497K3B 1 mcg.htm
April 1, 2004

Fund Profile

T. Rowe Price

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

A stock fund seeking long-term capital appreciation through investments in
medium-sized growth companies.

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

troweprice.com.

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Fund Profile

What is the fund`s objective?

The fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in mid-cap stocks with potential for above-average earnings growth.

What is the fund`s principal investment strategy?

The fund will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in a diversified portfolio of common stocks of mid-cap companies whose earnings T. Rowe Price expects to grow at a faster rate than the average company. We define mid-cap companies as those whose market capitalization (number of shares outstanding multiplied by share price) falls within the range of either the S&P MidCap 400 Index or the Russell Midcap Growth Index. The market capitalization of the companies in the fund`s portfolio and the S&P and Russell indices changes over time; the fund will not automatically sell or cease to purchase stock of a company it already owns just because the company`s market capitalization grows or falls outside this range.

As "growth" investors, we believe that when a company`s earnings grow faster than both inflation and the overall economy, the market will eventually reward it with a higher stock price.

In selecting investments, we generally favor companies that:

  • have proven products or services;
  • have a record of above-average earnings growth;
  • have demonstrated potential to sustain earnings growth;
  • operate in industries experiencing increasing demand; or
  • have stock prices that appear to undervalue their growth prospects.
  • In pursuing its investment objective, the fund`s management has the discretion to purchase some securities that do not meet its normal investment criteria, as described above, when it perceives an unusual opportunity for gain. These special situations might arise when the fund`s management believes a security could increase in value for a variety of reasons, including a change in management, an extraordinary corporate event, or a temporary imbalance in the supply of or demand for the securities.

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

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


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    Fund Profile

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

    What are the main risks of investing in the fund?

    The stocks of mid-cap companies entail greater risk and are usually more volatile than the shares of large companies. In addition, growth stocks can be volatile for several reasons. Since they usually reinvest a high proportion of earnings in their own businesses, they may lack the dividends usually associated with value stocks that can cushion their decline in a falling market. Also, since investors buy these stocks because of their expected superior earnings growth, earnings disappointments often result in sharp price declines.

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

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

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

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

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

    Consider your investment goals, your time horizon for achieving them, and your tolerance for risk. If you can accept the greater risk of investing in mid-cap growth companies in an effort to achieve superior capital appreciation, the fund


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    Fund Profile

    could be an appropriate part of your overall investment strategy. This fund should not represent your complete investment program or be used for short-term trading purposes.

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

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

    How has the fund performed in the past?

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

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

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


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    Fund Profile

    Table 1  Average Annual Total Returns




    Periods ended 03/31/04














    1 year


    5 years


    10 years




    Mid-Cap Growth Fund




    Returns before taxes
    44.76%
    8.35%
    14.70%

    Returns after taxes on distributions
    44.76
    7.75
    13.95

    Returns after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares
    29.09
    7.00
    12.87

    S&P MidCap 400 Index
    49.10
    11.76
    14.93

    Russell Midcap Growth Index
    49.63
    2.29
    10.27

    Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Index
    43.03
    2.22
    9.22

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    Returns are based on changes in principal value, reinvested dividends, and capital gain distributions, if any. Returns before taxes do not reflect effects of any income or capital gains taxes. Taxes are computed using the highest federal income tax rate. The after-tax returns reflect the rates applicable to ordinary and qualified dividends and capital gains effective in 2003. The returns do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares assume the shares were sold at period-end and, therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred by the shareholder. Market indexes do not include expenses, which are deducted from fund returns, or taxes.
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    S&P MidCap 400 Index tracks the stocks of 400 mid-size U.S. companies.

    Russell Midcap Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell Midcap companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The stocks are also members of the Russell 1000 Growth index.

    What fees or expenses will I pay?

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

    Table 2  Fees and Expenses of the Fund*




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

    Management fee
    0.67%
    Other expenses
    0.21%
    Total annual fund operating expenses
    0.88%

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

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


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    1 year


    3 years


    5 years


    10 years

    $90
    $281
    $488
    $1,084

    Who manages the fund?

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

    Brian W.H. Berghuis manages the fund day to day and has been chairman of its Investment Advisory Committee since 1992. He joined T. Rowe Price in 1985 and has been managing investments since 1988.

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

    How can I purchase shares?

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

    How can I sell shares?

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

    When will I receive income and capital gain distributions?

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

    What services are available?

    A wide range, including but not limited to:


    Fund Profile

  • retirement plans for individuals and large and small businesses;
  • automated information and transaction services by telephone or computer;
  • electronic transfers between fund and bank accounts;
  • automatic investing and automatic exchange; and
  • brokerage services, including cash management features.
  • Important Information About the Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    The fund will not accept new accounts after 4:00 p.m. ET on December 8, 2003.

    Purchases of shares are permitted for existing investors holding shares directly with T. Rowe Price and participants in their employers` retirement plans where the fund is an option in the plan. Generally, investors or plan participants holding shares through intermediaries (for example, brokerage or financial planning firms) will be able to purchase additional shares; however, you should check with your intermediary to confirm your eligibility. The fund will not accept new IRA accounts but will permit direct rollovers from qualified retirement plans into new IRA accounts offered through T. Rowe Price.

    The closing does not restrict shareholders from selling shares of the fund.

    When deemed to be in the fund`s best interests, the fund reserves the right to permit certain types of investors to open new accounts in the fund, to impose further restrictions, or to close the fund to any additional investments, all without notice.

    T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

    100 East Pratt Street

    Baltimore, MD 21202

    troweprice.com

    RPS F64-035

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