CIRCLE INCOME SHARES, INC.
1997 SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT ENDED DEC. 31, 1996
<PAGE>
CIRCLE INCOME SHARES, INC.
CONTENTS
Report from Management 1
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 2
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 3
Statements of Operations 4
Portfolio of Investments 5-6
Five-Year Summary of Operations 7
Notes to Financial Statements 8-9
Dividend Reinvestment Plan 10-11
DIRECTORS
DR. FREDERICK R. FORD, Executive Vice President and Treasurer
Purdue University
BRUCE J. GLOR, Executive Vice President
Bank One, Indianapolis, NA
MICHAEL S. HUNT, Vice President
Eli Lilly and Company
JAMES D. KECKLEY, Retired Executive Vice President
Bank One, Indianapolis, NA
E. LYNN PLASTER, Retired Executive Vice President
Bank One, Indianapolis, NA
OFFICERS
BRUCE J. GLOR, President
JEFFREY W. FOUNTAIN, CFA, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
TIMOTHY P. HOLIHEN, CFA, Vice President
THOMAS F. WILSON, Ph.D., Vice President
JAMES M. NICHOLSON, Treasurer
JACQUELINE A. WEITZ, Secretary
The Company's 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on November 8, 1996.
The Directors listed below were all duly elected at that meeting at which, of
the 2,797,416 shares entitled to vote, 2,136,096 shares were represented. The
following votes were recorded in the affirmative for the Directors:
Ford 2,088,987 Hunt 2,089,037
Jenkins 2,087,501 Keckley 2,086,061
Plaster 2,088,078
2,086,708 shares were voted in favor of the appointment of Arthur Anderson LLP,
as the Company's Auditors: 24,490 shares were voted against the proposal and
24,897 shares abstained.
<PAGE>
REPORT FROM MANAGEMENT
This Semi-Annual Report reviews the six-month period ended December 31, 1996,
and represents the first six months of your Company's 1997 fiscal year. All
values have been stated in thousands, with the exception of share data. Net
investment income during this period was $1,229.6 thousand or $0.44 per share
compared to net investment income of $1,275.9 thousand or $0.46 per share
earned during the comparable period in fiscal 1996. The net asset value was
$11.79 per share on December 31, 1996, compared with $12.15 a year ago, and
$11.60 per share at the beginning of the fiscal year on June 30, 1996.
On November 8, 1996, Mr. Bruce J. Glor was elected as a Director of your
Company to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Thomas A. Jenkins.
Mr. Glor, who resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, currently serves as Executive
Vice President and Managing Director of the advisor's Investment Management
Group.
Interest rates decreased during the second half of calendar year 1996. Yields
for U.S. Treasuries maturing in the two- to thirty-year time period fell
approximately twenty-five basis points (0.25 of a percentage point). The first
half of the calendar year differed radically from the second half when interest
rates rose dramatically. Two- to thirty-year maturity U.S. Treasury yields
actually increased 0.95 to 1.14 percentage points. As measured by the yields of
U.S. Treasuries maturing in ten years, the 1996 calendar year was an interest
rate roller coaster. Yields in January were in the 5.5% area, then rose through
the first half of the year to a high of 7.1% in June, and declined to 6.4% by
year-end.
The volatile interest rates of the past year produced only modest returns in
the bond market. The Lehman Aggregate Index, a general indicator of bond market
returns, had a total return for the year of 3.63%. The total return of the
Circle Income Shares portfolio exceeded the performance of the Aggregate Index.
Among the three major sector components of the Aggregate Index: Treasuries,
Corporates, and Mortgages; Mortgages and intermediate maturity Corporates
outperformed the Aggregate Index. The concentration of both mortgages and
intermediate maturity corporate bonds in the Circle Portfolio enhanced the
Company's total return performance.
