CNA INCOME SHARES INC
N-30D, 2000-08-28
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<PAGE>   1

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

<TABLE>
<S>                    <C>
---------------------

Report for the Period       [CNN LOGO]
Ended June 30, 2000
---------------------
</TABLE>

Internet e-mail = [email protected]

Web site at www.cna.com/cnaisi
<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 $0.49 per share during the six months
ended June 30, 2000, and declared dividends totaling $0.48 per share. Dividends
are paid on a quarterly schedule, with the next dividend anticipated to be paid
on October 15, 2000.

Although the dividend has been maintained at $0.24 per quarter for 16
consecutive quarters, management's projection of income suggests that a
reduction of $0.03 per quarter is consistent with the current income generating
capability of the Company. Management has made a recommendation to the Board of
Directors that the October dividend be $0.21 per share. If annual income exceeds
the annual dividend by $0.01 or more, we anticipate that the excess will be paid
as an extra dividend on the January dividend payment date.

The Federal Reserve continued a series of Fed fund rate increases that started
on June 30, 1999. Since June 30, 1999, the Federal Reserve has increased the Fed
funds rate six times, three times in 1999 and three times thus far in 2000. The
last rate hike was 50 basis points on May 16, 2000, its most aggressive increase
to date. At its last meeting on August 22nd, the Federal Reserve left the rate
unchanged at 6.50%. Although during the first six months of this year 3-month
Treasury bill rates increased from 5.31% to 5.86%, the long-term rate, as
reflected by the 30-year Treasury bond, actually declined from 6.48% to 5.90%.

For the first six months of 2000, investment-grade bonds generally had positive
returns, with the Lehman Brothers Intermediate Corporate index returning 2.71%.
High yield bonds did not fare as well with the index return for Intermediate
High Yield Corporate Bonds being a negative 1.23%. CNA Income Shares had a
positive total return of 0.82%. Your company's portfolio mix as of June 30, 2000
consisted of approximately 59% investment-grade bonds, 36% high-yield bonds and
5% preferred stock and Real Estate Investment Trust common stock. We prefer not
to increase the fund's credit risk exposure at this time.

Management continues to focus on providing a high and steady payout to our
shareholders. However, 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 29, 2000

                                        3
<PAGE>   4

CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

JUNE 30, 2000 (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 $113,957,447)..........  $102,736,427
    Short-term notes at amortized cost (cost $245,135)......       245,135

Receivables:
  Interest..................................................     3,324,050
  Securities sold -- not received...........................       977,850
  Dividends.................................................        23,250
Prepaid expenses............................................       143,165
                                                              ------------
      TOTAL ASSETS..........................................   107,449,877
LIABILITIES:
Payables:
  Securities purchased -- not received......................       494,150
  Dividend payable..........................................     2,204,296
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses.....................       443,963
  Interest payable..........................................       141,490
Bank Credit Facility (Note B)...............................    30,000,000
                                                              ------------
      TOTAL LIABILITIES.....................................    33,283,899
                                                              ------------
NET ASSETS, equivalent to $8.08 per share on 9,184,566
  shares outstanding........................................  $ 74,165,978
                                                              ============
New York Stock Exchange closing price -- $8.125
NET ASSETS REPRESENTED BY:
  Capital stock $1 par value Authorized: 15,000,000 shares
    issued and outstanding: 9,184,566 shares................  $  9,184,566
  Paid-in surplus...........................................   103,748,178
                                                              ------------
                                                              $112,932,744
  Earned Surplus (deficit)
    Accumulated net realized gain(loss) on investments......   (29,233,507)
    Undistributed net investment income.....................     1,216,573
  Net unrealized appreciation...............................   (10,749,834)
                                                              ------------
      NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO CAPITAL STOCK OUTSTANDING....  $ 74,165,976
                                                              ============
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                        4
<PAGE>   5

CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2000 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>                 <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
INCOME:
Interest income............................................         $5,797,156
Discount earned............................................            206,684
Dividend income............................................             27,375
Other income -- Consent Fee................................             20,000
                                                                    ----------
             TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME.......................          6,051,215
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fee (Note F)............        197,601
Accounting services and expenses............         30,841
Insurance...................................         29,846
Directors' fees and expenses (Note F).......         25,369
Shareholder reports.........................         17,845
Auditing and consulting fees................         14,924
Mailing expenses............................         14,798
Transfer agent and registrar................         11,938
Registration and filing fees................         11,468
Bank Credit Facility expenses...............         11,157
Dividend disbursing services................          9,696
Legal fees and expenses.....................          8,891
Custodian fees..............................          7,303
State and local taxes.......................          4,096
                                                -----------
             Total Operating Expenses.......        395,773
Interest expenses (Note B)..................      1,105,317          1,501,090
                                                -----------         ----------
             NET INVESTMENT INCOME.........................          4,550,125
                                                                    ----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
ON INVESTMENTS
(excluding short-term notes) (Notes A and D):
NET REALIZED GAIN (LOSS) FROM SECURITY TRANSACTIONS........           (959,391)
                                                                    ----------
UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION) OF INVESTMENTS:
Beginning of year...........................     (7,778,040)
End of period...............................    (10,749,834)
                                                -----------
NET (INCREASE) DECREASE IN UNREALIZED DEPRECIATION.........         (2,971,794)
                                                                    ----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS.....         (3,931,185)
                                                                    ----------
             NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
               RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS...................         $  618,940
                                                                    ==========
</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, 2000 (UNAUDITED)
AND THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 SIX MONTHS          YEAR
                                                    ENDED            ENDED
                                                  6/30/2000          1999
                                                 -----------      -----------
<S>                                              <C>              <C>
FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES:
Net investment income.....................         4,550,125        8,752,271
Net realized gain (loss) from security
  transactions............................          (959,391)      (4,059,530)
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized
  appreciation (depreciation).............        (2,971,792)      (6,956,971)
                                                 -----------      -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
  resulting from operations...............           618,942       (2,264,230)
Dividends to shareholders from net
  investment income ($0.48 and $0.96 per
  share, respectively)....................        (4,420,848)      (8,749,048)

FROM CAPITAL SHARE
TRANSACTIONS(Notes B and E):
Increase in net assets due to shares
  issued to shareholders on reinvestment
  of net investment income................                --        1,695,082
                                                 -----------      -----------
  Net change in net assets................        (3,801,906)      (9,318,196)

NET ASSETS:
BEGINNING OF YEAR.........................        77,967,884       87,286,080
                                                 -----------      -----------
END OF PERIOD (INCLUDING UNDISTRIBUTED NET
  INVESTMENT INCOME OF $1,216,573 AND
  $1,078,797, RESPECTIVELY)...............       $74,165,978      $77,967,884
                                                 ===========      ===========
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                        6
<PAGE>   7

CNA INCOME SHARES, INC
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2000

<TABLE>
<S>                                                            <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from sales of securities........................    $ 74,492,688
  Purchase of securities...................................     (75,427,993)
  Gross investment income..................................       6,051,216
  Expenses paid............................................      (1,348,011)
  Amortization of discount/premium.........................         (20,459)
  Interest received........................................        (253,444)
  Dividends received.......................................          15,808
                                                               ------------
           NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:......       3,509,805
                                                               ============
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Dividends paid in cash...................................      (4,420,848)
                                                               ------------
           NET CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES..........      (4,420,848)
Net Increase (decrease) in cash............................        (911,043)
Cash at beginning of year..................................         911,043
                                                               ------------
Cash at end of period......................................    $          0
                                                               ============
RECONCILIATION OF INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS TO
  NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
    operations.............................................         (24,263)
  Net increase (decrease) in investments income............       6,062,534
  Increase (decrease) in expenses and other................      (1,348,010)
  Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued
    expenses...............................................      (4,420,848)
  Increase (decrease) in interest payable..................        (269,413)
                                                               ------------
           NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES.......    $         (0)
                                                               ============
</TABLE>

