The Principal(R) Mutual Funds ("Principal Funds") described in this
Prospectus are a family of separately incorporated, diversified, open-end
management investment companies, commonly called mutual funds, which provide the
following range of investment objectives:
Growth-Oriented Funds
PRINCIPAL Aggressive Growth Fund, Inc. seeks to provide long-term capital
appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented common stocks of medium
and large capitalization U.S. corporations and, to a limited extent, foreign
corporations.
PRINCIPAL Asset Allocation Fund, Inc. seeks to generate a total investment
return consistent with the preservation of capital.
PRINCIPAL Balanced Fund, Inc. seeks to generate a total return consisting of
current income and capital appreciation while assuming reasonable risks in
furtherance of the investment objective.
PRINCIPAL Capital Accumulation Fund, Inc. seeks to achieve primarily long-term
capital appreciation and secondary growth of investment income through the
purchase primarily of common stocks, but the Fund may invest in other
securities.
PRINCIPAL Emerging Growth Fund, Inc. seeks to achieve capital appreciation by
investing primarily in securities of emerging and other growth-oriented
companies.
PRINCIPAL Growth Fund, Inc. seeks growth of capital through the purchase
primarily of common stocks, but the Fund may invest in other securities.
PRINCIPAL World Fund, Inc. seeks long-term growth of capital by investing in a
portfolio of equity securities of companies domiciled in any of the nations of
the world.
Income-Oriented Funds
PRINCIPAL Bond Fund, Inc. seeks to provide as high a level of income as is
consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment risk.
PRINCIPAL Government Securities Fund, Inc. seeks a high level of current income,
liquidity and safety of principal. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective
through the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government or its agencies, with emphasis on Government National Mortgage
Association Certificates ("GNMA Certificates"). Fund shares are not guaranteed
by the United States Government.
Money Market Fund
PRINCIPAL Money Market Fund, Inc. seeks as high a level of income available from
short-term securities as is considered consistent with preservation of principal
and maintenance of liquidity by investing all of its assets in a portfolio of
money market instruments.
An investment in the Money Market fund is neither insured nor guaranteed by
the U.S. Government. There can be no assurance the Money Market Funds will be
able to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share.
This Prospectus concisely states information about the Principal Funds that
an investor ought to know before investing. It should be read and retained for
future reference.
Additional information about the Funds has been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including a document called Statement of Additional
Information, dated May 1, 1997. The Statement of Additional Information is
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. A copy of the Statement of
Additional Information can be obtained free of charge by writing or telephoning:
Principal Mutual Funds
The Principal Financial Group
Des Moines, IA 50392
Telephone 1-800-247-4123
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The Date of this Prospectus is May 1, 1997.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Summary .............................................................. 3
Financial Highlights................................................... 5
Investment Objectives, Policies and Restrictions....................... 10
Certain Investment Policies and Restrictions........................... 19
Manager and Sub-Advisors ............................................. 22
Duties Performed by the Manager and Sub-Advisors....................... 23
Managers' Comments..................................................... 24
Determination of Net Asset Value of Fund Shares........................ 30
Performance Calculation................................................ 31
Income Dividends, Distributions and Tax Status......................... 32
Eligible Purchasers and Purchase of Shares............................. 33
Shareholder Rights .................................................... 33
Redemption of Shares................................................... 34
Additional Information................................................. 35
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of
an offer to buy, the securities of any of the Funds in any jurisdiction in which
such sale, offer to sell, or solicitation may not be lawfully made. No dealer,
salesperson, or other person has been authorized to give any information or to
make any representations, other than those contained in this Prospectus, in
connection with the offer contained in this Prospectus, and, if given or made,
such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Funds or the Funds' Manager.
SUMMARY
The following summarized information should be read in conjunction with the
detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
The Principal Funds are separately incorporated, open-end diversified
management investment companies.
Who may purchase shares of the Funds?
Shares of the Funds are available only to Eligible Purchasers which are
limited to: (a) separate accounts of Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or
of other insurance companies; (b) Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or any
subsidiary or affiliate thereof; (c) trustees or other managers of any qualified
profit sharing, incentive or bonus plan established by Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof for the employees of
such company, subsidiary or affiliate. The Board of Directors of each Fund
reserves the right to broaden or limit the designation of Eligible Purchasers.
What do the Funds offer investors?
Professional Investment Management: Experienced securities analysts provide
each Fund with professional investment management.
Diversification: Each Fund will diversify by investing in securities issued
by a number of issuers doing business in a variety of industries and/or located
in different geographical regions. Diversification reduces investment risk.
Economies of Scale: Pooling individual shareholder's investments in any of
the Funds creates administrative efficiencies.
Redeemability: Upon request each Fund will redeem its shares and promptly
pay the investor the current net asset value of the shares redeemed. See
"Redemption of Shares."
What are the Funds' investment objectives?
Growth-Oriented Funds
The investment objective of Principal Aggressive Growth Fund, Inc.
(sometimes referred to as the Aggressive Growth Fund) is to provide long-term
capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented common stocks of
medium and large capitalization U.S. corporations and, to a limited extent,
foreign corporations.
The investment objective of Principal Asset Allocation Fund, Inc.
(sometimes referred to as the Asset Allocation Fund) is to generate a total
investment return consistent with the preservation of capital. The Fund intends
to pursue a flexible investment policy in seeking to achieve this investment
objective.
The investment objective of Principal Balanced Fund, Inc. (sometimes
referred to as the Balanced Fund) is to seek to generate a total return
consisting of current income and capital appreciation while assuming reasonable
risks in furtherance of this objective.
The primary investment objective of Principal Capital Accumulation Fund,
Inc. (sometimes referred to as the Capital Accumulation Fund) is long-term
capital appreciation and its secondary investment objective is growth of
investment income. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives through
the purchase primarily of common stocks, but the Fund may invest in other
securities.
The investment objective of Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Inc. (sometimes
referred to as the Emerging Growth Fund) is to achieve capital appreciation by
investing primarily in securities of emerging and other growth-oriented
companies.
The investment objective of Principal Growth Fund, Inc. (sometimes referred
to as the Growth Fund) is growth of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve its
objective through the purchase primarily of common stocks, but the Fund may
invest in other securities.
The investment objective of Principal World Fund, Inc. (sometimes referred
to as the World Fund) is to seek long-term growth of capital by investing in a
portfolio of equity securities domiciled in any of the nations of the world.
Income-Oriented Funds
The investment objective of Principal Bond Fund, Inc. (sometimes referred
to as the Bond Fund) is to provide as high a level of income as is consistent
with preservation of capital and prudent investment risk.
The investment objective of Principal Government Securities Fund, Inc.
(sometimes referred to as the Government Securities Fund) is to seek a high
level of current income, liquidity and safety of principal. The Fund seeks to
achieve its objective through the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed
by the United States Government or its agencies, with emphasis on Government
National Mortgage Association Certificates ("GNMA Certificates"). Fund shares
are not guaranteed by the United States Government.
Money Market Fund
The investment objective of Principal Money Market Fund, Inc. (sometimes
referred to as the Money Market Fund) is to seek as high a level of current
income available from short-term securities as is considered consistent with
preservation of principal and maintenance of liquidity by investing all of its
assets in a portfolio of money market instruments.
There can be no assurance that the investment objectives of any of the
Funds will be realized. See "Investment Objectives, Policies and Restrictions."
Who serves as Manager for the Funds?
Princor Management Corporation, a corporation organized in 1969 by
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, is the Manager for each of the Funds.
It is also the dividend disbursing and transfer agent for the Principal Funds.
In order to provide investment advisory service for certain funds the Manager
has executed sub-advisory agreements with Invista Capital Management, Inc.
(Balanced Fund, Growth Fund and World Fund) and Morgan Stanley Asset Management
Inc. (Aggressive Growth Fund and Asset Allocation Fund). Subsequent references
to these corporations may be as "Invista", "MSAM" or "Sub-Advisor". See "Manager
and Sub-Advisors."
What fees and expenses apply to ownership of shares of the Funds?
The following table depicts fees and expenses applicable to the purchase
and ownership of shares of each of the Funds.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(As a Percentage of Average Net Assets)
Management Other Total Operating
Fund Fee Expenses Expenses
Aggressive Growth Fund .80% .05% .85%
Asset Allocation Fund .80% .07% .87%
Balanced Fund .60% .03% .63%
Bond Fund .50% .03% .53%
Capital Accumulation Fund .48% .01% .49%
Emerging Growth Fund .64% .02% .66%
Government Securities Fund .50% .02% .52%
Growth Fund .50% .02% .52%
Money Market Fund .50% .06% .56%
World Fund .75% .15% .90%
EXAMPLE
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1)
5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
Period (in years)
---------------------------------------------
Fund 1 3 5 10
Aggressive Growth Fund $9 $27 $47 $105
Asset Allocation Fund $9 $28 $48 $107
Balanced Fund $6 $20 $35 $79
Bond Fund $5 $17 $30 $66
Capital Accumulation Fund $5 $16 $27 $62
Emerging Growth Fund $7 $21 $37 $82
Government Securities Fund $5 $17 $29 $65
Growth Fund $5 $17 $29 $65
Money Market Fund $6 $18 $31 $70
World Fund $9 $29 $50 $111
This Example is based on the Annual Fund Operating expenses for each Fund
described above. Please remember that the Example should not be considered
a representation of past or future expenses and that actual expenses may be
greater or less than shown.
The purpose of the above table is to assist the investor in understanding
the various expenses that an investor in the Funds will bear directly or
indirectly. See "Duties Performed by the Manager and Sub-Advisors."
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following financial highlights for the periods ended December 31, 1996
and prior thereto are derived from financial statements which have been audited
by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, whose report has been incorporated
by reference herein. The financial highlights should be read in conjunction with
the financial statements, related notes, and other financial information
incorporated by reference herein. Audited financial statements may be obtained
by shareholders, without charge, by telephoning 1-800-451-5447.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Income from
Investment Operations Less Distributions
___________________________________ ____________________________________________________
Net Realized
and
Net Asset Unrealized Total Dividends Excess
Value at Net Gain from from Net Distributions Distributions
Beginning Investment (Loss) on Investment Investment from from Total
of Period Income Investments Operations Income Capital Gains Capital Gains Distributions
Principal Aggressive
Growth Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $12.94 $ .11 $ 3.38 $3.49 $(.11) $(1.80) $ -- $(1.91)
1995 10.11 .13 4.31 4.44 (.13) (1.48) -- (1.61)
Period Ended December 31,
1994(a) 9.92 .05 .24 .29 (.05) (.05) -- (.10)
Principal Asset
Allocation Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 11.11 .36 1.06 1.42 (.36) (.69) -- (1.05)
1995 9.79 .40 1.62 2.02 (.40) (.30) -- (.70)
Period Ended December 31,
1994(a) 9.98 .23 (.18) .05 (.23) -- (.01) (.24)
Principal Balanced
Fund, Inc.(d)
Year Ended December 31,
1996 13.97 .40 1.41 1.81 (.40) (.94) -- (1.34)
1995 11.95 .45 2.44 2.89 (.45) (.42) -- (.87)
1994 12.77 .37 (.64) (.27) (.37) (.18) -- (.55)
1993 12.58 .42 .95 1.37 (.42) (.76) -- (1.18)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(e) 12.93 .23 .75 .98 (.47) (.86) -- (1.33)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 11.33 .47 1.61 2.08 (.48) -- -- (.48)
1991 10.79 .54 .59 1.13 (.57) (.02) -- (.59)
1990 11.89 .60 (.48) .12 (.63) (.59) -- (1.22)
1989 11.75 .62 .30 .92 (.55) (.23) -- (.78)
Period Ended June 30,
1988(f) 10.00 .27 1.51 1.78 (.03) -- -- (.03)
Principal Bond Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 11.73 .68 (.40) .28 (.68) -- -- (.68)
1995 10.12 .62 1.62 2.24 (.63) -- -- (.63)
1994 11.16 .72 (1.04) (.32) (.72) -- -- (.72)
1993 10.77 .88 .38 1.26 (.87) -- -- (.87)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(e) 11.08 .45 .13 .58 (.89) -- -- (.89)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 10.64 .91 .46 1.37 (.93) -- -- (.93)
1991 10.72 .94 (.06) .88 (.96) -- -- (.96)
1990 10.92 .95 (.21) .74 (.94) -- -- (.94)
1989 10.68 1.15 .17 1.32 (.96) (.12) -- (1.08)
Period Ended June 30,
1988(f) 10.00 .32 .40 .72 (.04) -- -- (.04)
Principal Capital
Accumulation Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 27.80 .57 5.82 6.39 (.58) (3.77) -- (4.35)
1995 23.44 .60 6.69 7.29 (.60) (2.33) -- (2.93)
1994 24.61 .62 (.49) .13 (.61) (.69) -- (1.30)
1993 25.19 .61 1.32 1.93 (.60) (1.91) -- (2.51)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(e) 26.03 .31 1.84 2.15 (.64) (2.35) -- (2.99)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 23.35 .65 2.70 3.35 (.67) -- -- (.67)
1991 22.48 .74 1.22 1.96 (.79) (.30) -- (1.09)
1990 23.63 .79 .14 .93 (.81) (1.27) -- (2.08)
1989 23.23 .77 1.32 2.09 (.68) (1.01) -- (1.69)
1988 27.51 .60 (1.50) (.90) (.69) (2.69) -- (3.38)
1987 25.48 .40 4.46 4.86 (.50) (2.33) -- (2.83)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratios/Supplemental Data
______________________________________________________
Ratio of Net
Net Asset Ratio of Investment
Value at Net Assets at Expenses to Income to Portfolio Average
End of Total End of Period Average Average Turnover Commission
Period Return (in thousands) Net Assets Net Assets Rate Rate
Principal Aggressive
Growth Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $14.52 28.05% $ 90,106 .85% 1.05% 166.9% $.0541
1995 12.94 44.19% 33,643 .90% 1.34% 172.9% N/A
Period Ended December 31,
1994(a) 10.11 2.59%(b) 13,770 1.03%(c) 1.06%(c) 105.6%(c) N/A
Principal Asset
Allocation Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 11.48 12.92% 61,631 .87% 3.45% 108.2% .0497
1995 11.11 20.66% 41,074 .89% 4.07% 47.1% N/A
Period Ended December 31,
1994(a) 9.79 .52%(b) 28,041 .95%(c) 4.27%(c) 60.7%(c) N/A
Principal Balanced
Fund, Inc.(d)
Year Ended December 31,
1996 14.44 13.13% 93,158 .63% 3.45% 22.6% .0417
1995 13.97 24.58% 45,403 .66% 4.12% 25.7% N/A
1994 11.95 (2.09)% 25,043 .69% 3.42% 31.5% N/A
1993 12.77 11.06% 21,399 .69% 3.30% 15.8% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(e) 12.58 8.00%(b) 18,842 .73%(c) 3.71%(c) 38.4%(c) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 12.93 18.78% 17,344 .72% 3.80% 26.6% N/A
1991 11.33 11.36% 14,555 .73% 5.27% 27.1% N/A
1990 10.79 .87% 13,016 .74% 5.52% 33.1% N/A
1989 11.89 8.55% 12,751 .74% 5.55% 29.3% N/A
Period Ended June 30,
1988(f) 11.75 17.70%(b) 11,469 .80%(c) 4.96%(c) 41.7%(c) N/A
Principal Bond Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 11.33 2.36% 63,387 .53% 7.00% 1.7% N/A
1995 11.73 22.17% 35,878 .56% 7.28% 5.9% N/A
1994 10.12 (2.90)% 17,108 .58% 7.86% 18.2% N/A
1993 11.16 11.67% 14,387 .59% 7.57% 14.0% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(e) 10.77 5.33%(b) 12,790 .62%(c) 8.10%(c) 6.7%(c) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 11.08 13.57% 12,024 .62% 8.47% 6.1% N/A
1991 10.64 8.94% 10,552 .63% 9.17% 2.7% N/A
1990 10.72 7.15% 9,658 .64% 9.09% 0.0% N/A
1989 10.92 13.51% 9,007 .64% 9.18% 12.2% N/A
Period Ended June 30,
1988(f) 10.68 6.06%(b) 17,598 .58%(c) 8.11%(c) 68.8%(c) N/A
Principal Capital
Accumulation Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 29.84 23.50% 205,019 .49% 2.06% 48.5% .0426
1995 27.80 31.91% 135,640 .51% 2.25% 49.2% N/A
1994 23.44 .49% 120,572 .51% 2.36% 44.5% N/A
1993 24.61 7.79% 128,515 .51% 2.49% 25.8% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(e) 25.19 8.81%(b) 105,355 .55%(c) 2.56%(c) 39.7%(c) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 26.03 14.53% 94,596 .54% 2.65% 34.8% N/A
1991 23.35 9.46% 76,537 .53% 3.53% 14.0% N/A
1990 22.48 3.94% 74,008 .56% 3.56% 30.2% N/A
1989 23.63 10.02% 68,132 .57% 3.53% 23.5% N/A
1988 23.23 (2.67)% 62,696 .60% 2.76% 26.7% N/A
1987 27.51 22.17% 57,478 .63% 1.99% 16.1% N/A
</TABLE>
Notes to financial highlights
(a) Period from June 1, 1994, date shares first offered to public, through
December 31, 1994. Net investment income, aggregating $.01 per share for
Principal Aggressive Growth Fund, Inc. and $.01 per share for Principal
Asset Allocation Fund, Inc. for the period from the initial purchase of
shares on May 23, 1994 through May 31, 1994, was recognized, none of which
was distributed to the sole stockholder, Principal Mutual Life Insurance
Company, during the period. Additionally, Principal Aggressive Growth Fund,
Inc. and Principal Asset Allocation Fund, Inc. incurred unrealized losses
on investments of $.09 and $.03 per share, respectively, during the initial
interm period. This represented activities of each fund prior to the
initial public offering of fund shares.
(b) Total return amounts have not been annualized.
(c) Computed on an annualized basis.
(d) Effective May 1, 1994, the name of Principal Managed Fund, Inc. was changed
to Principal Balanced Fund, Inc.
(e) Effective July 1, 1992 the fund changed its fiscal year end from June 30 to
December 31.
(f) Period from December 18, 1987, date shares first offered to eligible
purchasers, through June 30, 1988. Net investment income aggregating $.01
per share for the period from the initial purchase of shares on December
10, 1987 through December 17, 1987 was recognized, all of which was
distributed to the Fund's sole stockholder, Principal Mutual Life Insurance
Company. This represented activity of the fund prior to the initial
offering of shares to eligible purchasers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Income from
Investment Operations Less Distributions
___________________________________ ____________________________________________________
Net Realized
and
Net Asset Unrealized Total Dividends Excess
Value at Net Gain from from Net Distributions Distributions
Beginning Investment (Loss) on Investment Investment from from Total
of Period Income Investments Operations Income Capital Gains Capital Gains Distributions
Principal Emerging Growth
Fund, Inc. (a)
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $25.33 $.22 $5.07 $5.29 $(.22) $(.66) $ -- $ (.88)
1995 19.97 .22 5.57 5.79 (.22) (.21) -- (.43)
1994 20.79 .14 .03 .17 (.14) (.85) -- (.99)
1993 18.91 .17 3.47 3.64 (.17) (1.59) -- (1.76)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 15.97 .10 3.09 3.19 (.21) (.04) -- (.25)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 13.93 .21 2.04 2.25 (.21) -- -- (.21)
1991 14.25 .20 .50 .70 (.23) (.79) -- (1.02)
1990 13.35 .24 .87 1.11 (.20) (.01) -- (.21)
1989 12.85 .16 1.35 1.51 (.11) (.90) -- (1.01)
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 10.00 .05 2.83 2.88 (.03) -- -- (.03)
Principal Government
Securities Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 10.55 .59 (.24) .35 (.59) -- -- (.59)
1995 9.38 .60 1.18 1.78 (.61) -- -- (.61)
1994 10.61 .76 (1.24) (.48) (.75) -- -- (.75)
1993 10.28 .71 .33 1.04 (.71) -- -- (.71)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 10.93 .40 .04 .44 (.78) -- (.31) (1.09)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 10.24 .80 .71 1.51 (.81) -- (.01) (.82)
1991 10.05 .80 .24 1.04 (.81) -- (.04) (.85)
1990 10.05 .78 -- .78 (.78) -- -- (.78)
1989 9.37 .80 .34 1.14 (.46) -- -- (.46)
1988 9.47 .78 (.09) .69 (.79) -- -- (.79)
Period Ended June 30,
1987(f) 10.00 .18 (.59) (.41) (.12) -- -- (.12)
Principal Growth Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 12.43 .16 1.39 1.55 (.16) (.03) -- (.19)
1995 10.10 .17 2.42 2.59 (.17) -- (.09) (.26)
Period Ended December 31,
1994(g) 9.60 .07 .51 .58 (.08) -- -- (.08)
Principal Money Market
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1.000 .049 -- .049 (.049) -- -- (.049)
1995 1.000 .054 -- .054 (.054) -- -- (.054)
1994 1.000 .037 -- .037 (.037) -- -- (.037)
1993 1.000 .027 -- .027 (.027) -- -- (.027)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 1.000 .016 -- .016 (.016) -- -- (.016)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 1.000 .046 -- .046 (.046) -- -- (.046)
1991 1.000 .070 -- .070 (.070) -- -- (.070)
1990 1.000 .077 -- .077 (.077) -- -- (.077)
1989 1.000 .083 -- .083 (.083) -- -- (.083)
1988 1.000 .064 -- .064 (.064) -- -- (.064)
1987 1.000 .057 -- .057 (.057) -- -- (.057)
Principal World Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 10.72 .22 2.46 2.68 (.22) (.16) -- (.38)
1995 9.56 .19 1.16 1.35 (.18) -- (.01) (.19)
Period Ended December 31,
1994(g) 9.94 .03 (.33) (.30) (.05) (.02) (.01) (.08)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratios/Supplemental Data
______________________________________________________
Ratio of Net
Net Asset Ratio of Investment
Value at Net Assets at Expenses to Income to Portfolio Average
End of Total End of Period Average Average Turnover Commission
Period Return (in thousands) Net Assets Net Assets Rate Rate
Principal Emerging Growth
Fund, Inc. (a)
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $29.74 21.11% $137,161 .66% 1.07% 8.8% $.0379
1995 25.33 29.01% 58,520 .70% 1.23% 13.1% N/A
1994 19.97 .78% 23,912 .74% 1.15% 12.0% N/A
1993 20.79 19.28% 12,188 .78% .89% 22.4% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 18.91 20.12%(c) 9,693 .81%(d) 1.24%(d) 8.6%(d) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 15.97 16.19% 7,829 .82% 1.33% 10.1% N/A
1991 13.93 5.72% 6,579 .89% 1.70% 11.1% N/A
1990 14.25 8.32% 6,067 .88% 1.74% 17.9% N/A
1989 13.35 13.08% 5,509 .90% 1.31% 21.4% N/A
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 12.85 28.72%(c) 4,857 .94%(d) .64%(d) 4.6%(d) N/A
Principal Government
Securities Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 10.31 3.35% 85,100 .52% 6.46% 8.4% N/A
1995 10.55 19.07% 50,079 .55% 6.73% 9.8% N/A
1994 9.38 (4.53)% 36,121 .56% 7.05% 23.2% N/A
1993 10.61 10.07% 36,659 .55% 7.07% 20.4% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 10.28 4.10%(c) 31,760 .59%(d) 7.35%(d) 34.5%(d) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 10.93 15.34% 33,022 .58% 7.84% 38.9% N/A
1991 10.24 10.94% 26,021 .59% 8.31% 4.2% N/A
1990 10.05 8.16% 21,488 .61% 8.48% 18.7% N/A
1989 10.05 12.61% 15,890 .63% 8.68% 3.7% N/A
1988 9.37 7.69% 12,902 .66% 8.47% 2.7% N/A
Period Ended June 30,
1987(f) 9.47 (.94)%(c) 10,778 .64%(d) 8.50%(d) 0.2%(d) N/A
Principal Growth Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 13.79 12.51% 99,612 .52% 1.61% 2.0% .0401
1995 12.43 25.62% 42,708 .58% 2.08% 6.9% N/A
Period Ended December 31,
1994(g) 10.10 5.42%(c) 13,086 .75%(d) 2.39%(d) 0.9%(d) N/A
Principal Money Market
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1.000 5.07% 46,244 .56% 5.00% N/A N/A
1995 1.000 5.59% 32,670 .58% 5.32% N/A N/A
1994 1.000 3.76% 29,372 .60% 3.81% N/A N/A
1993 1.000 2.69% 22,753 .60% 2.64% N/A N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 1.000 1.54%(c) 27,680 .59%(d) 3.10%(d) N/A N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 1.000 4.64% 25,194 .57% 4.54% N/A N/A
1991 1.000 7.20% 26,509 .56% 6.94% N/A N/A
1990 1.000 8.37% 26,588 .57% 8.05% N/A N/A
1989 1.000 8.59% 20,707 .61% 8.40% N/A N/A
1988 1.000 6.61% 14,571 .64% 6.39% N/A N/A
1987 1.000 5.78% 11,902 .65% 5.68% N/A N/A
Principal World Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 13.02 25.09% 71,682 .90% 2.28% 12.5% .0120
1995 10.72 14.17% 30,566 .95% 2.26% 15.6% N/A
Period Ended December 31,
1994(g) 9.56 (3.37)%(c) 13,746 1.24%(d) 1.31%(d) 14.4%(d) N/A
</TABLE>
Notes to financial highlights
(a) Effective May 1, 1992, the name of Principal Aggressive Growth Fund, Inc.
was changed to Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.
(b) Effective July 1, 1992 the fund changed its fiscal year end from June 30 to
December 31.
(c) Total return amounts have not been annualized.
(d) Computed on an annualized basis.
(e) Period from December 18, 1987, date shares first offered to eligible
purchasers, through June 30, 1988. Net investment income aggregating $.01
per share for the period from the initial purchase of shares on December
10, 1987 through December 17, 1987 was recognized, all of which was
distributed to the Fund's sole stockholder, Principal Mutual Life Insurance
Company. This represented activity of the fund prior to the initial
offering of shares to eligible purchasers.
(f) Period from April 9, 1987, date shares first offered to the public, through
June 30, 1987. Net investment income, aggregating $.01 per share for the
period from the initial purchase of shares on October 31, 1987 through
December 17, 1987 was recognized, all of which was distributed to the
Fund's sole stockholder, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company. This
represented activity of the Fund prior to the initial offering of shares to
eligible purchasers.
(g) Period from May 1, 1994, date shares first offered to the public, through
December 31, 1994. Net investment income, aggregating $.01 per share for
Principal Growth Fund, Inc. and $.04 per share for Principal World Fund,
Inc. for the period from the initial purchase of shares on March 23, 1994
through April 30, 1994, was recognized, none of which was distributed to
the sole stockholder, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, during the
period. Additionally, Principal Growth Fund, Inc. and Principal World Fund,
Inc. incurred unrealized losses on investments of $.41 and $.10 per share,
respectively, during the initial interim period. This represented
activities of each fund prior to the initial public offering of fund
shares.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
The investment objectives and policies of each Fund are described below.
There can be no assurance that the objectives of the Funds will be realized.
GROWTH-ORIENTED FUNDS
The Principal Funds currently include five Funds which seek capital
appreciation through investments in equity securities (Principal Aggressive
Growth Fund, Principal Capital Accumulation Fund, Principal Emerging Growth
Fund, Principal Growth Fund and Principal World Fund) and two Funds which seek a
total investment return including both capital appreciation and income through
investments in equity and debt securities (Principal Asset Allocation Fund and
Principal Balanced Fund). These seven Funds are collectively referred to as the
Growth-Oriented Funds.
The Growth-Oriented Funds may invest in the following equity securities:
common stocks; preferred stocks and debt securities that are convertible into
common stock, that carry rights or warrants to purchase common stock or that
carry rights to participate in earnings; rights or warrants to subscribe to or
purchase any of the foregoing securities; and American Depositary Receipts based
on any of the foregoing securities. The Aggressive Growth, Capital Accumulation,
Emerging Growth, Growth and World Funds will seek to be fully invested under
normal conditions in equity securities. When, in the opinion of the Manager or
Sub-Advisor, current market or economic conditions warrant, a Growth-Oriented
Fund may for temporary defensive purposes place all or a portion of its assets
in cash, on which the Fund would earn no income, cash equivalents, bank
certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances, repurchase agreements, commercial
paper, commercial paper master notes which are floating rate debt instruments
without a fixed maturity, United States Government securities, and preferred
stocks and debt securities, whether or not convertible into or carrying rights
for common stock. A Growth-Oriented Fund may also maintain reasonable amounts in
cash or short-term debt securities for daily cash management purposes or pending
selection of particular long-term investments.
Principal Aggressive Growth Fund
The Aggressive Growth Fund's investment objective is to provide long-term
capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented common stocks of
medium and large capitalization U.S. corporations and, to a limited extent,
foreign corporations. Common stocks for this purpose include common stocks and
equivalents, such as securities convertible into common stocks and securities
having common stock characteristics, such as rights and warrants to purchase
common stocks. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 65% of
the value of its total assets in common stocks.
The Fund employs a flexible and eclectic investment process in pursuit of
its investment objective. In selecting stocks for the Fund, the Sub-Advisor,
MSAM, concentrates on a universe of rapidly growing, high quality companies and
lower but accelerating earnings growth situations. The Sub-Advisor's universe of
potential investments generally comprises companies with market capitalizations
of $750 million or more and is not restricted to specific market sectors. The
Sub-Advisor uses its research capabilities, analytical resources and judgment to
assess economic, industry and market trends, as well as individual company
developments, to select promising growth investments for the Fund. The
Sub-Advisor concentrates on companies with strong, communicative managements and
clearly defined strategies for growth. In addition, the Sub-Advisor rigorously
assesses company developments, including changes in strategic direction,
management focus and current and likely future earnings results. Valuation is
important to the Sub-Advisor but is viewed in the context of prospects for
sustainable earnings growth and the potential for positive earnings surprises
vis-a-vis consensus expectations. The Fund is free to invest in any common stock
which in the Sub-Advisor's judgment provides above average potential for capital
appreciation.
In selecting investments for the Fund, the Sub-Advisor emphasizes
individual security selection. The Fund's investments will generally be
diversified by industry but concentrated sector positions may result from the
investment process. The Fund has a long-term investment perspective; however,
the Sub-Advisor may take advantage of short-term opportunities that are
consistent with its objective by selling recently purchased securities which
have increased in value.
The Fund may invest in common stock and convertible securities of domestic
and foreign corporations. However, the Fund does not expect to invest more than
25% of its total assets at the time of purchase in securities of foreign
companies. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers directly or in
the form of Depositary Receipts. The Fundmay enter into forward foreign currency
exchange contracts which provide for the purchase or sale of foreign currencies
in connection with the settlement of foreign securities transactions or to hedge
the underlying currency exposure related to foreign investments. The Fund will
not enter into these commitments for speculative purposes. Investors should
recognize that investing in foreign companies involves certain special
considerations which are not typically associated with investing in U.S.
companies. See "Foreign Securities" and "Currency Contracts."
The Fund may invest in convertible securities of domestic and, subject to
the above restrictions, foreign issuers on occasions when, due to market
conditions, it is more advantageous to purchase such securities than common
stock. Convertible securities entitle the holder to exchange the securities for
a specified number of shares of common stock, usually of the same company, at
specified prices within a certain period of time and to receive interest or
dividends until the holder elects to exercise the conversion privilege. Since
the Fund invests in both common stocks and convertible securities, the risks of
investing in the general equity markets may be tempered to a degree by the
Fund's investments in convertible securities which are often not as volatile as
equity securities.
Principal Asset Allocation Fund
The Asset Allocation Fund seeks to generate a total investment return
consistent with preservation of capital. In seeking to achieve its objective,
the Fund intends to pursue a flexible investment policy by investing primarily
in the common stock and other securities having common stock characteristics of
large and small domestic or foreign companies that appear to be undervalued
relative to their earnings results or potential, or whose earnings growth
prospects appear to be more attractive than the economy as a whole, and domestic
or foreign fixed-income securities, including high yield securities when, in the
judgement of the Sub-Advisor, MSAM, it is appropriate to do so.
The securities in which the Fund invests will be identified as belonging to
an "asset class." Asset classes may include, but are not limited to, small
capitalization (companies whose market value is less than $1 billion) value
stocks, large capitalization (companies with a market value in excess of $1
billion) value stocks, small capitalization growth stocks, large capitalization
growth stocks, common stocks of foreign corporations, domestic fixed-income
securities, domestic high yield fixed-income securities, foreign fixed-income
securities, and money market instruments (debt securities maturing in one year
or less). "Value" stocks are generally defined as companies with distinctly
below average stock price to earnings ratios and stock price to book value
ratios, and higher than average dividend yields. "Growth" stocks are generally
defined as those companies whose earnings are expected to grow more rapidly than
the economy as a whole.
The allocation among asset classes is designed to lessen overall investment
risk through participation in a variety of types of investments in several
markets. Reallocation among asset classes, or the elimination of an asset class
for a period of time, will occur when in the Sub-Advisor's judgement such shift
offers the investor better prospects of achieving the overall investment
objective of the Fund. Under normal conditions, abrupt shifts among asset
classes will not occur and it is not the policy of the Sub-Advisor to attempt
market timing. The Sub-Advisor does not undertake to maintain a specific portion
of the Fund in any asset class, but expects that over time the investment mix
will be within the following ranges: 25% to 75% in equities, 20% to 60% in
fixed-income securities and 0% to 40% in money market instruments. Factors
involved with this decision will depend upon the judgement of the Sub-Advisor as
to general market and economic conditions, trends and investment yields and
interest rates and changes in fiscal or monetary policies. The Sub-Advisor will
seek to minimize declines in the net asset value per share; however, there is no
guarantee this goal can be achieved.
The Fund may invest in all types of common stocks and other equities and
investments, without regard to any objective investment criteria such as size of
the issue or issuer, exchange listing or seasoning. The Fund may invest in both
exchange listed and over-the-counter securities, including American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and closed end mutual funds. The Fund's investments in
corporate bonds and debentures and money market instruments are not restricted
by credit ratings or other objective investment criteria, except with respect to
bank certificates of deposit as set forth below. See "Below-Investment Grade
Bonds" for a discussion of the risks associated with these securities. Normally,
investments in below investment grade bonds are not expected to exceed 20% of
Fund assets. Securities purchases may be either U.S. dollar or Non-U.S. dollar
denominated.
To achieve its investment objective, the Fund may at times emphasize the
generation of interest income by investing in short, medium or long-term
fixed-income securities. Investment in those securities may also be made with a
view to realizing capital appreciation when the Sub-Advisor believes that
declining interest rates may increase market values.
Money market instruments in which the Fund may invest may include U.S.
Treasury bills, bank certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances, repurchase
agreements, commercial paper and commercial paper master notes which are
floating rate debt instruments without a fixed maturity, and non-U.S. dollar
denominated money market instruments. The Fund will only invest in domestic bank
certificates of deposit issued by banks which are members of the Federal Reserve
System that have total deposits in excess of $1 billion.
The Fund may invest in U.S. government securities including U.S. Treasury
obligations and obligations of certain agencies such as the Government National
Mortgage Association which are supported by the full faith and credit of the
United States, as well as obligations of certain other federal agencies or
instrumentalities which are backed only by the right of the issuer to borrow
limited funds from the U.S. Treasury, by the discretionary authority of the U.S.
government to purchase such obligations or by the credit of the agency or
instrumentality itself.
Principal Balanced Fund
The investment objective of Principal Balanced Fund is to generate a total
return consisting of current income and capital appreciation while assuming
reasonable risks in furtherance of the investment objective. The term
"reasonable risks" refers to investment decisions that in the judgment of the
Sub-Advisor, Invista, do not present a greater than normal risk of loss in light
of current or anticipated future market and economic conditions, trends in
yields and interest rates, and fiscal and monetary policies.
In seeking to achieve the investment objective, the Fund invests primarily
in growth and income-oriented common stocks (including securities convertible
into common stocks), corporate bonds and debentures and short-term money market
instruments. The Fund may also invest in other equity securities, and in debt
securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government and its agencies
or instrumentalities. The Fund seeks to generate real (inflation plus) growth
during favorable investment periods and may emphasize income and capital
preservation strategies during uncertain investment periods. The Sub-Advisor
will seek to minimize declines in the net asset value per share. However, there
is no guarantee that the Sub-Advisor will be successful in achieving this goal.
The portions of the Fund's total assets invested in equity securities, debt
securities and short-term money market instruments are not fixed, although
ordinarily 40% to 70% of the Fund's portfolio will be invested in equity
securities with the balance of the portfolio invested in debt securities. The
investment mix will vary from time to time depending upon the judgment of the
Sub-Advisor as to general market and economic conditions, trends in investment
yields and interest rates and changes in fiscal or monetary policies.
The Fund may invest in all types of common stocks and other equity
investments, without regard to any objective investment criteria such as size of
the issue or issuer, exchange listing or seasoning. The Fund may invest in both
exchange-listed and over-the-counter securities, in small or large companies,
and in well-established or unseasoned companies. Also, the Fund's investments in
corporate bonds and debentures and money market instruments are not restricted
by credit ratings or other objective investment criteria, except with respect to
bank certificates of deposit as set forth below. Some of the fixed income
securities in which the Fund may invest may be considered to include speculative
characteristics and the Fund may purchase such securities that are in default
but does not currently intend to invest more than 5% of its assets in securities
rated below BBB by Standard & Poor's or Baa by Moody's. See "Below
Investment-Grade Bonds" for a discussion of the risks associated with these
securities. The rating services' descriptions of BBB or Baa securities are as
follows: Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Bond Ratings -- Baa: Bonds which are
rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they are neither
highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security
appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking
or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such
bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative
characteristics as well. Standard & Poor's Corporation Bond Ratings -- BBB: Debt
rated "BBB" is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category
than for debt in higher-rated categories. The Fund will not concentrate its
investments in any industry.
In selecting common stocks, the Sub-Advisor seeks companies which it
believes have predictable earnings increases and which, based on their future
growth prospects, may be currently undervalued in the market place. During
periods when the Sub-Advisor determines that general economic conditions are
favorable, it will generally purchase common stocks with the objective of
long-term capital appreciation. From time to time, and in periods of economic
uncertainty, the Sub-Advisor may purchase common stocks with the expectation of
price appreciation over a relatively short period of time.
To achieve its investment objective, the Fund may at times emphasize the
generation of interest income by investing in short, medium or long-term debt
securities. Investment in debt securities may also be made with a view to
realizing capital appreciation when the Manager believes that declining interest
rates may increase market values. The Fund may also purchase "deep discount
bonds," i.e., bonds which are selling at a substantial discount from their face
amount, with a view to realizing capital appreciation.
The short-term money market investments in which the Fund may invest
include the following: U.S. Treasury bills, bank certificates of deposit,
bankers' acceptances, repurchase agreements, commercial paper and commercial
paper master notes which are floating rate debt instruments without a fixed
maturity. The Fund will only invest in domestic bank certificates of deposit
issued by banks which are members of the Federal Reserve System that have total
deposits in excess of $1 billion.
The United States government securities in which the Fund may invest
include U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations of certain agencies, such as
the Government National Mortgage Association, which are supported by the full
faith and credit of the United States, as well as obligations of certain other
Federal agencies or instrumentalities, such as the Federal National Mortgage
Association, Federal Land Banks and the Federal Farm Credit Administration,
which are backed only by the right of the issuer to borrow limited funds from
the U.S. Treasury, by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to
purchase such obligations or by the credit of the agency or instrumentality
itself.
Principal Capital Accumulation Fund
The primary objective of Principal Capital Accumulation Fund is long-term
capital appreciation. A secondary objective is growth of investment income.
The Fund will invest primarily in common stocks, but it may invest in other
securities. In making selections for the Fund's investment portfolio, the
Manager will use an approach described broadly as that of fundamental analysis,
which is discussed in the Statement of Additional Information. In pursuit of the
Fund's investment objectives, investments will be made in securities which as a
group appear to offer long-term prospects for capital and income growth.
Securities chosen for investment may include those of companies which the
Manager believes can reasonably be expected to share in the growth of the
nation's economy over the long term.
Principal Emerging Growth Fund
The objective of Principal Emerging Growth Fund is to achieve capital
appreciation. The strategy of this Fund is to invest primarily in the common
stocks and securities (both debt and preferred stock) convertible into common
stocks of emerging and other growth-oriented companies that, in the judgment of
the Manager, are responsive to changes within the marketplace and have the
fundamental characteristics to support growth. In pursuing its objective of
capital appreciation, the Emerging Growth Fund may invest, for any period of
time, in any industry, in any kind of growth-oriented company, whether new and
unseasoned or well known and established.
There can be, of course, no assurance that the Fund will attain its
objective. Investment in emerging and other growth-oriented companies may
involve greater risk than investment in other companies. The securities of
growth-oriented companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market
movements, and many of them may have limited product lines, markets, financial
resources or management. Because of these factors and of the length of time that
may be required for full development of the growth prospects of some of the
companies in which the Fund invests, the Fund believes that its shares are
suitable only for persons who are prepared to experience above-average
fluctuations in net asset value, to assume above-average investment risk in
search of above-average return, and to consider the Fund as a long-term
investment and not as a vehicle for seeking short-term profits. Moreover, since
the Fund will not be seeking current income, investors should not view a
purchase of Fund shares as a complete investment program.
Principal Growth Fund
The objective of Principal Growth Fund is growth of capital. Realization of
current income will be incidental to the objective of growth of capital.
The Fund will invest primarily in common stocks, but it may invest in other
equity securities. In making selections for the Fund's investment portfolio, the
Sub-Advisor, Invista, will use an approach described broadly as that of
fundamental analysis, which is discussed in the Statement of Additional
Information. In pursuit of the Fund's investment objective, investments will be
made in securities which as a group appear to possess potential for appreciation
in market value. Common stocks chosen for investment may include those of
companies which have a record of sales and earnings growth that exceeds the
growth rate of corporate profits of the S&P 500 or which offer new products or
new services. The policy of investing in securities which have a high potential
for growth of capital can mean that the assets of the Fund may be subject to
greater risk than securities which do not have such potential.
Principal World Fund
The investment objective of Principal World Fund is to seek long-term
growth of capital through investment in a portfolio of equity securities of
companies domiciled in any of the nations of the world. In choosing investments
in equity securities of foreign and United States corporations, the Sub-Advisor,
Invista, intends to pay particular attention to long-term earnings prospects and
the relationship of then-current prices to such prospects. Short-term trading is
not generally intended, but occasional investments may be made for the purpose
of seeking short-term or medium-term gain. The Fund expects its investment
objective to be met over long periods which may include several market cycles.
For a description of certain investment risks associated with foreign
securities, see "Foreign Securities."
For temporary defensive purposes, the World Fund may invest in the same
kinds of securities as the other Growth-Oriented Funds whether issued by
domestic or foreign corporations, governments, or governmental agencies,
instrumentalities or political subdivisions and whether denominated in United
States dollars or some other currency.
