received. (See "Purchase of Shares"--"Price of Shares.") THESE TRANSACTIONS HAVE THE SAME TAX CONSEQUENCES AS ORDINARY SALES AND PURCHASES.
AUTOMATIC EXCHANGES - You may automatically exchange shares of the same class in amounts of $50 or more among any of the funds in The American Funds Group on any day (or preceding business day if the day falls on a non-business day) of each month you designate.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWALS - Withdrawal payments are not to be considered as dividends, yield or income. Automatic investments may not be made into a shareholder account from which there are automatic withdrawals. Withdrawals of amounts exceeding reinvested dividends and distributions and increases in share value would reduce the aggregate value of the shareholder's account. The Transfer Agent arranges for the redemption by the fund of sufficient shares, deposited by the shareholder with the Transfer Agent, to provide the withdrawal payment specified.
ACCOUNT STATEMENTS - Your account is opened in accordance with your registration instructions. Transactions in the account, such as additional investments will be reflected on regular confirmation statements from the Transfer Agent. Dividend and capital gain reinvestments, purchases through automatic investment plans and certain retirement plans, as well as automatic exchanges and withdrawals will be confirmed at least quarterly.
AMERICAN FUNDSLINE AND AMERICAN FUNDSLINE ONLINE - You may check your share balance, the price of your shares, or your most recent account transaction, redeem shares (up to $50,000 per shareholder each day) from non-retirement plan accounts, or exchange shares around the clock with American FundsLine and American FundsLine OnLine. To use these services, call 800/325-3590 from a TouchTone(TM) telephone or access the American Funds Web site on the Internet at www.americanfunds.com. Redemptions and exchanges through American FundsLine and American FundsLine OnLine are subject to the conditions noted above and in "Telephone and Computer Purchases, Redemptions and Exchanges" below. You will need your fund number (see the list of funds in The American Funds Group under "Purchase of Shares - Purchase Minimums" and "Purchase of Shares - Fund Numbers"), personal identification number (generally the last four digits of your Social Security number or other tax identification number associated with your account) and account number.
TELEPHONE AND COMPUTER PURCHASES, REDEMPTIONS AND EXCHANGES - By using the telephone (including American FundsLine) or computer (including American FundsLine OnLine), fax or telegraph purchase, redemption and/or exchange options, you agree to hold the fund, the Transfer Agent, any of its affiliates or mutual funds managed by such affiliates, and each of their
EuroPacific Growth Fund - Page 36
respective directors, trustees, officers, employees and agents harmless from any losses, expenses, costs or liability (including attorney fees) which may be incurred in connection with the exercise of these privileges. Generally, all shareholders are automatically eligible to use these options. However, you may elect to opt out of these options by writing the Transfer Agent (you may also reinstate them at any time by writing the Transfer Agent). If the Transfer Agent does not employ reasonable procedures to confirm that the instructions received from any person with appropriate account information are genuine, it and/or the fund may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. In the event that shareholders are unable to reach the fund by telephone because of technical difficulties, market conditions, or a natural disaster, redemption and exchange requests may be made in writing only.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES - The fund's Declaration of Trust permits the fund to direct the Transfer Agent to redeem the shares of any shareholder for their then current net asset value per share if at such time the shareholder of record owns shares having an aggregate net asset value of less than the minimum initial investment amount required of new shareholders as set forth in the fund's current registration statement under the 1940 Act, and subject to such further terms and conditions as the Board of Trustees of the fund may from time to time adopt.
SHARE CERTIFICATES - Shares are credited to your account and certificates are not issued unless you request them by writing to the Transfer Agent.
EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
The Investment Adviser places orders for the fund's portfolio securities transactions. The Investment Adviser strives to obtain the best available prices in its portfolio transactions taking into account the costs and quality of executions. When, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, two or more brokers (either directly or through their correspondent clearing agents) are in a position to obtain the best price and execution, preference may be given to brokers who have sold shares of the fund or who have provided investment research, statistical, or other related services to the Investment Adviser. The fund does not consider that it has an obligation to obtain the lowest available commission rate to the exclusion of price, service and qualitative considerations.
There are occasions on which portfolio transactions for the fund may be executed as part of concurrent authorizations to purchase or sell the same security for other funds served by the Investment Adviser, or for trusts or other accounts served by affiliated companies of the Investment Adviser. Although such concurrent authorizations potentially could be either advantageous or disadvantageous to the fund, they are effected only when the Investment Adviser believes that to do so is in the interest of the fund. When such concurrent authorizations occur, the objective is to allocate the executions in an equitable manner. The fund will not pay a mark-up for research in principal transactions.
Brokerage commissions paid on portfolio transactions for the fiscal years ended 2000, 1999 and 1998, amounted to $31,649,000, $24,925,000 and $22,795,000, respectively.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
CUSTODIAN OF ASSETS - Securities and cash owned by the fund, including proceeds from the sale of shares of the fund and of securities in the fund's portfolio, are held by The Chase Manhattan Bank, One Chase Manhattan Plaza, New York, NY 10081, as Custodian. If the fund holds non-U.S. securities, the Custodian may hold these securities pursuant to sub-custodial arrangements in non-U.S. banks or non-U.S. branches of U.S. banks.
TRANSFER AGENT - American Funds Service Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Investment Adviser, maintains the records of each shareholder's account, processes purchases and redemptions of the fund's shares, acts as dividend and capital gain distribution disbursing agent, and performs other related shareholder service functions. American Funds Service Company was paid a fee of $20,324,000 for Class A shares and $1,000 for Class B shares for the 2000 fiscal year.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS - PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 350 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90071, serves as the fund's independent accountants providing audit services, preparation of tax returns and review of certain documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The financial statements included in this Statement of Additional Information from the Annual Report have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The selection of the fund's independent accountants is reviewed and determined annually by the Board of Trustees.
PROSPECTUSES, REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENTS - The fund's fiscal year ends on September 30. Shareholders are provided updated prospectuses annually and at least semiannually with reports showing the investment portfolio, financial statements and other information. The fund's annual financial statements are audited by the fund's independent accountants, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. In addition, shareholders may also receive proxy statements for the fund. In an effort to reduce the volume of mail shareholders receive from the fund when a household owns more than one account, the Transfer Agent has taken steps to eliminate duplicate mailings of prospectuses, shareholder reports and proxy statements. To receive additional copies of a prospectus, report or proxy statement, shareholders should contact the Transfer Agent.
PERSONAL INVESTING POLICY - The fund, Capital Research and Management Company
and its affiliated companies, including the fund's principal underwriter, have
adopted codes of ethics which allow for personal investments, including
securities in which the fund may invest from time to time. This policy includes:
a ban on acquisitions of securities pursuant to an initial public offering;
restrictions on acquisitions of private placement securities; pre-clearance and
reporting requirements; review of duplicate confirmation statements; annual
recertification of compliance with codes of ethics; blackout periods on personal
investing for certain investment personnel; ban on short-term trading profits
for investment personnel; limitations on service as a director of publicly
traded companies; and disclosure of personal securities transactions.
OTHER INFORMATION - The financial statements including the investment portfolio and the report of Independent Accountants contained in the Annual Report are included in this Statement of Additional Information. The following information is not included in the Annual Report:
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DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE, REDEMPTION PRICE AND
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE FOR CLASS A SHARES -- SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
Net asset value and redemption price per share (Net assets divided by shares outstanding) . . . . . . . . . $44.61 Maximum offering price per share (100/94.25 of net asset value per share, which takes into account the fund's current maximum sales charge). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $47.33 |
CLASS A SHARE INVESTMENT RESULTS AND RELATED STATISTICS
The fund's yield was 1.21% based on a 30-day (or one month) period ended September 30, 2000, computed by dividing the net investment income per share earned during the period by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period, according to the following formula:
YIELD = 2[( a-b/cd + 1)/6/ -1]
Where: a = dividends and interest earned during the period. b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements). c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that were entitled to receive dividends. d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period. |
The fund may also calculate a distribution rate on a taxable and tax equivalent basis. The distribution rate is computed by dividing the dividends paid by the fund over the last 12 months by the sum of the month-end net asset value or maximum offering price and the capital gains paid over the last 12 months. The distribution rate may differ from the yield.
The fund's one-year total return and five- and ten-year average annual total returns at the maximum offering price for the periods ended September 30, 2000 were 8.58%, 14.92% and 14.76%, respectively. The fund's one-year total return and five- and ten-year average annual total returns at net asset value for the periods ended September 30, 2000 were 15.21%, 16.29% and 15.44%, respectively.
The average total return ("T") is computed by equating the value at the end of the period ("ERV") with a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 ("P") over a period of years ("n") according to the following formula as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission: P(1+T)/n/ = ERV.
In calculating average annual total return at the maximum offering price, the fund assumes: (1) deduction of the maximum sales load of 5.75% from the $1,000 initial investment; (2) reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value on the reinvestment date determined by the Board; and (3) a complete redemption at the end of any period illustrated. In
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addition, the fund will provide lifetime average total return figures. From time to time, the fund may calculate investment results for Class B, C and F shares.
The fund may also, at times, calculate total return based on net asset value per share (rather than the offering price), in which case the figure would not reflect the effect of any sales charges which would have been paid if shares were purchased during the period reflected in the computation. Consequently, total return calculated in this manner will be higher. These total returns may be calculated over periods in addition to those described above. Total return for the unmanaged indices will be calculated assuming reinvestment of dividends and interest, but will not reflect any deductions for advisory fees, brokerage costs or administrative expenses.
The fund may include information on its investment results and/or comparisons of its investment results to various unmanaged indices (such as the Dow Jones Average of 30 Industrial Stocks and the Standard and Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index) or results of other mutual funds or investment or savings vehicles in advertisements or in reports furnished to present or prospective shareholders. The fund may also, from time to time, combine its results with those of other funds in The American Funds Group for purposes of illustrating investment strategies involving multiple funds.
The fund may refer to results and surveys compiled by organizations such as CDA/ Wiesenberger, Ibbotson Associates, Lipper Analytical Services, Morningstar, Inc., and by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Additionally, the fund may refer to results published in various newspapers and periodicals, including Barron's, Forbes, Fortune, Institutional Investor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, Money, U.S. News and World Report and The Wall Street Journal.
The fund may illustrate the benefits of tax-deferral by comparing taxable investments to investments made through tax-deferred retirement plans.
The fund may compare its investment results with the Consumer Price Index, which is a measure of the average change in prices over time in a fixed market basket of goods and services (e.g. food, clothing, and fuels, transportation, and other goods and services that people buy for day-to-day living).
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APPENDIX
Description of Bond Ratings
BOND RATINGS - The ratings of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) and
Standard & Poor's Corporation (S&P) represent their opinions as to the quality
of the municipal bonds which they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized,
however, that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality.
Consequently, municipal bonds with the same maturity, coupon and rating may
have different yields, while municipal bonds of the same maturity and coupon
with different ratings may have the same yield.
"Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as 'gilt edge.' Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin, and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues."
"Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally 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 the Aaa
securities."
"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."
"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."
"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 thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class."
"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."
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"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."
"Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings."
"Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing."
"Debt rated 'AAA' has the highest rating assigned by S & P. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong."
"Debt rated 'AA' has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differs from the higher rated issues only in small degree."
"Debt rated 'A' has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories."
"Debt rated 'BBB' is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits 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 debt in this category than in higher rated categories."
"Debt rated 'BB' has less near-term vulnerability to default than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The 'BB' rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied 'BBB-' rating.
"Debt rated 'B' has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The 'B' rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied 'BB' or 'BB-' rating."
"The rating 'CC' is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied 'CCC' rating."
"The rating 'C' is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied 'CCC-' debt rating. The 'C' rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt service payments are continued."
"The rating 'C1' is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid."
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"Debt rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized."
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Europacific Growth Fund Investment Portfolio, March 31, 2000 Largest Percent Industry Diversification Individual of Net Percent of Net Assets Holdings Assets 11.66% Electronic Components Vodafone AirTouc 5.68 11.51% Diversified Telecommunication Samsung Electron 2.62 Services Rohm 2.16 7.84% Electrical & Electronics Ericsson 2.10 7.70% Wireless Telecommunication AstraZeneca 2.04 Services Telefonos de Mex 1.94 7.59% Broadcasting & Publishing Murata Manufactu 1.80 45.52% Other Industries Taiwan Semicondu 1.70 0.42% Bonds & Notes Nokia 1.70 7.76% Cash and Equivalents News Corp. 1.50 Shares or Market Percent Principal Value of Net EQUITY SECURITIES (common and preferred stocks and convertible debentures) Amount (Millions) Assets ---------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS - 11.66% Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (South Korea) 3,364,811 1,020.101 2.62 Rohm Co., Ltd. (Japan) 2,420,000 839.103 2.16 Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Japan) 2,884,000 698.871 1.80 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Taiwan)(1) 98,122,000 662.114 1.70 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd. (Taiwan)(1) 45,914,000 533.497 1.37 Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. (South Korea) 3,330,000 232.648 .60 EPCOS AG (Germany)(1) 1,207,000 159.503 .41 Hoya Corp. (Japan) 1,624,000 152.999 .39 Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. (Japan) 840,000 118.217 .31 Newbridge Networks Corp. (Canada)(1) 3,600,000 116.775 .30 DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES - 11.51% Telefonos de Mexico, SA de CV, Class L (ADR) (Mexico) 10,294,000 689.698 Telefonos de Mexico, SA de CV, Class L 19,225,000 65.356 1.94 Telecom Italia SpA, nonconvertible savings shares (Italy) 46,514,800 317.188 Telecom Italia SpA, ordinary shares 14,661,800 219.377 1.38 Deutsche Telekom AG (Germany) 5,186,300 418.171 1.08 Koninklijke PTT Nederland NV (Netherlands) 3,235,784 370.746 .95 Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (Japan) 20,076 317.831 .82 Telefonica, SA (Spain)(1) 11,438,885 289.182 .74 British Telecommunications PLC (United Kingdom) 14,292,100 266.484 .69 COLT Telecom Group PLC (United Kingdom)(1) 5,128,371 242.209 COLT Telecom Group PLC 2.00% convertible debentures 2006 EUR16,000,000 16.221 .66 Tele Danmark AS (Denmark) 1,794,400 161.629 Tele Danmark AS, Class B (ADR) 43,400 2.015 .42 Korea Telecom Corp. (ADR) (South Korea) 2,709,200 118.528 Korea Telecom Corp. 107,100 9.498 .32 Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (GDR) (India)(2) 3,104,209 82.106 Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (GDR) 780,150 20.635 Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. 450,000 19.013 .31 France Telecom, SA (France) 700,000 120.658 .31 Portugal Telecom, SA (Portugal)(1) 6,650,000 85.332 .22 Magyar Tavkozlesi Rt. (ADR) (Hungary) 1,905,500 85.033 .22 Teleglobe Inc. (Canada) 2,842,500 77.354 .20 Telefonica de Argentina SA, Class B (ADR) (Argentina) 1,939,400 76.121 .20 BCE Inc. (Canada) 580,000 72.325 .19 Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA (Greece)(1) 2,466,000 70.245 .18 Telecom Corp. of New Zealand Ltd . (New Zealand) 6,940,000 31.359 Telecom Corp. of New Zealand Ltd. (2) 3,553,000 16.054 Telecom Corp. of New Zealand Ltd. (ADR) 25,000 .917 .12 Compania de Telecomunicaciones de Chile SA (ADR) (Chile) 2,034,673 46.289 .12 Telefonica del Peru SA, Class B (ADR) (Peru) 2,408,900 40.951 .11 Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (ADR) (Philippines) 1,826,094 40.060 .10 Tiscali SpA (Italy)(1) 43,000 30.016 .08 Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (India) 3,425,000 18.482 Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (GDR) (2) 570,600 7.988 .07 Telecom Argentina STET-France Telecom SA, Class B (ADR) (Argentina) 439,300 15.266 .04 Telstra Corp. Ltd. (Australia) 3,338,500 15.136 .04 ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS - 7.84% Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Class B (Sweden) 6,250,000 550.453 Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Class B (ADR) 2,820,000 264.551 2.10 Nokia Corp., Class A (ADR) (Finland) 1,600,000 347.600 Nokia Corp., Class A 1,480,000 313.212 1.70 NEC Corp. (Japan) 14,950,000 439.962 1.13 Siemens AG (Germany) 1,725,000 248.605 .64 Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. (Japan) 1,079,000 198.068 .51 Toshiba Corp. (Japan) 17,100,000 173.724 .45 ECI Telecom Ltd. (Israel) 4,115,000 129.108 .33 Hitachi, Ltd. (Japan) 10,670,000 126.328 .33 Logica PLC (United Kingdom) 2,800,000 93.831 .24 Nortel Networks Corp. (Canada) 500,000 63.000 .16 Premier Farnell PLC (United Kingdom) 8,550,000 53.841 .14 Elektrim SA 3.75% convertible debentures 2004 (Poland) EUR39,100,000 41.186 .11 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES - 7.7% Vodafone AirTouch PLC (United Kingdom) 392,101,014 2,179.523 Vodafone AirTouch PLC (ADR) 525,000 29.170 5.68 Telecom Italia Mobile SpA (Italy) 14,805,000 181.058 Telecom Italia Mobile SpA, savings shares 20,705,000 97.807 .72 DDI Corp. (Japan) 29,344 239.118 .62 NTT Mobile Communications Network, Inc. (Japan) 6285 216.102 .56 SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (ADR) (South Korea) 684,235 26.685 .07 Telesp Celular Participacoes SA, preferred nominative (Brazil) 940,818,476 21.432 Telesp Celular Participacoes SA, ordinary nominative 222,115,950 3.663 .05 BROADCASTING & PUBLISHING - 7.59% News Corp. Ltd. (ADR) (Australia) 3,958,200 222.649 News Corp. Ltd., preferred 15,495,555 183.353 News Corp. Ltd. 8,747,208 122.186 News Corp. Ltd., preferred (ADR) 1,181,600 56.421 1.50 CANAL + (France) 2,256,060 496.893 1.28 Mediaset SpA (Italy)(2) 9,174,544 178.874 Mediaset SpA 6,593,000 128.542 .79 Grupo Televisa, SA, ordinary participation certificates (ADR) (Mexico)(1) 3,994,400 271.619 .70 Nippon Television Network Corp. (Japan) 331,980 235.056 .60 Fuji Television Network Inc. (Japan) 10,035 173.488 .47 KirchMedia GmbH & Co. KGaA (Germany)(1),(2),(3) 3,430,000 144.009 .37 Pearson PLC (United Kingdom) 2,565,000 89.228 .23 Television Broadcasts Ltd. (Hong Kong) 9,518,000 84.649 .22 AUDIOFINA (Luxembourg) 670,000 82.444 .21 Modern Times Group MTG AB, Class B (ADR) (Sweden)(1) 211,822 57.615 Modern Times Group MTG AB, Class A (1) 302,260 14.275 .18 Publishing & Broadcasting Ltd. (Australia) 8,425,111 71.522 .18 SOFTBANK CORP. (Japan) 80,000 71.096 .18 United News & Media PLC (United Kingdom) 3,400,000 44.755 United News & Media PLC 6.125% convertible debentures 2003 GBP7,400,000 14.355 .15 Thomson Corp. (Canada) 1,660,000 52.093 .13 Arnoldo Mondadori Editore SpA (Italy) 1,950,000 49.596 .13 Independent Newspapers, PLC (Ireland) 4,652,737 45.668 .12 Daily Mail and General Trust PLC, Class A (United Kingdom) 1,580,000 30.921 .08 Shaw Communications Inc., Class B (Canada) 1,000,000 26.869 .07 BANKING - 7.41% Sakura Bank, Ltd. (Japan) 48,906,000 