485APOS 1 d485apos.htm SELIGMAN PORTFOLIOS, INC. Seligman Portfolios, Inc.

File Nos. 033-15253

811-05221

 

 

 

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-1A

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933    x
Pre-Effective Amendment No. __    ¨
Post-Effective Amendment No. 42    x
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940    x
Amendment No. 44   

 

 

SELIGMAN PORTFOLIOS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

100 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017

(Address of principal executive offices)(zip code)

 

 

Registrant's Telephone Number: 212-850-1864 or

Toll Free: 800-221-2450

 

 

LAWRENCE P. VOGEL, Treasurer

100 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

 

¨        immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

  

x       on April 30, 2009 pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

¨        on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)

  

¨        75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

¨        60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

  

¨        on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

¨ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

 

 

 


 

Prospectus

May 1, 2009

 

Seligman

Portfolios, Inc.

 

 

Seligman Capital Portfolio

 

 

Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

 

 

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

 

 

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

 

 

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

 

 

Seligman International Growth Portfolio

 

 

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

 

 

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

 

 

Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission has neither approved nor disapproved this Fund, and it has not determined this Prospectus to be accurate or adequate. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

An investment in this Fund or any other fund cannot provide a complete investment program. The suitability of an investment in a Portfolio should be considered based on the investment objectives, strategies and risks described in this Prospectus, considered in light of all of the other investments in your portfolio, as well as your risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizons. We recommend that you consult an authorized dealer or your financial advisor to determine if one or more of these Portfolios is suitable for you.

 

Not FDIC Insured    n    May Lose Value    n    No Bank Guarantee

 

SP1 5/2009

LOGO


Table of Contents

 

The Fund

 

Discussions of the investment objectives, strategies, risks, and performance of the Portfolios of the Fund

Overview of the Fund

  1

Seligman Capital Portfolio

  2

Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

  6

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

  10

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

  14

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

  18

Seligman International Growth Portfolio

  23

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

  27

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

  32

Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

  36

Management of the Fund

  40

Subadviser

  41
Shareholder Information  

Pricing of Fund Shares

  43

How to Purchase and Sell Shares

  43

Frequent Trading of Portfolio Shares

  44

Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions

  44

Taxes

  44

Certain Payments

  44

Other Information

  45
Financial Highlights   47
For More Information   back cover

 

Effective November 7, 2008, RiverSource Investments, LLC (“RiverSource Investments”), investment manager to the RiverSource complex of funds, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (“Ameriprise Financial”), completed its acquisition (the “Acquisition”) of J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated (“Seligman”). With the Acquisition completed and shareholders of each of the Fund offered herein having previously approved (at a special meeting held on November 3, 2008) a new investment management services agreement between RiverSource Investments and the Fund (on behalf of each Portfolio), RiverSource Investments became the new investment manager of the Fund, effective November 7, 2008. Shareholders of the Fund (other than Seligman Global Technology Fund) also approved at the November meeting a subadvisory agreement between RiverSource Investments and Wellington Management Company, LLP.

 

RiverSource Complex of Funds

 

The RiverSource complex of funds includes a comprehensive array of funds from RiverSource Investments, including the Seligman funds. RiverSource Investments has also partnered with a number of professional investment managers, including its affiliate, Threadneedle Investments, to expand the array of funds offered in the RiverSource complex. Although the Seligman funds share the same Board of Directors/Trustees as the RiverSource funds (the “Board”) they do not currently have the same policies and procedures, and may not be exchanged for shares of the RiverSource funds, RiverSource Partners funds or Threadneedle funds. Please see the Statement of Additional Information (SAI) for a complete list of mutual funds included in the RiverSource complex of funds.


The Fund

 

Overview of the Fund

 

This Prospectus contains information about Seligman Portfolios, Inc. (the “Fund”)

 

The Fund consists of the following 9 separate portfolios:

 

Seligman Capital Portfolio

Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

Seligman International Growth Portfolio

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

 

The Fund’s Portfolios are offered to separate accounts (“Accounts”) of participating insurance companies to fund benefits of variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts (“Contracts”). The Accounts may invest in shares of the Portfolios in accordance with allocation instructions received from the owners of the Contracts. Such allocation rights and information on how to purchase or surrender a Contract, as well as sales charges and other expenses imposed by the Contracts on their owners, are further described in the separate prospectuses and disclosure documents issued by the participating insurance companies and accompanying this Prospectus. The Fund reserves the right to reject any order for the purchase of shares of a Portfolio. Subject to approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors, the Fund’s Portfolios may be offered to retirement plans.

 

The Class 2 Shares of the Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio are available to certain qualified pension and retirement plans and offered pursuant to a separate Prospectus.

 

Certain Portfolios offer two classes of shares: Class 1 and Class 2. This Prospectus offers only Class 1 shares and is for use with Accounts that make Class 1 shares available to Contract owners. Those Portfolios that offer Class 2 shares, which are not offered herein, are listed below.

 

In addition to this Prospectus, the Fund makes available a separate Class 1 prospectus for each of Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio, Seligman Global Technology Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio, and a separate Class 2 prospectus for each of Seligman Capital Portfolio, Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio, Seligman Global Technology Portfolio, Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio.

 

Each Portfolio has its own investment objectives, strategies and risks. A discussion of each Portfolio begins on the next page.

 

Due to differences of tax treatment and other considerations, there is a possibility that the interests of various contract owners who own shares of a particular Portfolio may conflict. The Fund’s Board of Directors monitors events in order to identify any disadvantages resulting from material irreconcilable conflicts and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response.

 

A Portfolio may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal strategies in seeking to minimize extreme volatility caused by adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. This could prevent a Portfolio from achieving its objectives.

 

A Portfolio’s investment objectives and any fundamental policies may be changed only with shareholder approval. If a change of objectives or any fundamental policies is proposed, Contract owners will be asked to give voting instructions to the participating insurance companies. The principal investment strategies may be changed without shareholder approval. Any changes to these strategies, however, must be approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors. Shareholders will be provided with at least 60 days prior written notice of any change to the investment policy of “80%” described in the second paragraph under the section “Principal Investment Strategies” for Seligman Common Stock Portfolio, Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio, Seligman Global Technology Portfolio, Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio, Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio.

 

An investment in any of the Portfolios is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

 

You should read the information about a particular Portfolio before making an investment decision about that Portfolio.

 

There is no guarantee a Portfolio will achieve its objectives.

 

Website References

 

The website references in this Prospectus are inactive textual references and information contained in or otherwise accessible through these websites does not form a part of this Prospectus.

 

1


Seligman Capital Portfolio

 

Investment Objective

 

The Portfolio’s investment objective is capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Portfolio uses the following principal investment strategies to seek its investment objective:

 

Generally, the Portfolio invests primarily in the common stock of medium-sized US companies. The investment manager chooses common stocks for the Portfolio through fundamental analysis, considering both quantitative and qualitative factors. In selecting individual securities for investment, the investment manager looks to identify medium-sized companies that it believes display certain characteristics, including but not limited to, one or more of the following:

 

Medium-Sized Companies:

Companies with market capitalizations between $1 billion and $15 billion at the time of purchase by the Portfolio.

 

n  

Strong or improving company fundamentals;

 

n  

Strong management;

 

n  

Market earnings expectations are at or below the investment manager’s estimates;

 

n  

Potential for improvement in overall operations (a catalyst for growth in revenues and/or earnings);

 

n  

Low valuations relative to projected earnings growth rates (i.e., low price/earnings ratio); and/or

 

n  

Potential for above-average growth.

 

The Portfolio will generally sell a stock when the investment manager believes that the company fundamentals have deteriorated, the company’s catalyst for growth is already reflected in the stock’s price (i.e., the stock is fully valued) or the investment manager’s price target has been met.

 

The Portfolio primarily invests in common stocks. However, the Portfolio may also invest in preferred stocks, securities convertible into common stocks, common stock rights or warrants, and debt securities if the investment manager believes they offer capital appreciation opportunities.

 

The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that cannot be readily sold) and may invest up to 10% of its total assets directly in securities issued by companies incorporated outside the US (“foreign companies”), except that companies that either (i) have their principal place of business in the US, (ii) derive 50% or more of their revenue from US sources or (iii) have the securities to be purchased by the Portfolio traded on a US securities exchange (including depositary receipts), will not be considered foreign companies. The Portfolio generally does not invest a significant amount, if any, in illiquid securities. The Portfolio may borrow money from time to time to purchase securities.

 

The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are traded, like individual stocks, on an exchange, but they represent baskets of securities that seek to track the performance of certain indices. The indices include not only broad-market indices but more specific indices as well, including those relating to particular sectors, countries and regions. The Portfolio may invest in ETFs for short-term cash management purposes or as part of its overall investment strategy.

 

The Fund’s Board of Directors may change the parameters by which “medium-sized companies” are defined if it concludes that such a change is appropriate.

 

Principal Risks

 

Stock prices fluctuate. Therefore, as with any portfolio that invests in stocks, the Portfolio’s net asset value will fluctuate, especially in the short term. You may experience a decline in the value of your investment and you could lose money if you sell your shares at a price lower than you paid for them.

 

Medium-sized companies, like those in which the Portfolio invests, may be newer or less established than larger companies. Investments in these companies carry additional risks because earnings of these companies tend to be less predictable; they often have limited product lines, markets, distribution channels or financial resources; and the management of such companies may be dependent upon one or a few key people. The market movements of stocks of medium-sized companies may be more abrupt or erratic than those of larger, more established companies or the stock market in general. Historically, medium-sized companies have sometimes gone through extended periods where they did not perform as well as larger companies. In addition, stocks of medium-sized companies generally are less liquid than those of larger companies. This means that the Portfolio could have greater difficulty selling such securities at the time and price that the Portfolio would like.

 

The Portfolio’s performance may be affected by the broad investment environment in the US or international securities markets, which is influenced by, among other things, interest rates, inflation, politics, fiscal policy, and current events.

 

2


Seligman Capital Portfolio

 

The Portfolio may not invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities of companies in any one industry. The Portfolio may, however, invest a substantial percentage of its assets in certain industries or economic sectors which the investment manager believes offer good investment opportunities. If an industry or economic sector in which the Portfolio is invested falls out of favor, the Portfolio’s performance may be negatively affected.

 

Foreign securities, illiquid securities or derivatives (including rights and warrants) in the Portfolio’s investment portfolio involve higher risk and may subject the Portfolio to higher price volatility. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves risks not associated with US investments, including currency fluctuations, local withholding and other taxes, different financial reporting practices and regulatory standards, high costs of trading, changes in political conditions, expropriation, investment and repatriation restrictions, and settlement and custody risks.

 

If the Portfolio invests in ETFs, shareholders would bear not only the Portfolio’s expenses (including operating expenses and advisory fees), but also similar expenses of the ETFs, and the Portfolio’s return will therefore be lower. To the extent the Portfolio invests in ETFs, the Portfolio is exposed to the risks associated with the underlying investments of the ETFs and the Portfolio’s performance may be negatively affected if the value of those underlying investments declines.

 

There are special risks associated with investing in preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. Preferred stocks may be subject to, among other things, deferral of distribution payments, involuntary redemptions, subordination to bonds and other debt instruments of the issuer, a lack of liquidity relative to other securities such as common stocks, and limited voting rights. The market value of securities convertible into common stocks tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stock.

 

The Portfolio may invest a portion of its net assets in debt securities, which may be subject to changes in interest rates, the creditworthiness of the issuers, unanticipated prepayment, and the decline of the bond market in general.

 

The Portfolio may actively and frequently trade securities in its portfolio to carry out its principal strategies. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Portfolio’s expenses.

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Portfolio’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

3


Seligman Capital Portfolio

 

Past Performance

 

The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing how the performance of Class 1 shares of the Portfolio has varied from year to year, as well as how its performance compares to three measures of performance. How the Portfolio has performed in the past, however, is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.

 

Class 1 annual total returns presented in the bar chart and average annual total returns presented in the table below the bar chart do not reflect the effect of any administration fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If these expenses were included, the returns would be lower. Both the bar chart and table assume that all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, were reinvested. The investment manager, at its discretion, reimbursed certain expenses of Class 1 shares for certain periods presented. Absent such reimbursement, returns would have been lower. Effective August 11, 2003, the investment manager discontinued this policy.

 

Class 1 Annual Total Returns – Calendar Years

 

LOGO

 

Best quarter return: 44.77% – quarter ended 12/31/99.

 

Worst quarter return: -30.55% – quarter ended 9/30/01.

 

Class 1 Average Annual Total Returns – Years Ended 12/31/08

 

       One
Year
       Five
Years
       Ten
Years
 

Seligman Capital Portfolio

              %               %               %

Russell Midcap Growth Index*

                          

Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Average*

                          

Lipper Mid-Cap Funds Average*

                          

 

* The Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Average, the Lipper Mid-Cap Funds Average and the Russell Midcap Growth Index are unmanaged benchmarks that assume the reinvestment of all distributions, if any. The Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Average and the Lipper Mid-Cap Funds Average do not reflect any fees, sales charges or taxes, and the Russell Midcap Growth Index does not reflect any expenses, fees, sales charges or taxes. The Lipper Mid-Cap Funds Average is an average of funds that, by prospectus or portfolio practice, invest primarily in companies with market capitalizations less than $5 billion at the time of purchase. The Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Average is an average of funds that, by portfolio practice, invest at least 75% of their equity assets in companies with market capitalizations (on a three-year weighted basis) less than 300% of the dollar-weighted median market capitalization of the middle 1,000 securities of the S&P SuperComposite 1500 Index ($16.0 billion as of December 31, 2007). Mid-Cap Growth Funds typically have an above average price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio, and three-year-sales-per-share growth value compared to the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The Russell Midcap Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell Midcap companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values, as determined by the Frank Russell Company. The stocks are also members of the Russell 1000 Growth Index. As of the date of this Prospectus, Lipper classifies the Portfolio as a Mid-Cap Growth Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an average or an index.

 

4


Seligman Capital Portfolio

 

Fees and Expenses

 

The table below summarizes the fees and expenses that you may pay as a shareholder of the Portfolio. Annual portfolio operating expenses are deducted from Portfolio assets and are therefore paid indirectly by you and other shareholders of the Portfolio. The table does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses set forth below would have been higher.

 

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

(as a percentage of average net assets)

 

Management Fees

   0.40 %

Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees

   none  

Other Expenses

            %
      

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

            %
      

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Portfolio with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes (1) you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for each period and then sell all of your shares at the end of that period, (2) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (3) the Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses remain the same. The example set forth below does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses reflected below would have been higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

       1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years

Class 1

     $               $               $               $         

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The Portfolio is managed by investment manager’s Core/Growth Team, which is co-headed by Erik J. Voss, a Vice President of the Fund. Mr. Voss, Portfolio Manager of the Portfolio since joining Seligman in October 2006, is a Managing Director of Seligman. In addition to his responsibilities in respect of the Portfolio, Mr. Voss is Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Common Stock Portfolio, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of Seligman Capital Fund, Inc. and Seligman Growth Fund, Inc., Vice President and Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Common Stock Fund, Inc., Seligman Income and Growth Fund, Inc. and Tri-Continental Corporation, and portfolio manager of one other registered investment company. Prior to joining Seligman, Mr. Voss was a portfolio manager at Wells Capital Management Incorporated from January 2005 through March 2006, and prior thereto, Strong Capital Management, Inc. from October 2000 through January 2005.

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the compensation of the Portfolio Manager, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager and the Portfolio Manager’s ownership of securities of the Portfolio.

 

5


Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

 

Investment Objectives

 

The Portfolio’s investment objectives are to preserve capital and to maximize liquidity and current income.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Portfolio uses the following principal investment strategies to seek its investment objectives:

 

The Portfolio invests in US dollar-denominated high-quality money market instruments. Such instruments include obligations of the US Treasury, its agencies or instrumentalities, obligations of domestic and foreign banks (such as certificates of deposit and fixed time deposits), commercial paper and short-term corporate debt securities, and repurchase agreements with respect to these types of instruments.

 

The Portfolio will invest only in US dollar-denominated securities having a remaining maturity of 13 months (397 days) or less and will maintain a US dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less.

 

In seeking to maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share, the Portfolio will limit its investments to securities that, in accordance with guidelines approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors, present minimal credit risk. Accordingly, the Portfolio will purchase only US Government securities or securities rated in one of the two highest rating categories assigned to short-term debt securities by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (such as Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), or if not so rated, determined to be of comparable quality).

 

Determination of quality is made at the time of investment, in accordance with procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors. The investment manager continuously monitors the quality of the Portfolio’s investments. If the quality of an investment declines, the Portfolio may, in certain limited circumstances, continue to hold it.

 

Currently, the Portfolio invests only in US Government securities and in securities that are rated in the top category by Moody’s and S&P. However, the Portfolio is permitted to invest up to 5% of its assets in securities rated in the second rating category by two rating organizations. The Portfolio may not invest more than the greater of 1% of its total assets or $1,000,000 in any one security in the second rating category.

 

In pursuit of the Portfolio’s objective, the investment manager (RiverSource Investments) chooses investments by:

 

  n  

Considering opportunities and risks given current interest rates and anticipated interest rates.

 

  n  

Purchasing securities based on the timing of cash flows in and out of the Portfolio.

 

In evaluating whether to sell a security, the investment manager considers, among other factors, whether:

 

  n  

The issuer’s credit rating declines or the investment manager expects a decline (the Portfolio, in certain cases, may continue to own securities that are down-graded until the investment manager believes it is advantageous to sell).

 

  n  

Political, economic, or other events could affect the issuer’s performance.

 

  n  

The investment manager identifies a more attractive opportunity.

 

  n  

The issuer or the security continues to meet the other standards described above.

 

The Fund intends to comply with Rule 4.5 of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), under which a mutual fund is exempt from the definition of a “commodity pool operator.” The Fund, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator. Accordingly, the Portfolio may invest in futures contracts without the Fund registering with the CFTC.

 

Principal Risks

 

An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Portfolio seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Portfolio.

 

Yield and total return of the Portfolio will fluctuate with fluctuations in the yields of the securities held by the Portfolio. In periods of declining interest rates, the yields of the securities held by the Portfolio will tend to be somewhat higher than prevailing market rates, and in periods of rising interest rates, the yields of securities held by the Portfolio will tend to be lower than market rates. Additionally, when interest rates are falling, the inflow of new money to the Portfolio from sales of its shares will likely be invested in securities producing lower yields than the balance of the Portfolio’s assets, reducing the current yield of the Portfolio. In periods of rising interest rates, the opposite may be true.

 

6


Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

 

Repurchase agreements in which the Portfolio invests could involve certain risks in the event of the default by the seller, including possible delays and expenses in liquidating the securities underlying the agreement, decline in the value of the underlying securities and loss of interest.

 

Investments in foreign banks and foreign branches of US banks involve certain risks not generally associated with investments in US banks. While US banks and US branches of foreign banks are required to maintain certain reserves and are subject to other regulations, these requirements and regulations may not apply to foreign banks or foreign branches of US banks. Investments in foreign banks or foreign branches may also be subject to other risks, including political or economic developments, the seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits and the establishments of exchange controls or other restrictions.

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Portfolio’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

7


Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

 

Past Performance

 

The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing how the performance of Class 1 shares of the Portfolio has varied from year to year. How the Portfolio has performed in the past, however, is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.

 

Class 1 annual total returns presented in the bar chart and average annual total returns presented in the table below the bar chart do not reflect the effect of any administration fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If these expenses were included, the returns would be lower. Both the bar chart and table assume that all dividends were reinvested. The investment manager, at its discretion, reimbursed expenses and/or waived management fees of Class 1 shares for certain periods presented. Absent such reimbursement, returns would have been lower. There is no assurance that the investment manager will continue this policy in the future.

 

Class 1 Annual Total Returns – Calendar Years

 

LOGO

 

Best quarter return: 1.65% – quarter ended 12/31/00.

 

Worst quarter return: 0.07% – quarter ended 9/30/03.

 

Class 1 Average Annual Total Returns – Years Ended 12/31/08

 

       One
Year
       Five
Years
       Ten
Years
 

Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

              %               %               %

 

The Portfolio’s 7-day yield as of December 31, 2008 was         %.

 

8


Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

 

Fees and Expenses

 

The table below summarizes the fees and expenses that you may pay as a shareholder of the Portfolio. Annual portfolio operating expenses are deducted from Portfolio assets and are therefore paid indirectly by you and other shareholders of the Portfolio. The table does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses set forth below would have been higher.

 

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

(as a percentage of average net assets)

 

Management Fees

   0.40 %

Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees

   none  

Other Expenses(1)

            %
      

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses(2)

            %
      

 

(1) RiverSource Investments has voluntarily undertaken to waive its management fee and/or reimburse the Portfolio’s expenses to the extent that the Portfolio’s “other expenses” (i.e., those expenses other than management fees, 12b-1 fees, interest on borrowings, and extraordinary expenses, including litigation expenses) exceed 0.30% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. RiverSource Investments may discontinue its voluntary waiver/reimbursement at any time.

(2) Reflects total annual portfolio operating expenses as they would have been if the management fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement had not been in effect. The total annual operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008, taking into consideration the current management fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement, would have been [0.70%]. RiverSource Investments can terminate this arrangement at any time.

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Portfolio with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes (1) you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for each period and then sell all of your shares at the end of that period, (2) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (3) the Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses remain the same. The example set forth below does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses reflected below would have been higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

       1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years

Class 1

     $               $               $               $         

 

9


Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

 

Investment Objective

 

The Portfolio’s investment objective is total return through a combination of capital appreciation and current income.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Portfolio uses the following principal investment strategies to seek its investment objective:

 

The Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in common stocks that are broadly diversified among a number of industries. The Portfolio usually invests in the common stock of larger US companies (e.g., companies with market capitalizations over $3 billion at the time of initial investment); however, it may invest in companies of any size. The Portfolio may also invest in fixed-income securities and cash equivalents.

 

The Portfolio seeks to produce a level of current income consistent with its primary benchmark, the Standard and Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index (“S&P 500 Index”). This strategy allows for variations over time in the level of current income produced by the Portfolio.

 

In pursuit of the Portfolio’s objective, the investment manager (RiverSource Investments) will choose equity investments by employing proprietary, disciplined quantitative methods. The investment manager’s disciplined quantitative approach is designed to identify companies with:

 

  n  

Attractive valuations, based on factors such as price-to-earnings ratios;

 

  n  

Sound balance sheets; or

 

  n  

Improving outlooks, based on an analysis of return patterns over time.

 

In evaluating whether to sell a security, the investment manager considers, among other factors, whether:

 

  n  

The security is overvalued relative to other potential investments.

 

  n  

The company does not meet the investment manager’s performance expectations.

 

The universe of stocks from which the investment manager selects the Portfolio’s investments primarily will be those included in the Portfolio’s benchmark, the S&P 500 Index.

 

In selecting stocks for the Portfolio to purchase or to sell, the investment manager employs a rigorous process for evaluating the relationship between the risk associated with each security and its potential for positive returns. This process includes factors such as:

 

  n  

Limits on positions relative to weightings in the benchmark index.

 

  n  

Limits on sector and industry allocations relative to the benchmark index.

 

  n  

Limits on size of holdings relative to market liquidity.

 

The Portfolio may purchase American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), which are publicly traded instruments generally issued by domestic banks or trust companies that represent a security of a foreign issuer. The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that cannot be readily sold) and may invest up to 10% of its total assets directly in foreign securities. The limit on foreign securities does not include ADRs, or commercial paper and certificates of deposit issued by foreign banks.

 

The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are traded, like individual stocks, on an exchange, but they represent baskets of securities that seek to track the performance of certain indices. The indices include not only broad-market indices but more specific indices as well, including those relating to particular sectors, countries and regions. The Portfolio may invest in ETFs for short-term cash management purposes or as part of its overall investment strategy.

 

The Fund intends to comply with Rule 4.5 of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), under which a mutual fund is exempt from the definition of a “commodity pool operator.” The Fund, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator. Accordingly, the Portfolio may invest in futures contracts without the Fund registering with the CFTC.

 

The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of its assets in equity-linked securities (each, an “ELS”) as part of its overall investment strategy. An ELS is a debt instrument whose value is based on the value of a single equity security, basket of equity securities or an index of equity securities (each, an “Underlying Equity”). An ELS typically provides interest income, thereby offering a yield advantage over investing directly in an Underlying Equity. However, the holder of an ELS may have limited or no benefit from any appreciation in the Underlying Equity, but is exposed to downside market risk. The Portfolio may purchase ELSs that trade on a securities exchange or those that trade on the over-the-counter markets, including securities offered and sold under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. The Portfolio may also purchase an ELS in a privately negotiated transaction with the issuer of the ELS (or its broker-dealer affiliate).

 

10


Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

 

Principal Risks

 

Stock prices fluctuate. Therefore, as with any portfolio that invests in stocks, the Portfolio’s net asset value will fluctuate, especially in the short term. You may experience a decline in the value of your investment and you could lose money if you sell your shares at a price lower than you paid for them.

 

The Portfolio may not invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities of companies in any one industry. The Portfolio may, however, invest a substantial percentage of its assets in certain industries or economic sectors believed to offer good investment opportunities. If an industry or economic sector in which the Portfolio is invested falls out of favor, the Portfolio’s performance may be negatively affected.

 

Quantitative Model Risk. Securities selected using quantitative methods may perform differently from the market as a whole for many reasons, including the factors used in building the quantitative analytical framework, the weights placed on each factor, and changing sources of market returns, among others. There can be no assurance that these methodologies will enable the Portfolio to achieve its objective.

 

The Portfolio’s performance may be affected by the broad investment environment in the US or international securities markets, which is influenced by, among other things, interest rates, inflation, politics, fiscal policy, and current events.

 

Stocks of large US companies, like those in which the Portfolio usually invests, periodically experience periods of volatility. During these volatile periods the value of large company stocks have periodically declined. To the extent large company stocks were to experience similar declines in the future, the Portfolio’s performance would be adversely impacted.

 

Foreign securities, illiquid securities, or derivatives in the Portfolio’s investment portfolio involve higher risk and may subject the Portfolio to higher price volatility. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves risks not associated with US investments, including currency fluctuations, local withholding and other taxes, different financial reporting practices and regulatory standards, high costs of trading, changes in political conditions, expropriation, investment and repatriation restrictions, and settlement and custody risks. Option transactions can involve a high degree of risk, including the possibility of a total loss of the amount invested or more. When options are purchased in the over-the-counter markets, there are additional risks, such as counterparty and liquidity risks.

 

If the Portfolio invests in ETFs, shareholders would bear not only the Portfolio’s expenses (including operating expenses and advisory fees), but also similar expenses of the ETFs, and the Portfolio’s return will therefore be lower. To the extent the Portfolio invests in ETFs, the Portfolio is exposed to the risks associated with the underlying investments of the ETFs and the Portfolio’s performance may be negatively affected if the value of those underlying investments declines.

 

The Portfolio’s investments in ELSs would subject it to the downside market risk associated with the Underlying Equity, and to additional risks not typically associated with investments in listed equity securities, such as liquidity risk, credit risk of the issuer, and concentration risk. The liquidity of unlisted ELSs is normally determined by the willingness of the issuer to make a market in the ELS. While the Fund will seek to purchase ELSs only from issuers that it believes to be willing to, and capable of, repurchasing the ELS at a reasonable price, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell any ELS at such a price or at all. This may impair the Fund’s ability to enter into other transactions at a time when doing so might be advantageous. In addition, because ELSs are senior unsecured notes of the issuer, the Fund would be subject to the risk that the issuer may default on its obligations under the ELS, and the potential risk of being too concentrated in the securities (including ELSs) of that issuer.

 

The Portfolio may invest a portion of its net assets in debt securities, which may be subject to changes in interest rates, the creditworthiness of the issuers, unanticipated prepayment, and the decline of the bond market in general.

 

Although the Portfolio seeks current income consistent with its primary benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, the Portfolio can only distribute its “net” current income (i.e., current income minus all applicable Fund expenses) to contract owners. Therefore, this amount may be lower than the current income produced by the S&P 500 Index.

 

The Portfolio may actively and frequently trade securities in its portfolio to carry out its principal strategies. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs which may increase the Portfolio’s expenses.

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Portfolio’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

11


Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

 

Past Performance

 

The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing how the performance of Class 1 shares of the Portfolio has varied from year to year, as well as how its performance compares to two measures of performance. How the Portfolio has performed in the past, however, is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.

 

Class 1 annual total returns presented in the bar chart and average annual total returns presented in the table below the bar chart do not reflect the effect of any administration fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If these expenses were included, the returns would be lower. Both the bar chart and table assume that all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, were reinvested.

 

Class 1 Annual Total Returns – Calendar Years

 

LOGO

 

Best quarter return: 19.11% – quarter ended 12/31/98.

 

Worst quarter return: -18.62% – quarter ended 9/30/02.

 

Class 1 Average Annual Total Returns – Years Ended 12/31/08

 

       One
Year
       Five
Years
       Ten
Years
 

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

              %               %               %

S&P 500 Index*

                          

Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Average*

                          

 

* The Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Average and the S&P 500 Index are unmanaged benchmarks that assume the reinvestment of all distributions, if any. The Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Average does not reflect any fees, sales charges or taxes, and the S&P 500 Index does not reflect any expenses, fees, sales charges or taxes. The Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Average is an average of funds that, by portfolio practice, invest at least 75% of their equity assets in companies with market capitalizations (on a three-year weighted basis) greater than 300% of the dollar-weighted median market capitalization of the middle 1,000 securities of the S&P Super-Composite 1500 Index ($16.0 billion as of December 31, 2007). Large-Cap Core Funds have more latitude in the companies in which they invest. These funds typically have an average price-to-earnings ratio, price to book ratio, and three-year sales-per-share growth value relative to the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Index measures the performance of 500 of the largest US companies based on market capitalizations. Investors cannot invest directly in an average or an index.

 

12


Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

 

Fees and Expenses

 

The table below summarizes the fees and expenses that you may pay as a shareholder of the Portfolio. Annual portfolio operating expenses are deducted from Portfolio assets and are therefore paid indirectly by you and other shareholders of the Portfolio. The table does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses set forth below would have been higher.

 

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

(as a percentage of average net assets)

 

Management Fees

   0.40 %

Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees

   none  

Other Expenses

            %
      

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

            %
      

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Portfolio with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes (1) you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for each period and then sell all of your shares at the end of that period, (2) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (3) the Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses remain the same. The example set forth below does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses reflected below would have been higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

       1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years

Class 1

     $               $               $               $         

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Effective November 7, 2008, the portfolio managers responsible for Seligman Common Stock Portfolio’s day-to-day management are:

 

Dimitris J. Bertsimas, Ph.D., Senior Portfolio Manager

 

  n  

Joined RiverSource Investments as a portfolio manager and leader of the Disciplined Equity and Asset Allocation Team in 2002.

 

  n  

Co-founded Dynamic Ideas, LLC, a consulting firm that specialized in the development of quantitative tools for the asset management industry, where he served as Managing Partner, 1999 to 2002. Currently, Boeing Professor of Operations Research, Sloan School of Management and the Operations Research Center, MIT.

 

  n  

Began investment career as a consultant to asset managers in 1993; became portfolio manager in 2002.

 

  n  

MS and Ph.D., MIT.

 

Gina K. Mourtzinou, Ph.D., Portfolio Manager

 

  n  

Joined RiverSource Investments as a portfolio manager and member of the Disciplined Equity and Asset Allocation Team in 2002.

 

  n  

Co-founded Dynamic Ideas, LLC, a consulting firm that specialized in the development of quantitative tools for the asset management industry, where she served as Vice President of Research and Analytics, 1999 to 2002.

 

  n  

Began investment career as a consultant to asset managers in 1996; became portfolio manager in 2002.

 

  n  

Ph.D., MIT.

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the compensation of the Portfolio Managers, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers and the Portfolio Managers’ ownership of the securities of the Portfolio.

 

13


Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

 

Investment Objective

 

The Portfolio’s investment objective is capital gain.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Portfolio uses the following principal investment strategies to seek its investment objective:

 

The Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities of companies operating in the communications, information and related industries. The Portfolio may invest in companies of any size.

 

The Portfolio may invest in securities of large companies that now are well established in the world communications and information market and can be expected to grow with the market. The Portfolio may also invest in small-to-medium size companies that the investment manager believes provide opportunities to benefit from the rapidly changing technologies and the expansion of the communications, information and related industries.

 

The Portfolio uses a bottom-up stock selection approach. This means that the investment manager uses extensive in-depth research into specific companies in the communications, information and related industries to find those companies that it believes offer the greatest prospects for future growth. In selecting individual securities, the investment manager looks for companies that it believes display or are expected to display:

 

  n  

Robust growth prospects

 

  n  

High profit margins or return on capital

 

  n  

Attractive valuation relative to expected earnings or cash flow

 

  n  

Quality management

 

  n  

Unique competitive advantages

 

The Portfolio generally sells a stock if the investment manager believes its target price is reached, its earnings are disappointing, its revenue growth has slowed, or its underlying fundamentals have deteriorated.

 

The Portfolio primarily invests in common stocks. However, the Portfolio may also invest in securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, in rights and warrants to purchase common stocks, and in debt securities or preferred stocks believed to provide opportunities for capital gain.

 

The Portfolio may purchase American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), which are publicly traded instruments generally issued by domestic banks or trust companies that represent a security of a foreign issuer. The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that cannot be readily sold) and may invest up to 10% of its total assets directly in foreign securities. The limit on foreign securities does not include ADRs, or commercial paper and certificates of deposit issued by foreign banks. The Portfolio may also purchase put options in an attempt to hedge against a decline in the price of securities it holds. A put option gives the Portfolio the right to sell an underlying security at a particular price during a fixed period.

 

The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are traded, like individual stocks, on an exchange, but they represent baskets of securities that seek to track the performance of certain indices. The indices include not only broad-market indices but more specific indices as well, including those relating to particular sectors, countries and regions. The Portfolio may invest in ETFs for short-term cash management purposes or as part of its overall investment strategy.

 

Principal Risks

 

Stock prices fluctuate. Therefore, as with any portfolio that invests in stocks, the Portfolio’s net asset value will fluctuate. You may experience a decline in the value of your investment and you could lose money if you sell your shares at a price lower than you paid for them.

 

The Portfolio concentrates its investments in companies in the communications, information and related industries. Therefore, the Portfolio may be susceptible to factors affecting these industries and the Portfolio’s net asset value may fluctuate more than a fund that invests in a wider range of industries. In addition, the rapid pace of change within many of these industries tends to create a more volatile operating environment than in other industries.

 

Stocks of companies in the technology sector, like those in which the Portfolio may invest, periodically experience periods of volatile performance. During periods of volatility, the value of technology stocks may decline.

 

The Portfolio may be negatively affected by the broad investment environment in the international or US securities markets, which is influenced by, among other things, interest rates, inflation, politics, fiscal policy, and current events.

 

14


Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

 

Illiquid securities, foreign securities, or derivatives (including options, rights, and warrants) in the Portfolio’s investment portfolio involve higher risk and may subject the Portfolio to higher price volatility. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves risks not associated with US investments, including currency fluctuations, local withholding and other taxes, different financial reporting practices and regulatory standards, high costs of trading, changes in political conditions, expropriation, investment and repatriation restrictions, and settlement and custody risks. Option transactions can involve a high degree of risk, including the possibility of a total loss of the amount invested or more. When options are purchased in the over-the-counter markets, there are additional risks, such as counterparty and liquidity risks.

 

If the Portfolio invests in ETFs, shareholders would bear not only the Portfolio’s expenses (including operating expenses and advisory fees), but also similar expenses of the ETFs, and the Portfolio’s return will therefore be lower. To the extent the Portfolio invests in ETFs, the Portfolio is exposed to the risks associated with the underlying investments of the ETFs and the Portfolio’s performance may be negatively affected if the value of those underlying investments declines.

 

There are special risks associated with investing in preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. Preferred stocks may be subject to, among other things, deferral of distribution payments, involuntary redemptions, subordination to bonds and other debt instruments of the issuer, a lack of liquidity relative to other securities such as common stocks, and limited voting rights. The market value of securities convertible into common stocks tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stock.

 

The Portfolio may invest a portion of its net assets in debt securities, which may be subject to changes in interest rates, the creditworthiness of the issuers, unanticipated prepayment, and the decline of the bond market in general.

 

The Portfolio may actively and frequently trade stocks in its portfolio to carry out its principal strategies. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs which may increase the Portfolio’s expenses.

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Portfolio’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

15


Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

 

Past Performance

 

The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing how the performance of Class 1 shares of the Portfolio has varied from year to year, as well as how its performance compares to three measures of performance. How the Portfolio has performed in the past, however, is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.

 

Class 1 annual total returns presented in the bar chart and average annual total returns presented in the table below the bar chart do not reflect the effect of any administration fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If these expenses were included, the returns would be lower. Both the bar chart and table assume that all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, were reinvested.

 

Class 1 Annual Total Returns – Calendar Years

 

LOGO

 

Best quarter return: 45.09% – quarter ended 12/31/99.

 

Worst quarter return: -30.44% – quarter ended 9/30/01.

 

Class 1 Average Annual Total Returns – Years Ended 12/31/08

 

       One
Year
       Five
Years
       Ten
Years
 

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

              %               %               %

S&P 500 Index*

                          

S&P GSTI Composite Index*

                          

Lipper Science & Technology Funds Average*

                          

 

* The Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index (S&P 500 Index), the Lipper Science & Technology Funds Average and the S&P GSTI Composite Index (“GSTI Index”) are unmanaged benchmarks that assume the reinvestment of all distributions, if any. The Lipper Science & Technology Funds Average does not reflect any fees, sales charges or taxes, and the S&P 500 Index and GSTI Index do not reflect any expenses, fees, sales charges or taxes. The S&P 500 Index measures the performance of 500 of the largest US companies based on market capitalizations. The GSTI Index is a modified capitalization-weighted index based on a universe of technology-related stocks. The Lipper Science & Technology Funds Average measures the performance of mutual funds that invest primarily in the equity securities of domestic and foreign companies engaged in science and technology. Investors cannot invest directly in an average or an index.

 

16


Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

 

Fees and Expenses

 

The table below summarizes the fees and expenses that you may pay as a shareholder of the Portfolio. Annual portfolio operating expenses are deducted from Portfolio assets and are therefore paid indirectly by you and other shareholders of the Portfolio. The table does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses set forth below would have been higher.

