CNA INCOME SHARES INC
N-30D, 1999-08-17
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<PAGE>   1

CNA Income Shares, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report for the Period
Ended June 30, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internet e-mail = [email protected]

Web site at www.cna.com/cna/html/income.html
<PAGE>   2

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTENTS
<C>    <S>
  3    Letter to Shareholders
  4    Statement of Assets and Liabilities
  5    Statement of Operations
  6    Statement of Changes in Net Assets
  7    Statement of Cash Flows
  8    Notes to Financial Statements
 11    Schedule of Investments
 22    Financial Highlights
 23    Investment Objectives and Policies
 29    Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan
       Other Information
</TABLE>

This report has been prepared for the information of shareholders of CNA Income
Shares, Inc.
<PAGE>   3

Dear Shareholder:

CNA Income Shares reported net income of $0.48 per share during the six months
ending June 30, 1999 and declared dividends totaling $0.48. Dividends are paid
on a quarterly schedule, with the next dividend anticipated to be paid on
October 15, 1999.

Bond prices slumped during the first half of 1999 with performance being
negative for most fixed income securities. The only segment with positive
performance was the high yield bond category which has some equity
characteristics and benefits from a strong economy. Your Company's portfolio mix
as of June 30, 1999 was approximately 60% investment grade bonds, 37% high yield
bonds, and 3% preferred stock and money market instruments. This mix helped to
moderate the effect of falling bond prices with CNA Income Shares generating a
0.3% negative total performance. Lehman Brothers benchmark index for
Government/Corporate investment grade bonds was negative 2.2% and the
performance index for U.S. Corporate high yield bonds was positive 2.2%. The
portfolio's high yield bond component has also helped to stabilize the dividend
payout, with the $0.24 quarterly payment being maintained for 12 consecutive
quarters.

Management continues to focus on providing a high and steady dividend payout to
our shareholders. Although interest rates have risen throughout the first half
of 1999, they remain well below the much higher levels that existed through much
of the last two decades. The dividend payout reflects the portfolio's ability to
generate a stream of income consistent with general levels of interest rates,
opportunities in the marketplace, as well as willingness to absorb risk.

                      Sincerely,

                      /s/ Marilou R. McGirr
                      Marilou R. McGirr
                      Chairman of the Board and President

August 20, 1999

                                        3
<PAGE>   4

CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
JUNE 30, 1999 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
ASSETS:
In custody of The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
  Investments (See Schedule of Investments) (Notes A and C):
    Debt securities, preferred stock, common stock and
      warrants at market value (cost $115,241,457)..........  $110,344,637
    Short-term notes at amortized cost (cost $1,238,000)....     1,238,000
  Cash......................................................           685

Receivables:
  Interest..................................................     3,104,748
  Securities sold--not received.............................     1,294,246
  Dividends.................................................         5,062
Prepaid expenses............................................        63,397
                                                              ------------
      TOTAL ASSETS..........................................   116,050,775
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>           <C>
LIABILITIES:
Dividend payable...............................  $ 2,181,432
Accounts payable and accrued expenses..........      147,415
Interest payable...............................      199,175
Bank Credit Facility (Note B)..................   30,000,000     32,528,022
                                                 -----------   ------------
      NET ASSETS, equivalent to $9.19 per share on 9,089,302
        shares outstanding..................................   $ 83,522,753
                                                               ============
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
NET ASSETS REPRESENTED BY:
  Capital stock $1 par value
    Authorized: 15,000,000 shares
    Issued and outstanding: 9,089,302 shares................  $  9,089,302
  Paid-in surplus...........................................   102,990,039
                                                              ------------
                                                              $112,079,341
  Earned Surplus (deficit)
    Accumulated net realized gain(loss) on investments......   (24,738,566)
    Undistributed net investment income.....................     1,078,798
  Net unrealized appreciation...............................    (4,896,820)
                                                              ------------
      NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO CAPITAL STOCK OUTSTANDING....  $ 83,522,753
                                                              ============
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                        4
<PAGE>   5

CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>                <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
INCOME:
Interest income............................................         $5,716,177
Discount earned............................................             84,790
Dividend income............................................             80,188
Income on class action.....................................                486
                                                                    ----------
             TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME.......................          5,881,641
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fee (Note F).............       216,113
Accounting services and expenses.............        30,591
Insurance....................................        29,691
Directors' fees and expenses (Note F)........        24,831
Shareholder reports..........................        16,972
Auditing and consulting fees.................        16,405
Mailing expenses.............................        13,578
Registration and filing fees.................        12,663
Bank Credit Facility expenses................        10,939
Transfer agent and registrar.................        10,060
Dividend disbursing services.................         7,812
Legal fees and expenses......................         5,957
State and local taxes........................         3,924
Custodian fees...............................         1,191
                                                 ----------
             Total Operating Expenses........       400,727
Interest expenses (Note B)...................     1,121,704          1,522,431
                                                 ----------         ----------
             NET INVESTMENT INCOME.........................          4,359,210
                                                                    ----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
ON INVESTMENTS
(excluding short-term notes) (Notes A and D):
NET REALIZED GAIN (LOSS) FROM SECURITY TRANSACTIONS........           (536,238)
                                                                    ----------
UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION) OF INVESTMENTS:
Beginning of year............................      (821,069)
End of period................................    (4,896,820)
                                                 ----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION
  (DEPRECIATION)...........................................         (4,075,751)
                                                                    ----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS.....         (4,611,989)
                                                                    ----------
             NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
               RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS...................         $ (252,779)
                                                                    ==========
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                        5
<PAGE>   6

CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 (UNAUDITED)
AND THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 SIX MONTHS          YEAR
                                                    ENDED            ENDED
                                                   6/30/99           1998
                                                 -----------      -----------
<S>                                              <C>              <C>
FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES:
Net investment income.....................         4,359,210        8,657,813
Net realized gain (loss) from security
  transactions............................          (536,238)      (1,176,664)
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized
  appreciation (depreciation).............        (4,075,751)      (8,329,809)
                                                 -----------      -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
  resulting from operations...............          (252,779)        (848,661)
Dividends to shareholders from net
  investment income ($0.48 and $0.96 per
  share, respectively)....................        (4,352,227)      (8,582,925)

FROM CAPITAL SHARE
TRANSACTIONS(Notes B and E):
Increase in net assets due to shares
  issued to shareholders on reinvestment
  of net investment income................           841,679        1,691,211
                                                 -----------      -----------
  Net change in net assets................        (3,763,327)      (7,740,375)

NET ASSETS:
BEGINNING OF YEAR.........................        87,286,080       95,026,455
                                                 -----------      -----------
END OF YEAR (INCLUDING UNDISTRIBUTED NET
  INVESTMENT INCOME OF $1,078,798 AND
  $1,071,816, RESPECTIVELY)...............       $83,522,753      $87,286,080
                                                 ===========      ===========
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                        6
<PAGE>   7

CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                            <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from sales of securities........................    $ 16,842,130
  Purchases of securities..................................     (17,137,981)
  Net sales of short-term investments......................       1,510,838
  Interest received........................................       2,558,659
  Dividends received.......................................          75,125
  Other received...........................................          53,257
  Expenses paid............................................      (1,175,841)
                                                               ------------
           NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES.......    $  2,726,187
                                                               ============
RECONCILIATION OF INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS TO
  NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net increase in net assets resulting from operations.....    $  1,825,936
  Net increase in investments..............................        (711,556)
  Increase in interest receivable..........................          53,132
  Increase in prepaid expenses and other...................       1,522,431
  Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses........          36,244
                                                               ------------
                                                               $  2,726,187
                                                               ============
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                        7
<PAGE>   8

CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 6/30/99 (UNAUDITED)
AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 12/31/98

A.  Significant Accounting Policies:

    The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
    amended, as a closed-end, diversified management investment company. The
    following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
    followed by the Company. The policies are in conformity with generally
    accepted accounting principles.

    (1) Investments in debt securities are valued at the average of
        representative closing bid prices on the last business day of the
        accounting period. Equity securities traded on a national securities
        exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the last
        business day of the accounting period; equity securities traded in the
        over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was
        reported on that date are valued at the closing bid price on that date.
        Short-term notes are valued at cost plus accrued discount earned.
        Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (which
        include all restricted securities) are valued at fair value as
        determined in good faith by the Company's Board of Directors; such
        values require the use of estimates.

        Premiums on debt securities are not being amortized and discounts are
        not being accrued except for original issue discounts which are being
        accrued for tax purposes as the Company engages in portfolio trading
        from time to time. Such portfolio trading makes it unlikely that most
        investments would be held to maturity.

    (2) Securities transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are
        purchased or sold. Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are
        recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded as earned.

    (3) 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 taxable income to its
        shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required.
        Gain or loss on sales of securities is determined on the basis of
        average cost for financial statement purposes and identified cost for
        Federal income tax purposes. The identified cost of investments owned at
        December 31, 1998 was $117,191,013; based upon Federal tax cost of
        investments, the net unrealized gains and losses was ($821,069). At
        December 31, 1998, there was a capital loss carry-over of approximately
        $7,234,398 of which $3,290,187 expires in 1999, $2,203,423 in 2002,
        $350,141 in 2003 and $1,390,647 in 2006. This carry-over will be used to
        offset future net capital gains, if any.

                                        8
<PAGE>   9
CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)

B.  Bank Credit Facility:

    On June 1, 1997, the Company's $28,050,000 in principal amount of five year
    convertible extendible notes (the "Notes") matured. At the time of
    maturation, the fixed interest rate of the Notes was 8.08% per annum. The
    Company paid the outstanding balance of the Notes at maturity. On June 2,
    1997, the Company entered into a five year bank credit facility (the "Credit
    Facility") with the First National Bank of Chicago ("First Chicago") as
    administrative agent (the "Agent") in the amount of $30,000,000. The Credit
    Facility bears a variable interest rate based on the Company's choice of
    either: (i) the spread over First Chicago's prime rate or (ii) a spread over
    the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The initial interest rate was
    7.48% per annum as of June 2, 1997.

    The Company has entered into an interest rate swap transaction to hedge the
    variable interest payment obligations of the Credit Facility. The swap
    transaction effectively converts the variable interest rate obligation of
    the Credit Facility into a fixed interest rate obligation, because the
    Company shall select interest periods for the Credit Facility which will
    match the payments it will receive under the interest rate swap transaction.
    Thus, the interest rate that the Company will pay over the five year term
    will remain fixed at 7.48% per annum.

    The Company incurred $92,500 of deferred expenses associated with the Credit
    Facility and related interest rate swap transaction. The deferred expenses
    will be amortized over the five year life of the Credit Facility.

C.  Securities Loaned:

    During the six months ended June 30, 1999 no investment securities owned by
    the Company were loaned to brokers under loan agreements.

D.  Purchases and Sales of Investments other than Short-term Notes:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PROCEEDS
                                                                    FROM
                                                  COST OF         SALES OR
                                                 PURCHASES       MATURITIES
                                                -----------      -----------
    <S>                                         <C>              <C>
    Corporate Bonds....................         $16,897,925      $17,566,809
    Preferred Stock....................                 -0-        1,171,067
    Common Stock.......................             240,040           41,254
</TABLE>

E.  Capital Stock:

    At June 30, 1999, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of
    15,000,000 shares of $1 par value. 9,523,676 shares have been registered for
    sale, 267 are treasury shares, 9,089,302 shares are issued and outstanding,
    after giving effect to an increase of 87,641 shares issued in

                                        9
<PAGE>   10
CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)

    connection with the automatic dividend investment plan (the "Plan").
    349,356 shares have been reserved for the Plan.

F.  Transactions with Affiliated Companies:

    Continental Assurance Company (CAC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNA
    Financial Corporation, provides various services as investment advisor to
    the Company. The Company pays a fee at an annual rate of 1/2 of 1% (.5%) of
    the average weekly net assets of the Company for these services. The Company
    also pays its other costs and expenses of operating the Company directly.
    The agreement between the Company and CAC, however, provides for a ceiling
    on certain of these costs and expenses. If this ceiling is exceeded, CAC is
    required to reimburse the Company. No such reimbursement was required in the
    six month period ending June 30, 1998.

    All officers of the Company are officers or employees of affiliates of CAC.
    Only unaffiliated directors receive directors' fees.

G.  Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations:

    The following is a summary of 1999 and 1998 March and June unaudited
    quarterly results of operations:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             NET REALIZED AND
                                                             UNREALIZED GAINS
                                     NET INVESTMENT             (LOSSES) ON
                                         INCOME                 INVESTMENTS
                                 ----------------------   -----------------------
    THREE MONTHS    INVESTMENT     AMOUNT     PER SHARE     AMOUNT      PER SHARE
    -------------   ----------   ----------------------   -----------------------
    <S>             <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>
    Mar. 31, 1999   $2,863,730   $2,106,730     $.23      $(1,619,818)    $(.18)
    June 30, 1999    3,017,911    2,252,480      .24       (2,992,171)     (.33)
    -------------   -------------------------------------------------------------
    Mar. 31, 1998    2,965,545    2,196,334      .25        1,411,084       .16
    June 30, 1998    2,884,805    2,101,256      .23         (782,360)     (.09)
</TABLE>