The Fund intends that its investments normally will be allocated among
various countries. Although there is no limitation on the percentage of assets
that may be invested in any one country or denominated in any one currency, the
Fund intends under normal market conditions to have at least 65% of its assets
invested in securities issued by corporations of at least five countries, one of
which may be the United States. Investments may be made anywhere in the world,
but it is expected that primary consideration will be given to investing in the
securities issued by corporations of Western Europe, North America and
Australasia (Australia, Japan and Far East Asia) that have developed economies.
Changes in investments may be made as prospects change for particular countries,
industries or companies.
The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies but may
not invest more than 10% of its assets in securities of other investment
companies, invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one
investment company, or acquire more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities
of any one investment company except in connection with a merger, consolidation
or plan of reorganization. The Fund's Manager will waive its management fee on
the Fund's assets invested in securities of other open-end investment companies.
The Fund will generally invest only in those investment companies that have
investment policies requiring investment in securities comparable in quality to
those in which the Fund invests.
INCOME-ORIENTED FUNDS
The Principal Funds currently include two Funds which seek a high level of
income through investments in fixed-income securities (Principal Bond Fund and
Principal Government Securities Fund) collectively referred to as the
"Income-Oriented Funds." An investment in either of the Income-Oriented Funds
involves market risks associated with movements in interest rates. The market
value of the Funds' investments will fluctuate in response to changes in
interest rates and other factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the
values of outstanding long-term fixed-income securities generally rise.
Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the values of such
securities generally decline. Changes by recognized rating agencies in their
ratings of any fixed-income security and in the ability of an issuer to make
payments of interest and principal may also affect the value of these
investments. Changes in the value of portfolio securities will affect the Funds'
net asset values but will not affect cash income derived from the securities
unless a change results from a failure of an issuer to pay interest or principal
when due. Each Fund's rating limitations apply at the time of acquisition of a
security, and any subsequent change in a rating by a rating service will not
require elimination of a security from the Fund's portfolio. The Statement of
Additional Information contains descriptions of ratings of Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and Standard and Poor's Corporation ("S&P").
Principal Bond Fund
The investment objective of Principal Bond Fund is to provide as high a
level of income as is consistent with preservation of capital and prudent
investment risk.
In seeking to achieve the investment objective, the Fund will predominantly
invest in marketable fixed-income securities. Investments will be made generally
on a long-term basis, but the Fund may make short-term investments from time to
time as deemed prudent by the Manager. Longer maturities typically provide
better yields but will subject the Fund to a greater possibility of substantial
changes in the values of its portfolio securities as interest rates change.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its
assets, exclusive of cash items, in one or more of the following kinds of
securities: (i) corporate debt securities and taxable municipal obligations,
which at the time of purchase have an investment grade rating within the four
highest grades used by Standard & Poor's Corporation (AAA, AA, A or BBB) or by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Aaa, Aa, A or Baa) or which, if lower-rated or
nonrated, are comparable in quality in the opinion of the Fund's Manager; (ii)
similar Canadian corporate, Provincial and Federal Government securities payable
in U.S. funds; and (iii) securities issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The balance of the Fund's
assets may be invested in other fixed income securities, including domestic and
foreign corporate debt securities or preferred stocks, in common stocks that
provide returns that compare favorably with the yields on fixed income
investments, and in common stocks acquired upon conversion of debt securities or
preferred stocks or upon exercise of warrants acquired with debt securities or
otherwise and foreign government securities. The debt securities and preferred
stocks in which the Fund invests may be convertible or nonconvertible. The Fund
does not intend to purchase debt securities rated lower than Ba3 by Moody's or
BB - by S & P (bonds which are judged to have speculative elements; their future
cannot be considered as well-assured). See "Below Investment-Grade Bonds" for a
discussion of the risks associated with these securities. The rating services'
descriptions of BBB or Baa securities are as follows: Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. Bond Ratings -- Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium
grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well. Standard &
Poor's Corporation Bond Ratings -- BBB: Debt rated "BBB" is regarded as having
an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally
exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and
repay principal for debt in this category than for debt in higher-rated
categories.
During the year ended December 31, 1996, the percentage of the Fund's
portfolio securities invested in the various ratings established by Moody's
based upon the weighted average ratings of the portfolio, was as follows:
Moody's Rating Portfolio Percentage
Aaa .18%
Aa .81%
A 24.05%
Baa 68.04%
Ba 6.92%
* The above percentages for A rated securities include .57% respectively,
unrated securities which have been determined by the Manager to be of comparable
quality.
Cash equivalents in which the Fund invests include corporate commercial
paper rated A-1+, A-1 or A-2 by Standard & Poor's or P-1 or P-2 by Moody's,
unrated commercial paper issued by corporations with outstanding debt securities
rated in the four highest grades by Standard & Poor's and Moody's and bank
certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances issued or guaranteed by
national or state banks and repurchase agreements considered by the Fund to have
investment quality. Under unusual market or economic conditions, the Fund may
for temporary defense purposes invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash
equivalents.
Principal Government Securities Fund
The objective of Principal Government Securities Fund is a high level of
current income, liquidity and safety of principal.
The Fund will invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United
States Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities and in repurchase
agreements collateralized by such obligations. Such securities include
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") Certificates of the modified
pass-through type, Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") Obligations,
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") Certificates and Student Loan
Marketing Association ("SLMA") Certificates and other U.S. Government
Securities. GNMA is a wholly-owned corporate instrumentality of the United
States whose securities and guarantees are backed by the full faith and credit
of the United States. FNMA, a federally chartered and privately-owned
corporation, FHLMC, a federal corporation, and SLMA, a government sponsored
stockholder-owned organization, are instrumentalities of the United States. The
securities and guarantees of FNMA, FHLMC and SLMA are not backed, directly or
indirectly, by the full faith and credit of the United States. Although the
Secretary of the Treasury of the United States has discretionary authority to
lend FNMA up to $2.25 billion outstanding at any time, neither the United States
nor any agency thereof is obligated to finance FNMA's or FHLMC's operations or
to assist FNMA or FHLMC in any other manner. The Fund may maintain reasonable
amounts of cash or short-term debt securities for daily cash management purposes
or pending selection of particular long-term investments.
Depending on market conditions, up to 55% of the assets may be invested in
GNMA Certificates. GNMA is a United States Government corporation within the
Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA Certificates are
mortgage-backed securities representing an interest in a pool of mortgage loans.
Such loans are made by lenders such as mortgage bankers, insurance companies,
commercial banks and savings and loan associations. Then, they are either
insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or they are guaranteed by
the Veterans Administration (VA) or Farmers Home Administration (FmHA). The
lender or other prospective issuer creates a specific pool of such mortgages,
which it submits to GNMA for approval. After approval, a GNMA Certificate is
typically offered by the issuer to investors through securities dealers.
GNMA Certificates differ from bonds in that the principal is scheduled to
be paid back by the borrower on a monthly basis over the life of the loan rather
than returned in a lump sum at maturity. Modified pass-through GNMA
certificates, which are the only kind in which the Fund intends to invest,
entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the
mortgages in the pool (net of the issuer and GNMA fee of .5% prescribed by
regulation), regardless of whether or not the mortgagor has made such payment.
The timely payment of interest and principal is guaranteed by the full faith and
credit of the United States Government.
Although the payment of interest and principal is guaranteed, the guarantee
does not extend to the value of a GNMA Certificate or the value of the shares of
the Fund. The market value of a GNMA Certificate typically will fluctuate to
reflect changes in prevailing interest rates. It falls when rates increase (as
does the market value of other debt securities) and it rises when rates decline
(but it may not rise on a comparable basis with other debt securities because of
its prepayment feature), and, therefore, may be more or less than the face
amount of the GNMA Certificate, which reflects the aggregate principal amount of
the underlying mortgages. As a result, the net asset value of Fund shares will
fluctuate as interest rates change.
Mortgagors may pay off their mortgages at any time. Expected prepayments of
the mortgages can affect the market value of the GNMA Certificate, and actual
prepayments can affect the return ultimately received. Prepayments, like
scheduled payments of principal, are reinvested by the Fund at prevailing
interest rates which may be less than the rate on the GNMA Certificate.
Prepayments are likely to increase as the interest rate for new mortgages moves
lower than the rate on the GNMA Certificate. Moreover, if the GNMA Certificate
had been purchased at a premium above principal because its rate exceeded
prevailing rates, the premium is not guaranteed and a decline in value to par
may result in a loss of the premium especially in the event of prepayment.
To the extent deemed appropriate by the Fund's Manager, the Fund intends to
purchase GNMA Certificates directly from Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
and other issuers as well as from securities dealers. The Fund will purchase
directly from issuers only if it can obtain a price advantage by not paying the
commission or mark-up that would be required if the Certificates were purchased
from a securities dealer. The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued an
order under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that permits the Fund to purchase
GNMA Certificates directly from Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company subject
to certain conditions.
The FNMA and FHLMC securities in which the Fund invests are very similar to
GNMA certificates as described above but are not guaranteed by the full faith
and credit of the United States but rather by the agency itself. FNMA and FHLMC
securities are rated Aaa by Moody's and AAA by Standard & Poor's. These ratings
reflect the status of FNMA and FHLMC as federal agencies as well as the
important role each plays in financing purchases of homes in the U.S.
Student Loan Marketing Association is a government sponsored
stockholder-owned organization whose goal is to provide liquidity to financial
and educational institutions. SLMA provides liquidity by purchasing student
loans, which are principally government guaranteed loans issued under the
Federal Guaranteed Student Loan Program and the Health Education Assistance Loan
Program. SLMA securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government but are
obligations solely of the agency. SLMA senior debt issues in which the Fund
invests are rated AAA by Standard & Poor's and Aaa by Moody's.
There are other obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government (such as U.S. Treasury securities) or by its agencies or
instrumentalities that are either supported by the full faith and credit of the
U.S. Treasury or the credit of a particular agency or instrumentality. Included
in the latter category are Federal Home Loan Bank and Farm Credit Banks.
Obligations not guaranteed by the United States Government are highly rated
because they are issued by indirect branches of government. Such paper is issued
as needs arise by the agency and is traded regularly in denominations similar to
those in which government obligations are traded.
The Fund will not engage in the trading of securities for the purpose of
realizing short-term profits, but it will adjust its portfolio as considered
advisable in view of prevailing or anticipated market conditions and the Fund's
investment objective. Accordingly, the Fund may sell portfolio securities in
anticipation of a rise in interest rates and purchase securities for inclusion
in its portfolio in anticipation of a decline in interest rates.
As a hedge against changes in interest rates, the Fund may enter into
contracts with dealers in GNMA Certificates whereby the Fund agrees to purchase
or sell an agreed-upon principal amount of GNMA Certificates at a specified
price on a certain date. The Fund may enter into similar purchase agreements
with issuers of GNMA Certificates other than Principal Mutual Life Insurance
Company. The Fund may also purchase optional delivery standby commitments which
give the Fund the right to sell particular GNMA Certificates at a specified
price on a specified date. Failure of the other party to such a contract or
commitment to abide by the terms thereof could result in a loss to the Fund. To
the extent the Fund engages in delayed delivery transactions it will do so for
the purpose of acquiring portfolio securities consistent with its investment
objective and policies and not for the purpose of investment leverage or to
speculate on interest rate changes. Liability accrues to the Fund at the time it
becomes obligated to purchase such securities, although delivery and payment
occur at a later date. From the time the Fund becomes obligated to purchase
securities on a delayed delivery basis the Fund has all the rights and risks
attendant to the ownership of a security. At the time the Fund enters into a
binding obligation to purchase such securities, Fund assets of a dollar amount
sufficient to make payment for the securities to be purchased will be
segregated. The availability of liquid assets for this purpose and the effect of
asset segregation on the Fund's ability to meet its current obligations, to
honor requests for redemption and to have its investment portfolio managed
properly will limit the extent to which the Fund may engage in forward
commitment agreements. Except as may be imposed by these factors, there is no
limit on the percent of the Fund's total assets that may be committed to
transactions in such agreements.
MONEY MARKET FUND
The Principal Funds also include a Fund which invests primarily in
short-term securities, Principal Money Market Fund. Securities in which the
Money Market Fund will invest may not yield as high a level of current income as
securities of low quality and longer maturities which generally have less
liquidity, greater market risk and more fluctuation.
The Money Market Fund will limit its portfolio investments to United States
dollar denominated instruments that its board of directors determines present
minimal credit risks and which are at the time of acquisition "Eligible
Securities" as that term is defined in regulations issued under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Eligible Securities include:
(1) A security with the remaining maturity of 397 days or less that is
rated (or that has been issued by an issuer that is rated in respect
to a class of short-term debt obligations, or any security within that
class, that is comparable in priority and security with the security)
by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization in one of
the two highest rating categories for short-term debt obligations; or
(2) A security at the time of issuance was a long-term security that has a
remaining maturity of 397 calendar days or less, and whose issuer has
received from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization
a rating, with respect to a class of short-term debt obligations (or
any security within that class) that is now comparable in priority and
security with the security, in one of the two highest rating
categories for short-term debt obligations; or
(3) An unrated security that is of comparable quality to a security
meeting the requirements of (1) or (2) above, as determined by the
board of directors.
The Fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the following
securities:
(1) Securities which, when acquired by the Fund (either initially or upon
any subsequent rollover), are rated below the highest rating category
for short-term debt obligations;
(2) Securities which, at the time of issuance were long-term securities
but when acquired by the Fund have a remaining maturity of 397
calendar days or less, if the issuer of such securities is rated, with
respect to a class of comparable short-term debt obligations, below
the highest rating category for short-term obligations;
(3) Securities which are unrated but are determined by the Fund's board of
directors to be of comparable quality to securities rated below the
highest rating category for short-term debt obligations. The Fund will
maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or
less.
The objective of Principal Money Market Fund is to seek as high a level of
current income available from short-term securities as is considered consistent
with preservation of principal and maintenance of liquidity by investing its
assets in a portfolio of money market instruments. These money market
instruments are U.S. Government Securities, U.S. Government Agency Securities,
Bank Obligations, Commercial Paper, Short-term Corporate Debt and Repurchase
Agreements, which are described briefly below and in more detail in the
Statement of Additional Information.
U.S. Government Securities are securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, including treasury bills, notes and bonds.
U.S. Government Agency Securities are obligations issued or guaranteed by
agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government whether supported by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury or only by the credit of a particular
agency or instrumentality.
Bank Obligations consist of certificates of deposit which are generally
negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for
a definite period of time and earning a specified return and bankers acceptances
which are time drafts drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower, usually in
connection with international commercial transactions.
Commercial Paper is short-term promissory notes issued by corporations
primarily to finance short-term credit needs.
Short-term Corporate Debt consists of notes, bonds or debentures which at
the time of purchase have one year or less remaining to maturity.
Repurchase Agreements are transactions under which securities are purchased
from a bank or securities dealer with an agreement by the seller to repurchase
the securities at the same price plus interest at a specified rate. Generally,
Repurchase Agreements are of short duration, usually less than a week but on
occasion for longer periods.
The Fund intends to hold its investments until maturity, but may on
occasion trade securities to take advantage of market variations. Also, revised
valuations of an issuer or redemptions may result in sales of portfolio
investments prior to maturity or at times when such sales might otherwise not be
desirable. The Fund's right to borrow to facilitate redemptions may reduce the
need for such sales. It is the Fund's policy to be as fully invested as
reasonably practical at all times to maximize current income.
Since portfolio assets will consist of short-term instruments, replacement
of portfolio securities will occur frequently. However, since the Fund expects
to usually transact purchases and sales of portfolio securities with issuers or
dealers on a net basis, it is not anticipated that the Fund will pay any
significant brokerage commissions. The Fund is free to dispose of portfolio
securities at any time, when changes in circumstances or conditions make such a
move desirable in light of the investment objective.
A shareholder's rate of return will vary with the general interest rate
levels applicable to the money market instruments in which the Fund invests. The
rate of return and the net asset value will be affected by such other factors as
sales of portfolio securities prior to maturity and the Fund's operating
expenses.
CERTAIN INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
Following is a discussion of certain investment practices that the Funds
may use in an effort to achieve their respective investment objectives.
Diversification
Each Fund is subject to the diversification requirements of Section 817(h)
of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") which must be met at the end of each
quarter of the year (or within 30 days thereafter). Regulations issued by the
Secretary of the Treasury have the effect of requiring each Fund to invest no
more than 55% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer, no more than
70% in the securities of any two issuers, no more than 80% in the securities of
any three issuers, and no more than 90% in the securities of any four issuers.
For this purpose, the United States Treasury and each U.S. Government agency and
instrumentality is considered to be a separate issuer. Thus, the Government
Securities Fund intends to invest in U.S. Treasury securities and in securities
issued by at least four U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities in the
amounts necessary to meet those diversification requirements at the end of each
quarter of the year (or within thirty days thereafter).
In the event any of the Funds do not meet the diversification requirements
of Section 817(h) of the Code, the contracts funded by shares of the Funds will
not be treated as annuities or life insurance for Federal income tax purposes
and the owners of the Funds will be subject to taxation on their share of the
dividends and distributions paid by the Funds.
Foreign Securities
Each of the following Principal Funds has adopted investment restrictions
that limit its investments in foreign securities to the indicated percentage of
its assets: Asset Allocation and World Funds - 100%; Aggressive Growth Fund -
25%; Bond, Capital Accumulation - 20%; Balanced, Emerging Growth and Growth
Funds - 10%. Investment in foreign securities presents certain risks including
those resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates, revaluation of
currencies, the imposition of foreign taxes, future political and economic
developments including war, expropriations, nationalization, the possible
imposition of currency exchange controls and other foreign governmental laws or
restrictions, reduced availability of public information concerning issuers, and
the fact that foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices and
requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic issuers. Moreover,
securities of many foreign issuers may be less liquid and their prices more
volatile than those of comparable domestic issuers. In addition, transactions in
foreign securities may be subject to higher costs, and the time for settlement
of transactions in foreign securities may be longer than the settlement period
for domestic issuers. A Fund's investment in foreign securities may also result
in higher custodial costs and the costs associated with currency conversions.
Currency Contracts
The Aggressive Growth, Asset Allocation and World Funds may each enter into
forward currency contracts, currency futures contracts and options thereon and
options on currencies for hedging and other non-speculative purposes. A forward
currency contract involves a privately negotiated obligation to purchase or sell
a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract.
The Funds will not enter into a transaction to hedge currency exposure to an
extent greater in effect than the aggregate market value of the securities held
or to be purchased by the Fund that are denominated or generally quoted in or
currently convertible into the currency. When the Fund enters into a contract to
buy or sell a foreign currency, it generally will hold an amount of that
currency, liquid securities denominated in that currency or a forward contract
for such securities equal to the Fund's obligation, or it will segregate liquid
high grade debt obligations equal to the amount of the Fund's obligations. The
use of currency contracts involves many of the same risks as transactions in
futures contracts and options as well as the risk of government action through
exchange controls or otherwise that would restrict the ability of the Fund to
deliver or receive currency.
Repurchase Agreements and Securities Loans
Each of the Funds, except the Capital Accumulation Fund, may enter into
repurchase agreements with, and each of the Funds, except the Capital
Accumulation and Money Market Funds, may lend its portfolio securities to,
unaffiliated broker-dealers and other unaffiliated qualified financial
institutions. These transactions must be fully collateralized at all times, but
involve some credit risk to the Fund if the other party should default on its
obligations, and the Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering on the
collateral. See the Funds' Statement of Additional Information for further
information regarding the credit risks associated with repurchase agreements and
the standards adopted by each Fund's Board of Directors to deal with those
risks. None of the Funds intend either (i) to enter into repurchase agreements
that mature in more than seven days if any such investment, together with any
other illiquid securities held by the Fund, would amount to more than 10% of its
total assets or (ii) to loan securities in excess of 30% of its total assets.
Forward Commitments
From time to time, each of the Funds may enter into forward commitment
agreements which call for the Fund to purchase or sell a security on a future
date and at a price fixed at the time the Fund enters into the agreement. Each
of the Funds may also acquire rights to sell its investments to other parties,
either on demand or at specific intervals.
Warrants
Each of the Funds, except the Money Market and Government Securities Funds,
may invest in warrants up to 5% of its assets, of which not more than 2% may be
invested in warrants that are not listed on the New York or American Stock
Exchange. For the World Fund, the 2% limitation also does not apply to warrants
listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange or the Chicago Board Options Exchange.
Borrowing
As a matter of fundamental policy, each Fund may borrow money only for
temporary or emergency purposes. The Balanced Fund, Bond Fund, Capital
Accumulation Fund and Money Market Fund may borrow only from banks. Further,
each may borrow only in an amount not exceeding 5% of its assets, except the
Capital Accumulation Fund which may borrow only in an amount not exceeding the
lesser of (i) 5% of the value of its assets less liabilities other than such
borrowings, or (ii) 10% of its assets taken at cost at the time the borrowing is
made, and the Money Market Fund which may borrow only in an amount not exceeding
the lesser of (i) 5% of the value of its assets, or (ii) 10% of the value of its
net assets taken at cost at the time the borrowing is made.
Options
The Aggressive Growth Fund, Asset Allocation Fund, Balanced Fund, Bond
Fund, Emerging Growth Fund, Government Securities Fund, Growth Fund and World
Fund may purchase covered spread options, which would give the Fund the right to
sell a security that it owns at a fixed dollar spread or yield spread in
relationship to another security that the Fund does not own, but which is used
as a benchmark. These same Funds may also purchase and sell financial futures
contracts, options on financial futures contracts and options on securities and
securities indices, but will not invest more than 5% of their assets in the
purchase of options on securities, securities indices and financial futures
contracts or in initial margin and premiums on financial futures contracts and
options thereon. The Funds may write options on securities and securities
indices to generate additional revenue and for hedging purposes and may enter
into transactions in financial futures contracts and options on those contracts
for hedging purposes.
Below Investment Grade Bonds
Below investment-grade bonds are securities rated Ba1 or lower by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor's
Corporation ("S&P") or unrated securities which the Fund's Manager or
Sub-Advisor believes are of comparable quality. These securities are regarded,
on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity
to pay interest and to repay principal in accordance with the terms of the
obligation. The Funds, except the Asset Allocation Fund, do not intend to invest
in securities rated lower than Ba3 by Moody's or BB by S&P. The Asset Allocation
Fund does not intend to invest in securities rated below Caa by Moody's and
below CCC by S&P. The Asset Allocation Fund normally will not invest more than
20% of its assets in below investment grade securities. The Bond Fund may not
invest more than 35% of its assets in such securities. The Balanced Fund does
not intend to invest more than 5% of its assets in such securities.
The rating services' descriptions of below investment grade securities
rating categories in which the Funds may normally invest are as follows:
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Bond Ratings - Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba
are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as
well-assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be
very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times
over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class. B:
Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small. Caa:
Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or
there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Moody's may apply numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its bond rating system. The modifier 1
indicates that the security ranks in the high end of its generic rating
category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and a modifier 3
indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.
Standard & Poor's Corporation Bond Ratings - BB, B, CCC, CC: Debt rated
"BB", "B", "CCC" and "CC" is regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative
with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with
the terms of the obligation. "BB" indicates the lowest degree of speculation and
"CC" the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely have some
quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The "BB" rating may be modified by the addition of a
plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
Below investment-grade securities present special risks to investors. The
market value of lower-rated securities may be more volatile than that of
higher-rated securities and generally tends to reflect the market's perception
of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term market developments to a
greater extent than more highly rated securities, which reflect primarily
fluctuations in general levels of interest rates. Periods of economic
uncertainty and change can be expected to result in increased volatility in the
market value of lower-rated securities. Further, such securities may be subject
to greater risks of loss of income and principal, particularly in the event of
adverse economic changes or increased interest rates, because their issuers
generally are not as financially secure or as creditworthy as issuers of
higher-rated securities. Additionally, to the extent that there is not a
national market system for secondary trading of lower-rated securities, there
may be a low volume of trading in such securities which may make it more
difficult to value or sell those securities than higher-rated securities.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental
analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield securities,
especially in a thinly traded market.
Investors should recognize that the market for below investment-grade
securities is a relatively recent development that has not been tested by an
economic recession. An economic downturn may severely disrupt the market for
such securities and cause financial stress to the issuers which may adversely
affect the value of the securities held by the Funds and the ability of the
issuers of the securities held by the Funds to pay principal and interest. A
default by an issuer may result in a Fund incurring additional expenses to seek
recovery of the amounts due it.
Some of the securities in which the Funds invest may contain call
provisions. If the issuer of such a security exercises a call provision in a
declining interest rate market, the Fund would have to replace the security with
a lower-yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors.
Further, a higher-yielding security's value will decrease in a rising interest
rate market, which will be reflected in the Fund's net asset value per share.
Congress recently enacted legislation requiring federally-insured savings
and loan associations to divest themselves of investments in high yield
securities. This legislation might increase the supply of securities available
for purchase in the secondary market and, potentially, lower the value of the
securities held by the Funds.
The Statement of Additional Information includes further information
concerning the Funds' investment policies and applicable investment
restrictions. Each Fund's investment objective and certain investment
restrictions designated as such in this Prospectus or the Statement of
Additional Information are fundamental policies that may not be changed without
shareholder approval. All other investment policies described in the Prospectus
and the Statement of Additional Information for a Fund are not fundamental and
may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Fund without shareholder
approval.
MANAGER AND SUB-ADVISORS
The Manager for the Funds is Princor Management Corporation (the
"Manager"), an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company, a mutual life insurance company organized in 1879 under the
laws of the State of Iowa. The address of the Manager is The Principal Financial
Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392. The Manager was organized on January 10, 1969,
and since that time has managed various mutual funds sponsored by Principal
Mutual Life Insurance Company. As of December 31, 1996, the Manager served as
investment advisor for 26 such funds with assets totaling approximately $4.0
billion.
The Manager has executed an agreement with Invista Capital Management, Inc.
("Invista") under which Invista has agreed to assume the obligations of the
Manager to provide investment advisory services for the Balanced Fund, Growth
Fund and World Fund. The Manager will reimburse Invista for the cost of
providing these services. Invista, an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of
Principal Mutual Life Insurance company and an affiliate of the Manager, was
founded in 1985 and manages investments for institutional investors, including
Principal Mutual Life. Assets under management at December 31, 1996 were
approximately $19.6 billion. Invista's address is 1500 Hub Tower, 699 Walnut,
Des Moines, Iowa 50309.
The Manager has also executed an agreement with Morgan Stanley Asset
Management Inc. ("MSAM") under which MSAM has agreed to assume the obligations
of the Manager to provide investment advisory services for the Aggressive Growth
Fund and Asset Allocation Fund. The Manager pays MSAM a fee for such investment
advisory services. MSAM, with principal offices at 1221 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, NY 10020, provides a broad range of portfolio management services to
customers in the United States and abroad. At December 31, 1996, MSAM managed
investments totaling approximately $72.6 billion, including approximately $54.9
billion under active management and $17.7 billion as Named Fiduciary or
Fiduciary Adviser.
The Manager, Invista, or MSAM has assigned certain individuals the primary
responsibility for the day-to-day management of each Fund's portfolio. The
persons primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund are
identified in the table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Primarily
Fund Responsible Since Person Primarily Responsible
___________________ ____________________ ____________________________________________________________________________
<S> <C> <C>
Aggressive Growth May, 1994 Kurt Feuerman (MBA degree, Columbia University; M.A. degree, Syracuse
(Fund's inception) University). Managing Director, Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc.
and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.
Asset Allocation May, 1994 Francine J. Bovich (MBA degree, New York University). Principal, Morgan
(Fund's inception) Stanley Asset Management Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.
May, 1994 Kurt Feuerman (MBA degree, Columbia University; M.A. degree, Syracuse
(Fund's inception) University). Managing Director, Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc.
and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.
April, 1996 Stephen C. Sexauer (MBA degree, University of Chicago). Principal,
Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.
Balanced April, 1993 Judith A. Vogel, CFA (BA degree, Central College). Vice President, Invista
Capital Management, Inc.
Bond November, 1996 Scott A. Bennett, CFA (MBA degree, University of Iowa) Assistant Director
Investment Securities, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company.
Capital Accumulation November, 1969 David L. White, CFA (BBA degree, University of Iowa). Executive Vice
(Fund's inception) President, Invista Capital Management, Inc.; Co-Manager since November,
1996: Catherine A. Green, CFA, (MBA degree, Drake University).
Vice President, Invista Capital Management, Inc.
Emerging Growth December, 1987 Michael R. Hamilton, (BMBA degree, Bellarmine College). Vice President,
and Growth (Fund's inception) Invista Capital Management, Inc.
and May, 1994 (Fund's
inception), respectively
Government Securities April, 1987 Martin J. Schafer (BBA degree, University of Iowa). Vice President, Invista
(Fund's inception) Capital Management, Inc.
World April, 1994 Scott D. Opsal, CFA (MBA degree, University of Minnesota). Executive
Vice President, Invista Capital Management, Inc.
</TABLE>
DUTIES PERFORMED BY THE MANAGER AND SUB-ADVISORS
Under Maryland law, the business and affairs of each of the Funds are
managed under the direction of its Board of Directors. The investment services
and certain other services referred to under the heading "Cost of Manager's
Services" in the Statement of Additional Information are furnished to the Funds
under the terms of a Management Agreement between each of the Funds and the
Manager and, for some of the Funds, a Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Manager
and Invista or the Manager and MSAM. The Manager, Invista, or MSAM, advises the
Funds on investment policies and on the composition of the Funds' portfolios. In
this connection, the Manager, or Sub-Advisor, furnishes to the Board of
Directors of each Fund a recommended investment program consistent with that
Fund's investment objective and policies. The Manager, or Sub-Advisor, is
authorized, within the scope of the approved investment program, to determine
which securities are to be bought or sold, and in what amounts.
The compensation paid by each Fund to the Manager for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996 was, on an annual basis, equal to the following percentage of
average net assets:
Total
Manager's Annualized
Fund Fee Expenses
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Aggressive Growth Fund .80% .85%
Asset Allocation Fund .80% .87%
Balanced Fund .60% .63%
Bond Fund .50% .53%
Capital Accumulation Fund .48% .49%
Emerging Growth Fund .64% .66%
Government Securities Fund .50% .52%
Growth Fund .50% .52%
Money Market Fund .50% .56%
World Fund .75% .90%
The compensation being paid by the Aggressive Growth Fund, Asset Allocation
Fund and World Fund for investment management services is higher than that paid
by most funds to their advisor, but it is not higher than the fees paid by many
funds with similar investment objectives and policies.
The Manager and Sub-Advisors may purchase at their own expense statistical
and other information or services from outside sources, including Principal
Mutual Life Insurance Company. An Investment Service Agreement between the
Manager, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company and each Fund, except the
Aggressive Growth Fund and Asset Allocation Fund, provides that Principal Mutual
Life Insurance Company will furnish certain personnel, services and facilities
required by the Manager in connection with its performance of the Management
Agreements, and that the Manager will reimburse Principal Mutual Life Insurance
Company for its costs incurred in this regard. The Investment Service Agreements
for the Capital Accumulation, Emerging Growth and Government Securities Funds
also include as a party Invista Capital Management, Inc., an indirectly
wholly-owned subsidiary of Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, and also
provide that the subsidiaries of Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company will
furnish the same items and be reimbursed by the Manager for their costs incurred
in this regard.
The Funds may from time to time execute transactions for portfolio
securities with, and pay related brokerage commissions to, Principal Financial
Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Distributor and
Manager for each of the Funds. The Fund may also execute transactions for
portfolio securities through Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, an affiliate of
Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc.
The Manager serves as investment advisor, dividend disbursing agent and,
directly and through an affiliate, as transfer agent for each of the Funds
sponsored by Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company.
MANAGERS' COMMENTS
Princor Management Corporation, Invista and MSAM are staffed with
investment professionals who manage each individual fund. Comments by these
individuals in the following paragraphs summarize in capsule form the general
strategy and recent results of each fund over the past year. The accompanying
charts display results for the past 10 years or the life of the fund, whichever
is shorter. Average Annual Total Return figures provided for each fund in the
graphs below reflect all expenses of the fund and assume all distributions are
reinvested at net asset value. The figures do not reflect expenses of the
variable life insurance contracts or variable annuity contracts that purchase
fund shares; performance figures for the divisions of the contracts would be
lower than performance figures for the funds due to the additional contract
expenses. Past performance is not predictive of future performance. Returns and
net asset values fluctuate. Shares are redeemable at current net asset value,
which may be more or less than original cost.
The various indices included in the following graphs are unmanaged and do
not reflect any commissions or fees which would be incurred by an investor
purchasing the securities included in the index. Investors cannot invest
directly into these or any indices.
Growth-Oriented Funds
Principal Aggressive Growth Fund
(Kurt Feuerman)
Since it first became available on June 1, 1994, the Principal Aggressive
Growth Fund has generated an annualized return of 28.05% versus 23.63% for the
S&P 500 and 19.18% for the Lipper Growth Fund Average. In 1996 the Fund returned
28.05% versus 22.96% for the S&P 500 and 19.24% for the Lipper Growth Fund
Average.
For the third consecutive year, substantial overweighting of the portfolio
in the tobacco sector contributed positively to relative performance. After a
market-smashing total return of 62% in 1995 (including dividends), Philip Morris
stock surged late in 1996 for a full-year total return of 25%. Philip Morris was
the largest single holding in the portfolio throughout most of 1995 and 1996.
At year-end 1996, Philip Morris stock at $113 represented about 5% of the
Fund's portfolio. Philip Morris as well as other positions in RJR Nabisco, Loews
and Consolidated Cigar as a group will clearly be subject to bouts of selling
pressure since the industry is under attack from a number of directions.
However, tobacco stocks are in the midst of a multi-year trend of upward
revaluation. Combined with strong underlying growth fundamentals, this creates a
powerful investment opportunity which many investors are missing.
Entering into 1997, the S&P 500 Index has outperformed the vast majority of
active managers for three consecutive years. Also, the Index has outpaced the
earnings growth of the underlying companies. One could argue that there are many
positive factors driving the U.S. markets higher and that these factors could
persist; stable interest rates, solid economic growth without inflationary
pressures, the opening up of emerging markets, the acceptance of shareholder
value as the key motivator of corporate managements, and the huge cash flow
coming into stocks supported by powerful demographic trends.
Still, there is no doubt that many large cap, "blue chip," stocks have
outperformed their own businesses. General Electric, for example, rose 40% in
1996 while earnings per share grew about 15%. Another example would be Merck, a
stock up 77% in 1995 and 24% in 1996, with earnings in those two years up only
12% and 20%, respectively.
Morgan Stanley's estimate is that active managers will have an easier time
beating the Index this year. This will be more likely to occur if smaller
company stocks do well. While large cap managers continue to feel comfortable
with many large cap names, at the margin there are opportunities in secondary
stocks, especially high beta growth issues that have missed the recent market
move, but where company fundamentals are intact.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------
1 Year Since Inception Date 6/1/94 10 Year
28.05% 28.05% --
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the
Aggressive Growth Fund, S&P 500 and Lipper Growth Fund Average
--------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Lipper
Year Ended Total S&P 500 Growth
December 31, Return Index Average
10,000 10,000 10,000
1994 10,259 10,230 10,055
1995 14,793 14,069 13,151
1996 18,942 17,297 15,681
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal Asset Allocation Fund
(Francine J. Bovich)
In a volatile year for financial assets, the U.S. stock market continued
its strong performance (+23.2%) but ranked 11th in global markets beaten by
fully half of the international markets (in U.S. dollars), notably Spain
(+40.1%), Sweden (+37.2%) and Hong Kong (+33.1%). Markets were boosted by
abundant liquidity provided through loose monetary policy, moderate economic
growth and a benign inflation environment.
Bond markets in local currency also had a good year with returns ranging
from 5.9% in Japan to 24.2% in Italy. In the U.S., mixed economic data and
expectations of monetary tightening drove bond prices down well into the third
quarter until the Federal reserve announced that interest rates would remain
unchanged. In contrast, the European bond markets rallied throughout the year
driven by monetary easing from the core European central banks, weakening
currencies, optimism surrounding the prospects of the European Monetary Union,
and improving inflation data. Japanese bond yields fell to all-time lows on the
prospect of substantial fiscal tightening in 1997, the fragility of some
financial institutions, and doubts about the strength of the economic recovery.
Against a declining interest rate backdrop, high yielding debt rallied as
investors clamored for yield.
Throughout the year, we maintained our diversified investment policy. At
year-end 1996, the Fund was invested: 32% domestic stocks, 26% international
stocks, 20% U.S. domestic bonds, 9% domestic high yield bonds, 11% real estate
investment trusts ("REITs"), and 2% short-term investments. For 1996, the Fund
continued its positive performance gaining 12.9% relative to the Lipper Flexible
Portfolio Fund average gain of 13.6%.
Within domestic stocks, commitments to large cap growth companies and REITs
significantly enhanced returns. In the growth segment, overweight commitments to
consumer cyclicals, consumer staples and financial sectors were the primary
contributors to positive results. Our REIT portfolio benefited from an overall
positive backdrop and selected commitments to the office, industrial, and hotel
sectors. In addition, we allocated a portion of the portfolio to "California
Recovery" companies which performed well.
In aggregate, the international stock results lagged the S&P 500 primarily
due to the performance of Japan. Japanese stocks declined -15.5% based on the
same concerns that drove bond yields to historic lows. In contrast, European
stocks were a brighter spot thanks to the continuing efforts of most continental
governments to achieve the Maastricht criteria. Asian market returns were led by
Hong Kong, which benefited from lessened political fears and an improved
economic outlook. Latin America enjoyed stellar performance throughout the year
and was a primary contributor to the international ADR's outperformance (+11.3%)
relative to the EAFE benchmark gain of 6.1%. The economic recovery that began in
1995 and continued throughout 1996 attracted renewed capital flows to the region
and the Fund benefited from overweight positions in Brazil and Mexico.
Over the near term, we expect the U.S. market to be driven higher by the
continuation of the positive capital market trends experienced in 1996. However,
U.S. stocks are not cheap, the market cycle is very long in the tooth, and is
vulnerable to strong economic data and/or an untoward event. International
stocks have benefited from many of the same factors which propelled the U.S.
markets, but on a relative basis to the U.S., valuations are not as high. In
addition, prospects for further declines in interest rates and improved economic
and earnings growth in Asia, Latin America and Europe remain probable, albeit on
a lagged basis.
After a year of declining global interest rates, we expect increased
volatility as investors analyze every data point to detect a policy change. Fed
watchers will be particularly active given Mr. Greenspan's concern about
"irrational exuberance." We begin the year overweighted to yield sectors and
believe that a higher income strategy will serve to moderate price volatility.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
---------------------------------------------------------
1 Year Since Inception Date 6/1/94 10 Year
12.92% 12.95% --
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Asset
Allocation Fund, S&P 500 and Lipper Flexible Portfolio Fund Average
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Lipper
Year Ended Total S&P 500 Flexible Portfolio
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1994 10,052 10,230 10,008
1995 12,128 14,069 12,518
1996 13,696 17,297 14,220
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal Balanced Fund
(Judith A. Vogel)
This balanced portfolio combines stocks, bonds and cash in a relatively
conservative mix which seeks to provide both capital appreciation and income to
the shareholder without taking on undue risk. The asset allocation of the Fund
generally approximates 60% stocks and 40% bonds. In the year ended December 31,
1996 the stock market produced exceptional results. Aided by a healthy economy,
continued corporate profit growth, and a good dose of investor enthusiasm, the
S&P 500 Stock Index advanced nearly 23%. Conditions in the bond market were less
supportive over the year. Long-term interest rates rose 0.70% in 1996, with a
lot of volatility along the way, causing the bond returns to hover between zero
and 3% for the year. Demonstrating its balanced nature, the Fund produced a 13%
annual return, about midway between stock and bond market results and very near
the Lipper Balanced Fund Average. The bond portion of the Fund's portfolio is
comprised of U.S. Government notes and bonds with an emphasis on safety of
principal. The stock portion of the portfolio is concentrated in companies with
stable or growing earnings that are not terribly sensitive to economic activity.
After six years of economic expansion resulting in high rates of resource
utilization, corporate profit growth is likely to come down, causing a scarcity
of earnings growth. Companies that can continue to grow earnings will be
afforded premium valuations. There is no independent market index against which
to measure returns of balanced portfolios, however, we show the S&P 500 Stock
Index for your information.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
---------------------------------------------------
Since Inception
1 Year 5 Year Date 12/18/87
13.13% 11.57% 12.16%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the
Balanced Fund, S&P 500 and Lipper Balanced Fund Average
----------------------------------------------------------
Fund Lipper
Year Ended Total S&P 500 Mid Cap
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1988 11,637 11,661 11,229
1989 12,982 15,356 13,429
1990 12,147 14,877 13,355
1991 16,321 19,412 16,930
1992 18,410 20,891 18,122
1993 20,447 22,992 20,066
1994 20,019 23,294 19,561
1995 24,941 32,037 24,482
1996 28,215 39,388 27,851
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal Capital Accumulation Fund
(David L. White and Catherine A. Green)
The strategy with this portfolio is to hold common stocks of companies
based on a valuation that is attractive when compared to the market. The
analytical staff looks at companies' current valuations compared to the market,
then at historical information to compare valuations to historical averages. The
focus is on the fundamentals of an industry and the company to determine the
current and future outlook as these potential investments. From there the
portfolio is constructed to provide a diversified set of investments.
The Fund outperformed the S&P 500 Index and Lipper Growth and Income Fund
Average for 1996. The strength of the market was in much fewer stocks than in
the past. The volatility between industries was much greater than the overall
results. The Fund benefited from several areas of exposure. Banks and health
care were the strongest areas for the Fund during the year. The focus has been
away from the more cyclical areas of the economy which also helped during the
year. As the economic cycle progresses, the market places more emphasis on
companies with consistent earnings growth, and we have tended to overweight
these areas of the market. As the market performance continues to narrow,
however, it becomes increasingly difficult to select the correct areas of
overperformance.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
----------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
23.50% 14.08% 13.08%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the
Capital Accumulation Fund, S&P 500 and Lipper Growth and Income Fund Average
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund S&P 500 Lipper
Year Ended Total Stock Growth & Income
December 31, Return Index Fund Average
10,000 10,000 10,000
1987 10,647 10,526 10,184
1988 12,183 12,274 11,814
1989 14,155 16,163 14,596
1990 12,759 15,659 13,946
1991 17,693 20,433 18,002
1992 19,377 21,990 19,618
1993 20,888 24,201 21,884
1994 20,990 24,519 21,678
1995 27,688 33,722 28,360
1996 34,193 41,460 34,253
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal Emerging Growth Fund
(Michael R. Hamilton)
The equity market was strong in 1996, but within the market there were two
different trends. Large-cap stocks performed much better than small-cap stocks.
The Emerging Growth Fund returned 19.13% compared with the Lipper Mid Cap
Average of 17.9%. The Fund and the Lipper Average trailed the S&P 500 Index
because of their emphasis on small cap stocks. While both trailed the S&P 500,
this was a good year for the fund.
