American Mutual Fund

SEC File Nos. 002-10607

811-00572

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-1A

Registration Statement

Under

the Securities Act of 1933

Post-Effective Amendment No. 117

and

Registration Statement

Under

The Investment Company Act of 1940

Amendment No. 37

AMERICAN MUTUAL FUND, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

333 South Hope Street

Los Angeles, California 90071-1447

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:

(213) 486-9200

Vincent P. Corti

Capital Research and Management Company

333 South Hope Street

Los Angeles, California 90071-1447

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Copies to:

Eric A.S. Richards

O'Melveny & Myers LLP

400 South Hope Street

Los Angeles, California 90071-2899

(Counsel for the Registrant)

Approximate date of proposed public offering:

It is proposed that this filing become effective on January 1, 2007, pursuant to paragraph (b) of rule 485.

<PAGE>

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

American Mutual Fund/(R)/

PROSPECTUS

January 1, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF
THESE SECURITIES. FURTHER, IT HAS NOT DETERMINED THAT THIS PROSPECTUS IS
ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.

<PAGE>

[This page was intentionally left blank.]

<PAGE>

Risk/Return summary

The fund seeks to provide you with current income, growth of capital and
conservation of principal. The fund invests primarily in common stocks of
larger, more established companies that have long records of increasing earnings
and dividends.
The fund is designed for investors seeking both income and capital appreciation,
as well as conservation of principal. In pursuing its objectives, the fund seeks
to develop a portfolio that is more resilient to market declines. The fund's
equity investments are limited to securities of companies that are included on
its eligible list. The eligible list is reviewed and approved by the fund's
board of directors at the recommendation of Capital Research and Management
Company, the fund's investment adviser.

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

Your investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency, entity or person.

YOU MAY LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE FUND. THE LIKELIHOOD OF LOSS MAY BE
GREATER IF YOU INVEST FOR A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME.

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

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

CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS FOR CLASS A SHARES
(Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included,
results would be lower.)

[begin bar chart]
1996 16.22
1997 26.39
1998 14.76
1999 -0.12
2000 9.12
2001 6.67
2002 -12.18
2003 23.31
2004 10.74
2005 4.94
[end bar chart]

Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this time period were:

HIGHEST 13.05% (quarter ended June 30, 2003)
LOWEST -15.73% (quarter ended September 30, 2002)

The fund's total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, was 8.78%.

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Investment Results table shows the fund's results on both a pretax and
after-tax basis, as required by Securities and Exchange Commission rules.
After-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares; after-tax returns for other
share classes will vary. Total returns shown "after taxes on distributions"
reflect the effect of taxes on distributions (for example, dividends or capital
gain distributions) by the fund. Total returns shown "after taxes on
distributions and sale of fund shares" assume that you sold your fund shares at
the end of the particular time period and, as a result, reflect the effect of
both taxes on distributions by the fund and taxes on any gain or loss realized
upon the sale of the shares. After-tax returns are calculated using the highest
individual federal income tax rates in effect during each year of the periods
shown and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
YOUR ACTUAL AFTER-TAX RETURNS DEPEND ON YOUR INDIVIDUAL TAX SITUATION AND LIKELY
WILL DIFFER FROM THE RESULTS SHOWN BELOW. IN ADDITION, AFTER-TAX RETURNS MAY NOT
BE RELEVANT IF YOU HOLD YOUR FUND SHARES THROUGH A TAX-DEFERRED ARRANGEMENT,
SUCH AS A 401(K) PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (IRA) OR 529 COLLEGE
SAVINGS PLAN.

Unlike the Investment Results table on page 4, the Additional Investment Results
table on page 8 reflects the fund's results calculated without sales charges.

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

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

CLASS A -- FIRST SOLD 2/21/50
Before taxes -1.11% 4.82% 8.80% 12.29%
After taxes on distributions -1.93 3.88 6.63 N/A
After taxes on distributions and 0.36 3.75 6.59 N/A
sale of fund shares
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

CLASS B -- FIRST SOLD 3/15/00
Before taxes -0.89% 4.90% 7.34%
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C -- FIRST SOLD 3/15/01
Before taxes 3.06 N/A 5.53
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F -- FIRST SOLD 3/15/01
Before taxes 4.87 N/A 6.31
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-A -- FIRST SOLD 2/19/02
Before taxes -1.19 N/A 5.26
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B -- FIRST SOLD 2/19/02
Before taxes -1.04 N/A 5.29
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C -- FIRST SOLD 2/20/02
Before taxes 2.95 N/A 5.70
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E -- FIRST SOLD 3/7/02
Before taxes 4.51 N/A 4.74
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F -- FIRST SOLD 9/17/02
Before taxes 4.91 N/A 11.84
------------------------------------------------------------------

1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS LIFETIME/2/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INDEXES (BEFORE TAXES)
S&P 500/3/ 4.91% 0.54% 9.07% 11.90%
Lipper Multi-Cap Value Funds 6.33 6.25 9.91 N/A
Index/4/
Lipper Growth and Income Funds 6.82 2.92 8.47 N/A
Index/5/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A annualized 30-day yield at October 31, 2006: 1.98%/6/
(For current yield information, please call American FundsLine at 800/325-3590.)

/1/ Lifetime results for each share class are measured from the date the share
class was first sold.
/2/ Lifetime results for the index(es) shown are measured from the date Class A
shares were first sold. In prior years, each index may have included different
funds or securities from those that constitute the current year's index.
/3/ Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted
index based on the average weighted performance of 500 widely held common
stocks. This index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends and/or
distributions, but does not reflect sales charges, commissions, expenses or
taxes.
/4/ Lipper Multi-Cap Value Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds that
invest in a variety of market capitalization ranges without concentrating 75%
of their equity assets in any one market capitalization range over an extended
period of time. These funds seek long-term growth of capital by investing in
companies that are considered to be undervalued relative to a major unmanaged
stock index based on price to current earnings or other factors. The results of
the underlying funds in the index include the reinvestment of dividends and
capital gain distributions, as well as brokerage commissions paid by the funds
for portfolio transactions, but do not reflect sales charges or taxes. This
index was not in existence as of the date the fund's Class A shares became
available; therefore, lifetime results are not shown.
/5/ Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds
that combine a growth-of-earnings orientation and an income requirement for
level and/or rising dividends. The results of the underlying funds in the index
include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, as well
as brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do
not reflect sales charges or taxes. This index was not in existence as of the
date the fund's Class A shares became available; therefore, lifetime results
are not shown.
/6/ Reflects a fee waiver (1.95% without the waiver) as described in the Annual
Fund Operating Expenses table under "Fees and expenses of the fund."

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Fees and expenses of the fund

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

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

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

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

Management fees/8/ 0.26% 0.26% 0.26% 0.26%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service 0.22 1.00 1.00 0.25
(12b-1) fees/9/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses/10/ 0.10 0.11 0.16 0.11
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual fund operating 0.58 1.37 1.42 0.62
expenses/8/
CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS
529-A 529-B 529-C 529-E 529-F
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees/8/ 0.26% 0.26% 0.26% 0.26% 0.26%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service 0.19 1.00 1.00 0.50 --
(12b-1) fees/11/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses/10/,/12/ 0.21 0.24 0.23 0.21 0.21
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual fund operating 0.66 1.50 1.49 0.97 0.47
expenses/8/

/1/ Includes corresponding 529 share class. Accounts holding these 529 shares are
subject to a $10 account setup fee and an annual $10 account maintenance fee,
which are not reflected in this table.
/2/ Available only to employer-sponsored 529 plans. Accounts holding these shares
are subject to a $10 account setup fee and an annual $10 account maintenance
fee, which are not reflected in this table.
/3/ Class F and 529-F shares are generally available only to fee-based programs of
investment dealers that have special agreements with the fund's distributor and
to certain registered investment advisers.
/4/ The initial sales charge is reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more and
eliminated for purchases of $1 million or more.
/5/ A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% applies on certain redemptions
made within one year following purchases of $1 million or more made without an
initial sales charge.
/6/ The contingent deferred sales charge is reduced one year after purchase and
eliminated six years after purchase.
/7/ The contingent deferred sales charge is eliminated one year after purchase.
/8/ The fund's investment adviser is currently waiving 10% of its management fee.
The waiver may be discontinued at any time in consultation with the fund's
board, but it is expected to continue at this level until further review. The
fund's investment adviser and board intend to review the waiver as
circumstances warrant. Expenses shown above do not reflect any waiver.
Information regarding the effect of any waiver on total annual fund operating
expenses can be found in the Financial Highlights table in this prospectus and
in the fund's annual report.
/9/ Class A and F 12b-1 fees may not exceed .25% and .50%, respectively, of each
class' average net assets annually. Class B and C 12b-1 fees may not exceed
1.00% of each class' average net assets annually.
/10/ Includes custodial, legal, transfer agent and subtransfer agent/recordkeeping
payments and various other expenses. Subtransfer agent/recordkeeping payments
may be made to third parties (including affiliates of the fund's investment
adviser) that provide subtransfer agent, recordkeeping and/or shareholder
services with respect to certain shareholder accounts in lieu of the transfer
agent providing such services. The amount paid for subtransfer
agent/recordkeeping services will vary depending on the share class and
services provided, and typically ranges from $3 to $19 per account.
/11/ Class 529-A and 529-F 12b-1 fees may not exceed .50% of each class' average
net assets annually. Class 529-B and 529-C 12b-1 fees may not exceed 1.00% of
each class' average net assets annually. Class 529-E 12b-1 fees may not exceed
.75% of the class' average net assets annually.
/12/ Includes .10% paid to a state or states for oversight and administrative
services.

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

EXAMPLES

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

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

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

Class A/1/ $631 $750 $ 880 $1,259
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B -- assuming redemption/2/ 639 834 950 1,430
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B -- assuming no redemption/3/ 139 434 750 1,430
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C -- assuming redemption/4/ 245 449 776 1,702
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C -- assuming no redemption 145 449 776 1,702
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class F -- excluding intermediary fees/5/ 63 199 346 774
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-A/1/,/6/ 658 814 980 1,456
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-B -- assuming redemption/2/,/6/ 672 913 1,076 1,665
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-B -- assuming no 172 513 876 1,665
redemption/3/,/6/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-C -- assuming 271 510 870 1,879
redemption/4/,/6/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-C -- assuming no redemption/6/ 171 510 870 1,879
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-E/6/ 119 348 594 1,293
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 529-F -- excluding intermediary 68 190 322 698
fees/5/,/6/

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Investment objective, strategies and risks
The fund strives for the balanced accomplishment of three objectives: current
income, growth of capital and conservation of principal. The fund seeks to
invest primarily in common stocks of companies that are likely to participate in
the growth of the American economy and whose dividends are well protected. The
fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in companies domiciled outside the United
States and Canada and not included in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index.
The fund may also invest in debt securities.

The fund's equity investments are limited to securities of companies that are
included on its eligible list. In light of the fund's investment objectives and
policies, securities are added to, or deleted from, the eligible list by the
fund's board of directors after reviewing and acting upon the recommendations of
the fund's investment adviser.

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

The values of, and the income generated by, most debt securities held by the
fund may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in the effective
maturities and credit ratings of these securities. For example, the values of
debt securities in the fund's portfolio generally will decline when interest
rates rise and increase when interest rates fall.

The fund may also hold cash or money market instruments. The percentage of the
fund invested in such holdings varies and depends on various factors, including
market conditions and purchases and redemptions of fund shares. A larger
percentage of such holdings could moderate the fund's investment results in a
period of rising market prices.

A larger percentage of cash or money market instruments could reduce the
magnitude of the fund's loss in the event of falling market prices and provide
liquidity to make additional investments or to meet redemptions.

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

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT RESULTS
Unlike the Investment Results table on page 4, the table on page 8 reflects the
fund's results calculated without sales charges.

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

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

CLASS A -- FIRST SOLD 2/21/50
Before taxes 4.94% 6.07% 9.45% 12.41%
After taxes on distributions 4.07 5.12 7.26 N/A
After taxes on distributions and 4.36 4.84 7.17 N/A
sale of fund shares
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

CLASS B -- FIRST SOLD 3/15/00
Before taxes 4.07% 5.23% 7.46%
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C -- FIRST SOLD 3/15/01
Before taxes 4.05 N/A 5.53
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F -- FIRST SOLD 3/15/01
Before taxes 4.87 N/A 6.31
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-A -- FIRST SOLD 2/19/02
Before taxes 4.82 N/A 6.89
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B -- FIRST SOLD 2/19/02
Before taxes 3.92 N/A 5.95
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C -- FIRST SOLD 2/20/02
Before taxes 3.94 N/A 5.70
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E -- FIRST SOLD 3/7/02
Before taxes 4.51 N/A 4.74
------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F -- FIRST SOLD 9/17/02
Before taxes 4.91 N/A 11.84
------------------------------------------------------------------

1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS LIFETIME/2/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INDEXES (BEFORE TAXES)
S&P 500/3/ 4.91% 0.54% 9.07% 11.90%
Lipper Multi-Cap Value 6.33 6.25 9.91 N/A
Funds Index/4/
Lipper Growth and Income 6.82 2.92 8.47 N/A
Funds Index/5/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A distribution rate/ /at December 31, 2005: 1.83%/6/
(For current distribution rate information, please call American FundsLine
at 800/325-3590.)

/1/ Lifetime results for each share class are measured from the date the share
class was first sold.
/2/ Lifetime results for the index(es) shown are measured from the date Class A
shares were first sold. In prior years, each index may have included different
funds or securities from those that constitute the current year's index.
/3/ Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted
index based on the average weighted performance of 500 widely held common
stocks. This index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends and/or
distributions, but does not reflect sales charges, commissions, expenses or
taxes.
/4/ Lipper Multi-Cap Value Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds that
invest in a variety of market capitalization ranges without concentrating 75%
of their equity assets in any one market capitalization range over an extended
period of time. These funds seek long-term growth of capital by investing in
companies that are considered to be undervalued relative to a major unmanaged
stock index based on price to current earnings or other factors. The results of
the underlying funds in the index include the reinvestment of dividends and
capital gain distributions, as well as brokerage commissions paid by the funds
for portfolio transactions, but do not reflect sales charges or taxes. This
index was not in existence as of the date the fund's Class A shares became
available; therefore, lifetime results are not shown.
/5/ Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds
that combine a growth-of-earnings orientation and an income requirement for
level and/or rising dividends. The results of the underlying funds in the index
include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, as well
as brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do
not reflect sales charges or taxes. This index was not in existence as of the
date the fund's Class A shares became available; therefore, lifetime results
are not shown.
/6/ The distribution rate is based on actual distributions paid to shareholders
over a 12-month period. Capital gain distributions, if any, are added back to
the net asset value to determine the rate.

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

INDUSTRY SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2006 (percent of net assets)

[begin pie chart]
Financials 15.60%
Industrials 12.53%
Consumer discretionary 10.63%
Information technology 10.18%
Health care 8.62%
Bonds & notes 0.05%
Convertible securities 0.08%
Other industries 30.14%
Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities 12.17%
[end pie chart]

LARGEST EQUITY HOLDINGS AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2006
PERCENT OF NET ASSETS

General Electric 2.6%
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IBM 2.2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citigroup 2.2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bellsouth 2.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marathon Oil 1.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fannie Mae 1.7
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abbott Laboratories 1.6
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microsoft 1.6
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Norfolk Southern 1.4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank of America 1.4

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

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Management and organization

INVESTMENT ADVISER
Capital Research and Management Company, an experienced investment management
organization founded in 1931, serves as investment adviser to the fund and other
funds, including the American Funds. Capital Research and Management Company is
a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. and is located at
333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California 90071, and 135 South State
College Boulevard, Brea, California 92821. Capital Research and Management
Company manages the investment portfolio and business affairs of the fund. The
total management fee paid by the fund, as a percentage of average net assets,
for the previous fiscal year appears in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table
under "Fees and expenses of the fund." A discussion regarding the basis for the
approval of the fund's investment advisory and service agreement by the fund's
board of directors is contained in the fund's semi-annual report to shareholders
for the fiscal period ended April 30, 2006.

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

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

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

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

MULTIPLE PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR SYSTEM
Capital Research and Management Company uses a system of multiple portfolio
counselors in managing mutual fund assets. Under this approach, the portfolio of
a fund is divided into segments managed by individual counselors. Counselors
decide how their respective segments will be invested. In addition, Capital
Research and Management Company's investment analysts may make investment
decisions with respect to a portion of a fund's portfolio. Investment decisions
are subject to a fund's objective(s), policies and restrictions and the
oversight of the appropriate investment-related committees of Capital Research
and Management Company.

The primary individual portfolio counselors for American Mutual Fund are:

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

JAMES K. DUNTON 37 years Senior Vice President Serves as an equity
Vice Chairman of the and Director, Capital portfolio counselor
Board Research and
Management Company

Investment
professional for 44
years, all with
Capital Research and
Management Company or
affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J. DALE HARVEY 7 years Vice President, Serves as an equity
President (plus 7 years of prior Capital Research and portfolio counselor
experience as an Management Company
investment analyst
for the fund) Investment
professional for 17
years in total; 15
years with Capital
Research and
Management Company or
affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

JOYCE E. GORDON 1 year Senior Vice President Serves as an equity
Senior Vice President (plus 10 years of and Director, Capital portfolio counselor
prior Research and
experience as an Management Company
investment analyst
for the fund) Investment
professional for 27
years, all with
Capital Research and
Management Company or
affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JAMES B. LOVELACE 1 year Senior Vice President Serves as an equity
Senior Vice President and Director, Capital portfolio counselor
Research and
Management Company

Investment
professional for 25
years, all with
Capital Research and
Management Company or
affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R. MICHAEL SHANAHAN 21 years Chairman Emeritus, Serves as an equity
(plus 7 years of prior Capital Research and portfolio counselor
experience as an Management Company
investment analyst
for the fund) Investment
professional for 42
years, all with
Capital Research and
Management Company or
affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Shareholder information

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

American Funds Service Company, the fund's transfer agent, offers a wide range
of services that you can use to alter your investment program should your needs
and circumstances change. These services may be terminated or modified at any
time upon 60 days' written notice. For your convenience, American Funds Service
Company has four service centers across the country.

AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY SERVICE AREAS
Call toll-free from anywhere in the United States
(8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET): 800/421-0180
Access the American Funds website : americanfunds.com

[map of the United States]

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

A MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF POLICIES AND SERVICES IS INCLUDED IN THE FUND'S
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND THE OWNER'S GUIDE SENT TO NEW AMERICAN
FUNDS SHAREHOLDERS ENTITLED WELCOME. CLASS 529 SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD ALSO REFER TO
THE APPLICABLE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION FOR INFORMATION ON POLICIES AND SERVICES
SPECIFICALLY RELATING TO THEIR ACCOUNT(S). These documents are available by
writing or calling American Funds Service Company. Certain privileges and/or
services described on the following pages of this prospectus and in the
statement of additional information may not be available to you depending on
your investment dealer. Please see your financial adviser or investment dealer
for more information.

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

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

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

Each share class represents investment in the same portfolio of securities, but
each class has its own sales charge and expense structure, allowing you to
choose the class that best fits your situation. WHEN YOU PURCHASE SHARES OF THE
FUND, YOU SHOULD CHOOSE A SHARE CLASS. IF NONE IS CHOSEN, YOUR INVESTMENT WILL
BE MADE IN CLASS A SHARES OR, IN THE CASE OF A 529 PLAN INVESTMENT, CLASS 529-A
SHARES.

Factors you should consider in choosing a class of shares include:

. how long you expect to own the shares;

. how much you intend to invest;

. total expenses associated with owning shares of each class;

. whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges (for
example, Class A or 529-A shares may be a less expensive option over time,
particularly if you qualify for a sales charge reduction or waiver);

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

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

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

EACH INVESTOR'S FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ARE DIFFERENT. YOU SHOULD SPEAK WITH
YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHICH SHARE CLASS IS BEST FOR YOU.

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

SUMMARY OF THE PRIMARY DIFFERENCES AMONG SHARE CLASSES
CLASS A SHARES

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

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

PURCHASE OF CLASS A, B AND C SHARES
You may generally open an account and purchase Class A, B and C shares by
contacting any financial adviser (who may impose transaction charges in addition
to those described in this prospectus) authorized to sell the fund's shares. You
may purchase additional shares in various ways, including through your financial
adviser and by mail, telephone, the Internet and bank wire.

PURCHASE OF CLASS F SHARES

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

PURCHASE OF CLASS 529 SHARES
Class 529 shares may be purchased only through an account established with a 529
college savings plan managed by the American Funds organization. You may open
this type of account and purchase 529 shares by contacting any financial adviser
(who may impose transaction charges in addition to those described in this
prospectus) authorized to sell such an account. You may purchase additional
shares in various ways, including through your financial adviser and by mail,
telephone, the Internet and bank wire.

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

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

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

Exchanges of shares from American Funds money market funds initially purchased
without a sales charge generally will be subject to the appropriate sales
charge. For purposes of computing the contingent deferred sales charge on Class
B and C shares, the length of time you have owned your shares will be measured
from the date of original purchase and will not be affected by any permitted
exchange.

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

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

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

Under the fund's purchase blocking policy, certain purchases will not be
prevented and certain redemptions will not trigger a purchase block, such as:
systematic redemptions and purchases where the entity maintaining the
shareholder account is able to identify the

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

transaction as a systematic redemption or purchase; purchases and redemptions of
shares having a value of less than $5,000; retirement plan contributions, loans
and distributions (including hardship withdrawals) identified as such on the
retirement plan recordkeeper's system; and purchase transactions involving
transfers of assets, rollovers, Roth IRA conversions and IRA
recharacterizations, where the entity maintaining the shareholder account is
able to identify the transaction as one of these types of transactions.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE FUND'S PURCHASE BLOCKING POLICY, ALL TRANSACTIONS IN FUND
SHARES REMAIN SUBJECT TO THE FUND'S AND AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS' RIGHT TO
RESTRICT POTENTIALLY ABUSIVE TRADING GENERALLY (INCLUDING THE TYPES OF
TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE THAT WILL NOT BE PREVENTED OR TRIGGER A PURCHASE
BLOCK UNDER THE POLICY). SEE THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR MORE
INFORMATION ABOUT HOW AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY MAY ADDRESS OTHER
POTENTIALLY ABUSIVE TRADING ACTIVITY IN THE AMERICAN FUNDS.

PURCHASE MINIMUMS AND MAXIMUMS

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

To establish an account (including retirement plan and 529 $ 250/2/
accounts)
For a payroll deduction retirement plan account, payroll
deduction 25
savings plan account or employer-sponsored 529 account
To add to an account 50
For a payroll deduction retirement plan account, payroll 25
deduction
savings plan account or employer-sponsored 529 account
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURCHASE MAXIMUM PER TRANSACTION FOR CLASS B SHARES 50,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURCHASE MAXIMUM PER TRANSACTION FOR CLASS C SHARES 500,000

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

The effective purchase maximums for Class 529-A, 529-C, 529-E and 529-F shares
will reflect the maximum applicable contribution limits under state law. See the
applicable program description for more information.

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

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

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

Your shares will be purchased at the net asset value (plus any applicable sales
charge in the case of Class A shares) or sold at the net asset value next
determined after American Funds Service Company receives and accepts your
request. A contingent deferred sales charge may apply at the time you sell
certain Class A, B and C shares.
MOVING BETWEEN SHARE CLASSES

Please see the statement of additional information for details and limitations
on moving investments in certain share classes to different share classes.

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Sales charges

CLASS A SHARES

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

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

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

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

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BELOW, INVESTMENTS IN CLASS A SHARES OF $1 MILLION OR MORE
MAY BE SUBJECT TO A 1% CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE IF THE SHARES ARE SOLD
WITHIN ONE YEAR OF PURCHASE. The contingent deferred sales charge is based on
the original purchase cost or the current market value of the shares being sold,
whichever is less.

CLASS A PURCHASES NOT SUBJECT TO SALES CHARGES

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

. investments in Class A shares made by endowments or foundations with $50
million or more in assets;
. investments made by accounts that are part of certain qualified fee-based
programs and that purchased Class A shares before the discontinuation of your
investment dealer's load-waived A share program with the American Funds; and

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

The distributor may pay dealers up to 1% on investments made in Class A shares
with no initial sales charge. The fund may reimburse the distributor for these
payments through its plans of distribution (see "Plans of distribution" below).
Transfers from certain 529 plans to plans managed by the American Funds
organization will be made with no sales charge. No commission will be paid to
the dealer on such a transfer. Please see the statement of additional
information for more information.

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

EMPLOYER-SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLANS
Many employer-sponsored retirement plans are eligible to purchase Class R
shares. Eligible plans and Class R shares are described in more detail in the
fund's retirement plan prospectus.

Employer-sponsored retirement plans that are eligible to purchase Class R
shares may instead purchase Class A shares and pay the applicable Class A sales
charge, provided their recordkeepers can properly apply a sales charge on plan
investments. These plans are not eligible to make initial purchases of $1
million or more in Class A shares and thereby invest in Class A shares without
a sales charge, nor are they eligible to establish a statement of intention
that qualifies them to purchase Class A shares without a sales charge. More
information about statements of intention can be found under "Sales charge
reductions and waivers." Plans investing in Class A shares with a sales charge
may purchase additional Class A shares in accordance with the sales charge
table above.

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

CLASS B AND C SHARES

Class B and C shares are sold without any initial sales charge. American Funds
Distributors pays 4% of the amount invested to dealers who sell Class B shares
and 1% to dealers who sell Class C shares.

For Class B shares, a contingent deferred sales charge may be applied to shares
you sell within six years of purchase, as shown in the table below.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ON CLASS B SHARES

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

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

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

Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions
are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. In addition, the
contingent deferred sales charge may be waived in certain circumstances. See
"Contingent deferred sales charge waivers" below. The contingent deferred sales
charge is based on the original purchase cost or the current market value of the
shares being sold, whichever is less. For purposes of determining the contingent
deferred sales charge, if you sell only some of your shares, shares that are not
subject to any contingent deferred sales charge will be sold first, followed by
shares that you have owned the longest.

See "Plans of distribution" below for ongoing compensation paid to your dealer
or financial adviser for all share classes.
AUTOMATIC CONVERSION OF CLASS B AND C SHARES

Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares in the month of the
eight-year anniversary of the purchase date. Class C shares automatically
convert to Class F shares in the month of the 10-year anniversary of the
purchase date; however, Class 529-C shares will not convert to Class 529-F
shares. The Internal Revenue Service currently takes the position that these
automatic conversions are not taxable. Should its position change, the automatic
conversion feature may be suspended. If this happens, you would have the option
of converting your Class B, 529-B or C shares to the respective share classes at
the anniversary dates described above. This exchange would be based on the
relative net asset values of the two classes in question, without the imposition
of a sales charge or fee, but you might face certain tax consequences as a
result.

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

CLASS 529-E AND CLASS F SHARES

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

Sales charge reductions and waivers

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

REDUCING YOUR CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGE
Consistent with the policies described in this prospectus, you and your
"immediate family" (your spouse -- or equivalent if recognized under local law
-- and your children under the age of 21) may combine all of your American Funds
and American Legacy investments to reduce your Class A sales charge. However,
for this purpose, investments representing direct purchases of American Funds
money market funds are excluded. Following are different ways that you may
qualify for a reduced Class A sales charge:

AGGREGATING ACCOUNTS

To receive a reduced Class A sales charge, investments made by you and your
immediate family (see above) may be aggregated if made for your own account(s)
and/or certain other accounts, such as:
. trust accounts established by the above individuals (please see the statement
of additional information for details regarding aggregation of trust accounts
where the person(s) who established the trust is/are deceased);

. solely controlled business accounts; and

. single-participant retirement plans.

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

CONCURRENT PURCHASES

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

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

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

STATEMENT OF INTENTION
You may reduce your Class A sales charge by establishing a statement of
intention. A statement of intention allows you to combine all purchases of all
share classes of American Funds non-money market funds you intend to make over
a 13-month period (including purchases of various American Legacy individual
variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies) to determine
the applicable sales charge; however, purchases made under a right of
reinvestment, appreciation of your holdings, and reinvested dividends and
capital gains do not count as purchases made during the statement period. The
market value of your existing holdings eligible to be aggregated as of the day
immediately before the start of the statement period may be credited toward
satisfying the statement. A portion of your account may be held in escrow to
cover additional Class A sales charges that may be due if your total purchases
over the statement period do not qualify you for the applicable sales charge
reduction. Employer-sponsored retirement plans may be restricted from
establishing statements of intention. See "Sales charges" above for more
information.

RIGHT OF REINVESTMENT

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE WAIVERS

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

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

. tax-free returns of excess contributions to IRAs;

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

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

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

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

-- redemptions due to receiving required minimum distributions from retirement
accounts upon reaching age 70 1/2 (required minimum distributions that
continue to be taken by the beneficiary(ies) after the account owner is
deceased also qualify for a waiver); and
-- if you have established a systematic withdrawal plan, redemptions through
such a plan (including any dividends and/or capital gain distributions taken
in cash).

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

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

. rollovers to IRAs from 403(b) plans with Capital Bank and Trust Company as
custodian; and
. rollovers to IRAs that are attributable to American Funds investments, if they
meet all of the following three requirements:

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

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

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

TRANSFERS TO IRAS

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Plans of distribution
The fund has plans of distribution or "12b-1 plans" under which it may finance
activities primarily intended to sell shares, provided the categories of
expenses are approved in advance by the fund's board of directors. The plans
provide for payments, based on annualized percentages of average daily net
assets, of up to .25% for Class A shares; up to .50% for Class 529-A shares; up
to 1.00% for Class B, 529-B, C and 529-C shares; up to .75% for Class 529-E
shares; and up to .50% for Class F and 529-F shares. For all share classes, up
to .25% of these expenses may be used to pay service fees to qualified dealers
for providing certain shareholder services. The amount remaining for each share
class may be used for distribution expenses.

The 12b-1 fees paid by the fund, as a percentage of average net assets, for the
previous fiscal year are indicated in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table
under "Fees and expenses of the fund." Since these fees are paid out of the
fund's assets or income on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the
cost and reduce the return of your investment. The higher fees for Class B and C
shares may cost you more over time than paying the initial sales charge for
Class A shares.

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Other compensation to dealers
American Funds Distributors, at its expense, currently provides additional
compensation to investment dealers. These payments may be made, at the
discretion of American Funds Distributors, to the top 75 dealers (or their
affiliates) who have sold shares of the American Funds. The level of payments
made to a qualifying firm in any given year will vary and in no case would
exceed the sum of (a) .10% of the previous year's American Funds sales by that
dealer and (b) .02% of American Funds assets attributable to that dealer. For
calendar year 2006, aggregate payments made by American Funds Distributors to
dealers were less than .02% of the assets of the American Funds. Aggregate
payments may also change from year to year. A number of factors will be
considered in determining payments, including the qualifying dealer's sales,
assets and redemption rates, and the quality of the dealer's relationship with
American Funds Distributors. American Funds Distributors makes these payments to
help defray the costs incurred by qualifying dealers in connection with efforts
to educate financial advisers about the American Funds so that they can make
recommendations and provide services that are suitable and meet shareholder
needs. American Funds Distributors will, on an annual basis, determine the
advisability of continuing these payments. American Funds Distributors may also
pay expenses associated with meetings conducted by dealers outside the top 75
firms to facilitate educating financial advisers and shareholders about the
American Funds.

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

How to sell shares

You may sell (redeem) shares in any of the following ways:

THROUGH YOUR DEALER OR FINANCIAL ADVISER (CERTAIN CHARGES MAY APPLY)

. Shares held for you in your dealer's name must be sold through the dealer.

. Class F shares must be sold through your dealer or financial adviser.

WRITING TO AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY

. Requests must be signed by the registered shareholder(s).

. A signature guarantee is required if the redemption is:

-- over $75,000;

-- made payable to someone other than the registered shareholder(s); or
-- sent to an address other than the address of record or to an address of
record that has been changed within the last 10 days.

. American Funds Service Company reserves the right to require signature
guarantee(s) on any redemptions.

. Additional documentation may be required for sales of shares held in
corporate, partnership or fiduciary accounts.

TELEPHONING OR FAXING AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY OR USING THE INTERNET

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

. Checks must be made payable to the registered shareholder.

. Checks must be mailed to an address of record that has been used with the
account for at least 10 days.
If you recently purchased shares and subsequently request a redemption of those
shares, you will receive proceeds from the redemption once a sufficient period
of time has passed to reasonably assure that checks or drafts (including
certified or cashier's checks) for the shares purchased have cleared (normally
10 business days).

If you notify American Funds Service Company, you may reinvest proceeds from a
redemption, dividend payment or capital gain distribution without a sales charge
in the same fund or other American Funds within 90 days after the date of the
redemption or distribution. Proceeds from a Class B share redemption made during
the contingent deferred sales charge period will be reinvested in Class A
shares. Proceeds from any other type of redemption and all dividend payments and
capital gain distributions will be reinvested in the same share class from which
the original redemption or distribution was made. Any contingent deferred sales
charge on Class A or C shares will be credited to your account. Redemption
proceeds of Class A shares representing direct purchases in American Funds money
market funds that are reinvested in non-money market American Funds will be
subject to a sales charge. Proceeds will be reinvested at the next calculated

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

net asset value after your request is received and accepted by American Funds
Service Company. You may not reinvest proceeds in the American Funds as
described in this paragraph if such proceeds are subject to a purchase block as
described under "Frequent trading of fund shares." This paragraph does not apply
to rollover investments as described under "Rollovers from retirement plans to
IRAs."

TRANSACTIONS BY TELEPHONE, FAX OR THE INTERNET
Generally, you are automatically eligible to redeem or exchange shares by
telephone, fax or the Internet, unless you notify us in writing that you do not
want any or all of these services. You may reinstate these services at any time.

Unless you decide not to have telephone, fax or Internet services on your
account(s), you agree to hold the fund, American Funds Service Company, any of
its affiliates or mutual funds managed by such affiliates, and each of their
respective directors, trustees, officers, employees and agents harmless from any
losses, expenses, costs or liabilities (including attorney fees) that may be
incurred in connection with the exercise of these privileges, provided American
Funds Service Company employs reasonable procedures to confirm that the
instructions received from any person with appropriate account information are
genuine. If reasonable procedures are not employed, American Funds Service
Company and/or the fund may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions.

