UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
Investment Company Act file number 811-09589
SCUDDER RREEF SECURITIES TRUST
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(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
One South Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (617) 295-2663
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Salvatore Schiavone
Two International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
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(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Date of fiscal year end: 12/31
Date of reporting period: 12/31/03
ITEM 1. REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS
[Scudder Investments logo]
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Annual Report to Shareholders |
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December 31, 2003 |
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Contents |
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<Click Here> Performance Summary <Click Here> Portfolio Management Review <Click Here> Portfolio Summary <Click Here> Investment Portfolio <Click Here> Financial Statements <Click Here> Financial Highlights <Click Here> Notes to Financial Statements <Click Here> Report of Independent Auditors <Click Here> Tax Information <Click Here> Trustees and Officers <Click Here> Account Management Resources |
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. To obtain a prospectus for any of our funds, refer to the Account Management Resources information provided in the back of this booklet. We advise you to consider the fund's objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the fund. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
Investments in mutual funds involve risk. Some funds have more risk than others. This fund is nondiversified and can take larger positions in fewer companies, increasing its overall potential risk. The fund involves additional risk due to its narrow focus. There are special risks associated with an investment in real estate, including credit risk, interest rate fluctuations and the impact of varied economic conditions. Please read this fund's prospectus for specific details regarding its investments and risk profile.
Scudder Investments is part of Deutsche Asset Management, which is the marketing name in the US for the asset management activities of Deutsche Bank AG, Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc., Deutsche Asset Management Inc., Deutsche Asset Management Investment Services Ltd., Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and Scudder Trust Company.
Fund shares are not FDIC-insured and are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, any bank. Fund shares involve investment risk, including possible loss of principal.
All performance shown is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate with changing market conditions so that, when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Please visit scudder.com for the product's most recent month-end performance.
The maximum sales charge for Class A shares is 5.75%. For Class B shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is 4% within the first year after purchase, declining to 0% after six years. Class C shares have a 1% front-end sales charge, and redemptions within one year of purchase may be subject to a CDSC of 1%. Unadjusted returns do not reflect sales charges and would have been lower if they had. Institutional Class shares are not subject to sales charges.
Returns and rankings for the 3-Year and Life of Fund periods shown reflect a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement. Without this waiver/reimbursement, returns and rankings would have been lower.
Performance figures do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Returns and rankings may differ by share class.
On September 3, 2002 the Fund's original share class, RREEF Class A shares, were redesignated Institutional Class. In addition, the Fund began offering additional classes of shares, namely Class A, B and C shares. Returns shown for Class A, B and C shares for the periods prior to their inception are derived from the historical performance of Institutional Class shares of the Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund during such periods and have been adjusted to reflect the higher gross total annual operating expenses of each specific class. Any difference in expenses will affect performance.
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Average Annual Total Returns (Unadjusted for Sales Charge) |
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Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund |
1-Year |
3-Year |
Life of Fund* |
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Class A
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38.51% |
19.25% |
21.73% |
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Class B
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37.36% |
18.32% |
20.79% |
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Class C
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37.59% |
18.39% |
20.84% |
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Institutional Class
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38.91% |
19.62% |
22.14% |
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Wilshire REIT Index+ |
36.18% |
16.59% |
21.01% |
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S&P 500 Index++ |
28.68% |
-4.05% |
-3.90% |
Sources: Lipper Inc. and Deutsche Asset Management, Inc.
* Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund commenced operations on December 1, 1999. Index returns begin November 30, 1999.|
Net Asset Value and Distribution Information |
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Class A |
Class B |
Class C |
Class R |
Institutional Class |
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Net Asset Value:
12/31/03 |
$ 17.09 | $ 17.08 | $ 17.12 | $ 17.09 | $ 17.08 |
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10/1/03 (commencement of
sales of Class R**)
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- | - | - | $ 16.06 | - |
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12/31/02 |
$ 12.97 | $ 12.99 | $ 12.99 | $ - | $ 12.96 |
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Distribution Information:
Twelve Months: Income Dividends |
$ .55 | $ .44 | $ .44 | $ .09 | $ .59 |
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Capital Gains Dividends
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$ .15 | $ .15 | $ .15 | $ .15 | $ .15 |
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Tax Return of Capital
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$ .06 | $ .06 | $ .06 | $ .06 | $ .06 |
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Institutional Class Lipper Rankings - Real Estate Funds Category |
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Period |
Rank |
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Number of Funds Tracked |
Percentile Ranking |
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1-Year |
37 |
of |
175 |
22 |
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3-Year |
12 |
of |
141 |
9 |
Rankings are historical and do not guarantee future results. Rankings are based on total returns with distributions reinvested.
Source: Lipper Inc.
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Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment (Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge) |
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[] Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund - Class A [] Wilshire REIT Index+[] S&P 500 Index++ |
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The Fund's growth of an assumed $10,000 investment is adjusted for the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. This results in a net initial investment of $9,425.
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Comparative Results (Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge) |
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Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund |
1-Year |
3-Year |
Life of Fund* |
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Class A |
Growth of $10,000 |
$13,055 |
$15,984 |
$21,041 |
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Average annual total return |
30.55% |
16.92% |
19.97% |
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Class B |
Growth of $10,000 |
$13,436 |
$16,364 |
$21,428 |
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Average annual total return |
34.36% |
17.84% |
20.51% |
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Class C |
Growth of $10,000 |
$13,621 |
$16,426 |
$21,448 |
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Average annual total return |
36.21% |
17.99% |
20.54% |
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Wilshire REIT Index+
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Growth of $10,000 |
$13,618 |
$15,852 |
$21,558 |
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Average annual total return |
36.18% |
16.59% |
21.01% |
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S&P 500 Index++
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Growth of $10,000 |
$12,868 |
$8,833 |
$8,502 |
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Average annual total return |
28.68% |
-4.05% |
-3.90% |
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The growth of $10,000 is cumulative.
* Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund commenced operations on December 1, 1999. Index returns begin November 30, 1999.|
Growth of an Assumed $250,000 Investment |
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[] Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund - Institutional Class [] Wilshire REIT Index+[] S&P 500 Index++ |
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Comparative Results |
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Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund |
1-Year |
3-Year |
Life of Fund* |
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Institutional Class |
Growth of $250,000 |
$347,275 |
$427,875 |
$565,625 |
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Average annual total return |
38.91% |
19.62% |
22.14% |
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Wilshire REIT Index+
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Growth of $250,000 |
$340,450 |
$396,300 |
$538,950 |
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Average annual total return |
36.18% |
16.59% |
21.01% |
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S&P 500 Index++
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Growth of $250,000 |
$321,700 |
$220,825 |
$212,550 |
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Average annual total return |
28.68% |
-4.05% |
-3.90% |
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The growth of $250,000 is cumulative.
The minimum investment for Institutional Class shares is $250,000.
* Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund commenced operations on December 1, 1999. Index returns begin November 30, 1999.Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund:
A Team Approach to Investing
Deutsche Asset Management, Inc. ("DeAM, Inc." or the "Advisor"), which is part of Deutsche Asset Management, is the investment advisor for Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund. DeAM, Inc. provides a full range of investment advisory services to institutional and retail clients. DeAM, Inc. is also responsible for selecting brokers and dealers and for negotiating brokerage commissions and dealer charges. Prior to September 3, 2002, RREEF America L.L.C. ("RREEF") served as investment advisor for the fund. On April 23, 2002, Deutsche Bank AG acquired RoPRO US Holding Inc., the parent company of RREEF. Each of the members of the management team are employees of RREEF and the Advisor.
Deutsche Asset Management is a global asset management organization that offers a wide range of investing expertise and resources. This well-resourced global investment platform brings together a wide variety of experience and investment insight across industries, regions, asset classes and investing styles.
DeAM, Inc. is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG. Deutsche Bank AG is a major global banking institution that is engaged in a wide range of financial services, including investment management, mutual funds, retail, private and commercial banking, investment banking and insurance.
Karen J. Knudson
Partner of RREEF and Co-Manager of the fund.
• Joined RREEF in 1995, Deutsche Asset Management, Inc. in 2002 and the fund in 1999.
• Over 20 years of investment industry experience.
• MBA, University of California at Berkeley.
John F. Robertson
CFA, Partner of RREEF and Co-Manager of the fund.
• Joined RREEF in 1997, Deutsche Asset Management, Inc. in 2002 and the fund in 1999.
• Prior to that, Assistant Vice President of Lincoln Investment Management responsible for REIT research.
John W. Vojticek*
Vice President of RREEF and Co-Manager of the fund.
• Joined RREEF in 1996, Deutsche Asset Management, Inc. in 2002 and the fund in 1999.
• 6 years of investment industry experience.
