SEC File Nos. 2-10811

811-116

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

__________________

FORM N-1A

Registration Statement

Under

the Securities Act of 1933

Post-Effective Amendment No. 112

and

Registration Statement

Under

The Investment Company Act of 1940

Amendment No. 36

__________________

THE INVESTMENT COMPANY OF AMERICA

(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:

Eric A.S. Richards, 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 1, 2006, pursuant to paragraph (b) of rule 485.

<PAGE>

[logo - American Funds/(R)/] The right choice for the long term/(R)/

The Investment
Company of America/(R)/

PROSPECTUS

March 1, 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Risk/Return summary
5 Fees and expenses of the fund
7 Investment objectives, strategies and risks
11 Management and organization
15 Shareholder information
16 Choosing a share class
18 Purchase and exchange of shares
22 Sales charges
25 Sales charge reductions and waivers
27 Rollovers from retirement plans to IRAs
28 Plans of distribution
29 Other compensation to dealers
29 How to sell shares
31 Distributions and taxes
32 Financial highlights

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.

<PAGE>

[This page was intentionally left blank.]

<PAGE>

Risk/Return summary

The fund seeks to make your investment grow and provide you with income over
time by investing primarily in common stocks that offer growth and dividend
potential.

The fund is designed for investors seeking both capital appreciation and income.
Your investment in the fund is subject to risks, including the possibility that
the fund's income and the value of its portfolio holdings may fluctuate in
response to events specific to the companies in which the fund invests, as well
as economic, political or social events in the United States or abroad.

The fund's investments are limited to securities of companies that are included
on its eligible list. Changes to the eligible list are reviewed and authorized
by the fund's board of directors at the recommendation of Capital Research and
Management Company, the fund's investment adviser.

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 MAY BE
GREATER IF YOU INVEST FOR A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

HISTORICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS

The bar chart below shows how the fund's investment results have varied from
year to year, and the Investment Results table on page 4 shows how the fund's
average annual total returns for various periods compare with different broad
measures of market performance. This information provides some indication of the
risks of investing in the fund. All fund results reflect the reinvestment of
dividends and capital gain distributions, if any. Unless otherwise noted, fund
results reflect any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements in effect during
the period presented. Past results (before and after taxes) are not predictive
of future results.

CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS FOR CLASS A SHARES

(Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included,
results would be lower.)

[begin bar chart]

1996 19.35
1997 29.81
1998 22.93
1999 16.55
2000 3.84
2001 -4.59
2002 -14.47
2003 26.30
2004 9.78
2005 6.87

[end bar chart]

Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this time period were:

HIGHEST 17.34% (quarter ended December 31, 1998)
LOWEST -14.51% (quarter ended September 30, 2002)

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Unlike the bar chart on the previous page, the Investment Results table on the
following page reflects, as required by Securities and Exchange Commission
rules, the fund's investment results with the following maximum initial or
contingent deferred sales charges imposed:

. Class A share results reflect the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. This
charge is reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more and eliminated for
purchases of $1 million or more.

. Class B share results reflect the applicable contingent deferred sales
charge. For example, results for the one-year period shown reflect a
contingent deferred sales charge of 5%. These charges begin to decline one
year after purchase and are eliminated six years after purchase.

. Class C share results for the one-year period shown reflect a contingent
deferred sales charge of 1%, which only applies if shares are sold within one
year of purchase.

. Class 529-E and Class F shares are sold without any initial or contingent
deferred sales charge.

Results would be higher if calculated without sales charges. The references
above to Class A, B, C or F sales charges also refer to the corresponding Class
529-A, 529-B, 529-C or 529-F sales charges.

The Investment Results table shows the fund's results on both a pretax and
after-tax basis, as required by Securities and Exchange Commission rules.
After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares; after-tax returns for other
share classes will vary. Total returns shown "after taxes on distributions"
reflect the effect of taxes on distributions (for example, dividends or capital
gain distributions) by the fund. Total returns shown "after taxes on
distributions and sale of fund shares" assume that you sold your fund shares at
the end of the particular time period and, as a result, reflect the effect of
both taxes on distributions by the fund and taxes on any gain or loss realized
upon the sale of the shares. After-tax returns are calculated using the highest
individual federal income tax rates in effect during each year of the periods
shown and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

YOUR ACTUAL AFTER-TAX RETURNS DEPEND ON YOUR INDIVIDUAL TAX SITUATION AND LIKELY
WILL DIFFER FROM THE RESULTS SHOWN BELOW. IN ADDITION, AFTER-TAX RETURNS MAY NOT
BE RELEVANT IF YOU HOLD YOUR FUND SHARES THROUGH A TAX-DEFERRED ARRANGEMENT,
SUCH AS A 401(K) PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (IRA) OR 529 COLLEGE
SAVINGS PLAN SUCH AS COLLEGEAMERICA./(R)/

Unlike the Investment Results table on page 4, the Additional Investment Results
table on page 9 reflects the fund's results calculated without sales charges.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

INVESTMENT RESULTS (WITH MAXIMUM SALES CHARGES)
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS LIFETIME/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A -- FIRST SOLD 1/1/34
Before taxes 0.71% 2.65% 10.14% 12.77%
After taxes on distributions 0.02 1.86 8.46 N/A
After taxes on distributions and 1.38 1.96 8.14 N/A
sale of fund shares

1 YEAR 5 YEARS LIFETIME/1/
------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS B -- FIRST SOLD 3/15/00
Before taxes 1.04% 2.70% 3.50%
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C -- FIRST SOLD 3/15/01
Before taxes 4.96 N/A 4.27
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F -- FIRST SOLD 3/15/01
Before taxes 6.77 N/A 5.08
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-A -- FIRST SOLD 2/15/02
Before taxes 0.62 N/A 5.21
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B -- FIRST SOLD 2/15/02
Before taxes 0.87 N/A 5.24
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C -- FIRST SOLD 2/19/02
Before taxes 4.85 N/A 6.34
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E -- FIRST SOLD 3/1/02
Before taxes 6.42 N/A 5.92
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F -- FIRST SOLD 9/16/02
Before taxes 6.87 N/A 12.51

1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS LIFETIME/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INDEXES (BEFORE TAXES)
S&P 500/2/ 4.91% 0.54% 9.07% 11.27%
Lipper Growth and Income Funds 6.82 2.92 8.47 N/A
Index/3/
Class A annualized 30-day yield at December 31, 2005: 2.00%/4/
(For current yield information, please call American FundsLine at 800/325-3590.)

/1/ Lifetime results for each share class are measured from the date the share
class was first sold. Lifetime results for the index(es) shown are measured
from the date Class A shares were first sold.
/2/ Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted
index based on the average weighted performance of 500 widely held common
stocks. This index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends and/or
distributions, but does not reflect sales charges, commissions, expenses or
taxes.
/3/ Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds
that combine a growth-of-earnings orientation and an income requirement for
level and/or rising dividends. The results of the underlying funds in the index
include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, as well
as brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do
not reflect sales charges or taxes. This index was not in existence as of the
date the fund became available; therefore, lifetime results are not shown.
/4/ Reflects a fee waiver (1.98% without the waiver) as described in the Annual
Fund Operating Expenses table under "Fees and expenses of the fund."

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

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Fees and expenses of the fund

These tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.

SHAREHOLDER FEES (PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
CLASS A/1/ CLASS B/1/ CLASS C/1/ CLASS 529-E/2/ CLASS F/1/,/3/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maximum initial sales
charge on purchases 5.75%/4/ none none none none
(as a percentage of
offering price)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge none none none none none
on reinvested
dividends
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum contingent none/5/ 5.00%/6/ 1.00%/7/ none none
deferred sales charge
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption or none none none none none
exchange fees

/1/ Includes a version of this class offered through CollegeAmerica.
CollegeAmerica accounts are subject to a $10 account setup fee and an annual
$10 account maintenance fee, which are not reflected in this table.
/2/ Class 529-E shares are available only through CollegeAmerica to
employer-sponsored plans. CollegeAmerica accounts are subject to a $10 account
setup fee and an annual $10 account maintenance fee, which are not reflected in
this table.

/3/ Class F and 529-F shares are generally available only to fee-based programs of
investment dealers that have special agreements with the fund's distributor and
to certain registered investment advisers.
/4/ The initial sales charge is reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more and
eliminated for purchases of $1 million or more.
/5/ A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions
made within one year following purchases of $1 million or more made without an
initial sales charge.
/6/ The contingent deferred sales charge is reduced one year after purchase and
eliminated six years after purchase.

/7/ The contingent deferred sales charge is eliminated one year after purchase.

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS)
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS F
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Management fees/8/ 0.24% 0.24% 0.24% 0.24%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service 0.23 1.00 0.99 0.25
(12b-1) fees/9/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses/10/ 0.10 0.11 0.19 0.15
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual fund operating 0.57 1.35 1.42 0.64
expenses/8/
CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS
529-A 529-B 529-C 529-E 529-F
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees/8/ 0.24% 0.24% 0.24% 0.24% 0.24%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service 0.18 1.00 1.00 0.50 0.08
(12b-1) fees/11/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses/10/,/12/ 0.25 0.27 0.26 0.25 0.24
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual fund operating 0.67 1.51 1.50 0.99 0.56
expenses/8/

/8/ The fund's investment adviser began waiving 5% of its management fees on
September 1, 2004. Beginning April 1, 2005, this waiver increased to 10% and is
expected to continue at this level until further review. Total annual fund
operating expenses do not reflect any waiver. Information regarding the effect
of any waiver on total annual fund operating expenses can be found in the
Financial Highlights table and the audited financial statements in the fund's
annual report.
/9/ Class A and F 12b-1 fees may not exceed .25% and .50%, respectively, of each
class' average net assets annually. Class B and C 12b-1 fees are up to 1.00% of
each class' average net assets annually.
/10/ Includes custodial, legal, transfer agent and subtransfer agent/recordkeeping
payments and various other expenses. Subtransfer agent/recordkeeping payments
may be made to third parties (including affiliates of the fund's investment
adviser) that provide subtransfer agent, recordkeeping and/or shareholder
services with respect to certain shareholder accounts in lieu of the transfer
agent providing such services. The amount paid for subtransfer
agent/recordkeeping services will vary depending on the share class and
services provided, and typically ranges from $3 to $19 per account.
/11/ Class 529-A and 529-F 12b-1 fees may not exceed .50% of each class' average
net assets annually. Class 529-B and 529-C 12b-1 fees are up to 1.00% of each
class' average net assets annually. Class 529-E 12b-1 fees may not exceed .75%
of the class' average net assets annually.
/12/ Includes .10% paid to the Virginia College Savings Plan/SM/ for
administrative services it provides in overseeing CollegeAmerica.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

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EXAMPLES

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, that all dividends and capital gain
distributions are reinvested, and that the fund's operating expenses remain the
same as shown above. The examples do not reflect the impact of any fee waivers
or expense reimbursements. The examples assuming redemption do not reflect the
effect of any taxable gain or loss at the time of the redemption.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions,
your cumulative estimated expenses would be:

1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Class A/1/ $630 $747 $ 875 $1,248
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B -- assuming redemption/2/ 637 828 939 1,410
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B -- assuming no redemption/3/ 137 428 739 1,410
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C -- assuming redemption/4/ 245 449 776 1,702
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C -- assuming no redemption 145 449 776 1,702
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class F -- excludes intermediary fees/5/ 65 205 357 798
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-A/1/,/6/ 659 817 985 1,467
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-B -- assuming 673 916 1,081 1,676
redemption/2/,/6/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-B -- assuming no 173 516 881 1,676
redemption/3/,/6/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-C -- assuming 272 513 876 1,890
redemption/4/,/6/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-C -- assuming no redemption/6/ 172 513 876 1,890
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-E/6/ 121 354 605 1,316
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-F -- excludes intermediary 77 219 372 808
fees/5/,/6/

/1/ Reflects the maximum initial sales charge in the first year.
/2/ Reflects applicable contingent deferred sales charges through year six and
Class A or 529-A expenses for years nine and 10 because Class B and 529-B
shares automatically convert to Class A and 529-A shares, respectively, after
eight years.
/3/ Reflects Class A or 529-A expenses for years nine and 10 because Class B and
529-B shares automatically convert to Class A and 529-A shares, respectively,
after eight years.
/4/ Reflects a contingent deferred sales charge in the first year.
/5/ Does not include fees charged by financial intermediaries, which are
independent of fund expenses and will increase the overall cost of your
investment. Intermediary fees typically range from .75% to 1.50% of assets
annually depending on the services offered.
/6/ Reflects an initial $10 account setup fee and an annual $10 CollegeAmerica
account maintenance fee.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Investment objectives, strategies and risks

The fund's investment objectives are to achieve long-term growth of capital and
income. The fund strives to accomplish these objectives through extensive U.S.
and global research, careful selection and broad diversification. In the
selection of securities for investment, potential for capital appreciation and
future dividends are given more weight than current yield. The fund invests
primarily in common stocks. The fund's investments are limited to securities of
companies that are included on its eligible list, which consists of securities
deemed suitable by the fund's investment adviser in light of the fund's
investment objectives and policies. Securities are added to, or deleted from,
the eligible list by the board of directors, after reviewing and acting upon the
recommendations of the investment adviser.

The prices of and the income generated by securities held by the fund may
decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the
companies whose securities are owned by the fund; conditions affecting the
general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political,
social or economic instability; and currency and interest rate fluctuations.

The fund may invest up to 15% of its assets, at the time of purchase, in
securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States and not included in
Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index. Investments in securities issued by
entities based outside the United States may be subject to the risks described
above to a greater extent and may also be affected by currency controls;
different accounting, auditing, financial reporting and legal standards and
practices in some countries; expropriation changes in tax policy; greater market
volatility; differing securities market structures; higher transaction costs;
and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and settling
portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends.

The fund may also hold cash or money market instruments. The percentage of the
fund invested in such holdings varies and depends on various factors, including
market conditions and purchases and redemptions of fund shares. A larger
percentage of such holdings could moderate the fund's investment results in a
period of rising market prices; conversely, it could reduce the magnitude of the
fund's loss in the event of falling market prices and provide liquidity to make
additional investments or to meet redemptions.

The fund relies on the professional judgment of its investment adviser to make
decisions about the fund's portfolio investments. The basic investment
philosophy of the investment adviser is to seek to invest in attractively valued
companies that, in its opinion, represent above-average long-term investment
opportunities. The investment adviser believes that an important way to
accomplish this is through fundamental analysis, which may include meeting with
company executives and employees, suppliers, customers and competitors.
Securities may be sold when the investment adviser believes that they no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

OTHER IMPORTANT INVESTMENT PRACTICES

In addition to the principal investment strategies described above, the fund has
other investment practices that are described in this prospectus and in the
statement of additional information.

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESULTS

Unlike the Investment Results table on page 4, the table on page 9 reflects the
fund's results calculated without sales charges.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESULTS (WITHOUT SALES CHARGES)
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS LIFETIME/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A -- FIRST SOLD 1/1/34
Before taxes 6.87% 3.87% 10.80% 12.87%
After taxes on distributions 6.13 3.07 9.10 N/A
After taxes on distributions and 5.44 3.01 8.74 N/A
sale of fund shares

1 YEAR 5 YEARS LIFETIME/1/
------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS B -- FIRST SOLD 3/15/00
Before taxes 6.04% 3.06% 3.65%
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C -- FIRST SOLD 3/15/01
Before taxes 5.96 N/A 4.27
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F -- FIRST SOLD 3/15/01
Before taxes 6.77 N/A 5.08
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-A -- FIRST SOLD 2/15/02
Before taxes 6.74 N/A 6.83
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B -- FIRST SOLD 2/15/02
Before taxes 5.87 N/A 5.90
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C -- FIRST SOLD 2/19/02
Before taxes 5.85 N/A 6.34
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E -- FIRST SOLD 3/1/02
Before taxes 6.42 N/A 5.92
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F -- FIRST SOLD 9/16/02
Before taxes 6.87 N/A 12.51

1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS LIFETIME/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INDEXES (BEFORE TAXES)
S&P 500/2/ 4.91% 0.54% 9.07% 11.27%
Lipper Growth and Income 6.82 2.92 8.47 N/A
Funds Index/3/
Class A distribution rate at December 31, 2005: 2.11%/4/
(For current distribution rate information, please call American FundsLine at 800/325-3590.)

/4/ The distribution rate is based on actual distributions paid to shareholders
over a 12-month period. Capital gain distributions, if any, are added back to
the net asset value to determine the rate.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

INDUSTRY SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2005 (percent of net assets)

[begin pie chart]

Industrials 11.65%
Financials 11.51%
Energy 11.25%
Consumer staples 9.68%
Consumer discretionary 9.67%
Bond & notes 0.66%
Convertible securities 0.26%
Other industries 30.69%
Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities 14.63%

[end pie chart]

Because the fund is actively managed, its holdings will change over time.

For updated information on the fund's portfolio holdings, please visit us at
americanfunds.com.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

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 the American Funds. Capital Research and Management Company is
a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. and is located at
333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California 90071, and 135 South State
College Boulevard, Brea, California 92821. 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 in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table
under "Fees and expenses of the fund." A discussion regarding the basis for the
approval of the fund's investment advisory and service agreement by the fund's
board of directors is contained in the fund's semi-annual report to shareholders
for the period ended June 30, 2005.

EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

The investment adviser places orders with broker-dealers for the fund's
portfolio transactions. The investment adviser strives to obtain best execution
for the fund's portfolio transactions, taking into account a variety of factors
to produce the most favorable total price reasonably attainable under the
circumstances. These factors include the size and type of transaction, the cost
and quality of executions, and the broker-dealer's ability to offer liquidity
and anonymity. For example, with respect to equity transactions, the fund does
not consider the investment adviser as having an obligation to obtain the lowest
available commission rate to the exclusion of price, service and qualitative
considerations. Subject to the considerations outlined above, the investment
adviser may place orders for the fund's portfolio transactions with
broker-dealers who have sold shares of funds managed by the investment adviser,
or who have provided investment research, statistical or other related services
to the investment adviser. In placing orders for the fund's portfolio
transactions, the investment adviser does not commit to any specific amount of
business with any particular broker-dealer. Subject to best execution, the
investment adviser may consider investment research, statistical or other
related services provided to the adviser in placing orders for the fund's
portfolio transactions. However, when the investment adviser places orders for
the fund's portfolio transactions, it does not give any consideration to whether
a broker-dealer has sold shares of the funds managed by the investment adviser.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

Portfolio holdings information for the fund is available on the American Funds
website at americanfunds.com. To reach this information, access the lower
portion of the fund's details page on the website. A list of the fund's top 10
equity holdings updated as of each month-end is generally posted to this page
within 14 days after the end of the applicable

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

month. A link to the fund's complete list of publicly disclosed portfolio
holdings updated as of each calendar quarter-end is generally posted to this
page within 45 days after the end of the applicable quarter. Both lists remain
available on the website until new information for the next month or quarter is
posted. Portfolio holdings information for the fund is also contained in reports
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A description of the fund's policies and procedures regarding disclosure of
information about its portfolio holdings is available in the statement of
additional information.

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. In addition, Capital
Research and Management Company's investment analysts may make investment
decisions with respect to a portion of a fund's portfolio. Investment decisions
are subject to a fund's objective(s), policies and restrictions and the
oversight of Capital Research and Management Company's investment committee.

The primary individual portfolio counselors for The Investment Company of
America are:

PRIMARY TITLE WITH PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT ADVISER COUNSELOR'S
PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR/ COUNSELOR (OR AFFILIATE) ROLE IN
FUND TITLE EXPERIENCE AND INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
(IF APPLICABLE) IN THIS FUND EXPERIENCE OF THE FUND
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

R. MICHAEL SHANAHAN 15 years Chairman of the Board, Serves as an equity
Vice Chairman of the (plus 7 years of Capital Research and portfolio counselor
Board prior experience Management Company
as an
investment analyst Investment professional
for the fund) for 41 years, all with
Capital Research and
Management Company or
affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JAMES F. ROTHENBERG 12 years President and Director, Serves as an equity
President (plus 9 years of Capital Research and portfolio counselor
prior experience Management Company
as an
investment analyst Investment professional
for the fund) for 36 years, all with
Capital Research and
Management Company or
affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

JAMES B. LOVELACE 14 years Senior Vice President Serves as an equity
Senior Vice President (plus 3 years of and Director, Capital portfolio counselor
and Director prior experience Research and Management
as an Company
investment analyst
for the fund) Investment professional
for 24 years, all with
Capital Research and
Management Company or
affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DONALD D. O'NEAL 14 years Senior Vice President, Serves as an equity
Senior Vice President (plus 4 years of Capital Research and portfolio counselor
and Director prior experience Management Company
as an
investment analyst Investment professional
for the fund) for 21 years, all with
Capital Research and
Management Company or
affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GREGG E. IRELAND 14 years Senior Vice President, Serves as an equity
Senior Vice President (plus 9 years of Capital Research and portfolio counselor
prior experience Management Company
as an
investment analyst Investment professional
for the fund) for 33 years, all with
Capital Research and
Management Company or
affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOYCE E. GORDON 5 years Senior Vice President Serves as an equity
Vice President (plus 12 years of and Director, Capital portfolio counselor
prior experience Research and Management
as an Company
investment analyst
for the fund) Investment professional
for 26 years, all with
Capital Research and
Management Company or
affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>
PRIMARY TITLE WITH PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT ADVISER COUNSELOR'S
PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR/ COUNSELOR (OR AFFILIATE) ROLE IN
FUND TITLE EXPERIENCE AND INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
(IF APPLICABLE) IN THIS FUND EXPERIENCE OF THE FUND
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JAMES E. DRASDO 19 years Senior Vice President Serves as an equity
(plus 9 years of and Director, Capital portfolio counselor
prior experience Research and Management
as an Company
investment analyst
for the fund) Investment professional
for 34 years in total;
29 years with Capital
Research and Management
Company or affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J. DALE HARVEY less than 1 year Vice President, Capital Serves as an equity
Research and Management portfolio counselor
Company

Investment professional
for 17 years in total;
15 years with Capital
Research and Management
Company or affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C. ROSS SAPPENFIELD 6 years Vice President, Capital Serves as an equity
(plus 6 years of Research Company portfolio counselor
prior experience
as an Investment professional
investment analyst for 14 years, all with
for the fund) Capital Research and
Management Company or
affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Information regarding the portfolio counselors' compensation, their ownership of
securities in the fund and other accounts they manage can be found in the
statement of additional information.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Shareholder information

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

American Funds Service Company, the fund's transfer agent, offers a wide range
of services that 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 United States
(8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET): 800/421-0180
Access the American Funds website : americanfunds.com

[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 25065 P.O. Box 659522 P.O. Box 6007 P.O. Box 2280
Santa Ana, San Antonio, Texas Indianapolis, Indiana Norfolk, Virginia
California 78265-9522 46206-6007 23501-2280
92799-5065 Fax: 210/474-4352 Fax: 317/735-6636 Fax: 757/670-4761
Fax: 714/671-7133

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 ENTITLED WELCOME. CLASS 529 SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD ALSO REFER TO
THE COLLEGEAMERICA PROGRAM DESCRIPTION FOR INFORMATION ON POLICIES AND SERVICES
SPECIFICALLY RELATING TO THEIR COLLEGEAMERICA ACCOUNT(S). These documents are
available by writing or calling American Funds Service Company. Certain
privileges and/or services described on the following pages of this prospectus
and in the statement of additional information may not be available to you
depending on your investment dealer. Please see your financial adviser or
investment dealer for more information.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Choosing a share class

The fund offers different classes of shares through this prospectus. Class A, B,
C and F shares may be purchased through various investment programs or accounts,
including certain types of retirement plans (see limitations below). The
services or share classes available to you may vary depending upon how you wish
to purchase shares of the fund.

Investors residing in any state may purchase Class 529-A, 529-B, 529-C, 529-E
and 529-F shares through an account established with CollegeAmerica. Class
529-A, 529-B, 529-C and 529-F shares are structured similarly to the
corresponding Class A, B, C and F shares. For example, the same initial sales
charges apply to Class 529-A shares as to Class A shares. Class 529-E shares are
available only to investors participating in CollegeAmerica through an eligible
employer plan.

Each share class represents investment 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 fits 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 OR, IN THE CASE OF A COLLEGEAMERICA INVESTMENT, CLASS
529-A SHARES.

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 or 529-A shares may be a less expensive option over time,
particularly if you qualify for a sales charge reduction or waiver);

. whether you plan to take any distributions in the near future (for example,
the contingent deferred sales charge will not be waived if you sell your Class
529-B or 529-C shares to cover higher education expenses);

. availability of share classes:

-- Class B and C shares are not available to retirement plans that do not
currently invest in such shares and are eligible to invest in Class R shares,
including employer-sponsored retirement plans such as defined benefit plans,
401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, and money purchase
pension and profit-sharing plans; and

-- Class F and 529-F shares are generally available only to fee-based programs
of investment dealers that have special agreements with the fund's
distributor and to certain registered investment advisers.

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.

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, REFERENCES IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES TO CLASS A, B, C OR F
SHARES ALSO REFER TO THE CORRESPONDING CLASS 529-A, 529-B, 529-C OR 529-F
SHARES.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

SUMMARY OF THE PRIMARY DIFFERENCES AMONG SHARE CLASSES
CLASS A SHARES

Initial sales charge up to 5.75% (reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more
and eliminated for purchases of $1 million or more)
Contingent deferred none (except that a charge of 1.00% applies to certain
sales charge redemptions made within one year following purchases
of $1 million or more without an initial sales charge)
12b-1 fees up to .25% annually (for 529-A shares, may not exceed
.50% annually)
Dividends generally higher than other classes due to lower
annual expenses
Purchase maximum none
Conversion none
CLASS B SHARES
Initial sales charge none
Contingent deferred starts at 5.00%, declining to 0% six years after
sales charge purchase
12b-1 fees up to 1.00% annually
Dividends generally lower than A and F shares due to higher
12b-1 fees and other expenses, but higher than C
shares due to lower other expenses
Purchase maximum see the discussion regarding purchase minimums and
maximums in "Purchase and exchange of shares"
Conversion automatic conversion to A or 529-A shares after eight
years, reducing future annual expenses
CLASS C SHARES
Initial sales charge none
Contingent deferred 1.00% if shares are sold within one year after
sales charge purchase
12b-1 fees up to 1.00% annually
Dividends generally lower than other classes due to higher 12b-1
fees and other expenses
Purchase maximum see the discussion regarding purchase minimums and
maximums in "Purchase and exchange of shares"
Conversion automatic conversion to F shares after 10 years,
reducing future annual expenses (529-C shares will not
convert to 529-F shares)
CLASS 529-E SHARES
Initial sales charge none
Contingent deferred none
sales charge
12b-1 fees currently up to .50% annually (may not exceed .75%
annually)
Dividends generally higher than 529-B and 529-C shares due to
lower 12b-1 fees, but lower than 529-A and 529-F
shares due to higher 12b-1 fees
Purchase maximum none
Conversion none
CLASS F SHARES
Initial sales charge none
Contingent deferred none
sales charge
12b-1 fees currently up to .25% annually (may not exceed .50%
annually)
Dividends generally higher than B and C shares due to lower
12b-1 fees, but lower than A shares due to higher
other expenses
Purchase maximum none
Conversion none

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Purchase and exchange of shares

THE FUND'S TRANSFER AGENT, ON BEHALF OF THE FUND AND AMERICAN FUNDS
DISTRIBUTORS, THE FUND'S DISTRIBUTOR, IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO OBTAIN CERTAIN
PERSONAL INFORMATION FROM YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON(S) ACTING ON YOUR BEHALF IN
ORDER TO VERIFY YOUR OR SUCH PERSON'S IDENTITY. IF YOU DO NOT PROVIDE THE
INFORMATION, THE TRANSFER AGENT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN YOUR ACCOUNT. IF THE
TRANSFER AGENT IS UNABLE TO VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY OR THAT OF ANY OTHER PERSON(S)
AUTHORIZED TO ACT ON YOUR BEHALF, OR BELIEVES IT HAS IDENTIFIED POTENTIALLY
CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, THE FUND AND AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO
CLOSE YOUR ACCOUNT OR TAKE SUCH OTHER ACTION THEY DEEM REASONABLE OR REQUIRED BY
LAW.

PURCHASE OF CLASS A, B AND C SHARES

You may generally open an account and purchase Class A, B and C shares by
contacting any financial adviser (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 financial
adviser and by mail, telephone, the Internet and bank wire.

PURCHASE OF CLASS F SHARES

You may generally open an account and purchase Class F shares only through
fee-based programs of investment dealers that have special agreements with the
fund's distributor and through certain registered investment advisers. These
dealers and advisers typically charge ongoing fees for services they provide.

PURCHASE OF CLASS 529 SHARES

Class 529 shares may be purchased only through a CollegeAmerica account. You may
open a CollegeAmerica account and purchase 529 shares by contacting any
financial adviser (who may impose transaction charges in addition to those
described in this prospectus) authorized to sell a CollegeAmerica account. You
may purchase additional shares in various ways, including through your financial
adviser and by mail, telephone, the Internet and bank wire.

Class 529-E shares may be purchased only by employees participating in
CollegeAmerica through an eligible employer plan.

EXCHANGE

Generally, you may exchange your shares into shares of the same class of other
American Funds without a sales charge. Class A, C or F shares may generally be
exchanged into the corresponding 529 share class without a sales charge. Class B
shares may not be exchanged into Class 529-B shares. EXCHANGES FROM CLASS A, C
OR F SHARES TO THE CORRESPONDING 529 SHARE CLASS, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE OF
UNIFORM GIFTS TO MINORS ACT OR

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

UNIFORM TRANSFER TO MINORS ACT CUSTODIAL ACCOUNTS, MAY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT
LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES AS DESCRIBED IN THE COLLEGEAMERICA PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER BEFORE MAKING SUCH AN
EXCHANGE.

Exchanges of shares from American Funds money market funds initially purchased
without a sales charge generally will be subject to the appropriate 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 permitted
exchange.

Exchanges have the same tax consequences as ordinary sales and purchases. For
example, to the extent you exchange shares held in a taxable account that are
worth more now than what you paid for them, the gain will be subject to
taxation. See "Transactions by telephone, fax or the Internet" for information
regarding electronic exchanges.

FREQUENT TRADING OF FUND SHARES

The fund and American Funds Distributors reserve the right to reject any
purchase order for any reason. The fund is not designed to serve as a vehicle
for frequent trading in response to short-term fluctuations in the securities
markets. Accordingly, purchases, including those that are part of exchange
activity, that the fund or American Funds Distributors has determined could
involve actual or potential harm to the fund may be rejected. Frequent trading
of fund shares may lead to increased costs to the fund and less efficient
management of the fund's portfolio, resulting in dilution of the value of the
shares held by long-term shareholders.

The fund's board of directors has adopted policies and procedures with respect
to frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares. Under the fund's "purchase
blocking policy," any shareholder redeeming shares (including redemptions that
are part of an exchange transaction) having a value of $5,000 or more from the
fund will be precluded from investing in the fund (including investments that
are part of an exchange transaction) for 30 calendar days after the redemption
transaction. This prohibition will not apply to redemptions by shareholders
whose shares are held on the books of third-party intermediaries that have not
adopted procedures to implement this policy. American Funds Service Company will
work with intermediaries to develop such procedures or other procedures that
American Funds Service Company determines are reasonably designed to achieve the
objective of the purchase blocking policy. At the time the intermediaries adopt
these procedures, shareholders whose accounts are on the books of such
intermediaries will be subject to this purchase blocking policy or another
frequent trading policy that achieves the objective of the purchase blocking
policy. There is no guarantee that all instances of frequent trading in fund
shares will be prevented.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Under the fund's purchase blocking policy, certain purchases will not be
prevented and certain redemptions will not trigger a purchase block, such as:
systematic redemptions and purchases where the entity maintaining the
shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as a systematic
redemption or purchase; purchases and redemptions of shares having a value of
less than $5,000; retirement plan contributions, loans and distributions
(including hardship withdrawals) identified as such on the retirement plan
recordkeeper's system; and purchase transactions involving transfers of assets,
rollovers, Roth IRA conversions and IRA recharacterizations, where the entity
maintaining the shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as one
of these types of transactions. The statement of additional information contains
more information about how American Funds Service Company may address other
potentially abusive trading activity in the American Funds.

PURCHASE MINIMUMS AND MAXIMUMS

PURCHASE MINIMUMS FOR ALL CLASSES OF SHARES/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To establish an account (including retirement plan and $ 250/2/
CollegeAmerica accounts)
For a payroll deduction retirement plan account, payroll
deduction 25
savings plan account or employer-sponsored CollegeAmerica
account
To add to an account 50
For a payroll deduction retirement plan account, payroll
deduction 25
savings plan account or employer-sponsored CollegeAmerica
account
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURCHASE MAXIMUM PER TRANSACTION FOR CLASS B SHARES 50,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURCHASE MAXIMUM PER TRANSACTION FOR CLASS C SHARES 500,000

/1/ Purchase minimums may be waived in certain cases. Please see the statement of
additional information for details.
/2/ For accounts established with an automatic investment plan, the initial
purchase minimum of $250 may be waived if the purchases (including purchases
through exchanges from another fund) made under the plan are sufficient to
reach $250 within five months of account establishment.

Due to the current maximum contribution limit for a CollegeAmerica account, the
effective purchase maximums for Class 529-A, 529-C, 529-E and 529-F shares are
each $250,000. See the CollegeAmerica Program Description for more information.

If you have significant American Funds or American Legacy/(R)/ holdings, you may
not be eligible to invest in Class B or C shares (or their corresponding 529
share classes). Specifically, you may not purchase Class B or 529-B shares if
you are eligible to purchase Class A or 529-A shares at the $100,000 or higher
sales charge discount rate, and you may not purchase Class C or 529-C shares if
you are eligible to purchase Class A or 529-A shares at the $1 million or more
sales charge discount rate (i.e., at net asset value). See "Sales charge
reductions and waivers" below and the statement of additional information for
more information regarding sales charge discounts.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

VALUING SHARES

The net asset value of each share class of the fund is the value of a single
share. The fund calculates the net asset value each day the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading as of approximately 4:00 p.m. New York time, the
normal close of regular trading. Assets are valued primarily on the basis of
market quotations. However, the fund has adopted procedures for making "fair
value" determinations if market quotations are not readily available or are not
considered reliable. Use of these procedures is intended to result in more
appropriate net asset values.

Because the fund may hold securities that are primarily listed on foreign
exchanges that trade on weekends or days when the fund does not price its
shares, the value of securities held in the fund may change on days when you
will not be able to purchase or redeem fund shares.

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.

CONVERSION

You may convert your fund holdings in a particular share class to a different
share class. Please see the statement of additional information for details and
limitations.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Sales charges

CLASS A SHARES

The initial sales charge you pay each time you buy Class A shares differs
depending upon the amount you invest and may be reduced or eliminated for larger
purchases as indicated below. The "offering price," the price you pay to buy
shares, includes any applicable sales charge, which will be deducted directly
from your investment. Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or
capital gain distributions are not subject to an initial sales charge.

SALES CHARGE AS A
PERCENTAGE OF:
DEALER
NET COMMISSION
OFFERING AMOUNT AS A PERCENTAGE
INVESTMENT PRICE INVESTED OF OFFERING PRICE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Less than $25,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.00%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$25,000 but less than $50,000 5.00 5.26 4.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50 4.71 3.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50 3.63 2.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 but less than $500,000 2.50 2.56 2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$500,000 but less than $750,000 2.00 2.04 1.60
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$750,000 but less than $1 million 1.50 1.52 1.20
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1 million or more and certain other none none see below
investments described below
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sales charge, expressed as a percentage of the offering price or the net
amount invested, may be higher or lower than the percentages described in the
table above due to rounding. This is because the dollar amount of the sales
charge is determined by subtracting the net asset value of the shares purchased
from the offering price, which is calculated to two decimal places using
standard rounding criteria. The impact of rounding will vary with the size of
the investment and the net asset value of the shares. Similarly, any contingent
deferred sales charge paid by you on investments in Class A shares may be higher
or lower than the 1% charge described below due to rounding.

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BELOW, INVESTMENTS IN CLASS A SHARES OF $1 MILLION OR MORE
MAY BE SUBJECT TO A 1% CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE IF THE SHARES ARE SOLD
WITHIN ONE YEAR OF PURCHASE. 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.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

CLASS A PURCHASES NOT SUBJECT TO SALES CHARGES

The following investments are not subject to any initial or contingent deferred
sales charge if American Funds Service Company is properly notified of the
nature of the investment:

. investments in Class A shares made by endowments or foundations with $50
million or more in assets;

. investments made by accounts that are part of certain qualified fee-based
programs and that purchased Class A shares before March 15, 2001; and

. certain rollover investments from retirement plans to IRAs (see "Rollovers
from retirement plans to IRAs" below for more information).

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 plans of distribution (see "Plans of distribution" below).

A transfer from the Virginia Prepaid Education Program/SM/ or the Virginia
Education Savings Trust/SM/ to a CollegeAmerica account will be made with no
sales charge. No commission will be paid to the dealer on such a transfer.

Certain other investors may qualify to purchase shares without a sales charge,
such as employees of investment dealers and registered investment advisers
authorized to sell American Funds, and employees of The Capital Group Companies.
Please see the statement of additional information for more information.

EMPLOYER-SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLANS

Employer-sponsored retirement plans not currently invested in Class A shares
and wishing to invest without a sales charge are not eligible to purchase Class
A shares. Such plans may invest only in Class R shares, which are described in
more detail in the fund's retirement plan prospectus.

Provided that the plan's recordkeeper can properly apply a sales charge on the
plan's investments, an employer-sponsored retirement plan not currently
invested in Class A shares and wishing to invest less than $1 million may
invest in Class A shares, but the purchase of these shares will be subject to
the applicable sales charge. An employer-sponsored retirement plan that
purchases Class A shares with a sales charge will be eligible to purchase
additional Class A shares in accordance with the sales charge table above. If
the recordkeeper cannot properly apply a sales charge on the plan's
investments, then the plan may invest only in Class R shares.

Employer-sponsored retirement plans not currently invested in Class A shares,
or that are currently investing in Class A shares with a sales charge, are not
eligible to establish a statement of intention that qualifies them to purchase
Class A shares without a sales charge. More information about statements of
intention can be found under "Sales charge reductions and waivers."

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Employer-sponsored retirement plans that invested in Class A shares without any
sales charge on or before March 31, 2004, and that continue to meet the
eligibility requirements in effect as of that date for purchasing Class A
shares at net asset value, may continue to purchase Class A shares without any
initial or contingent deferred sales charge.

CLASS B AND C SHARES

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 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.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ON CLASS B SHARES

YEAR OF REDEMPTION: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7+
----------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE: 5% 4% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0%

For Class C shares, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% applies if shares
are sold within one year of purchase.

Any contingent deferred sales charge paid by you on investments in Class B or C
shares, expressed as a percentage of the applicable redemption amount, may be
higher or lower than the percentages described above due to rounding.

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" 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, followed by
shares that you have owned the longest.

See "Plans of distribution" below for ongoing compensation paid to your dealer
or financial adviser for all share classes.

AUTOMATIC 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 10-year anniversary of the
purchase date; however, Class 529-C shares will not convert to Class 529-F
shares. The Internal Revenue Service currently takes the position that these
automatic conversions are not taxable. Should its position change, the automatic
conversion feature may be suspended. If this happens, you would have the

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

option of converting your Class B, 529-B or C shares to the respective share
classes at the anniversary dates described above. This exchange would be based
on the relative net asset values of the two classes in question, without the
imposition of a sales charge or fee, but you might face certain tax consequences
as a result.

CLASS 529-E AND CLASS F SHARES

Class 529-E and Class F shares are sold without any initial or contingent
deferred sales charge.

Sales charge reductions and waivers

TO RECEIVE A REDUCTION IN YOUR CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGE, YOU MUST LET YOUR
FINANCIAL ADVISER OR AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY KNOW AT THE TIME YOU
PURCHASE SHARES THAT YOU QUALIFY FOR SUCH A REDUCTION. IF YOU DO NOT LET YOUR
ADVISER OR AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY KNOW THAT YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A
REDUCTION, YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE A SALES CHARGE DISCOUNT TO WHICH YOU ARE
OTHERWISE ENTITLED. In order to determine your eligibility to receive a sales
charge discount, it may be necessary for you to provide your adviser or American
Funds Service Company with information and records (including account
statements) of all relevant accounts invested in the American Funds. To have
your Class A, B or C contingent deferred sales charge waived, you must let your
adviser or American Funds Service Company know at the time you redeem shares
that you qualify for such a waiver.

REDUCING YOUR CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGE

Consistent with the policies described in this prospectus, you and your
"immediate family" (your spouse -- or equivalent if recognized under local law
-- and your children under the age of 21) may combine all of your American Funds
and American Legacy investments to reduce your Class A sales charge. However,
for this purpose, investments representing direct purchases of American Funds
money market funds are excluded.

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 certain other accounts, such as:

. trust accounts established by the above individuals (please see the statement
of additional information for details regarding aggregation of trust accounts
where the person(s) who established the trust is (are) deceased);

. solely controlled business accounts; and

. single-participant retirement plans.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

CONCURRENT PURCHASES

You may combine simultaneous purchases (including, upon your request, purchases
for gifts) of any class of shares of two or more American Funds, as well as
individual holdings in various American Legacy variable annuity contracts and
variable life insurance policies, to qualify for a reduced Class A sales
charge.

RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION

You may take into account your accumulated holdings in all share classes of the
American Funds to determine the initial sales charge you pay on each purchase
of Class A shares. Subject to your investment dealer's capabilities, your
accumulated holdings will be calculated as the higher of (a) the current value
of your existing holdings or (b) the amount you invested (excluding capital
appreciation) less any withdrawals. Please see the statement of additional
information for details. You should retain any records necessary to
substantiate the historical amounts you have invested.

In addition, you may also take into account the current value of your
individual holdings in various American Legacy variable annuity contracts and
variable life insurance policies to determine your Class A sales charge. If you
make a gift of shares, upon your request, you may purchase the shares at the
sales charge discount allowed under rights of accumulation of all of your
American Funds and American Legacy accounts.

STATEMENT OF INTENTION

You may reduce your Class A sales charge by establishing a statement of
intention. A statement of intention allows you to combine all American Funds
non-money market fund purchases of all share classes you intend to make over a
13-month period, as well as individual holdings in various American Legacy
variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies, to determine
the applicable sales charge; however, investments made under a right of
reinvestment, appreciation of your investment, and reinvested dividends and
capital gains do not apply toward these combined purchases. At your request,
purchases made during the previous 90 days may be included. A portion of your
account may be held in escrow to cover additional Class A sales charges that
may be due if your total investments over the 13-month period do not qualify
for the applicable sales charge reduction. Employer-sponsored retirement plans
may be restricted from establishing statements of intention. See "Sales
charges" above for more information.