                 See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements

                                        7
<PAGE>   8

CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 6/30/00 (UNAUDITED)
AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 12/31/99

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 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, 1999 was
        $114,218,720, based upon Federal tax cost of investments, the net
        unrealized gains and (losses) were ($7,997,960). At December 31, 1999,
        there was a capital loss carry-over of approximately $7,150,408,
        $2,203,423 in 2002, $350,141 in 2003, $1,390,647 in 2006 and $3,206,180
        in 2007. 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, NKA Bank One N.A. ("Bank
    One") 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) a spread over Bank One'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 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, 2000 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....................         $12,476,214      $ 8,482,750
    Preferred Stock....................           1,125,450        1,379,253
    Common Stock.......................           2,424,940        1,910,197
</TABLE>

E.  Capital Stock:

    At June 30, 2000, 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, 9,184,566 shares are issued and

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

    outstanding. 349,356 shares have been reserved for the automatic dividend
    investment 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, 2000.

    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 2000 and 1999 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,
      2000........  $2,994,258   $2,240,401     0.24      $   547,605    $ 0.06
    Jun. 30,
      2000........   3,056,957    2,309,724     0.25       (3,383,580)    (0.37)
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Mar. 31,
      1999........  $2,863,730   $2,106,730     0.24      $(1,619,818)   $(0.18)
    Jun. 30,
      1999........   3,017,911    2,252,480     0.24       (2,992,171)    (0.33)
</TABLE>