Mark D. Zeisloft
CFA, Vice President of RREEF and Co-Manager of the fund.
• Joined RREEF in 1996, Deutsche Asset Management, Inc. in 2002 and the fund in 1999.
• Over 12 years of investment industry experience.
• MBA, University of Chicago.
*Effective February 24, 2004, Mr. Vojticek has left the firm.
In the following interview, Portfolio Managers Karen J. Knudson, Mark D. Zeisloft, John F. Robertson and John W. Vojticek discuss the market environment, performance results and positioning of Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund during its most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.
Q: How did Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund perform over its most recent fiscal year?
A: The fund performed strongly over the 12-month period, returning 38.51% (Class A shares unadjusted for sales charges which, if included, would have reduced performance) and outperforming the 36.18% return of its benchmark, the Wilshire REIT Index. (Please see pages 4 through 7 for the performance of other share classes and more complete performance information.) For the period, the fund also outperformed the 28.28% return of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the 28.68% return of the Standard & Poor's 500 index. Of the best-known stock indices, only the Nasdaq Composite Index with its 50.01% total return outperformed real estate investment trusts (REITs) as represented by the Wilshire REIT Index.1
1 The Wilshire REIT Index is an unmanaged index that measures US publicly traded real estate investment trusts that have a market capitalization of at least $100 million.Q: What factor contributed the most to the fund's outperformance of its benchmark?
A: Looking at the fund from a stock-selection perspective, every sector provided a positive stock attribution. The best performing stock in the portfolio was Chelsea Property Group, Inc., a retail REIT, which was up 72.72% for the period. We had a heavy overweight position in this stock throughout the year. Next in line was General Growth Properties, Inc., a regional mall REIT, which was up 68.34%. Brookfield Properties Corp. in the office sector was up 60.10%. And one of the holdings we held for at least part of the year, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., was up 55.06% for the year. In the industrial sector, Catellus Development Corp. was up 45.66%. Several holdings that underperformed relative to the benchmark included BRE Properties and Home Properties in the apartment sector, as well as Glenborough Realty in the office sector. It is worth noting that even these underperformers delivered positive performance for the year.
Q: What macro factors contributed to the strong performance of REITs during the period?
A: At the start of the year, investor optimism and attractive valuations created a positive environment for REITs. However, anxiety leading up to the war in Iraq and deflationary warnings from the Fed gave investors pause in the first calendar quarter. In March, a war-relief rally took place, as investors grew optimistic that the main campaign would not last long. During the second quarter, economic and political conditions continued to improve, driving a movement into stocks in general and REITs in particular. A significant number of corporate earnings announcements during the quarter met or exceeded expectations, and earnings estimates were revised up going forward. Furthermore, the low-interest-rate environment and declining yields on bond investments drew more attention to equities, as investors sought higher returns. The case for owning equities was strengthened by a $350 billion US tax cut and an accommodative Federal Reserve Board. Finally, the conclusion of major military operations toward the end of April provided the equity markets with a degree of geopolitical stability not seen in the last two years.
Reasonable yield in a low-interest-rate environment is often cited as the primary factor responsible for the outstanding performance of REITs in recent years. While yield has been a factor, we also think that investors have recognized the solid total-return potential within the REIT market. At the close of 2002, we believed REITs were trading at a slight discount to underlying private-market values. Investors also detected this and compared the return possibilities with investment alternatives, in particular fixed income. Investors realized that, unlike the case with most fixed-income securities, the valuations of REITs are not so vulnerable to a rising-interest-rate environment. In fact, as the economy improves, REITs should experience continued earnings growth. We think that some of the dislocation that occurred in the bond market benefited our sector. The surge in REIT prices in 2003 also occurred despite weakness in the hotel, apartment, industrial and office sectors, where we saw earnings estimates decline consistently throughout the year. It was remarkable that REIT investors were able to look past these short-term disappointments to a potential economic recovery, attractive yields and the reasonable valuations that existed.
Q: How did the regional mall and retail sectors contribute to the fund's returns during the fiscal year?
A: The regional mall sector exhibited strong performance during the period, posting a 52.50% total return, while retail returned 43.69% for the year. Relative to the benchmark, the fund was overweight in regional malls in 2003 and carried a slight overweight in retail as well. Over the 12-month period, the regional mall and retail sectors showed surprising resilience. Despite an economy that was struggling to find its feet earlier in the year - and then slowly emerging from the doldrums - consumers continued to spend at a healthy rate. Much of that spending was made possible by a low-interest-rate environment, high levels of loan refinancings and, more recently, stimulus from the federal government in the form of tax reductions and tax rebates.
With continued strong spending by consumers, it was really the best of times for the regional mall and retail landlords. Retailers kept their inventories at reasonable levels and were prudent in their merchandising, avoiding excesses and the need to move a lot of goods quickly through accelerated markdowns. As a result, they were in a position to expand their businesses, and we saw healthy demand as well as increases in occupancy and rent growth for both the regional mall and retail sectors. The market rewarded these sectors, making them two of the top performers for the year. Within retail, the fund held two of the top-performing stocks: Chelsea Property Group, Inc. and Developers Diversified Realty Corp. As mentioned, in regional malls, General Growth Properties, Inc. was a standout performer. In the retail sector, Regency Centers and Pan Pacific Realty underperformed relative to the benchmark. In the regional mall sector, Taubman fell short in relative terms. In absolute terms, even these underperformers provided gains for the year.
Q: How did the apartment sector fare during the period?
A: Apartments were at the other end of the spectrum in terms of fundamental strength over the 12-month period, though the sector still posted a 25.65% return. The fund's slight overweight in apartments during the year detracted from performance, because other sectors performed much better. The low-interest-rate environment that benefited consumers and retail activity weighed heavily on the rental market, as did significant increases in home ownership across the United States. Low interest rates allowed for continued development of additional apartment units in markets that didn't need the space. With tepid demand and a continued influx of new supply, rents have decreased quarter over quarter, and year over year, hurting this sector's fundamentals.
Q: What effect did the office sector have on fund performance?
A: During the period, the fund was slightly underweight in the office sector, which helped performance. The office sector posted a 37.31% return for the period. Job cuts that occurred over the last 12 to 24 months have continued to weigh heavily in terms of absolute vacancy levels, which were at 17.0% at year end, according to Torto Wheaton Research. This compares with an absolute vacancy level of 8.2% at the peak of the economic boom in the second quarter of 2000. At present, vacancy levels are especially high in the telecom corridor in Dallas and in suburban Boston, Denver and San Jose. When job growth returns to the economy, the office sector should begin to improve.
Q: Will you describe the economic environment for industrials?
A: In the industrial space, there were deteriorating fundamentals, but the situation wasn't quite as difficult as with the apartment or office sectors because industrial space generally leads a recovery. When the economy picks up, one of the first things that typically improves is the flow of retail, durable and nondurable goods. And warehouse space demands generally fall in line with the increased flow of goods. Industrials were reasonably hard hit for most the period, but they regained ground during the fourth quarter due to positive manufacturing news. Industrials gained 33.53% over the period, but the fund's overweight position detracted from performance on a relative basis, as the sector finished below the benchmark average return.
Q: How did the hotel sector perform?
A: Hotels gained 43.35% in 2003. The Fund began the year with an underweight in the sector and gradually increased its position to a slight overweight. Due to this shift, the fund's hotel holdings modestly outperformed the benchmark's sector weighting. Hotel performance swung back and forth through the course of the period. During the first quarter, the performance of REITs in the hotel sector was weighed down by concern over the slow progress of the economy and the lead-up to war in Iraq. In the second and third quarters, hotels performed strongly, but they underperformed in the fourth quarter due to concerns about relatively high valuations.
Q: How do you assess the REIT market at this time?
A: The past 12 months brought tremendous inflows into the REIT market from both individual and institutional investors. At present, we believe the REIT universe trades at a premium of at least 5% above private-market values. We believe that part of the reason why REITs performed so well this past year is that private-market values rose considerably in 2003, defying experts' predictions. We also think that investors have been rewarded for some of the growth that's going to occur in the years to come. Generally speaking, we continue to see reasonable valuations within the REIT market relative to alternative investments. With an average dividend yield of 5.47%, according to Wilshire Associates, REITs can offer a compelling vehicle for investors seeking to add income and diversification to their portfolios.
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio managers only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover. The managers' views are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions and should not be construed as a recommendation.
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Asset Allocation |
12/31/03 |
12/31/02 |
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Common Stocks
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96% |
94% |
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Cash Equivalents
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4% |
6% |
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100% |
100% |
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Sector Diversification (Excludes Cash Equivalents) |
12/31/03 |
12/31/02 |
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Office
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22% |
24% |
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Apartments
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21% |
27% |
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Regional Malls
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19% |
18% |
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Retail
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14% |
11% |
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Industrials
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13% |
14% |
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Hotels
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9% |
6% |
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Other
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2% |
- |
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100% |
100% |
Asset allocation and sector diversification are subject to change.