The financial market continues to grapple with the paradox of strong
economic growth with no apparent inflation. Productivity will be key in 1997 if
inflation is to remain benign. The Fund's portfolio continues to be focused on
companies that should enhance productivity of both labor and capital. Several of
the technology, service and cyclical areas support this emphasis. The portfolio
is also overweighted in the financial sector as bank consolidation continues.
Continued profit growth will be important in 1997 as well. Companies with
more predictable and visible earnings growth are preferred. This continues to be
those that are low cost producers and have competitive barriers to entry.
Selectivity in all sectors will be crucial to outperformance.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year Since Inception Date 12/18/87
21.11% 16.64% 17.73%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment
in the Emerging Growth Fund, S&P 500 and
Lipper Mid Cap Fund Average
-----------------------------------------------------
Fund Lipper
Year Ended Total S&P 500 MID CAP
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1988 12,369 11,661 11,476
1989 15,070 15,356 14,586
1990 13,186 14,877 14,067
1991 20,240 19,412 21,275
1992 23,264 20,891 23,213
1993 27,750 22,992 26,625
1994 27,967 23,294 26,079
1995 36,080 32,037 34,469
1996 43,697 39,388 40,646
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal Growth Fund
(Michael R. Hamilton)
The Growth Fund struggled against the market in 1996; struggle being
relative as 12.23% return is respectable from a historical perspective. The S&P
500 Index last year was heavily influenced by the top 25 holdings in the Index.
These are very large companies. The Fund is more diversified than the Index and
therefore its results were more representative of the broader market. With the
market continuing to struggle against the potential of an economic boom on one
hand, versus a slowing or recession on the other, the market could be subjected
to emotional swings depending on the inflation outlook.
The Fund's portfolio still has a large focus on health care given the
demographics of the United States. This was not a strong sector in 1996,
particularly the managed care companies of which the portfolio has a large
exposure. Also, the portfolio has large positions in technology and growth
cyclicals. These companies should do well if the economy continues to move
forward which is indicated by current data.
The portfolio contains many companies that are able to compete on a world
wide basis. This is important as global competition continues.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
-------------------------------------------------------
1 Year Since Inception Date 5/2/94 10 Year
12.51% 16.12% --
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the
Growth Fund, S&P 500 and Lipper Growth Fund Average
---------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Lipper
Year Ended Total S&P 500 Growth
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1994 10,542 10,397 10,090
1995 13,243 14,299 13,197
1996 14,899 17,580 15,736
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal World Fund
(Scott D. Opsal)
The Principal World Fund's 26.2% total return in 1996 was driven by broad
based market rallies across Europe. Several European markets have climbed more
than 20% in 1996, with Japan and Italy being the only major markets not
reflecting strong gains. The Fund's investment strategy of holding stocks in
smaller European economies produced outperformance as interest rate moves have
been favorable this year. Long bond yields in secondary European markets fell
while rates in the stronger core countries have inched up. The Fund's
overexposure to the falling rate markets and underexposure to the rising rate
markets was a significant positive factor producing returns that exceeded EAFE's
6.1% and the average international fund in 1996.
The Fund also benefited from non-cyclical stockholdings in Europe. Food,
drug, technology, and stable growth cyclicals have outperformed the heavier
cyclical industries. The Fund's move into non-cyclical growth stocks early in
the year proved timely. The Fund remains underweighted in Japan due to poor
valuations and a weak economic outlook. Japan has been the worst performing
major market, and the Fund's lack of exposure to this market also boosted
relative returns.
Adverse currency changes diminished the Fund's returns as measured in U.S.
dollars by an estimated 2%. We believe the EAFE index has suffered a currency
loss exceeding 4%, and the average manager has lost an estimated 3%. Thus, the
Fund's investment strategy placed it in markets suffering relatively small
foreign exchange losses thereby aiding relative return performance.
The Principal World Fund is subject to specific risks associated with
foreign currency rates, foreign taxation and foreign economies.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
----------------------------------------------------
1 Year Since Inception Date 5/2/94 10 Year
25.09% 12.83% --
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the
World Fund, EAFE and Lipper International Fund Average
------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Morgan Stanley Lipper
Year Ended Total EAFE International
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1994 9,663 9,990 9,758
1995 11,032 11,110 10,676
1996 13,800 11,781 11,934
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Important Notes of the Growth-Oriented Funds:
Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index: an unmanaged index of 500 widely held common
stocks representing industrial, financial, utility and transportation companies
listed on the New York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange and the
Over-the-Counter market.
Lipper Growth Fund Average: This average consists of funds which normally invest
in companies whose long-term earnings are expected to grow significantly faster
than the earnings of the stocks represented in the major unmanaged stock
indices. The one-year average currently contains 669 funds.
Lipper Flexible Portfolio Fund Average: This average consists of funds which
allocate their investments across various asset classes, including domestic
common stocks, bonds and money market instruments, with a focus on total return.
The one-year average currently contains 186 funds.
Lipper Balanced Fund Average: this average consists of mutual funds which
attempt to conserve principal by maintaining at all times a balanced portfolio
of both stocks and bonds. Typically, the stock/bond ratio ranges around 60%/40%.
The one year average currently contains 272 mutual funds.
Lipper Growth & Income Fund Average: this average consists of funds which
combine a growth of earnings orientation and an income requirement for level
and/or rising dividends. The one year average currently contains 522 funds.
Lipper Mid Cap Fund Average: This average consists of funds which by prospectus
or portfolio practice, limit their investments to companies with average market
capitalizations and/or revenues between $800 million and the average market
capitalization of the Wilshire 4500 Index (as captured by the Vanguard Index
Extended Market Fund). The one-year average currently contains 154 funds.
Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE (Europe, Australia and Far East)
Index: This average reflects an arithmetic, market value weighted average of
performance of 1,920 listed securities which are listed on the stock exchanges
of the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Norway, Singapore/Malaysia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the
United Kingdom.
Lipper International Fund Average: This average consists of funds which invest
in securities primarily traded in markets outside of the United States. The
one-year average currently contains 331 funds.
Income-Oriented Funds
Principal Bond Fund
(Scott A. Bennett)
The Principal Bond Fund's performance in 1996 lagged when compared to 1995.
1995 was a banner year, mainly because of dramatically declining interest rates.
During 1996 interest rates increased throughout most of the year based on fears
of increasing inflation. This hurt the Fund's relative performance as the
duration target of 7 years (actual duration at 12/31/96 was 6.98 years) is
longer than the average BBB rated bond fund and the BAA Lehman Corporate Index.
Relative performance was also negatively impacted by the lack of a significant
amount of less than investment grade bonds in the portfolio. High yield (less
than investment grade) debt performed extremely well during 1996, with many of
the top performing funds in the Lipper BAA universe having significant exposures
to this asset class.
Over the long-term, the Fund continues to outperform the average BBB fund.
This is attributed to remaining fully invested and not trying to guess interest
rates. The BBB corporate bond class continued to be an attractive asset class in
1996, outperforming all other taxable investment grade classes. Spreads
continued to narrow during the year with defaults low and a large amount of
funds chasing the available bonds.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year Since Inception Date 12/18/87
2.36% 8.20% 9.55%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Bond Fund, Lehman
Brothers BAA Corporate Index and Lipper Corporate Debt BBB Rated Fund Average
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Lehman Lipper
Year Ended Total BAA BBB
December 31, Return Index Avg
10,000 10,000 10,000
1988 10,991 11,129 10,900
1989 12,514 12,699 12,060
1990 13,167 13,595 12,751
1991 15,369 16,113 15,020
1992 16,810 17,512 16,258
1993 18,771 19,665 18,261
1994 18,227 18,707 17,447
1995 22,268 22,959 20,948
1996 22,794 23,882 21,616
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal Government Securities Fund
(Martin J. Schafer)
Interest rates rose in 1996, which dampened absolute fixed income returns.
The Fund underperformed the Lipper U.S. Mortgage Fund Average and the Lehman MBS
Index in 1996 due to its slightly longer duration. However, since the Fund's
inception of 4/9/87 it has outperformed the Lipper U.S. Mortgage Fund Average
and is competitive with the Lehman MBS Index.
Results were enhanced last year through identification and selection of
certain undervalued sectors of mortgage- backed securities for a portion of the
portfolio. These securities have now become very popular with Wall Street and
other investors, resulting in their increasing in value.
The current portfolio is well positioned for the period ahead. It has a
number of securities that are "seasoned" (e.g., original 30 year loans that have
been outstanding for three years or more) and therefore valued more highly in
the marketplace. There are few securities priced above par, so prepayment risk
is negligible. If the future continues to be an era of economic prosperity we
should continue to see strong housing markets and housing turnover that will
cause prepayments on our securities to exceed market expectations. These
repayments are welcomed, as the portfolio is priced at a discount and the Fund
will be paid-off at par.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year Since Inception Date 4/9/87
3.35% 6.68% 8.63%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Government Securities
Fund, Lehman Brothers Mortgage Index and Lipper U.S. Mortgage Fund Average
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Lehman Lipper
Year Ended Total Mortgage U.S. Mortgage
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1987 10,099 10,204 10,104
1988 10,939 11,094 10,858
1989 12,645 12,808 12,224
1990 13,852 14,183 13,370
1991 16,200 16,410 15,348
1992 17,308 17,551 16,285
1993 19,051 18,751 17,499
1994 18,188 18,450 16,769
1995 21,656 21,549 19,491
1996 22,381 22,702 20,245
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Important Notes of the Income-Oriented Funds:
Lehman Brothers, BAA Corporate Index: an unmanaged index of all publicly issued
fixed rate nonconvertible, dollar-denominated, SEC-registered corporate debt
rated Baa or BBB by Moody's or S&P.
Lipper Corporate Debt BBB Rated Funds Average: this average consists of mutual
funds investing at least 65% of their assets in corporate and government debt
issues rated by S&P or Moody's in the top four grades. The one year average
currently contains 102 mutual funds.
Lehman Brothers Mortgage Index: an unmanaged index of 15- and 30-year fixed rate
securities backed by mortgage pools of the Government National Mortgage
Association (GNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), and Federal
National Mortgage Association (FNMA).
Lipper U.S. Mortgage Fund Average: this average consists of mutual funds
investing at least 65% of their assets in mortgages/securities issued or
guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government and certain
federal agencies. The one year average currently contains 59 mutual funds.
Note: Mutual fund data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE OF FUND SHARES
The net asset value of each Fund's shares is determined daily, Monday
through Friday, as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange,
except on days on which changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities
will not materially affect the current net asset value of the Fund's redeemable
securities, on days during which a Fund receives no order for the purchase or
sale of its redeemable securities and no tender of such a security for
redemption, and on customary national business holidays. The net asset value per
share of each Fund is determined by dividing the value of the Fund's securities
plus all other assets, less all liabilities, by the number of Fund shares
outstanding.
Growth-Oriented and Income-Oriented Funds
The following valuation information applies to the Growth-Oriented and
Income-Oriented Funds. Securities for which market quotations are readily
available are valued using those quotations. Other securities are valued by
using market quotations, prices provided by market makers or estimates of market
values obtained from yield data and other factors relating to instruments or
securities with similar characteristics in accordance with procedures
established in good faith by the Board of Directors. Securities with remaining
maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost when it is determined
by the Board that amortized cost reflects fair value. Other assets are valued at
fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Fund.
As previously described, some of the Funds may purchase foreign securities
whose trading is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the
close of the New York Stock Exchange. The values of such securities used in
computing net asset value per share are usually determined as of such times.
Occasionally, events which affect the values of such securities and foreign
currency exchange rates may occur between the times at which they are generally
determined and the close of the New York Stock Exchange and would therefore not
be reflected in the computation of the Fund's net asset value. If events
materially affecting the value of such securities occur during such period, then
these securities will be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith
by the Manager or Sub-Advisor under procedures established and regularly
reviewed by the Board of Directors. To the extent the Fund invests in foreign
securities listed on foreign exchanges which trade on days on which the Fund
does not determine its net asset value, for example Saturdays and other
customary national U.S. Holidays, the Fund's net asset value could be
significantly affected on days when shareholders have no access to the Fund.
Money Market Fund
The Money Market Fund values its securities at amortized cost. For a
description of this calculation procedure see the Funds' Statement of Additional
Information.
PERFORMANCE CALCULATION
From time to time, the Funds may publish advertisements containing
information (including graphs, charts, tables and examples) about the
performance of one or more of the Funds. The Funds' yield and total return
figures described below will vary depending upon market conditions, the
composition of the Funds' portfolios and operating expenses. These factors and
possible differences in the methods used in calculating yield and total return
should be considered when comparing the Funds' performance figures to
performance figures published for other investment vehicles. The Funds may also
quote rankings, yields or returns as published by independent statistical
services or publishers, and information regarding the performance of certain
market indices. Any performance data quoted for the Funds represents only
historical performance and is not intended to indicate future performance of the
Funds. The calculation of average annual total return and yield for the Funds
does not include fees and charges of the separate accounts that invest in the
Funds and, therefore, does not reflect the investment performance of those
separate accounts. For further information on how the Funds calculate yield and
total return figures, see the Statement of Additional Information.
Average Annual Total Return
Each Fund may advertise its respective average annual total return. Average
annual total return for each Fund is computed by calculating the average annual
compounded rate of return over the stated period that would equate an initial
$1,000 investment to the ending redeemable value assuming the reinvestment of
all dividends and capital gains distributions at net asset value. The same
assumptions are made when computing cumulative total return by dividing the
ending redeemable value by the initial investment. The Funds may also quote
rankings, yields or returns as published by independent statistical services or
publishers, and information regarding the performance of certain market indices.
Yield and Effective Yield
From time to time the Money Market Fund may advertise its respective yield
and effective yield. The yield of the Fund refers to the income generated by an
investment in the Fund over a seven-day period. This income is then annualized.
That is, the amount of income generated by the investment during that week is
assumed to be generated each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a
percentage of the investment. The effective yield is calculated similarly but,
when annualized, the income earned by an investment in the Fund is assumed to be
reinvested. The effective yield will be slightly higher than the yield because
of the compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment.
The yield for the Money Market Fund will fluctuate daily as the income
earned on the investments of the Fund fluctuates. Accordingly, there is no
assurance that the yield quoted on any given occasion will remain in effect for
any period of time. The Fund is an open-end investment company and there is no
guarantee that the net asset value or any stated rate of return will remain
constant. A shareholder's investment in the Fund is not insured. Investors
comparing results of the Fund with investment results and yields from other
sources such as banks or savings and loan associations should understand these
distinctions. Historical and comparative yield information may, from time to
time, be presented by the Fund.
INCOME DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX STATUS
It is the policy of each Fund to distribute substantially all net
investment income and net realized gains. Through such distributions, and by
satisfying certain other requirements, the Funds intend to qualify for the tax
treatment accorded to regulated investment companies under the applicable
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. This means that in each year in which a
Fund so qualifies it will be exempt from federal income tax upon the amounts so
distributed to investors.
Any dividends from the net investment income of the Funds (except the Money
Market Fund) will normally be payable to the shareholders annually, and any net
realized gains will be distributed annually. All dividends and capital gains
distributions are applied to purchase additional Fund shares at net asset value
as of the payment date without the imposition of any sales charge.
Each Fund will notify shareholders of the portion of each distribution
which constitutes investment income or capital gain. In view of the complexity
of tax considerations, it is advisable for Eligible Purchasers considering the
purchase of shares of the Funds to consult with tax advisors on the federal and
state tax aspects of their investments and redemptions.
Money Market Fund
The Money Market Fund declares dividends of all its daily net investment
income on each day the Fund's net asset value per share is determined. Dividends
are payable daily and are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares
of the Fund at the then current net asset value unless a shareholder requests
payment in cash.
Net investment income, for dividend purposes, consists of (1) accrued
interest income plus or minus accrued discount or amortized premium; plus or
minus (2) all net short-term realized gains and losses; minus (3) all accrued
expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the Fund are accrued each day. Net income will
be calculated immediately prior to the determination of net asset value per
share of the Fund.
Since the Fund's policy is, under normal circumstances, to hold portfolio
securities to maturity and to value portfolio securities at amortized cost, it
does not expect any capital gains or losses. If the Fund does experience gains,
however, it could result in an increase in dividends. Capital losses could
result in a decrease in dividends. If for some extraordinary reason the Fund
realizes net long-term capital gains, it will distribute them once every 12
months.
Since the net income of the Fund (including realized gains and losses on
the portfolio securities) is declared as a dividend each time the net income of
the Fund is determined, the net asset value per share of the Fund normally
remains at $1.00 immediately after each determination and dividend declaration.
Any increase in the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund,
representing reinvestment of dividend income, is reflected by an increase in the
number of shares of the Fund in the account.
Normally the Fund will have a positive net income at the time of each
determination thereof. Net income may be negative if an unexpected liability
must be accrued or a loss is realized. If the net income of the Fund determined
at any time is a negative amount, the net asset value per share will be reduced
below $1.00. If this happens, the Fund may endeavor to restore the net asset
value per share to $1.00 by reducing the number of outstanding shares by
redeeming proportionately from shareholders without the payment of any monetary
consideration, such number of full and fractional shares as is necessary to
maintain a net asset value per share of $1.00. Each shareholder will be deemed
to have agreed to such a redemption in these circumstances by investing in the
Fund. The Fund may seek to achieve the same objective of restoring the net asset
value per share to $1.00 by not declaring dividends from net income on
subsequent days until restoration, with the result that the net asset value per
share would increase to the extent of positive net income which is not declared
as a dividend, or any other method approved by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors may revise the above dividend policy, or postpone
the payment of dividends, if the Fund should have or anticipate any large
presently unexpected expense, loss or fluctuation in net assets which in the
opinion of the Board might have a significant adverse affect on shareholders.
ELIGIBLE PURCHASERS AND PURCHASE OF SHARES
Only Eligible Purchasers may purchase shares of the Funds. Eligible
Purchasers are limited to (a) separate accounts of Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company or of other insurance companies; (b) Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof; (c) trustees or other
managers of any qualified profit sharing, incentive or bonus plan established by
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof
for the employees of such company, subsidiary or affiliate. Such trustees or
managers may purchase Fund shares only in their capacities as trustees or
managers and not for their personal accounts. The Board of Directors of each
Fund reserves the right to broaden or limit the designation of Eligible
Purchasers.
Principal Aggressive Growth, Principal Asset Allocation, Principal
Balanced, Principal Bond, Principal Capital Accumulation, Principal Emerging
Growth, Principal Government Securities, Principal Growth, Principal Money
Market and Principal World Funds each serve as an underlying investment medium
for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies that are
funded in separate accounts established by Principal Mutual Life Insurance
Company. It is conceivable that in the future it may be disadvantageous for
variable life insurance separate accounts and variable annuity separate accounts
to invest in the Funds simultaneously. Although neither Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company nor the Funds currently foresee any such disadvantages either
to variable life insurance policy owners or to variable annuity contract owners,
each Fund's Board of Directors intends to monitor events in order to identify
any material conflicts between such policy owners and contract owners and to
determine what action, if any, should be taken in response thereto. Such action
could include the sale of Fund shares by one or more of the separate accounts,
which could have adverse consequences. Material conflicts could result from, for
example, (1) changes in state insurance laws, (2) changes in Federal income tax
law, (3) changes in the investment management of the Fund, or (4) differences in
voting instructions between those given by policy owners and those given by
contract owners.
Shares are purchased from Princor Financial Services Corporation, the
principal underwriter for the Funds. There are no sales charges on the Funds'
shares. There are no restrictions on amounts to be invested in the Funds'
shares.
Shareholder accounts for each Fund will be maintained under an open account
system. Under this system, an account is automatically opened and maintained for
each new investor. Each investment is confirmed by sending the investor a
statement of account showing the current purchase and the total number of shares
then owned. The statement of account is treated by each Fund as evidence of
ownership of Fund shares in lieu of stock certificates, and unless written
request is made to the Fund, stock certificates will not be issued or delivered
to investors. Certificates, which can be stolen or lost, are unnecessary except
for special purposes such as collateral for a loan. Fractional interests in the
Funds' shares are reflected to three decimal places in the statement of account,
but any stock certificates will be issued only for full shares owned.
If an offer to purchase shares is received by any of the Funds before the
close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the shares will be issued at
the offering price (net asset value of Fund shares) computed on that day. If an
offer is received after the close of trading or on a day which is not a trading
day, the shares will be issued at the offering price computed on the first
succeeding day on which a price is determined. Dividends on the Money Market
Fund shares will be paid on the next day following the effective date of a
purchase order.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
The following information is applicable to each of the Principal Funds.
Each Fund share is entitled to one vote either in person or by proxy at all
shareholder meetings for that Fund. This includes the right to vote on the
election of directors, selection of independent accountants and other matters
submitted to meetings of shareholders. Each share has equal rights with every
other share as to dividends, earnings, voting, assets and redemption. Shares are
fully paid and non-assessable, and have no preemptive or conversion rights.
Shares may be issued as full or fractional shares, and each fractional share has
proportionately the same rights, including voting, as are provided for a full
share. Shareholders of each of these Funds may remove any director with or
without cause by the vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a
meeting of shareholders.
The bylaws of each Fund provide that the Board of Directors of the Fund may
increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares which the Fund has authority
to issue without a shareholder vote.
The bylaws of each Fund also provide that the Fund need not hold an annual
meeting of shareholders in any year in which none of the following is required
to be acted on by shareholders under the Investment Company Act of 1940:
election of directors; approval of investment advisory agreement; ratification
of selection of independent public accountants; and approval of distribution
agreement. The Funds intend to hold shareholder meetings only when required by
law and at such other times as may be deemed appropriate by their respective
Boards of Directors.
Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the applicable Fund at The
Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392.
NON-CUMULATIVE VOTING: The Funds' shares have non-cumulative voting rights
which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the
election of directors of a Fund can elect 100% of the directors if they choose
to do so, and in such event, the holders of the remaining shares voting for the
election of directors will not be able to elect any directors.
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company votes each Fund's shares allocated
to each of its separate accounts registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940 and attributable to variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance
policies participating therein in accordance with instructions received from
contract or policy holders, participants and annuitants. Other shares of each
Fund held by each registered separate account, including those for which no
timely instructions are received, are voted in proportion to the instructions
that are received with respect to contracts or policies participating in that
separate account. Shares of each of the Funds held in the general account of
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or in its unregistered separate accounts
are voted in proportion to the instructions that are received with respect to
contracts and policies participating in its registered and unregistered separate
accounts. If Principal Mutual determines pursuant to applicable law that a
Fund's shares held in one or more separate accounts or in its general account
need not be voted pursuant to instructions received with respect to
participating contracts or policies, it then may vote those Fund shares in its
own right.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Except for the third paragraph below, most of the following discussion of
redemption procedures is relevant only to Eligible Purchasers other than
variable annuity and variable life separate accounts of Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Each Fund will redeem its shares upon request. There is no charge for
redemption. If no certificates have been issued, a shareholder simply writes a
letter to the appropriate Fund requesting redemption of any part or all of the
shares. The letter must be signed exactly as the account is registered. If
certificates have been issued, they must be properly endorsed and forwarded with
the request. If payment is to be made to the registered shareholder or joint
shareholders, the Fund will not require a signature guarantee as a part of a
proper endorsement; otherwise the shareholder's signature must be guaranteed by
either a commercial bank, trust company, credit union, savings and loan
association, national securities exchange member, or by a brokerage firm. The
price at which the shares are redeemed will be the net asset value per share as
next computed after the request (with appropriate certificate, if any) is
received by the Fund in proper and complete form. The amount received for shares
upon redemption may be more or less than the cost of such shares depending upon
the net asset value at the time of redemption.
Redemption proceeds will be sent within three business days after receipt
of request for redemption in proper form. However, each Fund may suspend the
right of redemption during any period when (a) trading on the New York Stock
Exchange is restricted as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission
or such Exchange is closed for other than weekends and holidays; (b) an
emergency exists, as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, as a
result of which (i) disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not
reasonably practicable, or (ii) it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund
fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (c) the Commission by order
so permits for the protection of security holders of the Fund. A Fund will
redeem only those shares for which it has received good payment. To avoid the
inconvenience of such a delay, shares may be purchased with a certified check,
bank cashier's check or money order. During the period prior to the time a
redemption from the Money Market Fund is effective, dividends on such shares
will accrue and be payable and the shareholder will be entitled to exercise all
other rights of beneficial ownership.
Restricted Transfer: Shares of each of the Funds may be transferred to an
Eligible Purchaser. However, whenever any of the Funds is requested to transfer
shares to other than an Eligible Purchaser, the Fund has the right at its
election to purchase such shares at their net asset value next effective
following the time at which the request for transfer is presented; provided,
however, that the Fund must notify the transferee or transferees of such shares
in writing of its election to purchase such shares within seven (7) days
following the date of such request and settlement for such shares shall be made
within such seven-day period.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Custodian: Bank of New York, 48 Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, is
custodian of the portfolio securities and cash assets of each of the Funds
except the World Fund. The custodian for the World Fund is Chase Manhattan Bank,
Global Securities Services, Chase Metro Tech Center, Brooklyn, New York 11245.
The custodians perform no managerial or policymaking functions for the Funds.
Organization and Share Ownership: The Funds were incorporated in the state
of Maryland on the following dates: Aggressive Growth Fund - August 20, 1993;
Asset Allocation Fund - August 20, 1993; Balanced Fund - November 26, 1986; Bond
Fund - November 26, 1986; Capital Accumulation Fund - May 26, 1989 (effective
November 1, 1989 succeeded to the business of a predecessor Fund that had been
incorporated in Delaware on February 6, 1969); Emerging Growth Fund - February
20, 1987; Government Securities Fund - June 7, 1985; Growth Fund - August 20,
1993; Money Market Fund - June 10, 1982; and World Fund - August 20, 1993.
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company owns 100% of each Fund's outstanding
shares.
Capitalization: The authorized capital stock of each Fund consists of
100,000,000 shares of common stock (500,000,000 for Principal Money Market Fund,
Inc.), $.01 par value.
Financial Statements: Copies of the financial statements of each Fund will
be mailed to each shareholder of that Fund semi-annually. At the close of each
fiscal year, each Fund's financial statements will be audited by a firm of
independent auditors. The firm of Ernst & Young LLP has been appointed to audit
the financial statements of each Fund for their respective present fiscal years.
Registration Statement: This Prospectus omits some information contained in
the Statement of Additional Information (also known as Part B of the
Registration Statement) and Part C of the Registration Statements which the
Funds have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Funds'
Statement of Additional Information is hereby incorporated by reference into
this Prospectus. A copy of the Funds' Statement of Additional Information can be
obtained upon request, free of charge, by writing or telephoning the Fund. You
may obtain a copy of Part C of the Registration Statements filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., from the Commission upon
payment of the prescribed fees.
Principal Underwriter: Princor Financial Services Corporation, The
Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392-0200, is the principal
underwriter for each of the Principal Funds.
The Principal(R) Mutual Funds ("Principal Funds") described in this
Prospectus are a family of separately incorporated, diversified, open-end
management investment companies, commonly called mutual funds, which provide the
following range of investment objectives:
Growth-Oriented Funds
PRINCIPAL Balanced Fund, Inc. seeks to generate a total
return consisting of current income and capital appreciation while assuming
reasonable risks in furtherance of the investment objective.
PRINCIPAL Capital Accumulation Fund, Inc. seeks to achieve primarily long-term
capital appreciation and secondary growth of investment income through the
purchase primarily of common stocks, but the Fund may invest in other
securities.
PRINCIPAL Emerging Growth Fund, Inc. seeks to achieve capital appreciation by
investing primarily in securities of emerging and other growth-oriented
companies.
Income-Oriented Funds
PRINCIPAL Bond Fund, Inc. seeks to provide as high a level of income as is
consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment risk.
PRINCIPAL High Yield Fund, Inc. seeks high current income. Capital growth is a
secondary objective when consistent with the objective of high current income.
The Fund seeks to achieve its objective primarily through the purchase of high
yielding, lower or non-rated fixed income securities commonly referred to as
"junk bonds." Bonds of this type are considered to be speculative with regard to
payment of interest and return of principal. Purchasers should carefully assess
the risks associated with an investment in this fund.
Money Market Fund
PRINCIPAL Money Market Fund, Inc. seeks as high a level of income available from
short-term securities as is considered consistent with preservation of principal
and maintenance of liquidity by investing all of its assets in a portfolio of
money market instruments.
An investment in any of the funds is neither insured nor guaranteed by the
U.S. Government. There can be no assurance the Money Market Funds will be able
to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share.
This Prospectus concisely states information about the Principal Funds that
an investor ought to know before investing. It should be read and retained for
future reference.
Additional information about the Funds has been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including a document called Statement of Additional
Information, dated May 1, 1997. The Statement of Additional Information is
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. A copy of the Statement of
Additional Information can be obtained free of charge by writing or telephoning:
Principal Mutual Funds
A Member of
The Principal Financial Group
Des Moines, IA 50392
Telephone 1-800-247-4123
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The Date of this Prospectus is May 1, 1997.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Summary ............................................................... 3
Financial Highlights.................................................... 5
Investment Objectives, Policies and Restrictions........................ 10
Certain Investment Policies and Restrictions............................ 15
Manager and Sub-Advisor ............................................... 16
Duties Performed by the Manager and Sub-Advisor......................... 17
Managers' Comments...................................................... 17
Determination of Net Asset Value of Fund Shares......................... 18
Performance Calculation................................................. 21
Income Dividends, Distributions and Tax Status.......................... 21
Eligible Purchasers and Purchase of Shares.............................. 22
Shareholder Rights ..................................................... 23
Redemption of Shares.................................................... 24
Additional Information.................................................. 25
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of
an offer to buy, the securities of any of the Funds in any jurisdiction in which
such sale, offer to sell, or solicitation may not be lawfully made. No dealer,
salesperson, or other person has been authorized to give any information or to
make any representations, other than those contained in this Prospectus, in
connection with the offer contained in this Prospectus, and, if given or made,
such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Funds or the Funds' Manager.
SUMMARY
The following summarized information should be read in conjunction with the
detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
The Principal Funds are separately incorporated, open-end diversified
management investment companies.
Who may purchase shares of the Funds?
Shares of the Funds are available only to Eligible Purchasers which are
limited to: (a) separate accounts of Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or
of other insurance companies; (b) Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or any
subsidiary or affiliate thereof; (c) trustees or other managers of any qualified
profit sharing, incentive or bonus plan established by Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof for the employees of
such company, subsidiary or affiliate. The Board of Directors of each Fund
reserves the right to broaden or limit the designation of Eligible Purchasers.
What do the Funds offer investors?
Professional Investment Management: Experienced securities analysts provide
each Fund with professional investment management.
Diversification: Each Fund will diversify by investing in securities issued
by a number of issuers doing business in a variety of industries and/or located
in different geographical regions. Diversification reduces investment risk.
Economies of Scale: Pooling individual shareholder's investments in any of
the Funds creates administrative efficiencies.
Redeemability: Upon request each Fund will redeem its shares and promptly
pay the investor the current net asset value of the shares redeemed. See
"Redemption of Shares."
What are the Funds' investment objectives?
Growth-Oriented Funds
The investment objective of Principal Balanced Fund, Inc. (sometimes
referred to as the Balanced Fund) is to seek to generate a total return
consisting of current income and capital appreciation while assuming reasonable
risks in furtherance of this objective. The Fund intends to pursue a flexible
investment policy in seeking to achieve this investment objective.
The primary investment objective of Principal Capital Accumulation Fund,
Inc. (sometimes referred to as the Capital Accumulation Fund) is long-term
capital appreciation and its secondary investment objective is growth of
investment income. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives through
the purchase primarily of common stocks, but the Fund may invest in other
securities.
The investment objective of Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Inc. (sometimes
referred to as the Emerging Growth Fund) is to achieve capital appreciation by
investing primarily in securities of emerging and other growth-oriented
companies.
Income-Oriented Funds
The investment objective of Principal Bond Fund, Inc. (sometimes referred
to as the Bond Fund) is to provide as high a level of income as is consistent
with preservation of capital and prudent investment risk.
The primary investment objective of Principal High Yield Fund, Inc.
(sometimes referred to as the High Yield Fund) is to seek high current income.
Capital growth is a secondary objective when consistent with the objective of
high current income. The Fund will invest primarily in high yielding, lower or
non-rated fixed income securities.
Money Market Fund
The investment objective of Principal Money Market Fund, Inc. (sometimes
referred to as the Money Market Fund) is to seek as high a level of current
income available from short-term securities as is considered consistent with
preservation of principal and maintenance of liquidity by investing all of its
assets in a portfolio of money market instruments.
There can be no assurance that the investment objectives of any of the
Funds will be realized. See "Investment Objectives, Policies and Restrictions."
Who serves as Manager for the Funds?
Princor Management Corporation, a corporation organized in 1969 by
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, is the Manager for each of the Funds.
It is also the dividend disbursing and transfer agent for the Principal Funds.
In order to provide investment advisory services for the Balanced Fund, the
Manager has executed a sub-advisory agreement with Invista Capital Management,
Inc.
("Invista" or "Sub-Advisor"). See "Manager and Sub-Advisor."
What fees and expenses apply to ownership of shares of the Funds?
The following table depicts fees and expenses applicable to the purchase
and ownership of shares of each of the Funds.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(As a Percentage of Average Net Assets)
Management Other Total Operating
Fund Fee Expenses Expenses
Balanced Fund .60% .03% .63%
Bond Fund .50% .03% .53%
Capital Accumulation Fund .48% .01% .49%
Emerging Growth Fund .64% .02% .66%
High Yield Fund .60% .10% .70%
Money Market Fund .50% .06% .56%
EXAMPLE
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1)
5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
Period (in years)
_____________________________________________
Fund 1 3 5 10
Balanced Fund $6 $20 $35 $79
Bond Fund $5 $17 $30 $66
Capital Accumulation Fund $5 $16 $27 $62
Emerging Growth Fund $7 $21 $37 $82
High Yield Fund $7 $22 $39 $87
Money Market Fund $6 $18 $31 $70
This Example is based on the Annual Fund Operating expenses for each Fund
described above. Please remember that the Example should not be considered
a representation of past or future expenses and that actual expenses may be
greater or less than shown.
The purpose of the above table is to assist the investor in understanding
the various expenses that an investor in the Funds will bear directly or
indirectly. See "Duties Performed by the Manager."
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following financial highlights for the periods ended December 31, 1996
and prior thereto are derived from financial statements which have been audited
by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, whose report has been incorporated
by reference herein. The financial highlights should be read in conjunction with
the financial statements, related notes, and other financial information
incorporated by reference herein. Audited financial statements may be obtained
by shareholders, without charge, by telephoning 1-800-451-5447.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Income from
Investment Operations Less Distributions
___________________________________ ____________________________________________________
Net Realized
and
Net Asset Unrealized Total Dividends Excess
Value at Net Gain from from Net Distributions Distributions
Beginning Investment (Loss) on Investment Investment from from Total
of Period Income Investments Operations Income Capital Gains Capital Gains Distributions
Principal Balanced
Fund, Inc. (a)
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $13.97 $ .40 $ 1.41 $1.81 $(.40) $ (.94) $ -- $(1.34)
1995 11.95 .45 2.44 2.89 (.45) (.42) -- (.87)
1994 12.77 .37 (.64) (.27) (.37) (.18) -- (.55)
1993 12.58 .42 .95 1.37 (.42) (.76) -- (1.18)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 12.93 .23 .75 .98 (.47) (.86) -- (1.33)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 11.33 .47 1.61 2.08 (.48) -- -- (.48)
1991 10.79 .54 .59 1.13 (.57) (.02) -- (.59)
1990 11.89 .60 (.48) .12 (.63) (.59) -- (1.22)
1989 11.75 .62 .30 .92 (.55) (.23) -- (.78)
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 10.00 .27 1.51 1.78 (.03) -- -- (.03)
Principal Bond Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 11.73 .68 (.40) .28 (.68) -- -- (.68)
1995 10.12 .62 1.62 2.24 (.63) -- -- (.63)
1994 11.16 .72 (1.04) (.32) (.72) -- -- (.72)
1993 10.77 .88 .38 1.26 (.87) -- -- (.87)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 11.08 .45 .13 .58 (.89) -- -- (.89)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 10.64 .91 .46 1.37 (.93) -- -- (.93)
1991 10.72 .94 (.06) .88 (.96) -- -- (.96)
1990 10.92 .95 (.21) .74 (.94) -- -- (.94)
1989 10.68 1.15 .17 1.32 (.96) (.12) -- (1.08)
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 10.00 .32 .40 .72 (.04) -- -- (.04)
Principal Capital Accumulation
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 27.80 .57 5.82 6.39 (.58) (3.77) -- (4.35)
1995 23.44 .60 6.69 7.29 (.60) (2.33) -- (2.93)
1994 24.61 .62 (.49) .13 (.61) (.69) -- (1.30)
1993 25.19 .61 1.32 1.93 (.60) (1.91) -- (2.51)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 26.03 .31 1.84 2.15 (.64) (2.35) -- (2.99)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 23.35 .65 2.70 3.35 (.67) -- -- (.67)
1991 22.48 .74 1.22 1.96 (.79) (.30) -- (1.09)
1990 23.63 .79 .14 .93 (.81) (1.27) -- (2.08)
1989 23.23 .77 1.32 2.09 (.68) (1.01) -- (1.69)
1988 27.51 .60 (1.50) (.90) (.69) (2.69) -- (3.38)
1987 25.48 .40 4.46 4.86 (.50) (2.33) -- (2.83)
Principal Emerging Growth
Fund, Inc. (f)
Year Ended December 31,
1996 25.33 .22 5.07 5.29 (.22) (.66) -- (.88)
1995 19.97 .22 5.57 5.79 (.22) (.21) -- (.43)
1994 20.79 .14 .03 .17 (.14) (.85) -- (.99)
1993 18.91 .17 3.47 3.64 (.17) (1.59) -- (1.76)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 15.97 .10 3.09 3.19 (.21) (.04) -- (.25)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 13.93 .21 2.04 2.25 (.21) -- -- (.21)
1991 14.25 .20 .50 .70 (.23) (.79) -- (1.02)
1990 13.35 .24 .87 1.11 (.20) (.01) -- (.21)
1989 12.85 .16 1.35 1.51 (.11) (.90) -- (1.01)
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 10.00 .05 2.83 2.88 (.03) -- -- (.03)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratios/Supplemental Data
______________________________________________________
Ratio of Net
Net Asset Ratio of Investment
Value at Net Assets at Expenses to Income to Portfolio Average
End of Total End of Period Average Average Turnover Commission
Period Return (in thousands) Net Assets Net Assets Rate Rate
Principal Balanced
Fund, Inc. (a)
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $14.44 13.13% $ 93,158 .63% 3.45% 22.6% $.0417
1995 13.97 24.58% 45,403 .66% 4.12% 25.7% N/A
1994 11.95 (2.09)% 25,043 .69% 3.42% 31.5% N/A
1993 12.77 11.06% 21,399 .69% 3.30% 15.8% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 12.58 8.00%(c) 18,842 .73%(d) 3.71%(d) 38.4%(d) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 12.93 18.78% 17,344 .72% 3.80% 26.6% N/A
1991 11.33 11.36% 14,555 .73% 5.27% 27.1% N/A
1990 10.79 .87% 13,016 .74% 5.52% 33.1% N/A
1989 11.89 8.55% 12,751 .74% 5.55% 29.3% N/A
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 11.75 17.70%(c) 11,469 .80%(d) 4.96%(d) 41.7%(d) N/A
Principal Bond Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 11.33 2.36% 63,387 .53% 7.00% 1.7% N/A
1995 11.73 22.17% 35,878 .56% 7.28% 5.9% N/A
1994 10.12 (2.90)% 17,108 .58% 7.86% 18.2% N/A
1993 11.16 11.67% 14,387 .59% 7.57% 14.0% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 10.77 5.33%(c) 12,790 .62%(d) 8.10%(d) 6.7%(d) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 11.08 13.57% 12,024 .62% 8.47% 6.1% N/A
1991 10.64 8.94% 10,552 .63% 9.17% 2.7% N/A
1990 10.72 7.15% 9,658 .64% 9.09% 0.0% N/A
1989 10.92 13.51% 9,007 .64% 9.18% 12.2% N/A
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 10.68 6.06%(c) 17,598 .58%(d) 8.11%(d) 68.8%(d) N/A
Principal Capital Accumulation
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 29.84 23.50% 205,019 .49% 2.06% 48.5% .0426
1995 27.80 31.91% 135,640 .51% 2.25% 49.2% N/A
1994 23.44 .49% 120,572 .51% 2.36% 44.5% N/A
1993 24.61 7.79% 128,515 .51% 2.49% 25.8% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 25.19 8.81%(c) 105,355 .55%(d) 2.56%(d) 39.7%(d) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 26.03 14.53% 94,596 .54% 2.65% 34.8% N/A
1991 23.35 9.46% 76,537 .53% 3.53% 14.0% N/A
1990 22.48 3.94% 74,008 .56% 3.56% 30.2% N/A
1989 23.63 10.02% 68,132 .57% 3.53% 23.5% N/A
1988 23.23 (2.67)% 62,696 .60% 2.76% 26.7% N/A
1987 27.51 22.17% 57,478 .63% 1.99% 16.1% N/A
Principal Emerging Growth
Fund, Inc. (f)
Year Ended December 31,
1996 29.74 21.11% 137,161 .66% 1.07% 8.8% .0379
1995 25.33 29.01% 58,520 .70% 1.23% 13.1% N/A
1994 19.97 .78% 23,912 .74% 1.15% 12.0% N/A
1993 20.79 19.28% 12,188 .78% .89% 22.4% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(b) 18.91 20.12%(c) 9,693 .81%(d) 1.24%(d) 8.6%(d) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 15.97 16.19% 7,829 .82% 1.33% 10.1% N/A
1991 13.93 5.72% 6,579 .89% 1.70% 11.1% N/A
1990 14.25 8.32% 6,067 .88% 1.74% 17.9% N/A
1989 13.35 13.08% 5,509 .90% 1.31% 21.4% N/A
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 12.85 28.72%(c) 4,857 .94%(d) .64%(d) 4.6%(d) N/A
</TABLE>
Notes to financial highlights
(a) Effective May 1, 1994, the name of Principal Managed Fund, Inc. was changed
to Principal Balanced Fund, Inc.
(b) Effective July 1, 1992 the fund changed its fiscal year end from June 30 to
December 31.
(c) Total return amounts have not been annualized.
(d) Computed on an annualized basis.
(e) Period from December 18, 1987, date shares first offered to eligible
purchasers, through June 30, 1988. Net investment income aggregating $.01
per share for the period from the initial purchase of shares on December
10, 1987 through December 17, 1987 was recognized, all of which was
distributed to the Fund's sole stockholder, Principal Mutual Life Insurance
Company. This represented activity of the fund prior to the initial
offering of shares to eligible purchasers.