 

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

(as a percentage of average net assets)

 

Management Fees

   0.75 %

Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees

   none  

Other Expenses

            %
      

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

            %
      

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Portfolio with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes (1) you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for each period and then sell all of your shares at the end of that period, (2) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (3) the Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses remain the same. The example set forth below does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses reflected below would have been higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

       1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years

Class 1

     $               $               $               $         

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The Portfolio is managed by the investment manager’s Technology Group, headed by Paul H. Wick.

 

Mr. Wick, a Director and Managing Director of Seligman and Director of Seligman Advisors, Inc. and Seligman Services, Inc., is Vice President of the Fund and has been Portfolio Manager of the Portfolio since its inception. Mr. Wick has been Vice President and Portfolio Manager of Seligman Communications and Information Fund, Inc. since January 1990 and December 1989, respectively. Mr. Wick provides portfolio management services for certain private and offshore funds, including those with similar investment strategies as the Portfolio and those using long and short strategies. Mr. Wick joined Seligman in August 1987 as an Associate, Investment Research, and became Vice President, Investment Officer in August 1991; he was named Managing Director in January 1995 and was elected a Director of Seligman in November 1997.

 

Reema D. Shah, a Managing Director of Seligman, is Vice President of the Fund and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Portfolio. Ms. Shah is also Vice President and Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Communications and Information Fund, Inc. Ms. Shah provides investment management services for certain private and offshore funds, including those with similar investment strategies of the Portfolio and those using long and short strategies. Ms. Shah provides assistance to Mr. Wick in managing the Portfolio through her research and contributions to the investment decisions with respect to companies in the internet, consumer and enterprise software, education, and financial exchanges sectors. Ms. Shah joined Seligman in November 2000.

 

Ajay Diwan, a Managing Director of Seligman, is Vice President of the Fund and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Portfolio. Mr. Diwan is also Vice President and Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Communications and Information Fund, Inc. Mr. Diwan provides portfolio management services for certain private and offshore funds, including those with similar investment strategies as the Portfolio and those using long and short strategies. Mr. Diwan provides assistance to Mr. Wick in managing the Portfolio through his research and contributions to the investment decisions with respect to companies in the communications equipment, data storage, information technology services and electronic payment processing industries. Mr. Diwan joined Seligman in February 2001.

 

Richard M. Parower, a Managing Director of Seligman, joined Seligman in April 2000. Mr. Parower is a Vice President of the Fund and Portfolio Manager of its Global Technology Portfolio. Mr. Parower is also Vice President of Seligman Global Fund Series, Inc. and Portfolio Manager of its Global Technology Fund. Mr. Parower provides portfolio management services for certain private and offshore funds, including those with similar investment strategies as the Portfolio and those using long and short strategies. Mr. Parower provides assistance to Mr. Wick in managing the Portfolio through his research and contributions to the investment decisions with respect to companies in the application software, information technology services and international sectors.

 

Sangeeth Peruri, a Managing Director of Seligman, joined Seligman in December 2000. Mr. Peruri provides portfolio management services for certain private and offshore funds, including those with similar investment strategies as the Portfolio and those using long and short strategies. Mr. Peruri provides assistance to Mr. Wick in managing the Portfolio through his research and contributions to the investment decisions with respect to companies in the semiconductor sector.

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the compensation of the individuals named above (the “C&I Portfolio Team”), other accounts managed by the C&I Portfolio Team and the C&I Portfolio Team’s ownership of securities of the Portfolio.

 

17


Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

 

Investment Objective

 

The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Portfolio uses the following principal investment strategies to seek its investment objective:

 

The Portfolio generally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of US and non-US companies with business operations in technology and technology-related industries.

 

Technology:

The use of science to create new products and services. The industry comprises information technology and communications, as well as medical, environmental and biotechnology.

 

Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio generally will invest at least 40% of its net assets in companies that maintain their principal place of business or conduct their principal business activities outside the US, have their securities principally traded on non-US exchanges or have been formed under the laws of non-US countries. The investment manager may reduce this 40% minimum investment amount to 30% if it believes that market conditions for these types of companies or specific foreign markets are unfavorable. The Portfolio considers a company to conduct its principal business activities outside the US if it derives at least 50% of its revenue from business outside the US or has at least 50% of its assets outside the US.

 

The Portfolio may invest in companies domiciled in any country. The Portfolio generally invests in several countries in different geographic regions.

 

The Portfolio may invest in companies of any size. Securities of large companies that are well established in the world technology market can be expected to grow with the market and will frequently be held by the Portfolio. However, rapidly changing technologies and expansion of technology and technology-related industries often provide a favorable environment for small to medium-sized companies, and the Portfolio may invest in these companies as well.

 

The investment manager seeks to identify those technology companies that it believes have the greatest prospects for future growth, no matter what their country of origin. The Portfolio combines in-depth research into individual companies with macro analysis. The investment manager looks for attractive technology companies around the world, while seeking to identify particularly strong technology sectors and/or factors within regions or specific countries that may affect investment opportunities. In selecting individual securities, the investment manager looks for companies it believes display one or more of the following:

 

  n  

Robust growth prospects

 

  n  

High profit margins

 

  n  

Attractive valuation relative to earnings forecasts or other valuation criteria (e.g., return on equity)

 

  n  

Quality management and equity ownership by executives

 

  n  

Unique competitive advantages (e.g., market share, proprietary products)

 

  n  

Potential for improvement in overall operations

 

The Portfolio generally sells a stock if its target price is reached, its earnings are disappointing, its revenue growth slows, or its underlying fundamentals deteriorate.

 

The Portfolio may invest in all types of securities, many of which will be denominated in currencies other than the US dollar. Although the Portfolio normally invests in equity securities, the Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in preferred stock and investment grade or comparable quality debt securities. The Portfolio may also invest in depositary receipts, which are publicly traded instruments generally issued by US or foreign banks or trust companies that represent securities of foreign issuers.

 

The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its assets in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that cannot be readily sold), and may from time to time enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in an attempt to manage the risk of adverse changes in currencies. The Portfolio may also purchase put options in an attempt to hedge against a decline in the price of securities it holds. A put option gives the Portfolio the right to sell an underlying security at a particular price during a fixed period.

 

The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are traded, like individual stocks, on an exchange, but they represent baskets of securities that seek to track the performance of certain indices. The indices include not only broad-market indices but more specific indices as well, including those relating to particular sectors, countries and regions. The Portfolio may invest in ETFs for short-term cash management purposes or as part of its overall investment strategy.

 

18


Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

 

Principal Risks

 

Stock prices fluctuate. Therefore, as with any portfolio that invests in stocks, the Portfolio’s net asset value will fluctuate. You may experience a decline in the value of your investment and you could lose money if you sell your shares at a price lower than you paid for them.

 

Foreign securities, illiquid securities, or derivatives (including options) in the Portfolio’s investment portfolio involve higher risk and may subject the Portfolio to higher price volatility. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves risks not associated with US investments, including currency fluctuations, local withholding and other taxes, different financial reporting practices and regulatory standards, high costs of trading, changes in political conditions, expropriation, investment and repatriation restrictions, and settlement and custody risks. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio’s foreign investments will present less risk than a portfolio of solely US securities. Option transactions can involve a high degree of risk, including the possibility of a total loss of the amount invested or more. When options are purchased in the over-the-counter markets, there are additional risks, such as counterparty and liquidity risks.

 

Stocks of companies in the technology sector, like those in which the Portfolio may invest, periodically experience periods of volatile performance. During periods of volatility, the value of technology stocks may decline.

 

The Portfolio may be susceptible to factors affecting technology and technology-related industries and the Portfolio’s net asset value may fluctuate more than a portfolio that invests in a wider range of industries. Technology companies are often smaller and less experienced companies and may be subject to greater risks than larger companies, such as limited product lines, markets, and financial and managerial resources. These risks may be heightened for technology companies in foreign markets.

 

The Portfolio seeks to limit risk by diversifying its investments among different sectors within the technology industry, as well as among different countries. Diversification reduces the effect the performance of any one sector or events in any one country will have on the Portfolio’s entire investment portfolio. However, a decline in the value of one of the Portfolio’s investments may offset potential gains from other investments.

 

The Portfolio may be negatively affected by the broad investment environment in the international or US securities markets, which is influenced by, among other things, interest rates, inflation, politics, fiscal policy, and current events.

 

If the Portfolio invests in ETFs, shareholders would bear not only the Portfolio’s expenses (including operating expenses and advisory fees), but also similar expenses of the ETFs, and the Portfolio’s return will therefore be lower. To the extent the Portfolio invests in ETFs, the Portfolio is exposed to the risks associated with the underlying investments of the ETFs and the Portfolio’s performance may be negatively affected if the value of those underlying investments declines.

 

There are special risks associated with investing in preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. Preferred stocks may be subject to, among other things, deferral of distribution payments, involuntary redemptions, subordination to bonds and other debt instruments of the issuer, a lack of liquidity relative to other securities such as common stocks, and limited voting rights. The market value of securities convertible into common stocks tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stock.

 

The Portfolio may invest a portion of its net assets in debt securities, which may be subject to changes in interest rates, the creditworthiness of the issuers, unanticipated prepayment, and the decline of the bond market in general.

 

The Portfolio may actively and frequently trade securities in its portfolio to carry out its principal strategies. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs which may increase the Portfolio’s expenses.

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Portfolio’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

19


Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

 

Past Performance

 

The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing how the performance of Class 1 shares of the Portfolio has varied from year to year, as well as how its performance compares to four measures of performance. How the Portfolio has performed in the past, however, is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.

 

Class 1 annual total returns presented in the bar chart and average annual total returns presented in the table below the bar chart do not reflect the effect of any administration fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If these expenses were included, the returns would be lower. Both the bar chart and table assume that all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, were reinvested. The investment manager and/or its former subadvisers, at their discretion, have reimbursed expenses of Class 1 shares for certain periods presented. Absent such reimbursement, returns would have been lower. There is no assurance that the investment manager will continue this policy in the future.

 

Class 1 Annual Total Returns – Calendar Years

 

LOGO

 

Best quarter return: 56.86% – quarter ended 12/31/99.

 

Worst quarter return: -32.05% – quarter ended 9/30/01.

 

Class 1 Average Annual Total Returns – Years Ended 12/31/08

 

       One
Year
       Five
Years
       Ten
Years
 

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

              %               %               %

MSCI World IT Index*

                          

MSCI World Index*

                          

Lipper Global Funds Average*

                          

Lipper Science & Technology Funds Average*

                          

 

* The Lipper Global Funds Average, the Lipper Science & Technology Funds Average, the Morgan Stanley Capital International World Information Technology Index (“MSCI World IT Index”) and the Morgan Stanley Capital International World Index (“MSCI World Index”) are unmanaged benchmarks that assume the reinvestment of all distributions, if any. The Lipper Global Funds Average and the Lipper Science & Technology Funds Average do not reflect any fees, sales charges or taxes, and the MSCI World Index and the MSCI World IT Index do not reflect any expenses, fees, sales charges or taxes. The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure global developed equity performance. The MSCI World IT Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index designed to measure information technology stock performance in the global developed equity market. The Lipper Global Funds Average is an average of funds that invest at least 25% of their assets in equity securities traded outside the US, and that may own US securities, as well. The Lipper Science & Technology Funds Average measures the performance of mutual funds that invest primarily in the equity securities of domestic and foreign companies engaged in science and technology. As of the date of this Prospectus, Lipper classifies this Portfolio as a Science & Technology Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an average or an index.

Prior to March 31, 2000, Seligman employed a subadviser that was responsible for providing certain portfolio management services with respect to the Portfolio’s investments. Seligman no longer uses such subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

 

20


Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

 

Fees and Expenses

 

The table below summarizes the fees and expenses that you may pay as a shareholder of the Portfolio. Annual portfolio operating expenses are deducted from Portfolio assets and are therefore paid indirectly by you and other shareholders of the Portfolio. The table does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses set forth below would have been higher.

 

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

(as a percentage of average net assets)

 

Management Fees

   1.00 %

Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees

   none  

Other Expenses(1)

            %
      

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses(2)

            %
      

 

(1) RiverSource Investments has voluntarily undertaken to waive its management fee and/or reimburse the Portfolio’s expenses to the extent that the Portfolio’s “other expenses” (i.e., those expenses other than management fees, 12b-1 fees, interest on borrowings, and extraordinary expenses, including litigation expenses) exceed [0.90%] of this Portfolio’s average daily net assets. RiverSource Investments may discontinue its voluntary waiver/reimbursement at any time.

(2) Reflects total annual portfolio operating expenses as they would have been if the management fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement had not been in effect. The total annual portfolio operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008, taking into consideration the management fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement was [1.90%]. RiverSource Investments may terminate this arrangement at any time.

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Portfolio with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes (1) you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for each period and then sell all of your shares at the end of that period, (2) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (3) the Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses remain the same. The example set forth below does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses reflected below would have been higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

       1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years

Class 1

     $               $               $               $         

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The Portfolio is managed by the investment manager’s Technology Group. Richard M. Parower, who joined Seligman in April 2000, is a Managing Director of Seligman, a Vice President of the Fund and Portfolio Manager of the Portfolio. Mr. Parower is also a Vice President of Seligman Global Fund Series, Inc. and Portfolio Manager of its Global Technology Fund. Mr. Parower provides portfolio management services for certain private and offshore funds, including those with similar investment strategies as the Portfolio and those using long and short strategies.

 

Paul H. Wick, a Director and Managing Director of Seligman, is Vice President of the Fund and has been Portfolio Manager of its Communication and Information Portfolio since its inception. Mr. Wick has also been Vice President and Portfolio Manager of Seligman Communications and Information Fund, Inc. since January 1990 and December 1989, respectively. Mr. Wick provides portfolio management services for certain private and offshore funds, including those with similar investment strategies as the Portfolio and those using long and short strategies. Mr. Wick provides assistance to Mr. Parower in managing the Portfolio through his research and contributions to the investment decisions with respect to companies in the semiconductor and electronics capital equipment sectors. Mr. Wick joined Seligman in August 1987 as an Associate, Investment Research, and became Vice President, Investment Officer in August 1991; he was named Managing Director in January 1995 and was elected a member of Seligman’s Board of Directors in November 1997.

 

Reema D. Shah, a Managing Director of Seligman, joined Seligman in November 2000. Ms. Shah is Vice President of the Fund and Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio. Ms. Shah is also Vice President and Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Communications and Information Fund, Inc. Ms. Shah provides portfolio management services for certain private and offshore funds, including those with similar strategies as the Portfolio and those using long and short strategies. Ms. Shah provides assistance to Mr. Parower in managing the Portfolio through her research and contributions to the investment decisions with respect to companies in the internet, consumer and enterprise software, education, and financial exchanges sectors.

 

21


Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

 

Ajay Diwan, a Managing Director of Seligman, joined Seligman in February 2001. Mr. Diwan is Vice President of the Fund and Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio. Mr. Diwan is also Vice President and Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Communications and Information Fund, Inc. Mr. Diwan provides portfolio management services for certain private and offshore funds, including those with similar investment strategies as the Portfolio and those using long and short strategies. Mr. Diwan provides assistance to Mr. Parower in managing the Portfolio through his research and contributions to the investment decisions with respect to companies in the communications equipment, data storage, information technology services, and electronic payment processing industries.

 

Benjamin Lu, a Vice President, Investment Officer of Seligman, joined Seligman in April 2005. Previously, Mr. Lu was an Associate Director for UBS from July 2002 to April 2005, covering the US electronic manufacturing services and electronic components sectors. Mr. Lu provides assistance to Mr. Parower in managing the Portfolio through his research and contributions to the investment decisions with respect to companies in the Asia technology sector as well as the US electronic manufacturing services and electronic components sectors.

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the compensation of the individuals listed above (the “GT Portfolio Team”), other accounts managed by the GT Portfolio Team and the GT Portfolio Team’s ownership of securities of the Portfolio.

 

22


Seligman International Growth Portfolio

 

Investment Objective

 

The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Portfolio uses the following principal investment strategies to seek its investment objective:

 

The Portfolio invests primarily in high-quality, large and mid-capitalization growth companies ($1 billion or more at the time of initial purchase by the Portfolio) that are considered leaders in their industries, emphasizing those industries that are growing on a global basis. The Portfolio may invest in any country; however, it typically will not invest in the US. It generally invests in several countries in different geographic regions.

 

The Portfolio generally invests in the common stocks of medium- to large-sized companies in the principal international markets. It may also invest in companies with lower market capitalization or in smaller regional or emerging markets (representation in the emerging markets will generally be less than 25% of assets).

 

In selecting individual securities, the portfolio manager looks to identify companies that it believes display one or more of the following:

 

  n  

Attractive valuations relative to earnings and revenue forecasts or other valuation criteria (e.g., return on equity)

 

  n  

Quality management

 

  n  

Unique competitive advantage (e.g., market share, proprietary products)

 

  n  

Strong possibility of multiple expansion

 

  n  

Potential for improvement in overall operations (hidden/unappreciated value)

 

The Portfolio generally sells a stock if the portfolio manager believes its target price has been reached, there is a decelerating trend of earnings growth, deteriorating industry fundamentals, management change or failure, its revenue growth has slowed, or its underlying fundamentals have deteriorated.

 

The Portfolio may invest in all types of securities, many of which will be denominated in currencies other than the US dollar. The securities may be listed on a US or foreign stock exchange or traded in US or foreign over-the-counter markets. The Portfolio normally concentrates its investments in common stocks; however, it may invest in other types of equity securities, including securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock, depositary receipts, and rights and warrants to purchase common stock. The Portfolio may invest up to 25% of its assets in preferred stock and investment-grade or comparable quality debt securities.

 

The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its assets in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that cannot be readily sold), and may from time to time enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in an attempt to manage the risk of adverse changes in currencies. The Portfolio may also purchase put options in an attempt to hedge against a decline in the price of securities it holds in its portfolio. A put option gives the Portfolio the right to sell an underlying security at a particular price during a fixed period of time. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts and put options on securities may not be available to the Portfolio on reasonable terms in many situations, and the Portfolio may frequently choose not to enter into such contracts or purchase such options even when they are available.

 

The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are traded, like individual stocks, on an exchange, but they represent baskets of securities that seek to track the performance of certain indices. The indices include not only broad-market indices but more specific indices as well, including those relating to particular sectors, countries and regions. The Portfolio may invest in ETFs for short-term cash management purposes or as part of its overall investment strategy.

 

Principal Risks

 

Stock prices fluctuate. Therefore, as with any portfolio that invests in stocks, the Portfolio’s net asset value will fluctuate. You may experience a decline in the value of your investment and you could lose money if you sell your shares at a price lower than you paid for them.

 

The stocks of large companies periodically experience periods of volatility. During these volatile periods, the value of large company stocks has periodically declined. To the extent large company stocks were to experience similar declines in the future, the Portfolio’s performance would be adversely impacted. Medium-sized companies may be newer or less established than larger companies. Investments in these companies carry additional risks because earnings of these companies tend to be less predictable; they often have limited product lines, markets, distribution channels or financial resources; and the management of

 

23


Seligman International Growth Portfolio

 

such companies may be dependent upon one or a few key people. The market movements of stocks of medium-sized companies may be more abrupt or erratic than those of larger, more established companies or the stock market in general. Historically, medium-sized companies have sometimes gone through extended periods where they did not perform as well as larger companies. In addition, stocks of medium-sized companies generally are less liquid than those of larger companies. This means that the Portfolio could have greater difficulty selling such securities at the time and price that the Portfolio would like.

 

Growth stocks may be more volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investors’ perceptions of the issuing company’s earnings potential. Because different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, the Portfolio’s performance may sometimes be lower or higher than that of other types of funds (such as those emphasizing value stocks).

 

Foreign securities, illiquid securities, or derivatives (including options, rights, and warrants) in the Portfolio’s investment portfolio involve higher risk and may subject the Portfolio to higher price volatility. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves risks not associated with US investments, including currency fluctuations, local withholding and other taxes, different financial reporting practices and regulatory standards, high costs of trading, changes in political conditions, expropriation, investment and repatriation restrictions, and settlement and custody risks. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio’s foreign investments will present less risk than a portfolio of solely US securities. Option transactions can involve a high degree of risk, including the possibility of a total loss of the amount invested or more. When options are purchased in the over-the-counter markets, there are additional risks, such as counterparty and liquidity risks.

 

The Portfolio seeks to limit the risk of investing in foreign securities by diversifying its investments among different regions and countries. Diversification reduces the effect events in any one country will have on the Portfolio’s entire investment portfolio. However, a decline in the value of the Portfolio’s investments in one country may offset potential gains from investments in another country.

 

The Portfolio may be negatively affected by the broad investment environment in the international or US securities markets, which is influenced by, among other things, interest rates, inflation, politics, fiscal policy, and current events.

 

The Portfolio may not invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities of companies in any one industry. The Portfolio may, however, invest a substantial percentage of its assets in certain industries or economic sectors that the portfolio manager believes offer good investment opportunities. If an industry or economic sector in which the Portfolio is invested falls out of favor, the Portfolio’s performance may be negatively affected.

 

If the Portfolio invests in ETFs, shareholders would bear not only the Portfolio’s expenses (including operating expenses and advisory fees), but also similar expenses of the ETFs, and the Portfolio’s return will therefore be lower. To the extent the Portfolio invests in ETFs, the Portfolio is exposed to the risks associated with the underlying investments of the ETFs and the Portfolio’s performance may be negatively affected if the value of those underlying investments declines.

 

There are special risks associated with investing in preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. Preferred stocks may be subject to, among other things, deferral of distribution payments, involuntary redemptions, subordination to bonds and other debt instruments of the issuer, a lack of liquidity relative to other securities such as common stocks, and limited voting rights. The market value of securities convertible into common stocks tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stock.

 

The Portfolio may invest a portion of its net assets in debt securities, which may be subject to changes in interest rates, the creditworthiness of the issuers, unanticipated prepayment, and the decline of the bond market in general.

 

The Portfolio may actively and frequently trade securities in its portfolio to carry out its principal strategies. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs which may increase the Portfolio’s expenses.

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Portfolio’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

24


Seligman International Growth Portfolio

 

Past Performance

 

The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing how the performance of Class 1 shares of the Portfolio has varied from year to year, as well as how its performance compares to four measures of performance. How the Portfolio has performed in the past, however, is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.

 

Class 1 annual total returns presented in the bar chart and average annual total returns presented in the table below the bar chart do not reflect the effect of any administration fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If these expenses were included, the returns would be lower. Both the bar chart and table assume that all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, were reinvested. The investment manager and/or its former subadvisers, at their discretion, have reimbursed expenses of Class 1 shares for certain periods presented. [Through at least April 30, 2010, RiverSource Investments has contractually undertaken to waive its management fee and/or reimburse the Portfolio’s expenses to the extent that the Portfolio’s “other expenses” (i.e., those expenses other than management fees, 12b-1 fees, interest on borrowings, and extraordinary expenses, including litigation expenses) exceed [1.00%] of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets.] Other management fee waivers/expense reimbursements were in effect prior to the current arrangement. Absent such management fee waivers/expense reimbursements, returns would have been lower.

 

Class 1 Annual Total Returns – Calendar Years

 

LOGO

 

Best quarter return: 17.81% – quarter ended 12/31/98.

 

Worst quarter return: -18.03% – quarter ended 9/30/02.

 

Class 1 Average Annual Total Returns – Years Ended 12/31/08

 

       One
Year
       Five
Years
       Ten
Years
 

Seligman International Growth Portfolio

              %               %               %

MSCI EAFE Index*

                          

MSCI EAFE Growth Index*

                          

Lipper International Multi-Cap Growth Funds Average*

                          

Lipper International Funds Average*

                          

 

* The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE (Europe, Australasia, Far East) Index (“MSCI EAFE Index”), the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Growth Index (the “MSCI EAFE Growth Index” and collectively, the “MSCI EAFE Indices”), the Lipper International Funds Average and the Lipper International Multi-Cap Growth Funds Average are unmanaged benchmarks that assume the reinvestment of all distributions, if any. The Lipper International Funds Average and the Lipper International Multi-Cap Growth Funds Average exclude the effect of fees, sales charges and taxes, and the MSCI EAFE Indices exclude the effect of expenses, fees, sales charges and taxes. The MSCI EAFE Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure developed market equity performance, excluding the US and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Growth Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures stock market performance of developed markets in Europe, Australasia and the Far East with a greater-than-average growth orientation. The Lipper International Funds Average is an average of funds that invest their assets in securities with primary trading outside of the US. The Lipper International Multi-Cap Growth Funds Average is an average of funds that, by portfolio practice, 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. Multi-cap funds typically have 25% to 75% of their assets invested in companies strictly outside of the US with market capitalizations (on a three-year weighted basis) greater than the 250th-largest company in the S&P/Citigroup World ex-US Broad Market Index. Multi-cap growth funds typically have an above-average price-to-cash flow ratio, price-to-book ratio, and three-year sales-per-share growth value compared to the S&P/Citigroup World ex-US Broad Market Index. As of the date of this Prospectus, Lipper classifies the Portfolio as an International Multi-Cap Growth Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an average or an index.

Prior to March 31, 2000, Seligman employed subadvisers that were responsible for providing certain portfolio management services with respect to the investments of the Portfolio. From March 31, 2000 until September 15, 2003, the assets of the Portfolio were managed exclusively by Seligman. Since September 15, 2003, Wellington Management Company, LLP has been employed by Seligman as subadviser to provide portfolio management services to the Portfolio.

 

25


Seligman International Growth Portfolio

 

Fees and Expenses

 

The table below summarizes the fees and expenses that you may pay as a shareholder of the Portfolio. Annual portfolio operating expenses are deducted from Portfolio assets and are therefore paid indirectly by you and other shareholders of the Portfolio. The table does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses set forth below would have been higher.

 

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

(as a percentage of average net assets)

 

Management Fees

   1.00 %

Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees

   none  

Other Expenses(2)

            %
      

Gross Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses(1)

            %
      

 

  
(1) Less: Management Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement             %
      

Net Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

            %
      

(2) Through at least April 30, 2010, RiverSource Investments has contractually undertaken to waive its management fee and/or reimburse the Portfolio’s expenses to the extent that the Portfolio’s “other expenses” (i.e., those expenses other than management fees, 12b-1 fees, interest on borrowings, and extraordinary expenses, including litigation expenses) exceed [1.00%] per annum of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets.

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Portfolio with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes (1) you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for each period and then sell all of your shares at the end of that period, (2) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (3) the Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses are (i) the Portfolio’s net operating expenses shown above through [April 30, 2010] (which reflect the contractual management fee waiver/expense reimbursement described above) and (ii) after [April 30, 2010], the Portfolio’s gross annual operating expenses shown above. The example set forth below does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses reflected below would have been higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

       1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years

Class 1

     $               $               $               $         

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The Portfolio is managed by Andrew S. Offit, CPA, Senior Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager of Wellington Management Company, LLP., who has served as Portfolio Manager of the Portfolio since 2003. Mr. Offit is also Portfolio Manager of Seligman International Growth Fund and on the portfolio management team for Seligman Global Growth Fund, two series of Seligman Global Fund Series, Inc. He joined Wellington Management Company, LLP as an investment professional in 1997.

 

Jean-Marc Berteaux, Senior Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager of Wellington Management Company, LLP, has been involved in portfolio management and securities analysis for the Portfolio since 2003. Mr. Berteaux joined Wellington Management Company, LLP as an investment professional in 2001.

 

Matthew D. Hudson, CFA, Vice President and Equity Portfolio Manager of Wellington Management Company, LLP, has been involved in portfolio management and securities analysis for the Portfolio since 2006. Mr. Hudson joined Wellington Management Company, LLP as an investment professional in 2005. Prior to joining Wellington Management Company, LLP, he was an investment professional at American Century Investment Management (2000-2005).

 

Mr. Offit is the lead portfolio manager of the Portfolio. Messrs. Berteaux and Hudson assist in the research and portfolio construction process. In Mr. Offits’s absence, Messrs. Berteaux and Hudson, individually, may purchase or sell securities for the Portfolio.

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the compensation of the individuals named above (the “IG Portfolio Team”), other accounts managed by the IG Portfolio Team and the IG Portfolio Team’s ownership of securities of the Portfolio.

 

26


Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

 

Investment Objective

 

The Portfolio’s investment objective is favorable current income.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Portfolio uses the following principal investment strategies to seek its investment objective:

 

Generally, the Portfolio invests in fixed-income securities, diversified among a number of market sectors. The Portfolio has a fundamental policy that at least 80% of the Portfolio’s assets will be invested in securities that are rated investment-grade when purchased by the Portfolio. The Portfolio may invest in securities of any duration. Capital appreciation is a secondary consideration in selecting securities for purchase by the Portfolio.

 

In pursuit of the Portfolio’s objective, the investment manager (RiverSource Investments) chooses investments by:

 

  n  

Evaluating the Portfolio’s total exposure to sectors, industries and securities relative to the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index (formerly, Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index).

 

  n  

Analyzing factors such as credit quality, interest rate outlook and price in seeking to select the most attractive securities within each sector.

 

  n  

Targeting an average portfolio duration within one year of the duration of the Index which, as of September 30, 2008 was 4.47 years. Duration measures the sensitivity of bond prices to changes in interest rates. The longer the duration of a bond, the longer it will take to repay the principal and interest obligations and the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. For example, a five-year duration means a bond is expected to decrease in value by 5% if interest rates rise 1% and increase in value by 5% if interest rates fall 1%.

 

In evaluating whether to sell a security, the investment manager considers, among other factors:

 

  n  

Identification of more attractive investments based on relative value.

 

  n  

The Portfolio’s total exposure to sectors, industries and securities relative to the Index.

 

  n  

Whether a security’s rating has changed or is vulnerable to a change.

 

  n  

Whether a sector or industry is experiencing change.

 

  n  

Changes in the interest rate or economic outlook.

 

The Portfolio may invest in corporate debt securities (including bonds and debentures convertible into common stock or with rights and warrants), securities issued or guaranteed by the US Treasury, its agencies or instrumentalities, mortgage-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage pass-through securities), and high-grade money market instruments. The Portfolio may also hold or sell any securities obtained through the exercise of conversion rights or warrants, or as a result of a reorganization, recapitalization, or liquidation proceeding of any issuer of securities owned by the Portfolio.

 

The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that cannot be readily sold), including funding agreements issued by domestic insurance companies, and may invest up to 10% of its total assets in foreign securities. The Portfolio may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis (delivery of securities and payment of the purchase price takes place after the commitment to purchase the securities). The Portfolio generally does not invest significantly in illiquid or foreign securities.

 

The Fund intends to comply with Rule 4.5 of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), under which a mutual fund is exempt from the definition of a “commodity pool operator.” The Fund, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator. Accordingly, the Portfolio may invest in futures contracts without the Fund registering with the CFTC.

 

Principal Risks

 

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate with fluctuations in the value of the securities held by the Portfolio. The principal factors that may affect the value of the Portfolio’s securities holdings are changes in interest rates, the creditworthiness of the issuers of securities held by the Portfolio, unanticipated prepayment and the decline of the bond market.

 

Interest rate risk. Changes in market interest rates will affect the value of securities held by the Portfolio. The Portfolio invests mostly in fixed-income securities. In general, the market value of fixed-income securities moves in the opposite direction of interest rates: the market value decreases when interest rates rise and increases when interest rates fall. The Portfolio’s net asset value per share generally moves in the same direction as the market value of the securities it holds. Therefore, if interest rates rise, you should expect the Portfolio’s net asset value per share to fall.

 

27


Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

 

Long-term securities are generally more sensitive to changes in interest rates, and, therefore, are subject to a greater degree of market price volatility. To the extent the Portfolio holds long-term securities, its net asset value will be subject to a greater degree of fluctuation than if it held securities of shorter duration.

 

Credit risk. A fixed-income security could deteriorate in quality to such an extent that its rating is downgraded or its market value declines relative to comparable securities. Credit risk also includes the risk that an issuer of a debt security would be unable to make interest and principal payments. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities that have been downgraded, or that default on payment, its performance could be negatively affected.

 

While the Portfolio is required to invest at least 80% of its assets in securities rated investment-grade on the date of purchase, there is no guarantee that these securities are free from credit risk. Ratings by Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services are generally accepted measures of credit risk. However, these ratings are subject to certain limitations. The rating of an issuer is based heavily on past developments and does not necessarily reflect probable future conditions. Frequently there is a lag between a change in an issuer’s circumstances and the time its rating is updated. In addition, there may be varying degrees of difference in credit risk of securities within each rating category. Securities that are not guaranteed by the US Government may have increased credit risk, including, but not limited to, the risk of non-payment of principal or interest. The Portfolio may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of issuers that hold mortgage- and asset-backed securities and direct investments in securities backed by commercial and residential mortgage loans and other financial assets. Shifts in the market’s perception of credit quality on securities backed by commercial and residential mortgage loans and other financial assets may result in increased volatility of market price and periods of illiquidity that can negatively impact the valuation of certain issuers held by the Portfolio. The value and related income of these securities is sensitive to changes in economic conditions, including delinquencies and/or defaults. High-yield securities are subject to a greater risk of loss of principal and interest than higher-rated, investment-grade fixed-income securities.

 

Prepayment Risk. Mortgage-backed securities in which the Portfolio invests may benefit less than other fixed-income securities from declining interest rates because of the risk of prepayment. Mortgage prepayments generally increase during a period of declining interest rates. Prepayments increase the cash amounts available to the Portfolio for investment and these amounts would have to be reinvested at lower interest rates. In addition, prepayments on underlying mortgages result in a loss of anticipated interest, and, therefore the actual yield to the Portfolio may be different from the quoted yield on the securities. As a result, when interest rates are declining, mortgage-backed securities may not increase as much as other fixed-income securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline when interest rates rise.

 

Market Risk. Fixed-income securities, like those in which the Portfolio invests, are traded principally by dealers in the over-the-counter market. The Portfolio’s ability to sell securities it holds is dependent on the willingness and ability of market participants to provide bids that reflect current market levels. Adverse market conditions could reduce the number of ready buyers.

 

Other Risks

 

Foreign Securities and Illiquid Securities Risk. Foreign securities and illiquid securities in the Portfolio’s portfolio involve higher risk and may subject the Portfolio to higher price volatility. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves risks not associated with US investments, including settlement risks, currency fluctuations, local withholding and other taxes, different financial reporting practices and regulatory standards, high costs of trading, changes in political conditions, investment and repatriation restrictions and custody risks.

 

Zero-Coupon and Pay-In-Kind Risk. “Zero-coupon” and “pay-in-kind” securities may be subject to greater fluctuations in value because they tend to be more speculative than income bearing securities. Fluctuations in the market prices of those securities owned by the Portfolio will result in corresponding fluctuations and volatility in the net asset value of the shares of the Portfolio.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Portfolio may actively and frequently trade securities in its portfolio to carry out its principal strategies. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transactions costs which may increase the Portfolio’s expenses and lower yield.

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Portfolio’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

28


Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

 

Past Performance

 

The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing how the performance of Class 1 shares of the Portfolio has varied from year to year, as well as how its performance compares to three measures of performance. How the Portfolio has performed in the past, however, is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.

 

Class 1 annual total returns presented in the bar chart and average annual total returns presented in the table below the bar chart do not reflect the effect of any administration fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If these expenses were included, the returns would be lower. Both the bar chart and table assume that all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, were reinvested. The investment manager, at its discretion, reimbursed expenses of Class 1 shares for certain periods presented. Absent such reimbursement, returns would have been lower. There is no assurance that the investment manager will continue this policy in the future.

 

Class 1 Annual Total Returns – Calendar Years

 

LOGO

 

Best quarter return: 5.68% – quarter ended 9/30/02.

 

Worst quarter return: -2.80% – quarter ended 6/30/04.

 

Class 1 Average Annual Total Returns – Years Ended 12/31/08

 

       One
Year
       Five
Years
       Ten
Years
 

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

              %               %               %

Barclays Capital Government/Credit Index*

                          

Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index

                          

Lipper Corporate Debt Funds BBB-Rated Average*

                          

 

* The Barclays Capital Government/Credit Index (formerly, Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index), the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index and the Lipper Corporate Debt Funds BBB-Rated Average are unmanaged benchmarks that assume the reinvestment of all distributions, if any. The Lipper Corporate Debt Funds BBB-Rated Average does not reflect any fees, sales charges or taxes, and the Lehman Credit Index does not reflect any expenses, fees, sales charges or taxes. The Barclays Capital Government/Credit Index is composed of all bonds that are investment grade (rated Baa or higher by Moody’s or BBB or higher by S&P, if unrated by Moody’s), with at least one year to maturity. The Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index is made up of a representative list of government, corporate, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. The index is frequently used as a general measure of bond market performance. The index reflects reinvestment of all distributions and changes in market prices. The Lipper Corporate Debt Funds BBB-Rated Average is an average of funds that invest primarily in corporate and government debt issues rated in the top four grades. Investors cannot invest directly in an average or an index.

 

29


Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

 

Fees and Expenses

 

The table below summarizes the fees and expenses that you may pay as a shareholder of the Portfolio. Annual portfolio operating expenses are deducted from Portfolio assets and are therefore paid indirectly by you and other shareholders of the Portfolio. The table does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses set forth below would have been higher.

 

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

(as a percentage of average net assets)

 

Management Fees

   0.40 %

Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees

   none  

Other Expenses(1)

            %
      

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses(2)

            %
      

 

(1) RiverSource Investments has voluntarily undertaken to waive its management fee and/or to reimburse the Portfolio’s expenses to the extent that the Portfolio’s “other expenses” (i.e., those expenses other than management fees, 12b-1 fees, interest on borrowings, and extraordinary expenses, including litigation expenses) exceed [0.45%] of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. RiverSource Investments may discontinue its voluntary waiver/reimbursement at any time.

(2) Reflects total annual portfolio operating expenses as they would have been if the management fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement had not been in effect. The total annual portfolio operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008, taking into consideration the current management fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement was [0.85%]. RiverSource Investments may terminate this arrangement at any time.

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Portfolio with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes (1) you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for each period and then sell all of your shares at the end of that period, (2) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (3) the Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses remain the same. The example set forth below does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses reflected below would have been higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

       1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years

Class 1

     $               $               $               $         

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Effective November 7, 2008, the portfolio managers responsible for the day-to-day management of Portfolio are:

 

  n  

Jamie Jackson, CFA, Portfolio Manager

 

  n  

Leader of the liquid assets sector team.

 

  n  

Joined RiverSource Investments in 2003.