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Ten Largest Equity Holdings at December 31, 2003 (52.5% of Portfolio) |
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1. Simon Property Group, Inc. (REIT)
Operator of real estate investment trust |
7.7% |
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2. ProLogis (REIT)
Owner of global corporate distribution facilities |
7.4% |
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3. Equity Residential (REIT)
Operator of multifamily properties containing apartments |
6.8% |
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4. General Growth Properties, Inc. (REIT)
Owner and developer of shopping mall centers |
5.5% |
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5. Archstone-Smith Trust (REIT)
Owner and developer of real estate specializing in apartments |
5.1% |
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6. Pan Pacific Retail Properties, Inc. (REIT)
Operator of self-managed real estate investment trust |
4.3% |
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7. Mack-Cali Realty Corp. (REIT)
Developer and manager of office properties |
4.2% |
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8. Chelsea Property Group, Inc. (REIT)
Operator of self-managed real estate investment trust |
4.2% |
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9. Catellus Development Corp. (REIT)
Provider of diversified real estate services |
3.7% |
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10. Brookfield Properties Corp. (REIT)
Operator of office properties |
3.6% |
Portfolio holdings are subject to change.
For more complete details about the Fund's investment portfolio, see page 18. A quarterly Fact Sheet is available upon request. Information concerning portfolio holdings of the Fund as of a month end is available upon request no earlier than 15 days after the month end. Please call 1-800-621-1048.
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Value ($) |
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Common Stocks 95.8% |
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Apartments 20.6% |
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Apartment Investment & Management Co. "A" (REIT)
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6,500 |
224,250 |
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Avalonbay Communities, Inc. (REIT)
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315,492 |
15,080,518 |
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Archstone-Smith Trust (REIT)
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1,195,920 |
33,461,842 |
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Boardwalk Equities, Inc. (REIT)
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211,300 |
2,922,279 |
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BRE Properties, Inc. "A" (REIT)
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332,000 |
11,088,800 |
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Equity Residential (REIT)
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1,526,529 |
45,047,871 |
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Essex Property Trust, Inc. (REIT)
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71,888 |
4,616,647 |
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Home Properties, Inc. (REIT)
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375,900 |
15,182,601 |
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United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc. (REIT)
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797,261 |
15,307,411 |
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142,932,219 |
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Hotels 8.5% |
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Hilton Hotels Corp.
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1,211,000 |
20,744,430 |
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Host Marriott Corp.* (REIT)
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1,918,600 |
23,637,152 |
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Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
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407,309 |
14,650,905 |
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59,032,487 |
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Industrials 12.1% |
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Catellus Development Corp. (REIT)
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1,029,644 |
24,835,013 |
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ProLogis (REIT)
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1,531,200 |
49,136,208 |
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Liberty Property Trust (REIT)
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256,500 |
9,977,850 |
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83,949,071 |
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Office 21.2% |
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Arden Realty Group, Inc. (REIT)
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678,100 |
20,573,554 |
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Boston Properties, Inc. (REIT)
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431,553 |
20,796,539 |
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Brookfield Properties Corp. (REIT)
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831,255 |
23,857,019 |
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CarrAmerica Realty Corp. (REIT)
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271,704 |
8,091,345 |
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CenterPoint Properties Corp. (REIT)
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175,000 |
13,107,500 |
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Equity Office Properties Trust (REIT)
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52,500 |
1,504,125 |
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Glenborough Realty Trust, Inc. (REIT)
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169,692 |
3,385,355 |
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Highwoods Properties, Inc. (REIT)
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636,800 |
16,174,720 |
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Mack-Cali Realty Corp. (REIT)
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667,173 |
27,767,740 |
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Reckson Associates Realty Corp. (REIT)
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183,000 |
4,446,900 |
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SL Green Realty Corp. (REIT)
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173,600 |
7,126,280 |
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146,831,077 |
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Regional Malls 17.9% |
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General Growth Properties, Inc. (REIT)
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1,315,926 |
36,518,102 |
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Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
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382,200 |
13,873,860 |
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Simon Property Group, Inc. (REIT)
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1,105,417 |
51,225,024 |
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Taubman Centers, Inc. (REIT)
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324,300 |
6,680,580 |
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The Rouse Co. (REIT)
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333,400 |
15,669,800 |
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123,967,366 |
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Retail 13.6% |
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Chelsea Property Group, Inc. (REIT)
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502,896 |
27,563,730 |
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Developers Diversified Realty Corp. (REIT)
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446,500 |
14,989,005 |
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Pan Pacific Retail Properties, Inc. (REIT)
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600,500 |
28,613,825 |
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Regency Centers Corp. (REIT)
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417,100 |
16,621,435 |
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Summit Properties, Inc. (REIT)
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268,800 |
6,456,577 |
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94,244,572 |
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Other 1.9% |
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Frontline Capital Group* (REIT)
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12,400 |
12 |
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Public Storage, Inc. (REIT)
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298,800 |
12,964,932 |
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12,964,944 |
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Total Common Stocks (Cost $536,308,219)
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663,921,736 |
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Value ($) |
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Repurchase Agreement 4.2% |
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State Street Bank and Trust Co., 0.78%, dated 12/31/2003, to
be repurchased at $29,249,267 on 1/2/2004 (b)
(Cost $29,248,000)
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29,248,000 |
29,248,000 |
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Total Investment Portfolio - 100.0% (Cost $565,556,219) (a)
|
693,169,736 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
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Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2003 |
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Assets
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Investments |
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Investments in securities, at value (cost $536,308,219)
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$ 663,921,736 |
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Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $29,248,000)
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29,248,000 |
|
Total investments in securities, at value (cost $565,556,219) |
693,169,736 |
|
Cash |
458,417 |
|
Receivable for investments sold |
3,600,609 |
|
Dividends receivable |
2,846,925 |
|
Interest receivable |
634 |
|
Receivable for Fund shares sold |
6,762,338 |
|
Total assets |
706,838,659 |
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
Payable for investments purchased |
1,997,808 |
|
Payable for Fund shares redeemed |
1,788,431 |
|
Accrued investment advisory fee |
304,783 |
|
Other accrued expenses and payables |
294,885 |
|
Total liabilities |
4,385,907 |
|
Net assets, at value
|
$ 702,452,752 |
|
Net Assets
|
|
|
Net assets consist of: Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments |
127,613,517 |
|
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) |
(807,650) |
|
Paid-in capital |
575,646,885 |
|
Net assets, at value
|
$ 702,452,752 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
|
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2003 (continued) |
|
|
Net Asset Value
|
|
|
Class A Net Asset Value and redemption price per share ($480,831,108 / 28,138,914 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.001 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) |
$ 17.09 |
|
Maximum offering price per share (100 / 94.25 of $17.09) |
$ 18.13 |
|
Class B Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price (subject to contingent deferred sales charge) per share ($21,547,262 / 1,261,341 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.001 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) |
$ 17.08 |
|
Class C Net Asset Value and redemption price (subject to contingent deferred sales charge) per share ($33,884,031 / 1,979,519 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.001 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) |
$ 17.12 |
|
Maximum offering price per share (100 / 99 of $17.12) |
$ 17.29 |
|
Class R Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($131,134 / 7,675 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.001 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) |
$ 17.09 |
|