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

Distributions and taxes

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The fund intends to distribute dividends to you, usually in March, June,
September and December.

Capital gains, if any, are usually distributed in December. When a dividend or
capital gain is distributed, the net asset value per share is reduced by the
amount of the payment.

You may elect to reinvest dividends and/or capital gain distributions to
purchase additional shares of this fund or other American Funds, or you may
elect to receive them in cash. Most shareholders do not elect to take capital
gain distributions in cash because these distributions reduce principal value.
Dividends and capital gain distributions for 529 share classes will be
automatically reinvested.

TAXES ON DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

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

TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS
Your redemptions, including exchanges, may result in a capital gain or loss for
federal tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment is the
difference between the cost of your shares, including any sales charges, and the
amount you receive when you sell them.

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Financial highlights/1/

The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's
results for the past five fiscal years. Certain information reflects financial
results for a single share of a particular class. The total returns in the table
represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment
in the fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain
distributions). This information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
whose report, along with the fund's financial statements, is included in the
statement of additional information, which is available upon request.

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

CLASS A:
Year ended 10/31/2006 $26.52 $.63 $ 3.55 $ 4.18
Year ended 10/31/2005 25.10 .54 1.41 1.95
Year ended 10/31/2004 23.17 .48 2.00 2.48
Year ended 10/31/2003 20.20 .49 3.31 3.80
Year ended 10/31/2002 23.22 .49 (2.29) (1.80)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B:
Year ended 10/31/2006 26.36 .41 3.53 3.94
Year ended 10/31/2005 24.94 .33 1.41 1.74
Year ended 10/31/2004 23.04 .29 1.98 2.27
Year ended 10/31/2003 20.11 .32 3.28 3.60
Year ended 10/31/2002 23.13 .32 (2.28) (1.96)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C:
Year ended 10/31/2006 26.31 .39 3.52 3.91
Year ended 10/31/2005 24.90 .31 1.41 1.72
Year ended 10/31/2004 23.01 .27 1.97 2.24
Year ended 10/31/2003 20.09 .30 3.28 3.58
Year ended 10/31/2002 23.12 .30 (2.28) (1.98)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F:
Year ended 10/31/2006 26.46 .62 3.54 4.16
Year ended 10/31/2005 25.04 .52 1.41 1.93
Year ended 10/31/2004 23.12 .45 2.00 2.45
Year ended 10/31/2003 20.17 .46 3.30 3.76
Year ended 10/31/2002 23.20 .47 (2.30) (1.83)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-A:
Year ended 10/31/2006 $26.50 $.60 $ 3.55 $ 4.15
Year ended 10/31/2005 25.07 .51 1.42 1.93
Year ended 10/31/2004 23.15 .45 2.00 2.45
Year ended 10/31/2003 20.20 .47 3.31 3.78
Period from 2/19/2002 to 10/31/2002 23.31 .34 (3.07) (2.73)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B:
Year ended 10/31/2006 26.42 .37 3.53 3.90
Year ended 10/31/2005 25.00 .29 1.41 1.70
Year ended 10/31/2004 23.09 .24 1.99 2.23
Year ended 10/31/2003 20.16 .27 3.30 3.57
Period from 2/19/2002 to 10/31/2002 23.31 .20 (3.06) (2.86)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C:
Year ended 10/31/2006 26.42 .38 3.53 3.91
Year ended 10/31/2005 25.00 .29 1.41 1.70
Year ended 10/31/2004 23.09 .24 1.99 2.23
Year ended 10/31/2003 20.16 .27 3.30 3.57
Period from 2/20/2002 to 10/31/2002 23.54 .21 (3.30) (3.09)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E:
Year ended 10/31/2006 26.44 .52 3.54 4.06
Year ended 10/31/2005 25.02 .42 1.41 1.83
Year ended 10/31/2004 23.10 .37 1.99 2.36
Year ended 10/31/2003 20.16 .38 3.30 3.68
Period from 3/7/2002 to 10/31/2002 24.93 .27 (4.67) (4.40)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F:
Year ended 10/31/2006 $26.52 $.65 $ 3.55 $ 4.20
Year ended 10/31/2005 25.08 .52 1.42 1.94
Year ended 10/31/2004 23.16 .43 2.00 2.43
Year ended 10/31/2003 20.22 .43 3.32 3.75
Period from 9/17/2002 to 10/31/2002 20.63 .05 (.34) (.29)

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Dividends Net
(from Distributions Total asset
net (from dividends value,
investment capital and end of Total
income) gains) distributions period return/3/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 10/31/2006 $(.55) $(1.01) $(1.56) $29.14 16.40%
Year ended 10/31/2005 (.48) (.05) (.53) 26.52 7.80
Year ended 10/31/2004 (.46) (.09) (.55) 25.10 10.81
Year ended 10/31/2003 (.52) (.31) (.83) 23.17 19.31
Year ended 10/31/2002 (.57) (.65) (1.22) 20.20 (8.42)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B:
Year ended 10/31/2006 (.34) (1.01) (1.35) 28.95 15.48
Year ended 10/31/2005 (.27) (.05) (.32) 26.36 7.00
Year ended 10/31/2004 (.28) (.09) (.37) 24.94 9.92
Year ended 10/31/2003 (.36) (.31) (.67) 23.04 18.32
Year ended 10/31/2002 (.41) (.65) (1.06) 20.11 (9.11)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C:
Year ended 10/31/2006 (.32) (1.01) (1.33) 28.89 15.41
Year ended 10/31/2005 (.26) (.05) (.31) 26.31 6.91
Year ended 10/31/2004 (.26) (.09) (.35) 24.90 9.82
Year ended 10/31/2003 (.35) (.31) (.66) 23.01 18.23
Year ended 10/31/2002 (.40) (.65) (1.05) 20.09 (9.20)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F:
Year ended 10/31/2006 (.54) (1.01) (1.55) 29.07 16.36
Year ended 10/31/2005 (.46) (.05) (.51) 26.46 7.71
Year ended 10/31/2004 (.44) (.09) (.53) 25.04 10.70
Year ended 10/31/2003 (.50) (.31) (.81) 23.12 19.14
Year ended 10/31/2002 (.55) (.65) (1.20) 20.17 (8.57)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-A:
Year ended 10/31/2006 $(.53) $(1.01) $(1.54) $29.11 16.29%
Year ended 10/31/2005 (.45) (.05) (.50) 26.50 7.71
Year ended 10/31/2004 (.44) (.09) (.53) 25.07 10.70
Year ended 10/31/2003 (.52) (.31) (.83) 23.15 19.19
Period from 2/19/2002 to 10/31/2002 (.38) -- (.38) 20.20 (11.88)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B:
Year ended 10/31/2006 (.30) (1.01) (1.31) 29.01 15.29
Year ended 10/31/2005 (.23) (.05) (.28) 26.42 6.79
Year ended 10/31/2004 (.23) (.09) (.32) 25.00 9.72
Year ended 10/31/2003 (.33) (.31) (.64) 23.09 18.07
Period from 2/19/2002 to 10/31/2002 (.29) -- (.29) 20.16 (12.40)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C:
Year ended 10/31/2006 (.31) (1.01) (1.32) 29.01 15.31
Year ended 10/31/2005 (.23) (.05) (.28) 26.42 6.82
Year ended 10/31/2004 (.23) (.09) (.32) 25.00 9.74
Year ended 10/31/2003 (.33) (.31) (.64) 23.09 18.09
Period from 2/20/2002 to 10/31/2002 (.29) -- (.29) 20.16 (13.25)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E:
Year ended 10/31/2006 (.45) (1.01) (1.46) 29.04 15.92
Year ended 10/31/2005 (.36) (.05) (.41) 26.44 7.35
Year ended 10/31/2004 (.35) (.09) (.44) 25.02 10.32
Year ended 10/31/2003 (.43) (.31) (.74) 23.10 18.72
Period from 3/7/2002 to 10/31/2002 (.37) -- (.37) 20.16 (17.78)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F:
Year ended 10/31/2006 $(.58) $(1.01) $(1.59) $29.13 16.49%
Year ended 10/31/2005 (.45) (.05) (.50) 26.52 7.77
Year ended 10/31/2004 (.42) (.09) (.51) 25.08 10.58
Year ended 10/31/2003 (.50) (.31) (.81) 23.16 19.03
Period from 9/17/2002 to 10/31/2002 (.12) -- (.12) 20.22 (1.42)

Ratio of Ratio of Ratio
expenses expenses of
Net to average to average net
assets, net assets net assets income
end of before after to
period reim- reim- average
(in bursements/ bursements/ net
millions) waivers waivers/4/ assets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 10/31/2006 $16,044 .58% .55% 2.31%
Year ended 10/31/2005 13,850 .58 .56 2.06
Year ended 10/31/2004 12,044 .60 .60 1.97
Year ended 10/31/2003 9,716 .62 .62 2.32
Year ended 10/31/2002 7,782 .60 .60 2.15
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B:
Year ended 10/31/2006 689 1.37 1.34 1.52
Year ended 10/31/2005 595 1.38 1.36 1.26
Year ended 10/31/2004 497 1.39 1.39 1.18
Year ended 10/31/2003 315 1.41 1.41 1.49
Year ended 10/31/2002 156 1.40 1.40 1.40
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C:
Year ended 10/31/2006 796 1.42 1.40 1.46
Year ended 10/31/2005 666 1.44 1.42 1.19
Year ended 10/31/2004 500 1.47 1.46 1.09
Year ended 10/31/2003 267 1.49 1.49 1.39
Year ended 10/31/2002 107 1.48 1.48 1.34
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F:
Year ended 10/31/2006 495 .62 .60 2.26
Year ended 10/31/2005 434 .67 .65 1.97
Year ended 10/31/2004 324 .70 .70 1.86
Year ended 10/31/2003 172 .72 .72 2.14
Year ended 10/31/2002 54 .75 .75 2.08
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-A:
Year ended 10/31/2006 $ 206 .66% .64% 2.21%
Year ended 10/31/2005 151 .70 .68 1.93
Year ended 10/31/2004 99 .71 .71 1.85
Year ended 10/31/2003 51 .67 .67 2.22
Period from 2/19/2002 to 10/31/2002 19 .70/5/ .70/5/ 2.25/5/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B:
Year ended 10/31/2006 40 1.50 1.47 1.38
Year ended 10/31/2005 32 1.55 1.53 1.09
Year ended 10/31/2004 24 1.59 1.59 .97
Year ended 10/31/2003 14 1.61 1.61 1.27
Period from 2/19/2002 to 10/31/2002 5 1.60/5/ 1.60/5/ 1.36/5/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C:
Year ended 10/31/2006 62 1.49 1.46 1.39
Year ended 10/31/2005 48 1.54 1.52 1.10
Year ended 10/31/2004 33 1.58 1.58 .98
Year ended 10/31/2003 16 1.60 1.60 1.28
Period from 2/20/2002 to 10/31/2002 6 1.59/5/ 1.59/5/ 1.38/5/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E:
Year ended 10/31/2006 11 .97 .95 1.90
Year ended 10/31/2005 8 1.02 1.00 1.61
Year ended 10/31/2004 6 1.06 1.06 1.50
Year ended 10/31/2003 3 1.07 1.07 1.80
Period from 3/7/2002 to 10/31/2002 1 1.05/5/ 1.05/5/ 1.95/5/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F:
Year ended 10/31/2006 $ 5 $.47 $.44 $2.37
Year ended 10/31/2005 3 .64 .62 1.99
Year ended 10/31/2004 2 .81 .80 1.75
Year ended 10/31/2003 1 .82 .82 1.99
Period from 9/17/2002 to 10/31/2002 --/6/ .09 .09 .26

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

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

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
2006 2005 2004 2003 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
RATE FOR ALL CLASSES 19% 22% 17% 24% 31%
OF SHARES

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

<PAGE>

NOTES

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

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

FOR SHAREHOLDER SERVICES American Funds Service Company
800/421-0180
FOR RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES Call your employer or plan administrator
FOR DEALER SERVICES American Funds Distributors
800/421-9900
FOR 529 PLANS American Funds Service Company
800 /421-0180, ext. 529
FOR 24-HOUR INFORMATION American FundsLine
800/325-3590
americanfunds.com

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

MULTIPLE TRANSLATIONS This prospectus may be translated into other languages.
If there is any inconsistency or ambiguity as to the meaning of any word or
phrase in a translation, the English text will prevail.

ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS The shareholder reports contain
additional information about the fund, including financial statements,
investment results, portfolio holdings, a discussion of market conditions and
the fund's investment strategies, and the independent registered public
accounting firm's report (in the annual report).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS Program descriptions for 529 programs managed by the
American Funds organization contain additional information about the policies
and services related to 529 plan accounts.

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

The codes of ethics and current SAI are on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). These and other related materials about the fund are available
for review or to be copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC
(202/551-8090) or on the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at sec.gov or,
after payment of a duplicating fee, via e-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov or
by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington,
DC 20549. The current SAI and shareholder reports are also available, free of
charge, on americanfunds.com.

HOUSEHOLD MAILINGS Each year you are automatically sent an updated prospectus
and annual and semi-annual reports for the fund. You may also occasionally
receive proxy statements for the fund. In order to reduce the volume of mail you
receive, when possible, only one copy of these documents will be sent to
shareholders who are part of the same family and share the same household
address.

If you would like to opt out of household-based mailings or receive a
complimentary copy of the current SAI, codes of ethics, annual/semi-annual
report to shareholders or applicable program description, please call American
Funds Service Company at 800/421-0180 or write to the Secretary of the fund at
333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California, 90071.

[logo - recycle bug]
Printed on recycled paper
MFGEPR-903-0107P Litho in USA CGD/B/8004 Investment Company File No. 811-00572
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE CAPITAL GROUP COMPANIES
American Funds Capital Research and Management Capital International
Capital Guardian Capital Bank and Trust

<PAGE>
[logo - American Funds (r)]

The right choice for the long term/(R)/

American Mutual Fund/(R)/

PROSPECTUS
ADDENDUM

January 1, 2007

<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

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

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS)

CLASS R-5
--------------------------------------------------------------

Management fees/1/ 0.26%
--------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees none
--------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses/2/ 0.12
--------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual fund operating expenses/1/ 0.38

1 The fund's investment adviser is currently waiving 10% of its management fee.
The waiver may be discontinued at any time in consultation with the fund's
board, but it is expected to continue at this level until further review. The
fund's investment adviser and board intend to review the waiver as
circumstances warrant. Expenses shown above do not reflect any waiver.
Information regarding the effect of any waiver on total annual fund operating
expenses can be found in the Financial Highlights table in this prospectus
addendum and in the fund's annual report.
2 A portion of the fund's expenses may be used to pay third parties (including
affiliates of the fund's investment adviser) that provide recordkeeping
services to retirement plans invested in the fund.

EXAMPLE

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

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

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

Class R-5 $39 $122 $213 $480
-------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>

Purchase and exchange of shares -- pages 16-19

PURCHASE OF CLASS R-5 SHARES

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

Sales charges -- pages 20-23

CLASS R-5 SHARES

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

Financial highlights/1/ -- pages 32-34

The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's
results. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share. The
total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned
or lost on an investment in the fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and
capital gain distributions). This information has been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, whose report, along with the fund's financial statements, is
included in the statement of additional information, which is available upon
request.

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

CLASS R-5:
Year ended 10/31/2006 $26.53 $.68 $ 3.54 $ 4.22
Year ended 10/31/2005 25.10 .58 1.43 2.01
Year ended 10/31/2004 23.17 .53 2.00 2.53
Year ended 10/31/2003 20.21 .54 3.29 3.83
Period from 5/15/2002 to 10/31/2002 24.66 .26 (4.43) (4.17)

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

CLASS R-5:
Year ended 10/31/2006 $(.60) $(1.01) $(1.61) $29.14 16.58% $267 .38%
Year ended 10/31/2005 (.53) (.05) (.58) 26.53 8.05 198 .39
Year ended 10/31/2004 (.51) (.09) (.60) 25.10 11.04 62 .39
Year ended 10/31/2003 (.56) (.31) (.87) 23.17 19.50 52 .41
Period from 5/15/2002 to 10/31/2002 (.28) -- (.28) 20.21 (16.98) 41 .18

Ratio of Ratio
expenses of
to average net
net assets income
after to
reim- average
bursements/ net
waivers/3/ assets
------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS R-5:
Year ended 10/31/2006 .35% 2.49%
Year ended 10/31/2005 .36 2.22
Year ended 10/31/2004 .39 2.18
Year ended 10/31/2003 .41 2.53
Period from 5/15/2002 to 10/31/2002 .18 1.22

YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
2006 2005 2004 2003 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
RATE FOR ALL CLASSES 19% 22% 17% 24% 31%
OF SHARES

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

<PAGE>

AMERICAN MUTUAL FUND, INC.

Part B
Statement of Additional Information
January 1, 2007

This document is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction with the
current prospectus or retirement plan prospectus of American Mutual Fund, Inc.
(the "fund" or "AMF") dated January 1, 2007. You may obtain a prospectus from
your financial adviser or by writing to the fund at the following address:

American Mutual Fund, Inc.
Attention: Secretary
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
213/486-9200
Certain privileges and/or services described below may not be available to all
shareholders (including shareholders who purchase shares at net asset value
through eligible retirement plans) depending on the shareholder's investment
dealer or retirement plan recordkeeper. Please see your financial adviser,
investment dealer, plan recordkeeper or employer for more information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item Page no.
---- --------

Certain investment limitations and guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Description of certain securities and investment techniques . . . . 2
Fundamental policies and investment restrictions. . . . . . . . . . 5
Management of the fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Execution of portfolio transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Disclosure of portfolio holdings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Price of shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Taxes and distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Purchase and exchange of shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Sales charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Sales charge reductions and waivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Selling shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Shareholder account services and privileges . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Financial statements

American Mutual Fund -- Page 1
<PAGE>

CERTAIN INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS AND GUIDELINES

The following limitations and guidelines are considered at the time of purchase,
under normal circumstances, and are based on a percentage of the fund's net
assets unless otherwise noted. This summary is not intended to reflect all of
the fund's investment limitations.

GENERAL GUIDELINE

. The fund's equity investments are limited to securities included on its
eligible list, which consists of securities deemed suitable by the fund's
investment adviser in light of the fund's investment objectives and
policies. Securities are added to, or deleted from, the eligible list by
the fund's board of directors after reviewing and acting upon the
recommendations of the fund's investment adviser.

EQUITY SECURITIES

. The fund will invest principally in equity-type securities such as common
stocks and securities that are convertible into common stock.
. The fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in companies that do not pay a
dividend.

DEBT SECURITIES

. The fund's investments in nonconvertible securities will be rated A or
better by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's
Corporation ("S&P") or unrated but determined to be of equivalent quality.

NON-U.S. SECURITIES
. The fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in securities of issuers
domiciled outside the United States and Canada and are not included in the
S&P 500 Composite Index.

* * * * * *

The fund may experience difficulty liquidating certain portfolio securities
during significant market declines or periods of heavy redemptions.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES

The descriptions below are intended to supplement the material in the prospectus
under "Investment objective, strategies and risks."

EQUITY SECURITIES -- Equity securities represent an ownership position in a
company. Equity securities held by the fund typically consist of common stocks
and may also include securities with equity or purchase rights. The prices of
equity securities fluctuate based on, among other things, events specific to
their issuers and market, economic and other conditions. The prices of these
securities can also be adversely affected by the outcome of financial contracts
(such as derivatives) held by third parties relating to various assets or
indices.

American Mutual Fund -- Page 2
<PAGE>

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

DEBT SECURITIES -- Debt securities are used by issuers to borrow money.
Generally, issuers pay investors periodic interest and repay the amount borrowed
either periodically during the life of the security and/or at maturity. Some
debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest, but are
purchased at a discount from their face values and accrue interest at the
applicable coupon rate over a specified time period. The market prices of debt
securities fluctuate depending on such factors as interest rates, credit quality
and maturity. In general, market prices of debt securities decline when interest
rates rise and increase when interest rates fall. The prices of these securities
can be adversely affected by the outcome of financial contracts (such as
derivatives) held by third parties relating to various assets or indices.

SECURITIES WITH EQUITY AND DEBT CHARACTERISTICS -- The fund may invest in
securities that have a combination of equity and debt characteristics. These
securities may at times behave more like equity than debt and vice versa. Some
types of convertible bonds or preferred stocks automatically convert into common
stocks and some may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a
predetermined price. The prices and yields of nonconvertible preferred stocks
generally move with changes in interest rates and the issuer's credit quality,
similar to the factors affecting debt securities. These securities may be
treated as debt for fund investment limit purposes.

Convertible bonds, convertible preferred stocks and other securities may
sometimes be converted, or may automatically convert, into common stocks or
other securities at a stated conversion ratio. These securities, prior to
conversion, may pay a fixed rate of interest or a dividend. Because convertible
securities have both debt and equity characteristics, their value varies in
response to many factors, including the value of the underlying assets, general
market and economic conditions, and convertible market valuations, as well as
changes in interest rates, credit spreads and the credit quality of the issuer.

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

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

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS -- The fund may invest in securities issued by
real estate investment trusts (REITs), which primarily invest in real estate or
real estate-related loans. Equity REITs own real estate properties, while
mortgage REITs hold construction, development and/or long-term mortgage loans.
The values of REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying
property of the trusts, the creditworthiness of the issuer, property taxes,
interest rates,

American Mutual Fund -- Page 3
<PAGE>

tax laws and regulatory requirements, such as those relating to the environment.
Both types of REITs are dependent upon management skill and the cash flows
generated by their holdings, the real estate market in general and the
possibility of failing to qualify for any applicable pass-through tax treatment
or failing to maintain any applicable exemptive status afforded under relevant
laws.

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

U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES -- U.S. Treasury securities include direct
obligations of the U.S. Treasury, such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds.
For these securities, the payment of principal and interest is
unconditionally guaranteed by the U.S. government, and thus they are of the
highest possible credit quality. Such securities are subject to variations
in market value due to fluctuations in interest rates, but, if held to
maturity, will be paid in full.

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

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

4(2) COMMERCIAL PAPER -- The fund may purchase commercial paper issued pursuant
to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"). 4(2) commercial
paper has substantially the same price and liquidity characteristics as
commercial paper generally, except that the resale of 4(2) commercial paper is
limited to the institutional investor marketplace. Such

American Mutual Fund -- Page 4
<PAGE>

a restriction on resale makes 4(2) commercial paper technically a restricted
security under the 1933 Act. In practice, however, 4(2) commercial paper can be
resold as easily as any other unrestricted security held by the fund.
Accordingly, 4(2) commercial paper has been determined to be liquid under
procedures adopted by the fund's board of directors.

* * * * * *
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER -- A fund's portfolio turnover rate would equal 100% if each
security in the fund's portfolio were replaced once per year. The fund's
portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ended 2006 and 2005 were 19% and
22%, respectively, and the average of the last five years was 23%. See
"Financial highlights" in the prospectus for the fund's annual portfolio
turnover for each of the last five fiscal years.

With the fund's focus on long term investing, the fund does not engage in high
portfolio turnover (100% or more). High turnover generates greater transaction
costs in the form of dealer spreads or brokerage commissions, and may result in
the realization of excessive short-term capital gains, which are taxable at the
highest rate when distributed to shareholders. Short-term trading profits are
not the fund's objective, and changes in its investments are generally
accomplished gradually, though short-term transactions may occasionally be made.

FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES AND INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES -- The fund has adopted the following fundamental policies
and investment restrictions, which may not be changed without approval by
holders of a majority of its outstanding shares. Such majority is defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as the vote of the
lesser of (a) 67% or more of the outstanding voting securities present at a
shareholder meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting
securities are present in person or by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities. All percentage limitations are considered at the
time securities are purchased and are based on the fund's net assets unless
otherwise indicated. None of the following investment restrictions involving a
maximum percentage of assets will be considered violated unless the excess
occurs immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition by the fund.

These restrictions provide that the fund shall make no investment:

1. Which involves promotion or business management by the fund;

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

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

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

5. If the investment would cause the fund to own more than 10% of any class of
securities of any one issuer or more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of any one issuer;

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 5
<PAGE>

The foregoing restrictions do not apply to the purchase of securities issued or
fully guaranteed by the U.S. government. Such restrictions also do not apply to
the acquisition of securities or property in satisfaction of claims or as
distributions on securities owned, or to the exercise of rights distributed on
securities owned; but if any securities or property so acquired would not be
permitted as an investment under the foregoing restrictions, they must be
converted into a permissible investment as soon as reasonably practicable.

The fund is not permitted to:

7. Invest in real estate;

8. Make any investment which would subject it to unlimited liability;

9. Buy securities on margin;

10. Sell securities short; or

11. Borrow money.

The fund does not concentrate investments in one industry or a group of
industries, invest in commodities, or make loans except in the very occasional
instance where interest returns on a loan are particularly favorable, the loan
is secured by at least 150% of marketable securities, the total loans
outstanding would not exceed 20% of the current market value of the assets of
the fund, and total loans to any one borrower would not exceed 5% of the value
of such assets. No loans have ever been made to any person under the foregoing
authority. Loans may not be made to persons affiliated with the fund. The fund
does not invest to control other companies. While the fundamental policies of
the fund permit it to act as underwriter of securities issued by others, it is
not the practice of the fund to do so. The fundamental policies set forth in
this paragraph also may not be changed without shareholder approval.

NONFUNDAMENTAL POLICIES -- Further investment policies of the fund, which may be
changed by action of the board of directors, without shareholder approval, state
that the fund will not:

1. Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if those officers and
directors of the fund or the Investment Adviser who own beneficially more than
1/2 of 1% of such issuer together own more than 5% of the securities of such
issuer;
2. Invest in the securities of other investment companies (except in
connection with the administration of a deferred compensation plan adopted by
directors and to the extent such investments are allowed by an exemptive order
granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission);

3. Invest in securities of companies which, with their predecessors, have a
record of less than three years' continuous operations;
4. Ordinarily purchase securities which are non-income-producing at the time
of purchase if, as a result, more than 5% of the fund's portfolio is invested in
such securities;

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 6
<PAGE>

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

7. Invest more than 5% of the value of the fund's net assets in warrants,
valued at the lower of cost or market, with no more than 2% being unlisted on
the New York or American Stock Exchanges (warrants acquired by the fund in units
or attached to securities may be deemed to be without value);

8. Invest more than 15% of the value of its total assets in securities which
are not readily marketable (including repurchase agreements maturing in more
than seven days or securities for which there is no active and substantial
market); and

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 7
<PAGE>

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

"INDEPENDENT" DIRECTORS/1/

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

H. Frederick Christie, 73 Private investor; former 20 Ducommun Incorporated;
Chairman of the Board President and CEO, The IHOP Corporation;
(Independent and Mission Group (non-utility Southwest Water Company
Non-Executive) (1972) holding company, subsidiary
of Southern California
Edison Company)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Anne Dolan, 59 Founder and President, 3 None
Director (1993) M.A.D., Inc. (communications
company); former
Editor-in-Chief, The Los
-------
Angeles Herald Examiner
-----------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martin Fenton, 71 Chairman of the Board, 17 None
Director (1981) Senior Resource Group LLC
(development and management
of senior living
communities)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William D. Jones, 51 President and CEO, CityLink 2 Sempra Energy; Southwest
Director (2006) Investment Corporation (real Water Company
estate development and
management)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Myers Kauppila, 52 Private investor; Chairman 5 None
Director (1991) of the Board and CEO, Ladera
Management Company (venture
capital and agriculture);
former owner and President,
Energy Investment, Inc.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William H. Kling, 64 President, American Public 8 Irwin Financial Corporation
Director (2006) Media Group
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bailey Morris-Eck, 62 Director and Programming 3 None
Director (1999) Chair, WYPR Baltimore/
Washington (public radio
station); Senior Adviser,
Financial News (London);
-----------------------
Senior Fellow, Institute for
International Economics
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kirk P. Pendleton, 67 Chairman of the Board and 6 None
Director (1998) CEO, Cairnwood, Inc.
(venture capital investment)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Olin C. Robison, 70 President Emeritus of the 3 American Shared Hospital
Director (1991) Salzburg Seminar; President Services
Emeritus, Middlebury
College; Fellow, The Oxford
Centre for the Study of
Christianity and Culture;
Director, The Oxford Project
on Religion and Public
Policy
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven B. Sample, 66 President, University of 2 UNOVA, Inc.;
Director (1999) Southern California William Wrigley Jr. Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

American Mutual Fund -- Page 8
<PAGE>

"INTERESTED" DIRECTORS/5,6/

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

James K. Dunton, 68 Senior Vice President and 2 None
Vice Chairman of the Board Director, Capital Research
(1984) and Management Company
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J. Dale Harvey, 41 Vice President, Capital 1 None
President and Director Research and Management
(2000) Company; Director, American
Funds Service Company*

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

OTHER OFFICERS/6/

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

Joyce E. Gordon, 50 Senior Vice President and Director, Capital
Senior Vice President Research and Management Company
(2005)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James B. Lovelace, 50 Senior Vice President and Director, Capital
Senior Vice President Research and Management Company
(2006)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christopher D. Vice President and Director, Capital Research
Buchbinder, 35 Company*
Vice President (2006)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William L. Robbins, 38 Executive Vice President and Director, Capital
Vice President (2004) Research Company*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vincent P. Corti, 50 Vice President - Fund Business Management Group,
Secretary (1994) Capital Research and Management Company
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Karl C. Grauman, 38 Vice President - Fund Business Management Group,
Treasurer (2006) Capital Research and Management Company
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeffrey P. Regal, 35 Vice President - Fund Business Management Group,
Assistant Treasurer Capital Research and Management Company
(2003)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

American Mutual Fund -- Page 9
<PAGE>

* Company affiliated with Capital Research and Management Company.
1 An "independent" director refers to a director who is not an "interested
person" within the meaning of the 1940 Act.
2 Directors and officers of the fund serve until their resignation, removal or
retirement.
3 Funds managed by Capital Research and Management Company, including the
American Funds, American Funds Insurance Series,(R) which is comprised of 15
funds and serves as the underlying investment vehicle for certain variable
insurance contracts, and Endowments, which is comprised of two portfolios and
whose shareholders are limited to certain nonprofit organizations.
4 This includes all directorships (other than those in the American Funds) that
are held by each director as a director of a public company or a registered
investment company.
5 "Interested persons," within the meaning of the 1940 Act, on the basis of
their affiliation with the fund's investment adviser, Capital Research and
Management Company, or affiliated entities (including the fund's principal
underwriter).
6 All of the officers listed, with the exception of Christopher D. Buchbinder,
are officers and/or directors/trustees of one or more of the other funds for
which Capital Research and Management Company serves as investment adviser.
THE ADDRESS FOR ALL DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE FUND IS 333 SOUTH HOPE STREET,
55TH FLOOR, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071, ATTENTION: SECRETARY.

American Mutual Fund -- Page 10
<PAGE>

FUND SHARES OWNED BY DIRECTORS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2005

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

"INDEPENDENT" DIRECTORS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H. Frederick Christie Over $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Anne Dolan Over $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martin Fenton $10,001 - $50,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William D. Jones None/2/ None/2/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Myers Kauppila Over $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William H. Kling None/3/ Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bailey Morris-Eck $10,001 - $50,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kirk P. Pendleton $10,001 - $50,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Olin C. Robison None Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven B. Sample $10,001 - $50,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"INTERESTED" DIRECTORS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James K. Dunton Over $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J. Dale Harvey Over $100,000 Over $100,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 Ownership disclosure is made using the following ranges: None; $1 - $10,000;
$10,001 - $50,000; $50,001 - $100,000; and Over $100,000. The amounts listed
for "interested" directors include shares owned through The Capital Group
Companies, Inc. retirement plan and 401(k) plan.
2 Mr. Jones was elected director on November 15, 2006. The dollar range of
shares owned on December 15, 2006 was $10,001 - $50,000. The aggregate dollar
range of shares owned in all funds in the American Funds family overseen by
director on December 15, 2006 was $10,001 - $50,000.
3 Mr. Kling was elected director on March 15, 2006. The dollar range of shares
owned on December 1, 2006 was $50,001 - $100,000.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION -- No compensation is paid by the fund to any officer or
director who is a director, officer or employee of the investment adviser or its
affiliates. The boards of funds advised by the investment adviser typically meet
either individually or jointly with the boards of other funds (in each case
referred to as a "board cluster"). The fund typically pays each independent
director an annual fee, which ranges from $17,000 to $34,000, based primarily on
the total number of board clusters on which that independent director serves.

In addition, the fund generally pays independent directors attendance fees for
meetings of the board and its committees. Board chairs receive additional
fees for their services.

Independent directors also receive attendance fees for certain joint meetings
and information sessions with directors and trustees of other funds advised by
the investment adviser. The fund

American Mutual Fund -- Page 11
<PAGE>

and the other funds served by each independent director each pay an equal
portion of these attendance fees.

No pension or retirement benefits are accrued as part of fund expenses.
Independent directors may elect, on a voluntary basis, to defer all or a portion
of their fees through a deferred compensation plan in effect for the fund. The
fund also reimburses certain expenses of the independent directors.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION PAID DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006

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

H. Frederick Christie/3/ $45,486 $379,750
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Anne Dolan 34,666 138,500
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martin Fenton, Jr./3/ 30,622 337,310
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William D. Jones/3//,4/ 1,250 2,500
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Myers Kauppila/3/ 33,100 218,500
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William H. Kling/5/ 14,940 224,833
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bailey Morris-Eck/3/ 32,666 135,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kirk P. Pendleton/3/ 32,183 226,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Olin C. Robison/3/ 32,666 139,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven B. Sample 44,650 84,500
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 Amounts may be deferred by eligible directors under a nonqualified deferred
compensation plan adopted by the fund in 1993. Deferred amounts accumulate at
an earnings rate determined by the total return of one or more American Funds
as designated by the directors. Compensation shown in this table for the fiscal
year ended October 31, 2006 does not include earnings on amounts deferred in
previous fiscal years. See footnote 3 to this table for more information.
2 Funds managed by Capital Research and Management Company, including the
American Funds, American Funds Insurance Series,(R) which is comprised of 15
funds and serves as the underlying investment vehicle for certain variable
insurance contracts, and Endowments, which is comprised of two portfolios and
whose shareholders are limited to certain nonprofit organizations.
3 Since the deferred compensation plan's adoption, the total amount of deferred
compensation accrued by the fund (plus earnings thereon) through the 2006
fiscal year for participating directors is as follows: H. Frederick Christie
($322,232), Martin Fenton, Jr. ($295,552), William D. Jones ($378), Mary Myers
Kauppila ($601,337), Bailey Morris-Eck ($287,762), Kirk P. Pendleton ($299,985)
and Olin C. Robison ($256,427). Amounts deferred and accumulated earnings
thereon are not funded and are general unsecured liabilities of the fund until
paid to the directors.
4 Mr. Jones was elected director on November 15, 2006.
5 Mr. Kling was elected director on March 15, 2006.