RIGHT OF REINVESTMENT

Please see "How to sell shares" below for information on how to reinvest
proceeds from a redemption, dividend payment or capital gain distribution
without a sales charge.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE WAIVERS

The contingent deferred sales charge on Class A, B and C shares may be waived in
the following cases:

. permitted exchanges of shares, except if shares acquired by exchange are then
redeemed within the period during which a contingent deferred sales charge
would apply to the initial shares purchased;

. tax-free returns of excess contributions to IRAs;

. redemptions due to death or postpurchase disability of the shareholder (this
generally excludes accounts registered in the names of trusts and other
entities);

. for 529 share classes only, redemptions due to a beneficiary's death,
postpurchase disability or receipt of a scholarship (to the extent of the
scholarship award);

. redemptions due to the complete termination of a trust upon the death of the
trustor/ grantor or beneficiary, but only if such termination is specifically
provided for in the trust document;

. the following types of transactions, if together they do not exceed 12% of the
value of an account annually (see the statement of additional information for
more information about waivers regarding these types of transactions):

-- redemptions due to receiving required minimum distributions from retirement
accounts upon reaching age 70 1/2 (required minimum distributions that
continue to be taken by the beneficiary(ies) after the account owner is
deceased also qualify for a waiver); and

-- if you have established a systematic withdrawal plan, redemptions through
such a plan (including any dividends and/or capital gain distributions taken
in cash).

YOU MAY OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS
THROUGH A LINK ON THE HOME PAGE OF THE AMERICAN FUNDS WEBSITE AT
AMERICANFUNDS.COM, FROM THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR FROM YOUR
FINANCIAL ADVISER.

Rollovers from retirement plans to IRAs

Assets from retirement plans may be invested in Class A, B, C or F shares
through an IRA rollover. Rollovers invested in Class A shares from retirement
plans will be subject to applicable sales charges. The following rollovers to
Class A shares will be made without a sales charge:

. rollovers to IRAs from 403(b) plans with Capital Bank and Trust Company as
custodian; and

. rollovers to IRAs that are attributable to American Funds investments, if they
meet all of the following three requirements:

-- the retirement plan from which assets are being rolled over is part of an
American Funds proprietary retirement plan program (such as PlanPremier,/(R)/
Recordkeeper

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Direct/(R)/ or Recordkeeper Connect/(R)/) or is a plan whose participant
subaccounts are serviced by American Funds Service Company;

-- the plan's assets were invested in American Funds at the time of
distribution; and

-- the plan's assets are rolled over to an American Funds IRA with Capital Bank
and Trust Company as custodian.

IRA rollover assets that roll over without a sales charge as described above
will not be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and investment dealers
will be compensated solely with an annual service fee that begins to accrue
immediately. IRA rollover assets that are not attributable to American Funds
investments, as well as future contributions to the IRA, will be subject to
sales charges and the terms and conditions generally applicable to Class A share
investments as described in the prospectus and statement of additional
information if invested in Class A shares.

TRANSFERS TO IRAS

Transfers to IRAs that are attributable to American Funds investments held in
SIMPLE IRAs, SEPs or SARSEPs will not be subject to a sales charge if invested
in Class A shares.

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 directors. The plans
provide for payments, based on annualized percentages of average daily net
assets, of up to .25% for Class A shares; up to .50% for Class 529-A shares; up
to 1.00% for Class B, 529-B, C and 529-C shares; up to .75% for Class 529-E
shares; and up to .50% for Class F and 529-F shares. For all share classes, up
to .25% of these expenses may be used to pay service fees to qualified dealers
for providing certain shareholder services. The amount remaining 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 in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table
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 your 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.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Other compensation to dealers

American Funds Distributors, at its expense, currently provides additional
compensation to investment dealers. These payments may be made, at the
discretion of American Funds Distributors, to the top 75 dealers who have sold
shares of the American Funds. The level of payments made to a qualifying dealer
in any given year will vary and in no case would exceed the sum of (a) .10% of
the previous year's American Funds sales by that dealer and (b) .02% of American
Funds assets attributable to that dealer. For calendar year 2005, aggregate
payments made by American Funds Distributors to dealers were less than .02% of
the assets of the American Funds. Aggregate payments may also change from year
to year. A number of factors will be considered in determining payments,
including the qualifying dealer's sales, assets and redemption rates, and the
quality of the dealer's relationship with American Funds Distributors. American
Funds Distributors makes these payments to help defray the costs incurred by
qualifying dealers in connection with efforts to educate financial advisers
about the American Funds so that they can make recommendations and provide
services that are suitable and meet shareholder needs. American Funds
Distributors will, on an annual basis, determine the advisability of continuing
these payments. American Funds Distributors may also pay expenses associated
with meetings conducted by dealers outside the top 75 firms to facilitate
educating financial advisers and shareholders about the American Funds.

How to sell shares

You may sell (redeem) 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 $75,000;

-- made payable to someone other than the registered shareholder(s); or

-- sent to an address other than the address of record, or to an address of
record that 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.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

TELEPHONING OR FAXING AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY OR USING THE INTERNET

. Redemptions by telephone, fax or the Internet (including American
FundsLine/(R)/ and americanfunds.com) are limited to $75,000 per American
Funds 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.

If you recently purchased shares and subsequently request a redemption of those
shares, you will receive proceeds from the redemption once a sufficient period
of time has passed to reasonably assure that checks or drafts (including
certified or cashier's checks) for the shares purchased have cleared (normally
15 calendar days).

If you notify American Funds Service Company, you may reinvest proceeds from a
redemption, dividend payment or capital gain distribution without a sales charge
in the same fund or other American Funds within 90 days after the date of the
redemption or distribution. Proceeds from a Class B share redemption where a
contingent deferred sales charge was charged will be reinvested in Class A
shares. Proceeds from any other type of redemption and all dividend payments and
capital gain distributions will be reinvested in the same share class from which
the original redemption or distribution was made. Any contingent deferred sales
charge on Class A or C shares will be credited to your account. Redemption
proceeds of Class A shares representing direct purchases in American Funds money
market funds that are reinvested in non-money market American 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 American Funds
Service Company. You may not reinvest proceeds in the American Funds as
described in this paragraph if such proceeds are subject to a purchase block as
described under "Frequent trading of fund shares." This paragraph does not apply
to rollover investments as described under "Rollovers from retirement plans to
IRAs."

TRANSACTIONS BY TELEPHONE, FAX OR THE INTERNET

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 Internet 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) that 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, American Funds Service
Company and/or the fund may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Distributions and taxes

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The fund intends to distribute dividends to you, usually in March, June,
September and 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 other American Funds, 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.
Dividends and capital gain distributions for 529 share classes will be
automatically reinvested.

TAXES ON DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Dividends and capital gain distributions you receive from the fund will be
subject to federal income tax and may also be subject to state or local taxes --
unless you are exempt from taxation.

For federal tax purposes, dividends and distributions of short-term capital
gains are taxable as ordinary income. Some or all of your dividends may be
eligible for a reduced tax rate if you meet a holding period requirement. The
fund's distributions of net long-term capital gains are taxable as long-term
capital gains. Any dividends or capital gain distributions you receive from the
fund will normally be taxable to you when made, regardless of whether you
reinvest dividends or capital gain 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
amount you receive when you sell them.

PLEASE SEE YOUR TAX ADVISER FOR MORE INFORMATION. HOLDERS OF 529 SHARES SHOULD
REFER TO THE COLLEGEAMERICA PROGRAM DESCRIPTION FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING
THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SELLING 529 SHARES.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Financial highlights/1/

The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's
results for the past five fiscal years. Certain information reflects financial
results for a single share of a particular class. 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 capital gain
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.

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS/2/

Net gains
(losses) on
securities
Net asset (both
value, Net realized Total from
beginning investment and investment
of period income unrealized) operations
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 12/31/2005 $30.75 $.64 $ 1.46 $ 2.10
Year ended 12/31/2004 28.84 .60 2.19 2.79
Year ended 12/31/2003 23.48 .54 5.55 6.09
Year ended 12/31/2002 28.53 .49 (4.56) (4.07)
Year ended 12/31/2001 31.07 .44 (1.87) (1.43)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B:
Year ended 12/31/2005 30.64 .39 1.46 1.85
Year ended 12/31/2004 28.74 .38 2.17 2.55
Year ended 12/31/2003 23.41 .34 5.53 5.87
Year ended 12/31/2002 28.47 .30 (4.57) (4.27)
Year ended 12/31/2001 31.01 .19 (1.83) (1.64)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C:
Year ended 12/31/2005 30.59 .37 1.45 1.82
Year ended 12/31/2004 28.70 .36 2.16 2.52
Year ended 12/31/2003 23.38 .31 5.53 5.84
Year ended 12/31/2002 28.44 .30 (4.58) (4.28)
Period from 3/15/2001 to 12/31/2001 29.05 .09 (.14) (.05)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F:
Year ended 12/31/2005 30.72 .62 1.45 2.07
Year ended 12/31/2004 28.81 .58 2.18 2.76
Year ended 12/31/2003 23.46 .51 5.55 6.06
Year ended 12/31/2002 28.52 .49 (4.59) (4.10)
Period from 3/15/2001 to 12/31/2001 29.10 .27 (.13) .14
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Ratio of
expenses
to average
Net net assets
Dividends Total Net asset assets, before
(from net Distributions dividends value, end of reim-
investment (from and end of Total period (in bursements/
income) capital gains) distributions period return/3/ millions) waivers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 12/31/2005 $(.68) $(.81) $(1.49) $31.36 6.87% $66,959 .57 %
Year ended 12/31/2004 (.52) (.36) (.88) 30.75 9.78 64,880 .57
Year ended 12/31/2003 (.52) (.21) (.73) 28.84 26.30 58,353 .59
Year ended 12/31/2002 (.52) (.46) (.98) 23.48 (14.47) 46,129 .59
Year ended 12/31/2001 (.52) (.59) (1.11) 28.53 (4.59) 54,315 .57
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B:
Year ended 12/31/2005 (.44) (.81) (1.25) 31.24 6.04 3,853 1.35
Year ended 12/31/2004 (.29) (.36) (.65) 30.64 8.94 3,683 1.36
Year ended 12/31/2003 (.33) (.21) (.54) 28.74 25.30 3,011 1.38
Year ended 12/31/2002 (.33) (.46) (.79) 23.41 (15.18) 1,841 1.39
Year ended 12/31/2001 (.31) (.59) (.90) 28.47 (5.30) 1,302 1.35
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C:
Year ended 12/31/2005 (.42) (.81) (1.23) 31.18 5.96 2,929 1.42
Year ended 12/31/2004 (.27) (.36) (.63) 30.59 8.85 2,691 1.43
Year ended 12/31/2003 (.31) (.21) (.52) 28.70 25.22 1,985 1.45
Year ended 12/31/2002 (.32) (.46) (.78) 23.38 (15.20) 1,025 1.45
Period from 3/15/2001 to 12/31/2001 (.21) (.35) (.56) 28.44 (.19) 480 1.52/5/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F:
Year ended 12/31/2005 (.66) (.81) (1.47) 31.32 6.77 1,336 .64
Year ended 12/31/2004 (.49) (.36) (.85) 30.72 9.69 1,209 .67
Year ended 12/31/2003 (.50) (.21) (.71) 28.81 26.18 897 .69
Year ended 12/31/2002 (.50) (.46) (.96) 23.46 (14.59) 415 .70
Period from 3/15/2001 to 12/31/2001 (.37) (.35) (.72) 28.52 .48 190 .72/5/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ratio of
expenses
to average Ratio of
net assets net
after income
reim- to average
bursements/ net
waivers/4/ assets
---------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 12/31/2005 .55 % 2.06 %
Year ended 12/31/2004 .57 2.06
Year ended 12/31/2003 .59 2.14
Year ended 12/31/2002 .59 1.89
Year ended 12/31/2001 .57 1.49
---------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B:
Year ended 12/31/2005 1.33 1.28
Year ended 12/31/2004 1.35 1.29
Year ended 12/31/2003 1.38 1.33
Year ended 12/31/2002 1.39 1.18
Year ended 12/31/2001 1.35 .66
---------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C:
Year ended 12/31/2005 1.40 1.21
Year ended 12/31/2004 1.43 1.22
Year ended 12/31/2003 1.45 1.25
Year ended 12/31/2002 1.45 1.17
Period from 3/15/2001 to 12/31/2001 1.52/5/ .38/5/
---------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F:
Year ended 12/31/2005 .62 1.99
Year ended 12/31/2004 .67 1.99
Year ended 12/31/2003 .69 2.01
Year ended 12/31/2002 .70 1.92
Period from 3/15/2001 to 12/31/2001 .72/5/ 1.17/5/
---------------------------------------------------------------

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS/2/

CLASS 529-A:
Year ended 12/31/2005 $30.73 $.61 $ 1.45 $ 2.06
Year ended 12/31/2004 28.82 .59 2.17 2.76
Year ended 12/31/2003 23.48 .52 5.55 6.07
Period from 2/15/2002 to 12/31/2002 27.88 .46 (3.91) (3.45)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B:
Year ended 12/31/2005 30.67 .35 1.45 1.80
Year ended 12/31/2004 28.78 .33 2.16 2.49
Year ended 12/31/2003 23.45 .28 5.54 5.82
Period from 2/15/2002 to 12/31/2002 27.88 .28 (3.92) (3.64)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C:
Year ended 12/31/2005 30.68 .35 1.45 1.80
Year ended 12/31/2004 28.78 .33 2.17 2.50
Year ended 12/31/2003 23.45 .29 5.54 5.83
Period from 2/19/2002 to 12/31/2002 27.47 .28 (3.50) (3.22)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E:
Year ended 12/31/2005 30.68 .51 1.45 1.96
Year ended 12/31/2004 28.78 .48 2.17 2.65
Year ended 12/31/2003 23.45 .42 5.54 5.96
Period from 3/1/2002 to 12/31/2002 28.27 .38 (4.52) (4.14)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F:
Year ended 12/31/2005 30.71 .64 1.46 2.10
Year ended 12/31/2004 28.81 .56 2.16 2.72
Year ended 12/31/2003 23.47 .48 5.55 6.03
Period from 9/16/2002 to 12/31/2002 23.98 .16 (.19) (.03)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS 529-A:
Year ended 12/31/2005 $(.65) $(.81) $(1.46) $31.33 6.74% $ 835 .67 %
Year ended 12/31/2004 (.49) (.36) (.85) 30.73 9.68 625 .68
Year ended 12/31/2003 (.52) (.21) (.73) 28.82 26.19 380 .64
Period from 2/15/2002 to 12/31/2002 (.49) (.46) (.95) 23.48 (12.57) 153 .71/5/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B:
Year ended 12/31/2005 (.39) (.81) (1.20) 31.27 5.87 191 1.51
Year ended 12/31/2004 (.24) (.36) (.60) 30.67 8.69 155 1.56
Year ended 12/31/2003 (.28) (.21) (.49) 28.78 25.05 100 1.58
Period from 2/15/2002 to 12/31/2002 (.33) (.46) (.79) 23.45 (13.22) 41 1.58/5/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C:
Year ended 12/31/2005 (.40) (.81) (1.21) 31.27 5.85 247 1.50
Year ended 12/31/2004 (.24) (.36) (.60) 30.68 8.74 188 1.55
Year ended 12/31/2003 (.29) (.21) (.50) 28.78 25.07 115 1.57
Period from 2/19/2002 to 12/31/2002 (.34) (.46) (.80) 23.45 (11.91) 45 1.57/5/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E:
Year ended 12/31/2005 (.55) (.81) (1.36) 31.28 6.42 36 .99
Year ended 12/31/2004 (.39) (.36) (.75) 30.68 9.29 27 1.03
Year ended 12/31/2003 (.42) (.21) (.63) 28.78 25.70 16 1.04
Period from 3/1/2002 to 12/31/2002 (.33) (.35) (.68) 23.45 (14.72) 6 1.03/5/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F:
Year ended 12/31/2005 (.68) (.81) (1.49) 31.32 6.87 8 .56
Year ended 12/31/2004 (.46) (.36) (.82) 30.71 9.55 5 .78
Year ended 12/31/2003 (.48) (.21) (.69) 28.81 26.05 3 .79
Period from 9/16/2002 to 12/31/2002 (.13) (.35) (.48) 23.47 (.14) --/6/ .23

Ratio of
expenses
to average Ratio of
net assets net
after income
reim- to average
bursements/ net
waivers/4/ assets
---------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS 529-A:
Year ended 12/31/2005 .65 % 1.96 %
Year ended 12/31/2004 .68 2.00
Year ended 12/31/2003 .64 2.06
Period from 2/15/2002 to 12/31/2002 .71/5/ 2.17/5/
---------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B:
Year ended 12/31/2005 1.49 1.12
Year ended 12/31/2004 1.55 1.12
Year ended 12/31/2003 1.58 1.12
Period from 2/15/2002 to 12/31/2002 1.58/5/ 1.30/5/
---------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C:
Year ended 12/31/2005 1.48 1.13
Year ended 12/31/2004 1.54 1.13
Year ended 12/31/2003 1.57 1.13
Period from 2/19/2002 to 12/31/2002 1.57/5/ 1.32/5/
---------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E:
Year ended 12/31/2005 .96 1.65
Year ended 12/31/2004 1.02 1.65
Year ended 12/31/2003 1.04 1.65
Period from 3/1/2002 to 12/31/2002 1.03/5/ 1.90/5/
---------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F:
Year ended 12/31/2005 .54 2.07
Year ended 12/31/2004 .77 1.91
Year ended 12/31/2003 .79 1.88
Period from 9/16/2002 to 12/31/2002 .23 .68

(The Financial Highlights table continues on the following page.)

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
RATE FOR ALL CLASSES 19% 19% 24% 27% 22%
OF SHARES

/1/ Based on operations for the period shown (unless otherwise noted) and,
accordingly, may not be representative of a full year.
/2/ Based on average shares outstanding.
/3/ Total returns exclude all sales charges, including contingent deferred sales
charges.
/4/ The ratios in this column reflect the impact, if any, of certain
reimbursements/waivers from Capital Research and Management Company. See the
Annual Fund Operating Expenses table under "Fees and expenses of the fund" and
the audited financial statements in the fund's annual report for more
information.
/5/ Annualized.
/6/ Amount less than $1 million.

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

NOTES

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

[logo - American Funds/(R)/] The right choice for the long term/(R)/

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

FOR COLLEGEAMERICA American Funds Service Company
800 /421-0180, ext. 529
FOR 24-HOUR INFORMATION American FundsLine
800/325-3590
americanfunds.com

Telephone calls you have with the American Funds
organization may be monitored or recorded for quality
assurance, verification and/or recordkeeping purposes.
By speaking with us on the telephone, you are giving
your consent to such monitoring and recording.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 The shareholder reports contain
additional information about the fund, including financial statements,
investment results, portfolio holdings, a discussion of market conditions and
the fund's investment strategies, and the independent registered public
accounting firm's report (in the annual report).

COLLEGEAMERICA PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The CollegeAmerica Program Description
contains additional information about the policies and services related to
CollegeAmerica accounts.

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) AND CODES OF ETHICS The current SAI,
as amended from time to time, contains more detailed information on all aspects
of the fund, including the fund's financial statements, and is incorporated by
reference into this prospectus. This means that the current SAI, for legal
purposes, is part of this prospectus. The codes of ethics describe the personal
investing policies adopted by the fund, the fund's investment adviser and its
affiliated companies.

The codes of ethics and current SAI are on file 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, DC
(202/942-8090) or on the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at sec.gov or,
after payment of a duplicating fee, via e-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov or
by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102. The
current SAI and shareholder reports are also available, free of charge, on
americanfunds.com.

HOUSEHOLD MAILINGS Each year you are automatically sent an updated prospectus
and annual and semi-annual reports 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 who are part of the same family and share the same household address.

If you would like to opt out of household-based mailings or receive a
complimentary copy of the current SAI, codes of ethics, annual/semi-annual
report to shareholders or CollegeAmerica Program Description, 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.

[logo - recycle bug]

Printed on recycled paper
MFGEPR-904-0306P Litho in USA CGD/RRD/8012 Investment Company File No. 811-116

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE CAPITAL GROUP COMPANIES
American Funds Capital Research and Management Capital International
Capital Guardian Capital Bank and Trust

<PAGE>

[logo - American Funds/(R)/] The right choice for the long term/(R)/

The Investment
Company of America/(R)/

PROSPECTUS
ADDENDUM

March 1, 2006

<PAGE>

Class R-5 shares of The Investment Company of America are available to certain
clients of the Personal Investment Management group of Capital Guardian Trust
Company./SM// / Accordingly, for these shareholders, the following information
should be read in conjunction with the prospectus for this fund.

Fees and expenses of the fund -- pages 5-6

These tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.

SHAREHOLDER FEES (PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
CLASS R-5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maximum initial sales charge on purchases (as a percentage of none
offering price)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge on reinvested dividends none
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge none
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption or exchange fees none

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS)
CLASS R-5
--------------------------------------------------------------

Management fees/1/ 0.24%
--------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees none
--------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses/2/ 0.12
--------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual fund operating expenses/1/ 0.36

/1/ The fund's investment adviser began waiving 5% of its management fees on
September 1, 2004. Beginning April 1, 2005, this waiver increased to 10% and is
expected to continue at this level until further review. Total annual fund
operating expenses do not reflect any waiver. Information regarding the effect
of any waiver on total annual fund operating expenses can be found in the
Financial Highlights table and the audited financial statements in the fund's
annual report.
/2/ A portion of the fund's expenses may be used to pay third parties (including
affiliates of the fund's investment adviser) that provide recordkeeping
services to retirement plans invested in the fund.

EXAMPLE

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that
you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated, that your
investment has a 5% return each year, that all dividends and capital gain
distributions are reinvested, and that the fund's operating expenses remain the
same as shown above. The example does not reflect the impact of any fee waivers
or expense reimbursements.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions,
your cumulative estimated expenses would be:

1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
-------------------------------------------------------------

Class R-5 $37 $116 $202 $456
-------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>

Purchase and exchange of shares -- pages 18-21

PURCHASE OF CLASS R-5 SHARES

Class R-5 shares of the fund are available to certain clients of the Personal
Investment Management group of Capital Guardian Trust Company. Please contact
Capital Guardian Trust Company if you wish to purchase Class R-5 shares of the
fund.

Sales charges -- pages 22-25

CLASS R-5 SHARES

Class R-5 shares are sold without any initial or contingent deferred sales
charge. In addition, no compensation is paid to investment dealers on sales of
Class R-5 shares.

<PAGE>

Financial highlights/1/ -- pages 32-34

The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's
results. Certain information reflects financial results for a single 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
capital gain 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.

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS/2/
Net
gains
(losses) on
securities
Net asset (both
value, Net realized Total from
beginning investment and investment
of period income unrealized) operations
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS R-5:
Year ended 12/31/2005 $30.75 $.70 $ 1.46 $ 2.16
Year ended 12/31/2004 28.84 .67 2.18 2.85
Year ended 12/31/2003 23.48 .56 5.59 6.15
Period from 5/15/2002 to 12/31/2002 28.37 .39 (4.50) (4.11)

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Dividends Total Net asset
(from net Distributions dividends value,
investment (from and end of Total
income) capital gains) distributions period return
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS R-5:
Year ended 12/31/2005 $(.75) $(.81) $(1.56) $31.35 7.06%
Year ended 12/31/2004 (.58) (.36) (.94) 30.75 10.02
Year ended 12/31/2003 (.58) (.21) (.79) 28.84 26.58
Period from 5/15/2002 to 12/31/2002 (.43) (.35) (.78) 23.48 (14.59)

Ratio of Ratio of
expenses expenses
to average to average Ratio of
Net net assets net assets net
assets, before after income
end of reim- reim- to average
period (in bursements/ bursements/ net
millions) waivers waivers/3/ assets
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS R-5:
Year ended 12/31/2005 $1,562 .36% .34% 2.28%
Year ended 12/31/2004 1,408 .36 .35 2.28
Year ended 12/31/2003 1,201 .36 .36 2.11
Period from 5/15/2002 to 12/31/2002 48 .37/4/ .37/4/ 2.56/4/

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE FOR ALL CLASSES OF SHARES 19% 19% 24% 27% 22%

/1/ Based on operations for the period shown (unless otherwise noted) and,
accordingly, may not be representative of a full year.
/2/ Based on average shares outstanding.
/3/ The ratios in this column reflect the impact, if any, of certain
reimbursements/waivers from Capital Research and Management Company. See the
Annual Fund Operating Expenses table under "Fees and expenses of the fund" and
the audited financial statements in the fund's annual report for more
information.
/4/ Annualized.

<PAGE>

THE INVESTMENT COMPANY OF AMERICA

Part B
Statement of Additional Information
March 1, 2006

This document is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction with the
current prospectus or retirement plan prospectus of The Investment Company of
America (the "fund" or "ICA") dated March 1, 2006. You may obtain a prospectus
from your financial adviser or by writing to the fund at the following address:

The Investment Company of America
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. They should contact their employers 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
Management of the fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Execution of portfolio transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Disclosure of portfolio holdings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Price of shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Taxes and distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Purchase and exchange of shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Sales charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Sales charge reductions and waivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Selling shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Shareholder account services and privileges . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Financial statements

The Investment Company of America -- Page 1
<PAGE>

CERTAIN INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS AND GUIDELINES

The following limitations and guidelines are considered at the time of purchase,
under normal circumstances, 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.

GENERAL GUIDELINE

. The fund may only invest in securities included on its eligible list (does
not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government).

DEBT SECURITIES

. The fund's investments in straight debt securities (i.e., not convertible
into equity) will generally consist of investment grade securities. The
fund may, however, invest up to 5% of its assets in straight debt
securities rated Ba or below by Moody's Investors Service and BB or below
by Standard & Poor's Corporation or unrated but determined to be of
equivalent quality.

NON-U.S. SECURITIES

. The fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in issuers domiciled outside
the United States and not included in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite
Index.

* * * * * *

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 objectives, strategies and risks."

EQUITY SECURITIES -- Equity securities represent an ownership position in a
company. Equity securities held by the fund typically consist of common stocks.
The prices of equity securities fluctuate based on, among other things, events
specific to their issuers and market, economic and other conditions.

There may be little trading in the secondary market for particular equity
securities, which may adversely affect the fund's ability to value accurately or
dispose of such equity securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions,
whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and/or
liquidity of equity securities.

DEBT SECURITIES -- Debt securities are used by issuers to borrow money.
Generally, issuers pay investors periodic interest and repay the amount borrowed
either periodically during the life of the security and/or 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 and accrue interest at the
applicable coupon rate over a specified time period. The market prices of debt
securities fluctuate depending on such factors as interest rates, credit quality
and maturity. In general,

The Investment Company of America -- Page 2
<PAGE>

market prices of debt securities decline when interest rates rise and increase
when interest rates fall.

Lower rated debt securities, rated Ba or below by Moody's and/or BB or below by
S&P or unrated but determined 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 debt
securities, 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, and to determine the value of, lower rated debt
securities.

Certain additional risk factors relating to debt securities are discussed below:

SENSITIVITY TO INTEREST RATE AND ECONOMIC CHANGES -- Debt securities may be
sensitive to economic changes, political and corporate developments, and
interest rate changes. In addition, during an economic downturn or
substantial period of rising interest rates, issuers that are highly
leveraged may experience increased financial stress that would adversely
affect their ability to meet projected business goals, to obtain additional
financing and to service their principal and interest payment obligations.
Periods of economic change and uncertainty also can be expected to result
in increased volatility of market prices and yields of certain debt
securities.

PAYMENT EXPECTATIONS -- Debt securities may contain redemption or call
provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a lower interest
rate market, the fund would have to replace the security with a lower
yielding security, resulting in decreased income to investors. If the
issuer of a debt security defaults on its obligations to pay interest or
principal or is the subject of 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 debt securities, which may affect adversely the
fund's ability to value accurately or dispose of such debt securities.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on
fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and/or liquidity of debt
securities.

The investment adviser attempts to reduce the risks described above through
diversification of the fund's 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 stocks automatically convert into common
stocks. The prices and yields of nonconvertible preferred stocks generally move
with changes in interest rates and the issuer's credit quality, similar to the
factors affecting debt securities. Certain of these securities will be treated
as debt for fund investment limit purposes.

Convertible bonds, convertible preferred stocks and other securities may
sometimes be converted, or may automatically convert, into common stocks or
other securities at a stated

The Investment Company of America -- Page 3
<PAGE>

conversion ratio. These securities, prior to conversion, may 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 assets, general market and economic conditions, and
convertible market valuations, as well as changes in interest rates, credit
spreads and the credit quality of the issuer.

U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS -- U.S. government obligations are securities backed
by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. U.S. government obligations
include the following types of securities:

U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES -- U.S. Treasury securities include direct
obligations of the U.S. Treasury, such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds.
For these securities, 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.

FEDERAL AGENCY SECURITIES BACKED BY "FULL FAITH AND CREDIT" -- The
securities of certain U.S. government agencies and government-sponsored
entities are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest
by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Such agencies and
entities include the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae),
the Veterans Administration (VA), the Federal Housing Administration (FHA),
the Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank), the Overseas Private Investment
Corporation (OPIC), the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and the Small
Business Administration (SBA).
OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY OBLIGATIONS -- Additional federal agency securities are
neither direct obligations of, nor guaranteed by, the U.S. government. These
obligations include securities issued by certain U.S. government agencies and
government-sponsored entities. However, they generally involve some form of
federal sponsorship: some operate under a government charter; some are backed by
specific types of collateral; some are supported by the issuer's right to borrow
from the Treasury; and others are supported only by the credit of the issuing
government agency or entity. These agencies and entities include, but are not
limited to: Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
(Freddie Mac), Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), Tennessee
Valley Authority and Federal Farm Credit Bank System.

INVESTING IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES -- Investing outside the United States may
involve additional risks caused by, among other things, currency controls and
fluctuating currency values; different accounting, auditing, financial reporting
and legal standards and practices in some countries; changing local, regional
and global economic, political and social conditions; expropriation; changes in
tax policy; greater market volatility; differing securities market structures;
higher transaction costs; and various administrative difficulties, such as
delays in clearing and settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment
of dividends.

The risks described above may be heightened in connection with investments in
developing countries. Although there is no universally accepted definition, the
investment adviser generally considers a developing country as a country that is
in the earlier stages of its industrialization cycle with a low per capita gross
domestic product ("GDP") and a low market capitalization to GDP ratio relative
to those in the United States and the European Union. Historically, the markets
of developing countries have been more volatile than the markets of developed
countries. The fund may invest in securities of issuers in developing countries
only to a limited extent.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 4
<PAGE>

Additional costs could be incurred in connection with the fund's investment
activities outside the United States. Brokerage commissions may be higher
outside the United States, and the fund will bear certain expenses in connection
with its currency transactions. Furthermore, increased custodian costs may be
associated with maintaining assets in certain jurisdictions.

CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS -- The fund may 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 that may 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
that 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 also may affect the
character and timing of income, gain or loss recognized by the fund for U.S.
federal income tax purposes.

RESTRICTED OR ILLIQUID SECURITIES -- The fund may purchase securities subject to
restrictions on resale. Restricted securities generally can be sold in privately
negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"), or in a registered public offering.
Where registration is required, the holder of a registered security may be
obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable
period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time
it may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration
statement. Difficulty in selling such securities may result in a loss or be
costly to the fund.

Securities (including restricted securities) not actively traded will be
considered illiquid unless they have been specifically determined to be liquid
under procedures adopted by the fund's board of directors, 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.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS -- These include (a) commercial paper (for example,
short-term notes with maturities typically up to 12 months in length issued by
corporations, governmental bodies or bank/corporation sponsored conduits
(asset-backed commercial paper)) (b) short-term bank obligations (for example,
certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances (time drafts on a commercial bank
where the bank accepts an irrevocable obligation to pay at maturity)) or bank
notes, (c) savings association and savings bank obligations (for example, bank
notes and certificates of deposit issued by savings banks or savings
associations), (d) securities of the U.S. government, its agencies or
instrumentalities that mature, or may be redeemed, in one year or less, and (e)
corporate bonds and notes that mature, or that may be redeemed, in one year or
less.

* * * * * *

The Investment Company of America -- Page 5
<PAGE>

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER -- Portfolio changes will be made without regard to the
length of time particular investments may have been held. Short-term trading
profits are not the fund's objective, and changes in its investments are
generally accomplished gradually, though short-term transactions may
occasionally be made. High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater
transaction costs in the form of dealer spreads or brokerage commissions, and
may result in the realization of net capital gains, which are taxable when
distributed to shareholders.

A fund's portfolio turnover rate would equal 100% if each security in the fund's
portfolio were replaced once per year. The fund's portfolio turnover rates for
the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 were 19% and 19%,
respectively. See "Financial highlights" in the prospectus for the fund's annual
portfolio turnover rate for each of the last five fiscal years.

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, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as the vote of the
lesser of (a) 67% or more of the outstanding voting securities present at a
shareholder meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting
securities are present in person or by proxy, or (b) 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.

These restrictions (which do not apply to the purchase of securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government) provide that the fund shall make no
investment:

Which involves promotion or business management by the fund;

In any security about which reliable information is not available with respect
to the history, management, assets, earnings, and income of the issuer;

If the investment would cause more than 5% of the value of the total assets of
the fund, as they exist at the time of investment, to be invested in the
securities of any one issuer;

If the investment would cause more than 20% of the value of the total assets of
the fund to be invested in the securities in any one industry;

If the investment would cause the fund to own more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of any one issuer, provided that this restriction shall apply
as to 75% of the fund's total assets; or

In any security which has not been placed on the fund's Eligible List. (See the
prospectus).

The fund is not permitted to buy securities on margin, sell securities short,
borrow money, or to invest in real estate. (Although it has not been the
practice of the fund to make such investments (and it has no current intention
of doing so at least for the next 12 months), the fund may invest in the
securities of real estate investment trusts.)

The Investment Company of America -- Page 6
<PAGE>

The fund has also adopted other fundamental policies which cannot be changed
without shareholder approval. These policies require the fund not to:

Concentrate its investment in any particular industry or group of industries.
Some degree of concentration may occur from time to time (within the 20%
limitation of the Certificate of Incorporation) as certain industries appear to
present desirable fields for investment.

Engage generally in the making of loans. Although the fund has reserved the
right to make loans to unaffiliated persons subject to certain restrictions,
including requirements concerning collateral and amount of any loan, no loans
have been made since adoption of this fundamental policy more than 50 years ago.

Act as underwriter of securities issued by others, engage in distribution of
securities for others, engage in the purchase and sale of commodities or
commodity contracts, borrow money, invest in real estate, or make investments in
other companies for the purpose of exercising control or management.

Pledge, encumber or assign all or any part of its property and assets as
security for a debt.

Invest in the securities of other investment companies.

Notwithstanding the restriction on making loans, the fund may lend portfolio
securities; however, it does not currently intend to engage in an ongoing or
regular securities lending program.

Notwithstanding the restriction on investing in the securities of other
investment companies, the fund may invest in securities of other investment
companies if deemed advisable by its officers in connection with the
administration of a deferred compensation plan adopted by directors pursuant to
an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

NONFUNDAMENTAL POLICIES -- The following policies may be changed without
shareholder approval:

The fund will not:

Purchase and sell securities for short-term profits; however, securities will be
sold without regard to the time that they have been held whenever investment
judgment makes such action seem advisable.

Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if those officers and directors
of the fund or the Investment Adviser who own beneficially more than one half of
1% of such issuer together own more than 5% of the securities of such issuer.

Invest in securities of companies which, with their predecessors, have a record
of less than three years' continuous operations.

Invest in puts, calls, straddles, spreads or any combination thereof.

Purchase partnership interests in oil, gas or mineral exploration, drilling or
mining ventures.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 7
<PAGE>

Invest in excess of 10% of the market value of its total assets in securities
which may require registration under the Securities Act of 1933 prior to sale by
the fund (restricted securities), or other securities that are not readily
marketable.

Issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 8
<PAGE>

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

"NON-INTERESTED" DIRECTORS/1/

NUMBER OF
NAME, AGE, AND PORTFOLIOS/3/
POSITION WITH FUND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS/4/ HELD
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED/2/) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS BY DIRECTOR BY DIRECTOR
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Louise H. Bryson, 61 President, Distribution and 1 None
Director (1999) Affiliate Business
Development, Lifetime
Entertainment Network;
Executive Vice President and
General Manager, Lifetime
Movie Network; former
Chairman of the Board and
Director, KCET - Los Angeles
(public television station);
former Senior Vice President,
FX Networks LLC: Fox Inc.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Anne Dolan, 58 Founder and President, 3 None
Director (2000) M.A.D., Inc. (communications
company); former
Editor-in-Chief, The Los
Angeles Herald Examiner
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martin Fenton, 70 Chairman of the Board and 16 None
Chairman of the Board CEO, Senior Resource Group
(Independent and LLC (development and
Non-Executive) (2000) management of senior living
communities)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leonard R. Fuller, 59 President and CEO, Fuller 14 None
Director (2002) Consulting (financial
management consulting firm)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claudio X. Gonzalez Laporte, 71 Chairman of the Board and 1 America Movil, S.A. de C.V.;
Director (2001) CEO, Kimberly-Clark de General Electric Company; Grupo
Mexico, S. A. (household Alfa, S.A. de C.V.; Grupo Carso,
products) S.A. de C.V.; Grupo Financiero
Inbursa; Grupo Industrial
Saltillo, S.A. de C.V.; Grupo
Mexico, S.A. de C.V.; The Home
Depot, Inc.; Kellogg Company;
Kimberly-Clark Corporation; The
Mexico Fund
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John G. McDonald, 68 Professor of Finance, 8 iStar Financial, Inc.; Plum Creek
Director (1976) Graduate School of Business, Timber Co.; Scholastic
Stanford University Corporation; Varian, Inc.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Investment Company of America -- Page 9
<PAGE>

Bailey Morris-Eck, 61 Director and Programming 3 None
Director (1993) Chair, WYPR Baltimore/
Washington (public radio
station); Senior Adviser,
Financial News (London);
Senior Fellow, Institute for
International Economics
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard G. Newman, 71 Chairman of the Board, AECOM 13 Sempra Energy;
Director (1996) Technology Corporation Southwest Water Company
(engineering, consulting and
professional technical
services)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Olin C. Robison, 69 President Emeritus of the 3 American Shared Hospital Services
Director (1987) Salzburg Seminar; President
Emeritus, Middlebury College
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William J. Spencer, 75 Chairman Emeritus and former 1 LECG Corporation
Director (1997) Chairman of the Board and
CEO, SEMATECH (research and
development consortium)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"INTERESTED" DIRECTORS/5/,/6/

PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND POSITIONS NUMBER OF
NAME, AGE AND HELD WITH AFFILIATED ENTITIES PORTFOLIOS/3/
POSITION WITH FUND OR THE PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER OVERSEEN OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS/4/ HELD
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED/2/) OF THE FUND BY DIRECTOR BY DIRECTOR
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

R. Michael Shanahan, 67 Chairman of the Board, Capital 2 None
Vice Chairman of the Board Research and Management
(1994) Company; Director, American
Funds Distributors, Inc.*;
Non-Executive Chair, The
Capital Group Companies,
Inc.*; Chairman of the Board,
Capital Management Services,
Inc.*; Director, Capital
Strategy Research, Inc.*
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James B. Lovelace, 49 Senior Vice President and 2 None
Senior Vice President (1994) Director, Capital Research and
Management Company
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Investment Company of America -- Page 10
<PAGE>

Donald D. O'Neal, 45 Senior Vice President, Capital 3 None
Senior Vice President (1994) Research and Management
Company
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OTHER OFFICERS/6/

NAME, AGE AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
POSITION WITH FUND AND POSITIONS HELD WITH AFFILIATED ENTITIES
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED/2/) OR THE PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER OF THE FUND
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

James F. Rothenberg, 59 President and Director, Capital Research and Management
President (2000) Company; Director, American Funds Distributors, Inc.*;
Director, The Capital Group Companies, Inc.*;
Director, Capital Group Research, Inc.*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gregg E. Ireland, 56 Senior Vice President, Capital Research and Management
Senior Vice President (1994) Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joyce E. Gordon, 49 Senior Vice President and Director, Capital Research
Vice President (1998) and Management Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anne M. Llewellyn, 58 Vice President - Fund Business Management Group,
Vice President (1984) Capital Research and Management Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vincent P. Corti, 49 Vice President - Fund Business Management Group,
Secretary (1994) Capital Research and Management Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carmelo Spinella, 43 Senior Vice President - Fund Business Management Group,
Treasurer (2006) Capital Research and Management Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R. Marcia Gould, 51 Vice President - Fund Business Management Group,
Assistant Treasurer (1993) Capital Research and Management Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Company affiliated with Capital Research and Management Company.
/1/ A "non-interested" director refers to a director who is not an "interested
person" within the meaning of the 1940 Act.
/2/ Directors and officers of the fund are elected annually and serve until
earlier resignation, removal or retirement.
/3/ Fund managed by Capital Research and Management Company, including the
American Funds, American Funds Insurance Series,(R) which serves as the
underlying investment vehicle for certain variable insurance contracts, and
Endowments, whose shareholders are limited to certain nonprofit organizations.

/4/ This includes all directorships (other than those of the American Funds) that
are held by each director as a director of a public company or a registered
investment company.
/5/ "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 affiliated entities (including the fund's principal
underwriter).
/6/ All of the officers listed, with the exception of Anne M. Llewellyn and
Carmelo Spinella, 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.