Institutional Class Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share ($166,059,217 / 9,724,730 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.001 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) |
$ 17.08 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
|
Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 |
|
|
Investment Income
|
|
|
Income: Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $47,941) |
$ 17,850,960 |
|
Interest |
201,448 |
|
Total Income |
18,052,408 |
|
Expenses: Investment advisory fee |
2,259,134 |
|
Services to shareholders |
103,309 |
|
Custodian and accounting fees |
134,245 |
|
Distribution and shareholder servicing fees |
956,767 |
|
Auditing |
106,049 |
|
Legal |
59,023 |
|
Trustees' fees and expenses |
6,025 |
|
Reports to shareholders |
35,050 |
|
Registration fees |
29,764 |
|
Other |
78,770 |
|
Total expenses, before expense reductions |
3,768,136 |
|
Expense reductions |
(253) |
|
Total expenses, after expense reductions |
3,767,883 |
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
14,284,525 |
|
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment Transactions
|
|
|
Net realized gain (loss) from: Investments |
3,260,468 |
|
Capital gain dividend received |
3,490,743 |
|
|
6,751,211 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) during the period on
investments |
122,656,573 |
|
Net gain (loss) on investment transactions
|
129,407,784 |
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
|
$ 143,692,309 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
|
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
|
Year Ended December 31, 2003 |
For the One Month Ended December 31, 2002 (Note F) |
Year Ended November 30, 2002 |
|
Operations: Net investment income (loss) |
$ 14,284,525 | $ 1,399,025 | $ 793,707 |
|
Net realized gain (loss) on investment
transactions |
6,751,211 | (459,540) | 412,839 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investment transactions
during the period |
122,656,573 | 1,721,378 | 2,833,919 |
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
resulting from operations |
143,692,309 | 2,660,863 | 4,040,465 |
|
Distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income: Class A |
(9,921,187) | (1,255,445) | (2,293) |
|
Class B
|
(444,722) | (35,766) | (1,595) |
|
Class C
|
(697,937) | (3,800) | (575) |
|
Class R
|
(2,706) | - | - |
|
Institutional Class
|
(3,428,735) | (139,434) | (845,426) |
|
Net realized gains: Class A |
(4,328,789) | (722,217) | - |
|
Class B
|
(194,040) | (20,575) | - |
|
Class C
|
(304,522) | (2,186) | - |
|
Class R
|
(1,181) | - | - |
|
Institutional Class
|
(1,496,018) | (80,212) | (1,225,506) |
|
Tax return of capital: Class A |
(1,821,847) | (403,754) | - |
|
Class B
|
(81,665) | (11,503) | - |
|
Class C
|
(128,164) | (1,222) | - |
|
Class R
|
(497) | - | - |
|
Institutional Class
|
(629,625) | (44,843) | - |
|
Fund share transactions: Proceeds from shares sold |
387,144,963 | 10,551,289 | 199,303,810 |
|
Net assets acquired in tax-free
reorganization |
- | - | 21,718,703 |
|
Reinvestment of distributions |
21,678,736 | 2,650,642 | 1,844,897 |
|
Cost of shares redeemed |
(67,862,297) | (995,186) | (12,016,259) |
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
Fund share transactions |
340,961,402 | 12,206,745 | 210,851,151 |
|
Increase (decrease) in net assets
|
461,172,076 | 12,146,651 | 212,816,221 |
|
Net assets at beginning of period |
241,280,676 | 229,134,025 | 16,317,804 |
|
Net assets at end of period (including
undistributed net investment income of
$35,420 at November 30, 2002) |
$ 702,452,752 |
$ 241,280,676 |
$ 229,134,025 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
|
Class A |
|||
|
Years Ended December 31, |
2003 |
2002a |
2002b |
|
Selected Per Share Data
|
|||
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
$ 12.97 |
$ 12.98 |
$ 13.34 |
|
Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment income (loss)c |
.51 | .08 | .04 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment
transactions
|
4.37 | .06 | (.25) |
|
Total from investment operations |
4.88 | .14 | (.21) |
|
Less distributions from: Net investment income |
(.55) | (.09) | (.15) |
|
Net realized gain on investment transactions
|
(.15) | (.04) | - |
|
Tax return of capital
|
(.06) | (.02) | - |
|
Total distributions |
(.76) | (.15) | (.15) |
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
$ 17.09 |
$ 12.97 |
$ 12.98 |
|
Total Return (%)d |
38.51 | 1.11e** | (1.55)e** |
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data
|
|||
|
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) |
481 | 210 | 200 |
|
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) |
.88 | 1.26* | 2.20* |
|
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) |
.88 | 1.25* | 1.25* |
|
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%) |
3.39 | .60f** | 1.27* |
|
Portfolio turnover rate (%) |
25 | 36* | 44 |
|
a For the one month period ended December 31, 2002 (Note F). b For the period September 3, 2002 (commencement of operations of Class A shares) to November 30, 2002. c Based on average shares outstanding during the period. d Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. e Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. f For the one month ended December 31, 2002, the ratio has not been annualized since the Fund does not believe it would be appropriate because its dividend income is not earned ratably throughout the fiscal year. * Annualized ** Not annualized |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Class B |
|||
|
Years Ended December 31, |
2003 |
2002a |
2002b |
|
Selected Per Share Data
|
|||
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
$ 12.99 |
$ 12.98 |
$ 13.34 |
|
Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment incomec |
.36 | .07 | .01 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment
transactions
|
4.38 | .07 | (.24) |
|
Total from investment operations |
4.74 | .14 | (.23) |
|
Less distributions from: Net investment income |
(.44) | (.07) | (.13) |
|
Net realized gain loss on investment transactions
|
(.15) | (.04) | - |
|
Tax return of capital
|
(.06) | (.02) | - |
|
Total distributions |
(.65) | (.13) | (.13) |
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
$ 17.08 |
$ 12.99 |
$ 12.98 |
|
Total Return (%)d |
37.36 | 1.06e** | (1.74)e** |
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data
|
|||
|
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) |
22 | 7 | 7 |
|
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) |
1.85 | 2.28* | 2.69* |
|
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) |
1.85 | 2.00* | 2.00* |
|
Ratio of net investment income (%) |
2.42 | .54f** | .52* |
|
Portfolio turnover rate (%) |
25 | 36* | 44 |
|
a For the one month period ended December 31, 2002 (Note F). b For the period September 3, 2002 (commencement of operations of Class B shares) to November 30, 2002. c Based on average shares outstanding during the period. d Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charge. e Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. f For the one month ended December 31, 2002, the ratio has not been annualized since the Fund does not believe it would be appropriate because its dividend income is not earned ratably throughout the fiscal year. * Annualized ** Not annualized |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Class C |
|||
|
Years Ended December 31, |
2003 |
2002a |
2002b |
|
Selected Per Share Data
|
|||
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
$ 12.99 |
$ 12.98 |
$ 13.34 |
|
Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment income (loss)c |
.37 | .07 | .01 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment
transactions
|
4.41 | .07 | (.24) |
|
Total from investment operations |
4.78 | .14 | (.23) |
|
Less distributions from: Net investment income |
(.44) | (.07) | (.13) |
|
Net realized gain loss on investment transactions
|
(.15) | (.04) | - |
|
Tax return of capital
|
(.06) | (.02) | - |
|
Total distributions |
(.65) | (.13) | (.13) |
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
$ 17.12 |
$ 12.99 |
$ 12.98 |
|
Total Return (%)d |
37.59 | 1.06e** | (1.74)e** |
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data
|
|||
|
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) |
34 | 1 | 1 |
|
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) |
1.75 | 2.28* | 2.84* |
|
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) |
1.75 | 2.00* | 2.00* |
|
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%) |
2.52 | .54f** | .52* |
|
Portfolio turnover rate (%) |
25 | 36* | 44 |
|
a For the one month period ended December 31, 2002 (Note F). b For the period September 3, 2002 (commencement of operations of Class C shares) to November 30, 2002. c Based on average shares outstanding during the period. d Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. e Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. f For the one month ended December 31, 2002, the ratio has not been annualized since the Fund does not believe it would be appropriate because its dividend income is not earned ratably throughout the fiscal year. * Annualized ** Not annualized |
|||
|
|
|
|
Class R |
|
|
|
2003a |
|
Selected Per Share Data
|
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
$ 16.06 |
|
Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment income (loss)b |
.03 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions
|
1.30 |
|
Total from investment operations |
1.33 |
|
Less distributions from: Net investment income |
(.09) |
|
Net realized gains on investment transactions
|
(.15) |
|
Tax return of capital
|
(.06) |
|
Total distributions |
(.30) |
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
$ 17.09 |
|
Total Return (%) |
8.34** |
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) |
.1 |
|
Ratio of expenses (%) |
1.25* |
|
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%) |
.21c** |
|
Portfolio turnover rate (%) |
25 |
|
a For the period October 1, 2003 (commencement of operations of Class R shares) to December 31,
2003 (Note C). b Based on average shares outstanding during the period. c For the three months ended December 31, 2003, the ratio has not been annualized since the Fund does not believe it would be appropriate because its dividend income is not earned ratably throughout the fiscal year. * Annualized ** Not annualized |
|
|
|
|||||
|
Institutional Classa |
|||||
|
|
2003 |
2002b |
2002c |
2001c |
2000d |
|
Selected Per Share Data
|
|||||
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
$ 12.96 |
$ 12.98 |
$ 13.30 |
$ 11.95 |
$ 10.00 |
|
Income (loss) from investment
operations: Net investment income (loss) |
.55e | .08e | .45e | .66 | .48 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investment transactions
|
4.37 | .06 | .77 | 1.58 | 1.82 |
|
Total from investment operations |
4.92 | .14 | 1.22 | 2.24 | 2.30 |
|
Less distributions from: Net investment income |
(.59) | (.10) | (.55) | (.46) | (.35) |
|
Net realized gains on investment
transactions
|
(.15) | (.04) | (.99) | (.43) | - |
|
Tax return of capital
|
(.06) | (.02) | - | - | - |
|
Total distributions |
(.80) | (.16) | (1.54) | (.89) | (.35) |
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
$ 17.08 |
$ 12.96 |
$ 12.98 |
$ 13.30 |
$ 11.95 |
|
Total Return (%) |
38.91 | 1.13f** | 9.58f | 19.32 | 23.19 |
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data
|
|||||
|
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) |
166 | 24 | 22 | 16 | 14 |
|
Ratio of expenses before expense
reductions (%) |
.63 | 1.06* | 1.25 | 1.17 | 1.32 |
|
Ratio of expenses after expense
reductions (%) |
.63 | 1.00* | 1.14 | 1.17 | 1.32 |
|
Ratio of net investment income
(loss) (%) |
3.64 | .62g** | 3.44 | 4.97 | 5.04 |
|
Portfolio turnover rate (%) |
25 | 36* | 44 | 114 | 87 |
|
a On September 3, 2002 the Fund's original share class, RREEF Class A shares, were redesignated as
Institutional Class. b For the one month period ended December 31, 2002 (Note F). c For the years ended November 30. d For the period December 1, 1999 (commencement of operations) to November 30, 2000. e Based on average shares outstanding during the period. f Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. g For the one month ended December 31, 2002, the ratio has not been annualized since the Fund does not believe it would be appropriate because its dividend income is not earned ratably throughout the fiscal year. * Annualized ** Not annualized |
A. Significant Accounting Policies
Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund (the "Fund") is a non-diversified series of Scudder RREEF Securities Trust (the "Trust") which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company organized as a business trust under the laws of the state of Delaware.