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)
JUNE 30, 1999

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                       MARKET
  AMOUNT                                         COST          VALUE(1)
- ----------                                   ------------   ---------------
<C>          <S>                             <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--128.4%
             AEROSPACE--2.3%
$1,000,000   Northrop-Grumman Corporation
               9.38% Deb, Due 10/15/24....   $  1,154,340   $     1,064,685
 1,000,000   Sabreliner Corp.
               11.00% Sr Nts, Due
               6/15/08(2).................        885,000           865,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                2,039,340         1,929,685
                                             ------------   ---------------
             AUTOMOTIVE--3.0%
 1,000,000   Auburn Hills Trust
               12.00% Deb, Due 5/1/20.....      1,000,000         1,512,454
 1,000,000   Hayes Lemmerz Intl Inc.
               8.13% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               12/15/08(2)................        980,212           952,500
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                1,980,212         2,464,954
                                             ------------   ---------------
             APPAREL--2.3%
 1,000,000   Norton McNaughton, Inc.
               12.50% Co Gtd Nts,
               Due 6/1/05.................        830,000           901,250
 1,000,000   Supreme International Corp.
               12.25% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               4/1/06(2)..................        988,520         1,010,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                1,818,520         1,911,250
                                             ------------   ---------------
             BANKS--7.3%
 2,000,000   BankAmerica Institutional
               Capital A
               8.07% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               12/31/26(2)................      2,016,060         2,001,056
 1,000,000   FBS Capital I
               8.09% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               11/15/26                         1,000,000           997,108
2,000,000    Washington Mutual Capital 1
               8.38% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               6/1/27.....................      2,045,910         2,027,968
1,000,000    Zions Instit Capital Trust A
               8.54% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               12/15/26...................      1,092,500           993,729
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                6,154,470         6,019,861
                                             ------------   ---------------
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                       11
<PAGE>   12
CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)--(Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                       MARKET
  AMOUNT                                         COST          VALUE(1)
- ----------                                   ------------   ---------------
<C>          <S>                             <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
             CABLE--8.1%
$1,500,000   CF Cable TV, Inc.
               9.13% Sec. Nts,
               Due 7/15/07................   $  1,560,000   $     1,637,157
1,000,000..  Galaxy Telecom, L.P.
               12.38% Sec. Nts,
               Due 10/1/05................      1,051,666         1,105,000
1,000,000..  Supercanal Holding S.A.
               11.50% Sr Nts,
               Due 5/15/05(2).............      1,000,000           532,500
 1,000,000   Tele-Communications, Inc.
               9.80% Deb, Due 2/1/12......      1,081,400         1,221,406
 1,750,000   Tele-Communications, Inc.
               10.13% Deb, Due 4/15/22....      1,780,775         2,252,462
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                6,473,841         6,748,525
                                             ------------   ---------------
             CHEMICALS--5.2%
 1,000,000   Equistar Chemicals LP
               8.75% Sr Nts,
               Due 2/15/09(2).............      1,015,930         1,010,707
 1,000,000   Laroche Industries Inc.
               9.50% Sr Sub Nts,
               Due 9/15/07................        760,772           790,000
 1,000,000   Montell Finance Co--B.V.
               8.10% Co Gtd Nts,
               Due 3/15/27(2).............      1,011,250         1,017,066
 1,500,000   Union Carbide Corporation
               8.75% Sr Nts, Due 8/1/22...      1,631,250         1,550,012
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                4,419,202         4,367,785
                                             ------------   ---------------
             COMMUNICATIONS--20.7%
 1,000,000   Allegiance Telecom, Inc.
               12.88% N/R, Due 5/15/08....        980,090         1,080,000
 1,500,000   AMSC Acquisition Company,
               Inc. 12.25% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               4/1/08.....................      1,260,060         1,147,500
 1,000,000   CIA Radiocomunic Moviles
               9.25% Nts, Due 5/8/08(2)...        972,500           878,750
 1,500,000   Convergent Communications
               Inc. 13.00% Sr Nts,
               Due 4/1/08.................      1,503,936         1,306,875
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                       12
<PAGE>   13
CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)--(Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                       MARKET
  AMOUNT                                         COST          VALUE(1)
- ----------                                   ------------   ---------------
<C>          <S>                             <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
$1,000,000   Globalstar LP/Capital
               11.38% Sr Nts, Due
               2/15/04....................   $  1,010,000   $       665,000
 1,000,000   Globalstar LP/Capital
               11.25% Sr Nts, Due
               6/15/04....................        965,000           665,000
 1,000,000   IMPSAT Corporation
               12.13% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               7/15/03....................      1,000,000           903,750
 1,000,000   Iridium LLC/Capital Corp.
               14.00% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               7/15/05....................        917,649           210,000
 2,000,000   Orbcomm Global LP/Capital
               14.00% Sr Nts, Due
               8/15/04....................      1,947,500         1,940,000
 1,000,000   Orbital Imaging Corp.
               11.63% Sr Nts, Due 3/1/05..      1,067,500           910,000
 1,500,000   Orion Network Systems
               11.25% Sr Nts, Due
               1/15/07....................      1,455,000         1,342,500
 2,000,000   Sprint Spectrum L.P.
               11.00% Sr Nts, Due
               8/15/06....................      2,207,500         2,280,000
 1,000,000   Telephone & Data Systems
               8.40% Med Term Nts,
               Due 2/24/23................      1,048,480           983,637
 1,000,000   Telephone & Data Systems
               9.55% Med Term Nts,
               Due 11/15/21...............      1,088,750         1,038,505
 1,000,000   Tricom, S.A.
               11.38% Sr Nts, Due
               9/1/04(2)..................        865,000           880,000
 1,000,000   U.S. Xchange LLC
               15.00% Sr Nts, Due 7/1/08..      1,000,000         1,040,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                               19,288,965        17,271,517
                                             ------------   ---------------
             CONSUMER PRODUCTS--1.2%
   500,000   Sunbeam Corporation
               0.00% Sr Sub Deb, Due
               3/25/18(2).................        124,375            83,750
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                       13
<PAGE>   14
CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)--(Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                       MARKET
  AMOUNT                                         COST          VALUE(1)
- ----------                                   ------------   ---------------
<C>          <S>                             <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
$1,000,000   The Toro Company
               7.80% Deb, Due 6/15/27.....   $    910,480   $       914,762
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                1,034,855           998,512
                                             ------------   ---------------
             ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTION--0.7%
 1,500,000   Reptron Electronics Inc.
               6.75% Sub Nts, Due 8/1/04..      1,155,000           592,500
                                             ------------   ---------------
             ENERGY--5.3%
 1,000,000   Husky Oil Ltd
               8.90% Bds, Due 8/15/28.....        997,529           968,125
 1,500,000   Pennzenergy Company
               10.25% Deb, Due 11/1/05....      1,759,855         1,624,203
 1,250,000   Pool Energy Services Co.
               8.63% Co Gtd Nts,
               Due 4/1/08.................      1,278,125         1,237,500
 1,000,000   Queen Sand Resources, Inc.
               12.50% Co Gtd Nts,
               Due 7/1/08.................      1,000,000           610,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                5,035,509         4,439,828
                                             ------------   ---------------
             ENTERTAINMENT--2.2%
 1,500,000   Time Warner Entertainment
               Company L.P.
               10.15% Nts, Due 5/1/12.....      1,607,530         1,836,606
                                             ------------   ---------------
             FINANCIAL--3.9%
 3,000,000   Ford Motor Credit Corp
               9.03% Nts, Due 12/30/09....      3,199,800         3,257,661
                                             ------------   ---------------
             FOREST PRODUCTS--2.8%
 1,000,000   Boise Cascade Corporation
               9.85% Nts, Due 6/15/02.....      1,091,910         1,059,963
 1,200,000   Georgia Pacific Corporation
               9.50% Deb, Due 5/15/22.....      1,179,000         1,272,677
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                2,270,910         2,332,640
                                             ------------   ---------------
             GOVERNMENT DEBT--7.0%
             Canadian--1.6%
 1,300,000   Province of Quebec, Canada
               13.25% Deb, Due 9/15/14....      1,556,134         1,374,633
                                             ------------   ---------------
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                       14
<PAGE>   15
CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)--(Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                       MARKET
  AMOUNT                                         COST          VALUE(1)
- ----------                                   ------------   ---------------
<C>          <S>                             <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
             United States--1.1%
$  513,000   U.S. Treasury Bonds
               15.75%, Due 11/15/01.......   $    837,285   $       627,143
   255,000   U.S. Treasury Bonds
               11.63%, Due 11/15/04.......        258,825           321,220
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                1,096,110           948,363
                                             ------------   ---------------
             International Agencies--4.3%
 3,000,000   International Bank for
               Reconstruction &
               Development
               12.38%, Due 10/15/02.......      3,552,750         3,561,138
                                             ------------   ---------------
             HEALTH CARE PRODUCTS--1.3%
 1,500,000   Global Health Sciences, Inc.
               11.00% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               5/1/08.....................      1,040,104         1,110,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
             HOME BUILDERS/FURNISHINGS--1.6%
 1,500,000   J.M. Peters Co., Inc.
               12.75% Sr Nts, Due
               5/1/02(2)..................      1,465,000         1,329,375
                                             ------------   ---------------
             INTERNET--0.7%