THE ADDRESS FOR ALL DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE FUND IS 333 SOUTH HOPE STREET,
55TH FLOOR, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071, ATTENTION: FUND SECRETARY.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 11
<PAGE>

FUND SHARES OWNED BY DIRECTOR AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2005

AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE/1/
OF SHARES
OWNED IN ALL FUNDS
IN THE AMERICAN FUNDS
DOLLAR RANGE/1/ OF FUND FAMILY OVERSEEN
NAME SHARES OWNED BY DIRECTOR
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"NON-INTERESTED" DIRECTORS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louise H. Bryson Over $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Anne Dolan Over $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martin Fenton $50,001 - $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leonard R. Fuller $10,001 - $50,000 $50,001 - $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claudio X. Gonzalez Laporte Over $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John G. McDonald Over $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bailey Morris-Eck $50,001 - $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard G. Newman Over $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Olin C. Robison $50,001 - $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William J. Spencer $1 - $10,000 $1 - $10,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"INTERESTED" DIRECTORS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James B. Lovelace Over $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donald D. O'Neal Over $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R. Michael Shanahan Over $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

/1/ Ownership disclosure is made using the following ranges: None; $1 - $10,000;
$10,001 - $50,000; $50,001 - $100,000; and Over $100,000. The amounts listed
for "interested" directors include shares owned through The Capital Group
Companies, Inc. retirement plan and 401(k) plan.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION -- No compensation is paid by the fund to any officer or
director who is a director, officer or employee of the investment adviser or its
affiliates. The fund typically pays each non-interested director an annual fee
of $60,000. If the non-interested director also receives compensation as a
member of the board of another fund advised by the investment adviser and the
other board typically meets separately from the fund's board of directors, the
annual fee paid by the fund is $50,000. The higher fee reflects the significant
time and labor commitment required for a director to oversee even one fund. A
non-interested director who is chairman of the board also receives an additional
annual fee of $25,000, paid in equal portions by the fund and the funds whose
boards and committees typically meet jointly with those of the fund.

In addition, the fund generally pays to non-interested directors fees of (a)
$2,500 for each board of directors meeting attended and (b) $1,500 for each
meeting attended as a member of a committee of the board of directors.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 12
<PAGE>

Non-interested directors also receive attendance fees of (a) $2,500 for each
director seminar or information session organized by the investment adviser, (b)
$1,500 for each joint audit committee meeting with all other American Funds
audit committees and (c) $500 for each meeting of the board or committee chairs
of other American Funds. The fund and the other funds served by each
non-interested director each pay an equal portion of these attendance fees.

The nominating committee of the board of directors, a committee comprised
exclusively of non-interested directors, reviews director compensation
periodically, and typically recommends adjustments every other year. In making
its recommendations, the nominating committee considers a number of factors,
including operational, regulatory and other developments affecting the
complexity of the board's oversight obligations, as well as comparative industry
data. In lieu of meeting fees, members of the proxy committee receive an annual
fee of $14,000.

No pension or retirement benefits are accrued as part of fund expenses.
Non-interested directors 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 non-interested directors.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION PAID DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005

TOTAL COMPENSATION
(INCLUDING
VOLUNTARILY DEFERRED
COMPENSATION/1/)
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM ALL FUNDS MANAGED BY
(INCLUDING VOLUNTARILY CAPITAL RESEARCH AND
DEFERRED COMPENSATION/1/) MANAGEMENT
NAME FROM THE FUND COMPANY OR ITS AFFILIATES/2/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Louise H. Bryson/3/ $81,500 $ 81,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Anne Dolan 68,500 129,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martin Fenton/3/ 65,482 262,670
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leonard R. Fuller 65,606 187,420
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claudio X. Gonzalez Laporte/3/ 75,000 75,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John G. McDonald/3/ 83,563 332,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bailey Morris-Eck 67,166 128,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard G. Newman 80,631 151,150
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Olin C. Robison/3/ 70,666 132,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William J. Spencer/3/ 93,500 93,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

/1/ Amounts may be deferred by eligible directors under a nonqualified 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 American Funds
as designated by the directors. Compensation shown in this table for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2005 does not include earnings on amounts deferred in
previous fiscal years. See footnote 3 to this table for more information.
/2/ Fund managed by Capital Research and Management Company, including the
American Funds, American Funds Insurance Series,(R) which serves as the
underlying investment vehicle for certain variable insurance contracts, and
Endowments, whose shareholders are limited to certain nonprofit organizations.
/3/ Since the deferred compensation plan's adoption, the total amount of deferred
compensation accrued by the fund (plus earnings thereon) through the 2005
fiscal year for participating directors is as follows: Louise H. Bryson
($498,368), Martin Fenton ($119,771), Claudio X. Gonzalez Laporte ($353,818),
John G. McDonald ($1,262,648), Olin C. Robison ($539,304) and William J.
Spencer ($889,694). Amounts deferred and accumulated earnings thereon are not
funded and are general unsecured liabilities of the fund until paid to the
directors.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 13
<PAGE>

As of February 1, 2006, the officers and directors of the fund and their
families, as a group, owned beneficially or of record less than 1% of the
outstanding shares of the fund.

FUND ORGANIZATION AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS -- The fund, an open-end,
diversified management investment company, was organized as a Delaware
corporation on August 28, 1933. Although the board of directors has delegated
day-to-day oversight to the investment adviser, all fund operations are
supervised by the fund's board, which meets periodically and performs duties
required by applicable state and federal laws.

Delaware law provides that the business and affairs of the fund are managed by
or under the direction of the board of directors. Directors are charged with
fiduciary duties of care and loyalty to the fund and its shareholders.
Generally, a director will satisfy his or her duties if he or she acts with the
care of an ordinarily prudent person under similar circumstances and refrains
from self-dealing.

Members of the board who are not employed by the investment adviser or its
affiliates are paid certain fees for services rendered to the fund as described
above. 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 several different classes of shares, including Class A, B, C, F,
529-A, 529-B, 529-C, 529-E, 529-F, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 shares. Shares of
each class represent an interest in the same investment portfolio. Each class
has pro rata 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 directors and set forth in the fund's rule
18f-3 Plan. Each class' 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.
Note that CollegeAmerica/(R)/ account owners invested in Class 529 shares are
not shareholders of the fund and, accordingly, do not have the rights of a
shareholder, such as the right to vote proxies relating to fund shares. As the
legal owner of the fund's Class 529 shares, the Virginia College Savings
Plan/SM/ will vote any proxies relating to such fund shares.

The fund holds annual meetings of shareholders for the purpose of electing
directors. Significant matters that require shareholder approval, such as 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.

The fund's Certificate of Incorporation and by-laws as well as separate
indemnification agreements that the fund has entered into with non-interested
directors provide in effect that, subject to certain conditions, the fund will
indemnify its officers and directors against liabilities or expenses actually
and reasonably incurred by them relating to their service to the fund. However,
directors are not protected from liability by reason of their willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of their office.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 14
<PAGE>

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS -- The fund has an audit committee
comprised of Louise H. Bryson, Mary Anne Dolan, Martin Fenton, Leonard R.
Fuller, Claudio X. Gonzalez Laporte, John G. McDonald, Bailey Morris-Eck,
Richard G. Newman, Olin C. Robison and William J. Spencer, none of whom is an
"interested person" of the fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The
committee provides oversight regarding the fund's accounting and financial
reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and the internal
controls of the fund's principal service providers. The committee acts as a
liaison between the fund's independent registered public accounting firm and the
full board of directors. Five audit committee meetings were held during the 2005
fiscal year.

The fund has a governance and contracts committee comprised of Louise H. Bryson,
Mary Anne Dolan, Martin Fenton, Leonard R. Fuller, Claudio X. Gonzalez Laporte,
John G. McDonald, Bailey Morris-Eck, Richard G. Newman, Olin C. Robison and
William J. Spencer, none of whom is an "interested person" of the fund within
the meaning of the 1940 Act. The committee's principal function is to request,
review and consider the information deemed necessary to evaluate the terms of
certain agreements between the fund and its investment adviser or the investment
adviser's affiliates, such as the Investment Advisory and Service Agreement,
Principal Underwriting Agreement, Administrative Services Agreement and Plans of
Distribution adopted pursuant to rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, that the fund
may enter into, renew or continue, and to make its recommendations to the full
board of directors on these matters. One governance and contracts committee
meeting was held during the 2005 fiscal year.

The fund has a nominating committee comprised of Louise H. Bryson, John G.
McDonald and Olin C. Robison, none of whom is an "interested person" of the fund
within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The committee periodically reviews such
issues as the board's composition, responsibilities, committees, compensation
and other relevant issues, and recommends any appropriate changes to the full
board of directors. The committee also evaluates, selects and nominates
non-interested director and advisory board member candidates to the full board
of directors. While the committee normally is able to identify from its own and
other resources an ample number of qualified candidates, it will consider
shareholder suggestions of persons to be considered as nominees to fill future
vacancies on the board. Such suggestions must be sent in writing to the
nominating committee of the fund, addressed to the fund's secretary, and must be
accompanied by complete biographical and occupational data on the prospective
nominee, along with a written consent of the prospective nominee for
consideration of his or her name by the committee. Three nominating committee
meetings were held during the 2005 fiscal year.

The fund has a proxy committee comprised of John G. McDonald, Richard G. Newman
and William J. Spencer, none of whom is an "interested person" of the fund
within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The committee's functions include
establishing and reviewing procedures and policies for voting proxies of
companies held in the fund's portfolio, making determinations with regard to
certain contested proxy voting issues, and discussing related current issues.
Five proxy committee meetings were held during the 2005 fiscal year.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 15
<PAGE>

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

The board of directors has established an advisory board whose members are, in
the judgment of the directors, highly knowledgeable about world political and
economic matters. In addition to holding meetings with the board of directors,
members of the advisory board, while not participating in specific investment
decisions, consult from time to time with the investment adviser, primarily with
respect to world trade and business conditions. Members of the advisory board,
however, possess no authority or responsibility with respect to the fund^s
investments or management. The chart below sets out additional information about
the advisory board members.

NUMBER OF
BOARDS/1/
WHICH
NAME AND AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) MEMBER
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS SERVES OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS/2/ HELD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas M. Crosby, Jr., 67 Partner, Faegre & Benson (law firm) 1 None
(1995)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sam L. Ginn, 68 Retired; former Chairman of the 1 Chevron Texaco Corporation;
(2003) Board, Vodafone Group Plc.; former Fremont Group
Chairman of the Board and CEO,
AirTouch Communications (wireless
communications)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ellen H. Goldberg, 60 Consultant; former President, Santa 1 None
(1998) Fe Institute; Research Professor,
University of New Mexico
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
L. Daniel Jorndt, 64 Retired; former Chairman of the Board 1 Kellogg Company
(2003) and CEO, Walgreen Company (drug
stores)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William H. Kling, 63 President, American Public Media 6 Irwin Financial Corporation
(1985) Group
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luis G. Nogales, 62 President, Nogales Partners; Managing 1 Arbitron, Inc.; Edison
(2003) Director, Nogales Investors International; K-B Home;
Management LLC (private equity fund) Kaufman & Broad, S.A.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Investment Company of America -- Page 16
<PAGE>

Robert J. O'Neill, 69 Deputy Chairman of the Council and 3 None
(1988) Chairman of the International
Advisory Panel, Graduate School of
Government, University of Sydney,
Australia; Member of the Board of
Directors, The Lowy Institute for
International Policy Studies, Sydney,
Australia; Chairman of the Council,
Australian Strategic Policy
Institute; former Chichele Professor
of the History of War and Fellow, All
Souls College, University of Oxford;
former Chairman of the Council,
International Institute for Strategic
Studies
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Norman R. Weldon, 71 Managing Director, Partisan 3 AtriCure, Inc.
(1977) Management Group, Inc. (venture
capital investor in medical device
companies); former Chairman of the
Board, Novoste Corporation; former
President and Director, Corvita
Corporation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

/1/ Fund managed by Capital Research and Management Company, including the
American Funds, American Funds Insurance Series,(R) which serves as the
underlying investment vehicle for certain variable insurance contracts, and
Endowments, whose shareholders are limited to certain nonprofit organizations.
/2/ This includes all directorships (other than those of the American Funds) that
are held by each advisory board member as a director of a public company or a
registered investment company.

THE ADDRESS FOR ALL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS OF THE FUND IS 333 SOUTH HOPE STREET
- 55TH FLOOR, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071, ATTENTION: FUND SECRETARY.

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER COMPENSATION -- The fund pays fees of $5,500 per annum to
advisory board members who are not affiliated with the investment adviser, plus
$1,500 for each meeting attended in conjunction with meetings with the board of
directors.

No pension or retirement benefits are accrued as part of fund expenses. The
advisory board members 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 advisory board members
who are not affiliated with the fund.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 17
<PAGE>

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER COMPENSATION PAID DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
31, 2005

TOTAL COMPENSATION (INCLUDING
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION VOLUNTARILY DEFERRED COMPENSATION/1/)
(INCLUDING VOLUNTARILY FROM ALL FUNDS MANAGED BY
DEFERRED COMPENSATION/1/) CAPITAL RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT
NAME FROM THE FUND COMPANY OR ITS AFFILIATES/2/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas M. Crosby, Jr. $10,000 $ 10,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sam L. Ginn 10,000 10,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ellen H. Goldberg 10,000 10,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
L. Daniel Jorndt 8,500 8,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William H. Kling 10,000 154,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luis G. Nogales 7,000 7,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert J. O'Neill 8,500 94,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Norman R. Weldon 10,000 88,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

/1/ Amounts may be deferred by eligible advisory board members 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 American Funds as designated by the advisory board member. Compensation
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 includes earnings on amounts
deferred in previous years.
/2/ Fund managed by Capital Research and Management Company, including the
American Funds, American Funds Insurance Series,(R) which serves as the
underlying investment vehicle for certain variable insurance contracts, and
Endowments, whose shareholders are limited to certain nonprofit organizations.

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES -- The fund and its investment adviser
have adopted Proxy Voting Guidelines (the "Guidelines") with respect to voting
proxies of securities held by the fund, other American Funds, Endowments and
American Funds Insurance Series. Certain American Funds, including the fund,
have established separate proxy committees that vote proxies or delegate to a
voting officer the authority to vote on behalf of those funds. Proxies for all
other funds are voted by a committee of the investment adviser under authority
delegated by those funds' boards. Therefore, if more than one fund invests in
the same company, they may vote differently on the same proposal.

All U.S. proxies are voted. Non-U.S. proxies also are voted, provided there is
sufficient time and information available. After a proxy is received, the
investment adviser prepares a summary of the proposals in the proxy. A
discussion of any potential conflicts of interest is also included in the
summary. After reviewing the summary, one or more research analysts familiar
with the company and industry make a voting recommendation on the proxy
proposals. A second recommendation is made by a proxy coordinator (a senior
investment professional) based on the individual's knowledge of the Guidelines
and familiarity with proxy-related issues. The proxy summary and voting
recommendations are then sent to the appropriate proxy voting committee for the
final voting decision.

The analyst and proxy coordinator making voting recommendations are responsible
for noting any potential material conflicts of interest. One example might be
where a director of one or more American Funds is also a director of a company
whose proxy is being voted. In such instances, proxy committee members are
alerted to the potential conflict. The proxy committee may then

The Investment Company of America -- Page 18
<PAGE>

elect to vote the proxy or seek a third-party recommendation or vote of an ad
hoc group of committee members.

The Guidelines, which have been in effect in substantially their current form
for many years, provide an important framework for analysis and decision-making
by all funds. However, they are not exhaustive and do not address all potential
issues. The Guidelines provide a certain amount of flexibility so that all
relevant facts and circumstances can be considered in connection with every
vote. As a result, each proxy received is voted on a case-by-case basis
considering the specific circumstances of each proposal. The voting process
reflects the funds' understanding of the company's business, its management and
its relationship with shareholders over time.

Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio
securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 of each year will be
available on or about September 1 of each year (a) without charge, upon request
by calling American Funds Service Company at 800/421-0180, (b) on the American
Funds website at www.americanfunds.com and (c) on the SEC's website at sec.gov.

The following summary sets forth the general positions of the American Funds,
Endowments, American Funds Insurance Series and the investment adviser on
various proposals. A copy of the full Guidelines is available upon request, free
of charge, by calling American Funds Service Company at 800/421-0180 or visiting
the American Funds website.

DIRECTOR MATTERS -- The election of a company's slate of nominees for
director is generally supported. Votes may be withheld for some or all of
the nominees if this is determined to be in the best interest of
shareholders. Separation of the chairman and CEO positions may also be
supported. Typically, proposals to declassify the board (elect all
directors annually) are supported based on the belief that this increases
the directors' sense of accountability to shareholders.

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS -- Proposals to repeal an existing poison pill, to
provide for confidential voting and to provide for cumulative voting are
usually supported. Proposals to eliminate the right of shareholders to act
by written consent or to take away a shareholder's right to call a special
meeting are not typically supported.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLANS -- Option plans are complicated, and many
factors are considered in evaluating a plan. Each plan is evaluated based
on protecting shareholder interests and a knowledge of the company and its
management. Considerations include the pricing (or repricing) of options
awarded under the plan and the impact of dilution on existing shareholders
from past and future equity awards. Compensation packages should be
structured to attract, motivate and retain existing employees and qualified
directors; however, they should not be excessive.

ROUTINE MATTERS -- The ratification of auditors, procedural matters
relating to the annual meeting and changes to company name are examples of
items considered routine. Such items are generally voted in favor of
management's recommendations unless circumstances indicate otherwise.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 19
<PAGE>

PRINCIPAL FUND SHAREHOLDERS -- The following table identifies those investors
who own of record or are known by the fund to own beneficially 5% or more of any
class of its shares as of the opening of business on February 1, 2006. Unless
otherwise indicated, the ownership percentages below represent ownership of
record rather than beneficial ownership.

NAME AND ADDRESS OWNERSHIP PERCENTAGE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edward D. Jones & Co. Class A 18.10%
201 Progress Parkway Class B 11.54
Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. Class B 6.06
333 W. 34th Street Class C 15.06
New York, NY 10001-2402
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLPF&S Class B 5.41
4800 Deer Lake Drive, East, Floor 2 Class C 16.59
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Class F 9.29
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94104-4122
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hartford Life Insurance Co. Class R-1 23.03
P.O. Box 2999 Class R-3 13.92
Hartford, CT 06104-2999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Hancock Life Ins. Co. USA Class R-3 13.79
250 Bloor Street, East, 7th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M4W 1E5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saxon & Co. Class R-4 9.18
P.O. Box 7780-1888
Philadelphia, PA 19182-0001
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marshall & Ilsley Trust Co. Class R-4 5.18
11270 W. Park Place, Suite 400
Milwaukee, WI 53224-3638
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Street Bank & Trust Co. Class R-5 71.60
105 Rosemont Road
Westwood, MA 02090-2318
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edward D. Jones & Co. Class A 18.10%
201 Progress Parkway Class B 11.54
Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT ADVISER -- The investment adviser, Capital Research and Management
Company, founded in 1931, maintains research facilities in the United States and
abroad (Los Angeles; San Francisco; New York; Washington, DC; London; Geneva;
Hong Kong; Singapore; and Tokyo) with a staff of professionals, many of whom
have significant investment experience. The investment adviser is located at 333
South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 and 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

The Investment Company of America -- Page 20
<PAGE>

personnel. The investment adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital
Group Companies, Inc.

The investment adviser is responsible for managing more than $750 billion of
stocks, bonds and money market instruments and serves over 35 million
shareholder accounts of all types throughout the world. These investors include
individuals, privately owned businesses and large corporations, as well as
schools, colleges, foundations and other nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations.

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST -- The investment adviser has adopted policies
and procedures that address conflicts of interest that may arise between a
portfolio counselor's management of the fund and his or her management of other
funds and accounts. Potential areas of conflict could involve allocation of
investment opportunities and trades among funds and accounts, use of information
regarding the timing of fund trades, personal investing activities, portfolio
counselor compensation and proxy voting of portfolio securities. The investment
adviser has adopted policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably
designed to address these conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such
policies and procedures will be effective or that the investment adviser will
anticipate all potential conflicts of interest.

COMPENSATION OF INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS -- As described in the prospectus, the
investment adviser uses a system of multiple portfolio counselors in managing
fund assets. In addition, Capital Research and Management Company's investment
analysts may make investment decisions with respect to a portion of a fund's
portfolio within their research coverage. Portfolio counselors and investment
analysts may also manage assets in other mutual funds advised by Capital
Research and Management Company.

Portfolio counselors and investment analysts are paid competitive salaries by
Capital Research and Management Company. In addition, they may receive bonuses
based on their individual portfolio results. Investment professionals also may
participate in profit-sharing plans. The relative mix of compensation
represented by bonuses, salary and profit-sharing will vary depending on the
individual's portfolio results, contributions to the organization and other
factors. In order to encourage a long-term focus, bonuses based on investment
results are calculated by comparing pretax total returns to relevant benchmarks
over both the most recent year and a four-year rolling average, with the greater
weight placed on the four-year rolling average. For portfolio counselors,
benchmarks may include measures of the marketplaces in which the relevant fund
invests and measures of the results of comparable mutual funds. For investment
analysts, benchmarks may include relevant market measures and appropriate
industry or sector indexes reflecting their areas of expertise. Capital Research
and Management Company also separately compensates analysts for the quality of
their research efforts. The benchmarks against which The Investment Company of
America portfolio counselors are measured include: S&P 500 and Lipper Growth and
Income Funds Index.

PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR FUND HOLDINGS AND OTHER MANAGED ACCOUNTS -- As described
below, portfolio counselors may personally own shares of the fund. In addition,
portfolio counselors may manage a portion of other mutual funds or accounts
advised by Capital Research and Management Company or its affiliates.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 21
<PAGE>

THE FOLLOWING TABLE REFLECTS INFORMATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2005:

NUMBER NUMBER
OF OTHER OF OTHER NUMBER
REGISTERED POOLED OF OTHER
INVESTMENT INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS
COMPANIES (RICS) VEHICLES (PIVS) THAT
THAT THAT PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR
DOLLAR RANGE COUNSELOR COUNSELOR MANAGES AND
OF FUND MANAGES AND MANAGES AND ASSETS OF
PORTFOLIO SHARES ASSETS OF RICS ASSETS OF PIVS OTHER ACCOUNTS
COUNSELOR OWNED/1/ IN BILLIONS/2/ IN BILLIONS/3/ IN BILLIONS/4/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

R. Michael Shanahan Over 3 $167.7 None None
$1,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James F. Rothenberg Over 1 $128.3 None None
$1,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James B. Lovelace $100,001 -- 2 $135.1 1 $0.04 None
$500,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donald D. O'Neal $500,001 -- 2 $198.7 1 $0.04 None
$1,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gregg E. Ireland Over 3 $226.9 1 $0.04 None
$1,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joyce E. Gordon $500,001 -- 2 $ 75.4 None None
$1,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James E. Drasdo Over 2 $156.4 None None
$1,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C. Ross Sappenfield $100,001 -- 2 $ 92.9 None None
$500,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J. Dale Harvey $100,001 -- 4 $179.5 None None
$500,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

/1/ Ownership disclosure is made using the following ranges: None; $1 - $10,000;
$10,001 - $50,000; $50,001 - $100,000; $100,001 - $500,000; $500,001 -
$1,000,000; and Over $1,000,000. The amounts listed include shares owned
through The Capital Group Companies, Inc. retirement plan and 401(k) plan.
/2/ Indicates fund(s) where the portfolio counselor also has significant
responsibilities for the day to day management of the fund(s). Assets noted are
the total net assets of the registered investment companies and are not
indicative of the total assets managed by the individual, which is a
substantially lower amount.
/3/ Represents funds advised or sub-advised by Capital Research and Management
Company and sold outside the United States and/ or fixed-income assets in
institutional accounts managed by investment adviser subsidiaries of Capital
Group International, Inc., an affiliate of Capital Research and Management
Company. Assets noted are the total net assets of the fund or account and are
not indicative of the total assets managed by the individual, which is a
substantially lower amount.
/4/ Reflects other professionally managed accounts held at companies affiliated
with Capital Research and Management Company. Personal brokerage accounts of
portfolio counselors and their families are not reflected.

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 April 30, 2007, 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 (a) the board

The Investment Company of America -- Page 22
<PAGE>

of directors, or by the vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the
outstanding voting securities of the fund, and (b) the vote of a majority of
directors 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).

In considering the renewal of the Agreement each year, the governance and
contracts committee of the board of directors evaluates information provided by
the investment adviser in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act and
presents its recommendations to the full board of directors. That information
typically relates to: the nature, extent and quality of the investment adviser's
services; the fund's investment results on an absolute basis and as compared
with various indices and peer funds; the fund's advisory fee and other expenses
on absolute basis and as compared with various indices and peer funds, as well
as other funds advised by the investment adviser; financial information
concerning the investment adviser, including profitability comparisons with
certain publicly-held mutual fund managers; information with respect to the
sharing of economies of scale; compliance and regulatory matters; fees charged
by the investment adviser's affiliates to institutional clients; and investment
adviser compliance, regulatory and personnel matters. In preparation for its
most recent meeting, the Committee reviewed such information in advance. At the
meeting, the members of the Committee discussed the information with
representatives of the investment adviser, posed questions, requested additional
information concerning various matters and consulted in executive session with
independent counsel to the fund's independent directors.

Among the material factors the Committee considered in approving the advisory
agreement were: the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the fund
by the adviser; the fund's relatively favorable investment results (including
yield) over various periods considered in light of the fund's investment
objectives; the fund's very low relative advisory fee and total expense ratios,
along with the adviser's current fee waiver; and the experience and quality of
the adviser and its personnel. Based on its consideration of these and other
matters, the Committee and the board concluded that the fund's advisory fees and
other expenses are fair, both absolutely and in comparison with those of other
comparable funds in the industry, and that shareholders have received reasonable
value in return for paying such fees and expenses.

In addition to providing investment advisory services, the investment adviser
furnishes the services and pays the compensation and travel expenses of persons
to perform the fund's executive, administrative, clerical and bookkeeping
functions, and provides suitable office space, necessary small office equipment
and utilities, general purpose accounting forms, supplies and postage used at
the fund's offices. 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
expenses; 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 fund shares (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 non-interested directors and members of
the advisory board; association dues; costs of

The Investment Company of America -- Page 23
<PAGE>

stationery and forms prepared exclusively for the fund; and costs of assembling
and storing shareholder account data.

As compensation for its services, the investment adviser receives a monthly fee
that is based on prior month-end net assets, calculated at the annual rate of
0.39% on the first $1 billion of net assets, plus 0.336% on net assets over $1
billion to $2 billion, plus 0.30% on net assets over $2 billion to $3 billion,
plus 0.276% on net assets over $3 billion to $5 billion, plus 0.258% on net
assets over $5 billion to $8 billion, plus 0.246% on net assets over $8 billion
to $13 billion, plus 0.24% on net assets over $13 billion to $21 billion, plus
0.234% on net assets over $21 billion to $34 billion, plus 0.231% on net assets
over $34 billion to $44 billion, plus 0.228% on net assets over $44 billion to
$55 billion, plus 0.225% on net assets over $55 billion to $71 billion, plus
0.222% on net assets in excess of $71 billion to $89 billion, plus 0.219% on net
assets in excess of $89 billion.

The Agreement provides that if the normal operating expenses of the fund,
including the management fee paid to the investment adviser, and certain
expenses of the fund, for any fiscal year during which the Agreement is in
effect, exceed the expense limitations applicable to the fund imposed by state
securities laws or any regulations thereunder, the investment adviser will
reduce its fee by the extent of such excess and, if required pursuant to any
such laws or regulations, will reimburse the fund in the amount of such excess.
Expenses that are not subject to these limitations are interest, taxes,
brokerage costs, distribution expenses pursuant to a plan under rule 12b-1 and
extraordinary expenses such as litigation and acquisitions. Under the most
restrictive state regulations, as of the effective date of the Agreement, the
investment adviser would be required to reimburse the fund if the normal
operating expenses exceed the lesser of: (i) 1 1/2% of the average value of the
fund's net assets for the fiscal year up to $30 million, plus 1% of the average
value of the fund's net assets for the fiscal year in excess of $30 million or
(ii) 25% of the gross investment income of the fund.

To the extent the investment adviser is required to reduce its management fee
pursuant to the expense limitations described above due to the expenses of the
Class A shares exceeding the stated limit, the investment adviser will either:
(i) reduce its management fee similarly for other classes of shares or (ii)
reimburse the fund for other expenses to the extent necessary to result in an
expense reduction only for Class A shares of the fund.

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the investment adviser
was entitled to receive from the fund management fees of $182,140,000 and
$167,990,000, respectively. After giving effect to the management fee waiver
described below, the fund paid the investment adviser management fees of
$166,165,000 (a reduction of $15,975,000) and $165,092,000 (a reduction of
$2,898,000) for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, the fund paid the investment
adviser management fees of $134,807,000.

For the period from September 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005, the investment
adviser agreed to waive 5% of the management fees that it was otherwise entitled
to receive under the Agreement. Beginning April 1, 2005, this waiver increased
to 10% of the management fees that the investment adviser is otherwise entitled
to receive and is expected to continue at this level until further review. As a
result of this waiver, management fees will be reduced similarly for all classes
of shares of the fund.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 24
<PAGE>

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT -- The Administrative Services Agreement (the
"Administrative Agreement") between the fund and the investment adviser relating
to the fund's Class C, F, R and 529 shares will continue in effect until April
30, 2007, 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 directors 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 fund may terminate the Administrative Agreement at any time
by vote of a majority of non-interested directors. 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, and all Class R and 529 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 providing such services. For Class R-1 and R-2 shares, the investment
adviser has agreed to pay a portion of the fees payable under the Administrative
Agreement that would otherwise have been paid by the fund. For the year ended
December 31, 2005, the total fees paid by the investment adviser were $613,000.

As compensation for its services, the investment adviser receives transfer agent
fees for transfer agent services provided to the fund's Class C, F, R and 529
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 investment adviser also receives an administrative
services fee at the annual rate of up to 0.15% of the average daily net assets
for each applicable share class (excluding Class R-5 shares) for administrative
services provided to these share classes. Administrative services fees are paid
monthly and accrued daily. The investment adviser uses a portion of this fee to
compensate third parties for administrative services provided to the fund. Of
the remainder, the investment adviser will not retain more than 0.05% of the
average daily net assets for each applicable share class. For Class R-5 shares,
the administrative services fee is calculated at the annual rate of up to 0.10%
of the average daily net assets. This fee is subject to the same uses and
limitations described above.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 25
<PAGE>

During the 2005 fiscal year, administrative services fees, gross of any payments
made by the investment adviser, were:

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FEE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS C $4,550,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F 1,666,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-A 893,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B 260,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C 309,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E 39,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F 8,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1 53,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2 2,361,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3 1,128,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-4 295,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5 1,456,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Principal Underwriter receives revenues from sales of the fund's shares. For
Class A and 529-A shares, the Principal Underwriter receives commission revenue
consisting of that portion of the Class A and 529-A sales charge remaining after
the allowances by the Principal Underwriter to investment dealers. For Class B
and 529-B shares, the Principal Underwriter sells the rights to the 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 and
529-B shares. The fund also pays the Principal Underwriter for advancing the
immediate service fees paid to qualified dealers of Class B and 529-B shares.
For Class C and 529-C shares, the Principal Underwriter receives any contingent
deferred sales charges that apply 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 and 529-C shares. For Class
529-E shares, the fund pays the Principal Underwriter for advancing the
immediate service fees and commissions paid to qualified dealers. For Class F
and 529-F shares, the fund pays the Principal Underwriter for advancing the
immediate service fees paid to qualified dealers and advisers who sell Class F
and 529-F shares. For Class R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 shares, the fund pays the
Principal Underwriter for advancing the immediate service fees paid to qualified
dealers and advisers who sell Class R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 shares.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 26
<PAGE>

Commissions, revenue or service fees retained by the Principal Underwriter after
allowances or compensation to dealers were:

COMMISSIONS, ALLOWANCE OR
REVENUE COMPENSATION
FISCAL YEAR/PERIOD OR FEES RETAINED TO DEALERS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A 2005 $23,259,000 $107,667,000
2004 30,647,000 143,628,000
2003 26,806,000 128,286,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B 2005 1,908,000 12,381,000
2004 3,668,000 24,863,000
2003 4,426,000 30,503,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C 2005 1,103,000 4,765,000
2004 1,863,000 7,444,000
2003 -- 7,496,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-A 2005 1,230,000 6,073,000
2004 1,331,000 6,637,000
2003 1,058,000 5,353,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B 2005 189,000 1,148,000
2004 326,000 1,807,000
2003 307,000 1,729,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C 2005 23,000 577,000
2004 39,000 640,000
2003 -- 528,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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). 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 directors and separately by a majority of the non-interested
directors 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 quality shareholder services; savings
to the fund in transfer agency costs; and

The Investment Company of America -- Page 27
<PAGE>

benefits to the investment process from growth or stability of assets. The
selection and nomination of non-interested directors are committed to the
discretion of the non-interested directors during the existence of the Plans.
The Plans may not be amended to increase materially the amount spent for
distribution without shareholder approval. Plan expenses are reviewed quarterly
and the Plans must be renewed annually by the board of directors.

Under the Plans, the fund may annually expend the following amounts to finance
any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of fund shares, provided
the fund's board of directors has approved the category of expenses for which
payment is being made: (a) for Class A shares, up to 0.25% of the average daily
net assets attributable to Class A shares; (b) for Class 529-A shares, up to
0.50% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class 529-A shares; (c)
for Class B and 529-B shares, up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets
attributable to Class B and 529-B shares, respectively; (d) for Class C and
529-C shares, up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class
C and 529-C shares, respectively; (e) for Class 529-E shares, up to 0.75% of the
average daily net assets attributable to Class 529-E shares; (f) for Class F and
529-F shares, up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class
F and 529-F shares, respectively; (g) for Class R-1 shares, up to 1.00% of the
average daily net assets attributable to Class R-1 shares; (h) for Class R-2
shares, up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class R-2
shares; (i) for Class R-3 shares, up to 0.75% of the average daily net assets
attributable to Class R-3 shares; and (j) for Class R-4 shares, up to 0.50% of
the average daily net assets attributable to Class R-4 shares. The fund has not
adopted a Plan for Class R-5 shares; accordingly, no 12b-1 fees are paid from
Class R-5 share assets.

For Class A and 529-A shares: (a) up to 0.25% is reimbursed to the Principal
Underwriter for paying service-related expenses, including paying service fees
to qualified dealers, and (b) up to the amount allowable under the fund's Class
A and 529-A 12b-1 limit is reimbursed to the Principal Underwriter for paying
distribution-related expenses, including for Class A and 529-A shares 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 and 529-A shares in excess of the Class A and 529-A
plan limitations 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 and 529-B shares: (a) up to 0.25% is paid to the Principal
Underwriter for paying service-related expenses, including paying service fees
to qualified dealers, and (b) 0.75% is paid to the Principal Underwriter for
distribution-related expenses, including the financing of commissions paid to
qualified dealers.

For Class C and 529-C shares: (a) up to 0.25% is paid to the Principal
Underwriter for paying service-related expenses, including paying service fees
to qualified dealers, and (b) up to 0.75% is paid to the Principal Underwriter
for paying distribution-related expenses, including commissions paid to
qualified dealers.

For Class 529-E shares: currently (a) up to 0.25% is paid to the Principal
Underwriter for paying service-related expenses, including paying service fees
to qualified dealers, and (b) up to 0.25%

The Investment Company of America -- Page 28
<PAGE>

is paid to the Principal Underwriter for paying distribution-related expenses,
including commissions paid to qualified dealers.

For Class F and 529-F shares: currently up to 0.25% is paid to the Principal
Underwriter for paying service-related expenses, including paying service fees
to qualified dealers or advisers.

For Class R-1 shares: (a) up to 0.25% is paid to the Principal Underwriter for
paying service-related expenses, including paying service fees to qualified
dealers, and (b) up to 0.75% is paid to the Principal Underwriter for
distribution-related expenses, including commissions paid to qualified dealers.

For Class R-2 shares: currently (a) up to 0.25% is paid to the Principal
Underwriter for paying service-related expenses, including paying service fees
to qualified dealers, and (b) up to 0.50% is paid to the Principal Underwriter
for paying distribution-related expenses, including commissions paid to
qualified dealers.

For Class R-3 shares: currently (a) up to 0.25% is paid to the Principal
Underwriter for paying service-related expenses, including paying service fees
to qualified dealers, and (b) up to 0.25% is paid to the Principal Underwriter
for paying distribution-related expenses, including commissions paid to
qualified dealers.

For Class R-4 shares: currently up to 0.25% is paid to the Principal Underwriter
for paying service-related expenses, including paying service fees to qualified
dealers or advisers.

As of the end of the 2005 fiscal year, total 12b-1 expenses, and the portion of
the expenses that remained unpaid, were:

12B-1 UNPAID LIABILITY
12B-1 EXPENSES OUTSTANDING
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A $148,341,000 $12,715,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B 37,170,000 3,290,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C 27,689,000 2,498,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F 3,115,000 285,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-A 1,309,000 127,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B 1,707,000 162,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C 2,135,000 208,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E 156,000 15,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F 5,000 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1 260,000 24,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2 3,146,000 305,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3 2,907,000 283,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-4 456,000 50,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Investment Company of America -- Page 29
<PAGE>

OTHER COMPENSATION TO DEALERS -- As of January 2006, the top dealers that
American Funds Distributors anticipates will receive additional compensation (as
described in the prospectus) include:

A. G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.
AIG Advisors Group
American General Securities Inc.
Ameritas Investment Corp.
AXA Advisors, LLC
Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc.
Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.
Capital Analysts, Inc.
Commonwealth Financial Network
Cuna Brokerage Services, Inc.
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
Edward Jones
Ferris, Baker Watts, Inc.
Genworth Financial Securities Corp.
Hefren-Tillotson, Inc.
Hornor, Townsend & Kent, Inc.
ING Advisors Network Inc.
InterSecurities, Inc./Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc.
Investacorp, Inc.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
Jefferson Pilot Securities Corporation
JJB Hilliard, WL Lyons, Inc./PNC Bank
Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc.
Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation
McDonald Investments Inc./Society National Bank
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
Metlife Enterprises
MML Investors Services, Inc.
Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.
Morgan Stanley DW
NatCity Investment, Inc.
National Planning Holdings Inc.
NFP Securities, Inc.
Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC.
Pacific Select Distributors Inc.
Park Avenue Securities LLC
Piper Jaffray & Co.
Princor Financial Services
ProEquities, Inc.
Raymond James Financial Services/Raymond James & Associates
RBC Dain Rauscher Inc.
Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.
Securian Financial Services/C.R.I. Securities Inc.
Securities Service Network Inc.
Signator Investors, Inc.
Smith Barney

The Investment Company of America -- Page 30
<PAGE>

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.
The O.N. Equity Sales Company
UBS Financial Services Inc.
US Bancorp Investments, Inc.
Wachovia Securities

EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

As described in the prospectus, the investment adviser places orders with
broker-dealers for the fund's portfolio transactions. 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. When such concurrent authorizations occur, the objective is to allocate
the executions in an equitable manner.

Brokerage commissions paid on portfolio transactions, including investment
dealer concessions on underwritings, if applicable, for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 amounted to $26,787,000, $24,089,000 and
$30,539,000. With respect to fixed-income securities, brokerage commissions
include explicit investment dealer concessions and may exclude other transaction
costs which may be reflected in the spread between the bid and asked price. The
volume of trading activity increased during the year, resulting in an increase
in brokerage commissions/concessions paid on portfolio transactions.

The fund is required to disclose information regarding investments in the
securities of its "regular" broker-dealers (or parent companies of its regular
broker-dealers) that derive more than 15% of their revenue from broker-dealer,
underwriter or investment adviser activities. A regular broker-dealer is (a) one
of the 10 broker-dealers that received from the fund the largest amount of
brokerage commissions by participating, directly or indirectly, in the fund's
portfolio transactions during the fund's most recent fiscal year; (b) one of the
10 broker-dealers that engaged as principal in the largest dollar amount of
portfolio transactions of the fund during the fund's most recent fiscal year; or
(c) one of the 10 broker-dealers that sold the largest amount of securities of
the fund during the fund's most recent fiscal year.

At the end of the fund's most recent fiscal year, the fund's regular
broker-dealers included Banc of America Securities, LLC, Citigroup Global
Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. As of the fund's most recent fiscal
year-end, the fund held equity securities of Bank of America Corp. in the amount
of $276,900,000, Citigroup Inc. in the amount of $925,710,000 and J.P. Morgan
Chase & Co. in the amount of $747,609,000. As of the fund's most recent fiscal
year-end, the fund held debt securities of Bank of America Corp. in the amount
of $349,244,000 and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. in the amount of $99,680,000.

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

The fund's investment adviser, on behalf of the fund, has adopted policies and
procedures with respect to the disclosure of information about fund portfolio
securities. These policies and procedures have been reviewed by the fund's board
of directors and compliance will be periodically assessed by the board in
connection with reporting from the fund's Chief Compliance Officer.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 31
<PAGE>

Under these policies and procedures, the fund's complete list of portfolio
holdings available or public disclosure, dated as of the end of each calendar
quarter, is permitted to be posted on the American Funds website no earlier than
the tenth day after such calendar quarter. In practice, the public portfolio
typically is posted on the website approximately 45 days after the end of the
calendar quarter. In addition, the fund's list of top 10 equity portfolio
holdings measured by percentage of net assets invested, dated as of the end of
each calendar month, is permitted to be posted on the American Funds website no
earlier than the tenth day after such month. Such portfolio holdings information
may then be disclosed to any person pursuant to an ongoing arrangement to
disclose portfolio holdings information to such person no earlier than one day
after the day on which the information is posted on the American Funds website.
Affiliates of the fund (including the fund's board members and officers, and
certain personnel of the fund's investment adviser and its affiliates) and
certain service providers (such as the fund's custodian and outside counsel) who
require portfolio holdings information for legitimate business and fund
oversight purposes may receive the information earlier.

Affiliated persons of the fund as described above who receive portfolio holdings
information are subject to restrictions and limitations on the use and handling
of such information pursuant to applicable codes of ethics, including
requirements to maintain the confidentiality of such information, preclear
securities trades and report securities transactions activity, as applicable.
Third party service providers of the fund receiving such information are subject
to confidentiality obligations. When portfolio holdings information is disclosed
other than through the American Funds website to persons not affiliated with the
fund (which, as described above, would typically occur no earlier than one day
after the day on which the information is posted on the American Funds website),
such persons may be bound by agreements (including confidentiality agreements)
that restrict and limit their use of the information to legitimate business uses
only. Neither the fund nor its investment adviser or any affiliate thereof
receives compensation or other consideration in connection with the disclosure
of information about portfolio securities.

Subject to board policies, the authority to disclose a fund's portfolio
holdings, and to establish policies with respect to such disclosure, resides
with the investment committee of the fund's investment adviser. In exercising
its authority, the investment committee determines whether disclosure of
information about the fund's portfolio securities is appropriate and in the best
interest of fund shareholders. The investment adviser has implemented policies
and procedures to address conflicts of interest that may arise from the
disclosure of fund holdings. For example, the investment adviser's code of
ethics specifically requires, among other things, the safeguarding of
information about fund holdings and contains prohibitions designed to prevent
the personal use of confidential, proprietary investment information in a way
that would conflict with fund transactions. In addition, the investment adviser
believes that its current policy of not selling portfolio holdings information
and not disclosing such information to unaffiliated third parties until such
holdings have been made public on the American Funds website (other than to
certain fund service providers for legitimate business and fund oversight
purposes) helps reduce potential conflicts of interest between fund shareholders
and the investment adviser and its affiliates.

