0000890566-95-000512.txt : 19950822 0000890566-95-000512.hdr.sgml : 19950822 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000890566-95-000512 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 497 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 FILED AS OF DATE: 19950821 SROS: NONE FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MEDICAL RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000760110 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: [] IRS NUMBER: 521378236 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 0831 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 497 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 002-95103 FILM NUMBER: 95565669 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5847 SAN FELIPE STREET 2: SUITE 4100 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77057 BUSINESS PHONE: 7132609000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5847 SAN FELIPE STREET 2: SUITE 4100 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77057 497 1 SAI MEDICAL RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND, INC. SUPPLEMENT DATED AUGUST 21, 1995 TO PROSPECTUS DATED DECEMBER 30, 1994 AS SUPPLEMENTED FEBRUARY 9, 1995 AND JUNE 7, 1995 Effective August 21, 1995 the front-end sales load applicable to purchases of shares of Medical Research Investment Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") has been eliminated. All references in the Prospectus to the front-end sales load are hereby deleted. MEDICAL RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND, INC. STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION December 30, 1994 As Supplemented February 9, 1995 and August 21, 1995 This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus but contains information in addition to and more detailed than that set forth in the Prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. The Statement of Additional Information and the related Prospectus are both dated December 30, 1994 and supplemented February 9, 1995 and August 21, 1995. A Prospectus may be obtained without charge by contacting Capstone Asset Planning Company, by phone at (800) 262-6631 or by writing to it at 5847 San Felipe, Suite 4100, Houston, Texas 77057. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ---- General Information ....................................................... 2 Investment Objectives and Policies ........................................ 2 Special Considerations .................................................... 3 Investment Restrictions ................................................... 5 Performance Information ................................................... 6 Directors and Executive Officers .......................................... 7 Investment Advisory Agreement ............................................. 9 Administration Agreement .................................................. 10 Distributor ............................................................... 11 Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage ...................................... 12 Determination of Net Asset Value .......................................... 13 How to Buy and Redeem Shares .............................................. 14 Dividends and Distributions ............................................... 14 Taxes ..................................................................... 15 Other Information ......................................................... 20 Appendix A ................................................................ 21 Appendix B ................................................................ 22 Financial Statements ...................................................... 26 1 GENERAL INFORMATION The Fund was incorporated in Maryland on November 7, 1984 and commenced business on September 5, 1985. It is an "open-end diversified management investment company" under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Fund is a member of a family of mutual funds sponsored by Capstone Asset Management Company (the "Administrator"), which also provides administrative services to the Fund. As stated in the Fund's Prospectus, the primary objective of the Fund is long-term growth of capital, a goal it seeks to achieve by investing primarily in common stocks, and securities (including debt and warrants) convertible into common stocks, of domestic and foreign companies engaged in medical research and the health care industry. Current income is a secondary objective. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES COVERED CALL OPTIONS. The Fund may write covered call options which are traded on national securities exchanges with respect to common stocks in its portfolio (insuring that the Fund at all times will have in its portfolio the securities which it may be obligated to deliver if the option is exercised). In view of the Fund's investment objectives, the Fund generally would write covered call options only in circumstances where G/A Capital Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") does not anticipate significant appreciation of the underlying security in the near future or has otherwise determined to dispose of the security. The writing of call options could increase the Fund's portfolio turnover rate, especially during periods when market prices of the underlying securities appreciate. FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS. The Fund may purchase and sell stock index and foreign currency futures contracts (as well as purchase and sell related options) as a hedge against changes resulting from market conditions and exchange rates in the values of the domestic and foreign securities held by the Fund or which the Fund intends to purchase and where the transactions are economically appropriate for the reduction of risks inherent in the ongoing management of the Fund. See Appendix B. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements to the extent deemed advisable by the Adviser. A repurchase agreement is a contract under which the Fund acquires a security for a relatively short period (usually not more than one week) subject to the obligation of the seller to repurchase and the Fund to resell such security at a fixed time and price (representing the Fund's cost plus interest). Repurchase agreements may also be viewed as loans made by the Fund which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. The value of the underlying securities will be at least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase obligation, including the accrued interest, and all repurchase agreements must be marked to market daily. The Fund bears the risk of loss in the event that the other party to the repurchase agreement defaults on its obligation and the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities. RESTRICTED SECURITIES. The Fund may purchase illiquid securities in amounts not to exceed 10% of the value of the Fund's net assets. Such securities may be subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their disposition, and include repurchase agreements with remaining maturities in excess of seven days and other securities for which market quotations are not readily available. Until such time as such securities may be sold publicly, disposition by the Fund of these securities may require the Fund to sell these securities at a 2 discount from market prices, to sell during periods when such disposition is undesirable or to make many small sales over a lengthy period of time. Whether the Fund or the issuer or seller of the restricted securities will pay the expenses of their registration under the Securities Act of 1933 will in each case be the subject of negotiation at the time the securities are purchased. U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS. Obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities may include Treasury bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds, and issues of such entities as the Government National Mortgage Association, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Tennessee Valley Authority, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, Federal Housing Administration, Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and the Student Loan Marketing Association. Some of these obligations, such as those of the Government National Mortgage Association, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency's obligations; still others, such as those of the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to U.S. Government sponsored instrumentalities if it is not obligated to do so by law. Like other bond investments, the value of the obligations of the Government National Mortgage Association and other mortgage-related securities acquired by the Fund will tend to rise when interest rates fall, and fall when interest rates rise. Their value may also change because of changes in the markets' perception of the creditworthiness of the agency or instrumentality that has issued or guaranteed them. In addition, the mortgage securities market in general may be adversely affected by changes in governmental regulation or tax policies. Furthermore, the relationship between mortgage prepayment and interest rates may give some high-yielding mortgage-related securities less potential for growth in value than conventional bonds with comparable maturities. In addition, in periods of falling interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayment tends to increase. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS PURCHASE OF FOREIGN SECURITIES Investors should be aware of the risks involved in investing in the securities of foreign companies. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements. There may be less publicly available information about them, and their securities may be less liquid and more volatile than domestic securities. In addition, foreign stock markets generally have less volume than the New York Stock Exchange and there may be less government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges, brokers, and listed companies. Some price spreads on currency exchange (to cover service charges) may be incurred, particularly when the Fund changes investments from one country to another or when U.S. dollars are used for the purchase of securities in foreign countries. The Fund may be affected either favorably or unfavorably by fluctuations in the relative rates of exchange as between the currencies of different nations. Income from foreign securities may be subject to withholding taxes in the country which is the source of the income. The Fund may also be affected by expropriation or confiscatory taxation, imposition of other foreign taxes, exchange controls, or political or social instability within foreign nations. 3 HEALTH CARE STOCKS There is no guarantee that a portfolio of investments concentrating in the health care industry will achieve the Fund's investment objectives of long-term capital appreciation and current income. Since the Fund concentrates its investments in a single industry, its shares do not represent a complete investment program. Therefore, before investing in the Fund, potential investors should consider the risks involved in seeking long-term capital appreciation and in the concentration of portfolio investments in a single industry. A potential investor may wish to consult his financial adviser before investing in the Fund. The value of the Fund's shares is especially susceptible to factors affecting the health care industry, and may fluctuate more widely than the value of shares invested in a broader range of industries. The health care industry is generally subject to greater governmental regulation than many other industries. Changes in governmental policies, such as reduction in the funding of third party payment programs, may have a material affect on the demand for the products and services of this industry. Regulatory approvals, which may often entail lengthy application and testing procedures, are generally required before new drugs and certain medical devices and procedures may be introduced. The acquisition of additional facilities and equipment by health care providers is also subject in certain instances to "determinations of need" and other regulatory approvals. Many of the products and services of this industry are subject to risks of rapid obsolescence caused by scientific and technological advances. These are only examples of certain factors which particularly affect the health care industry. LOWER RATED AND NON-INVESTMENT GRADE SECURITIES The Fund may invest in debt securities convertible into common stock. Debt purchased by the Fund will consist of obligations of medium grade or higher, having at least adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Non-convertible debt obligations will be rated Baa or higher by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and/or