<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 30,
1999
REGISTRATION NOS. 2-70162
811-3121
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 / /
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. / /
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 20 /X/
AND/OR
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 / /
AMENDMENT NO. 21 /X/
---------------------
EQUITRUST MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
5400 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA 50266
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(515) 225-5586
(Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)
STEPHEN M. MORAIN, ESQUIRE
5400 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA 50266
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
------------------------
COPY TO:
JAMES A. ARPAIA, ESQUIRE
VEDDER, PRICE, KAUFMAN & KAMMHOLZ
222 NORTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, IL 60601
------------------------
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
/ / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
/X/ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
/ / 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
If appropriate, check the following box:
/ / This post-effective amendment designates a new effective
date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
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EQUITRUST MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.
-------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS
December 1, 1999
EquiTrust Money Market Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is a no-load, open-end,
diversified management investment company with an investment objective of
maximum current income consistent with liquidity and stability of principal.
Shares of the Fund may be purchased at their net asset value without any sales
charge. The minimum initial investment is $500 and subsequent investments may be
made in any amount. Shares may be redeemed at any time at net asset value as
described in this prospectus.
An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to
preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose
money by investing in the Fund.
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED SHARES
OF THE FUND OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
EquiTrust Mutual Funds
5400 University Avenue
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266
800-247-4170
<PAGE>
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
AN OVERVIEW OF THE FUND.................................................... 2
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY........................................................ 3
FEES AND EXPENSES.......................................................... 4
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS............................ 4
Investment Objective................................................. 4
General Discussion of Risks.......................................... 4
General Types of Investment Risk..................................... 5
DESCRIPTION OF PRINCIPAL SECURITY TYPES AND ASSOCIATED RISKS............... 5
HOW TO BUY SHARES.......................................................... 7
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES....................................................... 8
NET ASSET VALUE............................................................ 9
OTHER SHAREHOLDER SERVICES................................................. 10
Periodic Withdrawal Plan............................................. 10
Automatic Investment Plan............................................ 10
Exchange Privilege................................................... 10
Facsimile Requests................................................... 11
Retirement Plans..................................................... 11
Education Plan....................................................... 12
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT....................................................... 12
OTHER INFORMATION.......................................................... 13
Year 2000............................................................ 13
Distributor.......................................................... 13
Investor Education and Protection.................................... 13
DISTRIBUTIONS.............................................................. 13
TAXES...................................................................... 14
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS....................................................... 16
Back
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION..................................................... Cover
Back
Shareholder Inquiries................................................ Cover
Back
Annual/Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders........................... Cover
Back
Statement of Additional Information.................................. Cover
</TABLE>
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YIELD AND PURCHASE INFORMATION
U.S. TOLL-FREE (800) 247-4170
IOWA TOLL-FREE (800) 422-3175
DES MOINES (515) 225-5586
1
<PAGE>
AN OVERVIEW OF THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------
(SIDEBAR)
INVESTOR PROFILE
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER INVESTING IN THIS FUND?
You may want to invest more of your assets in this Fund if you:
- - require stability of principal
- - are seeking a mutual fund for the cash portion of an asset allocation program
- - need to "park" your money temporarily
or
- - consider yourself a saver rather than an investor
You may want to invest less of your assets in this Fund if you:
- - are seeking an investment that is likely to outpace inflation
- - are investing for retirement or other goals that are many years in the future
or
- - are investing for growth or maximum current income
(End Sidebar)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
WHAT IS THIS FUND'S GOAL?
The Fund seeks maximum current income consistent with liquidity and stability of
principal. The Fund intends to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per
share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRIMARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
HOW DOES THIS FUND PURSUE ITS OBJECTIVE?
This Fund invests exclusively in U.S. dollar-denominated money market securities
maturing in 13 months or less from the date of purchase, including those issued
by U.S. financial institutions, corporate issuers, the U.S. Government and its
agencies, instrumentalities and municipalities. At least 95% of the Fund's
assets must be rated in the highest short-term category (or its unrated
equivalent), and 100% of the Fund's assets must be invested in securities rated
in the two highest rating categories. The Fund maintains a dollar-weighted
average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL RISKS
WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THIS FUND?
As with any money market fund, the yield paid by the Fund will vary with changes
in interest rates. Also, there is a possibility that the Fund's share value
could fall below $1.00, which could reduce the value of your investment.
An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to
preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose
money by investing in the Fund. Before you invest, please carefully read the
section on "Principal Risk Factors."
2
<PAGE>
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
- --------------------------------------------------
The following bar chart provides an illustration of the performance of the Fund
during each of the last ten years. The bar chart indicates the degree of
variability that the Fund experienced in its performance from year to year. This
reflects the degree of risk of an investment in the Fund. Please remember that
past performance is no indicator or guarantee of the results that the Fund may
achieve in the future. Future annual returns may be greater or less than the
returns shown in the chart.
The table compares the average annual total returns of the Fund to those of the
90-day T-Bill Index over the periods shown. The 90-day T-Bill Index is a widely
recognized index of three-month Treasury bills. The 90-day T-Bill Index figures
do not reflect any fees or expenses, and you cannot invest directly in the
Index.
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL RETURNS
LAST TEN YEARS
<S> <C>
89 8.64%
90 7.69%
91 5.46%
92 2.50%
93 1.84%
94 2.66%
95 4.48%
96 3.91%
97 4.15%
98 4.46%
</TABLE>
* The year-to-date return as of September 30, 1999 was 2.36%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
BEST QUARTER: 2Q 1989 2.25%
-------------------------------------------------
WORST QUARTER: 1Q 1993 0.41%
-------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
FIVE
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN ONE YEAR YEARS TEN YEARS
----- ----- -----
(for periods ending
December 31, 1998)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
MONEY MARKET FUND 4.46% 3.93% 4.56%
----- ----- -----
90-DAY T-BILL INDEX 4.85% 4.96% 5.29%
----- ----- -----
</TABLE>
The performance data was calculated after deducting all fees and charges
actually incurred by the Fund. During certain periods shown, the Adviser
reimbursed the Fund for certain operating expenses, which lowered expenses for
the Fund.
3
<PAGE>
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FEES AND EXPENSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENTS)
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases........................................ None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends............................. None
Deferred Sales Load............................................................ None
Redemption Fee................................................................. None
Exchange Fee................................................................... None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS)
(As a percentage of net assets)
Management Fees................................................................ 0.25%
12b-1 Fees..................................................................... None
Other Expenses................................................................. 1.05%
---------
Total Fund Operating Expenses.......................................... 1.30%
=========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
------ ------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. This example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. This example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on those assumptions your
costs would be:.................................................................... $132 $412 $713 $1,568
</TABLE>
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks maximum current income consistent with liquidity and
stability of principal. The Fund's investment objective may not be changed
without shareholder approval.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL DISCUSSION OF RISKS
The Fund is subject to the risk of income volatility, financial risk (credit
risk), and market risk (interest rate risk). Income volatility refers to the
degree and rapidity with which changes in overall market interest rates
diminish the level of current income from a portfolio of income bearing
securities. Financial risk relates to the ability of an issuer of a debt
security to pay principal and interest on such security on a timely basis
and is the risk that the issuer could default on its obligations and the
Fund could lose its investment. In general, market risk is the risk that
when prevailing rates decline, the market value of income-bearing securities
(particularly fixed-income securities) tends to increase. Conversely, when
interest rates increase, the market value of income-bearing securities
(particularly fixed-income securities) tends to decline.
4
<PAGE>
Since the Fund is managed to maintain a constant $1.00 share price, the Fund
is subject to little market or financial risk because it invests in high
quality short-term investments that reflect current market interest rates.
However, the Fund could experience a high level of current income volatility
because the level of its current income directly reflects short-term
interest rates.
Also, as with all mutual funds, there is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its goal.
An investment in the Fund should help you meet your individual investment
goals for principal stability, liquidity and income, but it should not
represent your complete investment program.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL TYPES OF INVESTMENT RISK
CREDIT RISK. The risk that the issuer of a security, or the counterparty to
a contract, will default or otherwise not honor a financial obligation.
FINANCIAL RISK. For income-bearing securities, credit risk.
INFORMATION RISK. The risk that key information about a security or market
is inaccurate or unavailable.
INTEREST RATE RISK. The risk of declines in market value of an income
bearing investment due to changes in prevailing interest rates. With
fixed-rate securities, a rise in interest rates typically causes a decline
in market values, while a fall in interest rates typically causes an
increase in market values.
LEVERAGE RISK. The risks associated with securities or investment practices
that enhance return (or loss) without increasing the amount of investment,
such as using certain derivative securities. A Portfolio's gain or loss on a
leveraged position may be greater than the actual market gain or loss in the
underlying security or instrument. The Fund may also incur additional costs
in taking a leveraged position that may not be incurred in taking a
nonleveraged position.
LIQUIDITY RISK. The risk that certain securities or other investments may be
difficult or impossible to sell at the time the Fund would like to sell them
or at the price the Fund values them.
MARKET RISK. The risk that the market value of a security may move up and
down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably due to factors that have nothing
to do with the issuer. This risk is common to all income bearing securities
and mutual funds that invest in them.
VALUATION RISK. The risk that the market value of an investment will fall
substantially below the Fund's valuation of the investment.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF PRINCIPAL SECURITY TYPES AND ASSOCIATED RISKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. To meet liquidity needs, the Fund may invest
from time to time in U.S. Government securities, which include bills, notes,
bonds and other debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. These are
direct obligations of the U.S. Government and differ mainly in the length of
their maturities. The Fund's investments in U.S. government securities are
subject to interest rate risk.
5
<PAGE>
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY SECURITIES. The Fund invests
principally in U.S. Government agency or instrumentality securities, which
include debt securities issued or guaranteed by agencies or
instrumentalities of the U.S. Government. Although these securities are not
direct obligations of the U.S. Government, some are supported by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others are supported only by the
limited right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; and others
depend solely upon the credit of the agency or instrumentality and not the
U.S. Treasury. In addition, the Fund's investments in U.S. government agency
and instrumentality securities are subject to interest rate risk.
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper, which generally produces a higher yield
than U.S. Government agency and instrumentality securities, is a core part
of the Fund's investments. Commercial paper consists of short-term unsecured
promissory notes issued by corporations, primarily to finance short-term
credit needs. The Fund will only invest in commercial paper that is rated
A-1 or A-2 by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Prime-1 or Prime-2 by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or, if unrated, issued by a
corporation having an outstanding debt issue rated at least AA or Aa by S&P
or Moody's. There is the possibility that a commercial paper issuer will not
be able to meet interest payments or repay principal. Changes in the
financial strength of an issuer may reduce the credit rating of its debt
instruments and may affect their value.
In addition, the Fund may invest in commercial paper issued by major
corporations in reliance on the so-called "private placement" exemption from
registration by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 subject to the
above noted requirements with respect to ratings. Section 4(2) paper is
restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws, and
generally is sold only to institutional investors. If the Fund wants to sell
any Section 4(2) paper that it holds, such sale normally must be to another
institutional investor through or with the assistance of the issuer or an
investment dealer who makes a market in the Section 4(2) paper. Due to these
restrictions on resale, Section 4(2) paper may be subject to liquidity risk,
which is the risk that the Section 4(2) paper cannot be sold quickly at fair
value.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. From time to time, the Fund may invest in repurchase
agreements for cash management purposes. A repurchase agreement is an
instrument under which the Fund acquires a security from the seller who
agrees, at the time of the sale, to repurchase the security at a
predetermined time and price. Repurchase agreements carry several risks. For
instance, if the seller is unable to repurchase the securities as promised,
the Fund may experience a loss when trying to sell the securities to another
person. Or, if the seller becomes insolvent, a bankruptcy court may
determine that the securities do not belong to the Fund and order that the
securities be sold to pay off the seller's debts.
SHORT-TERM TRADING. It is the Fund's intention, generally, to hold
securities to maturity. Nevertheless, the Fund may sell portfolio securities
prior to maturity to realize gains or losses to shorten the Fund's average
maturity and may reduce or withhold dividends if it deems such actions
appropriate to maintain a stable net asset value. In addition, the Fund may
attempt, from time to time, to increase its yield by trading to take
advantage of variations in the markets for short-term money market
instruments.
The Fund has adopted a number of restrictions and policies relating to the
investment of its assets and its activities that are fundamental and may not
be changed without the approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding
shares as defined in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
6
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO BUY SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares of the Fund are offered and sold on a continuous basis. The offering
price per share will be at the net asset value ("NAV") next determined after
an order and payment is received in the form described below. Orders received
in proper form prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(the "NYSE") (generally 3 p.m. Central time) will be effected that business
day. Orders received after that time will be effected the next business day.
Purchase orders in proper form received by wire transfer will be effected at
the next determined NAV. If you invest by mail, purchase orders in proper form
will be effected at the NAV next determined after the funds have been
converted into federal funds, normally one full business day after receipt.
The Fund is generally open for business, and its NAV is computed, on each day
the NYSE is open for trading (except the Friday before and the Monday after
Christmas Day (in 1999) and the Monday after New Year's Day and the Friday
after Thanksgiving Day (in 2000)). The Fund reserves the right to reject any
purchase order and to change the minimum purchase requirements at any time.