(f) Effective May 1, 1992, the name of Principal Aggressive Growth Fund, Inc.
was changed to Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Income from
Investment Operations Less Distributions
___________________________________ ____________________________________________________
Net Realized
and
Net Asset Unrealized Total Dividends Excess
Value at Net Gain from from Net Distributions Distributions
Beginning Investment (Loss) on Investment Investment from from Total
of Period Income Investments Operations Income Capital Gains Capital Gains Distributions
Principal High Yield
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $ 8.39 $ .80 $ .30 $1.10 $ (.77) $ -- $ -- $ (.77)
1995 7.91 .76 .51 1.27 (.77) (.02) -- (.79)
1994 8.62 .77 (.72) .05 (.76) -- -- (.76)
1993 8.38 .80 .23 1.03 (.79) -- -- (.79)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 8.93 .45 (.10) .35 (.90) -- -- (.90)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 8.28 .92 .66 1.58 (.93) -- -- (.93)
1991 8.96 .99 (.53) .46 (1.14) -- -- (1.14)
1990 10.37 1.21 (1.35) (.14) (1.22) (.05) -- (1.27)
1989 11.01 1.23 (.45) .78 (1.21) (.21) -- (1.42)
Period Ended June 30,
1988(d) 10.00 .67 .49 1.16 (.15) -- -- (.15)
Principal Money Market
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1.000 .049 -- .049 (.049) -- -- (.049)
1995 1.000 .054 -- .054 (.054) -- -- (.054)
1994 1.000 .037 -- .037 (.037) -- -- (.037)
1993 1.000 .027 -- .027 (.027) -- -- (.027)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 1.000 .016 -- .016 (.016) -- -- (.016)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 1.000 .046 -- .046 (.046) -- -- (.046)
1991 1.000 .070 -- .070 (.070) -- -- (.070)
1990 1.000 .077 -- .077 (.077) -- -- (.077)
1989 1.000 .083 -- .083 (.083) -- -- (.083)
1988 1.000 .064 -- .064 (.064) -- -- (.064)
1987 1.000 .057 -- .057 (.057) -- -- (.057)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratios/Supplemental Data
______________________________________________________
Ratio of Net
Net Asset Ratio of Investment
Value at Net Assets at Expenses to Income to Portfolio Average
End of Total End of Period Average Average Turnover Commission
Period Return (in thousands) Net Assets Net Assets Rate Rate
Principal High Yield
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $ 8.72 13.13% $13,740 .70% 9.21% 32.0% N/A
1995 8.39 16.08% 11,830 .73% 9.09% 35.1% N/A
1994 7.91 .62% 9,697 .73% 9.02% 30.6% N/A
1993 8.62 12.31% 9,576 .74% 8.80% 28.7% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 8.38 4.06%(b) 8,924 .77%(c) 10.33%(c) 20.6%(c) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 8.93 20.70% 8,556 .77% 11.00% 31.3% N/A
1991 8.28 6.35% 7,085 .82% 12.58% 6.4% N/A
1990 8.96 (1.46)% 6,643 .83% 13.07% 24.2% N/A
1989 10.37 7.88% 6,741 .95% 11.89% 27.8% N/A
Period Ended June 30,
1988(d) 11.01 11.25%(b) 6,703 .78%(c) 11.71%(c) 58.2%(c) N/A
Principal Money Market
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1.000 5.07% 46,244 .56% 5.00% N/A N/A
1995 1.000 5.59% 32,670 .58% 5.32% N/A N/A
1994 1.000 3.76% 29,372 .60% 3.81% N/A N/A
1993 1.000 2.69% 22,753 .60% 2.64% N/A N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 1.000 1.54%(b) 27,680 .59%(c) 3.10%(c) N/A N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 1.000 4.64% 25,194 .57% 4.54% N/A N/A
1991 1.000 7.20% 26,509 .56% 6.94% N/A N/A
1990 1.000 8.37% 26,588 .57% 8.05% N/A N/A
1989 1.000 8.59% 20,707 .61% 8.40% N/A N/A
1988 1.000 6.61% 14,571 .64% 6.39% N/A N/A
1987 1.000 5.78% 11,902 .65% 5.68% N/A N/A
</TABLE>
Notes to financial highlights
(a) Effective July 1, 1992 the fund changed its fiscal year end from June 30 to
December 31.
(b) Total return amounts have not been annualized.
(c) Computed on an annualized basis.
(d) Period from December 18, 1987, date shares first offered to eligible
purchasers, through June 30, 1988. Net investment income aggregating $.01
per share for the period from the initial purchase of shares on December 10,
1987 through December 17, 1987 was recognized, all of which was distributed
to the Fund's sole stockholder, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company.
This represented activity of the fund prior to the initial offering of
shares to eligible purchasers.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
The investment objectives and policies of each Fund are described below.
There can be no assurance that the objectives of the Funds will be realized.
GROWTH-ORIENTED FUNDS
The Principal Funds currently include two Funds which seek capital
appreciation through investments in equity securities (Principal Capital
Accumulation Fund and Principal Emerging Growth Fund) and one Fund which seeks a
total investment return including both capital appreciation and income through
investments in equity and debt securities (Principal Balanced Fund). These three
Funds are collectively referred to as the Growth-Oriented Funds.
The Growth-Oriented Funds may invest in the following equity securities:
common stocks; preferred stocks and debt securities that are convertible into
common stock, that carry rights or warrants to purchase common stock or that
carry rights to participate in earnings; rights or warrants to subscribe to or
purchase any of the foregoing securities; and American Depository Receipts based
on any of the foregoing securities. The Capital Accumulation and Emerging Growth
Funds will seek to be fully invested under normal conditions in equity
securities. When in the opinion of the Manager current market or economic
conditions warrant, a Growth-Oriented Fund may for temporary defensive purposes
place all or a portion of its assets in cash, on which the Fund would earn no
income, cash equivalents, bank certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances,
repurchase agreements, commercial paper, commercial paper master notes which are
floating rate debt instruments without a fixed maturity, United States
Government securities, and preferred stocks and debt securities, whether or not
convertible into or carrying rights for common stock. A Growth-Oriented Fund may
also maintain reasonable amounts in cash or short-term debt securities for daily
cash management purposes or pending selection of particular long-term
investments.
Principal Balanced Fund
The investment objective of Principal Balanced Fund is to generate a total
return consisting of current income and capital appreciation while assuming
reasonable risks in furtherance of the investment objective. The term
"reasonable risks" refers to investment decisions that in the Manager's judgment
do not present a greater than normal risk of loss in light of current or
anticipated future market and economic conditions, trends in yields and interest
rates, and fiscal and monetary policies.
In seeking to achieve the investment objective, the Fund invests primarily
in growth and income-oriented common stocks (including securities convertible
into common stocks), corporate bonds and debentures and short-term money market
instruments. The Fund may also invest in other equity securities, and in debt
securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government and its agencies
or instrumentalities. The Fund seeks to generate real (inflation plus) growth
during favorable investment periods and may emphasize income and capital
preservation strategies during uncertain investment periods. The Manager will
seek to minimize declines in the net asset value per share. However, there is no
guarantee that the Manager will be successful in achieving this goal.
The portions of the Fund's total assets invested in equity securities, debt
securities and short-term money market instruments are not fixed, although
ordinarily 40% to 70% of the Fund's portfolio will be invested in equity
securities with the balance of the portfolio invested in debt securities. The
investment mix will vary from time to time depending upon the judgment of the
Manager as to general market and economic conditions, trends in investment
yields and interest rates and changes in fiscal or monetary policies.
The Fund may invest in all types of common stocks and other equity
investments, without regard to any objective investment criteria such as size of
the issue or issuer, exchange listing or seasoning. The Fund may invest in both
exchange-listed and over-the-counter securities, in small or large companies,
and in well-established or unseasoned companies. Also, the Fund's investments in
corporate bonds and debentures and money market instruments are not restricted
by credit ratings or other objective investment criteria, except with respect to
bank certificates of deposit as set forth below. Some of the fixed income
securities in which the Fund may invest may be considered to include speculative
characteristics and the Fund may purchase such securities that are in default
but does not currently intend to invest more than 5% of its assets in securities
rated below BBB by Standard & Poor's or Baa by Moody's. See the discussion of
the Principal High Yield Fund for information concerning risks associated with
below-investment grade bonds. The Fund will not concentrate its investments in
any industry.
In selecting common stocks, the Manager seeks companies which the Manager
believes have predictable earnings increases and which, based on their future
growth prospects, may be currently undervalued in the market place. During
periods when the Manager determines that general economic conditions are
favorable, it will generally purchase common stocks with the objective of
long-term capital appreciation. From time to time, and in periods of economic
uncertainty, the Manager may purchase common stocks with the expectation of
price appreciation over a relatively short period of time.
To achieve its investment objective, the Fund may at times emphasize the
generation of interest income by investing in short, medium or long-term debt
securities. Investment in debt securities may also be made with a view to
realizing capital appreciation when the Manager believes that declining interest
rates may increase market values. The Fund may also purchase "deep discount
bonds," i.e., bonds which are selling at a substantial discount from their face
amount, with a view to realizing capital appreciation.
The short-term money market investments in which the Fund may invest
include the following: U.S. Treasury bills, bank certificates of deposit,
bankers' acceptances, repurchase agreements, commercial paper and commercial
paper master notes which are floating rate debt instruments without a fixed
maturity. The Fund will only invest in domestic bank certificates of deposit
issued by banks which are members of the Federal Reserve System that have total
deposits in excess of one billion dollars.
The United States government securities in which the Fund may invest
include U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations of certain agencies, such as
the Government National Mortgage Association, which are supported by the full
faith and credit of the United States, as well as obligations of certain other
Federal agencies or instrumentalities, such as the Federal National Mortgage
Association, Federal Land Banks and the Federal Farm Credit Administration,
which are backed only by the right of the issuer to borrow limited funds from
the U.S. Treasury, by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to
purchase such obligations or by the credit of the agency or instrumentality
itself.
Principal Capital Accumulation Fund
The primary objective of Principal Capital Accumulation Fund is long-term
capital appreciation. A secondary objective is growth of investment income.
The Fund will invest primarily in common stocks, but it may invest in other
securities. In making selections for the Fund's investment portfolio, the
Manager will use an approach described broadly as that of fundamental analysis,
which is discussed in the Statement of Additional Information. In pursuit of the
Fund's investment objectives, investments will be made in securities which as a
group appear to offer long-term prospects for capital and income growth.
Securities chosen for investment may include those of companies which the
Manager believes can reasonably be expected to share in the growth of the
nation's economy over the long term.
Principal Emerging Growth Fund
The objective of Principal Emerging Growth Fund is to achieve capital
appreciation. The strategy of this Fund is to invest primarily in the common
stocks and securities (both debt and preferred stock) convertible into common
stocks of emerging and other growth-oriented companies that, in the judgment of
the Manager, are responsive to changes within the marketplace and have the
fundamental characteristics to support growth. In pursuing its objective of
capital appreciation, the Emerging Growth Fund may invest, for any period of
time, in any industry, in any kind of growth-oriented company, whether new and
unseasoned or well known and established.
There can be, of course, no assurance that the Fund will attain its
objective. Investment in emerging and other growth-oriented companies may
involve greater risk than investment in other companies. The securities of
growth-oriented companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market
movements, and many of them may have limited product lines, markets, financial
resources or management. Because of these factors and of the length of time that
may be required for full development of the growth prospects of some of the
companies in which the Fund invests, the Fund believes that its shares are
suitable only for persons who are prepared to experience above-average
fluctuations in net asset value, to assume above-average investment risk in
search of above-average return, and to consider the Fund as a long-term
investment and not as a vehicle for seeking short-term profits. Moreover, since
the Fund will not be seeking current income, investors should not view a
purchase of Fund shares as a complete investment program.
INCOME-ORIENTED FUNDS
The Principal Funds currently include two Funds which seek a high level of
income through investments in fixed-income securities (Principal Bond Fund and
Principal High Yield Fund) collectively referred to as the "Income-Oriented
Funds." An investment in any of the Income-Oriented Funds involves market risks
associated with movements in interest rates. The market value of the Funds'
investments will fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates and other
factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the values of outstanding
long-term fixed-income securities generally rise. Conversely, during periods of
rising interest rates, the values of such securities generally decline. Changes
by recognized rating agencies in their ratings of any fixed-income security and
in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal may also
affect the value of these investments. Changes in the value of portfolio
securities will affect the Funds' net asset values but will not affect cash
income derived from the securities unless a change results from a failure of an
issuer to pay interest or principal when due. Each Fund's rating limitations
apply at the time of acquisition of a security, and any subsequent change in a
rating by a rating service will not require elimination of a security from the
Fund's portfolio. The Statement of Additional Information contains descriptions
of ratings of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and Standard and
Poor's Corporation ("S&P").
Principal Bond Fund
The investment objective of Principal Bond Fund is to provide as high a
level of income as is consistent with preservation of capital and prudent
investment risk.
In seeking to achieve the investment objective, the Fund will predominantly
invest in marketable fixed-income securities. Investments will be made generally
on a long-term basis, but the Fund may make short-term investments from time to
time as deemed prudent by the Manager. Longer maturities typically provide
better yields but will subject the Fund to a greater possibility of substantial
changes in the values of its portfolio securities as interest rates change.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its
assets, exclusive of cash items, in one or more of the following kinds of
securities: (i) corporate debt securities and taxable municipal obligations,
which at the time of purchase have an investment grade rating within the four
highest grades used by Standard & Poor's Corporation (AAA, AA, A or BBB) or by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Aaa, Aa, A or Baa) or which, if lower-rated or
nonrated, are comparable in quality in the opinion of the Fund's Manager; (ii)
similar Canadian corporate, Provincial and Federal Government securities payable
in U.S. funds; and (iii) securities issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The balance of the Fund's
assets may be invested in other fixed income securities, including domestic and
foreign corporate debt securities or preferred stocks, in common stocks that
provide returns that compare favorably with the yields on fixed income
investments, and in common stocks acquired upon conversion of debt securities or
preferred stocks or upon exercise of warrants acquired with debt securities or
otherwise and foreign government securities. The debt securities and preferred
stocks in which the Fund invests may be convertible or nonconvertible. The Fund
does not intend to purchase debt securities rated lower than Ba3 by Moody's or
BB - by S & P (bonds which are judged to have speculative elements; their future
cannot be considered as well-assured). See the discussion of the Principal High
Yield Fund for information concerning risks associated with below investment
grade bonds.
During the year ended December 31, 1996, the percentage of the Fund's
portfolio securities invested in the various ratings established by Moody's
based upon the weighted average ratings of the portfolio, was as follows:
Moody's Rating Portfolio Percentage
Aaa .18%
Aa .81%
A 24.05%
Baa 68.04%
Ba 6.92%
* The above percentages for A rated securities include .57% unrated
securities which have been determined by the Manager to be of comparable
quality.
Cash equivalents in which the Fund invests include corporate commercial
paper rated A-1+, A-1 or A-2 by Standard & Poor's or P-1 or P-2 by Moody's,
unrated commercial paper issued by corporations with outstanding debt securities
rated in the four highest grades by Standard & Poor's and Moody's and bank
certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances issued or guaranteed by
national or state banks and repurchase agreements considered by the Fund to have
investment quality. Under unusual market or economic conditions, the Fund may
for temporary defense purposes invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash
equivalents.
Principal High Yield Fund
Principal High Yield Fund's primary investment objective is high current
income. Capital growth is a secondary objective when consistent with the
objective of high current income. This Fund is designed for investors willing to
assume additional risk in return for above average income.
In seeking to attain the Fund's objective of high current income, the Fund
invests primarily in high yielding, lower or non-rated (high risk) fixed-income
securities, commonly known as "junk bonds," constituting a diversified portfolio
which the Fund Manager believes does not involve undue risk to income or
principal. Normally, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in debt
securities, convertible securities (both debt and preferred stock) or preferred
stocks that are consistent with its primary investment objective of high current
income. The Fund's remaining assets may be held in cash or cash equivalents, or
invested in common stocks and other equity securities when these types of
investments are consistent with the objective of high current income.
The Fund seeks to invest its assets in securities rated Ba1 or lower by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor's
Corporation ("S&P") or in unrated securities which the Fund's Manager believes
are of comparable quality. These securities are regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and to repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. The Fund
will not invest in securities rated Caa or lower by Moody's and CCC or lower by
S&P.
The rating services' descriptions of securities rating categories in which
the Fund may normally invest are as follows:
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Bond Ratings - Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba
are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as
well-assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be
very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times
over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class. B:
Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Moody's may apply numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its bond rating system. The modifier 1
indicates that the security ranks in the high end of its generic rating
category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and a modifier 3
indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.
Standard & Poor's Corporation Bond Ratings - BB, B, CCC, CC: Debt rated
"BB", "B", "CCC" and "CC" is regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative
with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with
the terms of the obligation. "BB" indicates the lowest degree of speculation and
"CC" the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely have some
quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "BB" may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
The higher-yielding, lower-rated securities in which the High Yield Fund
invests present special risks to investors. The market value of lower-rated
securities may be more volatile than that of higher-rated securities and
generally tends to reflect the market's perception of the creditworthiness of
the issuer and short-term market developments to a greater extent than more
highly rated securities, which reflect primarily fluctuations in general levels
of interest rates. Periods of economic uncertainty and change can be expected to
result in increased volatility in the market value of lower-rated securities.
Further, such securities may be subject to greater risks of loss of income and
principal, particularly in the event of adverse economic changes or increased
interest rates, because their issuers generally are not as financially secure or
as creditworthy as issuers of higher-rated securities. Additionally, to the
extent that there is not a national market system for secondary trading of
lower-rated securities, there may be a low volume of trading in such securities
which may make it more difficult to value or sell those securities than
higher-rated securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or
not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high
yield securities, especially in a thinly traded market.
Investors should recognize that the market for higher yielding, lower-rated
securities is a relatively recent development that has not been tested by an
economic recession. An economic downturn may severely disrupt the market for
such securities and cause financial stress to the issuers which may adversely
affect the value of the securities held by the High Yield Fund and the ability
of the issuers of the securities held by it to pay principal and interest. A
default by an issuer may result in the Fund incurring additional expenses to
seek recovery of the amounts due it.
Some of the securities in which the Fund invests contain call provisions.
If the issuer of such a security exercises a call provision in a declining
interest rate market, the Fund would have to replace the security with a
lower-yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Further,
a higher-yielding security's value will decrease in a rising interest rate
market, which will be reflected in the Fund's net asset value per share.
Congress recently enacted legislation requiring federally-insured savings
and loan associations to divest themselves of investments in high yield
securities. This legislation might increase the supply of securities available
for purchase in the secondary market and, potentially, lower the value of the
securities held by the Fund.
Investors should carefully consider their ability to assume the risks of
investing in lower-rated securities before making an investment in the High
Yield Fund and should be prepared to maintain their investment during periods of
adverse market conditions.
Investors should not rely on the Fund for their short-term financial needs.
The Fund seeks to minimize the risks of investing in lower-rated securities
through diversification, investment analysis and attention to current
developments in interest rates and economic conditions. Because the Fund invests
primarily in securities in the lower rating categories, the achievement of the
Fund's goals is more dependent on the Manager's ability than would be the case
if the Fund were investing in securities in the higher rating categories.
Although the Fund's Manager considers security ratings when making investment
decisions, it performs its own investment analysis and does not rely principally
on the ratings assigned by the rating services. There are risks in applying
credit ratings as a method for evaluating high yield securities. For example,
credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the
market value risk of high yield securities, and credit rating agencies may fail
to make timely changes in credit ratings to reflect subsequent events. The
Manager's analysis includes traditional security analysis considerations such as
the issuer's experience and managerial strength, changing financial condition,
borrowing requirements or debt maturity schedules, and its responsiveness to
changes in business conditions and interest rates. It also considers relative
values based on anticipated cash flow, interest or dividend coverage, asset
coverage and earnings prospects. In addition, the Manager analyzes general
business conditions and other factors such as anticipated changes in economic
activity and interest rates, the availability of new investment opportunities,
and the economic outlook for specific industries. The Manager continuously
monitors the issuers of portfolio securities to determine if the issuers will
have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest
payments and to assure the securities' liquidity so the Fund can meet redemption
requests. During the year ended December 31, 1996 the percentage of the Fund's
portfolio securities invested in the various ratings established by Moody's,
based upon the weighted average ratings of the portfolio, was as follows:
Moody's Rating Portfolio Percentage
Baa 2.63%
Ba 38.86%
B 56.47%
C 2.04%
The above percentages for B and Ba rated securities include 2.72% and
- -1.13%, respectively, unrated securities which have been determined by the
Manager to be of comparable quality.
There may be times when, in the Manager's judgment, unusual market or
economic conditions make pursuing the Fund's basic investment strategy
inconsistent with the best interests of its shareholders. At such times the
Manager may employ alternative strategies, primarily seeking to reduce
fluctuations in the value of the Fund's assets. In implementing these
"defensive" strategies, the Fund may temporarily invest in money-market
instruments of all types, higher-rated fixed-income securities or any other
fixed-income securities that the Fund considers consistent with such strategy.
The yield to maturity on these securities would generally be lower than the
yield to maturity on lower-rated fixed-income securities. It is impossible to
predict when, or for how long, such alternative strategies will be utilized.
The Fund's Manager buys and sells securities for the Fund principally in
response to its evaluation of an issuer's continuing ability to meet its
obligations, the availability of better investment opportunities, and its
assessment of changes in business conditions and interest rates. From time to
time, consistent with its investment objectives, the Fund may sell securities
that have appreciated in value because of declines in interest rates. It may
also trade securities for the purpose of seeking short-term profits. Securities
may be sold in anticipation of a market decline or bought in anticipation of a
market rise. They may also be traded for securities of comparable quality and
maturity to take advantage of perceived short-term disparities in market values
or yields.
MONEY MARKET FUND
The Principal Funds also include a Fund which invests primarily in
short-term securities, Principal Money Market Fund. Securities in which the
Money Market Fund will invest may not yield as high a level of current income as
securities of low quality and longer maturities which generally have less
liquidity, greater market risk and more fluctuation.
The Money Market Fund will limit its portfolio investments to United States
dollar denominated instruments that its board of directors determines present
minimal credit risks and which are at the time of acquisition "Eligible
Securities" as that term is defined in regulations issued under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Eligible Securities include:
(1) A security with the remaining maturity of 397 days or less that is
rated (or that has been issued by an issuer that is rated in respect to
a class of short-term debt obligations, or any security within that
class, that is comparable in priority and security with the security)
by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization in one of
the two highest rating categories for short-term debt obligations; or
(2) A security at the time of issuance was a long-term security that has a
remaining maturity of 397 calendar days or less, and whose issuer has
received from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization a
rating, with respect to a class of short-term debt obligations (or any
security within that class) that is now comparable in priority and
security with the security, in one of the two highest rating categories
for short-term debt obligations; or
(3) An unrated security that is of comparable quality to a security
meeting the requirements of (1) or (2) above, as determined by the
board of directors.
The Fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the following
securities:
(1) Securities which, when acquired by the Fund (either initially or upon
any subsequent rollover), are rated below the highest rating category
for short-term debt obligations;
(2) Securities which, at the time of issuance were long-term securities but
when acquired by the Fund have a remaining maturity of 397 calendar
days or less, if the issuer of such securities is rated, with respect
to a class of comparable short-term debt obligations, below the highest
rating category for short-term obligations;
(3) Securities which are unrated but are determined by the Fund's board of
directors to be of comparable quality to securities rated below the
highest rating category for short-term debt obligations. The Fund will
maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or
less.
The objective of Principal Money Market Fund is to seek as high a level of
current income available from short-term securities as is considered consistent
with preservation of principal and maintenance of liquidity by investing its
assets in a portfolio of money market instruments. These money market
instruments are U.S. Government Securities, U.S. Government Agency Securities,
Bank Obligations, Commercial Paper, Short-term Corporate Debt and Repurchase
Agreements, which are described briefly below and in more detail in the
Statement of Additional Information.
U.S. Government Securities are securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, including treasury bills, notes and bonds.
U.S. Government Agency Securities are obligations issued or guaranteed by
agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government whether supported by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury or only by the credit of a particular
agency or instrumentality.
Bank Obligations consist of certificates of deposit which are generally
negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for
a definite period of time and earning a specified return and bankers acceptances
which are time drafts drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower, usually in
connection with international commercial transactions.
Commercial Paper is short-term promissory notes issued by corporations
primarily to finance short-term credit needs.
Short-term Corporate Debt consists of notes, bonds or debentures which at
the time of purchase have one year or less remaining to maturity.
Repurchase Agreements are transactions under which securities are purchased
from a bank or securities dealer with an agreement by the seller to repurchase
the securities at the same price plus interest at a specified rate. Generally,
Repurchase Agreements are of short duration, usually less than a week but on
occasion for longer periods.
The Fund intends to hold its investments until maturity, but may on
occasion trade securities to take advantage of market variations. Also, revised
valuations of an issuer or redemptions may result in sales of portfolio
investments prior to maturity or at times when such sales might otherwise not be
desirable. The Fund's right to borrow to facilitate redemptions may reduce the
need for such sales. It is the Fund's policy to be as fully invested as
reasonably practical at all times to maximize current income.
Since portfolio assets will consist of short-term instruments, replacement
of portfolio securities will occur frequently. However, since the Fund expects
to usually transact purchases and sales of portfolio securities with issuers or
dealers on a net basis, it is not anticipated that the Fund will pay any
significant brokerage commissions. The Fund is free to dispose of portfolio
securities at any time, when changes in circumstances or conditions make such a
move desirable in light of the investment objective.
A shareholder's rate of return will vary with the general interest rate
levels applicable to the money market instruments in which the Fund invests. The
rate of return and the net asset value will be affected by such other factors as
sales of portfolio securities prior to maturity and the Fund's operating
expenses.
CERTAIN INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
Following is a discussion of certain investment practices that the Funds
may use in an effort to achieve their respective investment objectives.
Diversification
Each Fund is subject to the diversification requirements of Section 817(h)
of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") which must be met at the end of each
quarter of the year (or within 30 days thereafter). Regulations issued by the
Secretary of the Treasury have the effect of requiring each Fund to invest no
more than 55% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer, no more than
70% in the securities of any two issuers, no more than 80% in the securities of
any three issuers, and no more than 90% in the securities of any four issuers.
For this purpose, the United States Treasury and each U.S. Government agency and
instrumentality is considered to be a separate issuer. Thus, the Government
Securities Fund intends to invest in U.S. Treasury securities and in securities
issued by at least four U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities in the
amounts necessary to meet those diversification requirements at the end of each
quarter of the year (or within thirty days thereafter).
In the event any of the Funds do not meet the diversification requirements
of Section 817(h) of the Code, the contracts funded by shares of the Funds will
not be treated as annuities or life insurance for Federal income tax purposes
and the owners of the Funds will be subject to taxation on their share of the
dividends and distributions paid by the Funds.
Foreign Securities
Each of the following Principal Funds has adopted investment restrictions that
limit its investments in foreign securities to the indicated percentage of its
assets: Bond, Capital Accumulation and High Yield - 20%; Balanced Fund and
Emerging Growth - 10%. Debt securities issued in the United States pursuant to a
registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission are not
considered "foreign securities" for purposes of this investment limitation.
Investment in foreign securities presents certain risks including those
resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates, revaluation of
currencies, the imposition of foreign taxes, future political and economic
developments including war, expropriations, nationalization, the possible
imposition of currency exchange controls and other foreign governmental laws or
restrictions, reduced availability of public information concerning issuers, and
the fact that foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices and
requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic issuers. Moreover,
securities of many foreign issuers may be less liquid and their prices more
volatile than those of comparable domestic issuers. In addition, transactions in
foreign securities may be subject to higher costs, and the time for settlement
of transactions in foreign securities may be longer than the settlement period
for domestic issuers. A Fund's investment in foreign securities may also result
in higher custodial costs and the costs associated with currency conversions.
Repurchase Agreements
Each of the Funds, except the Capital Accumulation, may enter into
repurchase agreements with, and each of the Funds, except the Capital
Accumulation and Money Market Funds, may lend its portfolio securities to,
unaffiliated broker-dealers and other unaffiliated qualified financial
institutions. These transactions must be fully collateralized at all times, but
involve some credit risk to the Fund if the other party should default on its
obligations, and the Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering on the
collateral. See the Funds' Statement of Additional Information for further
information regarding the credit risks associated with repurchase agreements and
the standards adopted by each Fund's Board of Directors to deal with those
risks. None of the Funds intend either (i) to enter into repurchase agreements
that mature in more than seven days if any such investment, together with any
other illiquid securities held by the Fund, would amount to more than 10% of its
total assets or (ii) to loan securities in excess of 30% of its total assets.
Forward Commitments
From time to time, each of the Funds may enter into forward commitment
agreements which call for the Fund to purchase or sell a security on a future
date and at a price fixed at the time the Fund enters into the agreement. Each
of these Funds may also acquire rights to sell its investments to other parties,
either on demand or at specific intervals.
Warrants
Each of the Funds, except the Money Market Fund, may invest in warrants up
to 5% of its assets, of which not more than 2% may be invested in warrants that
are not listed on the New York or American Stock Exchange.
Borrowing
As a matter of fundamental policy, each Fund may borrow money only for
temporary or emergency purposes. The Balanced Fund, Bond Fund, Capital
Accumulation Fund, High Yield Fund and Money Market Fund may borrow only from
banks. Further, each may borrow only in an amount not exceeding 5% of its
assets, except the Capital Accumulation Fund which may borrow only in an amount
not exceeding the lesser of (i) 5% of the value of its assets less liabilities
other than such borrowings, or (ii) 10% of its assets taken at cost at the time
the borrowing is made, and the Money Market Fund which may borrow only in an
amount not exceeding the lesser of (i) 5% of the value of its assets, or (ii)
10% of the value of its net assets taken at cost at the time the borrowing is
made.
Options
The Balanced Fund, Bond Fund, Emerging Growth Fund and High Yield Fund may
purchase covered spread options, which would give the Fund the right to sell a
security that it owns at a fixed dollar spread or yield spread in relationship
to another security that the Fund does not own, but which is used as a
benchmark. These same Funds may also purchase and sell financial futures
contracts, options on financial futures contracts and options on securities and
securities indices, but will not invest more than 5% of their assets in the
purchase of options on securities, securities indices and financial futures
contracts or in initial margin and premiums on financial futures contracts and
options thereon. The Funds may write options on securities and securities
indices to generate additional revenue and for hedging purposes and may enter
into transactions in financial futures contracts and options on those contracts
for hedging purposes.
The Statement of Additional Information includes further information
concerning the Funds' investment policies and applicable investment
restrictions. Each Fund's investment objective and certain investment
restrictions designated as such in this Prospectus or the Statement of
Additional Information are fundamental policies that may not be changed without
shareholder approval. All other investment policies described in the Prospectus
and the Statement of Additional Information for a Fund are not fundamental and
may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Fund without shareholder
approval.
MANAGER AND SUB-ADVISOR
The Manager for the Funds is Princor Management Corporation (the
"Manager"), an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company, a mutual life insurance company organized in 1879 under the
laws of the State of Iowa. The address of the Manager is The Principal Financial
Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392. The Manager was organized on January 10, 1969,
and since that time has managed various mutual funds sponsored by Principal
Mutual Life Insurance Company. As of December 31, 1996, the Manager served as
investment advisor for 26 such funds with assets totaling approximately $4.0
billion.
The Manager has executed an agreement with Invista Capital Management, Inc.
("Invista") under which Invista has agreed to assume the obligations of the
Manager to provide investment advisory services for the Balanced Fund. The
Manager will reimburse Invista for the cost of providing these services.
Invista, an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Principal Mutual Life
Insurance company and an affiliate of the Manager, was founded in 1985 and
manages investments for institutional investors, including Principal Mutual
Life. Assets under management at December 31, 1996 were approximately $19.6
billion. Invista's address is 1500 Hub Tower, 699 Walnut, Des Moines, Iowa
50309.
The Manager or Invista has assigned certain individuals the primary
responsibility for the day-to-day management of each Fund's portfolio. The
persons primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund are
identified in the table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Primarily
Fund Responsible Since Person Primarily Responsible
- -------------------- ----------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Balanced April, 1993 Judith A. Vogel, CFA (BA degree, Central College). Vice President,
Invista Capital Management, Inc.
Bond November, 1996 Scott A. Bennett, CFA (MBA degree, University of Iowa) Assistant Director
Investment Securities, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company.
Capital Accumulation November, 1969 David L. White, CFA (BBA degree, University of Iowa). Executive Vice President,
(Fund's inception) Invista Capital Management, Inc.; Co-Manager since November, 1996: Catherine A.
Green, CFA, (MBA degree, Drake University). Vice President, Invista Capital
Management, Inc.
Emerging Growth December, 1987 Michael R. Hamilton, (BMBA degree, Bellarmine College). Vice President, Invista
(Fund's inception) Capital Management, Inc.
High Yield December, 1987 James K. Hovey, CFA (MBA degree University of Iowa). Director - Investment
(Fund's inception) Securities, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company.
</TABLE>
DUTIES PERFORMED BY THE MANAGER AND SUB-ADVISOR
Under Maryland law, the business and affairs of each of the Funds are
managed under the direction of its Board of Directors. The investment services
and certain other services referred to under the heading "Cost of Manager's
Services" in the Statement of Additional Information are furnished to the Funds
under the terms of a Management Agreement between each of the Funds and the
Manager, and for the Balanced Fund, a Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Manager
and Invista. The Manager, or Invista, advises the Funds on investment policies
and on the composition of the Funds' portfolios. In this connection, the
Manager, or Invista, furnishes to the Board of Directors of each Fund a
recommended investment program consistent with that Fund's investment objective
and policies. The Manager, or Invista, is authorized, within the scope of the
approved investment program, to determine which securities are to be bought or
sold, and in what amounts.
The compensation paid by each Fund to the Manager for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996 was, on an annual basis, equal to the following percentage of
average net assets:
Total
Manager's Annualized
Fund Fee Expenses
Balanced Fund .60% .63%
Bond Fund .50% .53%
Capital Accumulation Fund .48% .49%
Emerging Growth Fund .64% .66%
High Yield Fund .60% .70%
Money Market Fund .50% .56%
The Manager, or Invista, may purchase at its own expense statistical and
other information or services from outside sources, including Principal Mutual
Life Insurance Company. An Investment Service Agreement between each Fund, the
Manager and Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company provides that Principal
Mutual Life Insurance Company will furnish certain personnel, services and
facilities required by the Manager in connection with its performance of the
Management Agreements, and that the Manager will reimburse Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company for its costs incurred in this regard. The Investment Service
Agreements for the Capital Accumulation and Emerging Growth also include as a
party Invista Capital Management, Inc., an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, and also provide that the subsidiaries
of Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company will furnish the same items and be
reimbursed by the Manager for their costs incurred in this regard.
The Funds may from time to time execute transactions for portfolio
securities with, and pay related brokerage commissions to, Principal Financial
Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Distributor and
Manager for each of the Funds.
The Manager serves as investment advisor, dividend disbursing agent and,
directly and through an affiliate, as transfer agent for each of the Funds
sponsored by Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company.
MANAGERS' COMMENTS
Princor Management Corporation and Invista are staffed with investment
professionals who manage each individual fund. Comments by these individuals in
the following paragraphs summarize in capsule form the general strategy and
recent results of each fund over the past year. The accompanying charts display
results for the past 10 years or the life of the fund, whichever is shorter.
Average Annual Total Return figures provided for each fund in the graphs below
reflect all expenses of the fund and assume all distributions are reinvested at
net asset value. The figures do not reflect expenses of the variable life
insurance contracts or variable annuity contracts that purchase fund shares;
performance figures for the divisions of the contracts would be lower than
performance figures for the funds due to the additional contract expenses. Past
performance is not predictive of future performance. Returns and net asset
values fluctuate. Shares are redeemable at current net asset value, which may be
more or less than original cost.
The various indices included in the graphs below are unmanaged and do not
reflect any commissions or fees which would be incurred by an investor
purchasing the securities included in the index. Investors cannot invest
directly into these or any indices.
Growth-Oriented Funds
Principal Balanced Fund
(Judith A. Vogel)
This balanced portfolio combines stocks, bonds and cash in a relatively
conservative mix which seeks to provide both capital appreciation and income to
the shareholder without taking on undue risk. The asset allocation of the Fund
generally approximates 60% stocks and 40% bonds. In the year ended December 31,
1996 the stock market produced exceptional results. Aided by a healthy economy,
continued corporate profit growth, and a good dose of investor enthusiasm, the
S&P 500 Stock Index advanced nearly 23%. Conditions in the bond market were less
supportive over the year. Long-term interest rates rose 0.70% in 1996, with a
lot of volatility along the way, causing the bond returns to hover between zero
and 3% for the year. Demonstrating its balanced nature, the Fund produced a 13%
annual return, about midway between stock and bond market results and very near
the Lipper Balanced Fund Average. The bond portion of the Fund's portfolio is
comprised of U.S. Government notes and bonds with an emphasis on safety of
principal. The stock portion of the portfolio is concentrated in companies with
stable or growing earnings that are not terribly sensitive to economic activity.
After six years of economic expansion resulting in high rates of resource
utilization, corporate profit growth is likely to come down, causing a scarcity
of earnings growth. Companies that can continue to grow earnings will be
afforded premium valuations. There is no independent market index against which
to measure returns of balanced portfolios, however, we show the S&P 500 Stock
Index for your information.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
---------------------------------------------------
Since Inception
1 Year 5 Year Date 12/18/87
13.13% 11.57% 12.16%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the
Balanced Fund, S&P 500 and Lipper Balanced Fund Average
----------------------------------------------------------
Fund Lipper
Year Ended Total S&P 500 Mid Cap
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1988 11,637 11,661 11,229
1989 12,982 15,356 13,429
1990 12,147 14,877 13,355
1991 16,321 19,412 16,930
1992 18,410 20,891 18,122
1993 20,447 22,992 20,066
1994 20,019 23,294 19,561
1995 24,941 32,037 24,482
1996 28,215 39,388 27,851
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal Capital Accumulation Fund
(David L. White)
The strategy with this portfolio is to hold common stocks of companies
based on a valuation that is attractive when compared to the market. The
analytical staff looks at companies' current valuations compared to the market,
then at historical information to compare valuations to historical averages. The
focus is on the fundamentals of an industry and the company to determine the
current and future outlook as these potential investments. From there the
portfolio is constructed to provide a diversified set of investments.
The Fund outperformed the S&P 500 Index and Lipper Growth and Income Fund
Average for 1996. The strength of the market was in much fewer stocks than in
the past. The volatility between industries was much greater than the overall
results. The Fund benefited from several areas of exposure. Banks and health
care were the strongest areas for the Fund during the year. The focus has been
away from the more cyclical areas of the economy which also helped during the
year. As the economic cycle progresses, the market places more emphasis on
companies with consistent earnings growth, and we have tended to overweight
these areas of the market. As the market performance continues to narrow,
however, it becomes increasingly difficult to select the correct areas of
overperformance.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
----------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
23.50% 14.08% 13.08%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the
Capital Accumulation Fund, S&P 500 and Lipper Growth and Income Fund Average
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund S&P 500 Lipper
Year Ended Total Stock Growth & Income
December 31, Return Index Fund Average
10,000 10,000 10,000
1987 10,647 10,526 10,184
1988 12,183 12,274 11,814
1989 14,155 16,163 14,596
1990 12,759 15,659 13,946
1991 17,693 20,433 18,002
1992 19,377 21,990 19,618
1993 20,888 24,201 21,884
1994 20,990 24,519 21,678
1995 27,688 33,722 28,360
1996 34,193 41,460 34,253
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal Emerging Growth Fund
(Michael R. Hamilton)
The equity market was strong in 1996, but within the market there were two
different trends. Large-cap stocks performed much better than small-cap stocks.
The Emerging Growth Fund returned 19.13% compared with the Lipper Mid Cap
Average of 17.9%. The Fund and the Lipper Average trailed the S&P 500 Index
because of their emphasis on small cap stocks. While both trailed the S&P 500,
this was a good year for the fund.
The financial market continues to grapple with the paradox of strong
economic growth with no apparent inflation. Productivity will be key in 1997 if
inflation is to remain benign. The Fund's portfolio continues to be focused on
companies that should enhance productivity of both labor and capital. Several of
the technology, service and cyclical areas support this emphasis. The portfolio
is also overweighted in the financial sector as bank consolidation continues.
Continued profit growth will be important in 1997 as well. Companies with
more predictable and visible earnings growth are preferred. This continues to be
those that are low cost producers and have competitive barriers to entry.
Selectivity in all sectors will be crucial to outperformance.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year Since Inception Date 12/18/87
21.11% 16.64% 17.73%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment
in the Emerging Growth Fund, S&P 500 and
Lipper Mid Cap Fund Average
-----------------------------------------------------
Fund Lipper
Year Ended Total S&P 500 MID CAP
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1988 12,369 11,661 11,476
1989 15,070 15,356 14,586
1990 13,186 14,877 14,067
1991 20,240 19,412 21,275
1992 23,264 20,891 23,213
1993 27,750 22,992 26,625
1994 27,967 23,294 26,079
1995 36,080 32,037 34,469
1996 43,697 39,388 40,646
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Important Notes of the Growth-Oriented Funds:
Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index: an unmanaged index of 500 widely held common
stocks representing industrial, financial, utility and transportation companies
listed on the New York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange and the
Over-the-Counter market.
Lipper Balanced Fund Average: this average consists of mutual funds which
attempt to conserve principal by maintaining at all times a balanced portfolio
of both stocks and bonds. Typically, the stock/bond ratio ranges around 60%/40%.
The one year average currently contains 272 mutual funds.
Lipper Growth & Income Fund Average: this average consists of funds which
combine a growth of earnings orientation and an income requirement for level
and/or rising dividends. The one year average currently contains 522 funds.
Lipper Mid Cap Fund Average: This average consists of funds which by prospectus
or portfolio practice, limit their investments to companies with average market
capitalizations and/or revenues between $800 million and the average market
capitalization of the Wilshire 4500 Index (as captured by the Vanguard Index
Extended Market Fund). The one-year average currently contains 154 funds.
Income-Oriented Funds
Principal Bond Fund
(Scott A. Bennett)
The Principal Bond Fund's performance in 1996 lagged when compared to 1995.
1995 was a banner year, mainly because of dramatically declining interest rates.
During 1996 interest rates increased throughout most of the year based on fears
of increasing inflation. This hurt the Fund's relative performance as the
duration target of 7 years (actual duration at 12/31/96 was 6.98 years) is
longer than the average BBB rated bond fund and the BAA Lehman Corporate Index.
Relative performance was also negatively impacted by the lack of a significant
amount of less than investment grade bonds in the portfolio. High yield (less
than investment grade) debt performed extremely well during 1996, with many of
the top performing funds in the Lipper BAA universe having significant exposures
to this asset class.
Over the long-term, the Fund continues to outperform the average BBB fund.