BBB or higher by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P"). Convertible debt obligations will be rated B or higher by Moody's or S&P. The Fund does not currently intend to invest in securities that, at the time of investment, are rated less than B by Moody's or S&P. Securities rated Baa and/or BBB, or lower, entail special risks. A description of the characteristics of ratings of securities in which the Fund may invest in attached as Appendix A. Securities rated below Baa or BBB ("Non-Investment Grade Securities") involve a high degree of risk. Non-Investment Grade Securities may be issued in connection with corporate restructurings, such as leveraged buyouts, mergers, acquisition, debt recapitalizations, or similar events. The issuers of these securities are often smaller, less creditworthy companies or highly leveraged (indebted) firms. Non-Investment Grade Securities are considered by major credit-rating agencies to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's ability to meet principal and interest payments, and the issuer's ability to make such payments is much more sensitive to adverse economic conditions than is the case with higher rated securities. The contribution of such securities to achieving the Fund's investment objective will depend more on the Adviser's own evaluation of the issuer than is the case with higher rated securities. Efforts by the Fund to recover in the event of a default in the payment of principal or interest will involve additional expense to the Fund and may not be successful. The Adviser uses multiple sources in analyzing an issuer's financial condition. The ratings of credit agencies, research materials prepared by independent firms ,annual reports of issuers and financial 4 newspapers and magazines are sources on which the Adviser relies. Although the Adviser considers the ratings of credit-rating agencies, the Adviser realizes that ratings have no value in forecasting market price movements and that credit quality in the high-yield bond market can change suddenly and unexpectedly. The Adviser uses all available sources to monitor an issuer's financial condition on a continuing basis as information is made available. A security will not be automatically sold if it drops below a certain credit rating. Non-Investment Grade Securities may be more sensitive to perceived, as well as to actual, adverse economic or industry conditions, with the result that their market prices may be more volatile than those of investment grade securities. Additionally, the illiquidity of the secondary market for Non-Investment Grade Securities may adversely affect the market price of these securities. There are fewer dealers in the NonInvestment Grade Securities market, and the range in purchasers of Non-Investment Grade Securities is narrower, than for higher rated securities. Both price volatility and illiquidity will make it difficult for the Fund's Board of Directors to value certain of these securities at certain times. Adverse market conditions may also make it difficult at times for the Fund to sell certain of these securities. Since investment companies are, in the aggregate, substantial investors in Non-Investment Grade Securities, significant redemptions by investors in investment companies which invest heavily in this type of security would depress the market prices for Non-Investment Grade Securities, with a resulting negative effect on the Fund's net asset value. INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS The Fund has adopted the following restrictions which, along with its investment objectives, cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a majority of its outstanding shares. Such majority is defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940 as the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities present in person or by proxy at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities. In addition to the fundamental investment limitations set forth in the Fund's Prospectus, the Fund may not: 1. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities; 2. Engage in the purchase or sale of interests in real estate or real estate mortgage loans; 3. Make loans, except that the Fund may purchase or hold debt instruments in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, and may enter into repurchase agreements; 4. Acquire securities of other investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, except in connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization or acquisition of assets; 5. Sell securities short or purchase any securities on margin except that the Fund may enter into futures contracts and related options; 6. Issue any senior securities except that the Fund may enter into futures contracts and related options; 5 7. Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if to the knowledge of the Fund any officer or director of the Fund or of its investment adviser own beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of the outstanding securities of such issuer and together they own beneficially more than 5% of the securities of such issuer; 8. Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or management; 9. Invest in or sell put options, call options, straddles, spreads or any combination thereof, except that the Fund may write covered call options or enter into closing purchase transactions and except that the Fund may enter into futures contracts and related options; or 10. Invest in warrants if as a result more than 2% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be invested in warrants which are not listed on a recognized stock exchange, or more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in warrants regardless of whether listed on such an exchange. If a percentage limitation is satisfied at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in such percentage resulting from a change in value in the Fund's portfolio securities will not constitute a violation of such limitation. PERFORMANCE INFORMATION The Fund may from time to time include figures indicating the Fund's yield, total return or average annual total return in advertisements or reports to stockholders or prospective investors. Quotations of the Fund's yield will be based on all investment income per share earned during a particular 30-day period (including dividends and interest), less expenses accrued during the period ("net investment income"), and are computed by dividing net investment income by the maximum offering price per share (which includes the maximum sales charge) on the last day of the period, according to the following formula: 6 YIELD = 2[(a-b+1) -1] --- cd where a = dividends and interest earned during the period, b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements or waivers), c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that were entitled to receive dividends, and d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period. For the 30-day period ended August 31, 1994 the Fund's yield was -1.074%. Average annual total return and total return figures represent the increase (or decrease) in the value of an investment in the Fund over a specified period. Both calculations assume that all income dividends and capital gain distributions during the period are reinvested at net asset value in additional Fund shares. Quotations of the average annual total return reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge and a proportional share of Fund expenses on an annual basis. The results, which are annualized, represent an average annual compounded rate of return on a hypothetical investment in the Fund over a period of 1, 5 and 6 10 years ending on the most recent calendar quarter (but not for a period greater than the life of the Fund), calculated pursuant to the following formula: n P (1+T) =ERV where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the average annual total return, n = the number of years, and ERV = the ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period. For the one year and five year periods ended August 31, 1994 and the period July 26, 1985 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 1994 the Fund's average annual total return was -2.685%, 14.065% and 13.547%, respectively. Quotations of total return, which are not annualized, represent historical earnings and asset value fluctuations. Total return figures used in advertisements or sales literature will not usually reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charges which if deducted would reduce the Fund's total return. Total return is based on past performance and is not a guarantee of future results. For the one year and five year periods ended August 31, 1994 and the period July 26, 1985 to August 31, 1994 the Fund's total return was 2.685%, 102.669% and 240.041% respectively. Performance information for the Fund may be compared, in reports and promotional literature, to: (i) the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Price Index ("S&P 500 Index"), Dow Jones Industrial Average ("DJIA"), or other appropriate unmanaged indices of performance of various types of investments, so that investors may compare the Fund's results with those of indices widely regarded by investors as representative of the securities markets in general; (ii) other groups of mutual funds tracked by Lipper Analytical Services, a widely used independent research firm which ranks mutual funds by overall performance, investment objectives, and assets, or tracked by other services, companies, publications, or persons who rank mutual funds on overall performance or other criteria; and (iii) the Consumer Price Index (measure for inflation) to assess the real rate of return from an investment in the Fund. Unmanaged indices may assume the reinvestment of dividends, but generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and management costs and expenses. Performance information for the Fund reflects only the performance of a hypothetical investment in the Fund during the particular time period on which the calculations are based. Performance information should be considered in light of the Fund's investment objectives and policies, the types and quality of the Fund's portfolio investments, market conditions during the particular time period and operating expenses. Such information should not be considered as a representation of the Fund's future performance. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The names and addresses of the directors and principal officers of the Fund are set forth below, together with their positions and their principal occupations during the last five years and, in the case of the directors, their positions with certain other organizations and companies. 7
Positions with the Fund, Principal Name and Address Occupations and Other Affiliations ---------------- ----------------------------------- *Samuel D. Isaly Chairman of the Board and President. President of G/A 41 Madison Avenue Capital Management, Inc. since 1989; formerly Senior Vice 40th floor Vice President of S.G. Warburg & Co., Inc. from 1986 New York, NY 10010-2202 through 1989 and President of Gramercy Associates, a health care industry consulting firm, from 1983 through 1986. John J. Maggio, D.O. Director. Director and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics 205 East 69th Street and Gynecology at St. Clare'sHospital since 1982; Clinical New York, NY 10021 Associate Professor of Surgery at New York Medical College since 1982; and Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine since 1986. Philip C. Smith Director. Private investor. Director of other Capstone Funds 87 Lord's Highway and Lexington Mutual Funds. Weston, CT 06880 Eugene E. Weise, M.D., P.C. Director. Private medical practice since 1972; formerly Assistant 115 East 61st Street Professor of Ophtalmogy at Cornell University School of New York, NY 10021 Medicine from 1974 through 1987. *Edward L. Jaroski Vice President. Chairman of the Board and Director of the 5847 San Felipe Administrator since 1987; President and Director of the Suite 4100 Distributor since 1987; President and Director of Houston, TX 77057 Capstone Financial Services, Inc. since 1987; Director/Trustee and Officer of other Capstone Funds. Iris R. Clay Secretary. Assistant Secretary of Capstone Financial Services, 5847 San Felipe Inc. since 1990; formerly Compliance Analyst with Capstone Suite 4100 Financial Services, Inc. from 1987 through 1993; Houston, TX 77057 Secretary of other Capstone Funds. Linda G. Giuffre Treasurer. Treasurer of Capstone Financial Services, Inc. since 5847 San Felipe 1990; Treasurer of other Capstone Funds; formerly Transfer Suite 4100 Agent Manager with Capstone Financial Services, Inc. from Houston, TX 77057 1987 through 1990; Accounting Supervisor with Tenneco Financial Services Inc. from 1984 through 1987.