INITIAL PURCHASE
The minimum initial purchase is $500, except there is no minimum initial
investment for retirement accounts and accounts opened under bona fide
payroll deduction plans. There is no sales charge. An Application may be
obtained from the Fund or from a registered representative of EquiTrust
Marketing Services, LLC. The proper form for initial purchase orders is as
follows:
By Mail:
Complete the Application and mail it with your check payable to "EquiTrust
Money Market Fund, Inc." to: EquiTrust Money Market Fund, Inc., 5400
University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266-5997.
By Wire:
Call our toll-free number (800) 247-4170 (in Iowa call toll-free (800)
422-3175, or in the Des Moines metropolitan area call 225-5586) to obtain an
Account Number and to provide the Fund with your name, address and social
security or tax identification number. Then, simply instruct your bank to
"wire transfer" funds to: DEUTSCHE BANK, ABA #021001033, DDA ACCOUNT
#00220644 EQUITRUST MONEY MARKET FUND, INC., FOR FURTHER CREDIT TO YOUR
ACCOUNT REGISTRATION AND ACCOUNT NUMBER. Finally, complete the Application
and mail it to the Fund at the address listed above under "Initial
Purchase--By Mail."
SUBSEQUENT PURCHASES
The proper form for subsequent purchase orders is as follows:
By Mail (no minimum):
Send the Fund a check payable to "EquiTrust Money Market Fund, Inc."
accompanied by a letter indicating the dollar value of the shares to be
purchased, the account number and the registered owner(s).
By Wire (no minimum):
Instruct your bank to "wire transfer" funds as outlined above under "Initial
Purchase--By Wire."
7
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upon receipt of an executed redemption request in proper form as described
below, the Fund will redeem your shares at the next determined NAV. Requests
received in proper form prior to the close of trading on the NYSE (generally 3
p.m. Central time) will be effected that business day. Requests received after
that time will be effected the next business day. The Fund intends to pay
redemption proceeds within one business day after receipt of an executed
redemption request in proper form. If you sell shares you recently purchased
with a check, the Fund may delay sending you redemption proceeds until your
check has cleared, which may take up to 15 days. YOU MAY NOT USE EXPEDITED
REDEMPTION PROCEDURES (DRAFT OR TELEPHONE REDEMPTION) IF SHARES WERE PURCHASED
BY CHECK UNTIL THE SHARES BEING REDEEMED HAVE BEEN ON THE FUND'S BOOKS FOR AT
LEAST FOUR BUSINESS DAYS. There is no such delay when redeeming shares that
were purchased by wire.
Due to the high cost of maintaining small accounts, the Fund reserves the
right to redeem your account if it is reduced to a value of less than $500.
You will be notified accordingly and permitted 60 days to make additional
share purchases before the liquidating redemption is processed.
BY MAIL (NO MINIMUM)
Send a letter to the Fund, 5400 University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa
50266-5997, requesting redemption of either the number or dollar value of
shares to be redeemed. Your letter must be signed exactly as your account is
registered and must be accompanied by such other documentation of authority
as the Fund deems necessary in the case of estates, trusts, guardianships,
corporations, unincorporated associations and pension and profit sharing
plans. On a jointly owned account, all owners must sign. FOR REDEMPTIONS
GREATER THAN $5,000, OR FOR REDEMPTIONS IN ANY AMOUNT BEING DIRECTED TO A
DESTINATION OTHER THAN THE ADDRESS OF RECORD, SIGNATURES OF ACCOUNT OWNERS
MUST BE GUARANTEED. THE FOLLOWING INSTITUTIONS MAY PROVIDE SIGNATURE
GUARANTEES: PARTICIPATING COMMERCIAL BANKS, TRUST COMPANIES, MEMBERS OF A
NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS OR CREDIT
UNIONS, OR A REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVE OF EQUITRUST MARKETING SERVICES, LLC
OR EQUITRUST INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. SIGNATURES MAY NOT BE
GUARANTEED BY A NOTARY PUBLIC.
BY DRAFT (NO MINIMUM)
You may redeem shares by writing drafts drawn on Norwest Bank Iowa, N.A.,
payable to the order of any person in any amount. If you wish to use this
method of redemption you must complete the appropriate portion of the
Application including a signature card. You can order drafts for a charge of
$12.00 per 175 drafts ordered, after all necessary application forms have
been received in proper form. The cost of the drafts ordered will be
collected by redemption of shares, or fractions thereof, from your account.
If your entire account is redeemed by draft, dividends credited to your
account from the beginning of the month through the day of redemption will
be paid by a separate check mailed to the address of record. Payment of
drafts is subject to acceptance by the Fund, and the Fund may refuse to
honor drafts whenever the right of redemption has been suspended or
postponed, or whenever your account is otherwise impaired. When the draft is
presented for payment and accepted, a sufficient number of shares in your
account will be redeemed to pay the amount of the draft. When a draft is
presented to redeem Fund shares in excess of the value of the account OR TO
REDEEM SHARES PURCHASED BY CHECK WITHIN FOUR BUSINESS DAYS, the draft will
be returned marked "insufficient funds" and a service charge of $10.00 will
be levied on all drafts so marked. Redemption by draft is not available for
retirement accounts.
8
<PAGE>
You may obtain copies of cleared drafts by calling the Fund at its toll-free
number, (800) 247-4170 (in Iowa, call toll-free (800) 422-3175, or in the
Des Moines metropolitan area, call 225-5586), or by writing a letter to the
Fund. The first five copies of drafts per year will be provided to you at no
charge; thereafter, there will be a charge of $3 per copy. The costs of the
copies will be collected by redemption of shares, or fractions thereof, from
your account. If your account has been closed, the applicable fees must be
remitted with your request.
BY TELEPHONE (MINIMUM: $1,000 BY WIRE, LESSER OF $100 OR ACCOUNT BALANCE BY
CHECK)
You may redeem shares by telephone. The proceeds of shares redeemed by
telephone will be sent by check to you at your address of record. If you
wish to use this method of redemption you must complete the appropriate
portions of the Application and it must be on file with the Fund. All
applications for telephone redemption must have signatures of shareholders
guaranteed and must be accompanied by such other documentation of authority
as the Fund deems necessary in the case of estates, trusts, guardianships,
corporations, unincorporated associations and pension and profit sharing
plans. The following institutions may provide signature guarantees:
participating commercial banks, trust companies, members of a national
securities exchange, savings and loan associations or credit unions, or a
registered representative of EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC or EquiTrust
Investment Management Services, Inc. SIGNATURES MAY NOT BE GUARANTEED BY A
NOTARY PUBLIC.
Once the completed form is on file, the Fund will honor redemption requests
by ANY PERSON by telephone, using the toll-free numbers listed on the cover
page, facsimile or other methods without a signature guarantee from you or
any other person. Proceeds may also be paid to you by wire transfer, but
only to the financial institution and account on file as designated by you,
which must be a domestic financial institution that is a member of the
Federal Reserve System. Although the Fund does not charge for wiring funds,
you will be responsible for wire fees, if any, charged by the receiving
bank. The Adviser employs procedures designed to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, including requiring certain
identifying information prior to acting upon instructions, recording all
telephone instructions and sending written confirmations of instructions. To
the extent such procedures are reasonably designed to prevent unauthorized
or fraudulent instructions, neither the Adviser nor the Fund would be liable
for any losses from unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. The Fund
reserves the right to terminate this telephone redemption privilege at any
time. THIS PRIVILEGE WILL BE INACTIVE FOR TEN BUSINESS DAYS FOLLOWING A
CHANGE OF ADDRESS. This procedure is not available for retirement accounts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The NAV per share of the Fund is determined as of the earlier of 3:00 p.m.
(Central time) or the close of the NYSE, on each day that (i) the NYSE is open
for business (except, the Friday before and the Monday after Christmas Day (in
1999), the Monday after New Year's Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving Day
(in 2000) and any day on which the Fund offices are closed because of a
weather-related or comparable type of emergency); and (ii) an order for
purchase or redemption of shares of the Fund is received. The NAV per share of
the Fund is computed by dividing the total value of the Fund's securities and
other assets, less liabilities, by the total number of fund shares
outstanding.
9
<PAGE>
If the Fund offices should be closed because of a weather-related or
comparable type of emergency and the Fund is unable to segregate orders and
redemption requests received on that day, the Fund will price those orders
and redemptions at the NAV next determined for the Fund.
The Fund's securities are valued using the amortized cost method of
valuation. This involves valuing a security at cost on the date of
acquisition and thereafter assuming a constant accretion of a discount or
amortization of a premium to maturity. For a further discussion of the
manner in which such values are determined, see the SAI under the heading
"Net Asset Value."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund offers a number of shareholder services designed to facilitate the
purchase and redemption of shares. Full details as to each of such services
and copies of the various plans described below can be obtained from the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERIODIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
If you own $5,000 or more of Fund shares in a single account, you may
establish a Periodic Withdrawal Plan to provide for regular monthly,
quarterly or annual payments of a fixed dollar amount or fixed percent of
the account balance ($100 annual minimum) to be sent to you or a designated
payee. (Account balance and withdrawal limitations may be waived if the plan
is established using life expectancy factors to calculate a required minimum
distribution.) Fund shares held in your account having an NAV of the amount
of the requested payment will be redeemed on or around the fifth business
day before the end of the applicable month and a check will be mailed to you
within seven days thereafter.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
You may elect to participate in the Fund's Automatic Investment Plan. This
plan enables you to automatically purchase shares of the Fund on a monthly
basis. A minimum initial investment of $50 per account is required to
establish an automatic investment plan. Minimum monthly investments of $25
per account are necessary to maintain the plan. The Fund will debit your
financial institution account and subsequently purchase shares of the Fund
having an NAV of the amount of the requested deposit on or around the 16th
day of the month. If you are interested in this plan you must complete an
automatic investment form, available from the Fund. If you elect to
participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, and all shares of an account
with that option are exchanged for shares of any portfolio of EquiTrust
Series Fund, Inc., the Automatic Investment Plan will continue under the
account(s) to which the shares were exchanged, until such time as that fund
is notified in writing to discontinue the Plan.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
You may exchange all or some Fund shares for shares of any portfolio of
EquiTrust Series Fund, Inc., provided your accounts have like registrations,
if that fund's shares are eligible for sale in your state of residence.
EquiTrust Series Fund, Inc. currently offers six portfolios: Value Growth
Portfolio, High Grade Bond Portfolio, High Yield Bond Portfolio, Managed
Portfolio, Money
10
<PAGE>
Market Portfolio and Blue Chip Portfolio. You may obtain a prospectus for
EquiTrust Series Fund, Inc. by writing or calling that fund at the same
address or phone numbers as shown on the cover page of this prospectus.
Traditional Shares of that fund are subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge of up to 5%, as described in its prospectus. Exchanges may be for any
amount, except that if a new account is established by the exchange
privilege, an application for that account must be completed and mailed to
the Fund, and the minimum initial purchase amount must be met. Exercise of
the exchange privilege is treated as a sale for federal income tax purposes
and, depending on the circumstances, you may realize a gain or loss. If you
are interested in exercising the exchange privilege, you must first obtain a
prospectus and an exchange form from the Fund. Once your completed exchange
form is on file with the Fund, exchanges may be authorized by telephone (by
ANY PERSON) or by letter. This privilege may be modified or terminated by
the Fund at any time.
You may also request exchanges to any portfolio of EquiTrust Series Fund,
Inc. on a monthly or quarterly basis using the automatic exchange privilege.
Automatic exchanges occur on the 20th day of the month of the elected
schedule or the following business day if the 20th is a holiday or weekend
day. If you are interested in the automatic exchange privilege, you must
first obtain a prospectus and an automatic exchange form from that fund.
Automatic exchanges are subject to the considerations listed in the above
paragraph.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FACSIMILE REQUESTS
Facsimile requests (faxes) will be accepted for redemption of shares and for
changes to shareholder account information. Faxes must contain the
appropriate signature(s), signature guarantee(s) and necessary accompanying
documents. The transmission should also include account number(s) and a
return fax number and telephone number. The Application for Shares,
Automatic Investment Form (ACH Agreement), Application for Expedited
Redemption, and any change or redemption that requires the submission of a
certified document must be delivered in original form. Fax requests will be
accepted at 515-226-6209.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETIREMENT PLANS
Eligible shareholders of the Fund may participate in a variety of qualified
retirement plans which are available from EquiTrust Investment Management
Services, Inc. Some of the plans currently offered are: Individual
Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Roth IRAs, Simplified Employee Pension Plans
(SEPs), Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees (SIMPLEs), Tax Sheltered
403(b) Plans, Qualified Pension and Profit Sharing Plans (Keogh Plans), and
Public Employer Deferred Compensation Plans. The initial investment to
establish any such plan, and subsequent investments, may be in any amount
(subject to Automatic Investment Plan limitations). Investors Fiduciary
Trust Company ("IFTC") of Kansas City, Missouri, serves as custodian and
provides the required services for IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEPs, SIMPLEs and
Qualified Pension and Profit Sharing Plans. A custodial fee, currently
$10.00, will be collected annually by redemption of shares, or fractions
thereof, from each participant's account(s). Information with respect to
these plans is available upon request from the Fund.