PRICE OF SHARES

Shares are purchased at the offering price or sold at the net asset value price
next determined after the purchase or sell order is received and accepted by the
fund or the Transfer Agent; the offering or net asset value 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 or their authorized

The Investment Company of America -- Page 32
<PAGE>

designees, accepted by the Principal Underwriter, the Transfer Agent, a dealer
or any of their designees. 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 and sell orders to the Principal
Underwriter.

Orders received by the investment dealer or authorized designee, 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. Note that investment
dealers or other intermediaries may have their own rules about share
transactions and may have earlier cut-off times than those of the fund. For more
information about how to purchase through your intermediary, contact your
intermediary directly.

Prices that 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, while 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. Each share class
of the fund has a separately calculated net asset value (and share price).

All portfolio securities of funds managed by Capital Research and Management
Company (other than money market funds) are valued, and the net asset values per
share for each share class are determined, as follows:

1. Equity securities, including depositary receipts, are valued at the
official closing price of, or 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. Prices for each security are taken from the principal exchange or
market in which the security trades. Fixed-income securities are valued at
prices obtained from an independent 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 bid prices, if asked prices are not available) or at prices for
securities of comparable maturity, quality and type.

Securities with both fixed-income and equity characteristics (e.g., convertible
bonds, preferred stocks, units comprised of more than one type of security,
etc.), or equity securities traded principally among fixed-income dealers, are
valued in the manner described above for either equity or fixed-income
securities, depending on which method is deemed most appropriate by the
investment adviser.

Securities with original maturities of one year or less having 60 days or less
to maturity are amortized to maturity based on their cost if acquired within 60
days of maturity, or if already held on the 60th day, based on the value
determined on the 61st day. Forward currency contracts are valued at the mean of
representative quoted bid and asked prices.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 33
<PAGE>

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 market quotations are not readily available or
are considered unreliable are valued at fair value as determined in good faith
under policies approved by the fund's board. Subject to board oversight, the
fund's board has delegated the obligation to make fair valuation determinations
to a valuation committee established by the fund's investment adviser. The board
receives regular reports describing fair-valued securities and the valuation
methods used.

The valuation committee has adopted guidelines and procedures (consistent with
SEC rules and guidance) to ensure that certain basic principles and factors are
considered when making all fair value determinations. As a general principle,
securities lacking readily available market quotations, or that have quotations
that are considered unreliable, are valued in good faith by the valuation
committee based upon what the fund might reasonably expect to receive upon their
current sale. The valuation committee considers all indications of value
available to it in determining the fair value to be assigned to a particular
security, including, without limitation, the type and cost of the security,
contractual or legal restrictions on resale of the security, relevant financial
or business developments of the issuer, actively traded similar or related
securities, conversion or exchange rights on the security, related corporate
actions, significant events occurring after the close of trading in the security
and changes in overall market conditions.

2. Each class of shares represents interests in the same portfolio of
investments and is identical in all respects to each other class, except for
differences relating to distribution, service and other charges and expenses,
certain voting rights, differences relating to eligible investors, the
designation of each class of shares, conversion features and exchange
privileges. Expenses attributable to the fund, but not to a particular class of
shares, are borne by each class pro rata based on relative aggregate net assets
of the classes. Expenses directly attributable to a class of shares are borne by
that class of shares. Liabilities, including accruals of taxes and other expense
items attributable to particular share classes, are deducted from total assets
attributable to such share classes.

3. Net assets so obtained for each share class are then divided by the total
number of shares outstanding of that share class, and the result, rounded to the
nearer cent, is the net asset value per share for that share class.

TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS

FUND TAXATION -- The fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment
company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code (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.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 34
<PAGE>

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, net income from certain
publicly traded partnerships 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 (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other regulated
investment companies) any one issuer; two or more issuers which the fund
controls and which are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or
businesses; or the securities of certain publicly traded partnerships.

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 (a) 98% of ordinary income (generally net investment income)
for the calendar year, (b) 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
(c) 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 (a) amounts actually distributed
by the fund from its current year's ordinary income and capital gain net income
and (b) 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 in the interest of shareholders to distribute a lesser
amount.

The following information may not apply to you if you hold fund shares in a
tax-deferred account, such as a retirement plan or education savings account.
Please see your tax adviser for more information.

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. Dividends and capital gain distributions by 529 share classes
will be automatically reinvested.

Distributions of investment company taxable income and net realized capital
gains to individual shareholders will be taxable whether received in shares or
in cash, unless such shareholders are exempt from taxation. Shareholders
electing to receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a
cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to
the net asset value of that share on the reinvestment date. Dividends and
capital gain distributions by the fund to a tax-deferred retirement plan account
are not taxable currently.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 35
<PAGE>

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. To the extent the fund
invests in stock of domestic and certain foreign corporations and meets the
applicable holding period requirement, it may receive "qualified
dividends". The fund will designate the amount of "qualified dividends" to
its shareholders in a notice sent within 60 days of the close of its fiscal
year and will report "qualified dividends" to shareholders on Form
1099-DIV.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange
rates that 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.

Dividends from domestic corporations are expected to comprise some portion
of the fund's gross income. To the extent that such dividends constitute
any of the fund's gross income, a portion of the income distributions of
the fund may be eligible for the deduction for dividends received by
corporations. Corporate shareholders will be informed of the portion of
dividends that so qualifies. The dividends-received deduction is reduced to
the

The Investment Company of America -- Page 36
<PAGE>

extent that either the fund shares, or the underlying shares of stock held
by the fund, with respect to which dividends are received, are treated as
debt-financed under federal income tax law, and is eliminated if the shares
are deemed to have been held by the shareholder or the fund, as the case
may be, for less than 46 days during the 90-day period beginning on the
date that is 45 days before the date on which the shares become
ex-dividend. Capital gain distributions are not eligible for the
dividends-received deduction.

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 that must be distributed to shareholders in order to
maintain 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 the 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 a market
discount may be treated as taxable ordinary income to the extent it does
not exceed the accrued market discount on such bond or a fund may elect to
include the market discount in income in tax years to which it is
attributable. Generally, accrued market discount may be figured under
either the ratable accrual method or constant interest method. If the fund
has paid a premium over the face amount of a bond, the fund has the option
of either amortizing the premium until bond maturity and reducing the
fund's basis in the bond by the amortized amount, or not amortizing and
treating the premium as part of the bond's basis. 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 a short-term capital gain. In general, any gain realized on disposition
of a security held less than one year is treated as a short-term capital
gain.

Dividend and interest income received by the fund from sources outside the
United States may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such
foreign jurisdictions. Tax conventions between certain countries and the
United States, however, may reduce or eliminate these foreign taxes. Most
foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains with respect to
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 15% 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

The Investment Company of America -- Page 37
<PAGE>

adjusted tax basis on fund shares by the difference between a pro rata
share of the retained gains and such shareholder's related tax credit.

SHAREHOLDER TAXATION -- In January of each year, individual shareholders holding
fund shares in taxable accounts 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.

DIVIDENDS -- Fund dividends are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
Under the 2003 Tax Act, all or a portion of a fund's dividend distribution
may be a "qualified dividend." If the fund meets the applicable holding
period requirement, it will distribute dividends derived from qualified
corporation dividends to shareholders as qualified dividends. Interest
income from bonds and money market instruments and nonqualified foreign
dividends will be distributed to shareholders as nonqualified fund
dividends. The fund will report on Form 1099-DIV the amount of each
shareholder's dividend that may be treated as a qualified dividend. If a
shareholder meets the requisite holding period requirement, qualified
dividends are taxable at a maximum rate of 15%.

CAPITAL GAINS -- Distributions of the excess of net long-term capital gains
over net short-term capital losses that the fund properly designates as
"capital gain dividends" generally will be taxable as long-term capital
gain. Regardless of the length of time the shares of the fund have been
held by a shareholder, a capital gain distribution by the fund is subject
to a maximum tax rate of 15%. 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 gains during
such six-month period.

Distributions by the fund result in a reduction in the net asset value of the
fund's shares. 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 subsequently receive a partial return of their investment
capital upon payment of the distribution, which will be taxable to them.

Redemptions of shares, including exchanges for shares of other American Funds,
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 fund(s).

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. Any loss disallowed under this rule will be added to the
shareholder's tax basis in the new shares purchased.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 38
<PAGE>

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 backup withholding of federal income tax 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
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.

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL REFERENCES IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES TO CLASS A, B, C
OR F SHARES ALSO REFER TO THE CORRESPONDING CLASS 529-A, 529-B, 529-C OR 529-F
SHARES. CLASS 529 SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD ALSO REFER TO THE COLLEGEAMERICA PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION FOR INFORMATION ON POLICIES AND SERVICES SPECIFICALLY RELATING TO
COLLEGEAMERICA ACCOUNTS. SHAREHOLDERS HOLDING SHARES THROUGH AN ELIGIBLE
RETIREMENT PLAN SHOULD CONTACT THEIR PLAN'S ADMINISTRATOR OR RECORDKEEPER FOR
INFORMATION REGARDING PURCHASES, SALES AND EXCHANGES.

PURCHASE AND EXCHANGE OF SHARES

PURCHASES BY INDIVIDUALS -- As described in the prospectus, you may generally
open an account and purchase fund shares by contacting a financial adviser or
investment dealer authorized to sell the fund's shares. You may make investments
by any of the following means:

CONTACTING YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER -- Deliver or mail a check to your
financial adviser.

BY MAIL -- for initial investments, you may mail a check, made payable to
the fund, directly to the address indicated on the account application.
Please indicate an investment dealer on the account application. You may
make additional investments by filling out the "Account Additions" form at
the bottom of a recent account statement and mailing the form, along with a
check made payable to the fund, using the envelope provided with your
account statement.

BY TELEPHONE -- using the American FundsLine. Please see the "Shareholder
account services and privileges" section of this document for more
information regarding this service.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 39
<PAGE>

BY INTERNET -- using americanfunds.com. Please see the "Shareholder account
services and privileges" section of this document for more information
regarding this service.

BY WIRE -- If you are making a wire transfer, instruct your bank to wire funds to:

Wells Fargo Bank
ABA Routing No. 121000248
Account No. 4600-076178

Your bank should include the following information when wiring funds:

For credit to the account of:
American Funds Service Company
(fund's name)

For further credit to:
(shareholder's fund account number)
(shareholder's name)

You may contact American Funds Service Company at 800/421-0180 if you have
questions about making wire transfers.

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 3.0% of the outstanding
shares of the fund without the consent of a majority of the fund's board.

Class 529 shares may be purchased only through CollegeAmerica by investors
establishing qualified higher education savings accounts. Class 529-E shares may
be purchased only by investors participating in CollegeAmerica through an
eligible employer plan. The R share classes are generally available only to
employer-sponsored retirement plans. Class R-5 shares are also available to
clients of the Personal Investment Management group of Capital Guardian Trust
Company who do not have an intermediary associated with their accounts and
without regard to the $1 million purchase minimum. In addition, the American
Funds state tax-exempt funds are qualified for sale only in certain
jurisdictions, and tax-exempt funds in general should not serve as retirement
plan investments. The fund and the Principal Underwriter reserve the right to
reject any purchase order.

PURCHASE MINIMUMS AND MAXIMUMS -- All investments are subject to the purchase
minimums and maximums described in the prospectus. As noted in the prospectus,
purchase minimums may be waived or reduced in certain cases. The initial
purchase minimum of $25 may be waived for the following account types:

. Payroll deduction retirement plan accounts (such as, but not limited
to, 403(b), 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, SARSEP and deferred compensation plan
accounts); and

. Employer-sponsored CollegeAmerica accounts.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 40
<PAGE>

The following account types may be established without meeting the initial
purchase minimum:

. Retirement accounts that are funded with employer contributions; and

. Accounts that are funded with monies set by court decree.

The following account types may be established without meeting the initial
purchase minimum, but shareholders wishing to invest in two or more funds must
meet the normal initial purchase minimum of each fund:

. Accounts that are funded with (a) transfers of assets, (b) rollovers
from retirement plans, (c) rollovers from 529 college savings plans or
(d) required minimum distribution automatic exchanges; and

. American Funds money market fund accounts registered in the name of
clients of Capital Guardian Trust Company's Personal Investment
Management group.

EXCHANGES -- You may only exchange shares into other American Funds within the
same share class. However, exchanges from Class A shares of The Cash Management
Trust of America may be made to Class B or C shares of other American Funds 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 American Funds 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. Exchanges of Class F shares generally may only be made through
fee-based programs of investment firms that have special agreements with the
fund's distributor and certain registered investment advisers.

You may exchange shares of other classes by contacting the Transfer Agent, by
contacting your investment dealer or financial adviser, by using American
FundsLine or americanfunds.com, or by telephoning 800/421-0180 toll-free, or
faxing (see "American Funds Service Company service areas" in the prospectus for
the appropriate fax numbers) the Transfer Agent. For more information, see
"Shareholder account services and privileges" below. THESE TRANSACTIONS HAVE THE
SAME TAX CONSEQUENCES AS ORDINARY SALES AND PURCHASES.

Shares held in employer-sponsored retirement plans may be exchanged into other
American Funds by contacting your plan administrator or recordkeeper. Exchange
redemptions and purchases are processed simultaneously at the share prices next
determined after the exchange order is received (see "Price of shares" above).

FREQUENT TRADING OF FUND SHARES -- As noted in the prospectus, certain
redemptions may trigger a purchase block lasting 30 calendar days under the
fund's "purchase blocking policy." Under this policy, systematic redemptions
will not trigger a purchase block and systematic purchases will not be
prevented. For purposes of this policy, systematic redemptions include, for
example, regular periodic automatic redemptions and statement of intention
escrow share redemptions. Systematic purchases include, for example, regular
periodic automatic purchases and automatic reinvestments of dividends and
capital gain distributions.

OTHER POTENTIALLY ABUSIVE ACTIVITY -- In addition to implementing purchase
blocks, American Funds Service Company will monitor for other types of activity
that could potentially be harmful to the American Funds - for example,
short-term trading activity in multiple funds. When identified,

The Investment Company of America -- Page 41
<PAGE>

American Funds Service Company will request that the shareholder discontinue the
activity. If the activity continues, American Funds Service Company will freeze
the shareholder account to prevent all activity other than redemptions of fund
shares.

SALES CHARGES
CLASS A PURCHASES

PURCHASES BY CERTAIN 403(B) PLANS

Individual 403(b) plans may be treated similarly to employer-sponsored
plans for Class A sales charge purposes (i.e., individual participant
accounts are eligible to be aggregated together) if: (a) the American Funds
are principal investment options; (b) the employer facilitates the
enrollment process by, for example, allowing for onsite group enrollment
meetings held during working hours; and (c) there is only one dealer firm
assigned to the plans.

OTHER PURCHASES

Pursuant to a determination of eligibility by a vice president or more
senior officer of the Capital Research and Management Company Fund
Administration Unit, or by his or her designee, Class A shares of the
American Funds 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) currently registered representatives and assistants directly employed
by such representatives, retired registered representatives with
respect to accounts established while active, or full-time employees
(collectively, "Eligible Persons") (and their (a) spouses or
equivalents if recognized under local law, (b) parents and children,
including parents and children in step and adoptive relationships,
sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, and (c) parents-in-law, if the
Eligible Persons or the spouses, children or parents of the Eligible
Persons are listed in the account registration with the
parents-in-law) of dealers who have sales agreements with the
Principal Underwriter (or who clear transactions through such
dealers), plans for the dealers, and plans that include as
participants only the Eligible Persons, their spouses, parents and/or
children;

(3) currently registered investment advisers ("RIAs") and assistants
directly employed by such RIAs, retired RIAs with respect to accounts
established while active, or full-time employees (collectively,
"Eligible Persons") (and their (a) spouses or equivalents if
recognized under local law, (b) parents and children, including
parents and children in step and adoptive relationships, sons-in-law
and daughters-in-law and (c) parents-in-law, if the Eligible Persons
or the spouses, children or parents of the Eligible Persons are listed
in the account registration

The Investment Company of America -- Page 42
<PAGE>

with the parents-in-law) of RIA firms that are authorized to sell
shares of the funds, plans for the RIA firms, and plans that include
as participants only the Eligible Persons, their spouses, parents
and/or children;

(4) companies exchanging securities with the fund through a merger,
acquisition or exchange offer;

(5) insurance company separate accounts;

(6) accounts managed by subsidiaries of The Capital Group Companies, Inc.;

(7) The Capital Group Companies, Inc., its affiliated companies and
Washington Management Corporation;

(8) an individual or entity with a substantial business relationship with
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. or its affiliates, or an individual
or entity related or relating to such individual or entity;

(9) wholesalers and full-time employees directly supporting wholesalers
involved in the distribution of insurance company separate accounts
whose underlying investments are managed by any affiliate of The
Capital Group Companies, Inc.; and

(10) full-time employees of banks that have sales agreements with the
Principal Underwriter, who are solely dedicated to directly supporting
the sale of mutual funds.

Shares are offered at net asset value to these persons and organizations
due to anticipated economies in sales effort and expense. Once an account
is established under this net asset value privilege, additional investments
can be made at net asset value for the life of the account.

DEALER COMMISSIONS AND COMPENSATION -- Commissions (up to 1.00%) are paid to
dealers who initiate and are responsible for certain Class A share purchases not
subject to sales charges. These purchases consist of purchases of $1 million or
more, purchases by employer-sponsored defined contribution-type retirement plans
investing $1 million or more or with 100 or more eligible employees, and
purchases made at net asset value by certain retirement plans, endowments and
foundations with assets of $50 million or more. Commissions on such investments
(other than IRA rollover assets that roll over at no sales charge under the
fund's IRA rollover policy as described in the prospectus) are paid to dealers
at the following rates: 1.00% on amounts 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.

A dealer concession of up to 1% may be paid by the fund under its Class A plan
of distribution to reimburse the Principal Underwriter in connection with dealer
and wholesaler compensation paid by it with respect to investments made with no
initial sales charge.

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS

REDUCING YOUR CLASS A SALES CHARGE -- As described in the prospectus, there are
various ways to reduce your sales charge when purchasing Class A shares.
Additional information about Class A sales charge reductions is provided below.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 43
<PAGE>

STATEMENT OF INTENTION -- By establishing a statement of intention (the
"Statement"), you enter into a nonbinding commitment to purchase shares of
American Funds non-money market funds over a 13-month period and receive
the same sales charge as if all shares had been purchased at once.

When a shareholder elects to use a Statement, 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 Statement 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. The dealer assigned to an account at the time of each purchase made
during the Statement period will receive an appropriate commission
adjustment. 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 Statement
period, and such a revision will be treated as a new Statement, except that
the Statement period during which the purchase must be made will remain
unchanged. Accordingly, upon your request, the sales charge paid on
investments made 90 days prior to the Statement revision will be adjusted
to reflect the revised Statement.
The market value of your existing holdings eligible to be aggregated (see
below) as of the day immediately before the start of the Statement period
may be credited toward satisfying the Statement.

The Statement will be considered completed if the shareholder dies within
the Statement period. Commissions to dealers 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 Statement
period will be handled as follows: the total monthly investment will be
multiplied by 13 and then multiplied by 1.5. The market value of existing
American Funds investments (other than shares representing direct purchases
of money market funds) as of the day immediately before the start of the
Statement period, and any rollovers or transfers reasonably anticipated to
be invested in non-money market American Funds during the Statement period,
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
Statement period.

Shareholders purchasing shares at a reduced sales charge under a Statement
indicate their acceptance of these terms and those in the prospectus with
their first purchase.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 44
<PAGE>

AGGREGATION -- Qualifying investments for aggregation include those made by
you and your "immediate family" as defined in the prospectus, if all
parties are purchasing shares for their own accounts and/or:
. individual-type employee benefit plans, such as an IRA, individual
403(b) plan (see exception in "Purchases by certain 403(b) plans"
under "Sales charges") 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 (For trusts
with only one primary beneficiary, upon the trustor's death the trust
account may be aggregated with such beneficiary's own accounts; for
trusts with multiple primary beneficiaries, upon the trustor's death
the trustees of the trust may instruct American Funds Service Company
to establish separate trust accounts for each primary beneficiary;
each primary beneficiary's separate trust account may then be
aggregated with such beneficiary's own accounts);

. endowments or foundations established and controlled by you or your
immediate family; or

. CollegeAmerica accounts, which will be aggregated at the account owner
level (Class 529-E accounts may only be aggregated with an eligible
employer plan).

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, including employee
benefit plans other than the 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, excluding the
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 nonprofit, charitable or educational organizations, or any
endowments or foundations established and controlled by such
organizations, or any employer-sponsored retirement plans established
for the benefit of the employees of such organizations, their
endowments, or their foundations; or
. for individually established participant accounts of a 403(b) plan
that is treated similarly to an employer-sponsored plan for sales
charge purposes (see "Purchases by certain 403(b) plans" under "Sales
charges" above), or made for two or more such 403(b) plans that are
treated similarly to employer-sponsored plans for sales charge
purposes, in each case 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.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 45
<PAGE>

CONCURRENT PURCHASES -- As described in the prospectus, you may reduce your
Class A sales charge by combining purchases of all classes of shares in the
American Funds, as well as individual holdings in Endowments, American
Legacy variable annuity contracts 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 American Funds money market funds are excluded.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION -- Subject to the limitations described in the
aggregation policy, you may take into account your accumulated holdings in
all share classes of the American Funds, as well as your holdings in
Endowments, to determine your sales charge on investments in accounts
eligible to be aggregated. Subject to your investment dealer's or
recordkeeper's capabilities, your accumulated holdings will be calculated
as the higher of (a) the current value of your existing holdings (the
"market value") or (b) the amount you invested (including reinvested
dividends and capital gains, but excluding capital appreciation) less any
withdrawals (the "cost value"). Depending on the entity on whose books your
account is held, the value of your holdings in that account may not be
eligible for calculation at cost value. For example, the value of accounts
held in nominee or street name are not eligible for calculation at cost
value and instead will be calculated at market value for purposes of rights
of accumulation.

The value of all of your holdings in accounts established in calendar year
2005 or earlier will be assigned an initial cost value equal to the market
value of those holdings as of the last business day of 2005. Thereafter,
the cost value of such accounts will increase or decrease according to
actual investments or withdrawals. You must contact your financial adviser
or American Funds Service Company if you have additional information that
is relevant to the calculation of the value of your holdings.

When determining your American Funds Class A sales charge, if you are not
an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you may also take into account the
market value (as of the end of the week prior to your American Funds
investment) of your individual holdings in various American Legacy variable
annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. An
employer-sponsored retirement plan may also take into account the market
value of its investments in American Legacy Retirement Investment Plans.
Direct purchases of American Funds money market funds are excluded. If you
make a gift of American Funds Class A shares, upon your request, you may
purchase the shares at the sales charge discount allowed under rights of
accumulation of all of your American Funds and American Legacy accounts.

CDSC WAIVERS FOR CLASS A, B AND C SHARES -- As noted in the prospectus, a
contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") may be waived for redemptions due to
death or postpurchase disability of a shareholder (this generally excludes
accounts registered in the names of trusts and other entities). In the case of
joint tenant accounts, if one joint tenant dies, a surviving joint tenant, at
the time he or she notifies the Transfer Agent of the other joint tenant's death
and removes the decedent's name from the account, may redeem shares from the
account without incurring a CDSC. Redemptions made after the Transfer Agent is
notified of the death of a joint tenant will be subject to a CDSC.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 46
<PAGE>

In addition, a CDSC may be waived for the following types of transactions, if
together they do not exceed 12% of the value of an "account" (defined below)
annually (the "12% limit"):

. Required minimum distributions taken from retirement accounts upon the
shareholder's attainment of age 70-1/2 (required minimum distributions
that continue to be taken by the beneficiary(ies) after the account
owner is deceased also qualify for a waiver).

. Redemptions through a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) (see "Automatic
withdrawals" under "Shareholder account services and privileges"
below). For each SWP payment, assets that are not subject to a CDSC,
such as appreciation on shares and shares acquired through
reinvestment of dividends and/or capital gain distributions, will be
redeemed first and will count toward the 12% limit. If there is an
insufficient amount of assets not subject to a CDSC to cover a
particular SWP payment, shares subject to the lowest CDSC will be
redeemed next until the 12% limit is reached. Any dividends and/or
capital gain distributions taken in cash by a shareholder who receives
payments through a SWP will also count toward the 12% limit. In the
case of a SWP, the 12% limit is calculated at the time a systematic
redemption is first made, and is recalculated at the time each
additional systematic redemption is made. Shareholders who establish a
SWP should be aware that the amount of a payment not subject to a CDSC
may vary over time depending on fluctuations in the value of their
accounts. This privilege may be revised or terminated at any time.

For purposes of this paragraph, "account" means:

. in the case of Class A shares, your investment in Class A shares of
all American Funds (investments representing direct purchases of
American Funds money market funds are excluded);

. in the case of Class B shares, your investment in Class B shares of
the particular fund from which you are making the redemption; and

. in the case of Class C shares, your investment in Class C shares of
the particular fund from which you are making the redemption.
CDSC waivers are allowed only in the cases listed here and in the prospectus.
For example, CDSC waivers will not be allowed on redemptions of Class 529-B and
529-C shares due to termination of CollegeAmerica; a determination by the
Internal Revenue Service that CollegeAmerica does not qualify as a qualified
tuition program under the Code; proposal or enactment of law that eliminates or
limits the tax-favored status of CollegeAmerica; or elimination of the fund by
the Virginia College Savings Plan as an option for additional investment within
CollegeAmerica.

SELLING SHARES

The methods for selling (redeeming) shares are described more fully in the
prospectus. If you wish to sell your shares by contacting American Funds Service
Company directly, any such request must be signed by the registered
shareholders.

A signature guarantee may be required for certain redemptions. In such an event,
your signature may be guaranteed by a domestic stock exchange or the National
Association of Securities

The Investment Company of America -- Page 47
<PAGE>

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 with your written request
any shares you wish to sell that are in certificate form.

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 request that redemption proceeds of $1,000 or more from money market
funds be wired to your bank by writing American Funds Service Company. A
signature guarantee is required on all requests to wire funds.

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 for
Class 529 shareholders or if your account is held with an investment dealer or
through an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

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 that 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. If the
date you specified falls on a weekend or holiday, your money will be invested on
the following business day. However, if the following business day falls in the
next month, your money will be invested on the business day immediately
preceding the weekend or holiday. 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 contacting 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. Dividends and capital gain
distributions paid to retirement plan shareholders or shareholders of the 529
share classes will be automatically reinvested.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 48
<PAGE>

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 -- For all share classes,
except the 529 classes of shares, you may cross-reinvest dividends and capital
gains (distributions) into other American Funds in the same share class at net
asset value, subject to the following conditions:

(1) 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);

(2) if the value of the account of the fund receiving distributions is below
the minimum initial investment requirement, distributions must be automatically
reinvested; and

(3) 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.

AUTOMATIC EXCHANGES -- For all share classes, you may automatically exchange
shares of the same class in amounts of $50 or more among any of the American
Funds on any day (or preceding business day if the day falls on a nonbusiness
day) of each month you designate.

AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWALS -- For all share classes, except the R and 529 classes of
shares, you may automatically withdraw shares from any of the American Funds.
You can make automatic withdrawals of $50 or more as often as you wish if your
account is worth at least $10,000, or up to four times a year for an account
worth at least $5,000. You can designate the day of each period for withdrawals
and request that checks be sent to you or someone else. Withdrawals may also be
electronically deposited to your bank account. The Transfer Agent will withdraw
your money from the fund you specify on or around the date you specify. If the
date you specified falls on a weekend or holiday, the redemption will take place
on the previous business day. However, if the previous business day falls in the
preceding month, the redemption will take place on the following business day
after the weekend or holiday.

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.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 49
<PAGE>

AMERICAN FUNDSLINE AND AMERICANFUNDS.COM -- You may check your share balance,
the price of your shares or your most recent account transaction; redeem shares
(up to $75,000 per American Funds shareholder each day) from nonretirement plan
accounts; or exchange shares around the clock with American FundsLine or using
americanfunds.com. To use American FundsLine, call 800/325-3590 from a
TouchTone(TM) telephone. Redemptions and exchanges through American FundsLine
and americanfunds.com are subject to the conditions noted above and in
"Telephone and Internet purchases, redemptions and exchanges" below. You will
need your fund number (see the list of the American Funds under "General
information -- 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.

Generally, all shareholders are automatically eligible to use these services.
However, if you are not currently authorized to do so, you may complete an
American FundsLink Authorization Form. Once you establish this privilege, you,
your financial adviser or any person with your account information may use these
services.

TELEPHONE AND INTERNET PURCHASES, REDEMPTIONS AND EXCHANGES -- By using the
telephone (including American FundsLine) or the Internet (including
americanfunds.com), or fax 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 respective directors,
trustees, officers, employees and agents harmless from any losses, expenses,
costs or liability (including attorney fees) that may be incurred in connection
with the exercise of these privileges. Generally, all shareholders are
automatically eligible to use these services. However, you may elect to opt out
of these services 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.

CHECKWRITING -- You may establish check writing privileges for Class A shares
(but not Class 529-A shares) of American Funds money market funds. This can be
done by using an account 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
account application.

REDEMPTION OF SHARES -- The fund's Certificate of Incorporation 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 directors of the fund may from time to time
adopt.

While payment of redemptions normally will be in cash, the fund's Certificate of
Incorporation permits payment of the redemption price wholly or partly in
securities or other property included in the assets belonging to the fund when
in the opinion of the fund's board of directors, which shall be conclusive,
conditions exist which make payment wholly in cash unwise or undesirable.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 50
<PAGE>

SHARE CERTIFICATES -- Shares are credited to your account and certificates are
not issued unless you request them by contacting the Transfer Agent.
Certificates are not available for the 529 or R share classes.

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 JPMorgan Chase Bank, 270 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017-2070, as
Custodian. If the fund holds non-U.S. securities, the Custodian may hold these
securities pursuant to subcustodial 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 shareholder accounts, 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. The principal office of American Funds Service Company is
located at 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821-5823. American
Funds Service Company was paid a fee of $51,707,000 for Class A shares and
$3,422,000 for Class B shares for the 2005 fiscal year.

In the case of certain shareholder accounts, third parties who may be
unaffiliated with the investment adviser provide transfer agency and shareholder
services in place of American Funds Service Company. These services are rendered
under agreements with American Funds Service Company or its affiliates and the
third parties receive compensation according to such agreements. Compensation
for transfer agency and shareholder services, whether paid to American Funds
Service Company or such third parties, is ultimately paid from fund assets and
is reflected in the expenses of the fund as disclosed in the prospectus.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM -- PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 350
South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90071, serves as the fund's independent
registered public accounting firm, 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 registered public
accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting
and auditing. The selection of the fund's independent registered public
accounting firm is reviewed and determined annually by the board of directors.

INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL -- O'Melveny & Myers LLP, 400 South Hope Street, Los
Angeles, CA 90071, serves as counsel for the fund and for non-interested
directors in their capacities as such. Certain legal matters in connection with
the capital shares offered by the prospectus have been passed upon for the fund
by O'Melveny & Myers LLP. Counsel does not provide legal services to the fund's
investment adviser or any of its affiliated companies or control persons. A
determination with respect to the independence of the fund's "independent legal
counsel" will be made at least annually by the non-interested directors of the
fund, as prescribed by the 1940 Act and related rules.

PROSPECTUSES, REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENTS -- The fund's fiscal
year ends on December 31. Shareholders are provided updated prospectuses
annually and at least semiannually with reports showing the fund's investment
portfolio or summary investment

The Investment Company of America -- Page 51
<PAGE>

portfolio, financial statements and other information. The fund's annual
financial statements are audited by the fund's independent registered public
accounting firm, 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.

CODES OF ETHICS -- The fund and Capital Research and Management Company and its
affiliated companies, including the fund's Principal Underwriter, have adopted
codes of ethics that allow for personal investments, including securities in
which the fund may invest from time to time. These codes include a ban on
acquisitions of securities pursuant to an initial public offering; restrictions
on acquisitions of private placement securities; preclearance 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.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS -- On February 16, 2005, the NASD filed an administrative
complaint against the Principal Underwriter. The complaint alleges violations of
certain NASD rules by the Principal Underwriter with respect to the selection of
broker-dealer firms that buy and sell securities for mutual fund investment
portfolios. The complaint seeks sanctions, restitution and disgorgement.

On March 24, 2005, the investment adviser and Principal Underwriter filed a
complaint against the Attorney General of the State of California in Los Angeles
County Superior Court. The complaint alleged that the Attorney General
threatened to take enforcement actions against the investment adviser and
Principal Underwriter that are without merit and preempted by federal law. On
the same day, following the filing of the investment adviser's and Principal
Underwriter's complaint, the Attorney General of the State of California filed a
complaint against the Principal Underwriter and investment adviser. Filed in Los
Angeles County Superior Court, the Attorney General's complaint alleged
violations of certain sections of the California Corporations Code with respect
to so-called "revenue sharing" disclosures in mutual fund prospectuses and
statements of additional information. On November 22, 2005, the Los Angeles
Superior Court dismissed the Attorney General's complaint. The Attorney General
may appeal this decision, subject to certain timing requirements.

The investment adviser and Principal Underwriter believe that the likelihood
that these matters could have a material adverse effect on the fund or on the
ability of the investment adviser or Principal Underwriter to perform their
contracts with the fund is remote. The SEC is conducting a related investigation
as of the date of this statement of additional information. The investment
adviser and Principal Underwriter are cooperating fully. In addition, a class
action lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court, Central District of
California, raising issues related to so-called "directed brokerage" and
"revenue sharing" practices. Further updates on these issues will be available
on the American Funds website (americanfunds.com) under "American Funds
regulatory matters."

The Investment Company of America -- Page 52
<PAGE>

OTHER INFORMATION -- The financial statements including the investment portfolio
and the report of the fund's independent registered public accounting firm
contained in the annual report are included in this statement of additional
information. The following information is not included in the annual report:

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE, REDEMPTION PRICE AND MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE
PER SHARE FOR CLASS A SHARES -- DECEMBER 31, 2005

Net asset value and redemption price per share
(Net assets divided by shares outstanding). . $31.36
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). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $33.27

FUND NUMBERS -- Here are the fund numbers for use with our automated telephone
line, American FundsLine/(R)/, or when making share transactions:

FUND NUMBERS
------------------------------------
FUND CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS F
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STOCK AND STOCK/BOND FUNDS
AMCAP Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 002 202 302 402
American Balanced Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 011 211 311 411
American Mutual Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 003 203 303 403
Capital Income Builder/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 012 212 312 412
Capital World Growth and Income Fund/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . 033 233 333 433
EuroPacific Growth Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 016 216 316 416
Fundamental Investors/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 010 210 310 410
The Growth Fund of America/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 005 205 305 405
The Income Fund of America/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 006 206 306 406
The Investment Company of America/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . 004 204 304 404
The New Economy Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 014 214 314 414
New Perspective Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 007 207 307 407
New World Fund/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 036 236 336 436
SMALLCAP World Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 035 235 335 435
Washington Mutual Investors Fund/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 001 201 301 401
BOND FUNDS
American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . 040 240 340 440
American High-Income Trust/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 021 221 321 421
The Bond Fund of America/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 008 208 308 408
Capital World Bond Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 031 231 331 431
Intermediate Bond Fund of America/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . 023 223 323 423
Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America/SM/ . . . . . . . 043 243 343 443
The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . 019 219 319 419
The Tax-Exempt Fund of California/(R)/* . . . . . . . . . . . 020 220 320 420
The Tax-Exempt Fund of Maryland/(R)/* . . . . . . . . . . . . 024 224 324 424
The Tax-Exempt Fund of Virginia/(R)/* . . . . . . . . . . . . 025 225 325 425
U.S. Government Securities Fund/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 022 222 322 422

The Investment Company of America -- Page 53
<PAGE>

FUND NUMBERS
------------------------------------
FUND CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS F
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MONEY MARKET FUNDS
The Cash Management Trust of America/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . 009 209 309 409
The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . 039 N/A N/A N/A
The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of America/SM/ . . . . . . . . . 049 N/A N/A N/A
___________
*Qualified for sale only in certain jurisdictions.

FUND NUMBERS
---------------------------------------------
CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS
FUND 529-A 529-B 529-C 529-E 529-F
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STOCK AND STOCK/BOND FUNDS
AMCAP Fund . . . . . . . . . . 1002 1202 1302 1502 1402
American Balanced Fund . . . . 1011 1211 1311 1511 1411
American Mutual Fund . . . . . 1003 1203 1303 1503 1403
Capital Income Builder . . . . 1012 1212 1312 1512 1412
Capital World Growth and Income
Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1033 1233 1333 1533 1433
EuroPacific Growth Fund . . . . 1016 1216 1316 1516 1416
Fundamental Investors . . . . . 1010 1210 1310 1510 1410
The Growth Fund of America . . 1005 1205 1305 1505 1405
The Income Fund of America . . 1006 1206 1306 1506 1406
The Investment Company of
America . . . . . . . . . . . . 1004 1204 1304 1504 1404
The New Economy Fund . . . . . 1014 1214 1314 1514 1414
New Perspective Fund . . . . . 1007 1207 1307 1507 1407
New World Fund . . . . . . . . 1036 1236 1336 1536 1436
SMALLCAP World Fund . . . . . . 1035 1235 1335 1535 1435
Washington Mutual Investors Fund
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1001 1201 1301 1501 1401
BOND FUNDS
American High-Income Trust . . 1021 1221 1321 1521 1421
The Bond Fund of America . . . 1008 1208 1308 1508 1408
Capital World Bond Fund . . . . 1031 1231 1331 1531 1431
Intermediate Bond Fund of
America . . . . . . . . . . . . 1023 1223 1323 1523 1423
U.S. Government Securities Fund 1022 1222 1322 1522 1422
MONEY MARKET FUND
The Cash Management Trust of
America . . . . . . . . . . . . 1009 1209 1309 1509 1409

FUND NUMBERS
----------------------------------------
CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS
FUND R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STOCK AND STOCK/BOND FUNDS
AMCAP Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2102 2202 2302 2402 2502
American Balanced Fund . . . . . . . 2111 2211 2311 2411 2511
American Mutual Fund . . . . . . . . 2103 2203 2303 2403 2503
Capital Income Builder . . . . . . . 2112 2212 2312 2412 2512
Capital World Growth and Income Fund 2133 2233 2333 2433 2533
EuroPacific Growth Fund . . . . . . 2116 2216 2316 2416 2516
Fundamental Investors . . . . . . . 2110 2210 2310 2410 2510

The Investment Company of America -- Page 54
<PAGE>

FUND NUMBERS
----------------------------------------
CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS
FUND R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Growth Fund of America . . . . . 2105 2205 2305 2405 2505
The Income Fund of America . . . . . 2106 2206 2306 2406 2506
The Investment Company of America . 2104 2204 2304 2404 2504
The New Economy Fund . . . . . . . . 2114 2214 2314 2414 2514
New Perspective Fund . . . . . . . . 2107 2207 2307 2407 2507
New World Fund . . . . . . . . . . . 2136 2236 2336 2436 2536
SMALLCAP World Fund . . . . . . . . 2135 2235 2335 2435 2535
Washington Mutual Investors Fund . . 2101 2201 2301 2401 2501
BOND FUNDS
American High-Income Municipal Bond
Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A N/A N/A N/A 2540
American High-Income Trust . . . . . 2121 2221 2321 2421 2521
The Bond Fund of America . . . . . . 2108 2208 2308 2408 2508
Capital World Bond Fund . . . . . . 2131 2231 2331 2431 2531
Intermediate Bond Fund of America . 2123 2223 2323 2423 2523
Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of
America. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A N/A N/A N/A 2543
The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America N/A N/A N/A N/A 2519
The Tax-Exempt Fund of California* . N/A N/A N/A N/A 2520
The Tax-Exempt Fund of Maryland* . . N/A N/A N/A N/A 2524
The Tax-Exempt Fund of Virginia* . . N/A N/A N/A N/A 2525
U.S. Government Securities Fund . . 2122 2222 2322 2422 2522
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
The Cash Management Trust of America 2109 2209 2309 2409 2509
The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America N/A N/A N/A N/A 2539
The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of
America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2149 2249 2349 2449 2549
___________
*Qualified for sale only in certain
jurisdictions.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 55
<PAGE>

APPENDIX

The following descriptions of debt security ratings are based on information
provided by Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's Corporation.

DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS

MOODY'S
LONG-TERM RATING DEFINITIONS

Aaa
Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal
credit risk.

Aa
Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very
low credit risk.

A
Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low
credit risk.

Baa
Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered
medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

Ba
Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to
substantial credit risk.

B
Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit
risk.

Caa
Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very
high credit risk.

Ca
Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near,
default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

C
Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in
default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

NOTE: Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating
classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation
ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates
a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of
that generic rating category.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 56
<PAGE>

STANDARD & POOR'S
LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

AAA
An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's.
The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.

AA
An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only in small
degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is very strong.

A
An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in
higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB
An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.

BB, B, CCC, CC, AND C
Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant
speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C
the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major
exposures to adverse conditions.

BB
An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative
issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's
inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B
An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated
BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will
likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.

CCC
An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent
upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to
meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have
the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC
An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

The Investment Company of America -- Page 57
<PAGE>

C
The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are
being continued.

D
An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable
grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's 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 or the taking of a similar action if
payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

 PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-)
The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus
sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.