370.975 Sakura Finance (Bermuda) Trust, convertible preference share units (Japan - Incorporated in Bermuda) 1,614,000,000 23.044 1.01 ABN AMRO Holding NV (Netherlands) 15,477,594 345.189 .89 Bank of Nova Scotia (Canada) 12,098,200 242.131 .62 Lloyds TSB Group PLC (United Kingdom) 22,200,000 234.407 .60 Bank of Scotland (United Kingdom) 19,433,419 220.074 .57 Fuji Bank, Ltd. (Japan) 19,426,000 182.072 .47 Westpac Banking Corp. (Australia) 25,452,151 159.278 .41 DBS Group Holdings Ltd. (Singapore) 9,535,550 125.915 .32 Asahi Bank, Ltd. (Japan) 21,433,000 119.697 .31 Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. (Australia) 14,893,887 93.991 .24 STB Cayman Capital, Ltd. 0.50% convertible debentures 2007 (Japan- Incorporated in Cayman Islands) Y5,925,000,000 92.938 .24 Bangkok Bank PCL (Thailand)(1) 49,400,000 84.992 .22 Royal Bank of Canada (Canada) 1,752,700 82.111 .21 Tokai Bank, Ltd. (Japan) 12,500,000 75.272 .19 Unibanco-Uniao de Bancos Brasileiros SA, units (GDR) (Brazil) 1,800,000 57.150 .15 Hang Seng Bank Ltd. (Hong Kong) 6,095,500 53.232 .14 Shinhan Bank (South Korea) 4,450,000 47.722 .12 Banque Nationale de Paris (France) 580,000 45.821 Banque Nationale de Paris, guaranteed value certificates, expire 2002 (1) 117,000 .822 .12 ForeningsSparbanken AB, Class A (Sweden) 2,860,000 38.994 .10 Toronto-Dominion Bank (Canada) 1,223,700 32.373 .08 Svenska Handelsbanken Group, Class A (Sweden) 2,000,000 24.716 .06 Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Ltd. (Japan) 2,500,000 23.213 .06 Commonwealth Bank of Australia (Australia) 1,632,788 22.332 .06 HSBC Holdings PLC (United Kingdom) 1,600,000 18.699 .05 Sumitomo Bank, Ltd. (Japan) 1,200,000 17.832 .05 Barclays PLC (United Kingdom) 522,400 13.848 .04 Toyo Trust and Banking Co., Ltd. (Japan) 2,800,000 10.606 .03 MBL International Finance (Bermuda) Trust 3.00% convertible debentures 2002 (Bermuda) $9,000,000 10.170 .03 Unidanmark A/S, Class A (Denmark) 122,500 7.866 .02 National Australia Bank Ltd. (Australia) 18,829 .242 .00 HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE - 4.75% AstraZeneca PLC (United Kingdom) 19,563,492 792.264 2.04 Elan Corp., PLC (ADR) (Ireland)(1) 10,874,800 516.553 1.31 Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Japan) 7,954,000 140.756 .36 Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Japan) 3,621,000 126.608 .33 Novartis AG (Switzerland) 84,866 116.193 .30 Glaxo Wellcome PLC (United Kingdom) 2,000,000 57.261 .15 Nycomed Amersham PLC (United Kingdom) 4,700,000 37.492 .10 Aventis SA (France) 620,000 33.960 .09 Sanofi-Synthelabo SA (France)(1) 665,600 25.400 .07 BUSINESS SERVICES - 2.94% Vivendi SA (France) 1,723,238 198.846 .51 Reuters Group PLC (United Kingdom) 7,142,460 144.339 .37 TNT Post Groep (Netherlands) 5,190,107 116.647 .32 Rentokil Initial PLC (United Kingdom) 40,022,900 103.262 .27 Brambles Industries Ltd. (Australia) 4,005,000 101.827 .26 Hikari Tsushin, Inc. (Japan) 107,000 81.892 .21 Securitas AB, Class B (Sweden) 3,108,000 75.375 .19 InterQ Inc. (Japan)(1) 184,000 72.378 .19 Adecco SA (Switzerland)(1) 92,000 63.700 .16 United Utilities PLC (United Kingdom) 4,978,414 52.011 .13 Intershop Communications AG (Germany)(1) 80,000 40.372 .10 Thames Water PLC (United Kingdom) 1,869,931 21.121 .05 e.Biscom (Italy)(1) 80,700 21.006 .05 Hyder PLC (United Kingdom) 4,023,381 14.375 .04 Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products NV (Belgium)(1) 130,000 14.365 .04 Ratin A/S (Denmark) 110,000 9.667 .02 Liberty Surf Group SA (France)(1) 83,300 4.666 .01 Lycos Europe NV (Netherlands)(1) 144,800 2.884 .01 World Online International NV (Netherlands)(1) 100,000 2.236 .01 AUTOMOBILES - 2.51% Volvo AB, Class B (Sweden) 10,894,200 294.544 .76 Suzuki Motor Corp. (Japan) 18,015,000 273.829 .70 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Japan) 6,010,000 247.498 .64 DaimlerChrysler AG (New York registered) (Germany) 1,000,000 65.438 .17 Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (Japan)(1) 12,856,000 48.697 .13 Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (Germany) 1,455,600 45.928 .11 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Japan)(1) 150,000 .612 .00 ENERGY SOURCES - 2.51% TOTAL FINA SA, Class B (France) 2,133,378 266.114 TOTAL FINA SA, Class B (ADR) 828,807 61.021 .84 Broken Hill Proprietary Co. Ltd. (Australia) 20,032,290 216.880 .56 Norsk Hydro AS (Norway) 2,370,000 89.630 Norsk Hydro AS (ADR) 500,000 19.031 .28 Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. (Netherlands) 1,000,000 58.423 Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. (New York Registered Shares) 280,000 16.118 Shell Transport and Trading Co., PLC (New York Registered Shares) (United Kingdom) 675,000 33.117 .28 Sasol Ltd. (South Africa) 13,213,700 82.624 .21 Enterprise Oil PLC (United Kingdom) 10,800,000 77.768 .20 Suncor Energy Inc. (Canada) 750,000 32.475 .08 Petro-Canada (Canada) 1,400,000 23.293 .06 MERCHANDISING - 2.34% Dixons Group PLC (United Kingdom) (1) 61,909,181 286.608 .74 EM.TV & Merchandising AG (Germany) (1) 1,658,000 136.225 EM.TV & Merchandising AG 4.00% convertible debentures 2005 EUR31,151,000 31.247 .43 Ito-Yokado Co., Ltd. (Japan) 2,150,000 153.273 .39 Kingfisher PLC (United Kingdom) 10,379,940 84.362 .22 Safeway PLC (United Kingdom) 19,615,000 59.584 .15 Tesco PLC (United Kingdom) 17,744,600 59.082 .15 Wal-Mart de Mexico, SA de CV, Class V (formerly Cifra, SA de CV) (Mexico)(1) 16,787,918 40.674 Wal-Mart de Mexico, SA de CV, Class C (1) 6,037,600 14.074 .14 Loblaw Companies Ltd. (Canada) 1,560,100 38.479 .10 Coles Myer Ltd. (Australia) 1,380,100 5.443 .02 MULTI-INDUSTRY - 2.16% Thyssen Krupp AG (Germany)(1) 8,405,000 207.252 .53 Orkla AS, Class A (Norway) 11,023,999 168.331 .43 Invensys PLC (United Kingdom) 20,600,000 91.507 .24 Lend Lease Corp. Ltd. (Australia) 6,839,640 88.364 .23 Lagardere Groupe SCA (France) 920,000 74.752 .19 Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. (Hong Kong) 3,235,000 58.373 .15 Preussag AG (Germany) 1,000,096 46.065 .12 Anglo American PLC (United Kingdom) 700,000 32.420 .08 PT Astra International (Indonesia)(1) 54,000,000 25.910 .07 Ayala Corp. (Philippines) 74,866,500 16.596 .04 PT Multimedia (Portugal)(1) 180,000 16.030 .04 TI Group PLC (United Kingdom) 3,197,300 15.758 .04 FOOD & HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS - 1.59% Nestle SA (Switzerland) 141,457 253.803 .65 Groupe Danone (France) 769,400 170.196 .44 Reckitt Benckiser PLC (formerly Reckitt & Colman PLC) (United Kingdom) 8,538,919 81.207 .21 Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd. (Japan) 700,000 80.225 .21 Uni-Charm Corp. (Japan) 460,000 30.157 .08 APPLIANCES & HOUSEHOLD DURABLES - 1.51% Sony Corp. (Japan) (1) 3,633,100 513.462 1.32 Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV (Netherlands) 440,000 73.988 .19 DATA PROCESSING & REPRODUCTION - 1.44% Fujitsu Ltd. (Japan) 10,346,000 316.530 .81 Acer Inc. (Taiwan)(1) 54,193,750 152.520 Acer Inc. SIZeS 0% convertible debentures 2005 (2) $6,425,000 6.666 .41 Compal Electronics Inc. (Taiwan) 13,613,600 56.686 .15 Getronics NV (Netherlands) 350,000 26.779 .07 BEVERAGES & TOBACCO - 1.17% Foster's Brewing Group Ltd. (Australia) 61,703,800 153.137 .38 Ito En, Ltd. (Japan) 812,700 97.878 .25 South African Breweries PLC (United Kingdom) 7,947,287 60.899 .16 Heineken NV (Netherlands) 630,000 33.694 .09 LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (France) 70,000 29.306 .08 Panamerican Beverages, Inc., Class A (Mexico - Incorporated in Panama) 1,269,100 22.368 .06 Coca-Cola Beverages PLC (United Kingdom) (1) 9,567,371 17.778 .05 Lion Nathan Ltd. (New Zealand) 8,000,000 13.690 .04 Coca-Cola West Japan Co. Ltd. (Japan) 500,000 13.112 .03 Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd. (Australia) 5,201,157 12.939 .03 I.T.C. Ltd. (India) 372 .006 .00 INSURANCE - 1.14% ING Groep NV (Netherlands) 3,667,737 198.792 .50 PartnerRe Holdings Ltd. (Singapore - Incorporated in Bermuda) 2,031,900 74.799 .19 Union des Assurances Federales (France) 493,960 59.600 .15 Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group PLC (United Kingdom) 7,048,439 44.295 .11 Swiss Life-Mannesmann 1.50% convertible debentures 2003 (Switzerland)(2) $8,000,000 24.250 Swiss Life-Glaxo Wellcome 2.00% convertible debentures 2003(2) $15,000,000 14.568 .10 Allied Zurich PLC (United Kingdom) 1,950,000 21.126 .05 AEGON NV (Netherlands) 195,000 15.592 .04 RECREATION & OTHER CONSUMER PRODUCTS - 1.12% Nintendo Co., Ltd. (Japan) 1,195,700 209.619 .54 EMI Group PLC (United Kingdom) 12,351,900 131.465 .34 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (Japan) 1,320,000 57.949 .15 Square Co., Ltd. (Japan) 318,450 32.785 .09 MACHINERY & ENGINEERING - 0.85% GKN PLC (United Kingdom) 12,400,000 154.565 .40 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Japan) 21,000,000 65.880 .17 Metso Oyj (Finland) 3,400,000 45.907 .12 Smiths Industries PLC (United Kingdom) 3,200,000 39.020 .11 Kvaerner ASA, Class A (Norway)(1) 1,294,720 19.310 .05 IT CONSULTING & SERVICES - 0.77% CMG PLC (United Kingdom) 1,121,109 96.371 .25 Sema Group PLC (United Kingdom) 4,050,000 80.876 .21 ALTRAN TECHNOLOGIES (France) 300,000 73.256 .19 Dimension Data Holdings Ltd. (South Africa)(1) 5,325,237 47.580 .12 AEROSPACE & MILITARY TECHNOLOGY - 0.65% Bombardier Inc., Class B (Canada) 8,400,000 210.940 .54 SAGEM SA (France)(1) 33,000 43.293 .11 LEISURE & TOURISM - 0.64% Granada Group PLC (United Kingdom) 13,697,532 146.925 .38 Seagram Co. Ltd. (Canada) 1,200,000 71.400 .18 Thomson Travel Group PLC (United Kingdom) 19,300,000 29.860 .08 BUILDING MATERIALS & COMPONENTS - 0.61% TOSTEM CORP. (Japan) 6,990,000 112.698 .29 Cemex, SA de CV, ordinary participation certificates, Units (ADR) (Mexico) 4,199,314 95.009 Cemex, SA de CV, warrants (ADR), expire 2002(1) 262,457 .919 .25 Holderbank Financiere Glaris Ltd. (Switzerland) 23,966 28.571 .07 FOREST PRODUCTS & PAPER - 0.59% UPM-Kymmene Corp. (Finland) 3,680,800 103.980 .27 Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. (Canada) 9,500,000 91.302 .22 Stora Enso Oyj (Finland) 2,394,843 25.685 .07 AssiDoman AB (Sweden) 600,000 9.956 .03 OTHER INDUSTRIES - 4.50% Pechiney, Class A (France) 3,078,675 151.092 .39 Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Germany) 5,400,000 123.329 .32 ORIX Corp. (Japan) 772,400 101.492 ORIX Corp. 0.375% convertible debentures 2005 Y600,000,000 8.195 .28 BOC Group PLC (United Kingdom) 5,005,000 97.951 .25 Buhrmann NV (Netherlands) 3,844,000 97.547 .25 ADVANTEST CORP. (Japan) 375,200 79.406 .20 NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. (Japan) 6,412,000 72.864 .19 Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. (Hong Kong) 8,150,000 70.651 .18 Minebea Co., Ltd. (Japan) 4,904,000 65.015 .17 De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd. (South Africa) 2,638,800 61.875 .16 Nichiei Co., Ltd. (Japan) 3,000,000 56.672 .15 British Airways PLC (United Kingdom) 10,000,000 52.555 .13 L'Air Liquide (France) 361,095 50.174 .13 Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd. (Hong Kong - Incorporated in Bermuda) 34,363,300 47.765 .12 Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Japan) 5,600,000 45.144 .11 Manila Electric Co., Class A (GDR) (Philippines) (2),(3) 3,110,000 27.558 Manila Electric Co., Class B 9,540,381 16.733 .11 Cia. Energetica de Minas Gerais - CEMIG, preferred nominative (ADR) (Brazil) 2,393,418 41.286 Cia. Energetica de Minas Gerais - CEMIG, ordinary nominative 163,059,152 2.050 Cia. Energetica de Minas Gerais - CEMIG, preferred nominative (ADR) (2) 26,066 .450 .11 PowerGen PLC (United Kingdom) 7,261,943 42.625 .11 Tokyo Electron Ltd. (Japan) 275,000 41.400 .11 Stolt-Nielsen SA, Class B (ADR) (Incorporated in Luxembourg) 1,997,900 36.961 .10 National Power PLC (United Kingdom) 7,135,400 35.765 .09 Corus Group PLC (United Kingdom) 19,940,200 32.441 .08 Nikon Corp. (Japan) 832,000 31.838 .08 Bergesen d.y. AS, Class B (Norway) 1,130,000 19.662 Bergesen d.y. AS, Class A 542,800 9.830 .08 Bayer AG (Germany) 600,000 26.947 .07 Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd. (Hong Kong) 1,800,000 26.931 .07 Bouygues SA (France) 30,000 23.787 .06 Security Capital Global Realty (Luxembourg)(1),(2),(3) 1,125,000 21.611 .06 Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. (United Kingdom) 1,985,628 20.634 .05 Scottish Power PLC (United Kingdom) 2,350,000 19.032 .05 Ayala Land, Inc. (Philippines) 105,880,000 17.540 .05 Bridgestone Corp. (Japan) 775,000 17.049 .04 Imperial Chemical Industries PLC (ADR) (United Kingdom) 430,000 13.867 .04 Valeo (France) 240,000 11.824 .03 Cie. Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Class B (France) 324,303 10.416 .03 Morgan Crucible Co. PLC (United Kingdom) 2,550,836 10.090 .03 Shohkoh Fund & Co., Ltd. (Japan) 60,000 8.683 .02 MISCELLANEOUS - 4.32% Other equity securities in initial period of acquisition 1,679.656 4.32 -------- -------- TOTAL EQUITY SECURITIES (cost: $20,485.071) 35,687.695 91.82 -------- -------- Shares/Principal Market Percent Amount Value of Net BONDS & NOTES (Millions) (Millions) Assets ------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- BROADCASTING & PUBLISHING - 0.05% Grupo Televisa, SA 0%/13.25% 2008(4) $20.000 19.750 .05 NON U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS - 0.37% Brazil (Federal Republic of), Bearer 8.00% 2014 $161.951 121.868 .32 Argentina (Republic of) 11.75% 2007 ARP14.00 13.202 Argentina (Republic of) 11.375% 2017 $7.500 7.313 .05 -------- -------- TOTAL BONDS & NOTES (cost: $136.338) 162.133 .42 -------- -------- Principal Market Percent Amount Value of Net SHORT-TERM SECURITIES (Millions) (Millions) Assets ------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- Corporate Short-Term Notes - 5.44% BMW US Capital Corp. 5.99%-6.01% due 4/20-5/26/2000 107.800 107.037 .28 Deutsche Bank Financial Inc. 5.94%-6.08% due 4/17-6/20/2000 106.300 105.489 .27 General Motors Acceptance Corp. 5.84%-5.92% due 4/19-5/19/2000 101.500 100.868 .26 Ciesco LP 5.85%-5.87% due 4/17-4/24/2000 100.000 99.667 .26 E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. 5.80%-6.00% due 4/6-5/23/2000 100.300 99.556 .26 Societe Generale North America Inc. 6.00%-6.02% due 5/19-5/24/2000 96.800 95.969 .25 Procter & Gamble Co. 5.83%-5.98% due 4/20-4/27/2000 94.763 94.395 .24 General Electric Capital Corp. 5.91%-6.04% due 4/28-5/9/2000 93.400 92.926 .24 International Lease Finance Corp. 5.85%-6.01% due 5/3-5/26/2000 91.000 90.362 .23 American Honda Finance Corp. 5.87%-6.04% due 5/5-5/23/2000 86.400 85.751 .22 Archer Daniels Midland Co. 5.86%-6.03% due 5/2-5/22/2000 86.000 85.425 .22 DaimlerChrysler NA Holdings 5.86%-6.03% due 5/10-5/16/2000 85.300 84.707 .22 Coca-Cola Co. (The) 5.86%-5.96% due 4/25-5/18/2000 83.300 82.732 .21 Toronto-Dominion Holdings USA Inc. 5.79%-5.82% due 4/3-4/4/2000 69.500 69.459 .18 Dresdner U.S. Finance Inc. 6.01%-6.08% due 5/19-6/20/2000 66.000 65.372 .17 Ford Motor Credit Co. 5.82%-5.86% due 4/7-5/4/2000 65.500 65.271 .17 Equilon Enterprises LLC 5.82%-5.86% due 4/11-5/4/2000 65.000 64.786 .17 H.J Heinz Co. 5.82%-5.97% due 4/18-4/28/2000 58.700 58.474 .15 Svenska Handelsbanken 6.01% due 4/19/2000 50.000 49.841 .13 KfW International Finance Inc. 5.89%-5.90% due 5/17-5/31/2000 50.300 49.809 .13 Bell Atlantic Financial Services Inc. 5.85% due 4/27/2000 50.000 49.781 .13 FCE Bank 5.87%-6.06% due 4/25-6/8/2000 49.800 49.457 .13 Spintab AB 5.98% due 6/9/2000 48.000 47.432 .12 CBA (Delaware) Finance Inc. 5.89%-5.90% due 5/10-5/15/2000 45.000 44.682 .11 Motiva Enterprises LLC 5.82%-5.85% due 4/13-4/26/2000 43.200 43.060 .11 Chevron U.K. Investment PLC 5.83%-5.93% due 4/7-5/5/2000 40.000 39.862 .10 Halifax PLC 5.90% due 5/24/2000 40.000 39.639 .10 Eksportfinans ASA 5.82% due 4/6/2000 35.000 34.966 .09 Den Danske Corp. Inc. 5.83% due 4/5/2000 25.000 24.980 .06 Abbey National North America 5.82% due 4/10/2000 25.000 24.960 .06 Canadian Imperial Holdings Inc. 5.83% due 4/11/2000 25.000 24.955 .06 Bayerische Hypotheken-und Wechsel-Bank AG 5.82% due 4/12/2000 25.000 24.951 .06 Westpac Trust Securities NZ LTD. 5.81% due 4/14/2000 20.000 19.955 .05 Federal Agency Discount Notes - 1.42% Freddie Mac 5.70%-6.04% due 4/6-6/29/2000 327.100 324.184 .83 Fannie Mae 5.71%-6.05% due 4/6-6/29/2000 115.382 114.345 .30 Federal Home Loan Banks 5.63%-6.00% due 5/17-5/26/2000 113.863 112.860 .29 Certificates of Deposit - 0.21% Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce 5.88%-5.91% due 4/5-4/10/2000 55.000 55.000 .14 Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. of New York 6.07% due 4/19/2000 25.000 25.000 .07 Non-U.S. Currency - 0.02% New Taiwanese Dollar NT$202.528 6.666 .02 -------- -------- TOTAL SHORT-TERM SECURITIES (cost: $2,755.419 million) 2,754.631 7.09 -------- -------- TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES (cost: $23,376.828 million) 38,604.459 99.33 Excess of cash and receivables over payables 262.739 .67 -------- -------- NET ASSETS $38,867.198 100.00 -------- -------- (1) Non-income producing securities. (2) Purchased in a private placement transaction; resale to the public may require registration or sale only to qualified institutional buyers. (3) Valued under procedures established by the Board of Trustees. (4) Step bond; coupon rate will increase at a later date. ADR = American Depositary Receipts GDR = Global Depositary Receipts |
Companies Added to the Portfolio Since September 30, 1999 AUDIOFINA LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton Aventis Lycos Europe BCE Newbridge Networks Bouygues Nikon British Airways Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation CMG PowerGen Compal Electronics PT Multimedia Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank SAGEM DaimlerChrysler Samsung Electro-Mechanics DBS Group Holdings Sema Group e.Biscom Seven-Eleven Japan Enterprise Oil Shaw Communications EPCOS Shinhan Bank Getronics Shionogi Heineken Shohkoh Fund InterQ Smiths Industries Intershop Communications Suncor Energy KirchMedia Svenska Handelsbanken Korea Telecom Taiwan Semiconductor Lernout & Hauspie Thomson Travel Liberty Surf Tiscali Lloyds TSB World Online Logica Companies Eliminated from the Portfolio Since September 30, 1999 Amway Japan Mitsubishi Estate Asahi Breweries Orange Bajaj Auto Pathe Cadbury Schweppes Perusahan Perseroan (Persero) Carrefour !PT Indonesian Satellite Cia. Paranaese de Energia - COPEL Peugeot Elf Aquitaine Porsche George Weston Qantas Airways H & M Hennes & Mauritz Raisio Keyence Shiseido Koninklijke Ahold SmithKline Beecham LIGHT-Servicos de Electricidade Societe Europeenne des Satellites Sony Music Entertainment Swedish Match Swisscom |
EuroPacific Growth Fund Financial Statements Statement of Assets and Liabilities (dollars in millions) at March 31, 2000 ASSETS: Investment securities at market (cost: $23,376.828) $38,604.459 Receivables for-- Sales of investments $319.724 Sales of fund's shares 129.724 Dividends and accrued interest 88.045 537.493 ---------- ---------- 39,141.952 LIABILITIES: Payables for-- Purchases of investments 197.103 Repurchases of fund's shares 42.338 Forward currency contracts - net 4.385 Management services 14.201 Accrued expenses and other 16.727 274.754 ---------- ---------- NET ASSETS AT MARCH 31, 2000-- $38,867.198 ========== Class A shares, unlimited shares authorized: Net assets $38,837.311 Shares of beneficial interest outstanding 870,681,797 Net asset value per share $44.61 Class B shares, unlimited shares authorized: Net assets $29.887 Shares of beneficial interest outstanding 670,255 Net asset value per share $44.59 Statement of Operations for the year ended March 31, 2000 (dollars in millions) INVESTMENT INCOME: Income: Dividends $346.378 Interest 159.523 ---------- $505.901 Expenses: Management services fee 131.596 Distribution expenses - Class A 71.410 Distribution expenses - Class B .008 Transfer agent fee - Class A 20.323 Transfer agent fee- Class B .001 Reports to shareholders .677 Registration statement and prospectus 1.268 Postage, stationery and supplies 3.081 Directors' fees .319 Auditing and legal fees .102 Custodian fee 10.942 Taxes other than federal income tax .452 Other expenses .437 240.616 ---------- ---------- Net investment income 265.285 ---------- REALIZED GAIN AND UNREALIZED APPRECIATION ON INVESTMENTS: Net realized gain 3,084.054 Net change in unrealized appreciation on: Investments 9,243.158 Open forward currency contracts (4.385) ---------- Net unrealized appreciation 9,238.773 ---------- Net realized gain and unrealized appreciation on investments 12,322.827 ---------- NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS 12,588.112 ========== Statement of Changes in Net Assets Year ended March 31, (dollars in millions) 2000 1999 ---------- ---------- OPERATIONS: Net investment income $ 265.285 $ 299.948 Net realized gain on investments 3,084.054 769.649 Net increase in urealized appreciation on investments 9,238.773 523.918 ---------- ---------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 12,588.112 1,593.515 ---------- ---------- DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS: Dividends from net investment income, Class A (221.364) (258.117) Distributions from net realized gains on investments, Class A (1,078.276) (901.166) ---------- ---------- Total Dividends and Distributions (1,299.640) (1,159.283) ---------- ---------- CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: Proceeds from shares sold 10,707.128 4,252.412 Proceeds from shares issued in reinvestment of net investment income dividends and distributions of net realized gain on investments 1,245.354 1,110.693 Cost of shares repurchased (6,456.731) (5,030.545) ---------- ---------- Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions 5,495.751 332.560 ---------- ---------- TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 16,784.223 766.792 NET ASSETS: Beginning of year 22,082.975 21,316.183 ---------- ---------- End of year (including undistributed net investment income: $61.015 and $65.361 respectively) $38,867.198 $22,082.975 ========== ========== See Notes to Financial Statements |
Notes to Financial Statements
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION - EuroPacific Growth Fund (the "fund") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end diversified management investment company. The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in the securities of companies based outside the United States. The fund offers Class A and Class B shares. Class A shares are sold with an initial sales charge of up to 5.75%. Class B shares are sold with a contingent deferred sales charge, which declines from 5% to zero depending on the length of time the shares are held, and include a higher distribution fee than Class A shares. Class B shares are automatically converted to Class A shares eight years after the date of purchase. Holders of both classes of shares have equal pro rata rights to assets and identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that each class bears different distribution and transfer agent expenses, and each class shall have exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only their class.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in the preparation of its financial statements:
SECURITY VALUATION - Equity securities, including depositary receipts, are valued at the last reported sale price on the exchange or market on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid price. In cases where equity securities are traded on more than one exchange, the securities are valued on the exchange or market determined by the investment adviser to be the broadest and most representative market, which may be either a securities exchange or the over-the-counter market. Fixed-income securities are valued at prices obtained from a pricing service, when such prices are available; however, in circumstances where the investment adviser deems it appropriate to do so, such securities will be valued at the mean quoted bid and asked prices or at prices for securities of comparable maturity, quality and type. The ability of the issuers of the debt securities held by the fund to meet their obligations may be affected by economic developments in a specific industry, state or region. Short-term securities maturing within 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Forward currency contracts are valued at the mean of their representative quoted bid and asked prices. Securities and assets for which representative market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees.