Trustees of qualified retirement plans and 403(b)(7) custodial accounts are
required by law to withhold 20% of the taxable portion of any distribution
that is eligible to be "rolled over." The
11
<PAGE>
20% withholding requirement does not apply to distributions from IRAs or any
part of a distribution which is transferred directly to another qualified
retirement plan, 403(b)(7) account or IRA. You should consult your tax
adviser regarding this 20% withholding requirement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDUCATION PLAN
Eligible shareholders of the Fund may participate in Education IRAs, which
are available from the Distributor. The initial investment to establish this
plan, and subsequent investments, may be in any amount (subject to Automatic
Investment Plan limitations). IFTC serves as custodian and provides the
required services for Education IRAs. A custodial fee, currently $10.00,
will be collected annually by liquidating shares, or fractions thereof, from
each participant's account(s). Information with respect to this plan is
available upon request from the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc. (the "Adviser"), 5400
University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266, serves as the Fund's
investment adviser and manager pursuant to an Investment Advisory and
Management Services Agreement. This relationship has existed since the Fund
commenced operations in 1981.
The Adviser is an indirect subsidiary of FBL Financial Group, Inc., an Iowa
corporation. The following individuals are officers and/or directors of the
Adviser and are officers and/or directors of the Fund: Stephen M. Morain,
Thomas R. Gibson, William J. Oddy, Timothy J. Hoffman, Dennis M. Marker,
James W. Noyce, Lou Ann Sandburg, Sue A. Cornick, Kristi Rojohn and
Elaine A. Followwill. The Adviser also acts as the investment adviser to
individuals, institutions and two other investment companies: EquiTrust
Series Fund, Inc. and EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series Fund. Personnel of
the Adviser also manage investments for the portfolios of insurance
companies.
The Adviser handles the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets,
and is responsible for the overall management of the Fund's business
affairs, subject to the review of the Board of Directors.
As compensation for the advisory and management services provided by the
Adviser, the Fund has agreed to pay the Adviser an annual management fee of
.25% of the average daily net assets, accrued daily and payable monthly. The
Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund for its total expenses, excluding
brokerage, interest, and extraordinary expenses, in excess of 1.50% of the
Fund's average daily net assets for any fiscal year. However, the amount
reimbursed shall not exceed the amount of the advisory fee paid by the Fund
for such services.
12
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR 2000
Many data processing systems were designed using only two digits to signify
the year (for example, "99" for "1999"). On January 1, 2000, if these data
processing systems are not corrected, they may incorrectly interpret "00" as
the year 1900 rather than the year 2000, leading to computer shutdowns and
errors (commonly known as "year 2000 problems"). To the extent that these
systems conduct forward-looking calculations, such problems may occur prior
to January 1, 2000. In providing investment advisory and other services to
the Fund, the Adviser utilizes data processing systems that may be affected
by year 2000 problems. The Adviser and the Fund also rely on service
providers, including banks, custodians and transfer agents, that also may be
affected. Like other mutual funds and financial and business organizations,
the Adviser and other service providers could be adversely affected in their
ability to process securities trades, price securities, provide shareholder
account services and otherwise conduct the Fund's normal business operations
if data processing systems that they use experience year 2000 problems. The
Adviser has developed, and is in the process of implementing, a year 2000
transition plan with respect to systems that it operates, and is confirming
that the Fund's other service providers are also so engaged. The resources
that are being devoted to this effort are substantial. It is difficult to
predict with precision whether the amount of resources ultimately devoted,
or the outcome of these efforts, will have any negative impact on the
Adviser and the Fund. As of the date of this prospectus, the Adviser does
not anticipate that Shareholders will experience negative effects on
investments in the Fund, or on the services provided to them on behalf of
the Fund, as a result of year 2000 problems. However, there can be no
assurance that the Adviser will be successful, or that interaction with
other service providers will not impair the Adviser's and the Fund's
services on or before January 1, 2000.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTOR
The Adviser is also the sole distributor and principal underwriter of the
Fund's shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION
Under the Public Disclosure Program, NASD Regulation ("NASDR") provides
certain information regarding the disciplinary history of NASD member
broker-dealers and their associated persons in response to written,
electronic, or telephonic inquiries. NASDR's Public Disclosure Program
Hotline telephone number is 1-800-289-9999 and their web site address is
www.nasdr.com. An investor brochure that includes information describing the
Public Disclosure Program is available from NASDR.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On each day that the NAV per share of the Fund is determined, the Fund's net
investment income will be declared, as of the close of the NYSE, as a
dividend to shareholders of record prior to the
13
<PAGE>
declaration. Dividends are payable monthly and are automatically reinvested
and distributed on the last business day of each month in shares of the Fund
at the then current NAV, unless you request payment in cash; provided,
however, that no cash payment will be made for dividends in an amount under
$10. Any such dividend amount under $10 will be reinvested in shares of the
Fund.
If you elect to receive dividends and/or capital gain distributions in cash,
from an account that remains open, and the postal or other delivery service
is unable to deliver those monies to your address of record, or the check
remains uncashed for over one year, your distribution option will
automatically be converted to having all dividends and other distributions
reinvested in additional shares, and the outstanding check will be voided
and reinvested in your account. If you have elected to receive dividends
and/or capital gain distributions in cash, from an account that is
subsequently closed, and the postal or other delivery service is unable to
deliver checks to your address of record, such check will remain outstanding
until it is turned over to the appropriate state agency for escheat
purposes. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed
distribution or redemption checks.
Shareholders not holding Fund shares through a qualified retirement plan,
such as a 401(k) Plan or IRA, will receive a monthly summary of account
activity, including information on dividends paid or reinvested.
Shareholders holding Fund shares through a qualified retirement plan will
receive a quarterly statement reflecting dividend activity. If you redeem
all shares at any time during a month, dividends credited to your account
from the beginning of the month through the day of redemption will be paid
in addition to the proceeds of the redemption.
The Fund's net investment income, for dividend purposes, consists of
(1) accrued interest income, plus or minus amortized purchase discount or
premium, (2) plus or minus all short-term realized gains or losses and
unrealized appreciation or depreciation on portfolio assets, and (3) minus
all accrued expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the Fund are accrued daily. So
long as the Fund's portfolio securities are valued at amortized cost there
will be no unrealized appreciation or depreciation on portfolio securities.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAXATION OF THE FUND. As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally
pays no federal income tax on the income and gains that it distributes to
you. To avoid taxation, the Internal Revenue Code requires the Fund to
distribute net income and any net capital gains realized on its investments
annually.
TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS. The Fund's income from dividends and interest and
any net realized short-term gains are paid to shareholders as ordinary
income dividends. Net realized long-term gains are paid to shareholders as
capital gains distributions.
Except for those shareholders exempt from federal income taxes, dividends
and capital gain distributions will be taxable to shareholders, whether paid
in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. You will be notified
annually as to the federal income tax status of dividends and capital gains
distributions. Such dividends and distributions may also be subject to state
and local taxes. Due to the nature of the Fund's investments, distributions
will primarily be in the form of short-term capital gains and ordinary
income dividends.
14
<PAGE>
Long-term capital gain distributions are taxable as long-term capital gains
regardless of how long you have held shares of the Fund. Long-term capital
gain distributions (relating to assets held by the Fund for more than 12
months) made to individual shareholders are currently taxed at the maximum
rate of 20%. Dividends representing net investment income and net realized
short-term capital gains are taxed as ordinary income at rates up to a
maximum marginal rate of 39.6% for individuals. Any dividends and
distributions declared in October, November or December to shareholders of
record as of a date in one of those months and paid during the following
January are treated for federal income tax purposes as paid on December 31
of the calendar year in which they are declared.
DISTRIBUTIONS TO RETIREMENT PLANS. Fund distributions received by your
qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k) Plan or IRA, are generally tax
deferred. This means that you are not required to report Fund distributions
on your income tax return, but, rather, when your plan makes payments to
you. Special rules apply to payments from Roth and Education IRAs.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING. When you open an account, Internal Revenue Service
("IRS") regulations require that you provide your taxpayer identification
number ("TIN"), certify that it is correct, and certify that you are not
subject to backup withholding under IRS rules. If you fail to provide a
correct TIN or the proper tax certifications, the Fund is required to
withhold 31% of all the distributions (including dividends and capital
distributions) and redemption proceeds paid to you. The Fund is also
required to begin backup withholding on your account if the IRS instructs it
to do so. Amounts withheld are applied to your federal income tax liability
and you may obtain a refund from the IRS if withholding results in
overpayment of taxes.
You are advised to consult your own tax adviser as to the tax consequences
of owning shares of the Fund.
15
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance for the past five years through July 31st of each fiscal
year shown. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund
share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that you would have
earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions). This information has been derived from financial
statements that have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report, along
with the Fund's financial statements, is included in the Annual Report, which
is available upon request and incorporated by reference into the SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
-------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year................ $ 1.000 $ 1.000 $ 1.000 $ 1.000 $ 1.000
Income from Investment Operations
Net investment income......................... 0.039 0.043 0.040 0.040 0.041
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations................ 0.039 0.043 0.040 0.040 0.041
Less Distributions
Dividends from net investment income.......... (0.039) (0.043) (0.040) (0.040) (0.041)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total distributions............................. (0.039) (0.043) (0.040) (0.040) (0.041)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of year...................... $ 1.000 $ 1.000 $ 1.000 $ 1.000 $ 1.000
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total Return:
Total investment return based on net asset
value (1)..................................... 3.91% 4.44% 3.99% 4.05% 4.17%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000's omitted)......... $31,374 $26,364 $23,054 $24,574 $19,977
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets... 1.30% 1.27% 1.55% 1.72% 2.01%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets..... 1.23% 1.27% 1.51% 1.50% 1.51%
Ratio of net income to average net assets....... 3.83% 4.40% 3.90% 3.92% 4.06%
Information assuming no voluntary reimbursement by
EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc.
of excess operating expenses:
Per share net investment income............... $ 0.040 $ 0.038 $ 0.036
Ratio of expenses to average net assets....... 1.55% 1.72% 2.01%
Amount reimbursed............................. $10,590 $51,886 $96,398
</TABLE>
Note: Per share amounts have been calculated on the basis of monthly per
share amounts (using average monthly outstanding shares) accumulated
for the period.
(1) Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment
made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment
of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period,
and redemption on the last day of the period.
16
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
You may make inquiries either by contacting your registered representative
or by writing or calling the Fund at the address or phone numbers as shown
on the front cover. You may obtain copies of year-end account statements by
calling the Fund at our toll-free number (800) 247-4170 (in Iowa call
toll-free (800) 422-3175, or in the Des Moines metropolitan area call
225-5586), or by writing a letter to the Fund. The prior year statement for
regular accounts, and prior two year statements for fiduciary accounts, will
be provided to you at no charge; thereafter, there will be a charge of $3
per copy. The costs of the copies will be collected by redemption of shares,
or fractions thereof, from your account. If your account has been closed,
the applicable fees must be remitted with the request.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the
Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. The Fund's annual
report to shareholders contains a discussion of the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance
during the fiscal year covered by the report.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The SAI, which contains additional information about the Fund, has been
filed with the SEC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information
about the Fund (including the SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the SEC's
Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. You may obtain information about
the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Reports and
other information about the Fund are available on the SEC's Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov. and copies of this information are available, upon
paying a duplication fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the
SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009.
You may obtain a free copy of the Fund's SAI and annual and semi-annual
reports and you may make further inquiries by calling the Fund at
1-800-247-4170 or by writing the Fund at 5400 University Avenue, West Des
Moines, Iowa 50266.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT ADVISER, UNDERWRITER, AND CUSTODIAN
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AND Deutsche Bank
TRANSFER AGENT Global Assets -- Insurance Group
EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc. 16 Wall Street
5400 University Avenue New York, New York 10005
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266
LEGAL COUNSEL INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz Ernst & Young LLP
222 North LaSalle Street 801 Grand Avenue
Suite 2600 Suite 3400
Chicago, Illinois 60601 Des Moines, Iowa 50309
</TABLE>
Investment Company Act of 1940, File Number 811-3121.
<PAGE>
APPLICATION FOR SHARES
PLEASE COMPLETE AND MAIL TO:
EQUITRUST MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.
5400 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA 50266-5997
If you have any questions, please call toll-free at 1-800-422-3175 (in Iowa) or
1-800-247-4170 (outside Iowa).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESIGNATE TYPE OF ACCOUNT & OWNER NAME(S)
/ / INDIVIDUAL OR JOINT ACCOUNT*
- ------------------------------------------------------
Owner's Name
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Joint Owner's Name
*Joint tenants with Right of Survivorship. The Fund does not accept accounts
registered tenants-in-common.
/ / CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT
Uniform Gift or Transfer to Minors Act
/ / EDUCATION IRA ACCOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------------
Custodian's or Responsible Individual's Name
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Minor's Name
/ / TRUST, CORPORATION OF OTHER ENTITY ACCOUNT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Trust, Corporation or Other Entity
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Trustee(s') Name or Type of Entity
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of Trust Agreement
PROVIDE YOUR TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security or Tax ID Number
(Use minor's Social Security number for gifts/transfers to minors and Education
IRAs)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Joint Owner's or Custodian's Social Security or Tax ID Number
PROVIDE YOUR ADDRESS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Street or PO Box
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
City, State, Zip Code
PROVIDE YOUR DATE(S) OF PROVIDE YOUR MEMBERSHIP
BIRTH NUMBER (IF APPLICABLE)
- ---------------------- ------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
INITIAL INVESTMENT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount ($500 minimum)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
TO REINVEST YOUR DISTRIBUTIONS
Your dividends and capital gains will be reinvested unless you indicate
otherwise. (No cash payments will be made for dividends in an amount less than
$10.)
/ / Cash Dividends / / Cash Capital Gains
SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER PRIVILEGES
/ / REDEMPTION BY TELEPHONE (Expedited Redemption--non-qualified accounts only)
(minimums: $1,000 by wire, lesser of $100 or account balance by check)
I authorize EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc. ("EquiTrust") to
honor telephone requests FROM ANY PERSON without signature guarantee for the
redemption of Fund shares from my account. The proceeds shall be wired only to
the account designated below or, if none, mailed to the address of record. This
privilege will be terminated by the Fund without prior notice if EquiTrust
receives written notice from any account owner of revocation of this authority.
This privilege will be inactive for ten business days following a change of
address. SIGNATURE GUARANTEE REQUIRED.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Name of your domestic financial institution
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Address of Financial Institution, City, State, Zip Code
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Number Account Registration
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Routing Number
/ / REDEMPTION BY DRAFT (non-qualified accounts only--no minimum)
I authorize Norwest Bank Iowa, N.A. (the "Bank") to honor drafts drawn by me on
the Bank and the redemption of a sufficient number of Fund shares to pay such
drafts. This privilege is subject to the additional terms on the signature card.
/ / Enclosed is a completed signature card.
/ / Please send card for completion.
Please send information on the following:
/ / Exchange Between Funds
/ / Automatic Investment Plan
- ------------------------------------------------------
TAX QUALIFIED PLANS ONLY
A qualified application must be submitted in addition to this form.
/ / SIMPLE / / IRA / / Education IRA
/ / Tax Deferred 403(b) / / SEP / / Roth IRA
/ / Qualified Pension and Profit Sharing
DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY
(for use with tax qualified plans only)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Primary Beneficiary Relationship
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number Date of Birth
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Contingent Beneficiary Relationship
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number Date of Birth
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Contingent Beneficiary Relationship
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number Date of Birth
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Spousal Consent of Non-Spouse Beneficiary
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURES
By signing this form, I certify that:
I have received, have read and agree to the terms of the prospectus for
EquiTrust Money Market Fund, Inc. I have the authority and legal capacity to
purchase mutual fund shares, am of legal age in my state and believe each
investment is suitable for me. Under penalties of perjury, I certify that the
number shown on this form is a true and correct social security or tax
identification number and, to the best of my knowledge, I am not subject to
backup withholding.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Applicant
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Applicant
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Rep's Signature Branch/Rep Number
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Date
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE*
Complete for Expedited Redemption Privilege
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature Guaranteed By
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorized Signature
*Signatures of account owners must be guaranteed. The following institutions may
provide signature guarantees: participating commercial banks, trust companies,
members of a national securities exchange, savings and loan associations, or
credit unioins, or a registered representative of EquiTrust Marketing Services,
LLC or EquitTrust Investment Management Services, Inc. Signatures may not be
guaranteed by a notary public.
737-118A (12/99) This application must be accompanied or preceded by a current
prospectus.
<PAGE>
INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTS
Please execute the applicable sections below (all blanks should be completed
with the requested information and inappropriate alternatives should be
deleted).
CORPORATION/ASSOCIATION
I, ________________________________________, Secretary of
________________________, a (corporation) (unincorporated association),
organized under the laws of ____________________________________________________
(the "Organization"), certify that the following resolutions have been adopted
by the (board of directors) (trustees) (other managing body) of said
Organization and are now in full force and effect:
"RESOLVED, that the Organization establish an account in EquiTrust Money
Market Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") and purchase shares of the Fund from time to
time, and the officers of this Organization are authorized to execute the
Application for such account presented for approval (being the form on which
this certificate is set forth) and select the draft redemption privilege and
telephone redemption privilege related to such account in accordance with the
terms on such Application;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that any ______________ (insert number of signatures
selected on the signature card) of the following officers of the Organization:
________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________ (insert titles) (is) (are)
authorized to execute drafts drawn pursuant to the Fund's draft redemption
privilege and the Fund, Norwest Bank Iowa, N.A. (the "Bank"), EquiTrust
Investment Management Services, Inc. ("EquiTrust") and their representatives are
authorized to honor as genuine and authorized all redemption drafts drawn
pursuant to said draft redemption privilege on behalf of the Organization signed
with the actual or facsimile signatures of said officers as certified to the
Fund by the Secretary of this Organization without inquiry as to the
circumstances of their issue or the disposition of any proceeds;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that in the case of facsimile signatures, redemption drafts
bearing the facsimile specimens or signatures resembling the facsimile specimens
may be honored as genuine and authorized regardless of by whom or by what means
the facsimile signatures thereon have been affixed thereto;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that any one of the aforesaid officers is authorized to act
for the Organization in all other cases in connection with the account of the
Organization with the Fund including providing instructions to the Fund, the
Bank, EquiTrust or their representatives;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that these appointments and authorizations shall remain in
effect and the Fund, the Bank, EquiTrust and their representatives may act
thereon until a revocation or modification thereof by this managing body,
certified by the Secretary of this Organization, shall be delivered to
EquiTrust."
The undersigned Secretary further certifies that the officers of this
Organization listed on the signature card as persons authorized to sign drafts
are now acting in the capacities listed and that the signatures of said persons
set forth on the signature card are genuine and authorized.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and the seal of this Organization this
____ day of ______________, 19____.
(SEAL) _________________________________________________________________________
Secretary
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PARTNERSHIP/TRUST/FIDUCIARY
In connection with the establishment of an account with EquiTrust Money Market
Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") under the name _________________________________________
_______________________, the undersigned certify that they are all of the (part-
ners) (trustees) (other fiduciaries) under the (partnership agreement) (trust)
(will) (court order) (other instrument) described as follows ___________________
_________________________________________________________________ (give detailed
description and dates) and certify that they have full power and authority to
establish an account with the Fund (the "Account") and to select the draft
redemption and telephone redemption privileges in accordance with the
Application to which this certification is attached. The undersigned further
certify that the execution of the Application and the selection of the
privileges noted above and the purchase from time to time of shares of the Fund
in connection therewith have been duly authorized. The undersigned agree to be
bound by the terms and conditions contained in the Application, signature card
and the Fund's current prospectus. The undersigned agree that the persons listed
on the signature card acting with the number of signatures indicated on said
signature card are authorized to execute drafts drawn pursuant to the Fund's
draft redemption privilege and the Fund, Norwest Bank Iowa, N.A. (the "Bank"),
EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc. ("EquiTrust") and their
representatives are authorized to honor as genuine and authorized all redemption
drafts drawn pursuant to said draft redemption privilege in connection with the
Account signed with the signatures of said persons described above as certified
herein without inquiry as to the circumstances of their issue or the disposition
of any proceeds. The undersigned certify that the signatures set forth on the
front of the Application and signature card are genuine and authorized. The
undersigned agree that any one of the aforesaid persons is authorized to act for
the owner of the Account in all other cases, including providing instructions to
the Fund, the Bank, EquiTrust or their representatives. This certification shall
remain in effect and the Fund, the Bank, EquiTrust and their representatives may
act in reliance thereon until a revocation or modification thereof certified to
by the undersigned or their successors is delivered to EquiTrust. All
certifications and agreements herein are made jointly and severally.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Dated: -------------------
---------------------------- ----------------------------
Signature Title or Capacity
----------------------------- -----------------------------
Signature Title or Capacity
----------------------------- -----------------------------
Signature Title or Capacity
</TABLE>
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[LOGO]
EquiTrust Money
Market Fund, Inc.
PROSPECTUS
DECEMBER 1, 1999
INVESTMENT MANAGER AND
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
EQUITRUST INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.
5400 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
WEST DES MOINES, IA 50266
1-800-247-4170 (OUTSIDE IOWA)
1-800-422-3175 (IN IOWA)
1-515-225-5586 (DES MOINES)
737-118(12/99)
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EQUITRUST MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.
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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
December 1, 1999
EquiTrust Money Market Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is a no-load, open-end,
diversified management investment company with an investment objective of
maximum current income consistent with liquidity and stability of principal.
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus and should
be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Fund dated December 1, 1999.
The audited financial statements of the Fund, including the notes thereto,
contained in the Annual Report to Shareholders of the Fund for the fiscal year
ended July 31, 1999 were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") on September 22, 1999 and are incorporated by reference.
A copy of the Prospectus or Annual Report may be obtained without charge by
writing or calling the Fund at the address or telephone number shown below.
Terms not defined herein shall have the meanings given them in the Prospectus.
EquiTrust Mutual Funds
5400 University Avenue
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266
800-247-4170
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES............... 1
The Fund.............................................. 1
Investment Objective.................................. 1
Investment Strategies and Techniques.................. 2
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS..................................... 5
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS...................................... 7
INVESTMENT ADVISER.......................................... 12
UNDERWRITING AND DISTRIBUTION............................... 14
NET ASSET VALUE............................................. 14
RETIREMENT PLANS............................................ 15
REDEMPTIONS................................................. 15
TAXATION OF THE FUND........................................ 16
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..................................... 16
Performance Calculation............................... 17
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND.................................... 17
SHAREHOLDER VOTING RIGHTS................................... 17
OTHER INFORMATION........................................... 18
Custodian............................................. 18
Independent Auditors.................................. 18
Accounting Services................................... 18
Shareholder Service, Dividend Disbursing and Transfer
Agent................................................ 18
Legal Matters......................................... 18
Registration Statement................................ 19
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS........................................ 19
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES
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THE FUND
The Fund was incorporated under Maryland law on November 5, 1980. The Fund
is a no-load, open-end, diversified management investment company.
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Fund is maximum current income consistent
with liquidity and stability of principal and may not be changed without
shareholder approval.
The Fund limits its investments to securities that meet the quality and
diversification requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act
of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act"). Under Rule 2a-7, the Fund may only
purchase United States denominated instruments that are determined to
present minimal credit risks and at the time of acquisition are rated in the
top two rating categories by the required number of nationally recognized
statistical rating organizations (at least two or, if only one such
organization has rated the security, that one organization) or, if unrated,
are deemed comparable in quality. The diversification requirements of
Rule 2a-7 provide generally that the Fund may not at the time of acquisition
invest more than 5% of its assets in securities of any one issuer or invest
more than 5% of its assets in securities that have not been rated in the
highest category by the required number of rating organizations or, if
unrated, have not been deemed comparable, except U.S. Government securities
and repurchase agreements of such securities.
It is the Fund's intention, as a general policy, to hold securities to
maturity. Nevertheless, the Fund may sell portfolio securities prior to
maturity in order to realize gains or losses or to shorten the average
maturity and may reduce or withhold dividends if it deems such actions
appropriate to maintain a stable net asset value. In addition, the Fund may
attempt, from time to time, to increase its yield by trading to take
advantage of variations in the markets for short-term money market
instruments. Redemptions of Fund shares could also necessitate the sale of
portfolio securities at times when such sales would not be otherwise
desirable. While the Fund intends to invest in high quality money market
instruments, these investments are not entirely without risk. An increase in
interest rates will generally reduce the market value of the Fund's
portfolio investments and a decline in interest rates will generally
increase the value of the Fund's portfolio investments. Securities which are
not issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government are subject to the
possibility of default by the issuer. Those obligations having the maximum
degree of security tend to have proportionately lower yields. Since the
Fund's assets will be invested in securities with short maturities and the
Fund will manage its portfolio as described above, the Fund's portfolio of
money market instruments may be expected to turn over several times a year.
Since securities with maturities of less than one year are excluded from
required portfolio turnover calculations, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate
for reporting purposes is zero. Of course, there can be no assurance that
the Fund will achieve its objective.
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INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND TECHNIQUES
The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing in the following money
market instruments maturing in 13 months or less from the time of
investment, thereby allowing the Fund to maintain a dollar-weighted average
portfolio maturity of 90 days or less. A description of the money market
instruments in which the Fund may invest is set forth in the Prospectus
under "Description of Principal Security Types." The following is intended
to augment that description.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Bills, notes, bonds and other debt securities
issued by the U.S. Treasury. These are direct obligations of the U.S.
Government and differ mainly in the length of their maturities. U.S.
government securities are subject to interest rate risk. Interest rate risk
is the risk that the value of a fixed-income security will decline due to
rising interest rates. The longer a security's maturity, the greater its
interest rate risk.