-------------- * May be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 because of his relationship to the Adviser. Each director not affiliated with the Adviser is entitled to $125 for each Board meeting attended, and is paid a $500 annual retainer by the Fund. The directors and officers of the Fund are also reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board of Directors. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1994, the Fund paid or accrued for the account of its directors and officers, as a group for services in all 8 capacities, a total of $2,750. The following table represents the fees paid during the 1994 calendar year to the directors of the Fund and the total compensation each director received during that period from the Capstone Funds complex. COMPENSATION TABLE
Total Compensation From Aggregate Pension or Registrant Compensation Retirement Estimated Annual and Fund Name of Person, From Benefits Accrued Benefits Upon Complex Paid Position Registrant* As Part of Fund Retirement to Trustees --------------- -------------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------ Dr. John J. Maggio, Director $ 875 $0 $0 $ 875 Philip C. Smith, Director 1,000 0 0 8,000(1)(2) Dr. Eugene E. Weise, Director 1,000 0 0 1,000
-------------- * Amounts do not include deferred compensation. (1) Trustee of Capstone International Series Trust. (2) Director of Capstone Fixed Income Series, Inc., Capstone Series, Inc. and Capstone Growth Fund, Inc. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement dated August 17, 1989 (the "Advisory Agreement"), the Fund employs G/A Capital Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") to furnish investment advisory services. The Adviser, located at 41 Madison Avenue, 40th floor, New York, New York 10010-2202, was incorporated in Delaware on February 24, 1989 and is principally owned by Samuel D. Isaly, who serves as the President of G/A Capital Management, Inc. ("G/A") and Chairman of the Board and President of the Fund. The Fund is the only investment company registered under the 1940 Act advised by G/A. The Advisory Agreement requires the Adviser to provide an investment program within the limitations of the Fund's investment policies and restrictions, and to furnish services necessary for the transaction of the Fund's business. The Advisory Agreement may be continued from year to year provided its renewal is approved at least annually by the vote of the Board of Directors of the Fund or the holders of a majority of its outstanding shares, and by a majority of those directors of the Fund who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or "interested persons" of such parties as defined under the 1940 Act, by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such Agreement. The Advisory Agreement was last approved by the Board of Directors on May 2, 1994. The Adviser provides the Fund with investment supervision and management services and, at its own expense and without reimbursement from the Fund, bears the cost of executive and clerical personnel and furnishes office facilities and equipment. The Adviser may also, out of its own resources, pay unreimbursed sales promotional expenses of the Fund in addition to those provided under the distribution plan. All other expenses not expressly assumed by the Adviser and the Fund's administrator will be paid by the Fund, including, but not limited to, the fees of its investment adviser, administrator, distributor, auditor, legal counsel, custodian and transfer agent, brokerage commissions and distribution plan payments, 9 the fees and expenses of directors who are not affiliated with the Adviser, the cost of printing and mailing confirmations, prospectuses, proxies, notices and reports to existing stockholders, association dues, interest, taxes, certain insurance premiums, the fees incident to registration and qualification of the Fund and its shares for distribution under Federal and state securities laws, and expenses incidental to holding meetings or obtaining ballots of the Fund's stockholders. The Adviser and Administrator have agreed that in any fiscal year the aggregate expenses of the Fund (including advisory, administrative and transfer agency fees, but excluding, to the extent permitted by applicable state law, interest, local, state and Federal taxes, sales charges, distribution plan expenses and extraordinary expenses as determined by the Fund's directors who are not "interested persons" of the Administrator or the Fund's investment adviser as defined in the 1940 Act) exceed the expense limitation of any state having jurisdiction over the Fund, then the fees paid to the Adviser and Administrator hereunder will be reduced pro rata (but not below zero) to the extent required by such expense limitation. The Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement provide that each party will bear its pro rata share of any such fee reduction based on the percentage that the Adviser's and Administrator's fees bear to the total administration and advisory fees paid by the Fund. The Adviser will reimburse the Fund for such excess expenses when payment under the Fund's Advisory Agreement is due. The Fund has agreed to pay the Adviser a fee, as compensation for all advisory services rendered and expenses assumed, computed daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 1% of the Fund's first $30 million in average net assets; 0.90% of the next $20 million in average net assets, and 0.75% of average net assets in excess of $50 million. This fee is higher than that paid by most investment companies but is deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors based on the expertise necessary to manage a fund with the same investment objective as the Fund. Effective September 1, 1989 the Adviser has agreed to reimburse its fees until such time as the Fund can operate within the expense limitation discussed above. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1994, the Fund paid the Adviser $121,553 in advisory fees of which $16,868 was reimbursed pursuant to the expense limitation. The Adviser also waived advisory fees of $30,036 and $9,277 it was paid during the fiscal years ended August 30, 1993 and 1992, respectively. Samuel D. Isaly is the controlling person of the Adviser by reason of his ownership of voting securities of the Adviser. He is also an affiliated person of the Fund and the Adviser. For further information, reference is made to "Directors and Executive Officers." ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT Under an agreement ("Administration Agreement") dated March 1, 1988 between the Fund and Capstone Asset Management Company (the "Administrator"), the Administrator supervises all aspects of the Fund's operations other than the management of its investments. The Administrator is an affiliate of Capstone Asset Planning Company, the principal underwriter of the Fund, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capstone Financial Services, Inc. ("CFS"). The Administrator oversees the performance of administrative and professional services to the Fund by others; provides office facilities; prepares reports to stockholders and the Securities and Exchange Commission; and provides personnel for supervisory, administrative and clerical functions. Except as noted below, the costs of these services are borne by the Administrator. For the Administrator's services, the Fund will pay to the Administrator a fee, calculated daily and payable monthly, equal to an annual rate of .25% of the Fund's average net assets. Effective September 1, 1989 the Administrator has voluntarily agreed to waive 10 its fees until such time as the Fund can operate within the expense limitation discussed above. The Administrator was paid $30,388 for its services during the fiscal year ended August 31, 1994 of which $4,217 was reimbursed to the Fund. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1993, the Administrator reimbursed fees of $7,509. Under the Administration Agreement, the Fund bears the cost of its accounting services, which includes maintaining its financial books and records and calculating its daily net asset value. The cost of such accounting services, which is currently $2,000 per month, includes the salaries and overhead expenses of personnel of the Administrator and equipment costs attributable to the provision of accounting services to the Fund. The services are provided at cost which is allocated among the investment companies administered by the Administrator. The Fund also pays transfer agency fees, custodian fees, legal and auditing fees, the costs of printing reports to stockholders and the Securities and Exchange Commission, and all other ordinary expenses not specifically assumed by the Administrator or the Adviser. DISTRIBUTOR Capstone Asset Planning Company (the "Distributor") acts as the principal underwriter of the Fund's shares pursuant to a written agreement, dated April 22, 1988 (the "Distribution Agreement") which was last approved by the Fund's Board of Directors, including a majority of the independent directors, on May 2, 1994. The Distributor receives commissions from sales of shares of the Fund, which amounts are not an expense of the Fund but represent the sales commission added to the net asset value of shares purchased from the Fund. The Distributor has the exclusive right (except for distributions of shares directly by the Fund) to distribute Fund shares in a continuous offering through affiliated and unaffiliated dealers. The Distributor's obligation is an agency or "best efforts" arrangement under which the Distributor is required to take and pay for only such Fund shares as may be sold to the public. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any stated number of shares. The Distributor bears the cost of printing (but not typesetting) prospectuses used in connection with this offering and the cost and expense of supplemental sales literature, promotion and advertising. The Distribution Agreement is renewable from year to year if approved (a) by the Fund's Board of Directors or by a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities and (b) by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors who are not parties to the Distribution Agreement or interested persons of any party thereto, by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Distribution Agreement provides that it will terminate if assigned (as defined in the 1940 Act), and that it may be terminated without penalty by either party on 60 days' written notice. During the fiscal years ended August 31, 1994 and August 31, 1993 the Distributor received $9,522 and $4,744, respectively, in underwriting commissions from sales of the Fund's shares. On June 11, 1985, the Fund adopted a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 which permits the Fund to absorb certain expenses in connection with the distribution of its shares. As required by Rule 12b-1, the Fund's 12b-1 Plan and related agreements were approved by a vote of the Fund's Board of Directors, and by a vote of the directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund as defined under the 1940 Act and have no direct or indirect interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreements related to the Plan (the "Plan Directors"), and by the Fund's stockholders at the first meeting of stockholders subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. In compliance with the Rule, the directors requested and evaluated information they thought necessary to make an informed determination of whether the Plan and related agreements should be implemented, and concluded, in the exercise of reasonable business judgment and in light of their fiduciary duties, that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan and related agreements will benefit the Fund and its stockholders. The 11 Plan was reapproved by directors including a majority of the Plan Directors in June 1986 and June 1987. In April 1988 the Board of Directors including a majority of the Plan Directors amended the Plan to reflect the replacement of Medical Research Management Group, Inc. by Capstone Asset Planning Company and reapproved the Plan to continue for an additional twelve-month period. The Plan was last approved by a majority of directors and Plan Directors on November 13, 1994. As required by Rule 12b-1, the directors review quarterly reports prepared by the Distributor on the amounts expended and the purposes for the expenditures. The Plan and related agreements may be terminated at any time by a vote of the Plan Directors. As required by Rule 12b-1, selection and nomination of disinterested directors for the Fund is committed to the discretion of the directors who are not "interested persons" as defined under the 1940 Act. The Plan and related agreements may be terminated by a vote of the stockholders. Any change in the Plan that would materially increase the distribution expenses of the Fund requires stockholder approval, but otherwise, the Plan may be amended by the directors, including a majority of the Plan Directors. The Plan will continue in effect for successive one year periods provided that such continuance is specifically approved by a majority of the directors, including a majority of the Plan Directors. Pursuant to the Plan, during the fiscal year ended August 31, 1994 the Fund paid $30,132 in 12b-1 fees. Of this amount fees, fees of approximately $10,800 were reallowed to organizations other than the Distributor, G/A Capital Management received approximately $5,700 for accounts on which they acted as service providers, and approximately $13,500 was retained by the Distributor. During the fiscal years ended August 31, 1993 and August 31, 1992, fees of $16,467 and $10,807, respectively, were reallowed to organizations other than the Distributor, and during the same periods the Distributor received fees of $8,988 and $15,399, respectively. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE Subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Fund, the Adviser manages the Fund's investment portfolio as described in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information. The Adviser determines which securities and other investments will be purchased, retained or sold by the Fund, the portion of its assets to be invested or held uninvested in cash or cash equivalents, and the portion of Fund assets to be invested in securities of United States and foreign issuers. The Adviser places orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer. In placing orders with brokers and dealers, the Adviser attempts to obtain the best net price and the most favorable execution of its orders. Insofar as it is consistent with its policy of seeking the best price and most favorable execution, the Adviser, in its discretion, may effect transactions in portfolio securities with brokers or dealers who provide the Fund with research advice or other services such as analyses of industry segments or issuers and statistical or economic information. Such information may be used by the Adviser in servicing other clients which it may advise. Currently, the Adviser does not act as investment adviser for any investment companies other than the Fund. Subject to the Fund's overall brokerage policies, the Adviser may effect securities transactions through Capstone Asset Planning Company, TradeStar Investments, Inc. and Williams McKay Jordan & Mills, Inc. ("WMJM"), broker-dealer affiliates of the Administrator. WMJM is deemed to be an affiliated broker since one of the principals of that firm serves as a director of CFS the parent company of the Administrator and Capstone Asset Planning Company. 12 Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and subject to seeking best execution and such other policies as the Board of Directors may determine, the Adviser may consider sales of Fund shares as a factor in the selection of dealers to execute portfolio transaction for the Fund. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1994, the Fund incurred brokerage commissions of $40,651, which represented 0.33% of the assets of the Fund. During the fiscal years ended August 31, 1993 and August 31, 1992, the Fund paid $43,706 and $45,540, respectively, in brokerage commissions. Transactions on United States and some foreign stock exchanges involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. On exchanges on which commissions are negotiated, the cost of transactions may vary among different brokers. On most foreign stock exchanges, commissions are fixed. There is generally no stated commission in the case of securities traded in the over-the-counter markets, but the price of those securities includes an undisclosed commission or mark-up. The cost of securities purchased from underwriters includes an underwriter's commission or concession, and the price at which securities are purchased from and sold to dealers includes a dealer's mark-up or mark-down. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the particular fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during that particular fiscal year (short-term obligations are excluded for purposes of this calculation). Although the Fund cannot accurately predict its annual portfolio turnover rate, it is not expected to exceed 100%. The portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1994 and August 31, 1993 were 49% and 77%, respectively. DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE The net asset value per share is computed daily, Monday through Friday, as of the close of regular trading the New York Stock Exchange, which is currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, except that the net asset value will not be computed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The Fund's net asset value also will be determined on any day in which there is sufficient trading in its portfolio securities that the net asset value might be affected materially, but only if on any such day the Fund is required to sell or redeem shares. The net asset value per share is computed by dividing the value of the securities held by the Fund plus any cash or other assets (including any accrued interest and dividends receivable but not yet received) minus all liabilities (including accrued expenses) by the total number of Fund shares outstanding at such time. The net asset value so computed will be used for all purchase orders and redemption requests received between such computation and the preceding computation. To the extent sales prices are available, securities that are traded on a recognized stock exchange, whether U.S. or foreign, are valued at the last sale price on that exchange prior to the time when assets are valued or prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. In the event that there are no sales, the last available sale price will be used. If a security is traded on more than one exchange, the Administrator uses the latest price on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded. If there is no sale that day or if the security is not listed, the security is valued at its last sale quotation. The calculation of the Fund's net asset value per share may not take place contemporaneously with the times noted above for determining the prices of certain of the Fund's portfolio securities, including foreign securities. If events materially effecting the value of such securities occur between the time when their prices are determined and the time the Fund's net 13 asset value is calculated, such securities will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the directors. Also, for any security for which application of the preceding methods of valuation results in a price for a security that is deemed not to be representative of the market value of such security, the security will be valued at fair value in the best judgment of the Administrator under the supervision and responsibility of the Board of Directors. Futures contracts and call options written on portfolio securities will be priced at the latest sales price on the principal exchange on which such options are normally traded or, if there have been no sales on such exchange on that day, at the closing asked price. Short-term investments having a maturity of 60 days or less are valued on the basis of amortized cost. All other assets and securities held by the Fund (including restricted securities) are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Administrator under the supervision and responsibility of the Board of Directors. Any assets that are denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars of the last quoted spot rate of exchange prevailing on each valuation date. HOW TO BUY AND REDEEM SHARES Shares of the Fund are sold in a continuous offering and may be purchased on any business day through authorized dealers, including Capstone Asset Planning Company. Certain broker-dealers assist their clients in the purchase of shares from the Distributor and charge a fee for this service in addition to the Fund's public offering price. Shares will be credited to a stockholder's account at the net asset value next computed after an order is received by the Distributor. Initial purchases must be at least $200; however, this requirement may be waived by the Distributor for plans involving continuing investments. There is no minimum for subsequent purchases of shares. No stock certificates representing shares purchased will be issued except upon written request to the Fund's Transfer Agent. The Fund's management reserves the right to reject any purchase order if, in its opinion, it is in the Fund's best interest to do so. See "Purchasing Shares" in the Prospectus. Generally, stockholders may require the Fund to redeem their shares by sending a written request, signed by the record owner(s), to Medical Research Investment Fund, Inc., c/o Fund/Plan Services, Inc., P.O. Box 874, 2 W. Elm Street, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428. In addition, certain expedited redemption methods are available. See "Redemption and Repurchase of Shares" in the Prospectus. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS The Fund's policy is to distribute to stockholders substantially all of its investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest and the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) in annual dividends. The Fund intends similarly to distribute to stockholders at least annually any net realized capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses). All income dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested in shares of the Fund at net asset value without sales commission, except that any stockholder may otherwise instruct the Transfer Agent in writing and receive cash. Stockholders are informed as to the sources of distributions at the time of payment. Any dividend or distribution paid shortly after a purchase of shares by an investor will have the effect of reducing the per share net asset value of his shares by the amount of the dividend or distribution. All or a portion of any such dividend or distribution, although in effect a return of capital, may be taxable, as set forth below. 14 TAXES The following summary describes some of the more significant Federal income tax consequences applicable to investors in the Fund based on existing Federal tax law. New tax laws may be enacted which might affect the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund. The following discussion is necessarily general, and prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences to the investor of an investment in the Fund. The Fund intends to qualify annually and elect to be taxed as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Qualification and election to be taxed as a regulated investment company involves no supervision of management or investment policies or practices by any government agency. To qualify as a regulated investment company the Fund must, with respect to each taxable year, distribute to stockholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest, certain foreign currency gains and the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and meet certain diversification of assets, source of income, and other requirements of the Code. As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally is not subject to Federal income tax on its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses), if any, that it distributes to stockholders. The Fund intends to distribute to its stockholders, at least annually, substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain. Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax. To prevent imposition of the tax, the Fund must distribute during each calendar year (1) at least 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, (2) at least 98% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses for the twelve-month period ending on October 31 of the calendar year (reduced by certain net operating losses, as prescribed by the Code), and (3) all ordinary income and capital gains for previous years that were not distributed during such years. A distribution will be treated as paid on December 31 of the calendar year if it is declared by the Fund in October, November or December of that year to stockholders on a record date in such a month and paid by the Fund during January of the following calendar year. Such distributions will be taxable to stockholders in the calendar year the distributions are declared, rather than the calendar year in which the distributions are received. To prevent application of the excise tax, the Fund intends to make its distributions in accordance with the calendar year distribution requirement. If the Fund retains net capital gains for reinvestment, although it has no plans to do so, the Fund may elect to treat such amounts as having been distributed to stockholders. As a result, the stockholders would be subject to tax on undistributed capital gain, would be able to claim their proportionate share of the Federal income taxes paid by the Fund on such gain as a credit against their own Federal income tax liabilities, and would be entitled to an increase in their basis in their Fund Shares. INVESTMENT IN PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The Fund may invest in stocks of foreign companies that are classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). In general, a foreign company is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. Under the PFIC rules, an "excess distribution" received with respect to PFIC stock is treated as having been realized ratably over the period during which the Fund held the PFIC stock. The Fund itself will be subject to tax on that portion, if any, of the excess distribution that is allocated to the Fund's holding period in prior taxable years (and an interest factor will be added to the tax, as if the tax had actually been payable in such prior taxable years) even though the Fund distributes the corresponding income 15 to stockholders. Excess distributions include any gain from the sale of PFIC stock as well as certain distributions from a PFIC. All excess distributions are taxable as ordinary income. The Fund may be able to elect alternative tax treatment with respect to PFIC stock. Under an election that currently may be available, the Fund generally would be required to include in its gross income its share of the earnings of a PFIC on a current basis, regardless of whether any distributions are received from the PFIC. If this election were made, the special rules, discussed above, relating to the taxation of excess distributions, would not apply. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to mark- to-market its PFIC stock, resulting in the stock being treated as sold at fair market value on the last business day of each taxable year. Any resulting gain would be reported as ordinary income, and any resulting loss would not be recognized. If this election were made, the special rules described above with respect to excess distributions would still apply. The Fund's intention to qualify annually as a regulated investment company may limit the Fund's elections with respect to PFIC stock. Because the application of the PFIC rules may affect, among other things, the character of gains, the amount of gain or loss and the timing of the recognition of income with respect to PFIC stock, as well as subject the Fund itself to tax on certain income from PFIC stock, the amount that must be distributed to stockholders and which will be taxed to stockholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to a fund that did not invest in PFIC stock. DISTRIBUTIONS. Dividends paid out of the Fund's investment company taxable income will be taxable to a stockholder as ordinary income. Distributions of net capital gains, if any, designated by the Fund as capital gain dividends, are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the stockholder has held the Fund's shares, and are not eligible for the dividends received deduction. The alternative minimum tax applicable to corporations may reduce the benefits of the dividends received deductions. Dividends received by corporate stockholders may qualify for the dividends received deduction to the extent the Fund designates its dividends as derived from dividends from domestic corporations. The amount designated by the Fund as so qualifying cannot exceed the aggregate amount of dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations for the taxable year. Since the Fund's income may not consist exclusively of dividends eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction, its distributions of investment company taxable income likewise may not be eligible, in whole or in part, for that deduction. The dividends received deduction may be further reduced if the shares of the Fund are debt-financed or are deemed to have been held less than 46 days. All distributions are taxable to the stockholder whether reinvested in additional shares or received in cash. Stockholders receiving distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for Federal income tax purposes in each share received equal to the net asset value of a share of the Fund on the reinvestment date. Stockholders will be notified annually as to the Federal tax status of distributions. Distributions by the Fund reduce the net asset value of the Fund shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a stockholder's cost basis, such distribution nevertheless would be taxable to the stockholder as ordinary income or capital gain as described above, even though, from an investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of capital. In particular, investors should be careful to consider the tax implications of buying shares just prior to a distribution by the Fund. The price of shares purchased at that time includes the amount of the forthcoming distribution, but the distribution will generally be taxable to them. 16 HEDGING AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS. Certain options and futures contracts are "section 1256 contracts." Any gains or losses on section 1256 contracts generally are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses ("60/40"); however, foreign currency gains or losses (as discussed below) arising from certain 1256 contracts may be treated as ordinary income or loss. Also, section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year (and at certain other times prescribed pursuant to the Code) are "marked-to-market" with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is generally treated as 60/40 gain or loss. Generally, the hedging transactions undertaken by the Fund may result in "straddles" for Federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains (or losses) realized by the Fund. In addition, losses realized by the Fund on positions that are part of a straddle may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in calculating the taxable income for the taxable year in which such losses are realized. Because only a few regulations implementing the straddle rules have been promulgated, the tax consequences to the Fund of hedging transactions are not entirely clear. The hedging transactions may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by the Fund which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to stockholders. The Fund may make one or more of the elections available under the Code which are applicable to straddles and to certain foreign currency options and regulated futures contracts. If the Fund makes any of the elections, the amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions will be determined under rules that vary according to the election(s) made. The rules applicable under certain of the elections may operate to accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions. Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to stockholders, and which will be taxed to stockholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to a fund that did not engage in such hedging transactions. Because the tax consequences of straddle transactions to the Fund are not entirely clear, it may ultimately be determined that the Fund's tax accounting procedures failed to conform to the straddle rules. Consequently, the Fund may have inadvertently failed to satisfy one or more of the requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company. If the Fund has failed to satisfy the requirement that it distribute at least 90% of its net investment company taxable income, the Fund may be able to preserve its regulated investment company status by making a "deficiency dividend" distribution. In addition, the Fund would have to pay interest and a penalty on the amount of the deficiency dividend distribution. If the Fund fails to satisfy one of the other requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company, the Fund would be taxed as an ordinary corporation, and its distributions, including net capital gain distributions, would be taxable to stockholders as ordinary dividends. Moreover, upon any requalification as a regulated investment company, the Fund might be subject to a corporate-level tax on certain gains. Certain requirements that must be met under the Code in order for the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company may limit the extent to which the Fund will be able to engage in transactions in options and futures contracts. FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGES. Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues interest or other receivables 17 or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on the disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on the disposition of certain futures 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 also are treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains and losses, referred to in 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 stockholders as ordinary income. For example, fluctuations in exchange rates may increase the amount of income that the Fund must distribute in order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company and to prevent application of an excise tax on undistributed income. Alternatively, fluctuations in exchange rates may decrease or eliminate income available for distribution. If section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable income during a taxable year, the Fund generally would not be able to make ordinary dividend distributions, or distributions made before the losses were realized would be recharacterized as return of capital to stockholders for Federal income tax purposes, rather than as an ordinary dividend, reducing each stockholder's basis in his Fund shares. Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other similar income taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate these taxes. In addition, the Adviser will manage the Fund with the intention of minimizing foreign taxation in cases where it is deemed prudent to do so. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible to elect to "pass-through" to the Fund's stockholders the amount of such foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Fund. If this election is made, a stockholder will be required to include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his pro rata share of the foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Fund, and generally will be entitled either to deduct (as an itemized deduction) his pro rata share of such foreign taxes in computing his taxable income or to use it (subject to limitations) as a foreign tax credit against his U.S. Federal income tax liability. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a stockholder who does not itemize deductions. Each stockholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund's taxable year whether the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will "pass-through" for that year, and if so, such notification will designate (a) the stockholder's portion of the foreign taxes paid to foreign countries and (b) the portion of the dividend which represents income derived from sources outside the U.S. Generally, a credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not exceed the stockholder's U.S. Federal income tax attributable to his total foreign source taxable income. For this purpose, if the pass-through election is made, the source of the Fund's income flows through to its stockholders. With respect to the Fund, gains from the sale of securities generally will be treated as derived from U.S. sources and certain currency fluctuation gains, including fluctuation gains from foreign currency denominated debt securities, receivables and payables will be treated as derived from U.S. sources. The limitation on the foreign tax credit is applied separately to foreign source passive income, such as dividends received from the Fund, and to certain other types of income. Stockholders may be unable to claim a credit for the full amount of their proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund. In addition, the foreign tax credit may offset only 90% of the alternative minimum tax (prior to reduction for the "regular" tax liability for the year) imposed on corporations and individuals. In addition, foreign taxes may not be deducted by a stockholder that is an individual in computing alternative minimum taxable income. The foregoing is a general description of the foreign tax credit under current law. Because application of the credit depends on the particular circumstances of each stockholder, stockholders are 18 advised to consult their own tax advisers. DISPOSITION OF SHARES. Upon disposition (by redemption, repurchase, sale or exchange) of Fund shares, a stockholder will realize a taxable gain or loss depending upon his basis in his shares. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the stockholder's hands. Such gain or loss will generally be long-term or short-term depending upon the stockholder's holding period for the shares. However, a loss realized by a stockholder on the disposition of Fund shares with respect to which capital gain dividends have been paid will, to the extent of such capital gain dividends, be treated as long-term capital loss if such shares have been held by the stockholder for six months or less. Further, a loss realized on a disposition will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced (whether by reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Under certain circumstances, the sales charge incurred in acquiring shares of the Fund may not be taken into account in determining the gain or loss on the disposition of those shares. This rule applies where shares of the Fund are exchanged within 90 days after the date they were purchased and new shares of a Capstone Fund or another regulated investment company are acquired without a sales charge or at a reduced sales charge. In that case, the gain or loss recognized on the exchange will be determined by excluding from the tax basis of the shares exchanged all or a portion of the sales charge incurred in acquiring those shares. This exclusion applies to the extent that the otherwise applicable sales charge with respect to the newly acquired shares is reduced as a result of having incurred a sales charge initially. The portion of the sales charge affected by this rule will be treated as a sales charge paid for the new shares. Certain of the debt securities acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt securities that were originally issued at a discount. Original issue discount can generally be defined as the difference between the price at which a security was issued and its stated redemption price at maturity. Although no cash income is actually received by the Fund, original issue discount on a taxable debt security earned in a given year generally is treated for Federal income tax purposes as interest and, therefore, such income would be subject to the distribution requirements of the Code. BACKUP WITHHOLDING. The Fund may be required to withhold Federal income tax at the rate of 31% of all taxable distributions from the Fund and of gross proceeds from the redemption of shares payable to stockholders who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that they are subject to backup withholding. Corporate stockholders and certain other stockholders specified in the Code generally are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the stockholder's Federal income tax liability. OTHER TAXES. Distributions also may be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on each stockholder's particular situation. Foreign stockholders may be subject to U.S. tax rules that differ significantly from those described above, including the likelihood that distributions to them would be subject to withholding of U.S. tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under a tax treaty). Stockholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund. 19 OTHER INFORMATION CUSTODY OF ASSETS. All securities owned by the Fund and all cash, including proceeds from the sale of shares of the Fund and of securities in the Fund's investment portfolio, are held by The Fifth Third Bank, 38 Fountain Square, Cincinnati, Ohio 45263, as custodian. STOCKHOLDER REPORTS. Semi-annual statements are furnished to stockholders, and annually such statements are audited by the independent accountants. INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS. Tait, Weller & Baker, Two Penn Center, Suite 700, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102-1707, the independent accountants for the Fund, performs annual audits of the Fund's financial statements. LEGAL COUNSEL. Dechert, Price & Rhoads, 1500 K Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20005, is legal counsel to the Fund. 20 APPENDIX A COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS. A commercial paper rating of Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") is a current assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those issued determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted A-1+. Commercial paper ratings by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") are opinions of the ability of the issuers to repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in excess of nine months. The rating "Prime-1" is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody's. Issuers rated "Prime-1" (or related supporting institutions) are considered to have a superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. CORPORATE BOND RATINGS. Bonds rated Baa by Moody's are judged by Moody's to be medium grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well. Bonds rated B by Moody's are judged by Moody's to generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small. A bond rating of BBB by S&P is regarded as having adequate capacity to pay principal and interest. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories. A bond rating of B is regarded by S&P, on balance, as predominately speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protection characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposure to adverse conditions. 21 APPENDIX B As stated in the Fund's Prospectus, the Fund may enter into futures contracts and may purchase and sell related options for hedging purposes. Such transactions are described in this Appendix. I. STOCK INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS. A stock index assigns relative values to the stocks included in the index and the index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the stocks included. Some stock index futures contracts are based on broad market indexes, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 or the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index. In contrast, certain exchanges offer futures contracts on narrower market indexes, such as the Standard & Poor's 100 or indexes based on an industry or market segment, such as oil and gas stocks. Futures contracts are traded on organized exchanges regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Transactions on such exchanges are cleared through a clearing corporation, which guarantees the performance of the parties to each contract. The Fund will sell stock index futures contracts in order to offset a decrease in market value of its portfolio securities that might otherwise result from a market decline. The Fund may do so either to hedge the value of its portfolio as a whole, or to protect against declines, occurring prior to sales of securities, in the value of the securities to be sold. Conversely, the Fund will purchase stock index futures contracts in anticipation of purchases of securities. Generally, in a substantial majority of these transactions, the Fund will purchase such securities upon termination of the long futures position, but a long futures position may be terminated without a corresponding purchase of securities. II. FUTURES CONTRACTS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES. A futures contract on foreign currency creates a binding obligation on one party to deliver, and a corresponding obligation on another party to accept delivery of, a stated quantity of a foreign currency, for an amount fixed in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency futures may be used by the Fund to hedge against exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies arising from multinational transactions. III. MARGIN PAYMENTS. Unlike when the Fund purchases or sells a security, no price is paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Fund will be required to deposit with the broker or in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian an amount of cash or cash equivalents, the value of which may vary but is generally equal to 10% or less of the value of the contract. This amount is known as initial margin. The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different from that of margin in security transactions in that futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the customer to finance the transactions. Rather, the initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, called variation margin, margin, to and from the broker, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying instruments fluctuates making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as marking-to-market. For example, when the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the contract has risen in response to a rise in the underlying instruments, that position will have increased in value and the Fund will 22 be entitled to received from the broker a variation margin payment equal to that increase in value. Conversely, where the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the future contract has declined in response to a decrease in the underlying instruments, the position would be less valuable and the Fund would be required to make a variable margin payment to the broker. At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Adviser may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, subject to the availability of a secondary market, which will operate to terminate the Fund's position in the futures contract. A final determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or gain. IV. RISKS OF TRANSACTIONS IN FUTURES CONTRACTS. There are several risks in connection with the use of futures by the Fund as a hedging device. One risk arises because of the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the future and movements in the price of the securities which are the subject of the hedge. The price of the future may move more than or less than the price of the securities being hedged. If the price of the future moves less than the price of the securities which are the subject of the hedge, the hedge would not be fully effective but, if the price of the securities being hedged has moved in an unfavorable direction, the Fund would be in a better position than if it had not hedged at all. If the price of the securities being hedged has moved in a favorable direction, this advantage would be partially offset by the loss on the future. If the price of the future moves more than the price of the hedged securities, the Fund would experience either a loss or gain on the futures which will not be completely offset by movements in the price of the securities which are the subject of the hedge. To compensate for the imperfect correlation of movements in the price of securities being hedged and movements in the price of futures contracts, the Fund may buy or sell futures contracts in a greater dollar amount than the dollar amount of securities being hedged if the volatility over a particular time period of the prices of such securities has been greater than the volatility over such time period of the future, or if otherwise deemed to be appropriate by the investment adviser. Conversely, the Fund may buy or sell fewer futures contracts if the volatility over a particular time period of the prices of the securities being hedged is less than the volatility over such time period of the futures contract being used, or if otherwise deemed to be appropriate by the investment adviser. It is also possible that, where the Fund has sold futures to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the market may advance and the value of securities held in the Fund may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would lose money on the future and also experience a decline in value in its portfolio securities. Where futures are purchased to hedge against a possible increase in the price of securities before the Fund is able to invest its cash (or cash equivalents) in securities (or options) in an orderly fashion, it is possible that the market may decline instead; if the Fund then concludes not to invest in securities or options at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons, the Fund would realize a loss on the futures contract that is not offset by a reduction in the price of securities purchased. In instances involving the purchase of futures contracts by the Fund, an amount of cash and cash equivalents, equal to the market value of the futures contracts, will be deposited in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian and/or in