The Fund offers multiple classes of shares which provide investors with different purchase options. Class A shares are offered to investors subject to an initial sales charge. Class B shares are offered without an initial sales charge but are subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions. Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares six years after issuance. Class C shares are offered to investors subject to an initial sales charge and are subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions within one year of purchase. Effective March 1, 2004, Class C shares will no longer be offered with an initial sales charge. Class C shares do not convert into another class. Institutional Class shares are offered to a limited group of investors, are not subject to initial or contingent deferred sales charges and have lower ongoing expenses than other classes. On October 1, 2003, the Fund commenced offering Class R shares which are offered to investors without an initial sales charge.
Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses and expense reductions, if any, are borne pro rata on the basis of relative net assets by the holders of all classes of shares, except that each class bears certain expenses unique to that class such as distribution fees, shareholder servicing fees, transfer agent fees and certain other class-specific expenses. Differences in class-level expenses may result in payment of different per share dividends by class. All shares of the Fund have equal rights with respect to voting subject to class-specific arrangements.
The Fund's financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which require the use of management estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The policies described below are followed consistently by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Security Valuation. Investments are stated at value determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day the exchange is open for trading. Equity securities are valued at the most recent sale price reported on the exchange (US or foreign) or over-the-counter market on which the security is traded most extensively. Securities for which no sales are reported are valued at the calculated mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations on the relevant market or, if a mean cannot be determined, at the most recent bid quotation. Money market instruments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of sixty days or less, maturing at par, are valued at amortized cost.
Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the above valuation procedures are deemed not to reflect fair value are valued in a manner that is intended to reflect their fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Trustees.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with certain banks and broker/dealers whereby the Fund, through its custodian or sub-custodian bank, receives delivery of the underlying securities, the amount of which at the time of purchase and each subsequent business day is required to be maintained at such a level that the value is equal to at least the principal amount of the repurchase price plus accrued interest. The custodian bank holds the collateral in a separate account until the agreement matures. If the value of the securities falls below the principal amount of the repurchase agreement plus accrued interest, the financial institution deposits additional collateral by the following business day. If the financial institution either fails to deposit the required additional collateral or fails to repurchase the securities as agreed, the Fund has the right to sell the securities and recover any resulting loss from the financial institution. If the financial institution enters into bankruptcy, the Fund's claims on the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings.
Federal Income Taxes. The Fund's policy is to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, which are applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Accordingly, the Fund paid no federal income taxes and no federal income tax provision was required.
Distribution of Income and Gains. Distributions of net investment income, if any, are made monthly. Net realized gains from investment transactions, in excess of available capital loss carryforwards, would be taxable to the Fund if not distributed, and, therefore, will be distributed to shareholders at least annually.
The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax regulations which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences primarily relate to securities sold at a loss. As a result, net investment income (loss) and net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions for a reporting period may differ significantly from distributions during such period. Accordingly, the Fund may periodically make reclassifications among certain of its capital accounts without impacting the net asset value of the Fund.
The Fund's components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a tax-basis were as follows:
|
|
December 31, 2003 |
December 31, 2002 |
November 30, 2002 |
|
Undistributed ordinary income* |
$ - | $ - | $ 307,922 |
|
Undistributed net long-term capital
gains |
$ - | $ - | $ 552,688 |
|
Capital loss carryforwards |
$ - | $ (211,000) | $ (211,000) |
|
Unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments |
$ 126,805,858 | $ 3,966,276 | $ 2,672,975 |
In addition, the tax character of distributions paid to shareholders by the Fund is summarized as follows:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2003 |
One Month Period Ended December 31, 2002 |
Year Ended November 30, 2002 |
|
Distributions from ordinary income* |
$ 17,279,646 | $ 1,706,947 | $ 1,491,690 |
|
Distributions from long-term capital
gains |
$ 3,540,191 | $ 552,688 | $ 583,705 |
|
Distributions from tax return of
capital |
$ 2,661,798 | $ 461,322 | $ - |
Other. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date plus one basis for daily net asset value calculations. However, for financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are reported on trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date net of foreign withholding taxes. Certain dividends from foreign securities may be recorded subsequent to the ex-dividend date as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified cost basis. Distributions received from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in excess of income are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or realized gain.
B. Purchases and Sales of Securities
During the year ended December 31, 2003, purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) aggregated $416,347,654 and $101,686,879, respectively.
C. Related Parties
Scudder Investments is part of Deutsche Asset Management, which is the marketing name in the US for the asset management activities of Deutsche Bank AG. Deutsche Asset Management, Inc. ("DeAM, Inc." or the "Advisor"), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG, is the Advisor for the Fund.
Investment Advisory Agreement. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor directs the investments of the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The Advisor determines the securities, instruments and other contracts relating to investments to be purchased, sold or entered into by the Fund. The fee payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Investment Advisory Fee") is equal to an annual rate of 0.65% of the first $100,000,000 of the Fund's average daily net assets, 0.55% of the next $100,000,000 of such net assets, 0.50% of the next $100,000,000 of such net assets and 0.45% of such net assets in excess of $300,000,000, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2003, the fee pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement was equivalent to an annualized effective rate of 0.53% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
Service Provider Fees.
Investment Company Capital Corp. ("ICCC") is the Fund's accounting agent. At its expense, ICCC has delegated its fund accounting and related duties to Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation ("SFAC"), an affiliate of the Advisor. In turn, as of April 1, 2003, SFAC and ICCC have retained State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") to provide certain administrative, fund accounting and record-keeping services to the Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the amount charged to the Fund by ICCC aggregated $26,824, of which $8,224 is unpaid at December 31, 2003.
Scudder Investments Service Company ("SISC"), an affiliate of the Advisor, is the Fund's transfer, dividend paying and shareholder services agent. Effective January 15, 2003, pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between SISC and DST Systems, Inc. ("DST"), SISC has delegated certain transfer agent and dividend paying agent functions to DST. SISC compensates DST out of the fee it receives from the Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the amount charged to the Fund by SISC aggregated $103,309, of which $54,320 is unpaid at December 31, 2003.
Effective April 25, 2003, State Street is the Fund's custodian. Prior to April 25, 2003, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly Bankers Trust Company), an affiliate of the Advisor, served as the Fund's custodian. For the period January 1, 2003, to April 24, 2003, the amount charged to the Fund by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas aggregated $7,077, all of which was paid at December 31, 2003.