 1,000,000   Wam!net Inc.
               0.00% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               3/1/05.....................        586,929           610,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
             INSURANCE--2.0%
 1,500,000   Conseco, Inc.
               10.50% Sr Nts, Due
               12/15/04...................      1,734,840         1,657,641
                                             ------------   ---------------
             LEISURE--2.3%
 1,000,000   The Sports Club Company, Inc.
               11.38% Co Gtd Nts,
               Due 3/15/06................        997,556         1,002,500
 1,000,000   Trump AC Assoc/FNDG Inc.
               11.25% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               5/1/06.....................        967,259           895,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                1,964,815         1,897,500
                                             ------------   ---------------
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                       15
<PAGE>   16
CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)--(Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                       MARKET
  AMOUNT                                         COST          VALUE(1)
- ----------                                   ------------   ---------------
<C>          <S>                             <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
             LODGING--1.7%
$1,500,000   Epic Resorts LLC/CAP
               13.00% Sr Nts, Due
               6/15/07....................   $  1,462,500   $     1,380,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
             METALS--5.3%
 1,500,000   Haynes International, Inc.
               8.25% Sr Nts,
               Due 9/1/04.................      1,409,583         1,400,625
 2,000,000   Inco Ltd.
               9.88% Deb,
               Due 6/15/19................      1,997,500         2,072,960
 1,000,000   Inco Ltd.
               9.60% Deb,
               Due 6/15/22................      1,062,970           944,571
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                4,470,053         4,418,156
                                             ------------   ---------------
             MINING--3.2%
 1,500,000   Cyprus Amax Minerals Inc,
               8.38% Deb,
               Due 2/1/03.................      1,419,893         1,425,537
 1,500,000   Grupo Minero Mexico SA
               8.25% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               4/1/08.....................      1,425,890         1,241,250
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                2,845,783         2,666,787
                                             ------------   ---------------
             MORTGAGE BANKING--1.1%
 1,000,000   Countrywide Capital I
               8.00% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               12/15/26...................        991,360           952,668
                                             ------------   ---------------
             PAPER--1.7%
   600,000   Advance Agro Public Co.
               13.00% Bds,
               Due 11/15/07...............        538,830           468,750
 1,000,000   Grupo Industrial Durango S.A.
               12.63% Nts,
               Due 8/1/03.................        897,607           970,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                1,436,437         1,438,750
                                             ------------   ---------------
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                       16
<PAGE>   17
CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)--(Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                       MARKET
  AMOUNT                                         COST          VALUE(1)
- ----------                                   ------------   ---------------
<C>          <S>                             <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
             PHARMACEUTICALS--0.9%
$  750,000   Sepracor Inc.
               7.00% Nts,
               Due 12/15/06(2)............   $    788,625   $       733,125
                                             ------------   ---------------
             RETAIL-DEPARTMENT
               STORES--1.9%
 1,500,000   The May Department Stores
               Company 8.30%
               Co Gtd Nts,
               Due 7/15/26................      1,558,605         1,557,606
                                             ------------   ---------------
             RESTAURANT--1.2%
 1,000,000   FM 1993A CORP.
               9.75% Sr Nts,
               Due 11/1/03................      1,050,000         1,023,750
                                             ------------   ---------------
             SATELLITE TELEVISION--4.0%
 1,000,000   Golden Sky Systems
               12.38% Sr Sub Nts, Due
               8/1/06.....................      1,010,000         1,120,000
 1,500,000   Innova S DE R.L.
               12.88% Sr Nts,
               Due 4/1/07.................      1,393,110         1,207,500
 1,000,000   Star Choice Communications
               13.00% Sr Nts, Due
               12/15/05...................      1,030,000         1,040,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                3,433,110         3,367,500
                                             ------------   ---------------
             SEMI-CONDUCTOR
               EQUIPMENT--1.4%
 1,500,000   Integrated Process Equipment
               Corp. 6.25% Sub Nts,
               Due 9/15/04(2).............      1,082,750         1,156,875
                                             ------------   ---------------
             STEEL--1.2%
 1,000,000   Algoma Steel Inc.
               12.38% 1st Mtg,
               Due 7/15/05................      1,060,000           980,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                       17
<PAGE>   18
CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)--(Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                       MARKET
  AMOUNT                                         COST          VALUE(1)
- ----------                                   ------------   ---------------
<C>          <S>                             <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
             STUDENT LOAN--0.2%
$  200,000   University Support Services,
               Inc. Sub Educat. Ln Nts Ser
               1991 B. 12.50% Var Rate,
               Due 5/1/06.................   $    199,250   $       200,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
             TEXTILE--1.9%
 1,000,000   Advanced Glassfiber Yarn
               9.88% Sr Sub Nts,
               Due 1/15/09(2).............        980,022           965,000
 1,000,000   Galey & Lord, Inc
               9.13% Co Gtd Nts,
               Due 3/1/08.................        797,500           655,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                1,777,522         1,620,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
             TOLL ROAD REVENUE--1.2%
 1,000,000   GS Superhighway Holdings
               10.25% Sr Nts,
               Due 8/15/07................        993,490           510,000
   936,511   Mc-Cuernavaca Trust
               9.25% Nts,
               Due 1/25/00................        903,746           522,105
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                1,897,236         1,032,105
                                             ------------   ---------------
             TRANSPORTATION--16.0%
             Airlines--13.9%
   977,400     Airplane Pass-Thru Trust
                 8.15% Co Gtd Nts,
                 Due 3/15/19..............        978,621           980,909
 2,250,000     American Airlines, Inc.
                 10.18% Col Ts.,
                 Due 1/2/13...............      2,208,730         2,687,783
   902,846     Atlantic Coast Airlines,
                 Inc.
                 8.75% Pass Thru Costs,
                 Due 1/1/07(2)............        903,008           882,532
 2,243,000     Delta Air Lines, Inc.
                 10.79% Equip Tr Cert,
                 Due 3/26/14(2)...........      2,288,385         2,815,256
   500,000     Delta Air Lines, Inc.
                 10.50% Pass Thru Costs,
                 Due 4/30/16..............        513,750           615,470
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                       18
<PAGE>   19
CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)--(Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                       MARKET
  AMOUNT                                         COST          VALUE(1)
- ----------                                   ------------   ---------------
<C>          <S>                             <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
$1,000,000     Midway Airlines
                 8.14% Pass Thru Costs,
                 Due 1/2/13...............   $  1,000,000   $       945,280
 1,000,000     United Airlines, Inc.
                 10.85% Equip Tr Cert,
                 Due 7/15/14..............      1,000,000         1,194,320
 1,000,000     United Airlines, Inc.
                 10.85% Equip Tr Cert,
                 Due 2/19/15..............      1,000,000         1,194,320
 1,000,000     World Airways, Inc.
                 8.00% Sr Sub Debs,
                 Due 8/26/04..............        760,000           300,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                               10,652,494        11,615,870
                                             ------------   ---------------
             Leasing--2.1%
 1,000,000     Interpool Capital Trust
                 9.88% Co Gtd Nts,
                 Due 2/15/27..............      1,000,000           895,386
 1,000,000     SUSA Partnership, L.P.
                 7.45% Debs,
                 Due 7/1/18...............        998,820           881,707
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                1,998,820         1,777,093
                                             ------------   ---------------
             UTILITIES--5.6%
             Electric--2.2%
 1,250,000     Espirito Santo Centrais
                 10.00% Sr Nts, Due
                 7/15/07..................      1,227,500           943,750
 1,000,000     Korea Electric Power
                 7.75% Deb,
                 Due 4/1/13...............        957,000           904,154
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                2,184,500         1,847,904
                                             ------------   ---------------
             Gas--1.6%
 1,539,932     Transgas de Occidente S.A.
                 9.79% Sr Nts, Due
                 11/1/10..................      1,589,408         1,291,774
                                             ------------   ---------------
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                       19
<PAGE>   20
CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)--(Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                       MARKET
  AMOUNT                                         COST          VALUE(1)
- ----------                                   ------------   ---------------
<C>          <S>                             <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
             Telephone--1.8%
$1,500,000     GTE Corporation
                 7.90% Deb,
                 Due 2/1/27...............   $  1,500,000   $     1,505,081
                 TOTAL DEBT
                 SECURITIES--128.4%.......    111,453,290       107,225,016
                                             ============   ===============
PREFERRED STOCK--3.1%
NUMBER OF
  SHARES
- ----------
    16,223   Hybridon, Inc................      1,541,381           360,962
    40,000   Intermedia Communication.....        961,100         1,130,000
    15,000   Loral Space & Communications
               Ltd........................        755,625           755,625
     5,000   Premier Parks, Inc...........        270,000           340,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                3,528,106         2,586,587
                                             ------------   ---------------
COMMON STOCK--0.3%
    17,900   Lasalle Hotel Properties.....        240,041           274,094
     1,000   Motels of America, Inc.......             15                 0
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                  240,056           274,094
                                             ------------   ---------------
WARRANTS--0.3%