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
JUNE 30, 2000

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                         MARKET
  AMOUNT                                            COST         VALUE(1)
----------                                      ------------   ------------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--130.1%
             AEROSPACE--2.5%
$1,000,000   Northrop-Grumman Corporation
               9.375% Deb, Due 10/15/2024....   $  1,154,340   $  1,016,429
 1,000,000   Sabreliner Corp.
               11.000% Sr Nts, Due
               06/15/2008....................        885,000        826,250
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   2,039,340      1,842,679
                                                ------------   ------------
             AUTOMOTIVE--2.0%
 1,000,000   Auburn Hills Trust
               12.000% Deb, Due 05/01/2020...      1,000,000      1,457,738
                                                ------------   ------------
             APPAREL--2.5%
 1,000,000   Norton McNaughton, Inc.
               12.500% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               06/01/2005....................        830,000        895,000
 1,000,000   Supreme International Corp.
               12.250% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               04/01/2006....................        988,520        950,000
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   1,818,520      1,845,000
                                                ------------   ------------
             BANKS--7.2%
 2,000,000   BankAmerica Institutional
               Capital A
               8.070% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               12/31/2026(2).................      2,016,060      1,832,766
 1,000,000   FBS Capital I
               8.090% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               11/15/2026....................      1,000,000        881,909
 2,000,000   Washington Mutual Capital 1
               8.375% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               06/01/2027....................      2,045,910      1,779,554
 1,000,000   Zions Instit Capital Trust A
               8.536% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               12/15/2026....................      1,092,500        803,532
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   6,154,470      5,297,761
                                                ------------   ------------
             BROADCASTING--1.1%
 1,000,000   Globo Communicacoes Part
               10.625% Unsub, Due
               12/05/2008(2).................        857,500        842,500
                                                ------------   ------------
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                         MARKET
  AMOUNT                                            COST         VALUE(1)
----------                                      ------------   ------------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
             CABLE--7.8%
$1,500,000   CF Cable TV, Inc.
               9.125% Sec. Nts, Due
               07/15/2007....................   $  1,560,000   $  1,597,469
 1,000,000   Cablevision S.A.
               13.750% Bds,
               Due 05/01/2009................        890,000        910,000
 1,000,000   Tele-Communications, Inc.
               9.800% Deb,
               Due 02/01/2012................      1,081,400      1,147,624
 1,750,000   Tele-Communications, Inc.
               10.125% Deb,
               Due 04/15/2022................      1,780,775      2,131,451
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   5,312,175      5,786,544
                                                ------------   ------------
             CHEMICALS--4.6%
 1,000,000   Equistar Chemicals LP
               8.750% Sr Nts,
               Due 02/15/2009................      1,015,930        977,465
 1,000,000   Montell Finance Co--B.V.
               8.100% Co Gtd Nts,
               Due 03/15/2027(2).............      1,011,250        891,416
 1,500,000   Union Carbide Corporation
               8.750% Sr Nts, Due
               08/01/2022....................      1,631,250      1,550,655
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   3,658,430      3,419,536
                                                ------------   ------------
             COMMUNICATIONS--21.3%
 1,000,000   Allegiance Telecom, Inc.
               12.875% Sr Nts, Due
               05/15/2008....................        980,090      1,082,500
 1,500,000   AMSC Acquisition Company, Inc.
               12.250% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               04/01/2008....................      1,259,985      1,170,000
 1,000,000   CIA Radiocomunic Moviles
               9.250% Nts, Due
               05/08/2008(2).................      1,416,250      1,327,500
 1,000,000   Celcaribe SA
               14.500% Sr Nts, Due
               03/15/2004....................        910,000        803,750
 1,500,000   Convergent Communications Inc.
               13.000% Sr Nts, Due
               04/01/2008....................      1,492,500      1,051,875
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                         MARKET
  AMOUNT                                            COST         VALUE(1)
----------                                      ------------   ------------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
$1,000,000   Globalstar LP/Capital
               11.250% Sr Nts, Due
               06/15/2004....................   $    210,000   $    272,500
 1,000,000   IMPSAT Corporation
               12.125% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               07/15/2003....................      1,000,000        890,000
 2,000,000   Orbcomm Global LP/Capital
               14.000% Sr Nts, Due
               08/15/2004....................      1,947,500      1,560,000
 1,500,000   Orbital Imaging Corp.
               11.625% Sr Nts, Due
               03/01/2005....................      1,377,500        686,250
 1,500,000   Orion Network Systems
               11.250% Sr Nts, Due
               01/15/2007....................      1,455,000        907,500
 2,000,000   Sprint Spectrum L.P.
               11.000% Sr Nts, Due
               08/15/2006....................      2,207,500      2,152,862
 1,000,000   Telephone & Data Systems
               8.400% Med Term Nts, Due
               02/24/2023....................      1,048,480        990,181
 1,000,000   Telephone & Data Systems
               9.550% Med Term Nts, Due
               11/15/2021....................      1,088,750      1,027,664
 1,000,000   U.S. Xchange LLC
               15.000% Sr Nts, Due
               07/01/2008....................      1,000,000      1,092,500
 1,000,000   Viatel, Inc.
               11.250% Sr Nts, Due
               04/15/2008....................        960,000        740,000
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                  18,353,555     15,755,082
                                                ------------   ------------
             COMPUTERS/MEMORY DEVICES--1.9%
 1,500,000   Seagate Technology Inc.
               7.450% Deb,
               Due 03/01/2037................      1,323,750      1,402,275
                                                ------------   ------------
             CONSUMER PRODUCTS--0.1%
   500,000   Sunbeam Corporation
               0.000% Sr Sub Deb, Due
               03/25/2018(2).................        144,016         78,750