Distribution Agreement. Under the Distribution Agreement, in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, Scudder Distributors, Inc. ("SDI"), an affiliate of the Advisor, receives a fee ("Distribution Fee") of 0.75% of average daily net assets of the Class B and C shares and 0.25% of average daily net assets of Class R shares. Pursuant to the agreement, SDI enters into related selling group agreements with various firms at various rates for sales of Class B, C and R shares. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the Distribution Fee was as follows:
|
Distribution Fee |
Total Aggregated |
Unpaid at December 31, 2003 |
|
Class B |
$ 92,728 | $ 13,858 |
|
Class C |
92,069 | 21,247 |
|
Class R |
15 | 15 |
|
|
$ 184,812 |
$ 35,120 |
In addition, SDI provides information and administration services ("Shareholder Servicing Fee") to Class A, B and C shareholders at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets for each such class. SDI in turn has various agreements with financial services firms that provide these services and pays these fees based upon the assets of shareholder accounts the firms service. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the Shareholder Servicing Fee was as follows:
|
Shareholder Servicing Fee |
Total Aggregated |
Unpaid at December 31, 2003 |
Effective Rate |
|
Class A |
$ 710,342 | $ 101,261 |
.22% |
|
Class B |
30,910 | 5,262 |
.25% |
|
Class C |
30,690 | 6,674 |
.25% |
|
Class R |
13 | 9 |
.22% |
|
|
$ 771,955 |
$ 113,206 |
|
Underwriting Agreement and Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. SDI is the principal underwriter for Class A, B and C shares. Underwriting commissions paid in connection with the distribution of Class A shares for the year ended December 31, 2003 aggregated $54,816.
In addition, SDI receives any contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") from Class B share redemptions occurring within six years of purchase and Class C share redemptions occurring within one year of purchase. There is no such charge upon redemption of any share appreciation or reinvested dividends. The CDSC is based on declining rates ranging from 4% to 1% for Class B and 1% for Class C, of the value of the shares redeemed. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the CDSC for Class B and C shares aggregated $24,807 and $6,663, respectively. A deferred sales charge of up to 1% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A shares. For the year ended December 31, 2003, SDI received $12,158.
Trustees' Fees and Expenses. As compensation for his or her services, each Independent Trustee receives an aggregate annual fee, plus a fee for each meeting attended (plus reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with his or her attendance at board and committee meetings) from each Fund in the Fund Complex for which he or she serves. In addition, the Chairman of the Fund Complex's Audit Committee receives an annual fee for their services. Payment of such fees and expenses is allocated among all such Funds described above in direct proportion to their relative net assets.
D. Acquisition of Assets
On October 18, 2002, the Fund acquired all of the net assets of Scudder Real Estate Securities Fund pursuant to an agreement and plan of reorganization dated October 17, 2002. The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 1,309,318 Class A shares, 343,936 Class B shares and 2,570 Institutional Class shares of the Scudder Real Estate Securities Fund, respectively, for 1,400,267 Class A shares, 365,317 Class B shares and 2,755 Institutional Class shares of the Fund, respectively, outstanding on October 18, 2002. Scudder Real Estate Securities Fund's net assets at that date $21,718,703, including $1,124,547 of net unrealized depreciation, were combined with those of the Fund. The aggregate net assets of the Fund immediately before the acquisition were $24,644,638. The combined net assets of the Fund immediately following the acquisition were $46,363,341.
E. Share Transactions
The following table summarizes share and dollar activity in the Fund:
|
|
Year Ended |
One Month Period Ended December 31, 2002 |
||
|
|
Shares |
Dollars |
Shares |
Dollars |
|
Shares sold
|
||||
|
Class A |
13,960,347 | $ 208,790,368 | 637,841 | $ 8,245,412 |
|
Class B |
935,243 | 14,132,770 | 50,976 | 658,806 |
|
Class C |
1,982,736 | 30,477,401 | 16,825 | 218,111 |
|
Class R*** |
8,297 | 139,753 | - | - |
|
Institutional Class** |
8,707,240 | 133,604,671 | 111,728 | 1,428,960 |
|
|
|
$ 387,144,963 |
|
$ 10,551,289 |
|
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions
|
||||
|
Class A |
1,111,731 | $ 17,046,253 | 182,684 | $ 2,331,052 |
|
Class B |
29,778 | 463,512 | 3,995 | 51,059 |
|
Class C |
29,735 | 481,245 | 443 | 5,667 |
|
Class R*** |
23 | 435 | - | - |
|
Institutional Class** |
235,013 | 3,687,291 | 20,617 | 262,864 |
|
|
|
$ 21,678,736 |
|
$ 2,650,642 |
|
Shares redeemed
|
||||
|
Class A |
(3,095,358) | $ (46,599,353) | (47,256) | $ (608,939) |
|
Class B |
(252,048) | (3,668,476) | (14,434) | (187,743) |
|
Class C |
(92,706) | (1,418,820) | (1,283) | (16,677) |
|
Class R*** |
(645) | (11,000) | - | - |
|
Institutional Class** |
(1,053,160) | (16,164,648) | (14,091) | (181,827) |
|
|
|
$ (67,862,297) |
|
$ (995,186) |
|
Net increase (decrease)
|
||||
|
Class A |
11,976,720 | $ 179,237,268 | 773,269 | $ 9,967,525 |
|
Class B |
712,973 | 10,927,806 | 40,537 | 522,122 |
|
Class C |
1,919,765 | 29,539,826 | 15,985 | 207,101 |
|
Class R*** |
7,675 | 129,188 | - | - |
|
Institutional Class** |
7,889,093 | 121,127,314 | 118,254 | 1,509,997 |
|
|
|
$ 340,961,402 |
|
$ 12,206,745 |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
Shares |
Dollars |
|
Shares sold
|
||
|
Class A |
14,051,203* | $ 181,064,400* |
|
Class B |
161,145* | 2,053,940* |
|
Class C |
44,385* | 564,215* |
|
Institutional Class** |
1,180,126 | 15,621,255 |
|
|
|
$ 199,303,810 |
|
Shares issued in tax-free reorganization
|
||
|
Class A |
1,400,267 | $ 17,195,134 |
|
Class B |
365,317 | 4,489,734 |
|
Institutional Class** |
2,755 | 33,835 |
|
|
|
$ 21,718,703 |
|
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions
|
||
|
Class A |
210* | $ 2,293* |
|
Class B |
126* | 1,595* |
|
Class C |
45* | 575* |
|
Institutional Class** |
142,914 | 1,840,434 |
|
|
|
$ 1,844,897 |
|
Shares redeemed
|
||
|
Class A |
(62,755)* | $ (789,447)* |
|
Class B |
(18,757)* | (237,038)* |
|
Class C |
(661)* | (7,951)* |
|
Institutional Class** |
(835,370) | (10,981,823) |
|
|
|
$ (12,016,259) |
|
Net increase (decrease)
|
||
|
Class A |
15,388,925* | $ 197,472,380* |
|
Class B |
507,831* | 6,308,231* |
|
Class C |
43,769* | 556,839* |
|
Institutional Class** |
490,425 | 6,513,701 |
|
|
|
$ 210,851,151 |
F. Year End Change
On October 29, 2002, the Board of Trustees of the Fund approved changing the fiscal year end of the Fund from November 30 to December 31.
G. Expense Off-Set Arrangement
The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its custodian whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances were used to reduce a portion of the Fund's custodian expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Fund's custodian fees were reduced by $253 for custodian credits earned.
H. Line of Credit
Effective April 11, 2003, the Fund entered into a revolving credit facility with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank that provides $1.25 billion of credit coverage. The revolving credit facility covers the funds and portfolios advised or administered by DeAM, Inc. or its affiliates. Interest is calculated at the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5 percent. The Portfolio may borrow up to a maximum of 33 percent of its net assets under the agreement. During the period the Fund had no borrowings on the line of credit.
I. Real Estate Concentration Risk
The Fund concentrates its investments in real estate securities, including REITs. A fund with a concentrated portfolio is vulnerable to the risks of the industry in which it invests and is subject to greater risks and market fluctuations than funds investing in a broader range of industries. Real estate securities are susceptible to the risks associated with direct ownership of real estate such as declines in property values; increase in property taxes, operating expenses, interest rates or competition; zoning changes; and losses from casualty and condemnation.
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the investment portfolio, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund (the "Fund") at December 31, 2003, and the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at December 31, 2003 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Boston, Massachusetts PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
February 27, 2004
The Fund reported distributions of $0.09 per share from net long-term capital gains during the year ended December 31, 2003.
Pursuant to Section 852 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund designates $3,800,000 as capital gain dividends for its year ended December 31, 2003.