Changing investor expectations toward the economy gave rise to a year of
volatile interest rates. Early in the first quarter of 1996, the general
economic outlook was for decreasing economic growth, with some prominent
forecasters including the word -"recession" in their outlooks for later in the
year. A stronger-than-expected employment report in February 1996 changed
market psychology toward the fear of an overheating economy and increasing
inflation. Interest rates began their steady climb. Real GDP increased from
2.0% in the first quarter to 4.7% in the second quarter of 1996. As indications
of a slowing economy during the second half of the year eased investor's fears,
interest rates began their gradual descent. Real GDP dropped to the 2.0% area
for both the third and fourth quarters of 1996. Inflation, as measured by
year-over-year percent change of the Consumer Price Index, was approximately
3.3%, compared to 2.6 % for the year 1995.
1997 potentially holds many positives for the economy: stable economic growth,
moderate inflation, and further progress toward reducing the Federal budget
deficit. Your Company's management looks forward to meeting the challenges of
the New Year in fulfilling the primary investment objective of the Circle
Portfolio: providing a high level of current income with the prudent management
of investment risk.
Bruce J. Glor Jeffrey W. Fountain
President Executive Vice President &
Chief Investment Officer
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES December 31, 1996 and 1995 (All amounts in
thousands, except share data)
<CAPTION>
ASSETS: 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C>
Investments, at market value (identified $32,550.0 $33,568.0
cost: $30,890.0 & $30,968.2, respectively)
(see Note 1A)
Receivable from securities sold 26.0 14.2
Accrued interest receivable (Note 1C) 640.8 667.2
Other assets 10.1 4.0
Total Assets $33,226.9 $34,253.4
LIABILITIES:
Accrued expenses $ 45.2 $ 46.9
Dividend payable (1/3/97 - $0.0725 per 202.8 209.8
share; 1/5/96 - $0.075 per share)
Total Liabilities $ 248.0 $ 256.7
NET ASSETS:
Capital: Common Stock, $1.00 par value:
Authorized 10,000,000
Outstanding 2,797,416 $ 2,797.4 $ 2,797.4
Additional paid-in capital 34,502.6 34,502.6
Total capital paid-in on shares 37,300.0 37,300.0
Accumulated realized loss on investments (6,019.9) (5,930.5)
Unrealized appreciation of investments 1,660.1 2,599.9
Undistributed net investment income 38.7 27.3
Net Assets applicable to outstanding shares $32,978.9 $33,996.7
Net Asset Value (NAV) per share $ 11.79 $ 12.15
<FN>
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these
statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS For the six months ended December 31, 1996
and 1995 (All amounts in thousands, except share data)
<CAPTION>
FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES: 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C>
Net investment income $ 1,229.6 $ 1,275.9
Net realized loss from security
transactions (Note 2) (29.9) (51.5)
Unrealized appreciation of investments 544.4 916.7
Net increase in Net Assets resulting
from operations 1,744.1 2,141.1
Dividends to shareholders ($0.435 per share
for 1996 and $0.45 per share for 1995)
(see Note 1C) (1,216.9) (1,258.9)
Net increase in Net Assets 527.2 882.2
Net Assets:
Beginning of Period 32,451.7 33,114.5
End of Period (including undistributed
net investment income of $38.7 and
$27.3, respectively) $32,978.9 $33,996.7
<FN>
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these
statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the six months ended December 31, 1996 and 1995
(All amounts in thousands, except share data)
<CAPTION>
INVESTMENT INCOME: 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C>
Interest Income $ 1,376.7 $ 1,418.4
Expenses:
Investment advisory fee (Note 4) 81.7 83.3
Transfer and dividend disbursing agent fee 15.0 15.0
Directors fees and expenses 11.4 9.2
Accountants fee 8.5 8.5
Mailing expenses 7.0 7.0
Custodian fee and expenses 7.0 6.5
Printing 4.5 4.0
Legal fees 2.5 2.5
Miscellaneous 9.5 6.5
Total Expenses 147.1 142.5
Net Investment Income $ 1,229.6 $ 1,275.9
<FN>
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: Realized loss from security