                                                ------------   ------------
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                         MARKET
  AMOUNT                                            COST         VALUE(1)
----------                                      ------------   ------------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
             ELECTRONICS DISTRIBUTION--1.8%
$2,000,000   Reptron Electronics Inc.
               6.750% Sub Nts, Due
               08/01/2004....................   $  1,425,000   $  1,347,500
                                                ------------   ------------
             ENERGY--4.8%
 1,000,000   Husky Oil Ltd.
               8.900% Bds,
               Due 08/15/2028................        997,532        940,886
 1,500,000   PennzEnergy Company
               10.250% Deb,
               Due 11/01/2005................      1,759,855      1,641,380
 1,000,000   Pool Energy Services Co.
               8.625% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               04/01/2008....................      1,022,500      1,005,498
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   3,779,887      3,587,764
                                                ------------   ------------
             ENTERTAINMENT--3.6%
 1,000,000   Liberty Media Group
               8.500% Nts, Due
               07/15/2029(2).................        997,270        944,437
 1,500,000   Time Warner Entertainment
               Company L.P.
               10.150% Nts,
               Due 05/01/2012................      1,607,530      1,743,557
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   2,604,800      2,687,994
                                                ------------   ------------
             FINANCIAL--4.25
 3,000,000   Ford Motor Credit Corp
               9.030% Nts,
               Due 12/30/2009................      3,199,800      3,115,407
                                                ------------   ------------
             FOOD/RETAIL--0.4%
 1,300,000   Pathmark Stores, Inc.
               11.625% Sub Nts, Due
               06/15/2002....................      1,325,220        325,000
                                                ------------   ------------
             FOREST PRODUCTS--3.0%
 1,000,000   Boise Cascade Corporation
               9.850% Nts,
               Due 06/15/2002................      1,091,910      1,023,851
 1,200,000   Georgia Pacific Corporation
               9.500% Deb,
               Due 05/15/2022................      1,179,000      1,201,960
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   2,270,910      2,225,811
                                                ------------   ------------
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                         MARKET
  AMOUNT                                            COST         VALUE(1)
----------                                      ------------   ------------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
             GOVERNMENT DEBT--7.0%
             United States--1.2%
$  513,000   U.S. Treasury Bonds
               15.750%,
               Due 11/15/2001................   $    837,285   $    574,400
   255,000   U.S. Treasury Bonds
               11.625%,
               Due 11/15/2004................        258,825        306,080
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   1,096,110        880,480
                                                ------------   ------------
             Foreign--1.3%
 1,000,000   Republic of Brazil
               12.750%, Due 01/15/2020.......        963,940        956,250
                                                ------------   ------------
             International Agencies--4.5%
 3,000,000   International Bank for
               Reconstruction & Development
               12.375%, Due 10/15/2002.......      3,552,750      3,338,667
                                                ------------   ------------
             HEALTH CARE PRODUCTS--0.7%
 1,500,000   Global Health Sciences, Inc.
               11.000% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               05/01/2008....................      1,040,000        543,750
                                                ------------   ------------
             HOME BUILDERS/FURNISHINGS--1.8%
 1,500,000   J.M. Peters Co., Inc.
               12.750% Sr Nts, Due
               05/01/2002....................      1,465,000      1,335,000
                                                ------------   ------------
             INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES--1.0%
 1,000,000   Rhythms Netconnections Inc.
               12.750% Sr Nts, Due
               04/15/2009....................        970,000        705,000
                                                ------------   ------------
             INSURANCE MULTI-LINE--1.2%
 1,000,000   Anthem Insurance
               9.125% Nts, Due
               04/01/2010(2).................        898,480        900,000
                                                ------------   ------------
             INTERNET--0.3%
   500,000   Cybernet Internet Services
               14.000% Serv Units, Due
               07/01/2009(2).................        471,186        250,000
                                                ------------   ------------
             INSURANCE--1.4%
 1,500,000   Conseco, Inc.
               10.500% Sr Nts, Due
               12/15/2004....................      1,734,840      1,065,000
                                                ------------   ------------
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                         MARKET
  AMOUNT                                            COST         VALUE(1)
----------                                      ------------   ------------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
             LEISURE--2.2%
$1,000,000   The Sports Club Company, Inc.
               11.375% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               03/15/2006....................   $    997,568   $    930,000
 1,000,000   Trump AC Assoc/FNDG Inc.
               11.250% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               05/01/2006....................        967,259        705,000
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   1,964,827      1,635,000
                                                ------------   ------------
             LODGING--0.9%
 1,500,000   Epic Resorts LLC/CAP
               13.000% Sr Nts, Due
               06/15/2005....................      1,462,500        682,500
                                                ------------   ------------
             METALS--2.3%
 1,000,000   Haynes International, Inc.
               11.625% Sr Nts, Due
               09/01/2004....................        902,917        700,000
 1,000,000   Inco Ltd.
               9.600% Deb,
               Due 06/15/2022................      1,062,970        980,338
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   1,965,887      1,680,338
                                                ------------   ------------
             MINING--3.7%
 1,500,000   Cyprus Amax Minerals Inc,
               8.375% Deb, Due 02/01/2023....      1,419,735      1,497,899
 1,500,000   Grupo Minero Mexico SA
               8.250% Co Gtd Nts, Due
               04/01/2008....................      1,425,890      1,207,500
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   2,845,625      2,705,399
                                                ------------   ------------
             MORTGAGE BANKING--2.2%
 2,000,000   Countrywide Capital I