 

  n  

Co-head of U.S. Investment Grade Fixed Income, UBS Global Asset Management, 1997 to 2003.

 

  n  

Began investment career in 1988.

 

  n  

MBA, Marquette University.

 

Tom Murphy, CFA, Portfolio Manager.

 

  n  

Leader of the investment grade corporate bond sector team.

 

  n  

Joined RiverSource Investments in 2002.

 

  n  

Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, BlackRock Financial Management, 2002; various positions, Zurich Scudder, 1992 to 2002.

 

  n  

Began investment career in 1986.

 

  n  

MBA, University of Michigan.

 

Scott Schroepfer, CFA, Portfolio Manager

 

  n  

Member of the high yield corporate sector team.

 

30


Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

 

  n  

Joined RiverSource Investments in 1990.

 

  n  

Began investment career in 1986.

 

  n  

MBA, University of Minnesota.

 

Todd White, Portfolio Manager

 

  n  

Leader of the structured assets sector team.

 

  n  

Joined RiverSource Investments on November 17, 2008.

 

  n  

Managing Director, Global Head of the Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities businesses, and North American Head of the Interest Rate business, HSBC, 2004 to 2008; Managing Director and Head of Business for Mortgage Pass-Through and Options, Lehman Brothers, 2000 to 2004.

 

  n  

Began investment career in 1986.

 

  n  

BS, Indiana University.

 

The fixed income department of RiverSource Investments is divided into six specialized teams (sector teams), each focused on a specific sector of the fixed income market: liquid assets, high yield corporate bonds, investment grade corporate bonds, municipals, global, and structured assets. Each sector team includes a portfolio manager or portfolio managers and several analysts that select securities and other fixed income instruments within the sector. The Fund’s portfolio managers lead or are members of one of these sector teams and also serve on a strategy committee responsible for implementation of the Fund’s overall investment strategy, including determination of the Fund’s sector allocation and portfolio duration.

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the compensation of the Portfolio Managers, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers and the Portfolio Managers ownership of securities of the Portfolio.

 

31


Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

 

Investment Objective

 

The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Portfolio uses the following principal investment strategies to pursue its investment objective:

 

The Portfolio generally invests at least 80% of its net assets in the common stock of “value” companies with large market capitalization ($4 billion or more) at the time of purchase by the Portfolio.

 

The Portfolio uses a bottom-up stock selection approach. This means that the investment manager concentrates on individual company fundamentals, rather than on a particular industry. In selecting investments, the investment manager seeks to identify value companies that it believes display certain characteristics, including but not limited to, one or more of the following:

 

Value Companies:

Those companies believed by the investment manager to be undervalued, either historically, by the market, or by their peers.

 

n  

a low price-to-earnings and/or low price-to-book ratio;

 

n  

positive change in senior management;

 

n  

positive corporate restructuring;

 

n  

temporary setback in price due to factors that no longer exist;

 

n  

a positive shift in the company’s business cycle; and/or

 

n  

a catalyst for increase in the rate of the company’s earnings growth.

 

The Portfolio generally holds a small number of securities because the investment manager believes doing so allows it to adhere to its disciplined value investment approach. The investment manager maintains close contact with the management of each company in which the Portfolio invests or the third-party analysts covering such companies, and continually monitors Portfolio holdings, remaining sensitive to overvaluation and deteriorating fundamentals.

 

The Portfolio generally sells a stock if the investment manager believes it has become fully valued, its fundamentals have deteriorated, or ongoing evaluation reveals that there are more attractive investment opportunities available.

 

Although the Portfolio invests primarily in common stocks of domestic issuers, it may also invest in other equity-related securities of domestic issuers, including preferred stock and stock convertible into or exchangeable for such securities. The Portfolio expects that no more than 15% of its assets will be invested in cash or fixed-income securities, except as a temporary defensive measure. The Portfolio may also invest in American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”). ADRs are publicly traded instruments generally issued by domestic banks or trust companies that represent a security of a foreign issuer. ADRs are quoted and settled in US dollars. The Portfolio uses the same criteria in evaluating these securities as it does for common stocks.

 

The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that cannot be readily sold). The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of its total assets directly in foreign securities. The limit on foreign securities does not include ADRs, or commercial paper and certificates of deposit issued by foreign banks. The Portfolio may also purchase put options in an attempt to hedge against a decline in the price of securities it holds in its portfolio. A put option gives the Portfolio the right to sell an underlying security at a particular price during a fixed period. The Portfolio generally does not invest a significant amount of its assets, if any, in illiquid securities, foreign securities, or put options.

 

The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are traded, like individual stocks, on an exchange, but they represent baskets of securities that seek to track the performance of certain indices. The indices include not only broad-market indices but more specific indices as well, including those relating to particular sectors, countries and regions. The Portfolio may invest in ETFs for short-term cash management purposes or as part of its overall investment strategy.

 

The Fund’s Board of Directors may change the parameters by which large market capitalization is defined if it concludes such a change is appropriate.

 

Principal Risks

 

Stock prices fluctuate. Therefore, as with any portfolio that invests in stocks, the Portfolio’s net asset value will fluctuate, especially in the short term. You may experience a decline in the value of your investment and you could lose money if you sell your shares at a price lower than you paid for them.

 

The stocks of large companies periodically experience periods of volatility. During these volatile periods, the value of large company stocks has periodically declined. To the extent large company stocks were to experience similar declines in the future, the Portfolio’s performance would be adversely impacted.

 

32


Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

 

Value stocks involve the risk that they may never reach what the investment manager believes is their full market value either because the market fails to recognize the stock’s intrinsic worth or the investment manager misgauged that worth. They also may decline in price, even though in theory they are already undervalued. Because different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, the Portfolio’s performance may sometimes be lower or higher than that of other types of funds (such as those emphasizing growth stocks).

 

The Portfolio holds a small number of securities. Consequently, if one or more of the securities held in its portfolio declines in value or underperforms relative to the market, it may have a greater impact on the Portfolio’s performance than if the Portfolio held a larger number of securities. The Portfolio may experience more volatility, especially over the short term, than a fund with a greater number of holdings.

 

The Portfolio may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of companies in any one industry. However, the Portfolio may invest a substantial percentage of its assets in certain industries or economic sectors believed to offer good investment opportunities. If an industry or economic sector in which the Portfolio is invested falls out of favor, the Portfolio’s performance may be negatively affected. This effect may be heightened because the Portfolio holds a smaller number of securities.

 

The Portfolio’s performance may be affected by the broad investment environment in the US or international securities markets, which is influenced by, among other things, interest rates, inflation, politics, fiscal policy, and current events.

 

Foreign securities, illiquid securities, or derivatives (including options, rights, and warrants) in the Portfolio’s investment portfolio involve higher risk and may subject the Portfolio to higher price volatility. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves risks not associated with US investments, including currency fluctuations, local withholding and other taxes, different financial reporting practices and regulatory standards, high costs of trading, changes in political conditions, expropriation, investment and repatriation restrictions, and settlement and custody risks. Option transactions can involve a high degree of risk, including the possibility of a total loss of the amount invested or more. When options are purchased in the over-the-counter markets, there are additional risks, such as counterparty and liquidity risks.

 

If the Portfolio invests in ETFs, shareholders would bear not only the Portfolio’s expenses (including operating expenses and advisory fees), but also similar expenses of the ETFs, and the Portfolio’s return will therefore be lower. To the extent the Portfolio invests in ETFs, the Portfolio is exposed to the risks associated with the underlying investments of the ETFs and the Portfolio’s performance may be negatively affected if the value of those underlying investments declines.

 

There are special risks associated with investing in preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. Preferred stocks may be subject to, among other things, deferral of distribution payments, involuntary redemptions, subordination to bonds and other debt instruments of the issuer, a lack of liquidity relative to other securities such as common stocks, and limited voting rights. The market value of securities convertible into common stocks tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stock.

 

The Portfolio may invest a portion of its net assets in debt securities, which may be subject to changes in interest rates, the creditworthiness of the issuers, unanticipated prepayment, and the decline of the bond market in general.

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Portfolio’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

33


Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

 

Past Performance

 

The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing how the performance of Class 1 shares of the Portfolio has varied from year to year, as well as how its performance compares to four measures of performance. How the Portfolio has performed in the past, however, is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.

 

Class 1 annual total returns presented in the bar chart and average annual total returns presented in the table below the bar chart do not reflect the effect of any administration fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If these expenses were included, the returns would be lower. Both the bar chart and table assume that all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, were reinvested. The investment manager, at its discretion, reimbursed expenses of Class 1 shares for certain periods presented. Absent such reimbursement, returns would have been lower. Effective August 11, 2003, the investment manager discontinued this policy.

 

Class 1 Annual Total Returns – Calendar Years

 

LOGO

 

Best quarter return: 20.59% – quarter ended 6/30/03.

 

Worst quarter return: -25.59% – quarter ended 9/30/02.

 

Class 1 Average Annual Total Returns – Periods Ended 12/31/08

 

       One
Year
       Five
Years
       Ten
Years
 

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

              %               %               %

S&P 500 Index*

                          

Russell 1000 Value Index*

                          

Lipper Large-Cap Value Funds Average*

                          

Lipper Multi-Cap Value Funds Average*

                          

 

* The S&P 500 Index, the Russell 1000 Value Index and the Lipper Large-Cap Value Funds Average and the Lipper Multi-Cap Value Funds Average are unmanaged benchmarks that assume the reinvestment of all distributions, if any. The Lipper Large-Cap Value Funds Average and the Lipper Multi-Cap Value Funds Average do not reflect any fees, sales charges or taxes, and the Russell 1000 Value Index and S&P 500 Index do not reflect any expenses, fees, sales charges or taxes. The Lipper Large-Cap Value Funds Average is an average of funds, that by portfolio practice, invest at least 75% of their equity assets in companies with market capitalizations (on a three-year weighted basis) greater than 300% of the dollar-weighted median market capitalization of the middle 1,000 securities of the S&P SuperComposite 1500 Index ($16.0 billion at December 31, 2007). Large-cap value funds typically have a below average price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio, and three-year sales-per-share growth value, compared to the S&P 500 Index. The Lipper Multi-Cap Value Funds Average is an average of funds, that by portfolio practice, 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. Multi-Cap funds typically have between 25% to 75% of their assets invested in companies with market capitalizations (on a three-year weighted basis) over 300% of the dollar-weighted median market capitalization of the middle 1,000 securities of the S&P SuperComposite 1500 Index ($16.0 billion as of December 31, 2007). Multi-cap value funds typically have a below-average price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio and three-year sales-per-growth value compared to the S&P SuperComposite 1500 Index. The Russell 1000 Value Index measures the performance of those Russell 1000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values, as determined by the Frank Russell Company. The S&P 500 Index measures the performance of 500 of the largest US companies based on market capitalization. As of the date of this Prospectus, Lipper classifies the Portfolio as a Multi-Cap Value Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an average or an index.

 

34


Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

 

Fees and Expenses

 

The table below summarizes the fees and expenses that you may pay as a shareholder of the Portfolio. Annual portfolio operating expenses are deducted from Portfolio assets and are therefore paid indirectly by you and other shareholders of the Portfolio. The table does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses set forth below would have been higher.

 

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

(as a percentage of average net assets)

 

Management Fees

   0.80 %

Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees

   none  

Other Expenses

            %
      

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

            %
      

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Portfolio with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes (1) you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for each period and then sell all of your shares at the end of that period, (2) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (3) the Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses remain the same. The example set forth below does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses reflected below would have been higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

       1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years

Class 1

     $               $               $               $         

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The Portfolio is managed by the investment manager’s Value Team, headed by Neil T. Eigen. Mr. Eigen is Co-Portfolio Manager of the Portfolio. He is also Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio and Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Value Fund Series’ Seligman Large-Cap Value Fund and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Fund. Mr. Eigen has been head of the Value Team since he joined Seligman in 1997. He joined RiverSource Investments in November 2008 when RiverSource Investments acquired Seligman.

 

Mr. Richard S. Rosen is Co-Portfolio Manager of the Portfolio. He is also Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio and Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Value Fund Series’ Seligman Large-Cap Value Fund and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Fund. Mr. Rosen joined Seligman in 1997 as a member of the Value Team and joined RiverSource Investments in November 2008 when RiverSource Investments acquired Seligman.

 

Mr. Eigen and Mr. Rosen each have decision making authority with respect to the investments of the Portfolio, although, as team leader of the Value Team, Mr. Eigen typically makes the final decision with respect to investments made by the Portfolio.

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the compensation of each Co-Portfolio Manager, other accounts managed by each Co-Portfolio Managers and each Co-Portfolio Manager’s ownership of securities of the Portfolio.

 

35


Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

 

Investment Objective

 

The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Portfolio uses the following principal investment strategies to seek its investment objective:

 

The Portfolio generally invests at least 80% of its net assets in the common stock of “value” companies with smaller market capitalization ($3 billion or less) at the time of purchase by the Portfolio.

 

The Portfolio uses a bottom-up stock selection approach. This means that the investment manager concentrates on individual company fundamentals, rather than on a particular industry. In selecting investments, the investment manager seeks to identify value companies that it believes display certain characteristics, including but not limited to, one or more of the following:

 

Value Companies:

Those companies believed by the investment manager to be undervalued, either historically, by the market, or by their peers.

 

n  

a low price-to-earnings and/or low price-to-book ratio;

 

n  

positive change in senior management;

 

n  

positive corporate restructuring;

 

n  

temporary setback in price due to factors that no longer exist;

 

n  

a positive shift in the company’s business cycle; and/or

 

n  

a catalyst for increase in the rate of the company’s earnings growth.

 

The Portfolio generally holds a small number of securities because the investment manager believes doing so allows it to adhere to its disciplined value investment approach. The investment manager maintains close contact with the management of each company in which the Portfolio invests or the third-party analysts covering such companies, and continually monitors Portfolio holdings, remaining sensitive to overvaluation and deteriorating fundamentals.

 

The Portfolio generally sells a stock if the investment manager believes it has become fully valued, its fundamentals have deteriorated, or ongoing evaluation reveals that there are more attractive investment opportunities available.

 

Although the Portfolio invests primarily in common stock of domestic issuers, it may also invest in other equity-related securities of domestic issuers, including preferred stock and stock convertible into or exchangeable for such securities. The Portfolio expects that no more than 15% of its assets will be invested in cash or fixed-income securities, except as a temporary defensive measure. The Portfolio may also invest in American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”). ADRs are publicly traded instruments generally issued by domestic banks or trust companies that represent a security of a foreign issuer. ADRs are quoted and settled in US dollars. The Portfolio uses the same criteria in evaluating these securities as it does for common stocks.

 

The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that cannot be readily sold). The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of its total assets directly in foreign securities. The limit on foreign securities does not include ADRs or commercial paper and certificates of deposit issued by foreign banks. The Portfolio may also purchase put options in an attempt to hedge against a decline in the price of securities it holds in its portfolio. A put option gives the Portfolio the right to sell an underlying security at a particular price during a fixed period. The Portfolio generally does not invest a significant amount of its assets, if any, in illiquid securities, foreign securities, or put options.

 

The Portfolio may also invest up to 10% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are traded, like individual stocks, on an exchange, but they represent baskets of securities that seek to track the performance of certain indices. The indices include not only broad-market indices but more specific indices as well, including those relating to particular sectors, countries and regions. The Portfolio may invest in ETFs for short-term cash management purposes or as part of its overall investment strategy.

 

The Fund’s Board of Directors may change the parameters by which small market capitalization is defined if it concludes such a change is appropriate.

 

Principal Risks

 

Stock prices fluctuate. Therefore, as with any portfolio that invests in stocks, the Portfolio’s net asset value will fluctuate, especially in the short term. You may experience a decline in the value of your investment and you could lose money if you sell your shares at a price lower than you paid for them.

 

Investments in smaller companies typically involve greater risks than investments in larger companies. Small company stocks, as a whole, may experience larger price fluctuations than large company stocks or other types of investments. Small companies tend to have shorter operating histories and may have less experienced management and limited product lines, markets and financial or managerial resources.

 

36


Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

 

Value stocks involve the risk that they may never reach what the investment manager believes is their full market value either because the market fails to recognize the stock’s intrinsic worth or the investment manager misgauged that worth. They also may decline in price, even though in theory they are already undervalued. Because different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, the Portfolio’s performance may sometimes be lower or higher than that of other types of funds (such as those emphasizing growth stocks).

 

The Portfolio holds a small number of securities. Consequently, if one or more of the securities held in its portfolio declines in value or underperforms relative to the market, it may have a greater impact on the Portfolio’s performance than if the Portfolio held a larger number of securities. The Portfolio may experience more volatility, especially over the short term, than a fund with a greater number of holdings.

 

The Portfolio may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of companies in any one industry. However, the Portfolio may invest a substantial percentage of its assets in certain industries or economic sectors that the investment manager believes offer good investment opportunities. If an industry or economic sector in which the Portfolio is invested falls out of favor, the Portfolio’s performance may be negatively affected. This effect may be heightened because the Portfolio holds a smaller number of securities.

 

The Portfolio’s performance may be affected by the broad investment environment in the US or international securities markets, which is influenced by, among other things, interest rates, inflation, politics, fiscal policy, and current events.

 

Foreign securities, illiquid securities, or derivatives (including options, rights, and warrants) in the Portfolio’s investment portfolio involve higher risk and may subject the Portfolio to higher price volatility. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves risks not associated with U.S. investments, including currency fluctuations, local withholding and other taxes, different financial reporting practices and regulatory standards, high costs of trading, changes in political conditions, expropriation, investment and repatriation restrictions, and settlement and custody risks. Option transactions can involve a high degree of risk, including the possibility of a total loss of the amount invested or more. When options are purchased in the over-the-counter markets, there are additional risks, such as counterparty and liquidity risks.

 

If the Portfolio invests in ETFs, shareholders would bear not only the Portfolio’s expenses (including operating expenses and advisory fees), but also similar expenses of the ETFs, and the Portfolio’s return will therefore be lower. To the extent the Portfolio invests in ETFs, the Portfolio is exposed to the risks associated with the underlying investments of the ETFs and the Portfolio’s performance may be negatively affected if the value of those underlying investments declines.

 

There are special risks associated with investing in preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. Preferred stocks may be subject to, among other things, deferral of distribution payments, involuntary redemptions, subordination to bonds and other debt instruments of the issuer, a lack of liquidity relative to other securities such as common stocks, and limited voting rights. The market value of securities convertible into common stocks tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stock.

 

The Portfolio may invest a portion of its net assets in debt securities, which may be subject to changes in interest rates, the creditworthiness of the issuers, unanticipated prepayment, and the decline of the bond market in general.

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Portfolio’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

37


Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

 

Past Performance

 

The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing how the performance of Class 1 shares of the Portfolio has varied from year to year, as well as how its performance compares to three measures of performance. How the Portfolio has performed in the past, however, is not necessarily an indication of how it will perform in the future.

 

Class 1 annual total returns presented in the bar chart and average annual total returns presented in the table below the bar chart do not reflect the effect of any administration fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If these expenses were included, the returns would be lower. Both the bar chart and table assume that all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, were reinvested. The investment manager, at its discretion, reimbursed expenses of Class 1 shares for certain periods presented. Absent such reimbursement, returns would have been lower. Effective August 11, 2003, the investment manager discontinued this policy.

 

Class 1 Annual Total Returns – Calendar Years

 

LOGO

 

Best quarter return: 34.49% – quarter ended 6/30/99.

 

Worst quarter return: -19.63% – quarter ended 9/30/02.

 

Class 1 Average Annual Total Returns – Periods Ended 12/31/08

 

       One
Year
       Five
Years
       Ten
Years
 

Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

              %               %               %

Russell 2000 Value Index*

                          

Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Average*

                          

Lipper Small-Cap Value Funds Average*

                          

 

* The Russell 2000 Value Index, the Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Average and the Lipper Small-Cap Value Funds Average are unmanaged benchmarks that assume the reinvestment of all distributions, if any. The Lipper Small-Cap Value Funds Average and the Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Average do not reflect any fees, sales charges or taxes, and the Russell 2000 Value Index does not reflect any expenses, fees, sales charges or taxes. Each of the Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Average and the Lipper Small-Cap Value Funds Average is an average of funds, that by portfolio practice, invest at least 75% of their equity assets in companies with market capitalizations (on a three-year weighted basis) less than 250% of the dollar-weighted median of the smallest 500 of the middle 1,000 securities of the S&P SuperComposite 1500 Index ($3.6 billion at December 31, 2007). Small-cap core funds typically have an average price-to earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio and three-year sales-per-share growth value compared to the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Small-cap value funds typically have a below-average price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio and three-year sales-per-share growth value compared to the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. The Russell 2000 Value Index measures the performance of those Russell 2000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values, as determined by the Frank Russell Company. As of the date of this Prospectus, Lipper classifies the Portfolio as a Small-Cap Core Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in an index or an average.

 

38


Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

 

Fees and Expenses

 

The table below summarizes the fees and expenses that you may pay as a shareholder of the Portfolio. Annual portfolio operating expenses are deducted from Portfolio assets and are therefore paid indirectly by you and other shareholders of the Portfolio. The table does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses set forth below would have been higher.

 

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

(as a percentage of average net assets)

 

Management Fees

   1.00 %

Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees

   none  

Other Expenses

            %
      

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

            %
      

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Portfolio with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes (1) you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for each period and then sell all of your shares at the end of that period, (2) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (3) the Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses remain the same. The example set forth below does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If any such fees or sales charges had been included, the expenses reflected below would have been higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years

Class 1

   $               $               $               $         

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The Portfolio is managed by the investment manager’s Value Team, headed by Neil T. Eigen. Mr. Eigen is Co-Portfolio Manager of the Portfolio. He is also Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio and Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Value Fund Series’ Seligman Large-Cap Value Fund and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Fund. Mr. Eigen has been head of the Value Team since he joined Seligman in 1997. He joined RiverSource Investments in November 2008 when RiverSource Investments acquired Seligman.

 

Mr. Richard S. Rosen is Co-Portfolio Manager of the Portfolio. He is also Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio and Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Value Fund Series’ Seligman Large-Cap Value Fund and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Fund. Mr. Rosen joined Seligman in 1997 as a member of the Value Team and joined RiverSource Investments in November 2008 when RiverSource Investments acquired Seligman.

 

Mr. Eigen and Mr. Rosen each have decision making authority with respect to the investments of the Portfolio, although, as team leader of the Value Team, Mr. Eigen typically makes the final decision with respect to investments made by the Portfolio.

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the compensation of each Co-Portfolio Manager, other accounts managed by each Co-Portfolio Manager and each Co-Portfolio Manager’s ownership of securities of the Portfolio.

 

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Management of the Fund

 

On November 7, 2008, RiverSource Investments announced the closing of its Acquisition of Seligman, 100 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017. With the Acquisition completed and shareholders having previously approved (at a special meeting held on November 3, 2008) new investment management services agreements between the Fund (on behalf of the Portfolios) and RiverSource Investments (the “Agreements”), RiverSource Investments is the new investment manager of each of the Portfolios effective November 7, 2008.

 

RiverSource Investments, 200 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55474, is also the investment manager of the other funds in the Seligman Group of Funds, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (“Ameriprise Financial”). Ameriprise Financial is a financial planning and financial services company that has been offering solutions for clients’ asset accumulation, income management and protection needs for more than 110 years. In addition to managing investments for the Seligman Group of Funds, RiverSource Investments manages investments for the RiverSource funds, itself and its affiliates. For institutional clients, RiverSource Investments and its affiliates provide investment management and related services, such as separate account asset management, and institutional trust and custody, as well as other investment products. For all of its clients, RiverSource Investments seeks to allocate investment opportunities in an equitable manner over time.

 

Effective November 7, 2008, each Portfolio of the Fund will pay RiverSource Investments a fee for managing its assets (Seligman will no longer receive management fees effective November 7, 2008). The management fees paid by the Portfolios (whether an annual rate or based on a breakpoint schedule, as applicable) will not change as result of the Acquisition.

 

Each Portfolio pays RiverSource Investments a management fee for its services equal to a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets, as follows:

 

       Management Fee Rate
as a % of Average
Daily Net Assets
     Management Fee Rate
Paid for the
Year ended
December 31, 2008**

Seligman Capital Portfolio

     .40%      .40%

Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

     .40%      .40%

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

     .40%      .40%

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

     .75%      .75%

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

     1.00% on first $2 billion;
.95% on next $2 billion;
.90% thereafter
     1.00%

Seligman International Growth Portfolio*

     1.00% on first $50 million;
.95% on next $1 billion;
.90% thereafter
     1.00%

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

     .40%      .40%

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

     .80% on first $500 million;
.70% on next $500 million;
.60% thereafter
     .80%

Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

     1.00% on first $500 million;
.90% on next $500 million;
.80% thereafter
     1.00%

 

* Effective September 15, 2003, Seligman (the investment manager prior to November 7, 2008) voluntarily lowered the breakpoints in the fee schedules applicable to this Portfolio.
** Amounts are prior to any management fee waiver/expense reimbursement. RiverSource Investments reimbursed expenses for certain of the Portfolios, due to expense caps. Except for any applicable contractual undertakings to waive management fees and/or to reimburse expenses, there is no assurance that RiverSource Investments will continue this practice in the future. For the year ended December 31, 2008, RiverSource Investments reimbursed expenses equal to the following percentages of average daily net assets of the Portfolios: Cash Management Portfolio [0.13%]; Global Technology Portfolio [1.14%]; International Growth Portfolio [2.02%] and Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio [1.63%]. See the “Fees and Expenses” section for each Portfolio for more information about management fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangements.

 

On July 29, 2008, the Fund’s Board met to discuss, prior to shareholder approval, the Agreements between the Fund (on behalf of the Portfolios) and RiverSource Investments. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board approving the Agreements was included in the Fund’s proxy statement, dated August 27, 2008, and will be made available in the Fund’s upcoming annual shareholder report for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

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Subadviser

 

Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington Management”), a Massachusetts limited liability partnership with principal offices at 75 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is the subadviser for Seligman International Growth Portfolio. Wellington Management is a professional investment counseling firm that provides investment services to investment companies, employee benefit plans, endowments, foundations and other institutions. Wellington Management and its predecessor organizations have provided investment advisory services for over 70 years. As of March 31, 2009, Wellington Management had investment management authority with respect to approximately $         billion in assets under management.

 

Effective November 7, 2008, RiverSource Investments pays Wellington Management a subadvisory fee for the services it provides to Seligman International Growth Portfolio. This fee does not increase the fee payable by the International Growth Portfolio.

 

41


Regulatory Matters

 

In late 2003, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated (Seligman) conducted an extensive internal review concerning mutual fund trading practices. Seligman’s review, which covered the period 2001-2003, noted one arrangement that permitted frequent trading in certain open-end registered investment companies then managed by Seligman (the “Seligman Funds”); this arrangement was in the process of being closed down by Seligman before September 2003. Seligman identified three other arrangements that permitted frequent trading, all of which had been terminated by September 2002. In January 2004, Seligman, on a voluntary basis, publicly disclosed these four arrangements to its clients and to shareholders of the Seligman Funds. Seligman also provided information concerning mutual fund trading practices to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York (“NYAG”).

 

In September 2005, the New York staff of the SEC indicated that it was considering recommending to the Commissioners of the SEC the instituting of a formal action against Seligman and Seligman Advisors, Inc. (“Seligman Advisors” or “the distributor”) relating to frequent trading in the Seligman Funds. Seligman responded to the staff in October 2005 that it believed that any action would be both inappropriate and unnecessary, especially in light of the fact that Seligman had previously resolved the underlying issue with the Independent Directors of the Seligman Funds and made recompense to the affected Seligman Funds.

 

In September 2006, the NYAG commenced a civil action in New York State Supreme Court against Seligman, Seligman Advisors, Seligman Data Corp. and Brian T. Zino (collectively, the “Seligman Parties”), alleging, in substance, that, in addition to the four arrangements noted above, the Seligman Parties permitted other persons to engage in frequent trading and, as a result, the prospectus disclosure used by the registered investment companies then managed by Seligman is and has been misleading. The NYAG included other related claims and also claimed that the fees charged by Seligman to the Seligman Funds were excessive. The NYAG is seeking damages of at least $80 million and restitution, disgorgement, penalties and costs and injunctive relief. The Seligman Parties answered the complaint in December 2006 and believe that the claims are without merit.

 

Any resolution of these matters may include the relief noted above or other sanctions or changes in procedures. Any damages would be paid by Seligman and not by the Seligman Funds. If the NYAG obtains injunctive relief, each of Seligman, RiverSource Investments and their affiliates could, in the absence of the SEC in its discretion granting exemptive relief, be enjoined from providing advisory and underwriting services to the Seligman Funds and other registered investment companies, including those funds in the RiverSource complex of funds.

 

Neither Seligman nor RiverSource Investments believes that the foregoing legal action or other possible actions will have a material adverse impact on Seligman, RiverSource Investments or their current and former clients, including the Seligman Funds and other investment companies managed by RiverSource Investments; however, there can be no assurance of this or that these matters and any related publicity will not affect demand for shares of the Seligman Funds and such other investment companies or have other adverse consequences.

 

Ameriprise Financial and certain of its affiliates have historically been involved in a number of legal, arbitration and regulatory proceedings, including routine litigation, class actions, and governmental actions, concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of their business activities. Ameriprise Financial believes that the Seligman Funds are not currently the subject of, and that neither Ameriprise Financial nor any of its affiliates are the subject of, any pending legal, arbitration or regulatory proceedings that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Seligman Funds or the ability of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates to perform under their contracts with the Seligman Funds. Information regarding certain legal proceedings may be found in the Seligman Funds’ shareholder reports and SAIs. Additionally, Ameriprise Financial is required to make 10-Q, 10-K and, as necessary, 8-K filings with the SEC on legal and regulatory matters that relate to Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates. Copies of these filings may be obtained by accessing the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

 

42


Shareholder Information

 

The Portfolios of Seligman Portfolios, Inc. are part of the RiverSource complex of funds which also includes funds branded “RiverSource Variable Portfolio,” “RiverSource Partners Variable Portfolio,” “Disciplined Asset Allocation” and “Threadneedle Variable Portfolio”. Each of these funds are sold exclusively as underlying investment options of variable insurance policies and variable annuity contracts offered by affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies.

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

 

When you buy or sell shares, you do so at the applicable Class’s net asset value (“NAV”) next calculated after your request is received in good order by participating insurance companies. If your purchase or sell request is received in good order by participating insurance companies by the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), it will be executed at the applicable Class’s NAV calculated as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on that day.

 

If your purchase or sell request is received by participating insurance companies after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, your request will be executed at the applicable Class’s NAV calculated as of the close of regular trading on the next NYSE trading day.

 

The NAV of the applicable Portfolio’s shares is computed each day, Monday through Friday, on days that the NYSE is open for trading. With respect to those Portfolios that have non-US portfolio securities that may trade on weekends or other days when those Portfolios do not price their shares, the value of such Portfolio’s portfolio securities may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell that Portfolio’s shares.

 

Generally, portfolio securities are valued at the last sale price on the securities exchange or securities market on which such securities primarily are traded. However, if RiverSource Investments concludes that the most recently reported (or closing) price of a security held by a Portfolio is no longer valid or reliable, or such price is otherwise unavailable, RiverSource Investments will value the security at its fair value as determined in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors. These fair value procedures may be used to determine the value of a security held by a Portfolio in the event of, among other things, natural disasters, acts of terrorism, market disruptions, intra-day trading halts or extreme market volatility. In the case of foreign securities, since trading in such securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of regular trading on the NYSE, the closing prices for such securities may not fully reflect events that occur after the local markets close but before the close of the NYSE. The Fund’s Board of Directors has approved “fair value” procedures under which a third party pricing service on a regular basis recommends adjustments to the local closing prices of certain foreign equity securities. The adjustments are based on a statistical analysis of the historical relationships between the price movements of a security and independent variables such as US market movements, sector movements in the ADR of a security (if any) and movements in country or regional ETFs or future contracts. The factors used vary with each security, depending on which factors have been most important historically.

 

The determination of fair value involves subjective judgments. As a result, using fair value to price a security may result in a price materially different from the prices used by other mutual funds to determine net asset value or the price that may be realized upon the actual sale of such security.

 

How to Purchase and Sell Shares

 

Shares of the Fund’s Portfolios are offered only to Accounts of participating insurance companies to fund benefits of the Contracts, except Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio which also offers Class 2 shares to Qualified Plans pursuant to a separate Prospectus. The Accounts may invest in shares of the applicable Portfolios in accordance with allocation instructions received from the owners of the Contracts. Such allocation rights and information on how to purchase or surrender a Contract, as well as sales charges and other expenses imposed by the Contracts on their owners, are further described in the separate prospectuses and disclosure documents issued by the participating insurance companies and accompanying this Prospectus. The Fund reserves the right to reject any order for the purchase of shares of any Portfolio.

 

An Account may sell all or any portion of the applicable Portfolio shares that it holds at any time at the next computed NAV per share, as described above. Portfolio shares that are sold are entitled to any dividends that have been declared as payable to record owners up to and including the day the sale is effected. There is no charge. Payment of the sale price will normally be made within seven days after receipt of such sale. In addition, the right to sell your shares may be suspended and the date of payment of the sale price may be postponed for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings) or during which the SEC determines that trading thereon is restricted, or for any period during which an emergency (as determined by the SEC) exists as a result of which the sale of the applicable Portfolio shares is not reasonably practicable or as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the applicable Portfolio to fairly determine the value of its net assets, or for such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of shareholders.

 

The Fund reserves the right to accept an in kind contribution of securities as payment for shares of a Portfolio. Contributions received in kind will be valued at the Fund’s determination of their fair market value. Additionally, for redemptions in excess of

 

43


15% of a Portfolio, the Fund reserves the right to satisfy such redemption request with an in kind transfer of securities. Shareholders receiving a payment in the form of securities may incur expenses, including brokerage expenses, in converting these securities into cash. Redemptions made in kind will be made on a pro rata basis so as not to disadvantage any individual shareholder. No shareholder will have the right to require any distribution of any assets of the Portfolio in kind.

 

Frequent Trading of Portfolio Shares

 

As a matter of policy, the Fund discourages frequent trading of shares of its Portfolios. In this regard, the Fund’s Board of Directors has adopted written policies and procedures that, subject to the limitations set forth below, are designed to identify frequent trading that may be disruptive to the management of a Portfolio. The Fund does not accommodate requests to frequently trade fund securities in violation of its policies. The distributor monitors daily cash flows into and out of the Portfolios for signs of excessive trading. Any activity the distributor deems to be suspicious is reported to the appropriate insurance company or retirement or pension plan (each, a “Sponsoring Entity”) with a request that the Sponsoring Entity investigate and take measures necessary to curtail any excessive trading by Contract owners or plan participants, as the case may be. However, substantially all shares of the Portfolio are held through omnibus accounts. Thus, the distributor cannot generally ascertain the identity of a particular Contract owner or plan participant or whether the same Contract owner or plan participant has placed a particular purchase or sale order. Although the distributor will not, under most circumstances, be able to determine whether excessive trading is actually occurring and will have to rely on the Sponsoring Entities to make such a determination and take appropriate action, the distributor may still refuse initial or additional purchases of Portfolio shares of any Portfolio by any person for any reason (including if that person is suspected of engaging in excessive trading activity). As a result, Sponsoring Entities (and consequently, Contract owners and plan participants) may be treated differently. There can be no assurances that any Sponsoring Entities will be able to make such a determination and/or prevent or stop frequent trading activity. The ability of a Sponsoring Entity to detect and curtail excessive trading may be limited by operational systems and technological limitations. Also, Contract owners and plan participants seeking to engage in excessive trading may deploy a variety of strategies to avoid detection. In addition, a Sponsoring Entity may purposefully or unwittingly facilitate frequent trading practices, or may not use all means at its disposal to identify or curtail such practices.

 

To the extent frequent trading strategies are not detected and prevented, Contract owners and plan participants will be subject to the risk that such strategies could negatively impact the performance of a Portfolio and increase costs ultimately borne by Contract owners and plan participants. If a Sponsoring Entity is unable or unwilling to eliminate excessive trading practices in a Portfolio, these practices may interfere with the efficient management of the Portfolio, hinder the Portfolio’s ability to pursue its investment objective and may reduce the returns of long-term Contract owners or plan participants. Additionally, these practices may result in a Portfolio engaging in certain activities to a greater extent than it otherwise would, such as maintaining higher cash balances, using its line of credit to a greater extent and engaging in additional portfolio transactions. Increased portfolio transactions and use of the line of credit could correspondingly increase a Portfolio’s operating costs and decrease such Portfolio’s investment performance. Maintenance of a higher level of cash balances necessary to meet frequent redemptions could likewise result in lower Portfolio investment performance during periods of rising markets.

 

Contract owners or plan participants who purchase shares of a Portfolio that invest in non-US securities, mid-cap securities and/or small-cap securities may be more likely to seek to use frequent trading strategies to take advantage of potential arbitrage opportunities. Such activity could adversely impact such Portfolio.

 

Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions

 

Dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, from each Portfolio, other than Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, will be declared and paid annually and will be reinvested to buy additional shares, on the payable date, using the NAV of the ex-dividend date. Dividends from Seligman Cash Management Portfolio will be declared daily and reinvested monthly in additional shares, at NAV, of the Portfolio. It is not expected that shares of Seligman Cash Management Portfolio will realize capital gains.

 

[Each Portfolio (except for Seligman Cash Management Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio) had net capital loss carryforwards that are available for offset against future net capital gains, expiring in various amounts through 2014. Accordingly, no capital gains distributions are expected to be paid to shareholders of these Portfolios until net capital gains have been realized in excess of a Portfolio’s available capital loss carryforwards.]

 

Taxes

 

Further information regarding the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund is contained in the separate prospectuses and disclosure documents issued by the participating insurance companies and accompanying this Prospectus.

 

Certain Payments

 

Seligman may provide cash payments out of its own resources to financial intermediaries that sell shares of a Portfolio or otherwise provide services to a Portfolio. For more details regarding such payments, please consult the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

44


Other Information

 

Payments to Financial Institutions. The distributor and its affiliates make or support additional cash payments out of their own resources (including profits earned from providing services to the fund) to financial institutions, including inter-company allocation of resources or payments to affiliated broker-dealers, in connection with agreements between the distributor and financial institutions pursuant to which these financial institutions sell fund shares and provide services to their clients who are shareholders of the fund. These payments and intercompany allocations (collectively, ‘‘payments’’) do not change the price paid by investors in the fund or fund shareholders for the purchase or ownership of fund shares of the fund, and these payments are not reflected in the fees and expenses of the fund, as they are not paid by the fund.