transactions:
</FN>
<S> <C> <C>
Proceeds from sales $ 764.5 $ 3,917.8
Cost of securities sold (794.4) (3,969.3)
Net realized loss (Note 2) (29.9) (51.5)
Unrealized appreciation of investments 544.4 916.7
Net realized and unrealized gain
on investments 514.5 865.2
Net increase in Net Assets resulting
from operations $ 1,744.1 $ 2,141.1
<FN>
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these
statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (NOTE 1A) December 31, 1996
<S> <C> <S>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT COST MARKET
<CAPTION>
U.S. GOVERNMENT INSTRUMENTALITY OBLIGATIONS (27.3%)*
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 518 Government National Mortgage Association,
14.75% Mobile Home -Series B+, due 9/15/97 $ 545 $ 548
67,907 Government National Mortgage Association,
13% Single Family, due 1/15/15 72,512 80,751
53,549 Government National Mortgage Association,
9% Single Family, due 11/15/19 52,913 57,113
109,284 Government National Mortgage Association,
10% Single Family, due 11/15/20 110,923 120,213
143,376 Government National Mortgage Association,
9% Single Family, due 3/15/20 140,800 152,829
313,858 Government National Mortgage Association,
9% Single Family, due 9/15/16 335,530 335,919
264,184 Government National Mortgage Association,
9% Single Family, due 7/15/21 280,613 281,601
42,531 Government National Mortgage Association,
9% Single Family, due 6/15/18 45,375 45,539
147,399 Government National Mortgage Association,
9% Single Family, due 7/15/18 157,257 157,517
85,466 Government National Mortgage Association,
9% Single Family, due 10/15/16 91,182 91,688
755,028 Government National Mortgage Association,
9% Single Family, due 1/15/22 801,509 804,331
1,033,708 Government National Mortgage Association,
8.50% Single Family, due 1/15/25 1,073,118 1,072,141
2,888,559 Government National Mortgage Association,
9% Single Family, due 1/15/25 2,917,444 3,051,011
845,798 Government National Mortgage Association,
8% Series 2, due 9/25/26 848,177 859,280
208,212 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
10.25% Participation Certificates, due 6/1/09 208,019 226,077
73,762 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
12.50% Participation Certificates, due 1/1/14 78,465 84,462
12,145 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
13% Participation Certificates, due 6/1/14 12,525 14,316
19,737 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
13.50% Participation Certificates, due 1/1/11 20,460 23,432
1,388 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
13.50% Participation Certificates, due 10/1/12 1,440 1,648
14,404 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
13.50% Participation Certificates, due 2/1/13 14,944 16,379
15,175 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
14.50% Participation Certificates, due 12/1/10 15,646 18,134
4,491 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
14.50% Participation Certificates, due 3/1/11 4,629 5,366
57,569 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
14.50% Participation Certificates, due 12/1/11 59,213 68,795
20,998 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
14.75% Participation Certificates, due 3/1/10 21,626 25,092
36,000 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
15% Participation Certificates, due 3/1/11 39,044 43,020
35,190 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
10% Participation Certificates, due 9/1/01 35,212 36,972
14,140 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
10% Participation Certificates, due 7/1/02 14,357 14,856
196,731 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
8.50% Participation Certificates, due 1/1/08 205,828 205,213
43,881 Federal National Mortgage Association,
10% Mortgage Backed Security, due 10/1/01 45,732 46,650
95,452 Federal National Mortgage Association,
10% Mortgage Backed Security, due 12/1/18 95,870 105,131
135,537 Federal National Mortgage Association,
9% Mortgage Backed Security, due 1/1/19 139,603 144,289
164,404 Federal National Mortgage Association,
9% Mortgage Backed Security, due 3/1/17 174,526 174,755
127,654 Federal National Mortgage Association,
10% Mortgage Backed Security, due 4/1/19 138,265 135,632