<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
 WARRANTS
- ----------
<C>          <S>                             <C>            <C>
     1,500   American Mobile Satellite
               Corp.......................             15                15
    11,850   Capital Pacific Holdings
               Inc........................              0                 0
     6,000   Convergent Communications....              0                60
     1,000   Econophone, Inc..............              0            30,000
     1,000   Epic Resorts.................             10                10
     1,000   Globalstar Telecommunications
               Ltd........................              0            65,000
    92,977   Hybridon, Inc................              0            16,271
     1,500   Ionica PLC...................              0                 0
     1,000   Orbital Imaging Corp.........              0            40,000
    23,160   Natwest Star Choice..........              0            39,334
     3,000   Wam!net, Inc.................         19,980            68,250
                                             ------------   ---------------
                                                   20,005           258,940
                                             ------------   ---------------
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                       20
<PAGE>   21
CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)--(Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                       MARKET
  AMOUNT                                         COST          VALUE(1)
- ----------                                   ------------   ---------------
<C>          <S>                             <C>            <C>
SHORT-TERM NOTES--1.5%
 1,238,000   First National Bank Time
               Deposit 5.50%, Due 7/1/99     $  1,238,000   $     1,238,000
                                             ------------   ---------------
             TOTAL INVESTMENTS--
               133.6%(3)..................   $116,479,457   $   111,582,637
                                             ============   ===============
</TABLE>

(1) For determination of Market Value see Note A to Financial Statements.

(2) Security may be offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers under
    Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933.

(3) The Total Market Value represents 133.6% of the Net Assets at June 30, 1999.

