497K3B 1 scs.htm
April 1, 2004

Fund Profile

T. Rowe Price

Small-Cap Stock Fund

A stock fund seeking long-term capital growth through investments in securities of small companies.

This profile summarizes key information about the fund that is included in the fund`s prospectus. The fund`s prospectus includes additional information about the fund, including a more detailed description of the risks associated with investing in the fund that you may want to consider before you invest. You may obtain the prospectus and other information about the fund at no cost by calling 1-800-638-5660, or by visiting our Web site at

troweprice.com.

®



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Fund Profile

What is the fund`s objective?

The fund seeks to provide long-term capital growth by investing primarily in stocks of small companies.

What is the fund`s principal investment strategy?

The fund will normally invest at least 80% of net assets in stocks of small companies. A small company is defined as having a market capitalization that falls (i) within or below the range of companies in the current Russell 2000 Index or (ii) below the three-year average maximum market cap of companies in the index as of December 31 of the three preceding years. The Russell 2000 Index is a widely used benchmark for small-cap stock performance. When choosing stocks, we generally look for the following characteristics:

  • capable management;
  • attractive business niches;
  • pricing flexibility;
  • sound financial and accounting practices;
  • a demonstrated ability to grow revenues, earnings, and cash flow consistently; and
  • the potential for a catalyst (such as increased investor attention, asset sales, strong business prospects, or a change in management) to cause the stock`s price to rise.
  • Stock selection may reflect either a growth or value investment approach. For example, we may look for a company whose price/earnings ratio is attractive relative to the underlying earnings growth rate. A value stock would be one where the stock price appears undervalued in relation to earnings, projected cash flow, or asset value per share.

    Holdings will be widely diversified by industry and company; under most circumstances, the fund will invest less than 1.5% of its total assets in any single company. The market capitalization of the companies in the fund`s portfolio and the Russell 2000 Index changes over time and the fund will not sell a stock just because a company has grown to a market capitalization outside the range of the Russell 2000. The fund may, on occasion, purchase companies with a market capitalization above the range.

    In pursuing its investment objective, the fund`s management has the discretion to purchase some securities that do not meet its normal investment criteria, as described above, when it perceives an unusual opportunity for gain. These special situations might arise when the fund`s management believes a security could increase in value for a variety of reasons, including a change in management, an extraordinary corporate event, or a temporary imbalance in the supply of or demand for the securities.


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    Fund Profile

    While most assets will be invested in U.S. common stocks, other securities may also be purchased, including foreign stocks, futures, and options, in keeping with fund objectives.

    The fund may sell securities for a variety of reasons, such as to secure gains, limit losses, or redeploy assets into more promising opportunities.

    Further information about the fund`s investments, including a review of market conditions and fund strategies and their impact on performance, is available in the annual and semiannual shareholder reports. To obtain free copies of these documents, call 1-800-638-5660.

    What are the main risks of investing in the fund?

    Investing in small companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with larger companies. Stocks of small companies are subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger-company stocks. Small companies often have limited product lines, markets, or financial resources, and their managements may lack depth and experience. Such companies seldom pay significant dividends that could cushion returns in a falling market.

    Stocks with growth characteristics can have sharp price declines as a result of earnings disappointments, even small ones. Stocks with value characteristics carry the risk that investors will not recognize their intrinsic value for a long time or that they are actually appropriately priced at a low level. Because this fund holds stocks with both growth and value characteristics, its share price may be negatively affected by either set of risks.

    As with all equity funds, this fund`s share price can fall because of weakness in the broad market, a particular industry, or specific holdings. The market as a whole can decline for many reasons, including adverse political or economic developments here or abroad, changes in investor psychology, or heavy institutional selling. The prospects for an industry or company may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including disappointing earnings or changes in the competitive environment. In addition, our assessment of companies held in the fund may prove incorrect, resulting in losses or poor performance even in a rising market. Finally, the fund`s investment approach could fall out of favor with the investing public, resulting in lagging performance versus other types of stock funds.

    Foreign stock holdings are subject to the risk that some holdings may lose value because of declining foreign currencies or adverse political or economic events overseas. Investments in futures and options, if any, are subject to additional volatility and potential losses.

    As with any mutual fund, there can be no guarantee the fund will achieve its objective.


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    Fund Profile

    The fund`s share price may decline, so when you sell your shares, you may lose money. An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

    How can I tell if the fund is appropriate for me?

    Consider your investment goals, your time horizon for achieving them, and your tolerance for risk. If you seek an aggressive, long-term approach to capital growth through small-company stocks, the fund could be an appropriate part of your overall investment strategy. This fund should not represent your complete investment program or be used for short-term trading purposes.

    The fund can be used in both regular and tax-deferred accounts, such as IRAs.

    Equity investors should have a long-term investment horizon and be willing to wait out bear markets.