 

In exchange for these payments, a financial institution may elevate the prominence or profile of the fund within the financial institution’s organization, and may provide the distributor and its affiliates with preferred access to the financial institution’s registered representatives or preferred access to the financial institution’s customers. These arrangements are sometimes referred to as marketing and/or sales support payments, program and/or shareholder servicing payments, or revenue sharing payments. These arrangements create potential conflicts of interest between a financial institution’s pecuniary interest and its duties to its customers, for example, if the financial institution receives higher payments from the sale of a certain fund than it receives from the sale of other funds, the financial institution or its representatives may be incented to recommend or sell shares of the fund where it receives or anticipates receiving the higher payment instead of other investment options that may be more appropriate for the customer. Employees of Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, including employees of affiliated broker-dealers, may be separately incented to recommend or sell shares of the fund, as employee compensation and business unit operating goals at all levels are tied to the company’s success. Certain employees, directly or indirectly, may receive higher compensation and other benefits as investment in the fund increases. In addition, management, sales leaders and other employees may spend more of their time and resources promoting Ameriprise Financial and its subsidiary companies, including RiverSource Investments and the distributor, and the products they offer, including the fund.

 

These payments are typically negotiated based on various factors including, but not limited to, the scope and quality of the services provided by the financial institution, its reputation in the industry, its ability to attract and retain assets, its access to target markets, its customer relationships, the profile the fund may obtain within the financial institution, and the access the distributor or other representatives of the fund may have within the financial institution for advertisement, training or education, including opportunities to present at or sponsor conferences for the registered representatives of the financial institution and its customers.

 

These payments are usually calculated based on a percentage of fund assets owned through the financial institution and/or as a percentage of fund sales attributable to the financial institution. Certain financial institutions require flat fees instead of, or in addition to, these asset-based fees as compensation for including or maintaining a fund on their platforms, and, in certain situations, may require the reimbursement of ticket or operational charges—fees that a financial institution charges its registered representatives for effecting transactions in the fund. The amount of payment varies by financial institution (e.g., initial platform set-up fees, ongoing maintenance or service fees, or asset or sales based fees). The amount of payments also varies by the type of sale. For instance, purchases of one fund may warrant a greater or lesser amount of payments than purchases of another fund. Additionally, sale and maintenance of shares on a stand alone basis may result in a greater or lesser amount of payments than the sale and maintenance of shares made through a plan, wrap or other fee-based program. Payments to affiliates may include payments as compensation to employees of RiverSource Investments who are licensed by the distributor in respect of certain sales and solicitation activity on behalf of the fund. These payments may be and often are significant.

 

Payments to affiliated broker-dealers are within the range of the payments the distributor pays to similarly-situated third party financial institutions and the payments such affiliated broker-dealers receive from third party fund sponsors related to the sale of their sponsored funds. However, because of the large amount of RiverSource fund assets (in aggregate) currently held in customer accounts of the affiliated broker-dealers, the distributor and its affiliates, in the aggregate, pay significantly more in absolute dollars than other third-party fund sponsors pay to the affiliated broker-dealers for the sale and servicing of their sponsored funds. This level of payment creates potential conflicts of interest which the affiliated broker-dealers seek to mitigate by disclosure and implementation of internal controls, as well as the rules and regulations of applicable regulators.

 

From time to time, to the extent permitted by SEC and NASD rules and by other applicable laws and regulations, the distributor and its affiliates may make other reimbursements or payments to financial institutions or their registered representatives, including non-cash compensation, in the form of gifts of nominal value, occasional meals, tickets, or other entertainment, support for due diligence trips, training and educational meetings or conference sponsorships, support for recognition programs, and other forms of non-cash compensation permissible under regulations to which these financial institutions and their representatives are subject. To the extent these are made as payments instead of reimbursement, they may provide profit to the financial institution to the extent the cost of such services was less than the actual expense of the service.

 

45


The financial institution through which you are purchasing or own shares of the fund has been authorized directly or indirectly by the distributor to sell the fund and/or to provide services to you as a shareholder of the fund. Investors and current shareholders may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations they receive relating to fund shares. If you have questions regarding the specific details regarding the payments your financial institution may receive from the distributor or its affiliates related to your purchase or ownership of the fund, please contact your financial institution.

 

The payments described in this section are in addition to fees paid by the fund to the distributor under 12b-1 plans, which fees may be used to compensate financial institutions for the distribution of fund shares and the servicing of fund shareholders, or paid by the fund to SDC, which fees may be used to support networking or servicing fees to compensate financial institutions for supporting shareholder account maintenance, sub-accounting, plan recordkeeping or other services provided directly by the financial institution to shareholders or plans and plan participants, including retirement plans, 529 plans, Health Savings Account plans, or other plans, where participants beneficially own shares of the fund.

 

Administration Services. Ameriprise Financial, 200 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55474, provides or compensates others to provide administrative services to the funds. These services include administrative, accounting, treasury, and other services. Administrative services are provided without charge to the Seligman funds by Ameriprise Financial under a separate administrative services agreement with each such fund, rather than by RiverSource Investments under a Seligman fund’s management agreement. The fees under the administrative services agreement may be raised without shareholder approval, although RiverSource Investments expects that any increase would be offset by a decrease in its management fee paid by a Seligman fund.

 

Affiliated Products. RiverSource Investments also serves as investment manager to Seligman funds and RiverSource funds which are structured to provide asset-allocation services to shareholders of those funds by investing in shares of other Seligman funds and RiverSource funds, respectively, (Funds of Funds) and to discretionary managed accounts that invests exclusively in the funds (collectively referred to as ‘‘affiliated products’’). These affiliated products, individually or collectively, may own a significant percentage of the fund’s outstanding shares. The fund may experience relatively large purchases or redemptions from the affiliated products. Although RiverSource Investments may seek to minimize the impact of these transactions, for example, by structuring them over a reasonable period of time or through other measures, the fund may experience increased expenses as it buys and sells securities to manage transactions for the affiliated products. In addition, because the affiliated products may own a substantial portion of the fund, a redemption by one or more affiliated products could cause the fund’s expense ratio to increase as the fund’s fixed costs would be spread over a smaller asset base. RiverSource Investments monitors expense levels and is committed to offering funds that are competitively priced. RiverSource Investments reports to the Board on the steps it has taken to manage any potential conflicts.

 

46


Financial Highlights

 

The tables below are intended to help you understand the financial performance of each Portfolio’s Class 1 shares for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share of the Class that was held throughout the periods shown. Per share amounts are calculated based on average shares outstanding. “Total return” shows the rate that you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the applicable Portfolio, assuming you reinvested all your dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Total returns do not reflect the effect of any administration fees or sales charges imposed by the Contracts on their owners. If such fees or charges were reflected, total returns would have been lower. Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, has audited this information for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2008. Their report, along with each Portfolio’s financial statements, is included in the Fund’s Annual Report, which is available upon request. Information for each of the years below through December 31, 2006 was audited by the Fund’s former Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

Seligman Capital Portfolio

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2008      2007      2006      2005      2004  

Per Share Data:

                                          

Net asset value, beginning of year

          $ 14.62      $ 13.78      $ 12.25      $ 11.28  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                          

Net investment loss

            (0.14 )      (0.05 )      (0.06 )      (0.05 )

Net realized and unrealized gain
on investments

            2.55        0.89        1.59        1.02  

Total from investment operations

          2.41        0.84        1.53        0.97  

Net asset value, end of year

          $ 17.03      $ 14.62      $ 13.78      $ 12.25  

Total Return

            16.48 %      6.10 %      12.49 %      8.60 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

                                          

Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)

          $ 5,394      $ 5,947      $ 8,235      $ 9,821  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            1.18 %      1.05 %      1.03 %      0.92 %

Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets

            (0.83 )%      (0.33 )%      (0.50 )%      (0.46 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

            196.31 %      202.54 %      173.99 %      213.08 %

Without expense reimbursement:*
Ratio of expenses to average net assets

                                          

Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets

                                          

 

See footnotes on page 51.

 

47


Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2008      2007      2006        2005        2004  

Per Share Data:

                                              

Net asset value, beginning of year

          $ 1.000      $ 1.000        $ 1.000        $ 1.000  

Income from investment operations:

                                              

Net investment income

            0.043        0.041          0.024          0.006  

Total from investment operations

            0.043        0.041          0.024          0.006  

Less distributions:

                                              

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.043 )      (0.041 )        (0.024 )        (0.006 )

Total distributions

            (0.043 )      (0.041 )        (0.024 )        (0.006 )

Net asset value, end of year

          $ 1.000      $ 1.000        $ 1.000        $ 1.000  

Total Return

            4.38 %      4.24 %        2.41 %        0.62 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

                                              

Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)

          $ 9,906      $ 12,004        $ 15,154        $ 1,828  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            0.70 %      0.70 %        0.70 %        0.70 %

Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets

            4.30 %      4.13 %        2.71 %        0.56 %

Without management fee waiver and/or
expense reimbursement:*

                    

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            0.83 %      0.71 %        0.73 %        1.14 %

Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets

            4.17 %      4.12 %        2.68 %        0.12 %
Seligman Common Stock Portfolio                     
     Year ended December 31,  
     2008      2007      2006        2005        2004  

Per Share Data:

                                              

Net asset value, beginning of year

          $ 12.56      $ 10.87        $ 10.84        $ 9.72  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                              

Net investment income

            0.34        0.14          0.10          0.13  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments

            (0.54 )      1.70          0.12          1.10  

Total from investment operations

            (0.20 )      1.84          0.22          1.23  

Less distributions:

                                              

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.17 )      (0.15 )        (0.19 )        (0.11 )

Total distributions

            (0.17 )      (0.15 )        (0.19 )        (0.11 )

Net asset value, end of year

          $ 12.19      $ 12.56        $ 10.87        $ 10.84  

Total Return

            (1.60 )%      16.92 %        2.03 %        12.65 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

                                              

Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)

          $ 5,699      $ 7,696        $ 8,219        $ 10,792  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            1.12 %      0.90 %        0.86 %        0.69 %

Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets

            2.64 %      1.14 %        0.95 %        1.30 %

Portfolio turnover rate

            117.36 %      95.96 %        70.36 %        42.68 %

 

See footnotes on page 51.

 

48


Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2008      2007      2006      2005      2004  

Per Share Data:

                                          

Net asset value, beginning of year

          $ 17.04      $ 13.93      $ 12.92      $ 11.62  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                          

Net investment loss

            (0.11 )      (0.08 )      (0.10 )      (0.02 )

Net realized and unrealized gain
on investments and foreign currency transactions

            2.73        3.19        1.11        1.32  

Total from investment operations

          2.62        3.11        1.01        1.30  

Net asset value, end of year

          $ 19.66      $ 17.04      $ 13.93      $ 12.92  

Total Return

            15.37 %      22.33 %      7.82 %      11.19 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

                                          

Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)

          $ 38,407      $ 41,642      $ 47,010      $ 58,646  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            1.10 %      1.05 %      1.10 %      1.00 %

Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets

            (0.59 )%      (0.54 )%      (0.77 )%      (0.15 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

            199.12 %      181.03 %      133.04 %      127.69 %
Seligman Global Technology Portfolio                 
     Year ended December 31,  
     2008      2007      2006      2005      2004  

Per Share Data:

                                          

Net asset value, beginning of year

          $ 15.99      $ 13.56      $ 12.54      $ 12.06  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                          

Net investment loss

            (0.25 )      (0.20 )      (0.19 )      (0.13 )

Net realized and unrealized gain
on investments and foreign currency transactions**

            2.72        2.63        1.21        0.61  

Total from investment operations

          2.47        2.43        1.02        0.48  

Net asset value, end of year

          $ 18.46      $ 15.99      $ 13.56      $ 12.54  

Total Return

            15.45 %      17.92 %      8.13 %      3.98 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

                                          

Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)

          $ 5,644      $ 6,466      $ 6,641      $ 8,446  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            1.90 %      1.90 %      1.90 %      1.90 %

Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets

            (1.44 )%      (1.37 )%      (1.53 )%      (1.10 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

            197.73 %      204.73 %      155.29 %      146.96 %

Without expense reimbursement:*
Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            3.04 %      2.57 %      2.49 %      2.39 %

Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets

            (2.58 )%      (2.04 )%      (2.12 )%      (1.59 )%

 

See footnotes on page 51.

 

49


Seligman International Growth Portfolio

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2008      2007      2006      2005      2004  

Per Share Data:

                                          

Net asset value, beginning of year

          $ 14.38      $ 11.66      $ 11.10      $ 8.97  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                          

Net investment income (loss)

            (0.02 )      (0.07 )      (0.03 )      (0.04 )

Net realized and unrealized gain
on investments and foreign currency transactions**

            3.28        2.79        0.59        2.21  

Total from investment operations

            3.26        2.72        0.56        2.17  

Less distributions:

                                          

Dividends from net investment income

                                 (0.04 )

Total distributions

                                 (0.04 )

Net asset value, end of year

          $ 17.64      $ 14.38      $ 11.66      $ 11.10  

Total Return

            22.67 %      23.33 %      5.04 %      24.19 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

                                          

Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)

          $ 4,553      $ 4,367      $ 3,783      $ 3,749  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            2.00 %      2.00 %      2.00 %      2.00 %

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets

            (0.15 )%      (0.54 )%      (0.24 )%      (0.40 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

            234.50 %      166.33 %      189.00 %      213.83 %

Without expense reimbursement:*
Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            4.02 %      3.94 %      5.05 %      4.08 %

Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets

            (2.17 )%      (2.48 )%      (3.29 )%      (2.48 )%
Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio                 
     Year ended December 31,  
     2008      2007      2006      2005      2004  

Per Share Data:

                                          

Net asset value, beginning of year

          $ 8.57      $ 8.80      $ 9.27      $ 10.85  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                          

Net investment income

            0.39        0.41        0.34        0.34  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments

            0.08        (0.09 )      (0.26 )      (0.07 )

Total from investment operations

            0.47        0.32        0.08        0.27  

Less distributions:

                                          

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.47 )      (0.55 )      (0.55 )      (0.91 )

Distributions from net realized capital gain

                                 (0.94 )

Total distributions

            (0.47 )      (0.55 )      (0.55 )      (1.85 )

Net asset value, end of year

          $ 8.57      $ 8.57      $ 8.80      $ 9.27  

Total Return

            5.59 %      3.61 %      0.95 %      2.41 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

                                          

Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)

          $ 1,943      $ 2,144      $ 2,758      $ 3,561  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            0.85 %      0.85 %      0.85 %      0.85 %

Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets

            4.49 %      4.59 %      3.67 %      3.13 %

Portfolio turnover rate

            280.64 %      768.29 %      596.99 %      184.46 %

Without expense reimbursement:*
Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            2.48 %      2.38 %      1.70 %      1.11 %

Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets

            2.86 %      3.06 %      2.82 %      2.87 %

 

See footnotes on page 51.

 

50


Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2008      2007      2006      2005      2004  

Per Share Data:

                                          

Net asset value, beginning of year

          $ 13.15      $ 11.67      $ 10.65      $ 9.27  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                          

Net investment income

            0.07        0.08        0.07        0.09  

Net realized and unrealized gain
on investments

            1.17        1.50        1.06        1.41  

Total from investment operations

            1.24        1.58        1.13        1.50  

Less distributions:

                                          

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.10 )      (0.10 )      (0.11 )      (0.12 )

Total distributions

            (0.10 )      (0.10 )      (0.11 )      (0.12 )

Net asset value, end of year

          $ 14.29      $ 13.15      $ 11.67      $ 10.65  

Total Return

            9.43 %      13.57 %      10.63 %      16.25 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

                                          

Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)

          $ 3,857      $ 4,596      $ 5,190      $ 5,342  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            1.42 %      1.32 %      1.34 %      1.26 %

Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets

            0.51 %      0.67 %      0.65 %      0.89 %

Portfolio turnover rate

            10.83 %      14.17 %      27.35 %      15.09 %

Without expense reimbursement:*
Ratio of expenses to average net assets

                                          

Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets

                                          
Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio                 
     Year ended December 31,  
     2008      2007      2006      2005      2004  

Per Share Data:

                                          

Net asset value, beginning of year

          $ 18.51      $ 16.67      $ 19.40      $ 16.20  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                                          

Net investment income (loss)

            (0.11 )      (0.12 )      (0.07 )      0.08  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments and foreign currency transactions

            0.90        3.66        (0.71 )      3.15  

Total from investment operations

            0.79        3.54        (0.78 )      3.23  

Less distributions:

                                          

Distributions from net investment income

                          (0.11 )       

Distributions from net realized capital gain

            (2.09 )      (1.70 )      (1.84 )      (0.03 )

Total distributions

            (2.09 )      (1.70 )      (1.95 )      (0.03 )

Net asset value, end of year

          $ 17.21      $ 18.51      $ 16.67      $ 19.40  

Total Return

            4.14 %      21.25 %      (3.98 )%      19.95 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

                                          

Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)

          $ 147,775      $ 187,833      $ 199,357      $ 268,410  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

            1.14 %      1.13 %      1.14 %      1.14 %

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets

            (0.58 )%      (0.66 )%      (0.37 )%      0.47 %

Portfolio turnover rate

            26.86 %      31.98 %      23.01 %      45.24 %

 

  * Seligman either voluntarily and/or contractually reimbursed expenses and/or waived management fees for certain years presented.
** Per share amounts for the years ended December 31, 2003-2006 were reclassified to conform to current year’s presentation.

 

51


 

For More Information

 

The following information is available, without charge, upon request by calling toll-free 800-221-7844 in the US or collect 212-850-1864 outside the US. You may also call these numbers to request other information about the Fund or to make shareholder inquiries.

 

The Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund. It is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and is incorporated by reference into (is legally part of) this Prospectus.

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports contain additional information about each Portfolio’s investments. In the Fund’s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected each Portfolio’s performance during its last fiscal year. The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information and most recent Annual/Semi-Annual Reports are also available, free of charge, at www.seligman.com.

 

This Prospectus is intended for use in connection with tax-deferred variable annuity and variable life insurance products.

 

 

SELIGMAN ADVISORS, INC.

an affiliate of

LOGO

J. & W. SELIGMAN & CO.

INCORPORATED

ESTABLISHED 1864

100 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017

 

 

 

Information about the Fund, including the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, can be viewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. For information about the operation of the Public Reference Room, call (202) 551-8090. The Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, Annual/Semi-Annual Reports and other information about the Fund are also available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site: www.sec.gov.

 

The website references in this Prospectus are inactive textual references and information contained in or otherwise accessible through these websites does not form a part of this Prospectus.

 

Copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing: Securities and Exchange Commission, Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549-0102.

 

SEC File Number: 811-5221


SELIGMAN PORTFOLIOS, INC.

(the “Fund”)

Statement of Additional Information

May 1, 2009

200 Ameriprise Financial Center

Minneapolis, MN 55474

(212) 850-1864

Toll Free Telephone: (800) 221-2783

Effective November 7, 2008, RiverSource Investments, LLC (“RiverSource Investments” or “investment manager”), investment manager to the RiverSource complex of funds, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (“Ameriprise Financial”), completed its acquisition (the “Acquisition”) of J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated (“Seligman”). With the Acquisition completed and shareholders of the Fund having previously approved (at a special meeting held on November 3, 2008) a new investment management services agreement between RiverSource Investments and the Fund (on behalf of each of the Portfolios), RiverSource Investments became the new investment manager of the Fund effective November 7, 2008.

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) expands upon and supplements the information contained in the Fund’s current Prospectus, dated May 1, 2009, offering Class 1 shares for each of Seligman Capital Portfolio, Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, Seligman Common Stock Portfolio, Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio, Seligman Global Technology Portfolio, Seligman International Growth Portfolio, Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio, Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio, three separate Prospectuses, each dated May 1, 2009, also offering Class 1 shares for Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio, Seligman Global Technology Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio, and five separate Prospectuses offering Class 2 shares, with four dated May 1, 2009, for Seligman Capital Portfolio, Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio, Seligman Global Technology Portfolio, Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio. Each of the Portfolios named above is referred to as a “Portfolio” and collectively, such Portfolios are referred to as the “Portfolios”, each a separate portfolio of the Fund. This SAI, although not in itself a Prospectus, is incorporated by reference into each of the Portfolio’s Prospectuses in its entirety. It should be read in conjunction with each of the Portfolio’s Prospectuses, which you may obtain by writing or calling the Fund at the above address or telephone numbers, respectively.

The financial statements and notes included in the Fund’s 2008 Annual Report, which includes the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon, and the financial statements and notes included in the Fund’s Mid-Year Report dated June 30, 2008, are incorporated herein by reference. The 2008 Annual Report and June 30, 2008 Mid-Year Report will be furnished to you without charge if you request a copy of this SAI.

The RiverSource complex of funds includes a comprehensive array of funds from RiverSource Investments, including the Seligman funds. RiverSource Investments has also partnered with a number of professional investment managers, including its affiliate, Threadneedle Investments, to expand the array of funds offered in the RiverSource complex. RiverSource funds, RiverSource Partners funds and Threadneedle funds share the same Board of Directors/Trustees (the “Board”), and the same policies and procedures. Although the Seligman funds, including the Fund, share the same Board, they do not currently have the same policies and procedures, and [may not be exchanged for shares of the RiverSource funds, RiverSource Partners funds or Threadneedle funds].

The Fund is governed by a Board that meets regularly to review a wide variety of matters affecting the Portfolios. Detailed information about fund governance, the Funds’ investment manager, RiverSource Investments, and other aspects of Fund management can be found by referencing the Table of Contents below.

The website references in this SAI are inactive textual references and information contained in or otherwise accessible through these websites does not form a part of this SAI.


Table of Contents

 

Fund History

   3

Description of the Fund and its Investments and Risks

   3

Management of the Fund

   18

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities

   27

Investment Advisory and Other Services

   29

Portfolio Managers

   35

Brokerage Allocation, Portfolio Transactions and Other Practices

   46

Capital Stock and Other Securities

   47

Purchase, Redemption, and Pricing of Shares

   48

Taxation of the Fund

   50

Underwriters

   51

Calculation of Yield and Performance Data

   52

Financial Statements

   54

Information Regarding Pending and Settled Legal Proceedings

  

General Information

   54

Appendix A-The Seligman Funds

  

Appendix B-The RiverSource Complex of Funds

  

SPIA

 

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Fund History

The Fund was incorporated under the laws of the state of Maryland on June 24, 1987 under the name Seligman Mutual Benefit Portfolios, Inc. The Fund’s name was changed to Seligman Portfolios, Inc. on April 15, 1993. As of November 7, 2008, the Fund and its Portfolios are a part of the RiverSource complex of funds. The RiverSource complex of funds includes a comprehensive array of funds managed by RiverSource Investments, including the Fund and the other Seligman mutual funds.

Shares of the Portfolios are sold exclusively as underlying investment options of variable insurance policies and variable annuity contracts offered by affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies and are part of the RiverSource complex of funds. In addition, the RiverSource complex of funds includes funds branded “RiverSource Variable Portfolio,” “RiverSource Partners Variable Portfolio,” “Disciplined Asset Allocation” and “Threadneedle Variable Portfolio” which are sold exclusively as underlying investment options of variable insurance policies and variable annuity contracts offered by affiliated insurance companies.

The RiverSource complex of funds also includes retail funds that include the Seligman funds and funds branded RiverSource, RiverSource Partners and Threadneedle.

Description of the Fund and its Investments and Risks

Classification

The Fund is a diversified open-end management investment company, or mutual fund, which consists of the following nine separate Portfolios:

 

Seligman Capital Portfolio

Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

Seligman International Growth Portfolio
Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio
Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio
Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

Shares in the Fund’s Portfolios are only being offered to: (1) separate accounts (“Accounts”) established by participating insurance companies to fund benefits of variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts (“Contracts”) and (2) with respect to Class 2 shares of Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio, certain domestic 401(k) plans with plan assets in excess of $300,000,000 or a minimum investment of $20,000,000, and retirement plans with at least 200 employees or a minimum investment of $3,000,000 (“Qualified Plans” or “Plans”). The Accounts may invest in shares of the Portfolios in accordance with allocation instructions received from the owners of the Contracts. A more detailed description of such allocation rights and information on how to purchase or surrender a Contract, as well as any sales charges and other expenses imposed by Contracts on their owners can be found in the separate prospectuses and disclosure documents issued by the participating insurance companies and those accompanying each Portfolio’s Prospectus. Qualified Plans may invest in Class 2 shares of Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio in accordance with applicable law and their own governing documents. Participants of such Plans are encouraged to consult with their plan administrators for additional information. The Fund reserves the right to reject any order for the purchase of shares of the Fund’s Portfolios.

Investment Strategies and Risks

The Prospectuses discuss the investment objectives of each of the Fund’s Portfolios and the policies each Portfolio employs to achieve its investment objectives. The following information regarding the Fund’s Portfolios’ investment policies supplements the information contained in the Prospectuses.

Convertible Bonds. Each Portfolio, other than Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, may purchase convertible bonds. Convertible bonds are convertible at a stated exchange rate or price into common stock. Before conversion, convertible securities are similar to non-convertible debt securities in that they provide a steady stream of income with generally higher yields than an issuer’s equity securities. The market value of all debt securities, including convertible securities, tends to decline as interest rates increase and to increase as interest rates decline. In general, convertible securities may provide lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar quality, but they may also allow investors to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the price of the convertible security tends to reflect the increase. When the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the convertible security

 

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tends to trade on the basis of yield, and may not depreciate to the same extent as the underlying common stock. In an issuer’s capital structure, convertible securities are senior to common stocks. They are therefore of higher quality and involve less risk than the issuer’s common stock, but the extent to which risk is reduced depends largely on the extent to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed-income security. In selecting convertible securities for a Portfolio, such factors as economic and business conditions involving the issuer, future earnings growth potential of the issuer, potential for price appreciation of the underlying equity, the value of individual securities relative to other investment alternatives, trends in the determinants of corporate profits, and capability of management are considered. In evaluating a convertible security, emphasis is placed on the attractiveness of the underlying common stock and the capital appreciation opportunities that the convertible security presents. Convertible securities can be callable or redeemable at the issuer’s discretion, in which case alternative investments would be sought. The Portfolios may invest in debt securities convertible into equity securities rated as low as “CC” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) or “Ca” by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”). Debt securities rated below investment-grade (frequently referred to as “junk bonds”) often have speculative characteristics and are subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal than higher-rated securities. The investment manager does not rely on the ratings of these securities in making investment decisions but performs its own analysis, based on the factors described above, in connection with a Portfolio’s investment objective(s).

Derivatives. Each of the Portfolios, other than Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, may invest in financial instruments commonly known as “derivatives” for hedging or investment purposes.

A derivative is generally defined as an instrument whose value is derived from, or based upon, some underlying index, reference rate (e.g., interest rates or currency exchange rates), security, commodity or other asset. A Portfolio will not invest in a specific type of derivative without prior approval from its Board of Directors, after consideration of, among other things, how the derivative instrument serves the Portfolio’s investment objective, and the risk associated with the investment. The types of derivatives in which the Portfolios are currently permitted to invest, as described more fully below, are forward currency exchange contracts, commodities and commodity contracts, options, equity linked securities, rights and warrants, access trades, index futures, treasury futures and options on such futures.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. Each of the Portfolios, other than Seligman Cash Management Portfolio and Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio, will generally enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to fix the US dollar value of a security it has agreed to buy or sell for the period between the date the trade was entered into and the date the security is delivered and paid for, or, to hedge the US dollar value of securities it owns. A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date and at a price set at the time the contract is entered into.

A Portfolio may enter into a forward contract to sell or buy the amount of a foreign currency it believes may experience a substantial movement against the US dollar. In this case the contract would approximate the value of some or all of the Portfolio’s securities denominated in such foreign currency. Under normal circumstances, forward currency contracts will be limited to no more than 75% of a Portfolio’s position in any one country as of the date the contract is entered into. This limitation will be measured at the point the hedging transaction is entered into by the Portfolio. Under extraordinary circumstances, a Portfolio may enter into forward currency contracts in excess of 75% of a Portfolio’s position in any one country as of the date the contract is entered into. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movement in the value of those securities between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. The projection of short-term currency market movement is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain. Under certain circumstances, a Portfolio may commit a substantial portion or the entire value of its assets to the consummation of these contracts. The potential effect a substantial commitment of a Portfolio’s assets to forward contracts would have on the investment program of a Portfolio and its ability to purchase additional securities is considered.

Except as set forth above and immediately below, each Portfolio will not enter into forward contracts or maintain a net exposure to such contracts where the consummation of the contracts would oblige the Portfolio to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Portfolio’s securities or other assets denominated in that currency. A Portfolio, in order to avoid excess transactions and transaction costs, may nonetheless maintain a net exposure to forward contracts in excess of the value of the Portfolio’s securities or other assets denominated in that currency provided the excess amount is “covered” by cash and/or liquid, high-grade debt securities, denominated in any currency, having a value at least equal at all times to the amount of such excess. Under normal circumstances, consideration of the prospect for currency parities will be incorporated into the longer-term investment decisions made with regard to overall diversification strategies. However, it is believed that it is important to have the flexibility to enter into such forward contracts when it is determined that the best interests of a Portfolio will be served.

 

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At the maturity of a forward contract, a Portfolio may either sell the security and make delivery of the foreign currency, or it may retain the security and terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an “offsetting” contract obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the same amount of the foreign currency.

As indicated above, it is impossible to forecast with absolute precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of the forward contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for a Portfolio to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security is less than the amount of foreign currency the Portfolio is obligated to deliver and if a decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the foreign currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security if its market value exceeds the amount of foreign currency a Portfolio is obligated to deliver. However, a Portfolio may use liquid, high-grade debt securities, denominated in any currency, to cover the amount by which the value of a forward contract exceeds the value of the securities to which it relates.

If a Portfolio retains the portfolio security and engages in offsetting transactions, the Portfolio will incur a gain or a loss (as described below) to the extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices. If the Portfolio engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract to sell the foreign currency. Should forward prices decline during the period between the Portfolio’s entering into a forward contract for the sale of a foreign currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the foreign currency, the Portfolio will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the Portfolio will suffer a loss to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell.

Each Portfolio’s dealing in forward foreign currency exchange contracts will be limited to the transactions described above. A Portfolio is not required to enter into forward contracts with regard to its foreign currency-denominated securities and will not do so unless deemed appropriate. It also should be realized that this method of hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange at a future date. Additionally, although such contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of a hedged currency, at the same time, they tend to limit any potential gain which might result from an increase in the value of that currency.

Shareholders should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the “spread”) between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to a Portfolio at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Portfolio desire to resell that currency to the dealer.

Futures Contracts. Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio may utilize treasury futures and Seligman Capital Portfolio, Seligman Common Stock Portfolio, Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio, Seligman Global Technology Portfolio, Seligman International Growth Portfolio, Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio may utilize index futures. Futures contracts, which trade on a securities exchange, are standardized as to quantity, delivery date and settlement conditions, including specific securities acceptable for delivery against the futures contract. A treasury futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specified amount of a specific security issued by the U.S. Treasury for a specified price at a designated date and time in the future. In the case of index futures, settlement is made in cash based on the value of a specified underlying index. More commonly, futures contracts are closed out prior to expiration by an offsetting purchase or sale. Since the counterparty to every futures contact is a securities exchange, offsetting transactions are netted to close out positions. A Portfolio may incur a loss if the closing transaction occurs at an unfavorable price as compared with that of the opening trade (including transaction costs). There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular contract at a particular time. If a Portfolio is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, it will continue to be required to maintain the position, including the maintenance of margins, which could result in substantial losses.

Margin deposits must be made at the time a futures contract position is acquired. A Portfolio is required to deposit in a segregated account, typically with its custodian, in the name of the futures broker through whom the transaction was effected, “initial margin” consisting of cash and/or other appropriate liquid assets in an amount generally equal to 10% or less of the contract value. Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules. Initial margin on futures contracts is returned to the Portfolio at the termination of the transaction if all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, the Portfolio may be required by a securities exchange to increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action.

 

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Subsequent “variation margin” payments are made daily to and from the futures broker as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as “marking-to-market.” When a Portfolio purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If the Portfolio has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous. Purchasers and sellers of futures positions can enter into offsetting closing transactions by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument held or written. Under certain circumstances, exchanges upon which futures contracts trade may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a future contract can vary from the previous day’s settlement price; once that limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable positions.

If a Portfolio were unable to liquidate a futures contract position, it could incur substantial losses. The Portfolio would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, the Portfolio would continue to be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being hedged by the futures contract or to designate liquid assets on its books and records.

Certain characteristics of the futures markets might increase the risk that movements in the prices of futures contracts might not correlate perfectly with movements in the prices of the investments being hedged. For example, all participants in the futures contracts markets are subject to daily variation margin calls and might be compelled to liquidate futures contracts positions whose prices are moving unfavorably to avoid being subject to further calls. These liquidations could increase price volatility of the instruments and distort the normal price relationship between the futures or options and the investments being hedged. Also, since initial margin deposit requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets, there might be increased participation by speculators in the futures markets. This participation also might cause temporary price distortions. In addition, activities of large traders in both the futures and securities markets involving arbitrage, “program trading” and other investment strategies might result in temporary price distortions.

The Fund would deal only in standardized contracts on recognized exchanges. Each exchange guarantees performance under contract provisions through a clearing corporation, a nonprofit organization managed by the exchange membership.

At the maturity of a futures contract, the Portfolio may either accept or make delivery of the security specified in the contract or, prior to maturity, enter into a closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract. The Fund will only enter into a futures contract if it is expected that the Fund will readily be able to close out such contract. There can, however, be no assurance that it will be able to do so in any particular case, in which case the Fund may suffer losses in the event of adverse price movements.

Options on Futures. The Portfolios that may utilize treasury futures and index futures also intend to seek the Board’s permission to utilize options on treasury futures and index futures respectively (collectively, “options on futures”). Options on futures are effectively options on the asset or index that underlies a futures contract. A call option on a futures contract gives the holder the right to enter into a long futures contract at a fixed futures price. A put option on a futures contract gives the holder the right to enter into a short futures contract at a fixed futures price.

Purchasers and sellers of options on futures can enter into offsetting closing transactions by selling or purchasing, respectively, an offsetting option on the same futures contract. There is also risk that the Portfolio may have difficulty in closing out positions in options on futures. Although the Portfolios intend to close out any positions on a securities market, there can be no assurance that such a market will exist for a particular contract at a particular time.

Under certain circumstances, exchanges upon which futures are traded may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of an option on a futures contract can vary from the previous day’s settlement price. Once that limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable positions held by the Portfolios.

Options on futures held by a Portfolio, to the extent not exercised, will expire and the Portfolio would experience a loss to the extent of any premium paid for the option. If a Portfolio were unable to liquidate an option on a futures contract position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the imposition of price limits, it could incur substantial losses. The Portfolio would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position.

 

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Certain characteristics of the futures market might increase the risk that movements in the prices of options on futures contracts might not correlate perfectly with movements in the prices of any exposure being hedged. For example, all participants in the options on futures markets are subject to daily variation margin calls and might be compelled to liquidate options on futures positions whose prices are moving unfavorably to avoid being subject to further calls. These liquidations could increase price volatility of the instruments and distort the normal price relationship between the futures or options and the investments being hedged. Also, because initial margin deposit requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets, there might be increased participation by speculators in the futures markets. This participation also might cause temporary price distortions. In addition, activities of traders in both the futures and securities markets involving arbitrage, “program trading” and other investment strategies might result in temporary price distortions.

Funding Agreements. The Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio may invest in funding agreements issued by domestic insurance companies. Funding agreements are short-term, privately placed, debt obligations of insurance companies that offer a fixed- or floating-rate of interest. These investments are not readily marketable and therefore are considered to be illiquid securities. (See also Illiquid Securities.) The largest risks associated with funding agreements include credit risk and liquidity risk.

Quantitative Model Risk. The Common Stock Portfolio is subject to quantitative model risk. Securities selected using quantitative methods may perform differently from the market as a whole as a result of the factors used in the quantitative method, the weight placed on each factor, and changes in the factors historical trends. The quantitative methodology employed by the investment manager has been extensively tested using historical securities market data, but has only recently begun to be used to manage open-end mutual funds. There can be no assurance that the methodology will enable the fund to achieve its objective.

Commodities and Commodity Contracts. Each of the Portfolios, other than Seligman Cash Management Portfolio and Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio, may purchase and sell commodities and commodity contracts only to the extent that such activities do not result in the Portfolio being a “commodity pool” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s regulations and interpretations thereunder.

Use of these instruments can involve substantial risks. For example, derivative instruments can present investment risk to a Portfolio if the fluctuations in interest rates, currency values or the market to which the financial instrument is tied are not accurately predicted. Certain derivative instruments may involve the use of leverage and, as a result, there is the risk that a Portfolio could lose more than the amount of its original investment. For example, a Portfolio may purchase futures contracts by making a relatively small “margin deposit” and, if such contracts are thereafter sold at a loss, that Portfolio could lose substantially more than the original margin deposit. Although a Portfolio will only utilize exchange-traded futures and options thereon, there can be no assurance that they will be able to close out positions when they wish to. In addition, a futures or options strategy may not provide an exact hedge to a position.

Options. Each of the Portfolios, other than Seligman Cash Management Portfolio and Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio, is permitted to purchase put options, call options, put spreads, call spreads and collars, and to sell covered call options (i.e., where the Portfolio owns the underlying security) and covered put options (i.e., where the Portfolio maintains the cash or collateral to cover the obligation created by the put). These instruments are described below.

An option is a contract that gives the holder the right to purchase (“call”) or sell (“put”) a specified security for an agreed upon price at any time before the contract’s expiration date. The amount paid for an option is known as the premium, and the exercise price is known as the strike price. The purchaser of an option has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase or sell a security. The seller (or “writer”) of an option, conversely, has an obligation to sell or purchase a security if the option is exercised. Some options have standardized terms and are traded on securities exchanges. Others are privately negotiated and have no or only a limited trading market. Options may be used individually or in combinations (e.g., put spreads and collars) to hedge securities positions or to seek increased investment returns.