                  The Investment Company of America -- Page 58

[Logo - American Funds®]

The Investment Company of America^®

Investment portfolio

December 31, 2005

Common stocks — 84.45%	Shares			Market value (000)

ENERGY — 11.25%
Baker Hughes Inc.		10,875,000		$	660,982
Burlington Resources Inc.		16,440,400			1,417,162
Chevron Corp.		19,581,010			1,111,614
ConocoPhillips		4,900,000			285,082
ENI SpA		26,380,000			731,007
Exxon Mobil Corp.		7,581,500			425,853
Halliburton Co.		5,500,000			340,780
Marathon Oil Corp.		10,550,000			643,233
Murphy Oil Corp.		4,100,000			221,359
Occidental Petroleum Corp.		1,000,000			79,880
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A (ADR)		17,470,000			1,074,230
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class B (ADR)		2,370,498			152,968
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class B		833,265			26,607
Schlumberger Ltd.		11,600,000			1,126,940
TOTAL SA		2,505,000			628,677
					8,926,374

MATERIALS — 5.86%
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.		200,000			11,838
Alcan Inc.		2,241,600			91,794
Alcoa Inc.		20,326,400			601,052
Alumina Ltd.		10,000,000			54,433
Barrick Gold Corp.		14,500,000			404,115
BHP Billiton Ltd.		9,412,655			157,092
Dow Chemical Co.		21,256,450			931,458
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.		3,585,600			152,388
International Paper Co.		4,997,235			167,957
MeadWestvaco Corp.		4,085,000			114,503
Newmont Mining Corp.		9,500,000			507,300
Placer Dome Inc. (Canada)		1,500,000			34,345
Placer Dome Inc.		12,500,000			286,625
Rio Tinto PLC		10,044,473			458,318
Rohm and Haas Co.		6,500,000			314,730
Weyerhaeuser Co.		5,475,000			363,211
					4,651,159

INDUSTRIALS — 11.65%
3M Co.		1,200,000			93,000
Boeing Co.		13,000,000			913,120
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.		7,200,000			509,904
Caterpillar Inc.		15,600,000			901,212
Cooper Industries, Ltd., Class A		2,500,000			182,500
Cummins Inc.		1,700,000			152,541
Deere & Co.		5,400,000			367,794
FedEx Corp.		1,500,000			155,085
General Dynamics Corp.		3,372,900			384,679
General Electric Co.		37,500,000			1,314,375
Illinois Tool Works Inc.		3,700,000			325,563
Lockheed Martin Corp.		1,060,000			67,448
Mitsubishi Corp.		4,035,000			89,256
Northrop Grumman Corp.		3,400,000			204,374
Parker Hannifin Corp.		2,500,000			164,900
Raytheon Co.		9,216,000			370,022
Siemens AG		2,680,000			229,482
Southwest Airlines Co.		9,000,000			147,870
Tyco International Ltd.		45,910,100			1,324,965
Union Pacific Corp.		3,500,000			281,785
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B		3,918,700			294,490
United Technologies Corp.		10,750,000			601,032
Waste Management, Inc.		5,550,000			168,442
					9,243,839

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 9.67%
Best Buy Co., Inc.		18,717,300			813,828
Carnival Corp., units		7,600,000			406,372
CCE Spinco, Inc.¹		1,014,962			13,296
Clear Channel Communications, Inc.		8,119,700			255,365
Comcast Corp., Class A¹		9,357,900			242,931
Ford Motor Co.		2,500,000			19,300
General Motors Corp.		16,250,000			315,575
Harley-Davidson Motor Co.		1,000,000			51,490
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.		702,500			40,070
Knight-Ridder, Inc.		550,500			34,847
Kohl’s Corp.¹		1,600,000			77,760
Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV		2,250,000			69,853
Liberty Media Corp., Class A¹		16,280,000			128,124
Limited Brands, Inc.²		20,749,400			463,749
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.		22,318,300			1,487,738
McDonald’s Corp.		1,600,000			53,952
Target Corp.		21,475,000			1,180,481
Time Warner Inc.		44,750,000			780,440
TJX Companies, Inc.		11,100,000			257,853
Toyota Motor Corp.		12,500,000			648,360
Viacom Inc., Class B, nonvoting		6,500,000			211,900
Walt Disney Co.		5,000,000			119,850
					7,673,134

CONSUMER STAPLES — 9.68%
Altria Group, Inc.		55,000,000		$	4,109,600
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.		3,500,000			150,360
Avon Products, Inc.		9,520,000			271,796
Coca-Cola Co.		5,320,000			214,449
General Mills, Inc.		4,535,000			223,666
H.J. Heinz Co.		4,450,000			150,054
Kraft Foods Inc., Class A		2,100,000			59,094
PepsiCo, Inc.		11,200,000			661,696
Procter & Gamble Co.		2,400,000			138,912
Reynolds American Inc.		4,461,666			425,331
Sara Lee Corp.		8,816,100			166,624
Unilever NV (New York registered)		5,632,200			386,651
UST Inc.		2,000,000			81,660
Walgreen Co.		9,595,000			424,675
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.		4,750,000			222,300
					7,686,868

HEALTH CARE — 6.90%
Abbott Laboratories		10,645,000			419,732
Aetna Inc.		4,510,300			425,366
Applera Corp.		1,223,800			32,504
AstraZeneca PLC (ADR)		4,534,500			220,377
AstraZeneca PLC (Sweden)		4,909,500			239,935
AstraZeneca PLC (United Kingdom)		5,393,900			262,247
Becton, Dickinson and Co.		1,500,000			90,120
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.		17,500,000			402,150
Cardinal Health, Inc.		2,000,000			137,500
Eli Lilly and Co.		10,895,000			616,548
GlaxoSmithKline PLC		2,250,000			56,804
Guidant Corp.		1,500,000			97,125
HCA Inc.		3,500,000			176,750
Johnson & Johnson		3,500,000			210,350
McKesson Corp.		2,600,000			134,134
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.¹		971,000			54,182
Merck & Co., Inc.		13,750,000			437,387
Novartis AG (ADR)		256,556			13,464
Pfizer Inc		3,000,000			69,960
Roche Holding AG		2,780,000			417,011
Sanofi-Aventis		830,000			72,641
Schering-Plough Corp.		16,111,300			335,921
WellPoint, Inc.¹		5,800,000			462,782
Wyeth		2,000,000			92,140
					5,477,130

FINANCIALS — 11.51%
Allstate Corp.		1,850,000			100,029
American International Group, Inc.		10,463,900			713,952
Aon Corp.		2,183,800			78,508
Bank of America Corp.		6,000,000			276,900
Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class A¹		3,050			270,291
Capital One Financial Corp.		3,330,943			287,793
Chubb Corp.		5,000,000			488,250
Citigroup Inc.		19,075,000			925,710
Fannie Mae		25,615,600			1,250,297
Freddie Mac		5,750,000			375,763
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.		2,250,000			193,253
HSBC Holdings PLC (ADR)		1,079,588			86,874
HSBC Holdings PLC (United Kingdom)		26,697,111			428,076
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.		18,836,200			747,609
Lloyds TSB Group PLC		76,500,000			642,245
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.		6,400,000			203,264
MBNA Corp.		4,800,000			130,320
U.S. Bancorp		11,250,000			336,263
Washington Mutual, Inc.		23,150,000			1,007,025
Wells Fargo & Co.		7,330,000			460,544
XL Capital Ltd., Class A		2,000,000			134,760
					9,137,726

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY — 9.25%
Agilent Technologies, Inc.¹		5,000,000			166,450
Altera Corp.¹		5,500,000			101,915
Analog Devices, Inc.		4,250,000			152,448
Applied Materials, Inc.		12,050,000			216,177
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.		5,875,000			269,604
Canon, Inc.		1,800,000			105,263
Cisco Systems, Inc.¹		30,270,400			518,229
Electronic Data Systems Corp.		3,000,000			72,120
First Data Corp.		2,600,000			111,826
Google Inc., Class A¹		450,000			186,687
Hewlett-Packard Co.		27,450,000			785,894
Hitachi, Ltd.		17,000,000			114,544
Intel Corp.		3,640,000			90,854
International Business Machines Corp.		7,595,000			624,309
KLA-Tencor Corp.		1,825,000			90,027
Linear Technology Corp.		5,960,000			214,977
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.		6,300,000			228,312
Micron Technology, Inc.¹		10,000,000			133,100
Microsoft Corp.		46,030,000			1,203,685
Motorola, Inc.		8,751,475			197,696
Sabre Holdings Corp., Class A		5,509,680			132,838
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.		200,000			130,832
Solectron Corp.¹		13,000,000			47,580
Sun Microsystems, Inc.¹		25,010,000			104,792
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.		155,092,208			295,887
Texas Instruments Inc.		26,570,200			852,106
Xilinx, Inc.		7,650,000			192,857
					7,341,009

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES — 5.20%
ALLTEL Corp.		2,942,750			185,688
AT&T Inc.		70,755,497			1,732,802
BellSouth Corp.		36,800,000			997,280
France Télécom, SA		2,000,000			49,650
Sprint Nextel Corp.		19,285,000			450,498
Telefónica, SA		10,325,716			155,217
Verizon Communications Inc.		4,183,200			125,998
Vodafone Group PLC (ADR)		8,500,000			182,495
Vodafone Group PLC		113,500,000			244,802
					4,124,430

UTILITIES — 2.11%
American Electric Power Co., Inc.		1,000,000			37,090
Dominion Resources, Inc.		7,131,912			550,584
Duke Energy Corp.		5,000,000			137,250
Exelon Corp.		5,275,500			280,340
FirstEnergy Corp.		1,138,500			55,775
FPL Group, Inc.		3,800,000			157,928
PPL Corp.		2,300,000			67,620
Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.		6,000,000			389,820
					1,676,407

MISCELLANEOUS — 1.37%
Other common stocks in initial period of acquisition					1,087,970


Total common stocks (cost: $45,742,042,000)					67,026,046


Convertible securities — 0.26%

FINANCIALS — 0.11%
Fannie Mae 5.375% convertible preferred 2049		970			89,240


MISCELLANEOUS — 0.15%
Other convertible securities in initial period of acquisition					116,375


Total convertible securities (cost: $190,488,000)					205,615


		Principal amount
Bonds & notes — 0.66%		(000	)

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 0.14%
General Motors Acceptance Corp. 6.875% 2011	$	28,662			26,168
General Motors Acceptance Corp. 7.25% 2011		34,872			32,085
General Motors Acceptance Corp. 6.875% 2012		4,997			4,510
General Motors Acceptance Corp. 7.00% 2012		10,955			9,947
General Motors Corp. 7.20% 2011		28,708			20,311
General Motors Corp. 7.125% 2013		25,630			17,044
					110,065

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES — 0.04%
SBC Communications Inc. 4.125% 2009		30,000			28,993


MORTGAGE-BACKED OBLIGATIONS³— 0.48%
Fannie Mae 6.00% 2017	$	118,171		$	120,760
Fannie Mae 6.00% 2017		148,011			151,254
Fannie Mae 6.50% 2017		105,580			108,549
					380,563

Total bonds & notes (cost: $516,784,000)					519,621


Short-term securities — 14.64%

3M Co. 4.29% due 2/27/2006		30,000			29,793
AIG Funding Inc. 4.00%-4.19% due 1/5-1/27/2006		125,000			124,861
American General Finance Corp. 4.19% due 1/23/2006		30,000			29,921
International Lease Finance Corp. 4.01%-4.28% due 1/9-2/17/2006		96,000			95,574
American Express Credit Corp. 4.07%-4.26% due 1/4-2/1/2006		99,400			99,189
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. 4.26% due 2/16/2006⁴		50,000			49,730
Avon Capital Corp. 4.34% due 1/11/2006⁴		25,000			24,967
Bank of America Corp. 4.09%-4.345% due 1/23-2/27/2006		351,000			349,244
BellSouth Corp. 4.07%-4.15% due 1/17-1/23/2006⁴		105,000			104,767
CAFCO, LLC 4.22%-4.37% due 2/13-3/14/2006⁴		320,000			317,705
Ciesco LLC 4.25% due 2/17/2006⁴		40,000			39,776
Caterpillar Financial Services Corp. 4.22% due 1/3/2006		40,000			39,986
ChevronTexaco Funding Corp. 4.08%-4.15% due 1/27-2/15/2006		125,000			124,512
Clipper Receivables Co., LLC 4.17%-4.33% due 1/12-2/23/2006⁴		350,600			349,465
Cloverleaf International Holdings SA 4.22%-4.33% due 1/9-2/13/2006⁴		139,900			139,472
Atlantic Industries 4.15%-4.31% due 1/13-3/3/2006⁴		188,600			187,660
Coca-Cola Co. 4.00%-4.05% due 1/9-1/23/2006		75,000			74,875
Concentrate Manufacturing Co. of Ireland 4.13%-4.24% due 1/6-2/13/2006⁴		292,900			291,794
Edison Asset Securitization LLC 4.05%-4.34% due 1/13-3/1/2006⁴		193,800			192,817
General Electric Capital Corp. 4.09%-4.20% due 1/3-1/11/2006		25,700			25,670
General Electric Capital Services, Inc. 4.12%-4.30% due 1/3-2/22/2006		140,000			139,459
Fannie Mae 4.00%-4.31% due 1/4-3/29/2006		671,434			667,032
FCAR Owner Trust I 4.16%-4.30% due 1/9-2/17/2006		130,000			129,696
Federal Farm Credit Banks 4.03%-4.28% due 1/9-3/17/2006		338,200			336,126
Federal Home Loan Bank 3.90%-4.30% due 1/6-3/29/2006		1,322,670			1,316,080
First Data Corp. 4.23% due 1/17/2006		25,000			24,950
Freddie Mac 3.96%-4.318% due 1/10-3/28/2006		1,557,071			1,549,461
Gannett Co. 4.07%-4.24% due 1/6-1/20/2006⁴		260,400			259,948
Harley-Davidson Funding Corp. 4.27% due 2/17/2006⁴		19,200			19,091
Harvard University 4.215% due 2/23/2006		20,000			19,870
Hershey Co. 4.24% due 2/24/2006⁴		30,000			29,806
HSBC Finance Corp. 4.13%-4.24% due 1/23-2/8/2006		297,000			295,990
IBM Capital Inc. 4.33% due 3/9/2006⁴		40,000			39,684
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. 4.10%-4.16% due 1/24-2/1/2006		100,000			99,680
Park Avenue Receivables Co., LLC 4.21%-4.31% due 1/26-2/8/2006⁴		152,718			152,109
Preferred Receivables Funding Corp. 4.14%-4.25% due 1/4-1/11/2006⁴		100,000			99,912
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide 4.06% due 1/6/2006⁴		50,000			49,966
Medtronic Inc. 4.25% due 1/25/2006⁴		30,000			29,911
NetJets Inc. 4.12%-4.22% due 1/13-1/31/2006⁴		48,400			48,242
Pfizer Inc. 4.04%-4.33% due 1/13-2/22/2006⁴		353,800			352,683
Private Export Funding Corp. 3.99%-4.12% due 1/12-1/27/2006⁴		74,000			73,842
Procter & Gamble Co. 4.18%-4.24% due 1/3-1/20/2006⁴		166,700			166,435
SunTrust Banks, Inc. 4.02%-4.30% due 1/26-2/8/2006		150,000			149,981
Tennessee Valley Authority 4.06%-4.28% due 1/19-3/16/2006		269,900			268,615
Triple-A One Funding Corp. 4.12%-4.28% due 1/3-1/10/2006⁴		54,016			53,973
U.S. Treasury Bills 3.756%-3.95% due 1/12-3/23/2006		1,585,450			1,576,897
United Parcel Service Inc. 4.05% due 1/3/2006		50,000			49,983
Variable Funding Capital Corp. 4.05%-4.38% due 1/9-3/17/2006⁴		321,300			319,940
Verizon Global Funding Corp. 4.23%-4.33% due 1/19-2/17/2006⁴		60,500			60,257
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. 4.08%-4.125% due 1/18-1/31/2006⁴		237,800			237,067
Wells Fargo & Co. 4.09%-4.42% due 1/5-3/24/2006		312,600			312,590


Total short-term securities (cost: $11,620,411,000)					11,621,054

Total investment securities (cost: $58,069,725,000)					79,372,336
Other assets less liabilities					(6,332	)

Net assets				$	79,366,004

“Miscellaneous” securities include holdings in their initial period of acquisition that have not previously been publicly disclosed.

¹Security did not produce income during the last 12 months.

²Represents an affiliated company as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

³Pass-through securities backed by a pool of mortgages or other loans on which principal payments are periodically made. Therefore, the

effective maturities are shorter than the stated maturities.

⁴Purchased in a private placement transaction; resale may be limited to qualified institutional buyers; resale to the public may require

registration. The total value of all such restricted securities was $3,691,019,000, which represented 4.65% of the net assets of the fund.

ADR = American Depositary Receipts

See Notes to Financial Statements

Financial statements

Statement of assets and liabilities
at December 31, 2005	(dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share amounts)

Assets:
Investment securities at market:
Unaffiliated issuers (cost:$ 57,812,545)		$	78,908,587
Affiliated issuers (cost: $257,180)			463,749	$	79,372,336
Cash denominated in non-U.S. currencies (cost: $9,277)					9,113
Cash					90
Receivables for:
Sales of fund's shares			87,685
Dividends and interest			140,850		228,535
					79,610,074
Liabilities:
Payables for:
Purchases of investments			101,431
Repurchases of fund's shares			98,110
Investment advisory services			14,114
Services provided by affiliates			26,325
Deferred directors' and advisory board compensation			3,632
Other fees and expenses			458		244,070
Net assets at December 31, 2005				$	79,366,004

Net assets consist of:
Capital paid in on shares of capital stock				$	57,767,489
Undistributed net investment income					297,894
Distributions in excess of net realized gain					(1,753	)
Net unrealized appreciation					21,302,374
Net assets at December 31, 2005				$	79,366,004

	Authorized shares of capital stock - $.001 par value		Net assets		Shares outstanding		Net asset value per share (1)

Class A		2,500,000	$	66,959,307		2,135,405	$	31.36
Class B		250,000		3,853,118		123,352		31.24
Class C		250,000		2,929,181		93,940		31.18
Class F		250,000		1,335,933		42,648		31.32
Class 529-A		325,000		834,699		26,642		31.33
Class 529-B		75,000		190,772		6,102		31.27
Class 529-C		150,000		246,595		7,885		31.27
Class 529-E		75,000		36,278		1,160		31.28
Class 529-F		75,000		7,616		243		31.32
Class R-1		75,000		28,716		919		31.25
Class R-2		100,000		479,002		15,324		31.26
Class R-3		300,000		666,380		21,287		31.30
Class R-4		75,000		236,156		7,539		31.32
Class R-5		150,000		1,562,251		49,828		31.35
Total		4,650,000	$	79,366,004		2,532,274
(1) Maximum offering price and redemption price per share were equal to the net asset value per share for all share classes, except for Class A and 529-A, for which the maximum offering prices per share were $33.27 and $33.24, respectively.

See Notes to Financial Statements

Statement of operations
for the year ended December 31, 2005		(dollars in thousands)
Investment income:
Income:
Dividends (net of non-U.S. withholding tax
of $28,085; also includes $12,450 from affiliates)	$	1,570,949
Interest (net of non-U.S. withholding tax of $1)		425,814		$	1,996,763

Fees and expenses:(1)
Investment advisory services		182,140
Distribution services		228,396
Transfer agent services		55,129
Administrative services		14,160
Reports to shareholders		4,629
Registration statement and prospectus		1,520
Postage, stationery and supplies		7,533
Directors' and advisory board compensation		1,090
Auditing and legal		302
Custodian		2,267
State and local taxes		698
Other		261
Total fees and expenses before reimbursements/waivers		498,125
Less reimbursement/waiver of fees and expenses:
Investment advisory services		15,975
Administrative services		613
Total fees and expenses after reimbursements/waivers					481,537
Net investment income					1,515,226

Net realized gain and change in unrealized appreciation on
investments and non-U.S. currency:
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investments		2,157,534
Non-U.S. currency transactions		(3,851	)		2,153,683
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
Investments		1,418,929
Non-U.S. currency translations		(132	)		1,418,797
Net realized gain and change in unrealized appreciation
on investments and non-U.S. currency					3,572,480
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations				$	5,087,706

(1) Additional information related to class-specific fees and expenses is included in the Notes to Financial Statements.

See Notes to Financial Statements


Statements of changes in net assets		(dollars in thousands)

		Year Ended December 31
		2005			2004
Operations:
Net investment income	$	1,515,226		$	1,392,244
Net realized gain on investments and non-U.S. currency transactions		2,153,683			918,377
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments
and non-U.S. currency translations		1,418,797			4,370,213
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations		5,087,706			6,680,834

Dividends and distributions paid to shareholders:
Dividends from net investment income		(1,614,567	)		(1,194,353	)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments		(1,991,337	)		(863,164	)
Total dividends and distributions paid to shareholders		(3,605,904	)		(2,057,517	)

Capital share transactions		2,016,797			4,709,994

Total increase in net assets		3,498,599			9,333,311

Net assets:
Beginning of year		75,867,405			66,534,094
End of year (including undistributed
net investment income: $297,894 and $401,174, respectively)	$	79,366,004		$	75,867,405

See Notes to Financial Statements

Notes to financial statements

1.	Organization and significant accounting policies

Organization - The Investment Company of America (the "fund") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end, diversified management investment company. The fund seeks long-term growth of capital and income, placing greater emphasis on future dividends than on current income.

The fund offers 14 share classes consisting of four retail share classes, five CollegeAmerica^Ò savings plan share classes and five retirement plan share classes. The CollegeAmerica savings plan share classes (529-A, 529-B, 529-C, 529-E and 529-F) can be utilized to save for college education. The five retirement plan share classes (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5) are sold without any sales charges and do not carry any conversion rights. The fund’s share classes are described below:

Share class	Initial sales charge	Contingent deferred sales charge upon redemption	Conversion feature
Class A and 529-A	Up to 5.75%	None (except 1% for certain redemptions within one year of purchase without an initial sales charge)	None
Class B and 529-B	None	Declines from 5% to 0% for redemptions within six years of purchase	Class B and 529-B convert to Class A and 529-A, respectively, after eight years
Class C	None	1% for redemptions within one year of purchase	Class C converts to Class F after 10 years
Class 529-C	None	1% for redemptions within one year of purchase	None
Class 529-E	None	None	None
Class F and 529-F	None	None	None
Class R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5	None	None	None

Holders of all share classes have equal pro rata rights to assets, dividends and liquidation proceeds. Each share class has identical voting rights, except for the exclusive right to vote on matters affecting only its class. Share classes have different fees and expenses ("class-specific fees and expenses"), primarily due to different arrangements for distribution, administrative and shareholder services. Differences in class-specific fees and expenses will result in differences in net investment income and, therefore, the payment of different per-share dividends by each class.

Significant accounting policies - The financial statements have been prepared to comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies followed by the fund:

Security valuation - Equity securities are valued at the official closing price of, or 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. Prices for each security are taken from the principal exchange or market in which the security trades. Fixed-income securities, including short-term securities purchased with more than 60 days left to maturity, are valued at prices obtained from an independent pricing service when such prices are available. However, where the investment adviser deems it appropriate, such securities will be valued at the mean quoted bid and asked prices (or bid prices, if asked prices are not available) or at prices for securities of comparable maturity, quality and type. Securities with both fixed-income and equity characteristics, or equity securities traded principally among fixed-income dealers, are valued in the manner described above for either equity or fixed-income securities, depending on which method is deemed most appropriate by the investment adviser. Short-term securities purchased within 60 days to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. The value of short-term securities originally purchased with maturities greater than 60 days is determined based on an amortized value to par when they reach 60 days or less remaining to maturity. 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. Forward currency contracts are valued at the mean of representative quoted bid and asked prices. Securities and other assets for which representative market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by authority of the fund's board of directors. Various factors may be reviewed in order to make a good faith determination of a security’s fair value. These factors include, but are not limited to, the type and cost of the security; contractual or legal restrictions on resale of the security; relevant financial or business developments of the issuer; actively traded similar or related securities; conversion or exchange rights on the security; related corporate actions; significant events occurring after the close of trading in the security; and changes in overall market conditions.

Security transactions and related investment income - Security transactions are recorded by the fund as of the date the trades are executed with brokers. Realized gains and losses from security transactions are determined based on the specific identified cost of the securities. 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 fixed-income securities are amortized daily over the expected life of the security.

Class allocations - Income, fees and expenses (other than class-specific fees and expenses) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated daily among the various share classes based on their relative net assets. Class-specific fees and expenses, such as distribution, administrative and shareholder services, are charged directly to the respective share class.

Dividends and distributions to shareholders - Dividends and distributions paid to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

Non-U.S. currency translation - Assets and liabilities, including investment securities, denominated in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the valuation date. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates on the dates of such transactions. In the accompanying financial statements, the effects of changes in non-U.S. exchange rates on investment securities are included with the net realized gain or loss and net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments. The realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation resulting from all other transactions denominated in non-U.S. currencies are disclosed separately.

funds started after June 30, 1998

2.	Non-U.S. investments

Investment risk - The risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers 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. withholding taxes paid.

3. Federal income taxation and distributions

The fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to mutual funds and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains each year. The fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.

Distributions - Distributions paid to shareholders are based on net investment income and net realized gains determined on a tax basis, which may differ from net investment income and net realized gains for financial reporting purposes. These differences are due primarily to differing treatment for items such as non-U.S. currency gains and losses; short-term capital gains and losses; capital losses related to sales of certain securities within 30 days of purchase; deferred expenses; cost of investments sold; and paydowns on fixed-income securities. 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 for financial reporting purposes. The fund may also designate a portion of the amount paid to redeeming shareholders as a distribution for tax purposes. As of December 31, 2005, the cost of investment securities for federal income tax purposes was $58,068,985,000.

During the year ended December 31, 2005, the fund reclassified $3,851,000 from undistributed net investment income to distributions in excess of net realized gains; and reclassified $88,000 from undistributed net investment income and $166,162,000 from undistributed net realized gains to capital paid in on shares of capital stock to align financial reporting with tax reporting.

As of December 31, 2005, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Undistributed net investment income	$303,384
Loss deferrals related to non-U.S. currency that were realized during the period November 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005	(1,857)
Gross unrealized appreciation on investment securities	22,132,550
Gross unrealized depreciation on investment securities	(829,199)
Net unrealized appreciation on investment securities	21,303,351

During the year ended December 31, 2005, the fund realized, on a tax basis, a net capital gain of $2,159,370,000.

The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders was as follows (dollars in thousands):

		Year ended December 31, 2005						Year ended December 31, 2004
Share class		Distributions from ordinary income		Distributions from long-term capital gains		Total distributions paid		Distributions from ordinary income		Distributions from long-term capital gains		Total distributions paid
Class A	$	1,418,613	$	1,679,915	$	3,098,528	$	1,074,604	$	738,649	$	1,813,253
Class B		52,768		97,012		149,780		33,455		41,997		75,452
Class C		38,151		73,830		111,981		22,209		30,628		52,837
Class F		26,813		33,532		60,345		18,386		13,657		32,043
Class 529-A		15,608		20,713		36,321		8,408		6,944		15,352
Class 529-B		2,231		4,781		7,012		1,051		1,740		2,791
Class 529-C		2,858		6,141		8,999		1,270		2,100		3,370
Class 529-E		578		900		1,478		290		301		591
Class 529-F		143		187		330		61		56		117
Class R-1		375		720		1,095		172		255		427
Class R-2		5,949		12,003		17,952		2,737		4,069		6,806
Class R-3		11,035		16,698		27,733		5,165		5,511		10,676
Class R-4		4,356		5,862		10,218		1,396		1,295		2,691
Class R-5		35,089		39,043		74,132		25,149		15,962		41,111
Total	$	1,614,567	$	1,991,337	$	3,605,904	$	1,194,353	$	863,164	$	2,057,517

4. Fees and transactions with related parties

Capital Research and Management Company ("CRMC"), the fund’s investment adviser, is the parent company of American Funds Service Company ("AFS"), the fund’s transfer agent, and American Funds Distributors, Inc. ("AFD"), the principal underwriter of the fund’s shares.

Investment advisory services - The Investment Advisory and Service Agreement with CRMC provides for monthly fees accrued daily. These fees are based on a declining series of annual rates beginning with 0.390% on the first $1 billion of month-end net assets and decreasing to 0.222% on such assets in excess of $71 billion. The board of directors approved an amended agreement effective February 16, 2005, lowering the rate to 0.219% on month-end net assets in excess of $89 billion. CRMC is currently waiving a portion of investment advisory services fees. At the beginning of the period, CRMC waived 5% of these fees and increased the waiver to 10% on April 1, 2005. During the year ended December 31, 2005, total investment advisory services fees waived by CRMC were $15,975,000. As a result, the fee shown on the accompanying financial statements of $182,140,000, which was equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.238%, was reduced to $166,165,000, or 0.217% of month end net assets.

Class-specific fees and expenses - Expenses that are specific to individual share classes are accrued directly to the respective share class. The principal class-specific fees and expenses are described below:

Distribution services - The fund has adopted plans of distribution for all share classes, except Class R-5. Under the plans, the board of directors approves certain categories of expenses that are used to finance activities primarily intended to sell fund shares and service existing accounts. The plans provide for payments, based on an annualized percentage of average daily net assets, ranging from 0.25% to 1.00% as noted on the next page. In some cases, the board of directors has limited the amounts that may be paid to less than the maximum allowed by the plans. All share classes may use up to 0.25% of average daily net assets to pay service fees, or to compensate AFD for paying service fees, to firms that have entered into agreements with AFD for providing certain shareholder services. The remaining amounts available to be paid under each plan are paid to dealers to compensate them for their sales activities.

For Class A and 529-A, the board of directors has also approved the reimbursement of dealer and wholesaler commissions paid by AFD for certain shares sold without a sales charge. These classes reimburse AFD for amounts billed within the prior 15 months but only to the extent that the overall annual expense limit of 0.25% is not exceeded. As of December 31, 2005, there were no unreimbursed expenses subject to reimbursement for Class A or 529-A.

Share class	Currently approved limits	Plan limits
Class A	0.25%	0.25%
Class 529-A	0.25	0.50
Class B and 529-B	1.00	1.00
Class C, 529-C and R-1	1.00	1.00
Class R-2	0.75	1.00
Class 529-E and R-3	0.50	0.75
Class F, 529-F and R-4	0.25	0.50

Transfer agent services - The fund has a transfer agent agreement with AFS for Class A and B. Under this agreement, these share classes compensate AFS for transfer agent services including shareholder recordkeeping, communications and transaction processing. AFS is also compensated for certain transfer agent services provided to all other share classes from the administrative services fees paid to CRMC described below.

Administrative services - The fund has an administrative services agreement with CRMC to provide transfer agent and other related shareholder services for all share classes other than Class A and B. Each relevant share class pays CRMC annual fees up to 0.15% (0.10% for Class R-5) based on its respective average daily net assets. Each relevant share class also pays AFS additional amounts for certain transfer agent services. CRMC and AFS may use these fees to compensate third parties for performing these services CRMC has agreed to pay AFS on the fund's behalf for a portion of the transfer agent services fees for some of the retirement plan share classes. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the total administrative services fees paid by CRMC were $1,000 and $612,000 for Class R-1 and R-2, respectively. Administrative services fees are presented gross of any payments made by CRMC. Each 529 share class is subject to an additional annual administrative services fee of 0.10% of its respective average daily net assets; this fee is payable to the Commonwealth of Virginia for the maintenance of the CollegeAmerica plan. Although these amounts are included with administrative services fees on the accompanying financial statements, the Commonwealth of Virginia is not considered a related party.

Expenses under the agreements described above for the year ended December 31, 2005, were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Share class	Distribution services	Transfer agent services	Administrative services
Share class	Distribution services	Transfer agent services	CRMC administrative services	Transfer agent services	Commonwealth of Virginia administrative services
Class A	$148,341	$51,707	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
Class B	37,170	3,422	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
Class C	27,689	Included in administrative services	$3,990	$560	Not applicable
Class F	3,115		1,473	193	Not applicable
Class 529-A	1,309		801	92	$719
Class 529-B	1,707		191	69	171
Class 529-C	2,135		239	70	215
Class 529-E	156		35	4	31
Class 529-F	5		7	1	6
Class R-1	260		38	15	Not applicable
Class R-2	3,146		628	1,733	Not applicable
Class R-3	2,907		864	264	Not applicable
Class R-4	456		283	12	Not applicable
Class R-5	Not applicable		1,451	5	Not applicable
Total	$228,396	$55,129	$10,000	$3,018	$1,142

Deferred directors’and advisory board compensation - Since the adoption of the deferred compensation plan in 1993, directors and advisory board members who are unaffiliated with CRMC may elect to defer the cash payment of part or all of their compensation. These deferred amounts, which remain as liabilities of the fund, are treated as if invested in shares of the fund or other American Funds. These amounts represent general, unsecured liabilities of the fund and vary according to the total returns of the selected funds. Directors’ and advisory board compensation of $1,090,000, shown on the accompanying financial statements, includes $826,000 in current fees (either paid in cash or deferred) and a net increase of $264,000 in the value of the deferred amounts.

Affiliated officers and directors - Officers and certain directors of the fund are or may be considered to be affiliated with CRMC, AFS and AFD. No affiliated officers or directors received any compensation directly from the fund.

5. Warrants

As of December 31, 2005, the fund had warrants outstanding which may be exercised at any time for the purchase of 819,437 Class A shares at approximately $5.24 per share. If these warrants had been exercised as of December 31, 2005, the net asset value of Class A shares would have been reduced by $0.01 per share.

6. Capital share transactions

Capital share transactions in the fund were as follows (dollars and shares in thousands):

Share class	Sales⁽¹⁾			Reinvestments of dividends and distributions			Repurchases ⁽¹⁾					Net increase
		Amount	Shares		Amount	Shares		Amount		Shares			Amount	Shares
Year ended December 31, 2005
Class A	$	5,258,845	170,349	$	2,900,935	92,222	$	(7,335,187	)	(236,971	)	$	824,593	25,600
Class B		335,330	10,931		144,393	4,598		(380,598	)	(12,352	)		99,125	3,177
Class C		501,711	16,364		107,001	3,413		(423,938	)	(13,782	)		184,774	5,995
Class F		361,246	11,715		54,903	1,746		(313,924	)	(10,164	)		102,225	3,297
Class 529-A		202,043	6,536		36,316	1,155		(43,353	)	(1,396	)		195,006	6,295
Class 529-B		32,939	1,070		7,011	223		(7,679	)	(248	)		32,271	1,045
Class 529-C		61,312	1,989		8,998	286		(16,443	)	(531	)		53,867	1,744
Class 529-E		8,874	288		1,478	47		(1,771	)	(57	)		8,581	278
Class 529-F		2,796	90		329	10		(754	)	(24	)		2,371	76
Class R-1		15,777	514		1,093	35		(11,805	)	(386	)		5,065	163
Class R-2		181,876	5,909		17,945	571		(90,700	)	(2,940	)		109,121	3,540
Class R-3		255,565	8,290		27,718	882		(122,033	)	(3,948	)		161,250	5,224
Class R-4		140,331	4,569		10,217	325		(38,267	)	(1,234	)		112,281	3,660
Class R-5		216,379	6,989		73,594	2,340		(163,706	)	(5,285	)		126,267	4,044
Total net increase
(decrease)	$	7,575,024	245,603	$	3,391,931	107,853	$	(8,950,158	)	(289,318	)	$	2,016,797	64,138

Year ended December 31, 2004
Class A	$	6,876,973	235,443	$	1,692,780	56,793	$	(6,018,495	)	(205,905	)	$	2,551,258	86,331
Class B		663,196	22,803		72,958	2,443		(285,338	)	(9,809	)		450,816	15,437
Class C		778,916	26,808		50,567	1,695		(282,310	)	(9,711	)		547,173	18,792
Class F		506,063	17,338		29,160	979		(294,487	)	(10,102	)		240,736	8,215
Class 529-A		216,120	7,391		15,351	514		(21,681	)	(738	)		209,790	7,167
Class 529-B		46,827	1,607		2,790	93		(3,475	)	(119	)		46,142	1,581
Class 529-C		67,411	2,309		3,370	112		(7,911	)	(269	)		62,870	2,152
Class 529-E		9,407	323		591	20		(687	)	(24	)		9,311	319
Class 529-F		2,328	79		116	4		(380	)	(13	)		2,064	70
Class R-1		12,156	418		427	14		(4,841	)	(168	)		7,742	264
Class R-2		195,647	6,727		6,804	227		(49,451	)	(1,697	)		153,000	5,257
Class R-3		301,164	10,320		10,669	357		(77,001	)	(2,632	)		234,832	8,045
Class R-4		85,334	2,912		2,690	90		(15,204	)	(520	)		72,820	2,482
Class R-5		193,400	6,618		40,829	1,371		(112,789	)	(3,870	)		121,440	4,119
Total net increase
(decrease)	$	9,954,942	341,096	$	1,929,102	64,712	$	(7,174,050	)	(245,577	)	$	4,709,994	160,231

(1) Includes exchanges between share classes of the fund.

7. Investment transactions

The fund made purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, of $12,509,914,000 and $13,787,323,000, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2005.

Financial highlights	(1)

					Income (loss) from investment operations⁽²⁾							Dividends and distributions
			Net asset value, beginning of period		Net investment income		Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized	)		Total from investment operations		Dividends (from net investment income	)	Distributions (from capital gains	)	Total dividends and distributions			Net asset value, end of period	Total return(3	)		Net assets, end of period (in millions	)			Ratio of expenses to average net assets before reimbursements / waivers				Ratio of expenses to average net assets after reimbursements / waivers		(4	)	Ratio of net income to average net assets
Class A:
Year ended 12/31/2005		$	30.75	$	.64	$	1.46		$	2.10		($0.68	)	($0.81	)	($1.49	)	$	31.36	6.87	%	$	66,959				.57	%			.55	%			2.06	%
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.84		.60		2.19			2.79		(.52	)	(.36	)	(.88	)		30.75	9.78			64,880				.57				.57				2.06
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.48		.54		5.55			6.09		(.52	)	(.21	)	(.73	)		28.84	26.30			58,353				.59				.59				2.14
Year ended 12/31/2002			28.53		.49		(4.56	)		(4.07	)	(.52	)	(.46	)	(.98	)		23.48	(14.47	)		46,129				.59				.59				1.89
Year ended 12/31/2001			31.07		.44		(1.87	)		(1.43	)	(.52	)	(.59	)	(1.11	)		28.53	(4.59	)		54,315				.57				.57				1.49
Class B:
Year ended 12/31/2005			30.64		.39		1.46			1.85		(.44	)	(.81	)	(1.25	)		31.24	6.04			3,853				1.35				1.33				1.28
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.74		.38		2.17			2.55		(.29	)	(.36	)	(.65	)		30.64	8.94			3,683				1.36				1.35				1.29
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.41		.34		5.53			5.87		(.33	)	(.21	)	(.54	)		28.74	25.30			3,011				1.38				1.38				1.33
Year ended 12/31/2002			28.47		.30		(4.57	)		(4.27	)	(.33	)	(.46	)	(.79	)		23.41	(15.18	)		1,841				1.39				1.39				1.18
Year ended 12/31/2001			31.01		.19		(1.83	)		(1.64	)	(.31	)	(.59	)	(.90	)		28.47	(5.30	)		1,302				1.35				1.35				.66
Class C:
Year ended 12/31/2005			30.59		.37		1.45			1.82		(.42	)	(.81	)	(1.23	)		31.18	5.96			2,929				1.42				1.40				1.21
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.70		.36		2.16			2.52		(.27	)	(.36	)	(.63	)		30.59	8.85			2,691				1.43				1.43				1.22
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.38		.31		5.53			5.84		(.31	)	(.21	)	(.52	)		28.70	25.22			1,985				1.45				1.45				1.25
Year ended 12/31/2002			28.44		.30		(4.58	)		(4.28	)	(.32	)	(.46	)	(.78	)		23.38	(15.20	)		1,025				1.45				1.45				1.17
Period from 3/15/2001 to 12/31/2001			29.05		.09		(.14	)		(.05	)	(.21	)	(.35	)	(.56	)		28.44	(.19	)		480				1.52		(5	)	1.52		(5	)	.38		(5	)
Class F:
Year ended 12/31/2005			30.72		.62		1.45			2.07		(.66	)	(.81	)	(1.47	)		31.32	6.77			1,336				.64				.62				1.99
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.81		.58		2.18			2.76		(.49	)	(.36	)	(.85	)		30.72	9.69			1,209				.67				.67				1.99
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.46		.51		5.55			6.06		(.50	)	(.21	)	(.71	)		28.81	26.18			897				.69				.69				2.01
Year ended 12/31/2002			28.52		.49		(4.59	)		(4.10	)	(.50	)	(.46	)	(.96	)		23.46	(14.59	)		415				.70				.70				1.92
Period from 3/15/2001 to 12/31/2001			29.10		.27		(.13	)		.14		(.37	)	(.35	)	(.72	)		28.52	.48			190				.72		(5	)	.72		(5	)	1.17		(5	)
Class 529-A:
Year ended 12/31/2005			30.73		.61		1.45			2.06		(.65	)	(.81	)	(1.46	)		31.33	6.74			835				.67				.65				1.96
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.82		.59		2.17			2.76		(.49	)	(.36	)	(.85	)		30.73	9.68			625				.68				.68				2.00
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.48		.52		5.55			6.07		(.52	)	(.21	)	(.73	)		28.82	26.19			380				.64				.64				2.06
Period from 2/15/2002 to 12/31/2002			27.88		.46		(3.91	)		(3.45	)	(.49	)	(.46	)	(.95	)		23.48	(12.57	)		153				.71		(5	)	.71		(5	)	2.17		(5	)
Class 529-B:
Year ended 12/31/2005			30.67		.35		1.45			1.80		(.39	)	(.81	)	(1.20	)		31.27	5.87			191				1.51				1.49				1.12
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.78		.33		2.16			2.49		(.24	)	(.36	)	(.60	)		30.67	8.69			155				1.56				1.55				1.12
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.45		.28		5.54			5.82		(.28	)	(.21	)	(.49	)		28.78	25.05			100				1.58				1.58				1.12
Period from 2/15/2002 to 12/31/2002			27.88		.28		(3.92	)		(3.64	)	(.33	)	(.46	)	(.79	)		23.45	(13.22	)		41				1.58		(5	)	1.58		(5	)	1.30		(5	)
Class 529-C:
Year ended 12/31/2005			30.68		.35		1.45			1.80		(.40	)	(.81	)	(1.21	)		31.27	5.85			247				1.50				1.48				1.13
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.78		.33		2.17			2.50		(.24	)	(.36	)	(.60	)		30.68	8.74			188				1.55				1.54				1.13
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.45		.29		5.54			5.83		(.29	)	(.21	)	(.50	)		28.78	25.07			115				1.57				1.57				1.13
Period from 2/19/2002 to 12/31/2002			27.47		.28		(3.50	)		(3.22	)	(.34	)	(.46	)	(.80	)		23.45	(11.91	)		45				1.57		(5	)	1.57		(5	)	1.32		(5	)
Class 529-E:
Year ended 12/31/2005			30.68		.51		1.45			1.96		(.55	)	(.81	)	(1.36	)		31.28	6.42			36				.99				.96				1.65
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.78		.48		2.17			2.65		(.39	)	(.36	)	(.75	)		30.68	9.29			27				1.03				1.02				1.65
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.45		.42		5.54			5.96		(.42	)	(.21	)	(.63	)		28.78	25.70			16				1.04				1.04				1.65
Period from 3/1/2002 to 12/31/2002			28.27		.38		(4.52	)		(4.14	)	(.33	)	(.35	)	(.68	)		23.45	(14.72	)		6				1.03		(5	)	1.03		(5	)	1.90		(5	)
Class 529-F:
Year ended 12/31/2005			30.71		.64		1.46			2.10		(.68	)	(.81	)	(1.49	)		31.32	6.87			8				.56				.54				2.07
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.81		.56		2.16			2.72		(.46	)	(.36	)	(.82	)		30.71	9.55			5				.78				.77				1.91
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.47		.48		5.55			6.03		(.48	)	(.21	)	(.69	)		28.81	26.05			3				.79				.79				1.88
Period from 9/16/2002 to 12/31/2002			23.98		.16		(.19	)		(.03	)	(.13	)	(.35	)	(.48	)		23.47	(.14	)		-		(6	)	.23				.23				.68
Class R-1:
Year ended 12/31/2005		$	30.67	$	.38	$	1.44		$	1.82		($0.43	)	($0.81	)	($1.24	)	$	31.25	5.93	%	$	29				1.42	%			1.40	%			1.22	%
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.77		.36		2.17			2.53		(.27	)	(.36	)	(.63	)		30.67	8.84			23				1.47				1.46				1.21
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.46		.31		5.54			5.85		(.33	)	(.21	)	(.54	)		28.77	25.18			14				1.51				1.47				1.18
Period from 6/6/2002 to 12/31/2002			27.27		.20		(3.36	)		(3.16	)	(.30	)	(.35	)	(.65	)		23.46	(11.68	)		1				2.43		(5	)	1.47		(5	)	1.49		(5	)
Class R-2:
Year ended 12/31/2005			30.67		.37		1.45			1.82		(.42	)	(.81	)	(1.23	)		31.26	5.95			479				1.57				1.40				1.21
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.77		.37		2.17			2.54		(.28	)	(.36	)	(.64	)		30.67	8.88			361				1.63				1.42				1.27
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.46		.31		5.54			5.85		(.33	)	(.21	)	(.54	)		28.77	25.18			188				1.76				1.43				1.21
Period from 5/21/2002 to 12/31/2002			28.23		.23		(4.34	)		(4.11	)	(.31	)	(.35	)	(.66	)		23.46	(14.64	)		24				1.57		(5	)	1.43		(5	)	1.61		(5	)
Class R-3:
Year ended 12/31/2005			30.71		.52		1.45			1.97		(.57	)	(.81	)	(1.38	)		31.30	6.43			666				.95				.93				1.68
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.80		.50		2.17			2.67		(.40	)	(.36	)	(.76	)		30.71	9.34			493				.99				.98				1.72
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.47		.41		5.55			5.96		(.42	)	(.21	)	(.63	)		28.80	25.70			231				1.06				1.05				1.60
Period from 6/4/2002 to 12/31/2002			27.58		.27		(3.69	)		(3.42	)	(.34	)	(.35	)	(.69	)		23.47	(12.49	)		24				1.11		(5	)	1.05		(5	)	2.00		(5	)
Class R-4:
Year ended 12/31/2005			30.72		.62		1.45			2.07		(.66	)	(.81	)	(1.47	)		31.32	6.77			236				.65				.63				1.99
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.82		.60		2.16			2.76		(.50	)	(.36	)	(.86	)		30.72	9.67			119				.67				.66				2.05
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.47		.51		5.55			6.06		(.50	)	(.21	)	(.71	)		28.82	26.19			40				.68				.68				2.00
Period from 5/28/2002 to 12/31/2002			28.22		.32		(4.33	)		(4.01	)	(.39	)	(.35	)	(.74	)		23.47	(14.31	)		9				.73		(5	)	.69		(5	)	2.25		(5	)
Class R-5:
Year ended 12/31/2005			30.75		.70		1.46			2.16		(.75	)	(.81	)	(1.56	)		31.35	7.06			1,562				.36				.34				2.28
Year ended 12/31/2004			28.84		.67		2.18			2.85		(.58	)	(.36	)	(.94	)		30.75	10.02			1,408				.36				.35				2.28
Year ended 12/31/2003			23.48		.56		5.59			6.15		(.58	)	(.21	)	(.79	)		28.84	26.58			1,201				.36				.36				2.11
Period from 5/15/2002 to 12/31/2002			28.37		.39		(4.50	)		(4.11	)	(.43	)	(.35	)	(.78	)		23.48	(14.59	)		48				.37		(5	)	.37		(5	)	2.56		(5	)

	Year ended December 31
		2005		2004		2003		2002		2001
Portfolio turnover rate for all classes of shares		19	%	19	%	24	%	27	%	22	%

(1) Based on operations for the period shown (unless otherwise noted) and, accordingly, may not be representative of a full year.