Please consult a tax advisor if you have questions about federal or state income tax laws, or on how to prepare your tax returns. If you have specific questions about your account, please call 1-800-SCUDDER.
|
Independent Trustees |
||
|
Name, Date of
Birth, Position
with the Fund
and Length of
Time Served1,2
|
Business Experience and Directorships During the Past 5 Years |
Number of
Funds in
the Fund
Complex
Overseen
|
|
Richard R. Burt 2/3/47 Trustee since 2002 |
Chairman, Diligence LLC (international information-collection
and risk-management firm) (September 2002 to present);
Chairman, IEP Advisors, Inc. (July 1998 to present); Chairman
of the Board, Weirton Steel Corporation3 (April 1996 to
present); Member of the Board, Hollinger International, Inc.3
(publishing) (September 1995 to present), HCL Technologies
Limited (information technology) (April 1999 to present), UBS
Mutual Funds (formerly known as Brinson and Mitchell
Hutchins families of funds) (registered investment companies)
(September 1995 to present); and Member, Textron Inc.3
International Advisory Council (July 1996 to present). Formerly,
Partner, McKinsey & Company (consulting) (1991-1994) and US
Chief Negotiator in Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START)
with former Soviet Union and US Ambassador to the Federal
Republic of Germany (1985-1991); Member of the Board,
Homestake Mining3 (mining and exploration) (1998-February
2001), Archer Daniels Midland Company3 (agribusiness
operations) (October 1996-June 2001) and Anchor Gaming
(gaming software and equipment) (March 1999-December
2001). |
68 |
|
S. Leland Dill 3/28/30 Trustee since 2002 |
Trustee, Phoenix Zweig Series Trust (since September 1989),
Phoenix Euclid Market Neutral Funds (since May 1998)
(registered investment companies); Retired (since 1986).
Formerly, Partner, KPMG Peat Marwick (June 1956-June 1986);
Director, Vintners International Company Inc. (wine vintner)
(June 1989-May 1992); Coutts (USA) International (January
1992-March 2000), Coutts Trust Holdings Ltd., Coutts Group
(private bank) (March 1991-March 1999); General Partner,
Pemco (investment company) (June 1979-June 1986). |
66 |
|
Martin J. Gruber 7/15/37 Trustee since 2002 |
Nomura Professor of Finance, Leonard N. Stern School of
Business, New York University (since September 1964); Trustee,
CREF (pension fund) (since January 2000); Director, Japan
Equity Fund, Inc. (since January 1992), Thai Capital Fund, Inc.
(since January 2000) and Singapore Fund, Inc. (since January
2000) (registered investment companies). Formerly, Trustee,
TIAA (pension fund) (January 1996-January 2000). |
66 |
|
Joseph R.
Hardiman 5/27/37 Trustee since 2002 |
Private Equity Investor (January 1997 to present); Director,
Corvis Corporation3 (optical networking equipment) (July 2000
to present), Brown Investment Advisory & Trust Company
(investment advisor) (February 2001 to present), The Nevis
Fund (registered investment company) (July 1999 to present),
and ISI Family of Funds (registered investment companies)
(March 1998 to present). Formerly, Director, Circon Corp.3
(medical instruments) (November 1998-January 1999);
President and Chief Executive Officer, The National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. and The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.
(1987-1997); Chief Operating Officer of Alex. Brown & Sons
Incorporated (now Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.) (1985-1987);
General Partner, Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated (now
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.) (1976-1985). |
66 |
|
Richard J.
Herring 2/18/46 Trustee since 2002 |
Jacob Safra Professor of International Banking and Professor,
Finance Department, The Wharton School, University of
Pennsylvania (since July 1972); Director, Lauder Institute of
International Management Studies (since July 2000);
Co-Director, Wharton Financial Institutions Center (since
July 2000). Formerly, Vice Dean and Director, Wharton
Undergraduate Division (July 1995-June 2000). |
66 |
|
Graham E. Jones 1/31/33 Trustee since 2002 |
Senior Vice President, BGK Realty, Inc. (commercial real estate)
(since 1995); Trustee, 8 open-end mutual funds managed by
Weiss, Peck & Greer (since 1985) and Trustee of 18 open-end
mutual funds managed by Sun Capital Advisers, Inc. (since
1998). |
66 |
|
Rebecca W.
Rimel 4/10/51 Trustee since 2002 |
President and Chief Executive Officer, The Pew Charitable
Trusts (charitable foundation) (1994 to present); Executive Vice
President, The Glenmede Trust Company (investment trust and
wealth management) (1983 to present). |
66 |
|
Philip Saunders,
Jr. 10/11/35 Trustee since 2002 |
Principal, Philip Saunders Associates (economic and financial
consulting) (since November 1988). Formerly, Director,
Financial Industry Consulting, Wolf & Company (consulting)
(1987-1988); President, John Hancock Home Mortgage
Corporation (1984-1986); Senior Vice President of Treasury and
Financial Services, John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance
Company, Inc. (1982-1986). |
66 |
|
William N.
Searcy 9/03/46 Trustee since 2002 |
Private investor (since October 2003); Trustee of 18 open-end
mutual funds managed by Sun Capital Advisers, Inc. (since
October 1998). Formerly, Pension & Savings Trust Officer, Sprint
Corporation3 (telecommunications) (November 1989 to
October 2003). |
66 |
|
Robert H.
Wadsworth 1/29/40 Trustee since 2002 |
President, Robert H. Wadsworth Associates, Inc. (consulting
firm) (May 1983 to present). Formerly, President and Trustee,
Trust for Investment Managers (registered investment
company) (April 1999-June 2002); President, Investment
Company Administration, L.L.C. (January 1992*-July 2001);
President, Treasurer and Director, First Fund Distributors, Inc.
(June 1990-January 2002); Vice President, Professionally
Managed Portfolios (May 1991-January 2002) and Advisors
Series Trust (October 1996-January 2002) (registered
investment companies). * Inception date of the corporation which was the predecessor to the L.L.C. |
69 |
|
Interested Trustee |
||
|
Name, Date of
Birth, Position
with the Fund
and Length of
Time Served1,2
|
Business Experience and Directorships During the Past 5 Years |
Number of
Funds in
the Fund
Complex
Overseen
|
|
Richard T. Hale4 7/17/45 Chairman since 2002 and Trustee since 2002 |
Managing Director, Deutsche Investment Management
Americas Inc. (2003-present); Managing Director, Deutsche
Bank Securities Inc. (formerly Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Inc.)
and Deutsche Asset Management (1999 to present); Director
and President, Investment Company Capital Corp. (registered
investment advisor) (1996 to present); Director, Deutsche
Global Funds, Ltd. (2000 to present), CABEI Fund (2000 to
present), North American Income Fund (2000 to present)
(registered investment companies); Director, Scudder Global
Opportunities Fund (since 2003); Director/Officer
Deutsche/Scudder Mutual Funds (various dates); President,
Montgomery Street Income Securities, Inc. (2002 to present)
(registered investment companies); Vice President, Deutsche
Asset Management, Inc. (2000 to present). Formerly, Director,
ISI Family of Funds (registered investment companies; 4 funds
overseen) (1992-1999). |
201 |
|
Officers |
|
|
Name, Date of Birth, Position with the Fund and Length of Time Served1,2 |
Business Experience and Directorships During the Past 5 Years |
|
Richard T. Hale4 7/17/45 Chief Executive Officer since 2003 |
See information presented under Interested Trustee. |
|
Brenda Lyons5 2/21/63 President since 2003 |
Managing Director, Deutsche Asset Management. |
|
Kenneth Murphy5 10/13/63 Vice President and Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since 2002 |
Vice President, Deutsche Asset Management (September
2000-present). Formerly, Director, John Hancock Signature
Services (1992-2000). |
|
Bruce A. Rosenblum 9/14/60 Vice President since 2003 Assistant Secretary since 2002 |
Director, Deutsche Asset Management. |
|
Charles A. Rizzo5 8/5/57 Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer since 2002 |
Director, Deutsche Asset Management (April 2000 to
present); Formerly, Vice President and Department Head, BT
Alex. Brown Incorporated (now Deutsche Bank Securities
Inc.) (1998-1999); Senior Manager, Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
(now PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP) (1993-1998). |
|
Salvatore Schiavone5 11/03/65 Assistant Treasurer since 2003 |
Director, Deutsche Asset Management. |
|
Lucinda H. Stebbins5 11/19/45 Assistant Treasurer since 2003 |
Director, Deutsche Asset Management. |
|
Kathleen Sullivan D'Eramo5 1/25/57 Assistant Treasurer since 2003 |
Director, Deutsche Asset Management. |
|
John Millette5 8/23/62 Secretary since 2003 |
Director, Deutsche Asset Management. |
|
Daniel O. Hirsch 3/27/54 Assistant Secretary since 2003 |
Managing Director, Deutsche Asset Management
(2002-present) and Director, Deutsche Global Funds Ltd.
(2002-present). Formerly, Director, Deutsche Asset
Management (1999-2002); Principal, BT Alex. Brown
Incorporated (now Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.)