This is attributed to remaining fully invested and not trying to guess interest
rates. The BBB corporate bond class continued to be an attractive asset class in
1996, outperforming all other taxable investment grade classes. Spreads
continued to narrow during the year with defaults low and a large amount of
funds chasing the available bonds.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year Since Inception Date 12/18/87
2.36% 8.20% 9.55%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Bond Fund, Lehman
Brothers BAA Corporate Index and Lipper Corporate Debt BBB Rated Fund Average
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Lehman Lipper
Year Ended Total BAA BBB
December 31, Return Index Avg
10,000 10,000 10,000
1988 10,991 11,129 10,900
1989 12,514 12,699 12,060
1990 13,167 13,595 12,751
1991 15,369 16,113 15,020
1992 16,810 17,512 16,258
1993 18,771 19,665 18,261
1994 18,227 18,707 17,447
1995 22,268 22,959 20,948
1996 22,794 23,882 21,616
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal High Yield Fund
(James K. Hovey)
While most bond investments had very low returns for 1996, high yield bonds
in general and the Principal High Yield Fund included had a good year. The
Fund's total return for 1996 was 13.13% which compares to 11.35% for the Lehman
Brothers High Yield Index and 13.67% for the Lipper High Current Yield Fund
Average. For comparison, 10 year U.S. Treasury bonds had a total return for 1996
of 0.04%. This low return was caused by increasing interest rates causing the
value of Treasury bonds to fall.
High yield bonds are somewhat insulated from interest rate movements due to
their characteristic of a large risk premium or spread that can offset general
interest rate movements for assets with less credit risk. In 1996, the risk
premium for high yield bonds declined enough to not only offset the risk free
interest rate increase, but also to allow price increases of many high yield
bonds. While the annual total return performance was similar to both Lipper and
Lehman, the Fund underperformed both during the first two quarters and
outperformed during the third and fourth quarters of the year. Our Fund has a B+
average credit rating and has approximately the same amount of BB exposure as B
exposure. This more closely resembles the Lehman index while high yield mutual
funds, as reflected by the Lipper average, typically have a riskier credit
profile than our Fund. This risk profile was an advantage to the Lipper average
over the first two quarters as risk premium tightening was more pronounced in
riskier bonds. Our Fund significantly outperformed in the fourth quarter due to
excellent performance by individual securities that were upgraded or for which
tender offers had been received at attractive levels. Our Fund also benefited
over the course of the year by not having any credit defaults. The return
performance of the Fund during 1996 is a good indicator of how high yield is a
worthwhile asset class that can enhance diversification. The decline of risk
premiums will make outperformance of other types of income oriented funds more
difficult going forward, but also makes our conservative risk position even more
appropriate.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year Since Inception Date 12/18/87
13.13% 11.20% 9.89%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the High Yield Fund,
Lehman Brothers High Yield Index and Lipper High Current Yield Fund Average
Fund Lehman Lipper
Year Ended Total High Yield Narrow
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1988 11,492 11,524 11,298
1989 11,735 11,620 11,239
1990 10,831 10,506 10,059
1991 13,788 15,346 13,876
1992 15,798 17,764 16,352
1993 17,743 20,803 19,500
1994 17,854 20,593 18,753
1995 20,725 24,549 21,844
1996 23,446 27,335 24,830
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Important Notes of the Income-Oriented Funds:
Lehman Brothers, BAA Corporate Index: an unmanaged index of all publicly issued
fixed rate nonconvertible, dollar-denominated, SEC-registered corporate debt
rated Baa or BBB by Moody's or S&P.
Lipper Corporate Debt BBB Rated Funds Average: this average consists of mutual
funds investing at least 65% of their assets in corporate and government debt
issues rated by S&P or Moody's in the top four grades. The one year average
currently contains 102 mutual funds.
Lehman Brothers High Yield Index: an unmanaged index of all publicly issued
fixed, dollar-denominated, SEC-registered corporate debt rated Ba1 or lower with
at least $100 million outstanding and one-year or more to maturity.
Lipper High Current Yield Fund Average: this average consists of mutual funds
investing in high (relative) current yield fixed income securities with no
quality or maturity restrictions. The mutual funds tend to invest in lower grade
debt issues. The one year average currently contains 148 mutual funds.
Note: Mutual fund data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE OF FUND SHARES
The net asset value of each Fund's shares is determined daily, Monday
through Friday, as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange,
except on days on which changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities
will not materially affect the current net asset value of the Fund's redeemable
securities, on days during which a Fund receives no order for the purchase or
sale of its redeemable securities and no tender of such a security for
redemption, and on customary national business holidays. The net asset value per
share of each Fund is determined by dividing the value of the Fund's securities
plus all other assets, less all liabilities, by the number of Fund shares
outstanding.
Growth-Oriented and Income-Oriented Funds
The following valuation information applies to the Growth-Oriented and
Income-Oriented Funds. Securities for which market quotations are readily
available are valued using those quotations. Other securities are valued by
using market quotations, prices provided by market makers or estimates of market
values obtained from yield data and other factors relating to instruments or
securities with similar characteristics in accordance with procedures
established in good faith by the Board of Directors. Securities with remaining
maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost when it is determined
by the Board that amortized cost reflects fair value. Other assets are valued at
fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Fund.
As previously described, some of the Funds may purchase foreign securities
whose trading is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the
close of the New York Stock Exchange. The values of such securities used in
computing net asset value per share are usually determined as of such times.
Occasionally, events which affect the values of such securities and foreign
currency exchange rates may occur between the times at which they are generally
determined and the close of the New York Stock Exchange and would therefore not
be reflected in the computation of the Fund's net asset value. If events
materially affecting the value of such securities occur during such period, then
these securities will be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith
by the Manager under procedures established and regularly reviewed by the Board
of Directors. To the extent the Fund invests in foreign securities listed on
foreign exchanges which trade on days on which the Fund does not determine its
net asset value, for example Saturdays and other customary national U.S.
Holidays, the Fund's net asset value could be significantly affected on days
when shareholders have no access to the Fund.
Money Market Fund
The Money Market Fund values its securities at amortized cost. For a
description of this calculation procedure see the Funds' Statement of Additional
Information.
PERFORMANCE CALCULATION
From time to time, the Funds may publish advertisements containing
information (including graphs, charts, tables and examples) about the
performance of one or more of the Funds. The Funds' yield and total return
figures described below will vary depending upon market conditions, the
composition of the Funds' portfolios and operating expenses. These factors and
possible differences in the methods used in calculating yield and total return
should be considered when comparing the Funds' performance figures to
performance figures published for other investment vehicles. The Funds may also
quote rankings, yields or returns as published by independent statistical
services or publishers, and information regarding the performance of certain
market indices. Any performance data quoted for the Funds represents only
historical performance and is not intended to indicate future performance of the
Funds. The calculation of average annual total return and yield for the Funds
does not include fees and charges of the separate accounts that invest in the
Funds and, therefore, does not reflect the investment performance of those
separate accounts. For further information on how the Funds calculate yield and
total return figures, see the Statement of Additional Information.
Average Annual Total Return
Each Fund may advertise its respective average annual total return. Average
annual total return for each Fund is computed by calculating the average annual
compounded rate of return over the stated period that would equate an initial
$1,000 investment to the ending redeemable value assuming the reinvestment of
all dividends and capital gains distributions at net asset value. The same
assumptions are made when computing cumulative total return by dividing the
ending redeemable value by the initial investment. The Funds may also quote
rankings, yields or returns as published by independent statistical services or
publishers, and information regarding the performance of certain market indices.
Yield and Effective Yield
From time to time the Money Market Fund may advertise its respective yield
and effective yield. The yield of the Fund refers to the income generated by an
investment in the Fund over a seven-day period. This income is then annualized.
That is, the amount of income generated by the investment during that week is
assumed to be generated each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a
percentage of the investment. The effective yield is calculated similarly but,
when annualized, the income earned by an investment in the Fund is assumed to be
reinvested. The effective yield will be slightly higher than the yield because
of the compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment.
The yield for the Money Market Fund will fluctuate daily as the income
earned on the investments of the Fund fluctuates. Accordingly, there is no
assurance that the yield quoted on any given occasion will remain in effect for
any period of time. The Fund is an open-end investment company and there is no
guarantee that the net asset value or any stated rate of return will remain
constant. A shareholder's investment in the Fund is not insured. Investors
comparing results of the Fund with investment results and yields from other
sources such as banks or savings and loan associations should understand these
distinctions. Historical and comparative yield information may, from time to
time, be presented by the Fund.
INCOME DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX STATUS
It is the policy of each Fund to distribute substantially all net
investment income and net realized gains. Through such distributions, and by
satisfying certain other requirements, the Funds intend to qualify for the tax
treatment accorded to regulated investment companies under the applicable
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. This means that in each year in which a
Fund so qualifies it will be exempt from federal income tax upon the amounts so
distributed to investors.
Any dividends from the net investment income of the Funds (except the Money
Market Fund) will normally be payable to the shareholders annually, and any net
realized gains will be distributed annually. All dividends and capital gains
distributions are applied to purchase additional Fund shares at net asset value
as of the payment date without the imposition of any sales charge.
Each Fund will notify shareholders of the portion of each distribution
which constitutes investment income or capital gain. In view of the complexity
of tax considerations, it is advisable for Eligible Purchasers considering the
purchase of shares of the Funds to consult with tax advisors on the federal and
state tax aspects of their investments and redemptions.
Money Market Fund
The Money Market Fund declares dividends of all its daily net investment
income on each day the Fund's net asset value per share is determined. Dividends
are payable daily and are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares
of the Fund at the then current net asset value unless a shareholder requests
payment in cash.
Net investment income, for dividend purposes, consists of (1) accrued
interest income plus or minus accrued discount or amortized premium; plus or
minus (2) all net short-term realized gains and losses; minus (3) all accrued
expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the Fund are accrued each day. Net income will
be calculated immediately prior to the determination of net asset value per
share of the Fund.
Since the Fund's policy is, under normal circumstances, to hold portfolio
securities to maturity and to value portfolio securities at amortized cost, it
does not expect any capital gains or losses. If the Fund does experience gains,
however, it could result in an increase in dividends. Capital losses could
result in a decrease in dividends. If for some extraordinary reason the Fund
realizes net long-term capital gains, it will distribute them once every 12
months.
Since the net income of the Fund (including realized gains and losses on
the portfolio securities) is declared as a dividend each time the net income of
the Fund is determined, the net asset value per share of the Fund normally
remains at $1.00 immediately after each determination and dividend declaration.
Any increase in the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund,
representing reinvestment of dividend income, is reflected by an increase in the
number of shares of the Fund in the account.
Normally the Fund will have a positive net income at the time of each
determination thereof. Net income may be negative if an unexpected liability
must be accrued or a loss is realized. If the net income of the Fund determined
at any time is a negative amount, the net asset value per share will be reduced
below $1.00. If this happens, the Fund may endeavor to restore the net asset
value per share to $1.00 by reducing the number of outstanding shares by
redeeming proportionately from shareholders without the payment of any monetary
consideration, such number of full and fractional shares as is necessary to
maintain a net asset value per share of $1.00. Each shareholder will be deemed
to have agreed to such a redemption in these circumstances by investing in the
Fund. The Fund may seek to achieve the same objective of restoring the net asset
value per share to $1.00 by not declaring dividends from net income on
subsequent days until restoration, with the result that the net asset value per
share would increase to the extent of positive net income which is not declared
as a dividend, or any other method approved by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors may revise the above dividend policy, or postpone
the payment of dividends, if the Fund should have or anticipate any large
presently unexpected expense, loss or fluctuation in net assets which in the
opinion of the Board might have a significant adverse affect on shareholders.
ELIGIBLE PURCHASERS AND PURCHASE OF SHARES
Only Eligible Purchasers may purchase shares of the Funds. Eligible
Purchasers are limited to (a) separate accounts of Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company or of other insurance companies; (b) Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof; (c) trustees or other
managers of any qualified profit sharing, incentive or bonus plan established by
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof
for the employees of such company, subsidiary or affiliate. Such trustees or
managers may purchase Fund shares only in their capacities as trustees or
managers and not for their personal accounts. The Board of Directors of each
Fund reserves the right to broaden or limit the designation of Eligible
Purchasers.
Principal Balanced, Principal Bond, Principal Capital Accumulation Fund,
Principal Emerging Growth and Principal Money Market Fund each serve as an
underlying investment medium for variable annuity contracts and variable life
insurance policies that are funded in separate accounts established by Principal
Mutual Life Insurance Company. It is conceivable that in the future it may be
disadvantageous for variable life insurance separate accounts and variable
annuity separate accounts to invest in the Funds simultaneously. Although
neither Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company nor the Funds currently foresee
any such disadvantages either to variable life insurance policy owners or to
variable annuity contract owners, each Fund's Board of Directors intends to
monitor events in order to identify any material conflicts between such policy
owners and contract owners and to determine what action, if any, should be taken
in response thereto. Such action could include the sale of Fund shares by one or
more of the separate accounts, which could have adverse consequences. Material
conflicts could result from, for example, (1) changes in state insurance laws,
(2) changes in Federal income tax law, (3) changes in the investment management
of the Fund, or (4) differences in voting instructions between those given by
policy owners and those given by contract owners.
Shares are purchased from Princor Financial Services Corporation, the
principal underwriter for the Funds. There are no sales charges on the Funds'
shares. There are no restrictions on amounts to be invested in the Funds'
shares.
Shareholder accounts for each Fund will be maintained under an open account
system. Under this system, an account is automatically opened and maintained for
each new investor. Each investment is confirmed by sending the investor a
statement of account showing the current purchase and the total number of shares
then owned. The statement of account is treated by each Fund as evidence of
ownership of Fund shares in lieu of stock certificates, and unless written
request is made to the Fund, stock certificates will not be issued or delivered
to investors. Certificates, which can be stolen or lost, are unnecessary except
for special purposes such as collateral for a loan. Fractional interests in the
Funds' shares are reflected to three decimal places in the statement of account,
but any stock certificates will be issued only for full shares owned.
If an offer to purchase shares is received by any of the Funds before the
close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the shares will be issued at
the offering price (net asset value of Fund shares) computed on that day. If an
offer is received after the close of trading or on a day which is not a trading
day, the shares will be issued at the offering price computed on the first
succeeding day on which a price is determined. Dividends on the Money Market
Fund shares will be paid on the next day following the effective date of a
purchase order.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
The following information is applicable to each of the Principal Funds.
Each Fund share is entitled to one vote either in person or by proxy at all
shareholder meetings for that Fund. This includes the right to vote on the
election of directors, selection of independent accountants and other matters
submitted to meetings of shareholders. Each share has equal rights with every
other share as to dividends, earnings, voting, assets and redemption. Shares are
fully paid and non-assessable, and have no preemptive or conversion rights.
Shares may be issued as full or fractional shares, and each fractional share has
proportionately the same rights, including voting, as are provided for a full
share. Shareholders of each of these Funds may remove any director with or
without cause by the vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a
meeting of shareholders.
The bylaws of each Fund provide that the Board of Directors of the Fund may
increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares which the Fund has authority
to issue without a shareholder vote.
The bylaws of each Fund also provide that the Fund need not hold an annual
meeting of shareholders in any year in which none of the following is required
to be acted on by shareholders under the Investment Company Act of 1940:
election of directors; approval of investment advisory agreement; ratification
of selection of independent public accountants; and approval of distribution
agreement. The Funds intend to hold shareholder meetings only when required by
law and at such other times as may be deemed appropriate by their respective
Boards of Directors.
Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the applicable Fund at The
Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392.
NON-CUMULATIVE VOTING: The Funds' shares have non-cumulative voting rights
which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the
election of directors of a Fund can elect 100% of the directors if they choose
to do so, and in such event, the holders of the remaining shares voting for the
election of directors will not be able to elect any directors.
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company votes each Fund's shares allocated
to each of its separate accounts registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940 and attributable to variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance
policies participating therein in accordance with instructions received from
contract or policy holders, participants and annuitants. Other shares of each
Fund held by each registered separate account, including those for which no
timely instructions are received, are voted in proportion to the instructions
that are received with respect to contracts or policies participating in that
separate account. Shares of each of the Funds held in the general account of
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or in its unregistered separate accounts
are voted in proportion to the instructions that are received with respect to
contracts and policies participating in its registered and unregistered separate
accounts. If Principal Mutual determines pursuant to applicable law that a
Fund's shares held in one or more separate accounts or in its general account
need not be voted pursuant to instructions received with respect to
participating contracts or policies, it then may vote those Fund shares in its
own right.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Except for the third paragraph below, most of the following discussion of
redemption procedures is relevant only to Eligible Purchasers other than
variable annuity and variable life separate accounts of Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Each Fund will redeem its shares upon request. There is no charge for
redemption. If no certificates have been issued, a shareholder simply writes a
letter to the appropriate Fund requesting redemption of any part or all of the
shares. The letter must be signed exactly as the account is registered. If
certificates have been issued, they must be properly endorsed and forwarded with
the request. If payment is to be made to the registered shareholder or joint
shareholders, the Fund will not require a signature guarantee as a part of a
proper endorsement; otherwise the shareholder's signature must be guaranteed by
either a commercial bank, trust company, credit union, savings and loan
association, national securities exchange member, or by a brokerage firm. The
price at which the shares are redeemed will be the net asset value per share as
next computed after the request (with appropriate certificate, if any) is
received by the Fund in proper and complete form. The amount received for shares
upon redemption may be more or less than the cost of such shares depending upon
the net asset value at the time of redemption.
Redemption proceeds will be sent within three business days after receipt
of request for redemption in proper form. However, each Fund may suspend the
right of redemption during any period when (a) trading on the New York Stock
Exchange is restricted as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission
or such Exchange is closed for other than weekends and holidays; (b) an
emergency exists, as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, as a
result of which (i) disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not
reasonably practicable, or (ii) it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund
fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (c) the Commission by order
so permits for the protection of security holders of the Fund. A Fund will
redeem only those shares for which it has good payment. To avoid the
inconvenience of such a delay, shares may be purchased with a certified check,
bank cashier's check or money order. During the period prior to the time a
redemption from the Money Market Fund is effective, dividends on such shares
will accrue and be payable and the shareholder will be entitled to exercise all
other rights of beneficial ownership.
Restricted Transfer: Shares of each of the Funds may be transferred to an
Eligible Purchaser. However, whenever any of the Funds is requested to transfer
shares to other than an Eligible Purchaser, the Fund has the right at its
election to purchase such shares at their net asset value next effective
following the time at which the request for transfer is presented; provided,
however, that the Fund must notify the transferee or transferees of such shares
in writing of its election to purchase such shares within seven (7) days
following the date of such request and settlement for such shares shall be made
within such seven-day period.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Custodian: Bank of New York, 48 Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, is
custodian of the portfolio securities and cash assets of each of the Funds. The
custodian performs no managerial or policymaking functions for the Funds.
Organization and Share Ownership: The Funds were incorporated in the state
of Maryland on the following dates: Balanced Fund - November 26, 1986; Bond Fund
- - November 26, 1986; Capital Accumulation Fund - May 26, 1989 (effective
November 1, 1989 succeeded to the business of a predecessor Fund that had been
incorporated in Delaware on February 6, 1969); Emerging Growth Fund - February
20, 1987; High Yield Fund - December 2, 1986; and Money Market Fund - June 10,
1982. Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company owns 100% of each Fund's
outstanding shares.
Capitalization: The authorized capital stock of each Fund consists of
100,000,000 shares of common stock (500,000,000 for Principal Money Market Fund,
Inc.), $.01 par value.
Financial Statements: Copies of the financial statements of each Fund will
be mailed to each shareholder of that Fund semi-annually. At the close of each
fiscal year, each Fund's financial statements will be audited by a firm of
independent auditors. The firm of Ernst & Young LLP has been appointed to audit
the financial statements of each Fund for their respective present fiscal years.
Registration Statement: This Prospectus omits some information contained in
the Statement of Additional Information (also known as Part B of the
Registration Statement) and Part C of the Registration Statements which the
Funds have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Funds'
Statement of Additional Information is hereby incorporated by reference into
this Prospectus. A copy of the Funds' Statement of Additional Information can be
obtained upon request, free of charge, by writing or telephoning the Fund. You
may obtain a copy of Part C of the Registration Statements filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., from the Commission upon
payment of the prescribed fees.
Principal Underwriter: Princor Financial Services Corporation, The
Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392-0200, is the principal
underwriter for each of the Principal Funds.
The Principal(R) Mutual Funds ("Principal Funds") described in this
Prospectus are a family of separately incorporated, diversified, open-end
management investment companies, commonly called mutual funds, which provide the
following range of investment objectives:
Growth-Oriented Funds
PRINCIPAL Balanced Fund, Inc. seeks to generate a total return consisting of
current income and capital appreciation while assuming reasonable risks in
furtherance of the investment objective.
PRINCIPAL Capital Accumulation Fund, Inc. seeks to achieve primarily long-term
capital appreciation and secondary growth of investment income through the
purchase primarily of common stocks, but the Fund may invest in other
securities.
PRINCIPAL Emerging Growth Fund, Inc. seeks to achieve capital appreciation by
investing primarily in securities of emerging and other growth-oriented
companies.
PRINCIPAL Growth Fund, Inc. seeks growth of capital through the purchase
primarily of common stocks, but the Fund may invest in other securities.
PRINCIPAL World Fund, Inc. seeks long-term growth of capital by investing in a
portfolio of equity securities of companies domiciled in any of the nations of
the world.
Income-Oriented Funds
PRINCIPAL Bond Fund, Inc. seeks to provide as high a level of income as is
consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment risk.
PRINCIPAL Government Securities Fund, Inc. seeks a high level of current income,
liquidity and safety of principal. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective
through the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government or its agencies, with emphasis on Government National Mortgage
Association Certificates ("GNMA Certificates"). Fund shares are not guaranteed
by the United States Government.
Money Market Fund
PRINCIPAL Money Market Fund, Inc. seeks as high a level of income available from
short-term securities as is considered consistent with preservation of principal
and maintenance of liquidity by investing all of its assets in a portfolio of
money market instruments.
An investment in the Money Market fund is neither insured nor guaranteed by
the U.S. Government. There can be no assurance the Money Market Funds will be
able to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share.
This Prospectus concisely states information about the Principal Funds that
an investor ought to know before investing. It should be read and retained for
future reference.
Additional information about the Funds has been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including a document called Statement of Additional
Information, dated May 1, 1997. The Statement of Additional Information is
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. A copy of the Statement of
Additional Information can be obtained free of charge by writing or telephoning:
Principal Mutual Funds
The Principal Financial Group
Des Moines, IA 50392
Telephone 1-800-247-4123
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The Date of this Prospectus is May 1, 1997.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Summary .............................................................. 3
Financial Highlights................................................... 5
Investment Objectives, Policies and Restrictions....................... 10
Certain Investment Policies and Restrictions........................... 16
Manager and Sub-Advisor .............................................. 19
Duties Performed by the Manager and Sub-Advisor........................ 20
Managers' Comments..................................................... 21
Determination of Net Asset Value of Fund Shares........................ 25
Performance Calculation................................................ 26
Income Dividends, Distributions and Tax Status......................... 27
Eligible Purchasers and Purchase of Shares............................. 28
Shareholder Rights .................................................... 28
Redemption of Shares................................................... 29
Additional Information................................................. 30
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of
an offer to buy, the securities of any of the Funds in any jurisdiction in which
such sale, offer to sell, or solicitation may not be lawfully made. No dealer,
salesperson, or other person has been authorized to give any information or to
make any representations, other than those contained in this Prospectus, in
connection with the offer contained in this Prospectus, and, if given or made,
such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Funds or the Funds' Manager.
SUMMARY
The following summarized information should be read in conjunction with the
detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
The Principal Funds are separately incorporated, open-end diversified
management investment companies.
Who may purchase shares of the Funds?
Shares of the Funds are available only to Eligible Purchasers which are
limited to: (a) separate accounts of Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or
of other insurance companies; (b) Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or any
subsidiary or affiliate thereof; (c) trustees or other managers of any qualified
profit sharing, incentive or bonus plan established by Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof for the employees of
such company, subsidiary or affiliate. The Board of Directors of each Fund
reserves the right to broaden or limit the designation of Eligible Purchasers.
What do the Funds offer investors?
Professional Investment Management: Experienced securities analysts provide
each Fund with professional investment management.
Diversification: Each Fund will diversify by investing in securities issued
by a number of issuers doing business in a variety of industries and/or located
in different geographical regions. Diversification reduces investment risk.
Economies of Scale: Pooling individual shareholder's investments in any of
the Funds creates administrative efficiencies.
Redeemability: Upon request each Fund will redeem its shares and promptly
pay the investor the current net asset value of the shares redeemed. See
"Redemption of Shares."
What are the Funds' investment objectives?
Growth-Oriented Funds
The investment objective of Principal Balanced Fund, Inc. (sometimes
referred to as the Balanced Fund) is to seek to generate a total return
consisting of current income and capital appreciation while assuming reasonable
risks in furtherance of this objective.
The primary investment objective of Principal Capital Accumulation Fund,
Inc. (sometimes referred to as the Capital Accumulation Fund) is long-term
capital appreciation and its secondary investment objective is growth of
investment income. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives through
the purchase primarily of common stocks, but the Fund may invest in other
securities.
The investment objective of Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Inc. (sometimes
referred to as the Emerging Growth Fund) is to achieve capital appreciation by
investing primarily in securities of emerging and other growth-oriented
companies.
The investment objective of Principal Growth Fund, Inc. (sometimes referred
to as the Growth Fund) is growth of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve its
objective through the purchase primarily of common stocks, but the Fund may
invest in other securities.
The investment objective of Principal World Fund, Inc. (sometimes referred
to as the World Fund) is to seek long-term growth of capital by investing in a
portfolio of equity securities domiciled in any of the nations of the world.
Income-Oriented Funds
The investment objective of Principal Bond Fund, Inc. (sometimes referred
to as the Bond Fund) is to provide as high a level of income as is consistent
with preservation of capital and prudent investment risk.
The investment objective of Principal Government Securities Fund, Inc.
(sometimes referred to as the Government Securities Fund) is to seek a high
level of current income, liquidity and safety of principal. The Fund seeks to
achieve its objective through the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed
by the United States Government or its agencies, with emphasis on Government
National Mortgage Association Certificates ("GNMA Certificates"). Fund shares
are not guaranteed by the United States Government.
Money Market Fund
The investment objective of Principal Money Market Fund, Inc. (sometimes
referred to as the Money Market Fund) is to seek as high a level of current
income available from short-term securities as is considered consistent with
preservation of principal and maintenance of liquidity by investing all of its
assets in a portfolio of money market instruments.
There can be no assurance that the investment objectives of any of the
Funds will be realized. See "Investment Objectives, Policies and Restrictions."
Who serves as Manager for the Funds?
Princor Management Corporation, a corporation organized in 1969 by
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, is the Manager for each of the Funds.
It is also the dividend disbursing and transfer agent for the Principal Funds.
In order to provide investment advisory services for the Balanced, Growth and
World Funds the Manager has executed sub-advisory agreements with Invista
Capital Management, Inc. ("Invista" or "Sub-Advisor"). See "Manager and
Sub-Advisor."
What fees and expenses apply to ownership of shares of the Funds?
The following table depicts fees and expenses applicable to the purchase
and ownership of shares of each of the Funds.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(As a Percentage of Average Net Assets)
Management Other Total Operating
Fund Fee Expenses Expenses
Balanced Fund .60 .03 .63
Bond Fund .50 .03 .53
Capital Accumulation Fund .48 .01 .49
Emerging Growth Fund .64 .02 .66
Government Securities Fund .50 .02 .52
Growth Fund .50 .02 .52
Money Market Fund .50 .06 .56
World Fund .75 .15 .90
EXAMPLE
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1)
5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
Period (in years)
_____________________________________________
Fund 1 3 5 10
Balanced Fund $6 $20 $35 $79
Bond Fund $5 $17 $30 $66
Capital Accumulation Fund $5 $16 $27 $62
Emerging Growth Fund $7 $21 $37 $82
Government Securities Fund $5 $17 $29 $65
Growth Fund $5 $17 $29 $65
Money Market Fund $6 $18 $31 $70
World Fund $9 $29 $50 $111
This Example is based on the Annual Fund Operating expenses for each Fund
described above. Please remember that the Example should not be considered
a representation of past or future expenses and that actual expenses may be
greater or less than shown.
The purpose of the above table is to assist the investor in understanding
the various expenses that an investor in the Funds will bear directly or
indirectly. See "Duties Performed by the Manager and Sub-Advisor."
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following financial highlights for the periods ended December 31, 1996
and prior thereto are derived from financial statements which have been audited
by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, whose report has been incorporated
by reference herein. The financial highlights should be read in conjunction with
the financial statements, related notes, and other financial information
incorporated by reference herein. Audited financial statements may be obtained
by shareholders, without charge, by telephoning 1-800-451-5447.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Income from
Investment Operations Less Distributions
___________________________________ ____________________________________________________
Net Realized
and
Net Asset Unrealized Total Dividends Excess
Value at Net Gain from from Net Distributions Distributions
Beginning Investment (Loss) on Investment Investment from from Total
of Period Income Investments Operations Income Capital Gains Capital Gains Distributions
Principal Balanced
Fund, Inc.(a)
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $13.97 $ .40 $ 1.41 $1.81 $(.40) $(.94) $ -- $(1.34)
1995 11.95 .45 2.44 2.89 (.45) (.42) -- (.87)
1994 12.77 .37 (.64) (.27) (.37) (.18) -- (.55)
1993 12.58 .42 .95 1.37 (.42) (.76) -- (1.18)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(d) 12.93 .23 .75 .98 (.47) (.86) -- (1.33)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 11.33 .47 1.61 2.08 (.48) -- -- (.48)
1991 10.79 .54 .59 1.13 (.57) (.02) -- (.59)
1990 11.89 .60 (.48) .12 (.63) (.59) -- (1.22)
1989 11.75 .62 .30 .92 (.55) (.23) -- (.78)
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 10.00 .27 1.51 1.78 (.03) -- -- (.03)
Principal Bond Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 11.73 .68 (.40) .28 (.68) -- -- (.68)
1995 10.12 .62 1.62 2.24 (.63) -- -- (.63)
1994 11.16 .72 (1.04) (.32) (.72) -- -- (.72)
1993 10.77 .88 .38 1.26 (.87) -- -- (.87)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(d) 11.08 .45 .13 .58 (.89) -- -- (.89)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 10.64 .91 .46 1.37 (.93) -- -- (.93)
1991 10.72 .94 (.06) .88 (.96) -- -- (.96)
1990 10.92 .95 (.21) .74 (.94) -- -- (.94)
1989 10.68 1.15 .17 1.32 (.96) (.12) -- (1.08)
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 10.00 .32 .40 .72 (.04) -- -- (.04)
Principal Capital
Accumulation Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 27.80 .57 5.82 6.39 (.58) (3.77) -- (4.35)
1995 23.44 .60 6.69 7.29 (.60) (2.33) -- (2.93)
1994 24.61 .62 (.49) .13 (.61) (.69) -- (1.30)
1993 25.19 .61 1.32 1.93 (.60) (1.91) -- (2.51)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(d) 26.03 .31 1.84 2.15 (.64) (2.35) -- (2.99)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 23.35 .65 2.70 3.35 (.67) -- -- (.67)
1991 22.48 .74 1.22 1.96 (.79) (.30) -- (1.09)
1990 23.63 .79 .14 .93 (.81) (1.27) -- (2.08)
1989 23.23 .77 1.32 2.09 (.68) (1.01) -- (1.69)
1988 27.51 .60 (1.50) (.90) (.69) (2.69) -- (3.38)
1987 25.48 .40 4.46 4.86 (.50) (2.33) -- (2.83)
Principal Emerging Growth
Fund, Inc. (f)
Year Ended December 31,
1996 25.33 .22 5.07 5.29 (.22) (.66) -- (.88)
1995 19.97 .22 5.57 5.79 (.22) (.21) -- (.43)
1994 20.79 .14 .03 .17 (.14) (.85) -- (.99)
1993 18.91 .17 3.47 3.64 (.17) (1.59) -- (1.76)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(d) 15.97 .10 3.09 3.19 (.21) (.04) -- (.25)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 13.93 .21 2.04 2.25 (.21) -- -- (.21)
1991 14.25 .20 .50 .70 (.23) (.79) -- (1.02)
1990 13.35 .24 .87 1.11 (.20) (.01) -- (.21)
1989 12.85 .16 1.35 1.51 (.11) (.90) -- (1.01)
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 10.00 .05 2.83 2.88 (.03) -- -- (.03)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratios/Supplemental Data
______________________________________________________
Ratio of Net
Net Asset Ratio of Investment
Value at Net Assets at Expenses to Income to Portfolio Average
End of Total End of Period Average Average Turnover Commission
Period Return (in thousands) Net Assets Net Assets Rate Rate
Principal Balanced
Fund, Inc.(a)
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $14.44 13.13% $ 93,158 .63% 3.45% 22.6% $.0417
1995 13.97 24.58% 45,403 .66% 4.12% 25.7% N/A
1994 11.95 (2.09)% 25,043 .69% 3.42% 31.5% N/A
1993 12.77 11.06% 21,399 .69% 3.30% 15.8% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(d) 12.58 8.00%(b) 18,842 .73%(c) 3.71%(c) 38.4%(c) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 12.93 18.78% 17,344 .72% 3.80% 26.6% N/A
1991 11.33 11.36% 14,555 .73% 5.27% 27.1% N/A
1990 10.79 .87% 13,016 .74% 5.52% 33.1% N/A
1989 11.89 8.55% 12,751 .74% 5.55% 29.3% N/A
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 11.75 17.70%(b) 11,469 .80%(c) 4.96%(c) 41.7%(c) N/A
Principal Bond Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 11.33 2.36% 63,387 .53% 7.00% 1.7% N/A
1995 11.73 22.17% 35,878 .56% 7.28% 5.9% N/A
1994 10.12 (2.90)% 17,108 .58% 7.86% 18.2% N/A
1993 11.16 11.67% 14,387 .59% 7.57% 14.0% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(d) 10.77 5.33%(b) 12,790 .62%(c) 8.10%(c) 6.7%(c) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 11.08 13.57% 12,024 .62% 8.47% 6.1% N/A
1991 10.64 8.94% 10,552 .63% 9.17% 2.7% N/A
1990 10.72 7.15% 9,658 .64% 9.09% 0.0% N/A
1989 10.92 13.51% 9,007 .64% 9.18% 12.2% N/A
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 10.68 6.06%(b) 17,598 .58%(c) 8.11%(c) 68.8%(c) N/A
Principal Capital
Accumulation Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 29.84 23.50% 205,019 .49% 2.06% 48.5% .0426
1995 27.80 31.91% 135,640 .51% 2.25% 49.2% N/A
1994 23.44 .49% 120,572 .51% 2.36% 44.5% N/A
1993 24.61 7.79% 128,515 .51% 2.49% 25.8% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(d) 25.19 8.81%(b) 105,355 .55%(c) 2.56%(c) 39.7%(c) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 26.03 14.53% 94,596 .54% 2.65% 34.8% N/A
1991 23.35 9.46% 76,537 .53% 3.53% 14.0% N/A
1990 22.48 3.94% 74,008 .56% 3.56% 30.2% N/A
1989 23.63 10.02% 68,132 .57% 3.53% 23.5% N/A
1988 23.23 (2.67)% 62,696 .60% 2.76% 26.7% N/A
1987 27.51 22.17% 57,478 .63% 1.99% 16.1% N/A
Principal Emerging Growth
Fund, Inc. (f)
Year Ended December 31,
1996 29.74 21.11% 137,161 .66% 1.07% 8.8% .0379
1995 25.33 29.01% 58,520 .70% 1.23% 13.1% N/A
1994 19.97 .78% 23,912 .74% 1.15% 12.0% N/A
1993 20.79 19.28% 12,188 .78% .89% 22.4% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(d) 18.91 20.12%(b) 9,693 .81%(c) 1.24%(c) 8.6%(c) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 15.97 16.19% 7,829 .82% 1.33% 10.1% N/A
1991 13.93 5.72% 6,579 .89% 1.70% 11.1% N/A
1990 14.25 8.32% 6,067 .88% 1.74% 17.9% N/A
1989 13.35 13.08% 5,509 .90% 1.31% 21.4% N/A
Period Ended June 30,
1988(e) 12.85 28.72%(b) 4,857 .94%(c) .64%(c) 4.6%(c) N/A
</TABLE>
Notes to financial highlights
(a) Effective May 1, 1994, the name of Principal Managed Fund, Inc. was changed
to Principal Balanced Fund, Inc.
(b) Total return amounts have not been annualized.
(c) Computed on an annualized basis.
(d) Effective July 1, 1992 the fund changed its fiscal year end from June 30 to
December 31.
(e) Period from December 18, 1987, date shares first offered to eligible
purchasers, through June 30, 1988. Net investment income aggregating $.01
per share for the period from the initial purchase of shares on December
10, 1987 through December 17, 1987 was recognized, all of which was
distributed to the Fund's sole stockholder, Principal Mutual Life Insurance
Company. This represented activity of the fund prior to the initial
offering of shares to eligible purchasers.
(f) Effective May 1, 1992, the name of Principal Aggressive Growth Fund, Inc.
was changed to Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Income from
Investment Operations Less Distributions
___________________________________ ____________________________________________________
Net Realized
and
Net Asset Unrealized Total Dividends Excess
Value at Net Gain from from Net Distributions Distributions
Beginning Investment (Loss) on Investment Investment from from Total
of Period Income Investments Operations Income Capital Gains Capital Gains Distributions
Principal Government
Securities Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $10.55 $.59 $ (.24) $ .35 $(.59) $ -- $ -- $ (.59)
1995 9.38 .60 1.18 1.78 (.61) -- -- (.61)
1994 10.61 .76 (1.24) (.48) (.75) -- -- (.75)
1993 10.28 .71 .33 1.04 (.71) -- -- (.71)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 10.93 .40 .04 .44 (.78) -- (.31) (1.09)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 10.24 .80 .71 1.51 (.81) -- (.01) (.82)
1991 10.05 .80 .24 1.04 (.81) -- (.04) (.85)
1990 10.05 .78 -- .78 (.78) -- -- (.78)
1989 9.37 .80 .34 1.14 (.46) -- -- (.46)
1988 9.47 .78 (.09) .69 (.79) -- -- (.79)
Period Ended June 30,
1987(d) 10.00 .18 (.59) (.41) (.12) -- -- (.12)
Principal Growth Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 12.43 .16 1.39 1.55 (.16) (.03) -- (.19)
1995 10.10 .17 2.42 2.59 (.17) -- (.09) (.26)
Period Ended December 31,
1994(e) 9.60 .07 .51 .58 (.08) -- -- (.08)
Principal Money Market
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1.000 .049 -- .049 (.049) -- -- (.049)
1995 1.000 .054 -- .054 (.054) -- -- (.054)
1994 1.000 .037 -- .037 (.037) -- -- (.037)
1993 1.000 .027 -- .027 (.027) -- -- (.027)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 1.000 .016 -- .016 (.016) -- -- (.016)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 1.000 .046 -- .046 (.046) -- -- (.046)
1991 1.000 .070 -- .070 (.070) -- -- (.070)
1990 1.000 .077 -- .077 (.077) -- -- (.077)
1989 1.000 .083 -- .083 (.083) -- -- (.083)
1988 1.000 .064 -- .064 (.064) -- -- (.064)
1987 1.000 .057 -- .057 (.057) -- -- (.057)
Principal World Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 10.72 .22 2.46 2.68 (.22) (.16) -- (.38)
1995 9.56 .19 1.16 1.35 (.18) -- (.01) (.19)
Period Ended December 31,
1994(e) 9.94 .03 (.33) (.30) (.05) (.02) (.01) (.08)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratios/Supplemental Data
______________________________________________________
Ratio of Net
Net Asset Ratio of Investment
Value at Net Assets at Expenses to Income to Portfolio Average
End of Total End of Period Average Average Turnover Commission
Period Return (in thousands) Net Assets Net Assets Rate Rate
Principal Government
Securities Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $10.31 3.35% $85,100 .52% 6.46% 8.4% N/A
1995 10.55 19.07% 50,079 .55% 6.73% 9.8% N/A
1994 9.38 (4.53)% 36,121 .56% 7.05% 23.2% N/A
1993 10.61 10.07% 36,659 .55% 7.07% 20.4% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 10.28 4.10%(b) 31,760 .59%(c) 7.35%(c) 34.5%(c) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 10.93 15.34% 33,022 .58% 7.84% 38.9% N/A
1991 10.24 10.94% 26,021 .59% 8.31% 4.2% N/A
1990 10.05 8.16% 21,488 .61% 8.48% 18.7% N/A
1989 10.05 12.61% 15,890 .63% 8.68% 3.7% N/A
1988 9.37 7.69% 12,902 .66% 8.47% 2.7% N/A
Period Ended June 30,
1987(d) 9.47 (.94)%(b) 10,778 .64%(c) 8.50%(c) 0.2%(c) N/A
Principal Growth Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 13.79 12.51% 99,612 .52% 1.61% 2.0%$ .0401
1995 12.43 25.62% 42,708 .58% 2.08% 6.9% N/A
Period Ended December 31,
1994(e) 10.10 5.42%(b) 13,086 .75%(c) 2.39%(c) 0.9%(c) N/A
Principal Money Market
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1.000 5.07% 46,244 .56% 5.00% N/A N/A
1995 1.000 5.59% 32,670 .58% 5.32% N/A N/A
1994 1.000 3.76% 29,372 .60% 3.81% N/A N/A
1993 1.000 2.69% 22,753 .60% 2.64% N/A N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 1.000 1.54%(b) 27,680 .59%(c) 3.10%(c) N/A N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 1.000 4.64% 25,194 .57% 4.54% N/A N/A
1991 1.000 7.20% 26,509 .56% 6.94% N/A N/A
1990 1.000 8.37% 26,588 .57% 8.05% N/A N/A
1989 1.000 8.59% 20,707 .61% 8.40% N/A N/A
1988 1.000 6.61% 14,571 .64% 6.39% N/A N/A
1987 1.000 5.78% 11,902 .65% 5.68% N/A N/A
Principal World Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 13.02 25.09% 71,682 .90% 2.28% 12.5% .0120
1995 10.72 14.17% 30,566 .95% 2.26% 15.6% N/A
Period Ended December 31,
1994(e) 9.56 (3.37)%(b) 13,746 1.24%(c) 1.31%(c) 14.4%(c) N/A
</TABLE>
Notes to financial highlights
(a) Effective July 1, 1992 the fund changed its fiscal year end from June 30 to
December 31.
(b) Total return amounts have not been annualized.
(c) Computed on an annualized basis.
(d) Period from April 9, 1987, date shares first offered to the public, through
June 30, 1987. Net investment income, aggregating $.01 per share for the
period from the initial purchase of shares on October 31, 1987 through
December 17, 1987 was recognized, all of which was distributed to the
Fund's sole stockholder, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company. This
represented activity of the Fund prior to the initial offering of shares to
eligible purchasers.
(e) Period from May 1, 1994, date shares first offered to the public, through
December 31, 1994. Net investment income, aggregating $.01 per share for
Principal Growth Fund, Inc. and $.04 per share for Principal World Fund,
Inc. for the period from the initial purchase of shares on March 23, 1994
through April 30, 1994, was recognized, none of which was distributed to
the sole stockholder, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, during the
period. Additionally, Principal Growth Fund, Inc. and Principal World Fund,
Inc. incurred unrealized losses on investments of $.41 and $.10 per share,
respectively, during the initial interim period. This represented
activities of each fund prior to the initial public offering of fund
shares.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
The investment objectives and policies of each Fund are described below.