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT COST MARKET
<S> <C> <C> <C>
465,831 Federal National Mortgage Association,
9% Mortgage Backed Security, due 3/1/25 478,641 492,178
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT
INSTRUMENTALITY OBLIGATIONS $ 8,731,943 $ 8,992,878
<CAPTION>
SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS (1.9%)*
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 623,643 Ford Motor Credit Corporation
6% Commercial Paper, due 1/2/97 $ 623,643 $ 623,643
Total Short-Term Obligations $ 623,643 $ 623,643
<CAPTION>
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS (69.5%)*
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 992,000 American Airlines, Inc., 10.18% Pass-Through
Certificates, Series 1991-A2, due 1/2/13 $ 996,583 $ 1,166,810
750,000 Applied Materials, Inc., 8% Senior Notes, due 9/1/04 744,518 791,130
750,000 Borden Chemical, 9.5% Notes, due 5/1/05 750,525 765,000
750,000 Century Communications, 9.5% Senior Notes, due 3/1/05 718,110 768,750
500,000 Citicorp, 9.75% Subordinated Capital Notes, due 8/1/99 489,365 539,315
500,000 Citicorp, 8.55% Senior Medium Term Notes, due 3/17/97 495,135 503,015
642,000 Delta Airlines, 10% Equipment Trust Certificates,
Series 1991-K, due 12/5/14 658,641 745,869
750,000 Digital Equipment, 8.625% Debentures, due 11/1/12 775,313 726,773
1,000,000 Federal Express, 9.65% Notes, due 6/15/12 995,560 1,190,190
750,000 Federated Department Stores, 8.125% Sr Notes, due 10/15/02 756,562 770,625
1,000,000 First Interstate (Wells Fargo), 9.125% Subordinated Notes,
due 2/1/04 996,570 1,120,700
1,000,000 Fletcher Challenge Industries Finance USA Ltd.,
9% Notes, due 9/15/99 994,170 1,053,000
1,000,000 Ford Motor Company, 9% Debentures, due 9/15/01 1,000,000 1,093,180
1,000,000 General Motors Acceptance Corporation,
8.5% Notes, due 1/1/03 1,121,910 1,081,430
1,000,000 Georgia Pacific, 9.5% Debentures, due 5/15/22 999,210 1,081,890
500,000 Georgia Pacific, 7.375% Debentures, due 12/1/25 494,295 471,705
800,000 News America Holdings, 7.75% Senior Debentures, due 1/20/24 819,400 763,288
750,000 Noram Energy Inc., 8.64% Medium Term Notes, due 9/4/98 751,860 775,913
750,000 Owens-Illinois, Inc., 10% Sr Subordinated Notes, due 8/1/02 746,250 780,000
750,000 Ryland Group, 9.625% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 6/1/04 686,250 743,437
750,000 Safeway, 10% Senior Subordinated Debentures, due 12/1/01 755,625 840,938
1,000,000 Sprint Corporation, 9.50% Debentures, due 4/1/03 987,260 1,114,680
1,000,000 Telecommunication, Inc., 9.80% Senior Debentures,
due 2/1/12 990,310 1,082,200
1,000,000 Time Warner Entertainment, 8.875% Senior Notes, due 10/1/12 1,103,150 1,093,100
1,000,000 United Airlines, 9.125% Debentures, due 1/15/12 995,150 1,116,680
750,000 Westinghouse Electric, 8.625% Debentures, due 8/1/12 712,642 753,870
TOTAL CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS $ 21,534,364 $ 22,933,488
TOTAL INVESTMENTS $ 30,889,950 $ 32,550,009
<FN>
* Percent of Net Asset Value
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS Selected data per share of common stock
outstanding throughout each year:
<CAPTION>
Six Months
Ended Year Ended June 30,
Dec. 31, 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
PER SHARE DATA:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment income $ 0.49 $ 1.00 $ 0.99 $ 1.01 $ 1.08 $ 1.14
Expenses (0.05) (0.10) (0.10) (0.10) (0.11) (0.10)
Net investment income $ 0.44 $ 0.90 $ 0.89 $ 0.91 $ 0.97 $ 1.04
Dividends (0.43) (0.90) (0.90) (0.95) (0.92) (1.08)
Net realized gain (loss) and
increase (decrease) in
unrealized appreciation $ 0.18 (0.24) (0.50) (0.96) (0.35) (0.24)
Net increase (decrease) in
Net Asset Value $ 0.19 (0.24) (0.49) (1.00) (0.40) (0.20)
Net Asset Value:
Beginning of period $11.60 $11.84 $11.35 $12.35 $11.95 $11.75
End of period $11.79 $11.60 $11.84 $11.35 $12.35 $11.95
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA:
Ratio of advisory fee to
average Net Assets 0.50%* 0.50% 0.50% 0.50% 0.50% 0.50%
Ratio of other expenses to
average Net Assets 0.42%* 0.39% 0.43% 0.39% 0.44% 0.44%
Ratio of net investment income
to average Net Assets 7.83%* 8.05% 7.97% 7.61% 8.03% 8.93%