a margin account with a broker to collateralize the position and thereby ensure that the use of such futures is unleveraged. In addition to the possibility that there may be an imperfect correlation, or no correlation at all, between movements in the futures and the securities being hedged, the price of futures may not correlate perfectly with movement in the cash market due to certain market distortions. Rather than meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures contracts through off-setting transactions which 23 could distort the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, with respect to financial futures contracts, the liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into off-setting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced thus producing distortions. Third, from the point of view of speculators, the deposit requirements in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures market may also cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion in the futures market, and because of the imperfect correlation between the movements in the cash market and movements in the price of futures, a correct forecast of general market trends or interest rate movements by the Adviser may still not result in a successful hedging transaction over a short time frame. Positions in futures may be closed out only on an exchange or board of trade which provides a secondary market for such futures. Although the Fund intends to purchase or sell futures only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appear to be active secondary markets, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on any exchange or board of trade will exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures investment position, and in the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. However, in the event futures contracts have been used to hedge portfolio securities, such securities will generally not be sold until the futures contract can be terminated. In such circumstances, an increase in the price of the securities, if any, may partially or completely offset losses on the futures contract. However, as described above, there is no guarantee that the price of the securities will in fact correlate with the price movements in the futures contract and thus provide an offset on a futures contract. Further, it should be noted that the liquidity of a secondary market in a futures contract may be adversely affected by "daily price fluctuation limits" established by commodity exchanges which limit the amount of fluctuation in a futures contract price during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in the contract, no trades may be entered into at a price beyond the limit, thus preventing the liquidation of open futures positions. Successful use of futures by the Fund is also subject to the Adviser's ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the market. For example, if the Fund has hedged against the possibility of a decline in the market adversely affecting securities held by it and securities prices increase instead, the Fund would lose part of all of the benefit to the increased value of its securities which it has hedged because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities to meet daily variation margin requirements. Such sales of securities may be, but will not necessarily be, at increased prices which reflect the rising market. The Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. V. OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Fund may purchase and sell options on the futures contracts described above. A futures option gives the holder, in return for the premium paid, the right to buy (call) from or sell (put) to the writer of the option a futures contract at a specified price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise, the writer of the option is obligated to pay the difference between the cash value of the futures contract and the exercise price. Like the buyer or seller of a futures contract, the holder, or writer, of an option has the right to terminate its position prior to the scheduled expiration of the option by selling, or purchasing, an option of the same series, at which time the person entering into the closing transaction will realize a gain or loss. 24 Investments in options on futures contracts involve some of the same considerations that are involved in connection with investments in futures contracts (for example, the existence of a liquid secondary market). In addition, the purchase or sale of an option also entails the risk that changes in the value of the underlying futures contract will not be fully reflected in the value of the option purchased. Depending on the pricing of the option compared to either the futures contract upon which it is based, or upon the price of the securities being hedged, an option may or may not be less risky than ownership of the futures contract or such securities. In general, the market prices of options can be expected to be more volatile than the market prices on the underlying futures contract. Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, however, the purchase of call or put options on futures contracts may frequently involve less potential risk to the Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options (plus transactions costs). VI. OTHER HEDGING TRANSACTIONS. As noted above, the Fund presently intends to use stock index and foreign currency futures contracts (and related options) in connection with their hedging activities. Nevertheless, the Fund is authorized to enter into hedging transactions in any other futures or options contracts which are currently traded. Such instruments may be employed in connection with the Fund's hedging strategies if, in the judgment of the Adviser, transactions therein are necessary or advisable. VII. ACCOUNTING. Accounting for futures contracts and options will be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 25 MEDICAL RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND, INC. PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AUGUST 31, 1994 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARKET VALUE PERCENTAGE OF SHARES (NOTE 1-A) NET ASSETS --------- ------------- ------------- MAJOR CAPITALIZATION 12,000 Johnson & Johnson........................... $ 601,500 4.55% North America 15,000 Merck & Co., Inc............................ 511,875 3.87 12.80% 8,500 Pfizer, Inc................................. 580,125 4.38 ------------- ------------- 1,693,500 12.80 SPECIALTY 23,000 Allergan, Inc............................... 629,625 4.76 CAPITALIZATION 30,000 Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)............ 337,500 2.55 North America 60,000 BioChem Pharma, Inc.(a)..................... 630,000 4.76 39.86% 25,000 Cephalon, Inc.(a)........................... 312,500 2.36 7,500 Chiron Corp.(a)............................. 523,125 3.95 60,000 Cytel Corp.(a).............................. 187,500 1.42 12,000 Genetics Institute, Inc.(a)................. 495,000 3.74 40,000 Gilead Sciences, Inc.(a).................... 410,000 3.10 55,000 Immunex Corp.(a)............................ 838,750 6.34 50,000 Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)............... 237,500 1.80 50,000 SangStat Medical Corp.(a)................... 312,500 2.36 25,000 Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)............. 359,375 2.72 ------------- ------------- 5,273,375 39.86 MAJOR CAPITALIZATION 40,000 Astra 'A'................................... 912,400 6.90 Europe 1,000 Schering AG................................. 600,630 4.54 ------------- ------------- 11.44% 1,513,030 11.44 SPECIALTY 1,200 Ares-Serono................................. 648,744 4.90 CAPITALIZATION 9,000 Cambridge Antibody Technology, Europe Ltd.(a)(Note 5)............................. 297,000 2.24 12.34% 35,000 Ethical Holdings ADR(a)..................... 271,250 2.05 1,000 Immuno AG................................... 416,730 3.15 ------------- ------------- 1,633,724 12.34 MAJOR CAPITALIZATION 25,000 Sankyo Co. Ltd.............................. 604,000 4.57 Asia 27,000 Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co.................. 288,360 2.18 12.72% 25,000 Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.............. 496,750 3.75 20,000 Teikoku Hormone............................. 293,600 2.22 ------------- ------------- 1,682,710 12.72 SPECIALTY 30,000 Rohto Pharmaceutical........................ 276,000 2.08 CAPITALIZATION 100,000 Biota Holdings Limited(a)................... 595,000 4.50 Asia 30,000 Fujirebio................................... 335,400 2.54 ------------- ------------- 9.12% 1,206,400 9.12 TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $12,046,185).......................... 13,002,739 98.28 OTHER ASSETS, LESS LIABILITIES.............. 227,962 1.72 ------------- ------------- NET ASSETS.................................. $ 13,230,701 100.00% ============= =============
(a) Non-income producing security. SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MEDICAL RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND, INC. STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AUGUST 31, 1994 --------------------------------------------------- ASSETS: Investments in securities at market (identified cost $12,046,185)(Note 1-A)........... $ 13,002,739 Cash................................. 267,659 Receivables: Capital stock sold............... 19,871 Dividends........................ 11,655 ------------ Total assets................. 13,301,924 ------------ LIABILITIES: Payable for capital stock redeemed... 42 Accrued advisory and administration fees............................. 47,872 Other accrued expenses............... 23,309 ------------ Total liabilities............ 71,223 ------------ NET ASSETS:.......................... $ 13,230,701 ============ NET ASSET VALUE AND REDEMPTION PRICE PER SHARE: ($13,230,701 722,919 shares outstanding) $.001 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized....................... $ 18.30 ============ COMPUTATION OF OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE: (Net asset value $18.30 x 100/95.25)....................... $ 19.21 ============ SOURCE OF NET ASSETS: Paid in capital.................. $ 11,279,933 Accumulated net realized gain on investments................... 994,214 Net unrealized appreciation of investments................... 956,554 ------------ $ 13,230,701 ============ SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MEDICAL RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND, INC. STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1994 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT INCOME: Income: Dividends (net of foreign taxes of $7,022)................... $ 103,903 ---------- Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2)............................ 121,553 Administration fees (Note 2)................................. 54,388 Transfer agent fees.......................................... 40,517 Distribution fees (Note 2)................................... 30,132 Custodian fees............................................... 25,612 Audit and legal fees......................................... 24,851 Registration fees............................................ 13,215 Miscellaneous................................................ 14,800 ---------- Total expenses........................................... 325,068 ---------- Less fees waived by: (Note 2) Investment Adviser................................... 16,868 Administrator........................................ 4,217 ---------- 21,085 ---------- Net expenses............................................. 303,983 ---------- Net investment loss.................................. (200,080) ---------- REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS: Net realized gain from security transactions...................... 995,595 Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments: Beginning of year............................................ $ 1,577,879 End of year.................................................. 956,554 ----------- Net decrease in unrealized appreciation of investments... (621,325) ---------- Net realized and unrealized gain on investments...... 374,270 ----------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations. $ 174,190 =========== SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MEDICAL RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND, INC. STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, ---------------------------- OPERATIONS: 1994 1993 ------------- ------------- Net investment loss..................................................................... $ (200,080) $ (155,961) Net realized gain from security transactions............................................ 995,595 1,461,488 Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments............................... (621,325) 623,718 ------------- ------------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations................................ 174,190 1,929,245 DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: Distribution from net realized gains from investment transactions....................... (820,375) (1,134,855) CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions (Note 3).... 3,654,122 (1,986,252) ------------- ------------- Total increase (decrease) in net assets......................................... 3,007,937 (1,191,862) NET ASSETS: Beginning of year....................................................................... 10,222,764 11,414,626 ------------- ------------- End of year (including net investment deficit of $0 and $155,961, respectively)......... $ 13,230,701 $ 10,222,764 ============= =============