There can be no assurance that the objectives of the Funds will be realized.
GROWTH-ORIENTED FUNDS
The Principal Funds currently include four Funds which seek capital
appreciation through investments in equity securities (Principal Capital
Accumulation Fund, Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Principal Growth Fund and
Principal World Fund) and one Fund which seeks a total investment return
including both capital appreciation and income through investments in equity and
debt securities (Principal Balanced Fund). These five Funds are collectively
referred to as the Growth-Oriented Funds.
The Growth-Oriented Funds may invest in the following equity securities:
common stocks; preferred stocks and debt securities that are convertible into
common stock, that carry rights or warrants to purchase common stock or that
carry rights to participate in earnings; rights or warrants to subscribe to or
purchase any of the foregoing securities; and American Depositary Receipts based
on any of the foregoing securities. The Capital Accumulation, Emerging Growth,
Growth and World Funds will seek to be fully invested under normal conditions in
equity securities. When, in the opinion of the Manager or Sub-Advisor, current
market or economic conditions warrant, a Growth-Oriented Fund may for temporary
defensive purposes place all or a portion of its assets in cash, on which the
Fund would earn no income, cash equivalents, bank certificates of deposit,
bankers acceptances, repurchase agreements, commercial paper, commercial paper
master notes which are floating rate debt instruments without a fixed maturity,
United States Government securities, and preferred stocks and debt securities,
whether or not convertible into or carrying rights for common stock. A
Growth-Oriented Fund may also maintain reasonable amounts in cash or short-term
debt securities for daily cash management purposes or pending selection of
particular long-term investments.
Principal Balanced Fund
The investment objective of Principal Balanced Fund is to generate a total
return consisting of current income and capital appreciation while assuming
reasonable risks in furtherance of the investment objective. The term
"reasonable risks" refers to investment decisions that in the judgment of the
Sub-Advisor, Invista, do not present a greater than normal risk of loss in light
of current or anticipated future market and economic conditions, trends in
yields and interest rates, and fiscal and monetary policies.
In seeking to achieve the investment objective, the Fund invests primarily
in growth and income-oriented common stocks (including securities convertible
into common stocks), corporate bonds and debentures and short-term money market
instruments. The Fund may also invest in other equity securities, and in debt
securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government and its agencies
or instrumentalities. The Fund seeks to generate real (inflation plus) growth
during favorable investment periods and may emphasize income and capital
preservation strategies during uncertain investment periods. The Sub-Advisor
will seek to minimize declines in the net asset value per share. However, there
is no guarantee that the Sub-Advisor will be successful in achieving this goal.
The portions of the Fund's total assets invested in equity securities, debt
securities and short-term money market instruments are not fixed, although
ordinarily 40% to 70% of the Fund's portfolio will be invested in equity
securities with the balance of the portfolio invested in debt securities. The
investment mix will vary from time to time depending upon the judgment of the
Sub-Advisor as to general market and economic conditions, trends in investment
yields and interest rates and changes in fiscal or monetary policies.
The Fund may invest in all types of common stocks and other equity
investments, without regard to any objective investment criteria such as size of
the issue or issuer, exchange listing or seasoning. The Fund may invest in both
exchange-listed and over-the-counter securities, in small or large companies,
and in well-established or unseasoned companies. Also, the Fund's investments in
corporate bonds and debentures and money market instruments are not restricted
by credit ratings or other objective investment criteria, except with respect to
bank certificates of deposit as set forth below. Some of the fixed income
securities in which the Fund may invest may be considered to include speculative
characteristics and the Fund may purchase such securities that are in default
but does not currently intend to invest more than 5% of its assets in securities
rated below BBB by Standard & Poor's or Baa by Moody's. See "Below
Investment-Grade Bonds" for a discussion of the risks associated with these
securities. The rating services' descriptions of BBB or Baa securities are as
follows: Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Bond Ratings -- Baa: Bonds which are
rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they are neither
highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security
appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking
or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such
bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative
characteristics as well. Standard & Poor's Corporation Bond Ratings -- BBB: Debt
rated "BBB" is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category
than for debt in higher-rated categories. The Fund will not concentrate its
investments in any industry.
In selecting common stocks, the Sub-Advisor seeks companies which it
believes have predictable earnings increases and which, based on their future
growth prospects, may be currently undervalued in the market place. During
periods when the Sub-Advisor determines that general economic conditions are
favorable, it will generally purchase common stocks with the objective of
long-term capital appreciation. From time to time, and in periods of economic
uncertainty, the Sub-Advisor may purchase common stocks with the expectation of
price appreciation over a relatively short period of time.
To achieve its investment objective, the Fund may at times emphasize the
generation of interest income by investing in short, medium or long-term debt
securities. Investment in debt securities may also be made with a view to
realizing capital appreciation when the Manager believes that declining interest
rates may increase market values. The Fund may also purchase "deep discount
bonds," i.e., bonds which are selling at a substantial discount from their face
amount, with a view to realizing capital appreciation.
The short-term money market investments in which the Fund may invest
include the following: U.S. Treasury bills, bank certificates of deposit,
bankers' acceptances, repurchase agreements, commercial paper and commercial
paper master notes which are floating rate debt instruments without a fixed
maturity. The Fund will only invest in domestic bank certificates of deposit
issued by banks which are members of the Federal Reserve System that have total
deposits in excess of $1 billion.
The United States government securities in which the Fund may invest
include U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations of certain agencies, such as
the Government National Mortgage Association, which are supported by the full
faith and credit of the United States, as well as obligations of certain other
Federal agencies or instrumentalities, such as the Federal National Mortgage
Association, Federal Land Banks and the Federal Farm Credit Administration,
which are backed only by the right of the issuer to borrow limited funds from
the U.S. Treasury, by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to
purchase such obligations or by the credit of the agency or instrumentality
itself.
Principal Capital Accumulation Fund
The primary objective of Principal Capital Accumulation Fund is long-term
capital appreciation. A secondary objective is growth of investment income.
The Fund will invest primarily in common stocks, but it may invest in other
securities. In making selections for the Fund's investment portfolio, the
Manager will use an approach described broadly as that of fundamental analysis,
which is discussed in the Statement of Additional Information. In pursuit of the
Fund's investment objectives, investments will be made in securities which as a
group appear to offer long-term prospects for capital and income growth.
Securities chosen for investment may include those of companies which the
Manager believes can reasonably be expected to share in the growth of the
nation's economy over the long term.
Principal Emerging Growth Fund
The objective of Principal Emerging Growth Fund is to achieve capital
appreciation. The strategy of this Fund is to invest primarily in the common
stocks and securities (both debt and preferred stock) convertible into common
stocks of emerging and other growth-oriented companies that, in the judgment of
the Manager, are responsive to changes within the marketplace and have the
fundamental characteristics to support growth. In pursuing its objective of
capital appreciation, the Emerging Growth Fund may invest, for any period of
time, in any industry, in any kind of growth-oriented company, whether new and
unseasoned or well known and established.
There can be, of course, no assurance that the Fund will attain its
objective. Investment in emerging and other growth-oriented companies may
involve greater risk than investment in other companies. The securities of
growth-oriented companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market
movements, and many of them may have limited product lines, markets, financial
resources or management. Because of these factors and of the length of time that
may be required for full development of the growth prospects of some of the
companies in which the Fund invests, the Fund believes that its shares are
suitable only for persons who are prepared to experience above-average
fluctuations in net asset value, to assume above-average investment risk in
search of above-average return, and to consider the Fund as a long-term
investment and not as a vehicle for seeking short-term profits. Moreover, since
the Fund will not be seeking current income, investors should not view a
purchase of Fund shares as a complete investment program.
Principal Growth Fund
The objective of Principal Growth Fund is growth of capital. Realization of
current income will be incidental to the objective of growth of capital.
The Fund will invest primarily in common stocks, but it may invest in other
equity securities. In making selections for the Fund's investment portfolio, the
Sub-Advisor, Invista, will use an approach described broadly as that of
fundamental analysis, which is discussed in the Statement of Additional
Information. In pursuit of the Fund's investment objective, investments will be
made in securities which as a group appear to possess potential for appreciation
in market value. Common stocks chosen for investment may include those of
companies which have a record of sales and earnings growth that exceeds the
growth rate of corporate profits of the S&P 500 or which offer new products or
new services. The policy of investing in securities which have a high potential
for growth of capital can mean that the assets of the Fund may be subject to
greater risk than securities which do not have such potential.
Principal World Fund
The investment objective of Principal World Fund is to seek long-term
growth of capital through investment in a portfolio of equity securities of
companies domiciled in any of the nations of the world. In choosing investments
in equity securities of foreign and United States corporations, the Sub-Advisor,
Invista, intends to pay particular attention to long-term earnings prospects and
the relationship of then-current prices to such prospects. Short-term trading is
not generally intended, but occasional investments may be made for the purpose
of seeking short-term or medium-term gain. The Fund expects its investment
objective to be met over long periods which may include several market cycles.
For a description of certain investment risks associated with foreign
securities, see "Foreign Securities."
For temporary defensive purposes, the World Fund may invest in the same
kinds of securities as the other Growth-Oriented Funds whether issued by
domestic or foreign corporations, governments, or governmental agencies,
instrumentalities or political subdivisions and whether denominated in United
States dollars or some other currency.
The Fund intends that its investments normally will be allocated among
various countries. Although there is no limitation on the percentage of assets
that may be invested in any one country or denominated in any one currency, the
Fund intends under normal market conditions to have at least 65% of its assets
invested in securities issued by corporations of at least five countries, one of
which may be the United States. Investments may be made anywhere in the world,
but it is expected that primary consideration will be given to investing in the
securities issued by corporations of Western Europe, North America and
Australasia (Australia, Japan and Far East Asia) that have developed economies.
Changes in investments may be made as prospects change for particular countries,
industries or companies.
The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies but may
not invest more than 10% of its assets in securities of other investment
companies, invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one
investment company, or acquire more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities
of any one investment company except in connection with a merger, consolidation
or plan of reorganization. The Fund's Manager will waive its management fee on
the Fund's assets invested in securities of other open-end investment companies.
The Fund will generally invest only in those investment companies that have
investment policies requiring investment in securities comparable in quality to
those in which the Fund invests.
INCOME-ORIENTED FUNDS
The Principal Funds currently include two Funds which seek a high level of
income through investments in fixed-income securities (Principal Bond Fund and
Principal Government Securities Fund) collectively referred to as the
"Income-Oriented Funds." An investment in either of the Income-Oriented Funds
involves market risks associated with movements in interest rates. The market
value of the Funds' investments will fluctuate in response to changes in
interest rates and other factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the
values of outstanding long-term fixed-income securities generally rise.
Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the values of such
securities generally decline. Changes by recognized rating agencies in their
ratings of any fixed-income security and in the ability of an issuer to make
payments of interest and principal may also affect the value of these
investments. Changes in the value of portfolio securities will affect the Funds'
net asset values but will not affect cash income derived from the securities
unless a change results from a failure of an issuer to pay interest or principal
when due. Each Fund's rating limitations apply at the time of acquisition of a
security, and any subsequent change in a rating by a rating service will not
require elimination of a security from the Fund's portfolio. The Statement of
Additional Information contains descriptions of ratings of Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and Standard and Poor's Corporation ("S&P").
Principal Bond Fund
The investment objective of Principal Bond Fund is to provide as high a
level of income as is consistent with preservation of capital and prudent
investment risk.
In seeking to achieve the investment objective, the Fund will predominantly
invest in marketable fixed-income securities. Investments will be made generally
on a long-term basis, but the Fund may make short-term investments from time to
time as deemed prudent by the Manager. Longer maturities typically provide
better yields but will subject the Fund to a greater possibility of substantial
changes in the values of its portfolio securities as interest rates change.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its
assets, exclusive of cash items, in one or more of the following kinds of
securities: (i) corporate debt securities and taxable municipal obligations,
which at the time of purchase have an investment grade rating within the four
highest grades used by Standard & Poor's Corporation (AAA, AA, A or BBB) or by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Aaa, Aa, A or Baa) or which, if lower-rated or
nonrated, are comparable in quality in the opinion of the Fund's Manager; (ii)
similar Canadian corporate, Provincial and Federal Government securities payable
in U.S. funds; and (iii) securities issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The balance of the Fund's
assets may be invested in other fixed income securities, including domestic and
foreign corporate debt securities or preferred stocks, in common stocks that
provide returns that compare favorably with the yields on fixed income
investments, and in common stocks acquired upon conversion of debt securities or
preferred stocks or upon exercise of warrants acquired with debt securities or
otherwise and foreign government securities. The debt securities and preferred
stocks in which the Fund invests may be convertible or nonconvertible. The Fund
does not intend to purchase debt securities rated lower than Ba3 by Moody's or
BB - by S & P (bonds which are judged to have speculative elements; their future
cannot be considered as well-assured). See "Below Investment-Grade Bonds" for a
discussion of the risks associated with these securities. The rating services'
descriptions of BBB or Baa securities are as follows: Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. Bond Ratings -- Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium
grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well. Standard &
Poor's Corporation Bond Ratings -- BBB: Debt rated "BBB" is regarded as having
an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally
exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and
repay principal for debt in this category than for debt in higher-rated
categories.
During the year ended December 31, 1996, the percentage of the Fund's
portfolio securities invested in the various ratings established by Moody's
based upon the weighted average ratings of the portfolio, was as follows:
Moody's Rating Portfolio Percentage
Aaa .18%
Aa .81%
A 24.05%
Baa 68.04%
Ba 6.92%
The above percentages for A rated securities include .57%, unrated
securities which have been determined by the Manager to be of comparable
quality.
Cash equivalents in which the Fund invests include corporate commercial
paper rated A-1+, A-1 or A-2 by Standard & Poor's or P-1 or P-2 by Moody's,
unrated commercial paper issued by corporations with outstanding debt securities
rated in the four highest grades by Standard & Poor's and Moody's and bank
certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances issued or guaranteed by
national or state banks and repurchase agreements considered by the Fund to have
investment quality. Under unusual market or economic conditions, the Fund may
for temporary defense purposes invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash
equivalents.
Principal Government Securities Fund
The objective of Principal Government Securities Fund is a high level of
current income, liquidity and safety of principal.
The Fund will invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United
States Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities and in repurchase
agreements collateralized by such obligations. Such securities include
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") Certificates of the modified
pass-through type, Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") Obligations,
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") Certificates and Student Loan
Marketing Association ("SLMA") Certificates and other U.S. Government
Securities. GNMA is a wholly-owned corporate instrumentality of the United
States whose securities and guarantees are backed by the full faith and credit
of the United States. FNMA, a federally chartered and privately-owned
corporation, FHLMC, a federal corporation, and SLMA, a government sponsored
stockholder-owned organization, are instrumentalities of the United States. The
securities and guarantees of FNMA, FHLMC and SLMA are not backed, directly or
indirectly, by the full faith and credit of the United States. Although the
Secretary of the Treasury of the United States has discretionary authority to
lend FNMA up to $2.25 billion outstanding at any time, neither the United States
nor any agency thereof is obligated to finance FNMA's or FHLMC's operations or
to assist FNMA or FHLMC in any other manner. The Fund may maintain reasonable
amounts of cash or short-term debt securities for daily cash management purposes
or pending selection of particular long-term investments.
Depending on market conditions, up to 55% of the assets may be invested in
GNMA Certificates. GNMA is a United States Government corporation within the
Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA Certificates are
mortgage-backed securities representing an interest in a pool of mortgage loans.
Such loans are made by lenders such as mortgage bankers, insurance companies,
commercial banks and savings and loan associations. Then, they are either
insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or they are guaranteed by
the Veterans Administration (VA) or Farmers Home Administration (FmHA). The
lender or other prospective issuer creates a specific pool of such mortgages,
which it submits to GNMA for approval. After approval, a GNMA Certificate is
typically offered by the issuer to investors through securities dealers.
GNMA Certificates differ from bonds in that the principal is scheduled to
be paid back by the borrower on a monthly basis over the life of the loan rather
than returned in a lump sum at maturity. Modified pass-through GNMA
certificates, which are the only kind in which the Fund intends to invest,
entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the
mortgages in the pool (net of the issuer and GNMA fee of .5% prescribed by
regulation), regardless of whether or not the mortgagor has made such payment.
The timely payment of interest and principal is guaranteed by the full faith and
credit of the United States Government.
Although the payment of interest and principal is guaranteed, the guarantee
does not extend to the value of a GNMA Certificate or the value of the shares of
the Fund. The market value of a GNMA Certificate typically will fluctuate to
reflect changes in prevailing interest rates. It falls when rates increase (as
does the market value of other debt securities) and it rises when rates decline
(but it may not rise on a comparable basis with other debt securities because of
its prepayment feature), and, therefore, may be more or less than the face
amount of the GNMA Certificate, which reflects the aggregate principal amount of
the underlying mortgages. As a result, the net asset value of Fund shares will
fluctuate as interest rates change.
Mortgagors may pay off their mortgages at any time. Expected prepayments of
the mortgages can affect the market value of the GNMA Certificate, and actual
prepayments can affect the return ultimately received. Prepayments, like
scheduled payments of principal, are reinvested by the Fund at prevailing
interest rates which may be less than the rate on the GNMA Certificate.
Prepayments are likely to increase as the interest rate for new mortgages moves
lower than the rate on the GNMA Certificate. Moreover, if the GNMA Certificate
had been purchased at a premium above principal because its rate exceeded
prevailing rates, the premium is not guaranteed and a decline in value to par
may result in a loss of the premium especially in the event of prepayment.
To the extent deemed appropriate by the Fund's Manager, the Fund intends to
purchase GNMA Certificates directly from Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
and other issuers as well as from securities dealers. The Fund will purchase
directly from issuers only if it can obtain a price advantage by not paying the
commission or mark-up that would be required if the Certificates were purchased
from a securities dealer. The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued an
order under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that permits the Fund to purchase
GNMA Certificates directly from Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company subject
to certain conditions.
The FNMA and FHLMC securities in which the Fund invests are very similar to
GNMA certificates as described above but are not guaranteed by the full faith
and credit of the United States but rather by the agency itself. FNMA and FHLMC
securities are rated Aaa by Moody's and AAA by Standard & Poor's. These ratings
reflect the status of FNMA and FHLMC as federal agencies as well as the
important role each plays in financing purchases of homes in the U.S.
Student Loan Marketing Association is a government sponsored
stockholder-owned organization whose goal is to provide liquidity to financial
and educational institutions. SLMA provides liquidity by purchasing student
loans, which are principally government guaranteed loans issued under the
Federal Guaranteed Student Loan Program and the Health Education Assistance Loan
Program. SLMA securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government but are
obligations solely of the agency. SLMA senior debt issues in which the Fund
invests are rated AAA by Standard & Poor's and Aaa by Moody's.
There are other obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government (such as U.S. Treasury securities) or by its agencies or
instrumentalities that are either supported by the full faith and credit of the
U.S. Treasury or the credit of a particular agency or instrumentality. Included
in the latter category are Federal Home Loan Bank and Farm Credit Banks.
Obligations not guaranteed by the United States Government are highly rated
because they are issued by indirect branches of government. Such paper is issued
as needs arise by the agency and is traded regularly in denominations similar to
those in which government obligations are traded.
The Fund will not engage in the trading of securities for the purpose of
realizing short-term profits, but it will adjust its portfolio as considered
advisable in view of prevailing or anticipated market conditions and the Fund's
investment objective. Accordingly, the Fund may sell portfolio securities in
anticipation of a rise in interest rates and purchase securities for inclusion
in its portfolio in anticipation of a decline in interest rates.
As a hedge against changes in interest rates, the Fund may enter into
contracts with dealers in GNMA Certificates whereby the Fund agrees to purchase
or sell an agreed-upon principal amount of GNMA Certificates at a specified
price on a certain date. The Fund may enter into similar purchase agreements
with issuers of GNMA Certificates other than Principal Mutual Life Insurance
Company. The Fund may also purchase optional delivery standby commitments which
give the Fund the right to sell particular GNMA Certificates at a specified
price on a specified date. Failure of the other party to such a contract or
commitment to abide by the terms thereof could result in a loss to the Fund. To
the extent the Fund engages in delayed delivery transactions it will do so for
the purpose of acquiring portfolio securities consistent with its investment
objective and policies and not for the purpose of investment leverage or to
speculate on interest rate changes. Liability accrues to the Fund at the time it
becomes obligated to purchase such securities, although delivery and payment
occur at a later date. From the time the Fund becomes obligated to purchase
securities on a delayed delivery basis the Fund has all the rights and risks
attendant to the ownership of a security. At the time the Fund enters into a
binding obligation to purchase such securities, Fund assets of a dollar amount
sufficient to make payment for the securities to be purchased will be
segregated. The availability of liquid assets for this purpose and the effect of
asset segregation on the Fund's ability to meet its current obligations, to
honor requests for redemption and to have its investment portfolio managed
properly will limit the extent to which the Fund may engage in forward
commitment agreements. Except as may be imposed by these factors, there is no
limit on the percent of the Fund's total assets that may be committed to
transactions in such agreements.
MONEY MARKET FUND
The Principal Funds also include a Fund which invests primarily in
short-term securities, Principal Money Market Fund. Securities in which the
Money Market Fund will invest may not yield as high a level of current income as
securities of low quality and longer maturities which generally have less
liquidity, greater market risk and more fluctuation.
The Money Market Fund will limit its portfolio investments to United States
dollar denominated instruments that its board of directors determines present
minimal credit risks and which are at the time of acquisition "Eligible
Securities" as that term is defined in regulations issued under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Eligible Securities include:
(1) A security with the remaining maturity of 397 days or less that is
rated (or that has been issued by an issuer that is rated in respect to
a class of short-term debt obligations, or any security within that
class, that is comparable in priority and security with the security)
by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization in one of
the two highest rating categories for short-term debt obligations; or
(2) A security at the time of issuance was a long-term security that has a
remaining maturity of 397 calendar days or less, and whose issuer has
received from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization a
rating, with respect to a class of short-term debt obligations (or any
security within that class) that is now comparable in priority and
security with the security, in one of the two highest rating categories
for short-term debt obligations; or
(3) An unrated security that is of comparable quality to a security
meeting the requirements of (1) or (2) above, as determined by the
board of directors.
The Fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the following
securities:
(1) Securities which, when acquired by the Fund (either initially or upon
any subsequent rollover), are rated below the highest rating category
for short-term debt obligations;
(2) Securities which, at the time of issuance were long-term securities but
when acquired by the Fund have a remaining maturity of 397 calendar
days or less, if the issuer of such securities is rated, with respect
to a class of comparable short-term debt obligations, below the highest
rating category for short-term obligations;
(3) Securities which are unrated but are determined by the Fund's board of
directors to be of comparable quality to securities rated below the
highest rating category for short-term debt obligations. The Fund will
maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or
less.
The objective of Principal Money Market Fund is to seek as high a level of
current income available from short-term securities as is considered consistent
with preservation of principal and maintenance of liquidity by investing its
assets in a portfolio of money market instruments. These money market
instruments are U.S. Government Securities, U.S. Government Agency Securities,
Bank Obligations, Commercial Paper, Short-term Corporate Debt and Repurchase
Agreements, which are described briefly below and in more detail in the
Statement of Additional Information.
U.S. Government Securities are securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, including treasury bills, notes and bonds.
U.S. Government Agency Securities are obligations issued or guaranteed by
agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government whether supported by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury or only by the credit of a particular
agency or instrumentality.
Bank Obligations consist of certificates of deposit which are generally
negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for
a definite period of time and earning a specified return and bankers acceptances
which are time drafts drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower, usually in
connection with international commercial transactions.
Commercial Paper is short-term promissory notes issued by corporations
primarily to finance short-term credit needs.
Short-term Corporate Debt consists of notes, bonds or debentures which at
the time of purchase have one year or less remaining to maturity.
Repurchase Agreements are transactions under which securities are purchased
from a bank or securities dealer with an agreement by the seller to repurchase
the securities at the same price plus interest at a specified rate. Generally,
Repurchase Agreements are of short duration, usually less than a week but on
occasion for longer periods.
The Fund intends to hold its investments until maturity, but may on
occasion trade securities to take advantage of market variations. Also, revised
valuations of an issuer or redemptions may result in sales of portfolio
investments prior to maturity or at times when such sales might otherwise not be
desirable. The Fund's right to borrow to facilitate redemptions may reduce the
need for such sales. It is the Fund's policy to be as fully invested as
reasonably practical at all times to maximize current income.
Since portfolio assets will consist of short-term instruments, replacement
of portfolio securities will occur frequently. However, since the Fund expects
to usually transact purchases and sales of portfolio securities with issuers or
dealers on a net basis, it is not anticipated that the Fund will pay any
significant brokerage commissions. The Fund is free to dispose of portfolio
securities at any time, when changes in circumstances or conditions make such a
move desirable in light of the investment objective.
A shareholder's rate of return will vary with the general interest rate
levels applicable to the money market instruments in which the Fund invests. The
rate of return and the net asset value will be affected by such other factors as
sales of portfolio securities prior to maturity and the Fund's operating
expenses.
CERTAIN INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
Following is a discussion of certain investment practices that the Funds
may use in an effort to achieve their respective investment objectives.
Diversification
Each Fund is subject to the diversification requirements of Section 817(h)
of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") which must be met at the end of each
quarter of the year (or within 30 days thereafter). Regulations issued by the
Secretary of the Treasury have the effect of requiring each Fund to invest no
more than 55% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer, no more than
70% in the securities of any two issuers, no more than 80% in the securities of
any three issuers, and no more than 90% in the securities of any four issuers.
For this purpose, the United States Treasury and each U.S. Government agency and
instrumentality is considered to be a separate issuer. Thus, the Government
Securities Fund intends to invest in U.S. Treasury securities and in securities
issued by at least four U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities in the
amounts necessary to meet those diversification requirements at the end of each
quarter of the year (or within thirty days thereafter).
In the event any of the Funds do not meet the diversification requirements
of Section 817(h) of the Code, the contracts funded by shares of the Funds will
not be treated as annuities or life insurance for Federal income tax purposes
and the owners of the Funds will be subject to taxation on their share of the
dividends and distributions paid by the Funds.
Foreign Securities
Each of the following Principal Funds has adopted investment restrictions
that limit its investments in foreign securities to the indicated percentage of
its assets: World Fund - 100%; Bond and Capital Accumulation Funds - 20%;
Balanced, Emerging Growth and Growth Funds - 10%. Investment in foreign
securities presents certain risks including those resulting from fluctuations in
currency exchange rates, revaluation of currencies, the imposition of foreign
taxes, future political and economic developments including war, expropriations,
nationalization, the possible imposition of currency exchange controls and other
foreign governmental laws or restrictions, reduced availability of public
information concerning issuers, and the fact that foreign issuers are not
generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards or to other regulatory practices and requirements comparable to those
applicable to domestic issuers. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers may
be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable domestic
issuers. In addition, transactions in foreign securities may be subject to
higher costs, and the time for settlement of transactions in foreign securities
may be longer than the settlement period for domestic issuers. A Fund's
investment in foreign securities may also result in higher custodial costs and
the costs associated with currency conversions.
Currency Contracts
The World Fund may enter into forward currency contracts, currency futures
contracts and options thereon and options on currencies for hedging and other
non-speculative purposes. A forward currency contract involves a privately
negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date
at a price set at the time of the contract. The Fund will not enter into a
transaction to hedge currency exposure to an extent greater in effect than the
aggregate market value of the securities held or to be purchased by the Fund
that are denominated or generally quoted in or currently convertible into the
currency. When the Fund enters into a contract to buy or sell a foreign
currency, it generally will hold an amount of that currency, liquid securities
denominated in that currency or a forward contract for such securities equal to
the Fund's obligation, or it will segregate liquid high grade debt obligations
equal to the amount of the Fund's obligations. The use of currency contracts
involves many of the same risks as transactions in futures contracts and options
as well as the risk of government action through exchange controls or otherwise
that would restrict the ability of the Fund to deliver or receive currency.
Repurchase Agreements and Securities Loans
Each of the Funds, except the Capital Accumulation Fund, may enter into
repurchase agreements with, and each of the Funds, except the Capital
Accumulation and Money Market Funds, may lend its portfolio securities to,
unaffiliated broker-dealers and other unaffiliated qualified financial
institutions. These transactions must be fully collateralized at all times, but
involve some credit risk to the Fund if the other party should default on its
obligations, and the Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering on the
collateral. See the Funds' Statement of Additional Information for further
information regarding the credit risks associated with repurchase agreements and
the standards adopted by each Fund's Board of Directors to deal with those
risks. None of the Funds intend either (i) to enter into repurchase agreements
that mature in more than seven days if any such investment, together with any
other illiquid securities held by the Fund, would amount to more than 10% of its
total assets or (ii) to loan securities in excess of 30% of its total assets.
Forward Commitments
From time to time, each of the Funds may enter into forward commitment
agreements which call for the Fund to purchase or sell a security on a future
date and at a price fixed at the time the Fund enters into the agreement. Each
of the Funds may also acquire rights to sell its investments to other parties,
either on demand or at specific intervals.
Warrants
Each of the Funds, except the Money Market and Government Securities Funds,
may invest in warrants up to 5% of its assets, of which not more than 2% may be
invested in warrants that are not listed on the New York or American Stock
Exchange. For the World Fund, the 2% limitation also does not apply to warrants
listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange or the Chicago Board Options Exchange.
Borrowing
As a matter of fundamental policy, each Fund may borrow money only for
temporary or emergency purposes. The Balanced Fund, Bond Fund, Capital
Accumulation Fund and Money Market Fund may borrow only from banks. Further,
each may borrow only in an amount not exceeding 5% of its assets, except the
Capital Accumulation Fund which may borrow only in an amount not exceeding the
lesser of (i) 5% of the value of its assets less liabilities other than such
borrowings, or (ii) 10% of its assets taken at cost at the time the borrowing is
made, and the Money Market Fund which may borrow only in an amount not exceeding
the lesser of (i) 5% of the value of its assets, or (ii) 10% of the value of its
net assets taken at cost at the time the borrowing is made.
Options
The Balanced Fund, Bond Fund, Emerging Growth Fund, Government Securities
Fund, Growth Fund and World Fund may purchase covered spread options, which
would give the Fund the right to sell a security that it owns at a fixed dollar
spread or yield spread in relationship to another security that the Fund does
not own, but which is used as a benchmark. These same Funds may also purchase
and sell financial futures contracts, options on financial futures contracts and
options on securities and securities indices, but will not invest more than 5%
of their assets in the purchase of options on securities, securities indices and
financial futures contracts or in initial margin and premiums on financial
futures contracts and options thereon. The Funds may write options on securities
and securities indices to generate additional revenue and for hedging purposes
and may enter into transactions in financial futures contracts and options on
those contracts for hedging purposes.
Below Investment Grade Bonds
Below investment-grade bonds are securities rated Ba1 or lower by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor's
Corporation ("S&P") or unrated securities which the Fund's Manager or
Sub-Advisor believes are of comparable quality. These securities are regarded,
on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity
to pay interest and to repay principal in accordance with the terms of the
obligation. The Funds do not intend to invest in securities rated lower than Ba3
by Moody's or BB by S&P. The Bond Fund may not invest more than 35% of its
assets in below investment grade securities. The Balanced Fund does not intend
to invest more than 5% of its assets in such securities.
The rating services' descriptions of below investment grade securities
rating categories in which the Funds may normally invest are as follows:
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Bond Ratings - Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba
are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as
well-assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be
very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times
over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
Moody's may apply numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through Ba in its bond rating system. The modifier 1
indicates that the security ranks in the high end of its generic rating
category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and a modifier 3
indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.
Standard & Poor's Corporation Bond Ratings - BB: Debt rated "BB" is
regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to
pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.
"BB" indicates the lowest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely
have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The "BB" rating may be modified by the addition of a
plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
Below investment-grade securities present special risks to investors. The
market value of lower-rated securities may be more volatile than that of
higher-rated securities and generally tends to reflect the market's perception
of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term market developments to a
greater extent than more highly rated securities, which reflect primarily
fluctuations in general levels of interest rates. Periods of economic
uncertainty and change can be expected to result in increased volatility in the
market value of lower-rated securities. Further, such securities may be subject
to greater risks of loss of income and principal, particularly in the event of
adverse economic changes or increased interest rates, because their issuers
generally are not as financially secure or as creditworthy as issuers of
higher-rated securities. Additionally, to the extent that there is not a
national market system for secondary trading of lower-rated securities, there
may be a low volume of trading in such securities which may make it more
difficult to value or sell those securities than higher-rated securities.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental
analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield securities,
especially in a thinly traded market.
Investors should recognize that the market for below investment-grade
securities is a relatively recent development that has not been tested by an
economic recession. An economic downturn may severely disrupt the market for
such securities and cause financial stress to the issuers which may adversely
affect the value of the securities held by the Funds and the ability of the
issuers of the securities held by the Funds to pay principal and interest. A
default by an issuer may result in a Fund incurring additional expenses to seek
recovery of the amounts due it.
Some of the securities in which the Funds invest may contain call
provisions. If the issuer of such a security exercises a call provision in a
declining interest rate market, the Fund would have to replace the security with
a lower-yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors.
Further, a higher-yielding security's value will decrease in a rising interest
rate market, which will be reflected in the Fund's net asset value per share.
Congress recently enacted legislation requiring federally-insured savings
and loan associations to divest themselves of investments in high yield
securities. This legislation might increase the supply of securities available
for purchase in the secondary market and, potentially, lower the value of the
securities held by the Funds.
The Statement of Additional Information includes further information
concerning the Funds' investment policies and applicable investment
restrictions. Each Fund's investment objective and certain investment
restrictions designated as such in this Prospectus or the Statement of
Additional Information are fundamental policies that may not be changed without
shareholder approval. All other investment policies described in the Prospectus
and the Statement of Additional Information for a Fund are not fundamental and
may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Fund without shareholder
approval.
MANAGER AND SUB-ADVISOR
The Manager for the Funds is Princor Management Corporation (the
"Manager"), an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company, a mutual life insurance company organized in 1879 under the
laws of the State of Iowa. The address of the Manager is The Principal Financial
Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392. The Manager was organized on January 10, 1969,
and since that time has managed various mutual funds sponsored by Principal
Mutual Life Insurance Company. As of December 31, 1996, the Manager served as
investment advisor for 26 such funds with assets totaling approximately $4.0
billion.
The Manager has executed an agreement with Invista Capital Management, Inc.
("Invista") under which Invista has agreed to assume the obligations of the
Manager to provide investment advisory services for the Balanced Fund, Growth
Fund and World Fund. The Manager will reimburse Invista for the cost of
providing these services. Invista, an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of
Principal Mutual Life Insurance company and an affiliate of the Manager, was
founded in 1985 and manages investments for institutional investors, including
Principal Mutual Life. Assets under management at December 31, 1996 were
approximately $19.6 billion. Invista's address is 1500 Hub Tower, 699 Walnut,
Des Moines, Iowa 50309.
The Manager or Invista has assigned certain individuals the primary
responsibility for the day-to-day management of each Fund's portfolio. The
persons primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund are
identified in the table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Primarily
Fund Responsible Since Person Primarily Responsible
____________________ __________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________
<S> <C> <C>
Balanced April, 1993 Judith A. Vogel, CFA (BA degree, Central College). Vice President, Invista
Capital Management, Inc.
Bond November, 1996 Scott A. Bennett, CFA (MBA degree, University of Iowa) Assistant Director
Investment Securities, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company.
Capital Accumulation November, 1969 David L. White, CFA (BBA degree, University of Iowa). Executive Vice
(Fund's inception) President, Invista Capital Management, Inc.; Co-Manager since November,
1996: Catherine A. Green, CFA, (MBA degree, Drake University). Vice
President, Invista Capital Management, Inc.
Emerging Growth December, 1987 Michael R. Hamilton, (BMBA degree, Bellarmine College). Vice President,
and Growth (Fund's inception) Invista Capital Management, Inc.
and May, 1994 (Fund's
inception), respectively
Government Securities April, 1987 Martin J. Schafer (BBA degree, University of Iowa). Vice President, Invista
(Fund's inception) Capital Management, Inc.
World April, 1994 Scott D. Opsal, CFA (MBA degree, University of Minnesota). Executive Vice
President, Invista Capital Management, Inc.
</TABLE>
DUTIES PERFORMED BY THE MANAGER AND SUB-ADVISOR
Under Maryland law, the business and affairs of each of the Funds are
managed under the direction of its Board of Directors. The investment services
and certain other services referred to under the heading "Cost of Manager's
Services" in the Statement of Additional Information are furnished to the Funds
under the terms of a Management Agreement between each of the Funds and the
Manager and, for some of the Funds, a Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Manager
and Invista. The Manager or Invista, advises the Funds on investment policies
and on the composition of the Funds' portfolios. In this connection, the
Manager, or Invista, furnishes to the Board of Directors of each Fund a
recommended investment program consistent with that Fund's investment objective
and policies. The Manager, or Invista, is authorized, within the scope of the
approved investment program, to determine which securities are to be bought or
sold, and in what amounts.
The compensation paid by each Fund to the Manager for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996 was, on an annual basis, equal to the following percentage of
average net assets:
Total
Manager's Annualized
Fund Fee Expenses
- --------------------------- --------- ----------
Balanced Fund .60% .63%
Bond Fund .50% .53%
Capital Accumulation Fund .48% .49%
Emerging Growth Fund .64% .66%
Government Securities Fund .50% .52%
Growth Fund .50% .52%
Money Market Fund .50% .56%
World Fund .75% .90%
The compensation being paid by the World Fund for investment management
services is higher than that paid by most funds to their advisor, but it is not
higher than the fees paid by many funds with similar investment objectives and
policies.
The Manager and Sub-Advisor may purchase at their own expense statistical
and other information or services from outside sources, including Principal
Mutual Life Insurance Company. An Investment Service Agreement between the
Manager, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company and each Fund, provides that
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company will furnish certain personnel, services
and facilities required by the Manager in connection with its performance of the
Management Agreements, and that the Manager will reimburse Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company for its costs incurred in this regard. The Investment Service
Agreements for the Capital Accumulation, Emerging Growth and Government
Securities Funds also include as a party Invista Capital Management, Inc., an
indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company,
and also provide that the subsidiaries of Principal Mutual Life Insurance
Company will furnish the same items and be reimbursed by the Manager for their
costs incurred in this regard.
The Funds may from time to time execute transactions for portfolio
securities with, and pay related brokerage commissions to, Principal Financial
Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Distributor and
Manager for each of the Funds.
The Manager serves as investment advisor, dividend disbursing agent and,
directly and through an affiliate, as transfer agent for each of the Funds
sponsored by Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company.
MANAGERS' COMMENTS
Princor Management Corporation and Invista are staffed with investment
professionals who manage each individual fund. Comments by these individuals in
the following paragraphs summarize in capsule form the general strategy and
recent results of each fund over the past year. The accompanying charts display
results for the past 10 years or the life of the fund, whichever is shorter.
Average Annual Total Return figures provided for each fund in the graphs below
reflect all expenses of the fund and assume all distributions are reinvested at
net asset value. The figures do not reflect expenses of the variable life
insurance contracts or variable annuity contracts that purchase fund shares;
performance figures for the divisions of the contracts would be lower than
performance figures for the funds due to the additional contract expenses. Past
performance is not predictive of future performance. Returns and net asset
values fluctuate. Shares are redeemable at current net asset value, which may be
more or less than original cost.
The various indices included in the graphs below are unmanaged and do not
reflect any commissions or fees which would be incurred by an investor
purchasing the securities included in the index. Investors cannot invest
directly into these or any indices.
Growth-Oriented Funds
Principal Balanced Fund
(Judith A. Vogel)
This balanced portfolio combines stocks, bonds and cash in a relatively
conservative mix which seeks to provide both capital appreciation and income to
the shareholder without taking on undue risk. The asset allocation of the Fund
generally approximates 60% stocks and 40% bonds. In the year ended December 31,
1996 the stock market produced exceptional results. Aided by a healthy economy,
continued corporate profit growth, and a good dose of investor enthusiasm, the
S&P 500 Stock Index advanced nearly 23%. Conditions in the bond market were less
supportive over the year. Long-term interest rates rose 0.70% in 1996, with a
lot of volatility along the way, causing the bond returns to hover between zero
and 3% for the year. Demonstrating its balanced nature, the Fund produced a 13%
annual return, about midway between stock and bond market results and very near
the Lipper Balanced Fund Average. The bond portion of the Fund's portfolio is
comprised of U.S. Government notes and bonds with an emphasis on safety of
principal. The stock portion of the portfolio is concentrated in companies with
stable or growing earnings that are not terribly sensitive to economic activity.
After six years of economic expansion resulting in high rates of resource
utilization, corporate profit growth is likely to come down, causing a scarcity
of earnings growth. Companies that can continue to grow earnings will be
afforded premium valuations. There is no independent market index against which
to measure returns of balanced portfolios, however, we show the S&P 500 Stock
Index for your information.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
---------------------------------------------------
Since Inception
1 Year 5 Year Date 12/18/87
13.13% 11.57% 12.16%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the
Balanced Fund, S&P 500 and Lipper Balanced Fund Average
----------------------------------------------------------
Fund Lipper
Year Ended Total S&P 500 Mid Cap
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1988 11,637 11,661 11,229
1989 12,982 15,356 13,429
1990 12,147 14,877 13,355
1991 16,321 19,412 16,930
1992 18,410 20,891 18,122
1993 20,447 22,992 20,066
1994 20,019 23,294 19,561
1995 24,941 32,037 24,482
1996 28,215 39,388 27,851
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal Capital Accumulation Fund
(David L. White and Catherine A. Green)
The strategy with this portfolio is to hold common stocks of companies
based on a valuation that is attractive when compared to the market. The
analytical staff looks at companies' current valuations compared to the market,
then at historical information to compare valuations to historical averages. The
focus is on the fundamentals of an industry and the company to determine the
current and future outlook as these potential investments. From there the
portfolio is constructed to provide a diversified set of investments.
The Fund outperformed the S&P 500 Index and Lipper Growth and Income Fund
Average for 1996. The strength of the market was in much fewer stocks than in
the past. The volatility between industries was much greater than the overall
results. The Fund benefited from several areas of exposure. Banks and health
care were the strongest areas for the Fund during the year. The focus has been
away from the more cyclical areas of the economy which also helped during the
year. As the economic cycle progresses, the market places more emphasis on
companies with consistent earnings growth, and we have tended to overweight
these areas of the market. As the market performance continues to narrow,
however, it becomes increasingly difficult to select the correct areas of
overperformance.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
----------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
23.50% 14.08% 13.08%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the
Capital Accumulation Fund, S&P 500 and Lipper Growth and Income Fund Average
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund S&P 500 Lipper
Year Ended Total Stock Growth & Income
December 31, Return Index Fund Average
10,000 10,000 10,000
1987 10,647 10,526 10,184
1988 12,183 12,274 11,814
1989 14,155 16,163 14,596
1990 12,759 15,659 13,946
1991 17,693 20,433 18,002
1992 19,377 21,990 19,618
1993 20,888 24,201 21,884
1994 20,990 24,519 21,678
1995 27,688 33,722 28,360
1996 34,193 41,460 34,253
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal Emerging Growth Fund
(Michael R. Hamilton)
The equity market was strong in 1996, but within the market there were two
different trends. Large-cap stocks performed much better than small-cap stocks.