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

FUND ORGANIZATION AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS -- The fund, an open-end,
diversified management investment company, was organized as a Delaware
corporation on September 6, 1949 and reincorporated in Maryland on December 20,
1983. Although the board of directors has delegated day-to-day oversight to the
investment adviser, all fund operations are supervised by

American Mutual Fund -- Page 12
<PAGE>

the fund's board, which meets periodically and performs duties required by
applicable state and federal laws.

Under Maryland law, the business affairs of a fund are managed under the
direction of the board of directors, and all powers of the fund are exercised by
or under the authority of the board except as reserved to the shareholders by
law or the fund's charter or by-laws. Maryland law requires each director to
perform his/her duties as a director, including his/her duties as a member of
any board committee on which he/she serves, in good faith, in a manner he/she
reasonably believes to be in the best interest of the fund, and with the care
that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar
circumstances.

Members of the board who are not employed by the investment adviser or its
affiliates are paid certain fees for services rendered to the fund as described
above. They may elect to defer all or a portion of these fees through a deferred
compensation plan in effect for the fund.

The fund has several different classes of shares. Shares of each class represent
an interest in the same investment portfolio. Each class has pro rata rights as
to voting, redemption, dividends and liquidation, except that each class bears
different distribution expenses and may bear different transfer agent fees and
other expenses properly attributable to the particular class as approved by the
board of directors and set forth in the fund's rule 18f-3 Plan. Each class'
shareholders have exclusive voting rights with respect to the respective class'
rule 12b-1 plans adopted in connection with the distribution of shares and on
other matters in which the interests of one class are different from interests
in another class. Shares of all classes of the fund vote together on matters
that affect all classes in substantially the same manner. Each class votes as a
class on matters that affect that class alone. Note that CollegeAmerica(R)
account owners invested in Class 529 shares are not shareholders of the fund
and, accordingly, do not have the rights of a shareholder, such as the right to
vote proxies relating to fund shares. As the legal owner of the fund's Class 529
shares, the Virginia College Savings Plan/SM/ will vote any proxies relating to
such fund shares.

The fund does not hold annual meetings of shareholders. However, significant
matters that require shareholder approval, such as certain elections of board
members or a change in a fundamental investment policy, will be presented to
shareholders at a meeting called for such purpose. Shareholders have one vote
per share owned. At the request of the holders of at least 10% of the shares,
the fund will hold a meeting at which any member of the board could be removed
by a majority vote.

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

REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS BY SHAREHOLDERS -- At any meeting of shareholders, duly
called and at which a quorum is present, shareholders may, by the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast, remove any
director from office and may elect a successor or successors to fill any
resulting vacancies for the unexpired terms of removed directors. The fund has
agreed, at the request of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
to apply the provisions of section 16(c) of the 1940 Act with respect to the
removal of directors, as though the

American Mutual Fund -- Page 13
<PAGE>

fund were a common-law trust. Accordingly, the directors of the fund will
promptly call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the
removal of any directors when requested in writing to do so by the record
holders of at least 10% of the outstanding shares.

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS -- The fund has an audit committee
comprised of Martin Fenton, William D. Jones, William H. Kling, Bailey
Morris-Eck, Kirk P. Pendleton and Olin C. Robison, none of whom is an
"interested person" of the fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The
committee provides oversight regarding the fund's accounting and financial
reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and the internal
controls of the fund's principal service providers. The committee acts as a
liaison between the fund's independent registered public accounting firm and the
full board of directors. Three audit committee meetings were held during the
2006 fiscal year.

The fund has a contracts committee comprised of H. Frederick Christie, Mary Anne
Dolan, Martin Fenton, Mary Myers Kauppila, William D. Jones, William H. Kling,
Bailey Morris-Eck, Kirk P. Pendleton, Olin C. Robison and Steven B. Sample, none
of whom is an "interested person" of the fund within the meaning of the 1940
Act. The committee's principal function is to request, review and consider the
information deemed necessary to evaluate the terms of certain agreements between
the fund and its investment adviser or the investment adviser's affiliates, such
as the Investment Advisory and Service Agreement, Principal Underwriting
Agreement, Administrative Services Agreement and Plans of Distribution adopted
pursuant to rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, that the fund may enter into, renew
or continue, and to make its recommendations to the full board of directors on
these matters. One contracts committee meeting was held during the 2006 fiscal
year.

The fund has a nominating committee comprised of Mary Anne Dolan, Mary Myers
Kauppila and Steven B. Sample, none of whom is an "interested person" of the
fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The committee periodically reviews such
issues as the board's composition, responsibilities, committees, compensation
and other relevant issues, and recommends any appropriate changes to the full
board of directors. The committee also evaluates, selects and nominates
independent director candidates to the full board of directors. While the
committee normally is able to identify from its own and other resources an ample
number of qualified candidates, it will consider shareholder suggestions of
persons to be considered as nominees to fill future vacancies on the board. Such
suggestions must be sent in writing to the nominating committee of the fund,
addressed to the fund's secretary, and must be accompanied by complete
biographical and occupational data on the prospective nominee, along with a
written consent of the prospective nominee for consideration of his or her name
by the committee. Four nominating committee meetings were held during the 2006
fiscal year.

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

All U.S. proxies are voted. Non-U.S. proxies also are voted, provided there is
sufficient time and information available. After a proxy is received, the
investment adviser prepares a summary of

American Mutual Fund -- Page 14
<PAGE>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLANS -- Option plans are complicated, and many
factors are considered in evaluating a plan. Each plan is evaluated based
on protecting shareholder interests and a knowledge of the company and its
management. Considerations include the pricing (or repricing) of options
awarded under the plan and the impact of

American Mutual Fund -- Page 15
<PAGE>

dilution on existing shareholders from past and future equity awards.
Compensation packages should be structured to attract, motivate and retain
existing employees and qualified directors; however, they should not be
excessive.
ROUTINE MATTERS -- The ratification of auditors, procedural matters
relating to the annual meeting and changes to company name are examples of
items considered routine. Such items are generally voted in favor of
management's recommendations unless circumstances indicate otherwise.

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

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

Edward D. Jones & Co. Class A 25.28%
201 Progress Parkway Class B 13.25
Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. Class C 11.56
333 W. 34th Street
New York, NY 10001-2402
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLPF&S Class C 11.39
4800 Deer Lake Drive East, Floor 2 Class R-4 5.87
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. Class F 13.76
100 E. Pratt Street, Floor 7
Baltimore, MD 21202-1009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AST Trust Co. Class R-1 33.35
P.O. Box 52129
Phoenix, AX 85072-2129
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hartford Life Insurance Co. Class R-1 7.99
P.O. Box 2999 Class R-3 37.38
Hartford, CT 06104-2999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIG Federal Savings Bank Class R-3 5.23
2929 Allen Parkway, Suite L3-00
Houston, TX 77019-7104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Class R-4 8.17
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94104-4122
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prudential Retirement Class R-4 5.09
6601 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 200
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-1788
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Co. Class R-5 45.40
100 Magellan Way
Covington, KY 41015-1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wells Fargo Bank, NA Class R-5 8.38
P.O. Box 1533
Minneapolis, MN 55480-1533
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CGTC Class R-5 8.21
400 S. Hope Street, Floor 22
Los Angeles, CA 90071-2801
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

American Mutual Fund -- Page 16
<PAGE>

INVESTMENT ADVISER -- Capital Research and Management Company, the fund's
investment adviser, founded in 1931, maintains research facilities in the United
States and abroad (Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Washington, DC, London,
Geneva, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo). These facilities are staffed with
experienced investment professionals. The investment adviser is located at 333
South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 and 135 South State College Boulevard,
Brea, CA 92821. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies,
Inc., a holding company for several investment management subsidiaries. The
investment adviser manages equity assets for the American Funds through two
divisions. These divisions generally function separately from each other with
respect to investment research activities and they make investment decisions for
the funds on a separate basis.

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

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

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 17
<PAGE>

American Mutual Fund portfolio counselors are measured include: Lipper Growth
and Income Funds Index.

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

THE FOLLOWING TABLE REFLECTS INFORMATION AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2006:

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

James K. Dunton Over 2 $168.7 None None
$1,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J. Dale Harvey Over 4 $275.6 None None
$1,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joyce E. Gordon Over 2 $165.3 None None
$1,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James B. Lovelace $100,001 - 2 $165.3 1 $0.05 None
$500,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R. Michael $100,001 - 3 $268.2 None None
Shanahan $500,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 Ownership disclosure is made using the following ranges: None; $1 - $10,000;
$10,001 - $50,000; $50,001 - $100,000; $100,001 - $500,000; $500,001 -
$1,000,000; and Over $1,000,000. The amounts listed include shares owned
through The Capital Group Companies, Inc. retirement plan and 401(k) plan.
2 Indicates fund(s) where the portfolio counselor also has significant
responsibilities for the day to day management of the fund(s). Assets noted are
the total net assets of the registered investment companies and are not
indicative of the total assets managed by the individual, which is a
substantially lower amount. No fund has an advisory fee that is based on the
performance of the fund.
3 Represents funds advised or sub-advised by Capital Research and Management
Company and sold outside the United States and/ or fixed-income assets in
institutional accounts managed by investment adviser subsidiaries of Capital
Group International, Inc., an affiliate of Capital Research and Management
Company. Assets noted are the total net assets of the funds or accounts and are
not indicative of the total assets managed by the individual, which is a
substantially lower amount. No fund or account has an advisory fee that is
based on the performance of the fund or account.
4 Reflects other professionally managed accounts held at companies affiliated
with Capital Research and Management Company. Personal brokerage accounts of
portfolio counselors and their families are not reflected.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT -- The Investment Advisory and Service
Agreement (the "Agreement") between the fund and the investment adviser will
continue in effect until March 31, 2007, unless sooner terminated, and may be
renewed from year to year thereafter, provided that any such renewal has been
specifically approved at least annually by

American Mutual Fund -- Page 18
<PAGE>

(a) the board of directors, or by the vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940
Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the fund, and (b) the vote of a
majority of directors who are not parties to the Agreement or interested persons
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Agreement provides that
the investment adviser has no liability to the fund for its acts or omissions in
the performance of its obligations to the fund not involving willful misconduct,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations under the
Agreement. The Agreement also provides that either party has the right to
terminate it, without penalty, upon 60 days' written notice to the other party,
and that the Agreement automatically terminates in the event of its assignment
(as defined in the 1940 Act).

In addition to providing investment advisory services, the investment adviser
furnishes the services and pays the compensation and travel expenses of persons
to perform the fund's executive, administrative, clerical and bookkeeping
functions, and provides suitable office space, necessary small office equipment
and utilities, general purpose accounting forms, supplies and postage used at
the fund's offices. The fund pays all expenses not assumed by the investment
adviser, including, but not limited to: custodian, stock transfer and dividend
disbursing fees and expenses; shareholder recordkeeping and administrative
expenses; costs of the designing, printing and mailing of reports, prospectuses,
proxy statements and notices to its shareholders; taxes; expenses of the
issuance and redemption of fund shares (including stock certificates,
registration and qualification fees and expenses); expenses pursuant to the
fund's plans of distribution (described below); legal and auditing expenses;
compensation, fees and expenses paid to independent directors; association dues;
costs of stationery and forms prepared exclusively for the fund; and costs of
assembling and storing shareholder account data.

As compensation for its services, the investment adviser receives a monthly fee
that is based on prior month-end net assets, calculated at the following
annualized rates:

Net asset level

RATE IN EXCESS OF UP TO
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

0.384% $ 0 $ 1,000,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.330 1,000,000,000 2,000,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.294 2,000,000,000 3,000,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.270 3,000,000,000 5,000,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.252 5,000,000,000 8,000,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.240 8,000,000,000 13,000,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.230 13,000,000,000 21,000,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.225 21,000,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Under the Agreement, a different rate schedule would apply if it resulted in a
lower overall advisory fee. This could happen if the fund's net assets fell
below $3 billion. In addition, the Agreement provides that the investment
adviser shall pay the fund the amount by which total expenses of the fund's
Class A shares, with the exception of taxes and such expenses, if any, as may be
incurred in connection with any merger, reorganization, or recapitalization,
exceed the

American Mutual Fund -- Page 19
<PAGE>

sum of 1% of the first $25 million of the monthly average of total assets of the
fund for the year and 3/4 of 1% of such average in excess of $25 million.

Expenses which are not subject to these limitations are interest, taxes and
extraordinary expenses. Expenditures, including costs incurred in connection
with the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, which are capitalized in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to
investment companies, are accounted for as capital items and not as expenses. To
the extent the fund's management fee must be waived due to Class A share expense
ratios exceeding the expense limitations described above, management fees will
be reduced similarly for all classes of shares of the fund, or other Class A
fees will be waived in lieu of management fees.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the investment
adviser was entitled to receive from the fund management fees of $45,815,000,
$40,923,000 and $33,954,000, respectively. After giving effect to the management
fee waivers/expense reimbursements described below, the fund paid the investment
adviser management fees of $41,233,000 (a reduction of $4,582,000), $37,654,000
(a reduction of $3,269,000) and $33,649,000 (a reduction of $305,000) for the
fiscal years ended October 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

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

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT -- The Administrative Services Agreement (the
"Administrative Agreement") between the fund and the investment adviser relating
to the fund's Class C, F, R and 529 shares will continue in effect until March
31, 2007, unless sooner terminated, and may be renewed from year to year
thereafter, provided that any such renewal has been specifically approved at
least annually by the vote of a majority of directors who are not parties to the
Administrative Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of
any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
such approval. The fund may terminate the Administrative Agreement at any time
by vote of a majority of independent directors. The investment adviser has the
right to terminate the Administrative Agreement upon 60 days' written notice to
the fund. The Administrative Agreement automatically terminates in the event of
its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

Under the Administrative Agreement, the investment adviser provides certain
transfer agent and administrative services for shareholders of the fund's Class
C and F shares, and all Class R and 529 shares. The investment adviser contracts
with third parties, including American Funds Service Company, the fund's
Transfer Agent, to provide these services. Services include, but are not limited
to, shareholder account maintenance, transaction processing, tax information
reporting and shareholder and fund communications. In addition, the investment
adviser monitors, coordinates and oversees the activities performed by third
parties providing such services. For Class R-1 and R-2 shares, the investment
adviser has agreed to pay a portion of the fees payable under the Administrative
Agreement that would otherwise have been paid by the fund. For the year ended
October 31, 2006, the total fees paid by the investment adviser were $195,000.

American Mutual Fund -- Page 20
<PAGE>

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

During the 2006 fiscal year, administrative services fees, gross of any payments
made by the investment adviser, were:

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

CLASS C $1,053,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F 464,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-A 165,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B 43,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C 61,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E 9,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F 4,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1 26,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2 673,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3 371,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-4 82,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5 231,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER AND PLANS OF DISTRIBUTION -- American Funds Distributors,
Inc. (the "Principal Underwriter") is the principal underwriter of the fund's
shares. The Principal Underwriter is located at 333 South Hope Street, Los
Angeles, CA 90071; 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821; 15370
Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618; 3500 Wiseman Boulevard, San Antonio, TX
78251; 8332 Woodfield Crossing Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46240; and 5300 Robin
Hood Road, Norfolk, VA 23513.

The Principal Underwriter receives revenues from sales of the fund's shares. For
Class A and 529-A shares, the Principal Underwriter receives commission revenue
consisting of that portion of the Class A and 529-A sales charge remaining after
the allowances by the Principal Underwriter to investment dealers. For Class B
and 529-B shares, the Principal Underwriter sells the rights to the 12b-1 fees
paid by the fund for distribution expenses to a third party and receives the
revenue remaining after compensating investment dealers for sales of Class B and
529-B

American Mutual Fund -- Page 21
<PAGE>

shares. The fund also pays the Principal Underwriter for advancing the immediate
service fees paid to qualified dealers of Class B and 529-B shares. For Class C
and 529-C shares, the Principal Underwriter receives any contingent deferred
sales charges that apply during the first year after purchase. The fund pays the
Principal Underwriter for advancing the immediate service fees and commissions
paid to qualified dealers of Class C and 529-C shares. For Class 529-E shares,
the fund pays the Principal Underwriter for advancing the immediate service fees
and commissions paid to qualified dealers. For Class F and 529-F shares, the
fund pays the Principal Underwriter for advancing the immediate service fees
paid to qualified dealers and advisers who sell Class F and 529-F shares. For
Class R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 shares, the fund pays the Principal Underwriter for
advancing the immediate service fees paid to qualified dealers and advisers who
sell Class R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 shares.

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

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

CLASS A 2006 $7,002,000 $30,158,000
2005 9,354,000 40,772,000
2004 9,699,000 42,758,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B 2006 407,000 2,596,000
2005 596,000 3,975,000
2004 825,000 6,442,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C 2006 441,000 1,346,000
2005 243,000 2,029,000
2004 0 2,259,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-A 2006 241,000 1,103,000
2005 304,000 1,395,000
2004 265,000 1,265,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B 2006 27,000 169,000
2005 40,000 240,000
2004 63,000 363,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C 2006 16,000 123,000
2005 9,000 139,000
2004 0 154,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

American Mutual Fund -- Page 22
<PAGE>

The fund has adopted plans of distribution (the "Plans") pursuant to rule 12b-1
under the 1940 Act. The Principal Underwriter receives amounts payable pursuant
to the Plans (see below). As required by rule 12b-1 and the 1940 Act, the Plans
(together with the Principal Underwriting Agreement) have been approved by the
full board of directors and separately by a majority of the independent
directors of the fund who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
operation of the Plans or the Principal Underwriting Agreement. Potential
benefits of the Plans to the fund include quality shareholder services; savings
to the fund in transfer agency costs; and benefits to the investment process
from growth or stability of assets. The selection and nomination of independent
directors are committed to the discretion of the independent directors during
the existence of the Plans. The Plans may not be amended to increase materially
the amount spent for distribution without shareholder approval. Plan expenses
are reviewed quarterly and the Plans must be renewed annually by the board of
directors.

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

For Class A and 529-A shares: (a) up to 0.25% is reimbursed to the Principal
Underwriter for paying service-related expenses, including paying service fees
to qualified dealers, and (b) up to the amount allowable under the fund's Class
A and 529-A 12b-1 limit is reimbursed to the Principal Underwriter for paying
distribution-related expenses, including for Class A and 529-A shares dealer
commissions and wholesaler compensation paid on sales of shares of $1 million or
more purchased without a sales charge (including purchases by employer-sponsored
defined contribution-type retirement plans investing $1 million or more or with
100 or more eligible employees, and retirement plans, endowments and foundations
with $50 million or more in assets -- "no load purchases"). Commissions on no
load purchases of Class A and 529-A

American Mutual Fund -- Page 23
<PAGE>

shares in excess of the Class A and 529-A plan limitations not reimbursed to the
Principal Underwriter during the most recent fiscal quarter are recoverable for
five quarters, provided that such commissions do not exceed the annual expense
limit. After five quarters, these commissions are not recoverable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As of the end of the 2006 fiscal year, total 12b-1 expenses, and the portion of
the expenses that remained unpaid, were:

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

CLASS A $33,304,000 $ 4,797,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B 6,398,000 680,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C $7,256,000 $1,104,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS F 1,136,000 182,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-A 340,000 60,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-B 358,000 39,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-C 546,000 86,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-E 49,000 8,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 529-F -- --
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1 139,000 25,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2 864,000 155,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3 1,007,000 173,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-4 129,000 21,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

American Mutual Fund -- Page 24
<PAGE>

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

A. G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.
AIG Advisors Group:
Advantage Capital
AIG Financial Advisors
FSC
Royal Alliance
American General Securities Inc.
Ameritas Investment Corp.
AXA Advisors, LLC
Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc.
Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.
Capital Analysts, Inc.
Commonwealth Financial Network
Cuna Brokerage Services, Inc.
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
Edward Jones
Ferris, Baker Watts, Inc.
Genworth Financial Securities Corp.
Hefren-Tillotson, Inc.
Hornor, Townsend & Kent, Inc.
ING Advisors Network Inc.:
Bancnorth Investment Group
Financial Network
ING Financial Advisors
ING Financial Partners

American Mutual Fund -- Page 25
<PAGE>

Multi - Financial
Primevest
InterSecurities, Inc./Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc.
Investacorp, Inc.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
Jefferson Pilot Securities Corporation
JJB Hilliard, WL Lyons, Inc./PNC Bank
Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc.
Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation
McDonald Investments Inc./Society National Bank
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
Metlife Enterprises
MML Investors Services, Inc.
Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.
Morgan Stanley DW
NatCity Investment, Inc.
National Planning Holdings Inc.:
Invest
Investment Centers of America
National Planning Corp
SII Investments
NFP Securities, Inc.
Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC.
Pacific Select Group, LLC:
Associated Securities
Contemporary Financial
Mutual Service Corporation
United Planners
Waterstone
Park Avenue Securities LLC
Piper Jaffray & Co.
Princor Financial Services
ProEquities, Inc.
Raymond James Financial Services/Raymond James & Associates
RBC Dain Rauscher Inc.
Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.
Securian Financial Services/C.R.I. Securities Inc.
Securities Service Network Inc.
Signator Investors, Inc.
Smith Barney
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.
The O.N. Equity Sales Company
UBS Financial Services Inc.
US Bancorp Investments, Inc.
Wachovia Securities

EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

As described in the prospectus, the investment adviser places orders with
broker-dealers for the fund's portfolio transactions. Portfolio transactions for
the fund may be executed as part of

American Mutual Fund -- Page 26
<PAGE>

concurrent authorizations to purchase or sell the same security for other funds
served by the investment adviser, or for trusts or other accounts served by
affiliated companies of the investment adviser. When such concurrent
authorizations occur, the objective is to allocate the executions in an
equitable manner.

Brokerage commissions paid on portfolio transactions, including investment
dealer concessions on underwritings, if applicable, for the fiscal years ended
October 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 amounted to $5,299,000, $5,738,000 and
$5,193,000, respectively. With respect to fixed-income securities, brokerage
commissions include explicit investment dealer concessions and may exclude other
transaction costs which may be reflected in the spread between the bid and asked
price. The volume of trading activity decreased during the past year, resulting
in a decrease in brokerage commissions paid on portfolio transactions.

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

At the end of the fund's most recent fiscal year, the fund's regular
broker-dealers included J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Wachovia Securities LLC and
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. As of the fund's most recent fiscal year-end, the
fund held equity securities of Citigroup Inc. in the amount of $416,830,000,
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. in the amount of $215,662,000 and Wachovia Corp. in the
amount of $55,500,000.

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

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

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 27
<PAGE>

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

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

PRICE OF SHARES
Shares are purchased at the offering price or sold at the net asset value price
next determined after the purchase or sell order is received and accepted by the
fund or the Transfer Agent; the offering or net asset value price is effective
for orders received prior to the time of determination of the net asset value
and, in the case of orders placed with dealers or their authorized designees,
accepted by the Principal Underwriter, the Transfer Agent, a dealer or any of
their designees. In the case of orders sent directly to the fund or the Transfer
Agent, an investment dealer should be indicated. The dealer is responsible for
promptly transmitting purchase and sell orders to the Principal Underwriter.

Orders received by the investment dealer or authorized designee, the Transfer
Agent or the fund after the time of the determination of the net asset value
will be entered at the next calculated offering price. Note that investment
dealers or other intermediaries may have their own rules about share
transactions and may have earlier cut-off times than those of the fund. For more
information about how to purchase through your intermediary, contact your
intermediary directly.

Prices that appear in the newspaper do not always indicate prices at which you
will be purchasing and redeeming shares of the fund, since such prices generally
reflect the previous day's closing price, while purchases and redemptions are
made at the next calculated price. The price you pay for shares, the offering
price, is based on the net asset value per share, which is

American Mutual Fund -- Page 28
<PAGE>

calculated once daily as of approximately 4:00 p.m. New York time, which is the
normal close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, each day the Exchange is
open. If, for example, the Exchange closes at 1:00 p.m., the fund's share price
would still be determined as of 4:00 p.m. New York time. The New York Stock
Exchange is currently closed on weekends and on the following holidays: New
Year's Day; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Presidents' Day; Good Friday; Memorial
Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving; and Christmas Day. Each share
class of the fund has a separately calculated net asset value (and share price).

All portfolio securities of funds managed by Capital Research and Management
Company (other than money market funds) are valued, and the net asset values per
share for each share class are determined, as indicated below. The fund follows
standard industry practice by typically reflecting changes in its holdings of
portfolio securities on the first business day following a portfolio trade.

1. Equity securities, including depositary receipts, are valued at the
official closing price of, or the last reported sale price on, the exchange or
market on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the
day the securities are being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available
bid price. Prices for each security are taken from the principal exchange or
market in which the security trades. Fixed-income securities are valued at
prices obtained from an independent pricing service, when such prices are
available; however, in circumstances where the investment adviser deems it
appropriate to do so, such securities will be valued at the mean quoted bid and
asked prices (or bid prices, if asked prices are not available) or at prices for
securities of comparable maturity, quality and type. The pricing services base
bond prices on, among other things, an evaluation of the yield curve as of
approximately 3:00 p.m. New York time. The fund's investment adviser performs
certain checks on these prices prior to calculation of the fund's net asset
value.

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

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

Assets or liabilities initially expressed in terms of non-U.S. currencies are
translated prior to the next determination of the net asset value of the fund's
shares into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates.

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 29
<PAGE>

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

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

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

TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS

FUND TAXATION -- The fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment
company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). A
regulated investment company qualifying under Subchapter M of the Code is
required to distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its investment
company taxable income (including the excess of net short-term capital gain over
net long-term capital losses) and generally is not subject to federal income tax
to the extent that it distributes annually 100% of its investment company
taxable income and net realized capital gains in the manner required under the
Code. The fund intends to distribute annually all of its investment company
taxable income and net realized capital gains and therefore does not expect to
pay federal income tax, although in certain circumstances, the fund may
determine that it is in the interest of shareholders to distribute less than
that amount.

To be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code,
the fund must also (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends,
interest, payments with respect to securities loans, net income from certain
publicly traded partnerships and gains from the sale or other disposition of
securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited
to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to
the business of investing in such securities or currencies, and (b) diversify
its holdings so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the
market value of the fund's assets is represented by cash, U.S. government
securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, and other
securities (for purposes of this calculation, generally limited in respect of
any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the market value of the
fund's assets and 10% of the

American Mutual Fund -- Page 30
<PAGE>

outstanding voting securities of such issuer) and (ii) not more than 25% of the
value of its assets is invested in the securities of (other than U.S. government
securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) any one
issuer; two or more issuers which the fund controls and which are determined to
be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses; or the securities of
certain publicly traded partnerships.

Under the Code, a nondeductible excise tax of 4% is imposed on the excess of a
regulated investment company's "required distribution" for the calendar year
ending within the regulated investment company's taxable year over the
"distributed amount" for such calendar year. The term "required distribution"
means the sum of (a) 98% of ordinary income (generally net investment income)
for the calendar year, (b) 98% of capital gain (both long-term and short-term)
for the one-year period ending on October 31 (as though the one-year period
ending on October 31 were the regulated investment company's taxable year) and
(c) the sum of any untaxed, undistributed net investment income and net capital
gains of the regulated investment company for prior periods. The term
"distributed amount" generally means the sum of (a) amounts actually distributed
by the fund from its current year's ordinary income and capital gain net income
and (b) any amount on which the fund pays income tax during the periods
described above. Although the fund intends to distribute its net investment
income and net capital gains so as to avoid excise tax liability, the fund may
determine that it is in the interest of shareholders to distribute a lesser
amount.

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

DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS -- Dividends and capital gain
distributions on fund shares will be reinvested in shares of the fund of the
same class, unless shareholders indicate in writing that they wish to receive
them in cash or in shares of the same class of other American Funds, as provided
in the prospectus. Dividends and capital gain distributions by 529 share classes
will be automatically reinvested.

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

DIVIDENDS -- The fund intends to follow the practice of distributing
substantially all of its investment company taxable income. Investment
company taxable income generally includes dividends, interest, net
short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, and
certain foreign currency gains, if any, less expenses and certain foreign
currency losses. To the extent the fund invests in stock of domestic and
certain foreign corporations and meets the applicable holding period
requirement, it may receive "qualified dividends". The fund will designate
the amount of "qualified dividends" to its shareholders in a notice sent
within 60 days of the close of its fiscal year and will report "qualified
dividends" to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange
rates that occur between the time the fund accrues receivables or
liabilities denominated in a foreign

American Mutual Fund -- Page 31
<PAGE>

currency and the time the fund actually collects such receivables, or pays
such liabilities, generally are treated as ordinary income or ordinary
loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign
currency and on disposition of certain futures contracts, forward contracts
and options, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of
foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or
contract and the date of disposition are also treated as ordinary gain or
loss. These gains or losses, referred to under the Code as Section 988
gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of the fund's
investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as
ordinary income.

If the fund invests in stock of certain passive foreign investment
companies, the fund may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a
portion of any "excess distribution" with respect to, or gain from the
disposition of, such stock. The tax would be determined by allocating such
distribution or gain ratably to each day of the fund's holding period for
the stock. The distribution or gain so allocated to any taxable year of the
fund, other than the taxable year of the excess distribution or
disposition, would be taxed to the fund at the highest ordinary income rate
in effect for such year, and the tax would be further increased by an
interest charge to reflect the value of the tax deferral deemed to have
resulted from the ownership of the foreign company's stock. Any amount of
distribution or gain allocated to the taxable year of the distribution or
disposition would be included in the fund's investment company taxable
income and, accordingly, would not be taxable to the fund to the extent
distributed by the fund as a dividend to its shareholders.

To avoid such tax and interest, the fund intends to elect to treat these
securities as sold on the last day of its fiscal year and recognize any
gains for tax purposes at that time. Under this election, deductions for
losses are allowable only to the extent of any prior recognized gains, and
both gains and losses will be treated as ordinary income or loss. The fund
will be required to distribute any resulting income, even though it has not
sold the security and received cash to pay such distributions. Upon
disposition of these securities, any gain recognized is treated as ordinary
income and loss is treated as ordinary loss to the extent of any prior
recognized gain.

Dividends from domestic corporations are expected to comprise some portion
of the fund's gross income. To the extent that such dividends constitute
any of the fund's gross income, a portion of the income distributions of
the fund may be eligible for the deduction for dividends received by
corporations. Corporate shareholders will be informed of the portion of
dividends that so qualifies. The dividends-received deduction is reduced to
the extent that either the fund shares, or the underlying shares of stock
held by the fund, with respect to which dividends are received, are treated
as debt-financed under federal income tax law, and is eliminated if the
shares are deemed to have been held by the shareholder or the fund, as the
case may be, for less than 46 days during the 90-day period beginning on
the date that is 45 days before the date on which the shares become
ex-dividend. Capital gain distributions are not eligible for the
dividends-received deduction.

A portion of the difference between the issue price of zero coupon
securities and their face value (original issue discount) is considered to
be income to the fund each year, even though the fund will not receive cash
interest payments from these securities. This original issue discount
(imputed income) will comprise a part of the investment company taxable
income of the fund that must be distributed to shareholders in order to
maintain

American Mutual Fund -- Page 32
<PAGE>

the qualification of the fund as a regulated investment company and to
avoid federal income taxation at the level of the fund.

The price of a bond purchased after its original issuance may reflect
market discount which, depending on the particular circumstances, may
affect the tax character and amount of income required to be recognized by
a fund holding the bond. In determining whether a bond is purchased with
market discount, certain de minimis rules apply.

Dividend and interest income received by the fund from sources outside the
United States may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such
foreign jurisdictions. Tax conventions between certain countries and the
United States, however, may reduce or eliminate these foreign taxes. Some
foreign countries impose taxes on capital gains with respect to investments
by foreign investors.

CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS -- The fund also intends to follow the practice
of distributing the entire excess of net realized long-term capital gains
over net realized short-term capital losses. Net capital gains for a fiscal
year are computed by taking into account any capital loss carry forward of
the fund.
If any net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital
losses are retained by the fund for reinvestment, requiring federal income
taxes to be paid thereon by the fund, the fund intends to elect to treat
such capital gains as having been distributed to shareholders. As a result,
each shareholder will report such capital gains as long-term capital gains
taxable to individual shareholders at a maximum 15% capital gains rate,
will be able to claim a pro rata share of federal income taxes paid by the
fund on such gains as a credit against personal federal income tax
liability, and will be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis on fund
shares by the difference between a pro rata share of the retained gains and
such shareholder's related tax credit.

SHAREHOLDER TAXATION -- In January of each year, individual shareholders holding
fund shares in taxable accounts will receive a statement of the federal income
tax status of all distributions. Shareholders of the fund also may be subject to
state and local taxes on distributions received from the fund.

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

CAPITAL GAINS -- Distributions of the excess of net long-term capital gains
over net short-term capital losses that the fund properly designates as
"capital gain dividends" generally will be taxable as long-term capital
gain. Regardless of the length of time the shares of the fund have been
held by a shareholder, a capital gain distribution by the fund is subject
to a maximum tax rate of 15%. Any loss realized upon the redemption of
shares held at the time of redemption for six months or less from the date
of their purchase will be

American Mutual Fund -- Page 33
<PAGE>

treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as
distributions of long-term capital gains during such six-month period.

Distributions by the fund result in a reduction in the net asset value of the
fund's shares. Investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares
just prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at that time
includes the amount of the forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing just prior
to a distribution will subsequently receive a partial return of their investment
capital upon payment of the distribution, which will be taxable to them.