(2) Based on average shares outstanding.

(3) Total returns exclude all sales charges, including contingent deferred sales charges.

(4) The ratios in this column reflect the impact, if any, of certain reimbursements/waivers from CRMC. During some of the periods shown, CRMC reduced fees for

investment advisory services for all share classes. In addition during the start-up period for the retirement plan share classes (except Class R-5), CRMC agreed to

pay a portion of the fees related to transfer agent services.

(5) Annualized.

(6) Amount less than $1 million.

See Notes to Financial Statements

Report of independent registered public accounting firm

To the board of directors and shareholders of The Investment Company of America:

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the summary investment portfolio, and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Investment Company of America (the "Fund") at December 31, 2005, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (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 the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 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 December 31, 2005 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Los Angeles, California

February 1, 2006

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. The information below is provided for the fund’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.

During the fiscal year ended, the fund paid a long-term capital gain distribution of $2,159,370,000. A portion of this amount was distributed to shareholders in redemption of their shares.

The fund designates all of the dividends paid by the fund as qualified dividend income.

Corporate shareholders may exclude up to 70% of qualifying dividends. The fund designates $1,223,111,000 of dividends received as qualified dividend income.

For state tax purposes, certain states may exempt from income taxation that portion of the income dividends paid by the fund that were derived from direct U.S. government obligations. The fund designates $88,603,000 as interest derived on direct U.S. government obligations.

Individual shareholders should refer to their Form 1099-DIV or other tax information, which was mailed in January 2006, to determine the calendar year amounts to be included on their 2005 tax returns. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers.

<PAGE>





[logo - American Funds/(R)/]                     The right choice for the long term/(R)/




The Investment
Company of America/(R)/




RETIREMENT PLAN
PROSPECTUS




March 1, 2006







TABLE OF CONTENTS

 1    Risk/Return summary
 4    Fees and expenses of the fund
 6    Investment objectives, strategies and risks
 9    Management and organization
13    Purchase, exchange and sale of shares
16    Sales charges
18    Sales charge reductions
19    Rollovers from retirement plans to IRAs
20    Plans of distribution
20    Other compensation to dealers
21    Distributions and taxes
22    Financial highlights




 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.



<PAGE>


[This page was intentionally left blank.]


<PAGE>

Risk/Return summary

The fund seeks to make your investment grow and provide you with income over
time by investing primarily in common stocks that offer growth and dividend
potential.

The fund is designed for investors seeking both capital appreciation and income.
 Your investment in the fund is subject to risks, including the possibility that
the fund's income and the value of its portfolio holdings may fluctuate in
response to events specific to the companies in which the fund invests, as well
as economic, political or social events in the United States or abroad.

The fund's investments are limited to securities of companies that are included
on its eligible list. Changes to the eligible list are reviewed and authorized
by the fund's board of directors at the recommendation of Capital Research and
Management Company, the fund's investment adviser.


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 MAY BE
GREATER IF YOU INVEST FOR A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME.



                                       1

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

HISTORICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS

The bar chart below shows how the fund's investment results have varied from
year to year, and the Investment Results table on page 3 shows how the fund's
average annual total returns for various periods compare with different broad
measures of market performance. This information provides some indication of the
risks of investing in the fund. All fund results reflect the reinvestment of
dividends and capital gain distributions, if any. Unless otherwise noted, fund
results reflect any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements in effect during
the period presented. Past results are not predictive of future results.



CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS FOR CLASS A SHARES

(Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included,
 results would be lower.)

[begin bar chart]

1996            19.35
1997            29.81
1998            22.93
1999            16.55
2000             3.84
2001            -4.59
2002           -14.47
2003            26.30
2004             9.78
2005             6.87

[end bar chart]




Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this time period were:




HIGHEST            17.34%  (quarter ended December 31, 1998)
LOWEST            -14.51%  (quarter ended September 30, 2002)






                                       2

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>


Unlike the bar chart on the previous page, the Investment Results table below
reflects, as required by Securities and Exchange Commission rules, the fund's
investment results with the following maximum initial sales charge imposed:


 . Class A share results reflect the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. This
   charge is reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more and eliminated for
   purchases of $1 million or more.

 . Class R shares are sold without any initial sales charge.

Results would be higher if calculated without a sales charge.

Unlike the Investment Results table below, the Additional Investment Results
table on page 7 reflects the fund's results calculated without a sales charge.

 INVESTMENT RESULTS (WITH A MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE)
 AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
                                   1 YEAR  5 YEARS  10 YEARS   LIFETIME/1/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

 CLASS A -- FIRST SOLD 1/1/34      0.71%    2.65%    10.14%      12.77%



                                   1 YEAR   LIFETIME/1/
--------------------------------------------------------

 CLASS R-1 -- FIRST SOLD 6/6/02    5.93%       7.04%
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-2 -- FIRST SOLD 5/21/02   5.95        5.96
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-3 -- FIRST SOLD 6/4/02    6.43        7.15
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-4 -- FIRST SOLD 5/28/02   6.77        6.78
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-5 -- FIRST SOLD 5/15/02   7.06        6.89



                                   1 YEAR   5 YEARS   10 YEARS    LIFETIME/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 INDEXES
 S&P 500/2/                         4.91%    0.54%      9.07%        11.27%
 Lipper Growth and Income Funds     6.82     2.92       8.47           N/A
  Index/3/
 Class A annualized 30-day yield at December 31, 2005: 2.00%/4/
 (For current yield information, please call American FundsLine at 800/325-3590.)




/1/  Lifetime results for each share class are measured from the date the share
     class was first sold. Lifetime results for the index(es) shown are measured
     from the date Class A shares were first sold.
/2/  Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted
     index based on the average weighted performance of 500 widely held common
     stocks. This index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends and/or
     distributions, but does not reflect sales charges, commissions, expenses or
     taxes.
/3/  Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds
     that combine a growth-of-earnings orientation and an income requirement for
     level and/or rising dividends. The results of the underlying funds in the index
     include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, as well
     as brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do
     not reflect sales charges or taxes. This index was not in existence as of the
     date the fund became available; therefore, lifetime results are not shown.
/4/  Reflects a fee waiver (1.98% without the waiver) as described in the Annual
     Fund Operating Expenses table under "Fees and expenses of the fund."



                                       3

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Fees and expenses of the fund

These tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.



 SHAREHOLDER FEES (PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
                                               CLASS A    ALL R SHARE CLASSES
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Maximum initial sales charge on purchases      5.75%/*/         none
 (as a percentage of offering price)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Maximum sales charge on reinvested dividends    none            none
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Maximum contingent deferred sales charge        none            none
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Redemption or exchange fees                     none            none



* The initial sales charge is reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more and
 eliminated for purchases of $1 million or more.


 ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS)
                                            CLASS  CLASS  CLASS  CLASS   CLASS
                                   CLASS A   R-1    R-2    R-3    R-4     R-5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Management fees/1/                 0.24%   0.24%  0.24%  0.24%  0.24%   0.24%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Distribution and/or service        0.23    0.96   0.75   0.50   0.24    none
 (12b-1) fees/2/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Other expenses                     0.10    0.22   0.58   0.21   0.17    0.12
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total annual fund operating        0.57    1.42   1.57   0.95   0.65    0.36
 expenses/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------



/1/  The fund's investment adviser began waiving 5% of its management fees on
     September 1, 2004. Beginning April 1, 2005, this waiver increased to 10% and is
     expected to continue at this level until further review. In addition, the
     investment adviser paid a portion of the fund's transfer agent fees for certain
     R share classes. Total annual fund operating expenses do not reflect any waiver
     or reimbursement. Information regarding the effect of any waiver/reimbursement
     on total annual fund operating expenses can be found in the Financial
     Highlights table and the audited financial statements in the fund's annual
     report.
/2/  Class A, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 12b-1 fees may not exceed .25%, 1.00%, 1.00%,
     .75% and .50%, respectively, of the class' average net assets annually.



                                       4

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

OTHER EXPENSES

The "Other expenses" items in the table above include custodial, legal, transfer
agent and subtransfer agent/recordkeeping payments, as well as various other
expenses. Subtransfer agent/recordkeeping payments may be made to third parties
(including affiliates of the fund's investment adviser) that provide
recordkeeping and other administrative services to retirement plans invested in
the fund in lieu of the transfer agent providing such services. The amount paid
for subtransfer agent/recordkeeping services will vary depending on the share
class selected and the entity receiving the payments. The table below shows the
maximum payments to affiliated and unaffiliated entities of the fund's
investment adviser providing services to retirement plans.




                PAYMENTS TO AFFILIATED       PAYMENTS TO UNAFFILIATED ENTITIES
                       ENTITIES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Class A          .05% of assets or                  .05% of assets or
            $12 per participant position*      $12 per participant position*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-1          .10% of assets                     .10% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-2   $27 per participant position              .25% of assets
                 plus .15% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-3   $12 per participant position              .15% of assets
                 plus .10% of assets
 Class R-4          .10% of assets                     .10% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-5          .05% of assets                     .05% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------



* Payment amount depends on the date upon which services commenced.

EXAMPLES

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, that all dividends and capital gain
distributions are reinvested, and that the fund's operating expenses remain the
same as shown above. The examples do not reflect the impact of any fee waivers
or expense reimbursements.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions,
your cumulative estimated expenses would be:




                                1 YEAR  3 YEARS  5 YEARS   10 YEARS
--------------------------------------------------------------------

 Class A*                        $630    $747     $875      $1,248
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-1                        145     449      776       1,702
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-2                        160     496      855       1,867
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-3                         97     303      525       1,166
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-4                         66     208      362         810
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-5                         37     116      202         456
--------------------------------------------------------------------



* Reflects the maximum initial sales charge in the first year.


                                       5

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Investment objectives, strategies and risks

The fund's investment objectives are to achieve long-term growth of capital and
income. The fund strives to accomplish these objectives through extensive U.S.
and global research, careful selection and broad diversification. In the
selection of securities for investment, potential for capital appreciation and
future dividends are given more weight than current yield. The fund invests
primarily in common stocks. The fund's investments are limited to securities of
companies that are included on its eligible list, which consists of securities
deemed suitable by the fund's investment adviser in light of the fund's
investment objectives and policies. Securities are added to, or deleted from,
the eligible list by the board of directors, after reviewing and acting upon the
recommendations of the investment adviser.

The prices of and the income generated by securities held by the fund may
decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the
companies whose securities are owned by the fund; conditions affecting the
general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political,
social or economic instability; and currency and interest rate fluctuations.


The fund may invest up to 15% of its assets, at the time of purchase, in
securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States and not included in
Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index. Investments in securities issued by
entities based outside the United States may be subject to the risks described
above to a greater extent and may also be affected by currency controls;
different accounting, auditing, financial reporting and legal standards and
practices in some countries; expropriation changes in tax policy; greater market
volatility; differing securities market structures; higher transaction costs;
and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and settling
portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends.

The fund may also hold cash or money market instruments. The percentage of the
fund invested in such holdings varies and depends on various factors, including
market conditions and purchases and redemptions of fund shares. A larger
percentage of such holdings could moderate the fund's investment results in a
period of rising market prices; conversely, it could reduce the magnitude of the
fund's loss in the event of falling market prices and provide liquidity to make
additional investments or to meet redemptions.

The fund relies on the professional judgment of its investment adviser to make
decisions about the fund's portfolio investments. The basic investment
philosophy of the investment adviser is to seek to invest in attractively valued
companies that, in its opinion, represent above-average long-term investment
opportunities. The investment adviser believes that an important way to
accomplish this is through fundamental analysis, which may include meeting with
company executives and employees, suppliers, customers and competitors.
Securities may be sold when the investment adviser believes that they no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities.



                                       6

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

OTHER IMPORTANT INVESTMENT PRACTICES

In addition to the principal investment strategies described above, the fund has
other investment practices that are described in this prospectus and in the
statement of additional information.

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESULTS

Unlike the Investment Results table on page 3, the table below reflects the
fund's results calculated without a sales charge.


 ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESULTS (WITHOUT A SALES CHARGE)
 AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
                                   1 YEAR  5 YEARS  10 YEARS   LIFETIME/1/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

 CLASS A -- FIRST SOLD 1/1/34      6.87%    3.87%    10.80%      12.87%



                                   1 YEAR   LIFETIME/1/
--------------------------------------------------------

 CLASS R-1 -- FIRST SOLD 6/6/02    5.93%       7.04%
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-2 -- FIRST SOLD 5/21/02   5.95        5.96
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-3 -- FIRST SOLD 6/4/02    6.43        7.15
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-4 -- FIRST SOLD 5/28/02   6.77        6.78
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-5 -- FIRST SOLD 5/15/02   7.06        6.89



                            1 YEAR     5 YEARS     10 YEARS      LIFETIME/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 INDEXES
 S&P 500/2/                  4.91%      0.54%        9.07%          11.27%
 Lipper Growth and Income    6.82       2.92         8.47             N/A
  Funds Index/3/
 Class A distribution rate at December 31, 2005: 2.11%/4/
 (For current distribution rate information, please call American FundsLine at 800/325-3590.)




/1/  Lifetime results for each share class are measured from the date the share
     class was first sold. Lifetime results for the index(es) shown are measured
     from the date Class A shares were first sold.
/2/  Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted
     index based on the average weighted performance of 500 widely held common
     stocks. This index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends and/or
     distributions, but does not reflect sales charges, commissions, expenses or
     taxes.
/3/  Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds
     that combine a growth-of-earnings orientation and an income requirement for
     level and/or rising dividends. The results of the underlying funds in the index
     include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, as well
     as brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do
     not reflect sales charges or taxes. This index was not in existence as of the
     date the fund became available; therefore, lifetime results are not shown.

/4/  The distribution rate is based on actual distributions paid to shareholders
     over a 12-month period. Capital gain distributions, if any, are added back to
     the net asset value to determine the rate.


                                       7

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>


INDUSTRY SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2005 (percent of net assets)

[begin pie chart]

Industrials                                                  11.65%
Financials                                                   11.51%
Energy                                                       11.25%
Consumer staples                                              9.68%
Consumer discretionary                                        9.67%
Bond & notes                                                  0.66%
Convertible securities                                        0.26%
Other industries                                             30.69%
Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities        14.63%

[end pie chart]





Because the fund is actively managed, its holdings will change over time.

For updated information on the fund's portfolio holdings, please visit us at
americanfunds.com.


                                       8

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

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 the American Funds. Capital Research and Management Company is
a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. and is located at
333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California 90071, and 135 South State
College Boulevard, Brea, California 92821. 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 in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table
under "Fees and expenses of the fund." A discussion regarding the basis for the
approval of the fund's investment advisory and service agreement by the fund's
board of directors is contained in the fund's semi-annual report to shareholders
for the period ended June 30, 2005.


EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

The investment adviser places orders with broker-dealers for the fund's
portfolio transactions. The investment adviser strives to obtain best execution
for the fund's portfolio transactions, taking into account a variety of factors
to produce the most favorable total price reasonably attainable under the
circumstances. These factors include the size and type of transaction, the cost
and quality of executions, and the broker-dealer's ability to offer liquidity
and anonymity. For example, with respect to equity transactions, the fund does
not consider the investment adviser as having an obligation to obtain the lowest
available commission rate to the exclusion of price, service and qualitative
considerations. Subject to the considerations outlined above, the investment
adviser may place orders for the fund's portfolio transactions with
broker-dealers who have sold shares of funds managed by the investment adviser,
or who have provided investment research, statistical or other related services
to the investment adviser. In placing orders for the fund's portfolio
transactions, the investment adviser does not commit to any specific amount of
business with any particular broker-dealer. Subject to best execution, the
investment adviser may consider investment research, statistical or other
related services provided to the adviser in placing orders for the fund's
portfolio transactions. However, when the investment adviser places orders for
the fund's portfolio transactions, it does not give any consideration to whether
a broker-dealer has sold shares of the funds managed by the investment adviser.


PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

Portfolio holdings information for the fund is available on the American Funds
website at americanfunds.com. To reach this information, access the lower
portion of the fund's details page on the website. A list of the fund's top 10
equity holdings updated as of each month-end is generally posted to this page
within 14 days after the end of the applicable



                                       9

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

month. A link to the fund's complete list of publicly disclosed portfolio
holdings updated as of each calendar quarter-end is generally posted to this
page within 45 days after the end of the applicable quarter. Both lists remain
available on the website until new information for the next month or quarter is
posted. Portfolio holdings information for the fund is also contained in reports
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A description of the fund's policies and procedures regarding disclosure of
information about its portfolio holdings is available in the statement of
additional information.

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. In addition, Capital
Research and Management Company's investment analysts may make investment
decisions with respect to a portion of a fund's portfolio. Investment decisions
are subject to a fund's objective(s), policies and restrictions and the
oversight of Capital Research and Management Company's investment committee.

The primary individual portfolio counselors for The Investment Company of
America are:



                                              PRIMARY TITLE WITH         PORTFOLIO
                             PORTFOLIO        INVESTMENT ADVISER         COUNSELOR'S
 PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR/        COUNSELOR        (OR AFFILIATE)             ROLE IN
 FUND TITLE                  EXPERIENCE       AND INVESTMENT             MANAGEMENT
 (IF APPLICABLE)            IN THIS FUND      EXPERIENCE                 OF THE FUND
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 R. MICHAEL SHANAHAN          15 years        Chairman of the Board,     Serves as an equity
 Vice Chairman of the     (plus 7 years of    Capital Research and       portfolio counselor
 Board                    prior experience    Management Company
                               as an
                         investment analyst   Investment professional
                           for the fund)      for 41 years, all with
                                              Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 JAMES F. ROTHENBERG          12 years        President and Director,    Serves as an equity
 President                (plus 9 years of    Capital Research and       portfolio counselor
                          prior experience    Management Company
                               as an
                         investment analyst   Investment professional
                           for the fund)      for 36 years, all with
                                              Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       10

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>


                                              PRIMARY TITLE WITH         PORTFOLIO
                             PORTFOLIO        INVESTMENT ADVISER         COUNSELOR'S
 PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR/        COUNSELOR        (OR AFFILIATE)             ROLE IN
 FUND TITLE                  EXPERIENCE       AND INVESTMENT             MANAGEMENT
 (IF APPLICABLE)            IN THIS FUND      EXPERIENCE                 OF THE FUND
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 JAMES B. LOVELACE            14 years        Senior Vice President      Serves as an equity
 Senior Vice President    (plus 3 years of    and Director, Capital      portfolio counselor
 and Director             prior experience    Research and Management
                               as an          Company
                         investment analyst
                           for the fund)      Investment professional
                                              for 24 years, all with
                                              Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 DONALD D. O'NEAL             14 years        Senior Vice President,     Serves as an equity
 Senior Vice President    (plus 4 years of    Capital Research and       portfolio counselor
 and Director             prior experience    Management Company
                               as an
                         investment analyst   Investment professional
                           for the fund)      for 21 years, all with
                                              Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 GREGG E. IRELAND             14 years        Senior Vice President,     Serves as an equity
 Senior Vice President    (plus 9 years of    Capital Research and       portfolio counselor
                          prior experience    Management Company
                               as an
                         investment analyst   Investment professional
                           for the fund)      for 33 years, all with
                                              Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 JOYCE E. GORDON              5 years         Senior Vice President      Serves as an equity
 Vice President          (plus 12 years of    and Director, Capital      portfolio counselor
                          prior experience    Research and Management
                               as an          Company
                         investment analyst
                           for the fund)      Investment professional
                                              for 26 years, all with
                                              Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      11

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>


                                              PRIMARY TITLE WITH         PORTFOLIO
                             PORTFOLIO        INVESTMENT ADVISER         COUNSELOR'S
 PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR/        COUNSELOR        (OR AFFILIATE)             ROLE IN
 FUND TITLE                  EXPERIENCE       AND INVESTMENT             MANAGEMENT
 (IF APPLICABLE)            IN THIS FUND      EXPERIENCE                 OF THE FUND
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 JAMES E. DRASDO              19 years        Senior Vice President      Serves as an equity
                          (plus 9 years of    and Director, Capital      portfolio counselor
                          prior experience    Research and Management
                               as an          Company
                         investment analyst
                           for the fund)      Investment professional
                                              for 34 years in total;
                                              29 years with Capital
                                              Research and Management
                                              Company or affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 J. DALE HARVEY           less than 1 year    Vice President, Capital    Serves as an equity
                                              Research and Management    portfolio counselor
                                              Company

                                              Investment professional
                                              for 17 years in total;
                                              15 years with Capital
                                              Research and Management
                                              Company or affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 C. ROSS SAPPENFIELD          6 years         Vice President, Capital    Serves as an equity
                          (plus 6 years of    Research Company           portfolio counselor
                          prior experience
                               as an          Investment professional
                         investment analyst   for 14 years, all with
                           for the fund)      Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Information regarding the portfolio counselors' compensation, their ownership of
securities in the fund and other accounts they manage can be found in the
statement of additional information.

CERTAIN PRIVILEGES AND/OR SERVICES DESCRIBED ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES OF THIS
PROSPECTUS AND IN THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE
TO YOU DEPENDING ON YOUR INVESTMENT DEALER OR RETIREMENT PLAN RECORDKEEPER.
PLEASE SEE YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER, INVESTMENT DEALER OR PLAN RECORDKEEPER FOR
MORE INFORMATION.



                                       12

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Purchase, exchange and sale of shares

AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY, THE FUND'S TRANSFER AGENT, ON BEHALF OF THE FUND
AND AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, THE FUND'S DISTRIBUTOR, IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO
OBTAIN CERTAIN PERSONAL INFORMATION FROM YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON(S) ACTING ON
YOUR BEHALF IN ORDER TO VERIFY YOUR OR SUCH PERSON'S IDENTITY. IF YOU DO NOT
PROVIDE THE INFORMATION, THE TRANSFER AGENT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN YOUR
ACCOUNT. IF THE TRANSFER AGENT IS UNABLE TO VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY OR THAT OF ANY
OTHER PERSON(S) AUTHORIZED TO ACT ON YOUR BEHALF, OR BELIEVES IT HAS IDENTIFIED
POTENTIALLY CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, THE FUND AND AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS RESERVE
THE RIGHT TO CLOSE YOUR ACCOUNT OR TAKE SUCH OTHER ACTION THEY DEEM REASONABLE
OR REQUIRED BY LAW.


PURCHASES AND EXCHANGES

Eligible retirement plans generally may open an account and purchase Class A or
R 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. Some or all R share classes may not be available through certain
investment dealers. Additional shares may be purchased through a plan's
administrator or recordkeeper.

Class A shares are generally not available for retirement plans using the
PlanPremier/(R)/ or Recordkeeper Direct/(R)/ recordkeeping programs.

Class R shares generally are available only to 401(k) plans, 457 plans,
employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension
plans, defined benefit plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. Class
R shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level
or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the fund. In addition, Class R-5
shares generally are available only to retirement plans with $1 million or more
in plan assets. Class R shares generally are not available to retail
nonretirement accounts, Traditional and Roth Individual Retirement Accounts
(IRAs), Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs,
individual 403(b) plans and 529 college savings plans such as
CollegeAmerica./(R)/


Shares of the fund offered through this prospectus generally may be exchanged
into shares of the same class of other American Funds. Exchanges of Class A
shares from American Funds money market funds purchased without a sales charge
generally will be subject to the appropriate sales charge.


                                       13

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

FREQUENT TRADING OF FUND SHARES

The fund and American Funds Distributors reserve the right to reject any
purchase order for any reason. The fund is not designed to serve as a vehicle
for frequent trading in response to short-term fluctuations in the securities
markets. Accordingly, purchases, including those that are part of exchange
activity, that the fund or American Funds Distributors has determined could
involve actual or potential harm to the fund may be rejected. Frequent trading
of fund shares may lead to increased costs to the fund and less efficient
management of the fund's portfolio, resulting in dilution of the value of the
shares held by long-term shareholders.

The fund's board of directors has adopted policies and procedures with respect
to frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares. Under the fund's "purchase
blocking policy," any shareholder redeeming shares (including redemptions that
are part of an exchange transaction) having a value of $5,000 or more from the
fund will be precluded from investing in the fund (including investments that
are part of an exchange transaction) for 30 calendar days after the redemption
transaction. This prohibition will not apply to redemptions by shareholders
whose shares are held on the books of third-party intermediaries that have not
adopted procedures to implement this policy. American Funds Service Company will
work with intermediaries to develop such procedures or other procedures that
American Funds Service Company determines are reasonably designed to achieve the
objective of the purchase blocking policy. At the time the intermediaries adopt
these procedures, shareholders whose accounts are on the books of such
intermediaries will be subject to this purchase blocking policy or another
frequent trading policy that achieves the objective of the purchase blocking
policy. There is no guarantee that all instances of frequent trading in fund
shares will be prevented.

Under the fund's purchase blocking policy, certain purchases will not be
prevented and certain redemptions will not trigger a purchase block, such as:
systematic redemptions and purchases where the entity maintaining the
shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as a systematic
redemption or purchase; purchases and redemptions of shares having a value of
less than $5,000; retirement plan contributions, loans and distributions
(including hardship withdrawals) identified as such on the retirement plan
recordkeeper's system; and purchase transactions involving transfers of assets,
rollovers, Roth IRA conversions and IRA recharacterizations, where the entity
maintaining the shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as one
of these types of transactions. The statement of additional information contains
more information about how American Funds Service Company may address other
potentially abusive trading activity in the American Funds.



                                       14

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

SALES

Please contact your plan administrator or recordkeeper in order to sell shares
from your retirement plan.

If you notify American Funds Service Company, you may reinvest proceeds from a
redemption, dividend payment or capital gain distribution without a sales charge
in the same fund or other American Funds within 90 days after the date of the
redemption or distribution. Proceeds will be reinvested in the same share class
from which the original redemption or distribution was made. Redemption proceeds
of Class A shares representing direct purchases in American Funds money market
funds that are reinvested in non-money market American 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 American Funds Service
Company. You may not reinvest proceeds in the American Funds as described in
this paragraph if such proceeds are subject to a purchase block as described
under "Frequent trading of fund shares." This paragraph does not apply to
rollover investments as described under "Rollovers from retirement plans to
IRAs."


VALUING SHARES

The net asset value of each share class of the fund is the value of a single
share. The fund calculates the net asset value each day the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading as of approximately 4:00 p.m. New York time, the
normal close of regular trading. Assets are valued primarily on the basis of
market quotations. However, the fund has adopted procedures for making "fair
value" determinations if market quotations are not readily available or are not
considered reliable. Use of these procedures is intended to result in more
appropriate net asset values.

Because the fund may hold securities that are primarily listed on foreign
exchanges that trade on weekends or days when the fund does not price its
shares, the value of securities held in the fund may change on days when you
will not be able to purchase or redeem fund shares.


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.


                                       15

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Sales charges

CLASS A SHARES

The initial sales charge you pay each time you buy Class A shares differs
depending upon the amount you invest and may be reduced or eliminated for larger
purchases as indicated below. The "offering price," the price you pay to buy
shares, includes any applicable sales charge, which will be deducted directly
from your investment. Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or
capital gain distributions are not subject to an initial sales charge.



                              SALES CHARGE AS A
                                         PERCENTAGE OF:
                                                                 DEALER
                                                   NET         COMMISSION
                                       OFFERING   AMOUNT     AS A PERCENTAGE
 INVESTMENT                             PRICE    INVESTED   OF OFFERING PRICE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Less than $25,000                      5.75%     6.10%           5.00%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $25,000 but less than $50,000          5.00      5.26            4.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $50,000 but less than $100,000         4.50      4.71            3.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $100,000 but less than $250,000        3.50      3.63            2.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $250,000 but less than $500,000        2.50      2.56            2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $500,000 but less than $750,000        2.00      2.04            1.60
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $750,000 but less than $1 million      1.50      1.52            1.20
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $1 million or more and certain other   none      none      see below
 investments described below
------------------------------------------------------------------------------



The sales charge, expressed as a percentage of the offering price or the net
amount invested, may be higher or lower than the percentages described in the
table above due to rounding. This is because the dollar amount of the sales
charge is determined by subtracting the net asset value of the shares purchased
from the offering price, which is calculated to two decimal places using
standard rounding criteria. The impact of rounding will vary with the size of
the investment and the net asset value of the shares.

CLASS A PURCHASES NOT SUBJECT TO SALES CHARGES
The following investments are not subject to any initial or contingent deferred
sales charge if American Funds Service Company is properly notified of the
nature of the investment:

. investments made by accounts that are part of certain qualified fee-based
  programs and that purchased Class A shares before March 15, 2001; and

. certain rollover investments from retirement plans to IRAs (see "Rollovers
  from retirement plans to IRAs" below for more information).



                                       16

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

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 plans of distribution (see "Plans of distribution" below).

Certain other investors may qualify to purchase shares without a sales charge,
such as employees of investment dealers and registered investment advisers
authorized to sell American Funds, and employees of The Capital Group Companies.
Please see the statement of additional information for more information.

 EMPLOYER-SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLANS

 Employer-sponsored retirement plans not currently invested in Class A shares
 and wishing to invest without a sales charge are not eligible to purchase Class
 A shares. Such plans may invest only in Class R shares.

 Provided that the plan's recordkeeper can properly apply a sales charge on the
 plan's investments, an employer-sponsored retirement plan not currently
 invested in Class A shares and wishing to invest less than $1 million may
 invest in Class A shares, but the purchase of these shares will be subject to
 the applicable sales charge. An employer-sponsored retirement plan that
 purchases Class A shares with a sales charge will be eligible to purchase
 additional Class A shares in accordance with the sales charge table above. If
 the recordkeeper cannot properly apply a sales charge on the plan's
 investments, then the plan may invest only in Class R shares.

 Employer-sponsored retirement plans not currently invested in Class A shares,
 or that are currently investing in Class A shares with a sales charge, are not
 eligible to establish a statement of intention that qualifies them to purchase
 Class A shares without a sales charge. More information about statements of
 intention can be found under "Sales charge reductions."

 Employer-sponsored retirement plans that invested in Class A shares without any
 sales charge on or before March 31, 2004, and that continue to meet the
 eligibility requirements in effect as of that date for purchasing Class A
 shares at net asset value, may continue to purchase Class A shares without any
 initial or contingent deferred sales charge.


CLASS R SHARES

Class R shares are sold without any initial or contingent deferred sales charge.
The distributor will pay dealers annually an asset-based compensation of 1.00%
for sales of Class R-1 shares, .75% for Class R-2 shares, .50% for Class R-3
shares and .25% for Class R-4 shares. No dealer compensation is paid on sales of
Class R-5 shares. The fund may reimburse the distributor for these payments
through its plans of distribution (see "Plans of distribution" below).


                                       17

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Sales charge reductions

TO RECEIVE A REDUCTION IN YOUR CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGE, YOU MUST LET YOUR
FINANCIAL ADVISER OR AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY KNOW AT THE TIME YOU
PURCHASE SHARES THAT YOU QUALIFY FOR SUCH A REDUCTION. IF YOU DO NOT LET YOUR
ADVISER OR AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY KNOW THAT YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A
REDUCTION, YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE A SALES CHARGE DISCOUNT TO WHICH YOU ARE
OTHERWISE ENTITLED. In order to determine your eligibility to receive a sales
charge discount, it may be necessary for you to provide your adviser or American
Funds Service Company with information and records (including account
statements) of all relevant accounts invested in the American Funds.

REDUCING YOUR CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGE

Consistent with the policies described in this prospectus, two or more
retirement plans of an employer or employer's affiliates may combine all of
their American Funds investments to reduce their Class A sales charge. However,
for this purpose, investments representing direct purchases of American Funds
money market funds are excluded.

 CONCURRENT PURCHASES

 Simultaneous purchases of any class of shares of two or more American Funds may
 be combined to qualify for a reduced Class A sales charge.

 RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION

 You may take into account your accumulated holdings in all share classes of the
 American Funds to determine the initial sales charge you pay on each purchase
 of Class A shares. Subject to your investment dealer's or recordkeeper's
 capabilities, your accumulated holdings will be calculated as the higher of (a)
 the current value of your existing holdings or (b) the amount you invested
 (excluding capital appreciation) less any withdrawals. Please see the statement
 of additional information for details. You should retain any records necessary
 to substantiate the historical amounts you have invested. The current value of
 existing investments in an American Legacy/(R)/ Retirement Investment Plan may
 also be taken into account to determine your Class A sales charge.


 STATEMENT OF INTENTION

 You may reduce your Class A sales charge by establishing a statement of
 intention. A statement of intention allows all American Funds non-money market
 fund purchases of all share classes intended to be made over a 13-month period
 to be combined in order to determine the applicable sales charge; however,
 investments made under a right of reinvestment, appreciation of your
 investment, and reinvested dividends and capital gains do not apply toward
 these combined purchases. At the request of a plan, purchases made during the
 previous 90 days may be included. A portion of the account may be held in
 escrow to cover additional Class A sales charges that may be due if total
 investments over the 13-month period do not qualify for the applicable sales
 charge



                                       18

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

 reduction. Employer-sponsored retirement plans may be restricted from
 establishing statements of intention. See "Sales charges" above for more
 information.


RIGHT OF REINVESTMENT

Please see the "Sales" section of "Purchase, exchange and sale of shares" above
for information on how to reinvest proceeds from a redemption, dividend payment
or capital gain distribution without a sales charge.

YOU MAY OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS THROUGH A LINK ON
THE HOME PAGE OF THE AMERICAN FUNDS WEBSITE AT AMERICANFUNDS.COM, FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR FROM YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER.

Rollovers from retirement plans to IRAs

Assets from retirement plans may be invested in Class A, B, C or F shares
through an IRA rollover. More information on Class B, C and F shares can be
found in the fund's prospectus for non-retirement plan shareholders. Rollovers
invested in Class A shares from retirement plans will be subject to applicable
sales charges. The following rollovers to Class A shares will be made without a
sales charge:

. rollovers to IRAs from 403(b) plans with Capital Bank and Trust Company as
  custodian; and

. rollovers to IRAs that are attributable to American Funds investments, if they
  meet all of the following three requirements:

  -- the retirement plan from which assets are being rolled over is part of an
     American Funds proprietary retirement plan program (such as PlanPremier,
     Recordkeeper Direct or Recordkeeper Connect/(R)/) or is a plan whose
     participant subaccounts are serviced by American Funds Service Company;

  -- the plan's assets were invested in American Funds at the time of
     distribution; and

  -- the plan's assets are rolled over to an American Funds IRA with Capital Bank
     and Trust Company as custodian.

IRA rollover assets that roll over without a sales charge as described above
will not be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and investment dealers
will be compensated solely with an annual service fee that begins to accrue
immediately. IRA rollover assets that are not attributable to American Funds
investments, as well as future contributions to the IRA, will be subject to
sales charges and the terms and conditions generally applicable to Class A share
investments as described in the prospectus and statement of additional
information if invested in Class A shares.

TRANSFERS TO IRAS

Transfers to IRAs that are attributable to American Funds investments held in
SIMPLE IRAs, SEPs or SARSEPs will not be subject to a sales charge if invested
in Class A shares.



                                       19

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

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 directors. The plans
provide for payments, based on annualized percentages of average daily net
assets, of up to .25% for Class A shares, up to 1.00% for Class R-1 and R-2
shares, up to .75% for Class R-3 shares and up to .50% for Class R-4 shares. For
all share classes, up to .25% of these expenses may be used to pay service fees
to qualified dealers for providing certain shareholder services. The amount
remaining 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 in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table
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 your investment.

Other compensation to dealers

American Funds Distributors, at its expense, currently provides additional
compensation to investment dealers. These payments may be made, at the
discretion of American Funds Distributors, to the top 75 dealers who have sold
shares of the American Funds. The level of payments made to a qualifying dealer
in any given year will vary and in no case would exceed the sum of (a) .10% of
the previous year's American Funds sales by that dealer and (b) .02% of American
Funds assets attributable to that dealer. For calendar year 2005, aggregate
payments made by American Funds Distributors to dealers were less than .02% of
the assets of the American Funds. Aggregate payments may also change from year
to year. A number of factors will be considered in determining payments,
including the qualifying dealer's sales, assets and redemption rates, and the
quality of the dealer's relationship with American Funds Distributors. American
Funds Distributors makes these payments to help defray the costs incurred by
qualifying dealers in connection with efforts to educate financial advisers
about the American Funds so that they can make recommendations and provide
services that are suitable and meet shareholder needs. American Funds
Distributors will, on an annual basis, determine the advisability of continuing
these payments. American Funds Distributors may also pay expenses associated
with meetings conducted by dealers outside the top 75 firms to facilitate
educating financial advisers and shareholders about the American Funds.



                                       20

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Distributions and taxes

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The fund intends to distribute dividends to you, usually in March, June,
September and 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.

All dividends and capital gain distributions paid to retirement plan
shareholders will be automatically reinvested.

TAXES ON DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Dividends and capital gains distributed by the fund to tax-deferred retirement
plan accounts are not taxable currently.

TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS

Exchanges within a tax-deferred retirement plan account will not result in a
capital gain or loss for federal or state income tax purposes. With limited
exceptions, distributions from a retirement plan account are taxable as ordinary
income.


PLEASE SEE YOUR TAX ADVISER FOR MORE INFORMATION.


                                       21

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Financial highlights/1/

The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's
results for the past five fiscal years. Certain information reflects financial
results for a single share of a particular class. 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 capital gain
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.