Put spreads and collars are designed to protect against a decline in value of a security an investor owns. A collar involves the purchase of a put and the simultaneous writing of a call on the same security at a higher strike price. The put protects the investor from a decline in the price of the security below the put’s strike price. The call means that the investor will not benefit from increases in the price of the security beyond the call’s strike price. In a put

 

7


spread, an investor purchases a put and simultaneously writes a put on the same security at a lower strike price. This combination protects the investor against a decline in the price down to the lower strike price. The premium received for writing the call (in the case of a collar) or writing the put (in the case of a put spread) offsets, in whole or in part, the premium paid to purchase the put. In a call spread, an investor purchases a call and simultaneously sells a call on the same security, with the call sold having a higher strike price than the call purchased. The purchased call is designed to provide exposure to a potential increase in the value of a security an investor owns. The premium received for writing the call offsets, in part, the premium paid to purchase the corresponding call, but it also means that the investor will not benefit from increases in the price of the security beyond the sold call’s strike price.

Options offer large amounts of leverage, which will result in the Portfolio’s net asset value being more sensitive to changes in the value of the underlying security. The successful use of options depends in part on the ability of the investment manager to manage future price fluctuations, and the degree of correlation between the options and the prices of the underlying securities. If the investment manager is incorrect in its expectation of changes in market prices or the correlation between the instruments or indices on which such options may be written and purchased and the instruments in the Portfolio’s investment portfolio, the Portfolio may incur losses that it would not otherwise incur. The use of options can also increase a Portfolio’s transaction costs. Options transactions can involve a high degree of risk, including the possibility of a total loss of the amount invested. The purchaser of an option runs the risk of losing the entire premium paid if the option expires “out of the money” (i.e., if the strike price for a call option is higher than the market price, or the strike price for a put option is lower than the market price). The seller of an option earns premium income but is subject to the risk of having to sell the underlying security at significantly less than its market price (or buy a security at significantly more than its market price). When options are purchased on the over-the-counter market, there is a risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable to perform its obligations under the option contract. Such over-the-counter options may also be illiquid and, in such cases, the Portfolio may have difficulty closing out its position, in which case the Portfolio could lose money in the event of adverse price movements.

Equity-Linked Securities. Seligman Common Stock Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its assets in equity-linked securities (each, an “ELS”) as part of its overall investment strategy. An ELS is a debt instrument whose value is based on the value of a single equity security, basket of equity securities or an index of equity securities (each, an “Underlying Equity”). An ELS typically provides interest income, thereby offering a yield advantage over investing directly in an Underlying Equity. However, the holder of an ELS may have limited or no benefit from any appreciation in the Underlying Equity, but is exposed to downside market risk. The Portfolio may purchase ELSs that trade on a securities exchange or those that trade on the over-the-counter markets, including Rule 144A securities. The Portfolio may also purchase ELSs in a privately negotiated transaction with the issuer of an ELS (or its broker-dealer affiliate, collectively referred to in this section as the “issuer”). The Portfolio may or may not hold an ELS until its maturity.

Investments in ELSs subject the Portfolio to risks, primarily to the downside market risk associated with the Underlying Equity, and to additional risks not typically associated with investments in listed equity securities, such as liquidity risk, credit risk of the issuer, and concentration risk. Most ELSs do not have any downside protection (though some ELSs provide for a floor on the downside). In general, an investor in an ELS has the same downside risk as an investor in the Underlying Equity. The liquidity of an ELS that is not actively traded on an exchange is linked to the liquidity of the Underlying Equity. The issuer of an ELS generally purchases the Underlying Equity as a hedge. If the Portfolio wants to sell an ELS back to the issuer prior to its maturity, the issuer may sell the Underlying Equity to unwind the hedge and, therefore, must take into account the liquidity of the Underlying Equity in negotiating the purchase price the issuer will pay to the Portfolio to acquire the ELS.

The liquidity of unlisted ELSs is normally determined by the willingness of the issuer to make a market in the ELS. While the Portfolio will seek to purchase ELSs only from issuers that it believes to be willing to, and capable of, repurchasing the ELS at a reasonable price, there can be no assurance that the Portfolio will be able to sell any ELS at such a price or at all. This may impair the Portfolio’s ability to enter into other transactions at a time when doing so might be advantageous. In addition, because ELSs are senior unsecured notes of the issuer, the Portfolio would be subject to the credit risk of the issuer and the potential risk of being too concentrated in the securities (including ELSs) of that issuer. The Portfolio bears the risk that the issuer may default on its obligations under the ELS. In the event of insolvency of the issuer, the Portfolio will be unable to obtain the intended benefits of the ELS. Moreover, it may be difficult to obtain market quotations for purposes of valuing the Portfolio’s ELSs and computing the Portfolio’s net asset value.

 

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Price movements of an ELS will likely differ significantly from price movements of the Underlying Equity, resulting in the risk of loss if the investment manager is incorrect in its expectation of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency prices or other relevant features of an ELS.

Preferred Securities. Certain of the Portfolios may invest in preferred securities. There are special risks associated with investing in preferred securities, including:

 

   

Deferral. Preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without adverse consequences to the issuer. If the Portfolio owns a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, the Portfolio may be required to report income for tax purposes although it has not yet received such income.

 

   

Subordination. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in an issuer’s capital structure with respect to priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt instruments.

 

   

Liquidity. Preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks or US government securities.

 

   

Limited Voting Rights. Generally, preferred security holders have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may elect a number of directors to the issuer’s board. Generally, once all the arrearages have been paid, the preferred security holders no longer have voting rights. In the case of certain trust preferred securities, holders generally have no voting rights, except (i) if the issuer fails to pay dividends for a specified period of time or (ii) if a declaration of default occurs and is continuing. In such an event, rights of holders of trust preferred securities generally would include the right to appoint and authorize a trustee to enforce the trust or special purpose entity’s rights as a creditor under the agreement with its operating company.

 

   

Special Redemption Rights. In certain varying circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may redeem the securities prior to a specified date. For instance, for certain types of preferred securities, a redemption may be triggered by a change in income tax or securities laws. As with call provisions, a redemption by the issuer of the preferred securities may negatively impact the return of the security held by the Portfolio.

Rights and Warrants. Each Portfolio, other than Seligman Cash Management Portfolio and Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio, may invest in common stock rights and warrants believed to provide capital appreciation opportunities. Common stock rights and warrants received as part of a unit or attached to securities purchased (i.e., not separately purchased) are not included in each Portfolio’s investment restrictions regarding such securities.

Each Portfolio may not invest in rights and warrants if, at the time of acquisition, the investment in rights and warrants would exceed 5% of the Portfolio’s net assets, valued at the lower of cost or market. In addition, no more than 2% of net assets of each Portfolio, other than Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio, may be invested in warrants not listed on the New York or American Stock Exchanges. For purposes of this restriction, rights and warrants acquired by each Portfolio in units or attached to securities may be deemed to have been purchased without cost.

Access Trades. Each Portfolio, other than Seligman Cash Management Portfolio and Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio, may participate in access trades with a global securities broker as counterparty. Access trades are over-the-counter transactions that provide access to a designated security, group of securities or market index without directly investing in the reference security/index. For a commission, the counterparty, agrees to provide a return based on the return of the reference security/index. Access trades are typically used in foreign markets where limits on direct foreign ownership can affect prices and/or where there are significant complexities in directly purchasing or selling shares in the reference security/index. Since access trades are over-the-counter transactions, a Portfolio bears the risk that the counterparty will be unable or unwilling to meet its obligations. In addition, since over-the-counter markets are generally less liquid than exchanges, the Portfolio may not be able to sell when it is deemed advantageous to do so. These risks will be potentially mitigated by limiting access trade exposure by a Portfolio to 5% of total assets at the time of purchase and dealing with counterparties believed to be reputable.

 

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Foreign Investment Risk Factors. Each of the Portfolios may invest up to 10% of its total assets in foreign securities (except Seligman Global Technology Portfolio and Seligman International Growth Portfolio, which may invest up to 100% of their total assets in foreign securities), except that this 10% limit does not apply to (i) foreign securities held through Depositary Receipts which are traded in the US or to commercial paper and certificates of deposit issued by foreign banks, or (ii) Seligman Capital Portfolio, the 10% limit of which is described in the Fund’s Prospectuses. Foreign investments may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and exchange control regulations. There may be less information available about a foreign company than about a US company, and foreign companies may not be subject to reporting standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to US companies. Foreign securities may not be as liquid as US securities. Securities of foreign companies may involve greater market risk than securities of US companies, and foreign brokerage commissions and custody fees are generally higher than in the United States. Investments in foreign securities may also be subject to local economic or political risks, political instability and possible nationalization of issuers.

By investing in foreign securities, the Portfolios will attempt to take advantage of differences among economic trends and the performance of securities markets in various countries. It is believed that, in comparison with investment companies investing solely in domestic securities, it may be possible to obtain significant appreciation from a portfolio of foreign investments and securities from various markets that offer different investment opportunities and are affected by different economic trends. Global diversification reduces the effect that events in any one country will have on the entire investment portfolio. Of course, a decline in the value of a Portfolio’s investments in one country may offset potential gains from investments in another country. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

Investments in securities of foreign issuers may involve risks that are not associated with domestic investments, and there can be no assurance that the Portfolios’ foreign investments will present less risk than a portfolio of domestic securities. Foreign issuers may lack uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements, and there is generally less publicly available information about foreign issuers than there is about US issuers. Governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies may be less pervasive than is customary in the United States. Securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and their prices are more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. Foreign securities settlements may in some instances be subject to delays and related administrative uncertainties which could result in temporary periods when assets of a Portfolio are uninvested and no return is earned thereon and may involve a risk of loss to a Portfolio. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume than US markets and far fewer traded issues. Fixed brokerage commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than in the United States, and transaction costs with respect to smaller capitalization companies may be higher than those of larger capitalization companies. Income from foreign securities may be reduced by a withholding tax at the source or other foreign taxes. In some countries, there may also be the possibility of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation (in which a Portfolio could lose its entire investment in a certain market), limitations on the removal of monies or other assets of the Portfolios, higher rates of inflation, political or social instability or revolution, or diplomatic developments that could affect investments in those countries. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment in a court outside the United States.

Some of the risks described in the preceding paragraph may be more severe for investments in emerging or developing countries. By comparison with the United States and other developed countries, emerging or developing countries may have relatively unstable governments, economies based on a less diversified industrial base and securities markets that trade a smaller number of securities. Companies in emerging markets may generally be smaller, less experienced and more recently organized than many domestic companies. Prices of securities traded in the securities markets of emerging or developing countries tend to be volatile. Furthermore, foreign investors are subject to many restrictions in emerging or developing countries. These restrictions may require, among other things, governmental approval prior to making investments or repatriating income or capital, or may impose limits on the amount or type of securities held by foreigners or on the companies in which the foreigners may invest.

The economies of individual emerging countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the US economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rates of inflation, currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment position and may be based on a substantially less diversified industrial base. Further, the economies of developing countries generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade.

 

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Investments in foreign securities will usually be denominated in foreign currencies, and each Portfolio may temporarily hold funds in foreign currencies. The value of a Portfolio’s investments denominated in foreign currencies may be affected, favorably or unfavorably, by the relative strength of the US dollar, changes in foreign currency and US dollar exchange rates and exchange control regulations. A Portfolio may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. A Portfolio’s net asset value per share will be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates may also affect the value of dividends and interest earned, gains and losses realized on the sale of securities and net investment income and gains, if any, to be distributed to shareholders by the Portfolios. The rate of exchange between the US dollar and other currencies is determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets (which in turn are affected by interest rates, trade flows and numerous other factors, including, in some countries, local governmental intervention).

Technology Investment Risk Factors. The value of the Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio and Seligman Global Technology Portfolio shares may be susceptible to factors affecting technology and technology-related industries and to greater risk and market fluctuation than an investment in a fund that invests in a broader range of portfolio securities. Technology and technology-related industries may be subject to greater governmental regulation than many other industries in certain countries, as well as changes in governmental policies, and the need for regulatory approvals may have a material adverse effect on these industries. Additionally, these companies may be subject to risks of developing technologies, competitive pressures, and other factors and are dependent upon consumer and business acceptance as new technologies evolve. Securities of smaller, less experienced companies also may involve greater risks, such as limited product lines, limited markets and limited financial and managerial resources, and trading in such securities may be subject to more abrupt price movements than trading in the securities of larger companies.

Other Investment Companies. Each Portfolio, other than Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio, may invest in securities issued by other investment companies. Such investments are subject to the limitations on investments in other investment companies imposed by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), which generally prohibits a Portfolio from holding more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities of another investment company, and from investing more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, or more than 10% of its total assets in other investment companies overall. A Portfolio’s investments in other investment companies may include investments in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) if appropriate investment opportunities arise. ETFs are registered funds that trade on a stock exchange or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market and generally seek to track the performance of a specified securities index or a basket of securities. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market present additional risks, such as counterparty and liquidity risks.

If a Portfolio invests in other investment companies, shareholders would bear not only that Portfolio’s expenses (including operating expenses and advisory fees), but also similar expenses of the underlying investment companies, and a Portfolio’s returns will therefore be lower. To the extent a Portfolio invests in ETFs, the Portfolio is exposed to the risks associated with the underlying investments of the ETFs and the Portfolio’s performance may be negatively affected if the value of those underlying investments declines.

Depositary Receipts. Depositary Receipts are instruments generally issued by domestic banks or trust companies that represent the deposits of a security of a foreign issuer. American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), which are traded in dollars on US Exchanges or over-the-counter, are issued by domestic banks and evidence ownership of securities issued by foreign corporations. European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) are typically traded in Europe. Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) (collectively, “Depositary Receipts”) are typically traded in both Europe and the United States. Depositary Receipts may be issued as sponsored or unsponsored programs. In sponsored programs, the issuer has made arrangements to have its securities trade in the form of Depositary Receipts. In unsponsored programs, the issuer may not be directly involved in the creation of the program. Although regulatory requirements with respect to sponsored and unsponsored programs are generally similar, the issuers of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the US, and therefore, the import of such information may not be reflected in the market value of such instruments.

Illiquid Securities. Each Portfolio, other than Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including restricted securities (i.e., securities not readily marketable without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”)) and other securities that are not readily marketable. These include restricted securities that can be offered and sold to “qualified institutional buyers” under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act. The Fund’s Board of Directors may adopt procedures pursuant to which the investment manager may determine, when appropriate, that specific Rule 144A securities are liquid and not subject to the 15% limitation on illiquid securities. Should the Board of Directors or the investment manager (as the case may be) make this determination, it will carefully monitor the security (focusing on such factors, among others, as trading activity and availability of information) to determine that the Rule 144A security continues to be liquid. It is not possible to predict with assurance exactly how the market for Rule 144A securities will further evolve. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in a Portfolio, if and to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become for a time uninterested in purchasing Rule 144A securities.

 

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Money Market Instruments. Each of the Portfolios, other than Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, which intends to invest primarily in the money market instruments described below, may invest a portion of their assets in the following money market instruments.

US Government Obligations. US Government obligations are obligations issued or guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the US Government or backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, such as US Treasury Bills, securities issued or guaranteed by a US Government agency or instrumentality, and securities supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the US Treasury.

Bank Obligations. Bank obligations include US dollar-denominated certificates of deposit, banker’s acceptances, fixed time deposits and commercial paper of domestic banks, including their branches located outside the United States, and of domestic branches of foreign banks. Investments in bank obligations will be limited at the time of investment to the obligations of the 100 largest domestic banks in terms of assets which are subject to regulatory supervision by the US Government or state governments, and the obligations of the 100 largest foreign banks in terms of assets with branches or agencies in the United States.

Commercial Paper and Short-Term Corporate Debt Securities. Commercial paper and short-term debt securities include short-term unsecured promissory notes with maturities not exceeding nine months issued in bearer form by bank holding companies, corporations and finance companies. Investments in commercial paper issued by bank holding companies will be limited at the time of investment to the 100 largest US bank holding companies in terms of assets.

Mortgage Related Securities.

Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. Each Portfolio may invest in mortgage pass-through securities. Mortgage pass-through securities include securities that represent interests in pools of mortgage loans made by lenders such as savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, and commercial banks. Such securities provide a “pass-through” of monthly payments of interest and principal made by the borrowers on their residential mortgage loans (net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities). Although the residential mortgages underlying a pool may have maturities of up to 30 years, a pool’s effective maturity may be reduced by prepayments of principal on the underlying mortgage obligations. Factors affecting mortgage prepayments include, among other things, the level of interest rates, general economic and social conditions and the location and age of the mortgages. High interest rate mortgages are more likely to be prepaid than lower-rate mortgages; consequently, the effective maturities of mortgage-related obligations that pass-through payments of higher-rate mortgages are likely to be shorter than those of obligations that pass-through payments of lower-rate mortgages. If such prepayment of mortgage-related securities in which the Portfolio invests occurs, the Portfolio may have to invest the proceeds in securities with lower yields.

The Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) is a US Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development, authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the US Government, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and backed by pools of Federal Housing Administration insured or Veterans Administration guaranteed residential mortgages. These securities entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgages in the pool, net of certain fees, regardless of whether or not the mortgagors actually make the payments. Other government-related issuers of mortgage-related securities include the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), a government-sponsored corporation subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development but owned entirely by private stockholders, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), a corporate instrumentality of the US Government created for the purpose of increasing the availability of mortgage credit for residential housing that is owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks. FHLMC issues Participation Certificates (“PCs”), which represent interests in mortgages from FHLMC’s national portfolio. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal, but PCs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government. Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are backed by residential mortgages purchased from a list of approved seller/servicers and are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA, but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government.

Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through securities based on pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Securities created by such non-governmental issuers may offer a higher rate of interest than government-related securities; however, timely payment of interest and principal may or may not be supported by insurance or guarantee arrangements, and there can be no assurance that the private issuers can meet their obligations.

 

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Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio may invest in Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”), including certain CMOs that have elected to be treated as Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (“REMICs”). CMOs are fixed-income securities collateralized by pooled mortgages and separated into short-, medium-, and long-term positions (called “tranches”). Tranches pay different rates of interest depending upon their maturity. CMOs may be collateralized by (a) pass through securities issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC, (b) unsecuritized mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, (c) unsecuritized conventional Mortgages, (d) other mortgage related securities or (e) any combination thereof.

Each tranche of a CMO is issued at a specific coupon rate and has a stated maturity. As the payments on the underlying mortgage loans are collected, the CMO issuer generally pays the coupon rate of interest to the holders of each tranche. In a common structure referred to as a “Pay” CMO, all scheduled and unscheduled principal payments generated by the collateral, as loans are repaid or prepaid, go initially to investors in the first tranches. Investors in later tranches do not start receiving principal payments until the prior tranches are paid in full. Sometimes, CMOs are structured so that the prepayment and/or market risks are transferred from one tranche to another.

Most CMOs are issued by Federal agencies. However, the only CMOs backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government are CMOs collateralized by pass-through securities guaranteed by GNMA. All CMOs are subject to reinvestment risk; that is, as prepayments on the underlying pool of mortgages increase, the maturity of the tranches in the CMO will decrease. As a result, the Portfolio may have to invest the proceeds that were invested in such CMOs in securities with lower yields. Factors affecting reinvestment risk include the level of interest rates, general economic and social conditions and the location and age of the mortgages.

Repurchase Agreements. Each Portfolio may hold cash or cash equivalents and may enter into repurchase agreements with respect to securities; normally repurchase agreements relate to money market obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government. Repurchase agreements are transactions in which an investor (e.g., any of the Fund’s Portfolios) purchases a security from a bank, recognized securities dealer, or other financial institution and simultaneously commits to resell that security to such institution at an agreed upon price, date and market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. A repurchase agreement thus involves the obligation of the bank or securities dealer to pay the agreed upon price on the date agreed to, which obligation is in effect secured by the value of the underlying security held by the Portfolio. Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of bankruptcy or other default by the seller, including possible delays and expenses in liquidating the securities underlying the agreement, decline in value of the underlying securities and loss of interest. Although repurchase agreements carry certain risks not associated with direct investments in securities, each Portfolio intends to enter into repurchase agreements only with financial institutions believed to present minimum credit risks in accordance with guidelines established by the investment manager or subadviser, as the case may be. The investment manager or subadviser, as the case may be, has implemented measures to review and monitor the creditworthiness of such institutions. The Portfolios will invest only in repurchase agreements collateralized in an amount at least equal at all times to the purchase price plus accrued interest. Repurchase agreements usually are for short periods, such as one week or less, but may be for longer periods. No Portfolio will enter into a repurchase agreement with a maturity of more than seven days if, as a result, more than 15% of the value of its net assets would then be invested in such repurchase agreements and other illiquid investments.

When-Issued and Forward Commitment Securities. Certain Portfolios may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. Settlement of such transactions (i.e., delivery of securities and payment of purchase price) normally takes place within 45 days after the date of the commitment to purchase. A Portfolio may purchase a security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with or without the intention of actually acquiring the securities, and may sell these securities before the purchase settlement date if it is deemed advisable.

At the time a Portfolio enters into such a commitment both payment and interest terms will be established prior to settlement; there is a risk that prevailing interest rates on the settlement date will be greater than the interest rate terms established at the time the commitment was entered into. When-issued and forward commitment securities are subject to changes in market value prior to settlement based upon changes, real or anticipated, in the level of interest rates or creditworthiness of the issuer. If a Portfolio remains substantially fully invested at the same time that it has purchased securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, the market value of that Portfolio’s assets may fluctuate more than otherwise would be the case. For this reason, when investing in when-issued or forward commitment securities, cash and/or liquid securities equal to the amount of each Portfolio’s when-issued or

 

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forward commitment securities will be segregated at the Portfolio’s custodian, and marked to market daily, with additional cash and/or liquid securities added when necessary. When the time comes to pay for when-issued or forward commitment securities, a Portfolio will meet its respective obligations from then available cash flow, sale of securities (those segregated or otherwise), or, although a Portfolio would not normally expect to do so, from the sale of the when-issued or forward commitment securities themselves (which may have a value greater or less than a Portfolio’s payment obligations). Sale of securities to meet when-issued and forward commitment obligations carries with it a greater potential for the realization of capital gain or loss.

Short Sales. Each of the Seligman Global Technology Portfolio and Seligman International Growth Portfolio may sell securities short “against-the-box.” A short sale “against-the-box” is a short sale in which the Portfolio owns an equal amount of the securities sold short or securities convertible into or exchangeable without payment of further consideration for securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount to, the securities sold short.

Lending of Portfolio Securities. Other than Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, each of the Portfolios may lend portfolio securities to broker-dealers, banks or other institutional borrowers, provided that securities loaned by each of the Portfolios may not exceed 33 1/3% of the Portfolios’ total assets taken at market value. The Portfolios will not lend portfolio securities to any institutions affiliated with the Fund. The borrower must maintain with the Fund’s custodian bank cash or equivalent collateral equal to at least 100% of the market value of the securities loaned. During the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower pays the lending Portfolio an amount equal to any dividends or interest paid on the securities. The lending Portfolio may invest the collateral and earn additional income or receive an agreed upon amount of interest income from the borrower. Loans made by the Portfolios will generally be short-term. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the lending Portfolio or the borrower. The lending Portfolio may pay reasonable administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan and may pay a negotiated portion of the interest earned on the collateral to the borrower or placing broker. The lending Portfolio does not have the right to vote securities on loan, but would terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if that were considered important with respect to the investment. The lending Portfolio may lose money if a borrower defaults on its obligation to return securities and the value of the collateral held by the lending Portfolio is insufficient to replace the loaned securities. In addition, the lending Portfolio is responsible for any loss that might result from its investment of the borrower’s collateral.

Borrowing. Except as noted below, a Portfolio may from time to time, borrow money to increase its portfolio of securities or for other purposes. Under the 1940 Act, each Portfolio is generally permitted to borrow from banks in amounts not exceeding one-third of the value of its total assets, less liabilities other than such borrowings. The Board of Directors has adopted a non-fundamental restriction under which each Portfolio may not borrow more than 15% of the value of its total assets. Borrowings may be secured by a mortgage or pledge of a Portfolio’s assets.

Borrowed money creates an opportunity for greater capital appreciation, but at the same time increases exposure to capital risk. The net cost of any money borrowed would be an expense that otherwise would not be incurred, and this expense will reduce a Portfolio’s net investment income in any given period.

Each of Seligman Global Technology Portfolio and Seligman International Growth Portfolio may from time to time borrow money for temporary, extraordinary or emergency purposes and may invest the funds in additional securities. Borrowings for the purchase of securities will not exceed 5% of the Portfolio’s total assets and will be made at prevailing interest rates.

Except as otherwise specifically noted above, each of the Fund’s Portfolios’ investment strategies are not fundamental and the Fund, with the approval of the Board of Directors, may change such strategies without the vote of a majority of a Portfolio’s outstanding voting securities.

Fundamental Restrictions

Each Portfolio is subject to fundamental policies that place restrictions on certain types of investments. Except as otherwise indicated below, restrictions 1 through 8 may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of a Portfolio’s outstanding voting securities; restrictions 9 through 12 may be changed by the Fund’s Board of Directors without such a vote. Under these restrictions, none of the Portfolios may:

 

1. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except to the extent permissible under applicable law and interpretations, as they may be amended from time to time;

 

2. Purchase securities on margin except as permitted by the 1940 Act or any rule thereunder, any Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or SEC staff interpretations thereof or any exemptions therefrom which may be granted by the SEC;

 

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3. Issue senior securities or borrow money, except as permitted by the 1940 Act or any rule thereunder, any SEC or SEC staff interpretations thereof or any exemptions therefrom which may be granted by the SEC;

 

4. Make loans, except as permitted by the 1940 Act or any rule thereunder, any SEC or SEC staff interpretations thereof or any exemptions therefrom which may be granted by the SEC;

 

5. Underwrite the securities of other issuers, except insofar as the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the 1933 Act in disposing of a portfolio security or in connection with investments in other investment companies;

 

6. Purchase or hold any real estate, except the Fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by persons (including real estate investment trusts) which deal in real estate or interests therein;

 

7. Make any investment inconsistent with the Fund’s classification as a diversified company under the 1940 Act;

 

8. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, at market value, in the securities of issuers in any particular industry, provided that:

 

   

this limitation shall exclude securities issued or guaranteed by the US Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities;

 

   

for the purpose of this limitation, mortgage-related securities do not constitute an industry;

 

   

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets in securities of companies principally engaged in the communications, information and related industries, except when investing for temporary defensive purposes; and

 

   

Seligman Cash Management Portfolio may invest more than 25% of its gross assets: (i) in the banking industry, (ii) in the personal credit institution or business credit institution industries or (iii) in any combination of (i) and (ii).

 

9. Purchase illiquid securities for any Portfolio including repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days and securities that cannot be sold without registration or the filing of a notification under Federal or state securities laws, if, as a result, such investment would exceed 15% of the value of such Portfolio’s net assets.

 

10. Invest in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs; provided, however, that this investment restriction shall not prohibit a Portfolio from purchasing publicly-traded securities of companies engaging in whole or in part in such activities.

 

11. Purchase securities from or sell securities to any of its officers or Directors, except with respect to its own shares and as permissible under applicable statutes, rules and regulations.

 

12. Invest more than 5% of the value of its net assets, valued at the lower of cost or market, in warrants, of which no more than 2% of net assets may be invested in warrants and rights not listed on the New York or American Stock Exchange. For this purpose, warrants acquired by the Fund in units or attached to securities may be deemed to have been purchased without cost.

Certain of the Portfolios’ fundamental policies set forth above prohibit transactions “except as permitted by the 1940 Act or any rule thereunder, any SEC or SEC staff interpretations thereof or any exemptions therefrom which may be granted by the SEC.” The following discussion explains the flexibility that a Portfolio gains from these exceptions.

Purchase of securities on margin – A purchase on margin involves a loan from the broker-dealer arranging the transaction. The “margin” is the cash or securities that the borrower places with the broker-dealer as collateral against the loan. However, the purchase of securities on margin is effectively prohibited by the 1940 Act because a Portfolio generally may borrow only from banks. Thus, under current law, this exception does not provide any additional flexibility to the Portfolio.

Issuing senior securities – A “senior security” is an obligation with respect to the earnings or assets of a company that takes precedence over the claims of that company’s common stock with respect to the same earnings or assets. The 1940 Act prohibits a mutual fund from issuing senior securities other than certain borrowings, but SEC staff interpretations allow a fund to engage in certain types of transactions that otherwise might raise senior security concerns (such as short sales, buying and selling financial futures contracts and selling put and call options), provided that the fund maintains segregated deposits or portfolio securities, or otherwise covers the transaction with offsetting portfolio securities, in amounts sufficient to offset any liability associated with the transaction. The exception in the fundamental policy allows a Portfolio to operate in reliance upon these staff interpretations.

 

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Borrowing money – The 1940 Act permits a fund to borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amounts borrowed) from banks, plus an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, which may be borrowed from banks or other sources.

Making loans – The 1940 Act generally prohibits a Portfolio from making loans to affiliated persons but does not otherwise restrict a Portfolio’s ability to make loans.

If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of an investment, a later increase or decrease in such percentage resulting from a change in the value of assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction. In order to permit the sale of the Fund’s shares in certain states, the Fund may make commitments more restrictive than the investment restrictions described above. Should the Fund determine that any such commitment is no longer in the best interest of the Fund it will revoke the commitment by terminating sales in the state involved. The Fund also intends to comply with the diversification requirements under Section 817(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. For a description of these requirements, see the separate account prospectuses or disclosure documents of the participating insurance companies.

Under the 1940 Act, a “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund or of a particular Portfolio means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund or of such Portfolio or (2) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund or of such Portfolio present at a shareholder’s meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund or of such Portfolio are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy.

The Fund, on behalf of each applicable Portfolio, will provide shareholders of such Portfolio with at least 60 days prior notice of any change in such Portfolio’s “80%” investment policy of these Portfolios as described in the Prospectuses. Such notice will be provided in plain English in a separate written document and will contain the following prominent statement, in bold-face type: “Important Notice Regarding Change in Investment Policy”. This prominent statement will also appear on the envelope in which the notice is delivered or, if the notice is delivered separately from other communications to shareholders, such statement will appear either on the notice or on the envelope in which the notice is delivered. This policy is not fundamental.

Temporary Defensive Position

Each Portfolio may, from time to time, take a temporary defensive position in seeking to minimize extreme volatility caused by adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions, or in anticipation of significant withdrawals. When it is believed that market conditions warrant a temporary defensive position, a Portfolio may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash equivalents, including, but not limited to, prime commercial paper, bank certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, or repurchase agreements for such securities, and securities of the US Government and its agencies and instrumentalities, as well as cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies. A Portfolio’s investments in foreign cash equivalents will be limited to those that are believed to equate generally to the standards established for US cash equivalents. Investments in bank obligations will be limited at the time of investment to the obligations of the 100 largest domestic banks in terms of assets which are subject to regulatory supervision by the US Government or state governments, and the obligations of the 100 largest foreign banks in terms of assets with branches or agencies in the United States.

 

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Portfolio Turnover

The portfolio turnover rates for each Portfolio are calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned during the year. Securities whose maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition was one year or less are excluded from the calculation. The Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate will not be a limiting factor when the Portfolio deems it desirable to sell or purchase securities. The portfolio turnover rates for each Portfolio (except Seligman Cash Management Portfolio) for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     Portfolio
Turnover
 

Portfolio

   2008    2007  

Seligman Capital Portfolio

      196.31 %

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

      117.36  

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

      199.12  

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

      197.73  

Seligman International Growth Portfolio

      234.50  

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

      280.64  

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

      10.83  

Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

      26.86  

 

* [The portfolio turnover rate for Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2006 was relatively higher than 2007 due largely to an increased level of portfolio transactions occurring in the first half of the fiscal year 2006 while under the management of the previous portfolio manager. The previous portfolio manager was more active in managing the Portfolio’s duration based upon expected movements in interest rates. During the second half of fiscal year 2006 and during fiscal year 2007 this was not the case. Conditions in the fixed income market in 2007 also contributed to a relatively lower portfolio turnover rate as compared with 2006.]

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

Each Portfolio’s full portfolio holdings, as well as portfolio weightings, are published quarterly, generally no sooner than 15 calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter on the website of the Fund’s distributor, RiverSource Fund Distributors, Inc., formerly Seligman Advisors, Inc. (the “distributor”) (www.seligman.com). In addition, a Portfolio’s top 10 holdings and the aggregate weighting of the top 10 holdings are published monthly, generally no sooner than 5 business days after the end of each month. Employees may freely distribute a Portfolio’s portfolio holdings information described above to third parties the day after such information appears on the distributor’s website. The foregoing monthly and quarterly information will remain available on the distributor’s website for at least 5 months from the end of the period shown.

In accordance with the policies and procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors, a Portfolio’s portfolio holdings may be disclosed to certain parties prior to its public release if the disclosure is intended for research or other legitimate business purposes and the recipient is subject to a duty of confidentiality. Disclosures of portfolio holdings for such purposes (which may be on-going) are considered on a case-by-case basis, and the Fund’s procedures require the prior written approval of the Chief Investment Officer of RiverSource Investments (or its designee) and the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) with respect to disclosures intended for research purposes and the President of RiverSource Investments or the distributor (or their respective designees) and the Fund’s CCO with respect to disclosures intended for other legitimate business purposes. In connection with the CCO’s review and approval, the CCO considers whether such disclosure is in the best interests of the Fund. If prior approval is granted, the recipient must enter into a written agreement prior to the release of a Portfolio’s portfolio holdings information that includes, among other things, a requirement that the holdings be kept confidential and places limits on the use of the information for trading purposes. The CCO, who reports directly to the Fund’s Board of Directors regarding compliance with the Fund’s policies, and RiverSource Investments’ Chief Compliance Officer monitor compliance with this policy.

In addition, the Fund’s policies expressly permit RiverSource Investments’ employees to release a Portfolio’s holdings information without a confidentiality agreement as necessary to facilitate the execution of securities transactions or to respond to questions about Seligman’s views on individual securities or whether a Portfolio owns or does not own a particular security; provided, that individual securities weightings will not be disclosed unless such weightings are otherwise provided in the quarterly disclosure noted above. Portfolio managers (or their designees) may also disclose certain information about individual securities or information about a particular investment style on an occasional basis to third parties for research purposes, provided that the information does not include the name of the Portfolio or the weightings of particular securities unless otherwise provided in the quarterly disclosure noted above. The Fund may also permit its auditors to have access to a Portfolio’s portfolio holdings as necessary in connection with their auditing services.

Currently, RiverSource Investments has entered into ongoing arrangements to disclose a Portfolio’s portfolio holdings prior to the public disclosure of such information with the following third party research providers: FactSet Research Systems, Inc., Salomon Analytics Inc., Bloomberg POM and Vestek Systems, Inc. The portfolio holdings are released to these research providers on an as-needed basis (including daily, if necessary). In addition, RiverSource Investments discloses a Portfolio’s portfolio holdings to State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSBT”) in connection with back-office, custodial and/or administrative services provided by SSBT, and to Risk Metrics Group, Inc. (formerly Institutional Shareholder Services) in connection with proxy voting. Also, RiverSource Investments discloses portfolio holdings to JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. in connection with custodial services provided by such entity. RiverSource Investments discloses portfolio holdings to the third parties listed above on a daily basis. Accordingly, the time elapsed between the date of such information and the date of its disclosure is generally less than 24 hours.

 

17


With respect to Seligman International Growth Portfolio (the “Subadvised Portfolio”) subadvised by Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington Management”), Wellington Management has adopted the policies and procedures relating to the disclosure of portfolio holdings approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors. Currently, Wellington Management has entered into ongoing arrangements to disclose the Subadvised Portfolio’s portfolio holdings prior to the public disclosure of such information with the following third parties: Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (daily, in connection with certain operational functions); FactSet Research Systems, Inc. (daily, in connection with analytical services); Investment Technology Group (weekly, in connection with analytical services); and SSBT (daily, in connection with certain operational functions).

All of the above mentioned disclosures have been approved, as applicable, and are made pursuant to the terms of confidentiality agreements or provisions that prohibit the disclosure and restrict the use of the holdings information. No compensation is received by any party in consideration of the disclosure of a Portfolio’s portfolio holdings pursuant to these arrangements.

Management of the Fund

Board Members and Officers

Shareholders elect a Board that oversees the Funds’ operations. The Board appoints officers who are responsible for day-to-day business decisions based on policies set by the Board.

On November 7, 2008, RiverSource Investments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, announced the closing of its Acquisition of Seligman, 100 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017. With the Acquisition completed and shareholders having previously elected (at special meetings held on November 3, 2008) ten new directors (collectively, the “New Board Members”), the New Board Members took office on November 7, 2008. The New Board Members are: Kathleen Blatz, Arne H. Carlson, Pamela G. Carlton, Patricia M. Flynn, Anne P. Jones, Jeffrey Laikind, Stephen R. Lewis, Jr., Catherine James Paglia, Alison Taunton-Rigby and William F. Truscott. Messrs. Leroy C. Richie and John F. Maher, who were members of the Board prior to November 7, 2008, will continue to serve on the Board after the Acquisition, which would result in an overall increase from ten directors to 12 directors.

Information with respect to the members of the Board is shown below. Each member oversees 163 portfolios in the fund complex managed by RiverSource Investments, which includes 59 Seligman funds and 104 RiverSource funds. Board members serve until the next regular shareholders’ meeting or until he or she reaches the mandatory retirement age established by the Board. Under the current Board policy, members may serve until the end of the meeting following their 75th birthday, or the fifteenth anniversary of the first Board meeting they attended as members of the Board, whichever occurs first. This policy does not apply to Ms. Jones who may retire after her 75th birthday.

Independent Board Members

 

Name, Address, Age

  

Position with Fund and
Length of Time Served

  

Principal Occupation During Last
Five Years

 

Other

Directorships

 

Committee

Memberships

Kathleen Blatz

901 S. Marquette Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Age 54

   Board member since November 7, 2008    Attorney; Chief Justice, Minnesota Supreme Court, 1998-2006   None  

Board Governance,

Compliance, Investment Review, Joint Audit

Arne H. Carlson

901 S. Marquette Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Age 74

   Board member since November 7, 2008    Chair, RiverSource Funds, 1999-2006; former Governor of Minnesota   None  

Board Governance,

Compliance, Contracts, Executive, Investment Review

Pamela G. Carlton

901 S. Marquette Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Age 54

   Board member since November 7, 2008    President, Springboard-Partners in Cross Cultural Leadership (consulting company)   None   Distribution, Investment Review, Joint Audit

 

18


Independent Board Members

 

Name, Address, Age

  

Position with Fund and
Length of Time Served

  

Principal Occupation During Last
Five Years

 

Other

Directorships

 

Committee

Memberships

Patricia M. Flynn

901 S. Marquette Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Age 58

   Board member since November 7, 2008    Trustee Professor of Economics and Management, Bentley College; Former Dean, McCallum Graduate School of Business, Bentley College   None  

Board Governance,

Contracts, Investment

Review

Anne P. Jones

901 S. Marquette Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Age 74

   Board member since November 7, 2008    Attorney and Consultant   None  

Board Governance,

Compliance, Executive, Investment Review, Joint Audit

Jeffrey Laikind, CFA

901 S. Marquette Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Age 73

   Board member since November 7, 2008    Former Managing Director, Shikiar Asset Management  

American Progressive

Insurance

 

Distribution,

Investment Review,

Joint Audit

Stephen R. Lewis, Jr.