Redemptions of shares, including exchanges for shares of other American Funds,
may result in federal, state and local tax consequences (gain or loss) to the
shareholder. However, conversion from one class to another class in the same
fund should not be a taxable event.

If a shareholder exchanges or otherwise disposes of shares of the fund within 90
days of having acquired such shares, and if, as a result of having acquired
those shares, the shareholder subsequently pays a reduced sales charge for
shares of the fund, or of a different fund, the sales charge previously incurred
in acquiring the fund's shares will not be taken into account (to the extent
such previous sales charges do not exceed the reduction in sales charges) for
the purposes of determining the amount of gain or loss on the exchange, but will
be treated as having been incurred in the acquisition of such other fund(s).

Any loss realized on a redemption or exchange of shares of the fund will be
disallowed to the extent substantially identical shares are reacquired within
the 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares
are disposed of. Any loss disallowed under this rule will be added to the
shareholder's tax basis in the new shares purchased.

The fund will be required to report to the IRS all distributions of investment
company taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the
redemption or exchange of fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt
shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the
Code, distributions of investment company taxable income and capital gains and
proceeds from the redemption or exchange of a regulated investment company may
be subject to backup withholding of federal income tax in the case of non-exempt
U.S. shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their taxpayer
identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their status
under the federal income tax law. Withholding may also be required if the fund
is notified by the IRS or a broker that the taxpayer identification number
furnished by the shareholder is incorrect or that the shareholder has previously
failed to report interest or dividend income. If the withholding provisions are
applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or
reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be
withheld.

The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely to the
application of that law to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and
U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates). Each shareholder who is
not a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of
ownership of shares of the fund, including the possibility that such a
shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or a
lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on dividend income received by
the shareholder.

Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of federal,
state and local tax law in light of their particular situation.

American Mutual Fund -- Page 34
<PAGE>

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

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

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

BY MAIL -- for initial investments, you may mail a check, made payable to
the fund, directly to the address indicated on the account application.
Please indicate an investment dealer on the account application. You may
make additional investments by filling out the "Account Additions" form at
the bottom of a recent account statement and mailing the form, along with a
check made payable to the fund, using the envelope provided with your
account statement.
The amount of time it takes for us to receive regular U.S. postal mail may
vary and there is no assurance that we will receive such mail on the day
you expect. Mailing addresses for regular U.S. postal mail can be found in
the prospectus. To send investments or correspondence to us via overnight
mail or courier service, use any of the following addresses:

American Funds
8332 Woodfield Crossing Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN 46240-2482

American Funds
3500 Wiseman Blvd.
San Antonio, TX 78251-4321

American Funds
5300 Robin Hood Rd.
Norfolk, VA 23513-2407

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

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 35
<PAGE>

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

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

Your bank should include the following information when wiring funds:

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

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

You may contact American Funds Service Company at 800/421-0180 if you have
questions about making wire transfers.
The Principal Underwriter will not knowingly sell shares of the fund directly or
indirectly to any person or entity, where, after the sale, such person or entity
would own beneficially directly or indirectly more than 3.0% of the outstanding
shares of the fund without the consent of a majority of the fund's board.

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

PURCHASE MINIMUMS AND MAXIMUMS -- All investments are subject to the purchase
minimums and maximums described in the prospectus. As noted in the prospectus,
purchase minimums may be waived or reduced in certain cases.

In the case of American Funds non-tax-exempt funds, the initial purchase minimum
of $25 may be waived for the following account types:

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

. Employer-sponsored CollegeAmerica accounts.

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

. Retirement accounts that are funded with employer contributions; and

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 36
<PAGE>

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

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

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

Certain accounts held on the fund's books, known as omnibus accounts, contain
multiple underlying accounts that are invested in shares of the fund. These
underlying accounts are maintained by entities such as financial intermediaries
and are subject to the applicable initial purchase minimums as described in the
prospectus and statement of additional information. However, in the case where
the entity maintaining these accounts aggregates the accounts' purchase orders
for fund shares, such accounts are not required to meet the minimum amount for
subsequent purchases.

EXCHANGES -- You may only exchange shares into other American Funds within the
same share class. However, exchanges from Class A shares of The Cash Management
Trust of America may be made to Class B or C shares of other American Funds for
dollar cost averaging purposes. Exchanges from Class A shares of The Cash
Management Trust of America to Class B or C shares of Intermediate Bond Fund of
America, Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America and Short-Term Bond Fund
of America are not permitted. Exchange purchases are subject to the minimum
investment requirements of the fund purchased and no sales charge generally
applies. However, exchanges of shares from American Funds money market funds are
subject to applicable sales charges on the fund being purchased, unless the
money market fund shares were acquired by an exchange from a fund having a sales
charge, or by reinvestment or cross-reinvestment of dividends or capital gain
distributions. Exchanges of Class F shares generally may only be made through
fee-based programs of investment firms that have special agreements with the
fund's distributor and certain registered investment advisers.

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

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

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 37
<PAGE>

redemptions. Systematic purchases include, for example, regular periodic
automatic purchases and automatic reinvestments of dividends and capital gain
distributions.

OTHER POTENTIALLY ABUSIVE ACTIVITY -- In addition to implementing purchase
blocks, American Funds Service Company will monitor for other types of activity
that could potentially be harmful to the American Funds - for example,
short-term trading activity in multiple funds. When identified, American Funds
Service Company will request that the shareholder discontinue the activity. If
the activity continues, American Funds Service Company will freeze the
shareholder account to prevent all activity other than redemptions of fund
shares.

MOVING BETWEEN SHARE CLASSES

AUTOMATIC CONVERSIONS -- As described more fully in the prospectus, Class
B, 529-B and C shares automatically convert to Class A, 529-A and F shares,
respectively, after a certain period from the purchase date.

MOVING FROM CLASS B TO CLASS A SHARES -- Under the right of reinvestment
policy as described in the prospectus, if you redeem Class B shares during
the contingent deferred sales charge period, you may reinvest the proceeds
in Class A shares without paying a Class A sales charge if you notify
American Funds Service Company and the reinvestment occurs within 90 days
after the date of redemption. If you redeem your Class B shares after the
contingent deferred sales charge period, you may either reinvest the
proceeds in Class B shares or purchase Class A shares. If you purchase
Class A shares, you are responsible for paying any applicable Class A sales
charges.

MOVING FROM CLASS C TO CLASS A SHARES -- If you redeem Class C shares and
with the redemption proceeds purchase Class A shares, you are still
responsible for paying any Class C contingent deferred sales charges and
applicable Class A sales charges.

MOVING FROM CLASS F TO CLASS A SHARES -- You can redeem Class F shares held
in a qualified fee-based program and with the redemption proceeds purchase
Class A shares without paying an initial Class A sales charge if all of the
following are met: (a) you are leaving or have left the fee-based program,
(b) you have held the Class F shares in the program for at least one year,
and (c) you notify American Funds Service Company and purchase the Class A
shares within 90 days after redeeming the Class F shares.

MOVING FROM CLASS A TO CLASS F SHARES -- If you are part of a qualified
fee-based program and you wish to redeem your Class A shares and with the
redemption proceeds purchase Class F shares for the program, any Class A
sales charges (including contingent deferred sales charges) that you paid
or are payable will not be credited back to your account.

SALES CHARGES

CLASS A PURCHASES

PURCHASES BY CERTAIN 403(B) PLANS

Individual 403(b) plans may be treated similarly to employer-sponsored
plans for Class A sales charge purposes (i.e., individual participant
accounts are eligible to be aggregated

American Mutual Fund -- Page 38
<PAGE>

together) if: (a) the American Funds are principal investment options; (b)
the employer facilitates the enrollment process by, for example, allowing
for onsite group enrollment meetings held during working hours; and (c)
there is only one dealer firm assigned to the plans.

OTHER PURCHASES

Pursuant to a determination of eligibility by a vice president or more
senior officer of the Capital Research and Management Company Fund
Administration Unit, or by his or her designee, Class A shares of the
American Funds stock, stock/bond and bond funds may be sold at net asset
value to:

(1) current or retired directors, trustees, officers and advisory board
members of, and certain lawyers who provide services to, the funds
managed by Capital Research and Management Company, current or retired
employees of Washington Management Corporation, current or retired
employees and partners of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. and its
affiliated companies, certain family members and employees of the
above persons, and trusts or plans primarily for such persons;

(2) currently registered representatives and assistants directly employed
by such representatives, retired registered representatives with
respect to accounts established while active, or full-time employees
(collectively, "Eligible Persons") (and their (a) spouses or
equivalents if recognized under local law, (b) parents and children,
including parents and children in step and adoptive relationships,
sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, and (c) parents-in-law, if the
Eligible Persons or the spouses, children or parents of the Eligible
Persons are listed in the account registration with the
parents-in-law) of dealers who have sales agreements with the
Principal Underwriter (or who clear transactions through such
dealers), plans for the dealers, and plans that include as
participants only the Eligible Persons, their spouses, parents and/or
children;

(3) currently registered investment advisers ("RIAs") and assistants
directly employed by such RIAs, retired RIAs with respect to accounts
established while active, or full-time employees (collectively,
"Eligible Persons") (and their (a) spouses or equivalents if
recognized under local law, (b) parents and children, including
parents and children in step and adoptive relationships, sons-in-law
and daughters-in-law and (c) parents-in-law, if the Eligible Persons
or the spouses, children or parents of the Eligible Persons are listed
in the account registration with the parents-in-law) of RIA firms that
are authorized to sell shares of the funds, plans for the RIA firms,
and plans that include as participants only the Eligible Persons,
their spouses, parents and/or children;

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

(5) insurance company separate accounts;

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

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 39
<PAGE>

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

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

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

Shares are offered at net asset value to these persons and organizations
due to anticipated economies in sales effort and expense. Once an account
is established under this net asset value privilege, additional investments
can be made at net asset value for the life of the account.
TRANSFERS TO COLLEGEAMERICA -- A transfer from the Virginia Prepaid
Education Program/SM/ or the Virginia Education Savings Trust/SM/ to a
CollegeAmerica account will be made with no sales charge. No commission
will be paid to the dealer on such a transfer.

DEALER COMMISSIONS AND COMPENSATION -- Commissions (up to 1.00%) are paid to
dealers who initiate and are responsible for certain Class A share purchases not
subject to sales charges. These purchases consist of purchases of $1 million or
more, purchases by employer-sponsored defined contribution-type retirement plans
investing $1 million or more or with 100 or more eligible employees, and
purchases made at net asset value by certain retirement plans, endowments and
foundations with assets of $50 million or more. Commissions on such investments
(other than IRA rollover assets that roll over at no sales charge under the
fund's IRA rollover policy as described in the prospectus) are paid to dealers
at the following rates: 1.00% on amounts to $4 million, 0.50% on amounts over $4
million to $10 million and 0.25% on amounts over $10 million. Commissions are
based on cumulative investments and are not annually reset.

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

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS

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

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 40
<PAGE>

The market value of your existing holdings eligible to be aggregated (see
below) as of the day immediately before the start of the Statement period
may be credited toward satisfying the Statement.

The Statement may be revised upward at any time during the Statement
period, and such a revision will be treated as a new Statement, except that
the Statement period during which the purchases must be made will remain
unchanged. Purchases made from the date of revision will receive the
reduced sales charge, if any, resulting from the revised Statement.

The Statement will be considered completed if the shareholder dies within
the 13-month Statement period. Commissions to dealers will not be adjusted
or paid on the difference between the Statement amount and the amount
actually invested before the shareholder's death.

When a shareholder elects to use a Statement, shares equal to 5% of the
dollar amount specified in the Statement may be held in escrow in the
shareholder's account out of the initial purchase (or subsequent purchases,
if necessary) by the Transfer Agent. All dividends and any capital gain
distributions on shares held in escrow will be credited to the
shareholder's account in shares (or paid in cash, if requested). If the
intended investment is not completed within the specified Statement period,
the purchaser may be required to remit to the Principal Underwriter the
difference between the sales charge actually paid and the sales charge
which would have been paid if the total of such purchases had been made at
a single time. Any dealers assigned to the shareholder's account at the
time a purchase was made during the Statement period will receive a
corresponding commission adjustment if appropriate. If the difference is
not paid by the close of the Statement period, the appropriate number of
shares held in escrow will be redeemed to pay such difference. If the
proceeds from this redemption are inadequate, the purchaser may be liable
to the Principal Underwriter for the balance still outstanding.

Certain payroll deduction retirement plans purchasing Class A shares under
a Statement on or before November 12, 2006, may continue to purchase Class
A shares at the sales charge determined by that particular Statement until
the plans' values reach the amounts specified in their Statements. Upon
reaching such amounts, the Statements for these plans will be deemed
completed and will terminate at that time. After such termination, these
plans are eligible for additional sales charge reductions by meeting the
criteria under the fund's rights of accumulation policy.

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

AGGREGATION -- Qualifying investments for aggregation include those made by
you and your "immediate family" as defined in the prospectus, if all
parties are purchasing shares for their own accounts and/or:
. individual-type employee benefit plans, such as an IRA, individual
403(b) plan (see exception in "Purchases by certain 403(b) plans"
under "Sales charges") or single-participant Keogh-type plan;

. business accounts solely controlled by you or your immediate family
(for example, you own the entire business);

American Mutual Fund -- Page 41
<PAGE>

. trust accounts established by you or your immediate family (for trusts
with only one primary beneficiary, upon the trustor's death the trust
account may be aggregated with such beneficiary's own accounts; for
trusts with multiple primary beneficiaries, upon the trustor's death
the trustees of the trust may instruct American Funds Service Company
to establish separate trust accounts for each primary beneficiary;
each primary beneficiary's separate trust account may then be
aggregated with such beneficiary's own accounts);

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

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

Individual purchases by a trustee(s) or other fiduciary(ies) may also be
aggregated if the investments are:

. for a single trust estate or fiduciary account, including employee
benefit plans other than the individual-type employee benefit plans
described above;

. made for two or more employee benefit plans of a single employer or of
affiliated employers as defined in the 1940 Act, excluding the
individual-type employee benefit plans described above;

. for a diversified common trust fund or other diversified pooled
account not specifically formed for the purpose of accumulating fund
shares;

. for nonprofit, charitable or educational organizations, or any
endowments or foundations established and controlled by such
organizations, or any employer-sponsored retirement plans established
for the benefit of the employees of such organizations, their
endowments, or their foundations; or
. for individually established participant accounts of a 403(b) plan
that is treated similarly to an employer-sponsored plan for sales
charge purposes (see "Purchases by certain 403(b) plans" under "Sales
charges" above), or made for two or more such 403(b) plans that are
treated similarly to employer-sponsored plans for sales charge
purposes, in each case of a single employer or affiliated employers as
defined in the 1940 Act.

Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts (securities held in the
name of an investment dealer or another nominee such as a bank trust
department instead of the customer) may not be aggregated with those made
for other accounts and may not be aggregated with other nominee or street
name accounts unless otherwise qualified as described above.

CONCURRENT PURCHASES -- As described in the prospectus, you may reduce your
Class A sales charge by combining purchases of all classes of shares in the
American Funds, as well as individual holdings in Endowments, American
Legacy variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.
Shares of money market funds purchased through an exchange, reinvestment or
cross-reinvestment from a fund having a sales charge also qualify. However,
direct purchases of American Funds money market funds are excluded.

American Mutual Fund -- Page 42
<PAGE>

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

The value of all of your holdings in accounts established in calendar year
2005 or earlier will be assigned an initial cost value equal to the market
value of those holdings as of the last business day of 2005. Thereafter,
the cost value of such accounts will increase or decrease according to
actual investments or withdrawals. You must contact your financial adviser
or American Funds Service Company if you have additional information that
is relevant to the calculation of the value of your holdings.
When determining your American Funds Class A sales charge, if your
investment is not in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you may also
take into account the market value (as of the end of the week prior to your
American Funds investment) of your individual holdings in various American
Legacy variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. An
employer-sponsored retirement plan may also take into account the market
value of its investments in American Legacy Retirement Investment Plans.
Direct purchases of American Funds money market funds are excluded. If you
make a gift of American Funds Class A shares, upon your request, you may
purchase the shares at the sales charge discount allowed under rights of
accumulation of all of your American Funds and American Legacy accounts.

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

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

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

. Redemptions through a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) (see "Automatic
withdrawals" under "Shareholder account services and privileges"
below). For

American Mutual Fund -- Page 43
<PAGE>

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

For purposes of this paragraph, "account" means:

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

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

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

SELLING SHARES
The methods for selling (redeeming) shares are described more fully in the
prospectus. If you wish to sell your shares by contacting American Funds Service
Company directly, any such request must be signed by the registered
shareholders. To contact American Funds Service Company via overnight mail or
courier service, see "Purchase and exchange of shares."

A signature guarantee may be required for certain redemptions. In such an event,
your signature may be guaranteed by a domestic stock exchange or the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., bank, savings association or credit
union that is an eligible guarantor institution. The Transfer Agent reserves the
right to require a signature guarantee on any redemptions.

Additional documentation may be required for sales of shares held in corporate,
partnership or fiduciary accounts. You must include with your written request
any shares you wish to sell that are in certificate form.

American Mutual Fund -- Page 44
<PAGE>

If you sell Class A, B or C shares and request a specific dollar amount to be
sold, we will sell sufficient shares so that the sale proceeds, after deducting
any applicable CDSC, equals the dollar amount requested.

Redemption proceeds will not be mailed until sufficient time has passed to
provide reasonable assurance that checks or drafts (including certified or
cashier's checks) for shares purchased have cleared (which may take up to 10
business days from the purchase date). Except for delays relating to clearance
of checks for share purchases or in extraordinary circumstances (and as
permissible under the 1940 Act), sale proceeds will be paid on or before the
seventh day following receipt and acceptance of an order. Interest will not
accrue or be paid on amounts that represent uncashed distribution or redemption
checks.

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

SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT SERVICES AND PRIVILEGES

The following services and privileges are generally available to all
shareholders. However, certain services and privileges may not be available for
Class 529 shareholders or if your account is held with an investment dealer or
through an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN -- An automatic investment plan enables you to make
monthly or quarterly investments in the American Funds through automatic debits
from your bank account. To set up a plan, you must fill out an account
application and specify the amount that you would like to invest ($50 minimum
per fund; $25 minimum per fund in the case of employer-sponsored 529 accounts)
and the date on which you would like your investments to occur. The plan will
begin within 30 days after your account application is received. Your bank
account will be debited on the day or a few days before your investment is made,
depending on the bank's capabilities. The Transfer Agent will then invest your
money into the fund you specified on or around the date you specified. If the
date you specified falls on a weekend or holiday, your money will be invested on
the following business day. However, if the following business day falls in the
next month, your money will be invested on the business day immediately
preceding the weekend or holiday. If your bank account cannot be debited due to
insufficient funds, a stop-payment or the closing of the account, the plan may
be terminated and the related investment reversed. You may change the amount of
the investment or discontinue the plan at any time by contacting the Transfer
Agent.

AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT -- Dividends and capital gain distributions are
reinvested in additional shares of the same class and fund at net asset value
unless you indicate otherwise on the account application. You also may elect to
have dividends and/or capital gain distributions paid in cash by informing the
fund, the Transfer Agent or your investment dealer. Dividends and capital gain
distributions paid to retirement plan shareholders or shareholders of the 529
share classes will be automatically reinvested.

If you have elected to receive dividends and/or capital gain distributions in
cash, and the postal or other delivery service is unable to deliver checks to
your address of record, or you do not respond to mailings from American Funds
Service Company with regard to uncashed distribution checks, your distribution
option will automatically be converted to having all dividends and other
distributions reinvested in additional shares.

American Mutual Fund -- Page 45
<PAGE>

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

(1) the aggregate value of your account(s) in the fund(s) paying distributions
equals or exceeds $5,000 (this is waived if the value of the account in the fund
receiving the distributions equals or exceeds that fund's minimum initial
investment requirement);

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

(3) if you discontinue the cross-reinvestment of distributions, the value of
the account of the fund receiving distributions must equal or exceed the minimum
initial investment requirement. If you do not meet this requirement within 90
days of notification, the fund has the right to automatically redeem the
account.

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

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

Withdrawal payments are not to be considered as dividends, yield or income.
Automatic investments may not be made into a shareholder account from which
there are automatic withdrawals. Withdrawals of amounts exceeding reinvested
dividends and distributions and increases in share value would reduce the
aggregate value of the shareholder's account. The Transfer Agent arranges for
the redemption by the fund of sufficient shares, deposited by the shareholder
with the Transfer Agent, to provide the withdrawal payment specified.

ACCOUNT STATEMENTS -- Your account is opened in accordance with your
registration instructions. Transactions in the account, such as additional
investments, will be reflected on regular confirmation statements from the
Transfer Agent. Dividend and capital gain reinvestments, purchases through
automatic investment plans and certain retirement plans, as well as automatic
exchanges and withdrawals will be confirmed at least quarterly.

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 46
<PAGE>

your fund number (see the list of the American Funds under "General information
-- fund numbers"), personal identification number (generally the last four
digits of your Social Security number or other tax identification number
associated with your account) and account number.

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

TELEPHONE AND INTERNET PURCHASES, REDEMPTIONS AND EXCHANGES -- By using the
telephone (including American FundsLine) or the Internet (including
americanfunds.com), or fax purchase, redemption and/or exchange options, you
agree to hold the fund, the Transfer Agent, any of its affiliates or mutual
funds managed by such affiliates, and each of their respective directors,
trustees, officers, employees and agents harmless from any losses, expenses,
costs or liability (including attorney fees) that may be incurred in connection
with the exercise of these privileges. Generally, all shareholders are
automatically eligible to use these services. However, you may elect to opt out
of these services by writing the Transfer Agent (you may also reinstate them at
any time by writing the Transfer Agent). If the Transfer Agent does not employ
reasonable procedures to confirm that the instructions received from any person
with appropriate account information are genuine, it and/or the fund may be
liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. In the event
that shareholders are unable to reach the fund by telephone because of technical
difficulties, market conditions or a natural disaster, redemption and exchange
requests may be made in writing only.

CHECKWRITING -- You may establish check writing privileges for Class A shares
(but not Class 529-A shares) of American Funds money market funds. This can be
done by using an account application. If you request check writing privileges,
you will be provided with checks that you may use to draw against your account.
These checks may be made payable to anyone you designate and must be signed by
the authorized number of registered shareholders exactly as indicated on your
account application.

REDEMPTION OF SHARES -- The fund's Articles of Incorporation permit the fund to
direct the Transfer Agent to redeem the shares of any shareholder for their then
current net asset value per share if at such time the shareholder of record owns
shares having an aggregate net asset value of less than the minimum initial
investment amount required of new shareholders as set forth in the fund's
current registration statement under the 1940 Act, and subject to such further
terms and conditions as the board of directors of the fund may from time to time
adopt.

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

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 47
<PAGE>

GENERAL INFORMATION
CUSTODIAN OF ASSETS -- Securities and cash owned by the fund, including proceeds
from the sale of shares of the fund and of securities in the fund's portfolio,
are held by JPMorgan Chase Bank, 270 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017-2070, as
Custodian. If the fund holds non-U.S. securities, the Custodian may hold these
securities pursuant to subcustodial arrangements in non-U.S. banks or non-U.S.
branches of U.S. banks.

TRANSFER AGENT -- American Funds Service Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of
the investment adviser, maintains the records of shareholder accounts, processes
purchases and redemptions of the fund's shares, acts as dividend and capital
gain distribution disbursing agent, and performs other related shareholder
service functions. The principal office of American Funds Service Company is
located at 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821-5823. American
Funds Service Company was paid a fee of $11,015,000 for Class A shares and
$573,000 for Class B shares for the 2006 fiscal year. American Funds Service
Company is also compensated for certain transfer agency services provided to all
other share classes from the administrative services fees paid to Capital
Research and Management Company, as described under "Administrative services
agreement."

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

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM -- Deloitte & Touche LLP, 695 Town
Center Drive, Costa Mesa, California 92626, serves as the fund's independent
registered public accounting firm, providing audit services, preparation of tax
returns and review of certain documents to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The financial statements included in this statement of
additional information from the annual report have been so included in reliance
on the report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting
firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The selection of the fund's independent registered public accounting firm is
reviewed and determined annually by the board of directors.

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

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

American Mutual Fund -- Page 48
<PAGE>

audited by the fund's independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte &
Touche LLP. In addition, shareholders may also receive proxy statements for the
fund. In an effort to reduce the volume of mail shareholders receive from the
fund when a household owns more than one account, the Transfer Agent has taken
steps to eliminate duplicate mailings of prospectuses, shareholder reports and
proxy statements. To receive additional copies of a prospectus, report or proxy
statement, shareholders should contact the Transfer Agent.

CODES OF ETHICS -- The fund and Capital Research and Management Company and its
affiliated companies, including the fund's Principal Underwriter, have adopted
codes of ethics that allow for personal investments, including securities in
which the fund may invest from time to time. These codes include a ban on
acquisitions of securities pursuant to an initial public offering; restrictions
on acquisitions of private placement securities; preclearance and reporting
requirements; review of duplicate confirmation statements; annual
recertification of compliance with codes of ethics; blackout periods on personal
investing for certain investment personnel; ban on short-term trading profits
for investment personnel; limitations on service as a director of publicly
traded companies; and disclosure of personal securities transactions.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS -- On February 16, 2005, the NASD filed an administrative
complaint against the Principal Underwriter. The complaint alleges violations of
certain NASD rules by the Principal Underwriter with respect to the selection of
broker-dealer firms that buy and sell securities for mutual fund investment
portfolios. The complaint seeks sanctions, restitution and disgorgement. On
August 30, 2006, the NASD Hearing Panel ruled against the Principal Underwriter
and imposed a $5 million fine. The Principal Underwriter has appealed this
decision to the NASD's National Adjudicatory Council.

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

The investment adviser and Principal Underwriter believe that the likelihood
that these matters could have a material adverse effect on the fund or on the
ability of the investment adviser or Principal Underwriter to perform their
contracts with the fund is remote. The SEC is conducting a related investigation
as of the date of this statement of additional information. The investment
adviser and Principal Underwriter are cooperating fully. In addition, two class
action lawsuits have been filed in the U.S. District Court, Central District of
California, relating to these matters. The investment adviser believes that
these suits are without merit and will defend itself vigorously. Further updates
on these issues will be available on the American Funds website
(americanfunds.com) under "American Funds regulatory matters."

OTHER INFORMATION -- The financial statements including the investment portfolio
and the report of the fund's independent registered public accounting firm
contained in the annual report are

American Mutual Fund -- Page 49
<PAGE>

included in this statement of additional information. The following information
is not included in the annual report:

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE, REDEMPTION PRICE AND MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE
PER SHARE FOR CLASS A SHARES -- OCTOBER 31, 2006

Net asset value and redemption price per share
(Net assets divided by shares outstanding). . $29.14
Maximum offering price per share
(100/94.25 of net asset value per share,
which takes into account the fund's current maximum
sales charge). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30.92

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

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

STOCK AND STOCK/BOND FUNDS
AMCAP Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 002 202 302 402
American Balanced Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 011 211 311 411
American Mutual Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 003 203 303 403
Capital Income Builder/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 012 212 312 412
Capital World Growth and Income Fund/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . 033 233 333 433
EuroPacific Growth Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 016 216 316 416
Fundamental Investors/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 010 210 310 410
The Growth Fund of America/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 005 205 305 405
The Income Fund of America/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 006 206 306 406
The Investment Company of America/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . 004 204 304 404
The New Economy Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 014 214 314 414
New Perspective Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 007 207 307 407
New World Fund/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 036 236 336 436
SMALLCAP World Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 035 235 335 435
Washington Mutual Investors Fund/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 001 201 301 401
BOND FUNDS
American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . 040 240 340 440
American High-Income Trust/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 021 221 321 421
The Bond Fund of America/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 008 208 308 408
Capital World Bond Fund/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 031 231 331 431
Intermediate Bond Fund of America/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . 023 223 323 423
Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America/SM/ . . . . . . . 043 243 343 443
Short-Term Bond Fund of America/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 048 248 348 448
The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . . 019 219 319 419
The Tax-Exempt Fund of California/(R)/* . . . . . . . . . . . 020 220 320 420
The Tax-Exempt Fund of Maryland/(R)/* . . . . . . . . . . . . 024 224 324 424
The Tax-Exempt Fund of Virginia/(R)/* . . . . . . . . . . . . 025 225 325 425
U.S. Government Securities Fund/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 022 222 322 422
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
The Cash Management Trust of America/(R)/ . . . . . . . . . . 009 209 309 409
The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America/SM/ . . . . . . . . . . . 039 N/A N/A N/A
The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of America/SM/ . . . . . . . . . 049 N/A N/A N/A
___________
*Qualified for sale only in certain jurisdictions.

American Mutual Fund -- Page 50
<PAGE>

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

STOCK AND STOCK/BOND FUNDS
AMCAP Fund . . . . . . . . . . 1002 1202 1302 1502 1402
American Balanced Fund . . . . 1011 1211 1311 1511 1411
American Mutual Fund . . . . . 1003 1203 1303 1503 1403
Capital Income Builder . . . . 1012 1212 1312 1512 1412
Capital World Growth and Income
Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1033 1233 1333 1533 1433
EuroPacific Growth Fund . . . . 1016 1216 1316 1516 1416
Fundamental Investors . . . . . 1010 1210 1310 1510 1410
The Growth Fund of America . . 1005 1205 1305 1505 1405
The Income Fund of America . . 1006 1206 1306 1506 1406
The Investment Company of
America . . . . . . . . . . . . 1004 1204 1304 1504 1404
The New Economy Fund . . . . . 1014 1214 1314 1514 1414
New Perspective Fund . . . . . 1007 1207 1307 1507 1407
New World Fund . . . . . . . . 1036 1236 1336 1536 1436
SMALLCAP World Fund . . . . . . 1035 1235 1335 1535 1435
Washington Mutual Investors Fund
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1001 1201 1301 1501 1401
BOND FUNDS
American High-Income Trust . . 1021 1221 1321 1521 1421
The Bond Fund of America . . . 1008 1208 1308 1508 1408
Capital World Bond Fund . . . . 1031 1231 1331 1531 1431
Intermediate Bond Fund of
America . . . . . . . . . . . . 1023 1223 1323 1523 1423
Short-Term Bond Fund of America 1048 1248 1348 1548 1448
U.S. Government Securities Fund 1022 1222 1322 1522 1422
MONEY MARKET FUND
The Cash Management Trust of
America . . . . . . . . . . . . 1009 1209 1309 1509 1409

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

STOCK AND STOCK/BOND FUNDS
AMCAP Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2102 2202 2302 2402 2502
American Balanced Fund . . . . . . . 2111 2211 2311 2411 2511
American Mutual Fund . . . . . . . . 2103 2203 2303 2403 2503
Capital Income Builder . . . . . . . 2112 2212 2312 2412 2512
Capital World Growth and Income Fund 2133 2233 2333 2433 2533
EuroPacific Growth Fund . . . . . . 2116 2216 2316 2416 2516
Fundamental Investors . . . . . . . 2110 2210 2310 2410 2510
The Growth Fund of America . . . . . 2105 2205 2305 2405 2505
The Income Fund of America . . . . . 2106 2206 2306 2406 2506
The Investment Company of America . 2104 2204 2304 2404 2504
The New Economy Fund . . . . . . . . 2114 2214 2314 2414 2514
New Perspective Fund . . . . . . . . 2107 2207 2307 2407 2507
New World Fund . . . . . . . . . . . 2136 2236 2336 2436 2536
SMALLCAP World Fund . . . . . . . . 2135 2235 2335 2435 2535
Washington Mutual Investors Fund . . 2101 2201 2301 2401 2501
BOND FUNDS
American High-Income Municipal Bond
Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A N/A N/A N/A 2540
American High-Income Trust . . . . . 2121 2221 2321 2421 2521
The Bond Fund of America . . . . . . 2108 2208 2308 2408 2508
Capital World Bond Fund . . . . . . 2131 2231 2331 2431 2531
Intermediate Bond Fund of America . 2123 2223 2323 2423 2523
Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of
America. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A N/A N/A N/A 2543
Short-Term Bond Fund of America. . . 2148 2248 2348 2448 2548
The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America N/A N/A N/A N/A 2519
The Tax-Exempt Fund of California* . N/A N/A N/A N/A 2520
The Tax-Exempt Fund of Maryland* . . N/A N/A N/A N/A 2524
The Tax-Exempt Fund of Virginia* . . N/A N/A N/A N/A 2525
U.S. Government Securities Fund . . 2122 2222 2322 2422 2522
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
The Cash Management Trust of America 2109 2209 2309 2409 2509
The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America N/A N/A N/A N/A 2539
The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of
America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2149 2249 2349 2449 2549
___________
*Qualified for sale only in certain
jurisdictions.

American Mutual Fund -- Page 51
<PAGE>

[This page is intentionally left blank for this filing.]