                                                 INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS/2/

                                                                  Net gains
                                                                 (losses) on
                                                                  securities
                                      Net asset                     (both
                                       value,         Net          realized      Total from
                                      beginning   investment         and         investment
                                      of period     income       unrealized)     operations
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 12/31/2005                  $30.75        $.64          $ 1.46          $ 2.10
Year ended 12/31/2004                   28.84         .60            2.19            2.79
Year ended 12/31/2003                   23.48         .54            5.55            6.09
Year ended 12/31/2002                   28.53         .49           (4.56)          (4.07)
Year ended 12/31/2001                   31.07         .44           (1.87)          (1.43)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1:
Year ended 12/31/2005                   30.67         .38            1.44            1.82
Year ended 12/31/2004                   28.77         .36            2.17            2.53
Year ended 12/31/2003                   23.46         .31            5.54            5.85
Period from 6/6/2002 to 12/31/2002      27.27         .20           (3.36)          (3.16)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                  30.67         .37            1.45            1.82
 Year ended 12/31/2004                  28.77         .37            2.17            2.54
 Year ended 12/31/2003                  23.46         .31            5.54            5.85
 Period from 5/21/2002 to 12/31/2002    28.23         .23           (4.34)          (4.11)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                  30.71         .52            1.45            1.97
 Year ended 12/31/2004                  28.80         .50            2.17            2.67
 Year ended 12/31/2003                  23.47         .41            5.55            5.96
 Period from 6/4/2002 to 12/31/2002     27.58         .27           (3.69)          (3.42)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                             DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS


                                      Dividends                       Total      Net asset
                                      (from net   Distributions     dividends     value,
                                      investment      (from            and        end of      Total
                                       income)    capital gains)  distributions   period    return/3/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 12/31/2005                   $(.68)        $(.81)         $(1.49)      $31.36       6.87%
Year ended 12/31/2004                    (.52)         (.36)           (.88)       30.75       9.78
Year ended 12/31/2003                    (.52)         (.21)           (.73)       28.84      26.30
Year ended 12/31/2002                    (.52)         (.46)           (.98)       23.48     (14.47)
Year ended 12/31/2001                    (.52)         (.59)          (1.11)       28.53      (4.59)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1:
Year ended 12/31/2005                    (.43)         (.81)          (1.24)       31.25       5.93
Year ended 12/31/2004                    (.27)         (.36)           (.63)       30.67       8.84
Year ended 12/31/2003                    (.33)         (.21)           (.54)       28.77      25.18
Period from 6/6/2002 to 12/31/2002       (.30)         (.35)           (.65)       23.46     (11.68)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                   (.42)         (.81)          (1.23)       31.26       5.95
 Year ended 12/31/2004                   (.28)         (.36)           (.64)       30.67       8.88
 Year ended 12/31/2003                   (.33)         (.21)           (.54)       28.77      25.18
 Period from 5/21/2002 to 12/31/2002     (.31)         (.35)           (.66)       23.46     (14.64)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                   (.57)         (.81)          (1.38)       31.30       6.43
 Year ended 12/31/2004                   (.40)         (.36)           (.76)       30.71       9.34
 Year ended 12/31/2003                   (.42)         (.21)           (.63)       28.80      25.70
 Period from 6/4/2002 to 12/31/2002      (.34)         (.35)           (.69)       23.47     (12.49)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                                   Ratio of     Ratio of
                                                   expenses     expenses
                                                  to average   to average     Ratio of
                                         Net      net assets   net assets       net
                                       assets,      before        after        income
                                        end of       reim-        reim-      to average
                                      period (in  bursements/  bursements/      net
                                      millions)     waivers    waivers/4/      assets
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 12/31/2005                  $66,959       .57 %        .55 %        2.06 %
Year ended 12/31/2004                   64,880       .57          .57          2.06
Year ended 12/31/2003                   58,353       .59          .59          2.14
Year ended 12/31/2002                   46,129       .59          .59          1.89
Year ended 12/31/2001                   54,315       .57          .57          1.49
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1:
Year ended 12/31/2005                       29      1.42         1.40          1.22
Year ended 12/31/2004                       23      1.47         1.46          1.21
Year ended 12/31/2003                       14      1.51         1.47          1.18
Period from 6/6/2002 to 12/31/2002           1      2.43///5/    1.47/5/       1.49/5/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                     479      1.57         1.40          1.21
 Year ended 12/31/2004                     361      1.63         1.42          1.27
 Year ended 12/31/2003                     188      1.76         1.43          1.21
 Period from 5/21/2002 to 12/31/2002        24      1.57/5/      1.43/5/       1.61/5/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                     666       .95          .93          1.68
 Year ended 12/31/2004                     493       .99          .98          1.72
 Year ended 12/31/2003                     231      1.06         1.05          1.60
 Period from 6/4/2002 to 12/31/2002         24      1.11/5/      1.05/5/       2.00/5/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                       22

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>


                                                 INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS/2/

                                                                  Net gains
                                                                 (losses) on
                                                                  securities
                                      Net asset                     (both
                                       value,         Net          realized      Total from
                                      beginning   investment         and         investment
                                      of period     income       unrealized)     operations
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS R-4:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                 $30.72        $.62          $ 1.45          $ 2.07
 Year ended 12/31/2004                  28.82         .60            2.16            2.76
 Year ended 12/31/2003                  23.47         .51            5.55            6.06
 Period from 5/28/2002 to 12/31/2002    28.22         .32           (4.33)          (4.01)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                  30.75         .70            1.46            2.16
 Year ended 12/31/2004                  28.84         .67            2.18            2.85
 Year ended 12/31/2003                  23.48         .56            5.59            6.15
 Period from 5/15/2002 to 12/31/2002    28.37         .39           (4.50)          (4.11)


                                             DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS


                                      Dividends                       Total      Net asset
                                      (from net   Distributions     dividends     value,
                                      investment      (from            and        end of      Total
                                       income)    capital gains)  distributions   period    return/3/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS R-4:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                  $(.66)        $(.81)         $(1.47)      $31.32       6.77%
 Year ended 12/31/2004                   (.50)         (.36)           (.86)       30.72       9.67
 Year ended 12/31/2003                   (.50)         (.21)           (.71)       28.82      26.19
 Period from 5/28/2002 to 12/31/2002     (.39)         (.35)           (.74)       23.47     (14.31)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                   (.75)         (.81)          (1.56)       31.35       7.06
 Year ended 12/31/2004                   (.58)         (.36)           (.94)       30.75      10.02
 Year ended 12/31/2003                   (.58)         (.21)           (.79)       28.84      26.58
 Period from 5/15/2002 to 12/31/2002     (.43)         (.35)           (.78)       23.48     (14.59)



                                                   Ratio of     Ratio of
                                                   expenses     expenses
                                                  to average   to average     Ratio of
                                         Net      net assets   net assets       net
                                       assets,      before        after        income
                                        end of       reim-        reim-      to average
                                      period (in  bursements/  bursements/      net
                                      millions)     waivers    waivers/4/      assets
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS R-4:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                 $   236       .65 %        .63 %        1.99 %
 Year ended 12/31/2004                     119       .67          .66          2.05
 Year ended 12/31/2003                      40       .68          .68          2.00
 Period from 5/28/2002 to 12/31/2002         9       .73/5/       .69/5/       2.25/5/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                   1,562       .36          .34          2.28
 Year ended 12/31/2004                   1,408       .36          .35          2.28
 Year ended 12/31/2003                   1,201       .36          .36          2.11
 Period from 5/15/2002 to 12/31/2002        48       .37/5/       .37/5/       2.56/5/






                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                           2005        2004        2003        2002         2001
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 RATE FOR ALL CLASSES      19%         19%         24%         27%          22%
 OF SHARES




/1/  Based on operations for the period shown (unless otherwise noted) and,
     accordingly, may not be representative of a full year.
/2/  Based on average shares outstanding.
/3/  Total returns exclude all sales charges.
/4/  The ratios in this column reflect the impact, if any, of certain
     reimbursements/waivers from Capital Research and Management Company. See the
     Annual Fund Operating Expenses table under "Fees and expenses of the fund" and
     the audited financial statements in the fund's annual report for more
     information.
/5/ Annualized.



                                       23

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>


NOTES


                                       24

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       25

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       26

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       27

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>



[logo - American Funds/(R)/]              The right choice for the long term/(R)/





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
                                 americanfunds.com

FOR 24-HOUR INFORMATION          For Class R share information, visit
                                 AmericanFundsRetirement.com


          Telephone calls you have with the American Funds
          organization may be monitored or recorded for quality
          assurance, verification and/or recordkeeping purposes.
          By speaking with us on the telephone, you are giving
          your consent to such monitoring and recording.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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  The shareholder reports contain
additional information about the fund, including financial statements,
investment results, portfolio holdings, a discussion of market conditions and
the fund's investment strategies, and the independent registered public
accounting firm's report (in the annual report).

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) AND CODES OF ETHICS The current SAI,
as amended from time to time, contains more detailed information on all aspects
of the fund, including the fund's financial statements, and is incorporated by
reference into this prospectus. This means that the current SAI, for legal
purposes, is part of this prospectus. The codes of ethics describe the personal
investing policies adopted by the fund, the fund's investment adviser and its
affiliated companies.

The codes of ethics and current SAI are on file 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, DC
(202/942-8090) or on the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at sec.gov or,
after payment of a duplicating fee, via e-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov or
by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102. The
current SAI and shareholder reports are also available, free of charge, on
americanfunds.com.

HOUSEHOLD MAILINGS Each year you are automatically sent an updated prospectus
and annual and semi-annual reports 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 who are part of the same family and share the same household address.

If you would like to opt out of household-based mailings or receive a
complimentary copy of the current SAI, codes of ethics or annual/semi-annual
report to shareholders, 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.



[logo - recycle bug]







Printed on recycled paper
RPGEPR-904-0306P Litho in USA CGD/RRD/8036      Investment Company File No. 811-116

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE CAPITAL GROUP COMPANIES
American Funds        Capital Research and Management       Capital International
        Capital Guardian        Capital Bank and Trust










THE FUND PROVIDES SPANISH TRANSLATION 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









<PAGE>





[logo - American Funds/(R)/]                     The right choice for the long term/(R)/




The Investment
Company of America/(R)/




RETIREMENT PLAN
PROSPECTUS




March 1, 2006







TABLE OF CONTENTS

 1    Risk/Return summary
 4    Fees and expenses of the fund
 6    Investment objectives, strategies and risks
 9    Management and organization
13    Purchase, exchange and sale of shares
16    Sales charges
18    Sales charge reductions
19    Rollovers from retirement plans to IRAs
20    Plans of distribution
20    Other compensation to dealers
21    Distributions and taxes
22    Financial highlights




 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.



<PAGE>


[This page was intentionally left blank.]


<PAGE>

Risk/Return summary

The fund seeks to make your investment grow and provide you with income over
time by investing primarily in common stocks that offer growth and dividend
potential.

The fund is designed for investors seeking both capital appreciation and income.
 Your investment in the fund is subject to risks, including the possibility that
the fund's income and the value of its portfolio holdings may fluctuate in
response to events specific to the companies in which the fund invests, as well
as economic, political or social events in the United States or abroad.

The fund's investments are limited to securities of companies that are included
on its eligible list. Changes to the eligible list are reviewed and authorized
by the fund's board of directors at the recommendation of Capital Research and
Management Company, the fund's investment adviser.


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 MAY BE
GREATER IF YOU INVEST FOR A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME.



                                       1

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

HISTORICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS

The bar chart below shows how the fund's investment results have varied from
year to year, and the Investment Results table on page 3 shows how the fund's
average annual total returns for various periods compare with different broad
measures of market performance. This information provides some indication of the
risks of investing in the fund. All fund results reflect the reinvestment of
dividends and capital gain distributions, if any. Unless otherwise noted, fund
results reflect any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements in effect during
the period presented. Past results are not predictive of future results.



CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS FOR CLASS A SHARES

(Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included,
 results would be lower.)

[begin bar chart]

1996            19.35
1997            29.81
1998            22.93
1999            16.55
2000             3.84
2001            -4.59
2002           -14.47
2003            26.30
2004             9.78
2005             6.87

[end bar chart]




Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this time period were:




HIGHEST            17.34%  (quarter ended December 31, 1998)
LOWEST            -14.51%  (quarter ended September 30, 2002)






                                       2

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>


Unlike the bar chart on the previous page, the Investment Results table below
reflects, as required by Securities and Exchange Commission rules, the fund's
investment results with the following maximum initial sales charge imposed:


 . Class A share results reflect the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%. This
   charge is reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more and eliminated for
   purchases of $1 million or more.

 . Class R shares are sold without any initial sales charge.

Results would be higher if calculated without a sales charge.

Unlike the Investment Results table below, the Additional Investment Results
table on page 7 reflects the fund's results calculated without a sales charge.

 INVESTMENT RESULTS (WITH A MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE)
 AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
                                   1 YEAR  5 YEARS  10 YEARS   LIFETIME/1/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

 CLASS A -- FIRST SOLD 1/1/34      0.71%    2.65%    10.14%      12.77%



                                   1 YEAR   LIFETIME/1/
--------------------------------------------------------

 CLASS R-1 -- FIRST SOLD 6/6/02    5.93%       7.04%
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-2 -- FIRST SOLD 5/21/02   5.95        5.96
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-3 -- FIRST SOLD 6/4/02    6.43        7.15
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-4 -- FIRST SOLD 5/28/02   6.77        6.78
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-5 -- FIRST SOLD 5/15/02   7.06        6.89



                                   1 YEAR   5 YEARS   10 YEARS    LIFETIME/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 INDEXES
 S&P 500/2/                         4.91%    0.54%      9.07%        11.27%
 Lipper Growth and Income Funds     6.82     2.92       8.47           N/A
  Index/3/
 Class A annualized 30-day yield at December 31, 2005: 2.00%/4/
 (For current yield information, please call American FundsLine at 800/325-3590.)




/1/  Lifetime results for each share class are measured from the date the share
     class was first sold. Lifetime results for the index(es) shown are measured
     from the date Class A shares were first sold.
/2/  Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted
     index based on the average weighted performance of 500 widely held common
     stocks. This index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends and/or
     distributions, but does not reflect sales charges, commissions, expenses or
     taxes.
/3/  Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds
     that combine a growth-of-earnings orientation and an income requirement for
     level and/or rising dividends. The results of the underlying funds in the index
     include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, as well
     as brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do
     not reflect sales charges or taxes. This index was not in existence as of the
     date the fund became available; therefore, lifetime results are not shown.
/4/  Reflects a fee waiver (1.98% without the waiver) as described in the Annual
     Fund Operating Expenses table under "Fees and expenses of the fund."



                                       3

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Fees and expenses of the fund

These tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.



 SHAREHOLDER FEES (PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
                                               CLASS A    ALL R SHARE CLASSES
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Maximum initial sales charge on purchases      5.75%/*/         none
 (as a percentage of offering price)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Maximum sales charge on reinvested dividends    none            none
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Maximum contingent deferred sales charge        none            none
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Redemption or exchange fees                     none            none



* The initial sales charge is reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more and
 eliminated for purchases of $1 million or more.


 ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS)
                                            CLASS  CLASS  CLASS  CLASS   CLASS
                                   CLASS A   R-1    R-2    R-3    R-4     R-5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Management fees/1/                 0.24%   0.24%  0.24%  0.24%  0.24%   0.24%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Distribution and/or service        0.23    0.96   0.75   0.50   0.24    none
 (12b-1) fees/2/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Other expenses                     0.10    0.22   0.58   0.21   0.17    0.12
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total annual fund operating        0.57    1.42   1.57   0.95   0.65    0.36
 expenses/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------



/1/  The fund's investment adviser began waiving 5% of its management fees on
     September 1, 2004. Beginning April 1, 2005, this waiver increased to 10% and is
     expected to continue at this level until further review. In addition, the
     investment adviser paid a portion of the fund's transfer agent fees for certain
     R share classes. Total annual fund operating expenses do not reflect any waiver
     or reimbursement. Information regarding the effect of any waiver/reimbursement
     on total annual fund operating expenses can be found in the Financial
     Highlights table and the audited financial statements in the fund's annual
     report.
/2/  Class A, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 12b-1 fees may not exceed .25%, 1.00%, 1.00%,
     .75% and .50%, respectively, of the class' average net assets annually.



                                       4

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

OTHER EXPENSES

The "Other expenses" items in the table above include custodial, legal, transfer
agent and subtransfer agent/recordkeeping payments, as well as various other
expenses. Subtransfer agent/recordkeeping payments may be made to third parties
(including affiliates of the fund's investment adviser) that provide
recordkeeping and other administrative services to retirement plans invested in
the fund in lieu of the transfer agent providing such services. The amount paid
for subtransfer agent/recordkeeping services will vary depending on the share
class selected and the entity receiving the payments. The table below shows the
maximum payments to affiliated and unaffiliated entities of the fund's
investment adviser providing services to retirement plans.




                PAYMENTS TO AFFILIATED       PAYMENTS TO UNAFFILIATED ENTITIES
                       ENTITIES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Class A          .05% of assets or                  .05% of assets or
            $12 per participant position*      $12 per participant position*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-1          .10% of assets                     .10% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-2   $27 per participant position              .25% of assets
                 plus .15% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-3   $12 per participant position              .15% of assets
                 plus .10% of assets
 Class R-4          .10% of assets                     .10% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-5          .05% of assets                     .05% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------



* Payment amount depends on the date upon which services commenced.

EXAMPLES

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, that all dividends and capital gain
distributions are reinvested, and that the fund's operating expenses remain the
same as shown above. The examples do not reflect the impact of any fee waivers
or expense reimbursements.

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions,
your cumulative estimated expenses would be:




                                1 YEAR  3 YEARS  5 YEARS   10 YEARS
--------------------------------------------------------------------

 Class A*                        $630    $747     $875      $1,248
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-1                        145     449      776       1,702
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-2                        160     496      855       1,867
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-3                         97     303      525       1,166
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-4                         66     208      362         810
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-5                         37     116      202         456
--------------------------------------------------------------------



* Reflects the maximum initial sales charge in the first year.


                                       5

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Investment objectives, strategies and risks

The fund's investment objectives are to achieve long-term growth of capital and
income. The fund strives to accomplish these objectives through extensive U.S.
and global research, careful selection and broad diversification. In the
selection of securities for investment, potential for capital appreciation and
future dividends are given more weight than current yield. The fund invests
primarily in common stocks. The fund's investments are limited to securities of
companies that are included on its eligible list, which consists of securities
deemed suitable by the fund's investment adviser in light of the fund's
investment objectives and policies. Securities are added to, or deleted from,
the eligible list by the board of directors, after reviewing and acting upon the
recommendations of the investment adviser.

The prices of and the income generated by securities held by the fund may
decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the
companies whose securities are owned by the fund; conditions affecting the
general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political,
social or economic instability; and currency and interest rate fluctuations.


The fund may invest up to 15% of its assets, at the time of purchase, in
securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States and not included in
Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index. Investments in securities issued by
entities based outside the United States may be subject to the risks described
above to a greater extent and may also be affected by currency controls;
different accounting, auditing, financial reporting and legal standards and
practices in some countries; expropriation changes in tax policy; greater market
volatility; differing securities market structures; higher transaction costs;
and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and settling
portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends.

The fund may also hold cash or money market instruments. The percentage of the
fund invested in such holdings varies and depends on various factors, including
market conditions and purchases and redemptions of fund shares. A larger
percentage of such holdings could moderate the fund's investment results in a
period of rising market prices; conversely, it could reduce the magnitude of the
fund's loss in the event of falling market prices and provide liquidity to make
additional investments or to meet redemptions.

The fund relies on the professional judgment of its investment adviser to make
decisions about the fund's portfolio investments. The basic investment
philosophy of the investment adviser is to seek to invest in attractively valued
companies that, in its opinion, represent above-average long-term investment
opportunities. The investment adviser believes that an important way to
accomplish this is through fundamental analysis, which may include meeting with
company executives and employees, suppliers, customers and competitors.
Securities may be sold when the investment adviser believes that they no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities.



                                       6

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

OTHER IMPORTANT INVESTMENT PRACTICES

In addition to the principal investment strategies described above, the fund has
other investment practices that are described in this prospectus and in the
statement of additional information.

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESULTS

Unlike the Investment Results table on page 3, the table below reflects the
fund's results calculated without a sales charge.


 ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESULTS (WITHOUT A SALES CHARGE)
 AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
                                   1 YEAR  5 YEARS  10 YEARS   LIFETIME/1/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

 CLASS A -- FIRST SOLD 1/1/34      6.87%    3.87%    10.80%      12.87%



                                   1 YEAR   LIFETIME/1/
--------------------------------------------------------

 CLASS R-1 -- FIRST SOLD 6/6/02    5.93%       7.04%
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-2 -- FIRST SOLD 5/21/02   5.95        5.96
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-3 -- FIRST SOLD 6/4/02    6.43        7.15
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-4 -- FIRST SOLD 5/28/02   6.77        6.78
--------------------------------------------------------
 CLASS R-5 -- FIRST SOLD 5/15/02   7.06        6.89



                            1 YEAR     5 YEARS     10 YEARS      LIFETIME/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 INDEXES
 S&P 500/2/                  4.91%      0.54%        9.07%          11.27%
 Lipper Growth and Income    6.82       2.92         8.47             N/A
  Funds Index/3/
 Class A distribution rate at December 31, 2005: 2.11%/4/
 (For current distribution rate information, please call American FundsLine at 800/325-3590.)




/1/  Lifetime results for each share class are measured from the date the share
     class was first sold. Lifetime results for the index(es) shown are measured
     from the date Class A shares were first sold.
/2/  Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted
     index based on the average weighted performance of 500 widely held common
     stocks. This index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends and/or
     distributions, but does not reflect sales charges, commissions, expenses or
     taxes.
/3/  Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds
     that combine a growth-of-earnings orientation and an income requirement for
     level and/or rising dividends. The results of the underlying funds in the index
     include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, as well
     as brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do
     not reflect sales charges or taxes. This index was not in existence as of the
     date the fund became available; therefore, lifetime results are not shown.

/4/  The distribution rate is based on actual distributions paid to shareholders
     over a 12-month period. Capital gain distributions, if any, are added back to
     the net asset value to determine the rate.


                                       7

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>


INDUSTRY SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2005 (percent of net assets)

[begin pie chart]

Industrials                                                  11.65%
Financials                                                   11.51%
Energy                                                       11.25%
Consumer staples                                              9.68%
Consumer discretionary                                        9.67%
Bond & notes                                                  0.66%
Convertible securities                                        0.26%
Other industries                                             30.69%
Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities        14.63%

[end pie chart]





Because the fund is actively managed, its holdings will change over time.

For updated information on the fund's portfolio holdings, please visit us at
americanfunds.com.


                                       8

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

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 the American Funds. Capital Research and Management Company is
a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. and is located at
333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California 90071, and 135 South State
College Boulevard, Brea, California 92821. 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 in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table
under "Fees and expenses of the fund." A discussion regarding the basis for the
approval of the fund's investment advisory and service agreement by the fund's
board of directors is contained in the fund's semi-annual report to shareholders
for the period ended June 30, 2005.


EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

The investment adviser places orders with broker-dealers for the fund's
portfolio transactions. The investment adviser strives to obtain best execution
for the fund's portfolio transactions, taking into account a variety of factors
to produce the most favorable total price reasonably attainable under the
circumstances. These factors include the size and type of transaction, the cost
and quality of executions, and the broker-dealer's ability to offer liquidity
and anonymity. For example, with respect to equity transactions, the fund does
not consider the investment adviser as having an obligation to obtain the lowest
available commission rate to the exclusion of price, service and qualitative
considerations. Subject to the considerations outlined above, the investment
adviser may place orders for the fund's portfolio transactions with
broker-dealers who have sold shares of funds managed by the investment adviser,
or who have provided investment research, statistical or other related services
to the investment adviser. In placing orders for the fund's portfolio
transactions, the investment adviser does not commit to any specific amount of
business with any particular broker-dealer. Subject to best execution, the
investment adviser may consider investment research, statistical or other
related services provided to the adviser in placing orders for the fund's
portfolio transactions. However, when the investment adviser places orders for
the fund's portfolio transactions, it does not give any consideration to whether
a broker-dealer has sold shares of the funds managed by the investment adviser.


PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

Portfolio holdings information for the fund is available on the American Funds
website at americanfunds.com. To reach this information, access the lower
portion of the fund's details page on the website. A list of the fund's top 10
equity holdings updated as of each month-end is generally posted to this page
within 14 days after the end of the applicable



                                       9

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

month. A link to the fund's complete list of publicly disclosed portfolio
holdings updated as of each calendar quarter-end is generally posted to this
page within 45 days after the end of the applicable quarter. Both lists remain
available on the website until new information for the next month or quarter is
posted. Portfolio holdings information for the fund is also contained in reports
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A description of the fund's policies and procedures regarding disclosure of
information about its portfolio holdings is available in the statement of
additional information.

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. In addition, Capital
Research and Management Company's investment analysts may make investment
decisions with respect to a portion of a fund's portfolio. Investment decisions
are subject to a fund's objective(s), policies and restrictions and the
oversight of Capital Research and Management Company's investment committee.

The primary individual portfolio counselors for The Investment Company of
America are:



                                              PRIMARY TITLE WITH         PORTFOLIO
                             PORTFOLIO        INVESTMENT ADVISER         COUNSELOR'S
 PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR/        COUNSELOR        (OR AFFILIATE)             ROLE IN
 FUND TITLE                  EXPERIENCE       AND INVESTMENT             MANAGEMENT
 (IF APPLICABLE)            IN THIS FUND      EXPERIENCE                 OF THE FUND
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 R. MICHAEL SHANAHAN          15 years        Chairman of the Board,     Serves as an equity
 Vice Chairman of the     (plus 7 years of    Capital Research and       portfolio counselor
 Board                    prior experience    Management Company
                               as an
                         investment analyst   Investment professional
                           for the fund)      for 41 years, all with
                                              Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 JAMES F. ROTHENBERG          12 years        President and Director,    Serves as an equity
 President                (plus 9 years of    Capital Research and       portfolio counselor
                          prior experience    Management Company
                               as an
                         investment analyst   Investment professional
                           for the fund)      for 36 years, all with
                                              Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       10

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>


                                              PRIMARY TITLE WITH         PORTFOLIO
                             PORTFOLIO        INVESTMENT ADVISER         COUNSELOR'S
 PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR/        COUNSELOR        (OR AFFILIATE)             ROLE IN
 FUND TITLE                  EXPERIENCE       AND INVESTMENT             MANAGEMENT
 (IF APPLICABLE)            IN THIS FUND      EXPERIENCE                 OF THE FUND
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 JAMES B. LOVELACE            14 years        Senior Vice President      Serves as an equity
 Senior Vice President    (plus 3 years of    and Director, Capital      portfolio counselor
 and Director             prior experience    Research and Management
                               as an          Company
                         investment analyst
                           for the fund)      Investment professional
                                              for 24 years, all with
                                              Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 DONALD D. O'NEAL             14 years        Senior Vice President,     Serves as an equity
 Senior Vice President    (plus 4 years of    Capital Research and       portfolio counselor
 and Director             prior experience    Management Company
                               as an
                         investment analyst   Investment professional
                           for the fund)      for 21 years, all with
                                              Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 GREGG E. IRELAND             14 years        Senior Vice President,     Serves as an equity
 Senior Vice President    (plus 9 years of    Capital Research and       portfolio counselor
                          prior experience    Management Company
                               as an
                         investment analyst   Investment professional
                           for the fund)      for 33 years, all with
                                              Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 JOYCE E. GORDON              5 years         Senior Vice President      Serves as an equity
 Vice President          (plus 12 years of    and Director, Capital      portfolio counselor
                          prior experience    Research and Management
                               as an          Company
                         investment analyst
                           for the fund)      Investment professional
                                              for 26 years, all with
                                              Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      11

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>


                                              PRIMARY TITLE WITH         PORTFOLIO
                             PORTFOLIO        INVESTMENT ADVISER         COUNSELOR'S
 PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR/        COUNSELOR        (OR AFFILIATE)             ROLE IN
 FUND TITLE                  EXPERIENCE       AND INVESTMENT             MANAGEMENT
 (IF APPLICABLE)            IN THIS FUND      EXPERIENCE                 OF THE FUND
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 JAMES E. DRASDO              19 years        Senior Vice President      Serves as an equity
                          (plus 9 years of    and Director, Capital      portfolio counselor
                          prior experience    Research and Management
                               as an          Company
                         investment analyst
                           for the fund)      Investment professional
                                              for 34 years in total;
                                              29 years with Capital
                                              Research and Management
                                              Company or affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 J. DALE HARVEY           less than 1 year    Vice President, Capital    Serves as an equity
                                              Research and Management    portfolio counselor
                                              Company

                                              Investment professional
                                              for 17 years in total;
                                              15 years with Capital
                                              Research and Management
                                              Company or affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 C. ROSS SAPPENFIELD          6 years         Vice President, Capital    Serves as an equity
                          (plus 6 years of    Research Company           portfolio counselor
                          prior experience
                               as an          Investment professional
                         investment analyst   for 14 years, all with
                           for the fund)      Capital Research and
                                              Management Company or
                                              affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Information regarding the portfolio counselors' compensation, their ownership of
securities in the fund and other accounts they manage can be found in the
statement of additional information.

CERTAIN PRIVILEGES AND/OR SERVICES DESCRIBED ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES OF THIS
PROSPECTUS AND IN THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE
TO YOU DEPENDING ON YOUR INVESTMENT DEALER OR RETIREMENT PLAN RECORDKEEPER.
PLEASE SEE YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER, INVESTMENT DEALER OR PLAN RECORDKEEPER FOR
MORE INFORMATION.



                                       12

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Purchase, exchange and sale of shares

AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY, THE FUND'S TRANSFER AGENT, ON BEHALF OF THE FUND
AND AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, THE FUND'S DISTRIBUTOR, IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO
OBTAIN CERTAIN PERSONAL INFORMATION FROM YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON(S) ACTING ON
YOUR BEHALF IN ORDER TO VERIFY YOUR OR SUCH PERSON'S IDENTITY. IF YOU DO NOT
PROVIDE THE INFORMATION, THE TRANSFER AGENT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN YOUR
ACCOUNT. IF THE TRANSFER AGENT IS UNABLE TO VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY OR THAT OF ANY
OTHER PERSON(S) AUTHORIZED TO ACT ON YOUR BEHALF, OR BELIEVES IT HAS IDENTIFIED
POTENTIALLY CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, THE FUND AND AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS RESERVE
THE RIGHT TO CLOSE YOUR ACCOUNT OR TAKE SUCH OTHER ACTION THEY DEEM REASONABLE
OR REQUIRED BY LAW.


PURCHASES AND EXCHANGES

Eligible retirement plans generally may open an account and purchase Class A or
R 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. Some or all R share classes may not be available through certain
investment dealers. Additional shares may be purchased through a plan's
administrator or recordkeeper.

Class A shares are generally not available for retirement plans using the
PlanPremier/(R)/ or Recordkeeper Direct/(R)/ recordkeeping programs.

Class R shares generally are available only to 401(k) plans, 457 plans,
employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension
plans, defined benefit plans and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. Class
R shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level
or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the fund. In addition, Class R-5
shares generally are available only to retirement plans with $1 million or more
in plan assets. Class R shares generally are not available to retail
nonretirement accounts, Traditional and Roth Individual Retirement Accounts
(IRAs), Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs,
individual 403(b) plans and 529 college savings plans such as
CollegeAmerica./(R)/


Shares of the fund offered through this prospectus generally may be exchanged
into shares of the same class of other American Funds. Exchanges of Class A
shares from American Funds money market funds purchased without a sales charge
generally will be subject to the appropriate sales charge.


                                       13

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

FREQUENT TRADING OF FUND SHARES

The fund and American Funds Distributors reserve the right to reject any
purchase order for any reason. The fund is not designed to serve as a vehicle
for frequent trading in response to short-term fluctuations in the securities
markets. Accordingly, purchases, including those that are part of exchange
activity, that the fund or American Funds Distributors has determined could
involve actual or potential harm to the fund may be rejected. Frequent trading
of fund shares may lead to increased costs to the fund and less efficient
management of the fund's portfolio, resulting in dilution of the value of the
shares held by long-term shareholders.

The fund's board of directors has adopted policies and procedures with respect
to frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares. Under the fund's "purchase
blocking policy," any shareholder redeeming shares (including redemptions that
are part of an exchange transaction) having a value of $5,000 or more from the
fund will be precluded from investing in the fund (including investments that
are part of an exchange transaction) for 30 calendar days after the redemption
transaction. This prohibition will not apply to redemptions by shareholders
whose shares are held on the books of third-party intermediaries that have not
adopted procedures to implement this policy. American Funds Service Company will
work with intermediaries to develop such procedures or other procedures that
American Funds Service Company determines are reasonably designed to achieve the
objective of the purchase blocking policy. At the time the intermediaries adopt
these procedures, shareholders whose accounts are on the books of such
intermediaries will be subject to this purchase blocking policy or another
frequent trading policy that achieves the objective of the purchase blocking
policy. There is no guarantee that all instances of frequent trading in fund
shares will be prevented.

Under the fund's purchase blocking policy, certain purchases will not be
prevented and certain redemptions will not trigger a purchase block, such as:
systematic redemptions and purchases where the entity maintaining the
shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as a systematic
redemption or purchase; purchases and redemptions of shares having a value of
less than $5,000; retirement plan contributions, loans and distributions
(including hardship withdrawals) identified as such on the retirement plan
recordkeeper's system; and purchase transactions involving transfers of assets,
rollovers, Roth IRA conversions and IRA recharacterizations, where the entity
maintaining the shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as one
of these types of transactions. The statement of additional information contains
more information about how American Funds Service Company may address other
potentially abusive trading activity in the American Funds.



                                       14

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

SALES

Please contact your plan administrator or recordkeeper in order to sell shares
from your retirement plan.

If you notify American Funds Service Company, you may reinvest proceeds from a
redemption, dividend payment or capital gain distribution without a sales charge
in the same fund or other American Funds within 90 days after the date of the
redemption or distribution. Proceeds will be reinvested in the same share class
from which the original redemption or distribution was made. Redemption proceeds
of Class A shares representing direct purchases in American Funds money market
funds that are reinvested in non-money market American 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 American Funds Service
Company. You may not reinvest proceeds in the American Funds as described in
this paragraph if such proceeds are subject to a purchase block as described
under "Frequent trading of fund shares." This paragraph does not apply to
rollover investments as described under "Rollovers from retirement plans to
IRAs."


VALUING SHARES

The net asset value of each share class of the fund is the value of a single
share. The fund calculates the net asset value each day the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading as of approximately 4:00 p.m. New York time, the
normal close of regular trading. Assets are valued primarily on the basis of
market quotations. However, the fund has adopted procedures for making "fair
value" determinations if market quotations are not readily available or are not
considered reliable. Use of these procedures is intended to result in more
appropriate net asset values.

Because the fund may hold securities that are primarily listed on foreign
exchanges that trade on weekends or days when the fund does not price its
shares, the value of securities held in the fund may change on days when you
will not be able to purchase or redeem fund shares.


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.


                                       15

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Sales charges

CLASS A SHARES

The initial sales charge you pay each time you buy Class A shares differs
depending upon the amount you invest and may be reduced or eliminated for larger
purchases as indicated below. The "offering price," the price you pay to buy
shares, includes any applicable sales charge, which will be deducted directly
from your investment. Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or
capital gain distributions are not subject to an initial sales charge.



                              SALES CHARGE AS A
                                         PERCENTAGE OF:
                                                                 DEALER
                                                   NET         COMMISSION
                                       OFFERING   AMOUNT     AS A PERCENTAGE
 INVESTMENT                             PRICE    INVESTED   OF OFFERING PRICE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Less than $25,000                      5.75%     6.10%           5.00%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $25,000 but less than $50,000          5.00      5.26            4.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $50,000 but less than $100,000         4.50      4.71            3.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $100,000 but less than $250,000        3.50      3.63            2.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $250,000 but less than $500,000        2.50      2.56            2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $500,000 but less than $750,000        2.00      2.04            1.60
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $750,000 but less than $1 million      1.50      1.52            1.20
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 $1 million or more and certain other   none      none      see below
 investments described below
------------------------------------------------------------------------------



The sales charge, expressed as a percentage of the offering price or the net
amount invested, may be higher or lower than the percentages described in the
table above due to rounding. This is because the dollar amount of the sales
charge is determined by subtracting the net asset value of the shares purchased
from the offering price, which is calculated to two decimal places using
standard rounding criteria. The impact of rounding will vary with the size of
the investment and the net asset value of the shares.

CLASS A PURCHASES NOT SUBJECT TO SALES CHARGES
The following investments are not subject to any initial or contingent deferred
sales charge if American Funds Service Company is properly notified of the
nature of the investment:

. investments made by accounts that are part of certain qualified fee-based
  programs and that purchased Class A shares before March 15, 2001; and

. certain rollover investments from retirement plans to IRAs (see "Rollovers
  from retirement plans to IRAs" below for more information).



                                       16

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

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 plans of distribution (see "Plans of distribution" below).

Certain other investors may qualify to purchase shares without a sales charge,
such as employees of investment dealers and registered investment advisers
authorized to sell American Funds, and employees of The Capital Group Companies.
Please see the statement of additional information for more information.

 EMPLOYER-SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLANS

 Employer-sponsored retirement plans not currently invested in Class A shares
 and wishing to invest without a sales charge are not eligible to purchase Class
 A shares. Such plans may invest only in Class R shares.

 Provided that the plan's recordkeeper can properly apply a sales charge on the
 plan's investments, an employer-sponsored retirement plan not currently
 invested in Class A shares and wishing to invest less than $1 million may
 invest in Class A shares, but the purchase of these shares will be subject to
 the applicable sales charge. An employer-sponsored retirement plan that
 purchases Class A shares with a sales charge will be eligible to purchase
 additional Class A shares in accordance with the sales charge table above. If
 the recordkeeper cannot properly apply a sales charge on the plan's
 investments, then the plan may invest only in Class R shares.

 Employer-sponsored retirement plans not currently invested in Class A shares,
 or that are currently investing in Class A shares with a sales charge, are not
 eligible to establish a statement of intention that qualifies them to purchase
 Class A shares without a sales charge. More information about statements of
 intention can be found under "Sales charge reductions."

 Employer-sponsored retirement plans that invested in Class A shares without any
 sales charge on or before March 31, 2004, and that continue to meet the
 eligibility requirements in effect as of that date for purchasing Class A
 shares at net asset value, may continue to purchase Class A shares without any
 initial or contingent deferred sales charge.


CLASS R SHARES

Class R shares are sold without any initial or contingent deferred sales charge.
The distributor will pay dealers annually an asset-based compensation of 1.00%
for sales of Class R-1 shares, .75% for Class R-2 shares, .50% for Class R-3
shares and .25% for Class R-4 shares. No dealer compensation is paid on sales of
Class R-5 shares. The fund may reimburse the distributor for these payments
through its plans of distribution (see "Plans of distribution" below).


                                       17

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Sales charge reductions

TO RECEIVE A REDUCTION IN YOUR CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGE, YOU MUST LET YOUR
FINANCIAL ADVISER OR AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY KNOW AT THE TIME YOU
PURCHASE SHARES THAT YOU QUALIFY FOR SUCH A REDUCTION. IF YOU DO NOT LET YOUR
ADVISER OR AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY KNOW THAT YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A
REDUCTION, YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE A SALES CHARGE DISCOUNT TO WHICH YOU ARE
OTHERWISE ENTITLED. In order to determine your eligibility to receive a sales
charge discount, it may be necessary for you to provide your adviser or American
Funds Service Company with information and records (including account
statements) of all relevant accounts invested in the American Funds.

REDUCING YOUR CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGE

Consistent with the policies described in this prospectus, two or more
retirement plans of an employer or employer's affiliates may combine all of
their American Funds investments to reduce their Class A sales charge. However,
for this purpose, investments representing direct purchases of American Funds
money market funds are excluded.

 CONCURRENT PURCHASES

 Simultaneous purchases of any class of shares of two or more American Funds may
 be combined to qualify for a reduced Class A sales charge.

 RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION

 You may take into account your accumulated holdings in all share classes of the
 American Funds to determine the initial sales charge you pay on each purchase
 of Class A shares. Subject to your investment dealer's or recordkeeper's
 capabilities, your accumulated holdings will be calculated as the higher of (a)
 the current value of your existing holdings or (b) the amount you invested
 (excluding capital appreciation) less any withdrawals. Please see the statement
 of additional information for details. You should retain any records necessary
 to substantiate the historical amounts you have invested. The current value of
 existing investments in an American Legacy/(R)/ Retirement Investment Plan may
 also be taken into account to determine your Class A sales charge.


 STATEMENT OF INTENTION

 You may reduce your Class A sales charge by establishing a statement of
 intention. A statement of intention allows all American Funds non-money market
 fund purchases of all share classes intended to be made over a 13-month period
 to be combined in order to determine the applicable sales charge; however,
 investments made under a right of reinvestment, appreciation of your
 investment, and reinvested dividends and capital gains do not apply toward
 these combined purchases. At the request of a plan, purchases made during the
 previous 90 days may be included. A portion of the account may be held in
 escrow to cover additional Class A sales charges that may be due if total
 investments over the 13-month period do not qualify for the applicable sales
 charge



                                       18

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

 reduction. Employer-sponsored retirement plans may be restricted from
 establishing statements of intention. See "Sales charges" above for more
 information.


RIGHT OF REINVESTMENT

Please see the "Sales" section of "Purchase, exchange and sale of shares" above
for information on how to reinvest proceeds from a redemption, dividend payment
or capital gain distribution without a sales charge.

YOU MAY OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS THROUGH A LINK ON
THE HOME PAGE OF THE AMERICAN FUNDS WEBSITE AT AMERICANFUNDS.COM, FROM THE
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR FROM YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER.

Rollovers from retirement plans to IRAs

Assets from retirement plans may be invested in Class A, B, C or F shares
through an IRA rollover. More information on Class B, C and F shares can be
found in the fund's prospectus for non-retirement plan shareholders. Rollovers
invested in Class A shares from retirement plans will be subject to applicable
sales charges. The following rollovers to Class A shares will be made without a
sales charge:

. rollovers to IRAs from 403(b) plans with Capital Bank and Trust Company as
  custodian; and

. rollovers to IRAs that are attributable to American Funds investments, if they
  meet all of the following three requirements:

  -- the retirement plan from which assets are being rolled over is part of an
     American Funds proprietary retirement plan program (such as PlanPremier,
     Recordkeeper Direct or Recordkeeper Connect/(R)/) or is a plan whose
     participant subaccounts are serviced by American Funds Service Company;

  -- the plan's assets were invested in American Funds at the time of
     distribution; and

  -- the plan's assets are rolled over to an American Funds IRA with Capital Bank
     and Trust Company as custodian.

IRA rollover assets that roll over without a sales charge as described above
will not be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and investment dealers
will be compensated solely with an annual service fee that begins to accrue
immediately. IRA rollover assets that are not attributable to American Funds
investments, as well as future contributions to the IRA, will be subject to
sales charges and the terms and conditions generally applicable to Class A share
investments as described in the prospectus and statement of additional
information if invested in Class A shares.