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                       21
<PAGE>   22

CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------

Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         SIX MONTHS*            FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                            ENDED      -------------------------------------------------
                           6/30/99       1998      1997      1996      1995       1994
                         -----------   --------   -------   -------   -------   --------
<S>                      <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
PERFORMANCE
Net Asset Value
  beginning of year....   $   9.70     $  10.75   $ 10.23   $  9.75   $  8.98   $  10.53
                          ========     ========   =======   =======   =======   ========
Investment
  income--net..........   $   0.48     $   0.97   $  0.98   $  0.99   $  1.07   $   1.10
Realized and unrealized
  (loss) gain on
  investments--net.....   $  (0.51)    $  (1.06)  $  0.50   $  0.47   $  0.74   $  (1.57)
                          --------     --------   -------   -------   -------   --------
Total from investment
  operations...........   $  (0.03)    $  (0.09)  $  1.48   $  1.46   $  1.81   $  (0.47)
Total distributions to
  shareholders.........   $  (0.48)    $  (0.96)  $ (0.96)  $ (0.98)  $ (1.04)  $  (1.08)
                          --------     --------   -------   -------   -------   --------
Net asset value, end of
  period...............   $   9.19     $   9.70   $ 10.75   $ 10.23   $  9.75   $   8.98
                          ========     ========   =======   =======   =======   ========
Market price per share
  end of period........   $10.1875     $10.1875   $ 12.00   $ 10.25   $ 10.25   $   9.50
                          ========     ========   =======   =======   =======   ========

TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN**
Based on market price
  per share............      4.09%       (7.10%)   26.43%     9.56%    18.84%    (16.20%)
Based on net asset
  value per share......     (0.31%)      (0.84%)   14.47%    14.97%    15.70%     (4.46%)

RATIO TO AVERAGE NET
ASSETS
Operating Expenses.....     0.46%+        0.95%     0.82%     0.87%     0.95%      0.99%
Total Expenses.........     1.76%+        3.53%     3.29%     3.52%     3.80%      3.84%
Investment
  income--net..........     5.03%+        9.92%     9.47%    10.02%    11.40%     11.33%
                          --------     --------   -------   -------   -------   --------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets--end of
  thousands)...........   $ 83,523     $ 87,286   $95,026   $88,723   $82,752   $ 74,312
Portfolio turnover.....     14.94%       26.74%    59.86%    65.73%    38.82%     37.91%
</TABLE>

 *Unaudited

**Total investment return based on market value, which can be significantly
  greater or lesser than the net asset value, results in substantially different
  returns.

  +Not annualized

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                       22
<PAGE>   23

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

The primary investment objective of the Company is to provide a high level of
current income, with capital appreciation as a secondary objective. In seeking
to achieve its objectives, the Company must invest its assets in the following
manner:

A.  At least 50% of the value of the Company's total assets must be invested in:

    (1) Straight debt securities or debt securities which are convertible into
        or exchangeable for, or which carry warrants to purchase common stock or
        other interests, which are rated at the time of purchase within the four
        highest classifications assigned by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
        (Aaa, Aa, A or Baa), Standard & Poor's Corporation (AAA, AA, A or BBB),
        or Duff & Phelps Inc. (AAA, AA, A or BBB). Any subclassifications of the
        ratings indicated shall not be deemed to be separate classifications for
        purposes of the Company's investment objectives and policies and
        investment restrictions (e.g., Moody's Aa1, Aa2 and Aa3
        subclassifications shall be included within its Aa classification);

    (2) Securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its
        agencies or instrumentalities;

    (3) Securities (payable in U.S. dollars) of, or guaranteed by, the
        Government of Canada or a Province of Canada or any instrumentality or
        political subdivision thereof;

    (4) Obligations of, or guaranteed by, national or state banks or bank
        holding companies whose primary assets are banks, and which obligations,
        although not rated as a matter of policy by either Moody's Investors
        Service, Inc., Standard & Poor's Corporation or Duff & Phelps Inc. are
        considered by management to have investment quality comparable to
        securities which may be purchased under item 1 above;

    (5) Commercial paper; and

    (6) Cash or cash equivalents, such as U.S. Treasury Bills.

B.  Up to 25% of the value of the Company's total assets may consist of:

    (1) Debt securities not included in item A above;

    (2) Securities not included in item A above which may be convertible into or
        exchangeable for, or carry warrants to purchase, common stock or other
        interests;

    (3) Preferred stocks; and

    (4) Common stocks.

C.  Up to 25% of the value of the Company's total assets may consist of straight
    debt securities not included in item A or item B above.

In seeking to achieve its objectives, the Company invests and has invested
primarily in debt securities rated in the four highest rating categories
assigned

                                       23
<PAGE>   24

by nationally recognized rating agencies but, as set forth above, may also
invest in other securities such as United States and Canadian Government
securities, obligations of or guaranteed by banks, commercial paper and cash
equivalents or in debt securities rated below the four highest rating
categories, including the lowest rating category, which is reserved for
securities in default. The lower the rating category of a debt security, the
higher the degree of speculation of an investment in such security, with
increased risk of loss of principal and interest and, generally, a volatility of
market price which is greater than the average for higher rated securities. The
Company's operating policy, however, is generally not to purchase rated debt
securities which, at the time of purchase, are rated lower than B- by Standard &
Poor's Corporation or Duff & Phelps Inc., or B3 by Moody's Investors Services,
Inc. These debt securities are regarded as predominantly speculative with
respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with their
terms. If the rating of a debt security in the Company's portfolio is reduced
below B- or B3, as the case may be, after purchase, the Company may either sell
the debt security or continue to hold it, depending upon market characteristics.
The Company is permitted to buy debt securities which have not been rated by a
nationally recognized rating agency if, in the opinion of the Adviser, such
unrated debt securities are of comparable quality to the rated debt securities
in which the Company may invest.

In making purchases within the policies listed above, the Company will not
invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in restricted securities,
which are securities acquired in private placement transactions. Also, the
Company will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets in income
producing securities. No assurance can be given that the Company will achieve
its investment objectives.

By virtue of items A.(1) or A.(2), the Company is permitted to buy certain debt
securities, known as "interest only" mortgage-backed securities, in which the
issuer is only obligated to pay a fixed rate of interest based on a stated
principal amount, but does not make any principal payments. Each month the
stated principal amount is adjusted to reflect both scheduled payments and
prepayments of principal on the underlying mortgages. For example, the Company
may buy certain debt securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage
Association (FNMA), a United States government agency, which carry an additional
risk not associated with other FNMA issues. The holder purchases the security at
a price which is lower than the holder's expectations of payments of interest
from the issuer. If payments of principal on the underlying mortgages are
different than the holder's expectation of principal paydowns, then the actual
payments of interest by the issuer could be more or less than the holder's
expectation of interest payments.

By virtue of items A.(1) or A.(2), the Company is also permitted to buy certain
debt securities, known as inverse interest rate floaters. These securities do
not carry a fixed rate of interest, but instead pay interest based on a formula
which varies inversely with the then current market interest rate (the "formula
interest rate"), as reflected by a referenced interest rate on a specific date
near the interest payment date (the "interest calculation date"). For example,

                                       24
<PAGE>   25

if the referenced interest rate decreases on an interest calculation date from
the referenced interest rate on the prior interest calculation date, then the
formula interest rate will increase on that interest calculation date versus the
prior interest calculation date. If the referenced rate of interest on the
current interest calculation date is different than such rate was on the
interest calculation date prior to purchase, then the interest payments received
by the holder may be more or less than the holder expected to receive based on
the referenced rate in effect on the date of purchase.