               8.000% Co Gtd Nts,
               Due 12/15/2026................      1,877,348      1,654,360
                                                ------------   ------------
             PAPER--0.5%
   600,000   Advance Agro Public Co
               13.000% Bds,
               Due 11/15/2007................        538,830        370,500
                                                ------------   ------------
             PLASTIC COMPONENTS--0.2%
 1,000,000   Moll Industries, Inc
               10.500% Sr Sub Nts,
               Due 07/01/2008................        430,000        175,000
                                                ------------   ------------
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                         MARKET
  AMOUNT                                            COST         VALUE(1)
----------                                      ------------   ------------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
             RESTAURANT--0.8%
$1,000,000   American Restaurant Group, Inc
               11.500% Co Gtn Nts,
               Due 02/15/2003................   $    795,000   $    767,500
                                                ------------   ------------
             RETAIL / AUTO PARTS--0.8%
 1,000,000   Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack
               6.710% Med Term Nts,
               Due 11/03/2004................        631,556        620,000
                                                ------------   ------------
             RETAIL / DEPARTMENT STORES--2.8%
 1,000,000   Ames Department Stores, Inc
               10.000% Sr Nts,
               Due 04/15/2006................        838,750        605,000
 1,500,000   The May Department Stores
               Company
               8.300% Co Gtd Nts,
               Due 07/15/2026................      1,558,605      1,450,836
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   2,397,355      2,055,836
                                                ------------   ------------
             SATELLITE TELEVISION--3.3%
 1,500,000   Innova S DE R.L,
               12.875% Sr Nts,
               Due 04/01/2007................      1,393,110      1,387,500
 1,000,000   Star Choice Communications
               13.000% Sr Nts,
               Due 12/15/2005................      1,030,000      1,026,250
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   2,423,110      2,413,750
                                                ------------   ------------
               SEMI-CONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT--0.8%
   750,000   Integrated Process
               Equipment Corp
               6.250% Bds,
               Due 09/15/2004................        625,000        593,438
                                                ------------   ------------
             TELECOM SERVICES--1.3%
 1,000,000   Mastec, Inc
               7.750% Sr Sub Nts,
               Due 02/01/2008................        955,000        925,000
                                                ------------   ------------
             TEXTILE--1.2%
 1,000,000   Advanced Glassfiber Yarn
               9.875% Sr Sub Nts,
               Due 01/15/2009................        980,000        915,000
                                                ------------   ------------
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                         MARKET
  AMOUNT                                            COST         VALUE(1)
----------                                      ------------   ------------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
             TOLL ROAD REVENUE--1.5%
$1,000,000   GS Superhighway Holdings
               10.250% Sr Nts,
               Due 08/15/2007................   $    993,490   $    680,000
   482,674   Mc-Cuernavaca Trust
               9.250% Nts,
               Due 01/25/2000................        465,788        440,440
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   1,459,278      1,120,440
                                                ------------   ------------
             TRANSPORTATION--19.5%
             Airlines--17.2%
   936,100   Airplane Pass-Thru Trust
               8.150% Co Gtd Nts
               Due 03/15/2019................        937,270        842,406
 2,250,000   American Airlines, Inc
               10.180% Col Ts.
               Due 01/02/2013................      2,208,730      2,558,205
   841,925   Atlantic Coast Airlines, Inc
               8.750% Pass Thru Costs
               Due 01/01/2007(2).............        842,076        835,320
   956,990   Atlas Air, Inc
               8.770% Pass Thru Costs
               Due 01/02/2011................        938,989        945,257
 2,243,000   Delta Air Lines, Inc
               10.790% Equip Tr Cert,
               Due 03/26/2014(2).............      2,288,385      2,650,306
   500,000   Delta Air Lines, Inc
               10.500% Pass Thru Costs,
               Due 04/30/2016................        513,750        541,645
   971,186   Midway Airlines
               8.140% Pass Thru Costs,
               Due 01/02/2013................        971,186        868,095
   977,850   Northwest Airlines, Inc
               8.130% Pass Thru Costs,
               Due 02/01/2014................        950,282        925,662
 1,000,000   United Airlines, Inc
               10.850% Equip Tr Cert,
               Due 07/15/2014................      1,000,000      1,128,530
 1,000,000   United Airlines, Inc
               10.850% Equip Tr Cert,
               Due 02/19/2015................      1,000,000      1,128,530
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                         MARKET
  AMOUNT                                            COST         VALUE(1)
----------                                      ------------   ------------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
DEBT SECURITIES--(Cont'd)
$1,000,000   World Airways, Inc
               8.000% Sr Sub Debs,
               Due 08/26/2004................   $    760,000   $    300,000
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                  12,410,667     12,723,956
                                                ------------   ------------
             Leasing--2.3%
 1,250,000   Interpool Capital Trust
               9.875% Co Gtd Nts,
               Due 02/15/2027................      1,223,125        917,880
 1,000,000   SUSA Partnership, L.P
               7.450% Debs,
               Due 07/01/2018................        998,820        841,270
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   2,221,945      1,759,150
                                                ------------   ------------
             UTILITIES--3.7%
             Electric--1.3%
 1,250,000   Espirito Santo Centrais
               10.000% Sr Nts,
               Due 07/15/2007................      1,227,500        975,000
                                                ------------   ------------
             Gas--0.5%
   528,695   Transgas de Occidente S.A
               9.790% Sr Nts,
               Due 11/01/2010................        545,718        381,982
                                                ------------   ------------
             Telephone--1.9%
 1,500,000   GTE Corporation
               7.900% Deb, Due 02/01/2027....      1,500,000      1,422,297
                                                ------------   ------------
             TOTAL DEBT
             SECURITIES--130.1%..............    106,716,824     96,567,931
                                                ============   ============
</TABLE>