American Mutual Fund -- Page 52

[logo - American Funds ®]

American Mutual Fund^®

Investment portfolio

October 31, 2006

Common stocks — 87.70%	Shares			Market value (000)

ENERGY — 7.40%
BJ Services Co.		657,100			19,818
Chevron Corp.		2,183,304			146,718
ConocoPhillips		3,203,178			192,960
Devon Energy Corp.		2,000,000			133,680
Exxon Mobil Corp.		3,520,000			251,398
Halliburton Co.		2,400,000			77,640
Hess Corp.		3,582,405			151,894
Marathon Oil Corp.		4,000,000			345,600
Schlumberger Ltd.		880,400			55,536
Sunoco, Inc.		500,000			33,065
					1,408,309

MATERIALS — 3.87%
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.		1,850,000			128,890
Alcoa Inc.		1,750,000			50,593
Dow Chemical Co.		750,000			30,592
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.		2,400,000			109,920
International Paper Co.		2,350,000			78,372
MeadWestvaco Corp.		4,588,000			126,262
PPG Industries, Inc.		750,000			51,300
Praxair, Inc.		1,400,000			84,350
Sonoco Products Co.		1,284,000			45,556
Weyerhaeuser Co.		500,000			31,795
					737,630

INDUSTRIALS — 12.53%
Avery Dennison Corp.		3,000,000			189,420
Boeing Co.		500,000			39,930
Emerson Electric Co.		650,000			54,860
General Dynamics Corp.		770,000			54,747
General Electric Co.		14,000,000			491,540
Manpower Inc.		1,600,500			108,466
Norfolk Southern Corp.		5,082,000			267,161
Northrop Grumman Corp.		1,550,000			102,905
Pitney Bowes Inc.		1,850,000			86,413
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co.		6,500,000			220,090
Southwest Airlines Co.		3,000,000			45,090
Tyco International Ltd.		6,381,200			187,799
Union Pacific Corp.		350,000			31,720
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B		2,850,000			214,747
United Technologies Corp.		3,400,000			223,448
Waste Management, Inc.		1,800,000			67,464
					2,385,800

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 10.63%
Carnival Corp., units		1,475,000			72,009
Clear Channel Communications, Inc.		4,000,000			139,400
Dollar General Corp.		5,575,000			78,217
E.W. Scripps Co., Class A		2,000,000			98,920
Gannett Co., Inc.		500,000			29,570
Harley-Davidson, Inc.		943,000			64,718
Home Depot, Inc.		750,000			27,997
Johnson Controls, Inc.		2,750,600			224,284
Leggett & Platt, Inc.		5,945,000			138,816
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.		7,481,600			225,495
Magna International Inc., Class A		691,300			51,709
Mattel, Inc.		6,000,000			135,780
News Corp., Class A		2,350,000			48,997
Omnicom Group Inc.		750,000			76,088
ServiceMaster Co.		7,415,000			84,012
Target Corp.		3,287,000			194,525
TJX Companies, Inc.		4,250,000			123,038
VF Corp.		1,150,000			87,412
YUM! Brands, Inc.		2,065,000			122,785
					2,023,772

CONSUMER STAPLES — 5.08%
Avon Products, Inc.		800,000			24,328
Coca-Cola Co.		1,750,000			81,760
General Mills, Inc.		750,000			42,615
H.J. Heinz Co.		4,100,000			172,856
Kellogg Co.		1,000,000			50,310
Kimberly-Clark Corp.		1,110,000			73,837
PepsiCo, Inc.		2,370,000			150,353
Sara Lee Corp.		5,600,000			95,760
Walgreen Co.		3,600,000			157,248
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.		2,400,000			118,272
					967,339

HEALTH CARE — 8.62%
Abbott Laboratories		6,300,000			299,313
Becton, Dickinson and Co.		600,000			42,018
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.		9,532,200			235,922
Eli Lilly and Co.		4,330,000			242,523
Johnson & Johnson		600,000			40,440
Medtronic, Inc.		3,507,000			170,721
Merck & Co., Inc.		4,750,000			215,745
Pfizer Inc		4,450,000			118,592
Schering-Plough Corp.		3,975,000			88,007
Wyeth		3,698,000			188,709
					1,641,990

FINANCIALS — 15.60%
Allstate Corp.		1,200,000			73,632
American International Group, Inc.		2,829,000			190,024
Aon Corp.		2,750,000			95,672
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.		867,331			24,155
Bank of America Corp.		4,832,812			260,344
Bank of New York Co., Inc.		3,250,000			111,702
Citigroup Inc.		8,310,000			416,830
Fannie Mae		5,535,000			328,004
Freddie Mac		3,150,000			217,318
Huntington Bancshares Inc.		2,500,000			61,025
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.		4,546,000			215,662
Lincoln National Corp.		1,167,900			73,940
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.		2,100,300			61,833
Mellon Financial Corp.		1,800,000			69,840
St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc.		2,350,000			120,156
SunTrust Banks, Inc.		1,525,000			120,460
U.S. Bancorp		1,750,000			59,220
UnumProvident Corp.		6,400,000			126,592
Wachovia Corp.		1,000,000			55,500
Washington Mutual, Inc.		3,943,000			166,789
Wells Fargo & Co.		3,337,500			121,118
					2,969,816

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY — 10.18%
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.		750,000			37,080
Cisco Systems, Inc.¹		2,780,000			67,081
eBay Inc.¹		2,570,000			82,574
First Data Corp.		1,200,000			29,100
Hewlett-Packard Co.		6,600,000			255,684
Intel Corp.		5,950,000			126,973
International Business Machines Corp.		4,535,000			418,717
Linear Technology Corp.		2,745,000			85,424
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.		900,000			27,009
Microchip Technology Inc.		5,844,625			192,464
Microsoft Corp.		10,335,000			296,718
Oracle Corp.¹		8,124,600			150,061
Seagate Technology		3,100,000			69,998
Texas Instruments Inc.		2,400,000			72,432
Western Union Co.¹		1,200,000			26,460
					1,937,775

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES — 5.64%
ALLTEL Corp.		1,000,000			53,310
AT&T Inc.		5,410,597			185,313
BellSouth Corp.		8,250,000			372,075
Embarq Corp.		3,494,250			168,947
Sprint Nextel Corp., Series 1		8,760,000			163,724
Verizon Communications Inc.		3,500,000			129,500
					1,072,869

UTILITIES — 5.84%
Ameren Corp.		1,883,680			101,907
American Electric Power Co., Inc.		1,435,000			59,452
Dominion Resources, Inc.		850,000			68,842
DTE Energy Co.		750,000			34,073
Duke Energy Corp.		4,800,000			151,872
Exelon Corp.		2,548,400			157,950
FirstEnergy Corp.		1,620,000			95,337
PPL Corp.		1,724,000			59,512
Progress Energy, Inc.		200,000			9,200
Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.		800,000			48,840
Questar Corp.		1,500,000			122,220
Southern Co.		2,700,000			98,280
Xcel Energy Inc.		4,745,000			104,722
					1,112,207

MISCELLANEOUS — 2.31%
Other common stocks in initial period of acquisition					439,882


Total common stocks (cost: $12,631,671,000)					16,697,389



Convertible securities — 0.08%

FINANCIALS — 0.08%
XL Capital Ltd. 6.50% ACES convertible preferred 2007		700,000 units			15,960


Total convertible securities (cost: $17,550,000)					15,960



Bonds & notes — 0.05%		Principal amount (000	)

UTILITIES — 0.05%
Virginia Electric and Power Co., Series 2002-A, 5.375% 2007	$	9,960			9,957


Total bonds & notes (cost: $9,951,000)					9,957



Short-term securities — 12.28%

3M Co. 5.17%-5.22% due 11/27-12/18/2006		45,000			44,751
Bank of America Corp. 5.255%-5.26% due 11/27-12/6/2006		120,000			119,461
Ranger Funding Co. LLC 5.26% due 11/2/2006²		8,400			8,398
Bank of New York Co., Inc. 5.20% due 12/1/2006		25,600			25,485
CAFCO, LLC 5.24%-5.25% due 11/15-12/18/2006²		92,300			91,949
Ciesco LLC 5.24% due 12/8/2006²		10,100			10,044
Citigroup Funding Inc. 5.23%-5.26% due 11/13-12/8/2006		46,000			45,782
CIT Group, Inc. 5.25% due 1/8-1/16/2007²		79,000			78,171
Clipper Receivables Co., LLC 5.25%-5.26% due 11/2-12/7/2006²		200,700			200,003
Coca-Cola Co. 5.19%-5.20% due 11/3-12/11/2006²		58,100			57,935
Colgate-Palmolive Co. 5.19% due 11/1-12/18/2006²		78,900			78,651
E.I. duPont de Nemours and Co. 5.19% due 11/16/2006²		25,000			24,942
Edison Asset Securitization LLC 5.24% due 12/22/2006²		50,000			49,637
General Electric Co. 5.24% due 12/28/2006		75,000			74,398
Eli Lilly and Co. 5.17% due 11/13/2006²		6,000			5,989
Fannie Mae 5.15% due 11/15/2006		25,000			24,948
FCAR Owner Trust I 5.28% due 12/15/2006		40,000			39,749
Federal Farm Credit Banks 5.05%-5.06% due 12/27/2006-2/14/2007		59,000			58,159
Federal Home Loan Bank 5.07%-5.17% due 11/1/2006-1/12/2007		178,500			177,810
Freddie Mac 5.105%-5.125% due 12/21/2006-1/23/2007		75,000			74,310
HSBC Finance Corp. 5.21% due 11/30/2006		25,000			24,891
IBM Capital Inc. 5.20% due 12/6/2006²		40,000			39,803
Illinois Tool Works Inc. 5.21% due 12/8/2006		40,000			39,780
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development 5.13% due 11/16/2006		50,000			49,885
International Lease Finance Corp. 5.22%-5.225% due 11/9-11/13/2006		49,000			48,922
Jupiter Securitization Co., LLC 5.25%-5.26% due 11/13-11/15/2006²		56,900			56,789
McCormick & Co., Inc. 5.20% due 11/7/2006²		25,000			24,975
Pitney Bowes Inc. 5.20% due 11/6/2006²		25,000			24,978
Procter & Gamble Co. 5.21% due 11/30-12/11/2006²		155,300			154,520
Scripps (E.W.) Co. 5.22% due 11/14/2006²		25,000			24,949
Target Corp. 5.20% due 11/20/2006		33,700			33,603
Tennessee Valley Authority 5.135% due 12/14/2006		50,000			49,666
Three Pillars Funding, LLC 5.26% due 11/6-11/20/2006²		118,674			118,425
Triple-A One Funding Corp. 5.25% due 11/9-11/10/2006²		39,623			39,567
Variable Funding Capital Corp. 5.225%-5.25% due 11/20-12/13/2006²		150,000			149,272
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. 5.19%-5.21% due 11/21-12/19/2006²		167,700			166,737


Total short-term securities (cost: $2,337,282,000)					2,337,334

Total investment securities (cost: $14,996,454,000)					19,060,640
Other assets less liabilities					(21,031	)

Net assets				$	19,039,609

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

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

²Restricted security that can be resold only to institutional investors. In practice, this security is typically as liquid as unrestricted securities

in the portfolio. The total value of all such restricted securities was $1,405,734,000, which represented 7.38% of the net assets of the fund.

Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so you may lose money.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the American Funds. This and other important information is contained in each fund’s prospectus, which can be obtained from a financial adviser and should be read carefully before investing.

MFGEFP-903-1206-S6881

Financial statements

Statement of assets and liabilities
at October 31, 2006		(dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share amounts)

Assets:
Investment securities at market (cost: $14,996,454)			$	19,060,640
Cash				413
Receivables for:
Sales of fund's shares	$	19,532
Dividends and interest		22,378		41,910
				19,102,963
Liabilities:
Payables for:
Purchases of investments		35,657
Repurchases of fund's shares		13,428
Investment advisory services		3,670
Services provided by affiliates		8,472
Deferred directors' compensation		2,092
Other fees and expenses		35		63,354
Net assets at October 31, 2006			$	19,039,609

Net assets consist of:
Capital paid in on shares of capital stock			$	14,485,921
Undistributed net investment income				122,711
Undistributed net realized gain				366,791
Net unrealized appreciation				4,064,186
Net assets at October 31, 2006			$	19,039,609

Total authorized capital stock - 1,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value (653,892 total shares outstanding)
	Net assets		Shares outstanding		Net asset value per share*

Class A	$	16,043,497		550,547	$	29.14
Class B		689,262		23,813		28.95
Class C		796,010		27,549		28.89
Class F		494,970		17,026		29.07
Class 529-A		205,936		7,075		29.11
Class 529-B		39,821		1,373		29.01
Class 529-C		62,104		2,141		29.01
Class 529-E		11,253		388		29.04
Class 529-F		5,388		185		29.13
Class R-1		15,068		520		28.97
Class R-2		132,721		4,585		28.94
Class R-3		222,059		7,654		29.01
Class R-4		54,509		1,874		29.09
Class R-5		267,011		9,162		29.14
(*) Maximum offering price and redemption price per share were equal to the net asset value per share for all share classes, except for Class A and 529-A, for which the maximum offering prices per share were $30.92 and $30.89, respectively.

See Notes to Financial Statements

Statement of operations
for the year ended October 31, 2006	(dollars in thousands)

Investment income:
Income:
Dividends (net of non-U.S. taxes of $274)	$	374,958
Interest		127,012		$	501,970

Fees and expenses(*):
Investment advisory services		45,815
Distribution services		51,526
Transfer agent services		11,588
Administrative services		3,466
Reports to shareholders		519
Registration statement and prospectus		543
Postage, stationery and supplies		1,178
Directors' compensation		527
Auditing and legal		125
Custodian		88
State and local taxes		141
Other		109
Total fees and expenses before reimbursements/waivers		115,625
Less reimbursements/waivers of fees and expenses:
Investment advisory services		4,582
Administrative services		195
Total fees and expenses after reimbursements/waivers					110,848
Net investment income					391,122

Net realized gain and unrealized appreciation on investments:
Net realized gain on investments		464,290
Net unrealized appreciation on investments		1,810,456
Net realized gain and unrealized appreciation on investments					2,274,746
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations				$	2,665,868

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

See Notes to Financial Statements




Statements of changes in net assets		(dollars in thousands)

		Year ended October 31
		2006			2005
Operations:
Net investment income	$	391,122		$	305,807
Net realized gain on investments		464,290			590,061
Net unrealized appreciation on investments		1,810,456			200,291
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations		2,665,868			1,096,159

Dividends and distributions paid to shareholders:
Dividends from net investment income		(338,729	)		(269,575	)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments		(624,432	)		(27,858	)
Total dividends and distributions paid to shareholders		(963,161	)		(297,433	)

Capital share transactions		1,017,074			1,708,978

Total increase in net assets		2,719,781			2,507,704

Net assets:
Beginning of year		16,319,828			13,812,124
End of year (including undistributed net investment
income: $122,711 and $70,363, respectively)	$	19,039,609		$	16,319,828


See Notes to Financial Statements

Notes to financial statements

1. Organization and significant accounting policies

Organization - American Mutual Fund, Inc. (the "fund") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end, diversified management investment company. The fund strives for the balanced accomplishment of three objectives - current income, growth of capital and conservation of principal - through investments in companies that participate in the growth of the American economy.

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

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

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

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

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

Security transactions and related investment income - Security transactions are recorded by the fund as of the date the trades are executed with brokers. Realized gains and losses from security transactions are determined based on the specific identified cost of the securities. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Market discounts, premiums and original issue discounts on fixed-income securities are amortized daily over the expected life of the security.

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

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

Taxation - Dividend income is recorded net of non-U.S. taxes paid.

2. Federal income taxation and distributions

The fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to mutual funds and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains each year. The fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

Distributions - Distributions paid to shareholders are based on net investment income and net realized gains determined on a tax basis, which may differ from net investment income and net realized gains for financial reporting purposes. These differences are due primarily to differing treatment for items such as short-term capital gains and losses; capital losses related to sales of certain securities within 30 days of purchase; and cost of investments sold. The fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the year in which the net investment income and net realized gains are recorded by the fund for financial reporting purposes. The fund may also designate a portion of the amount paid to redeeming shareholders as a distribution for tax purposes.

During the year ended October 31, 2006, the fund reclassified $1,000 from undistributed net realized gain to undistributed net investment income; and reclassified $46,000 from undistributed net investment income and $27,352,000 from undistributed net realized gain to capital paid in on shares of capital stock to align financial reporting with tax reporting.

As of October 31, 2006, the tax basis components of distributable earnings, unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and cost of investments were as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
Undistributed ordinary income	$	124,803
Undistributed long-term capital gain		372,509
Gross unrealized appreciation on investment securities		4,231,493
Gross unrealized depreciation on investment securities		(172,279	)
Net unrealized appreciation on investment securities		4,059,214
Cost of investment securities		15,001,426

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

	Year ended October 31, 2006						Year ended October 31, 2005
		Ordinary income		Long-term capital gains		Total distributions paid		Ordinary income		Long-term capital gains		Total distributions paid
Share class
Class A	$	297,477	$	528,869	$	826,346	$	241,884	$	24,216	$	266,100
Class B		7,926		22,893		30,819		5,905		1,015		6,920
Class C		8,646		25,853		34,499		5,998		1,035		7,033
Class F		9,073		16,577		25,650		6,839		672		7,511
Class 529-A		3,461		5,968		9,429		2,192		204		2,396
Class 529-B		399		1,235		1,634		253		50		303
Class 529-C		618		1,884		2,502		368		68		436
Class 529-E		160		326		486		97		11		108
Class 529-F		92		119		211		41		4		45
Class R-1		164		463		627		110		21		131
Class R-2		1,358		3,907		5,265		853		133		986
Class R-3		3,276		6,962		10,238		2,193		230		2,423
Class R-4		995		1,773		2,768		686		75		761
Class R-5		5,084		7,603		12,687		2,156		124		2,280
Total	$	338,729	$	624,432	$	963,161	$	269,575	$	27,858	$	297,433

3. Fees and transactions with related parties

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

Investment advisory services - The Investment Advisory and Service Agreement with CRMC provides for monthly fees accrued daily. These fees are based on a declining series of annual rates beginning with 0.384% on the first $1 billion of month-end net assets and decreasing to 0.225% on such assets in excess of $21 billion. CRMC is currently waiving 10% of investment advisory services fees. During the year ended October 31, 2006, total investment advisory services fees waived by CRMC were $4,582,000. As a result, the fee shown on the accompanying financial statements of $45,815,000, which was equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.261%, was reduced to $41,233,000, or 0.235% of average daily net assets.

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

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

For Class A and 529-A, the board of directors has also approved the reimbursement of dealer and wholesaler commissions paid by AFD for certain shares sold without a sales charge. These classes reimburse AFD for amounts billed within the prior 15 months but only to the extent that the overall annual expense limit of 0.25% is not exceeded. As of October 31, 2006, there were no unreimbursed expenses subject to reimbursement for Class A or 529-A.

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

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

Administrative services - The fund has an administrative services agreement with CRMC to provide transfer agent and other related shareholder services for all share classes other than Class A and B. Each relevant share class pays CRMC annual fees up to 0.15% (0.10% for Class R-5) based on its respective average daily net assets. Each relevant share class also pays AFS additional amounts for certain transfer agent services. CRMC and AFS may use these fees to compensate third parties for performing these services. CRMC has agreed to pay AFS on the fund's behalf for a portion of the transfer agent services fees for some of the retirement plan share classes. For the year ended October 31, 2006, the total administrative services fees paid by CRMC were $308 and $195,000 for Class R-1 and R-2, respectively. Administrative services fees are presented gross of any payments made by CRMC. Each 529 share class is subject to an additional annual administrative services fee of 0.10% of its respective average daily net assets; this fee is payable to the Commonwealth of Virginia for the maintenance of the CollegeAmerica plan. Although these amounts are included with administrative services fees on the accompanying financial statements, the Commonwealth of Virginia is not considered a related party.

Expenses under the agreements described above for the year ended October 31, 2006, were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Share class	Distribution services	Transfer agent services	Administrative services
Share class	Distribution services	Transfer agent services	CRMC administrative services	Transfer agent services	Commonwealth of Virginia administrative services
Class A	$33,304	$11,015	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
Class B	6,398	573	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
Class C	7,256	Included in administrative services	$906	$147	Not applicable
Class F	1,136		419	45	Not applicable
Class 529-A	340		143	22	$179
Class 529-B	358		29	14	36
Class 529-C	546		44	17	55
Class 529-E	49		8	1	10
Class 529-F	-		3	1	4
Class R-1	139		19	7	Not applicable
Class R-2	864		169	504	Not applicable
Class R-3	1,007		266	105	Not applicable
Class R-4	129		76	6	Not applicable
Class R-5	Not applicable		228	3	Not applicable
Total	$51,526	$11,588	$2,310	$872	$284

Deferred directors’ compensation - Since the adoption of the deferred compensation plan in 1993, directors who are unaffiliated with CRMC may elect to defer the cash payment of part or all of their compensation. These deferred amounts, which remain as liabilities of the fund, are treated as if invested in shares of the fund or other American Funds. These amounts represent general, unsecured liabilities of the fund and vary according to the total returns of the selected funds. Directors’ compensation of $527,000, shown on the accompanying financial statements, includes $294,000 in current fees (either paid in cash or deferred) and a net increase of $233,000 in the value of the deferred amounts.

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

4. Capital share transactions

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

Share class	Sales*			Reinvestments of dividends and distributions			Repurchases*					Net increase
		Amount	Shares		Amount	Shares		Amount		Shares			Amount	Shares
Year ended October 31, 2006
Class A	$	1,714,194	62,868	$	775,912	29,137	$	(1,735,608	)	(63,645	)	$	754,498	28,360
Class B		78,339	2,894		29,732	1,126		(74,969	)	(2,765	)		33,102	1,255
Class C		149,275	5,516		33,091	1,254		(122,757	)	(4,544	)		59,609	2,226
Class F		125,608	4,612		23,118	870		(131,972	)	(4,857	)		16,754	625
Class 529-A		42,699	1,569		9,428	354		(14,637	)	(537	)		37,490	1,386
Class 529-B		5,603	207		1,633	62		(2,747	)	(101	)		4,489	168
Class 529-C		13,963	514		2,501	94		(7,209	)	(265	)		9,255	343
Class 529-E		2,585	95		485	18		(1,013	)	(36	)		2,057	77
Class 529-F		2,938	108		211	8		(1,103	)	(40	)		2,046	76
Class R-1		5,563	206		625	24		(4,349	)	(159	)		1,839	71
Class R-2		44,462	1,643		5,260	199		(27,668	)	(1,022	)		22,054	820
Class R-3		59,681	2,205		10,227	386		(48,500	)	(1,788	)		21,408	803
Class R-4		30,438	1,122		2,768	104		(26,702	)	(979	)		6,504	247
Class R-5		67,895	2,489		11,242	422		(33,168	)	(1,221	)		45,969	1,690
Total net increase
(decrease)	$	2,343,243	86,048	$	906,233	34,058	$	(2,232,402	)	(81,959	)	$	1,017,074	38,147

Year ended October 31, 2005
Class A	$	2,171,256	82,538	$	244,730	9,271	$	(1,304,528	)	(49,512	)	$	1,111,458	42,297
Class B		113,209	4,336		6,605	252		(51,515	)	(1,966	)		68,299	2,622
Class C		219,038	8,394		6,527	249		(88,866	)	(3,401	)		136,699	5,242
Class F		166,663	6,353		6,693	254		(82,826	)	(3,149	)		90,530	3,458
Class 529-A		51,703	1,967		2,396	91		(8,069	)	(307	)		46,030	1,751
Class 529-B		6,724	256		303	11		(1,164	)	(44	)		5,863	223
Class 529-C		15,290	583		436	17		(3,281	)	(125	)		12,445	475
Class 529-E		2,615	99		108	4		(382	)	(14	)		2,341	89
Class 529-F		1,215	46		45	2		(278	)	(10	)		982	38
Class R-1		6,070	233		131	5		(4,993	)	(193	)		1,208	45
Class R-2		51,778	1,980		986	38		(21,790	)	(832	)		30,974	1,186
Class R-3		81,912	3,129		2,404	91		(22,970	)	(872	)		61,346	2,348
Class R-4		36,035	1,373		761	29		(30,094	)	(1,154	)		6,702	248
Class R-5		152,875	5,718		1,637	61		(20,411	)	(768	)		134,101	5,011
Total net increase
(decrease)	$	3,076,383	117,005	$	273,762	10,375	$	(1,641,167	)	(62,347	)	$	1,708,978	65,033

* Includes exchanges between share classes of the fund.

5. Investment transactions

The fund made purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, of $3,723,813,000 and $2,895,325,000, respectively, during the year ended October 31, 2006.

Financial highlights (1)

			Income (loss) from investment operations(2)									Dividends and distributions

		Net asset value, beginning of period		Net investment income		Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized	)		Total from investment operations			Dividends (from net investment income	)		Distributions (from capital gains	)		Total dividends and distributions			Net asset value, end of period	Total return (3	)		Net assets, end of period (in millions	)			Ratio of expenses to average net assets before reimbursements/ waivers				Ratio of expenses to average net assets after reimbursements/ waivers		(4	)	Ratio of net income to average net assets
Class A:
Year ended 10/31/2006	$	26.52	$	.63	$	3.55		$	4.18		$	(.55	)	$	(1.01	)	$	(1.56	)	$	29.14	16.40	%	$	16,044				.58	%			.55	%			2.31	%
Year ended 10/31/2005		25.10		.54		1.41			1.95			(.48	)		(.05	)		(.53	)		26.52	7.80			13,850				.58				.56				2.06
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.17		.48		2.00			2.48			(.46	)		(.09	)		(.55	)		25.10	10.81			12,044				.60				.60				1.97
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.20		.49		3.31			3.80			(.52	)		(.31	)		(.83	)		23.17	19.31			9,716				.62				.62				2.32
Year ended 10/31/2002		23.22		.49		(2.29	)		(1.80	)		(.57	)		(.65	)		(1.22	)		20.20	(8.42	)		7,782				.60				.60				2.15
Class B:
Year ended 10/31/2006		26.36		.41		3.53			3.94			(.34	)		(1.01	)		(1.35	)		28.95	15.48			689				1.37				1.34				1.52
Year ended 10/31/2005		24.94		.33		1.41			1.74			(.27	)		(.05	)		(.32	)		26.36	7.00			595				1.38				1.36				1.26
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.04		.29		1.98			2.27			(.28	)		(.09	)		(.37	)		24.94	9.92			497				1.39				1.39				1.18
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.11		.32		3.28			3.60			(.36	)		(.31	)		(.67	)		23.04	18.32			315				1.41				1.41				1.49
Year ended 10/31/2002		23.13		.32		(2.28	)		(1.96	)		(.41	)		(.65	)		(1.06	)		20.11	(9.11	)		156				1.40				1.40				1.40
Class C:
Year ended 10/31/2006		26.31		.39		3.52			3.91			(.32	)		(1.01	)		(1.33	)		28.89	15.41			796				1.42				1.40				1.46
Year ended 10/31/2005		24.90		.31		1.41			1.72			(.26	)		(.05	)		(.31	)		26.31	6.91			666				1.44				1.42				1.19
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.01		.27		1.97			2.24			(.26	)		(.09	)		(.35	)		24.90	9.82			500				1.47				1.46				1.09
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.09		.30		3.28			3.58			(.35	)		(.31	)		(.66	)		23.01	18.23			267				1.49				1.49				1.39
Year ended 10/31/2002		23.12		.30		(2.28	)		(1.98	)		(.40	)		(.65	)		(1.05	)		20.09	(9.20	)		107				1.48				1.48				1.34
Class F:
Year ended 10/31/2006		26.46		.62		3.54			4.16			(.54	)		(1.01	)		(1.55	)		29.07	16.36			495				.62				.60				2.26
Year ended 10/31/2005		25.04		.52		1.41			1.93			(.46	)		(.05	)		(.51	)		26.46	7.71			434				.67				.65				1.97
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.12		.45		2.00			2.45			(.44	)		(.09	)		(.53	)		25.04	10.70			324				.70				.70				1.86
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.17		.46		3.30			3.76			(.50	)		(.31	)		(.81	)		23.12	19.14			172				.72				.72				2.14
Year ended 10/31/2002		23.20		.47		(2.30	)		(1.83	)		(.55	)		(.65	)		(1.20	)		20.17	(8.57	)		54				.75				.75				2.08
Class 529-A:
Year ended 10/31/2006		26.50		.60		3.55			4.15			(.53	)		(1.01	)		(1.54	)		29.11	16.29			206				.66				.64				2.21
Year ended 10/31/2005		25.07		.51		1.42			1.93			(.45	)		(.05	)		(.50	)		26.50	7.71			151				.70				.68				1.93
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.15		.45		2.00			2.45			(.44	)		(.09	)		(.53	)		25.07	10.70			99				.71				.71				1.85
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.20		.47		3.31			3.78			(.52	)		(.31	)		(.83	)		23.15	19.19			51				.67				.67				2.22
Period from 2/19/2002 to 10/31/2002		23.31		.34		(3.07	)		(2.73	)		(.38	)		-			(.38	)		20.20	(11.88	)		19				.70		(5	)	.70		(5	)	2.25		(5	)
Class 529-B:
Year ended 10/31/2006		26.42		.37		3.53			3.90			(.30	)		(1.01	)		(1.31	)		29.01	15.29			40				1.50				1.47				1.38
Year ended 10/31/2005		25.00		.29		1.41			1.70			(.23	)		(.05	)		(.28	)		26.42	6.79			32				1.55				1.53				1.09
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.09		.24		1.99			2.23			(.23	)		(.09	)		(.32	)		25.00	9.72			24				1.59				1.59				.97
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.16		.27		3.30			3.57			(.33	)		(.31	)		(.64	)		23.09	18.07			14				1.61				1.61				1.27
Period from 2/19/2002 to 10/31/2002		23.31		.20		(3.06	)		(2.86	)		(.29	)		-			(.29	)		20.16	(12.40	)		5				1.60		(5	)	1.60		(5	)	1.36		(5	)
Class 529-C:
Year ended 10/31/2006		26.42		.38		3.53			3.91			(.31	)		(1.01	)		(1.32	)		29.01	15.31			62				1.49				1.46				1.39
Year ended 10/31/2005		25.00		.29		1.41			1.70			(.23	)		(.05	)		(.28	)		26.42	6.82			48				1.54				1.52				1.10
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.09		.24		1.99			2.23			(.23	)		(.09	)		(.32	)		25.00	9.74			33				1.58				1.58				.98
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.16		.27		3.30			3.57			(.33	)		(.31	)		(.64	)		23.09	18.09			16				1.60				1.60				1.28
Period from 2/20/2002 to 10/31/2002		23.54		.21		(3.30	)		(3.09	)		(.29	)		-			(.29	)		20.16	(13.25	)		6				1.59		(5	)	1.59		(5	)	1.38		(5	)
Class 529-E:
Year ended 10/31/2006		26.44		.52		3.54			4.06			(.45	)		(1.01	)		(1.46	)		29.04	15.92			11				.97				.95				1.90
Year ended 10/31/2005		25.02		.42		1.41			1.83			(.36	)		(.05	)		(.41	)		26.44	7.35			8				1.02				1.00				1.61
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.10		.37		1.99			2.36			(.35	)		(.09	)		(.44	)		25.02	10.32			6				1.06				1.06				1.50
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.16		.38		3.30			3.68			(.43	)		(.31	)		(.74	)		23.10	18.72			3				1.07				1.07				1.80
Period from 3/7/2002 to 10/31/2002		24.93		.27		(4.67	)		(4.40	)		(.37	)		-			(.37	)		20.16	(17.78	)		1				1.05		(5	)	1.05		(5	)	1.95		(5	)
Class 529-F:
Year ended 10/31/2006		26.52		.65		3.55			4.20			(.58	)		(1.01	)		(1.59	)		29.13	16.49			5				.47				.44				2.37
Year ended 10/31/2005		25.08		.52		1.42			1.94			(.45	)		(.05	)		(.50	)		26.52	7.77			3				.64				.62				1.99
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.16		.43		2.00			2.43			(.42	)		(.09	)		(.51	)		25.08	10.58			2				.81				.80				1.75
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.22		.43		3.32			3.75			(.50	)		(.31	)		(.81	)		23.16	19.03			1				.82				.82				1.99
Period from 9/17/2002 to 10/31/2002		20.63		.05		(.34	)		(.29	)		(.12	)		-			(.12	)		20.22	(1.42	)		-		(6	)	.09				.09				.26


Class R-1:
Year ended 10/31/2006	$	26.38	$	.38	$	3.54		$	3.92		$	(.32	)		(1.01	)	$	(1.33	)	$	28.97	15.38	%	$	15				1.46	%			1.43	%			1.42	%
Year ended 10/31/2005		24.97		.31		1.40			1.71			(.25	)		(.05	)		(.30	)		26.38	6.86			12				1.48				1.45				1.17
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.06		.26		1.99			2.25			(.25	)		(.09	)		(.34	)		24.97	9.83			10				1.51				1.49				1.07
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.17		.26		3.33			3.59			(.39	)		(.31	)		(.70	)		23.06	18.19			4				1.65				1.50				1.18
Period from 6/11/2002 to 10/31/2002		23.56		.12		(3.29	)		(3.17	)		(.22	)		-			(.22	)		20.17	(13.50	)		-		(6	)	1.24				.58				.60
Class R-2:
Year ended 10/31/2006		26.36		.39		3.52			3.91			(.32	)		(1.01	)		(1.33	)		28.94	15.36			133				1.61				1.41				1.43
Year ended 10/31/2005		24.95		.31		1.41			1.72			(.26	)		(.05	)		(.31	)		26.36	6.90			99				1.65				1.42				1.19
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.05		.27		1.99			2.26			(.27	)		(.09	)		(.36	)		24.95	9.86			64				1.76				1.45				1.10
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.17		.29		3.28			3.57			(.38	)		(.31	)		(.69	)		23.05	18.10			32				1.86				1.47				1.35
Period from 5/31/2002 to 10/31/2002		24.35		.14		(4.10	)		(3.96	)		(.22	)		-			(.22	)		20.17	(16.31	)		3				.75				.61				.67
Class R-3:
Year ended 10/31/2006		26.41		.52		3.54			4.06			(.45	)		(1.01	)		(1.46	)		29.01	15.94			222				.96				.93				1.92
Year ended 10/31/2005		25.00		.44		1.40			1.84			(.38	)		(.05	)		(.43	)		26.41	7.37			181				.98				.96				1.65
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.09		.37		1.99			2.36			(.36	)		(.09	)		(.45	)		25.00	10.32			113				1.05				1.04				1.49
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.18		.37		3.30			3.67			(.45	)		(.31	)		(.76	)		23.09	18.64			32				1.14				1.08				1.72
Period from 6/6/2002 to 10/31/2002		23.70		.17		(3.44	)		(3.27	)		(.25	)		-			(.25	)		20.18	(13.87	)		2				.53				.43				.83
Class R-4:
Year ended 10/31/2006		26.48		.60		3.54			4.14			(.52	)		(1.01	)		(1.53	)		29.09	16.26			55				.68				.66				2.20
Year ended 10/31/2005		25.06		.51		1.41			1.92			(.45	)		(.05	)		(.50	)		26.48	7.69			43				.69				.67				1.94
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.14		.46		1.99			2.45			(.44	)		(.09	)		(.53	)		25.06	10.69			34				.70				.70				1.86
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.19		.44		3.32			3.76			(.50	)		(.31	)		(.81	)		23.14	19.14			16				.73				.72				2.03
Period from 6/27/2002 to 10/31/2002		22.95		.17		(2.79	)		(2.62	)		(.14	)		-			(.14	)		20.19	(11.43	)		-		(6	)	.53				.25				.84
Class R-5:
Year ended 10/31/2006		26.53		.68		3.54			4.22			(.60	)		(1.01	)		(1.61	)		29.14	16.58			267				.38				.35				2.49
Year ended 10/31/2005		25.10		.58		1.43			2.01			(.53	)		(.05	)		(.58	)		26.53	8.05			198				.39				.36				2.22
Year ended 10/31/2004		23.17		.53		2.00			2.53			(.51	)		(.09	)		(.60	)		25.10	11.04			62				.39				.39				2.18
Year ended 10/31/2003		20.21		.54		3.29			3.83			(.56	)		(.31	)		(.87	)		23.17	19.50			52				.41				.41				2.53
Period from 5/15/2002 to 10/31/2002		24.66		.26		(4.43	)		(4.17	)		(.28	)		-			(.28	)		20.21	(16.98	)		41				.18				.18				1.22

	Year ended October 31
		2006		2005		2004		2003		2002

Portfolio turnover rate for all classes of shares		19	%	22	%	17	%	24	%	31	%

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

(2) Based on average shares outstanding.