The foregoing percentage limitations apply at the time of purchase of
securities. The Company may exercise conversion rights, warrants or other
similar rights, and securities thereby received or remaining upon the breakup of
units or detachment of warrants may be retained to permit advantageous
disposition, in each case without regard to the foregoing limitations.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

The following investment restrictions are deemed fundamental policies and may be
changed only by the vote of a "majority" of the Company's outstanding voting
securities, which means the lesser of (1) 67% of the Company's outstanding
voting securities present in person or by proxy at a meeting of the security
holders if more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present in
person or by proxy or (2) more than 50% of the Company's outstanding voting
securities.

The Company will not:

 (1) Issue any senior securities as defined in the Investment Company Act of
     1940 (the "1940 Act"), except in connection with borrowing permitted in
     item 2 below or to the extent investments in interest rate futures
     contracts or fixed income options permitted in item 20 below are considered
     to result in the issuance of senior securities.

 (2) Borrow money, except for investment leverage.

 (3) Mortgage, pledge or hypothecate its assets, except in connection with
     borrowing money as mentioned in item 2 above. This provision shall not
     apply to deposits, or similar arrangements, made in connection with the
     entering into or holding of interest rate futures contracts or purchasing,
     selling, holding or writing fixed income options.

 (4) Act as underwriter, except to the extent that, in connection with the
     disposition of restricted portfolio securities, the Company may be deemed
     to be an underwriter under applicable laws.

 (5) Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate, except that the
     Company may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests
     therein or issued by companies, including real estate investment trusts,
     which deal in real estate or interests therein.

 (6) Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that the
     Company may enter into interest rate futures contracts or fixed income

                                       25
<PAGE>   26

     options and make deposits or have similar arrangements in connection
     therewith.

 (7) Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets to the securities of
     any one issuer (other than cash items and securities of the United States
     Government or its agencies or instrumentalities), or purchase more than 10%
     of any class of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.

 (8) Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in restricted
     securities, which are securities acquired in private placement
     transactions.

 (9) Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in securities of
     issuers in any one industry (gas, electric and telephone companies will be
     considered to be in separate industries, as will banks, finance companies,
     savings and loan associations, insurance companies and other credit
     institutions) except that at times when a significant portion of the market
     for corporate debt securities is composed of issues in the electric utility
     industry or the telephone utility industry, as the case may be, the Company
     may invest up to 35% of its assets in the issues of such industry if the
     Company has cash for such investment and if, in the judgment of management,
     the return available from such securities and the marketability, quality
     and availability thereof justify such concentration in light of the
     Company's investment objectives. The market for corporate debt securities
     will be considered to be composed of a significant portion of debt
     securities of either, the electric utility industry or the telephone
     utility industry, as the case may be, at any time that, to the best of the
     Company's knowledge, 10% or more of the principal amounts of all new issue
     offerings of corporate debt securities in principal amounts of $25,000,000
     or more and within the four highest grades assigned by Moody's Investors
     Service, Inc., Standard & Poor's Corporation, or Duff & Phelps Inc.,
     offered within the prior 60-day period or scheduled to be offered during
     the subsequent 30-day period consists of such issues in such industry.

(10) Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer, if, to the Company's
     knowledge, those officers or directors of the Company or of the Adviser who
     individually own beneficially more than 0.5% of the outstanding securities
     of such issuer, together own beneficially more than 5% of such outstanding
     securities.

(11) Make loans to other persons, except for the purchase of debt securities in
     private placement transactions or public offerings in accordance with the
     Company's investment objectives and policies and for loans of portfolio
     securities as described above.

(12) Purchase securities on margin, except that the Company may obtain such
     short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases or
     sales of securities, and except that the Company may enter into and hold
     interest rate futures contracts and purchase, sell, hold or write fixed
     income options and may make deposits or make similar arrangements in
     connection therewith.

                                       26
<PAGE>   27

(13) Participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any securities trading
     account. The "bunching" of orders for the sale or purchase of marketable
     portfolio securities and other accounts under the management of the Adviser
     or affiliates to save commissions or to average prices among them is not
     deemed to result in a securities trading account.

(14) Purchase interests in oil, gas, or other mineral exploration programs;
     however, this limitation will not prohibit the acquisition of securities of
     companies engaged in the production of or transmission of oil, gas or other
     materials.

(15) Invest in puts, calls or combinations thereof except fixed income options.

(16) Make short sales, except sales "against the box."

(17) Purchase the securities of other investment companies.

(18) Invest for the purposes of exercising control or management.

(19) Purchase securities issued by CNA Financial Corporation or its
     subsidiaries.

(20) Enter into any interest rate futures contract or write any fixed income
     option if, immediately thereafter, the sum of (a) the then aggregate
     futures and option market prices of financial instruments and fixed income
     options required to be delivered under open futures contract sales of the
     Company and open fixed income call options written by the Company and (b)
     the aggregate purchase price under open futures contract purchases of the
     Company and open fixed income put options written by the Company, would
     exceed, in the aggregate, an amount equal to the lesser of (i) five percent
     of the Company's net asset value or (ii) one-third of the total assets of
     the Company less all liabilities not related to fixed income options
     written by the Company and interest rate futures contracts.

Notwithstanding item 6, the Company is permitted to buy certain debt securities,
known as Principal Exchange Rate Linked Securities (PERLS), in which the
interest or principal component is determined by calculating with reference to a
formula based on one or more commodities, including currencies, so long as the
security does not constitute a commodity or commodity contract. For example, the
Company may buy certain debt securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage
Association ("FNMA"), a United States government agency, which carry an
additional risk not associated with other FNMA issues. They pay interest based
upon a specified interest rate and a principal amount denominated in United
States dollars. At maturity, the principal is paid in United States dollars, but
the amount of principal that will be paid is calculated according to a
predetermined formula involving the value of one or more foreign currencies on a
particular date near the maturity date (the "principal payment formula"). This
kind of security is subject to the risk that the currency that is part of the
principal payment formula may be valued at an amount which could cause the
principal paid at

                                       27
<PAGE>   28

maturity to be greater or less than the amount of principal upon which the
interest rate is calculated.

By virtue of item 8, it would be possible for the Company to invest up to 25% of
its assets in restricted securities, which are securities acquired in private
placement transactions. Such securities generally may not be resold without
registration under the Securities Act of 1933 except in transactions exempt from
the registration requirements of such Act. This limitation on resale can have an
adverse effect on the price obtainable for such securities. Also, if in order to
permit resale, the securities are registered under the Securities Act of 1933 at
the Company's expense, the Company's expenses would be increased.