TRANSFERS TO IRAS

Transfers to IRAs that are attributable to American Funds investments held in
SIMPLE IRAs, SEPs or SARSEPs will not be subject to a sales charge if invested
in Class A shares.



                                       19

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

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 directors. The plans
provide for payments, based on annualized percentages of average daily net
assets, of up to .25% for Class A shares, up to 1.00% for Class R-1 and R-2
shares, up to .75% for Class R-3 shares and up to .50% for Class R-4 shares. For
all share classes, up to .25% of these expenses may be used to pay service fees
to qualified dealers for providing certain shareholder services. The amount
remaining 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 in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table
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 your investment.

Other compensation to dealers

American Funds Distributors, at its expense, currently provides additional
compensation to investment dealers. These payments may be made, at the
discretion of American Funds Distributors, to the top 75 dealers who have sold
shares of the American Funds. The level of payments made to a qualifying dealer
in any given year will vary and in no case would exceed the sum of (a) .10% of
the previous year's American Funds sales by that dealer and (b) .02% of American
Funds assets attributable to that dealer. For calendar year 2005, aggregate
payments made by American Funds Distributors to dealers were less than .02% of
the assets of the American Funds. Aggregate payments may also change from year
to year. A number of factors will be considered in determining payments,
including the qualifying dealer's sales, assets and redemption rates, and the
quality of the dealer's relationship with American Funds Distributors. American
Funds Distributors makes these payments to help defray the costs incurred by
qualifying dealers in connection with efforts to educate financial advisers
about the American Funds so that they can make recommendations and provide
services that are suitable and meet shareholder needs. American Funds
Distributors will, on an annual basis, determine the advisability of continuing
these payments. American Funds Distributors may also pay expenses associated
with meetings conducted by dealers outside the top 75 firms to facilitate
educating financial advisers and shareholders about the American Funds.



                                       20

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Distributions and taxes

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The fund intends to distribute dividends to you, usually in March, June,
September and 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.

All dividends and capital gain distributions paid to retirement plan
shareholders will be automatically reinvested.

TAXES ON DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Dividends and capital gains distributed by the fund to tax-deferred retirement
plan accounts are not taxable currently.

TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS

Exchanges within a tax-deferred retirement plan account will not result in a
capital gain or loss for federal or state income tax purposes. With limited
exceptions, distributions from a retirement plan account are taxable as ordinary
income.


PLEASE SEE YOUR TAX ADVISER FOR MORE INFORMATION.


                                       21

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Financial highlights/1/

The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's
results for the past five fiscal years. Certain information reflects financial
results for a single share of a particular class. 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 capital gain
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.


                                                 INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS/2/

                                                                  Net gains
                                                                 (losses) on
                                                                  securities
                                      Net asset                     (both
                                       value,         Net          realized      Total from
                                      beginning   investment         and         investment
                                      of period     income       unrealized)     operations
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 12/31/2005                  $30.75        $.64          $ 1.46          $ 2.10
Year ended 12/31/2004                   28.84         .60            2.19            2.79
Year ended 12/31/2003                   23.48         .54            5.55            6.09
Year ended 12/31/2002                   28.53         .49           (4.56)          (4.07)
Year ended 12/31/2001                   31.07         .44           (1.87)          (1.43)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1:
Year ended 12/31/2005                   30.67         .38            1.44            1.82
Year ended 12/31/2004                   28.77         .36            2.17            2.53
Year ended 12/31/2003                   23.46         .31            5.54            5.85
Period from 6/6/2002 to 12/31/2002      27.27         .20           (3.36)          (3.16)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                  30.67         .37            1.45            1.82
 Year ended 12/31/2004                  28.77         .37            2.17            2.54
 Year ended 12/31/2003                  23.46         .31            5.54            5.85
 Period from 5/21/2002 to 12/31/2002    28.23         .23           (4.34)          (4.11)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                  30.71         .52            1.45            1.97
 Year ended 12/31/2004                  28.80         .50            2.17            2.67
 Year ended 12/31/2003                  23.47         .41            5.55            5.96
 Period from 6/4/2002 to 12/31/2002     27.58         .27           (3.69)          (3.42)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                             DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS


                                      Dividends                       Total      Net asset
                                      (from net   Distributions     dividends     value,
                                      investment      (from            and        end of      Total
                                       income)    capital gains)  distributions   period    return/3/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 12/31/2005                   $(.68)        $(.81)         $(1.49)      $31.36       6.87%
Year ended 12/31/2004                    (.52)         (.36)           (.88)       30.75       9.78
Year ended 12/31/2003                    (.52)         (.21)           (.73)       28.84      26.30
Year ended 12/31/2002                    (.52)         (.46)           (.98)       23.48     (14.47)
Year ended 12/31/2001                    (.52)         (.59)          (1.11)       28.53      (4.59)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1:
Year ended 12/31/2005                    (.43)         (.81)          (1.24)       31.25       5.93
Year ended 12/31/2004                    (.27)         (.36)           (.63)       30.67       8.84
Year ended 12/31/2003                    (.33)         (.21)           (.54)       28.77      25.18
Period from 6/6/2002 to 12/31/2002       (.30)         (.35)           (.65)       23.46     (11.68)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                   (.42)         (.81)          (1.23)       31.26       5.95
 Year ended 12/31/2004                   (.28)         (.36)           (.64)       30.67       8.88
 Year ended 12/31/2003                   (.33)         (.21)           (.54)       28.77      25.18
 Period from 5/21/2002 to 12/31/2002     (.31)         (.35)           (.66)       23.46     (14.64)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                   (.57)         (.81)          (1.38)       31.30       6.43
 Year ended 12/31/2004                   (.40)         (.36)           (.76)       30.71       9.34
 Year ended 12/31/2003                   (.42)         (.21)           (.63)       28.80      25.70
 Period from 6/4/2002 to 12/31/2002      (.34)         (.35)           (.69)       23.47     (12.49)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                                   Ratio of     Ratio of
                                                   expenses     expenses
                                                  to average   to average     Ratio of
                                         Net      net assets   net assets       net
                                       assets,      before        after        income
                                        end of       reim-        reim-      to average
                                      period (in  bursements/  bursements/      net
                                      millions)     waivers    waivers/4/      assets
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 12/31/2005                  $66,959       .57 %        .55 %        2.06 %
Year ended 12/31/2004                   64,880       .57          .57          2.06
Year ended 12/31/2003                   58,353       .59          .59          2.14
Year ended 12/31/2002                   46,129       .59          .59          1.89
Year ended 12/31/2001                   54,315       .57          .57          1.49
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1:
Year ended 12/31/2005                       29      1.42         1.40          1.22
Year ended 12/31/2004                       23      1.47         1.46          1.21
Year ended 12/31/2003                       14      1.51         1.47          1.18
Period from 6/6/2002 to 12/31/2002           1      2.43///5/    1.47/5/       1.49/5/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                     479      1.57         1.40          1.21
 Year ended 12/31/2004                     361      1.63         1.42          1.27
 Year ended 12/31/2003                     188      1.76         1.43          1.21
 Period from 5/21/2002 to 12/31/2002        24      1.57/5/      1.43/5/       1.61/5/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                     666       .95          .93          1.68
 Year ended 12/31/2004                     493       .99          .98          1.72
 Year ended 12/31/2003                     231      1.06         1.05          1.60
 Period from 6/4/2002 to 12/31/2002         24      1.11/5/      1.05/5/       2.00/5/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                       22

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>


                                                 INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS/2/

                                                                  Net gains
                                                                 (losses) on
                                                                  securities
                                      Net asset                     (both
                                       value,         Net          realized      Total from
                                      beginning   investment         and         investment
                                      of period     income       unrealized)     operations
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS R-4:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                 $30.72        $.62          $ 1.45          $ 2.07
 Year ended 12/31/2004                  28.82         .60            2.16            2.76
 Year ended 12/31/2003                  23.47         .51            5.55            6.06
 Period from 5/28/2002 to 12/31/2002    28.22         .32           (4.33)          (4.01)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                  30.75         .70            1.46            2.16
 Year ended 12/31/2004                  28.84         .67            2.18            2.85
 Year ended 12/31/2003                  23.48         .56            5.59            6.15
 Period from 5/15/2002 to 12/31/2002    28.37         .39           (4.50)          (4.11)


                                             DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS


                                      Dividends                       Total      Net asset
                                      (from net   Distributions     dividends     value,
                                      investment      (from            and        end of      Total
                                       income)    capital gains)  distributions   period    return/3/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS R-4:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                  $(.66)        $(.81)         $(1.47)      $31.32       6.77%
 Year ended 12/31/2004                   (.50)         (.36)           (.86)       30.72       9.67
 Year ended 12/31/2003                   (.50)         (.21)           (.71)       28.82      26.19
 Period from 5/28/2002 to 12/31/2002     (.39)         (.35)           (.74)       23.47     (14.31)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                   (.75)         (.81)          (1.56)       31.35       7.06
 Year ended 12/31/2004                   (.58)         (.36)           (.94)       30.75      10.02
 Year ended 12/31/2003                   (.58)         (.21)           (.79)       28.84      26.58
 Period from 5/15/2002 to 12/31/2002     (.43)         (.35)           (.78)       23.48     (14.59)



                                                   Ratio of     Ratio of
                                                   expenses     expenses
                                                  to average   to average     Ratio of
                                         Net      net assets   net assets       net
                                       assets,      before        after        income
                                        end of       reim-        reim-      to average
                                      period (in  bursements/  bursements/      net
                                      millions)     waivers    waivers/4/      assets
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS R-4:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                 $   236       .65 %        .63 %        1.99 %
 Year ended 12/31/2004                     119       .67          .66          2.05
 Year ended 12/31/2003                      40       .68          .68          2.00
 Period from 5/28/2002 to 12/31/2002         9       .73/5/       .69/5/       2.25/5/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5:
 Year ended 12/31/2005                   1,562       .36          .34          2.28
 Year ended 12/31/2004                   1,408       .36          .35          2.28
 Year ended 12/31/2003                   1,201       .36          .36          2.11
 Period from 5/15/2002 to 12/31/2002        48       .37/5/       .37/5/       2.56/5/






                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                           2005        2004        2003        2002         2001
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 RATE FOR ALL CLASSES      19%         19%         24%         27%          22%
 OF SHARES




/1/  Based on operations for the period shown (unless otherwise noted) and,
     accordingly, may not be representative of a full year.
/2/  Based on average shares outstanding.
/3/  Total returns exclude all sales charges.
/4/  The ratios in this column reflect the impact, if any, of certain
     reimbursements/waivers from Capital Research and Management Company. See the
     Annual Fund Operating Expenses table under "Fees and expenses of the fund" and
     the audited financial statements in the fund's annual report for more
     information.
/5/ Annualized.



                                       23

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>


NOTES


                                       24

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       25

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       26

The Investment Company of America / Prospectus


<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       27

                                 The Investment Company of America / Prospectus

<PAGE>



[logo - American Funds/(R)/]              The right choice for the long term/(R)/





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
                                 americanfunds.com

FOR 24-HOUR INFORMATION          For Class R share information, visit
                                 AmericanFundsRetirement.com


          Telephone calls you have with the American Funds
          organization may be monitored or recorded for quality
          assurance, verification and/or recordkeeping purposes.
          By speaking with us on the telephone, you are giving
          your consent to such monitoring and recording.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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  The shareholder reports contain
additional information about the fund, including financial statements,
investment results, portfolio holdings, a discussion of market conditions and
the fund's investment strategies, and the independent registered public
accounting firm's report (in the annual report).

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) AND CODES OF ETHICS The current SAI,
as amended from time to time, contains more detailed information on all aspects
of the fund, including the fund's financial statements, and is incorporated by
reference into this prospectus. This means that the current SAI, for legal
purposes, is part of this prospectus. The codes of ethics describe the personal
investing policies adopted by the fund, the fund's investment adviser and its
affiliated companies.

The codes of ethics and current SAI are on file 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, DC
(202/942-8090) or on the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at sec.gov or,
after payment of a duplicating fee, via e-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov or
by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102. The
current SAI and shareholder reports are also available, free of charge, on
americanfunds.com.

HOUSEHOLD MAILINGS Each year you are automatically sent an updated prospectus
and annual and semi-annual reports 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 who are part of the same family and share the same household address.

If you would like to opt out of household-based mailings or receive a
complimentary copy of the current SAI, codes of ethics or annual/semi-annual
report to shareholders, 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.



[logo - recycle bug]







Printed on recycled paper
RPGEPR-904-0306P Litho in USA CGD/RRD/8036      Investment Company File No. 811-116

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE CAPITAL GROUP COMPANIES
American Funds        Capital Research and Management       Capital International
        Capital Guardian        Capital Bank and Trust

The Investment Company of America

Part C

Other Information

Item 23. Exhibits for Registration Statement (1940 Act No. 2-10811 and 1933 Act No. 811-116)

(a)	Certificate of Designation - previously filed (see Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 filed 5/17/02)

(b) By-laws as amended 5/18/05

(d)	Amended Investment Advisory and Service Agreement dated 2/16/05 - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 111 filed 2/25/05)

(e)	Form of Amended and Restated Principal Underwriting Agreement - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 108 filed 5/17/02) and form of Institutional Selling Group Agreement - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 111 filed 2/25/05)

(f)	Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts - Deferred Compensation Plan amended 1/1/04 - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 110 filed on 2/26/04)

(g)	Form of Global Custody Agreement - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 105 filed 3/13/00) and form of JPMorgan Chase Supplemental Agreement - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 111 filed 2/25/05)

(h-1)

Other material contracts - Form of Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement dated 10/1/05

(h-2)

Amended Shareholder Services Agreement as of 4/1/03 - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 110 filed on 2/26/04) and form of Indemnification Agreement dated 7/1/04 - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 111 filed 2/25/05)

(i) Legal Opinion - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 108 filed 5/17/02)

(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

(k) Omitted Financial Statements - none

(l) Initial Capital Agreements - none

(m-1)

Forms of Plans of Distribution - Class A Plan of Distribution - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 101 filed 2/27/97) and Class 529-A - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 107 filed 2/14/02

(m-2)

Forms of Amended Plans of Distribution for Classes B, C, F, 529-B, 529-C, 529-E, 529-F and R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 dated 10/1/05

(n) Form of Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 108 filed 5/17/02)

(o) Reserved

(p-1) Code of Ethics for The Capital Group Companies dated July 2005

(p-2)

Code of Ethics for Registrant dated December 2004 - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 111 filed 2/25/05)

Item 24. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Fund

None

Item 25. Indemnification

The Registrant is a joint-insured under Investment Adviser/Mutual Fund Errors and Omissions Policies, which insure its officers and directors 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.

The following are certain provisions of the Delaware Corporation Law applicable to the Registrant:

Subsection (a) of Section 145 of the Delaware Corporation Law empowers a corporation to indemnify any person 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 an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation 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 him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

Subsection (b) of Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person 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 corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and 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 to the corporation unless and only to the extent that a court of equity or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper.

Section 145 further provides that to the extent a director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith; that indemnification provided for by Section 145 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the indemnified party may be entitled; that the scope of indemnification extends to directors, officers, employees or agents of a constituent corporation absorbed in a consolidation or merger and persons serving in that capacity at the request of the constituent corporation for another; and empowers the corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a director or officer of the corporation against any liability asserted against him or incurred by him in any such capacity or arising out of his status as such whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such liabilities under Section 145.

Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation and Section 38 of the Registrant’s By-Laws as well as the indemnification agreements that the Registrant has entered into with each of its directors who is not an “interested person” of the Registrant (as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940), provide in effect that the Registrant will indemnify its officers and directors against any liability or expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in any proceeding arising out of or in connection with his or her service to the Registrant, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, subject to certain conditions. In accordance with Section 17(h) and 17(i) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and their respective terms, these provisions do not protect any person against any liability to the Registrant or its shareholders to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, 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 director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or 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.

Registrant will comply with the indemnification requirements contained in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Release Nos. 7221 (June 9, 1972) and 11330 (September 4, 1980).

Item 26. Business and Other Connections of the 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, EuroPacific Growth Fund, Fundamental Investors, Inc., The Growth Fund of America, Inc., The Income Fund of America, Inc., 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) Name and Principal Business Address	(2) Positions and Offices with Underwriter	(3) Positions and Offices with Registrant

	David L. Abzug	Vice President	None
	P.O. Box 2248
	Agoura Hills, CA 91376

	William C. Anderson	Regional Vice President	None
	7780 Boylston Court
	Dublin, OH 43016

	Robert B. Aprison	Senior Vice President	None
	2983 Bryn Wood Drive
	Madison, WI 53711

	Shakeel A. Barkat	Regional Vice President	None
	982 Wayson Way
	Davidsonville, MD 21035

	Steven L. Barnes	Senior Vice President	None
	7490 Clubhouse Road
	Suite 100
	Boulder, CO 80301

	Thomas M. Bartow	Vice President	None
	20 Cerchio Alto
	Henderson, NV 89011

B	Carl R. Bauer	Vice President	None

	Michelle A. Bergeron	Senior Vice President	None
	4160 Gateswalk Drive
	Smyrna, GA 30080

	J. Walter Best, Jr.	Vice President	None
	7003 Chadwick Drive, Suite 355
	Brentwood, TN 37027

	John A. Blanchard	Senior Vice President	None
	576 Somerset Lane
	Northfield, IL 60093

	Ian B. Bodell	Senior Vice President	None
	7003 Chadwick Drive, Suite 355
	Brentwood, TN 37027

	Bill Brady	Regional Vice President	None
	646 Somerset Drive
	Indianapolis, IN 46260

	Mick L. Brethower	Senior Vice President	None
	601 E. Whitestone Blvd.
	Building 6, Suite 115
	Cedar Park, TX 78613

	C. Alan Brown	Vice President	None
	7424 Somerset Avenue
	St. Louis, MO 63105

L	Sheryl M. Burford	Assistant Vice President	None

B	J. Peter Burns	Vice President	None

	Steven Calabria	Regional Vice President	None
	161 Bay Avenue
	Huntington Bay, NY 11743

S	Kathleen D. Campbell	Assistant Vice President	None

	Matthew C. Carlisle	Regional Vice President	None
	100 Oakmont Lane, #409
	Belleair, FL 33756

	Damian F. Carroll	Vice President	None
	40 Ten Acre Road
	New Britain, CT 06052

	James D. Carter	Regional Vice President	None
	401 Bridle Court
	Chesapeake, VA 23323

	Brian C. Casey	Senior Vice President	None
	8002 Greentree Road
	Bethesda, MD 20817

	Victor C. Cassato	Senior Vice President	None
	999 Green Oaks Drive
	Greenwood Village, CO 80121

	Christopher J. Cassin	Senior Vice President	None
	120 E. Ogden Ave., Suite 106
	Hinsdale, IL 60521

L	Denise M. Cassin	Director, Senior Vice President	None

L	David D. Charlton	Senior Vice President	None

	Thomas M. Charon	Regional Vice President	None
	N27 W23960 Paul Road
	Suite 204
	Pewaukee, WI 53072

L	Wellington Choi	Assistant Vice President	None

	Paul A. Cieslik	Regional Vice President	None
	90 Northington Drive
	Avon, CT 06001

L	Larry P. Clemmensen	Director	None

L	Kevin G. Clifford	Director, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer	None

H	Cheri Coleman	Vice President	None

	Ruth M. Collier	Senior Vice President	None
	106 Central Park South, #10K
	New York, NY 10019

S	David Coolbaugh	Vice President	None

	Carlo O. Cordasco	Regional Vice President	None
	4036 Ambassador Circle
	Williamsburg, VA 23188

B	Josie Cortez	Assistant Vice President	None

	Thomas E. Cournoyer	Vice President	None
	2333 Granada Blvd.
	Coral Gables, FL 33134

L	Michael D. Cravotta	Assistant Vice President	None

	Joseph G. Cronin	Vice President	None
	1281 Fiore Drive
	Lake Forest, IL 60045

	William F. Daugherty	Vice President	None
	1213 Redwood Hills Circle
	Carlisle, PA 17013

	Guy E. Decker	Vice President	None
	2990 Topaz Lane
	Carmel, IN 46032

	Daniel J. Delianedis	Senior Vice President	None
	Edina Executive Plaza
	5200 Willson Road, Suite 150
	Edina, MN 55424

L	James W. DeLouise	Assistant Vice President	None

	James A. DePerno, Jr.	Vice President	None
	1 Nehercrest Lane
	Orchard Park, NY 14127

L	Bruce L. DePriester	Director, Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Controller	None

	Lori A. Deuberry	Regional Vice President	None
	130 Aurora Street
	Hudson, OH 44236

L	Dianne M. Dexter	Assistant Vice President	None

	Thomas J. Dickson	Vice President	None
	108 Wilmington Court
	Southlake, TX 76092

	Michael A. DiLella	Senior Vice President	None
	22 Turner’s Lake Drive
	Mahwah, NJ 07430

	G. Michael Dill	Director, Senior Vice President	None
	505 E. Main Street
	Jenks, OK 74037

N	Dean M. Dolan	Vice President	None

L	Hedy B. Donahue	Assistant Vice President	None

L	Michael J. Downer	Director, Secretary	None

	Michael J. Dullaghan	Regional Vice President	None
	5040 Plantation Grove Lane
	Roanoke, VA 24012

I	Lloyd G. Edwards	Senior Vice President	None

	Timothy L. Ellis	Senior Vice President	None
	1700 Lelia Drive, Suite 105
	Jackson, MS 39216

	William F. Flannery	Regional Vice President	None
	29 Overlook Road
	Hopkinton, MA 01748

	John R. Fodor	Senior Vice President	None
	15 Latisquama Road
	Southborough, MA 01772

L	Charles L. Freadhoff	Vice President	None

	Daniel B. Frick	Vice President	None
	845 Western Avenue
	Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

L	Linda S. Gardner	Vice President	None

	Keith R. George	Regional Vice President	None
	3835 East Turtle Hatch Road
	Springfield, MO 65809

L	J. Christopher Gies	Senior Vice President	None

B	Lori A. Giacomini	Assistant Vice President	None

B	Evelyn K. Glassford	Vice President	None

	Jack E. Goldin	Regional Vice President	None
	3424 Belmont Terrace
	Davie, FL 33328

L	Earl C. Gottschalk	Vice President	None

	Jeffrey J. Greiner	Senior Vice President	None
	8250-A Estates Parkway
	Plain City, OH 43064

	Eric M. Grey	Regional Vice President	None
	601 Fisher Road
	N. Dartmouth, MA 02747

B	Mariellen Hamann	Vice President	None

	Derek S. Hansen	Vice President	None
	13033 Ridgedale Drive, #147
	Minnetonka, MN 55305

	David E. Harper	Senior Vice President	None
	5400 Russell Cave Road
	Lexington, KY 40511

	Calvin L. Harrelson, III	Regional Vice President	None
	2048 Kings Manor Drive
	Weddington, NC 28104

	Robert J. Hartig, Jr.	Vice President	None
	13563 Marjac Way
	McCordsville, IN 46055

L	Linda M. Hines	Vice President	None

	Steven J. Hipsley	Regional Vice President	None
	44 Tyler Drive
	Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

L	Russell K. Holliday	Vice President	None

L	Kevin B. Hughes	Vice President	None

	Ronald R. Hulsey	Senior Vice President	None
	6202 Llano
	Dallas, TX 75214

	Marc Ialeggio	Regional Vice President	None
	13 Prince Royal Passage
	Corte Madera, CA 94925

	Robert S. Irish	Senior Vice President	None
	1225 Vista Del Mar Drive
	Delray Beach, FL 33483

B	Damien M. Jordan	Senior Vice President	None

L	Marc J. Kaplan	Assistant Vice President	None

	John P. Keating	Vice President	None
	1576 Sandy Springs Dr.
	Orange Park, FL 32003

	Brian G. Kelly	Regional Vice President	None
	76 Daybreak Road
	Southport, CT 06890

	Andrew J. Kilbride	Regional Vice President	None
	3080 Tuscany Court
	Ann Arbor, MI 48103

N	Dorothy Klock	Vice President	None

	Dianne L. Koske	Assistant Vice President	None
	122 Clydesdale Court
	Hampton, VA 23666

B	Elizabeth K. Koster	Vice President	None

	Christopher F. Lanzafame	Regional Vice President	None
	19365 Lovall Valley Court
	Sonoma, CA 95476

	Patricia D. Lathrop	Regional Vice President	None
	822 Monterey Blvd., NE
	St. Petersburg, FL 33704

	R. Andrew LeBlanc	Vice President	None
	78 Eton Road
	Garden City, NY 11530

	T. Blake Liberty	Vice President	None
	5506 East Mineral Lane
	Littleton, CO 80122

	Mark J. Lien	Vice President	None
	1103 Tulip Tree Lane
	West Des Moines, IA 50266

L	Lorin E. Liesy	Vice President	None

I	Kelle Lindenberg	Assistant Vice President	None

	Louis K. Linquata	Vice President	None
	5214 Cass Street
	Omaha, NE 68132

	Brendan T. Mahoney	Vice President	None
	1 Union Avenue, 2^nd Floor
	Sudbury, MA 01776

	Stephen A. Malbasa	Director, Senior Vice President	None
	13405 Lake Shore Blvd.
	Cleveland, OH 44110

	Steven M. Markel	Senior Vice President	None
	5241 South Race Street
	Greenwood Village, CO 80121

L	Paul R. Mayeda	Assistant Vice President	None

L	Eleanor P. Maynard	Vice President	None

L	Christopher McCarthy	Vice President	None

	James R. McCrary	Vice President	None
	28812 Crestridge
	Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

S	John V. McLaughlin	Senior Vice President	None

	Terry W. McNabb	Senior Vice President	None
	2002 Barrett Station Road
	St. Louis, MO 63131

L	Katharine McRoskey	Assistant Vice President	None

	Scott M. Meade	Vice President	None
	370 Central Road
	Rye Beach, NH 03870

	Charles L. Mitsakos	Regional Vice President	None
	3017 11^th Avenue West
	Seattle, WA 98119

	Monty L. Moncrief	Regional Vice President	None
	55 Chandler Creek Court
	The Woodlands, TX 77381

	David H. Morrison	Regional Vice President	None
	7021 North Stratton Court
	Peoria, IL 61615

	Andrew J. Moscardini	Regional Vice President	None
	832 Coldwater Creek Circle
	Niceville, FL 32578

	William E. Noe	Senior Vice President	None
	3600 Knollwood Road
	Nashville, TN 37215

L	Heidi J. Novaes	Vice President	None

	Peter A. Nyhus	Senior Vice President	None
	15345 Wilderness Ridge Rd, NW
	Prior Lake, MN 55372

G1	Luis Freitas de Oliveira	Director	None

	Eric P. Olson	Senior Vice President	None
	27 Main Street
	Topsfield, MA 01983

	Jeffrey A. Olson	Regional Vice President	None
	2708 88^th St. Court, NW
	Gig Harbor, WA 98332

	Thomas A. O’Neil	Regional Vice President	None
	400 N. Woodlawn, Suite 202
	Woodlawn Central Office Building
	Wichita, KS 67208

	W. Burke Patterson, Jr.	Regional Vice President	None
	1643 Richland Avenue
	Baton Rouge, LA 70808

	Gary A. Peace	Vice President	None
	291 Kaanapali Drive
	Napa, CA 94558

	Samuel W. Perry	Regional Vice President	None
	4340 East Indian School Road
	Suite 21
	Phoenix, AZ 85018

	Raleigh G. Peters	Regional Vice President	None
	1439 Byrd Drive
	Berwyn, PA 19312

	David K. Petzke	Vice President	None
	4016 Saint Lucia Street
	Boulder, CO 80301

	Fredric Phillips	Senior Vice President	None
	175 Highland Avenue, 4th Floor
	Needham, MA 02494

	John Pinto	Regional Vice President	None
	226 Country Club Drive
	Lansdale, PA 19446

	Carl S. Platou	Senior Vice President	None
	7455 80th Place, S.E.
	Mercer Island, WA 98040

S	Richard P. Prior	Vice President	None

	Mike Quinn	Regional Vice President	None
	1035 Vintage Club Drive
	Duluth, GA 30097

S	John W. Rankin	Regional Vice President	None
	1725 Centennial Club Drive
	Conway, AR 72034

	Jennifer D. Rasner	Regional Vice President	None
	11940 Baypoint Drive
	Burnsville, MN 55337

	James P. Rayburn	Regional Vice President	None
	3108 Roxbury Road
	Homewood, AL 35209

	Mark S. Reischmann	Regional Vice President	None
	4125 Hermitage Drive
	Colorado Springs, CO 80906

	Steven J. Reitman	Senior Vice President	None
	212 The Lane
	Hinsdale, IL 60521

	Brian A. Roberts	Vice President	None
	209-A 60^th Street
	Virginia Beach, VA 23451

L	James F. Rothenberg	Director	President

	Romolo D. Rottura	Vice President	None
	233 Glenhaven Court
	Swedesboro, NJ 08085

	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

	William M. Ryan	Regional Vice President	None
	1408 Cortland Drive
	Manasquan, NJ 08736

L	Dean B. Rydquist	Director, Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer	None

	Richard A. Sabec, Jr.	Regional Vice President	None
	6868 Meadow Glen Drive
	Westerville, OH 43082

	Richard R. Samson	Senior Vice President	None
	4604 Glencoe Avenue, #4
	Marina del Rey, CA 90292

	Paul V. Santoro	Vice President	None
	28 State Street, Suite 1100
	Boston, MA 02109

	Mark A. Seaman	Vice President	None
	308 Emilies Lane
	Severna Park, MD 21146

	Joseph D. Scarpitti	Senior Vice President	None
	31465 St. Andrews
	Westlake, OH 44145

	Shane D. Schofield	Regional Vice President	None
	201 McIver Street
	Greenville, SC 29601

S	Sherrie L. Senft	Vice President	None

	James J. Sewell III	Regional Vice President	None
	415 East Holyoke Place
	Claremont, CA 91711

	Arthur M. Sgroi	Regional Vice President	None
	76 Fields End Drive
	Glenmont, NY 12077

L	R. Michael Shanahan	Director	Vice Chairman and Director

L	Michael J. Sheldon	Vice President	None

	Frederic J. Shipp	Regional Vice President	None
	1352 Sanjo Farms Drive
	Chesapeake, VA 23320

	Daniel S. Shore	Regional Vice President	None
	3734 North Greenview Avenue
	Chicago, IL 60613

	Brad Short	Vice President	None
	1601 Seal Way
	Seal Beach, CA 90740

	David W. Short	Chairman of the Board and	None
	1000 RIDC Plaza, Suite 212	Co-Chief Executive Officer
	Pittsburgh, PA 15238

	Nathan W. Simmons	Regional Vice President	None
	496 Dogwood Trail
	Quincy, FL 32352

	William P. Simon, Jr.	Senior Vice President	None
	912 Castlehill Lane
	Devon, PA 19333

L	Connie F. Sjursen	Vice President	None

	Jerry L. Slater	Senior Vice President	None
	1820 38^th Ave. E
	Seattle, WA 98112

LW	John H. Smet	Director	None

	Rodney G. Smith	Senior Vice President	None
	15851 Dallas Parkway, Suite 500
	Addison, TX 75001-6016

	J. Eric Snively	Regional Vice President	None
	2548 Violet Street
	Glenview, IL 60025

	Anthony L. Soave	Vice President	None
	3780 Foxglove Court NE
	Grand Rapids, MI 49525

L	Therese L. Soullier	Vice President	None

	Nicholas D. Spadaccini	Senior Vice President	None
	855 Markley Woods Way
	Cincinnati, OH 45230

L	Kristen J. Spazafumo	Vice President	None

	Mark D. Steburg	Regional Vice President	None
	12508 160^th Avenue Southeast
	Renton, WA 98059

	Michael P. Stern	Regional Vice President	None
	213 Aptos Place
	Danville, CA 94526

	Brad Stillwagon	Vice President	None
	2438 Broadmeade Road
	Louisville, KY 40205

	Thomas A. Stout	Vice President	None
	1004 Ditchley Road
	Virginia Beach, VA 23451

	Craig R. Strauser	Senior Vice President	None
	13160 Princeton Court
	Lake Oswego, OR 97035

L	Libby J. Syth	Vice President	None

L	Drew W. Taylor	Assistant Vice President	None

L	Larry I. Thatt	Assistant Vice President	None

	Gary J. Thoma	Regional Vice President	None
	401 Desnoyer
	Kaukauna, WI 54130

	Cynthia M. Thompson	Regional Vice President	None
	4 Franklin Way
	Ladera Ranch, CA 92694

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	Senior Vice President	None
	103 E. Blithedale Avenue
	Mill Valley, CA 94941

S	Cindy Vaquiax	Assistant Vice President	None

	J. David Viale	Vice President	None
	39 Old Course Drive
	Newport Beach, CA 92660

D	Bradley J. Vogt	Director	None

	Gerald J. Voss	Regional Vice President	None
	1009 Ridge Road
	Sioux Falls, SD 57105

L	A. Jordan Wallens	Regional Vice President	None
	1501 Maple Avenue, #602
	Evanston, IL 60201

	Thomas E. Warren	Vice President	None
	119 Faubel St.
	Sarasota, FL 34242

L	J. Kelly Webb	Senior Vice President	None

	Gregory J. Weimer	Director,	None
	206 Hardwood Drive	Senior Vice President
	Venetia, PA 15367

B	Timothy W. Weiss	Director	None

	Dana L. Wells	Regional Vice President	None
	4444 Riverside Drive, Suite 110
	Burbank, CA 91505-4048

SF	Gregory W. Wendt	Director	None

	George J. Wenzel	Vice President	None
	261 Barden Road
	Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

	Brian E. Whalen	Regional Vice President	None
	4072 Yellow Ginger Glen
	Norcross, GA 30092

L	N. Dexter Williams, Jr.	Senior Vice President	None

L	Alan J. Wilson	Director	None

	Andrew L. Wilson	Vice President	None
	11163 Rich Meadow Drive
	Great Falls, VA 22066

	Steven C. Wilson	Regional Vice President	None
	83 Kaydeross Park Road
	Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

	Timothy J. Wilson	Vice President	None
	501 Valley Brook Road, Suite 204
	McMurray, PA 15317

B	Laura L. Wimberly	Vice President	None

	Marshall D. Wingo	Director, Senior Vice President	None
	Promenade Two, 25^th Floor
	1230 Peachtree Street, N.E.
	Atlanta, GA 30309

	Kurt A. Wuestenberg	Vice President	None
	975 Arboretum Drive
	Saline, MI 48176

	William R. Yost	Senior Vice President	None
	9463 Olympia Drive
	Eden Prairie, MN 55347

	Jason P. Young	Regional Vice President	None
	11141 Whitetail Lane
	Olathe, KS 66061

	Jonathan A. Young	Regional Vice President	None
	2145 Hickory Forrest
	Chesapeake, VA 23322

	Scott D. Zambon	Regional Vice President	None
	2178 Pieper Lane
	Tustin, CA 92782

__________

L	Business Address, 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
LW	Business Address, 11100 Santa Monica Blvd., 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
N	Business Address, 630 Fifth Avenue, 36^th Floor, New York, NY10111
D	Business Address, 3000 K Street N.W., Suite 230, Washington, DC 20007-5140
G1	Business Address, 3 Place des Bergues, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland

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 the Registrant’s investment adviser, Capital Research and Management Company, 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California 90071; 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, California 92821; and/or 5300 Robin Hood Road, Norfolk, Virginia 23513.

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; 10001 North 92^nd Street, Suite 100, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258; 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, JPMorgan Chase Bank, 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017-2070.

Item 29. Management Services

None

Item 30. Undertakings

n/a

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, and State of California, on the 24th day of February, 2006.

THE INVESTMENT COMPANY OF AMERICA

By: /s/ R. Michael Shanahan

(R. Michael Shanahan, Vice Chairman of the Board)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below on February 24, 2006, by the following persons in the capacities indicated.

	Signature		Title
(1)	Principal Executive Officer:
	/s/ R. Michael Shanahan	Vice Chairman of the Board
	(R. Michael Shanahan)

(2)	Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer:
	/s/ Thomas M. Rowland	Treasurer
	(Thomas M. Rowland)

(3)	Directors:
	Louise H. Bryson*	Director
	Mary Anne Dolan*	Director
	Martin Fenton*	Chairman of the Board (Independent and Non-Executive)
	Leonard R. Fuller*	Director
	Claudio X. Gonzalez Laporte*	Director
	/s/ James B. Lovelace	Senior Vice President and Director
	(James B. Lovelace)
	John G. McDonald*	Director
	Bailey Morris-Eck*	Director
	Richard G. Newman*	Director
	/s/ Donald D. O’Neal	Senior Vice President and Director
	(Donald D. O’Neal)
	Olin C. Robison*	Director
	/s/ R. Michael Shanahan	Vice Chairman and Director
	(R. Michael Shanahan)
	William J. Spencer*	Director
	*By: /s/ Vincent P. Corti
	(Vincent P. Corti, pursuant to a power of attorney filed herewith)

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/ Donald H. Rolfe

(Donald H. Rolfe)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Louise H. Bryson, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment company:

- The Investment Company of America

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Fund and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Julie F. Williams

Rodney S. Kiemele

Steven I. Koszalka

R. Marcia Gould

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Fund on Form N-1A, Form N-8A or any successor thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and Registration Statements on Form N-14, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Los Angeles, CA , this 15^th day of July, 2005.

(City, State)

/s/ Louise H. Bryson

Louise H. Bryson, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Mary Anne Dolan, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

- AMCAP Fund, Inc.

- American Mutual Fund, Inc.

- The Investment Company of America

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Julie F. Williams

Rodney S. Kiemele

Steven I. Koszalka

R. Marcia Gould

Jeffrey P. Regal

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, Form N-8A or any successor thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and Registration Statements on Form N-14, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Los Angeles, CA , this 12^th day of July, 2005.

(City, State)

/s/ Mary Anne Dolan

Mary Anne Dolan, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Martin Fenton, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

- AMCAP Fund, Inc.

- The American Funds Income Series - U.S. Government Securities Fund

- American Funds Insurance Series

- The American Funds Tax-Exempt Series II - The Tax-Exempt Fund of California

- American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.

- American High-Income Trust

- American Mutual Fund, Inc.

- The Bond Fund of America, Inc.

- Capital World Bond Fund, Inc.

- The Cash Management Trust of America

- Intermediate Bond Fund of America

- The Investment Company of America

- Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America

- The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America, Inc.

- The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America

- The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of America

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Julie F. Williams

Rodney S. Kiemele

Steven I. Koszalka

R. Marcia Gould

Sheryl F. Johnson

David A. Pritchett

Susi M. Silverman

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, Form N-8A or any successor thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and Registration Statements on Form N-14, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Solana Beach, CA , this 5^th day of July, 2005.

(City, State)

/s/ Martin Fenton

Martin Fenton, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Leonard R. Fuller, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

- The American Funds Income Series - U.S. Government Securities Fund

- American Funds Insurance Series

- The American Funds Tax-Exempt Series II - The Tax-Exempt Fund of California

- American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.

- American High-Income Trust

- The Bond Fund of America, Inc.

- Capital World Bond Fund, Inc.

- The Cash Management Trust of America

- Intermediate Bond Fund of America

- The Investment Company of America

- Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America

- The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America, Inc.

- The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America

- The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of America

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Julie F. Williams

Rodney S. Kiemele

Steven I. Koszalka

R. Marcia Gould

David A. Pritchett

Susi M. Silverman

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, Form N-8A or any successor thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and Registration Statements on Form N-14, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Rolling Hills, CA , this 12^th day of July, 2005.

(City, State)

/s/ Leonard R. Fuller

Leonard R. Fuller, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Claudio X. Gonzalez Laporte, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment company:

- The Investment Company of America

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Fund and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Julie F. Williams

Rodney S. Kiemele

Steven I. Koszalka

R. Marcia Gould

EXECUTED at Mexico City, Mexico , this 5^th day of July, 2005.

(City, State)

/s/ Claudio X. Gonzalez Laporte

Claudio X. Gonzalez Laporte, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, John G. McDonald, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

- American Balanced Fund, Inc.

- EuroPacific Growth Fund

- Fundamental Investors, Inc.

- The Growth Fund of America, Inc.

- The Income Fund of America, Inc.

- The Investment Company of America

- New Perspective Fund, Inc.

- New World Fund, Inc.

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Julie F. Williams

Rodney S. Kiemele

Steven I. Koszalka

R. Marcia Gould

Sheryl F. Johnson

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, Form N-8A or any successor thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and Registration Statements on Form N-14, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Stanford, CA , this 5^th day of July, 2005.

(City, State)

/s/ John G. McDonald

John G. McDonald, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Bailey Morris-Eck, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

- AMCAP Fund, Inc.

- American Mutual Fund, Inc.

- The Investment Company of America

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Julie F. Williams

Rodney S. Kiemele

Steven I. Koszalka

R. Marcia Gould

Jeffrey P. Regal

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, Form N-8A or any successor thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and Registration Statements on Form N-14, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Butler, MD , this 5^th day of July, 2005.

(City, State)

/s/ Bailey Morris-Eck

Bailey Morris-Eck, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Richard G. Newman, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

- The American Funds Income Series - U.S. Government Securities Fund

- The American Funds Tax-Exempt Series II - The Tax-Exempt Fund of California

- American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.

- American High-Income Trust

- The Bond Fund of America, Inc.

- Capital World Bond Fund, Inc.

- The Cash Management Trust of America

- Intermediate Bond Fund of America

- The Investment Company of America

- Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America

- The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America, Inc.

- The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America

- The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of America

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Julie F. Williams

Rodney S. Kiemele

Steven I. Koszalka

Susi M. Silverman

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, Form N-8A or any successor thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and Registration Statements on Form N-14, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Los Angeles, CA , this 19^th day of July, 2005.

(City, State)

/s/ Richard G. Newman

Richard G. Newman, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Olin C. Robison, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

- AMCAP Fund, Inc.

- American Mutual Fund, Inc.

- The Investment Company of America

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Julie F. Williams

Rodney S. Kiemele

Steven I. Koszalka

R. Marcia Gould

Jeffrey P. Regal

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, Form N-8A or any successor thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and Registration Statements on Form N-14, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Shelburne, VT , this 30^th day of July, 2005.

(City, State)

/s/ Olin C. Robison

Olin C. Robison, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, William J. Spencer, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment company:

- The Investment Company of America

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Fund and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Julie F. Williams

Rodney S. Kiemele

Steven I. Koszalka

R. Marcia Gould

EXECUTED at Ouray, CO , this 1^st day of July, 2005.

(City, State)

/s/ William J. Spencer

William J. Spencer, Board member