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

(4) The ratios in this column reflect the impact, if any, of certain reimbursements/waivers from CRMC. During some of the periods shown, CRMC reduced fees for investment advisory services for all share classes. In addition, during the start-up period for the retirement plan share classes (except Class R-5), CRMC agreed to pay a portion of the fees related to transfer agent services.

(5) Annualized.

(6) Amount less than $1 million.

See Notes to Financial Statements

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Mutual Fund, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of American Mutual Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), including the investment portfolio, as of October 31, 2006, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also 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, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2006, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Mutual Fund, Inc. as of October 31, 2006, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Costa Mesa, California

December 6, 2006

Tax information

unaudited

We are required to advise you within 60 days of the fund’s fiscal year-end regarding the federal tax status of certain distributions received by shareholders during such fiscal year. The fund hereby designates the following amounts for the fund’s fiscal year ended October 31, 2006:

Long-term capital gains	$	649,432,000
Qualified dividend income		100	%
Corporate dividends received deduction		100	%
U.S. government income that may be exempt from state taxation	$	12,068,000

Individual shareholders should refer to their Form 1099 or other tax information, which will be mailed in January 2007, to determine the calendar year amounts to be included on their 2006 tax returns. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers.

<PAGE>





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




American Mutual Fund/(R)/




RETIREMENT PLAN
PROSPECTUS




January 1, 2007






TABLE OF CONTENTS

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





 THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF
 THESE SECURITIES. FURTHER, IT HAS NOT DETERMINED THAT THIS PROSPECTUS IS
 ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
 OFFENSE.



<PAGE>

[This page was intentionally left blank.]

<PAGE>

Risk/Return summary

The fund seeks to provide you with current income, growth of capital and
conservation of principal. The fund invests primarily in common stocks of
larger, more established companies that have long records of increasing earnings
and dividends.
The fund is designed for investors seeking both income and capital appreciation,
as well as conservation of principal. In pursuing its objectives, the fund seeks
to develop a portfolio that is more resilient to market declines. The fund's
equity investments are limited to securities of companies that are included on
its eligible list. The eligible list is reviewed and approved by the fund's
board of directors at the recommendation of Capital Research and Management
Company, the fund's investment adviser.

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

Your investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency, entity or person.

YOU MAY LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE FUND. THE LIKELIHOOD OF LOSS MAY BE
GREATER IF YOU INVEST FOR A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       1

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

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



CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS FOR CLASS A SHARES
(Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included,
results would be lower.)

[begin bar chart]
1996        16.22
1997        26.39
1998        14.76
1999        -0.12
2000         9.12
2001         6.67
2002       -12.18
2003        23.31
2004        10.74
2005         4.94
[end bar chart]



Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this time period were:




HIGHEST              13.05%  (quarter ended June 30, 2003)
LOWEST              -15.73%  (quarter ended September 30, 2002)


The fund's total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2006,
was 8.78%.


                                       2

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>



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

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

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

Results would be higher if calculated without a sales charge.

Unlike the Investment Results table below, the Additional Investment Results
table on page 7 reflects the fund's results calculated without a sales charge.
 INVESTMENT RESULTS (WITH A MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE)
 AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005:
                                 1 YEAR  5 YEARS  10 YEARS   LIFETIME/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

 CLASS A -- FIRST SOLD 2/21/50   -1.11%   4.82%    8.80%       12.29%



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

 CLASS R-1 -- FIRST SOLD 6/11/02  4.00%       6.19%
 CLASS R-2 -- FIRST SOLD 5/31/02  4.01        5.15
 CLASS R-3 -- FIRST SOLD 6/6/02   4.49        6.44
 CLASS R-4 -- FIRST SOLD 6/27/02  4.78        7.74
 CLASS R-5 -- FIRST SOLD 5/15/02  5.15        5.87



                                   1 YEAR   5 YEARS   10 YEARS    LIFETIME/2/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 INDEXES
 S&P 500/3/                         4.91%    0.54%      9.07%        11.90%
 Lipper Multi-Cap Value Funds       6.33     6.25       9.91           N/A
 Index/4/
 Lipper Growth and Income Funds     6.82     2.92       8.47           N/A
 Index/5/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class A annualized 30-day yield at October 31, 2006: 1.98%/6/
 (For current yield information, please call American FundsLine at
  800/325-3590.)




/1/  Lifetime results for each share class are measured from the date the share
     class was first sold.
/2/  Lifetime results for the index(es) shown are measured from the date Class A
     shares were first sold. In prior years, each index may have included different
     funds or securities from those that constitute the current year's index.
/3/  Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted
     index based on the average weighted performance of 500 widely held common
     stocks. This index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends and/or
     distributions, but does not reflect sales charges, commissions, expenses or
     taxes.
/4/  Lipper Multi-Cap Value Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds that
     invest in a variety of market capitalization ranges without concentrating 75%
     of their equity assets in any one market capitalization range over an extended
     period of time. These funds seek long-term growth of capital by investing in
     companies that are considered to be undervalued relative to a major unmanaged
     stock index based on price to current earnings or other factors. The results of
     the underlying funds in the index include the reinvestment of dividends and
     capital gain distributions, as well as brokerage commissions paid by the funds
     for portfolio transactions, but do not reflect sales charges or taxes. This
     index was not in existence as of the date the fund's Class A shares became
     available; therefore, lifetime results are not shown.
/5/  Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds
     that combine a growth-of-earnings orientation and an income requirement for
     level and/or rising dividends. The results of the underlying funds in the index
     include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, as well
     as brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do
     not reflect sales charges or taxes. This index was not in existence as of the
     date the fund's Class A shares became available; therefore, lifetime results
     are not shown.
/6/  Reflects a fee waiver (1.95% without the waiver) as described in the Annual
     Fund Operating Expenses table under "Fees and expenses of the fund."


                                       3

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Fees and expenses of the fund

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



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

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



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




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

 Management fees/1/                 0.26%   0.26%  0.26%  0.26%  0.26%   0.26%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Distribution and/or service        0.22    1.00   0.75   0.50   0.25    none
 (12b-1) fees/2/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Other expenses                     0.10    0.20   0.60   0.20   0.17    0.12
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total annual fund operating        0.58    1.46   1.61   0.96   0.68    0.38
 expenses/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


/1/  The fund's investment adviser is currently waiving 10% of its management fee.
     The waiver may be discontinued at any time in consultation with the fund's
     board, but it is expected to continue at this level until further review. The
     fund's investment adviser and board intend to review the waiver as
     circumstances warrant. In addition, the investment adviser paid a portion of
     the fund's transfer agent fees for certain R share classes. Expenses shown
     above do not reflect any waiver or reimbursement. Information regarding the
     effect of any waiver/reimbursement on total annual fund operating expenses can
     be found in the Financial Highlights table in this prospectus and in the fund's
     annual report.
/2/  Class A, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 12b-1 fees may not exceed .25%, 1.00%, 1.00%,
     .75% and .50%, respectively, of the class' average net assets annually.


                                       4

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

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


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

 Class A            .05% of assets or                  .05% of assets or
             $12 per participant position/1/    $12 per participant position/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-1           .10% of assets                     .10% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-2     .15% of assets plus $27 per              .25% of assets
             participant position/2/ or .35%
                      of assets/3/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-3     .10% of assets plus $12 per              .15% of assets
             participant position/2/ or .19%
                      of assets/3/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-4           .10% of assets                     .10% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-5           .05% of assets                     .05% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------




/1/  Payment amount depends on the date upon which services commenced.
/2/  Payment with respect to Recordkeeper Direct/(R)/ program.
/3/  Payment with respect to PlanPremier/(R)/ program.

EXAMPLES

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

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




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

 Class A*                        $631    $750     $880      $1,259
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-1                        149     462      797       1,746
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-2                        164     508      876       1,911
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-3                         98     306      531       1,178
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-4                         69     218      379         847
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-5                         39     122      213         480
--------------------------------------------------------------------



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


                                       5

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Investment objective, strategies and risks
The fund strives for the balanced accomplishment of three objectives: current
income, growth of capital and conservation of principal. The fund seeks to
invest primarily in common stocks of companies that are likely to participate in
the growth of the American economy and whose dividends are well protected. The
fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in companies domiciled outside the United
States and Canada and not included in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index.
The fund may also invest in debt securities.

The fund's equity investments are limited to securities of companies that are
included on its eligible list. In light of the fund's investment objectives and
policies, securities are added to, or deleted from, the eligible list by the
fund's board of directors after reviewing and acting upon the recommendations of
the fund's investment adviser.

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

The values of, and the income generated by, most debt securities held by the
fund may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in the effective
maturities and credit ratings of these securities. For example, the values of
debt securities in the fund's portfolio generally will decline when interest
rates rise and increase when interest rates fall.

The fund may also hold cash or money market instruments. The percentage of the
fund invested in such holdings varies and depends on various factors, including
market conditions and purchases and redemptions of fund shares. A larger
percentage of such holdings could moderate the fund's investment results in a
period of rising market prices.

A larger percentage of cash or money market instruments could reduce the
magnitude of the fund's loss in the event of falling market prices and provide
liquidity to make additional investments or to meet redemptions.

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

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


                                       6

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

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

 CLASS A -- FIRST SOLD 2/21/50     4.94%    6.07%    9.45%       12.41%



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

 CLASS R-1 -- FIRST SOLD 6/11/02   4.00%       6.19%
 CLASS R-2 -- FIRST SOLD 5/31/02   4.01        5.15
 CLASS R-3 -- FIRST SOLD 6/6/02    4.49        6.44
 CLASS R-4 -- FIRST SOLD 6/27/02   4.78        7.74
 CLASS R-5 -- FIRST SOLD 5/15/02   5.15        5.87



                            1 YEAR     5 YEARS     10 YEARS      LIFETIME/2/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 INDEXES
 S&P 500/3/                  4.91%      0.54%        9.07%          11.90%
 Lipper Multi-Cap Value      6.33       6.25         9.91             N/A
 Funds Index/4/
 Lipper Growth and Income    6.82       2.92         8.47             N/A
 Funds Index/5/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class A distribution rate/ /at December 31, 2005: 1.83%/6/
 (For current distribution rate information, please call American FundsLine
  at 800/325-3590.)




/1/  Lifetime results for each share class are measured from the date the share
     class was first sold.
/2/  Lifetime results for the index(es) shown are measured from the date Class A
     shares were first sold. In prior years, each index may have included different
     funds or securities from those that constitute the current year's index.
/3/  Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted
     index based on the average weighted performance of 500 widely held common
     stocks. This index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends and/or
     distributions, but does not reflect sales charges, commissions, expenses or
     taxes.
/4/  Lipper Multi-Cap Value Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds that
     invest in a variety of market capitalization ranges without concentrating 75%
     of their equity assets in any one market capitalization range over an extended
     period of time. These funds seek long-term growth of capital by investing in
     companies that are considered to be undervalued relative to a major unmanaged
     stock index based on price to current earnings or other factors. The results of
     the underlying funds in the index include the reinvestment of dividends and
     capital gain distributions, as well as brokerage commissions paid by the funds
     for portfolio transactions, but do not reflect sales charges or taxes. This
     index was not in existence as of the date the fund's Class A shares became
     available; therefore, lifetime results are not shown.
/5/  Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds
     that combine a growth-of-earnings orientation and an income requirement for
     level and/or rising dividends. The results of the underlying funds in the index
     include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, as well
     as brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do
     not reflect sales charges or taxes. This index was not in existence as of the
     date the fund's Class A shares became available; therefore, lifetime results
     are not shown.
/6/  The distribution rate is based on actual distributions paid to shareholders
     over a 12-month period. Capital gain distributions, if any, are added back to
     the net asset value to determine the rate.


                                       7

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>


INDUSTRY SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2006 (percent of net assets)

[begin pie chart]
Financials                                                   15.60%
Industrials                                                  12.53%
Consumer discretionary                                       10.63%
Information technology                                       10.18%
Health care                                                   8.62%
Bonds & notes                                                 0.05%
Convertible securities                                        0.08%
Other industries                                             30.14%
Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities        12.17%

[end pie chart]


 LARGEST EQUITY HOLDINGS AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2006
                                                  PERCENT OF NET ASSETS

 General Electric                                         2.6%
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 IBM                                                      2.2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Citigroup                                                2.2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bellsouth                                                2.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Marathon Oil                                             1.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fannie Mae                                               1.7
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Abbott Laboratories                                      1.6
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Microsoft                                                1.6
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Norfolk Southern                                         1.4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bank of America                                          1.4




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

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


                                       8

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Management and organization

INVESTMENT ADVISER
Capital Research and Management Company, an experienced investment management
organization founded in 1931, serves as investment adviser to the fund and other
funds, including the American Funds. Capital Research and Management Company is
a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. and is located at
333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California 90071, and 135 South State
College Boulevard, Brea, California 92821. Capital Research and Management
Company manages the investment portfolio and business affairs of the fund. The
total management fee paid by the fund, as a percentage of average net assets,
for the previous fiscal year appears in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table
under "Fees and expenses of the fund." A discussion regarding the basis for the
approval of the fund's investment advisory and service agreement by the fund's
board of directors is contained in the fund's semi-annual report to shareholders
for the fiscal period ended April 30, 2006.

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


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


                                       9

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

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

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

MULTIPLE PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR SYSTEM
Capital Research and Management Company uses a system of multiple portfolio
counselors in managing mutual fund assets. Under this approach, the portfolio of
a fund is divided into segments managed by individual counselors. Counselors
decide how their respective segments will be invested. In addition, Capital
Research and Management Company's investment analysts may make investment
decisions with respect to a portion of a fund's portfolio. Investment decisions
are subject to a fund's objective(s), policies and restrictions and the
oversight of the appropriate investment-related committees of Capital Research
and Management Company.

The primary individual portfolio counselors for American Mutual Fund are:

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

 JAMES K. DUNTON               37 years          Senior Vice President   Serves as an equity
 Vice Chairman of the                            and Director, Capital   portfolio counselor
 Board                                           Research and
                                                 Management Company

                                                 Investment
                                                 professional for 44
                                                 years, all with
                                                 Capital Research and
                                                 Management Company or
                                                 affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 J. DALE HARVEY                7 years           Vice President,         Serves as an equity
 President              (plus 7 years of prior   Capital Research and    portfolio counselor
                           experience as an      Management Company
                          investment analyst
                            for the fund)        Investment
                                                 professional for 17
                                                 years in total; 15
                                                 years with Capital
                                                 Research and
                                                 Management Company or
                                                 affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                       10

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>


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

 JOYCE E. GORDON                1 year           Senior Vice President   Serves as an equity
 Senior Vice President    (plus 10 years of      and Director, Capital   portfolio counselor
                                prior            Research and
                           experience as an      Management Company
                          investment analyst
                            for the fund)        Investment
                                                 professional for 27
                                                 years, all with
                                                 Capital Research and
                                                 Management Company or
                                                 affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 JAMES B. LOVELACE              1 year           Senior Vice President   Serves as an equity
 Senior Vice President                           and Director, Capital   portfolio counselor
                                                 Research and
                                                 Management Company

                                                 Investment
                                                 professional for 25
                                                 years, all with
                                                 Capital Research and
                                                 Management Company or
                                                 affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 R. MICHAEL SHANAHAN           21 years          Chairman Emeritus,      Serves as an equity
                        (plus 7 years of prior   Capital Research and    portfolio counselor
                           experience as an      Management Company
                          investment analyst
                            for the fund)        Investment
                                                 professional for 42
                                                 years, all with
                                                 Capital Research and
                                                 Management Company or
                                                 affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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

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


                                       11

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Purchase, exchange and sale of shares

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

PURCHASES AND EXCHANGES

Eligible retirement plans generally may open an account and purchase Class A or
R shares by contacting any investment dealer (who may impose transaction charges
in addition to those described in this prospectus) authorized to sell the fund's
shares. Some or all R share classes may not be available through certain
investment dealers. Additional shares may be purchased through a plan's
administrator or recordkeeper.

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

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

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


                                       12

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

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

Under the fund's purchase blocking policy, certain purchases will not be
prevented and certain redemptions will not trigger a purchase block, such as:
systematic redemptions and purchases where the entity maintaining the
shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as a systematic
redemption or purchase; purchases and redemptions of shares having a value of
less than $5,000; retirement plan contributions, loans and distributions
(including hardship withdrawals) identified as such on the retirement plan
recordkeeper's system; and purchase transactions involving transfers of assets,
rollovers, Roth IRA conversions and IRA recharacterizations, where the entity
maintaining the shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as one
of these types of transactions.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE FUND'S PURCHASE BLOCKING POLICY, ALL TRANSACTIONS IN FUND
SHARES REMAIN SUBJECT TO THE FUND'S AND AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS' RIGHT TO
RESTRICT POTENTIALLY ABUSIVE TRADING GENERALLY (INCLUDING THE TYPES OF
TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE THAT WILL NOT BE PREVENTED OR TRIGGER A PURCHASE
BLOCK UNDER THE POLICY). SEE THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR MORE
INFORMATION ABOUT HOW AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY MAY ADDRESS OTHER
POTENTIALLY ABUSIVE TRADING ACTIVITY IN THE AMERICAN FUNDS.


                                       13

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

SALES

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

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

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

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

Your shares will be purchased at the net asset value (plus any applicable sales
charge in the case of Class A shares) or sold at the net asset value next
determined after American Funds Service Company receives and accepts your
request.


                                       14

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Sales charges

CLASS A SHARES

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



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

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



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

CLASS A PURCHASES NOT SUBJECT TO SALES CHARGES

The following investments are not subject to any initial or contingent deferred
sales charge if American Funds Service Company is properly notified of the
nature of the investment:
. investments made by accounts that are part of certain qualified fee-based
  programs and that purchased Class A shares before the discontinuation of your
  investment dealer's load-waived A share program with the American Funds; and


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


                                       15

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

The distributor may pay dealers up to 1% on investments made in Class A shares
with no initial sales charge. The fund may reimburse the distributor for these
payments through its plans of distribution (see "Plans of distribution" below).

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

 EMPLOYER-SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLANS
 Employer-sponsored retirement plans that are eligible to purchase Class R
 shares may instead purchase Class A shares and pay the applicable Class A sales
 charge, provided their recordkeepers can properly apply a sales charge on plan
 investments. These plans are not eligible to make initial purchases of $1
 million or more in Class A shares and thereby invest in Class A shares without
 a sales charge, nor are they eligible to establish a statement of intention
 that qualifies them to purchase Class A shares without a sales charge. More
 information about statements of intention can be found under "Sales charge
 reductions." Plans investing in Class A shares with a sales charge may purchase
 additional Class A shares in accordance with the sales charge table above.

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

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


                                       16

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Sales charge reductions

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

REDUCING YOUR CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGE
Consistent with the policies described in this prospectus, two or more
retirement plans of an employer or employer's affiliates may combine all of
their American Funds investments to reduce their Class A sales charge. However,
for this purpose, investments representing direct purchases of American Funds
money market funds are excluded. Following are different ways that you may
qualify for a reduced Class A sales charge:

 CONCURRENT PURCHASES

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

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


                                       17

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

 STATEMENT OF INTENTION
 You may reduce your Class A sales charge by establishing a statement of
 intention. A statement of intention allows you to combine all purchases of all
 share classes of American Funds non-money market funds you intend to make over
 a 13-month period to determine the applicable sales charge; however, purchases
 made under a right of reinvestment, appreciation of your holdings, and
 reinvested dividends and capital gains do not count as purchases made during
 the statement period. The market value of your existing holdings eligible to be
 aggregated as of the day immediately before the start of the statement period
 may be credited toward satisfying the statement. A portion of your account may
 be held in escrow to cover additional Class A sales charges that may be due if
 your total purchases over the statement period do not qualify you for the
 applicable sales charge reduction. Employer-sponsored retirement plans may be
 restricted from establishing statements of intention. See "Sales charges" above
 for more information.

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


                                       18

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

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

. rollovers to IRAs from 403(b) plans with Capital Bank and Trust Company as
  custodian; and
. rollovers to IRAs that are attributable to American Funds investments, if they
  meet all of the following three requirements:

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

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

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

TRANSFERS TO IRAS

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


                                       19

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Plans of distribution
The fund has plans of distribution or "12b-1 plans" under which it may finance
activities primarily intended to sell shares, provided the categories of
expenses are approved in advance by the fund's board of directors. The plans
provide for payments, based on annualized percentages of average daily net
assets, of up to .25% for Class A shares, up to 1.00% for Class R-1 and R-2
shares, up to .75% for Class R-3 shares and up to .50% for Class R-4 shares. For
all share classes, up to .25% of these expenses may be used to pay service fees
to qualified dealers for providing certain shareholder services. The amount
remaining for each share class may be used for distribution expenses.

The 12b-1 fees paid by the fund, as a percentage of average net assets, for the
previous fiscal year are indicated in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table
under "Fees and expenses of the fund." Since these fees are paid out of the
fund's assets or income on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the
cost and reduce the return of your investment.

Other compensation to dealers
American Funds Distributors, at its expense, currently provides additional
compensation to investment dealers. These payments may be made, at the
discretion of American Funds Distributors, to the top 75 dealers (or their
affiliates) who have sold shares of the American Funds. The level of payments
made to a qualifying firm in any given year will vary and in no case would
exceed the sum of (a) .10% of the previous year's American Funds sales by that
dealer and (b) .02% of American Funds assets attributable to that dealer. For
calendar year 2006, aggregate payments made by American Funds Distributors to
dealers were less than .02% of the assets of the American Funds. Aggregate
payments may also change from year to year. A number of factors will be
considered in determining payments, including the qualifying dealer's sales,
assets and redemption rates, and the quality of the dealer's relationship with
American Funds Distributors. American Funds Distributors makes these payments to
help defray the costs incurred by qualifying dealers in connection with efforts
to educate financial advisers about the American Funds so that they can make
recommendations and provide services that are suitable and meet shareholder
needs. American Funds Distributors will, on an annual basis, determine the
advisability of continuing these payments. American Funds Distributors may also
pay expenses associated with meetings conducted by dealers outside the top 75
firms to facilitate educating financial advisers and shareholders about the
American Funds.


                                       20

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Distributions and taxes

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The fund intends to distribute dividends to shareholders, usually in March,
June, September and December.

Capital gains, if any, are usually distributed in December. When a dividend or
capital gain is distributed, the net asset value per share is reduced by the
amount of the payment.

All dividends and capital gain distributions paid to retirement plan
shareholders will be automatically reinvested.

TAXES ON DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Dividends and capital gains distributed by the fund to tax-deferred retirement
plan accounts are not taxable currently.

TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS
Exchanges within a tax-deferred retirement plan account will not result in a
capital gain or loss for federal or state income tax purposes. With limited
exceptions, distributions from a retirement plan account are taxable as ordinary
income.

PLEASE SEE YOUR TAX ADVISER FOR MORE INFORMATION.


                                       21

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>


Financial highlights/1/

The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's
results for the past five fiscal years. Certain information reflects financial
results for a single share of a particular class. The total returns in the table
represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment
in the fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain
distributions). This information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
whose report, along with the fund's financial statements, is included in the
statement of additional information, which is available upon request.

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

CLASS A:
Year ended 10/31/2006                  $26.52        $.63          $ 3.55          $ 4.18
Year ended 10/31/2005                   25.10         .54            1.41            1.95
Year ended 10/31/2004                   23.17         .48            2.00            2.48
Year ended 10/31/2003                   20.20         .49            3.31            3.80
Year ended 10/31/2002                   23.22         .49           (2.29)          (1.80)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1:
Year ended 10/31/2006                   26.38         .38            3.54            3.92
Year ended 10/31/2005                   24.97         .31            1.40            1.71
Year ended 10/31/2004                   23.06         .26            1.99            2.25
Year ended 10/31/2003                   20.17         .26            3.33            3.59
Period from 6/11/2002 to 10/31/2002     23.56         .12           (3.29)          (3.17)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2:
Year ended 10/31/2006                   26.36         .39            3.52            3.91
Year ended 10/31/2005                   24.95         .31            1.41            1.72
Year ended 10/31/2004                   23.05         .27            1.99            2.26
Year ended 10/31/2003                   20.17         .29            3.28            3.57
Period from 5/31/2002 to 10/31/2002     24.35         .14           (4.10)          (3.96)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3:
Year ended 10/31/2006                  $26.41        $.52          $ 3.54          $ 4.06
Year ended 10/31/2005                   25.00         .44            1.40            1.84
Year ended 10/31/2004                   23.09         .37            1.99            2.36
Year ended 10/31/2003                   20.18         .37            3.30            3.67
Period from 6/6/2002 to 10/31/2002      23.70         .17           (3.44)          (3.27)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-4:
Year ended 10/31/2006                   26.48         .60            3.54            4.14
Year ended 10/31/2005                   25.06         .51            1.41            1.92
Year ended 10/31/2004                   23.14         .46            1.99            2.45
Year ended 10/31/2003                   20.19         .44            3.32            3.76
Period from 6/27/2002 to 10/31/2002     22.95         .17           (2.79)          (2.62)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5:
 Year ended 10/31/2006                  26.53         .68            3.54            4.22
 Year ended 10/31/2005                  25.10         .58            1.43            2.01
 Year ended 10/31/2004                  23.17         .53            2.00            2.53
 Year ended 10/31/2003                  20.21         .54            3.29            3.83
 Period from 5/15/2002 to 10/31/2002    24.66         .26           (4.43)          (4.17)

                                            DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS




                                      Dividends                                  Net
                                        (from     Distributions      Total      asset
                                         net          (from        dividends    value,
                                      investment     capital          and       end of    Total
                                       income)       gains)      distributions  period  return/3/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 10/31/2006                   $(.55)       $(1.01)        $(1.56)     $29.14    16.40%
Year ended 10/31/2005                    (.48)         (.05)          (.53)      26.52     7.80
Year ended 10/31/2004                    (.46)         (.09)          (.55)      25.10    10.81
Year ended 10/31/2003                    (.52)         (.31)          (.83)      23.17    19.31
Year ended 10/31/2002                    (.57)         (.65)         (1.22)      20.20    (8.42)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1:
Year ended 10/31/2006                    (.32)        (1.01)         (1.33)      28.97    15.38
Year ended 10/31/2005                    (.25)         (.05)          (.30)      26.38     6.86
Year ended 10/31/2004                    (.25)         (.09)          (.34)      24.97     9.83
Year ended 10/31/2003                    (.39)         (.31)          (.70)      23.06    18.19
Period from 6/11/2002 to 10/31/2002      (.22)           --           (.22)      20.17   (13.50)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2:
Year ended 10/31/2006                    (.32)        (1.01)         (1.33)      28.94    15.36
Year ended 10/31/2005                    (.26)         (.05)          (.31)      26.36     6.90
Year ended 10/31/2004                    (.27)         (.09)          (.36)      24.95     9.86
Year ended 10/31/2003                    (.38)         (.31)          (.69)      23.05    18.10
Period from 5/31/2002 to 10/31/2002      (.22)           --           (.22)      20.17   (16.31)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3:
Year ended 10/31/2006                   $(.45)       $(1.01)        $(1.46)     $29.01    15.94%
Year ended 10/31/2005                    (.38)         (.05)          (.43)      26.41     7.37
Year ended 10/31/2004                    (.36)         (.09)          (.45)      25.00    10.32
Year ended 10/31/2003                    (.45)         (.31)          (.76)      23.09    18.64
Period from 6/6/2002 to 10/31/2002       (.25)           --           (.25)      20.18   (13.87)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-4:
Year ended 10/31/2006                    (.52)        (1.01)         (1.53)      29.09    16.26
Year ended 10/31/2005                    (.45)         (.05)          (.50)      26.48     7.69
Year ended 10/31/2004                    (.44)         (.09)          (.53)      25.06    10.69
Year ended 10/31/2003                    (.50)         (.31)          (.81)      23.14    19.14
Period from 6/27/2002 to 10/31/2002      (.14)           --           (.14)      20.19   (11.43)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5:
 Year ended 10/31/2006                   (.60)        (1.01)         (1.61)      29.14    16.58
 Year ended 10/31/2005                   (.53)         (.05)          (.58)      26.53     8.05
 Year ended 10/31/2004                   (.51)         (.09)          (.60)      25.10    11.04
 Year ended 10/31/2003                   (.56)         (.31)          (.87)      23.17    19.50
 Period from 5/15/2002 to 10/31/2002     (.28)           --           (.28)      20.21   (16.98)



                                                  Ratio of    Ratio of      Ratio
                                                  expenses    expenses       of
                                         Net     to average  to average      net
                                       assets,   net assets  net assets    income
                                       end of      before       after        to
                                       period      reim-        reim-      average
                                         (in     busements/  bursements/     net
                                      millions)   waivers    waivers/4/    assets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 10/31/2006                  $16,044      .58%         .55%       2.31%
Year ended 10/31/2005                   13,850      .58          .56        2.06
Year ended 10/31/2004                   12,044      .60          .60        1.97
Year ended 10/31/2003                    9,716      .62          .62        2.32
Year ended 10/31/2002                    7,782      .60          .60        2.15
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1:
Year ended 10/31/2006                       15     1.46         1.43        1.42
Year ended 10/31/2005                       12     1.48         1.45        1.17
Year ended 10/31/2004                       10     1.51         1.49        1.07
Year ended 10/31/2003                        4     1.65         1.50        1.18
Period from 6/11/2002 to 10/31/2002        --/5/   1.24          .58         .60
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2:
Year ended 10/31/2006                      133     1.61         1.41        1.43
Year ended 10/31/2005                       99     1.65         1.42        1.19
Year ended 10/31/2004                       64     1.76         1.45        1.10
Year ended 10/31/2003                       32     1.86         1.47        1.35
Period from 5/31/2002 to 10/31/2002          3      .75          .61         .67
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3:
Year ended 10/31/2006                  $   222      .96%         .93%       1.92%
Year ended 10/31/2005                      181      .98          .96        1.65
Year ended 10/31/2004                      113     1.05         1.04        1.49
Year ended 10/31/2003                       32     1.14         1.08        1.72
Period from 6/6/2002 to 10/31/2002           2      .53          .43         .83
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-4:
Year ended 10/31/2006                       55      .68          .66        2.20
Year ended 10/31/2005                       43      .69          .67        1.94
Year ended 10/31/2004                       34      .70          .70        1.86
Year ended 10/31/2003                       16      .73          .72        2.03
Period from 6/27/2002 to 10/31/2002        --/5/    .53          .25         .84
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5:
 Year ended 10/31/2006                     267      .38          .35        2.49
 Year ended 10/31/2005                     198      .39          .36        2.22
 Year ended 10/31/2004                      62      .39          .39        2.18
 Year ended 10/31/2003                      52      .41          .41        2.53
 Period from 5/15/2002 to 10/31/2002        41      .18          .18        1.22




                                       22

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>


                                          YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
                         2006        2005        2004        2003         2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
RATE FOR ALL CLASSES     19%         22%         17%         24%          31%
OF SHARES




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

                                       23

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       24

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       25

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       26

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       27

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>




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





          FOR SHAREHOLDER SERVICES       American Funds Service Company
                                         800/421-0180
          FOR RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES   Call your employer or plan administrator
          FOR DEALER SERVICES            American Funds Distributors
                                         800/421-9900
                                         americanfunds.com
          FOR 24-HOUR INFORMATION        For Class R share information, visit
                                         AmericanFundsRetirement.com


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



MULTIPLE TRANSLATIONS  This prospectus may be translated into other languages.
If there is any inconsistency or ambiguity as to the meaning of any word or
phrase in a translation, the English text will prevail.

ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS  The shareholder reports contain
additional information about the fund, including financial statements,
investment results, portfolio holdings, a discussion of market conditions and
the fund's investment strategies, and the independent registered public
accounting firm's report (in the annual report).
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) AND CODES OF ETHICS The current SAI,
as amended from time to time, contains more detailed information on all aspects
of the fund, including the fund's financial statements, and is incorporated by
reference into this prospectus. This means that the current SAI, for legal
purposes, is part of this prospectus. The codes of ethics describe the personal
investing policies adopted by the fund, the fund's investment adviser and its
affiliated companies.

The codes of ethics and current SAI are on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). These and other related materials about the fund are available
for review or to be copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC
(202/551-8090) or on the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at sec.gov or,
after payment of a duplicating fee, via e-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov or
by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington,
DC 20549. The current SAI and shareholder reports are also available, free of
charge, on americanfunds.com.

HOUSEHOLD MAILINGS Each year you are automatically sent an updated prospectus
and annual and semi-annual reports for the fund. You may also occasionally
receive proxy statements for the fund. In order to reduce the volume of mail you
receive, when possible, only one copy of these documents will be sent to
shareholders who are part of the same family and share the same household
address.

If you would like to opt out of household-based mailings or receive a
complimentary copy of the current SAI, codes of ethics or annual/semi-annual
report to shareholders, please call American Funds Service Company at
800/421-0180 or write to the Secretary of the fund at 333 South Hope Street, Los
Angeles, California 90071.