901 S. Marquette Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Age 70

   Board member since November 7, 2008    President Emeritus and Professor of Economics, Carleton College  

Valmont Industries, Inc. (manufactures irrigation

systems)

 

Board Governance,

Compliance,

Contracts, Executive,

Investment Review

John F. Maher

901 S. Marquette Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Age 64

   Board member since 2006    Retired President and Chief Executive Officer and former Director, Great Western Financial Corporation (financial services), 1986-1997bank holding company) and its principal subsidiary, Great Western Bank (federal savings bank)   None   Distribution, Investment Review, Joint Audit

Catherine James Paglia

901 S. Marquette Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Age 56

   Board member since November 7, 2008    Director, Enterprise Asset Management, Inc. (private real estate and asset management company)   None  

Board Governance, Compliance, Contracts,

Distribution, Executive, Investment Review

Leroy C. Richie

901 S. Marquette Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Age 66

   Board member since 2000    Counsel, Lewis & Munday, P.C. (law firm) since 1987; and Vice President and General Counsel, Automotive Legal Affairs, Chrysler Corporation, 1990-1997   Digital Ally, Inc. (digital imaging); Infinity, Inc. (oil and gas exploration and production); and, OGE Energy Corp. (energy and energy services)   Contracts, Distribution, Investment Review

Alison Taunton-Rigby

901 S. Marquette Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Age 64

   Board member since November 7, 2008    Chief Executive Officer and Director, RiboNovix, Inc. since 2003 (biotechnology); former President, Forester Biotech  

Idera Pharmaceuticals,

Inc. (biotechnology);

Healthways, Inc. (health

management programs)

 

Contracts, Distribution,

Executive, Investment

Review

 

19


Board Member Affiliated With RiverSource Investments*

 

Name, Address, Age

 

Position with Fund and
Length of Time Served

 

Principal Occupation During Last

Five Years

 

Other

Directorships

 

Committee

Memberships

William F. Truscott

53600 Ameriprise Financial Center

Minneapolis, MN 55474

Age 48

 

Board member

and Vice President since 2008

  President – U.S. Asset Management and Chief Investment Officer, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and President, Chairman of the Board and Chief Investment Officer, RiverSource Investments, LLC since 2005; Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ameriprise Certificate Company; Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President, RiverSource Distributors, Inc. since 2006; Chief Executive Officer and President, RiverSource Fund Distributors, Inc. since 2008; Senior Vice President – Chief Investment Officer, Ameriprise Financial, Inc.; and Chairman of the Board and Chief Investment Officer, RiverSource Investments, LLC, 2001-2005   None   Investment Review

 

* Interested person by reason of being an officer, director, security holder and/or employee of RiverSource Investments.

The Board has appointed officers who are responsible for day-to-day business decisions based on policies it has established. The officers serve at the pleasure of the Board. In addition to Mr. Truscott, who is Vice President, the other officers are:

Fund Officers

 

Name, Address, Age

  

Position Held

with the Fund and

Length of Service

  

Principal Occupation

During Past Five Years

Patrick T. Bannigan

172 Ameriprise Financial Center

Minneapolis, MN 55474

Age 43

   President since November 7, 2008    Director and Senior Vice President – Asset Management, Products and Marketing, RiverSource Investments, LLC and; Director and Vice President – Asset Management, Products and Marketing, RiverSource Distributors, Inc. since 2006; Managing Director and Global Head of Product, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, 2004-2006; President, Touchstone Investments, 2002-2004

Michelle M. Keeley

172 Ameriprise Financial Center

Minneapolis, MN 55474

Age 44

   Vice President since November 7, 2008    Executive Vice President – Equity and Fixed Income, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and RiverSource Investments, LLC since 2006; Vice President – Investments, Ameriprise Certificate Company since 2003; Senior Vice President – Fixed Income, Ameriprise Financial, Inc., 2002-2006 and RiverSource Investments, LLC, 2004-2006

Amy K. Johnson

5228 Ameriprise Financial Center

Minneapolis, MN 55474

Age 43

   Vice President since November 7, 2008    Vice President – Asset Management and Trust Company Services, RiverSource Investments, LLC since 2006; Vice President – Operations and Compliance, RiverSource Investments, LLC, 2004-2006; Director of Product Development – Mutual Funds, Ameriprise Financial, Inc., 2001-2004

Scott R. Plummer

5228 Ameriprise Financial Center

Minneapolis, MN 55474

Age 49

   Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since November 7, 2008    Vice President and Chief Counsel – Asset Management, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since 2005; Chief Counsel, RiverSource Distributors, Inc. and Chief Legal Officer and Assistant Secretary, RiverSource Investments, LLC since 2006; Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Ameriprise Certificate Company since 2005; Vice President – Asset Management Compliance, Ameriprise Financial, Inc., 2004-2005; Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, USBancorp Asset Management, 2002-2004

Lawrence P. Vogel 100 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017

Age 52

   Treasurer since 2000    Treasurer, Seligman Data Corp. since 2000. Senior Vice President, Investment Companies, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, from 1992 to 2008.

 

20


Fund Officers

 

Name, Address, Age

  

Position Held

with the Fund and

Length of Service

  

Principal Occupation

During Past Five Years

Eleanor T.M. Hoagland

100 Park Avenue,

New York, NY 10017

Age 57

   Chief Compliance Officer since 2004; Money Laundering Prevention Officer and Identity Theft Prevention Officer since 2008.    Chief Compliance Officer, RiverSource Investments, LLC since 2009; Chief Compliance Officer for each of the Seligman funds since 2004; and Anti-Money Laundering Prevention Officer and Identity Theft Prevention Officer for each of the Seligman funds since November 2008. Managing Director, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, and Vice-President for each of the Seligman funds, 2004 to 2008.

The Board initially approves an investment management services agreement and other contracts with the investment manager and its affiliates, and other service providers. Once the contracts are approved, the Board monitors the level and quality of services including commitments of service providers to achieve expected levels of investment performance and shareholder services. In addition, the Board oversees that processes are in place to assure compliance with applicable rules, regulations and investment policies and addresses possible conflicts of interest. Annually, the Board evaluates the services received under the contracts by receiving reports covering investment performance, shareholder services, marketing, and the investment manager’s profitability in order to determine whether to continue existing contracts or negotiate new contracts.

As of November 7, 2008, the Board has organized the following committees to facilitate its work (accordingly, no committee meetings have been held prior to such date):

Board Governance Committee. Recommends to the Board the size, structure and composition of the Board and its committees; the compensation to be paid to members of the Board; and a process for evaluating the Board’s performance. The committee also reviews candidates for Board membership including candidates recommended by shareholders. The committee also makes recommendations to the Board regarding responsibilities and duties of the Board, oversees proxy voting and supports the work of the chairperson of the Board in relation to furthering the interests of the Fund and its shareholders on external matters.

Compliance Committee. This committee supports the Fund’s maintenance of a strong compliance program by providing a forum for independent Board members to consider compliance matters impacting the Portfolios or their key service providers; developing and implementing, in coordination with the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), a process for the review and consideration of compliance reports that are provided to the Board; and providing a designated forum for the Fund’s CCO to meet with independent Board members on a regular basis to discuss compliance matters.

Contracts Committee. This committee reviews and oversees the contractual relationships with service providers and receives and analyzes reports covering the level and quality of services provided under contracts with the Series. It also advises the Board regarding actions taken on these contracts during the annual review process.

Distribution Committee. This committee reviews and supports product development, marketing, sales activity and practices related to the Fund, and reports to the Board as appropriate.

Executive Committee. This committee acts for the Board between meetings of the Board.

Investment Review Committee. This committee reviews and oversees the management of the Fund’s assets and considers investment management policies and strategies; investment performance; risk management techniques; and securities trading practices and reports areas of concern to the Board.

Joint Audit Committee. This committee oversees the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Fund and internal controls over financial reporting and oversees the quality and integrity of the Fund’s financial statements and independent audits as well as the Fund’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting, internal controls over financial reporting and independent audits. The committee also makes recommendations regarding the selection of the Fund’s independent auditor and reviews and evaluates the qualifications, independence and performance of the auditor.

 

21


Beneficial Ownership of Shares

As of December 31, 2008, the Directors beneficially owned shares in the Portfolios and the RiverSource complex of funds (which includes the Seligman funds) as follows:

 

Name

   Dollar Range of
Fund Shares
Owned by Director
  

Aggregate Dollar Range of Shares

Owned by Director in the Seligman Group of Funds (*)

INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS

Kathleen Blatz

   None    Over $100,000

Arne H. Carlson

   None    Over $100,000

Pamela G. Carton

   None    $50,001-$100,000

Patricia M. Flynn

   None    Over $100,000

Anne P. Jones

   None    Over $100,000

Jeffrey Laikind

   None    Over $100,000

Stephen R. Lewis, Jr.

   None    Over $100,000

John F. Maher

   None    Over $100,000

Catherine James Paglia

   None    Over $100,000

Leroy C. Richie

   None    Over $100,000

Alison Taunton-Rigby

   None    Over $100,000
AFFILIATED BOARD MEMBERS

William F. Truscott

   None    Over $100,000

 

* Total includes deferred compensation invested in share equivalents.

Compensation [TO UPDATE]

None of the New Board Members received any compensation from the Fund or any of the other Seligman funds for the year ended December 31, 2008. The New Board Members became Directors of the Fund and the other Seligman funds effective November 7, 2008 at the completion of RiverSource Investments’ Acquisition of Seligman. Only Messrs. Maher and Richie were Directors of the Fund during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. Messrs. Richie and Maher became directors/trustees of the RiverSource funds on November 12, 2008 and December 10, 2008, respectively. Accordingly, they did not receive any compensation from the RiverSource complex of funds during the year ended December 31, 2008. The “total compensation” received by the New Board Members relates only to the RiverSource-branded funds.

 

22


Name and

Position with Fund

   Aggregate
Compensation
from Fund (1)
   Pension or
Retirement
Benefits

Accrued as Part of
Fund Expenses
   Total compensation
from Fund and
Fund Complex Paid
to Directors (1)(2)

Kathleen Blatz

     N/A    N/A   

Arne H. Carlson

     N/A    N/A   

Pamela G. Carton

     N/A    N/A   

Patricia M. Flynn (3)

     N/A    N/A   

Anne P. Jones

     N/A    N/A   

Jeffrey Laikind

     N/A    N/A   

Stephen R. Lewis, Jr. (3)

     N/A    N/A   

John F. Maher (43)

   $ ___________    N/A   

Catherine James Paglia (34)

     N/A    N/A   

Leroy C. Richie

     ____________    N/A   

Alison Taunton-Rigby

     N/A    N/A   

 

 

(1) For the Fund’s year ended December 31, 2008. Messrs. Maher and Richie did not receive any compensation with respect to the RiverSource-branded funds for the year ended December 31, 2008. The New Board Members did not receive any compensation from the Seligman-branded funds for the year ended December 31, 2008. As of such date, the “Fund Complex” consisted of only the “Seligman Group of Funds.” Messrs. Maher and Richie did not receive any payments from the funds in the RiverSource complex of funds for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

(2) At December 31, 2008, which precedes the date that RiverSource Investments acquired Seligman, Messrs. Maher and Richie had oversight responsibilities for the Seligman funds, which consisted of 59 investment companies, including the Fund, and the New Board Members had oversight responsibilities of the RiverSource-branded-branded funds, which consisted of 104 investment companies. As of the date of this SAI, the RiverSource complex of funds consisted of 163 registered investment companies, including the Fund.

 

(3) Ms. Flynn, Mr. Lewis and Ms. Paglia elected to defer a portion of the total compensation payable during the period in the amount of $            , $             and $            , respectively.

 

(4) Compensation is being deferred.

The independent Board members determine the amount of compensation that they receive, including the amount paid to the Chair of the Board. In determining compensation for the independent Board members, the independent Board members take into account a variety of factors including, among other things, their collective significant work experience (e.g., in business and finance, government or academia). The independent Board members also recognize that these individuals’ advice and counsel are in demand by other organizations, that these individuals may reject other opportunities because the time demands of their duties as independent Board members, and that they undertake significant legal responsibilities. The independent Board members also consider the compensation paid to independent board members of other mutual fund complexes of comparable size. In determining the compensation paid to the Chair, the independent Board members take into account, among other things, the Chair’s significant additional responsibilities (e.g., setting the agenda for Board meetings, communicating or meeting regularly with the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, Counsel to the independent Board members, and the Funds’ service providers) which result in a significantly greater time commitment required of the Board Chair. The Chair’s compensation, therefore, has generally been set at a level between 2.5 and 3 times the level of compensation paid to other independent Board members.

The independent Board members are paid an annual retainer of $95,000. Committee and sub-committee Chairs each receive an additional annual retainer of $5,000. In addition, independent Board members are paid the following fees for attending Board and committee meetings: $5,000 per day of in-person Board meetings and $2,500 per day of in-person committee or sub-committee meetings (if such meetings are not held on the same day as a Board meeting). Independent Board members are not paid for special telephonic meetings. The Board’s Chair will receive total annual cash compensation of $400,000.

The independent Board members may elect to defer payment of up to 100% of the compensation they receive in accordance with a Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Plan”). Under the Deferred Plan, a Board member may elect to have his or her deferred compensation treated as if they had been invested in shares of one or more RiverSource funds and, as available, the Seligman funds, and the amount paid to the Board member under the Deferred Plan will be determined based on the performance of such investments. Distributions may be taken in a lump sum or over a period of years. The Deferred Plan will remain unfunded for federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. It is anticipated that deferral of Board member compensation in accordance with the Deferred Plan will have, at most, a negligible impact on Fund assets and liabilities.

 

23


Code of Ethics

Seligman

The funds in the RiverSource complex of funds (which includes the Seligman funds), RiverSource Investments, the investment manager for the Seligman funds, and the distributor for the Seligman funds, have each adopted a Code of Ethics (collectively, the “Codes”) and related procedures reasonably designed to prevent violations of Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. The Codes contain provisions reasonably necessary to prevent a fund’s access persons from engaging in any conduct prohibited by paragraph (b) of Rule 17j-1, which indicates that it is unlawful for any affiliated person of or principal underwriter for a fund, or any affiliated person of an investment adviser of or principal underwriter for a fund, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by the person of a security held or to be acquired by a fund (i) to employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud a fund; (ii) to make any untrue statement of a material fact to a fund or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to a fund, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; (iii) to engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on a fund; or (iv) to engage in any manipulative practice with respect to a fund. The Codes prohibit affiliated personnel from engaging in personal investment activities that compete with or attempt to take advantage of planned portfolio transactions for the fund.

Wellington Management

Wellington Management, subadviser for the Subadvised Portfolio, has adopted its own Code of Ethics meeting the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, which permits personnel covered by the rule to invest in securities that may be purchased or held by the Subadvised Portfolio. The Fund’s Board of Directors reviews the Code of Ethics of Wellington Management at least annually and receives certifications from Wellington Management regarding compliance with such Code of Ethics annually.

 

 

A copy of the Code of Ethics of each of RiverSource Investments and Wellington Management is on public file with, and is available upon request from, the SEC. You can access it through the SEC’s Internet site, www.sec.gov.

Proxy Voting Policies

Seligman

General Guidelines, Policies and Procedures

The funds uphold a long tradition of supporting sound and principled corporate governance. The Board, which consists of a majority of independent Board members, determines policies and votes proxies. The funds’ investment manager, RiverSource Investments, and the funds’ administrator, Ameriprise Financial, provide support to the Board in connection with the proxy voting process.

General Guidelines

Corporate Governance Matters — The Board supports proxy proposals that it believes are tied to the interests of shareholders and votes against proxy proposals that appear to entrench management. For example:

 

   

The Board generally votes in favor of proposals for an independent chairman or, if the chairman is not independent, in favor of a lead independent director.

 

   

The Board supports annual election of all directors and proposals to eliminate classes of directors.

 

   

In a routine election of directors, the Board will generally vote with management’s recommendations because the Board believes that management and nominating committees of independent directors are in the best position to know what qualifications are required of directors to form an effective board. However, the Board will generally vote against a nominee who has been assigned to the audit, compensation, or nominating committee if the nominee is not independent of management based on established criteria. The Board will also withhold support for any director who fails to attend 75% of meetings or has other activities that appear to interfere with his or her ability to commit sufficient attention to the company and, in general, will vote against nominees who are determined to have been involved in options backdating.

 

24


   

The Board generally supports proposals requiring director nominees to receive a majority of affirmative votes cast in order to be elected to the board, and opposes cumulative voting based on the view that each director elected should represent the interests of all shareholders.

 

   

Votes in a contested election of directors are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In general, the Board believes that incumbent management and nominating committees, with access to more and better information, are in the best position to make strategic business decisions. However, the Board will consider an opposing slate if it makes a compelling business case for leading the company in a new direction.

Shareholder Rights Plans — The Board generally supports shareholder rights plans based on a belief that such plans force uninvited bidders to negotiate with a company’s board. The Board believes these negotiations allow time for the company to maximize value for shareholders by forcing a higher premium from a bidder, attracting a better bid from a competing bidder or allowing the company to pursue its own strategy for enhancing shareholder value. The Board supports proposals to submit shareholder rights plans to shareholders and supports limiting the vote required for approval of such plans to a majority of the votes cast.

Auditors — The Board values the independence of auditors based on established criteria. The Board supports a reasonable review of matters that may raise concerns regarding an auditor’s service that may cause the Board to vote against a management recommendation, including, for example, auditor involvement in significant financial restatements, options backdating, material weaknesses in control, attempts to limit auditor liability or situations where independence has been compromised.

Stock Option Plans and Other Management Compensation Issues — The Board expects company management to give thoughtful consideration to providing competitive long-term employee incentives directly tied to the interest of shareholders. The Board votes against proxy proposals that it believes dilute shareholder value excessively. The Board believes that equity compensation awards can be a useful tool, when not abused, for retaining employees and giving them incentives to engage in conduct that will improve the performance of the company. In this regard, the Board generally favors minimum holding periods of stock obtained by senior management pursuant to an option plan and will vote against compensation plans for executives that it deems excessive.

Social and Corporate Policy Issues — The Board believes proxy proposals should address the business interests of the corporation. Shareholder proposals sometime seek to have the company disclose or amend certain business practices based purely on social or environmental issues rather than compelling business arguments. In general, the Board recognizes our fund shareholders are likely to have differing views of social and environmental issues and believes that these matters are primarily the responsibility of a company’s management and its board of directors.

Policies and Procedures

The policy of the Board is to vote all proxies of the companies in which a fund holds investments. Because of the volume and complexity of the proxy voting process, including inherent inefficiencies in the process that are outside the control of the Board or the Proxy Team (below), not all proxies may be voted. The Board has implemented policies and procedures that have been reasonably designed to vote proxies and to ensure that there are no conflicts between interests of a fund’s shareholders and those of the funds’ principal underwriters, RiverSource Investments, or other affiliated persons. In exercising its proxy voting responsibilities, the Board may rely upon the research or recommendations of one or more third party service providers.

The administration of the proxy voting process is handled by the RiverSource Proxy Administration Team (“Proxy Team”). In exercising its responsibilities, the Proxy Team may rely upon one or more third party service providers. The Proxy Team assists the Board in identifying situations where its guidelines do not clearly require a vote in a particular manner and assists in researching matters and making voting recommendations. RiverSource Investments may recommend that a proxy be voted in a manner contrary to the Board’s guidelines. In making recommendations to the Board about voting on a proposal, the investment manager relies on its own investment personnel (or the investment personnel of a fund’s subadviser(s)) and information obtained from an independent research firm. The investment manager makes the recommendation in writing. The process requires that Board members who are independent from the investment manager consider the recommendation and decide how to vote the proxy proposal or establish a protocol for voting the proposal.

On an annual basis, or more frequently as determined necessary, the Board reviews recommendations to revise the existing guidelines or add new guidelines. Recommendations are based on, among other things, industry trends and the frequency that similar proposals appear on company ballots.

 

25


The Board considers management’s recommendations as set out in the company’s proxy statement. In each instance in which a fund votes against management’s recommendation (except when withholding votes from a nominated director), the Board sends a letter to senior management of the company explaining the basis for its vote. This permits both the company’s management and the Board to have an opportunity to gain better insight into issues presented by the proxy proposal(s).

Voting in Countries Outside the United States (Non-U.S. Countries) — Voting proxies for companies not domiciled in the United States may involve greater effort and cost due to the variety of regulatory schemes and corporate practices. For example, certain non-U.S. countries require securities to be blocked prior to a vote, which means that the securities to be voted may not be traded within a specified number of days before the shareholder meeting. The Board typically will not vote securities in non-U.S. countries that require securities to be blocked as the need for liquidity of the securities in the funds will typically outweigh the benefit of voting. There may be additional costs associated with voting in non-U.S. countries such that the Board may determine that the cost of voting outweighs the potential benefit.

Securities on Loan — The Board will generally refrain from recalling securities on loan based upon its determination that the costs and lost revenue to the funds, combined with the administrative effects of recalling the securities, generally outweigh the benefit of voting the proxy. While neither the Board nor the funds’ administrator assesses the economic impact and benefits of voting loaned securities on a case-by-case basis, situations may arise where the Board requests that loaned securities be recalled in order to vote a proxy. In this regard, if a proxy relates to matters that may impact the nature of a company, such as a proposed merger or acquisition, and the funds’ ownership position is more significant, the Board has established a guideline to direct the funds’ administrator to use its best efforts to recall such securities based upon its determination that, in these situations, the benefits of voting such proxies generally outweigh the costs or lost revenue to the funds, or any potential adverse administrative effects to the funds, of not recalling such securities.

Investment in Affiliated Funds — Certain funds may invest in shares of other Seligman funds (referred to in this context as “underlying funds”) and may own substantial portions of these underlying funds. The proxy policy of the funds is to ensure that direct public shareholders of underlying funds control the outcome of any shareholder vote. To help manage this potential conflict of interest, recognizing that the direct public shareholders of these underlying funds may represent only a minority interest, the policy of the funds is to vote proxies of the underlying funds in the same proportion as the vote of the direct public shareholders. If there are no direct public shareholders of an underlying fund, the policy is to cast votes in accordance with instructions from the independent members of the Board.

A note with respect to underlying funds: The underlying funds and the funds-of-funds share the same officers, Board members, and investment manager, RiverSource Investments. The funds-of-funds do not invest in an underlying fund for the purpose of exercising management or control; however, from time to time, investments by the funds-of-funds in a fund may represent a significant portion of a fund. Because the funds-of-funds may own a substantial portion of the shares of a fund, procedures have been put into place to assure that public shareholders will determine the outcome of all actions taken at underlying fund shareholder meetings.

Deviations from Guidelines and Special Situations. RiverSource Investments recognizes that it may not always be in the best interest of the shareholders of the Fund to vote in accordance with the Guidelines on a particular issue. In such circumstances, RiverSource Investments may request permission from the Board to deviate from the Guidelines. The Board must approve any deviation from the Guidelines, and similarly, must approve the voting decision for proposals of a unique nature requiring a case-by-case analysis.

In making requests to the Board regarding deviations from the Guidelines or proposals requiring a case-by-case analysis, RiverSource Investments may rely on views of the management of a portfolio company, the views of its own investment professionals and information obtained from an independent research firm.

RiverSource Investments generally opposes, and supports the elimination of, anti-takeover proposals, including those relating to classified Boards, supermajority votes, issuance of blank check preferred and establishment of classes with disparate voting rights. However, RiverSource Investments will vote in support of proposals to adopt poison pills.

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, is available (i) without charge upon request by calling toll free (800) 221-2450 in the US or collect (212) 682-7600 outside the US and (ii) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information for each new 12-month period ending June 30 will be available no later than August 31 of that year.

 

26


Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities

Control Persons

As of January 30, 2009, there was no person or persons who controlled any Portfolio, either through a significant ownership of shares or any other means of control.

Principal Holders

As of January 30, 2009, the following shareholders were known by the Fund to own of record more than 5% of the outstanding shares of a class of a Portfolio:

 

Portfolio and Class

  

Shareholder Name and Address

   Percent
of
Class
 

Capital Portfolio-Class 1

  

Canada Life Insurance Company of America

8515 Orchard Rd 2T2

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

   94.26 %

Capital Portfolio-Class 1

  

First Great West Life

8515 Orchard Rd 2T2

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

   5.74 %

Capital Portfolio-Class 2

  

Kansas City Life Insurance Company

P.O. Box 219139

Kansas City, MO 64121

   92.26 %

Capital Portfolio-Class 2

  

Kansas City Life Insurance Company

2001 Universal Life

P.O. Box 219139

Kansas City, MO 64121

   5.26 %

Cash Management Portfolio-Class 1

  

Canada Life Insurance Company of America

8515 Orchard Rd 2T2

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

   100 %

Common Stock Portfolio-Class 1

  

Canada Life Insurance Company of America

8515 Orchard Rd 2T2

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

   100 %

Communications and Information Portfolio-Class 1

  

Canada Life Insurance Company of America

8515 Orchard Rd 2T2

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

   96.63 %

Communications and Information Portfolio-Class 2

  

Kansas City Life Insurance Company

P.O. Box 219139

Kansas City, MO 64111

   28.95 %

Communications and Information Portfolio-Class 2

  

Jefferson National Life Insurance

9920 Corporate Campus Drive

Suite 1000

Louisville, KY 40223

   19.31 %

Communications and Information Portfolio-Class 2

  

The Union Central Life Insurance Company

1876 Waycross Road

Cincinnati, OH 45240

   13.77 %

Communications and Information Portfolio-Class 2

  

First Variable Life Insurance

P.O. Box 830765

Birmingham, AL 35283

   9.24 %

 

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Portfolio and Class

  

Shareholder Name and Address

   Percent
of
Class
 

Communications and Information Portfolio-Class 2

  

AMERITAS Life Inc

1876 Waycross Road

Cincinnati, OH 45240

   12.58 %

Communications and Information Portfolio-Class 2

  

First Great West Life

8515 E. Orchard Road 2T2

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

   12.77 %

Global Technology Portfolio-Class 1

  

Canada Life Assurance Co.

Securities Accounting

330 University Ave., FL SP-12

Toronto, Ontario MG5 1R8

   50.13 %

Global Technology Portfolio-Class 1

  

Allianz Life

5701 Golden Hills Dr.

P.O. Box 1117

Minneapolis, MN 55440

   44.82 %

Global Technology Portfolio-Class 2

  

Jefferson National Life Insurance

9920 Corporate Campus Drive

Suite 1000

Louisville, KY 40223

   91.84 %

International Growth Portfolio-Class 1

  

Canada Life Insurance Company of America

8515 Orchard Rd 2T2

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

   100 %

Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio-Class 1

  

Canada Life Insurance Company of America

8515 Orchard Rd 2T2

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

   100 %

Large-Cap Value Portfolio-Class 1

  

Canada Life Insurance Company of America

8515 Orchard Rd 2T2

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

   94.59 %

Large-Cap Value Portfolio-Class 1

  

Jefferson National Life Insurance

9920 Corporate Campus Drive

Suite 1000

Louisville, KY 40223

   5.41 %

Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio-Class 1

  

Merrill Lynch Insurance Group Services

4804 Deer Lake Dr. E.,

Jacksonville, FL 32246

   12.12 %

Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio-Class 1

  

Allianz Life

5701 Golden Hills Dr.

PO Box 1117

Minneapolis, MN 55440

   84.41 %

Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio-Class 2

  

The Union Central Life Insurance Company

1876 Waycross Road

Cincinnati, OH 45240

   82.54 %

Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio-Class 2

  

Kansas City Life Insurance Company

P.O. Box 219139

Kansas City, MO 64111

   9.17 %

Management Ownership

As of January 30, 2009, the directors or officers did not own any Class 1 or Class 2 shares of any Portfolio. The Portfolios are available only to participating insurance companies to fund benefits of variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts and, in respect of Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio Class 2 shares, also to certain qualified pension and retirement plans. As such, a direct ownership of shares in the Portfolios is not available to individual investors, including the directors and officers.

 

28


Investment Advisory and Other Services

Investment Manager

With the completion of the Acquisition of Seligman by RiverSource Investments and with shareholders having previously approved (at a special meeting held on November 3, 2008) a new investment management services agreement between the Fund and RiverSource Investments (the “Management Agreement”), RiverSource Investments became the new investment manager effective November 7, 2008.

RiverSource Investments, 200 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55474, is also the investment manager of the other funds in the Seligman Group of Funds, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial. Ameriprise Financial is a financial planning and financial services company that has been offering solutions for clients’ asset accumulation, income management and protection needs for more than 110 years. In addition to managing investments for the Seligman Group of Funds, RiverSource Investments manages investments for the RiverSource funds, itself and its affiliates. For institutional clients, RiverSource Investments and its affiliates provide investment management and related services, such as separate account asset management, and institutional trust and custody, as well as other investment products.

Effective November 7, 2008, each Portfolio will pay RiverSource Investments a fee for managing its assets. The fees paid to RiverSource Investments will be the same annual fee rates that were paid to Seligman prior to November 7, 2008.

 

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Each Portfolio pays RiverSource Investments a management fee for its services, equal to a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the percentages were as follows:

 

Portfolio

  

Management Fee Rate

(as a % of average daily net assets)

Seligman Capital Portfolio

   0.40%

Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

   0.40%

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

   0.40%

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

   0.75%

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

  

1.00% on first $2 billion;

0.95% on next $2 billion;

0.90% thereafter

Seligman International Growth Portfolio

  

1.00% on first $50 million;

0.95% on next $1 billion;

0.90% thereafter

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

   0.40%

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

  

0.80% on first $500 million;

0.70% on next $500 million;

0.60% thereafter

Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

  

1.00% on first $500 million;

0.90% on next $500 million;

0.80% thereafter

With respect to Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, Seligman Global Technology Portfolio and Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio, RiverSource Investments has voluntarily agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse those Portfolios’ expenses to the extent that their “other expenses” (i.e., those expenses other than management fees, 12b-1 fees, interest on borrowings, and extraordinary expenses, including litigation expenses) exceed the expense caps indicated below. With respect to Seligman International Growth Portfolio and Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio, RiverSource Investments has contractually undertaken to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses to the extent the Portfolios’ “other expenses” (i.e., those expenses other than management fee, 12b-1 fees, interest on borrowings, and extraordinary expenses, including litigation expenses) exceed the expense caps indicated below. This undertaking will remain in effect at least until April 30, 2010 (2011, in the case of Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio).

 

Name of Portfolio

   Expense Cap
(% per annum of the Portfolio’s
average daily net assets)
 

Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

   0.30 %

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

   0.90  

Seligman International Growth Portfolio

   1.00  

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

   0.45  

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

   0.62  

The following table indicates the management fees paid and the amount of management fee waivers/expense reimbursements by Seligman for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. [TO UPDATE]

 

     2007    2006    2005

Portfolio

   Fee    Waiver/
Reimbursement
   Fee    Waiver/
Reimbursement
   Fee    Waiver/
Reimbursement

Seligman Capital Portfolio

   $ 44,328    $ —      $ 48,784    $ —      $ 55,303    $ —  

Seligman Cash Management Portfolio

     43,269      13,801      53,225      1,284      44,503      2,861

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

     28,080      —        30,887      —        37,592      —  

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

     430,167      —        436,632      —        460,159      —  

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

     85,706      97,403      88,392      58,789      87,304      51,263

Seligman International Growth Portfolio

     42,745      86,100      40,134      77,953      35,756      109,119

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

     7,934      32,224      9,445      36,099      13,372      28,416

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

     34,194      —        37,894      —        42,772      —  

Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

     2,203,083      —        2,279,238      —        2,584,715      —  

 

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Under the management agreements with respect to the Portfolios, other than the Subadvised Portfolio (the “Portfolio’s Management Agreement”), as well as the management agreement with respect to the Subadvised Portfolio (the “New Management Agreement,” together with the Portfolio’s Management Agreement, are collectively referred to as the “Management Agreements”) and subject to the control of the Board of Directors, Seligman manages each of the Portfolios of the Fund and administers the Fund’s business and other affairs. Under the Portfolios Management Agreements, Seligman is responsible for making purchases and sales of portfolio securities and determining how voting and other rights with respect to portfolio securities shall be exercised, subject in each case to the Prospectuses and the requirements of the 1940 Act and other applicable law.

Under the New Management Agreement, Seligman, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, manages the affairs of the Subadvised Portfolio and provides the services described in such agreement on the terms set forth therein. The New Management Agreement provides that Seligman will enter into a subadvisory agreement, pursuant to which Wellington Management will provide the Subadvised Portfolio with investment management services, including investment research, advice and supervision, determining which securities will be purchased or sold by the Subadvised Portfolio, making purchases and sales of securities on behalf of the Subadvised Portfolio and determining how voting and other rights with respect to securities of the Subadvised Portfolio shall be exercised, subject in each case to the control of the Board of Directors and in accordance with the objectives, policies and principles set forth in the Prospectus and the requirements of the 1940 Act and other applicable law. Pursuant to the New Management Agreement, Seligman continues to have responsibility for investment management services provided under the Subadvisory Agreement. Further, in the event Wellington Management ceases to provide such investment management services to the Subadvised Portfolio, they shall be provided by Seligman or by such other firm as may be selected by the Subadvised Portfolio and approved in accordance with applicable requirements. The New Management Agreement recognizes that Seligman also acts as the manager of all of the investment companies in the Seligman Group.

In connection with the performance of its duties under the Management Agreements, Seligman provides such office space, such bookkeeping, accounting, internal legal, clerical, secretarial and administrative services (exclusive of, and in addition to, any such services provided by any others retained by the Fund) and such executive and other personnel as shall be necessary for the operations of the Fund’s Portfolios. Seligman pays all of the compensation of directors of the Fund who are employees or consultants of Seligman and of the officers and employees of the Fund.

The Management Agreements provide that Seligman will not be liable to the Fund for any error of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss arising out of any investment, or for any act or omission in performing their duties under the Management Agreements, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of their obligations and duties under the Management Agreements.

The Fund pays all its expenses other than those assumed by Seligman, including shareholder servicing and distribution (“12b-1”) fees, fees and expenses of independent attorneys and auditors, taxes and governmental fees, including fees and expenses of qualifying the Fund and its shares under Federal and state securities laws, expenses of printing and distributing reports, notices and proxy materials to shareholders, expenses of printing and filing reports and other documents with governmental agencies, expenses of shareholders’ meetings, expenses of corporate data processing and related services, shareholder record keeping and shareholder account services, fees and disbursements of transfer agents and custodians, fees and expenses of Directors of the Fund not employed by or serving as a Director of Seligman or its affiliates, insurance premiums, interest on borrowings, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses. The Fund’s expenses are allocated among the Portfolios in a manner determined by the Directors to be fair and equitable.

The Management Agreement with respect to Seligman Capital Portfolio, Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, Seligman Common Stock Portfolio and Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio was initially approved by the Board of Directors on September 30, 1988 and by shareholders at a Special Meeting held on December 16, 1988. The Management Agreement with respect to Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio was initially approved by the Board of Directors on July 21, 1994. The Management Agreement with respect to Seligman Global Technology Portfolio was initially approved by the Board of Directors on March 21, 1996. The Management Agreement with respect to Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio was initially approved by the Board of Directors on March 19, 1998 and by the sole shareholder of each Portfolio on April 30, 1998. The New Management Agreement with respect to Seligman International Growth Portfolio was initially approved by the Board of Directors on December 5, 2003 and by shareholders at a Special Meeting held on December 4, 2003. The Management Agreements will continue in effect until December 31 of each year, with respect to each Portfolio if (1) such continuance is approved in the manner required by the 1940 Act (by a vote of a majority of the

 

31


Board of Directors or of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolios and by a vote of a majority of the Directors who are not parties to the Management Agreements or interested persons of any such party) and (2) Seligman shall not have notified the Fund at least 60 days prior to the anniversary date of the previous continuance that it does not desire such continuance. The Management Agreements may be terminated at any time with respect to any or all Portfolios, by the Fund, without penalty, on 60 days written notice to Seligman. Seligman may terminate the Management Agreements at any time upon 60 days written notice to the Fund. The Management Agreements will terminate automatically in the event of their assignment. The Fund has agreed to change its name upon termination of the Management Agreements if continued use of the name would cause confusion in the context of Seligman’s business.

Subadvisory Arrangement

On September 15, 2003, Wellington Management assumed responsibility for providing investment advisory services to the Subadvised Portfolio. Seligman manages the Subadvised Portfolio and Wellington Management is subject to Seligman’s supervision. The arrangement was initially approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund in respect of the Subadvised Portfolio on September 4, 2003. The engagement of Wellington Management was approved by the shareholders of the Subadvised Portfolio at a Special Meeting of Shareholders held on December 4, 2003.

At the September 4, 2003 meeting, the Board of Directors approved the New Management Agreement as well as a new subadvisory agreement (the “Subadvisory Agreement”), in respect of the Subadvised Portfolio, between Seligman and Wellington Management. The new management and subadvisory agreements became effective on December 5, 2003. Between September 15, 2003 and December 5, 2003, the Subadvised Portfolio were managed pursuant to interim agreements in accordance with the 1940 Act, as amended, that were substantially similar to the agreements approved at the Special Meeting of shareholders held on December 4, 2003.

The fees payable by the Subadvised Portfolio did not increase as a result of the engagement of Wellington Management. The fees of Wellington Management are paid by Seligman (not by the Subadvised Portfolio), and the fees payable by the Subadvised Portfolio to Seligman were unchanged, except that in connection with the engagement of Wellington Management, Seligman agreed to lower the breakpoints in its fee schedules for the Subadvised Portfolio.