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY SECURITIES. Debt securities issued
or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government.
Although these securities are not direct obligations of the U.S. Government,
some are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others
are supported only by the limited right of the issuer to borrow from the
U.S. Treasury; and others depend solely upon the credit of the agency or
instrumentality and not the U.S. Treasury. U.S. government agency and
instrumentality securities are subject to interest rate risk. Interest rate
risk is the risk that the value of a fixed-income security will decline due
to rising interest rates. The longer a security's maturity, the greater its
interest rate risk.
OBLIGATIONS OF BANKS OR SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS. Certificates of deposit,
bankers' acceptances and other short-term debt obligations of commercial
banks or savings and loan associations. A bankers' acceptance is a
negotiable short-term draft, generally arising from a bank customer's
commercial transaction with another party, with payment due for the
transaction on the maturity date of the customer's draft. Bankers'
acceptances are highly liquid, but are subject to the risk that either the
customer or the accepting bank or both will be unable to pay at maturity. In
addition, obligations of banks and savings institutions generally may be
subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. The Fund will not invest in
any instruments issued by a commercial bank unless the bank has total assets
of at least $100 million and has its deposits insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"). Similarly, the Fund will not invest in any
instrument issued by a savings and loan association unless the savings and
loan association has total assets of at least $100 million, has been issued
a charter by the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS") or was formerly a
member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System and is now subject to regulation
by the OTS, and is insured by the FDIC. However, the Fund may invest in an
obligation of a bank or savings and loan association with assets of less
than $100 million if the principal amount of such obligation is fully
covered by FDIC insurance. The FDIC insures the deposits of banks and
savings and loan associations up to $100,000 per investor. To remain fully
insured as to principal, these investments must currently be limited to
$100,000 per bank. If the principal amount and accrued interest together
exceed $100,000, then the accrued interest in excess of that $100,000 will
not be insured. FDIC insurance applies to the Fund's investments in
certificates of deposit but not to bankers' acceptances.
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by
corporations, primarily to finance short-term credit needs. The Fund will
only invest in commercial paper that is rated A-1 or A-2 by Standard &
Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Prime-1 or Prime-2 by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or, if unrated, issued by a corporation having an
outstanding debt issue rated at least AA/Aa by S&P or Moody's. There is the
possibility that a commercial paper issuer
2
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will not be able to meet interest payments or repay principal. Changes in
the financial strength of an issuer may reduce the credit rating of its debt
instruments and may affect their value.
In addition, the Fund will invest in commercial paper issued by major
corporations in reliance on the so-called "private placement" exemption from
registration by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 ("Section 4(2)
paper"), subject to the above noted requirements with respect to ratings.
Section 4(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal
securities laws, and generally is sold to an institutional investor such as
the Fund, who agrees that it is purchasing the paper for investment and not
with a view to public distribution. Any resale by the purchaser must be in
an exempt transaction. Section 4(2) paper normally is resold to other
institutional investors through or with the assistance of the issuer or
investment dealers who make a market in the Section 4(2) paper, thus
providing liquidity. EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc. (the
"Adviser") considers the legally restricted but readily saleable
Section 4(2) paper to be liquid; however, the paper will be treated as
illiquid unless, pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Directors,
a particular investment in Section 4(2) paper is determined to be liquid.
The Adviser monitors the liquidity of the Fund's investments in
Section 4(2) paper on a continuing basis. As stated above, Section 4(2)
paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws, and
generally is sold only to institutional investors. If the Fund wants to sell
any Section 4(2) paper that it holds, such sale normally must be to another
institutional investor or with the assistance of the issuer or an investment
dealer who makes a market in the Section 4(2) paper. Due to these
restrictions on resale, Section 4(2) paper may be subject to liquidity risk,
which is the risk that the Section 4(2) paper cannot be sold quickly at fair
value. In addition, the Fund's investments in commercial paper may be
subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk is the risk that
a commercial paper issuer will default or otherwise not honor its financial
obligation. Interest rate risk is the risk that the market value of the
Fund's commercial paper investments will decline due to an increase in
interest rates.
OTHER CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES. Outstanding nonconvertible corporate debt
securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) which were not issued as short-term
obligations but which have 13 months or less remaining to maturity. The Fund
will only invest in such obligations that at the time of purchase are rated
AA or Aa or better by S&P or Moody's. Corporate bonds and debentures are
subject to interest rate risk and default risk. Interest rate risk is the
risk that the value of a fixed-income security will decline due to rising
interest rates. The longer a security's maturity, the greater its interest
rate risk. Default risk is the risk that an issuer of a debt security will
default on the payment of the security's principal and/or interest. Due to
the nature of the Fund's investments, default risk for the Fund should be
low.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. A repurchase agreement is an instrument under which
the Fund acquires a security from the seller who agrees, at the time of the
sale, to repurchase the security at a predetermined time and price, thereby
determining the yield during the Fund's holding period. That yield is
established by reference to current short-term rates and may be more or less
than the interest rate on the underlying security. The value of the
underlying security is marked-to-market daily. If the value of the
underlying security declined, the seller would be required to provide the
Fund with additional cash or securities so that the aggregate value of the
underlying securities would be at least equal to the repurchase price.
The Fund may also enter into a special type of repurchase agreement known as
an "open repurchase agreement." An open repurchase agreement varies from the
typical agreement in the following respects: (1) the agreement has no set
maturity, but instead matures upon 24 hours' notice to the seller; and
(2) the repurchase price is not determined at the time the agreement is
entered into, but instead is based on a variable interest rate and the
duration of the agreement.
3
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Repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days will not exceed 10%
of the net assets of the Fund, and no more than 25% of the net assets of the
Fund may be invested in repurchase agreements in which the underlying
securities have maturities in excess of one year, although there is no limit
to the percentage of the Fund's assets which may be invested in repurchase
agreements that mature in seven days or less and have underlying securities
with maturities of one year or less. Net assets are taken at market value at
the time of purchase for purposes of the foregoing limitations. Open
repurchase agreements are considered to mature in one day.
If a seller of a repurchase agreement were to default, the Fund might
experience losses, including delays and expenses in enforcing its rights. To
minimize this risk, the Adviser (under the review of the Board of Directors)
will review the creditworthiness of the seller, and must find such
creditworthiness satisfactory before the Fund may enter into the repurchase
agreement. Repurchase agreements may be entered into with banks or
securities dealers and the underlying securities will consist only of
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities.
FLOATING AND VARIABLE RATE SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in instruments
having rates of interest that are adjusted periodically or that float
continuously or periodically according to formulas intended to minimize
fluctuation in the value of the instruments ("Variable Rate Securities").
The interest rate on a Variable Rate Security is ordinarily determined by
reference to, or is a percentage of, a specified market rate such as a
bank's prime rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury Bill rate, or the rate of return
on commercial paper or bank certificates of deposit. Generally, the changes
in the interest rate on Variable Rate Securities reduce the fluctuation in
the market value of such securities. Accordingly, as interest rates decrease
or increase, the potential for capital appreciation or depreciation is less
than for fixed rate obligations. Some Variable Rate Securities have a demand
feature ("Variable Rate Demand Securities") entitling the purchaser to
resell the securities at an amount approximately equal to the principal
amount thereof plus accrued interest.
As in the case for other Variable Rate Securities, the interest rate on
Variable Rate Demand Securities varies according to some specified market
rate intended to minimize fluctuation in the value of the instruments. Some
of these Variable Rate Demand Securities are unrated, their transfer is
restricted by the issuer and there is little, if any, secondary market for
the securities. Thus, any inability of the issuers of such securities to pay
on demand could adversely affect the liquidity of these securities. The Fund
determines the maturity of Variable Rate Securities in accordance with
Commission rules which allow the Fund to consider certain of such
instruments as having maturities shorter than the maturity date on the face
of the instrument.
WHEN-ISSUED OR DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS. From time to time, in the
ordinary course of business, the Fund may purchase newly issued securities
on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell securities on a "delayed
delivery" basis. When-issued or delayed delivery transactions involve a
commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell particular securities with
payment and delivery to take place at a future date. These transactions
allow the Fund to lock in an attractive purchase price or yield on a
security it intends to purchase or an attractive sale price on a security it
intends to sell. Normally, settlement occurs within one month of the
purchase or sale. During the period between purchase or sale and settlement,
no payment is made or received by the Fund and, for delayed delivery
purchases, no interest accrues to the Fund. The Fund will only make
commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis with the intention of actually acquiring the securities, but it
reserves the right to sell such securities before the settlement date if
deemed advisable.
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At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase a security on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis, it will segregate the security on the
Fund's accounting records, record the transaction and reflect the amount due
and the value of the security in determining its net asset value. Likewise,
at the time the Fund makes the commitment to sell a security on a delayed
delivery basis, it will segregate the security on the Fund's accounting
records, record the transaction and include the proceeds to be received in
determining its net asset value; accordingly, any fluctuations in the value
of the security sold pursuant to a delayed delivery commitment are ignored
in calculating net asset value so long as the commitment remains in effect.
The market value of the when-issued or delayed delivery securities at any
time may be more or less than the purchase price to be paid or the sale
price to be received at the settlement date. To the extent that the Fund
engages in when-issued or delayed delivery transactions, it will do so for
the purpose of acquiring or selling securities consistent with its
investment objectives and policies and not for the purpose of investment
leverage or to speculate on interest rate changes.
The Adviser does not believe that the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") or
income will be adversely affected overall by the purchase of securities on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis. The Fund will segregate on its
accounting records cash, U.S. Government securities or other high-grade debt
obligations at least equal in value to commitments to purchase securities on
a when-issued or delayed delivery basis without limit. To the extent that
assets of the Fund are held in cash pending the settlement of a purchase of
securities, the Fund would earn no income. In the case of a commitment to
sell portfolio securities on a delayed delivery basis, the Fund will
segregate the securities on its accounting records while the commitment is
outstanding.
Stability of principal is a primary investment objective of the Fund and,
while the types of money market securities in which the Fund invests
generally are considered to have low principal risk, such securities are not
completely risk free. There is some risk that issuers will fail to meet
their principal and interest obligations on a timely basis; therefore there
can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its objective or that it will
maintain an NAV of $1.00 per share. The NAV of $1.00 per share has, however,
been maintained by the Fund since its inception. Thus, no shareholder has
ever lost any principal from an investment in the Fund.
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INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
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In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the Fund has adopted the
following investment restrictions. These are fundamental policies and may not
be changed without a majority vote of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As
used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, the phrase "majority vote" of the
Fund means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the Fund
present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding
shares are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund will not:
1. Purchase securities of any issuer (other than securities issued
or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 5% of the value of the
Fund's assets (taken at current value at the time of investment) would be
invested in securities of that issuer.
2. Purchase more than 10% of any class of securities of any issuer
other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. (For this purpose, all
outstanding debt securities of an issuer are considered one class.)
5
<PAGE>
3. Engage in puts, calls, straddles, spreads or any combination
thereof; nor engage in margin purchases, except for use of
short-term credits necessary for clearance of purchases and sales of
portfolio securities.
4. Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position in
securities.
5. Invest in real estate, including interests in real estate
investment trusts (although it may invest in securities secured
by real estate or interests therein or securities issued by companies
which invest in real estate or interests therein) or invest in
commodities or commodity contracts, including futures contracts.
6. Invest more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets
(taken at current value at the time of investment) in securities
of issuers, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, which have a record of
less than three years' continuous operations, including predecessors.
7. Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if any of the
officers or directors of the Fund or the Adviser own individually
more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of such issuer and together own
more than 5% of the securities of such issuer.
8. Concentrate its investments in any one industry by investing 25%
or more of the value of the Fund's total assets (taken at current
value at the time of investment) in any one industry, other than
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities, obligations of banks or savings institutions, or
instruments secured by these money market instruments, such as repurchase
agreements for U.S. Government securities.
9. Make loans to others (except through the purchase of debt
obligations or repurchase agreements referred to in the
Prospectus and this SAI). In addition, the Fund may not invest more than
10% of its net assets (taken at current value at the time of investment)
in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days.
10. Borrow money, except from banks for temporary or emergency
purposes and in no event in excess of 10% of its gross assets
taken at the lesser of cost or market or other fair value (the Fund will
not borrow in order to increase income (leveraging) but may borrow to
facilitate meeting redemption requests which might otherwise require
untimely disposition of portfolio securities; interest paid on any such
borrowings will reduce net investment income); nor will it pledge or
mortgage more than 15% of its gross assets taken at cost, except in
connection with permissible borrowings discussed immediately above; nor
purchase money market instruments while any such permissible borrowings
are outstanding.
11. Act as an underwriter in securities. In this connection, the Fund
will not invest more than 10% of the value of its total assets in
securities (except repurchase agreements) which are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale, or are not readily marketable.
12. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except in
connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition or
reorganization.
13. Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising management or
control.
14. Purchase any common stocks or other equity securities, or
securities convertible into stock.