The Emerging Growth Fund returned 19.13% compared with the Lipper Mid Cap
Average of 17.9%. The Fund and the Lipper Average trailed the S&P 500 Index
because of their emphasis on small cap stocks. While both trailed the S&P 500,
this was a good year for the fund.
The financial market continues to grapple with the paradox of strong
economic growth with no apparent inflation. Productivity will be key in 1997 if
inflation is to remain benign. The Fund's portfolio continues to be focused on
companies that should enhance productivity of both labor and capital. Several of
the technology, service and cyclical areas support this emphasis. The portfolio
is also overweighted in the financial sector as bank consolidation continues.
Continued profit growth will be important in 1997 as well. Companies with
more predictable and visible earnings growth are preferred. This continues to be
those that are low cost producers and have competitive barriers to entry.
Selectivity in all sectors will be crucial to outperformance.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year Since Inception Date 12/18/87
21.11% 16.64% 17.73%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment
in the Emerging Growth Fund, S&P 500 and
Lipper Mid Cap Fund Average
-----------------------------------------------------
Fund Lipper
Year Ended Total S&P 500 MID CAP
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1988 12,369 11,661 11,476
1989 15,070 15,356 14,586
1990 13,186 14,877 14,067
1991 20,240 19,412 21,275
1992 23,264 20,891 23,213
1993 27,750 22,992 26,625
1994 27,967 23,294 26,079
1995 36,080 32,037 34,469
1996 43,697 39,388 40,646
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal Growth Fund
(Michael R. Hamilton)
The Growth Fund struggled against the market in 1996; struggle being
relative as 12.23% return is respectable from a historical perspective. The S&P
500 Index last year was heavily influenced by the top 25 holdings in the Index.
These are very large companies. The Fund is more diversified than the Index and
therefore its results were more representative of the broader market. With the
market continuing to struggle against the potential of an economic boom on one
hand, versus a slowing or recession on the other, the market could be subjected
to emotional swings depending on the inflation outlook.
The Fund's portfolio still has a large focus on health care given the
demographics of the United States. This was not a strong sector in 1996,
particularly the managed care companies of which the portfolio has a large
exposure. Also, the portfolio has large positions in technology and growth
cyclicals. These companies should do well if the economy continues to move
forward which is indicated by current data.
The portfolio contains many companies that are able to compete on a world
wide basis. This is important as global competition continues.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
-------------------------------------------------------
1 Year Since Inception Date 5/2/94 10 Year
12.51% 16.12% --
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the
Growth Fund, S&P 500 and Lipper Growth Fund Average
---------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Lipper
Year Ended Total S&P 500 Growth
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1994 10,542 10,397 10,090
1995 13,243 14,299 13,197
1996 14,899 17,580 15,736
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal World Fund
(Scott D. Opsal)
The Principal World Fund's 26.2% total return in 1996 was driven by broad
based market rallies across Europe. Several European markets have climbed more
than 20% in 1996, with Japan and Italy being the only major markets not
reflecting strong gains. The Fund's investment strategy of holding stocks in
smaller European economies produced outperformance as interest rate moves have
been favorable this year. Long bond yields in secondary European markets fell
while rates in the stronger core countries have inched up. The Fund's
overexposure to the falling rate markets and underexposure to the rising rate
markets was a significant positive factor producing returns that exceeded EAFE's
6.1% and the average international fund in 1996.
The Fund also benefited from non-cyclical stockholdings in Europe. Food,
drug, technology, and stable growth cyclicals have outperformed the heavier
cyclical industries. The Fund's move into non-cyclical growth stocks early in
the year proved timely. The Fund remains underweighted in Japan due to poor
valuations and a weak economic outlook. Japan has been the worst performing
major market, and the Fund's lack of exposure to this market also boosted
relative returns.
Adverse currency changes diminished the Fund's returns as measured in U.S.
dollars by an estimated 2%. We believe the EAFE index has suffered a currency
loss exceeding 4%, and the average manager has lost an estimated 3%. Thus, the
Fund's investment strategy placed it in markets suffering relatively small
foreign exchange losses thereby aiding relative return performance.
The Principal World Fund is subject to specific risks associated with
foreign currency rates, foreign taxation and foreign economies.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
----------------------------------------------------
1 Year Since Inception Date 5/2/94 10 Year
25.09% 12.83% --
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the
World Fund, EAFE and Lipper International Fund Average
------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Morgan Stanley Lipper
Year Ended Total EAFE International
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1994 9,663 9,990 9,758
1995 11,032 11,110 10,676
1996 13,800 11,781 11,934
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Important Notes of the Growth-Oriented Funds:
Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index: an unmanaged index of 500 widely held common
stocks representing industrial, financial, utility and transportation companies
listed on the New York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange and the
Over-the-Counter market.
Lipper Balanced Fund Average: this average consists of mutual funds which
attempt to conserve principal by maintaining at all times a balanced portfolio
of both stocks and bonds. Typically, the stock/bond ratio ranges around 60%/40%.
The one year average currently contains 272 mutual funds.
Lipper Growth Fund Average: This average consists of funds which normally invest
in companies whose long-term earnings are expected to growth significantly
faster than the earnings of the stocks represented in the major unmanaged stock
indices. The one-year average currently contains 669 funds.
Lipper Growth & Income Fund Average: this average consists of funds which
combine a growth of earnings orientation and an income requirement for level
and/or rising dividends. The one year average currently contains 522 funds.
Lipper Mid Cap Fund Average: This average consists of funds which by prospectus
or portfolio practice, limit their investments to companies with average market
capitalizations and/or revenues between $800 million and the average market
capitalization of the Wilshire 4500 Index (as captured by the Vanguard Index
Extended Market Fund). The one-year average currently contains 154 funds.
Morgan Stanley EAFE (Europe, Australia and Far East) Index: This average
reflects an arithmetic, market value weighted average of performance of 1,920
listed securities which are listed on the stock exchanges of the following
countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, Singapore/Malaysia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Lipper International Fund Average: This average consists of funds which invest
in securities primarily traded in markets outside of the United States. The
one-year average currently contains 331 funds.
Income-Oriented Funds
Principal Bond Fund
(Scott A. Bennett)
The Principal Bond Fund's performance in 1996 lagged when compared to 1995.
1995 was a banner year, mainly because of dramatically declining interest rates.
During 1996 interest rates increased throughout most of the year based on fears
of increasing inflation. This hurt the Fund's relative performance as the
duration target of 7 years (actual duration at 12/31/96 was 6.98 years) is
longer than the average BBB rated bond fund and the BAA Lehman Corporate Index.
Relative performance was also negatively impacted by the lack of a significant
amount of less than investment grade bonds in the portfolio. High yield (less
than investment grade) debt performed extremely well during 1996, with many of
the top performing funds in the Lipper BAA universe having significant exposures
to this asset class.
Over the long-term, the Fund continues to outperform the average BBB fund.
This is attributed to remaining fully invested and not trying to guess interest
rates. The BBB corporate bond class continued to be an attractive asset class in
1996, outperforming all other taxable investment grade classes. Spreads
continued to narrow during the year with defaults low and a large amount of
funds chasing the available bonds.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year Since Inception Date 12/18/87
2.36% 8.20% 9.55%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Bond Fund, Lehman
Brothers BAA Corporate Index and Lipper Corporate Debt BBB Rated Fund Average
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Lehman Lipper
Year Ended Total BAA BBB
December 31, Return Index Avg
10,000 10,000 10,000
1988 10,991 11,129 10,900
1989 12,514 12,699 12,060
1990 13,167 13,595 12,751
1991 15,369 16,113 15,020
1992 16,810 17,512 16,258
1993 18,771 19,665 18,261
1994 18,227 18,707 17,447
1995 22,268 22,959 20,948
1996 22,794 23,882 21,616
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Principal Government Securities Fund
(Martin J. Schafer)
Interest rates rose in 1996, which dampened absolute fixed income returns.
The Fund underperformed the Lipper U.S. Mortgage Fund Average and the Lehman MBS
Index in 1996 due to its slightly longer duration. However, since the Fund's
inception of 4/9/87 it has outperformed the Lipper U.S. Mortgage Fund Average
and is competitive with the Lehman MBS Index.
Results were enhanced last year through identification and selection of
certain undervalued sectors of mortgage-backed securities for a portion of the
portfolio. These securities have now become very popular with Wall Street and
other investors, resulting in their increasing in value.
The current portfolio is well positioned for the period ahead. It has a
number of securities that are "seasoned" (e.g., original 30 year loans that have
been outstanding for three years or more) and therefore valued more highly in
the marketplace. There are few securities priced above par, so prepayment risk
is negligible. If the future continues to be an era of economic prosperity we
should continue to see strong housing markets and housing turnover that will
cause prepayments on our securities to exceed market expectations. These
repayments are welcomed, as the portfolio is priced at a discount and the Fund
will be paid-off at par.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year Since Inception Date 4/9/87
3.35% 6.68% 8.63%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Government Securities
Fund, Lehman Brothers Mortgage Index and Lipper U.S. Mortgage Fund Average
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Lehman Lipper
Year Ended Total Mortgage U.S. Mortgage
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1987 10,099 10,204 10,104
1988 10,939 11,094 10,858
1989 12,645 12,808 12,224
1990 13,852 14,183 13,370
1991 16,200 16,410 15,348
1992 17,308 17,551 16,285
1993 19,051 18,751 17,499
1994 18,188 18,450 16,769
1995 21,656 21,549 19,491
1996 22,381 22,702 20,245
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Important Notes of the Income-Oriented Funds:
Lehman Brothers, BAA Corporate Index: an unmanaged index of all publicly issued
fixed rate nonconvertible, dollar-denominated, SEC-registered corporate debt
rated Baa or BBB by Moody's or S&P.
Lipper Corporate Debt BBB Rated Funds Average: this average consists of mutual
funds investing at least 65% of their assets in corporate and government debt
issues rated by S&P or Moody's in the top four grades. The one year average
currently contains 102 mutual funds.
Lehman Brothers Mortgage Index: an unmanaged index of 15- and 30-year fixed rate
securities backed by mortgage pools of the Government National Mortgage
Association (GNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), and Federal
National Mortgage Association (FNMA).
Lipper U.S. Mortgage Fund Average: this average consists of mutual funds
investing at least 65% of their assets in mortgages/securities issued or
guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government and certain
federal agencies. The one year average currently contains 59 mutual funds.
Note: Mutual fund data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE OF FUND SHARES
The net asset value of each Fund's shares is determined daily, Monday
through Friday, as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange,
except on days on which changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities
will not materially affect the current net asset value of the Fund's redeemable
securities, on days during which a Fund receives no order for the purchase or
sale of its redeemable securities and no tender of such a security for
redemption, and on customary national business holidays. The net asset value per
share of each Fund is determined by dividing the value of the Fund's securities
plus all other assets, less all liabilities, by the number of Fund shares
outstanding.
Growth-Oriented and Income-Oriented Funds
The following valuation information applies to the Growth-Oriented and
Income-Oriented Funds. Securities for which market quotations are readily
available are valued using those quotations. Other securities are valued by
using market quotations, prices provided by market makers or estimates of market
values obtained from yield data and other factors relating to instruments or
securities with similar characteristics in accordance with procedures
established in good faith by the Board of Directors. Securities with remaining
maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost when it is determined
by the Board that amortized cost reflects fair value. Other assets are valued at
fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Fund.
As previously described, some of the Funds may purchase foreign securities
whose trading is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the
close of the New York Stock Exchange. The values of such securities used in
computing net asset value per share are usually determined as of such times.
Occasionally, events which affect the values of such securities and foreign
currency exchange rates may occur between the times at which they are generally
determined and the close of the New York Stock Exchange and would therefore not
be reflected in the computation of the Fund's net asset value. If events
materially affecting the value of such securities occur during such period, then
these securities will be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith
by the Manager or Sub-Advisor under procedures established and regularly
reviewed by the Board of Directors. To the extent the Fund invests in foreign
securities listed on foreign exchanges which trade on days on which the Fund
does not determine its net asset value, for example Saturdays and other
customary national U.S. Holidays, the Fund's net asset value could be
significantly affected on days when shareholders have no access to the Fund.
Money Market Fund
The Money Market Fund values its securities at amortized cost. For a
description of this calculation procedure see the Funds' Statement of Additional
Information.
PERFORMANCE CALCULATION
From time to time, the Funds may publish advertisements containing
information (including graphs, charts, tables and examples) about the
performance of one or more of the Funds. The Funds' yield and total return
figures described below will vary depending upon market conditions, the
composition of the Funds' portfolios and operating expenses. These factors and
possible differences in the methods used in calculating yield and total return
should be considered when comparing the Funds' performance figures to
performance figures published for other investment vehicles. The Funds may also
quote rankings, yields or returns as published by independent statistical
services or publishers, and information regarding the performance of certain
market indices. Any performance data quoted for the Funds represents only
historical performance and is not intended to indicate future performance of the
Funds. The calculation of average annual total return and yield for the Funds
does not include fees and charges of the separate accounts that invest in the
Funds and, therefore, does not reflect the investment performance of those
separate accounts. For further information on how the Funds calculate yield and
total return figures, see the Statement of Additional Information.
Average Annual Total Return
Each Fund may advertise its respective average annual total return. Average
annual total return for each Fund is computed by calculating the average annual
compounded rate of return over the stated period that would equate an initial
$1,000 investment to the ending redeemable value assuming the reinvestment of
all dividends and capital gains distributions at net asset value. The same
assumptions are made when computing cumulative total return by dividing the
ending redeemable value by the initial investment. The Funds may also quote
rankings, yields or returns as published by independent statistical services or
publishers, and information regarding the performance of certain market indices.
Yield and Effective Yield
From time to time the Money Market Fund may advertise its respective yield
and effective yield. The yield of the Fund refers to the income generated by an
investment in the Fund over a seven-day period. This income is then annualized.
That is, the amount of income generated by the investment during that week is
assumed to be generated each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a
percentage of the investment. The effective yield is calculated similarly but,
when annualized, the income earned by an investment in the Fund is assumed to be
reinvested. The effective yield will be slightly higher than the yield because
of the compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment.
The yield for the Money Market Fund will fluctuate daily as the income
earned on the investments of the Fund fluctuates. Accordingly, there is no
assurance that the yield quoted on any given occasion will remain in effect for
any period of time. The Fund is an open-end investment company and there is no
guarantee that the net asset value or any stated rate of return will remain
constant. A shareholder's investment in the Fund is not insured. Investors
comparing results of the Fund with investment results and yields from other
sources such as banks or savings and loan associations should understand these
distinctions. Historical and comparative yield information may, from time to
time, be presented by the Fund.
INCOME DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX STATUS
It is the policy of each Fund to distribute substantially all net
investment income and net realized gains. Through such distributions, and by
satisfying certain other requirements, the Funds intend to qualify for the tax
treatment accorded to regulated investment companies under the applicable
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. This means that in each year in which a
Fund so qualifies it will be exempt from federal income tax upon the amounts so
distributed to investors.
Any dividends from the net investment income of the Funds (except the Money
Market Fund) will normally be payable to the shareholders annually, and any net
realized gains will be distributed annually. All dividends and capital gains
distributions are applied to purchase additional Fund shares at net asset value
as of the payment date without the imposition of any sales charge.
Each Fund will notify shareholders of the portion of each distribution
which constitutes investment income or capital gain. In view of the complexity
of tax considerations, it is advisable for Eligible Purchasers considering the
purchase of shares of the Funds to consult with tax advisors on the federal and
state tax aspects of their investments and redemptions.
Money Market Fund
The Money Market Fund declares dividends of all its daily net investment
income on each day the Fund's net asset value per share is determined. Dividends
are payable daily and are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares
of the Fund at the then current net asset value unless a shareholder requests
payment in cash.
Net investment income, for dividend purposes, consists of (1) accrued
interest income plus or minus accrued discount or amortized premium; plus or
minus (2) all net short-term realized gains and losses; minus (3) all accrued
expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the Fund are accrued each day. Net income will
be calculated immediately prior to the determination of net asset value per
share of the Fund.
Since the Fund's policy is, under normal circumstances, to hold portfolio
securities to maturity and to value portfolio securities at amortized cost, it
does not expect any capital gains or losses. If the Fund does experience gains,
however, it could result in an increase in dividends. Capital losses could
result in a decrease in dividends. If for some extraordinary reason the Fund
realizes net long-term capital gains, it will distribute them once every 12
months.
Since the net income of the Fund (including realized gains and losses on
the portfolio securities) is declared as a dividend each time the net income of
the Fund is determined, the net asset value per share of the Fund normally
remains at $1.00 immediately after each determination and dividend declaration.
Any increase in the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund,
representing reinvestment of dividend income, is reflected by an increase in the
number of shares of the Fund in the account.
Normally the Fund will have a positive net income at the time of each
determination thereof. Net income may be negative if an unexpected liability
must be accrued or a loss is realized. If the net income of the Fund determined
at any time is a negative amount, the net asset value per share will be reduced
below $1.00. If this happens, the Fund may endeavor to restore the net asset
value per share to $1.00 by reducing the number of outstanding shares by
redeeming proportionately from shareholders without the payment of any monetary
consideration, such number of full and fractional shares as is necessary to
maintain a net asset value per share of $1.00. Each shareholder will be deemed
to have agreed to such a redemption in these circumstances by investing in the
Fund. The Fund may seek to achieve the same objective of restoring the net asset
value per share to $1.00 by not declaring dividends from net income on
subsequent days until restoration, with the result that the net asset value per
share would increase to the extent of positive net income which is not declared
as a dividend, or any other method approved by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors may revise the above dividend policy, or postpone
the payment of dividends, if the Fund should have or anticipate any large
presently unexpected expense, loss or fluctuation in net assets which in the
opinion of the Board might have a significant adverse affect on shareholders.
ELIGIBLE PURCHASERS AND PURCHASE OF SHARES
Only Eligible Purchasers may purchase shares of the Funds. Eligible
Purchasers are limited to (a) separate accounts of Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company or of other insurance companies; (b) Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof; (c) trustees or other
managers of any qualified profit sharing, incentive or bonus plan established by
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof
for the employees of such company, subsidiary or affiliate. Such trustees or
managers may purchase Fund shares only in their capacities as trustees or
managers and not for their personal accounts. The Board of Directors of each
Fund reserves the right to broaden or limit the designation of Eligible
Purchasers.
Principal Balanced, Principal Bond, Principal Capital Accumulation Fund,
Principal Emerging Growth, Principal Government Securities, Principal Growth,
Principal Money Market and Principal World Funds each serve as an underlying
investment medium for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance
policies that are funded in separate accounts established by Principal Mutual
Life Insurance Company. It is conceivable that in the future it may be
disadvantageous for variable life insurance separate accounts and variable
annuity separate accounts to invest in the Funds simultaneously. Although
neither Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company nor the Funds currently foresee
any such disadvantages either to variable life insurance policy owners or to
variable annuity contract owners, each Fund's Board of Directors intends to
monitor events in order to identify any material conflicts between such policy
owners and contract owners and to determine what action, if any, should be taken
in response thereto. Such action could include the sale of Fund shares by one or
more of the separate accounts, which could have adverse consequences. Material
conflicts could result from, for example, (1) changes in state insurance laws,
(2) changes in Federal income tax law, (3) changes in the investment management
of the Fund, or (4) differences in voting instructions between those given by
policy owners and those given by contract owners.
Shares are purchased from Princor Financial Services Corporation, the
principal underwriter for the Funds. There are no sales charges on the Funds'
shares. There are no restrictions on amounts to be invested in the Funds'
shares.
Shareholder accounts for each Fund will be maintained under an open account
system. Under this system, an account is automatically opened and maintained for
each new investor. Each investment is confirmed by sending the investor a
statement of account showing the current purchase and the total number of shares
then owned. The statement of account is treated by each Fund as evidence of
ownership of Fund shares in lieu of stock certificates, and unless written
request is made to the Fund, stock certificates will not be issued or delivered
to investors. Certificates, which can be stolen or lost, are unnecessary except
for special purposes such as collateral for a loan. Fractional interests in the
Funds' shares are reflected to three decimal places in the statement of account,
but any stock certificates will be issued only for full shares owned.
If an offer to purchase shares is received by any of the Funds before the
close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the shares will be issued at
the offering price (net asset value of Fund shares) computed on that day. If an
offer is received after the close of trading or on a day which is not a trading
day, the shares will be issued at the offering price computed on the first
succeeding day on which a price is determined. Dividends on the Money Market
Fund shares will be paid on the next day following the effective date of a
purchase order.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
The following information is applicable to each of the Principal Funds.
Each Fund share is entitled to one vote either in person or by proxy at all
shareholder meetings for that Fund. This includes the right to vote on the
election of directors, selection of independent accountants and other matters
submitted to meetings of shareholders. Each share has equal rights with every
other share as to dividends, earnings, voting, assets and redemption. Shares are
fully paid and non-assessable, and have no preemptive or conversion rights.
Shares may be issued as full or fractional shares, and each fractional share has
proportionately the same rights, including voting, as are provided for a full
share. Shareholders of each of these Funds may remove any director with or
without cause by the vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a
meeting of shareholders.
The bylaws of each Fund provide that the Board of Directors of the Fund may
increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares which the Fund has authority
to issue without a shareholder vote.
The bylaws of each Fund also provide that the Fund need not hold an annual
meeting of shareholders in any year in which none of the following is required
to be acted on by shareholders under the Investment Company Act of 1940:
election of directors; approval of investment advisory agreement; ratification
of selection of independent public accountants; and approval of distribution
agreement. The Funds intend to hold shareholder meetings only when required by
law and at such other times as may be deemed appropriate by their respective
Boards of Directors.
Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the applicable Fund at The
Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392.
NON-CUMULATIVE VOTING: The Funds' shares have non-cumulative voting rights
which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the
election of directors of a Fund can elect 100% of the directors if they choose
to do so, and in such event, the holders of the remaining shares voting for the
election of directors will not be able to elect any directors.
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company votes each Fund's shares allocated
to each of its separate accounts registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940 and attributable to variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance
policies participating therein in accordance with instructions received from
contract or policy holders, participants and annuitants. Other shares of each
Fund held by each registered separate account, including those for which no
timely instructions are received, are voted in proportion to the instructions
that are received with respect to contracts or policies participating in that
separate account. Shares of each of the Funds held in the general account of
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or in its unregistered separate accounts
are voted in proportion to the instructions that are received with respect to
contracts and policies participating in its registered and unregistered separate
accounts. If Principal Mutual determines pursuant to applicable law that a
Fund's shares held in one or more separate accounts or in its general account
need not be voted pursuant to instructions received with respect to
participating contracts or policies, it then may vote those Fund shares in its
own right.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Except for the third paragraph below, most of the following discussion of
redemption procedures is relevant only to Eligible Purchasers other than
variable annuity and variable life separate accounts of Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Each Fund will redeem its shares upon request. There is no charge for
redemption. If no certificates have been issued, a shareholder simply writes a
letter to the appropriate Fund requesting redemption of any part or all of the
shares. The letter must be signed exactly as the account is registered. If
certificates have been issued, they must be properly endorsed and forwarded with
the request. If payment is to be made to the registered shareholder or joint
shareholders, the Fund will not require a signature guarantee as a part of a
proper endorsement; otherwise the shareholder's signature must be guaranteed by
either a commercial bank, trust company, credit union, savings and loan
association, national securities exchange member, or by a brokerage firm. The
price at which the shares are redeemed will be the net asset value per share as
next computed after the request (with appropriate certificate, if any) is
received by the Fund in proper and complete form. The amount received for shares
upon redemption may be more or less than the cost of such shares depending upon
the net asset value at the time of redemption.
Redemption proceeds will be sent within three business days after receipt
of request for redemption in proper form. However, each Fund may suspend the
right of redemption during any period when (a) trading on the New York Stock
Exchange is restricted as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission
or such Exchange is closed for other than weekends and holidays; (b) an
emergency exists, as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, as a
result of which (i) disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not
reasonably practicable, or (ii) it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund
fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (c) the Commission by order
so permits for the protection of security holders of the Fund. A Fund will
redeem only those shares for which it has good payment. To avoid the
inconvenience of such a delay, shares may be purchased with a certified check,
bank cashier's check or money order. During the period prior to the time a
redemption from the Money Market Fund is effective, dividends on such shares
will accrue and be payable and the shareholder will be entitled to exercise all
other rights of beneficial ownership.
Restricted Transfer: Shares of each of the Funds may be transferred to an
Eligible Purchaser. However, whenever any of the Funds is requested to transfer
shares to other than an Eligible Purchaser, the Fund has the right at its
election to purchase such shares at their net asset value next effective
following the time at which the request for transfer is presented; provided,
however, that the Fund must notify the transferee or transferees of such shares
in writing of its election to purchase such shares within seven (7) days
following the date of such request and settlement for such shares shall be made
within such seven-day period.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Custodian: Bank of New York, 48 Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, is
custodian of the portfolio securities and cash assets of each of the Funds
except the World Fund. The custodian for the World Fund is Chase Manhattan Bank,
Global Securities Services, Chase Metro Tech Center, Brooklyn, New York 11245.
The custodians perform no managerial or policymaking functions for the funds.
Organization and Share Ownership: The Funds were incorporated in the state
of Maryland on the following dates: Balanced Fund - November 26, 1986; Bond Fund
- - November 26, 1986; Capital Accumulation Fund - May 26, 1989 (effective
November 1, 1989 succeeded to the business of a predecessor Fund that had been
incorporated in Delaware on February 6, 1969); Emerging Growth Fund - February
20, 1987; Government Securities Fund - June 7, 1985; Growth Fund - August 20,
1993; Money Market Fund - June 10, 1982; and World Fund August 20, 1993.
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company owns 100% of each Fund's outstanding
shares.
Capitalization: The authorized capital stock of each Fund consists of
100,000,000 shares of common stock (500,000,000 for Principal Money Market Fund,
Inc.), $.01 par value.
Financial Statements: Copies of the financial statements of each Fund will
be mailed to each shareholder of that Fund semi-annually. At the close of each
fiscal year, each Fund's financial statements will be audited by a firm of
independent auditors. The firm of Ernst & Young LLP has been appointed to audit
the financial statements of each Fund for their respective present fiscal years.
Registration Statement: This Prospectus omits some information contained in
the Statement of Additional Information (also known as Part B of the
Registration Statement) and Part C of the Registration Statements which the
Funds have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Funds'
Statement of Additional Information is hereby incorporated by reference into
this Prospectus. A copy of the Funds' Statement of Additional Information can be
obtained upon request, free of charge, by writing or telephoning the Fund. You
may obtain a copy of Part C of the Registration Statements filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., from the Commission upon
payment of the prescribed fees.
Principal Underwriter: Princor Financial Services Corporation, The
Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392-0200, is the principal
underwriter for each of the Principal Funds.
The Principal(R) Mutual Funds ("Principal Funds") described in this
Prospectus are a family of separately incorporated, diversified, open-end
management investment companies, commonly called mutual funds, which provide the
following range of investment objectives:
PRINCIPAL Capital Accumulation Fund, Inc. seeks to achieve primarily long-term
capital appreciation and secondarily growth of investment income through the
purchase primarily of common stocks, but the Fund may invest in other
securities.
PRINCIPAL Government Securities Fund, Inc. seeks a high level of current income,
liquidity and safety of principal. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective
through the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government or its agencies, with emphasis on Government National Mortgage
Association Certificates ("GNMA Certificates"). Fund shares are not guaranteed
by the United States Government.
PRINCIPAL Money Market Fund, Inc. seeks as high a level of income available from
short-term securities as is considered consistent with preservation of principal
and maintenance of liquidity by investing all of its assets in a portfolio of
money market instruments.
An investment in the Money Market Fund is neither insured nor guaranteed by
the U.S. Government. There can be no assurance the Money Market Funds will be
able to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share.
This Prospectus concisely states information about the Principal Funds that
an investor ought to know before investing. It should be read and retained for
future reference.
Additional information about the Funds has been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including documents called Statements of Additional
Information, dated May 1, 1997. The Statements of Additional Information are
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. A copy of the Statements of
Additional Information can be obtained free of charge by writing or telephoning:
Principal Mutual Funds
a Member of
The Principal Financial Group
Des Moines, IA 50392
Telephone 1-800-247-4123
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this Prospectus is May 1, 1997.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Summary ............................................................... 2
Financial Highlights.................................................... 4
Investment Objectives, Policies and Restrictions........................ 6
Certain Investment Policies and Restrictions............................ 8
Manager ................................................................ 10
Duties Performed by the Manager......................................... 10
Managers' Comments...................................................... 11
Determination of Net Asset Value of Fund Shares......................... 12
Performance Calculation................................................. 13
Income Dividends, Distributions and Tax Status.......................... 13
Eligible Purchasers and Purchase of Shares.............................. 14
Shareholder Rights ..................................................... 15
Redemption of Shares.................................................... 15
Additional Information.................................................. 16
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of
an offer to buy, the securities of any of the Funds in any jurisdiction in which
such sale, offer to sell, or solicitation may not be lawfully made. No dealer,
salesperson, or other person has been authorized to give any information or to
make any representations, other than those contained in this Prospectus, in
connection with the offer contained in this Prospectus, and, if given or made,
such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Funds or the Funds' Manager.
SUMMARY
The following summarized information should be read in conjunction with the
detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
The Principal Funds are separately incorporated, open-end diversified
management investment companies.
Who may purchase shares of the Funds?
Shares of the Funds are available only to Eligible Purchasers which are
limited to: (a) separate accounts of Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or
of other insurance companies; (b) Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or any
subsidiary or affiliate thereof; (c) trustees or other managers of any qualified
profit sharing, incentive or bonus plan established by Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof for the employees of
such company, subsidiary or affiliate. The Board of Directors of each Fund
reserves the right to broaden or limit the designation of Eligible Purchasers.
What do the Funds offer investors?
Professional Investment Management: Experienced securities analysts provide
each Fund with professional investment management.
Diversification: Each Fund will diversify by investing in securities issued
by a number of issuers doing business in a variety of industries, located in
different geographical regions and/or securities which have varying maturities.
Diversification reduces investment risk.
Economies of Scale: Pooling individual shareholder's investments in any of
the Funds creates administrative efficiencies.
Redeemability: Upon request each Fund will redeem its shares and promptly
pay the investor the current net asset value of the shares redeemed. See
"Redemption of Shares."
What are the Funds' investment objectives?
The investment objective of Principal Capital Accumulation Fund, Inc.
(sometimes referred to as the Capital Accumulation Fund) is long-term capital
appreciation and its secondary investment objective is growth of investment
income. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives through the purchase
primarily of common stocks but the Fund may invest in other securities.
The investment objective of Principal Government Securities Fund, Inc.
(sometimes referred to as the Government Securities Fund) is to seek a high
level of current income, liquidity and safety of principal. The Fund seeks to
achieve its objective through the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed
by the United States Government or its agencies, with emphasis on Government
National Mortgage Association Certificates ("GNMA Certificates"). Fund shares
are not guaranteed by the United States Government.
The investment objective of Principal Money Market Fund, Inc. (sometimes
referred to as the Money Market Fund) is to seek as high a level of current
income available from short-term securities as is considered consistent with
preservation of principal and maintenance of liquidity by investing all of its
assets in a portfolio of money market instruments.
There can be no assurance that the investment objectives of any of the
Funds will be realized. See "Investment Objectives, Policies and Restrictions."
Who serves as Manager for the Funds?
Princor Management Corporation, a corporation organized in 1969 by
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, is the Manager for each of the Funds.
It is also the dividend disbursing and transfer agent for the Principal Funds.
See "Manager."
What fees and expenses apply to ownership of shares of the Funds?
The following table depicts fees and expenses applicable to the purchase
and ownership of shares of each of the Funds.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(As a Percentage of Average Net Assets)
Management Other Total Operating
Fund Fee Expenses Expenses
Capital Accumulation Fund .48 .01 .49
Government Securities Fund .50 .02 .52
Money Market Fund .50 .06 .56
EXAMPLE
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1)
5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period: Period
(in years)
Fund 1 3 5 10
Capital Accumulation Fund $5 $16 $27 $62
Government Securities Fund $5 $17 $29 $65
Money Market Fund $6 $18 $31 $70
This Example is based on the Annual Fund Operating Expenses for each Fund
described above. Please remember that the Example should not be considered
a representation of past or future expenses and that actual expenses may be
greater or less than those shown.
The purpose of the above table is to assist the investor in understanding
the various expenses that an investor in the Funds will bear directly or
indirectly. The Fee Table and Example do not reflect expenses and charges of the
Separate Accounts that invest in the Fund. Information regarding Separate
Account expenses and charges is provided in the respective Separate Account
prospectuses. See "Duties Performed by the Manager."
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following financial highlights for the periods ended December 31, 1996
are derived from the financial statements which have been audited by Ernst &
Young LLP, independent auditors whose report has been incorporated by reference
herein. The financial highlights should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements, related notes, and other financial information
incorporated by reference herein. The financial statements may be obtained by
investors, without charge, by telephoning 1-800-451-5447.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Income from
Investment Operations Less Distributions
___________________________________ ____________________________________________________
Net Realized
and
Net Asset Unrealized Total Dividends Excess
Value at Net Gain from from Net Distributions Distributions
Beginning Investment (Loss) on Investment Investment from from Total
of Period Income Investments Operations Income Capital Gains Capital Gains Distributions
Principal Capital Accumulation
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $27.80 $.57 $ 5.82 $6.39 $(.58) $(3.77) $ -- $(4.35)
1995 23.44 .60 6.69 7.29 (.60) (2.33) -- (2.93)
1994 24.61 .62 (.49) .13 (.61) (.69) -- (1.30)
1993 25.19 .61 1.32 1.93 (.60) (1.91) -- (2.51)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 26.03 .31 1.84 2.15 (.64) (2.35) -- (2.99)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 23.35 .65 2.70 3.35 (.67) -- -- (.67)
1991 22.48 .74 1.22 1.96 (.79) (.30) -- (1.09)
1990 23.63 .79 .14 .93 (.81) (1.27) -- (2.08)
1989 23.23 .77 1.32 2.09 (.68) (1.01) -- (1.69)
1988 27.51 .60 (1.50) (.90) (.69) (2.69) -- (3.38)
1987 25.48 .40 4.46 4.86 (.50) (2.33) -- (2.83)
Principal Government Securities
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 10.55 .59 (.24) .35 (.59) -- -- (.59)
1995 9.38 .60 1.18 1.78 (.61) -- -- (.61)
1994 10.61 .76 (1.24) (.48) (.75) -- -- (.75)
1993 10.28 .71 .33 1.04 (.71) -- -- (.71)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 10.93 .40 .04 .44 (.78) -- (.31) (1.09)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 10.24 .80 .71 1.51 (.81) -- (.01) (.82)
1991 10.05 .80 .24 1.04 (.81) -- (.04) (.85)
1990 10.05 .78 -- .78 (.78) -- -- (.78)
1989 9.37 .80 .34 1.14 (.46) -- -- (.46)
1988 9.47 .78 (.09) .69 (.79) -- -- (.79)
Period Ended June 30, 1987(d) 10.00 .18 (.59) (.41) (.12) -- -- (.12)
Principal Money Market Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1.000 .049 -- .049 (.049) -- -- (.049)
1995 1.000 .054 -- .054 (.054) -- -- (.054)
1994 1.000 .037 -- .037 (.037) -- -- (.037)
1993 1.000 .027 -- .027 (.027) -- -- (.027)
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 1.000 .016 -- .016 (.016) -- -- (.016)
Year Ended June 30,
1992 1.000 .046 -- .046 (.046) -- -- (.046)
1991 1.000 .070 -- .070 (.070) -- -- (.070)
1990 1.000 .077 -- .077 (.077) -- -- (.077)
1989 1.000 .083 -- .083 (.083) -- -- (.083)
1988 1.000 .064 -- .064 (.064) -- -- (.064)
1987 1.000 .057 -- .057 (.057) -- -- (.057)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratios/Supplemental Data
______________________________________________________
Ratio of Net
Net Asset Ratio of Investment
Value at Net Assets at Expenses to Income to Portfolio Average
End of Total End of Period Average Average Turnover Commission
Period Return (in thousands) Net Assets Net Assets Rate Rate
Principal Capital Accumulation
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 $29.84 23.50% $205,019 .49% 2.06% 48.5% $.0426
1995 27.80 31.91% 135,640 .51% 2.25% 49.2% N/A
1994 23.44 .49% 120,572 .51% 2.36% 44.5% N/A
1993 24.61 7.79% 128,515 .51% 2.49% 25.8% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 25.19 8.81%(b) 105,355 .55%(c) 2.56%(c) 39.7%(c) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 26.03 14.53% 94,596 .54% 2.65% 34.8% N/A
1991 23.35 9.46% 76,537 .53% 3.53% 14.0% N/A
1990 22.48 3.94% 74,008 .56% 3.56% 30.2% N/A
1989 23.63 10.02% 68,132 .57% 3.53% 23.5% N/A
1988 23.23 (2.67)% 62,696 .60% 2.76% 26.7% N/A
1987 27.51 22.17% 57,478 .63% 1.99% 16.1% N/A
Principal Government Securities
Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 10.31 3.35% 85,100 .52% 6.46% 8.4% N/A
1995 10.55 19.07% 50,079 .55% 6.73% 9.8% N/A
1994 9.38 (4.53)% 36,121 .56% 7.05% 23.2% N/A
1993 10.61 10.07% 36,659 .55% 7.07% 20.4% N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 10.28 4.10%(b) 31,760 .59%(c) 7.35%(c) 34.5%(c) N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 10.93 15.34% 33,022 .58% 7.84% 38.9% N/A
1991 10.24 10.94% 26,021 .59% 8.31% 4.2% N/A
1990 10.05 8.16% 21,488 .61% 8.48% 18.7% N/A
1989 10.05 12.61% 15,890 .63% 8.68% 3.7% N/A
1988 9.37 7.69% 12,902 .66% 8.47% 2.7% N/A
Period Ended June 30, 1987(d) 9.47 (.94)%(b ) 10,778 .64%(c) 8.50%(c) 0.2%(c) N/A
Principal Money Market Fund, Inc.
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1.000 5.07% 46,244 .56% 5.00% N/A N/A
1995 1.000 5.59% 32,670 .58% 5.32% N/A N/A
1994 1.000 3.76% 29,372 .60% 3.81% N/A N/A
1993 1.000 2.69% 22,753 .60% 2.64% N/A N/A
Six Months Ended
December 31, 1992(a) 1.000 1.54%(b) 27,680 .59%(c) 3.10%(c) N/A N/A
Year Ended June 30,
1992 1.000 4.64% 25,194 .57% 4.54% N/A N/A
1991 1.000 7.20% 26,509 .56% 6.94% N/A N/A
1990 1.000 8.37% 26,588 .57% 8.05% N/A N/A
1989 1.000 8.59% 20,707 .61% 8.40% N/A N/A
1988 1.000 6.61% 14,571 .64% 6.39% N/A N/A
1987 1.000 5.78% 11,902 .65% 5.68% N/A N/A
</TABLE>
Notes to financial highlights
(a) Effective July 1, 1992 the fund changed its fiscal year end from June 30 to
December 31.
(b) Total return amounts have not been annualized.
(c) Computed on an annualized basis.
(d) Period from April 9, 1987, date shares first offered to the public, through
June 30, 1987. Net investment income, aggregating $.01 per share for the
period from the initial purchase of shares on October 31, 1987 through
December 17, 1987 was recognized, all of which was distributed to the Fund's
sole stockholder, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company. This represented
activity of the Fund prior to the initial offering of shares to eligible
purchasers.
Investment Objectives, Policies and Restrictions
The investment objectives and policies of each Fund are described below.
There can be no assurance that the objectives of the Funds will be realized.
Principal Capital Accumulation Fund
The objective of Principal Capital Accumulation Fund is long-term capital
appreciation. A secondary objective is growth of investment income.
The Fund will invest primarily in common stocks, but may invest in other
securities. In making selections for the Fund's investment portfolio, the Fund
will use an approach described broadly as that of fundamental analysis which is
discussed in the Statement of Additional Information. In pursuit of the Fund's
objective, investments will be made in securities which as a group appear to
offer long-term prospects for capital and income growth. Securities chosen for
investment may include those of companies which the Manager believes can
reasonably be expected to share in the growth of the nation's economy over the
long term.
Principal Government Securities Fund
The objective of Principal Government Securities Fund is a high level of
current income, liquidity and safety of principal.
The Fund will invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United
States Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities and in repurchase
agreements collateralized by such obligations. Such securities include
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") Certificates of the modified
pass-through type, Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") Obligations,
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") Certificates and Student Loan
Marketing Association ("SLMA") Certificates and other U.S. Government
Securities. GNMA is a wholly-owned corporate instrumentality of the United
States whose securities and guarantees are backed by the full faith and credit
of the United States. FNMA, a federally chartered and privately-owned
corporation, FHLMC, a federal corporation, and SLMA, a government sponsored
stockholder-owned organization, are instrumentalities of the United States. The
securities and guarantees of FNMA, FHLMC and SLMA are not backed, directly or
indirectly, by the full faith and credit of the United States. Although the
Secretary of the Treasury of the United States has discretionary authority to
lend FNMA up to $2.25 billion outstanding at any time, neither the United States
nor any agency thereof is obligated to finance FNMA's or FHLMC's operations or
to assist FNMA or FHLMC in any other manner. The Fund may maintain reasonable
amounts of cash or short-term debt securities for daily cash management purposes
or pending selection of particular long-term investments.
Depending on market conditions, up to 55% of the assets may be invested in
GNMA Certificates. GNMA is a United States Government corporation within the
Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA Certificates are
mortgage-backed securities representing an interest in a pool of mortgage loans.
Such loans are made by lenders such as mortgage bankers, insurance companies,
commercial banks and savings and loan associations. Then, they are either
insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or they are guaranteed by
the Veterans Administration (VA) or Farmers Home Administration (FmHA). The
lender or other prospective issuer creates a specific pool of such mortgages,
which it submits to GNMA for approval. After approval, a GNMA Certificate is
typically offered by the issuer to investors through securities dealers.
GNMA Certificates differ from bonds in that the principal is scheduled to
be paid back by the borrower on a monthly basis over the life of the loan rather
than returned in a lump sum at maturity. Modified pass-through GNMA
certificates, which are the only kind in which the Fund intends to invest,
entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the
mortgages in the pool (net of the issuer and GNMA fee of .5% prescribed by
regulation), regardless of whether or not the mortgagor has made such payment.
The timely payment of interest and principal is guaranteed by the full faith and
credit of the United States Government.