[logo - recycle bug]
Printed on recycled paper
RPGEPR-903-0107P Litho in USA CGD/B/8028     Investment Company File No. 811-00572
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE CAPITAL GROUP COMPANIES
American Funds        Capital Research and Management       Capital International
             Capital Guardian              Capital Bank and Trust






THE FUND PROVIDES SPANISH TRANSLATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE
PUBLIC OFFERING AND SALE OF ITS SHARES. THE FOLLOWING IS A FAIR
AND ACCURATE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF A SPANISH LANGUAGE PROSPECTUS
FOR THE FUND.

/s/ VINCENT P. CORTI
    VINCENT P. CORTI
    SECRETARY



<PAGE>





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




American Mutual Fund/(R)/




RETIREMENT PLAN
PROSPECTUS




January 1, 2007






TABLE OF CONTENTS

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





 THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF
 THESE SECURITIES. FURTHER, IT HAS NOT DETERMINED THAT THIS PROSPECTUS IS
 ACCURATE OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
 OFFENSE.



<PAGE>

[This page was intentionally left blank.]

<PAGE>

Risk/Return summary

The fund seeks to provide you with current income, growth of capital and
conservation of principal. The fund invests primarily in common stocks of
larger, more established companies that have long records of increasing earnings
and dividends.
The fund is designed for investors seeking both income and capital appreciation,
as well as conservation of principal. In pursuing its objectives, the fund seeks
to develop a portfolio that is more resilient to market declines. The fund's
equity investments are limited to securities of companies that are included on
its eligible list. The eligible list is reviewed and approved by the fund's
board of directors at the recommendation of Capital Research and Management
Company, the fund's investment adviser.

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

Your investment in the fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency, entity or person.

YOU MAY LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE FUND. THE LIKELIHOOD OF LOSS MAY BE
GREATER IF YOU INVEST FOR A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       1

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

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



CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS FOR CLASS A SHARES
(Results do not include a sales charge; if a sales charge were included,
results would be lower.)

[begin bar chart]
1996        16.22
1997        26.39
1998        14.76
1999        -0.12
2000         9.12
2001         6.67
2002       -12.18
2003        23.31
2004        10.74
2005         4.94
[end bar chart]



Highest/Lowest quarterly results during this time period were:




HIGHEST              13.05%  (quarter ended June 30, 2003)
LOWEST              -15.73%  (quarter ended September 30, 2002)


The fund's total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2006,
was 8.78%.


                                       2

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>



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

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

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

Results would be higher if calculated without a sales charge.

Unlike the Investment Results table below, the Additional Investment Results
table on page 7 reflects the fund's results calculated without a sales charge.
 INVESTMENT RESULTS (WITH A MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE)
 AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005:
                                 1 YEAR  5 YEARS  10 YEARS   LIFETIME/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

 CLASS A -- FIRST SOLD 2/21/50   -1.11%   4.82%    8.80%       12.29%



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

 CLASS R-1 -- FIRST SOLD 6/11/02  4.00%       6.19%
 CLASS R-2 -- FIRST SOLD 5/31/02  4.01        5.15
 CLASS R-3 -- FIRST SOLD 6/6/02   4.49        6.44
 CLASS R-4 -- FIRST SOLD 6/27/02  4.78        7.74
 CLASS R-5 -- FIRST SOLD 5/15/02  5.15        5.87



                                   1 YEAR   5 YEARS   10 YEARS    LIFETIME/2/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 INDEXES
 S&P 500/3/                         4.91%    0.54%      9.07%        11.90%
 Lipper Multi-Cap Value Funds       6.33     6.25       9.91           N/A
 Index/4/
 Lipper Growth and Income Funds     6.82     2.92       8.47           N/A
 Index/5/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class A annualized 30-day yield at October 31, 2006: 1.98%/6/
 (For current yield information, please call American FundsLine at
  800/325-3590.)




/1/  Lifetime results for each share class are measured from the date the share
     class was first sold.
/2/  Lifetime results for the index(es) shown are measured from the date Class A
     shares were first sold. In prior years, each index may have included different
     funds or securities from those that constitute the current year's index.
/3/  Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted
     index based on the average weighted performance of 500 widely held common
     stocks. This index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends and/or
     distributions, but does not reflect sales charges, commissions, expenses or
     taxes.
/4/  Lipper Multi-Cap Value Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds that
     invest in a variety of market capitalization ranges without concentrating 75%
     of their equity assets in any one market capitalization range over an extended
     period of time. These funds seek long-term growth of capital by investing in
     companies that are considered to be undervalued relative to a major unmanaged
     stock index based on price to current earnings or other factors. The results of
     the underlying funds in the index include the reinvestment of dividends and
     capital gain distributions, as well as brokerage commissions paid by the funds
     for portfolio transactions, but do not reflect sales charges or taxes. This
     index was not in existence as of the date the fund's Class A shares became
     available; therefore, lifetime results are not shown.
/5/  Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds
     that combine a growth-of-earnings orientation and an income requirement for
     level and/or rising dividends. The results of the underlying funds in the index
     include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, as well
     as brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do
     not reflect sales charges or taxes. This index was not in existence as of the
     date the fund's Class A shares became available; therefore, lifetime results
     are not shown.
/6/  Reflects a fee waiver (1.95% without the waiver) as described in the Annual
     Fund Operating Expenses table under "Fees and expenses of the fund."


                                       3

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Fees and expenses of the fund

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



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

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



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




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

 Management fees/1/                 0.26%   0.26%  0.26%  0.26%  0.26%   0.26%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Distribution and/or service        0.22    1.00   0.75   0.50   0.25    none
 (12b-1) fees/2/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Other expenses                     0.10    0.20   0.60   0.20   0.17    0.12
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total annual fund operating        0.58    1.46   1.61   0.96   0.68    0.38
 expenses/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


/1/  The fund's investment adviser is currently waiving 10% of its management fee.
     The waiver may be discontinued at any time in consultation with the fund's
     board, but it is expected to continue at this level until further review. The
     fund's investment adviser and board intend to review the waiver as
     circumstances warrant. In addition, the investment adviser paid a portion of
     the fund's transfer agent fees for certain R share classes. Expenses shown
     above do not reflect any waiver or reimbursement. Information regarding the
     effect of any waiver/reimbursement on total annual fund operating expenses can
     be found in the Financial Highlights table in this prospectus and in the fund's
     annual report.
/2/  Class A, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 12b-1 fees may not exceed .25%, 1.00%, 1.00%,
     .75% and .50%, respectively, of the class' average net assets annually.


                                       4

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

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


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

 Class A            .05% of assets or                  .05% of assets or
             $12 per participant position/1/    $12 per participant position/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-1           .10% of assets                     .10% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-2     .15% of assets plus $27 per              .25% of assets
             participant position/2/ or .35%
                      of assets/3/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-3     .10% of assets plus $12 per              .15% of assets
             participant position/2/ or .19%
                      of assets/3/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-4           .10% of assets                     .10% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-5           .05% of assets                     .05% of assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------




/1/  Payment amount depends on the date upon which services commenced.
/2/  Payment with respect to Recordkeeper Direct/(R)/ program.
/3/  Payment with respect to PlanPremier/(R)/ program.

EXAMPLES

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

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




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

 Class A*                        $631    $750     $880      $1,259
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-1                        149     462      797       1,746
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-2                        164     508      876       1,911
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-3                         98     306      531       1,178
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-4                         69     218      379         847
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class R-5                         39     122      213         480
--------------------------------------------------------------------



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


                                       5

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Investment objective, strategies and risks
The fund strives for the balanced accomplishment of three objectives: current
income, growth of capital and conservation of principal. The fund seeks to
invest primarily in common stocks of companies that are likely to participate in
the growth of the American economy and whose dividends are well protected. The
fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in companies domiciled outside the United
States and Canada and not included in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index.
The fund may also invest in debt securities.

The fund's equity investments are limited to securities of companies that are
included on its eligible list. In light of the fund's investment objectives and
policies, securities are added to, or deleted from, the eligible list by the
fund's board of directors after reviewing and acting upon the recommendations of
the fund's investment adviser.

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

The values of, and the income generated by, most debt securities held by the
fund may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in the effective
maturities and credit ratings of these securities. For example, the values of
debt securities in the fund's portfolio generally will decline when interest
rates rise and increase when interest rates fall.

The fund may also hold cash or money market instruments. The percentage of the
fund invested in such holdings varies and depends on various factors, including
market conditions and purchases and redemptions of fund shares. A larger
percentage of such holdings could moderate the fund's investment results in a
period of rising market prices.

A larger percentage of cash or money market instruments could reduce the
magnitude of the fund's loss in the event of falling market prices and provide
liquidity to make additional investments or to meet redemptions.

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

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


                                       6

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

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

 CLASS A -- FIRST SOLD 2/21/50     4.94%    6.07%    9.45%       12.41%



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

 CLASS R-1 -- FIRST SOLD 6/11/02   4.00%       6.19%
 CLASS R-2 -- FIRST SOLD 5/31/02   4.01        5.15
 CLASS R-3 -- FIRST SOLD 6/6/02    4.49        6.44
 CLASS R-4 -- FIRST SOLD 6/27/02   4.78        7.74
 CLASS R-5 -- FIRST SOLD 5/15/02   5.15        5.87



                            1 YEAR     5 YEARS     10 YEARS      LIFETIME/2/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 INDEXES
 S&P 500/3/                  4.91%      0.54%        9.07%          11.90%
 Lipper Multi-Cap Value      6.33       6.25         9.91             N/A
 Funds Index/4/
 Lipper Growth and Income    6.82       2.92         8.47             N/A
 Funds Index/5/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class A distribution rate/ /at December 31, 2005: 1.83%/6/
 (For current distribution rate information, please call American FundsLine
  at 800/325-3590.)




/1/  Lifetime results for each share class are measured from the date the share
     class was first sold.
/2/  Lifetime results for the index(es) shown are measured from the date Class A
     shares were first sold. In prior years, each index may have included different
     funds or securities from those that constitute the current year's index.
/3/  Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted
     index based on the average weighted performance of 500 widely held common
     stocks. This index is unmanaged and includes reinvested dividends and/or
     distributions, but does not reflect sales charges, commissions, expenses or
     taxes.
/4/  Lipper Multi-Cap Value Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds that
     invest in a variety of market capitalization ranges without concentrating 75%
     of their equity assets in any one market capitalization range over an extended
     period of time. These funds seek long-term growth of capital by investing in
     companies that are considered to be undervalued relative to a major unmanaged
     stock index based on price to current earnings or other factors. The results of
     the underlying funds in the index include the reinvestment of dividends and
     capital gain distributions, as well as brokerage commissions paid by the funds
     for portfolio transactions, but do not reflect sales charges or taxes. This
     index was not in existence as of the date the fund's Class A shares became
     available; therefore, lifetime results are not shown.
/5/  Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index is an equally weighted index of funds
     that combine a growth-of-earnings orientation and an income requirement for
     level and/or rising dividends. The results of the underlying funds in the index
     include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, as well
     as brokerage commissions paid by the funds for portfolio transactions, but do
     not reflect sales charges or taxes. This index was not in existence as of the
     date the fund's Class A shares became available; therefore, lifetime results
     are not shown.
/6/  The distribution rate is based on actual distributions paid to shareholders
     over a 12-month period. Capital gain distributions, if any, are added back to
     the net asset value to determine the rate.


                                       7

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>


INDUSTRY SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2006 (percent of net assets)

[begin pie chart]
Financials                                                   15.60%
Industrials                                                  12.53%
Consumer discretionary                                       10.63%
Information technology                                       10.18%
Health care                                                   8.62%
Bonds & notes                                                 0.05%
Convertible securities                                        0.08%
Other industries                                             30.14%
Short-term securities & other assets less liabilities        12.17%

[end pie chart]


 LARGEST EQUITY HOLDINGS AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2006
                                                  PERCENT OF NET ASSETS

 General Electric                                         2.6%
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 IBM                                                      2.2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Citigroup                                                2.2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bellsouth                                                2.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Marathon Oil                                             1.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fannie Mae                                               1.7
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Abbott Laboratories                                      1.6
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Microsoft                                                1.6
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Norfolk Southern                                         1.4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bank of America                                          1.4




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

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


                                       8

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Management and organization

INVESTMENT ADVISER
Capital Research and Management Company, an experienced investment management
organization founded in 1931, serves as investment adviser to the fund and other
funds, including the American Funds. Capital Research and Management Company is
a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. and is located at
333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California 90071, and 135 South State
College Boulevard, Brea, California 92821. Capital Research and Management
Company manages the investment portfolio and business affairs of the fund. The
total management fee paid by the fund, as a percentage of average net assets,
for the previous fiscal year appears in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table
under "Fees and expenses of the fund." A discussion regarding the basis for the
approval of the fund's investment advisory and service agreement by the fund's
board of directors is contained in the fund's semi-annual report to shareholders
for the fiscal period ended April 30, 2006.

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


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


                                       9

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

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

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

MULTIPLE PORTFOLIO COUNSELOR SYSTEM
Capital Research and Management Company uses a system of multiple portfolio
counselors in managing mutual fund assets. Under this approach, the portfolio of
a fund is divided into segments managed by individual counselors. Counselors
decide how their respective segments will be invested. In addition, Capital
Research and Management Company's investment analysts may make investment
decisions with respect to a portion of a fund's portfolio. Investment decisions
are subject to a fund's objective(s), policies and restrictions and the
oversight of the appropriate investment-related committees of Capital Research
and Management Company.

The primary individual portfolio counselors for American Mutual Fund are:

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

 JAMES K. DUNTON               37 years          Senior Vice President   Serves as an equity
 Vice Chairman of the                            and Director, Capital   portfolio counselor
 Board                                           Research and
                                                 Management Company

                                                 Investment
                                                 professional for 44
                                                 years, all with
                                                 Capital Research and
                                                 Management Company or
                                                 affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 J. DALE HARVEY                7 years           Vice President,         Serves as an equity
 President              (plus 7 years of prior   Capital Research and    portfolio counselor
                           experience as an      Management Company
                          investment analyst
                            for the fund)        Investment
                                                 professional for 17
                                                 years in total; 15
                                                 years with Capital
                                                 Research and
                                                 Management Company or
                                                 affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                       10

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>


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

 JOYCE E. GORDON                1 year           Senior Vice President   Serves as an equity
 Senior Vice President    (plus 10 years of      and Director, Capital   portfolio counselor
                                prior            Research and
                           experience as an      Management Company
                          investment analyst
                            for the fund)        Investment
                                                 professional for 27
                                                 years, all with
                                                 Capital Research and
                                                 Management Company or
                                                 affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 JAMES B. LOVELACE              1 year           Senior Vice President   Serves as an equity
 Senior Vice President                           and Director, Capital   portfolio counselor
                                                 Research and
                                                 Management Company

                                                 Investment
                                                 professional for 25
                                                 years, all with
                                                 Capital Research and
                                                 Management Company or
                                                 affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 R. MICHAEL SHANAHAN           21 years          Chairman Emeritus,      Serves as an equity
                        (plus 7 years of prior   Capital Research and    portfolio counselor
                           experience as an      Management Company
                          investment analyst
                            for the fund)        Investment
                                                 professional for 42
                                                 years, all with
                                                 Capital Research and
                                                 Management Company or
                                                 affiliate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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

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


                                       11

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Purchase, exchange and sale of shares

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

PURCHASES AND EXCHANGES

Eligible retirement plans generally may open an account and purchase Class A or
R shares by contacting any investment dealer (who may impose transaction charges
in addition to those described in this prospectus) authorized to sell the fund's
shares. Some or all R share classes may not be available through certain
investment dealers. Additional shares may be purchased through a plan's
administrator or recordkeeper.

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

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

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


                                       12

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

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

Under the fund's purchase blocking policy, certain purchases will not be
prevented and certain redemptions will not trigger a purchase block, such as:
systematic redemptions and purchases where the entity maintaining the
shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as a systematic
redemption or purchase; purchases and redemptions of shares having a value of
less than $5,000; retirement plan contributions, loans and distributions
(including hardship withdrawals) identified as such on the retirement plan
recordkeeper's system; and purchase transactions involving transfers of assets,
rollovers, Roth IRA conversions and IRA recharacterizations, where the entity
maintaining the shareholder account is able to identify the transaction as one
of these types of transactions.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE FUND'S PURCHASE BLOCKING POLICY, ALL TRANSACTIONS IN FUND
SHARES REMAIN SUBJECT TO THE FUND'S AND AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS' RIGHT TO
RESTRICT POTENTIALLY ABUSIVE TRADING GENERALLY (INCLUDING THE TYPES OF
TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE THAT WILL NOT BE PREVENTED OR TRIGGER A PURCHASE
BLOCK UNDER THE POLICY). SEE THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR MORE
INFORMATION ABOUT HOW AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY MAY ADDRESS OTHER
POTENTIALLY ABUSIVE TRADING ACTIVITY IN THE AMERICAN FUNDS.


                                       13

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

SALES

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

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

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

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

Your shares will be purchased at the net asset value (plus any applicable sales
charge in the case of Class A shares) or sold at the net asset value next
determined after American Funds Service Company receives and accepts your
request.


                                       14

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Sales charges

CLASS A SHARES

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



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

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



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

CLASS A PURCHASES NOT SUBJECT TO SALES CHARGES

The following investments are not subject to any initial or contingent deferred
sales charge if American Funds Service Company is properly notified of the
nature of the investment:
. investments made by accounts that are part of certain qualified fee-based
  programs and that purchased Class A shares before the discontinuation of your
  investment dealer's load-waived A share program with the American Funds; and


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


                                       15

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

The distributor may pay dealers up to 1% on investments made in Class A shares
with no initial sales charge. The fund may reimburse the distributor for these
payments through its plans of distribution (see "Plans of distribution" below).

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

 EMPLOYER-SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLANS
 Employer-sponsored retirement plans that are eligible to purchase Class R
 shares may instead purchase Class A shares and pay the applicable Class A sales
 charge, provided their recordkeepers can properly apply a sales charge on plan
 investments. These plans are not eligible to make initial purchases of $1
 million or more in Class A shares and thereby invest in Class A shares without
 a sales charge, nor are they eligible to establish a statement of intention
 that qualifies them to purchase Class A shares without a sales charge. More
 information about statements of intention can be found under "Sales charge
 reductions." Plans investing in Class A shares with a sales charge may purchase
 additional Class A shares in accordance with the sales charge table above.

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

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


                                       16

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Sales charge reductions

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

REDUCING YOUR CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGE
Consistent with the policies described in this prospectus, two or more
retirement plans of an employer or employer's affiliates may combine all of
their American Funds investments to reduce their Class A sales charge. However,
for this purpose, investments representing direct purchases of American Funds
money market funds are excluded. Following are different ways that you may
qualify for a reduced Class A sales charge:

 CONCURRENT PURCHASES

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

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


                                       17

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

 STATEMENT OF INTENTION
 You may reduce your Class A sales charge by establishing a statement of
 intention. A statement of intention allows you to combine all purchases of all
 share classes of American Funds non-money market funds you intend to make over
 a 13-month period to determine the applicable sales charge; however, purchases
 made under a right of reinvestment, appreciation of your holdings, and
 reinvested dividends and capital gains do not count as purchases made during
 the statement period. The market value of your existing holdings eligible to be
 aggregated as of the day immediately before the start of the statement period
 may be credited toward satisfying the statement. A portion of your account may
 be held in escrow to cover additional Class A sales charges that may be due if
 your total purchases over the statement period do not qualify you for the
 applicable sales charge reduction. Employer-sponsored retirement plans may be
 restricted from establishing statements of intention. See "Sales charges" above
 for more information.

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


                                       18

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

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

. rollovers to IRAs from 403(b) plans with Capital Bank and Trust Company as
  custodian; and
. rollovers to IRAs that are attributable to American Funds investments, if they
  meet all of the following three requirements:

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

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

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

TRANSFERS TO IRAS

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


                                       19

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

Plans of distribution
The fund has plans of distribution or "12b-1 plans" under which it may finance
activities primarily intended to sell shares, provided the categories of
expenses are approved in advance by the fund's board of directors. The plans
provide for payments, based on annualized percentages of average daily net
assets, of up to .25% for Class A shares, up to 1.00% for Class R-1 and R-2
shares, up to .75% for Class R-3 shares and up to .50% for Class R-4 shares. For
all share classes, up to .25% of these expenses may be used to pay service fees
to qualified dealers for providing certain shareholder services. The amount
remaining for each share class may be used for distribution expenses.

The 12b-1 fees paid by the fund, as a percentage of average net assets, for the
previous fiscal year are indicated in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses table
under "Fees and expenses of the fund." Since these fees are paid out of the
fund's assets or income on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the
cost and reduce the return of your investment.

Other compensation to dealers
American Funds Distributors, at its expense, currently provides additional
compensation to investment dealers. These payments may be made, at the
discretion of American Funds Distributors, to the top 75 dealers (or their
affiliates) who have sold shares of the American Funds. The level of payments
made to a qualifying firm in any given year will vary and in no case would
exceed the sum of (a) .10% of the previous year's American Funds sales by that
dealer and (b) .02% of American Funds assets attributable to that dealer. For
calendar year 2006, aggregate payments made by American Funds Distributors to
dealers were less than .02% of the assets of the American Funds. Aggregate
payments may also change from year to year. A number of factors will be
considered in determining payments, including the qualifying dealer's sales,
assets and redemption rates, and the quality of the dealer's relationship with
American Funds Distributors. American Funds Distributors makes these payments to
help defray the costs incurred by qualifying dealers in connection with efforts
to educate financial advisers about the American Funds so that they can make
recommendations and provide services that are suitable and meet shareholder
needs. American Funds Distributors will, on an annual basis, determine the
advisability of continuing these payments. American Funds Distributors may also
pay expenses associated with meetings conducted by dealers outside the top 75
firms to facilitate educating financial advisers and shareholders about the
American Funds.


                                       20

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

Distributions and taxes

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The fund intends to distribute dividends to shareholders, usually in March,
June, September and December.

Capital gains, if any, are usually distributed in December. When a dividend or
capital gain is distributed, the net asset value per share is reduced by the
amount of the payment.

All dividends and capital gain distributions paid to retirement plan
shareholders will be automatically reinvested.

TAXES ON DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Dividends and capital gains distributed by the fund to tax-deferred retirement
plan accounts are not taxable currently.

TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS
Exchanges within a tax-deferred retirement plan account will not result in a
capital gain or loss for federal or state income tax purposes. With limited
exceptions, distributions from a retirement plan account are taxable as ordinary
income.

PLEASE SEE YOUR TAX ADVISER FOR MORE INFORMATION.


                                       21

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>


Financial highlights/1/

The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the fund's
results for the past five fiscal years. Certain information reflects financial
results for a single share of a particular class. The total returns in the table
represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment
in the fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain
distributions). This information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
whose report, along with the fund's financial statements, is included in the
statement of additional information, which is available upon request.

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

CLASS A:
Year ended 10/31/2006                  $26.52        $.63          $ 3.55          $ 4.18
Year ended 10/31/2005                   25.10         .54            1.41            1.95
Year ended 10/31/2004                   23.17         .48            2.00            2.48
Year ended 10/31/2003                   20.20         .49            3.31            3.80
Year ended 10/31/2002                   23.22         .49           (2.29)          (1.80)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1:
Year ended 10/31/2006                   26.38         .38            3.54            3.92
Year ended 10/31/2005                   24.97         .31            1.40            1.71
Year ended 10/31/2004                   23.06         .26            1.99            2.25
Year ended 10/31/2003                   20.17         .26            3.33            3.59
Period from 6/11/2002 to 10/31/2002     23.56         .12           (3.29)          (3.17)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2:
Year ended 10/31/2006                   26.36         .39            3.52            3.91
Year ended 10/31/2005                   24.95         .31            1.41            1.72
Year ended 10/31/2004                   23.05         .27            1.99            2.26
Year ended 10/31/2003                   20.17         .29            3.28            3.57
Period from 5/31/2002 to 10/31/2002     24.35         .14           (4.10)          (3.96)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3:
Year ended 10/31/2006                  $26.41        $.52          $ 3.54          $ 4.06
Year ended 10/31/2005                   25.00         .44            1.40            1.84
Year ended 10/31/2004                   23.09         .37            1.99            2.36
Year ended 10/31/2003                   20.18         .37            3.30            3.67
Period from 6/6/2002 to 10/31/2002      23.70         .17           (3.44)          (3.27)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-4:
Year ended 10/31/2006                   26.48         .60            3.54            4.14
Year ended 10/31/2005                   25.06         .51            1.41            1.92
Year ended 10/31/2004                   23.14         .46            1.99            2.45
Year ended 10/31/2003                   20.19         .44            3.32            3.76
Period from 6/27/2002 to 10/31/2002     22.95         .17           (2.79)          (2.62)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5:
 Year ended 10/31/2006                  26.53         .68            3.54            4.22
 Year ended 10/31/2005                  25.10         .58            1.43            2.01
 Year ended 10/31/2004                  23.17         .53            2.00            2.53
 Year ended 10/31/2003                  20.21         .54            3.29            3.83
 Period from 5/15/2002 to 10/31/2002    24.66         .26           (4.43)          (4.17)

                                            DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS




                                      Dividends                                  Net
                                        (from     Distributions      Total      asset
                                         net          (from        dividends    value,
                                      investment     capital          and       end of    Total
                                       income)       gains)      distributions  period  return/3/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 10/31/2006                   $(.55)       $(1.01)        $(1.56)     $29.14    16.40%
Year ended 10/31/2005                    (.48)         (.05)          (.53)      26.52     7.80
Year ended 10/31/2004                    (.46)         (.09)          (.55)      25.10    10.81
Year ended 10/31/2003                    (.52)         (.31)          (.83)      23.17    19.31
Year ended 10/31/2002                    (.57)         (.65)         (1.22)      20.20    (8.42)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1:
Year ended 10/31/2006                    (.32)        (1.01)         (1.33)      28.97    15.38
Year ended 10/31/2005                    (.25)         (.05)          (.30)      26.38     6.86
Year ended 10/31/2004                    (.25)         (.09)          (.34)      24.97     9.83
Year ended 10/31/2003                    (.39)         (.31)          (.70)      23.06    18.19
Period from 6/11/2002 to 10/31/2002      (.22)           --           (.22)      20.17   (13.50)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2:
Year ended 10/31/2006                    (.32)        (1.01)         (1.33)      28.94    15.36
Year ended 10/31/2005                    (.26)         (.05)          (.31)      26.36     6.90
Year ended 10/31/2004                    (.27)         (.09)          (.36)      24.95     9.86
Year ended 10/31/2003                    (.38)         (.31)          (.69)      23.05    18.10
Period from 5/31/2002 to 10/31/2002      (.22)           --           (.22)      20.17   (16.31)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3:
Year ended 10/31/2006                   $(.45)       $(1.01)        $(1.46)     $29.01    15.94%
Year ended 10/31/2005                    (.38)         (.05)          (.43)      26.41     7.37
Year ended 10/31/2004                    (.36)         (.09)          (.45)      25.00    10.32
Year ended 10/31/2003                    (.45)         (.31)          (.76)      23.09    18.64
Period from 6/6/2002 to 10/31/2002       (.25)           --           (.25)      20.18   (13.87)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-4:
Year ended 10/31/2006                    (.52)        (1.01)         (1.53)      29.09    16.26
Year ended 10/31/2005                    (.45)         (.05)          (.50)      26.48     7.69
Year ended 10/31/2004                    (.44)         (.09)          (.53)      25.06    10.69
Year ended 10/31/2003                    (.50)         (.31)          (.81)      23.14    19.14
Period from 6/27/2002 to 10/31/2002      (.14)           --           (.14)      20.19   (11.43)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5:
 Year ended 10/31/2006                   (.60)        (1.01)         (1.61)      29.14    16.58
 Year ended 10/31/2005                   (.53)         (.05)          (.58)      26.53     8.05
 Year ended 10/31/2004                   (.51)         (.09)          (.60)      25.10    11.04
 Year ended 10/31/2003                   (.56)         (.31)          (.87)      23.17    19.50
 Period from 5/15/2002 to 10/31/2002     (.28)           --           (.28)      20.21   (16.98)



                                                  Ratio of    Ratio of      Ratio
                                                  expenses    expenses       of
                                         Net     to average  to average      net
                                       assets,   net assets  net assets    income
                                       end of      before       after        to
                                       period      reim-        reim-      average
                                         (in     busements/  bursements/     net
                                      millions)   waivers    waivers/4/    assets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASS A:
Year ended 10/31/2006                  $16,044      .58%         .55%       2.31%
Year ended 10/31/2005                   13,850      .58          .56        2.06
Year ended 10/31/2004                   12,044      .60          .60        1.97
Year ended 10/31/2003                    9,716      .62          .62        2.32
Year ended 10/31/2002                    7,782      .60          .60        2.15
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-1:
Year ended 10/31/2006                       15     1.46         1.43        1.42
Year ended 10/31/2005                       12     1.48         1.45        1.17
Year ended 10/31/2004                       10     1.51         1.49        1.07
Year ended 10/31/2003                        4     1.65         1.50        1.18
Period from 6/11/2002 to 10/31/2002        --/5/   1.24          .58         .60
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-2:
Year ended 10/31/2006                      133     1.61         1.41        1.43
Year ended 10/31/2005                       99     1.65         1.42        1.19
Year ended 10/31/2004                       64     1.76         1.45        1.10
Year ended 10/31/2003                       32     1.86         1.47        1.35
Period from 5/31/2002 to 10/31/2002          3      .75          .61         .67
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-3:
Year ended 10/31/2006                  $   222      .96%         .93%       1.92%
Year ended 10/31/2005                      181      .98          .96        1.65
Year ended 10/31/2004                      113     1.05         1.04        1.49
Year ended 10/31/2003                       32     1.14         1.08        1.72
Period from 6/6/2002 to 10/31/2002           2      .53          .43         .83
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-4:
Year ended 10/31/2006                       55      .68          .66        2.20
Year ended 10/31/2005                       43      .69          .67        1.94
Year ended 10/31/2004                       34      .70          .70        1.86
Year ended 10/31/2003                       16      .73          .72        2.03
Period from 6/27/2002 to 10/31/2002        --/5/    .53          .25         .84
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS R-5:
 Year ended 10/31/2006                     267      .38          .35        2.49
 Year ended 10/31/2005                     198      .39          .36        2.22
 Year ended 10/31/2004                      62      .39          .39        2.18
 Year ended 10/31/2003                      52      .41          .41        2.53
 Period from 5/15/2002 to 10/31/2002        41      .18          .18        1.22




                                       22

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>


                                          YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
                         2006        2005        2004        2003         2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
RATE FOR ALL CLASSES     19%         22%         17%         24%          31%
OF SHARES




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

                                       23

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus

<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       24

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       25

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       26

American Mutual Fund / Prospectus


<PAGE>

NOTES


                                       27

                                              American Mutual Fund / Prospectus
<PAGE>




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





          FOR SHAREHOLDER SERVICES       American Funds Service Company
                                         800/421-0180
          FOR RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES   Call your employer or plan administrator
          FOR DEALER SERVICES            American Funds Distributors
                                         800/421-9900
                                         americanfunds.com
          FOR 24-HOUR INFORMATION        For Class R share information, visit
                                         AmericanFundsRetirement.com


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



MULTIPLE TRANSLATIONS  This prospectus may be translated into other languages.
If there is any inconsistency or ambiguity as to the meaning of any word or
phrase in a translation, the English text will prevail.

ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS  The shareholder reports contain
additional information about the fund, including financial statements,
investment results, portfolio holdings, a discussion of market conditions and
the fund's investment strategies, and the independent registered public
accounting firm's report (in the annual report).
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) AND CODES OF ETHICS The current SAI,
as amended from time to time, contains more detailed information on all aspects
of the fund, including the fund's financial statements, and is incorporated by
reference into this prospectus. This means that the current SAI, for legal
purposes, is part of this prospectus. The codes of ethics describe the personal
investing policies adopted by the fund, the fund's investment adviser and its
affiliated companies.

The codes of ethics and current SAI are on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). These and other related materials about the fund are available
for review or to be copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC
(202/551-8090) or on the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at sec.gov or,
after payment of a duplicating fee, via e-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov or
by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington,
DC 20549. The current SAI and shareholder reports are also available, free of
charge, on americanfunds.com.

HOUSEHOLD MAILINGS Each year you are automatically sent an updated prospectus
and annual and semi-annual reports for the fund. You may also occasionally
receive proxy statements for the fund. In order to reduce the volume of mail you
receive, when possible, only one copy of these documents will be sent to
shareholders who are part of the same family and share the same household
address.

If you would like to opt out of household-based mailings or receive a
complimentary copy of the current SAI, codes of ethics or annual/semi-annual
report to shareholders, please call American Funds Service Company at
800/421-0180 or write to the Secretary of the fund at 333 South Hope Street, Los
Angeles, California 90071.







[logo - recycle bug]
Printed on recycled paper
RPGEPR-903-0107P Litho in USA CGD/B/8028     Investment Company File No. 811-00572
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE CAPITAL GROUP COMPANIES
American Funds        Capital Research and Management       Capital International
             Capital Guardian              Capital Bank and Trust

American Mutual Fund, Inc.