By virtue of item 9, it would be possible for the Company to invest up to 70% of
its assets in securities of the electric utility and telephone utility
industries (up to 35% in each of such industries) if the Company had cash for
such investment and if, in the Company's judgment, the return available from
such industry, and the marketability, quality and availability of the debt
securities of such industry, justified such concentration in light of the
Company's investment objectives. However, if sufficient cash was not available
or if the securities available did not meet the above-mentioned tests of return,
marketability, quality and availability, such concentration would not occur.
Also, the Company would not be required to sell portfolio securities in order to
make cash available for such concentration, although the Company would not be
prohibited from doing so. Furthermore, the Company's ability to so concentrate
its assets would always be contingent upon compliance with other applicable
investment restrictions. Concentration of the Company's assets in either the
electric utility or the telephone utility industries could result in increased
risks. Risks of investments in either industry may arise from difficulties in
obtaining an adequate return on capital because of financing costs and
construction programs and the fact that regulatory authorities might not approve
rate increases sufficient to offset increases in operating expenses. In
addition, risks of investments in the electric utility industry may arise from
environmental conditions, fuel shortages and government-mandated energy
conservation programs.

By virtue of item 20, the Company has a limited ability to enter into interest
rate futures contracts and to write fixed income options. Interest rate futures
contracts and fixed income options create an obligation by the Company to
purchase or to sell a specific financial instrument at a specified future time
at a specified price. The principal risk of interest rate futures contracts and
fixed income options is that unexpected changes in the general level of interest
rates could adversely affect the value of the investment. The Company has not
written fixed income options for several years and has never entered into
interest rate futures contracts.

                                       28
<PAGE>   29

AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

All persons who become registered holders of Common Stock (other than brokers
and nominees of banks or other financial institutions) automatically become
participants ("Participants") in the Company's Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the
"Plan") 15 days thereafter unless they file a written election to terminate
participation with the Company's Transfer Agent.

The Plan is administered by William O'Neill & Co., Inc., the Company's
Purchasing Agent (the "Purchasing Agent"). Under the Plan, dividends and other
distributions are automatically invested in additional full and fractional
shares of Common Stock. Whenever the Company declares a dividend or other
distribution payable in cash or shares of Common Stock, the Purchasing Agent, on
behalf of Participants, will elect to take the dividend in shares at net asset
value whenever the net asset value as of the close of business on the record
date of such dividend is lower than the market price plus brokerage commission
as of the close of business on such day. If the net asset value of the share is
higher than the market price plus applicable commissions, the Purchasing Agent
consistent with seeking the best price and execution, will buy shares of Common
Stock in the over-the-counter market or on a national securities exchange, as
the case may be, for Participants' accounts. There can, of course, be no
assurance that shares of Common Stock will be available in sufficient supply in
the market at a price lower than net asset value to satisfy any requirements of
the Plan. If shares are not available in sufficient supply at such price, the
Purchasing Agent will invest the balance of its cash on hand in shares of Common
Stock whose cost plus brokerage commission will equal or exceed the net asset
value per share on the record date. The number of shares of Common Stock
received by each Participant will be based on the average cost of shares
purchased by the Purchasing Agent. Purchases for the Plan on the open market
usually constitute a significant percentage of all shares of Common Stock traded
on the New York Stock Exchange on the dates that such purchases are made.

Participants may make voluntary payments into the Plan of not less than $25.00.
Such voluntary payments will be accumulated until the end of the month in which
they are received and then invested by BNY Brokerage Inc. in shares of Common
Stock purchased in the over-the-counter market or on a national securities
exchange. The Participant is responsible for paying any brokerage commissions
charged by BNY Brokerage Inc. for the purchase of such shares. Voluntary
payments may not be used to purchase shares from the Company.

Brokers and nominees of banks or other financial institutions may elect to be
included in the Plan. Participants may terminate their participation in the Plan
at any time and elect to receive declared dividends and other distributions in
cash by notifying the Transfer Agent in writing. There is no penalty for
termination of participation in the Plan. Participants withdrawing from the Plan
may rejoin at any time.

Under certain circumstances, Participants may receive benefits through the Plan
not available to shareholders who do not participate in the Plan. In many

                                       29
<PAGE>   30

cases, the shares of closed-end investment companies trade at a discount from
their net asset value, although in some cases shares of such companies trade at
a premium over net asset value. If dividends and other distributions are
received in shares at net asset value when the market price is higher than net
asset value, the Participant will receive shares having a market value in excess
of the cash value of the dividends or distribution.

All costs of administering the Plan are borne by the Company, and thus,
indirectly by its shareholders, including those not participating in the Plan.
Brokers' commissions are not treated as costs of administering the Plan.

The Company reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan as applied to any
dividend or distribution paid subsequent to notice thereof sent to Participants
at least 30 days before the record date for such distribution.

                                       30
<PAGE>   31

                                   DIRECTORS

      Edward S. Bottum
      Franklin A. Cole
      Sidney Davidson
      Richard W. Dubberke
      Marilou R. McGirr
      David G. Taylor

                                    OFFICERS

      Marilou R. McGirr,
        Chairman & President
      Richard W. Dubberke,
        Vice President & Treasurer
      Meghan K. Johnson,
        Vice President &
        Assistant Treasurer
      Douglas B. Schaeffer,
        Vice President
      Lynne Gugenheim,
        Secretary
      Mitchell T. Butowski,
        Assistant Secretary

                                PRINCIPAL OFFICE

                            CNA Income Shares, Inc.
                                   CNA Plaza
                            Chicago, Illinois 60685
                                 (312) 822-4181

                    E-Mail Address: [email protected]
                  Web site at www.cna.com/cna/html/income.html

                                    ADVISER

                         Continental Assurance Company
                    (one of the CNA underwriting companies)

                                   CUSTODIAN

                            The Chase Manhattan Bank
                           One Chase Manhattan Plaza
                            New York, New York 10081

                                    AUDITORS

                             Deloitte & Touche LLP
                                Two Hilton Court
                       Parsippany, New Jersey 07054-0319

                                 TRANSFER AGENT

                              The Bank of New York
                                 1-800-432-8224

               E-Mail Address: [email protected]

<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
                                                   Send Certificates For Transfer and
      Address Shareholder Inquiries To:                    Address Changes To:
            Shareholder Relations                          Receive and Deliver
              Department - 11E                              Department - 11W
               P.O. Box 11258                                P.O. Box 11002
            Church Street Station                         Church Street Station
             New York, NY 10286                            New York, NY 10286
</TABLE>

    Answers to many of your shareholder questions and requests for forms are
                             available by visiting
                       The Bank of New York's Website at:
                           http://stock.bankofny.com


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