NON-U.S. CURRENCY TRANSLATION - Assets and liabilities initially expressed in terms of non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates at the end of the reporting period. Purchases and sales of securities and income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates on the dates of such transactions. The effects of changes in non-U.S. currency exchange rates on investment securities and other assets and liabilities are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investment securities.
SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED INVESTMENT INCOME - Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are determined based on specific identified cost. In the event securities are purchased on a delayed delivery or "when-issued" basis, the fund will instruct the custodian to segregate liquid assets sufficient to meet its payment obligations in these transactions. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, and interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Market discounts, premiums, and original issue discounts on securities purchased are amortized daily over the expected life of the security.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS - Dividends and distributions paid to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS - The fund may enter into forward currency contracts, which represent agreements to exchange currencies of different countries at specified future dates at specified rates. The fund enters into these contracts to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates arising from investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies. The fund's use of forward currency contracts involves market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statement of assets and liabilities. The contracts are recorded in the statement of assets and liabilities at their net unrealized value. The fund records realized gains or losses at the time the forward contract is closed or offset by a matching contract. The face or contract amount in U.S. dollars reflects the total exposure the fund has in that particular contract. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from possible movements in non-U.S. exchange rates and securities values underlying these instruments. Purchases and sales of forward currency exchange contracts having the same settlement date and broker are offset and presented net in the statement of assets and liabilities.
COMMON EXPENSES - Income, expenses (other than class-specific expenses) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are prorated between the classes based on the relative net assets of each class. Distribution and transfer agent fees, and any other class-specific expenses, if any, are calculated daily at the class level based on the relative daily net assets of each class and the specific expense rate applicable to each class.
2. NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS
INVESTMENT RISK - Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers in certain
countries involve special investment risks. These risks may include, but are
not limited to, investment and repatriation restrictions, revaluation of
currencies, adverse political, social, and economic developments, government
involvement in the private sector, limited and less reliable investor
information, lack of liquidity, certain local tax law considerations, and
limited regulation of the securities markets.
TAXATION - Dividend and interest income is recorded net of non-U.S. taxes paid.
For the year ended March 31, 2000, such non-U.S. taxes were $55,193,000.
Net realized gain and net unrealized gain of the fund derived in certain countries are subject to certain non-U.S. taxes. The fund provides for such non-U.S. taxes on investment income, net realized gain and net unrealized gain. CURRENCY GAINS AND LOSSES - Net realized currency losses on dividends, interest, sales of non-U.S. bonds and notes, forward contracts, and other receivables and payables, on a book basis, were $2,493,000 for the year ended March 31, 2000.
3. FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
The fund complies with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and intends to distribute all of its net taxable income and net capital gains for the fiscal year. As a regulated investment company, the fund is not subject to income taxes if such distributions are made. Required distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and net realized gains for financial reporting purposes. In addition, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the year in which the net investment income and net realized gains are recorded by the fund.
As of March 31, 2000, net unrealized appreciation on investments, excluding forward currency contracts, for federal income tax purposes aggregated $15,174,965,000; $16,066,110,000 related to appreciated securities and $891,145,000 related to depreciated securities. During the year ended March 31, 2000, the fund realized, on a tax basis, a net capital gain of $3,085,544,000 on securities transactions. Net losses related to non-U.S. currency and other transactions of $1,490,000 were treated as an adjustment to ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. The cost of portfolio securities, excluding forward currency contracts, for federal income tax purposes was $23,429,494,000 at March 31, 2000.
4. FEES AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE - The fee of $131,596,000 for management services was incurred pursuant to an agreement with Capital Research and Management Company (CRMC), with which certain officers and Trustees of the fund are affiliated. The Investment Advisory and Service Agreement in effect through December 31, 1999, provided for monthly fees, accrued daily, based on an annual rate of 0.69% of the first $500 million of average net assets; 0.59% of such assets in excess of $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.53% of such assets in excess of $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.50% of such assets in excess of $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.48% of such assets in excess of $2.5 billion but not exceeding $4 billion; 0.47% of such assets in excess of $4 billion but not exceeding $6.5 billion; 0.46% of such assets in excess of $6.5 billion but not exceeding $10.5 billion; 0.45% of such assets in excess of $10.5 billion but not exceeding $17 billion ; and 0.445% of such assets in excess of $17 billion. The Board of Trustees approved an amended agreement effective January 1, 2000, reducing the fees to an annual rate of 0.69% of the first $500 million of average net assets; 0.59% of such assets in excess of $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.53% of such assets in excess of $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.50% of such assets in excess of $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.48% of such assets in excess of $2.5 billion but not exceeding $4 billion; 0.47% of such assets in excess of $4 billion but not exceeding $6.5 billion; 0.46% of such assets in excess of $6.5 billion but not exceeding $10.5 billion; 0.45% of such assets in excess of $10.5 billion but not exceeding $17 billion; 0.44% of such assets in excess of $17 billion but not exceeding $21 billion; 0.43% of such assets in excess of $21 billion but not exceeding $27 billion; 0.425% of such assets in excess of $27 billion but not exceeding $34 billion; 0.42% of such assets in excess of $34 billion but not exceeding $44 billion; and 0.415% of such assets in excess of $44 billion.
DISTRIBUTION EXPENSES - Pursuant to a Plan of Distribution for Class A shares, the fund may expend up to 0.25% of Class A average daily net assets annually for any activities primarily intended to result in sales of fund shares, provided the categories of expenses for which reimbursement is made are approved by the fund's Board of Trustees. Pursuant to a Plan of Distribution for Class B shares, the fund may expend up to 1.00% of Class B average daily net assets annually to compensate dealers for their selling and servicing efforts. During the year ended March 31, 2000, distribution expenses under the Plan of Distribution for Class A shares were limited to $71,410,000. Had no limitation been in effect, the fund would have paid $85,656,000 for Class A shares. During the year ended March 31, 2000, distribution expenses under the Plan of Distribution for Class B shares were $8,000. As of March 31, 2000, accrued and unpaid distribution expenses for Class A and Class B shares were $7,502,000 and $8,000, respectively.
American Funds Distributors, Inc. (AFD), the principal underwriter of the
fund's shares, received $11,090,000 (after allowances to dealers) as its
portion of the sales charges paid by purchasers of the fund's Class A shares.
Such sales charges are not an expense of the fund and, hence, are not reflected
in the accompanying statement of operations.
TRANSFER AGENT FEE - American Funds Service Company (AFS), the transfer agent
for the fund, was paid a fee of $20,324,000.
TRUSTEES' FEES - Trustees who are unaffiliated with CRMC may elect to defer part or all of the fees earned for services as members of the Board. Amounts deferred are not funded and are general unsecured liabilities of the fund. As of March 31, 2000, aggregate deferred amounts and earnings thereon since the deferred compensation plan's adoption (1993), net of any payments to Trustees, were $1,165,000.
CRMC is owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc. AFS and AFD are both wholly owned subsidiaries of CRMC. Certain Trustees and officers of the fund are or may be considered to be affiliated with CRMC, AFS and AFD. No such persons received any remuneration directly from the fund.
5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER DISCLOSURES
The fund made purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding
short-term securities, of $10,915,769,000 and $7,573,962,000 respectively,
during the year ended March 31, 2000.
As of March 31, 2000, net assets consist of the following:
Capital paid in on shares of $21,577,119,000 beneficial interest Undistributed net investment income 61,015,000 Accumulated net realized gain 2,007,195,000 Net unrealized appreciation 15,221,869,000 Net Assets $38,867,198,000 |
Capital share transactions in the fund were as follows:
Year ended Year ended March 31, 2000 March 31, 1999 Amount Shares Amount Shares Class A Shares: Sold $ 10,677.481 279,693,484 $ 4,252.412 149,373,115 Reinvestment of dividends and distributions 1,245.354 33,084,650 1,110.693 39,600,216 Repurchased (6,456.700) (173,087,213) (5,030.545) (179,052,856) Net increase in Class A 5,466.135 139,690,921 332.560 9,920,475 Class B Shares: (1) - - Sold 29.647 670,954 - - Reinvestment of dividends and distributions - - Repurchased (0.031) (699) - - Net increase in Class B 29.616 670,255 - - Total net increase in fund $ 5,495.751 140,361,176 $ 332.560 9,920,475 (1) Class B shares offered for sale commencing March 15, 2000. |
The fund reclassified $1,488,000 from undistributed net investment income to undistributed net realized gains; and reclassified $46,779,000 and $137,243,000 from undistributed net investment income and undistributed net realized gains, respectively, to paid-in capital for the year ended March 31, 2000.
Pursuant to the custodian agreement, the fund receives credits against its custodian fee for imputed interest on certain balances with the custodian bank. The custodian fee of $10,942,000 includes $131,000 that was paid by these credits rather than in cash.
At March 31, 2000, the fund had outstanding forward currency contracts to sell non-U.S. currencies as follows:
Non-U.S. Currency Contract Amounts U.S. Valuation at 3/31/00 Sale Contracts Non-U.S. U.S. Amount Unrealized Depreciation Japanese Yen expiring 10/18/00 Y30,185,100,000 $300,000,000 $304,385,000 $(4,385,000) |
PER-SHARE DATA AND RATIOS Net gains on Net securities asset (both Total value, Net realized from Year beginning investment and investment ended of year income unrealized) operations Class A: 2000 $30.21 0.34 (3) 15.74 (3) 16.08 1999 29.56 .42 1.85 2.27 1998 26.70 .45 4.79 5.24 1997 24.28 .46 3.28 3.74 1996 20.89 .46 3.63 4.09 Class B(4): 2000 43.09 0.03 (3) 1.47 (3) 1.50 Dividends (from net realized Distri- Net Dividends non- butions asset (from net U.S. (from Total value, investment currency capital Distri- end of income) gains)(1) gains) butions year Class A: (.29) - (1.39) (1.68) $44.61 (.36) - (1.26) (1.62) 30.21 (.43) (.017) (1.93) (2.38) 29.56 (.41) (.03) (.88) (1.32) 26.70 (.49) - (.21) (0.70) 24.28 Class B(4): - - - - 44.59 Ratio Ratio Net of of assets, expenses income end of to to Total year average average Portfolio return (in net net turnover (2) millions) assets assets rate Class A: 54.31% $38,837 .84% 0.93 28.94% 8.18 22,083 .84 1.45 31.73 20.97 21,316 .86 1.64 30.51 15.88 16,737 .90 1.77 25.82 0.20 12,335 .01 0.02 0.2177 Class B(4): 3.48 (5) 30 .07(5) .06(5) 28.94(6) (1) Realized non-U.S. currency gains are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. (2) Excludes maximum sales charge of 5.75%. (3) Based on average shares outstanding. (4) Class B shares offered for sale commencing March 15, 2000. (5) Based on operations for the period shown and, accordingly, not representative of a full year. (6) Represents portfolio turnover for the year ended March 31, 2000. |
Report of Independent Accountants
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of EuroPacific Growth Fund:
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the investment portfolio, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the per-share data and ratios present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of EuroPacific Growth Fund (the "Fund") at March 31, 2000, the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets and the per-share data and ratios for the years indicated in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These financial statements and per-share data and ratios (hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, which require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities owned at March 31, 2000 by correspondence with the custodian, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS LLP
Los Angeles, California
April 28, 2000
Tax Information (unaudited)
We are required to advise you within 60 days of the fund's fiscal year-end regarding the federal tax status of certain distributions received by shareholders during such fiscal year.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, the fund paid a long-term capital gains distribution of $1,078,276,000 to Class A shareholders. The fund also designates as a capital gain distribution a portion of earnings and profits paid to shareholders in redemption of their shares.
The fund makes an election under the Internal Revenue Code Section 853 to pass through non-U.S. taxes paid by the fund to its shareholders. The amount of non-U.S. taxes for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 was $55,193,000. Foreign source income earned by the fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 was $387,906,000. Shareholders are entitled to a foreign tax credit or an itemized deduction, at their discretion. Generally, it is more advantageous to claim a credit rather than to take a deduction.
Dividends and distributions received by retirement plans such as IRAs, Keogh-type plans and 403(b) plans need not be reported as taxable income. However, many retirement plan trusts may need this information for their annual information reporting.
SINCE THE AMOUNTS ABOVE ARE REPORTED FOR THE FUND'S FISCAL YEAR AND NOT THE CALENDAR YEAR, SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD REFER TO THEIR FORM 1099-DIV OR OTHER TAX INFORMATION WHICH WILL BE MAILED IN JANUARY 2001 TO DETERMINE THE CALENDAR YEAR AMOUNTS TO BE INCLUDED ON THEIR 2000 TAX RETURNS. SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISERS.
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND
ITEM 23. EXHIBITS
(a) Establishment and Designation of Additional Classes of Shares of Beneficial
Interest Without Par Value dated 12/07/00
(b) Previously filed (see Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 filed 5/6/97)
(c) Form of Share certificate
(d) Previously filed (see Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 filed 3/13/00)
(e) Form of Amended and Restated Principal Underwriting Agreement
(f) None
(g) Previously filed (see Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 filed 3/13/00)
(h) Form of Administrative Services Agreement
(i) Legal Opinion for Class C and Class F Shares
(j) Consent of Independent Accountants
(k) None
(l) None
(m) Form of Plans of Distribution relating to Class C and Class F Shares
(n) Amended Form of Multiple Class Plan
(o) None
(p) Code of Ethics
ITEM 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
None
ITEM 25. INDEMNIFICATION
Registrant is a joint-insured under Investment Advisor/Mutual Fund Errors and Omissions Policies written by American International Surplus Lines Insurance Company, Chubb Custom Insurance Company and ICI Mutual Insurance Company. These policies insure its officers and trustees against certain liabilities. However, in no event will Registrant maintain insurance to indemnify any such person for any act for which Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify the individual.
ITEM 25. INDEMNIFICATION (CONTINUED)
Article VI of the Trust's By-Laws states:
(a) The Trust shall indemnify any Trustee or officer of the Trust who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than action by or in the right of the Trust) by reason of the fact that such person is or was such Trustee or officer or an employee or agent of the Trust, or is or was serving at the request of the Trust as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person's conduct was unlawful.
The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person reasonably believed to be opposed to the best interests of the Trust, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person's conduct was unlawful.
(b) The Trust shall indemnify any Trustee or officer of the Trust who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Trust to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was such Trustee or officer or an employee or agent of the Trust, or is or was serving at the request of the Trust as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of such person's duty to the Trust unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought, or any other court having jurisdiction in the premises, shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.
(c) To the extent that a Trustee or officer of the Trust has been successful on the merits in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subparagraphs (a) or (b) above or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith, without the necessity for the determination as to the standard of conduct as provided in subparagraph (d).
ITEM 25. INDEMNIFICATION (CONTINUED)
(d) Any indemnification under subparagraph (a) or (b) (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Trust only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the Trustee or officer is proper under the standard of conduct set forth in subparagraph (a) or (b). Such determination shall be made (i) by the Board by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Trustees who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, and are disinterested Trustees or (ii) if such a quorum of disinterested Trustees so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
(e) Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the Trust in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, as authorized in the particular case, upon receipt of an undertaking and security by or on behalf of the Trustee or officer to repay such amount unless it shall ultimately be determined that such person is entitled to be indemnified by the Trust as authorized herein. Such determination must be made by disinterested Trustees or independent legal counsel.
(f) Agents and employees of the Trust who are not Trustees or officers of the Trust may be indemnified under the same standards and procedures set forth above, in the discretion of the Board.
(g) Any indemnification pursuant to this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be Trustee or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.
(h) Nothing in the Declaration of Trust or in these By-Laws shall be deemed to protect any Trustee, officer, distributor, investment adviser or controlling shareholder of the Trust against any liability to the Trust or to its shareholders to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful malfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person's office.
(i) The Trust shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person against any liability asserted against or incurred by such person, whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article. Nevertheless, insurance will not be purchased or maintained by the Trust if the purchase or maintenance of such insurance would result in the indemnification of any person in contravention of any rule or regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to Trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a Trustee, officer of controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such Trustee, officer of controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
None
ITEM 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) American Funds Distributors, Inc. is also the Principal Underwriter of shares of: AMCAP Fund, Inc., American Balanced Fund, Inc., The American Funds Income Series, The American Funds Tax-Exempt Series I, The American Funds Tax-Exempt Series II, American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., American High-Income Trust, American Mutual Fund, Inc., The Bond Fund of America, Inc., Capital Income Builder, Inc., Capital World Bond Fund, Inc., Capital World Growth and Income Fund, Inc., The Cash Management Trust of America, Fundamental Investors, Inc., The Growth Fund of America, Inc., The Income Fund of America, Inc., The Investment Company of America, Intermediate Bond Fund of America, Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America, The New Economy Fund, New Perspective Fund, Inc., New World Fund, Inc., SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc., The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America, Inc., The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America, U.S. Treasury Money Fund of America and Washington Mutual Investors Fund, Inc.