Portfolio turnover 2.39% 17.75% 34.73% 36.60% 26.86% 50.23%
Number of shares outstanding
at end of period 2,797,416 2,797,416 2,797,416 2,797,416 2,794,086 2,790,269
<FN>
* Annualized
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of this information.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995
NOTE 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
as a diversified, closed-end management company. The following is a summary of
significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Company in the
preparation of its financial statements.
(A) Security Valuation: Investments in securities traded on a national
securities exchange are valued at the closing price on the last business day of
the period; securities traded in the over-the-counter market and listed
securities for which no sale was reported on that date are valued at the last
reported bid price; short-term notes are stated at cost which approximates
market value.
(B) Income Taxes: It is the Company's policy to comply with the requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute substantially all of its net investment income to its shareholders.
Provisions for Federal income taxes are made on net investment income and
capital gains which are not distributed within the required time period. Net
investment income and capital gains were distributed. Accordingly, no provision
for Federal income taxes was required in fiscal 1996 or 1995.
(C) Security Transactions and Related Investment Income: Security transactions
are accounted for on the trade date (the date an order to buy or sell is
executed). Realized gains and losses are determined on the basis of identified
cost. Interest income is recorded on a daily basis and dividend income is
recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on
the record date.
NOTE 2. CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARD
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 the Company realized net capital
loss from security transactions in the amount of $111,014. The total capital
loss carryforward at June 30, 1996, is $2,472,853. The loss carryforward
expires on June 30 of each year as follows:
YEAR AMOUNT
1998 $ 6,478
1999 $ 846,670
2000 $ 819,608
2001 $ 63,497
2003 $ 623,586
2004 $ 111,014
NOTE 3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
Purchases and sales of securities other than United States government
obligations and short-term notes aggregated $0 and $2,753, respectively.
The identified cost of investments at December 31, 1996 was $30,889,950. Had
the average cost basis been used for financial statement purposes, the net
realized loss and unrealized appreciation would have been unchanged.
<PAGE>
NOTE 4. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE
For the six months ended December 31, 1996, the Company paid fees of $81,673 or
0.50 of average net assets for investment management services to Bank One,
Indianapolis, NA. The fee is based on average weekly net assets at the annual
rate of one-half of one percent on the first $50 million and four-tenths of one
percent on the excess over $50 million.
The advisory fee is subject to reduction in any year in which annual expenses
(including the advisory fee, but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage fees,
expenses of any future public offerings of the Company's shares and, where
permitted, extraordinary expenses) exceed one and one-half percent of the
average weekly net assets of the Company during the year to date. In addition,
the advisor pays all expenses in connection with the Dividend Reinvestment Plan
of the Company. No other fees were received by the advisor from the Company.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
The Company has a Dividend Reinvestment Plan which provides that dividends and
other distributions may be payable, at the election of the shareholders, in
shares of the Company's common stock. The advisor pays all expenses in
connection with the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Information regarding
participation in the Plan may be obtained by writing the Company's Dividend
Reinvestment Plan Accounting Agent at the address listed below. A description
of the Plan is included on Pages 10-11.