Part C

Other Information

Item 23. Exhibits for Registration Statement (1940 Act No. 811-00572 and 1933 Act No. 002-10607)

(a)	Articles of Incorporation - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 103 filed 12/30/97, No. 107 filed 3/10/00, No. 109 filed 3/12/01, and No. 110 filed 2/15/02)

(b)	By-laws - By-laws as amended 3/15/06

(c)	Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders - Form of share certificate - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 109 filed 3/12/01)

(d)	Investment Advisory Contracts - Amended Investment Advisory and Service Agreement dated 4/1/05 - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 116 filed 12/29/05)

(e-1)

Underwriting Contracts - Form of Amended and Restated Principal Underwriting Agreement - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 110 filed 2/15/02); form of Selling Group Agreement; form of Banking Selling Group Agreement; form of Omnibus addendum to the Selling Group Agreement (for retirement plan share classes (R shares only); and form of Institutional Selling Group Agreement - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 111 filed 5/13/02); form of Institutional Selling Group Agreement - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 114 filed 11/15/04)

(e-2)

Form of Amendment to Selling Group Agreement

(f)	Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts - Form of Deferred Compensation Plan amended effective as of 1/1/05

(g)	Custodian Agreements - Form of Global Custody Agreement dated 12/21/06

(h-1)

Other Material Contracts - Form of Amended and Restated Administrative Service Agreement dated 10/1/05 - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 116 filed 12/29/05); Amended Shareholder Services Agreement as of 4/1/03 and Form of Indemnification Agreement dated 7/1/04 - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 114 filed 11/15/04)

(h-2)

Form of Amendment of Amended Shareholder Services Agreement

(i)	Legal Opinion - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 111 filed 5/13/02)

(j)	Other Opinions - Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

(k)	Omitted Financial Statements - None

(l)	Initial Capital Agreements - None

(m)

Rule 12b-1 Plan - Forms of Plans of Distribution - Class A Plan of Distribution - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 103 filed 12/30/97); Class 529-A - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 110 filed 2/15/02); Amended Plans of Distribution for Classes B, C, F, 529-B, 529-C, 529-E, 529-F and R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 dated 10/1/05 - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 116 filed 12/29/05)

(n)	Rule 18f-3 Plan - Form of Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan - previously filed (see P/E Amendment No. 110 filed 2/15/02)

(o)

Reserved

(p)	Code of Ethics - Code of Ethics for The Capital Group Companies dated September 2006 and Code of Ethics for Registrant dated December 2005

Item 24. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Fund

None

Item 25. Indemnification

The Registrant is a joint-insured under Investment Advisor/Mutual Fund Errors and Omissions Policies, which insure its officers and trustees against certain liabilities. However, in no event will Registrant maintain insurance to indemnify any such person for any act for which Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify the individual.

Subsection (b) of Section 2-418 of the General Corporation Law of Maryland empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise, against reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding unless it is established that: (i) the act or omission of the person was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; (ii) the person actually received an improper personal benefit of money, property or services; or (iii) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, the person had reasonable cause to believe his act or omission was unlawful.

Indemnification under subsection (b) of Section 2-418 may not be made by a corporation unless authorized for a specific proceeding after a determination has been made that indemnification is permissible under the circumstances because the party to be indemnified has met the standard of conduct set forth in subsection (b). This determination shall be made (i) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors not, at the time, parties to the proceeding, or, if such quorum cannot be obtained, then by a majority vote of a committee of the Board consisting solely of two or more directors not, at the time, parties to such proceeding and who were duly designated to act in the matter by a majority vote of the full Board in which the designated directors who are parties may participate; (ii) by special legal counsel selected by the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board by vote as set forth in subparagraph (i), or, if the requisite quorum of the full Board cannot be obtained therefor and the committee cannot be established, by a majority vote of the full Board in which any director who is a party may participate; or (iii) by the stockholders (except that shares held by any party to the specific proceeding may not be voted). A court of appropriate jurisdiction may also order indemnification if the court determines that a person seeking indemnification is entitled to reimbursement under subsection (b).

Section 2-418 further provides that indemnification provided for by Section 2-418 shall not be deemed exclusive of any rights to which the indemnified party may be entitled; that the scope of indemnification extends to directors, officers, employees or agents of a constituent corporation absorbed in a consolidation or merger and persons serving in that capacity at the request of the constituent corporation for another; and empowers the corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation against any liability asserted against or incurred by such person in any such capacity or arising out of such person's status as such whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liabilities under Section 2-418.

Article VII of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation and Article V of the Registrant’s By-Laws as well as the indemnification agreements that the Registrant has entered into with each of its directors who is not an “interested person” of the Registrant (as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended), provide in effect that the Registrant will indemnify its officers and directors against any liability or expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in any proceeding arising out of or in connection with his or her service to the Registrant, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, subject to certain conditions. In accordance with Section 17(h) and 17(i) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and their respective terms, these provisions do not protect any person against any liability to the Registrant or its shareholders to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, director or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Registrant will comply with the indemnification requirements contained in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Release Nos. 7221 (June 9, 1972) and 11330 (September 4, 1980).

Item 26. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser

None

Item 27. Principal Underwriters

(a) American Funds Distributors, Inc. is also the Principal Underwriter of shares of: AMCAP Fund, Inc., American Balanced Fund, Inc., The American Funds Income Series, The American Funds Tax-Exempt Series I, The American Funds Tax-Exempt Series II, American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., American High-Income Trust, The Bond Fund of America, Inc., Capital Income Builder, Inc., Capital World Bond Fund, Inc., Capital World Growth and Income Fund, Inc., The Cash Management Trust of America, EuroPacific Growth Fund, Fundamental Investors, Inc., The Growth Fund of America, Inc., The Income Fund of America, Inc., The Investment Company of America, Intermediate Bond Fund of America, Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America, The New Economy Fund, New Perspective Fund, Inc., New World Fund, Inc., Short-Term Bond Fund of America, Inc., SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc., The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America, Inc., The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America, U.S. Treasury Money Fund of America and Washington Mutual Investors Fund, Inc.

(b)

	(1) Name and Principal Business Address	(2) Positions and Offices with Underwriter	(3) Positions and Offices with Registrant
L	E. Grant Abramson	Vice President	None
	David L. Abzug P.O. Box 2248 Agoura Hills, CA 91376	Vice President	None
	William C. Anderson 7780 Boylston Court Dublin, OH 43016	Regional Vice President	None
	Robert B. Aprison 2983 Bryn Wood Drive Madison, WI 53711	Senior Vice President	None
	T. Patrick Bardsley 36 East Woodward Blvd. Tulsa, OK 74114	Regional Vice President	None
	Shakeel A. Barkat 982 Wayson Way Davidsonville, MD 21035	Vice President	None
	Steven L. Barnes 7490 Clubhouse Road Suite 100 Boulder, CO 80301	Senior Vice President	None
	Thomas M. Bartow 20 Cerchio Alto Henderson, NV 89011	Vice President	None
B	Carl R. Bauer	Vice President	None
	Michelle A. Bergeron 4160 Gateswalk Drive Smyrna, GA 30080	Senior Vice President	None
	J. Walter Best, Jr. 7003 Chadwick Drive, Suite 355 Brentwood, TN 37027	Vice President	None
	John A. Blanchard 576 Somerset Lane Northfield, IL 60093	Senior Vice President	None
	Ian B. Bodell 7003 Chadwick Drive, Suite 355 Brentwood, TN 37027	Senior Vice President	None
	Jonathan W. Botts 2231 Garden View Lane Weddington, NC 28104	Regional Vice President	None
	Bill Brady 646 Somerset Drive Indianapolis, IN 46260	Regional Vice President	None
	Mick L. Brethower 510 Cimmaron Hills Trail W. Georgetown, TX 78628	Senior Vice President	None
	C. Alan Brown 7424 Somerset Avenue St. Louis, MO 63105	Vice President	None
L	Sheryl M. Burford	Assistant Vice President	None
B	J. Peter Burns	Vice President	None
	Steven Calabria 161 Bay Avenue Huntington Bay, NY 11743	Regional Vice President	None
S	Kathleen D. Campbell	Assistant Vice President	None
	Matthew C. Carlisle 100 Oakmont Lane, #409 Belleair, FL 33756	Vice President	None
	Damian F. Carroll 40 Ten Acre Road New Britain, CT 06052	Vice President	None
	James D. Carter 560 Valley Hill Lane Knoxville, TN 37922	Regional Vice President	None
	Brian C. Casey 8002 Greentree Road Bethesda, MD 20817	Senior Vice President	None
	Victor C. Cassato 999 Green Oaks Drive Greenwood Village, CO 80121	Senior Vice President	None
	Christopher J. Cassin 120 E. Ogden Ave., Suite 106 Hinsdale, IL 60521	Senior Vice President	None
L	Denise M. Cassin	Director, Senior Vice President	None
L	David D. Charlton	Director, Senior Vice President	None
	Thomas M. Charon 262 Mulberry Drive Delafield, WI 53018	Regional Vice President	None
L	Wellington Choi	Vice President	None
	Paul A. Cieslik 90 Northington Drive Avon, CT 06001	Regional Vice President	None
L	Larry P. Clemmensen	Director	None
L	Kevin G. Clifford	Director, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer	None
H	Cheri Coleman	Vice President	None
	Ruth M. Collier 106 Central Park South, #10K New York, NY 10019	Senior Vice President	None
S	David Coolbaugh	Vice President	None
	Carlo O. Cordasco 4036 Ambassador Circle Williamsburg, VA 23188	Regional Vice President	None
B	Josie Cortez	Assistant Vice President	None
	Charles H. Cote 305 Edgeworth Lane Sewickley, PA 15143	Regional Vice President	None
	Thomas E. Cournoyer 2333 Granada Blvd. Coral Gables, FL 33134	Vice President	None
L	Michael D. Cravotta	Assistant Vice President	None
	Joseph G. Cronin 1281 Fiore Drive Lake Forest, IL 60045	Vice President	None
	William F. Daugherty 1213 Redwood Hills Circle Carlisle, PA 17015	Vice President	None
	Guy E. Decker 2990 Topaz Lane Carmel, IN 46032	Vice President	None
	Daniel J. Delianedis Edina Executive Plaza 5200 Willson Road, Suite 150 Edina, MN 55424	Senior Vice President	None
L	James W. DeLouise	Assistant Vice President	None
	James A. DePerno, Jr. 1 Nehercrest Lane Orchard Park, NY 14127	Vice President	None
L	Bruce L. DePriester	Director, Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Controller	None
	Lori A. Deuberry 130 Aurora Street Hudson, OH 44236	Regional Vice President	None
L	Dianne M. Dexter	Assistant Vice President	None
	Thomas J. Dickson 108 Wilmington Court Southlake, TX 76092	Vice President	None
	Michael A. DiLella 22 Turner’s Lake Drive Mahwah, NJ 07430	Senior Vice President	None
	G. Michael Dill 505 E. Main Street Jenks, OK 74037	Senior Vice President	None
N	Dean M. Dolan	Vice President	None
L	Hedy B. Donahue	Assistant Vice President	None
L	Michael J. Downer	Director	None
	Craig A. Duglin 4170 Vanetta Drive Studio City, CA 91604	Regional Vice President	None
	Michael J. Dullaghan 5040 Plantation Grove Lane Roanoke, VA 24012	Vice President	None
I	Lloyd G. Edwards	Senior Vice President	None
	Timothy L. Ellis 1700 Lelia Drive, Suite 105 Jackson, MS 39216	Senior Vice President	None
	Kristopher A. Feldmeyer 787 Jackson Road Greenwood, IN 46142	Regional Vice President	None
L	Lorna Fitzgerald	Vice President	None
	William F. Flannery 29 Overlook Road Hopkinton, MA 01748	Regional Vice President	None
	John R. Fodor 15 Latisquama Road Southborough, MA 01772	Senior Vice President	None
L	Charles L. Freadhoff	Vice President	None
	Daniel B. Frick 845 Western Avenue Glen Ellyn, IL 60137	Vice President	None
L	Linda S. Gardner	Vice President	None
	Keith R. George 3835 East Turtle Hatch Road Springfield, MO 65809	Regional Vice President	None
L	J. Christopher Gies	Senior Vice President	None
B	Lori A. Giacomini	Assistant Vice President	None
L	David M. Givner	Secretary	None
B	Evelyn K. Glassford	Vice President	None
	Jack E. Goldin 3424 Belmont Terrace Davie, FL 33328	Regional Vice President	None
L	Earl C. Gottschalk	Vice President	None
	Jeffrey J. Greiner 8250-A Estates Parkway Plain City, OH 43064	Senior Vice President	None
	Eric M. Grey 601 Fisher Road N. Dartmouth, MA 02747	Regional Vice President	None
B	Steven Guida	Senior Vice President	None
B	Mariellen Hamann	Vice President	None
	Derek S. Hansen 13033 Ridgedale Drive, #147 Minnetonka, MN 55305	Vice President	None
	David E. Harper 5400 Russell Cave Road Lexington, KY 40511	Senior Vice President	None
	Calvin L. Harrelson, III 2048 Kings Manor Drive Weddington, NC 28104	Vice President	None
	Robert J. Hartig, Jr. 13563 Marjac Way McCordsville, IN 46055	Vice President	None
L	Linda M. Hines	Vice President	None
	Steven J. Hipsley 44 Tyler Drive Saratoga Springs, NY 12866	Regional Vice President	None
L	Russell K. Holliday	Vice President	None
	Heidi Horwitz 5 Christopher Hill Road Weston, CT 06883	Regional Vice President	None
L	Kevin B. Hughes	Vice President	None
	Ronald R. Hulsey 6202 Llano Dallas, TX 75214	Senior Vice President	None
	Marc Ialeggio 13 Prince Royal Passage Corte Madera, CA 94925	Regional Vice President	None
	Robert S. Irish 1225 Vista Del Mar Drive Delray Beach, FL 33483	Senior Vice President	None
L	Linda Johnson	Assistant Vice President	None
G1	Joanna F. Jonsson	Director	None
B	Damien M. Jordan	Senior Vice President	None
L	Marc J. Kaplan	Vice President	None
	John P. Keating 1576 Sandy Springs Dr. Orange Park, FL 32003	Senior Vice President	None
	Brian G. Kelly 76 Daybreak Road Southport, CT 06890	Regional Vice President	None
	Andrew J. Kilbride 3080 Tuscany Court Ann Arbor, MI 48103	Regional Vice President	None
N	Dorothy Klock	Vice President	None
	Dianne L. Koske 6 Black Oak Court Poquoson, VA 23662	Assistant Vice President	None
B	Elizabeth K. Koster	Vice President	None
	Christopher F. Lanzafame 19365 Lovall Valley Court Sonoma, CA 95476	Regional Vice President	None
	Patricia D. Lathrop 822 Monterey Blvd., NE St. Petersburg, FL 33704	Regional Vice President	None
	R. Andrew LeBlanc 78 Eton Road Garden City, NY 11530	Vice President	None
	T. Blake Liberty 5506 East Mineral Lane Littleton, CO 80122	Vice President	None
	Mark J. Lien 1103 Tulip Tree Lane West Des Moines, IA 50266	Vice President	None
L	Lorin E. Liesy	Vice President	None
I	Kelle Lindenberg	Assistant Vice President	None
	Louis K. Linquata 5214 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132	Vice President	None
	Brendan T. Mahoney 1 Union Avenue, Suite One Sudbury, MA 01776	Vice President	None
	Nathan G. Mains 7711 S. Columbine Street Centennial, CO 80122	Regional Vice President	None
	Stephen A. Malbasa 13405 Lake Shore Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44110	Director, Senior Vice President	None
	Steven M. Markel 5241 South Race Street Greenwood Village, CO 80121	Senior Vice President	None
L	Paul R. Mayeda	Assistant Vice President	None
L	Eleanor P. Maynard	Vice President	None
L	Christopher McCarthy	Vice President	None
	James R. McCrary 28812 Crestridge Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275	Vice President	None
L	Will McKenna	Vice President	None
S	John V. McLaughlin	Senior Vice President	None
	Terry W. McNabb 2002 Barrett Station Road St. Louis, MO 63131	Senior Vice President	None
L	Katharine McRoskey	Vice President	None
	Scott M. Meade 41 South Road Rye Beach, NH 03871	Vice President	None
	Charles L. Mitsakos 3017 11^th Avenue West Seattle, WA 98119	Regional Vice President	None
	Monty L. Moncrief 55 Chandler Creek Court The Woodlands, TX 77381	Vice President	None
	David H. Morrison 7021 North Stratton Court Peoria, IL 61615	Regional Vice President	None
	Andrew J. Moscardini 832 Coldwater Creek Circle Niceville, FL 32578	Regional Vice President	None
L	Jack Nitowitz	Assistant Vice President	None
	William E. Noe 3600 Knollwood Road Nashville, TN 37215	Senior Vice President	None
L	Heidi J. Novaes	Vice President	None
	Eric P. Olson 27 Main Street, Suite 200 Topsfield, MA 01983	Senior Vice President	None
	Jeffrey A. Olson 2708 88^th St. Court, NW Gig Harbor, WA 98332	Regional Vice President	None
	Thomas A. O’Neil 4 Hillcrest Avenue Eastborough, KS 67208	Regional Vice President	None
	Michael W. Pak 13929 SE 92^nd Street Newcastle, WA 98059	Regional Vice President	None
	W. Burke Patterson, Jr. 1643 Richland Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70808	Regional Vice President	None
	Gary A. Peace 291 Kaanapali Drive Napa, CA 94558	Vice President	None
	Samuel W. Perry 4340 East Indian School Road Suite 21 Phoenix, AZ 85018	Vice President	None
	Raleigh G. Peters 1439 Byrd Drive Berwyn, PA 19312	Regional Vice President	None
	David K. Petzke 4016 Saint Lucia Street Boulder, CO 80301	Senior Vice President	None
	Fredric Phillips 175 Highland Avenue, 4th Floor Needham, MA 02494	Senior Vice President	None
	John Pinto 226 Country Club Drive Lansdale, PA 19446	Regional Vice President	None
	Carl S. Platou 7455 80th Place, S.E. Mercer Island, WA 98040	Senior Vice President	None
	Charles R. Porcher One Glenlake Pkwy., Suite 700 Atlanta, GA 30328	Regional Vice President	None
S	Richard P. Prior	Vice President	None
	Mike Quinn 1035 Vintage Club Drive Duluth, GA 30097	Regional Vice President	None
	John W. Rankin 1725 Centennial Club Drive Conway, AR 72034	Regional Vice President	None
	Jennifer D. Rasner 11940 Baypoint Drive Burnsville, MN 55337	Regional Vice President	None
	James P. Rayburn 3108 Roxbury Road Homewood, AL 35209	Regional Vice President	None
	Mark S. Reischmann 4125 Hermitage Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80906	Regional Vice President	None
	Steven J. Reitman 212 The Lane Hinsdale, IL 60521	Senior Vice President	None
	Brian A. Roberts 209-A 60^th Street Virginia Beach, VA 23451	Vice President	None
	Jeffrey Robinson 7 Waterville Lane Shrewsbury, MA 01545	Regional Vice President	None
	Suzette M. Rothberg 4508 Shady Beach Circle Independence, MN 55359	Regional Vice President	None
L	James F. Rothenberg	Director	None
	Romolo D. Rottura 233 Glenhaven Court Swedesboro, NJ 08085	Vice President	None
	Douglas F. Rowe 414 Logan Ranch Road Georgetown, TX 78628	Senior Vice President	None
	William M. Ryan 1408 Cortland Drive Manasquan, NJ 08736	Regional Vice President	None
L	Dean B. Rydquist	Director, Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer	None
	Richard A. Sabec, Jr. 6868 Meadow Glen Drive Westerville, OH 43082	Regional Vice President	None
	Richard R. Samson 4604 Glencoe Avenue, #4 Marina del Rey, CA 90292	Senior Vice President	None
	Paul V. Santoro 28 State Street, Suite 1100 Boston, MA 02109	Vice President	None
H	Diane Sawyer	Senior Vice President	None
	Joseph D. Scarpitti 31465 St. Andrews Westlake, OH 44145	Senior Vice President	None
	Shane D. Schofield 201 McIver Street Greenville, SC 29601	Vice President	None
L	David L. Schroeder	Assistant Vice President	None
	Mark A. Seaman 645 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd Suite 220 Severna Park, MD 21146	Vice President	None
S	Sherrie L. Senft	Vice President	None
	James J. Sewell III 415 East Holyoke Place Claremont, CA 91711	Regional Vice President	None
	Arthur M. Sgroi 76 Fields End Drive Glenmont, NY 12077	Regional Vice President	None
L	R. Michael Shanahan	Director	None
L	Michael J. Sheldon	Vice President	None
	Frederic J. Shipp 1352 Sanjo Farms Drive Chesapeake, VA 23320	Regional Vice President	None
	Daniel S. Shore 3734 North Greenview Avenue Chicago, IL 60613	Vice President	None
	Brad Short 1601 Seal Way Seal Beach, CA 90740	Vice President	None
	David W. Short 1000 RIDC Plaza, Suite 212 Pittsburgh, PA 15238	Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer	None
	Nathan W. Simmons 496 Dogwood Trail Quincy, FL 32352	Regional Vice President	None
	William P. Simon, Jr. 237 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 207 Devon, PA 19333	Director, Senior Vice President	None
L	Connie F. Sjursen	Vice President	None
	Jerry L. Slater 2216 38^th Place E. Seattle, WA 98112	Senior Vice President	None
LW	John H. Smet	Director	None
	Rodney G. Smith 15851 Dallas Parkway, Suite 500 Addison, TX 75001-6016	Senior Vice President	None
	J. Eric Snively 2548 Violet Street Glenview, IL 60025	Regional Vice President	None
	Anthony L. Soave 3780 Foxglove Court NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Vice President	None
L	Therese L. Soullier	Vice President	None
	Nicholas D. Spadaccini 855 Markley Woods Way Cincinnati, OH 45230	Senior Vice President	None
L	Kristen J. Spazafumo	Vice President	None
	Mark D. Steburg 12508 160^th Avenue Southeast Renton, WA 98059	Regional Vice President	None
	Michael P. Stern 213 Aptos Place Danville, CA 94526	Regional Vice President	None
	Brad Stillwagon 2438 Broadmeade Road Louisville, KY 40205	Vice President	None
	Thomas A. Stout 1004 Ditchley Road Virginia Beach, VA 23451	Vice President	None
	Craig R. Strauser 175 Berwick Lake Oswego, OR 97034	Senior Vice President	None
L	Libby J. Syth	Vice President	None
L	Drew W. Taylor	Assistant Vice President	None
L	Larry I. Thatt	Assistant Vice President	None
	Gary J. Thoma 401 Desnoyer Kaukauna, WI 54130	Vice President	None
	Cynthia M. Thompson 4 Franklin Way Ladera Ranch, CA 92694	Vice President	None
	David Tippets 15 Player Green Place The Woodlands, TX 77382	Regional Vice President	None
L	James P. Toomey	Vice President	None
I	Christopher E. Trede	Vice President	None
	George F. Truesdail 400 Abbotsford Court Charlotte, NC 28270	Senior Vice President	None
	Scott W. Ursin-Smith 103 E. Blithedale Avenue, Suite 1 Mill Valley, CA 94941	Senior Vice President	None
S	Cindy Vaquiax	Assistant Vice President	None
	J. David Viale 39 Old Course Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660	Senior Vice President	None
D	Bradley J. Vogt	Director	None
L	A. Jordan Wallens 1501 Maple Avenue, #602 Evanston, IL 60201	Regional Vice President	None
	Thomas E. Warren 119 Faubel St. Sarasota, FL 34242	Vice President	None
L	J. Kelly Webb	Senior Vice President	None
	Gregory J. Weimer 143 Redwood Drive Venetia, PA 15367	Director, Senior Vice President	None
B	Timothy W. Weiss	Director	None
SF	Gregory W. Wendt	Director	None
	George J. Wenzel 261 Barden Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304	Vice President	None
	Brian E. Whalen 4072 Yellow Ginger Glen Norcross, GA 30092	Regional Vice President	None
	William C. Whittington 11928 Sheldon Road Tampa, FL 33626	Regional Vice President	None
L	N. Dexter Williams, Jr.	Senior Vice President	None
L	Alan J. Wilson	Director	None
	Andrew L. Wilson 11163 Rich Meadow Drive Great Falls, VA 22066	Vice President	None
	Steven C. Wilson 7529 Summit Ridge Road Middleton, WI 53562	Regional Vice President	None
	Timothy J. Wilson 501 Valley Brook Road, Suite 204 McMurray, PA 15317	Senior Vice President	None
B	Laura L. Wimberly	Vice President	None
	Marshall D. Wingo Promenade Two, 25^th Floor 1230 Peachtree Street, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30309	Director, Senior Vice President	None
	Kurt A. Wuestenberg 975 Arboretum Drive Saline, MI 48176	Vice President	None
	William R. Yost 9463 Olympia Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55347	Senior Vice President	None
	Jason P. Young 11141 Whitetail Lane Olathe, KS 66061	Vice President	None
	Jonathan A. Young 2145 Hickory Forrest Chesapeake, VA 23322	Regional Vice President	None
	Scott D. Zambon 2178 Pieper Lane Tustin, CA 92782	Regional Vice President	None

__________

L	Business Address, 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
LW	Business Address, 11100 Santa Monica Blvd., 15th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90025
B	Business Address, 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, CA 92821
S	Business Address, 3500 Wiseman Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78251
SF	Business Address, One Market, Steuart Tower, Suite 1800, San Francisco, CA 94105-1016
H	Business Address, 5300 Robin Hood Road, Norfolk, VA 23513
I	Business Address, 8332 Woodfield Crossing Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46240
N	Business Address, 630 Fifth Avenue, 36^th Floor, New York, NY10111
D	Business Address, 3000 K Street N.W., Suite 230, Washington, DC 20007-5140
G1	Business Address, 3 Place des Bergues, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland

Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records

Accounts, books and other records required by Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are maintained and held in the offices of the Registrant’s investment adviser, Capital Research and Management Company, 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California 90071; 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, California 92821; and/or 5300 Robin Hood Road, Norfolk, Virginia 23513.

Registrant's records covering shareholder accounts are maintained and kept by its transfer agent, American Funds Service Company, 135 South State College Boulevard, Brea, California 92821; 8332 Woodfield Crossing Boulevard, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240; 10001 North 92^nd Street, Suite 100, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258; 3500 Wiseman Boulevard, San Antonio, Texas 78251; and 5300 Robin Hood Road, Norfolk, Virginia 23513.

Registrant's records covering portfolio transactions are maintained and kept by its custodian, JPMorgan Chase Bank, 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017-2070.

Item 29. Management Services

None

Item 30. Undertakings

n/a

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, and State of California on the 27th day of December, 2006.

AMERICAN MUTUAL FUND, INC.

By /s/ James K. Dunton

(James K. Dunton, Vice Chairman of the Board)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below on December 27, 2006, by the following persons in the capacities indicated.

	Signature	Title
(1)	Principal Executive Officer:
	/s/ James K. Dunton	Vice Chairman of the Board
	(James K. Dunton)
(2)	Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer:
	/s/ Karl C. Grauman	Treasurer
	(Karl C. Graumanl)
(3)	Directors:
	H. Frederick Christie*	Chairman of the Board (Independent and Non-Executive)
	Mary Anne Dolan*	Director
	/s/ James K. Dunton
	(James K. Dunton)	Vice Chairman of the Board
	Martin Fenton*	Director
	/s/ J. Dale Harvey	President and Director
	(J. Dale Harvey)
	William D. Jones*	Director
	Mary Myers Kauppila*	Director
	William H. Kling*	Director
	Bailey Morris-Eck*	Director
	Kirk P. Pendleton*	Director
	Olin C. Robison*	Director
	Steven B. Sample*	Director
	*By /s/ Vincent P. Corti
	(Vincent P. Corti, pursuant to a power of attorney filed herewith)

Counsel represents that this amendment does not contain disclosures that would make the amendment ineligible for effectiveness under the provisions of rule 485(b).

/s/ Walter R. Burkley

(Walter R. Burkley)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, H. Frederick Christie, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-	AMCAP Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-	The American Funds Income Series - U.S. Government Securities Fund (File No. 002-98199,

File No. 811-04318)

-	American Funds Insurance Series (File No. 002-86838, File No. 811-03857)

-	The American Funds Tax-Exempt Series II - The Tax-Exempt Fund of California (File No. 033-06180,

File No. 811-04694)

-	American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-80630, File No. 811-08576)

-	American High-Income Trust (File No. 033-17917, File No. 811-05364)

-	American Mutual Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

-	The Bond Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 002-50700, File No. 811-02444)

-	Capital Income Builder, Inc. (File No. 033-12967, File No. 811-05085)

-	Capital World Bond Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-12447, File No. 811-05104)

-	Capital World Growth and Income Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-54444, File No. 811-07338)

-	The Cash Management Trust of America (File No. 002-47940, File No. 811-02380)

-	Intermediate Bond Fund of America (File No. 033-19514, File No. 811-05446)

-	Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America (File No. 033-66214, File No. 811-07888)

-	The New Economy Fund (File No. 002-83848, File No. 811-03735)

-	Short-Term Bond Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 333-135770, File No. 811-21928)

-	SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-32785, File No. 811-05888)

-	The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 002-49291, File No. 811-02421)

-	The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America (File No. 033-26431, File No. 811-05750)

-	The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of America (File No. 033-38475, File No. 811-06235)

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Kimberly S. Verdick

Steven I. Koszalka

Karl C. Grauman

Sheryl F. Johnson

Sharon G. Moseley

David A. Pritchett

Jeffrey P. Regal

Susi M. Silverman

Ari M. Vinocor

each of them singularly, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to each of them, to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, any and all subsequent Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statement on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deem necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, and all related requirements of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

EXECUTED at Los Angeles, CA this 21^st day of September, 2006.

(City, State)

/s/ H. Frederick Christie

H. Frederick Christie, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Mary Anne Dolan, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-	AMCAP Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-	American Mutual Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

-	The Investment Company of America (File No. 002-10811, File No. 811-00116)

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Kimberly S. Verdick

Steven I. Koszalka

Karl C. Grauman

Carmelo Spinella

EXECUTED at Los Angeles, CA, this 10th day of July, 2006.

(City, State)

/s/ Mary Anne Dolan

Mary Anne Dolan, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Martin Fenton, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-	AMCAP Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-	The American Funds Income Series - U.S. Government Securities Fund (File No. 002-98199,

File No. 811-04318)

-	American Funds Insurance Series (File No. 002-86838, File No. 811-03857)

-	The American Funds Tax-Exempt Series II - The Tax-Exempt Fund of California (File No. 033-06180, File No. 811-04694)

-	American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-80630, File No. 811-08576)

-	American High-Income Trust (File No. 033-17917, File No. 811-05364)

-	American Mutual Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

-	The Bond Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 002-50700, File No. 811-02444)

-	Capital World Bond Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-12447, File No. 811-05104)

-	The Cash Management Trust of America (File No. 002-47940, File No. 811-02380)

-	Intermediate Bond Fund of America (File No. 033-19514, File No. 811-05446)

-	The Investment Company of America (File No. 002-10811, File No. 811-00116)

-	Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America (File No. 033-66214, File No. 811-07888)

-	Short-Term Bond Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 333-135770, File No. 811-21928)

-	The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America, Inc. (File No. 002-49291, File No. 811-02421)

-	The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America (File No. 033-26431, File No. 811-05750)

-	The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of America (File No. 033-38475, File No. 811-06235)

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Kimberly S. Verdick

Steven I. Koszalka

Karl C. Grauman

Sharon G. Moseley

David A. Pritchett

Susi M. Silverman

Carmelo Spinella

Ari M. Vinocor

EXECUTED at Los Angeles, CA this 21^st day of September, 2006.

(City, State)

/s/ Martin Fenton

Martin Fenton, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, William D. Jones, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment Companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-	AMCAP Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-	American Mutual Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Kimberly S. Verdick

Steven I. Koszalka

Karl C. Grauman

EXECUTED at San Diego, CA, this 17^th day of October , 2006.

(City, State)

/s/ WilliamD. Jones

William D. Jones, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Mary Myers Kauppila, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-	AMCAP Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-	American Funds Insurance Series (File No. 002-86838, File No. 811-03857)

-	American Mutual Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

-	Capital Income Builder, Inc. (File No. 033-12967, File No. 811-05085)

-	Capital World Growth and Income Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-54444, File No. 811-07338)

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Kimberly S. Verdick

Steven I. Koszalka

Karl C. Grauman

Sheryl F. Johnson

David A. Pritchett

Jeffrey P. Regal

EXECUTED at Boston, MA, this 5th day of July, 2006.

(City, State)

/s/ Mary Myers Kauppila

Mary Myers Kauppila, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, William H. Kling, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-	AMCAP Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-	American Mutual Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

-	EuroPacific Growth Fund (File No. 002-83847, File No. 811-03734)

-	The New Economy Fund (File No. 002-83848, File No. 811-03735)

-	New Perspective Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-47749, File No. 811-02333)

-	New World Fund, Inc. (File No. 333-67455, File No. 811-09105)

-	SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (File No. 033-32785, File No. 811-05888)

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Kimberly S. Verdick

Steven I. Koszalka

R. Marcia Gould

Karl C. Grauman

David A. Pritchett

EXECUTED at St. Paul, MN, this 11th day of July, 2006.

(City, State)

/s/ William H. Kling

William H. Kling, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Bailey Morris-Eck, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-	AMCAP Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-	American Mutual Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

-	The Investment Company of America (File No. 002-10811, File No. 811-00116)

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Kimberly S. Verdick

Steven I. Koszalka

Karl C. Grauman

Carmelo Spinella

EXECUTED at Butler, MD, this 6th day of July, 2006.

(City, State)

/s/ Bailey Morris-Eck

Bailey Morris-Eck, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Kirk P. Pendleton, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-	AMCAP Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-	American Funds Insurance Series (File No. 002-86838, File No. 811-03857)

-	American Mutual Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

-	EuroPacific Growth Fund (File No. 002-83847, File No. 811-03734)

-	New Perspective Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-47749, File No. 811-02333)

-	New World Fund, Inc. (File No. 333-67455, File No. 811-09105).

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Kimberly S. Verdick

Steven I. Koszalka

R. Marcia Gould

Karl C. Grauman

David A. Pritchett

EXECUTED at Bryn Athyn, PA, this 6th day of July, 2006.

(City, State)

/s/ Kirk P. Pendleton

Kirk P. Pendleton, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Olin C. Robison, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-	AMCAP Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-	American Mutual Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

-	The Investment Company of America (File No. 002-10811, File No. 811-00116)

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Kimberly S. Verdick

Steven I. Koszalka

Karl C. Grauman

Carmelo Spinella

EXECUTED at Shelburne, VT, this 10th day of July, 2006.

(City, State)

/s/ Olin C. Robison

Olin C. Robison, Board member

POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, Steven B. Sample, the undersigned Board member of the following registered investment companies (collectively, the “Funds”):

-	AMCAP Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-26516, File No. 811-01435)

-	American Mutual Fund, Inc. (File No. 002-10607, File No. 811-00572)

hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney I have signed and otherwise act in my name and behalf in matters involving the Funds and do hereby constitute and appoint

Vincent P. Corti

Chad L. Norton

Patrick F. Quan

Kimberly S. Verdick

Steven I. Koszalka

Karl C. Grauman

EXECUTED at San Marino, CA, this 9th day of July, 2006.

(City, State)

/s/ Steven B. Sample

Steven B. Sample, Board member