                                       19
<PAGE>   20
CNA INCOME SHARES, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--(Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                         MARKET
  AMOUNT                                            COST         VALUE(1)
----------                                      ------------   ------------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
PREFERRED STOCK--4.7%
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
  SHARES
---------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
    22,000   Bank United.....................      1,004,100      1,023,000
     3,829   Globalstar Telecommunications
               Ltd...........................             --         34,461
    17,821   Hybridon, Inc...................      1,648,543        483,756
       527   Hybridon, Inc...................             --            626
    10,806   Hybridon, Inc...................             --         12,832
    30,000   Intermedia Communication........        720,825        768,750
    20,000   Loral Space & Communications
               Ltd...........................        886,875        470,000
    20,000   Psinet Inc......................        722,600        682,500
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   4,982,943      3,475,925
                                                ------------   ------------
COMMON STOCK--3.2%
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
  SHARES
---------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
    60,000   Healthcare Realty Trust
               Company.......................      1,074,881      1,023,750
   113,847   Hybridon, Inc...................             --        135,193
    35,000   Hospitality Properties Trust....        782,733        789,688
       226   Intermedia Communication........             --          6,724
    27,900   Lasalle Hotel Properties........        365,056        401,063
     1,000   Motels of America, Inc..........             15              0
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                   2,222,685      2,356,417
                                                ------------   ------------
WARRANTS--0.5%
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
 WARRANTS
---------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
     1,500   Motient Corporation.............             15         60,000
     6,000   Convergent Communications.......             --        132,000
     1,000   Epic Resorts....................             --             10
    92,977   Hybridon, Inc...................             --         23,244
     1,500   Orbital Imaging Corp............         15,000         30,000
    23,160   Natwest Star Choice.............             --         57,900
     3,000   Wam!net, Inc....................         19,980         33,000
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                      34,995        336,154
                                                ------------   ------------
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL                                                         MARKET
  AMOUNT                                            COST         VALUE(1)
----------                                      ------------   ------------
<C>          <S>                                <C>            <C>
SHORT-TERM NOTES--0.3%
   245,000   Banc One Corp
               0.00%, Due 06/05/2000.........   $    245,135   $    245,135
                                                ------------   ------------
             TOTAL INVESTMENTS--
               138.8%(3).....................   $114,202,582   $102,981,562
                                                ============   ============
</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 138.8% of the Net Assets at June 30, 2000.