(B) (1) (2) (3) NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND OFFICES BUSINESS ADDRESS WITH UNDERWRITER WITH REGISTRANT David L. Abzug Vice President None 27304 Park Vista Road Agoura Hills, CA 91301 John A. Agar Vice President None 1501 N. University, Suite 227A Little Rock, AR 72207 Robert B. Aprison Vice President None 2983 Bryn Wood Drive Madison, WI 53711 L William W. Bagnard Vice President None Steven L. Barnes Senior Vice President None 5400 Mount Meeker Road Suite 1 Boulder, CO 80301-3508 B Carl R. Bauer Vice President None Michelle A. Bergeron Senior Vice President None 4160 Gateswalk Drive Smyrna, GA 30080 J. Walter Best, Jr. Regional Vice President None 9013 Brentmeade Blvd. Brentwood, TN 37027 Joseph T. Blair Senior Vice President None 148 E. Shore Ave. Groton Long Point, CT 06340 John A. Blanchard Vice President None 6421 Aberdeen Road Mission Hills, KS 66208 Ian B. Bodell Senior Vice President None P.O. Box 1665 Brentwood, TN 37024-1665 Mick L. Brethower Senior Vice President None 2320 North Austin Avenue Georgetown, TX 78626 Alan Brown Vice President None 4129 Laclede Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108 B J. Peter Burns Vice President None Brian C. Casey Vice President None 8002 Greentree Road Bethesda, MD 20817 Victor C. Cassato Senior Vice President None 609 W. Littleton Blvd., Suite 310 Greenwood Village, CO 80120 Christopher J. Cassin Senior Vice President None 19 North Grant Street Hinsdale, IL 60521 Denise M. Cassin Vice President None 1301 Stoney Creek Drive San Ramon, CA 94538 L Larry P. Clemmensen Director None L Kevin G. Clifford Director, President and None Co-Chief Executive Officer Ruth M. Collier Senior Vice President None 29 Landsdowne Drive Larchmont, NY 10538 S David Coolbaugh Assistant Vice President None H Carlo O. Cordasco Assistant Vice President None Thomas E. Cournoyer Vice President None 2333 Granada Boulevard Coral Gables, FL 33134 Douglas A. Critchell Senior Vice President None 3521 Rittenhouse Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20015 L Carl D. Cutting Vice President None William F. Daugherty Regional Vice President None 1216 Highlander Way Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Guy E. Decker Regional Vice President None 345 Trowbridge Lane Lawrenceville, GA 300436 Daniel J. Delianedis Vice President None 8689 Braxton Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55347 James A. DePerno, Jr. Regional Vice President None 91 Church Street East Aurora, NY 14052 L Bruce De Priester Vice President None Michael A. DiLella Vice President None P. O. Box 661 Ramsey, NJ 07446 G. Michael Dill Senior Vice President None 505 E. Main Street Jenks, OK 74037 Kirk D. Dodge Senior Vice President None 2627 Mission Street San Marino, CA 91108 Peter J. Doran Director, Executive Vice None President 100 Merrick Road, Suite 216W Rockville Centre, NY 11570 L Michael J. Downer Secretary None Michael J. Dullaghan Regional Vice President None 1307 Sage Court Chesapeake, VA 23320 Robert W. Durbin Vice President None 74 Sunny Lane Tiffin, OH 44883 I Lloyd G. Edwards Senior Vice President None Timothy L. Ellis Regional Vice President None 1441 Canton Mart Road, Suite 9 Jackson, MS 39211 John R. Fodor Senior Vice President None 15 Latisquama Road Southborough, MA 01772 Daniel B. Frick Regional Vice President None 845 Western Avenue Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Clyde E. Gardner Senior Vice President None Route 2, Box 3162 Osage Beach, MO 65065 B Evelyn K. Glassford Vice President None Jeffrey J. Greiner Vice President None 12210 Taylor Road Plain City, OH 43064 L Paul G. Haaga, Jr. Director None B Mariellen Hamann Assistant Vice President None Derek S. Hansen Regional Vice President None 13033 Ridgedale Drive, PMB 147 Minnetonka, MN 55305 David E. Harper Senior Vice President None 150 Old Franklin School Road Pittstown, NJ 08867 H Mary Pat Harris Assistant Vice President None Ronald R. Hulsey Senior Vice President None 6744 Avalon Dallas, TX 75214 Robert S. Irish Vice President None 1225 Vista Del Mar Drive Delray Beach, FL 33483 Michael J. Johnston Director None 630 Fifth Avenue, 36th Floor New York, NY 10111 B Damien M. Jordan Vice President None John P. Keating Regional Vice President None 2285 Eagle Harbor Parkway Orange Park, FL 32073 Dorothy Klock Vice President None 555 Madison Avenue, 29th Floor New York, NY 10022 H Dianne L. Koske Assistant Vice President Andrew R. LeBlanc Regional Vice President None 78 Eton Road Garden City, NY 11530 Arthur J. Levine Senior Vice President None 12558 Highlands Place Fishers, IN 46038 B Karl A. Lewis Assistant Vice President None T. Blake Liberty Vice President None 5506 East Mineral Lane Littleton, CO 80122 Mark J. Lien Regional Vice President None 5570 Beechwood Terrace West Des Moines, IA 50266 L Lorin E. Liesy Vice President None Louis K. Linquata Regional Vice President None 170 South Battin Wichita, KS 67218 LW Robert W. Lovelace Director Senior Vice President Stephen A. Malbasa Senior Vice President None 13405 Lake Shore Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44110 Steven M. Markel Senior Vice President None 5241 South Race Street Littleton, CO 80121 L J. Clifton Massar Director, Senior Vice None President L E. Lee McClennahan Senior Vice President None James R. McCrary Regional Vice President None 963 1st Street, #1 Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 S John V. McLaughlin Senior Vice President None Terry W. McNabb Vice President None 2002 Barrett Station Road St. Louis, MO 63131 William E. Noe Vice President None 304 River Oaks Road Brentwood, TN 37027 Peter A. Nyhus Vice President None 3084 Wilds Ridge Court Prior Lake, MN 55372 Eric P. Olson Vice President None 62 Park Drive Glenview, IL 60025 Jeffrey A. Olson Regional Vice President None 930 S. Cowley Street, #305 Spokane, WA 99202 Gary A. Peace Regional Vice President None 291 Kaanapali Drive Napa, CA 94558 Samuel W. Perry Regional Vice President None 4730 East Indian School Road Suite 120 Phoenix, AZ 85018 David K. Petzke Regional Vice President None 4016 Saint Lucia Street Boulder, CO 80301 Fredric Phillips Senior Vice President None 175 Highland Avenue, 4th Floor Needham, MA 02494 B Candance D. Pilgrim Assistant Vice President None Carl S. Platou Vice President None 7455 80th Place, S.E. Mercer Island, WA 98040 L John O. Post Senior Vice President None S Richard P. Prior Vice President None Steven J. Reitman Senior Vice President None 212 The Lane Hinsdale, IL 60521 Brian A. Roberts Vice President None P.O. Box 388 Glenville, NC 28736 George S. Ross Senior Vice President None P.O. Box 376 Southport, ME 04576 L Julie D. Roth Vice President None L James F. Rothenberg Director None Douglas F. Rowe Vice President None 414 Logan Ranch Road Georgetown, TX 78628 Christopher S. Rowey Vice President None 10538 Cheviot Drive Los Angeles, CA 90064 Dean B. Rydquist Senior Vice President None 1080 Bay Pointe Crossing Alpharetta, GA 30005 Richard R. Samson Senior Vice President None 4604 Glencoe Avenue, #4 Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Joseph D. Scarpitti Vice President None 31465 St. Andrews Westlake, OH 44145 Shannon D. Schofield Regional Vice President None 3078 Peachtree Drive, NE Atlanta, GA 30305 L R. Michael Shanahan Director None Brad W. Short Regional Vice President None 1601 Seal Way Seal Beach, CA 90740 David W. Short Chairman of the Board and None 1000 RIDC Plaza, Suite Co-Chief Executive Officer 212 Pittsburgh, PA 15238 William P. Simon Senior Vice President None 912 Castlehill Lane Devon, PA 19333 Jerry L. Slater Regional Vice President None 4152 42nd Avenue, NE Seattle, WA 98105 Rodney G. Smith Senior Vice President None 100 N. Central Expressway Suite 1214 Richardson, TX 75080 S Sherrie L. Snyder-Senft Assistant Vice President None Anthony L. Soave Regional Vice President None 8831 Morning Mist Drive Clarkston, MI 48348 L Therese L. Souiller Assistant Vice President None Nicholas D. Spadaccini Vice President None 855 Markley Woods Way Cincinnati, OH 45230 L Kristen J. Spazafumo Assistant Vice President None Daniel S. Spradling Senior Vice President None 181 Second Avenue Suite 228 San Mateo, CA 94401 LW Eric H. Stern Director None B Max D. Stites Vice President None Thomas A. Stout Vice President None 1004 Ditchley Road Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Craig R. Strauser Vice President None 3 Dover Way Lake Oswego, OR 97034 Francis N. Strazzeri Senior Vice President None 3021 Kensington Trace Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 L Drew W. Taylor Assistant Vice President None Gary J. Thoma Regional Vice President None 604 Thelosen Drive Kimberly, WI 54136 L James P. Toomey Vice President None I Christopher E. Trede Vice President None George F. Truesdail Senior Vice President None 400 Abbotsford Court Charlotte, NC 28270 Scott W. Ursin-Smith Vice President None 60 Reedland Woods Way Tiburon, CA 94920 J. David Viale Regional Vice President None 39 Old Course Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 Thomas E. Warren Vice President None 119 Faubel Street Sarasota, FL 34242 L J. Kelly Webb Senior Vice President, None Treasurer and Controller Gregory J. Weimer Vice President None 206 Hardwood Drive Venetia, PA 15367 B Timothy W. Weiss Director None George J. Wenzel Regional Vice President None 251 Barden Road Bloomfield, MI 48304 H J. D. Wiedmaier Assistant Vice President None SF N. Dexter Williams Senior Vice President None Timothy J. Wilson Vice President None 113 Farmview Place Venetia, PA 15367 B Laura L. Wimberly Vice President None H Marshall D. Wingo Director, Senior Vice None President L Robert L. Winston Director, Senior Vice None President William R. Yost Senior Vice President None 9320 Overlook Trail Eden Prairie, MN 55347 Janet M. Young Regional Vice President None 1616 Vermont Houston, TX 77006 Jonathan A. Young Regional Vice President None 329 Downing Drive Chesapeake, VA 23322 Scott D. Zambon Regional Vice President None 2887 Player Lane Tustin Ranch, CA 92782 |
L Business Address, 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
LW Business Address, 11100 Santa Monica Boulevard, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, CA
90025
B Business Address, 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821
S Business Address, 3500 Wiseman Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78251
SF Business Address, One Market, Steuart Tower, Suite 1800, San Francisco, CA
94105-1016
H Business Address, 5300 Robin Hood Road, Norfolk, VA 23513
I Business Address, 8332 Woodfield Crossing Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46240
(c) None
ITEM 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
Accounts, books and other records required by Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are maintained and held in the offices of its investment adviser, Capital Research and Management Company, 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California 90071, and/or 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, California 92821.
Registrant's records covering shareholder accounts are maintained and kept by its transfer agent, American Funds Service Company, 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, California 92821, 8332 Woodfield Crossing Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46240, 3500 Wiseman Boulevard, San Antonio, Texas 78251 and 5300 Robin Hood Road, Norfolk, VA 23513.
Registrant's records covering portfolio transactions are maintained and kept by its custodian, The Chase Manhattan Bank, One Chase Manhattan Plaza, New York, New York 10081.
ITEM 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
None
ITEM 30. UNDERTAKINGS
n/a
SIGNATURE OF REGISTRANT
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this amended Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, and State of California, on the 12th day of March, 2001.
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND
By /s/ Gina H. Despres (Gina H. Despres, Chairman of the Board) Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment to Registration Statement has been signed below on March 12, 2001, by the following persons in the capacities indicated. SIGNATURE TITLE (1) Principal Executive Officer: /s/ Mark E. Denning (Mark E. Denning) President and Trustee (2) Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer: /s/ R. Marcia Gould Treasurer (R. Marcia Gould) (3) Trustees: Elisabeth Allison* Trustee /s/ Mark E. Denning President and Trustee (Mark E. Denning) /s/ Gina H. Despres Chairman of the Board (Gina H. Despres) Robert A. Fox* Trustee Alan Greenway* Trustee Koichi Itoh* Trustee William H. Kling* Trustee John G. McDonald* Trustee William I. Miller* Trustee Kirk P. Pendleton Trustee Donald E. Petersen* Trustee Thierry Vandeventer Vice Chairman of the Board *By /s/ Vincent P. Corti (Vincent P. Corti, Attorney-in-Fact) |
Counsel represents that this amendment does not contain disclosures that would make the amendment ineligible for effectiveness under the provisions of rule 485(b).
/s/ Kristine M. Nishiyama (Kristine M. Nishiyama) |
EUROPACIFIC GROWTH FUND
Establishment and Designation of Additional Classes
of Shares of Beneficial Interest Without Par Value
(the "Instrument")
The undersigned, being a majority of the Trustees of EuroPacific Growth Fund,
a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), acting pursuant to Section 6.1 of
the Trust's Declaration of Trust dated May 17, 1983, as amended and restated on
March 5, 1984 (the "Declaration of Trust"), hereby further divide and classify
the authorized and unissued shares of beneficial interest (together with the
shares of beneficial interest without par value, now outstanding, the "Shares")
into the two additional classes of Shares designated below in paragraph 1 (each
such class, including the two Share classes previously designated by an
instrument signed by a majority of the Trustees and dated as of December 7,
2000, is referred to as a "Class" and, collectively, the "Classes"). Each
Class (including all currently issued and outstanding shares previously
designated as Class A Shares and Class B Shares) shall be unlimited in number
and have the special and relative rights specified in this Instrument:
1. The two additional Classes shall be designated as follows:
Class C
Class F
2. Each Share of each Class of the Trust (including Class C and Class F
Shares) shall represent a pro rata beneficial interest in the assets
attributable to its Class, and shall be entitled to receive its pro rata share
of net assets attributable to that Class of Shares of the Trust upon
liquidation of the Trust, all as provided in or not inconsistent with the
Declaration of Trust. Unless otherwise provided in this Instrument, each Share
shall have the voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, preferences,
powers, restrictions, limitations, qualifications, terms and conditions, as set
forth in the Declaration of Trust.
3. Upon the effective date of this Instrument:
a. Each Share of each Class of the Trust (including Class C and Class F
Shares) shall be entitled to one vote (or fraction thereof in respect of a
fractional Share) on matters which those Shares (or Class of Shares) shall be
entitled to vote. Shareholders of the Trust shall vote together on any matter,
except to the extent otherwise required by the Investment Company Act of 1940
(the "Investment Company Act"), and the rules thereunder, in which case only
the Shareholders of that Class or those Classes shall be entitled to vote
thereon.
b. Each Class of Shares of the Trust (including Class C and Class F Shares)
may be issued and sold subject to different sales loads or charges, whether
initial, deferred or contingent, or any combination thereof, as may be
established from time to time by the Trustees of the Trust in accordance with
the Investment Company Act and applicable rules and regulations of
self-regulatory organizations and as shall be set forth in the applicable
prospectus for the Shares.
c. Liabilities, expenses, costs, charges or reserves that should be properly
allocated to the Shares of a particular Class of the Trust may, pursuant to a
Plan adopted by the Trustees to conform with Rule 18f-3 under the Investment
Company Act, or a similar rule, provision, interpretation or order under the
Investment Company Act, be charged to and borne solely by that Class and the
bearing of expenses solely by a Class of Shares may be appropriately reflected
and cause differences in net asset value attributable to, and the dividend,
redemption and liquidation rights of, the Shares of different Classes.
d. Except as otherwise provided hereinafter, on a business day no later than
the fifteenth day of the first calendar month following the expiration of a
120-month period commencing on the first day of the calendar month during which
Class C shares were purchased by a holder thereof, such shares (as well as a
pro rata portion of any Class C shares purchased through the reinvestment of
dividends or other distributions paid on all Class C shares held by such
holder) shall automatically convert to Class F shares on the basis of the
respective net asset values of the Class C shares and the Class F shares on the
conversion date; provided, however, that the Board of Directors, in its sole
discretion, may suspend the conversion of Class C shares if any conversion of
such shares would constitute a taxable event under federal income tax law (in
which case the holder of such Class C shares shall have the right to exchange
from time to time any or all of such Class C shares held by such holder for
Class F shares on the basis of the respective net asset values of the Class C
shares and Class F shares on the applicable exchange date and without the
imposition of a sales charge or fee); and provided, further, that conversion
(or exchange) of Class C shares represented by stock certificates shall be
subject to tender of such certificates; and
e. Subject to the foregoing paragraph, each Class of Shares of the Trust
(including Class C and Class F Shares) may have such different exchange rights
as the Trustees shall determine in compliance with the Investment Company Act.
4. The Trustees (including any successor Trustees) of the Trust shall have the
right at any time and from time to time to reallocate assets, liabilities and
expenses or to change the designation of any Class now or hereafter created, or
to otherwise change the special and relative rights of any Class, provided that
no change shall adversely affect the rights of Shareholders of such Class.
Except as otherwise provided in this Instrument, the foregoing shall be
effective as of the date set forth below.
/s/ Elisabeth Allison /s/ William H. Kling /s/ Mark E. Denning /s/ John G. McDonald /s/ Gina H. Despres /s/ William I. Miller /s/ Robert A. Fox /s/ Kirk P. Pendleton /s/ Alan Greenway /s/ Donald E. Petersen /s/ Koichi Itoh /s/ Thierry Vandeventer Dated: December 7, 2000 |
FORM OF SHARE CERTIFICATE
NUMBER SHARES
CUSIP CLASS
AMERICAN FUNDS
[Name of Fund]
This certifies that is the owner of
Fully paid and non-assessable [Common Shares of Capital Stock][Shares of
Beneficial Interest], of the Class and number indicated above, of [Name of
Fund], [each of the par value of One Tenth of One Cent][without par value],
transferable on the books of the [Corporation][Trust] by the holder thereof in
person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate
properly endorsed. This certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the
Transfer Agent. (See reverse for certain abbreviations.)
Witness, the facsimile signatures of duly authorized officers of the
[Corporation][Trust].
Dated: [signature] [signature] Secretary President COUNTERSIGNED |
AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY
TRANSFER AGENT
BY:
THE ISSUER OF THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WILL FURNISH TO ANY SHAREHOLDER UPON REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE A FULL STATEMENT OF THE DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES, LIMITATIONS AND RELATIVE RIGHTS OF THE SHARES OF EACH CLASS AND SERIES AUTHORIZED TO BE ISSUED, THE VARIATIONS IN THE RELATIVE RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES BETWEEN THE SHARES OF EACH CLASS AND SERIES INSOFAR AS THE SAME HAVE BEEN FIXED AND DETERMINED, AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR TRUSTEES TO FIX AND DETERMINE THE RELATIVE RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF CLASSES AND SERIES OF SHARES OF THE ISSUER. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A COPY OF THE FULL STATEMENT, PLEASE WRITE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE ISSUER OR ITS TRANSFER AGENT.
CLASS B AND SERIES B SHARES REDEEMED WITHIN SIX YEARS OF THEIR PURCHASE ARE SUBJECT TO A DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OF UP TO 5%. CLASS C AND SERIES C SHARES REDEEMED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THEIR PURCHASE ARE SUBJECT TO A DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OF 1%. IN ADDITION, DURING THE MONTH FOLLOWING THE 96-MONTH PERIOD THAT BEGINS ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH IN WHICH CLASS B AND SERIES B SHARES ARE PURCHASED, SUCH SHARES (ALONG WITH SHARES OF THE SAME CLASS AND SERIES PURCHASED THROUGH REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS ON SUCH SHARES) WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONVERT TO CLASS A SHARES (OR COMMON SHARES) ON THE BASIS OF THEN CURRENT RELATIVE NET ASSET VALUES PER SHARE. SIMILARLY, DURING THE MONTH FOLLOWING THE 120-MONTH PERIOD THAT BEGINS ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH IN WHICH CLASS C AND SERIES C SHARES ARE PURCHASED, SUCH SHARES (ALONG WITH SHARES OF THE SAME CLASS AND SERIES PURCHASED THROUGH REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS ON SUCH SHARES) WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONVERT TO CLASS F SHARES (OR ALTERNATIVE COMMON SHARES, SERIES F) ON THE BASIS OF THEN CURRENT RELATIVE NET ASSET VALUES PER SHARE. THE ISSUER MAY SUSPEND SUCH
CONVERSION IN CERTAIN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES, IN WHICH CASE AN EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE WILL APPLY. THE ISSUER MAY REQUIRE TENDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE PRIOR TO ANY CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE. IF SUCH TENDER IS NOT REQUIRED, THE NUMBER OF SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AFTER SUCH CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE WILL BE DIFFERENT THAN THE NUMBER INDICATED ON THE FACE OF THIS CERTIFICATE. SHAREHOLDERS MAY RETURN THIS CERTIFICATE AFTER ANY CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE AND OBTAIN A NEW CERTIFICATE (OR CERTIFICATES) REPRESENTING THE ACTUAL NUMBER AND TYPE OF SHARES OWNED.
NOTE: SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT THE CONSENT OR APPROVAL OF THE SHAREHOLDER FOR THE THEN CURRENT NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE IF AT SUCH TIME THE SHAREHOLDER OWNS OF RECORD SHARES HAVING AN AGGREGATE NET ASSET VALUE OF LESS THAN THE MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENT AMOUNT.
EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS THE FOLLOWING ABBREVIATIONS, WHEN USED IN THE REGISTRATION ON THE FACE OF THIS CERTIFICATE, SHALL HAVE THE MEANINGS ASSIGNED BELOW: ADM - ADMINISTRATRIX FBO - FOR THE BENEFIT OF TTEE - TRUSTEE ADMINISTRATOR GDN - GUARDIAN U/A - UNDER AGREEMENT COM - COMMUNITY JT TEN - JOINT TENANTS WITH UDT - UNDERDECLARATION PROP PROPERTY RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP OF TRUST CONS - CONSERVATOR JTWROS UGMA/ - UNIFORM GIFTS TO CUST - CUSTODIAN LIFE TEN - LIFE TENANT (STATE) MINORS ACT IN EFFECT DTD - DATED (STATE)/TOD - UNIFORM TRANSFER UTMA/ IN THE STATE ON DEATH (STATE) INDICATED - UNIFORM TRANSFERS TO MINORS ACT IN EST - ESTATE OF THE TR ACT IN EFFECT IN THE U/W EFFECT IN THE STATE ET AL ESTATE OF TEN COM STATE INDICATED INDICATED EXEC - AND OTHERS - TRUST - LAST WILL AND - EXECUTOR - TENANTS IN COMMON TESTAMENT UNDER LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF UNDER THE WILL OF - EXECUTRIX - TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETIES OF THE WILL OF TEN ENT NOTE: ABBREVIATIONS REFER WHERE APPROPRIATE TO THE SINGULAR OR PLURAL, MALE OR FEMALE. OTHER ABBREVIATIONS MAY ALSO BE USED, INCLUDING U.S. POSTAL SERVICE TWO-LETTER STATE ABBREVIATIONS. |
REQUIREMENTS: THE SIGNATURE(S) ON THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND EXACTLY WITH THE NAME(S) WRITTEN ON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR. SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY AN "ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR," SUCH AS A BANK, SAVINGS ASSOCIATION OR CREDIT UNION THAT IS FEDERALLY INSURED OR A MEMBER FIRM OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES DEALERS, INC. A NOTARY PUBLIC IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE GUARANTOR.
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY SELL, ASSIGN, AND TRANSFER
SHARES OF THE ISSUER REPRESENTED BY THIS
CERTIFICATE TO:
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE NAME AND ADDRESS OF ASSIGNEE)AND DO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSTITUTE AND APPOINT ___________________________________________________ ATTORNEY TO TRANSFER THESE SHARES ON THE BOOKS OF THE ISSUER WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION.
SIGNATURE OF OWNER DATE
SIGNATURE OF CO-OWNER, IF ANY DATE
IMPORTANT: BEFORE SIGNING, PLEASE READ AND COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS PRINTED ABOVE.
SIGNATURE(S) GUARANTEED BY:
EXHIBIT E
FORM OF
[NAME OF FUND]
AMENDED AND RESTATED PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
THIS PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT, between ______________
_______________________, a __________________ corporation/trust (the "Fund"),
and AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, INC., a California corporation (the
"Distributor").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end diversified investment company which
offers four classes of shares of common stock/beneficial interest, designated
as Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares, and Class F shares, and it
is a part of the business of the Fund, and affirmatively in the interest of the
Fund, to offer shares of the Fund either from time to time or continuously as
determined by the Fund's officers subject to authorization by its Board of
Directors/Trustees; and
WHEREAS, the Distributor is engaged in the business of promoting the
distribution of shares of investment companies through securities
broker-dealers; and
WHEREAS, the Fund and the Distributor wish to enter into an agreement with each
other to promote the distribution of the shares of the Fund and of all series
or classes of the Fund which may be established in the future;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. (a) The Distributor shall be the exclusive principal underwriter for the
sale of the shares of the Fund and of each series or class of the Fund which
may be established in the future, except as otherwise provided pursuant to the
following subsection (b). The terms "shares of Fund" or "shares" as used
herein shall mean shares of common stock/beneficial interest of the Fund and
each series or class which may be established in the future and become covered
by this Agreement in accordance with Section 24 of this Agreement.
(b) The Fund may, upon 60 days' written notice to the Distributor, from time to
time designate other principal underwriters of its shares with respect to areas
other than the North American continent, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and such
countries or other jurisdictions as to which the Fund may have expressly waived
in writing its right to make such designation. In the event of such
designation, the right of the Distributor under this Agreement to sell shares
in the areas so designated shall terminate, but this Agreement shall remain
otherwise in full force and effect until terminated in accordance with the
other provisions hereof.
2. In the sale of shares of the Fund, the Distributor shall act as agent of the
Fund except in any transaction in which the Distributor sells such shares as a
dealer to the public, in which event the Distributor shall act as principal for
its own account.
3. The Fund shall sell shares only through the Distributor, except that the
Fund may, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder or pursuant thereto, at any time:
(a) issue shares to any corporation, association, trust, partnership or other
organization, or its, or their, security holders, beneficiaries or members, in
connection with a merger, consolidation or reorganization to which the Fund is
a party, or in connection with the acquisition of all or substantially all the
property and assets of such corporation, association, trust, partnership or
other organization;
(b) issue shares at net asset value to the holders of shares of capital stock
or beneficial interest of other investment companies served as investment
adviser by any affiliated company or companies of The Capital Group Companies,
Inc., to the extent of all or any portion of amounts received by such
shareholders upon redemption or repurchase of their shares by the other
investment companies;
(c) issue shares at net asset value to its shareholders in connection with the
reinvestment of dividends paid and other distributions made by the Fund;
(d) issue shares at net asset value to persons entitled to purchase shares at
net asset value without sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge as
described in the Fund's current Registration Statement in effect under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for each series issued by the Fund at the
time of such offer or sale.
4. The Distributor shall devote its best efforts to the sale of shares of the
Fund and shares of any other mutual funds served as investment adviser by
affiliated companies of The Capital Group Companies, Inc., and insurance
contracts funded by shares of such mutual funds, for which the Distributor has
been authorized to act as a principal underwriter for the sale of shares. The
Distributor shall maintain a sales organization suited to the sale of shares of
the Fund and shall use its best efforts to effect such sales in jurisdictions
as to which the Fund shall have expressly waived in writing its right to
designate another principal underwriter pursuant to subsection 1(b) hereof, and
shall effect and maintain appropriate qualification to do so in all those
jurisdictions in which it sells or offers shares for sale and in which
qualification is required.
5. Within the United States of America, all dealers to whom the Distributor
shall offer and sell shares must be duly licensed and qualified to sell shares
of the Fund. Shares sold to dealers shall be for resale by such dealers only
at the public offering price set forth in the current Prospectus of the Fund's
Registration Statement in effect under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
("Prospectus"). The Distributor shall not, without the consent of the Fund,
sell or offer for sale any shares of a series or class issued by the Fund other
than as principal underwriter pursuant to this Agreement.
6. In its sales to dealers, it shall be the responsibility of the Distributor
to insure that such dealers are appropriately qualified to transact business in
the shares under applicable laws, rules and regulations promulgated by such
national, state, local or other governmental or quasi-governmental authorities
as may in a particular instance have jurisdiction.
7. The applicable public offering price of shares shall be the price which is
equal to the net asset value per share, as shall be determined by the Fund in
the manner and at the time or times set forth in and subject to the provisions
of the Prospectus of the Fund.
8. All orders for shares received by the Distributor shall, unless rejected by
the Distributor or the Fund, be accepted by the Distributor immediately upon
receipt and confirmed at an offering price determined in accordance with the
provisions of the Prospectus and the 1940 Act, and applicable rules in effect
thereunder. The Distributor shall not hold orders subject to acceptance nor
otherwise delay their execution. The provisions of this Section shall not be
construed to restrict the right of the Fund to withhold shares from sale under
Section 19 hereof.
9. The Fund or its transfer agent shall be promptly advised of all orders
received, and shall cause shares to be issued upon payment therefor in New York
or Los Angeles Clearing House Funds.
10. The Distributor shall adopt and follow procedures as approved by the
officers of the Fund for the confirmation of sales to dealers, the collection
of amounts payable by dealers on such sales, and the cancellation of unsettled
transactions, as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of the
Securities and Exchange Commission or the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), as such requirements may from time to time exist.
11. The Distributor, as a principal underwriter under this Agreement for Class
A shares, shall receive (i) that part of the sales charge which is retained by
the Distributor after allowance of discounts to dealers, unless waived by the
Distributor for certain qualified fee-based programs, as set forth in the
Prospectus of the Fund, and (ii) amounts payable to the Distributor pursuant to
the Fund's Plan of Distribution under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act relating to
its Class A shares.
12. The Distributor, as principal underwriter under this agreement for Class B
shares shall receive (i) distribution fees as commissions for the sale of Class
B shares and contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC") (as defined below), as
set forth in the Fund's Prospectus, and (ii) shareholder service fees at the
rate of 0.25% per annum of the average net asset value of Class B shares
pursuant to the Fund's Plan of Distribution under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act
relating to its Class B shares (the " Class B Plan").
(a) In accordance with the Class B Plan, and subject to the limit on
asset-based sales charges set forth in NASD Conduct Rule 2830 (and any
successor provision thereto), the Fund shall pay to the Distributor or, at the
Distributor's direction, to a third-party, monthly in arrears on or prior to
the 10th business day of the following calendar month, the Distributor's
Allocable Portion (as defined below) of a fee (the "Distribution Fee") which
shall accrue daily in an amount equal to the product of (A) the daily
equivalent of 0.75% per annum multiplied by (B) the net asset value of the
Class B shares of the Fund outstanding on such day. The Fund agrees to withhold
from redemption proceeds of the Class B shares, the Distributor's Allocable
Portion of any CDSCs payable with respect to the Class B shares, as provided in
the Fund's Prospectus, and to pay the same over to the Distributor or, at the
Distributor's direction to a third-party, at the time the redemption proceeds
are payable to the holder of such shares redeemed. Payment of these CDSC
amounts to the Distributor is not contingent upon the adoption or continuation
of any Class B Plan.
(b) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Allocable Portion" of
Distribution Fees and CDSCs payable with respect to Class B shares shall mean
the portion of such Distribution Fees and CDSC allocated to the Distributor in
accordance with the Allocation Schedule attached hereto as Schedule A.
(c) The Distributor shall be considered to have completely earned the right to
the payment of its Allocable Portion of the Distribution Fees and the right to
payment of its Allocable Portion of the CDSCs with respect to each "Commission
Share" (as defined in the Allocation Schedule attached hereto as Schedule A)
upon the settlement date of such Commission Share taken into account in
determining the Distributor's Allocable Portion of Distribution Fees.
(d) The provisions set forth in Section 1 of the Class B Plan (in effect on the
date hereof) relating to Class B shares, together with the related definitions
are hereby incorporated into this Section 12 by reference with the same force
and effect as if set forth herein in their entirety.
13. The Distributor, as principal underwriter under this agreement for Class C
shares shall receive (i) distribution fees as commissions for the sale of Class
C shares and CDSCs, as set forth in the Fund's Prospectus, and (ii) shareholder
service fees at the rate of 0.25% per annum of the average net asset value of
Class C shares pursuant to the Fund's Plan of Distribution under Rule 12b-1
under the 1940 Act relating to its Class C shares (the "Class C Plan").
(a) In accordance with the Class C Plan, and subject to the limit on
asset-based sales charges set forth in NASD Conduct Rule 2830 (and any
successor provision thereto), the Fund shall pay to the Distributor, no more
frequently than monthly in arrears within 30 days of receipt of an invoice for
payment, the Distributor's Allocable Portion (as defined below) of a fee (the
"Distribution Fee") which shall accrue daily in an amount equal to the daily
equivalent of 0.75% per annum of the net asset value of the Class C shares
outstanding on such day. The Fund agrees to withhold from redemption proceeds
of the Class C shares, the Distributor's Allocable Portion of any CDSCs payable
with respect to the Class C shares, as provided in the Fund's Prospectus and to
pay the same over to the Distributor, or, at the Distributor's direction to a
third party, at the time the redemption proceeds are payable to the holder of
such shares redeemed. Payment of these CDSC amounts to the Distributor is not
contingent upon the adoption or continuation of any Class C Plan.
(b) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Allocable Portion" of
Distribution Fees and CDSCs payable with respect to Class C shares shall mean
the portion of such Distribution Fees and CDSC allocated to the Distributor in
accordance with the Allocation Schedule attached hereto as Schedule B.
(c) The Distributor shall be considered to have completely earned the right to
the payment of its Allocable Portion of the Distribution Fees and the right to
payment of its Allocable Portion of the CDSCs with respect to each "Commission
Share" (as defined in the Allocation Schedule attached hereto as Schedule B)
upon the settlement date of such Commission Share taken into account in
determining the Distributor's Allocable Portion of Distribution Fees.
(d) The provisions set forth in Section 1 of the Class C Plan (in effect on the
date thereof) relating to Class C shares, together with the related definitions
are hereby incorporated into this Section 13 by reference with the same force
and effect as if set forth herein in their entirety.
14. The Distributor, as principal underwriter under this agreement for Class F
shares, shall receive shareholder service fees at the rate of 0.25% per annum
of the average net asset value of Class F shares pursuant to the Fund's Plan of
Distribution under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act relating to its Class F shares
(the "Class F Plan").
15. The Fund agrees to use its best efforts to maintain its registration as a
diversified open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act.
16. The Fund agrees to use its best efforts to maintain an effective Prospectus
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and warrants that such Prospectus
will contain all statements required by and will conform with the requirements
of such Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations thereunder, and
that no part of any such Prospectus, at the time the Registration Statement of
which it is a part becomes effective, will contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein,
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (excluding any
information provided by the Distributor in writing for inclusion in the
Prospectus). The Distributor agrees and warrants that it will not in the sale
of shares use any Prospectus, advertising or sales literature not approved by
the Fund or its officers nor make any untrue statement of a material fact nor
omit the stating of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
made, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
misleading. The Distributor agrees to indemnify and hold the Fund harmless
from any and all loss, expense, damage and liability resulting from a breach of
the agreements and warranties contained in this Section, or from the use of any
sales literature, information, statistics or other aid or device employed in
connection with the sale of shares.
17. The expense of each printing of each Prospectus and each revision thereof
or addition thereto deemed necessary by the Fund's officers to meet the
requirements of applicable laws shall be divided between the Fund, the
Distributor and any other principal underwriter of the shares of the Fund as
follows:
(a) the Fund shall pay the typesetting and make-ready charges;
(b) the printing charges shall be prorated between the Fund, the Distributor,
and any other principal underwriter(s) in accordance with the number of copies
each receives; and
(c) expenses incurred in connection with the foregoing, other than to meet the
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or other applicable
laws, shall be borne by the Distributor, except in the event such incremental
expenses are incurred at the request of any other principal underwriter(s), in
which case such incremental expenses shall be borne by the principal
underwriter(s) making the request.
18. The Fund agrees to use its best efforts to qualify and maintain the
qualification of an appropriate number of the shares of each series or class it
offers for sale under the securities laws of such states as the Distributor and
the Fund may approve. Any such qualification for any series or class may be
withheld, terminated or withdrawn by the Fund at any time in its discretion.
The expense of qualification and maintenance of qualification shall be borne by
the Fund, but the Distributor shall furnish such information and other material
relating to its affairs and activities as may be required by the Fund or its
counsel in connection with such qualifications.
19. The Fund may withhold shares of any series or class from sale to any person
or persons or in any jurisdiction temporarily or permanently if, in the opinion
of its counsel, such offer or sale would be contrary to law or if
theDirectors/Trustees or the President or any Vice President of the Fund
determines that such offer or sale is not in the best interest of the Fund.
The Fund will give prompt notice to the Distributor of any withholding and will
indemnify it against any loss suffered by the Distributor as a result of such
withholding by reason of nondelivery of shares of any series or class after a
good faith confirmation by the Distributor of sales thereof prior to receipt of
notice of such withholding.
20. (a) This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any
penalty, as to the Fund or any series on sixty (60) days' written notice by the
Distributor to the Fund.
(b) This Agreement may be terminated as to the Fund or any series or class by
either party upon five (5) days' written notice to the other party in the event
that the Securities and Exchange Commission has issued an order or obtained an
injunction or other court order suspending effectiveness of the Registration
Statement covering the shares of the Fund or such series or class.
(c) This Agreement may be terminated as to the Fund or any series or class by
the Fund upon five (5) days' written notice to the Distributor provided either
of the following events has occurred:
(i) The NASD has expelled the Distributor or suspended its membership in that
organization; or
(ii) the qualification, registration, license or right of the Distributor to
sell shares of any series in a particular state has been suspended or canceled
by the State of California or any other state in which sales of the shares of
the Fund or such series during the most recent 12-month period exceeded 10% of
all shares of such series sold by the Distributor during such period.
(d) This Agreement may be terminated as to the Fund or any series or class at
any time on sixty (60) days' written notice to the Distributor without the
payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent
Directors/Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund or such series or class.
21. This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party hereto and in the
event of assignment shall automatically terminate forthwith. The term
"assignment" shall have the meaning set forth in the 1940 Act. Notwithstanding
this Section, this Agreement, with respect to the Fund's Class B shares, has
been approved in accordance with Section 24 in anticipation of the
Distributor's transfer of its Allocable Portion of Distribution Fees and CDSCs
(but not its obligations under this Agreement) to a third-party pursuant to a
"Purchase and Sale Agreement" in order to raise funds to cover distribution
expenditures, and such transfer will not cause a termination of this Agreement.
If Distributor determines to transfer its Allocable Portion of Distribution
Fees and CDSCs in respect of Class C shares to a third party, such transfer
shall not cause a termination of this Agreement.
22. No provision of this Agreement shall protect or purport to protect the
Distributor against any liability to the Fund or holders of its shares for
which the Distributor would otherwise be liable by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence.
23. This Agreement shall become effective on March 15, 2001. Unless sooner
terminated in accordance with the other provisions hereof, this Agreement shall
continue in effect until March 31, 2001, and shall continue in effect from year
to year thereafter but only so long as such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by (i) the vote of a majority of the Independent
Directors/Trustees of the Fund cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval, and (ii) the vote of either a majority of
the entire Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund or a majority (within the
meaning of the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
24. If the Fund shall at any time issue shares in more than one series or
class, this Agreement shall take effect with respect to such series or class of
the Fund which may be established in the future at such time as it has been
approved as to such series or class by vote of the Board of Directors/Trustees
and the Independent Directors/Trustees in accordance with Section 23. The
Agreement as approved with respect to any series or class shall specify the
compensation payable to the Distributor pursuant to Sections 11, 12, 13 and 14,
as well as any provisions which may differ from those herein with respect to
such series, subject to approval in writing by the Distributor.
This Agreement may be approved, amended, continued or renewed with respect to
a series or class as provided herein notwithstanding such approval, amendment,
continuance or renewal has not been effected with respect to any one or more
other series or class of the Fund.
This Agreement shall be construed under and shall be governed by the laws of
the State of California, and the parties hereto agree that proper venue of any
action with respect hereto shall be Los Angeles County, California.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be
executed in duplicate original by their officers thereunto duly authorized, as
of _________, 2001.
AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, INC. [Name of Fund] By: By: Kevin G. Clifford President Chairman of the Board By: By: Michael J. Downer Secretary Secretary |
SCHEDULE A
TO THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
ALLOCATION SCHEDULE
The following relates solely to Class B shares.
The Distributor's Allocable Portion of Distribution Fees and CDSCs in respect
of Class B shares shall be 100% until such time as the Distributor shall cease
to serve as exclusive distributor of Class B shares; thereafter, collections
that constitute CDSCs and Distribution Fees relating to Class B shares shall be
allocated among the Distributor and any successor distributor ("Successor
Distributor") in accordance with this Schedule.
Defined terms used in this Schedule and not otherwise defined herein shall have
the meanings assigned to them in the Amended and Restated Principal
Underwriting Agreement (the "Distribution Agreement"), of which this Schedule
is a part. As used herein the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
"Commission Share" means each B share issued under circumstances which would
normally give rise to an obligation of the holder of such share to pay a CDSC
upon redemption of such share (including, without limitation, any B share
issued in connection with a permitted free exchange), and any such share shall
continue to be a Commission Share of the applicable Fund prior to the
redemption (including a redemption in connection with a permitted free
exchange) or conversion of such share, even though the obligation to pay the
CDSC may have expired or conditions for waivers thereof may exist.
"Date of Original Issuance" means in respect of any Commission Share, the date
with reference to which the amount of the CDSC payable on redemption thereof,
if any, is computed.
"Free Share" means, in respect of a Fund, each B share of the Fund, other than
a Commission Share (including, without limitation, any B share issued in
connection with the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains).
"Inception Date" means in respect of a Fund, the first date on which the Fund
issued shares.
"Net Asset Value" means the net asset value determined as set forth in the
Prospectus of each Fund.
"Omnibus Share" means, in respect of a Fund, a Commission Share or Free Share
sold by one of the selling agents maintaining shares in an omnibus account.
If, subsequent to the Successor Distributor becoming exclusive distributor of
the Class B shares, the Distributor reasonably determines that the transfer
agent is able to track all Commission Shares and Free Shares sold by any
selling agents in the same manner as Commission Shares and Free Shares are
currently tracked in respect of selling agents not listed on Exhibit I, then
Exhibit I shall be amended to delete such selling agent from Exhibit I so that
Commission Shares and Free Shares sold by such selling agent will no longer be
treated as Omnibus Shares.
PART I: ATTRIBUTION OF CLASS B SHARES
Class B shares that are outstanding from time to time, shall be attributed to
the Distributor and each Successor Distributor in accordance with the following
rules;
(1) Commission Shares other than Omnibus Shares:
(a) Commission Shares that are not Omnibus Shares ("Non-Omnibus Commission
Shares") attributed to the Distributor shall be those Non-Omnibus Commission
Shares the date of Original Issuance of which occurred on or after the
Inception Date of the applicable Fund and on or prior to the date the
Distributor ceased to be exclusive distributor of Class B shares of the Fund.