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AUGUST 31, 1994 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NOTE 1 --SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Medical Research Investment Fund, Inc. (the 'Fund') was organized as a Maryland Corporation on November 7, 1984 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified, open-end management company. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. A) SECURITY VALUATION _ Securities listed on a recognized stock exchange, whether U.S. or foreign, are valued at the last reported sales price on that exchange prior to the time when assets are valued or prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. In the event there are no sales, the last available bid price will be used. If a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued at the last sales price on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded. B) DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS _ Substantially all of the Fund's net investment income, if any, will be distributed to shareholders semi-annually and net realized capital gains, if any, will be distributed annually. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for net operating losses. MEDICAL RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND, INC. C) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES _ No provision is made for Federal income taxes as it is the Fund's intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and to make the requisite distribution to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, Federal income taxes. D) FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION _ All assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the bid price of such currencies against U.S. dollars last quoted by a major bank on the valuation date. The cost of foreign portfolio securities is determined using historical exchange rates. Income is translated at exchange rates prevailing when earned. E) OTHER _ Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis may be settled a month or more after the trade date. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis; dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon thereafter as the Fund is informed of the dividend. NOTE 2 -- INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES, ADMINISTRATOR'S FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, G/A Capital Management, Inc. ('G/ACM') serves as the Investment Adviser of the Fund. Under this agreement, G/ACM receives a monthly fee at the annual rate of 1% of the Fund's first $30 million in average net assets, 0.90% of the next $20 million in average net assets, and 0.75% of average net assets in excess of $50 million. The Investment Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive its fee until the assets of the Fund reach a level permitting the Fund to pay these fees and still maintain an expense ratio of 2.5% or less. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1994, G/ACM waived fees of $16,868. Under an Administration Agreement between the Fund and its Administrator, Capstone Asset Management Company ('CAMCO'), CAMCO supervises all aspects of the Fund's operations other than the management of its investments. For its services, CAMCO is entitled to receive a fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets. CAMCO has voluntarily agreed to waive its fees until the assets of the Fund reach a level permitting the Fund to pay these fees and maintain an expense ratio of 2.5% or less. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1994, CAMCO voluntarily waived administrative fees of $4,217. In addition, CAMCO is also paid a monthly fee of $2,000 for costs representing certain accounting and bookkeeping services. These fees, which amounted to $24,000 for the year ended August 31, 1994, are not subject to the previously discussed waiver. Capstone Asset Planning Company ('CAPCO') serves as Distributor and Underwriter of the Fund's shares. Commissions and underwriting fees earned on sales of the Fund's shares during the year ended August 31, 1994 by the Distributor/Underwriter were $10,287 and $9,522, respectively. CAPCO is an affiliate of CAMCO, and both are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Capstone Financial Services, Inc. ('CFS'). Pursuant to a distribution plan established in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, CAPCO pays certain registered broker-dealers, financial institutions or other industry professionals ('Service Organizations'), fees at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund for whom the Service Organizations are the dealers or owners of record. The Fund has agreed to reimburse CAPCO for the payment of such fees, which for the year ended August 31, 1994, amounted to $30,132. Of this amount, approximately 45% was paid to CAPCO and 19% was paid to G/ACM for accounts on which they acted as servicers. MEDICAL RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND, INC. Certain officers of the Fund are also officers and directors of G/ACM, CAMCO, CAPCO and CFS. During the year ended August 31, 1994, Directors of the Fund who are not 'interested persons' received Directors' fees of $2,750. All other officers and Directors serve without compensation from the Fund. NOTE 3 _ CAPITAL STOCK Transactions in capital stock were as follows: YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, -------------------------------------------------- 1994 1993 ----------------------- ------------------------- SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT --------- ------------ ---------- ------------- Shares sold.............. 229,944 $ 4,367,755 80,267 $ 1,429,359 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions.......... 42,418 790,669 66,675 1,088,137 --------- ------------ ---------- ------------- 272,362 5,158,424 146,942 2,517,496 Shares redeemed.......... (79,869) (1,504,302) (252,751) (4,503,748) --------- ------------ ---------- ------------- Net increase (decrease).. 192,493 $ 3,654,122 (105,809) $ (1,986,252) ========= ============ ========== ============= NOTE 4 -- SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS Purchases and sales of securities other than short-term notes aggregated $8,359,410 and $5,812,165, respectively. At August 31, 1994 the cost of investments for Federal income tax purposes was $12,046,185. Accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $956,554, consisting of $1,794,937 gross unrealized appreciation and $838,383 gross unrealized depreciation. NOTE 5 _ RESTRICTED SECURITIES On February 4, 1993, the Fund acquired 9,000 shares of common stock of Cambrige Antibody Technology, Ltd. at a cost of $297,000. The value of these securities at August 31, 1994 represents 2.2% of the Fund's net assets. They are valued by the Board of Directors at cost and have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1993. Accordingly, they may only be sold or transferred in the absence of such registration, pursuant to rules or exemptions permitting such sale or transfer. If and when the Fund sells these securities, additional costs for registration may be required. MEDICAL RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND, INC. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The following table sets forth the per share operating performance data for a share of capital stock outstanding, total return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for each year indicated.
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, -------------------------------------------------------- 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- PER SHARE DATA(1) Net asset value at beginning of year.................................... $ 19.27 $ 17.94 $ 17.15 $ 14.70 $ 13.92 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- Income from investment operations: Net investment income (loss)........................................ (.31) (.27) (.26) (.23) (.33) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments.............. .86 3.72 2.30 4.30 1.83 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- Total from investment operations........................................ .55 3.45 2.04 4.07 1.50 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- Less distributions from: Net investment income............................................... -- -- -- -- -- Net realized gain on investments.................................... 1.52 2.12 1.25 1.62 .72 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- Total distributions..................................................... 1.52 2.12 1.25 1.62 .72 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- Net asset value at end of year.......................................... $ 18.30 $ 19.27 $ 17.94 $ 17.15 $ 14.70 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- TOTAL RETURN(+)......................................................... 2.69% 21.37% 12.04% 30.60% 11.13% ========== ========== ========== ========= ========= RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTED DATA Net assets at end of year (in thousands)................................ $ 13,231 $ 10,223 $ 11,415 $ 6,955 $ 3,771 Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets(2): Before expense reimbursement........................................ 2.67% 2.87% 2.59% 3.74% 4.77% After expense reimbursement......................................... 2.50% 2.50% 2.48% 2.50% 3.51% Portfolio turnover rate................................................. 49% 77% 71% 81% 143% Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets: Before expense reimbursement........................................ (1.82)% (1.90)% (1.56)% (2.71)% (3.51)% After expense reimbursement......................................... (1.65)% (1.53)% (1.45)% (1.47)% (2.26)%
(1) Based on average month-end shares outstanding. (2) See Note 2 regarding a limitation on the advisory and administrative fees. (+) Calculated without sales charge. SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MEDICAL RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND, INC. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Medical Research Investment Fund, Inc. We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Medical Research Investment Fund, Inc., including the portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 1994, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 1994, by correspondence with the custodian. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Medical Research Investment Fund, Inc. as of August 31, 1994, and the results of its operations, changes in its net assets and financial highlights for the periods presented, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Tait, Weller & Baker Philadelphia, Pennsylvania September 30, 1994 MEDICAL RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND, INC. 5847 San Felipe, Suite 4100 Houston, Texas 77057 1-800-262-6631 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS AUGUST 31, 1994 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DIRECTORS OFFICERS Samuel D. Isaly Samuel D. Isaly John J. Maggio, M.D. President Philip C. Smith Edward L. Jaroski Eugene E. Weise, M.D., P.C. Vice President Sherry M. Cowperthwaite Vice President Linda G. Giuffre Treasurer Iris R. Clay Secretary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INVESTMENT ADVISER TRANSFER AGENT G/A Capital Management, Inc. Fund/Plan Services, Inc. 41 Madison Avenue P. O. Box 874 40th Floor Conshohocken, PA 19428 New York, NY 10010-2202 1-800-845-2340 ADMINISTRATOR CUSTODIAN Capstone Asset Management Company National Westminster Bank NJ 5847 San Felipe, Suite 4100 One Exchange Place Houston, TX 77057 Jersey City, NJ 07302 DISTRIBUTOR AUDITORS Capstone Asset Planning Company Tait, Weller & Baker 5847 San Felipe, Suite 4100 Two Penn Center Plaza, Suite 700 Houston, TX 77057 Philadelphia, PA 19102-1707 1-800-262-6631