                                       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      ------------------------------------------------
                          6/30/00      1999       1998      1997      1996      1995
                        -----------   -------   --------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                     <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
PERFORMANCE
Net Asset Value
  beginning of year...    $  9.70     $  9.70   $  10.75   $ 10.23   $  9.75   $  8.98
                          =======     =======   ========   =======   =======   =======
Investment income--
  net.................    $  0.49     $  0.96   $   0.97   $  0.98   $  0.99   $  1.07
Realized and
  unrealized (loss)
  gain on
  investments--net....    $ (0.43)    $ (1.21)  $  (1.06)  $  0.50   $  0.47   $  0.74
                          -------     -------   --------   -------   -------   -------
Total from investment
  operations..........    $  0.06     $ (0.25)  $  (0.09)  $  1.48   $  1.46   $  1.81
Total distributions to
  shareholders........    $ (0.48)    $ (0.96)  $  (0.96)  $ (0.96)  $ (0.98)  $ (1.04)
                          -------     -------   --------   -------   -------   -------
Net asset value, end
  of period...........    $  8.08     $  8.49   $   9.70   $ 10.75   $ 10.23   $  9.75
                          =======     =======   ========   =======   =======   =======
Market price per share
  end of period.......    $ 8.125     $ 7.125   $10.1875   $ 12.00   $ 10.25   $ 10.25
                          =======     =======   ========   =======   =======   =======

TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN**
Based on market price
  per share...........      20.77%     (20.63%)    (7.10%)   26.43%     9.56%    18.84%
Based on net asset
  value per share.....       0.82%      (2.58%)    (0.84%)   14.47%    14.97%    15.70%

RATIO TO AVERAGE NET
ASSETS
Operating Expenses....       0.51%+      0.97%      0.95%     0.82%     0.87%     0.95%
Total Expenses........       1.43%+      3.66%      3.53%     3.29%     3.52%     3.80%
Investment income--
  net.................       5.90%+     10.45%      9.92%     9.47%    10.02%    11.40%
                          -------     -------   --------   -------   -------   -------

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets--end of
  thousands)..........    $74,166     $77,968   $ 87,286   $95,026   $88,723   $82,752
Portfolio turnover....      14.71%      36.16%     26.74%    59.86%    65.73%    38.82%
</TABLE>

 *Unaudited

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

  +Not annualized

                                       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
      Richard W. Dubberke
      Marilou R. McGirr
      David G. Taylor
      David J. Vitale

                                    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/cnaisi

                                    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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