(b) Non-Omnibus Commission Shares attributable to each Successor Distributor
shall be those Non-Omnibus Commission Shares the Date of Original Issuance of
which occurs after the date such Successor Distributor became the exclusive
distributor of Class B shares of the Fund and on or prior to the date such
Successor Distributor ceased to be the exclusive distributor of Class B shares
of the Fund.
(c) A Non-Omnibus Commission Share of a Fund issued in consideration of the
investment of proceeds of the redemption of a Non-Omnibus Commission Share of
another Fund (the "Redeeming Fund") in connection with a permitted free
exchange, is deemed to have a Date of Original Issuance identical to the Date
of Original Issuance of the Non-Omnibus Commission Share of the Redeeming Fund,
and any such Commission Share will be attributed to the Distributor or
Successor Distributor based upon such Date of Original Issuance in accordance
with rules (a) and (b) above.
(2) Free Shares:
Free Shares that are not Omnibus Shares ("Non-Omnibus Free Shares") of a Fund
outstanding on any date shall be attributed to the Distributor or a Successor
Distributor, as the case may be, in the same proportion that the Non-Omnibus
Commission Shares of a Fund outstanding on such date are attributed to each on
such date; provided that if the Distributor and its transferees reasonably
determines that the transfer agent is able to produce monthly reports that
track the Date of Original Issuance for such Non-Omnibus Free Shares, then such
Free Shares shall be allocated pursuant to clause 1(a), (b) and (c) above.
(3) Omnibus Shares:
Omnibus Shares of a Fund outstanding on any date shall be attributed to the
Distributor or a Successor Distributor, as the case may be, in the same
proportion that the Non-Omnibus Commission Shares of the applicable Fund
outstanding on such date are attributed to it on such date; provided that if
the Distributor reasonably determines that the transfer agent is able to
produce monthly reports that track the Date of Original Issuance for the
Omnibus Shares, then the Omnibus Shares shall be allocated pursuant to clause
1(a), (b) and (c) above.
PART II: ALLOCATION OF CDSCs
(1) CDSCs Related to the Redemption of Non-Omnibus Commission Shares:
CDSCs in respect of the redemption of Non-Omnibus Commission Shares shall be
allocated to the Distributor or a Successor Distributor depending upon whether
the related redeemed Commission Share is attributable to the Distributor or
such Successor Distributor, as the case may be, in accordance with Part I
above.
(2) CDSCs Related to the Redemption of Omnibus Shares:
CDSCs in respect of the redemption of Omnibus Shares shall be allocated to the
Distributor or a Successor Distributor in the same proportion that CDSCs
related to the redemption of Non-Omnibus Commission Shares are allocated to
each thereof; provided, that if the Distributor reasonably determines that the
transfer agent is able to produce monthly reports which track the Date of
Original Issuance for the Omnibus Shares, then the CDSCs in respect of the
redemption of Omnibus Shares shall be allocated among the Distributor and any
Successor Distributor depending on whether the related redeemed Omnibus Share
is attributable to the Distributor or a Successor Distributor, as the case may
be, in accordance with Part I above.
PART III: ALLOCATION OF DISTRIBUTION FEE
Assuming that the Distribution Fee remains constant over time so that Part IV
hereof does not become operative:
(1) The portion of the aggregate Distribution Fee accrued in respect of all
Class B shares of a Fund during any calendar month allocable to the Distributor
or a Successor Distributor is determined by multiplying the total of such
Distribution Fee by the following fraction:
(A + C)/2
(B + D)/2
where:
A= The aggregate Net Asset Value of all Class B shares of a Fund attributed to
the Distributor or such Successor Distributor, as the case may be, and
outstanding at the beginning of such calendar month
B= The aggregate Net Asset Value of all Class B shares of a Fund at the
beginning of such calendar month
C= The aggregate Net Asset Value of all Class B shares of a Fund attributed to
the Distributor or such Successor Distributor, as the case may be, and
outstanding at the end of such calendar month
D= The aggregate Net Asset Value of all Class B shares of a Fund at the end of
such calendar month
(2) If the Distributor reasonably determines that the transfer agent is able to
produce automated monthly reports that allocate the average Net Asset Value of
the Commission Shares (or all Class B shares if available) of a Fund among the
Distributor and any Successor Distributor in a manner consistent with the
methodology detailed in Part I and Part III(1) above, the portion of the
Distribution Fee accrued in respect of all such Class B shares of a Fund during
a particular calendar month will be allocated to the Distributor or a Successor
Distributor by multiplying the total of such Distribution Fee by the following
fraction:
(A)/(B)
where:
A= Average Net Asset Value of all such Class B shares of a Fund for such
calendar month attributed to the Distributor or a Successor Distributor, as the
case may be
B= Total average Net Asset Value of all such Class B shares of a Fund for such
calendar month
PART IV: ADJUSTMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTOR'S ALLOCABLE PORTION AND EACH SUCCESSOR
DISTRIBUTOR'S ALLOCABLE PORTION
The parties to the Distribution Agreement recognize that, if the terms of any
distributor's contract, any distribution plan, any prospectus, the Conduct
Rules or any other applicable law change so as to disproportionately reduce, in
a manner inconsistent with the intent of this Distribution Agreement, the
amount of the Distributor's Allocable Portion or any Successor Distributor's
Allocable Portion had no such change occurred, the definitions of the
Distributor's Allocable Portion and/or the Successor Distributor's Allocable
Portion in respect of the Class B shares relating to a Fund shall be adjusted
by agreement among the relevant parties; provided, however, if the Distributor,
the Successor Distributor and the Fund cannot agree within thirty (30) days
after the date of any such change in applicable laws or in any distributor's
contract, distribution plan, prospectus or the Conduct Rules, they shall submit
the question to arbitration in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules
of the American Arbitration Association and the decision reached by the
arbitrator shall be final and binding on each of them.
SCHEDULE B
TO THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
ALLOCATION SCHEDULE
The following relates solely to Class C shares.
The Distributor's Allocable Portion of Distribution Fees and CDSCs in respect
of Class C shares shall be 100% until such time as the Distributor shall cease
to serve as exclusive distributor of Class C shares; thereafter, collections
that constitute CDSCs and Distribution Fees relating to Class C shares shall be
allocated among the Distributor and any successor distributor ("Successor
Distributor") in accordance with this Schedule. At such time as the
Distributor's Allocable Portion of the Distribution Fees equals zero, the
Successor Distributor shall become the Distributor for purposes of this
Allocation Schedule.
Defined terms used in this Schedule and not otherwise defined herein shall have
the meanings assigned to them in the Amended and Restated Principal
Underwriting Agreement (the "Distribution Agreement"), of which this Schedule
is a part. As used herein the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
"Commission Share" means each C share issued under circumstances which would
normally give rise to an obligation of the holder of such share to pay a CDSC
upon redemption of such share (including, without limitation, any C share
issued in connection with a permitted free exchange), and any such share shall
continue to be a Commission Share of the applicable Fund prior to the
redemption (including a redemption in connection with a permitted free
exchange) or conversion of such share, even though the obligation to pay the
CDSC may have expired or conditions for waivers thereof may exist.
"Date of Original Issuance" means in respect of any Commission Share, the date
with reference to which the amount of the CDSC payable on redemption thereof,
if any, is computed.
"Free Share" means, in respect of a Fund, each C share of the Fund, other than
a Commission Share (including, without limitation, any C share issued in
connection with the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains).
"Inception Date" means in respect of a Fund, the first date on which the Fund
issued shares.
"Net Asset Value" means the net asset value determined as set forth in the
Prospectus of each Fund.
"Omnibus Share" means, in respect of a Fund, a Commission Share or Free Share
sold by one of the selling agents maintaining shares in an omnibus account
("Omnibus Selling Agents"). If, subsequent to the Successor Distributor
becoming exclusive distributor of the Class C shares, the Distributor
reasonably determines that the transfer agent is able to track all Commission
Shares and Free Shares sold by any of the Omnibus Selling Agents in the same
manner that Non-Omnibus Commission Shares and Free Shares (defined below) are
currently tracked, then Omnibus Shares of such Omnibus Selling Agent shall be
treated as Commission Shares and Free Shares.
PART I: ATTRIBUTION OF CLASS C SHARES
Class C shares that are outstanding from time to time, shall be attributed to
the Distributor and each Successor Distributor in accordance with the following
rules;
(1) Commission Shares other than Omnibus Shares:
(a) Commission Shares that are not Omnibus Shares ("Non-Omnibus Commission
Shares") attributed to the Distributor shall be those Non-Omnibus Commission
Shares (i) the date of Original Issuance of which occurred on or after the
Inception Date of the applicable Fund and on or prior to the date the
Distributor ceased to be exclusive distributor of Class C shares of the Fund
and (ii) that are subject to a CDSC (without regard to any conditions for
waivers thereof).
(b) Non-Omnibus Commission Shares attributable to each Successor Distributor
shall be those Non-Omnibus Commission Shares (i) the Date of Original Issuance
of which occurs after the date such Successor Distributor became the exclusive
distributor of Class C shares of the Fund and on or prior to the date such
Successor Distributor ceased to be the exclusive distributor of Class C shares
of the Fund and (ii) that are subject to a CDSC (without regard to any
conditions for waivers thereof).
(c) A Non-Omnibus Commission Share of a Fund issued in consideration of the
investment of proceeds of the redemption of a Non-Omnibus Commission Share of
another Fund (the "Redeeming Fund") in connection with a permitted free
exchange, is deemed to have a Date of Original Issuance identical to the Date
of Original Issuance of the Non-Omnibus Commission Share of the Redeeming Fund,
and any such Commission Share will be attributed to the Distributor or
Successor Distributor based upon such Date of Original Issuance in accordance
with rules (a) and (b) above.
(2) Free Shares:
Free Shares that are not Omnibus Shares ("Non-Omnibus Free Shares") of a Fund
outstanding on any date shall be attributed to the Distributor or a Successor
Distributor, as the case may be, in the same proportion that the Non-Omnibus
Commission Shares of a Fund outstanding on such date are attributed to each on
such date; provided that if the Distributor and its transferees reasonably
determines that the transfer agent is able to produce monthly reports that
track the Date of Original Issuance for such Non-Omnibus Free Shares, then such
Free Shares shall be allocated pursuant to clause 1(a), (b) and (c) above.
(3) Omnibus Shares:
Omnibus Shares of a Fund outstanding on any date shall be attributed to the
Distributor or a Successor Distributor, as the case may be, in the same
proportion that the Non-Omnibus Commission Shares of the applicable Fund
outstanding on such date are attributed to it on such date; provided that if
the Distributor reasonably determines that the transfer agent is able to
produce monthly reports that track the Date of Original Issuance for the
Omnibus Shares, then the Omnibus Shares shall be allocated pursuant to clause
1(a), (b) and (c) above.
PART II: ALLOCATION OF CDSCs
(1) CDSCs Related to the Redemption of Non-Omnibus Commission Shares:
CDSCs in respect of the redemption of Non-Omnibus Commission Shares shall be
allocated to the Distributor or a Successor Distributor depending upon whether
the related redeemed Commission Share is attributable to the Distributor or
such Successor Distributor, as the case may be, in accordance with Part I
above.
(2) CDSCs Related to the Redemption of Omnibus Shares:
CDSCs in respect of the redemption of Omnibus Shares shall be allocated to the
Distributor or a Successor Distributor in the same proportion that CDSCs
related to the redemption of Non-Omnibus Commission Shares are allocated to
each thereof; provided, that if the Distributor reasonably determines that the
transfer agent is able to produce monthly reports which track the Date of
Original Issuance for the Omnibus Shares, then the CDSCs in respect of the
redemption of Omnibus Shares shall be allocated among the Distributor and any
Successor Distributor depending on whether the related redeemed Omnibus Share
is attributable to the Distributor or a Successor Distributor, as the case may
be, in accordance with Part I above.
PART III: ALLOCATION OF DISTRIBUTION FEE
Assuming that the Distribution Fee remains constant over time so that Part IV
hereof does not become operative:
(1) The portion of the aggregate Distribution Fee accrued in respect of all
Class C shares of a Fund during any calendar month allocable to the Distributor
or a Successor Distributor is determined by multiplying the total of such
Distribution Fee by the following fraction:
(A + C)/2
(B + D)/2
where:
A= The aggregate Net Asset Value of all Class C shares of a Fund attributed to
the Distributor or such Successor Distributor, as the case may be, and
outstanding at the beginning of such calendar month
B= The aggregate Net Asset Value of all Class C shares of a Fund at the
beginning of such calendar month
C= The aggregate Net Asset Value of all Class C shares of a Fund attributed to
the Distributor or such Successor Distributor, as the case may be, and
outstanding at the end of such calendar month
D= The aggregate Net Asset Value of all Class C shares of a Fund at the end of
such calendar month
(2) If the Distributor reasonably determines that the transfer agent is able to
produce automated monthly reports that allocate the average Net Asset Value of
the Commission Shares (or all Class C shares if available) of a Fund among the
Distributor and any Successor Distributor in a manner consistent with the
methodology detailed in Part I and Part III(1) above, the portion of the
Distribution Fee accrued in respect of all such Class C shares of a Fund during
a particular calendar month will be allocated to the Distributor or a Successor
Distributor by multiplying the total of such Distribution Fee by the following
fraction:
(A)/(B)
where:
A= Average Net Asset Value of all such Class C shares of a Fund for such
calendar month attributed to the Distributor or a Successor Distributor, as the
case may be
B= Total average Net Asset Value of all such Class C shares of a Fund for such
calendar month
PART IV: ADJUSTMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTOR'S ALLOCABLE PORTION AND EACH SUCCESSOR
DISTRIBUTOR'S ALLOCABLE PORTION
The parties to the Distribution Agreement recognize that, if the terms of any
distributor's contract, any distribution plan, any prospectus, the Conduct
Rules or any other applicable law change so as to disproportionately reduce, in
a manner inconsistent with the intent of this Distribution Agreement, the
amount of the Distributor's Allocable Portion or any Successor Distributor's
Allocable Portion had no such change occurred, the definitions of the
Distributor's Allocable Portion and/or the Successor Distributor's Allocable
Portion in respect of the Class C shares relating to a Fund shall be adjusted
by agreement among the relevant parties; provided, however, if the Distributor,
the Successor Distributor and the Fund cannot agree within thirty (30) days
after the date of any such change in applicable laws or in any distributor's
contract, distribution plan, prospectus or the Conduct Rules, they shall submit
the question to arbitration in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules
of the American Arbitration Association and the decision reached by the
arbitrator shall be final and binding on each of them.
FORM OF
[FUND NAME]
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, _______________ (the "Fund"), is a [Maryland corporation/Massachusetts
Business Trust] registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "1940 Act"), as an open-end diversified investment company that offers
Class C shares and Class F shares; and
WHEREAS, Capital Research and Management Company (the "Investment Adviser"), is
a Delaware corporation registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as
amended, and is engaged in the business of providing investment advisory and
related services to the Fund and to other investment companies; and
WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to have the Investment Adviser arrange for and
coordinate and monitor the provision of transfer agent and shareholder services
("transfer agent services") and certain other administrative services (other
than those provided pursuant to any other agreement with the Fund), including
but not limited to recordkeeping, transactional services, tax information
returns and reports, fund communication and shareholder communication
(collectively "administrative services") for the Fund's Class C and Class F
shares; and
WHEREAS, the Investment Adviser is willing to perform or to cause to be
performed such transfer agent services and administrative services for the
Fund's Class C and Class F shares on the terms and conditions set forth herein;
and
WHEREAS, the Fund and the Investment Adviser wish to enter into an
Administrative Services Agreement ("Agreement") whereby the Investment Adviser
would perform or cause to be performed such transfer agent services and
administrative services for the Fund's Class C and Class F shares;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. Services. During the term of this Agreement, the Investment Adviser shall
perform or cause to be performed the transfer agent services and administrative
services set forth in Exhibit A hereto, as such exhibit may be amended from
time to time by mutual consent of the parties. The Fund and Investment Adviser
acknowledge that the Investment Adviser will contract with third parties,
including American Funds Service Company ("AFS") to perform such transfer agent
services and administrative services. In selecting third parties to perform
transfer agent and administrative services, the Investment Adviser shall select
only those third parties that the Investment Adviser reasonably believes has
adequate facilities and personnel to diligently perform such services. The
Investment Adviser shall monitor, coordinate and oversee the activities of the
third parties with which it or AFS contracts to ensure shareholders receive
high-quality service. In doing so the Investment Adviser shall establish
procedures to monitor the activities of such third parties. These procedures
may, but need not, include monitoring (i) telephone queue wait times, (ii)
telephone abandon rates, (iii) website and voice response unit downtimes, (iv)
downtime of the third party's shareholder account record keeping system, (v)
the accuracy and timeliness of financial and non-financial transactions, and
(vi) to ensure compliance with the Fund prospectus.
2. Fees.
(a) TRANSFER AGENT FEES. In consideration of transfer agent services
performed or caused to be performed by the Investment Adviser for the Fund's
Class C and Class F shares, the Fund shall pay the Investment Adviser transfer
agent fees according to the fee schedule contained in the Shareholder Services
Agreement between the Fund and AFS (a copy of which is attached hereto). All
fund-specific charges from third parties -- including DST charges, postage,
NSCC transaction charges and similar out-of-pocket expenses -- will be passed
through directly to the Fund. The Fund's Class C shares and Class F shares
shall pay only those transfer agent fees that are attributed to accounts and
activities generated by their respective classes. Such transfer agent fees
shall be paid on or before the 10th day of each month for transfer agent
services performed the preceding month.
(b) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FEES. In consideration of administrative services
performed or caused to be performed by the Investment Adviser for the Fund's
Class C and Class F shares, the Fund shall pay the Investment Adviser an
administrative services fee ("administrative fee"). Such administrative fee
shall accrue daily and shall be calculated at the annual rate of 0.15% of the
average net assets of the Fund's Class C shares and Class F shares. The
administrative fee shall be paid on or before the 10th day of each month for
administrative services performed in the preceding month.
3. Effective Date and Termination of Agreement. This Agreement shall become
effective on March 15, 2001, and unless terminated sooner it shall continue in
effect until _______________. It may thereafter be continued from year to
year only with the approval of a majority of those Directors/Trustees of the
Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act)
and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this
Agreement or any agreement related to it (the "Independent
Directors/Trustees"). This Agreement may be terminated as to the Fund's Class
C and Class F shares at any time by vote of a majority of the Independent
Directors/Trustees. The Investment Adviser may terminate this agreement upon
sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the Fund.
4. Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended to increase materially the
fees payable under this Agreement unless such amendment is approved by the vote
of a majority of the Independent Directors/Trustees.
5. Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party hereto
and in the event of assignment shall automatically terminate forthwith. The
term "assignment" shall have the meaning set forth in the 1940 Act.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Investment Adviser is specifically
authorized to contract with third parties for the provision of transfer agency,
shareholder services, and administrative services on behalf of the Fund.
6. Issuance of Series of Shares. If the Fund shall at any time issue shares
in more than one series, this Agreement may be adopted, amended, continued or
renewed with respect to a series as provided herein, notwithstanding that such
adoption, amendment, continuance or renewal has not been effected with respect
to any one or more other series of the Fund.
7. Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be construed under and shall be
governed by the laws of the State of California, and the parties hereto agree
that proper venue of any action with respect hereto shall be Los Angeles
County, California.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed in duplicate original by its officers thereunto duly authorized, as of
_____________, 2000.
CAPITAL RESEARCH AND
MANAGEMENT COMPANY [FUND]
EXHIBIT A
TO THE
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
TRANSFER AGENT SERVICES
The Investment Adviser or any third-party with whom it may contract, including
American Funds Service Company (the Investment Adviser and any such third-party
are collectively referred to as "Service Provider") shall act, as necessary, as
stock transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent for the
Fund's Class C and Class F shares, and shall provide such additional related
services as the Fund's Class C and Class F shares may from time to time
require, all of which services are sometimes referred to herein as "shareholder
services."
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
2. Record Maintenance
The Service Provider shall maintain, and require any third parties with which
it contracts to maintain with respect to each Fund shareholder holding the
Fund's Class C and/or Class F shares in a Service Provider account
("Customers") the following records:
0. Number of Shares;
a. Date, price and amount of purchases and redemptions (including dividend
reinvestments) and dates and amounts of dividends paid for at least the current
year to date;
b. Name and address of the Customer, including zip codes and social security
numbers or taxpayer identification numbers;
c. Records of distributions and dividend payments;
d. Any transfers of shares; and
e. Overall control records.
2. Shareholder Communications
Service Provider shall:
0. Provide to a shareholder mailing agent for the purpose of delivering certain
Fund-related materials the names and addresses of all Customers. The
Fund-related materials shall consist of updated prospectuses and any
supplements and amendments thereto, annual and other periodic reports, proxy or
information statements and other appropriate shareholder communications. In
the alternative, the Service Provider may distribute the Fund-related materials
to its Customers.
a. Deliver current Fund prospectuses and statements of additional information
and annual and other periodic reports upon Customer request, and, as
applicable, with confirmation statements;
b. Deliver statements to Customers on no less frequently than a quarterly basis
showing, among other things, the number of Class C and/or Class F shares of the
Fund owned by such Customer and the net asset value of the Class C and/or Class
F shares of the Fund as of a recent date;
c. Produce and deliver to Customers confirmation statements reflecting
purchases and redemptions of Class C and/or Class F shares of the Fund;
d. Respond to Customer inquiries regarding, among other things, share prices,
account balances, dividend amounts and dividend payment dates; and
e. With respect to Class C and/or Class F shares of the Fund purchased by
Customers after the effective date of this Agreement, provide average cost
basis reporting to Customers to assist them in preparation of their income tax
returns.
f. If the Service Provider clears transactions in Fund's Class C and/or Class F
shares for any correspondent brokers or banks in an omnibus relationship, it
will require each such correspondent broker or bank to provide such shareholder
communications as set forth in 2(a) through 2(f) to its own Customers.