15. Issue senior securities.
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In addition, the Fund may not: (a) purchase securities which are subject to
legal or contractual restrictions on resale in excess of 5% of the value of
the Fund's net assets; (b) invest in interests in oil, gas or other mineral
exploration or development programs or invest in oil, gas, or other mineral
leases; (c) pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its portfolio securities to the
extent that at any time the percentage of pledged securities would exceed
10% of the Fund's total net assets; or (d) invest in real estate limited
partnerships. These restrictions, (a) through (d), may be changed by the
Board of Directors without shareholder approval.
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OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
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The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall supervision of the
operations of the Fund and performs the various duties imposed on the
directors of investment companies by the Investment Company Act. The Board
of Directors elects officers of the Fund annually. The officers and
directors of the Fund and their principal occupations for the past five
years are set forth below. Corporate positions may, in some instances, have
changed during this period. The three directors listed with an asterisk are
"interested persons" as defined in the Investment Company Act.
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PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS, AND AGE POSITION(S) HELD WITH FUND DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
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EDWARD M. WIEDERSTEIN* (51) PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR Farmer; Chairman and Director, FBL
5400 University Avenue Financial Group, Inc.; President and
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 Director, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation,
Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company,
FBL Insurance Brokerage, Inc., Farm
Bureau Mutual Insurance Company and
other affiliates of the foregoing;
Director, Multi-Pig Corporation,
Western Agricultural Insurance
Company, Western Ag Insurance
Agency, Inc., Western Farm Bureau Life
Insurance Company, American Ag
Insurance Company, and WellMark Blue
Cross/Blue Shield of Iowa.
RICHARD D. HARRIS* (55) SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, Senior Vice President,
5400 University Avenue SECRETARY-TREASURER AND Secretary-Treasurer and Director, FBL
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 DIRECTOR Financial Group, Inc.; Senior Vice
President and Secretary-Treasurer,
Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company and
other affiliates of the foregoing;
holds other positions with various
affiliates of the foregoing. Former
Director, Public Policy Division, Iowa
Farm Bureau Federation; Director, Iowa
FFA Foundation and Iowa Make-A-Wish
Foundation.
</TABLE>
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PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS, AND AGE POSITION(S) HELD WITH FUND DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ---------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
STEPHEN M. MORAIN (54) SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, General Counsel and Assistant
5400 University Avenue GENERAL COUNSEL AND Secretary, Iowa Farm Bureau
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 ASSISTANT SECRETARY Federation; General Counsel, Secretary
and Director, Farm Bureau Management
Corporation; Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Director, FBL
Financial Group, Inc., EquiTrust
Investment Management Services, Inc.
and EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC;
Senior Vice President and General
Counsel, Farm Bureau Life Insurance
Company, FBL Insurance
Brokerage, Inc. and other affiliates
of the foregoing; Director, Iowa
Agricultural Finance Corporation and
Iowa Business Development Finance
Corporation; Chairman, Edge
Technologies, Inc.
THOMAS R. GIBSON (55) CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Chief Executive Officer and Director,
5400 University Avenue FBL Financial Group, Inc., EquiTrust
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 Investment Management Services, Inc.
and EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC;
Chief Executive Officer, Farm Bureau
Life Insurance Company, Western Farm
Bureau Life Insurance Company, FBL
Insurance Brokerage, Inc. and other
affiliates of the foregoing.
WILLIAM J. ODDY (55) CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Chief Operating Officer, FBL Financial
5400 University Avenue Group, Inc.; Executive Vice President
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 and General Manager, Farm Bureau Life
Insurance Company, and other
affiliates of the foregoing; Vice
President, Farm Bureau Mutual
Insurance Company and other affiliates
of the foregoing; Chief Operating
Officer and Director, EquiTrust
Marketing Services, LLC; President and
Director, EquiTrust Investment
Management Services, Inc., FBL Real
Estate Ventures, Ltd. and RIK, Inc.;
Chief Executive Officer, Western
Computer Services, Inc, Director,
American Equity Investment Life
Insurance Company, Berthel Fisher &
Company, Inc. and Berthel Fisher &
Company Financial Services, Inc.
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS, AND AGE POSITION(S) HELD WITH FUND DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ---------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
JAMES W. NOYCE (44) CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Chief Financial Officer, FBL Financial
5400 University Avenue Group, Inc., Farm Bureau Life
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 Insurance Company, and other
affiliates of the foregoing; Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Director, EquiTrust Investment
Management Services, Inc. and
EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC. He
holds other positions with various
affiliates of the foregoing.
TIMOTHY J. HOFFMAN (49) VICE PRESIDENT Chief Property/Casualty Officer, FBL
5400 University Avenue Financial Group, Inc.; Executive Vice
West Des Monies, Iowa 50266 President and General Manager, Farm
Bureau Mutual Insurance Company and
other affiliates of the foregoing;
Vice President, Farm Bureau Life
Insurance Company, Western Farm Bureau
Life Insurance Company and other
affiliates of the foregoing; Vice
President and Director, EquiTrust
Investment Management Services, Inc.
and EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC.
LOU ANN SANDBURG (52) VICE PRESIDENT- Vice President-Investments and
5400 University Avenue INVESTMENTS AND ASSISTANT Assistant Treasurer, FBL Financial
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 TREASURER Group, Inc., Farm Bureau Life
Insurance Company, and other
affiliates of the foregoing. Vice
President-Investments, EquiTrust
Investment Management Services, Inc.
and EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC.
She holds other positions with various
affiliates of the foregoing.
DENNIS M. MARKER (48) INVESTMENT VICE PRESIDENT, Investment Vice President,
5400 University Avenue ADMINISTRATION AND Administration, FBL Financial
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 ASSISTANT SECRETARY Group, Inc. and Farm Bureau Life
Insurance Company; Investment Vice
President-Administration, Secretary
and Director, EquiTrust Investment
Management Services, Inc. and
EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC. He
holds other positions with various
affiliates of the foregoing.
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS, AND AGE POSITION(S) HELD WITH FUND DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ---------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
SUE A. CORNICK (39) MARKET CONDUCT AND MUTUAL Market Conduct and Mutual Funds Vice
5400 University Avenue FUNDS VICE PRESIDENT AND President and Assistant Secretary,
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 ASSISTANT SECRETARY EquiTrust Investment Management
Services, Inc. and EquiTrust Marketing
Services, LLC.
KRISTI ROJOHN (36) ASSISTANT SECRETARY Assistant Mutual Funds Manager and
5400 University Avenue Assistant Secretary, EquiTrust
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 Investment Management Services, Inc.
and EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC.
ELAINE A. FOLLOWWILL (29) ASSISTANT SECRETARY Compliance Assistant and Assistant
5400 University Avenue Secretary, EquiTrust Investment
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 Management Services, Inc. and
EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC.
DONALD G. BARTLING (72) DIRECTOR Farmer; Partner, Bartling Brothers
25718 CR6 Partnership (farming business).
Herman, Nebraska 68029
JOHN R. GRAHAM* (54) DIRECTOR Executive Vice President, Kansas Farm
1512 Country Club Place Bureau, Kansas Farm Bureau Services,
Manhattan, Kansas 66502 Kansas Agricultural Marketing
Association, FB Services Insurance
Agency, Kansas Farm Bureau Life
Insurance Company, Farm Bureau Mutual
Insurance Company, and KFB Insurance
Company, Inc.; Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and Director, FB
Capital Management of Kansas, Inc. and
Graham Capital Management, Inc.;
Director, National Association of
Independent Insurers, Didde
Corporation, Graham Enterprises,
Fannar Corporation and Farm Bureau
Mutual Insurance Agency of Kansas;
Partner, Arthur-Graham Rental
Properties, CM Brass and G&H Real
Estate Investments; Trustee, Master
Teacher Employee Benefit Pension
Trust.
ERWIN H. JOHNSON (56) DIRECTOR Farmer; Owner and Manager, Center View
1841 MARCH AVENUE Farms Co.; Director, First Security
CHARLES CITY, IOWA 50616 Bank and Trust Co., Charles City,
Iowa; Farm Financial Planner, Iowa
State University Cooperative Extension
Service; Financial and Farm Management
Consultant, Iowa State University
Overseas Projects.
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS, AND AGE POSITION(S) HELD WITH FUND DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ---------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
KENNETH KAY (56) DIRECTOR Farmer; Salesman, Pioneer Seed Corn;
R.R. 2, Box 75 Voting Delegate, Vice President and
Atlantic, Iowa 50022 former President, Cass County Farm
Bureau; Director, First Whitney
Bank & Trust; Board Member,
Transportation Committee Chairman,
Cass Atlantic Development Corporation.
CURTIS C. PIETZ (68) DIRECTOR Retired Farmer; Investor and Co-Owner,
R.R. 3 Box 79 Storden Seed and Chemical Service,
Lakefield, Minnesota 56150 Inc.; Director, Minnesota Rural
Finance Authority and Minnesota Farm
Bureau Federation; previous Farm
Bureau leadership; active in Farm
Management.
</TABLE>
The officers and directors of the Fund also serve in similar capacities as
officers and directors of EquiTrust Series Fund, Inc. and as officers and
trustees of EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series Fund. Several of the
officers and directors also are officers and directors of the Adviser. The
Fund pays no direct remuneration to any officer of the Fund. Each of the
directors not affiliated with the Adviser will be compensated by the Fund.
Each of these unaffiliated directors will receive a fee of $115 plus
expenses for each directors' meeting attended.
The following table sets forth compensation received by all directors of the
Fund for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1999. The information in the last
column of the table sets forth the total compensation received by all
directors for calendar year 1998 for services as a director of the Fund and
other funds in the EquiTrust family.
TABLE OF DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
<TABLE>
PENSION AND
AGGREGATE RETIREMENT BENEFITS TOTAL COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION ACCRUED AS PART OF FROM ALL FUNDS IN
NAME OF DIRECTOR FROM THE FUND FUND EXPENSES THE EQUITRUST FAMILY
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Mr. Bartling $ 460 $0 $1,380
Mr. Graham 0 0 0
Mr. Harris 0 0 0
Mr. Johnson 460 0 1,380
Mr. Kay 460 0 1,380
Mr. Pietz 460 0 1,380
Mr. Wiederstein 0 0 0
</TABLE>
Directors and officers of the Fund do not receive any benefits from the Fund
upon retirement, nor does the Fund accrue any expenses for pension or
retirement benefits.
11
<PAGE>
As of September 15, 1999, the officers and directors as a group owned of
record or beneficially less than 1% of the then outstanding shares of the
Fund, and EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc., 5400 University
Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa, the Adviser, owned of record and beneficially
12.82% of the Fund's outstanding shares.
COMMITTEES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee. The Audit
Committee of the Fund recommends the selection of independent auditors for
the Fund, reviews with such independent public accountants the planning,
scope and results of their audit of the Fund's financial statements and the
fees for services performed, reviews the financial statements of the Fund
and receives audit reports. The Audit Committee consists of four members,
Messrs. Bartling, Johnson, Kay and Pietz. The Audit Committee met two times
during the fiscal year ending July 31, 1999.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ADVISER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following information supplements the information set forth in the
Prospectus under the caption "Portfolio Management." Pursuant to an
Investment Advisory and Management Services Agreement dated February 23,
1981 (the "Agreement"), EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc.
("EquiTrust" or "Adviser") acts as the Fund's investment adviser and manager
subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors. EquiTrust has
served as investment adviser and manager since the Fund commenced operations
in March, 1981. EquiTrust is a wholly owned subsidiary of FBL Financial
Services, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of FBL Financial Group,
Inc., an Iowa corporation, 67% of whose outstanding voting shares are in
turn owned by Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, an Iowa not-for-profit
corporation. The following individuals are officers and/or directors of the
Adviser and are officers and/or directors of the Fund: Stephen M. Morain,
Thomas R. Gibson, William J. Oddy, Timothy J. Hoffman, Dennis M. Marker,
James W. Noyce, Lou Ann Sandburg, Sue A. Cornick, Kristi Rojohn and Elaine
A. Followwill. The Adviser also acts as the investment adviser to
individuals, institutions and two other mutual funds: EquiTrust Series Fund,
Inc. and EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series Fund. Personnel of the Adviser
also manage investments for the portfolios of insurance companies.
The Adviser subscribes to leading bond information services and receives
published reports and statistical compilations from issuers directly, as
well as analyses from brokers and dealers who may execute portfolio
transactions for the Fund or the Adviser's other clients. The Adviser
regards this information and material, however, as an adjunct to its own
research activities.
Under the Agreement, the Adviser handles the investment and reinvestment of
the Fund's assets and provides for the Fund, at the Adviser's expense,
office space and facilities, simple business equipment, advisory, research
and statistical facilities, clerical services and personnel as may be
necessary to administer the business affairs of the Fund. The Adviser also
has agreed to arrange for any of its officers and directors to serve without
salary as directors, officers or agents of the Fund if duly elected to such
positions.
As compensation for the investment advisory and management services and the
aforementioned facilities and administrative services to be provided by the
Adviser, the Fund has agreed to pay the Adviser an annual management fee of
.25% of the average daily net assets, accrued daily and
12
<PAGE>
payable monthly. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
the Fund's investment advisory and management fee expense was $74,472,
$63,950 and $81,111, respectively.