(1998-1999); Assistant General Counsel, United States
Securities and Exchange Commission (1993-1998). |
|
Caroline Pearson5 4/01/62 Assistant Secretary since 2002 |
Managing Director, Deutsche Asset Management. |
The fund's Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the fund's Trustees. To receive your free copy of the Statement of Additional Information, call toll-free: 1-800-621-1048.
|
Automated Information Lines |
ScudderACCESS (800) 972-3060 Personalized account information, information on other Scudder funds and services via touchtone telephone and for Classes A, B, and C only, the ability to exchange or redeem shares. |
|
Web Site |
scudder.com View your account transactions and balances, trade shares, monitor your asset allocation, and change your address, 24 hours a day.Obtain prospectuses and applications, blank forms, interactive worksheets, news about Scudder funds, subscription to fund updates by e-mail, retirement planning information, and more. |
|
For More Information |
(800) 621-1048 for Classes A, B and C (800) 730-1313 for Institutional Class To speak with a Scudder service representative. |
|
Written Correspondence |
Scudder Investments PO Box 219356Kansas City, MO 64121-9356 |
|
Proxy Voting |
A description of the fund's policies and procedures for voting
proxies for portfolio securities can be found on our Web site -
scudder.com (type "proxy voting" in the search field) - or on the
SEC's Web site - www.sec.gov. To obtain a written copy without
charge, call us toll free at (800) 621-1048 for Classes A, B and C, and
(800) 730-1313 for Institutional Class. |
|
Principal Underwriter |
If you have questions, comments or complaints, contact: Scudder Distributors, Inc. 222 South Riverside PlazaChicago, IL 60606-5808 (800) 621-1148 |
|
|
Class A |
Class B |
Class C |
Institutional |
|
Nasdaq Symbol |
RRRAX |
RRRBX |
RRRCX |
RRRRX |
|
CUSIP Number |
81119P 102 |
81119P 201 |
81119P 300 |
81119P 409 |
|
Fund Number |
425 |
625 |
725 |
595 |
|
Automated Information Lines |
Scudder Flex Plan Access (800) 532-8411 24-hour access to your retirement plan account. |
|
Web Site |
scudder.com Click "Retirement Plans" to reallocate assets, process transactions and review your funds through our secure online account access.Obtain prospectuses and applications, blank forms, interactive worksheets, news about Scudder funds, subscription to fund updates by e-mail, retirement planning information, and more. |
|
For More Information |
(800) 543-5776 To speak with a Scudder service representative. |
|
Written Correspondence |
Scudder Retirement Services 222 South Riverside PlazaChicago, IL 60606-5806 |
|
Proxy Voting |
A description of the fund's policies and procedures for voting
proxies for portfolio securities can be found on our Web site -
scudder.com (type "proxy voting" in the search field) - or on the
SEC's Web site - www.sec.gov. To obtain a written copy without
charge, call us toll free at (800) 543-5776. |
|
Principal Underwriter |
If you have questions, comments or complaints, contact: Scudder Distributors, Inc. 222 South Riverside PlazaChicago, IL 60606-5808 (800) 621-1148 |
|
Nasdaq Symbol |
RRRSX |
|
CUSIP Number |
81119P-508 |
|
Fund Number |
1502 |
|
Notes |
|
|
|
Notes |
|
|
|
Notes |
|
|
|
Notes |
|
|
|
Notes |
|
|
|
Notes |
|
|
|
Notes |
|
|
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
As of the end of the period, December 31, 2003, Scudder RREEF Securities Trust
has adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 2 of Form N-CSR, that applies
to its President and Treasurer and its Chief Financial Officer. A copy of the
code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
The Fund's Board of Directors/Trustees has determined that the Fund has at least
one "audit committee financial expert" serving on its audit committee: Mr. S.
Leland Dill. This audit committee member is "independent," meaning that he is
not an "interested person" of the Fund (as that term is defined in Section
2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940) and he does not accept any
consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Fund (except in the
capacity as a Board or committee member).
An "audit committee financial expert" is not an "expert" for any purpose,
including for purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as a result
of being designated as an "audit committee financial expert." Further, the
designation of a person as an "audit committee financial expert" does not mean
that the person has any greater duties, obligations, or liability than those
imposed on the person without the "audit committee financial expert"
designation. Similarly, the designation of a person as an "audit committee
financial expert" does not affect the duties, obligations, or liability of any
other member of the audit committee or board of directors.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
SCUDDER RREEF REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND
FORM N-CSR DISCLOSURE RE: AUDIT FEES
The following table shows the amount of fees that PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
("PWC"), the Fund's auditor, billed to the Fund during the Fund's last two
fiscal years. For engagements with PWC entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the
Audit Committee approved in advance all audit services and non-audit services
that PWC provided to the Fund.
The Audit Committee has delegated certain pre-approval responsibilities to its
Chairman (or, in his absence, any other member of the Audit Committee).
Services that the Fund's Auditor Billed to the Fund
----------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------- -----------------
Fiscal Year All
Ended Audit Fees Billed Audit-Related Tax Fees Billed to Other Fees Billed
December 31 to Fund Fees Billed to Fund Fund to Fund
----------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------- -----------------
2003 $44,700 $1,237 $7,720 $0
----------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------- -----------------
2002 $25,000 $0 $3,775 $0
----------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------- -----------------
The above "Tax Fees" were billed for professional services rendered for tax
compliance.
Services that the Fund's Auditor Billed to the Adviser and
Affiliated Fund Service Providers
The following table shows the amount of fees billed by PWC to Deutsche
Investment Management Americas, Inc. ("DeIM" or the "Adviser"), and any entity
controlling, controlled by or under common control with DeIM ("Control
Affiliate") that provides ongoing services to the Fund ("Affiliated Fund Service
Provider"), for engagements directly related to the Fund's operations and
financial reporting, during the Fund's last two fiscal years.
----------- --------------------- ---------------------- -------------------
Audit-Related All
Fees Billed to Tax Fees Billed to Other Fees Billed
Fiscal Year Adviser and Adviser and to Adviser and
Ended Affiliated Fund Affiliated Fund Affiliated Fund
December 31 Service Providers Service Providers Service Providers
----------- --------------------- ---------------------- -------------------
2003 $538,457 $0 $0
----------- --------------------- ---------------------- -------------------
2002 $399,300 $69,500 $92,400
----------- --------------------- ---------------------- -------------------
The "Audit-Related Fees" were billed for services in connection with the
assessment of internal controls, agreed-upon procedures and additional related
procedures.
Non-Audit Services
The following table shows the amount of fees that PWC billed during the Fund's
last two fiscal years for non-audit services. For engagements entered into on or
after May 6, 2003, the Audit Committee pre-approved all non-audit services that
PWC provided to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider that
related directly to the Fund's operations and financial reporting. The Audit
Committee requested and received information from PWC about any non-audit
services that PWC rendered during the Fund's last fiscal year to the Adviser and
any Affiliated Fund Service Provider. The Committee considered this information
in evaluating PWC's independence.
----------- --------------- ----------------------- -------------------- -------------------
Total Non-Audit Fees
billed to Adviser and
Affiliated Fund
Service Providers Total Non-Audit Fees
(engagements related billed to Adviser
directly to the and Affiliated Fund
Total operations and Service Providers
Non-Audit Fees financial reporting (all other
Fiscal Year Billed to Fund of the Fund) engagements) Total of (A), (B)
Ended
December 31 (A) (B) (C) and (C)
----------- --------------- ----------------------- -------------------- -------------------
2003 $7,720 $0 $3,967,000 $3,974,720
----------- --------------- ----------------------- -------------------- -------------------
2002 $3,775 $161,900 $17,092,950 $17,258,625
----------- --------------- ----------------------- -------------------- -------------------
All other engagement fees were billed for services in connection with risk
management, tax services and process improvement/integration initiatives for
DeIM and other related entities that provide support for the operations of the
fund.
ITEM 5. [RESERVED]
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR
CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
ITEM 8. [RESERVED]
ITEM 9. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) The Chief Executive and Financial Officers concluded that the Registrant's
Disclosure Controls and Procedures are effective based on the evaluation of the
Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing
date of this report.
(b) During the filing period of the report, management identified issues
relating to the overall fund expense payment and accrual process. Management
discussed these matters with the Registrant's Audit Committee and auditors,
instituted additional procedures to enhance its internal controls and will
continue to develop additional controls and redesign work flow to strengthen the
overall control environment associated with the processing and recording of fund
expenses.
ITEM 10. EXHIBITS.
(a)(1) Code of Ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is filed and attached
hereto as EX-99.CODE ETH.
(a)(2) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is filed and attached hereto as
Exhibit 99.CERT.
(b) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is furnished and attached hereto as
Exhibit 99.906CERT.
Form N-CSR Item F
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Registrant: Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund
By: /s/Richard T. Hale
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Richard T. Hale
Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 27, 2004
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
Registrant: Scudder RREEF Real Estate Securities Fund
By: /s/Richard T. Hale
---------------------------
Richard T. Hale
Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 27, 2004
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By: /s/Charles A. Rizzo
---------------------------
Charles A. Rizzo
Chief Financial Officer
Date: February 27, 2004
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