Harris Trust and Savings Bank
Shareholder Services Division
Attn: Circle Income Shares, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment Plan
311 West Monroe, 14th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60606
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
Any registered holder of Circle Income Shares, Inc. ("Circle" or the
"Company") Common Stock may participate in the Company's Dividend Reinvestment
Plan (the "Plan"). If a shareholder's stock is registered in the name of
someone else (such as a bank, broker or trustee), that registered holder may
participate in the Plan on the shareholder's behalf. Whether or not a third
party bank, broker or trustee elects to participate in the Plan is totally
within the discretion of the third party.
For shareholders who elect to participate in the Plan, all dividends,
including any distributions of capital gain, are automatically invested in
additional shares of the Common Stock of the Company. The Plan does not include
a provision for the investment of additional cash contributions by
participants.
An independent broker acts as Dividend Reinvestment Plan Agent (the "Plan
Agent") for all shareholders who elect to participate in the Plan. Harris Trust
and Savings Bank, acts as Accounting Agent (the "Accounting Agent") and keeps
the books and records for all shareholders who elect to participate in the
Plan. All inquiries regarding the Plan should be sent to the Accounting Agent
at the following address: Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Shareholder Services
Division, Attn: Circle Income Shares, Inc., Dividend Reinvestment Plan, 311
West Monroe Street, 14th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60606.
Each registered shareholder is assigned an account number. This account number
should be used in all correspondence with either Agent.
Dividends are reinvested by the Plan Agent by either (a) directing the Company
to pay the dividend in cash and using the cash to buy shares in the open
market, or (b) directing the Company to pay the dividend in new shares issued
at net asset value. To determine which method is used, the Plan Agent compares
the net asset value per share to the market price per share of the Company's
Common Stock at the close of business five trading days before the dividend
payment date. For purposes of this comparison, the Plan Agent uses the closing
price, plus estimated brokerage commissions, as the market price per share.
If the net asset value is lower than the market price, the Plan Agent elects,
on behalf of all participating shareholders, to take the dividend in stock and
additional shares are issued by the Company and credited to the participant's
account at net asset value.
If the market price is lower than the net asset value, the Plan Agents elects,
on the participating shareholder's behalf, to take the dividend in cash. The
Plan Agent will aggregate the dividends of all participants and apply the
dividends to the purchase of the Company's Stock in the open market. The cost
of the stock credited to each participating shareholder's account, if this
method is used, will include the participant's proportion of any brokerage
commissions and transfer taxes which the Plan Agent pays to purchase the shares
in the open market. The Accounting Agent computes the average price of all
shares purchased (including any brokerage commission and transfer taxes), and
credits shares to each participating shareholder's account on the basis of this
average price. Shares purchased by the Plan Agent in the open market are
acquired consistent with a policy of best price and execution.
Regardless of the method used by the Plan Agent to reinvest dividends, once
a shareholder elects to participate in the Plan, the shares credited to the
shareholder's "open account" will earn dividends, and the "open account" will
also be automatically reinvested. Since dividends will seldom, if ever, be in
an amount sufficient to acquire an exact number of full shares, a participating
shareholder's reinvestment will normally include a fractional share (computed
to three decimal places). These fractional shares will also earn proportional
dividends as full shares do.
After each dividend payment, all participating shareholders will receive
current statements of their accounts. Because these statements include
information for personal and tax records, they should be permanently retained.
There are no fees or other direct charges to participate in the Plan.
Certain costs of providing the Plan are paid by the Company's Investment
advisor, except for costs of registration under applicable securities laws, if
it is determined at a later date that registration is necessary. The Plan may
be amended to provide for direct charge.