3. Transactional Services
The Service Provider shall communicate to its Customers, as to Class C and
Class F shares of the Fund, purchase, redemption and exchange orders reflecting
the orders it receives from its Customers or from any correspondent brokers and
banks for their Customers. The Service Provider shall also communicate to
beneficial owners holding through it, and to any correspondent brokers or banks
for beneficial owners holding through them, as to shares of Class C and Class F
share of the Fund, mergers, splits and other reorganization activities, and
require any correspondent broker or bank to communicate such information to its
Customers.
4. Tax Information Returns and Reports
The Service Provider shall prepare and file, and require to be prepared and
filed by any correspondent brokers or banks as to their Customers, with the
appropriate governmental agencies, such information, returns and reports as are
required to be so filed for reporting (i) dividends and other distributions
made, (ii) amounts withheld on dividends and other distributions and payments
under applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations, and (iii) gross
proceeds of sales transactions as required.
5. Fund Communications
The Service Provider shall, upon request by the Fund, on each business day,
report the number of Class C shares and the number of Class F shares on which
the administrative fee is to be paid pursuant to this Agreement. The Service
Provider shall also provide the Fund with a monthly invoice.
6. Monitoring of Service Providers
The Investment Adviser shall coordinate and monitor the activities of the
Service Providers with which it contracts to ensure that Fund's Class C and
Class F shareholders receive high-quality service. The Investment Adviser
shall also ensure that Service Providers deliver to Customers account
statements and all Fund-related materials, including prospectuses, shareholder
reports, and proxies.
ATTACHMENT
TO
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT OF SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Amendment to the Shareholder Services Agreement (the "Agreement") by and
between American Funds Service Company (hereinafter "AFS") and AMCAP Fund, Inc.
(hereinafter called the "Fund") is dated as of the first day of January 1998.
WHEREAS, AFS and the Fund entered into the Agreement with regard to certain
shareholder services to be performed by AFS; and
WHEREAS, AFS and the Fund desire to amend said Agreement in the manner
hereinafter set forth;
NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to Section 9 of the Agreement, AFS and the Fund hereby
amend the Agreement in the following form:
1. Section 6 is amended to read as follows:
AFS will provide to the participating investment companies the shareholder
services referred to herein in return for the following fees:
ANNUAL ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE FEE (PAID MONTHLY):
$0.45 per month for each open account on AFS books or in Level 2 or 4
Networking ($5.40 per year).
$0.06 per month for each open account maintained in Street Name or
Level 1 or 3 Networking ($0.72 per year).
No annual fee will be charged for a participant account underlying a 401(k)
or other defined contribution plan where the plan maintains a single
account on AFS books and responds to all participant inquiries.
TRANSACTION FEES:
$2.70 per non-automated transaction
$0.20 per automated transaction
For this purpose, "transactions" shall include all types of transactions
included in an "activity index" as reported to the Review and Advisory
Committee at least annually. AFS will bill the Fund monthly, on or shortly
after the first of each calendar month, and the Fund will pay AFS within five
business days of such billing.
Any revision of the schedule of charges set forth herein shall require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the board of
directors/trustees of the Fund.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, AFS and the Fund have caused this Amendment to be executed
by their duly authorized officers effective as of the date first written above.
FUND AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY BY: BY: Name: Name: Title: Title: |
Date: Date:
[logo] O'Melveny & Myers LLP CENTURY CITY 400 South Hope Street WASHINGTON, D.C. IRVINE SPECTRUM Los Angeles, California 90071-2899 HONG KONG NEWPORT BEACH TELEPHONE (213) 430-6000 LONDON NEW YORK FACSIMILE (213) 430-6407 SHANGHAI SAN FRANCISCO INTERNET: www.omm.com TOKYO TYSONS CORNER |
March 6, 2001
EuroPacific Growth Fund
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
At your request, we have examined your Registration Statement on Form N-1A and the related Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 filed by you with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of an indefinite number of Class C shares of beneficial interest without par value (the "Class C Shares") and an indefinite number of Class F Shares of beneficial interest without par value (the "Class F Shares"). We are familiar with the proceedings you have taken in connection with the authorization, issuance and sale of the Class C Shares and the Class F Shares.
Our opinion below is limited to the federal law of the United States of America and the business trust law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We are not licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and we have based our opinion solely on our review of Chapter 182 of the Massachusetts General Laws and the case law interpreting such Chapter as reported in the Annotated Laws of Massachusetts (Aspen Law & Business, supp. 2000). We have not undertaken a review of other Massachusetts law or of any administrative or court decisions in connection with rendering this opinion. We disclaim any opinion as to any law other than as described above, and we disclaim any opinion as to any statute, rule, regulation, ordinance, order or other promulgation of any regional or local governmental authority.
We note that, pursuant to certain decisions of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust may, in certain circumstances, be assessed or held personally liable as partners for the obligations or liabilities of the trust. However, we also note that Section 5.1 of your Restatement of Declaration of Trust provides that no shareholder shall be subject to any personal liability whatsoever in connection with trust property or the acts, omissions, obligations or affairs of the trust, and further provides that the trust shall indemnify and hold harmless each shareholder from and against all claims and liabilities to which such shareholder may become subject by reason of his being or having been a shareholder, and shall reimburse such shareholder for all legal and other expenses reasonably incurred by him in connection with any such claim or liability.
Based upon our examination and upon our knowledge of your activities, it is our opinion that the Class C Shares and the Class F Shares, upon issuance and sale in the manner described in the Registration Statement, will constitute validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Class C Shares of beneficial interest and Class F Shares of beneficial interest.
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ O'Melveny & Myers LLP |
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of our report dated April 30, 2000, relating to the financial statements and per-share data and ratios of EuroPacific Growth Fund, which appears in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the headings ?Financial Highlights?, ?Independent Accountants? and ?Prospectuses and Reports to Shareholders? in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Los Angeles, California March 9, 2001 |
WHEREAS, __________________________ (the "Fund") is a Corporation/Trust that
offers four classes of shares of common stock, designated as Class A shares,
Class B shares, Class C shares and Class F shares;
WHEREAS, American Funds Distributors, Inc. ("AFD") or any successor entity
designated by the Fund (AFD and any such successor collectively are referred to
as "Distributor") will serve as distributor of the shares of common stock of
the Fund, and the Fund and Distributor are parties to a principal underwriting
agreement (the "Agreement");
WHEREAS, the purpose of this Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") is to authorize
the Fund to bear expenses of distribution of its Class C shares; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund has determined that there
is a reasonable likelihood that this Plan will benefit the Fund and its
shareholders;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Fund adopts this Plan as follows:
1. PAYMENTS TO DISTRIBUTOR. The Fund may expend pursuant to this Plan and as
set forth below an aggregate amount not to exceed 1.00% per annum of the
average net assets of the Fund's Class C shares. The categories of expenses
are as follows:
A. SERVICE FEES. The Fund shall pay to the Distributor no more frequently than
monthly in arrears a service fee (the "Service Fee"), which shall accrue daily
in an amount equal to the daily equivalent of 0.25% per annum of the net asset
value of the Fund's Class C shares outstanding on each day. The Service Fee
compensates the Distributor for paying service-related expenses, including
Service Fees to others in respect of Class C shares of the Fund.
B. DISTRIBUTION FEES. The Fund shall pay to the Distributor no more frequently
than monthly in arrears its "Allocable Portion" (as described in Schedule A to
this Plan "Allocation Schedule", and until such time as the Fund designates a
successor to AFD as distributor, the Allocable Portion shall equal 100%) of a
fee (the "Distribution Fee"), which shall accrue daily in an amount equal to
the daily equivalent of 0.75% per annum of the net asset value of the Fund's
Class C shares outstanding on each day. The Distribution Fee compensates the
Distributor for providing distribution and sales-related services in respect of
Class C shares of the Fund.
The Distributor may sell and assign its right to its Allocable Portion (but not
its obligations to the Fund under the Agreement) of the Distribution Fee to a
third party, and such transfer shall be free and clear of offsets or claims the
Fund may have against the Distributor, it being understood that the Fund is not
releasing the Distributor from any of its obligations to the Fund under the
Agreement or any of the assets the Distributor continues to own. The Fund may
agree, at the request of the Distributor, to pay the Allocable Portion of the
Distribution Fee directly to the third party transferee.
Any Agreement between the Fund and the Distributor relating to the Fund's Class
C shares shall provide that:
(i) the Distributor will be deemed to have performed all services required to
be performed in order to be entitled to receive its Allocable Portion of the
Distribution Fee payable in respect of each "Commission Share" (as defined in
the Allocation Schedule) upon the settlement date of each sale of such
Commission Share taken into account in determining such Distributor's Allocable
Portion of the Distribution Fee;
(ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or the Agreement,
the Fund's obligation to pay the Distributor its Allocable Portion of the
Distribution Fee shall not be terminated or modified (including without
limitation, by change in the rules applicable to the conversion of the Class C
shares into shares of another class) for any reason (including a termination of
this Plan or the Agreement between such Distributor and the Fund) except:
(a) to the extent required by a change in the Investment Company Act of 1940
(the "1940 Act"), the rules and regulations under the 1940 Act, the Conduct
Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), or
any judicial decisions or interpretive pronouncements by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, which is either binding upon the Distributor or generally
complied with by similarly situated distributors of mutual fund shares, in each
case enacted, promulgated, or made after March 15, 2001,
(b) on a basis which does not alter the Distributor's Allocable Portion of the
Distribution Fee computed with reference to Commission Shares of the Fund, the
Date of Original Issuance (as defined in the Allocation Schedule) of which
occurs on or prior to the adoption of such termination or modification and with
respect to Free Shares (as defined in the Allocation Schedule) which would be
attributed to the Distributor under the Allocation Schedule with reference to
such Commission Shares, or
(c) in connection with a Complete Termination (as defined below) of this Plan
by the Fund;
(iii) the Fund will not take any action to waive or change any contingent
deferred sales charge ("CDSC") in respect of the Class C shares, the Date of
Original Issuance of which occurs on or prior to the taking of such action
except as provided in the Fund's prospectus or statement of additional
information on the date such Commission Share was issued, without the consent
of the Distributor or its assigns;
(iv) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or the Agreement,
none of the termination of the Distributor's role as principal underwriter of
the Class C shares of the Fund, the termination of the Agreement or the
termination of this Plan will terminate the Distributor's right to its
Allocable Portion of the CDSCs in respect of Class C shares of the Fund;
(v) except as provided in (ii) above and notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this Plan or the Agreement, the Fund's obligation to pay the
Distributor's Allocable Portion of the Distribution Fees and CDSCs payable in
respect of the Class C shares of the Fund shall be absolute and unconditional
and shall not be subject to dispute, offset, counterclaim or any defense
whatsoever, at law or equity, including, without limitation, any of the
foregoing based on the insolvency or bankruptcy of the Distributor; and
(vi) until the Distributor has been paid its Allocable Portion of the
Distribution Fees in respect of the Class C shares of the Fund, the Fund will
not adopt a plan of liquidation in respect of the Class C shares without the
consent of the Distributor and its assigns. For purposes of this Plan, the
term Allocable Portion of the Distribution Fees or CDSCs payable in respect of
the Class C shares as applied to any Distributor shall mean the portion of such
Distribution Fees or CDSCs payable in respect of such Class C shares of the
Fund allocated to the Distributor in accordance with the Allocation Schedule as
it relates to the Class C shares of the Fund, and until such time as the Fund
designates a successor to AFD as distributor, the Allocable Portion shall equal
100% of the Distribution Fees and CDSCs. For purposes of this Plan, the term
"Complete Termination" in respect of this Plan as it relates to the Class C
shares means a termination of this Plan involving the complete cessation of the
payment of Distribution Fees in respect of all Class C shares, the termination
of the distribution plans and principal underwriting agreements, and the
complete cessation of the payment of any asset based sales charge (within the
meaning of the Conduct Rules of the NASD) or similar fees in respect of the
Fund and any successor mutual fund or any mutual fund acquiring a substantial
portion of the assets of the Fund (the Fund and such other mutual funds
hereinafter referred to as the "Affected Funds") and in respect of the Class C
shares and every future class of shares (other than future classes of shares
established more than one year after the date of such termination) which has
substantially similar characteristics to the Class C shares (all such classes
of shares the "Affected Classes of Shares") of such Affected Funds taking into
account the manner of payment and amount of asset based sales charge, CDSC or
other similar charges borne directly or indirectly by the holders of such
shares; provided that
(a) the Board of Directors/Trustees of such Affected Funds, including the
Independent Directors/Trustees (as defined below) of the Affected Funds, shall
have determined that such termination is in the best interest of such Affected
Funds and the shareholders of such Affected Funds, and
(b) such termination does not alter the CDSC as in effect at the time of such
termination applicable to Commission Shares of the Fund, the Date of Original
Issuance of which occurs on or prior to such termination.
2. APPROVAL BY THE BOARD. This Plan shall not take effect until it has been
approved, together with any related agreement, by votes of the majority of both
(i) the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund and (ii) those
Directors/Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as
defined in the 1940 Act) and have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of this Plan or any agreement related to it (the "Independent
Directors/Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on this Plan and/or such agreement.
3. REVIEW OF EXPENDITURES. At least quarterly, the Board of Directors/Trustees
shall be provided by any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies
paid or payable by the Fund pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement, and
the Board shall review, a written report of the amounts expended pursuant to
this Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
4. TERMINATION OF PLAN. This Plan may be terminated as to the Fund's Class C
shares at any time by vote of a majority of the Independent Directors/Trustees,
or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class C shares of the Fund. Unless
sooner terminated in accordance with this provision, this Plan shall continue
in effect until _________________. It may thereafter be continued from year to
year in the manner provided for in paragraph 2 hereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or paragraph 6, below, any amendment or
termination of this Plan shall not affect the rights of the Distributor to
receive its Allocable Portion of the Distribution Fee, unless the termination
constitutes a Complete Termination of this Plan as described in paragraph 1
above.
5. REQUIREMENTS OF AGREEMENT. Any Agreement related to this Plan shall be in
writing, and shall provide:
a. that such agreement may be terminated as to the Fund at any time, without
payment of any penalty by the vote of a majority of the Independent
Directors/Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding Class C shares
of the Fund, on not more than sixty (60) days' written notice to any other
party to the agreement; and
b. that such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment.
6. AMENDMENT. This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the maximum
amount of fees or other distribution expenses provided for in paragraph 1
hereof with respect to the Class C shares of the Fund unless such amendment is
approved by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Class C shares of the Fund and as provided in paragraph 2 hereof, and no other
material amendment to this Plan shall be made unless approved in the manner
provided for in paragraph 2 hereof.
7. NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES. While this Plan is in effect, the
selection and nomination of Independent Directors/Trustees shall be committed
to the discretion of the Independent Directors/Trustees of the Fund.
8. ISSUANCE OF SERIES OF SHARES. If the Fund shall at any time issue shares in
more than one series, this Plan may be adopted, amended, continued or renewed
with respect to a series as provided herein, notwithstanding that such
adoption, amendment, continuance or renewal has not been effected with respect
to any one or more other series of the Fund.
9. RECORD RETENTION. The Fund shall preserve copies of this Plan and any
related agreement and all reports made pursuant to paragraph 3 hereof for not
less than six (6) years from the date of this Plan, or such agreement or
reports, as the case may be, the first two (2) years of which such records
shall be stored in an easily accessible place.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund has caused this Plan to be executed by its
officers thereunto duly authorized, as of ________________.
By ______________________________
Chairman of the Board
By ______________________________
Secretary
The following relates solely to Class C shares.
The Distributor's Allocable Portion of Distribution Fees and CDSCs in respect
of Class C shares shall be 100% until such time as the Distributor shall cease
to serve as exclusive distributor of Class C shares; thereafter, collections
that constitute CDSCs and Distribution Fees relating to Class C shares shall be
allocated among the Distributor and any successor distributor ("Successor
Distributor") in accordance with this Schedule. At such time as the
Distributor's Allocable Portion of the Distribution Fees equals zero, the
Successor Distributor shall become the Distributor for purposes of this
Allocation Schedule.
Defined terms used in this Schedule and not otherwise defined herein shall have
the meanings assigned to them in the Amended and Restated Principal
Underwriting Agreement (the "Distribution Agreement"), of which this Schedule
is a part. As used herein the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
"Commission Share" means each C share issued under circumstances which would
normally give rise to an obligation of the holder of such share to pay a CDSC
upon redemption of such share (including, without limitation, any C share
issued in connection with a permitted free exchange), and any such share shall
continue to be a Commission Share of the applicable Fund prior to the
redemption (including a redemption in connection with a permitted free
exchange) or conversion of such share, even though the obligation to pay the
CDSC may have expired or conditions for waivers thereof may exist.
"Date of Original Issuance" means in respect of any Commission Share, the date
with reference to which the amount of the CDSC payable on redemption thereof,
if any, is computed.
"Free Share" means, in respect of a Fund, each C share of the Fund, other than
a Commission Share (including, without limitation, any C share issued in
connection with the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains).
"Inception Date" means in respect of a Fund, the first date on which the Fund
issued shares.
"Net Asset Value" means the net asset value determined as set forth in the
Prospectus of each Fund.
"Omnibus Share" means, in respect of a Fund, a Commission Share or Free Share
sold by one of the selling agents maintaining shares in an omnibus account
("Omnibus Selling Agents"). If, subsequent to the Successor Distributor
becoming exclusive distributor of the Class C shares, the Distributor
reasonably determines that the transfer agent is able to track all Commission
Shares and Free Shares sold by any of the Omnibus Selling Agents in the same
manner that Non-Omnibus Commission Shares and Free Shares (defined below) are
currently tracked, then Omnibus Shares of such Omnibus Selling Agent shall be
treated as Commission Shares and Free Shares.
PART I: ATTRIBUTION OF CLASS C SHARES
Class C shares that are outstanding from time to time, shall be attributed to
the Distributor and each Successor Distributor in accordance with the following
rules;
(1) Commission Shares other than Omnibus Shares:
(a) Commission Shares that are not Omnibus Shares ("Non-Omnibus Commission
Shares") attributed to the Distributor shall be those Non-Omnibus Commission
Shares (i) the date of Original Issuance of which occurred on or after the
Inception Date of the applicable Fund and on or prior to the date the
Distributor ceased to be exclusive distributor of Class C shares of the Fund
and (ii) that are subject to a CDSC (without regard to any conditions for
waivers thereof).
(b) Non-Omnibus Commission Shares attributable to each Successor Distributor
shall be those Non-Omnibus Commission Shares (i) the Date of Original Issuance
of which occurs after the date such Successor Distributor became the exclusive
distributor of Class C shares of the Fund and on or prior to the date such
Successor Distributor ceased to be the exclusive distributor of Class C shares
of the Fund and (ii) that are subject to a CDSC (without regard to any
conditions for waivers thereof).
(c) A Non-Omnibus Commission Share of a Fund issued in consideration of the
investment of proceeds of the redemption of a Non-Omnibus Commission Share of
another Fund (the "Redeeming Fund") in connection with a permitted free
exchange, is deemed to have a Date of Original Issuance identical to the Date
of Original Issuance of the Non-Omnibus Commission Share of the Redeeming Fund,
and any such Commission Share will be attributed to the Distributor or
Successor Distributor based upon such Date of Original Issuance in accordance
with rules (a) and (b) above.
(2) Free Shares:
Free Shares that are not Omnibus Shares ("Non-Omnibus Free Shares") of a Fund
outstanding on any date shall be attributed to the Distributor or a Successor
Distributor, as the case may be, in the same proportion that the Non-Omnibus
Commission Shares of a Fund outstanding on such date are attributed to each on
such date; provided that if the Distributor and its transferees reasonably
determines that the transfer agent is able to produce monthly reports that
track the Date of Original Issuance for such Non-Omnibus Free Shares, then such
Free Shares shall be allocated pursuant to clause 1(a), (b) and (c) above.
(3) Omnibus Shares:
Omnibus Shares of a Fund outstanding on any date shall be attributed to the
Distributor or a Successor Distributor, as the case may be, in the same
proportion that the Non-Omnibus Commission Shares of the applicable Fund
outstanding on such date are attributed to it on such date; provided that if
the Distributor reasonably determines that the transfer agent is able to
produce monthly reports that track the Date of Original Issuance for the
Omnibus Shares, then the Omnibus Shares shall be allocated pursuant to clause
1(a), (b) and (c) above.
PART II: ALLOCATION OF CDSCs
(1) CDSCs Related to the Redemption of Non-Omnibus Commission Shares:
CDSCs in respect of the redemption of Non-Omnibus Commission Shares shall be
allocated to the Distributor or a Successor Distributor depending upon whether
the related redeemed Commission Share is attributable to the Distributor or
such Successor Distributor, as the case may be, in accordance with Part I
above.
(2) CDSCs Related to the Redemption of Omnibus Shares:
CDSCs in respect of the redemption of Omnibus Shares shall be allocated to the
Distributor or a Successor Distributor in the same proportion that CDSCs
related to the redemption of Non-Omnibus Commission Shares are allocated to
each thereof; provided, that if the Distributor reasonably determines that the
transfer agent is able to produce monthly reports which track the Date of
Original Issuance for the Omnibus Shares, then the CDSCs in respect of the
redemption of Omnibus Shares shall be allocated among the Distributor and any
Successor Distributor depending on whether the related redeemed Omnibus Share
is attributable to the Distributor or a Successor Distributor, as the case may
be, in accordance with Part I above.