Wellington Management is a Massachusetts limited liability partnership with principal offices at 75 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. Wellington Management is a professional investment counseling firm that provides investment services to investment companies, employee benefit plans, endowments, foundations, and other institutions. Wellington Management and its predecessor organizations have provided investment advisory services for over 70 years.

Under the Subadvisory Agreement, Wellington Management is responsible for providing investment advisory services to the Subadvised Portfolio. Wellington Management is also responsible for selecting brokers for the execution of purchases and sales on behalf of the Subadvised Portfolio.

Terms of the Subadvisory Agreement

Services. Under the Subadvisory Agreement, Wellington Management, subject to the control of the Board of Directors and in accordance with the objectives, policies and principles of the Subadvised Portfolio set forth in the applicable Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and the requirements of the 1940 Act and other applicable law, furnishes Seligman and the Subadvised Portfolio with such investment advice, research and assistance as Seligman or the Subadvised Portfolio shall from time to time reasonably request. In this regard, it is the responsibility of Wellington Management, in respect of the Subadvised Portfolio: (i) to participate in the development of the Subadvised Portfolio’s overall investment strategy and in the determination of investment allocations; (ii) to provide investment advice and research to the Subadvised Portfolio with respect to existing and potential investments in securities, including company visits and meetings with management; (iii) to determine securities and other assets for investment; (iv) to select brokers and dealers; (v) to cause the execution of trades, including foreign exchange dealings; and (vi) unless otherwise agreed to by Seligman, vote proxies solicited by or with respect to issuers of securities in which assets of the Series may be invested from time to time. Wellington Management’s responsibilities extend to the Subadvised Portfolio’s assets. Under the New Management Agreement, Seligman continues to have responsibility for investment management services provided under the Subadvisory Agreement.

 

32


Liability. The Subadvisory Agreement provides that, subject to Section 36 of the 1940 Act, Wellington Management shall not be liable to the Fund for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the performance of its duties under the Subadvisory Agreement except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Subadvisory Agreement, provided, however, that Wellington Management will be liable for any loss incurred by the Fund, the Subadvised Portfolio, the Manager or their respective affiliates to the extent such losses arise out of any act or omission directly attributable to Wellington Management which results, directly or indirectly, in a material error in the net asset value of the Subadvised Portfolio.

Compensation. Under the Subadvisory Agreement, Wellington Management receives in respect of the Subadvised Portfolio, each month a fee calculated on each day during such month at the annual rates set forth below:

 

Subadvised Portfolio

   Subadvisory Fee
as a Percentage of
Average Daily Net Assets
 

Seligman International Growth Portfolio

  

- up to $50 million

   0.45 %

- over $50 million

   0.40 %

This fee is paid by Seligman and does not affect the fee paid by the Subadvised Portfolio to Seligman pursuant to the New Management Agreement.

Expenses. Pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement, Wellington Management pays all of its expenses arising from the performance of its duties under the Subadvisory Agreement, other than the cost of securities, including brokerage commissions and similar fees and charges for the acquisition, disposition, lending or borrowing of the Subadvised Portfolio’s investments.

Termination. The Subadvisory Agreement will continue in effect from year to year if such continuance is approved in the manner required by the 1940 Act. The Subadvisory Agreement may be terminated at any time, with respect to the Subadvised Portfolio, without payment of penalty, by the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Wellington Management by vote of the Directors or by vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Subadvised Portfolio, as defined by the 1940 Act. The Subadvisory Agreement also provides that it may also be terminated, with respect to the Subadvised Portfolio, by Wellington Management or Seligman at any time upon not less than 60 days’ written notice to the other and to the Fund. The New Subadvisory Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment in respect of the Subadvised Portfolio, and upon termination of the New Management Agreement in respect of the Subadvised Portfolio.

Principal Underwriter

RiverSource Fund Distributors, Inc., formerly Seligman Advisors, an affiliate of RiverSourc Investments, located at 100 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, acts a general distributor of the shares of the Portfolios, the other Seligman mutual funds, as well as the funds in the RiverSource complex of funds. The distributor is an “affiliated person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of RiverSource Investments, which is itself an affiliated person of the Fund. Those individuals identified above under “Management Information” as directors or officers of both the Fund and the distributor are affiliated persons of both entities.

Services Provided by the Investment Manager

Pursuant to Management Agreements between the Fund and RiverSource Investments in respect of the Portfolios and subject to the control of the Board of Directors, RiverSource Investments manages the investment of the assets of the Fund’s Portfolios, including making purchases and sales of portfolio securities consistent with each Portfolio’s (other than the Subadvised Portfolio) investment objectives and policies, and administers the Fund’s business and other affairs. RiverSource Investments provides the Fund with such office space, administrative and other services and executive and other personnel as are necessary for Fund operations. RiverSource Investments pays all of the compensation of directors and/or officers of the Fund who are employees or consultants of RiverSource Investments, except as otherwise provided by Wellington Management.

Service Agreements

Other than the Subadvisory Agreement with Wellington Management, there are no other management-related service contracts under which services are provided to the Fund.

 

33


Other Investment Advice

No person or persons, other than directors, officers, or employees of RiverSource Investments, or Wellington Management, regularly advise the Fund’s Portfolios or Subadvised Portfolio, as the case may be, with respect to the Portfolios’ investments.

Rule 12b-1 Plan

Each Portfolio has adopted a Shareholder Servicing and Distribution Plan (“12b-1 Plan”) with respect to each Portfolio’s Class 2 shares in accordance with Section 12(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 12b-1 thereunder.

Under the 12b-1 Plan, each Portfolio, with respect to Class 2 shares, is authorized to pay monthly to the distributor, an annual shareholder servicing and distribution fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class 2 shares. The distributor uses this fee to make payments to participating insurance companies or their affiliates for services that the participating insurance companies provide to Contract owners of Class 2 shares including, but not limited to, (1) the printing and delivering of prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder reports, proxy statements and marketing materials related to the Portfolios to current Contract owners, (2) providing facilities to answer questions from current Contract owners about the Portfolios, (3) receiving and answering correspondence, (4) providing information to Seligman and to Contract owners with respect to shares of the Portfolios attributable to Contract owner Accounts, (5) complying with federal and state securities laws pertaining to the sale of shares of the Portfolios, (6) assisting Contract owners in completing application forms and selecting dividend and other Account options, and (7) other distribution related services. Additionally, the distributor may also use this fee to make payments to administrators or their affiliates for similar services provided to Qualified Plans and their beneficiaries. Because these 12b-1 fees are paid out of the Portfolio’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost of an investment in the Portfolio and may cost shareholders more than other types of charges related to an investment. The participating insurance companies will also provide such office space and equipment, telephone facilities, and personnel as may be reasonably necessary or beneficial in order to provide such services to owners. No fees payable pursuant to the Rule 12b-1 Plan are retained by the distributor. The total amounts paid by the Seligman Capital Portfolio, Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio, Seligman Global Technology Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio to the distributor in respect of Class 2 shares for the year ended December 31, 2008 and such amounts stated as a percentage of the Portfolios’ Class 2 shares’ average daily net assets, are as follows:

 

Portfolio*

   Total Fees
Paid
   % of Average
Net Assets

Seligman Capital Portfolio

     

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

     

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

     

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

     

Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

     

 

* There were no Class 2 shares issued or outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2008 with respect to the other Portfolios of the Fund.

RiverSource Investments, in its sole discretion, may also make similar payments to the distributor, participating insurance companies or Plan administrators from its own resources, which may include the management fee that RiverSource Investments receives from the Portfolios. Payments made by the Portfolios under the 12b-1 Plan are intended to be used to encourage sales of Class 2 shares to Contract owners, as well as to discourage redemptions and/or exchanges.

Fees paid by each Portfolio under the 12b-1 Plan in respect of Class 2 shares may not be used to pay expenses incurred solely in respect of Class 1 shares or any other Seligman mutual fund.

The amounts expended by the distributor in any one year with respect to Class 2 shares of a Portfolio may exceed the 12b-1 fees paid by the Portfolio in that year. Each Portfolio’s 12b-1 Plan permits expenses incurred by the distributor in respect of Class 2 shares in one fiscal year to be paid from Class 2 12b-1 fees in any other fiscal year; however, in any fiscal year the Portfolios are not obligated to pay any 12b-1 fees in excess of those described above.

The 12b-1 Plan with respect to the Class 2 shares of each Portfolio was initially approved on March 16, 2000 by the Board of Directors, including a majority of the Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the 12b-1 Plan or in any agreement related to the Plan (“Qualified Directors”). The 12b-1 Plan will continue in effect until December 31 of

 

34


each year, so long as such continuance is approved annually by a majority vote of both the Directors and the Qualified Directors of the Fund, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The 12b-1 Plans may not be amended to increase materially the amounts payable to the distributor without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant class. No material amendment to the 12b-1 Plans may be made except by a majority of both the Directors and Qualified Directors.

The 12b-1 Plans require that the Treasurer of the Fund shall provide to the Directors, and the Directors shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended (and purposes therefor) under the Plans. Rule 12b-1 also requires that the selection and nomination of Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Fund be made by such disinterested Directors. The 12b-1 Plans will be reviewed by the Directors annually.

Portfolio Managers [TO UPDATE]

Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers, and Compensation. For purposes of this discussion, each member of a Portfolio’s portfolio team is referred to as a “portfolio manager”. Set forth below, by Portfolio, for each portfolio manager is: (i) a Table A which identifies the number of accounts managed (other than the Portfolio managed by the particular portfolio manager) and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: other registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts; (ii) a separate Table B, as applicable, which identifies only those accounts that have an advisory fee based on the performance of the account; and (iii) an explanation of the structure of, and method(s) used to determine, portfolio manager compensation. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of December 31, 2008. For purposes of the tables, each series or portfolio of a registered investment company is treated as a separate registered investment company.

To reduce the amount of time that Seligman’s portfolio managers dedicate to marketing efforts and client services, its investment teams have experienced product managers that act as the primary liaisons between the distributor’s marketing department and that investment team. Although the distributor has an experienced product manager in respect of the Subadvised Portfolio, Wellington’s portfolio managers do not provide any significant marketing support to the distributor in respect of the Subadvised Portfolio.

Seligman Capital Portfolio:

Table A

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Other Registered Investment
Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Erik J. Voss

   7 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $3.66 billion in net assets under management.    0 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles.    20 Other Accounts with approximately $245.8 million in total assets under management.

Table B not applicable; Mr. Voss does not manage any accounts that have an advisory fee based on the performance of the account.

Compensation:

For the year ended December 31, 2008, as compensation for his responsibilities, Mr. Voss received (i) a fixed base salary; (ii) a fixed minimum bonus; and (iii) a bonus based on the investment performance of two other Seligman investment companies (one of which is managed similarly to Seligman Capital Portfolio) for which Mr. Voss serves as portfolio manager (the “Voss Funds”) as compared to the funds constituting the Lipper averages that include the Voss Funds.

 

35


Seligman Common Stock Portfolio:

Table A

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Registered Investment Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment

Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Dimitris J. Bertsimas

  

27 Registered Investment

Companies with

approximately $ 7.81

billion in net assets

under management.

  

2 Other Pooled Investment

Vehicles with

approximately $ 21.1

million in net assets

under management.

  

15 Other Accounts with

approximately $ 3.31 billion in net assets under

management.

Gina K. Mourtzinou

  

9 Registered Investment

Companies with

approximately $ 5.89

billion in net assets

under management.

   None   

5 Other Accounts with

approximately $ 118.9 million in net assets under

management.

Table B

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Registered Investment Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment

Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Dimitris J. Bertsimas

  

7 Registered Investment

Companies with

approximately $ 4.62

billion in net assets

under management.

   None    None

Gina K. Mourtzinou

  

6 Registered Investment

Companies with

approximately $ 4.04

billion in net assets

under management.

   None    None

Set forth below is an explanation of the structure of, and method(s) used to determine portfolio manager compensation. Also set forth below is an explanation of material conflicts of interest that may arise between a portfolio manager’s management of the Fund’s investments and investments in other accounts.

Compensation:

Portfolio manager compensation is typically comprised of (i) a base salary, (ii) an annual cash bonus, a portion of which may be subject to a mandatory deferral program, and may include (iii) an equity incentive award in the form of stock options and/or restricted stock. The annual bonus is paid from a team bonus pool that is based on the performance of the accounts managed by the portfolio management team, which might include mutual funds, wrap accounts, institutional portfolios and hedge funds. Funding for the bonus pool is determined by a percentage of the aggregate assets under management in the accounts managed by the portfolio managers, including the Fund, and by the short term (typically one-year) and long-term (typically three-year) performance of those accounts in relation to the relevant peer group universe. With respect to hedge funds and separately managed accounts that follow a hedge fund mandate, funding for the bonus pool is a percentage of performance fees earned on the hedge funds or accounts managed by the portfolio managers.

Senior management of RiverSource Investments has the discretion to increase or decrease the size of the part of the bonus pool and to determine the exact amount of each portfolio manager’s bonus paid from this portion of the bonus pool based on his/her performance as an employee. In addition, where portfolio managers invest in a hedge fund managed by the investment manager, they receive a cash reimbursement for the investment management fees charged on their hedge fund investments.

RiverSource Investments portfolio managers are provided with a benefits package, including life insurance, health insurance, and participation in a company 401(k) plan, comparable to that received by other RiverSource Investments employees. Certain investment personnel are also eligible to defer a portion of their compensation. An

 

36


individual making this type of election can allocate the deferral to the returns associated with one or more products they manage or support or to certain other products managed by their investment team. Depending upon their job level, RiverSource Investments portfolio managers may also be eligible for other benefits or perquisites that are available to all RiverSource Investments employees at the same job level.

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio:

Table A

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Other Registered Investment
Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Paul H. Wick

   4 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $4.5 billion in net assets under management.    4 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.8 billion in net assets under management.    5 Other Accounts with approximately $269.2 million in total assets under management.

Richard M. Parower

   4 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $4.5 billion in net assets under management.    4 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.8 billion in net assets under management.    5 Other Accounts with approximately $266.7 million in total assets under management.

Reema D. Shah

   4 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $4.5 billion in net assets under management.    4 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $_1.8 billion in net assets under management.    6 Other Accounts with approximately $266.2 million in total assets under management.

Sangeeth Peruri

   1 Other Registered Investment Company with approximately $4.1 billion in net assets under management.    4 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $2.0 billion in net assets under management.    9 Other Accounts with approximately $206.2 million in total assets under management.

Ajay Diwan

   4 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $4.5 billion in net assets under management.    4 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.8 billion in net assets under management.    7 Other Accounts with approximately $271.7 million in total assets under management.

 

37


Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio:

Table B

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Other Registered Investment
Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Paul H. Wick

   0 Other Registered Investment Companies.    2 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.7 billion in net assets under management.    1 Other Account with approximately $190.3 million in total assets under management.

Richard M. Parower

   0 Other Registered Investment Companies.    2 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.7 billion in net assets under management.    1 Other Account with approximately $190.3 million in total assets under management.

Reema D. Shah

   0 Other Registered Investment Companies.    2 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.7 billion in net assets under management.    1 Other Account with approximately $190.3 million in total assets under management.

Sangeeth Peruri

   0 Other Registered Investment Companies.    3 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.9 billion in net assets under management.    2 Other Accounts with approximately $205.0 million in total assets under management.

Ajay Diwan

   0 Other Registered Investment Companies.    2 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.7 billion in net assets under management.    1 Other Account with approximately $190.3 million in total assets under management.

Compensation:

As compensation for their responsibilities, each of Messrs. Wick, Diwan, Parower and Peruri and Ms. Shah received a base salary and bonus for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The bonuses were allocated (as described below) from a bonus pool which is based upon (i) the weighted-average pre-tax investment performance of the Seligman funds and institutional accounts managed by Seligman’s Technology Group (other than those attributable to funds in or contemplating liquidation) as compared with the investment results of a group of competitor funds over a rolling three-year period (ending November 30th); (ii) the annual revenues generated from such Seligman funds and accounts, and (iii) a portion of the management and performance fees generated for Seligman’s privately offered pooled investment vehicles.

The allocation of bonuses from the pool to each portfolio manager was based on numerous qualitative and quantitative factors relating to the particular portfolio manager, which included, among other things, an evaluation of: skills as a research analyst (i.e., quality of research); particular contributions to their investment team (as well as their contributions to other Seligman investment teams); ability to take initiative with respect to new roles/responsibilities; leadership abilities and potential for growth as a portfolio manager; ability to assimilate new concepts and ideas; ability to work within a team structure; and the competitive environment for the portfolio manager’s services. Mr. Wick reviewed the allocations with the President of Seligman prior to the payment of bonuses. Mr. Wick retained the balance of the pool, after allocating to each of the above portfolio managers and other members of Seligman’s Technology Group.

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio:

Table A

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Other Registered Investment
Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Richard M. Parower

   4 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $4.6 billion in net assets under management.    4 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.8 billion in net assets under management.    5 Other Accounts with approximately $269.2 in total assets under management.

 

38


Paul H. Wick

   4 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $4.6 billion in net assets under management.    4 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.8 billion in net assets under management.    5 Other Accounts with approximately $266.7 million in total assets under management.

Reema D. Shah

   4 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $4.6 billion in net assets under management.    4 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.8 billion in net assets under management.    6 Other Accounts with approximately $266.2 in total assets under management.

Ajay Diwan

   4 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $4.6 billion in net assets under management.    4 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.8 billion in net assets under management.    7 Other Accounts with approximately $271.7 million in total assets under management.

Benjamin Lu

   1 Other Registered Investment Company with approximately $413 million in net assets under management.    1 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $56.2 million in net assets under management.    1 Other Account with approximately $76 million in total assets under management.

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio:

Table B

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Other Registered Investment
Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Richard M. Parower

   0 Other Registered Investment Companies.    2 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.7 billion in net assets under management.    1 Other Account with approximately $190.3 million in total assets under management.

Paul H. Wick

   0 Other Registered Investment Companies.    2 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.7 billion in net assets under management.    1 Other Account with approximately $190.3 million in total assets under management.

Reema D. Shah

   0 Other Registered Investment Companies.    2 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.7 billion in net assets under management.    1 Other Account with approximately $190.3 million in total assets under management.

Ajay Diwan

   0 Other Registered Investment Companies.    2 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $1.7 billion in net assets under management.    1 Other Account with approximately $190.3 million in total assets under management.

Benjamin Lu

   0 Other Registered Investment Companies.    0 Other Pooled Accounts.    0 Other Accounts.

Compensation:

As compensation for their responsibilities, each of Messrs. Parower, Wick, Diwan and Lu and Ms. Shah received a base salary and bonus for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The bonuses were allocated (as described below) from a bonus pool which is based upon (i) the weighted-average pre-tax investment performance of the Seligman funds and institutional accounts managed by Seligman’s Technology Group (other than those attributable to funds in or contemplating liquidation) as compared with the investment results of a group of competitor funds over a rolling three-period (ending November 30th); (ii) the annual revenues generated from such Seligman funds and accounts, and (iii) a portion of the management and performance fees generated for Seligman’s privately offered pooled investment vehicles.

The allocation of bonuses from the pool to each portfolio manager was based on numerous qualitative and quantitative factors relating to the particular portfolio manager, which included, among other things, an evaluation of: skills as a research analyst (i.e., quality of research); particular contributions to their investment team (as well as

 

39


their contributions to other Seligman investment teams); ability to take initiative with respect to new roles/responsibilities; leadership abilities and potential for growth as a portfolio manager; ability to assimilate new concepts and ideas; ability to work within a team structure; and the competitive environment for the portfolio manager’s services. Mr. Wick reviewed the allocations with the President of Seligman prior to the payment of bonuses. Mr. Wick retained the balance of the pool, after allocating to each of the above portfolio managers and other members of Seligman’s Technology Group.

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio:

Table A

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Other Registered Investment
Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Neil T. Eigen

   3 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $744.4 million in net assets under management.    2 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $173.2 million in net assets under management.    1,383 Other Accounts with approximately $4.05 billion in total assets under management.

Richard S. Rosen

   3 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $744.4 million in net assets under management.    2 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $173.2 million in net assets under management.    1,383 Other Accounts with approximately $4.01 billion in total assets under management.

Table B is not applicable; neither Messrs. Eigen nor Rosen manage any accounts that have an advisory fee based on the performance of the account.

Compensation:

As compensation for their responsibilities, each of Messrs. Eigen and Rosen received a base salary and bonus for the year ended December 31, 2008. For purposes of this discussion, each of the above-named individuals is referred to as a “portfolio manager.”

Bonuses are comprised of a discretionary component and a performance component based upon (i) the annual revenues generated from the accounts under management for the portfolio managers’ investment team and (ii) the weighted-average pre-tax investment performance of such accounts in the following categories versus corresponding benchmarks over a rolling three-year period (ending November 30th for mutual funds and September 30th for all other accounts) as follows:

 

Seligman large-cap value mutual funds

   -    Lipper Large-Cap Value Funds Average

Seligman smaller-cap value mutual funds

   -    Lipper Small-Cap Value Funds Average

Large-cap value institutional accounts

   -    Callan Large-Cap Value Universe

Small-cap value institutional accounts

   -    Callan Small-Cap Value Universe

Large-cap value wrap accounts

   -    Callan Large-Cap Value Universe

Small-cap value wrap accounts

   -    Callan Small-cap Value Universe

With respect to Mr. Eigen, the discretionary component was also based upon, among other factors, the competitive environment for Mr. Eigen’s services.

Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio:

Table A

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Other Registered Investment
Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Neil T. Eigen

   3 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $559.5 million in net assets under management.    2 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $173.2 million in net assets under management.    1,383 Other Accounts with approximately $4.05 billion in total assets under management.

Richard S. Rosen

   3 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $559.5 million in net assets under management.    2 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $173.2 million in net assets under management.    1,383 Other Accounts with approximately $4.01 billion in total assets under management.

 

40


Table B is not applicable; neither Messrs. Eigen nor Rosen manage any accounts that have an advisory fee based on the performance of the account.

Compensation:

With respect to the compensation to Messrs. Eigen and Rosen for management of Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio, refer to the discussion, above, under the caption, “Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers, and Compensation Seligman Large-Cap Value PortfolioCompensation”.

Seligman International Growth Portfolio:

Table A

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Other Registered Investment
Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Andrew S. Offit

   13 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $6.1 billion in net assets under management.    16 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $5.6 billion in net assets under management.    21 Other Accounts with approximately $5.2 billion in total assets under management.

Jean-Marc Berteaux

   13 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $6.1 billion in net assets under management.    14 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $4.9 billion in net assets under management.    21 Other Accounts with approximately $5.2 billion in total assets under management.

Matthew D. Hudson

   13 Other Registered Investment Companies with approximately $6.1 billion in net assets under management.    15 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles with approximately $5.6 billion in net assets under management.    21 Other Accounts with approximately $5.2 billion in total assets under management.

Seligman International Growth Portfolio:

Table B

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Other Registered Investment
Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Andrew S. Offit

   0 Other Registered Investment Companies.    0 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles.    1 Other Account with approximately $186.9 million in total assets under management.

Jean-Marc Berteaux

   0 Other Registered Investment Companies.    0 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles.    1 Other Account with approximately $186.9 million in total assets under management.

Matthew D. Hudson

   0 Other Registered Investment Companies.    0 Other Pooled Investment Vehicles.    1 Other Account with approximately $186.9 million in total assets under management.

Compensation:

The Subadvised Portfolio pays Wellington Management a fee based on the assets under management of the Subadvised Portfolio as set forth in the Subadvisory Agreement between Wellington Management and Seligman on behalf of the Subadvised Portfolio. Wellington Management pays its investment professionals out of its total revenues and other resources, including the advisory fees earned with respect to the Subadvised Portfolio. The following information relates to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

Wellington Management’s compensation structure is designed to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals necessary to deliver high quality investment management services to its clients. Wellington Management’s compensation of the Subadvised Portfolio managers who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Subadvised Portfolio (“Investment Professionals”) includes a base salary and incentive components. The base salary for each Investment Professional who is a partner of Wellington Management is

 

41


determined by the Managing Partners of Wellington Management. A partner’s base salary is generally a fixed amount that may change as a result of an annual review. The base salaries for the other Investment Professionals are determined by their experience and performance in their roles as Investment Professionals. Base salaries for Wellington Management employees are reviewed annually and may be adjusted based on the recommendation of an Investment Professional’s manager, using guidelines established by Wellington Management’s Compensation Committee, which has final oversight responsibility for base salaries for employees of Wellington Management. Each Investment Professional is eligible to receive an incentive payment based on the revenues earned by Wellington Management from the Subadvised Portfolio managed by the Investment Professional and generally each other account managed by such Investment Professional. Each Investment Professional’s incentive payment relating to the Subadvised Portfolio is linked to the gross pre-tax performance of the Subadvised Portfolio managed by the Investment Professional compared to the MSCI EAFE Growth Index (prior to March 1, 2006, the MSCI EAFE Index) over one and three year periods, with an emphasis on three year results. Wellington Management applies similar incentive compensation structures (although the benchmarks or peer groups, time periods and rates may differ) to other accounts managed by the Investment Professionals, including accounts with performance fees.

Portfolio-based incentives across all accounts managed by an Investment Professional can, and typically do, represent a significant portion of an Investment Professional’s overall compensation; incentive compensation varies significantly by individual and can vary significantly from year to year. The Investment Professionals may also be eligible for bonus payments based on their overall contribution to Wellington Management’s business operations. Senior management at Wellington Management may reward individuals as it deems appropriate based on factors other than account performance. Each partner of Wellington Management is eligible to participate in a partner-funded tax qualified retirement plan the contributions to which are made pursuant to an actuarial formula as a partner of the firm. Messrs. Berteaux and Offit are partners of Wellington Management.

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio:

Table A

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Registered Investment Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment

Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Tom Murphy

  

8 Registered Investment

Companies with

approximately $10.1

billion in net assets

under management.

  

2 Other Pooled Investment

Vehicles with

approximately $871

million in net assets

under management.

  

14 Other Accounts with

approximately $10.2 billion in net assets under

management.

Jamie Jackson

  

18 Registered Investment

Companies with

approximately $23.3

billion in net assets

under management.

  

5 Other Pooled Investment

Vehicles with

approximately $2.77

billion in net assets

under management.

  

26 Other Accounts* with

approximately $6.8 billion in net assets under

management.

Scott Schroepfer

  

5 Registered Investment

Companies with

approximately $2.2

billion in net assets

under management.

   None    None

Todd White (1)

  

4 Registered Investment

Companies with approximately $277.3 million in net assets under management.

   None    None

 

42


Table B

 

Portfolio Manager

  

Registered Investment Companies

  

Other Pooled Investment

Vehicles

  

Other Accounts

Tom Murphy

  

3 Registered Investment

Companies with

approximately $1.26

billion in net assets

under management.

   None    None

Jamie Jackson

  

3 Registered Investment

Companies with

approximately $1.26

billion in net assets

under management.

   None    None

Scott Schroepfer

   None    None    None

Todd White (1)

   None    None    None

 

(1) Mr. White became a portfolio manager of the Portfolio on November 17, 2008, and his information in the tables above is provided as of such date.

Compensation:

Portfolio manager compensation is typically comprised of (i) a base salary, (ii) an annual cash bonus, a portion of which may be subject to a mandatory deferral program, and may include (iii) an equity incentive award in the form of stock options and/or restricted stock. The annual bonus is paid from a team bonus pool that is based on the performance of the accounts managed by the portfolio management team, which might include mutual funds, wrap accounts, institutional portfolios and hedge funds. Funding for the bonus pool for fixed income portfolio managers is determined by the aggregate market competitive bonus targets for the teams of which the portfolio manager is a member and by the short-term (typically one-year) and long-term (typically three-year) performance of those accounts in relation to applicable benchmarks or the relevant peer group universe. With respect to hedge funds and separately managed accounts that follow a hedge fund mandate, funding for the bonus pool is a percentage of performance fees earned on the hedge funds or accounts managed by the portfolio managers.

Senior management of RiverSource Investments has the discretion to increase or decrease the size of the part of the bonus pool and to determine the exact amount of each portfolio manager’s bonus paid from this portion of the bonus pool based on his/her performance as an employee. In addition, where portfolio managers invest in a hedge fund managed by the investment manager, they receive a cash reimbursement for the investment management fees charged on their hedge fund investments.

RiverSource Investments portfolio managers are provided with a benefits package, including life insurance, health insurance, and participation in a company 401(k) plan, comparable to that received by other RiverSource Investments employees. Certain investment personnel are also eligible to defer a portion of their compensation. An individual making this type of election can allocate the deferral to the returns associated with one or more products they manage or support or to certain other products managed by their investment team. Depending upon their job level, RiverSource Investments portfolio managers may also be eligible for other benefits or perquisites that are available to all RiverSource Investments employees at the same job level.

Material Conflicts of Interest. Set forth below is an explanation of material conflicts of interest that may arise between a portfolio manager’s management of the Fund’s investments and investments in other accounts.

Conflicts of Interest – RiverSource Investments:

RiverSource Investments portfolio managers may manage one or more mutual funds as well as other types of accounts, including hedge funds, proprietary accounts, separate accounts for institutions and individuals, and other pooled investment vehicles. Portfolio managers make investment decisions for an account or portfolio based on its investment objectives and policies, and other relevant investment considerations. A portfolio manager may manage

 

43


another account whose fees may be materially greater than the management fees paid by the Fund and may include a performance based fee. Management of multiple funds and accounts may create potential conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment opportunities, competing investment decisions made for different accounts and the aggregation and allocation of trades. In addition, RiverSource Investments monitors a variety of areas (e.g., allocation of investment opportunities) and compliance with the firm’s Code of Ethics, and places additional investment restrictions on portfolio managers who manage hedge funds and certain other accounts.

RiverSource Investments has a fiduciary responsibility to all of the clients for which it manages accounts. RiverSource Investments seeks to provide best execution of all securities transactions and to aggregate securities transactions and then allocate securities to client accounts in a fair and equitable basis over time. RiverSource Investments has developed policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, designed to mitigate and manage the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from the management of multiple types of accounts for multiple clients.

Portfolio managers may manage accounts in a personal capacity that may include holdings that are similar to, or the same as, those of the fund. The investment manager’s Code of Ethics is designed to address conflicts and, among other things, imposes restrictions on the ability of the portfolio managers and other “investment access persons” to invest in securities that may be recommended or traded in the fund and other client accounts.

Conflicts of Interest – Wellington Management:

Individual investment professionals at Wellington Management manage multiple accounts for multiple clients. These accounts may include mutual funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions such as pension funds, insurance companies, foundations, or separately managed account programs sponsored by financial intermediaries), bank common trust accounts, and hedge funds. The Subadvised Portfolio manager’s listed in the Prospectus who are primarily responsible for the day to day management of the Subadvised Portfolio (“Investment Professionals”) generally manage accounts in several different investment styles. These accounts may have investment objectives, strategies, time horizons, tax considerations and risk profiles that differ from those of Seligman International Growth Portfolio. The Investment Professionals make investment decisions for each account, including the Subadvised Portfolio, based on the investment objectives, policies, practices, benchmarks, cash flows, tax and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that account. Consequently, the Investment Professionals may purchase or sell securities, including IPOs, for one portfolio and not another portfolio, and the performance of securities purchased for one account may vary from the performance of securities purchased for other accounts. Alternatively, these accounts may be managed in a similar fashion to the Subadvised Portfolio and thus the accounts may have similar, and in some cases nearly identical, objectives, strategies and/or holdings to that of the Fund.

An Investment Professional or other investment professionals at Wellington Management may place transactions on behalf of other accounts that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made on behalf of the Subadvised Portfolio, or make investment decisions that are similar to those made for the Subadvised Portfolio, both of which have the potential to adversely impact the Portfolio depending on market conditions. For example, an Investment Professional may purchase a security in one account while appropriately selling that same security in another account. Similarly, an Investment Professional may purchase the same security for the Subadvised Portfolio and one or more other accounts at or about the same time, and in those instances the other accounts will have access to their respective holdings prior to the public disclosure of the Subadvised Portfolios’ holdings. In addition, some of these accounts have fee structures, including performance fees, which are or have the potential to be higher, in some cases significantly higher, than the fees paid by the Subadvised Portfolio to Wellington Management. Because incentive payments paid by Wellington Management to the Investment Professionals are tied to revenues earned by Wellington Management and, where noted, to the performance achieved by the manager in each account, the incentives associated with any given account may be significantly higher or lower than those associated with other accounts managed by a given Investment Professional. Finally, the Investment Professionals may hold shares or investments in the other pooled investment vehicles and/or other accounts identified above.

Wellington Management’s goal is to meet its fiduciary obligation to treat all clients fairly and provide high quality investment services to all of its clients. Wellington Management has adopted and implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures which it believes address the conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. In addition, Wellington Management monitors a variety of areas, including compliance with primary account guidelines, the allocation of IPOs, and compliance with the firm’s Code of Ethics, and places additional investment restrictions on investment professionals who manage hedge funds and certain other accounts. Furthermore, senior investment and business personnel at Wellington

 

44


Management periodically review the performance of the investment professionals. Although Wellington Management does not track the time an investment professional spends on a single account, Wellington Management does periodically assess whether an investment professional has adequate time and resources to effectively manage the investment professional’s various client mandates.

Securities Ownership. The Portfolios are available only to participating insurance companies to fund benefits of variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts and, in respect of Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio Class 2 shares, also to certain qualified pension and retirement plans. As such, a direct ownership of shares in the Portfolios is not available to individual investors, including the portfolio managers.

 

45


Brokerage Allocation, Portfolio Transactions and Other Practices

Brokerage Transactions

Both RiverSource Investments and Wellington Management (with respect to the Subadvised Portfolio) will seek the most favorable price and execution in the purchase and sale of portfolio securities of each Portfolio. When two or more investment companies in the RiverSource complex of funds or other investment advisory clients of RiverSource Investments or Wellington Management, as the case may be, desire to buy or sell the same security at the same time, the securities purchased or sold are allocated by RiverSource Investments or Wellington Management, as the case may be, in a manner believed to be equitable. There may be possible advantages or disadvantages of such transactions with respect to price or size of positions readily obtainable or saleable.

Portfolio Transactions

Debt securities are generally traded in the over-the-counter market on a “principal basis”. Trades on the over-the-counter market are normally directed by RiverSource Investments to dealers in the over-the-counter market acting as principal in accordance with applicable law.

Brokerage commissions of each Portfolio (except Seligman Cash Management Portfolio and Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, are set forth in the following table:

 

     Total Brokerage Commissions
Paid for Execution and
Statistical Services(1)(2)

Portfolio

   2008    2007    2006

Seligman Capital Portfolio

      $ 49,328    $ 79,548

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

        21,313      26,309

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

        249,116      331,475

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

        45,754      57,337

Seligman International Growth Portfolio

        24,729      17,559

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

        1,977      3,033

Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

        172,691      426,084

 

(1) Not including any spreads on principal transactions on a net basis.

 

(2) Changes in commissions paid from year to year result from, among other things, changes in portfolio turnover.

Commissions

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Fund did not execute any portfolio transactions with, and therefore did not pay any commissions to, any broker affiliated with either the Fund, RiverSource Investments, Wellington Management, or the distributor.

Brokerage Selection

RiverSource Investments and Wellington Management, in the case of the Subadvised Portfolio, select broker-dealers with the goal of obtaining “best execution”. RiverSource Investments and Wellington Management will consider a full range and quality of a broker-dealer’s services, such as price, market familiarity, reliability, integrity, commission rates, execution and settlement capabilities, ability to handle large orders, financial condition, technological infrastructure and operational capabilities, willingness to commit capital and the brokerage and research services provided or made available by the broker-dealer. These brokerage and research services, including supplemental investment research, analysis, and reports concerning issuers, industries, and securities, may be useful to RiverSource Investments and Wellington Management in connection with its services to clients other than the Fund. The relative weighting given to any of the criteria mentioned above depends on a variety of factors including the nature of the transaction, the market on which a particular trade is being executed and the number of broker-dealers making a market in the security to be traded. While RiverSource Investments and Wellington Management seek reasonably competitive spreads or commissions, the Portfolios do not necessarily pay the lowest possible spread or commission.

Although sales of investment company shares will not be considered in selecting broker-dealers to effect securities transactions, Seligman offers its investment products primarily through the broker-dealer selling networks and expects that nearly all broker-dealers that effect securities transactions for the investment companies of the Seligman

 

46


Group of Funds will have a relationship with RiverSource Investments or its affiliates to distribute shares of the investment companies or other investment products offered by RiverSource Investments. RiverSource Investments and Wellington Management rank broker-dealers through an internal voting process which considers the services provided by broker-dealers excluding investment company or product sales by that broker-dealer.

In connection with any agency trades, RiverSource Investments determines the reasonableness of the commissions to be paid to a broker-dealer based upon the quality of the brokerage and research services provided, or arranged for, and as a result, may select a broker-dealer whose commission costs may be higher than another would have charged.

RiverSource Investments and Wellington Management monitor and evaluate the performance and execution capabilities of broker-dealers through which they place orders and periodically review their policies with regard to negotiating commissions or mark-ups for the investment companies in the Seligman Group of Funds in light of current market conditions, statistical studies and other available information.

Regular Broker-Dealers[TO UPDATE]

During the year ended December 31, 2008, certain of the Portfolios of the Fund acquired securities of its regular brokers or dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or of their parents, as follows:

 

Portfolio

  

Name of Regular Broker or

Dealer or Parent

   Value of Securities
Owned at

December 31,
2008

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

   Morgan Stanley Co., Inc.   

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

   Lehman Brothers Inc.   

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

   Goldman Sachs & Co.   

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

   JPMorgan Chase   

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

   Bank of America Corporation   

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

   Wachovia Securities   

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

   Deutsche Bank   

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

   Prudential Financial Inc.   

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

   Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.   

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

   JPMorgan Chase   

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

   Bear Stearns & Co.   

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

   Lehman Brothers, Inc.   

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

   Morgan Stanley Co., Inc.   

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

   Prudential Financial Inc.   