    How has the fund performed in the past?

    The bar chart showing calendar year returns and the average annual total return table indicate risk by illustrating how much returns can differ from one year to the next and how fund performance compares with that of a comparable market index. Fund past returns (before and after taxes) are not necessarily an indication of future performance.

    The fund can also experience short-term performance swings, as shown by the best and worst calendar quarter returns during the years depicted.

    In addition, the average annual total return table shows hypothetical after-tax returns to suggest how taxes paid by the shareholder may influence returns. Actual after-tax returns depend on each investor`s situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant if the shares are held in a tax-deferred account, such as a 401(k) or IRA. During periods of fund losses, the post-liquidation after-tax return may exceed the fund`s other returns because the loss generates a tax benefit that is factored into the result.


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    Table 1  Average Annual Total Returns




    Periods ended 03/31/04














    1 year


    5 years


    10 years




    Small-Cap Stock Fund




    Returns before taxes
    45.68%
    13.20%
    13.44%

    Returns after taxes on distributions
    45.30
    12.16
    11.59

    Returns after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares
    30.10
    11.01
    10.83

    Russell 2000 Index
    63.83
    9.66
    10.44

    Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Index
    57.64
    12.67
    11.95

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    Returns are based on changes in principal value, reinvested dividends, and capital gain distributions, if any. Returns before taxes do not reflect effects of any income or capital gains taxes. Taxes are computed using the highest federal income tax rate. The after-tax returns reflect the rates applicable to ordinary and qualified dividends and capital gains effective in 2003. The returns do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares assume the shares were sold at period-end and, therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred by the shareholder. Market indexes do not include expenses, which are deducted from fund returns, or taxes.
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    Russell 2000 Index tracks the stocks of 2,000 small U.S. companies.

    What fees or expenses will I pay?

    The fund is 100% no load. There are no fees or charges to buy or sell fund shares, reinvest dividends, or exchange into other T. Rowe Price funds. There are no 12b1 fees.


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    Fund Profile

    Table 2  Fees and Expenses of the Fund*




    Annual fund operating expenses
    (expenses that are deducted from fund assets)

    Management fee
    0.77%
    Other expenses
    0.19%
    Total annual fund operating expenses
    0.96%

    *Redemption proceeds of less than $5,000 sent by wire are subject to a $5 fee paid to the fund. Accounts with less than a $2,000 balance (with certain exceptions) are subject to a $10 fee.

    Example.  The following table gives you an idea of how expense ratios may translate into dollars and helps you to compare the cost of investing in this fund with that of other mutual funds. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the table shows how much you would pay if operating expenses remain the same, you invest $10,000, earn a 5% annual return, and hold the investment for the following periods and then redeem:


    1 year


    3 years


    5 years


    10 years

    $98
    $306
    $531
    $1,178

    Who manages the fund?

    The fund is managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. Founded in 1937, T. Rowe Price and its affiliates manage investments for individual and institutional accounts. The company offers a comprehensive array of stock, bond, and money market funds directly to the investing public.

    Gregory A. McCrickard manages the fund day to day and has been chairman of its Investment Advisory Committee since 1992. He joined T. Rowe Price in 1986 and has been managing investments since 1991.

    To participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans: The following questions and answers about buying and selling shares and services do not apply to your plan. Please call your plan`s toll-free number for additional information.

    How can I purchase shares?

    Fill out the New Account Form and return it with your check in the postpaid envelope. The minimum initial purchase is $2,500 ($1,000 for IRAs and gifts or transfers to minors). The minimum subsequent investment is $100 ($50 for IRAs, gifts or transfers to minors, or Automatic Asset Builder). You can also open an account by bank wire, by exchanging from another T. Rowe Price fund, or by transferring assets from another financial institution.


    Fund Profile

    How can I sell shares?

    You may redeem or sell any portion of your account on any business day. Simply write to us or call. You can also access your account at any time via Tele*Access ® or our Web site. We offer convenient exchange among our entire family of domestic and international funds. Restrictions may apply in special circumstances, and some redemption requests need a signature
    guarantee.

    When will I receive income and capital gain distributions?

    The fund distributes income and net capital gains, if any, at year-end.For regular accounts, income and short-term gains are taxable at ordinary income rates, and long-term gains are taxable at the capital gains rate. Distributions are reinvested automatically in additional shares unless you choose another option, such as receiving a check. Distributions paid to IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans are automatically reinvested.

    What services are available?

    A wide range, including but not limited to:

  • retirement plans for individuals and large and small businesses;
  • automated information and transaction services by telephone or computer;
  • electronic transfers between fund and bank accounts;
  • automatic investing and automatic exchange; and
  • brokerage services, including cash management features.
  • T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

    100 East Pratt Street

    Baltimore, MD 21202

    troweprice.com

    RPS F65-035

    T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., Distributor.