PART III: ALLOCATION OF DISTRIBUTION FEE
Assuming that the Distribution Fee remains constant over time so that Part IV
hereof does not become operative:
(1) The portion of the aggregate Distribution Fee accrued in respect of all
Class C shares of a Fund during any calendar month allocable to the Distributor
or a Successor Distributor is determined by multiplying the total of such
Distribution Fee by the following fraction:
(A + C)/2
(B + D)/2
where:
A= The aggregate Net Asset Value of all Class C shares of a Fund attributed to
the Distributor or such Successor Distributor, as the case may be, and
outstanding at the beginning of such calendar month
B= The aggregate Net Asset Value of all Class C shares of a Fund at the
beginning of such calendar month
C= The aggregate Net Asset Value of all Class C shares of a Fund attributed to
the Distributor or such Successor Distributor, as the case may be, and
outstanding at the end of such calendar month
D= The aggregate Net Asset Value of all Class C shares of a Fund at the end of
such calendar month
(2) If the Distributor reasonably determines that the transfer agent is able to
produce automated monthly reports that allocate the average Net Asset Value of
the Commission Shares (or all Class C shares if available) of a Fund among the
Distributor and any Successor Distributor in a manner consistent with the
methodology detailed in Part I and Part III(1) above, the portion of the
Distribution Fee accrued in respect of all such Class C shares of a Fund during
a particular calendar month will be allocated to the Distributor or a Successor
Distributor by multiplying the total of such Distribution Fee by the following
fraction:
(A)/(B)
where:
A= Average Net Asset Value of all such Class C shares of a Fund for such
calendar month attributed to the Distributor or a Successor Distributor, as the
case may be
B= Total average Net Asset Value of all such Class C shares of a Fund for such
calendar month
PART IV: ADJUSTMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTOR'S ALLOCABLE PORTION AND EACH SUCCESSOR
DISTRIBUTOR'S ALLOCABLE PORTION
The parties to the Distribution Agreement recognize that, if the terms of any
distributor's contract, any distribution plan, any prospectus, the Conduct
Rules or any other applicable law change so as to disproportionately reduce, in
a manner inconsistent with the intent of this Distribution Agreement, the
amount of the Distributor's Allocable Portion or any Successor Distributor's
Allocable Portion had no such change occurred, the definitions of the
Distributor's Allocable Portion and/or the Successor Distributor's Allocable
Portion in respect of the Class C shares relating to a Fund shall be adjusted
by agreement among the relevant parties; provided, however, if the Distributor,
the Successor Distributor and the Fund cannot agree within thirty (30) days
after the date of any such change in applicable laws or in any distributor's
contract, distribution plan, prospectus or the Conduct Rules, they shall submit
the question to arbitration in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules
of the American Arbitration Association and the decision reached by the
arbitrator shall be final and binding on each of them.
FORM OF
[NAME OF FUND]
AMENDED AND RESTATED
MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN
WHEREAS, _______________________ (the "Fund"), a _____________
corporation/trust, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company that
offers shares of common stock/beneficial interest;
WHEREAS, American Funds Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor") serves as the
principal underwriter for the Fund;
WHEREAS, the Fund has adopted Plans of Distribution (each a "12b-1 Plan") under
which the Fund may bear expenses of distribution of its shares, including
payment and/or reimbursement to the Distributor for certain of its expenses
incurred in connection with the Fund;
WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue four classes of shares of common
stock/beneficial interest, designated as Class A shares, Class B shares, Class
C shares and Class F shares;
WHEREAS, Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act permits open-end management investment
companies to issue multiple classes of voting stock representing interests in
the same portfolio if, among other things, an investment company adopts a
written Multiple Class Plan (the "Plan") setting forth the separate arrangement
and expense allocation of each class and any related conversion features or
exchange privileges;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund adopted a Multiple Class
Plan on ______________; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund has determined, that it is
in the best interest of each class of shares of the Fund individually, and the
Fund as a whole, to amend and restate its Multiple Class Plan in recognition of
it issuing additional classes of shares;
NOW THEREFORE, the Fund adopts this Plan as follows:
1. Each class of shares will represent interests in the same portfolio of
investments of the Fund, and be identical in all respects to each other class,
except as set forth below. The differences among the various classes of shares
of the Fund will relate to: (i) distribution, service and other charges and
expenses as provided for in paragraph 3 of this Plan; (ii) the exclusive right
of each class of shares to vote on matters submitted to shareholders that
relate solely to that class or the separate voting right of each class on
matters for which the interests of one class differ from the interests of
another class; (iii) such differences relating to eligible investors as may be
set forth in the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information
("SAI"), as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time; (iv) the
designation of each class of shares; (v) conversion features; and (vi) exchange
privileges.
2. (a) Certain expenses may be attributable to the Fund, but not a particular
class of shares thereof. All such expenses will be borne by each class on the
basis of the relative aggregate net assets of the classes. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Distributor, the investment adviser or other provider of
services to the Fund may waive or reimburse the expenses of a specific class or
classes to the extent permitted by Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act and any other
applicable law.
(b) A class of shares may be permitted to bear expenses that are directly
attributable to that class, including: (i) any distribution service fees
associated with any rule 12b-1 Plan for a particular class and any other costs
relating to implementing or amending such rule 12b-1 Plan; (ii) any
administrative service fees attributable to such class; and (iii) any transfer
agency and shareholder servicing fees attributable to such class.
(c) Any additional incremental expenses not specifically identified above that
are subsequently identified and determined to be applied properly to one class
of shares of the Fund shall be so applied upon approval by votes of the
majority of both (i) the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund; and (ii)
those Directors/Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the
Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) ("Independent Directors/Trustees").
3. Consistent with the general provisions of section 2(b), above, each class of
shares of the Fund shall differ in the amount of, and the manner in which costs
are borne by shareholders as follows:
(a) Class A shares
(i) Class A shares shall be sold at net asset value plus a front-end sales
charge, at net asset value without a front-end sales charge but subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC"), and at net asset value without any
sales charge, as set forth in the Fund's prospectus and SAI.
(ii) Class A shares shall be subject to an annual distribution expense under
the Fund's Class A Plan of Distribution of up to 0.25% [or 0.30% or 0.15%] of
average net assets, as set forth in the Fund's prospectus, SAI, and Plan of
Distribution. This expense consists of a service fee of up to 0.25% plus
certain other distribution costs.
(b) Class B shares
(i) Class B shares shall be sold at net asset value without a front-end sales
charge, but are subject to a CDSC and maximum purchase limits as set forth in
the Fund's prospectus and SAI.
(ii) Class B shares shall be subject to an annual 12b-1 expense under the
Fund's Class B Plan of Distribution of 1.00% [or 0.90%] of average net assets,
as set forth in the Fund's prospectus, SAI, and Class B Plan
of Distribution. This expense shall consist of a distribution fee of 0.75%
and a service fee of 0.25% of such net assets.
(iii) Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares of the Fund
approximately eight years after purchase, subject to the limitations described
in the Fund's prospectus and SAI. All conversions shall be effected on the
basis of the relative net asset values of the two classes of shares without the
imposition of any sales load or other charge.
(iv) Class B shares shall be subject to a fee (included within the transfer
agency expense) for additional costs associated with tracking the age of each
Class B share.
(c) Class C shares
(i) Class C shares shall be sold at net asset value without a front-end sales
charge, but are subject to a CDSC and maximum purchase limits as set forth in
the Fund's prospectus and SAI.
(ii) Class C shares shall be subject to an annual 12b-1 expense under the
Fund's Class C Plan of Distribution of 1.00% of average net assets, as set
forth in the Fund's prospectus, SAI, and Class C Plan of Distribution. This
expense shall consist of a distribution fee of 0.75% and a service fee of 0.25%
of such net assets.
(iii) Class C shares shall be subject to an Administrative Services fee
comprising transfer agent fees (according to the fee schedule contained in the
Shareholder Services Agreement between the Fund and its transfer agent for its
Class A and Class B shares) plus 0.15% of average net assets, as set forth in
the Fund's prospectus, SAI, and Class C Administrative Services Agreement.
Class C shares will pay only those transfer agent fees that are attributed to
accounts of and activities generated by the Class C shares.
(iv) Class C shares will automatically convert to Class F shares of the Fund
approximately ten years after purchase, subject to the limitations described in
the Fund's prospectus and SAI. All conversions shall be effected on the basis
of the relative net asset values of the two classes of shares without the
imposition of any sales load or other charge.
(v) Class C shares shall be subject to a fee (included within the transfer
agency expense) for additional costs associated with tracking the age of each
Class C share.
(d) Class F shares
(i) Class F shares shall be sold at net asset value without a front-end or
back-end sales charge.
(ii) Class F shares shall be subject to an annual 12b-1 expense under the
Fund's Class F Plan of Distribution of up to 0.50% of average net assets, as
set forth in the Fund's prospectus, SAI, and Class F Plan of Distribution.
This expense shall consist of a distribution fee of 0.25% and a service fee of
0.25% of such net assets.
(iii) Class F shares shall be subject to an Administrative Services fee
comprising transfer agent fees (according to the fee schedule contained in the
Shareholder Services Agreement between the Fund and its transfer agent for its
Class A and Class B shares) plus 0.15% of average net assets, as set forth in
the Fund's prospectus, SAI, and Class F Administrative Services Agreement.
Class F shares will pay only those transfer agent fees that are attributed to
accounts of and activities generated by the Class F shares.
All other rights and privileges of Fund shareholders are identical regardless
of which class of shares are held.
4. This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved by votes of the
majority of both (i) the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund; and (ii) the
Independent Directors/Trustees.
5. This Plan shall become effective with respect to any class of shares of the
Fund, other than Class A, Class B, Class C or Class F shares, upon the
commencement of the initial public offering thereof (provided that the Plan has
previously been approved with respect to such additional class by votes of the
majority of both (i) the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund; and (ii)
Independent Directors/Trustees prior to the offering of such additional class
of shares), and shall continue in effect with respect to such additional class
or classes until terminated in accordance with paragraph 7. An addendum
setting forth such specific and different terms of such additional class or
classes shall be attached to and made part of this Plan.
6. No material amendment to the Plan shall be effective unless it is approved
by the votes of the majority of both (i) the Board of Directors/Trustees of the
Fund; and (ii) Independent Directors/Trustees.
7. This Plan may be terminated at any time with respect to the Fund as a whole
or any class of shares individually, by the votes of the majority of both (i)
the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund; and (ii) Independent
Directors/Trustees. This Plan may remain in effect with respect to a
particular class or classes of shares of the Fund even if it has been
terminated in accordance with this paragraph with respect to any other class of
shares.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund has caused this Plan to be executed by its
officers thereunto duly authorized, as of ____________________.
By
By
FORM OF
CODE OF CONDUCT
All of us within the Capital organization are responsible for maintaining the very highest ethical standards when conducting business. In keeping with these standards, we must never allow our own interests to be placed ahead of our shareholders' and clients' interests.
Over the years we have earned a reputation for the highest integrity. Regardless of lesser standards that may be followed through business or community custom, we must observe exemplary standards of honesty and integrity.
REPORTING VIOLATIONS
If you know of any violation of our Code of Conduct, you have a responsibility to report it. Deviations from controls or procedures that safeguard the company, including the assets of shareholders and clients, should also be reported.
You can report confidentially to:
- Your manager or department head
- CGC Audit Committee:
Wally Stern - Chairman
Donnalisa Barnum
David Beevers
Jim Brown
Larry P. Clemmensen
Roberta Conroy
Bill Hurt - (emeritus)
Sonny Kamm
Mike Kerr
Victor Kohn
John McLaughlin
Don O'Neal
Tom Rowland
John Smet
Antonio Vegezzi
Shaw Wagener
Kelly Webb
- Mike Downer or any other lawyer in the CGC Legal Group
- Don Wolfe of Deloitte & Touche LLP (CGC's auditors).
CGC GIFTS POLICY - CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
A conflict of interest occurs when the private interests of associates interfere or could potentially interfere with their responsibilities at work. Associates must not place themselves or the company in a position of actual or potential conflict. Associates may not accept gifts worth more than $100, excessive business entertainment, loans, or anything else involving personal gain from those who conduct business with the company. In addition, a business entertainment event exceeding $200 in value should not be accepted unless the associate receives permission from the Gifts Policy Committee.
REPORTING
Although the limitations on accepting gifts applies to ALL associates as described above, some associates will be asked to fill out quarterly reports. If you receive a reporting form, you must report any gift exceeding $50 (although it is recommended that you report ALL gifts received) and business entertainment in which an event exceeds $75.
GIFTS POLICY COMMITTEE
The Gifts Policy Committee oversees administration of and compliance with the Policy.
INSIDER TRADING
Antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws generally prohibit persons while in possession of material nonpublic information from trading on or communicating the information to others. Sanctions for violations can include civil injunctions, permanent bars from the securities industry, civil penalties up to three times the profits made or losses avoided, criminal fines and jail sentences.
While investment research analysts are most likely to come in contact with material nonpublic information, the rules (and sanctions) in this area apply to all CGC associates and extend to activities both within and outside each associate's duties.
Although different standards may apply outside the U.S., CGC applies the same standard to all associates across all offices. Associates meeting with companies outside the U.S. should be aware that these companies may not be as sensitive to issues relating to material non-public information.
PERSONAL INVESTING POLICY
As an associate of the Capital Group companies, you may have access to confidential information. This places you in a position of special trust.
You are associated with a group of companies that is responsible for the management of many billions of dollars belonging to mutual fund shareholders and other clients. The law, ethics and our own policy place a heavy burden on all of us to ensure that the highest standards of honesty and integrity are maintained at all times.
There are several rules that must be followed to avoid possible conflicts of interest in personal securities transactions.
ALL ASSOCIATES
Information regarding proposed or partially completed plans by CGC companies to buy or sell specific securities must not be divulged to outsiders.
Favors or preferential treatment from stockbrokers may not be accepted.
Associates may not subscribe to ANY initial public offering (IPO). Generally, this prohibition applies to spouses of associates and any family member residing in the same household. However, an associate may request that the Personal Investing Committee consider granting an exception under special circumstances.
COVERED PERSONS
Associates who have access to investment information in connection with their regular duties are generally considered "covered persons." If you receive a quarterly personal securities transactions report form, you are a covered person. You will be provided a summary of CGC's Personal Investing Policy on a quarterly basis and a copy of the full policy annually. In addition, a copy of the Policy is always available on the CGC web home page.
Covered persons must conduct their personal securities transactions in such a way that they do not conflict with the interests of the funds and client accounts. This policy also includes securities transactions of family members living in the covered person's household and any trust or custodianship for which the associate is trustee or custodian. A conflict may occur if you, a family member in the same household, a trust or custodianship for which you are trustee or custodian have a transaction in a security when the funds or client accounts are considering or concluding a transaction in the same security.
Additional rules apply to "investment associates" including portfolio counselors/managers, research analysts, traders, portfolio control associates, and investment administration associates (see below).
PRE-CLEARANCE OF SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Before buying or selling securities, covered persons must check with the staff of the Personal Investing Committee. (You will generally receive a response within one business day.) If you are granted permission to trade, you will generally be given until the close of the New York Stock Exchange to complete your transaction, although some transactions may be granted up to two trading days (including the day you call) to complete. If you have not executed your transaction within this period, you must again pre-clear your transaction.
Covered associates must PROMPTLY submit quarterly reports of certain transactions. Transactions of securities (including fixed-income securities) or options (see below) must be precleared as described above and reported EXCEPT that the following types of transactions ONLY NEED TO BE REPORTED BUT NOT PRE-CLEARED:
g. options or futures on broad-based indices or currencies
h. gifts or bequests (either receiving or giving) of securities (note that
sales of securities received as a gift MUST be both precleared and reported);
i. debt instruments rated "A" or above by at least one national rating service;
j. sales pursuant to tender offers; and
k. dividend reinvestment plan purchases (provided the purchase pursuant to such
plan is made with dividend proceeds only).
In addition, THE FOLLOWING TRANSACTIONS NEITHER REQUIRE PRE-CLEARANCE NOR REPORTING:
g. open-end investment companies (mutual funds);
h. money market instruments with maturities of one year or less;
i. direct obligations of the U.S. Government;
j. bankers' acceptances, CDs or other commercial paper; and
k. commodities.
NOTE THAT INVESTMENTS IN PRIVATE PLACEMENTS AND VENTURE CAPITAL PARTNERSHIPS MUST BE PRE-CLEARED AND REPORTED AND ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIAL REVIEW.
YOU WILL RECEIVE REPORTING FORMS EACH QUARTER WHICH ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 10 DAYS AFTER THE END OF THE QUARTER.
PERSONAL INVESTING SHOULD BE VIEWED AS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT. AS SUCH, LIMITATIONS MAY BE PLACED ON THE NUMBER OF PRE-CLEARANCES AND/OR TRANSACTIONS AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE PERSONAL INVESTING COMMITTEE.
BROKERAGE ACCOUNTS
Covered persons should inform their stockbrokers that they are employed by an
investment adviser, trust company or affiliate of either. U.S. brokers are
subject to certain rules designed to prevent favoritism toward such accounts.
Associates may not accept negotiated commission rates which they believe may be
more favorable than the broker grants to accounts with similar characteristics.
In addition, covered persons must direct their brokers to send duplicate
confirmations and copies of all periodic statements on a timely basis to The
Legal Group of The Capital Group Companies, Inc., ALL DOCUMENTS RECEIVED ARE
CONSIDERED TO BE CONFIDENTIAL./1/
DISCLOSURE OF ACCOUNTS THAT COULD HOLD SECURITIES SUBJECT TO PRE-CLEARANCE OR REPORTING - Associates are not required to provide duplicate statements for accounts that only hold securities that are not subject to pre-clearance or reporting (E.G., mutual funds, U.S. Government securities, money market instruments, etc.). However, if the accounts could hold securities subject to the policy, the existence of these accounts (including the name of the brokerage firm or bank and the date the accounts were established) must be disclosed. If extraneous sensitive information is included on an associate's statements (E.G., checking account information), the associate might want to establish a separate account solely for cash holdings and cash-related transactions. The existence of this type of account would not need to be disclosed.
DISCRETIONARY ACCOUNTS - Transactions and holdings in accounts over which an associate has turned over complete investment discretion to a third party (I.E. broker, money manager, or financial advisor) are not subject to pre-clearance or reporting requirements. You must disclose the existence of this account to the staff of the Personal Investing Committee (and you MUST have a signed exemption memo on file with the staff of the Personal Investing Committee regarding this account). In addition, investment associates should note that to the extent that securities are held personally in discretionary accounts and held professionally or are within an analyst's research responsibility, holdings SHOULD BE INCLUDED on the appropriate form (see "Disclosure of Ownership of Certain Securities" below).
ANNUAL DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL SECURITIES HOLDINGS
Covered persons will be required to disclose all personal securities holdings upon commencement of employment (or upon becoming a covered person) and thereafter on an annual basis. Reporting forms will be supplied for this purpose.
/1/ Information about particular transactions may be provided to an associate's supervisor or appropriate human resources manager by Personal Investing Committee staff where the transactions are in violation of the Policy, may impact the associate's job performance, or raise other conflict of interest-related issues.
ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION
All access persons will be required to certify annually that they have read and understood the Personal Investing Policy and recognize that they are subject thereto.
ADDITIONAL RULES FOR INVESTMENT ASSOCIATES
DISCLOSURE OF OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN SECURITIES
Ownership of securities that are held professionally as well as personally will be reviewed on a periodic basis by the staff of the Personal Investing Committee and may also be reviewed by the applicable Management Committee and/or Investment Committee or Subcommittee. In addition, to the extent that disclosure has not already been made to the staff of the Personal Investing Committee, any associate who is in a position to recommend the purchase or sale of securities by the fund or client accounts that s/he personally owns should FIRST disclose such ownership either in writing (in a company write-up) or verbally (when discussing the company at investment meetings) prior to making a recommendation./2/
BLACKOUT PERIOD
Investment associates may not buy or sell a security during a period beginning seven calendar days before and ending seven calendar days after a fund or client account that is managed by the company(ies) with which the individual has investment responsibility transacts in that security. If a fund or client account transaction takes place in the seven calendar days following a precleared purchase by an investment associate, the transaction will be reviewed by the Personal Investing Committee to determine the appropriate action, if any. For example, the Committee may recommend that the associate be subject to a price adjustment to ensure that he or she has not received a better price than the fund or client account.
BAN ON SHORT-TERM TRADING PROFITS
Investment associates are prohibited from profiting from the purchase and sale
or sale and purchase of the same (or equivalent) securities within 60 days.
THIS RESTRICTION APPLIES TO THE PURCHASE OF AN OPTION AND THE EXERCISE OF THE
OPTION WITHIN 60 DAYS.
SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR
All investment associates must obtain prior authorization of the Investment Committee or Investment Sub-Committee of the appropriate management company or CGC committee before serving on the boards of directors of publicly traded companies. Also, prior to serving on the board of a private company investment personnel must notify the LAO Legal Group; in certain circumstances these matters may be referred to the appropriate management or investment committee for approval.
/2/ Note that this disclosure requirement is consistent with both AIMR
standards as well as the ICI Advisory Group Guidelines.
In addition, other CGC associates should notify the LAO Legal Group, prior to
serving on the board of a public or private company.
PERSONAL INVESTING COMMITTEE
Any questions or hardships that result from these policies or requests for
exceptions should be referred to CGC's Personal Investing Committee by calling
the Personal Investing Committee staff.