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

   JPMorgan Chase   

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

   Bank of America Corporation   

Capital Stock and Other Securities

Capital Stock

The Fund is authorized to issue, create and classify shares of capital stock in separate series without further action by shareholders. The Fund presently offers nine separate series of common stock, each of which maintains a separate investment portfolio, designated as follows: Seligman Capital Portfolio, Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, Seligman Common Stock Portfolio, Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio, Seligman Global Technology Portfolio, Seligman International Growth Portfolio, Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio, Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio. Shares of capital stock of each Portfolio have a par value of $.001 and are divided into two classes, designated as Class 1 common stock and Class 2 common stock. Each share of a Fund’s Class 1 and Class 2 common stock is equal as to earnings, assets

 

47


and voting privileges, except that each class bears its own separate shareholder servicing and, potentially, certain other class expenses and has exclusive voting rights with respect to any matter to which a separate vote of any class is required by the 1940 Act or applicable state law. The Series has adopted a Plan (“Multiclass Plan”) pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act permitting the issuance and sale of multiple classes of common stock. In accordance with the Fund’s Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may authorize the creation of additional classes of common stock with such characteristics as are permitted by the Multiclass Plan and Rule 18f-3. The 1940 Act requires that where more than one class exists, each class must be preferred over all other classes in respect of assets specifically allocated to such class. Shares have non-cumulative voting rights for the election of directors. Each outstanding share will be fully paid and non-assessable, and freely transferable. There are no liquidation, conversion or prescriptive rights.

In accordance with current policy of the SEC, holders of the Accounts have the right to instruct the applicable participating insurance companies as to voting of Fund shares held by such Accounts on all matters to be voted on by Fund shareholders. Such rights may change in accordance with changes in policies of the SEC. Voting rights of the participants in the Accounts of participating insurance companies are more fully set forth in the prospectuses or disclosure documents relating to those Accounts, which should be read together with each Portfolio’s Prospectus. A Plan’s trustees generally holds the Portfolio shares sold to a Qualified Plan. The responsibility to vote these shares varies from Plan to Plan. Generally, more detailed information regarding the voting responsibilities relating to a specific Plan’s assets can be found in the Plan’s disclosure documents. These documents should be read in conjunction with each Portfolio’s Prospectus.

The Directors of the Fund have authority to create additional portfolios and to classify and reclassify shares of capital stock without further action by shareholders, and additional series may be created in the future. Under Maryland corporate law, the Fund is not required to hold annual meetings and it is the intention of the Fund’s Directors not to do so. However, special meetings of shareholders will be held for action by shareholders as may be required by the 1940 Act, the Fund’s Articles of Incorporation and By-laws, or Maryland corporate law.

Other Securities

The Fund has no authorized securities other than the above-mentioned common stock.

Purchase, Redemption, and Pricing of Shares

Purchase of Shares

Shares of the Fund’s Portfolios are only being offered to: (1) Accounts established by participating insurance companies to fund benefits of the Contracts and (2) with respect to Class 2 shares of the Communications and Information Portfolio, Qualified Plans. The Accounts may invest in shares of the Portfolios in accordance with allocation instructions received from the owners of the Contracts. A more detailed description of such allocations rights and information on how to purchase or surrender a Contract, as well as sales charges and other expenses imposed by the Contracts on their owners, are further described in the separate prospectuses and disclosure documents issued by the participating insurance companies and accompanying each Portfolio’s Prospectus. Qualified Plans may invest in shares of the Communications and Information Portfolio in accordance with applicable law and their own governing documents. Beneficiaries of such Plans are encouraged to consult their plan administrators for additional information. The Fund reserves the right to reject any order for the purchase of shares of the Fund’s Portfolios.

Offering Price

The net asset value per share of each Portfolio is determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) each day that the NYSE is open. Currently, the NYSE is closed on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

It is the policy of Seligman Cash Management Portfolio to use its best efforts to maintain a constant per share price equal to $1.00. Instruments held by Seligman Cash Management Portfolio are valued on the basis of amortized cost. This involves valuing an instrument at its cost initially and, thereafter, assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium, regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value of the instrument. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may result in periods during which the value, as determined by amortized cost, is higher or lower than the price the Portfolio would receive if it sold the instrument.

 

48


The foregoing method of valuation is permitted by Rule 2a-7 adopted by the SEC. Under this rule, Seligman Cash Management Portfolio must maintain an average-weighted portfolio maturity of 90 days or less, purchase only instruments having remaining maturities of 397 days or less, and invest only in securities determined by the Fund’s Directors to be of high quality with minimal credit risks. In accordance with the rule, the Directors have established procedures designed to stabilize, to the extent reasonably practicable, the price per share as computed for the purpose of sales and redemptions of Seligman Cash Management Portfolio at $1.00. Such procedures include review of the portfolio holdings by Seligman Cash Management Portfolio and determination as to whether the net asset value of Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, calculated by using available market quotations or market equivalents, deviates from $1.00 per share based on amortized cost. The rule also provides that the extent of any deviation between the net asset value based upon available market quotations or market equivalents, and $1.00 per share net asset value, based on amortized cost, must be examined by the Directors. In the event that a deviation of .5 of 1% or more exists between the Portfolio’s $1.00 per share net asset value and the net asset value calculated by reference to market gestations, or if there is any deviation which the Board of Directors believes would result in a material dilution to shareholders or purchasers, the Board of Directors will promptly consider what action, if any, should be initiated. Any such action may include: selling portfolio instruments prior to maturity to realize capital gains or losses or to shorten average portfolio maturity; withholding dividends or paying distributions from capital or capital gains; redeeming shares in kind; or establishing a net asset value per share by using available market quotations.

Generally, portfolio securities, including open short positions, are valued at the last sale price on the securities exchange or securities market on which such securities primarily are traded. Securities traded on an over-the-counter market are valued at the last sales price on the primary exchange or market on which they are traded. Based on policies approved by the Board of Directors, securities not listed on an exchange or security market, or securities for which there is no last sales price, are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and asked prices or by an independent pricing services based on bid prices which consider such factors as coupons, maturities, credit ratings, liquidity, specific terms and features, and the US Treasury yield curve, or are valued by RiverSource Investments based on quotations provide by primary market makers in such securities. Notwithstanding these valuation methods, certain Portfolios may adjust the value of securities in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. Since the closing prices for securities traded on markets and exchanges outside the US may not fully reflect events that occur after the local markets close but before the close of the NYSE, the Board of Directors of the Fund has approved “fair value” procedures under which a third party pricing service on a regular basis recommends adjustments to the local closing prices of certain foreign equity securities. The adjustments are based on a statistical analysis of the historical relationships between the price movements of a security and independent variables such as US market movements, sector movements, movements in the ADR of a security (if any) and movements in country or regional exchange-traded funds or future contracts. The factors used vary with each security, depending on which factors have been most important historically.

In addition, if RiverSource Investments concludes that the most recently reported (or closing) price of a security held by a Portfolio is no longer valid or reliable, or such price is otherwise unavailable, Seligman will value such security at fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Directors. This can occur in the event of, among other things, natural disasters, acts of terrorism, market disruptions, intra-day trading halts, or extreme market volatility. Short-term holdings maturing in 60 days or less remaining to maturity are generally valued at current market quotations or amortized cost if Seligman believes it approximates fair value. Short-term obligations with more than 60 days remaining to maturity will be valued at current market value until the sixtieth day prior to maturity, and will then be valued as described above for short-term obligations maturing in 60 days or less. Foreign currency exchange rates are also determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Directors.

For purposes of determining the net asset value per share of the Portfolio all assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies will be converted into US dollars on the basis of a pricing service that takes into account the quotes provided by a number of such major banks.

Purchase or redemption requests received by participating insurance companies and Qualified Plans by the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) are effected at the applicable Portfolio’s net asset value per share calculated on the date such purchase or redemption requests are received.

 

49


Redemption in Kind

The procedures for redemption of Fund shares under ordinary circumstances are set forth in each Portfolio’s Prospectus. In unusual circumstances, payment may be postponed, if: (i) the orderly liquidation of portfolio securities is prevented by the closing of, or restricted trading on, the NYSE; (ii) during periods of emergency which make the disposal by the Fund of its shares impracticable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Funds’ Portfolios to fairly determine the value of the Portfolios’ net assets; or (iii) such other periods as ordered by the SEC for the protection of the Fund’s shareholders. It is not anticipated that shares will be redeemed for other than cash or its equivalent. However, the Fund reserves the right to pay the redemption price to the Accounts in whole or in part, by a distribution in kind from the Fund’s investment portfolio, in lieu of cash, taking the securities at their value employed for determining such redemption price, and selecting the securities in such manner as the Board of Directors may deem fair and equitable. The Fund reserves the right to make such an in-kind distribution for redemptions in excess of 15% of a Portfolio. If shares are redeemed in this way, brokerage costs will ordinarily be incurred by the Accounts in converting such securities into cash. Participating Plans will also be subject to the policies and procedures set forth above.

Anti-Money Laundering

As part of the Fund’s responsibility for the prevention of money laundering, you may be required by the Fund, RiverSource Investments, the distributor or SDC or their respective service providers to provide additional information, including information needed to verify the source of funds used to purchase shares and your identity or the identity of any underlying beneficial owners of your shares. In the event of delay or failure by you to produce any requested information, the Fund, the distributor or SDC or their service providers may refuse to accept a subscription or, to the extent permitted or required by applicable law, cause a complete redemption of your shares from a Portfolio. The Fund, by written notice to you, may suspend payment to you of any proceeds or distributions if the Fund, the distributor or SDC or their service providers reasonably deem it necessary to do so in order to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including any anti-money laundering laws and regulations applicable to the Fund, the Portfolios, RiverSource Investments, the distributor or SDC or their respective service providers.

Arrangements Permitting Frequent Trading of Fund Shares

The Fund has no arrangements with any person to permit frequent trading of a Portfolio’s shares.

Taxation of the Fund

Each Portfolio of the Fund is qualified and intends to continue to qualify for tax treatment as a “regulated investment company” under certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Under such provisions, the Fund’s Portfolios will be subject to federal income tax only with respect to undistributed net investment income and net realized capital gain. Each of the Fund’s Portfolios will be treated as a separate entity. Dividends on Seligman Cash Management Portfolio will be declared daily and reinvested monthly in additional full and fractional shares of Seligman Cash Management Portfolio; it is not expected that this Portfolio will realize capital gains. Dividends and capital gain distributions from each of the other Portfolios will be declared and paid annually and will be reinvested at the net asset value of such shares of the Portfolio that declared such dividend or capital gain distribution. Information regarding the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund’s Portfolios is contained in the separate prospectuses or disclosure documents of the Accounts, which should be read together with this SAI.

Due to differences in tax treatment and other considerations, the interests of various Contract owners participating in a Portfolio and the interests of Plans investing in that Portfolio may conflict. The Fund’s Board of Directors will monitor for the existence of any material conflicts of interest and determine what action, if any, should be taken.

 

50


[TO UPDATE]

At December 31, 2008, the Portfolios listed below had net capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes which are available for offset against future taxable net capital gains. These amounts were determined after adjustments for certain differences between financial reporting and tax purposes, such as wash sale losses. Accordingly, no capital gain distributions are expected to be paid to shareholders of the Portfolios listed below until net capital gains have been realized in excess of the available capital loss carryforwards. There is no assurance that any Portfolio will be able to utilize all of its capital loss carryforwards before they expire. These net capital loss carryforwards expire in various fiscal years and amounts, as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Fiscal Year    Amount

Seligman Capital Portfolio

   2010    $ 6,090,930
         
   Total    $ 6,090,930
         

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

   2010    $ 520,011
   2011      366,561
         
   Total    $ 886,572
         

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

   2010    $ 7,829,523
   2011      5,578,202
         
   Total    $ 13,407,725
         

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

   2009    $ 4,220,678
   2010      4,941,506
   2011      108,762
         
   Total    $ 9,270,946
         

Seligman International Growth Portfolio

   2010    $ 481,074
         
   Total    $ 481,074
         

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

   2012    $ 1,136
   2013      65,533
   2014      75,090
         
   Total    $ 141,759
         

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

   2011    $ 56,757
         
   Total    $ 56,757
         

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Portfolios listed below utilized previous years’ capital loss carryforwards to offset the current year’s net realized capital gains, as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Loss
Carryforwards
Utilized

Seligman Capital Portfolio

   $ 2,268,040

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

     743,577

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

     10,929,731

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

     1,618,770

Seligman International Growth Portfolio

     1,050,077

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

     8,450

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

     427,789

Underwriters

Distribution of Securities

The Fund and the distributor are parties to a Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Agreement, dated March 16, 2000, under which the distributor acts as the exclusive agent for distribution of shares of the Portfolios. The distributor accepts orders for the purchase of Portfolio shares, which are offered continuously.

Compensation

The distributor, which is an affiliated person of RiverSource Investments, which is an affiliated person of the Fund, did not receive any commissions or other compensation from the Fund during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

Other Payments

RiverSource Investments and the distributor may make cash and non-cash payments to banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies, financial planning firms, third party administrators and other financial intermediaries (collectively, “Financial Intermediaries”), subject to RiverSource Investments’ and the distributor’s respective internal policies and procedures.

The distributor provides Financial Intermediaries with sales literature and advertising materials relating to the registered investment companies advised by RiverSource Investments (the “Seligman funds”). The disbributor also shares expenses with Financial Intermediaries for costs incurred in hosting seminars for employees and clients of

 

51


Financial Intermediaries, subject to the distributor’s internal policies and procedures governing payments for such seminars. These seminars may take place at the distributor’s headquarters or other appropriate locations and may include reimbursement of travel expenses (i.e., transportation, lodging and meals) of employees of Financial Intermediaries in connection with training and education seminars. Subject to the distributor’s internal policies and procedures, the distributor may provide any or all of the following to employees of Financial Intermediaries and their guest(s): (i) an occasional meal, a sporting event or theater ticket or other comparable entertainment; (ii) gifts of less than $100 per person per year; and/or (iii) the distributor’s promotional items of nominal value (golf balls, shirts, etc.).

In addition, Financial Intermediaries may have omnibus accounts and similar arrangements with Seligman Data Corp. (“SDC”), service agent for the Seligman funds, other than the Fund, and may be paid by SDC for providing sub-transfer agency and other services. Such expenses paid by SDC are included in the Annual Operating Expenses set forth in the Prospectuses for those other Seligman funds. The Fund’s transfer agent does not make these payments.

RiverSource Investments and/or the distributor have revenue sharing arrangements with certain Financial Intermediaries. Payments to these Financial Intermediaries are usually structured in any of three ways or a combination thereof: (i) as a percentage of gross sales; (ii) as a percentage of net assets attributable to the Financial Intermediary; or (iii) a fixed dollar amount.

The foregoing payments (which may take the form of expense reimbursements) by Seligman, Seligman Advisors and/or SDC may be made for shareholder servicing, promotion of Seligman Funds and other services provided by Seligman, such as advisory services to managed accounts, marketing support and/or access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the Financial Intermediaries. These payments are in addition to the 12b-1 fees and sales loads borne by shareholders, as well as the finders’ fees and loads paid by Seligman Advisors, as set forth in the Prospectuses or otherwise described above. Such payments may result in, or be necessary for, the inclusion of the Seligman Funds on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list, in various sales programs. Receipt by Financial Intermediaries of the foregoing payments or services could create an incentive for the Financial Intermediaries to offer a Seligman Fund in lieu of other mutual funds where such payments or services are not provided. Shareholders and/or Contract Owners should consult their Financial Intermediaries for further information.

Calculation of Yield and Performance Data

Total return and yield figures are based on each Portfolio’s historical performance and are not intended to indicate future performance. Average annual total return and yield are determined in accordance with formulas specified by the SEC. From time to time, Seligman has waived its fees and/or reimbursed expenses. Absent such waivers/reimbursements, returns would have been lower. To the extent still applicable and not contractually undertaken, such waivers/reimbursements can be discontinued at any time.

The average annual total returns for each Portfolio are computed by assuming a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 in the Portfolio, and assuming that all of the dividends and capital gain distributions paid by the Portfolio, if any, are reinvested over the relevant periods. It is then assumed that at the end of the periods presented, the entire amount is redeemed. The average annual total return is then calculated by calculating the annual rate required for the initial payment to grow to the amount which would have been received upon such redemption (i.e., the average annual compound rate of return).

The cumulative total returns for each Portfolio is computed by assuming a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 in the Portfolio, and assuming that all of the dividends and capital gain distributions paid by the Portfolio, if any, are reinvested over the relevant period. It is then assumed that at the end of the period presented, the entire amount is redeemed. The cumulative total return is then calculated by calculating the total value of the investment at the end of the period and dividing the difference between the amount of the hypothetical initial investment at the beginning of the period and its total value at the end of the period by the amount of the hypothetical initial investment.

The annualized yield quotations in respect of Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio are computed by dividing the Portfolio’s net investment income per share earned during the 30-day period by the offering price per share on the last day of the period. Income is computed by totaling the dividends and interest earned on all portfolio investments during the 30-day period and subtracting from that amount the total of all recurring expenses incurred during the period. The 30-day yield is then annualized on a bond-equivalent basis assuming semi-annual reinvestment and compounding of net investment income.

 

52


The annualized yield for the 30-day period ended December 31, 2008 for Class 1 shares of Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio was                 %. The average number of Class 1 shares of Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio was                 , which was the average daily number of shares outstanding during the 30-day period that were eligible to receive dividends. Yield quotations may be of limited use for comparative purposes because they do not reflect charges imposed at the Account level which, if included, would decrease the yield.

There were no Class 2 shares of Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2008, so no yield data is presented.

Seligman reimbursed certain expenses for certain of the Portfolios during the year ended December 31, 2008. Without these reimbursements, yields and total returns would have been lower and the annualized yield for the 30-day period ended December 31, 2008 for Class 1 shares of Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio would have been                 %.

The average annual total returns for each of the Portfolio’s Class 1 shares (except Seligman Cash Management Portfolio) for the one-, five- and ten-year periods ended December 31, 2008 (or for the respective shorter periods a Portfolio has been in operation) and their corresponding cumulative total returns for the ten-year periods ended December 31, 2008 or, if shorter, since inception, are presented below. [TO UPDATE TABLE]

 

     Inception Date
(if less than 10
years)
   10-Year (or
Since
Inception)
Cumulative
Total
Returns
    Average Annual Total
Returns
 

Portfolio/Class 1

        One
Year
    Five
Years
    Ten
Years
 

Seligman Capital Portfolio

      135.17 %   16.48 %   15.49 %   8.93 %

Seligman Common Stock Portfolio

      34.20     (1.60 )   10.80     2.98  

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

      166.21     15.37     19.55     10.29  

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

      153.41     15.45     15.81     9.74  

Seligman International Growth Portfolio

      64.64     22.67     21.38     5.11  

Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio

      56.50     5.59     3.44     4.57  

Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio

   5/01/98    63.15     9.43     16.44     5.19 *

Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

   5/01/98    240.37     4.14     16.87     13.50 *

 

* Since inception.

Presented below are the average annual total returns for each of the Class 2 shares of Seligman Capital Portfolio, Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio, Seligman Global Technology Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio for the one- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2008 and the period from the commencement of offering of Class 2 shares through December 31, 2008 and the cumulative total returns for Class 2 shares of each Portfolio since inception. There were no Class 2 shares outstanding during the periods shown with respect to the other Portfolios of the Fund, so no performance data is presented. [Class 2 shares of Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio are a newly offered Class].

 

Portfolio/Class 2

   Inception
Date
   Cumulative
Total Returns
Since
Inception
    Average Annual Total
Returns
 
        One
Year
    Five
Years
    Since
Inception
 

Seligman Capital Portfolio

   8/30/00    (11.48 )%   16.25 %   15.20 %   (1.65 )%

Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio

   5/01/00    (10.15 )   15.11     19.25     (1.39 )

Seligman Global Technology Portfolio

   5/01/00    (25.84 )   15.29     15.65     (3.82 )

Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio

   5/01/01    120.92     3.96     16.62     12.62  

The average annual and cumulative total return quotations may be of limited use for comparative purposes because they do not reflect charges imposed at the Account level which, if included, would decrease average annual and cumulative total returns.

The current yield of Seligman Cash Management Portfolio is computed by determining the net change exclusive of capital changes in the value of a hypothetical pre-existing account having a balance of 1 share at the beginning of a seven-day calendar period, dividing the net change in account value by the value of the account at the beginning of

 

53


the period, and multiplying the return over the seven-day period by 365/7. For purposes of the calculation, net change in account value reflects the value of additional shares purchased with dividends from the original share and dividends declared on both the original share and any such additional shares, but does not reflect realized gains or losses or unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Effective yield is computed by annualizing the seven-day return with all dividends reinvested in additional Portfolio shares.

The following are examples of the yield calculations for Class 1 shares of Seligman Cash Management Portfolio for the seven-day period ended December 31, 2008. Yield quotations may be of limited use for comparative purposes because they do not reflect charges imposed at the Account level which, if included, would decrease the yield. There were no Class 2 shares of Seligman Cash Management Portfolio outstanding during the period shown, so no yield data is presented.

 

Seligman Cash Management Portfolio - Class 1 shares   

Total dividends per share from net investment income (seven days ended December 31, 2008)

   $ _____________  

Annualized (365 days basis)

     _____________  

Average net asset value per share

     1.000  

Annualized historical net yield (seven days ended December 31, 2008)*

     _________ %

Effective yield (seven days ended December 31, 2008)**

     _________ %

Weighted average life to maturity of investments was [27] days at December 31, 2008.

  

 

* This represents the annualized average net investment income for the seven days ended December 31, 2008.

 

** Annualized average of net investment income for the same period with dividends reinvested.

Financial Statements

The Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2008 for the Fund’s Portfolios contains a portfolio of the investments of each Portfolio as of December 31, 2008, as well as certain other financial information as of this date. The financial statements and notes included in the Annual Report, which includes the Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte & Touche”), Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon, are incorporated herein by reference. The Fund’s 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders, which was audited by Ernst & Young LLP (“Ernst & Young”), the Fund’s former Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, and the unaudited financial statements and notes included in the Fund’s Mid-Year Report dated June 30, 2008, are also incorporated herein by reference. The Annual Report and Mid-Year Report will be furnished without charge to investors who request copies of this SAI.

General Information

Custodians. With the exception of each of Seligman Global Technology Portfolio and Seligman International Growth Portfolio, State Street Bank and Trust Company, 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64105, serves as custodian for the Fund, and in such capacity holds in a separate account assets received by it from or for the account of certain of the Fund’s Portfolios.

JP Morgan Chase Bank, One Pierrepont Plaza, Brooklyn, New York 11201, serves as custodian for each of Seligman Global Technology Portfolio and Seligman International Growth Portfolio, and in such capacity holds in a separate account assets received by it from or for the account of each of these Portfolios of the Fund.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, has been selected as auditors of the Fund. Their address is Two World Financial Center, New York, New York 10281.

On July 18, 2007, Ernst & Young resigned as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm.

The reports of Ernst & Young on the Fund’s financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

 

54


During the Fund’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the subsequent interim period preceding such resignation, (a) there were no disagreements with Ernst & Young on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Ernst & Young, would have caused them to make reference thereto in their reports on the Fund’s financial statements and (b) there were no reportable events as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

The Fund has furnished a copy of the above disclosure to Ernst & Young and in response to the Fund’s request Ernst & Young has furnished the Fund with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not it agrees with the above statements. A copy of such letter dated August 28, 2007 is attached as Exhibit 77Q1(f) to the Fund’s Form N-SAR filed on August 28, 2007.

On July 18, 2007, Deloitte & Touche was appointed by the Fund’s Audit Committee as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Fund’s financial statements for the 2007 fiscal year, and on July 19, 2007, the selection of Deloitte & Touche as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 2007 fiscal year was approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors, including a majority of Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.

During the Fund’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the subsequent interim period preceding Deloitte & Touche’s appointment, neither the Fund nor anyone on behalf of the Fund consulted with Deloitte & Touche on any matter regarding: (1) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Fund’s financial statements, and neither a written report was provided to the Fund nor oral advice was provided that Deloitte & Touche concluded was an important factor considered by the Fund in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (2) either a disagreement or a reportable event, as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) and (v) of Regulation S-K, respectively.

 

55


PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 23. Exhibits.

All Exhibits listed below have been previously filed and are incorporated herein by reference, except those Exhibits marked with an asterisk (*), which will be filed by amendment.

 

(a) Articles of Incorporation.

 

  (1) Articles Supplementary in respect of Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio filed December 17, 2004, effective January 1, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 filed on April 29, 2005.)

 

  (2) Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Amendment and Restatement in respect of Seligman Income and Growth Portfolio (formerly, Seligman Income Portfolio) filed April 24, 2003. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 filed on April 16, 2004.)

 

  (3) Form of Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Articles of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 filed on April 28, 1998.)

 

  (4) Articles Supplementary in respect of Seligman Large-Cap Growth Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 filed on April 28, 1999.)

 

  (5) Articles Supplementary in respect of Class 2 shares of the Portfolios. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 filed on April 28, 2000.)

 

  (6) Articles of Amendment dated April 24, 2002, in respect of Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio (formerly, Seligman Bond Portfolio). (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 filed on April 30, 2002.)

 

(b) Amended and Restated By-laws of Registrant. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 filed on April 24, 2006).

 

(c) Not applicable.

 

(d) Investment Management Agreements.

 

  (1) *Form of Subadvisory Agreement dated November 7, 2008 between the Registrant, RiverSource Investments, LLC and Wellington Management Company LLP, in respect of Seligman International Growth Portfolio.

 

  (2) *Form of Management Agreement dated November 7, 2008 between the Registrant and RiverSource Investments, LLC

 

  (8) *Form of Waiver/Reimbursement Agreement(s).

 

(e) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Agreement between Registrant and RiverSource Fund Distributors, Inc. (formerly, Seligman Advisors, Inc.). (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 filed on April 28, 2000.)

 

C-1


PART C. OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

 

(f) Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors/Trustees of RiverSource complex of funds. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registration Statement of Seligman Core Fixed Income Fund, Inc. (File No. 811-10423) filed on January 28, 2009.)

 

(g) Custodian Agreements.

 

  (1) Form of Custodian Agreement in respect of Seligman Capital Portfolio, Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, Seligman Common Stock Portfolio and Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio (formerly, Seligman Bond Portfolio). (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 filed on April 28, 1998.)

 

  (2) Form of First Amendment to Custodian Agreement in respect of Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 filed on April 28, 1998.)

 

  (3) Form of Recordkeeping Agreement in respect of Seligman International Growth Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 filed on April 28, 1998.)

 

  (4) Second Amendment to Recordkeeping Agreement in respect of Seligman Global Technology Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 filed on May 2, 1996.)

 

  (5) Custodian Agreement between Registrant and Morgan Stanley Trust Company in respect of the International Portfolios. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed on November 1, 1996.)

 

  (6) Form of Custody Agreement between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 filed on April 29, 2008.)

 

(h) Other Material Contracts.

 

  (1) Form of Buy/Sell Agreement between Registrant and Canada Life Insurance Company of America. (Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 filed on April 28, 1998.)

 

  (2) Form of Participation Agreement. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 filed on April 28, 2000.)

 

  (3) Agency Agreement between Investors Fiduciary Trust Company, acting as Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, and the Fund in respect of Seligman Capital Portfolio, Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, Seligman Common Stock Portfolio and Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio (formerly, Seligman Bond Portfolio). (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 filed on April 28, 1998.)

 

  (4) First Amendment to Agency Agreement between Investors Fiduciary Trust Company, acting as Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, and the Fund in respect of Seligman International Growth Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 filed on April 28, 1998.)

 

  (5) Second Amendment to Agency Agreement between Investors Fiduciary Trust Company, acting as Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, and the Fund in respect of Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 filed on April 28, 1998.)

 

  (6) Fourth Amendment to Agency Agreement between Investors Fiduciary Trust Company, acting as Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, and the Fund in respect of Seligman Global Technology Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 filed May 2, 1996.)

 

C-2


PART C. OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

 

  (7) Form of Promotional Agent Distribution Agreement between RiverSource Fund Distributors, Inc. (formerly, Seligman Advisors, Inc.), on behalf of Registrant and Canada Life Insurance Company of America. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 filed on April 28, 1998.)

 

  (8) Form of Selling Agreement between RiverSource Fund Distributors, Inc. (formerly, Seligman Advisors, Inc.), on behalf of Registrant and Canada Life Insurance Company of America. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 filed on April 28, 1998.)

 

(i) Opinion and Consent of Counsel.

 

  (1) Opinion and Consent of Counsel with respect to Class 2 shares of the Portfolios. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 filed on April 28, 2000.)

 

  (2) Opinion and Consent of Counsel on behalf of Registrant’s Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio (formerly, Seligman Bond Portfolio), Seligman Capital Portfolio, Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, and Seligman Common Stock Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No 25 filed on April 28, 1999.)

 

  (3) Opinion and Consent of Counsel on behalf of Registrant’s Seligman International Growth Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 filed on April 29, 1994.)

 

  (4) Opinion and Consent of Counsel on behalf of Registrant’s Seligman Communications and Information Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 filed on September 30, 1994.)

 

  (5) Opinion and Consent of Counsel on behalf of Registrant’s Seligman Global Technology Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 filed on May 1, 1996.)

 

  (6) Opinion and Consent of Counsel on behalf of Registrant’s Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio and Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 filed on June 1, 1998.)

 

(j) *Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

 

(k) Not applicable.

 

(l) Initial Capital Agreements.

 

  (1) Form of Investment Letter of the Registrant on behalf of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolios. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 filed on April 28, 2000.)

 

  (2) Form of Investment Letter on behalf of Registrant’s Seligman Large-Cap Value Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 filed on April 28, 1999.)

 

  (3) Form of Investment Letter on behalf of Registrant’s Seligman Smaller-Cap Value Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 filed on April 28, 1999.)

 

  (4) Form of Purchase Agreement on behalf of Registrant’s Seligman Capital Portfolio, Seligman Cash Management Portfolio, Seligman Common Stock Portfolio and Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio (formerly, Seligman Bond Portfolio). (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 filed on April 28, 1998.)

 

C-3


PART C. OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

 

  (5) Investment Letter on behalf of Registrant’s Seligman International Growth Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 filed on April 28, 1998.)

 

  (6) Investment Letter on behalf of Registrant’s Seligman Global Technology Portfolio. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 filed on May 2, 1996.)

 

(m) Rule 12b-1 Plan.

 

  (1) Shareholder Servicing and Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 with respect to Class 2 shares of the Portfolios. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 filed on April 28, 2000.)

 

  (2) Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement with respect to Class 2 shares of the Portfolios between Seligman Advisors, Inc. and Participating Insurance Companies. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 filed on April 28, 2000.)

 

(n) Plan of Multiple Classes of Shares (two Classes) pursuant to Rule 18f-3. (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 filed on April 28, 2000.)

 

(p) Code of Ethics adopted under Rule 17j-1 for Registrant dated November 2008. (Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registration Statement of Seligman Core Fixed Income Fund, Inc. (File No. 811-10423) filed on January 28, 2009).

 

(p)(1) Codes of Ethics adopted under Rule 17j-1 for Registrant’s principal underwriter, dated April 2008 and November 15, 2008. (Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registration Statement of Seligman Core Fixed Income Fund, Inc. (File No. 811-10423) filed on January 28, 2009).

 

(p)(2) Code of Ethics adopted under Rule 17j-1 for Registrant's investment adviser, dated Nov. 15, 2008. (Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registration Statement of Seligman Core Fixed Income Fund, Inc. (File No. 811-10423) filed on January 28, 2009).

 

(Other Exhibits)    (a) Directors/Trustees Powers of Attorney. (Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registration Statement of Seligman Core Fixed Income Fund, Inc. (File No. 811-10423) filed on January 28, 2009.)

 

Item 24. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant. RiverSource Investments, LLC, as sponsor of the Seligman funds, which are part of the RiverSource complex of funds, may make initial capital investments in funds (seed accounts). RiverSource Investments also serves as investment manager of certain funds-of-funds that invest primarily in Class I shares of affiliated funds (the “underlying funds”). RiverSource Investments does not make initial capital investments or invest in underlying funds for the purpose of exercising control. However, since these ownership interests may be significant, in excess of 25%, such that RiverSource Investments may be deemed to control certain funds, procedures have been put in place to assure that public shareholders determine the outcome of all actions taken at shareholder meetings. Specifically, RiverSource Investments (which votes proxies for the seed accounts) and the Boards of Directors or Trustees of the funds-of-funds (which votes proxies for the funds-of-funds) vote on each proposal in the same proportion that other shareholders vote on the proposal.

 

C-4


PART C. OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 25. Indemnification. Reference is made to the provisions of Article Eleventh of Registrant’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation filed as Exhibit 24(b)(1) of Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registration Statement filed on April 28, 1998 and Article X of Registrant’s Amended and Restated By-laws filed as Exhibit Item 23(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 filed on April 24, 2006.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised by the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

Item 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser. RiverSource Investments, LLC, a Delaware corporation, (“RiverSource Investments”), is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). The list required by this Item 26 of officers and directors of RiverSource Investments, together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors for at least the last two fiscal years, is incorporated by reference to Item 26 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registration Statement of Seligman Core Fixed Income Fund, Inc. (File No. 811-10423) filed on January 28, 2009.

Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington Management”) is the subadviser for Seligman International Growth Portfolio, and is an investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act. In respect of this Item 26, during the past two fiscal years, none of the officers or directors of Wellington Management has engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature.

 

Item 27. Principal Underwriters.

 

(a) RiverSource Fund Distributors, Inc. acts as principal underwriter for the following investment companies:

 

  THE SELIGMAN FAMILY OF FUNDS: Seligman Asset Allocation Series, Inc., Seligman Capital Fund, Inc., Seligman Cash Management Fund, Inc., Seligman Common Stock Fund, Inc., Seligman Communications and Information Fund, Inc., Seligman Core Fixed Income Fund, Inc., Seligman Frontier Fund, Inc., Seligman Growth Fund, Inc., Seligman Global Fund Series, Inc., Seligman High Income Fund Series, Seligman Income and Growth Fund, Inc., Seligman LaSalle Real Estate Fund Series, Inc., Seligman Municipal Fund Series, Inc., Seligman Municipal Series Trust, Seligman New Jersey Municipal Fund, Inc., Seligman Pennsylvania Municipal Fund Series, Seligman Portfolios, Inc., Seligman TargetHorizon ETF Portfolios, Inc. and Seligman Value Fund Series, Inc.

 

C-5


PART C. OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

 

  THE RIVERSOURCE FAMILY OF FUNDS: RiverSource Bond Series, Inc.; RiverSource California Tax-Exempt Trust; RiverSource Dimensions Series, Inc.; RiverSource Diversified Income Series, Inc.; RiverSource Equity Series, Inc.; RiverSource Global Series, Inc.; RiverSource Government Income Series, Inc.; RiverSource High Yield Income Series, Inc.; RiverSource Income Series, Inc.; RiverSource International Managers Series, Inc.; RiverSource International Series, Inc.; RiverSource Investment Series, Inc.; RiverSource Large Cap Series, Inc.; RiverSource Managers Series, Inc.; RiverSource Market Advantage Series, Inc.; RiverSource Money Market Series, Inc.; RiverSource Sector Series, Inc.; RiverSource Selected Series, Inc.; RiverSource Series Trust; RiverSource Special Tax-Exempt Series Trust; RiverSource Strategic Allocation Series; Inc., RiverSource Strategy Series, Inc.; RiverSource Tax-Exempt Income Series, Inc.; RiverSource Tax-Exempt Money Market Series, Inc. and RiverSource Tax-Exempt Series, Inc.

 

C-6


PART C. OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

 

(b) Name of each director, officer or partner of Registrant’s principal underwriter named in response to Item 20:

RiverSource Fund Distributors, Inc.

As of January 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

(1)

Name and Principal

Business Address

  

(2)

Positions and Offices

with Underwriter

  

(3)

Positions and Offices

with Registrant

Patrick Thomas Bannigan**

   Director and Vice President    President

Walter S. Berman**

   Treasurer    None

Paul J. Dolan**

   Chief Operating Officer and Chief Administrative Officer    None

Peter A. Gallus**

   Vice President and Chief Operating Officer    None

Jeffrey P. Fox**

   Chief Financial Officer    Treasurer

Eleanor T.M. Hoagland*

   Anti-Money Laundering Officer    Chief Compliance Officer, Money Laundering Prevention Officer and Identity Theft Prevention Officer

Christopher P. Keating**

   Vice President    None

Jeffrey Lee McGregor, Sr.**

   Director and President    None

Thomas R. Moore**

   Secretary    None

Brian W. Mitchell*

   Chief Compliance Officer    None

Scott Roane Plummer**

   Chief Counsel    Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

William Frederick ‘Ted’ Truscott**

   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer    Board Member and Vice President

 

* The principal business address of each of these directors and/or officers is 100 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017.

 

** The principal business address of each of these directors and/or officers is 50611 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, MN 55474Seligman

 

C-7


PART C. OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

 

(c) Not Applicable.

 

Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records. The accounts, books and documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder are kept in the possession of RiverSource Investments, LLC at its offices at 100 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 and 200 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, MN 55474 or at the following locations: (1) State Street Bank and Trust Company, 801 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, Missouri 64105, custodian of the Registrant’s cash and securities and also agent performing certain accounting and record-keeping functions relating to portfolio transactions and calculating the net asset value of the Registrant, (2) Seligman Data Corp., 100 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017, shareholder service agent, maintains shareholder records for the Registrant, (3) Ameriprise Financial, Inc., 707 Second Avenue, South Minneapolis, MN 55402, and Iron Mountain Records Management, 920 & 950 Apollo Road, Eagan, MN 55121. Iron Mountain Records management is an off-site storage facility housing historical records that are no longer required to be maintained on-site. Records stored at this facility include various trading and accounting records, as well as other miscellaneous records.

 

Item 29. Management Services. Not applicable.

 

Item 30. Undertakings. Not applicable.

 

C-8


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Minneapolis, State of Minnesota, on the 27th day of February, 2009.

 

SELIGMAN PORTFOLIOS, INC.
By:   /s/ Patrick T. Bannigan
  Patrick T. Bannigan, President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 has been signed below by the following persons, in the capacities indicated on February 27, 2009.

 

Signature

       

Title

    

/s/ Patrick T. Bannigan

Patrick T. Bannigan

     

President

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

/s/ Lawrence P. Vogel

Lawrence P. Vogel

     

Treasurer (Principal Financial and

Accounting Officer)

 

Kathleen A. Blatz, Director

   )     

Arne H. Carlson, Director

   )     

Pamela G. Carlton, Director

   )     

Patricia M. Flynn, Director

   )     

Anne P. Jones, Director

   )     

Jeffrey Laikind, Director

   )     

Stephen R. Lewis, Chairman of the Board and Director )

 

John F. Maher, Director

   )     

Catherine James Paglia, Director

   )     

Leroy C. Richie, Director

   )   

/s/ Scott R. Plummer

 

Alison Taunton-Rigby, Director

   )    Scott R. Plummer, Attorney in Fact  

William F. Truscott, Director

   )