The Adviser is not required to pay expenses of the Fund other than as set
forth above. The Fund pays other expenses, which include net asset value
calculations; portfolio transaction costs; interest on Fund obligations;
miscellaneous reports; membership dues; all expenses of registration of its
shares under federal and state securities laws; all expenses of
shareholders' and directors' meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing
proxy statements, reports and notices to shareholders; investor services
(including allocable telephone and personnel expenses incurred by the
Adviser); all taxes and fees payable to federal, state or other governmental
authorities; the fees and expenses of independent auditors, legal counsel,
custodian, transfer and dividend disbursing agent and any fees of directors
who are not affiliated with the Adviser; and insurance premiums for fidelity
bond and other coverage of the Fund's operations.
The Agreement continues in effect from year-to-year as long as its
continuation is approved annually by vote of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding shares or by its Board of Directors, including, in either event,
a majority of those directors who are not parties to such agreement or
"interested persons" (as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act)
of any such party except in their capacities as directors of the Fund. It
may be terminated without penalty at any time upon 60 days' notice by the
Adviser, or by the Fund by vote of the Fund's Board of Directors, or by a
majority vote of the Fund's outstanding shares, and would terminate
automatically upon assignment. The Agreement may be amended only with the
approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
The Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for error of
judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in
connection with matters to which the Agreement relates, except loss
resulting from bad faith, gross negligence or willful misfeasance of the
Adviser.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are
normally principal transactions. Portfolio securities are normally purchased
directly from the issuer or from an underwriter or market maker for the
securities. There are usually no brokerage commissions paid by the Fund for
such purchases and none were paid during the last three fiscal years.
Purchases from underwriters will include a commission or concession paid by
the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers serving as market
makers include the spread between the bid and asked prices. The primary
consideration in the allocation of transactions is the most favorable price
and execution of orders.
The investment decisions for the Fund are reached independently from those
for the other mutual funds and other clients whose investments are managed
by EquiTrust. Such other clients may also make investments in money market
instruments at the same time as the Fund. When both the Fund and one or more
of such clients have amounts available for investment in money market
instruments, available investments are allocated as to amount in a manner
considered equitable to each. In some cases, this procedure may affect the
size or price of the position obtainable for the Fund. It is the opinion of
the Board of Directors that the benefits available because of EquiTrust's
organization outweigh any disadvantages that may arise from exposure to
simultaneous transactions. Purchase and sale orders for the Fund may be
combined with those of other clients of the Adviser in the interest of the
most favorable net results to the Fund.
13
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNDERWRITING AND DISTRIBUTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to an underwriting agreement dated December 31, 1983, EquiTrust
Investment Management Services, Inc. (the "Distributor") serves as principal
underwriter and sole distributor of the Fund's shares, acting as the
exclusive agent of the Fund in the sale of its shares to securities dealers
who in turn sell the shares to the public. The Distributor has agreed to use
its best efforts to distribute shares of the Fund. The Distributor pays
expenses incident to the sale and distribution of Fund shares, including
preparation and distribution of literature relating to the Fund and its
investment performance, and circulation of advertising and public relations
material.
The terms of termination and assignment under the underwriting agreement are
the same as those under the investment advisory agreement except that
termination for reasons other than assignment of the agreement requires six
months' notice.
The Fund bears the expenses of registration of its shares with the
Commission and the cost of qualifying and maintaining the qualification of
the Fund's shares under securities laws of the various states. The Fund also
pays expenses incident to the issuance of its shares, such as taxes and
transfer and dividend disbursing fees.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The NAV per share of the Fund is determined as of the earlier of the close
of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") or 3:00 p.m. (Central Time), on
each day that (i) the NYSE is open for business (except the Friday before
and the Monday after Christmas Day (in 1999), the Monday after New Year's
Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving Day (in 2000) and any day on which the
Fund's offices are closed because of a weather-related or comparable type of
emergency) and (ii) an order for purchase or redemption of shares of the
Fund is received. If the Fund offices should be closed because of a
weather-related or comparable type of emergency, and the Fund is unable to
segregate orders and redemption requests received on the emergency closed
day, then the Fund will price those orders and redemptions at the NAV next
determined.
The Fund's NAV is computed by dividing the total value of the Fund's
securities and other assets, less liabilities (including dividends payable),
by the number of Fund shares outstanding. The NAV per share is ordinarily
$1.00. The Fund's total assets are determined by valuing the portfolio
securities at amortized cost, pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the Investment
Company Act. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may
result in periods during which the value, as determined by amortized cost,
is higher or lower than the price the Fund would receive if it sold its
portfolio securities. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, certain
procedures have been adopted to monitor and stabilize the price per share.
Calculations are made to compare the value of the Fund's portfolio valued at
amortized cost with market values. Market valuations are obtained by using
actual quotations provided by market makers, estimates of market value, or
values obtained from yield data relating to classes of money market
instruments published by reputable sources at the mean between the bid and
asked prices for those instruments. If a deviation of 1/2 of 1% or more were
to occur between the Fund's $1.00 per share NAV and the NAV calculated by
reference to market valuations, or if there were any other deviation which
the Board of Directors believed would result in dilution or other unfair
results material to
14
<PAGE>
shareholders or purchasers, the Board of Directors would promptly consider
what action, if any, should be initiated. The Fund reserves the right to
calculate or estimate the NAV more frequently than once a day if it is
deemed desirable.
The market value of debt securities usually reflects yields generally
available on securities of similar quality. When yields decline, the market
value of a portfolio holding higher yielding securities increases, and when
yields increase, the market value of the portfolio invested at lower yields
can be expected to decline. In addition, if the Fund has net redemptions at
a time when interest rates have increased, the Fund may have to sell
portfolio securities prior to maturity at a price below the Fund's carrying
value. Also, because the portfolio generally will be valued at amortized
cost rather than market, any yield quoted may be different if the entire
portfolio were valued at market since amortized cost does not take market
fluctuations into consideration.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETIREMENT PLANS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investors Fiduciary Trust Company of Kansas City, Missouri, serves as
custodian and provides the services required for Individual Retirement Plans
(IRAs), Roth IRAs, Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEPs), Savings
Incentive Match Plans for Employees (SIMPLEs), Section 403(b) Plans and
Qualified Pension and Profit Sharing Plans. An annual maintenance fee,
currently $10, will be collected annually by redemption of shares or
fractions thereof from each participant's account(s). EquiTrust Investment
Management Services, Inc. performs plan services for a portion of the fee
and during the fiscal year ended July 31, 1999 received $1,560 for its
services. Unusual administrative responsibilities will be subject to such
additional charges as will reasonably compensate the custodian for the
service involved.
Since a retirement investment program involves a commitment covering future
years, it is important that the investor consider his or her needs and
whether the investment objective of the Fund as described in the Prospectus
is likely to fulfill them. Premature termination or curtailment of the plan
may result in adverse tax consequences. Consultation with an attorney or
other tax adviser regarding these plans is recommended. For further
information regarding these plans, contact the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REDEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment
during any period when (a) trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by
the Commission or the NYSE is closed for trading (other than customary
weekend and holiday closings); (b) an emergency exists, as determined by the
Commission, as a result of which (i) disposal by the Fund of securities
owned by it is not reasonable or practicable, or (ii) it is not reasonably
practicable for the Fund to determine fairly the value of its net assets; or
(c) the Commission by order permits such suspension for the protection of
the Fund's investors. In such event, redemption will be effected at the NAV
next determined after the suspension has been terminated unless the
shareholder has withdrawn the redemption request in writing and the request
has been received by EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc.,
5400 University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266, prior to the day of
such determination of NAV.
15
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAXATION OF THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information concerning the tax consequences to Fund shareholders of buying,
holding, exchanging, and selling the Fund's shares may be found in the
prospectus under the heading "Taxes."
The Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
This special tax status means that the Fund will not be liable for the
federal tax on income and capital gains distributed to shareholders. To
preserve its tax status, the Fund must comply with certain requirements. If
the Fund fails to meet these requirements in any taxable year, it will be
subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all
distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net
tax-exempt income and net long-term income capital gains, will be taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, the Fund could be required to
recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make
substantial distributions before regaining its tax status as a regulated
investment company.
Any loss recognized on the disposition of the Fund's shares that were held
for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the
extent that the shareholder has received only long-term capital gain
distributions on such shares.
A 4% excise tax is imposed on the excess of the required distribution for a
calendar year over the distributed amount for such calendar year. The
required distribution generally is the sum of 98% of the Fund's net
investment income for the calendar year plus 98% of its capital gain net
income for the one-year period ending October 31. The Fund intends to
declare or distribute dividends during the calendar year in an amount
sufficient to prevent imposition of the 4% excise tax.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From time to time, the Fund may advertise "yield" and "effective yield."
Each of these figures is based upon historical results and is not necessarily
representative of the future performance of the Fund. Yield is a measure of
the net investment income per share earned over a specific seven-day period
expressed as a percentage of the Fund's NAV per share at the beginning of
the period. Yield is an annualized figure, meaning that it is assumed that
the Fund generates the same level of investment income over a one-year
period. The effective yield is computed similarly, but the net investment
income earned is assumed to be compounded when annualized. The Fund's
effective yield will be slightly higher than its yield due to this
compounding.
Additionally, from time to time, in advertisements or reports to
shareholders, the Fund may compare its performance to that of the Consumer
Price Index or various unmanaged indexes. The Fund may also use mutual fund
quotation services such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., an independent
mutual fund reporting service, or similar industry services, for purposes of
comparing the Fund's rank or performance with that of the other mutual funds
having similar investment objectives. Performance comparisons should not be
considered representative of the future performance of the Fund.
16
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE CALCULATION
The Fund's yield is computed in accordance with a standard method prescribed
by rules of the Commission. Under that method, the yield quotation is based
on a seven-day period and is computed as follows: The Fund's net investment
income per share (accrued interest on portfolio securities, plus or minus
amortized premium or discount, less accrued expenses) for the period is
divided by the price per share (expected to remain constant at $1.00) at the
beginning of the period ("base period return") and the result is divided by
seven and multiplied by 365. The resulting yield figure is carried to the
nearest one-hundredth of one percent. Realized capital gains or losses and
unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments are not included in
the calculation. The Fund's yield for the seven-day period ended July 30,
1999 was 3.57%.
The Fund's effective yield is determined by taking the base period return
(computed as described above) and calculating the effect of the assumed
compounding. The formula for the effective yield is (base period return +1)
to the power of (365/7) - 1. The Fund's effective yield for the seven-day
period ended July 30, 1999 was 3.64%.
The Fund's yield fluctuates, and the publication of an annualized yield
quotation is not a representation as to what an investment in the Fund will
actually yield for any given future period. Actual yields will depend not
only on changes in interest rates on money market instruments during the
period in which the investment in the Fund is held, but also on such matters
as any realized gains and losses, unrealized appreciation and depreciation
and changes in Fund expenses.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund is a no-load, open-end, diversified management investment company
incorporated under Maryland law on November 5, 1980. The Fund has authorized
capital of 500,000,000 shares of capital stock, $0.001 par value per share.
All shares of capital stock have equal voting rights and equal rights with
respect to dividends, assets, liquidation and redemption. They are fully
paid and nonassessable when issued and have no preemptive, conversion or
exchange rights. The shares are transferable without restriction. Full and
fractional shares may be issued and each fractional share has
proportionately the same rights, including voting, as are provided for a
full share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER VOTING RIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the Fund's corporate charter and by-laws, the Fund is not required to
hold, and does not anticipate that it will hold, annual shareholders'
meetings. However, it will hold special meetings of shareholders as required
or deemed desirable for such purposes as electing directors, changing
fundamental policies or approving an investment management agreement.
Each member of the Board of Directors serves for a term of unlimited
duration, subject to the right to remove a director by the Board of
Directors or the shareholders. The Board of Directors has the power to alter
the number of directors and to appoint successor directors, provided that
immediately after the appointment of any successor director, at least
two-thirds of the directors have been elected by the shareholders of the
Fund. However, if at any time less than a majority of the directors holding
office has been elected by the shareholders, the directors are required to
call
17
<PAGE>
a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing directors to
fill any existing vacancies on the Board.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUSTODIAN
Deutsche Bank, 16 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005 currently serves as
custodian of all cash and securities owned by the Fund. The custodian
performs no managerial or policy-making functions for the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Fund's independent auditors are Ernst & Young LLP, 801 Grand Avenue,
Suite 3400, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. The independent auditors audit and
report on the Fund's annual financial statements, review certain regulatory
reports and perform other professional accounting, auditing, tax and
advisory services when engaged to do so by the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCOUNTING SERVICES
The Fund has entered into an accounting services agreement with EquiTrust
Investment Management Services, Inc. pursuant to which EquiTrust performs
accounting services for the Fund. In addition, the Agreement provides that
EquiTrust shall calculate the Fund's NAV in accordance with the Fund's
current Prospectus and prepare for Fund approval and use various tax returns
and other reports. For such services, the Fund pays EquiTrust an annual fee,
payable monthly, of .05% of the Fund's average daily net assets, with the
annual fee payable by the Fund not to exceed $30,000. During the fiscal year
ended July 31, 1999, the aggregate amount of such fees paid to EquiTrust was
$14,894.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AND TRANSFER AGENT
EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc. serves as the Fund's
Shareholder Service, Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent. EquiTrust in
turn has contracted with DST Systems, Inc. ("DST"), an unrelated party, to
perform certain services incident to the maintenance of shareholder
accounts. The Fund pays EquiTrust an annual fee of $9.00 per account and
miscellaneous activity fees plus out-of-pocket expenses, a portion of which
is paid to DST. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 1999, the aggregate
amount of such fees paid to EquiTrust was $111,567 of which $30,495 was paid
to DST.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGAL MATTERS
The firm of Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz, Chicago, Illinois, is counsel
for the Fund.