To begin participation in the Plan, a shareholder must sign and return, to
the Accounting Agent at the address given above, an authorization card which
appoints the Plan Agent as the shareholder's Agent for participation. An
authorization card may be obtained from the Accounting Agent at the address
given above or by calling the Accounting Agent at (312)461-7763. Participation
will begin with the next dividend payable after the Accounting Agent actually
receives the authorization card, provided that the authorization card is
received 15 days prior to the record date for that dividend. Otherwise, the
shareholder will receive the dividend in the usual manner, and participation
will begin with the next following dividend. (In the past, record dates have
normally preceded payment dates by approximately two weeks.)
Once a shareholder begins participation in the Plan, dividends are
automatically reinvested until participation is terminated. Additional shares
which are subsequently registered in a shareholder's identical name, address,
and account will also participate in the Plan.
The Accounting Agent maintains an "open account" for each participant in the
Plan, and credits shares acquired through the Plan to it. Certificates are not
issued for shareholders whose shares are held in an "open account." A
shareholder may withdraw at any time some or all of the full shares held in the
"open account" by sending a written request to the Accounting Agent at the
address given above. Requesting a certificate for any or all of the full shares
does not terminate participation in the Plan. Certificates for fractional
shares will not be issued.
A shareholder's stock certificates may be surrendered to the Accounting
Agent and shares will be credited to the shareholder's "open account" and held
by the Accounting Agent in uncertified form.
A shareholder may terminate participation in the Plan at any time and
receive future dividends in cash by sending a written notice to the Accounting
Agent. Participation will end and the shareholder will receive future dividend
in cash, provided that the Accounting Agent receives the notice 15 days prior
to the record date for that dividend. Otherwise, that dividend will be
reinvested and cash payments will begin the next following dividend.
When a shareholder terminates participation in the Plan the shareholder's
"open account" will contain a fractional share balance and, if the shareholder
has been a participant for a sufficient amount of time, will probably contain a
full share balance. At the time participation in the Plan is terminated, the
Accounting Agent will withdraw the full shares then credited to the
shareholder's "open account." This value will be based on the closing price of
the Company's stock in the open market on the effective date of the termination
of participation. There is no penalty or charge for withdrawal from the Plan. A
shareholder may rejoin the Plan at any time.
The Plan may be amended or terminated at any time only if notice of the
amendment or termination has been sent to participants of the Plan. A notice
would be sent to participants at least thirty days before the record date of
the first dividend affected by the amendment or termination.
The taxability of a shareholder's dividends for Federal income tax purposes
is controlled by Federal tax law and not by the Plan. However, dividends
reinvested through the Plan continue to be taxable for Federal income tax
purposes.
If the Agent reinvests a shareholder's dividend by purchasing shares in the
open market, the dividend is taxable just as if the shareholder received it in
cash. If the Agent reinvests the dividend by taking stock issued by the Company
at net asset value, then, for Federal income tax purposes, the dividend is
considered to be the greater of the net asset value reinvestment price or the
fair market value (the closing price in the open market) on the payment date;
therefore, a participating shareholder's taxable dividend may be greater than
if the shareholder received the dividend in cash.
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INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Bank One, Indianapolis, NA
111 Monument Circle, IN1-0170
P.O. Box 7700
Indianapolis, Indiana 46277-0117
CUSTODIAN
Bank One Trust Company, NA
100 East Broad Street, OH1-0193
Columbus, Ohio 43271-0193
TRANSFER & DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
Harris Trust and Savings Bank
Shareholder Services Division
311 West Monroe Street, 14th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60606
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
Harris Trust and Savings Bank
Shareholder Services Division
311 West Monroe Street, 14th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Telephone (312)461-7763
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CIRCLE INCOME SHARES, INC.
P.O. Box 77004
Indianapolis, Indiana 46277-7004
(317) 321-8180