18
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
The Fund's Prospectus and this SAI omit certain information contained in the
Registration Statement, which the Fund has filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, and reference is
hereby made to the Registration Statement for further information with
respect to the Fund and the securities offered hereby. This Registration
Statement is available for inspection by the public at the Securities and
Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The audited financial statements of the Fund, including the notes thereto,
contained in the Annual Report to Shareholders of EquiTrust Money Market
Fund, Inc. for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1999, were filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on September 22, 1999, and are
incorporated by reference. Shareholders will receive the Fund's audited
annual report and the unaudited semi-annual report. Additional copies of
such reports may be obtained without charge by contacting the Fund.
19
<PAGE>
EQUITRUST MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 23. EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(a) (1) Restated Articles of Incorporation of Registrant. (1)
(2) Articles of Amendment which became effective on May 1,
1998. (3)
(b) (1) By-Laws of Registrant, as amended. (1)
(2) By-Laws, as amended August 15, 1996. (2)
(c) Inapplicable.
(d) (1) Conformed copy of Investment Advisory and Management
Agreement with Registrant's Adviser. (1)
(2) Amendment to Management Fee Schedule dated December 1,
1996. (2)
(e) (1) Conformed copy of Underwriting Agreement. (1)
(2) Conformed copy of Dealer Agreement. (1)
(f) Inapplicable.
(g) Conformed copy of Custodian Agreement. (1)
(h) (1) Fidelity Bond Joint Insureds Agreement. (2)
(2) Joint Insureds D&O and E&O Agreement. (1)
(3) Accounting Services Agreement. (1)
(4) Shareholder Service, Dividend Disbursing and Transfer
Agent Agreement. (1)
*(i) Opinion of Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz.
*(j) Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
(k) Inapplicable.
(l) Conformed copy of Subscription Agreement. (1)
(m) Inapplicable
(n) Inapplicable
(o) Inapplicable.
*(p) Powers of Attorney for Donald G. Bartling, John R. Graham,
Erwin H. Johnson, Kenneth Kay, and Curtis C. Pietz
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the
Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 on Form N-1A, filed
on December 1, 1995.
(2) Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the
Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 on Form N-1A, filed
on November 27, 1996.
(3) Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the
Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 on Form N-1A, filed
on November 25, 1998.
- ------------------------
* Filed herewith
C-1
<PAGE>
ITEM 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
Inapplicable.
ITEM 25. INDEMNIFICATION
The Maryland Code, Corporations and Associations, Section 2-418 provides for
indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents. Article IX of the
Registrant's Articles of Incorporation restricts indemnification for officers
and directors in cases of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.
Article XV of the Registrant's By-Laws also provides for indemnification under
certain circumstances.
The Investment Advisory and Management Services Agreement between the
Registrant and EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc. ("Adviser")
provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties thereunder on the part
of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or
mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the
matters to which such Agreement relates.
In addition, the Registrant maintains a directors and officers "errors and
omissions" liability insurance policy under which the Registrant and its
directors and officers are named insureds.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 ("Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons
of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
ITEM 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
Registrant's investment adviser is EquiTrust Investment Management Services,
Inc. ("EquiTrust"). In addition to its services to Registrant as investment
adviser, underwriter and shareholder service, transfer and dividend disbursing
agent, all as set forth in Parts A and B of this Registration Statement on
Form N-1A, EquiTrust acts as adviser, underwriter and shareholder service,
transfer and dividend disbursing agent for EquiTrust Series Fund, Inc. and
EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series Fund, diversified open-end series management
investment companies.
The principal executive officers and directors of EquiTrust are Stephen M.
Morain, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Director; William J. Oddy,
President and Director; Dennis M. Marker, Investment Vice President,
Administration, Secretary and Director; Thomas R. Gibson, Chief Executive
Officer and Director; Timothy J. Hoffman, Vice President and Director; James W.
Noyce, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director; and Lou Ann Sandburg,
Vice President-Investments, Assistant Treasurer and Director. A description of
their services as officers and employees of FBL Financial Group, Inc. and its
affiliates is incorporated herein by reference to Part B -- Statement of
Additional Information of this Registration Statement on Form N-1A.
ITEM 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc., the principal
underwriter for Registrant, also acts as the principal investment adviser,
underwriter and shareholder service, transfer and dividend disbursing agent for
EquiTrust Series Fund, Inc. and EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series Fund,
diversified, open-end series management investment companies.
C-2
<PAGE>
(b) The principal business address of each director and principal officer of
the principal underwriter is 5400 University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa
50266. See Item 28 for information on the principal officers of EquiTrust
Investment Management Services, Inc., investment manager and principal
underwriter for the Registrant.
(c) Inapplicable.
ITEM 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
All such accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules thereunder are
maintained at the offices of the Registrant and the offices of the Investment
Adviser, EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc., 5400 University Avenue,
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.
ITEM 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Inapplicable.
ITEM 30. UNDERTAKINGS
Inapplicable.
C-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the
City of West Des Moines and State of Iowa, on the 29th day of November, 1999.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
EQUITRUST MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.
By: /s/ EDWARD M. WIEDERSTEIN
--------------------------------------------
Edward M. Wiederstein
PRESIDENT
</TABLE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated.
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ EDWARD M. WIEDERSTEIN President and Director
------------------------------------------- (Principal Executive November 29, 1999
Edward M. Wiederstein Officer) (dated)
Senior Vice President,
/s/ RICHARD D. HARRIS Secretary-Treasurer and
------------------------------------------- Director (Principal November 29, 1999
Richard D. Harris Financial and Accounting (dated)
Officer)
/s/ DONALD G. BARTLING
------------------------------------------- Director November 29, 1999
Donald G. Bartling* (dated)
/s/ JOHN R. GRAHAM
------------------------------------------- Director November 29, 1999
John R. Graham* (dated)
/s/ ERWIN H. JOHNSON
------------------------------------------- Director November 29, 1999
Erwin H. Johnson* (dated)
/s/ KENNETH KAY
------------------------------------------- Director November 29, 1999
Kenneth Kay* (dated)
/s/ CURTIS C. PIETZ
------------------------------------------- Director November 29, 1999
Curtis C. Pietz* (dated)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
*By /s/ STEPHEN M. MORAIN
--------------------------------------
Stephen M. Morain
ATTORNEY-IN-FACT, PURSUANT TO
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Filed Herewith
</TABLE>
C-4
<PAGE>
November 29, 1999
EquiTrust Money Market Fund, Inc.
5400 University Avenue
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266-5997
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933 being filed by EquiTrust
Money Market Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Fund") in connection with
the public offering from time to time of any or all of those 500 million
authorized shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share ("Shares").
We are counsel to the Fund, and in such capacity are familiar with the
Fund's organization and have counseled the Fund regarding various legal matters.
We have examined such Fund records and other documents and certificates as we
have considered necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion. In
our examination of such materials, we have assumed the genuineness of all
signatures and the conformity to original documents of all copies submitted to
us.
Based upon the foregoing, and assuming that the Fund's Articles of
Incorporation filed November 5, 1980, as amended by the Articles of
Restatement filed February 24, 1981, the Articles of Amendment filed February
24, 1981, and the Articles of Amendment filed May 1, 1998 (the "Articles"),
and the Bylaws adopted November 6, 1980, as amended August 13, 1986, August
12, 1987, and August 15, 1996, are presently in full force and effect and
have not been amended in any respect except as provided in the
above-referenced documents; and that the resolutions adopted by the Board of
Directors of the Fund on November 6, 1980, January 11, 1981, August 15, 1996
and January 1, 1998 relating to organizational matters, securities matters
and the issuance of shares are presently in full force and effect and have
not been amended in any respect, we advise you and opine that (a) the Fund is
a validly existing corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland and is
authorized to issue the Shares; and (b) presently and upon such further
issuance of the Shares in accordance with the Fund's Articles and the receipt
by the Fund of a purchase price not less than the net asset value per Share,
and when the pertinent provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and such
"blue-sky" and securities laws as may be applicable have been complied with,
assuming that the Fund continues to validly exist as provided in (a) above
and assuming that the number of Shares issued by the Fund does not exceed the
number of Shares authorized, the Shares are and will be legally issued and
outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable.
<PAGE>
EquiTrust Money Market
Fund, Inc. November 29, 1999
Page 2
This opinion is solely for the benefit of the Fund, the Fund's Board of
Directors and the Fund's officers and may not be relied upon by any other person
without our prior written consent. We hereby consent to the use of this opinion
in connection with said Post-Effective Amendment.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz
VEDDER, PRICE, KAUFMAN & KAMMHOLZ
<PAGE>
Exhibit 99-j
[LETTERHEAD]
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Financial
Highlights" and "Additional Information" in the Prospectus for EquiTrust
Money Market Fund, Inc. in Part A and "Other Information - Independent
Auditors" in Part B and to the incorporation by reference of our report dated
August 27, 1999 on the financial statements and financial highlights of
EquiTrust Money Market Fund, Inc. in Post Effective Amendment No. 20 to Form
N-1A Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (No. 2-70162)
and related Prospectus of EquiTrust Money Market Fund, Inc.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Des Moines, Iowa
November 23, 1999
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The person whose signature appears below hereby appoints Stephen M.
Morain as his attorney-in-fact to sign and file on his behalf individually and
in the capacity stated below such registration statements (including
post-effective amendments, exhibits, applications and other documents) with the
Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority as may be
desirable or necessary in connection with the public offering of EquiTrust
Series Fund, Inc., EquiTrust Money Market Fund, Inc. and EquiTrust Variable
Insurance Series Fund.
Signature Title Date
/s/ Donald G Bartling Director, 8-12-99
- --------------------- Equitrust Series Fund, Inc. -------
Donald G. Bartling Equitrust Money Market Fund, Inc.
Trustee,
EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series Fund
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The person whose signature appears below hereby appoints Stephen M.
Morain as his attorney-in-fact to sign and file on his behalf individually and
in the capacity stated below such registration statements (including
post-effective amendments, exhibits, applications and other documents) with the
Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority as may be
desirable or necessary in connection with the public offering of EquiTrust
Series Fund, Inc., EquiTrust Money Market Fund, Inc. and EquiTrust Variable
Insurance Series Fund.
Signature Title Date
/s/ John R. Graham Director, Aug. 12, 1999
- ------------------ -------------
John R. Graham Equitrust Series Fund, Inc.
Equitrust Money Market Fund, Inc.
Trustee,
EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series Fund
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The person whose signature appears below hereby appoints Stephen M.
Morain as his attorney-in-fact to sign and file on his behalf individually and
in the capacity stated below such registration statements (including
post-effective amendments, exhibits, applications and other documents) with the
Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority as may be
desirable or necessary in connection with the public offering of EquiTrust
Series Fund, Inc., EquiTrust Money Market Fund, Inc. and EquiTrust Variable
Insurance Series Fund.
Signature Title Date
/s/ Erwin H. Johnson Director, 8-12-99
- -------------------- Equitrust Series Fund, Inc. -------
Erwin H. Johnson Equitrust Money Market Fund, Inc.
Trustee,
EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series Fund
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The person whose signature appears below hereby appoints Stephen M.
Morain as his attorney-in-fact to sign and file on his behalf individually and
in the capacity stated below such registration statements (including
post-effective amendments, exhibits, applications and other documents) with the
Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority as may be
desirable or necessary in connection with the public offering of EquiTrust
Series Fund, Inc., EquiTrust Money Market Fund, Inc. and EquiTrust Variable
Insurance Series Fund.
Signature Title Date
/s/ Kenneth C. Kay Director, Aug. 12 - 1999
- ------------------ Equitrust Series Fund, Inc. --------------
Kenneth Kay Equitrust Money Market Fund, Inc.
Trustee,
EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series Fund
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The person whose signature appears below hereby appoints Stephen M.
Morain as his attorney-in-fact to sign and file on his behalf individually and
in the capacity stated below such registration statements (including
post-effective amendments, exhibits, applications and other documents) with the
Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority as may be
desirable or necessary in connection with the public offering of EquiTrust
Series Fund, Inc., EquiTrust Money Market Fund, Inc. and EquiTrust Variable
Insurance Series Fund.
Signature Title Date
/s/ Curtis C. Pietz Director, 8/12/99
- ------------------- Equitrust Series Fund, Inc. -------
Curtis C. Pietz Equitrust Money Market Fund, Inc.
Trustee,
EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series Fund