Although the payment of interest and principal is guaranteed, the guarantee
does not extend to the value of a GNMA Certificate or the value of the shares of
the Fund. The market value of a GNMA Certificate typically will fluctuate to
reflect changes in prevailing interest rates. It falls when rates increase (as
does the market value of other debt securities) and it rises when rates decline
(but it may not rise on a comparable basis with other debt securities because of
its prepayment feature), and, therefore, may be more or less than the face
amount of the GNMA Certificate, which reflects the aggregate principal amount of
the underlying mortgages. As a result, the net asset value of Fund shares will
fluctuate as interest rates change.
Mortgagors may pay off their mortgages at any time. Expected prepayments of
the mortgages can affect the market value of the GNMA Certificate, and actual
prepayments can affect the return ultimately received. Prepayments, like
scheduled payments of principal, are reinvested by the Fund at prevailing
interest rates which may be less than the rate on the GNMA Certificate.
Prepayments are likely to increase as the interest rate for new mortgages moves
lower than the rate on the GNMA Certificate. Moreover, if the GNMA Certificate
had been purchased at a premium above principal because its rate exceeded
prevailing rates, the premium is not guaranteed and a decline in value to par
may result in a loss of the premium especially in the event of prepayment.
To the extent deemed appropriate by the Fund's Manager, the Fund intends to
purchase GNMA Certificates directly from Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
and other issuers as well as from securities dealers. The Fund will purchase
directly from issuers only if it can obtain a price advantage by not paying the
commission or mark-up that would be required if the Certificates were purchased
from a securities dealer. The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued an
order under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that permits the Fund to purchase
GNMA Certificates directly from Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company subject
to certain conditions.
The FNMA and FHLMC securities in which the Fund invests are very similar to
GNMA certificates as described above but are not guaranteed by the full faith
and credit of the United States but rather by the agency itself. FNMA and FHLMC
securities are rated Aaa by Moody's and AAA by Standard & Poor's. These ratings
reflect the status of FNMA and FHLMC as federal agencies as well as the
important role each plays in financing purchases of homes in the U.S.
Student Loan Marketing Association is a government sponsored
stockholder-owned organization whose goal is to provide liquidity to financial
and educational institutions. SLMA provides liquidity by purchasing student
loans, which are principally government guaranteed loans issued under the
Federal Guaranteed Student Loan Program and the Health Education Assistance Loan
Program. SLMA securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government but are
obligations solely of the agency. SLMA senior debt issues in which the Fund
invests are rated AAA by Standard & Poor's and Aaa by Moody's.
There are other obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government (such as U.S. Treasury securities) or by its agencies or
instrumentalities that are either supported by the full faith and credit of the
U.S. Treasury or the credit of a particular agency or instrumentality. Included
in the latter category are Federal Home Loan Bank and Farm Credit Banks.
Obligations not guaranteed by the United States Government are highly rated
because they are issued by indirect branches of government. Such paper is issued
as needs arise by the agency and is traded regularly in denominations similar to
those in which government obligations are traded.
The Fund will not engage in the trading of securities for the purpose of
realizing short-term profits, but it will adjust its portfolio as considered
advisable in view of prevailing or anticipated market conditions and the Fund's
investment objective. Accordingly, the Fund may sell portfolio securities in
anticipation of a rise in interest rates and purchase securities for inclusion
in its portfolio in anticipation of a decline in interest rates.
As a hedge against changes in interest rates, the Fund may enter into
contracts with dealers in GNMA Certificates whereby the Fund agrees to purchase
or sell an agreed-upon principal amount of GNMA Certificates at a specified
price on a certain date. The Fund may enter into similar purchase agreements
with issuers of GNMA Certificates other than Principal Mutual Life Insurance
Company. The Fund may also purchase optional delivery standby commitments which
give the Fund the right to sell particular GNMA Certificates at a specified
price on a specified date. Failure of the other party to such a contract or
commitment to abide by the terms thereof could result in a loss to the Fund. To
the extent the Fund engages in delayed delivery transactions it will do so for
the purpose of acquiring portfolio securities consistent with its investment
objective and policies and not for the purpose of investment leverage or to
speculate on interest rate changes. Liability accrues to the Fund at the time it
becomes obligated to purchase such securities, although delivery and payment
occur at a later date. From the time the Fund becomes obligated to purchase
securities on a delayed delivery basis the Fund has all the rights and risks
attendant to the ownership of a security. At the time the Fund enters into a
binding obligation to purchase such securities, Fund assets of a dollar amount
sufficient to make payment for the securities to be purchased will be
segregated. The availability of liquid assets for this purpose and the effect of
asset segregation on the Fund's ability to meet its current obligations, to
honor requests for redemption and to have its investment portfolio managed
properly will limit the extent to which the Fund may engage in forward
commitment agreements. Except as may be imposed by these factors, there is no
limit on the percent of the Fund's total assets that may be committed to
transactions in such agreements.
Principal Money Market Fund
The Principal Funds also include a Fund which invests primarily in
short-term securities, Principal Money Market Fund. Securities in which this
Fund invests may not yield as high a level of current income as securities of
lower quality and longer maturities which generally have less liquidity, greater
market risk and more fluctuation.
The Money Market Fund will limit its portfolio investments to United States
dollar denominated instruments that its board of directors determines present
minimal credit risks and which at the time of acquisition are "Eligible
Securities" as that term is defined in regulations issued under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Eligible Securities include:
(1) A security with the remaining maturity of 397 days or less that is
rated (or that has been issued by an issuer that is rated in respect
to a class of short-term debt obligations, or any security within that
class, that is comparable in priority and security with the security)
by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization in one of
the two highest rating categories for short-term debt obligations; or
(2) A security at the time of issuance was a long-term security that has a
remaining maturity of 397 calendar days or less, and whose issuer has
received from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization
a rating, with respect to a class of short-term debt obligations (or
any security within that class) that is now comparable in priority and
security with the security, in one of the two highest rating
categories for short-term debt obligations; or
(3) an unrated security that is of comparable quality to a security
meeting the requirements of (1) or (2) above, as determined by the
board of directors.
The Fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the following
securities:
(1) Securities which, when acquired by the Fund (either initially or upon
any subsequent rollover), are rated below the highest rating category
for short-term debt obligations;
(2) Securities which, at the time of issuance were long-term securities
but when acquired by the Fund have a remaining maturity of 397
calendar days or less, if the issuer of such securities is rated, with
respect to a class of comparable short-term debt obligations, below
the highest rating category for short-term obligations;
(3) Securities which are unrated but are determined by the Fund's board of
directors to be of comparable quality to securities rated below the
highest rating category for short-term debt obligations.
The Fund will maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90
days or less.
The objective of the Money Market Fund is to seek as high a level of income
available from short-term securities as is considered consistent with
preservation of principal and maintenance of liquidity by investing all of its
assets in a portfolio of money market instruments. These money market
instruments are U.S. Government Securities, U.S. Government Agency Securities,
Bank Obligations, Commercial Paper, Short-term Corporate Debt and Repurchase
Agreements, which are described briefly below and in more detail in the
Statement of Additional Information.
U.S. Government Securities are securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, including treasury bills, notes and bonds.
U.S. Government Agency Securities are obligations issued or guaranteed by
agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government whether supported by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury or only by the credit of a particular
agency or instrumentality.
Bank Obligations consist of certificates of deposit which are generally
negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for
a definite period of time and earning a specified return and bankers acceptances
which are time drafts drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower, usually in
connection with international commercial transactions.
Commercial Paper is short-term promissory notes issued by corporations
primarily to finance short-term credit needs.
Short-term Corporate Debt consists of notes, bonds or debentures which at
the time of purchase have one year or less remaining to maturity.
Repurchase Agreements are transactions under which securities are purchased
from a bank or securities dealer with an agreement by the seller to repurchase
the securities at the same price plus interest at a specified rate. Generally,
Repurchase Agreements are of short duration, usually less than a week but on
occasion for longer periods.
The Fund intends to hold its investments until maturity. However, it may
attempt from time to time to increase its yield by trading to take advantage of
market variations. Also, revised valuations of an issuer or redemptions may
result in sales of portfolio investments prior to maturity or at times when such
sales might otherwise not be desirable. The Fund's right to borrow to facilitate
redemptions may reduce the need for such sales. It is the Fund's policy to be as
fully invested as reasonably practical at all times to maximize current income.
Since portfolio assets will consist of short-term instruments, replacement
of portfolio securities will occur frequently. However, since the Fund expects
to usually transact purchases and sales of portfolio securities with issuers or
dealers on a net basis, it is not anticipated that the Fund will pay any
significant brokerage commissions. The Fund is free to dispose of portfolio
securities at any time, when changes in circumstances or conditions make such a
move desirable in light of the investment objective.
CERTAIN INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
Following is a discussion of certain investment practices that the Funds
may use in an effort to achieve their respective investment objectives.
Diversification
Each Fund is subject to the diversification requirements of Section 817(h)
of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") which must be met at the end of each
quarter of the year (or within 30 days thereafter). Regulations issued by the
Secretary of the Treasury have the effect of requiring the Fund to invest no
more than 55% of its total assets in securities of any one issuer, no more than
70% in the securities of any two issuers, no more than 80% in the securities of
any three issuers, and no more than 90% in the securities of any four issuers.
For this purpose, the United States Treasury and each U.S. Government agency and
instrumentality is considered to be a separate issuer. Thus, the Government
Securities Fund intends to invest in U.S. Treasury securities and in securities
issued by at least four U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities in the
amounts necessary to meet those diversification requirements at the end of each
quarter of the year (or within thirty days thereafter).
In the event any of the Funds do not meet the diversification requirements
of Section 817(h) of the Code, the contracts funded by shares of the Funds will
not be treated as annuities or life insurance for Federal income tax purposes
and the owners of the Funds will be subject to taxation on their share of the
dividends and distributions paid by the Funds.
Foreign Securities
The Capital Accumulation Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in foreign
securities. Investment in foreign securities presents certain risks including
those resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates, revaluation of
currencies, the imposition of foreign taxes, future political and economic
developments including war, expropriations, nationalization, the possible
imposition of currency exchange controls and other foreign governmental laws or
restrictions, reduced availability of public information concerning issuers, and
the fact that foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices and
requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic issuers. Moreover,
securities of many foreign issuers may be less liquid and their prices more
volatile than those of comparable domestic issuers. In addition, transactions in
foreign securities may be subject to higher costs, and the time for settlement
of transactions in foreign securities may be longer than the settlement period
for domestic issuers. The Fund's investment in foreign securities may also
result in higher custodial costs and the costs associated with currency
conversions.
Investment Hedges
The Government Securities Fund may purchase covered spread options, which
give the Fund the right to sell a security that it owns at a fixed dollar spread
or yield spread in relationship to another security that the Fund does not own,
but which is used as a benchmark. In addition, the Fund may write call and put
options on securities and securities indices to generate additional income, and
it may purchase and sell those kinds of options, financial futures contracts and
options on financial futures contracts in anticipation of a decline in the value
of securities owned by the Fund or an increase in the price of securities the
Fund plans to purchase. Financial futures contracts are commodities contracts
based on financial instruments such as U.S. Treasury bonds or bills or on
securities indices such as the S&P 500 Index. The Fund will not invest more than
5% of its assets in the purchase of covered spread options and the purchase of
put and call options on securities, securities indices and financial futures
contracts. The Fund will also not invest more than 5% of its assets in initial
margin and premiums on financial futures contracts and options thereon. Risks
associated with options transactions include the risk that movements in the
market prices of underlying securities could cause the Fund to lose the amount
of the premium paid for an option or to have to sell securities for less than
their current market price or purchase securities for more than their current
market price, and the risk that trading markets could become illiquid thereby
precluding closing transactions. Futures contracts have similar risks and, in
addition, are subject to the risk of imperfect correlation between changes in
the prices of futures contracts and the securities being hedged. A more complete
statement of these investment practices and their associated risks is contained
in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Other Investment Practices
Each of the Funds, except the Capital Accumulation Fund, may enter into
repurchase agreements with, and the Government Securities Fund may lend its
portfolio securities to, unaffiliated broker-dealers and other unaffiliated
qualified financial institutions. These transactions must be fully
collateralized at all times, but involve some credit risk to the Fund if the
other party should default on its obligations, and the Fund is delayed or
prevented from recovering on the collateral. See each Fund's Statement of
Additional Information for further information regarding the credit risks
associated with repurchase agreements and the standards adopted by the Fund's
Board of Directors to deal with those risks. None of the Funds intends either
(i) to enter into repurchase agreements that mature in more than seven days if
any such investment, together with any other illiquid securities held by the
Fund, would amount to more than 10% of its total assets or (ii) to loan
securities in excess of 30% of its total assets.
The Capital Accumulation Fund may invest in warrants up to 5% of its
assets, of which 2% may be invested in warrants that are not listed on the New
York or American Stock Exchange.
As a matter of fundamental policy, each of the Funds may borrow money only
for temporary or emergency purposes. The Capital Accumulation Fund and Money
Market Fund may borrow only from banks. The Government Securities Fund may
borrow only in an amount not exceeding 5% of its assets. The Capital
Accumulation Fund may borrow only in an amount not exceeding the lesser of (i)
5% of the value of the Fund's assets less liabilities other than such
borrowings, or (ii) 10% of the Fund's assets taken at cost at the time the
borrowing is made. The Money Market Fund may borrow only in an amount not
exceeding the lesser of (i) 5% of the value of its assets, or (ii) 10% of the
value of its net assets taken at cost at the time the borrowing is made.
The Capital Accumulation Fund from time to time executes transactions for
portfolio securities with, and pays related brokerage commissions to, Principal
Financial Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Manager
for each of the Funds.
The Statement of Additional Information includes further information
concerning the Funds' investment policies and applicable investment
restrictions. Each Fund's investment objective and certain investment
restrictions designated as such in this Prospectus or the Statement of
Additional Information are fundamental policies that may not be changed without
shareholder approval. All other investment policies described in the Prospectus
and the Statement of Additional Information for a Fund are not fundamental and
may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Fund without shareholder
approval.
MANAGER
The Manager for the Funds is Princor Management Corporation (the
"Manager"), which is an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Principal Mutual
Life Insurance Company, a mutual life insurance company organized in 1879 under
the laws of the State of Iowa. The address of the Manager is The Principal
Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392. The Manager was organized on January
10, 1969, and since that time has managed various mutual funds sponsored by
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company.
Through its affiliation with Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, the
Manager has access to investment analysts and other resources necessary for the
Manager to perform as investment advisor for the Funds. The Manager has assigned
certain individuals the primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of
each Fund's portfolio. The persons primarily responsible for the day-to-day
management of each Fund are identified in the table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Primarily
Fund Responsible Since Person Primarily Responsible
- -------------------- ----------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Capital Accumulation November, 1969 David L. White, CFA (BBA degree, University of Iowa). Executive Vice
(Fund's inception) President, Invista Capital Management, Inc.; Co-Manager since November,
1996: Catherine A. Green, CFA, (MBA degree, Drake University). Vice
President, Invista Capital Management, Inc.
Government Securities April, 1987 Martin J. Schafer (BBA degree, University of Iowa). Vice President,
(Fund's inception) Invista Capital Management, Inc.
</TABLE>
DUTIES PERFORMED BY THE MANAGER
Under Maryland law, the business and affairs of each of the Funds are
managed under the direction of its Board of Directors. The Manager advises the
Funds on investment policies and on the composition of the Funds' portfolios. In
this connection, the Manager furnishes to the Board of Directors of each Fund a
recommended investment program consistent with that Fund's investment objective
and policies. The Manager is authorized, within the scope of the approved
investment program, to determine which securities are to be bought or sold, and
in what amounts.
The investment services and certain other services referred to under the
heading "Cost of Manager's Services" in the Statements of Additional Information
are furnished to the Funds under the terms of a Management Agreement between
each of the Funds and the Manager. The compensation paid by the Government
Securities Fund and Money Market Fund to the Manager for the year ended December
31, 1996 was equal to .50% of their respective average net assets. The
compensation paid by the Capital Accumulation Fund to the Manager for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996 was equal to .48% of the Fund's average net assets.
Total expenses for the Funds for the year ended December 31, 1996 were equal to
the following percentage of average net assets: Capital Accumulation Fund, .49%;
Government Securities Fund, .52%; and Money Market Fund, .56%.
The Manager may purchase at its own expense statistical and other
information or services from outside sources, including Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company. An Investment Service Agreement between each Fund, the
Manager and Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company provides that Principal
Mutual Life Insurance Company will furnish certain personnel, services and
facilities required by the Manager in connection with its performance of the
Management Agreements, and that the Manager will reimburse Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company for its costs incurred in this regard. The Investment Service
Agreements for the Capital Accumulation Fund and Government Securities Fund also
include as a party Invista Capital Management, Inc., an indirectly wholly-owned
subsidiary of Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, and also provides that
the subsidiaries of Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company will furnish the
same items and be reimbursed by the Manager for their costs incurred in this
regard.
Among the expenses paid by each Fund are its taxes (if any), brokerage
commissions on portfolio transactions, interest, custodial fees, fees and
expenses of unaffiliated directors and the cost of shareholder meetings. The
Manager is the dividend disbursing and transfer agent for each Fund and also
serves as investment advisor and dividend disbursing and transfer agent for each
of the other funds sponsored by Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company.
MANAGERS' COMMENTS
Princor Management Corporation is staffed with investment professionals who
manage each individual fund. Comments by these individuals in the following
paragraphs summarize in capsule form the general strategy and recent results of
each fund over the past year. The accompanying charts display results for the
past 10 years or the life of the fund, whichever is shorter. Average Annual
Total Return figures provided for each fund in the graphs below reflect all
expenses of the fund and assume all distributions are reinvested at net asset
value. The figures do not reflect expenses of the variable life insurance
contracts or variable annuity contracts that purchase fund shares; performance
figures for the divisions of the contracts would be lower than performance
figures for the funds due to the additional contract expenses. Past performance
is not predictive of future performance. Returns and net asset values fluctuate.
Shares are redeemable at current net asset value, which may be more or less than
original cost.
The various indices included in the following graphs are unmanaged and do
not reflect any commissions or fees which would be incurred by an investor
purchasing the securities included in the index. Investors cannot invest
directly into these or any indices.
Principal Capital Accumulation Fund
(David L. White)
The strategy with this portfolio is to hold common stocks of companies
based on a valuation that is attractive when compared to the market. The
analytical staff looks at companies' current valuations compared to the market,
then at historical information to compare valuations to historical averages. The
focus is on the fundamentals of an industry and the company to determine the
current and future outlook as these potential investments. From there the
portfolio is constructed to provide a diversified set of investments.
The Fund outperformed the S&P 500 Index and Lipper Growth and Income Fund
Average for 1996. The strength of the market was in much fewer stocks than in
the past. The volatility between industries was much greater than the overall
results. The Fund benefited from several areas of exposure. Banks and health
care were the strongest areas for the Fund during the year. The focus has been
away from the more cyclical areas of the economy which also helped during the
year. As the economic cycle progresses, the market places more emphasis on
companies with consistent earnings growth, and we have tended to overweight
these areas of the market. As the market performance continues to narrow,
however, it becomes increasingly difficult to select the correct areas of
overperformance.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
----------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
23.50% 14.08% 13.08%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the
Capital Accumulation Fund, S&P 500 and Lipper Growth and Income Fund Average
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund S&P 500 Lipper
Year Ended Total Stock Growth & Income
December 31, Return Index Fund Average
10,000 10,000 10,000
1987 10,647 10,526 10,184
1988 12,183 12,274 11,814
1989 14,155 16,163 14,596
1990 12,759 15,659 13,946
1991 17,693 20,433 18,002
1992 19,377 21,990 19,618
1993 20,888 24,201 21,884
1994 20,990 24,519 21,678
1995 27,688 33,722 28,360
1996 34,193 41,460 34,253
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Important Notes:
Standard and Poor's 500 Stock Index: an unmanaged index of 500 widely held
common stocks representing industrial, financial, utility and
transportation companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange, American
Stock Exchange and the Over-the-Counter market.
Lipper Growth and Income Fund Average: this average consists of mutual
funds which combine a growth of earnings orientation and an income
requirement for level and/or rising dividends. The one year average
currently contains 522 mutual funds.
Principal Government Securities Fund
(Martin J. Schafer)
Interest rates rose in 1996, which dampened absolute fixed income returns.
The Fund underperformed the Lipper U.S. Mortgage Fund Average and the Lehman MBS
Index in 1996 due to its slightly longer duration. However, since the Fund's
inception of 4/9/87 it has outperformed the Lipper U.S. Mortgage Fund Average
and is competitive with the Lehman MBS Index.
Results were enhanced last year through identification and selection of
certain undervalued sectors of mortgage-backed securities for a portion of the
portfolio. These securities have now become very popular with Wall Street and
other investors, resulting in their increasing in value.
The current portfolio is well positioned for the period ahead. It has a
number of securities that are "seasoned" (e.g., original 30 year loans that have
been outstanding for three years or more) and therefore valued more highly in
the marketplace. There are few securities priced above par, so prepayment risk
is negligible. If the future continues to be an era of economic prosperity we
should continue to see strong housing markets and housing turnover that will
cause prepayments on our securities to exceed market expectations. These
repayments are welcomed, as the portfolio is priced at a discount and the Fund
will be paid-off at par.
Total Returns *
As of December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Year Since Inception Date 4/9/87
3.35% 6.68% 8.63%
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Government Securities
Fund, Lehman Brothers Mortgage Index and Lipper U.S. Mortgage Fund Average
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Lehman Lipper
Year Ended Total Mortgage U.S. Mortgage
December 31, Return Index Index
10,000 10,000 10,000
1987 10,099 10,204 10,104
1988 10,939 11,094 10,858
1989 12,645 12,808 12,224
1990 13,852 14,183 13,370
1991 16,200 16,410 15,348
1992 17,308 17,551 16,285
1993 19,051 18,751 17,499
1994 18,188 18,450 16,769
1995 21,656 21,549 19,491
1996 22,381 22,702 20,245
Note: Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Important Notes:
Lehman Brothers Mortgage Index: an unmanaged index of 15- and 30-year fixed
rate securities backed by mortgage pools of the Government National
Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
(FHLMC), and Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA).
Lipper U.S. Mortgage Fund Average: this average consists of mutual funds
investing at least 65% of their assets in mortgage/securities issued or
guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government and certain
federal agencies. The one year average currently contains 59 mutual funds.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE OF FUND SHARES
The net asset value of each Fund's shares is determined daily, Monday
through Friday, as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange except
on days on which changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities will
not materially affect the current net asset value of the Fund's redeemable
securities, on days during which the Fund receives no order for the purchase or
sale of its redeemable securities and no tender of such a security for
redemption, and on customary national business holidays. The net asset value per
share of each Fund is determined by dividing the value of the Fund's securities
plus all other assets, less all liabilities, by the number of Fund shares
outstanding.
The portfolios of the Capital Accumulation Fund and Government Securities
Fund are valued as follows. Securities for which market quotations are readily
available are valued using those quotations. Other securities are valued by
using market quotations, prices provided by market makers or estimates of market
values obtained from yield data and other factors relating to instruments or
securities with similar characteristics in accordance with procedures
established in good faith by the Board of Directors. Securities with remaining
maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost when it is determined
by the Board of Directors that amortized cost reflects fair value. Other assets
are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors
of the Fund.
As previously described, the Capital Accumulation Fund may purchase foreign
securities, whose trading is substantially completed each day at various times
prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange. The values of such securities
used in computing net asset value per share are usually determined as of such
times. Occasionally, events which affect the values of such securities and
foreign currency exchange rates may occur between the times at which they are
generally determined and the close of the New York Stock Exchange and would
therefore not be reflected in the computation of the Fund's net asset value. If
events materially affecting the value of such securities occur during such
period, then these securities will be valued at their fair value as determined
in good faith by the Manager under procedures established and regularly reviewed
by the Board of Directors. To the extent the Fund invests in foreign securities
listed on foreign exchanges which trade on days on which the Fund does not
determine its net asset value, for example Saturdays and other customary
national U.S. Holidays, the Fund's net asset value could be significantly
affected on days when shareholders have no access to the Fund.
The Money Market Fund values its securities at amortized cost. For a
description of this calculation procedure see the Statement of Additional
Information. The Money Market Fund reserves the right to calculate or estimate
its net asset value more frequently than once per day if it deems it desirable.
PERFORMANCE CALCULATION
From time to time, the Funds may publish advertisements containing
information (including graphs, charts, tables and examples) about the
performance of one or more of the Funds. The Funds' yield and total return
figures described below will vary depending upon market conditions, the
composition of the Funds' portfolios and operating expenses. These factors and
possible differences in the methods used in calculating yield and total return
should be considered when comparing the Funds' performance figures to
performance figures published for other investment vehicles. The Funds may also
quote rankings, yields or returns as published by independent statistical
services or publishers, and information regarding the performance of certain
market indices. Any performance data quoted for the Funds represents only
historical performance and is not intended to indicate future performance of the
Funds. The calculation of average annual total return and yield for the Funds
does not include fees and charges of the separate accounts that invest in the
Funds and, therefore, does not reflect the investment performance of those
separate accounts. For further information on how the Funds calculate yield and
total return figures, see the Statement of Additional Information.
The Capital Accumulation Fund and Government Securities Fund may advertise
their respective average annual total returns. Average annual total return for
each Fund is computed by calculating the average annual compounded rate of
return over the stated period that would equate an initial $1,000 investment to
the ending redeemable value assuming the reinvestment of all dividends and
capital gains distributions at net asset value. The same assumptions are made
when computing cumulative total return by dividing the ending redeemable value
by the initial investment.
The Money Market Fund may advertise its "yield" and "effective yield." The
"yield" of the Fund refers to the income generated by an investment in the Fund
over a seven-day period. This income is then "annualized." That is, the amount
of income generated by the investment during that week is assumed to be
generated each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a percentage of the
investment. The "effective yield" is calculated similarly but, when annualized,
the income earned by an investment in the Fund is assumed to be reinvested. The
"effective yield" will be slightly higher than the "yield" because of the
compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment.
The yield for the Money Market Fund will fluctuate daily as the income
earned on the investments of the Fund fluctuates. Accordingly, there is no
assurance that the yield quoted on any given occasion will remain in effect for
any period of time. The Fund is an open-end investment company and there is no
guarantee that the net asset value or any stated rate of return will remain
constant. A shareholder's investment in the Fund is not insured. Investors
comparing results of the Fund with investment results and yields from other
sources such as banks or savings and loan associations should understand these
distinctions. Historical and comparative yield information may, from time to
time, be presented by the Fund.
INCOME DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX STATUS
It is the policy of each Fund to distribute substantially all net
investment income and net realized gains. Through such distributions, and by
satisfying certain other requirements, the Funds intend to qualify for the tax
treatment accorded to regulated investment companies under the applicable
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. This means that in each year in which
the Funds so qualify they will be exempt from federal income tax upon the
amounts so distributed to investors.
Any dividends from the net investment income of the Funds (except the Money
Market Fund) will normally be payable to the shareholders annually, and any net
realized gains will be distributed annually. All dividends and capital gains
distributions are applied to purchase additional Fund shares at net asset value
as of the payment date without the imposition of any sales charge.
Each Fund will notify shareholders of the portion of each distribution
which constitutes investment income or capital gain. In view of the complexity
of tax considerations, it is advisable for Eligible Purchasers considering the
purchase of shares of the Funds to consult with tax advisors on the federal and
state tax aspects of their investments and redemptions.
Money Market Fund
The Money Market Fund declares dividends of all its daily net investment
income on each day the Fund's net asset value per share is determined. Dividends
are declared and payable daily and are automatically reinvested in full and
fractional shares of the Fund at the then current net asset value unless a
shareholder requests payment in cash.
Net investment income, for dividend purposes, consists of (1) accrued
interest income plus or minus accrued discount or amortized premium; plus or
minus (2) all net short-term realized gains and losses; minus (3) all accrued
expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the Fund are accrued each day. Net income will
be calculated immediately prior to the determination of net asset value per
share of the Fund.
Since the Fund's policy is, under normal circumstances, to hold portfolio
securities to maturity and to value portfolio securities at amortized cost, it
does not expect any capital gains or losses. If the Fund does experience gains,
however, it could result in an increase in dividends. Capital losses could
result in a decrease in dividends. If for some extraordinary reason the Fund
realizes net long-term capital gains, it will distribute them once every 12
months.
Since the net income of the Fund (including realized gains and losses on
the portfolio securities) is declared as a dividend each time the net income of
the Fund is determined, the net asset value per share of the Fund normally
remains at $1.00 immediately after each determination and dividend declaration.
Any increase in the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund,
representing reinvestment of dividend income, is reflected by an increase in the
number of shares of the Fund in the account.
Normally the Fund will have a positive net income at the time of each
determination thereof. Net income may be negative if an unexpected liability
must be accrued or a loss is realized. If the net income of the Fund determined
at any time is a negative amount, the net asset value per share will be reduced
below $1.00. The Fund may endeavor to restore the net asset value per share to
$1.00 by reducing the number of outstanding shares by redeeming proportionately
from shareholders without the payment of any monetary consideration, such number
of full and fractional shares as is necessary to maintain a net asset value per
share of $1.00. Each shareholder will be deemed to have agreed to such a
redemption in these circumstances by investing in the Fund. The Fund may seek to
achieve the same objective of restoring the net asset value per share to $1.00
by not declaring dividends from net income on subsequent days until restoration,
with the result that the net asset value per share would increase to the extent
of positive net income which is not declared as a dividend, or any other method
approved by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors may revise the above dividend policy, or postpone
the payment of dividends, if the Fund should have or anticipate any large
presently unexpected expense, loss or fluctuation in net assets which in the
opinion of the Board might have a significant adverse effect on shareholders.
ELIGIBLE PURCHASERS AND PURCHASE OF SHARES
Only Eligible Purchasers may purchase shares of the Funds. Eligible
Purchasers are limited to (a) separate accounts of Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company or of other insurance companies; (b) Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof; (c) trustees or other
managers of any qualified profit sharing, incentive or bonus plan established by
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof
for the employees of such company, subsidiary or affiliate. Such trustees or
managers may purchase Fund shares only in their capacities as trustees or
managers and not for their personal accounts. The Board of Directors of each
Fund reserves the right to broaden or limit the designation of Eligible
Purchasers.
The Capital Accumulation Fund and Money Market Fund each serve as an
underlying investment medium for variable annuity contracts and variable life
insurance policies that are funded in separate accounts established by Principal
Mutual Life Insurance Company. It is conceivable that in the future it may be
disadvantageous for variable life insurance separate accounts and variable
annuity separate accounts to invest in the Funds simultaneously. Although
neither Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company nor the Funds currently foresee
any such disadvantages either to variable life insurance policy owners or to
variable annuity contract owners, each Fund's Board of Directors intends to
monitor events in order to identify any material conflicts between such policy
owners and contract owners and to determine what action, if any, should be taken
in response thereto. Such action could include the sale of Fund shares by one or
more of the separate accounts, which could have adverse consequences. Material
conflicts could result from, for example, (1) changes in state insurance laws,
(2) changes in Federal income tax law, (3) changes in the investment management
of the Fund, or (4) differences in voting instructions between those given by
policy owners and those given by contract owners.
Shares are purchased from Princor Financial Services Corporation, the
principal underwriter for the Funds. There are no sales charges on the Funds'
shares. There are no restrictions on amounts to be invested in the Funds'
shares.
Shareholder accounts for each Fund will be maintained under an open account
system. Under this system, an account is automatically opened and maintained for
each new investor. Each investment is confirmed by sending the investor a
statement of account showing the current purchase and the total number of shares
then owned. The statement of account is treated by each Fund as evidence of
ownership of Fund shares in lieu of stock certificates, and unless written
request is made to the Fund, stock certificates will not be issued or delivered
to investors. Certificates, which can be stolen or lost, are unnecessary except
for special purposes such as collateral for a loan. Fractional interests in the
Funds' shares are reflected to three decimal places in the statement of account,
but any stock certificates will be issued only for full shares owned.
If an offer to purchase shares is received by any of the Funds before the
close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the shares will be issued at
the offering price (net asset value of Fund shares) computed on that day. If an
offer is received after the close of trading or on a day which is not a trading
day, the shares will be issued at the offering price computed on the first
succeeding day on which a price is determined. Dividends on the Money Market
Fund shares will be paid on the next day following the effective date of a
purchase order.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
The following information is applicable to each of the Principal Funds.
Each Fund share is entitled to one vote either in person or by proxy at all
shareholder meetings for that Fund. This includes the right to vote for the
election of directors, selection of independent accountants and on other matters
submitted to meetings of shareholders. Each share has equal rights with every
other share as to dividends, earnings, voting, assets and redemption. Shares are
fully paid and non-assessable, and have no preemptive or conversion rights.
Shares may be issued as full or fractional shares, and each fractional share has
proportionately the same rights, including voting, as are provided for a full
share. Shareholders of each of these Funds may remove any director with or
without cause by the vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at a
meeting of shareholders.
The bylaws of each Fund provide that the Board of Directors of the Fund may
increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares which the Fund has authority
to issue without a shareholder vote.
The bylaws of each Fund also provide that the Fund need not hold an annual
meeting of shareholders in any year in which none of the following is required
to be acted on by shareholders under the Investment Company Act of 1940:
election of directors; approval of investment advisory agreement; ratification
of selection of independent public accountants; and approval of distribution
agreement. The Funds intend to hold shareholder meetings only when required by
law and at such other times as may be deemed appropriate by their respective
Boards of Directors.
Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the applicable Fund at The
Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392.
NON-CUMULATIVE VOTING: The Funds' shares have non-cumulative voting rights
which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the
election of directors of a Fund can elect 100% of the directors if they choose
to do so, and in such event, the holders of the remaining shares voting for the
election of directors will not be able to elect any directors.
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company votes each Fund's shares allocated
to each of its separate accounts registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940 and attributable to variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance
policies participating therein in accordance with instructions received from
contract or policy holders, participants and annuitants. Other shares of each
Fund held by each registered separate account, including those for which no
timely instructions are received, are voted in proportion to the instructions
that are received with respect to contracts or policies participating in that
separate account. Shares of each of the Funds held in the general account of
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or in its unregistered separate accounts
are voted in proportion to the instructions that are received with respect to
contracts and policies participating in its registered and unregistered separate
accounts. If Principal Mutual determines pursuant to applicable law that a
Fund's shares held in one or more separate accounts or in its general account
need not be voted pursuant to instructions received with respect to
participating contracts or policies, it then may vote those Fund shares in its
own right.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Except for the third paragraph below, most of the following discussion of
redemption procedures is relevant only to Eligible Purchasers other than
variable annuity and variable life separate accounts of Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Each Fund will redeem shares upon request. There is no charge for
redemption. If no certificates have been issued, a shareholder simply writes a
letter to the appropriate Fund requesting redemption of any part or all of the
shares. The letter must be signed exactly as the account is registered. If
certificates have been issued, they must be properly endorsed and forwarded with
the request. If payment is to be made to the registered shareholder or joint
shareholders, the Fund will not require a signature guarantee as a part of a
proper endorsement; otherwise the shareholder's signature must be guaranteed by
either a commercial bank, trust company, credit union, savings and loan
association, national securities exchange member, or by a brokerage firm. The
price at which the shares are redeemed will be the net asset value per share as
next computed after the request (with appropriate certificate, if any) is
received by the Fund in proper and complete form. The amount received for shares
upon redemption may be more or less than the cost of such shares depending upon
the net asset value at the time of redemption.
Redemption proceeds will be sent within three business days after receipt
of request for redemption in proper form. However, each Fund may suspend the
right of redemption during any period when (a) trading on the New York Stock
Exchange is restricted as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission
or such Exchange is closed for other than weekends and holidays; (b) an
emergency exists, as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, as a
result of which (i) disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not
reasonably practicable, or (ii) it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund
fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (c) the Commission by order
so permits for the protection of security holders of the Fund. A Fund will
redeem only those shares for which it has good payment. To avoid the
inconvenience of such a delay, shares may be purchased with a certified check,
bank cashier's check or money order. During the period prior to the time a
redemption from the Money Market Fund is effective, dividends on such shares
will accrue and be payable and the shareholder will be entitled to exercise all
other rights of beneficial ownership.
Restricted Transfer: Shares of each of the Funds may be transferred to an
Eligible Purchaser. However, whenever any of the Funds is requested to transfer
shares to other than an Eligible Purchaser, the Fund has the right at its
election to purchase such shares at their net asset value next effective
following the time at which the request for transfer is presented; provided,
however, that the Fund must notify the transferee or transferees of such shares
in writing of its election to purchase such shares within seven (7) days
following the date of such request and settlement for such shares shall be made
within such seven-day period.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Organization: The Funds were incorporated in the state of Maryland on the
following dates: Capital Accumulation Fund - May 26, 1989 (effective November 1,
1989 succeeded to the business of a predecessor Fund that had been incorporated
in Delaware on February 6, 1969); Government Securities Fund - June 7, 1985; and
Money Market Fund - June 10, 1982.
Custodian: Bank of New York, 48 Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, is
custodian of the portfolio securities and cash assets of each of the Funds. The
custodian performs no managerial or policymaking functions for the Funds.
Capitalization: The authorized capital stock of each Fund consists of
100,000,000 shares of common stock (500,000,000 for Principal Money Market
Fund), $.01 par value.
Financial Statements: Copies of the financial statements of each Fund will
be mailed to each shareholder of that Fund semi-annually. At the close of each
fiscal year, each Fund's financial statements will be audited by a firm of
independent auditors. The firm of Ernst & Young LLP has been appointed to audit
the financial statements of each Fund for their respective present fiscal years.
Registration Statement: This Prospectus omits some information contained in
the Statement of Additional Information (also known as Part B of the
Registration Statement) and Part C of the Registration Statements which the
Funds have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Funds'
Statement of Additional Information is hereby incorporated by reference into
this Prospectus. A copy of this Statement of Additional Information can be
obtained upon request, free of charge, by writing or telephoning the Fund. You
may obtain a copy of Part C of the Registration Statements filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. from the Commission upon
payment of the prescribed fees.
Principal Underwriter: Princor Financial Services Corporation, The
Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392-0200, is the principal
underwriter for each of the Principal Funds.
PART B
PRINCIPAL AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND, INC.
PRINCIPAL ASSET ALLOCATION FUND, INC.
PRINCIPAL BALANCED FUND, INC.
PRINCIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
PRINCIPAL CAPITAL ACCUMULATION FUND, INC.
PRINCIPAL EMERGING GROWTH FUND, INC.
PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND, INC.
PRINCIPAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
PRINCIPAL HIGH YIELD FUND, INC.
PRINCIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.
PRINCIPAL WORLD FUND, INC.
Statement of Additional Information
dated May 1, 1997
This Statement of Additional Information provides information about each
of the above Funds in addition to the information that is contained in the
Funds' Prospectus, dated May 1, 1997.
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should
be read in conjunction with the Funds' Prospectus, a copy of which can be
obtained free of charge by writing or telephoning:
Principal Funds
The Principal Financial Group
Des Moines, Iowa 50392-0200
Telephone: 1-800-247-4123
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Investment Policies and Restrictions of the Fund............................. 3
Growth-Oriented Funds................................................. 3
Income-Oriented Funds................................................. 7
Money Market Fund..................................................... 11
Fund Investments............................................................. 12
Directors and Officers of the Fund........................................... 23
Manager and Sub-Advisors .................................................... 25
Cost of Manager's Services .................................................. 26
Brokerage on Purchases and Sales of Securities............................... 28
Determination of Net Asset Value of Fund Shares.............................. 30
Performance Calculation...................................................... 32
Tax Status................................................................... 34
General Information and History.............................................. 34
Financial Statements......................................................... 36
Appendix A................................................................... 37
- 1 -
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE FUNDS
The following information about the Principal Funds, a family of
separately incorporated, diversified, open-end management investment companies,
commonly called mutual funds, supplements the information provided in the
Prospectus under the caption "Investment Objectives, Policies and Restrictions."
There are three categories of Principal Funds: Growth-Oriented Funds,
which include five Funds which seek primarily capital appreciation through
investments in equity securities (Aggressive Growth Fund, Capital Accumulation
Fund, Emerging Growth Fund, Growth Fund and World Fund) and two Funds which seek
a total investment return including both capital appreciation and income through
investments in equity and debt securities (Asset Allocation Fund and Balanced
Fund); Income-Oriented Funds, which include three funds which seek primarily a
high level of income through investments in debt securities (Bond Fund,
Government Securities Fund and High Yield Fund) and a Money Market Fund, which
seeks primarily a high level of income through investments in short-term debt
securities.
In seeking to achieve its investment objective, each Fund has adopted as
matters of fundamental policy certain investment restrictions which cannot be
changed without approval by the holders of the lesser of: (i) 67% of the Fund's
shares present or represented at a shareholders' meeting at which the holders of
more than 50% of such shares are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more
than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Similar shareholder approval is
required to change the investment objective of each of the Funds. The following
discussion provides for each Fund a statement of its investment objective, a
description of its investment restrictions that are matters of fundamental
policy and a description of any investment restrictions it may have adopted that
are not matters of fundamental policy and may be changed without shareholder
approval. For purposes of the investment restrictions, all percentage and rating
limitations apply at the time of acquisition of a security, and any subsequent
change in any applicable percentage resulting from market fluctuations or in a
rating by a rating service will not require elimination of any security from the
portfolio. Unless specifically identified as a matter of fundamental policy,
each investment policy discussed in the Prospectus or the Statement of
Additional Information is not fundamental and may be changed by the respective
Fund's Board of Directors.
GROWTH-ORIENTED FUNDS
Investment Objectives
Principal Aggressive Growth Fund, Inc. ("Aggressive Growth Fund")
seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily
in growth-oriented common stocks of medium and large capitalization
U.S. corporations and, to a limited extent, foreign corporations.
Principal Asset Allocation Fund, Inc. ("Asset Allocation Fund") seeks
to generate a total investment return consistent with the preservation
of capital.
Principal Balanced Fund, Inc. ("Balanced Fund") seeks to generate a
total investment return consisting of current income and capital
appreciation while assuming reasonable risks in furtherance of the
investment objective.
Principal Capital Accumulation Fund, Inc. ("Capital Accumulation
Fund") seeks to achieve primarily long-term capital appreciation and
secondarily growth of investment income through the purchase primarily
of common stocks, but the Fund may invest in other securities.
Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Inc. ("Emerging Growth Fund") seeks to
achieve capital appreciation by investing primarily in securities of
emerging and other growth-oriented companies.
Principal Growth Fund, Inc. ("Growth Fund") seeks growth of capital
through the purchase primarily of common stocks, but the Fund may
invest in other securities.
Principal World Fund, Inc. ("World Fund") seeks long-term growth of
capital by investing in a portfolio of equity securities of companies
domiciled in any of the nations of the world.
Investment Restrictions
Aggressive Growth Fund, Asset Allocation Fund, Balanced Fund, Emerging
Growth Fund, Growth Fund and World Fund
Each of the following numbered restrictions is a matter of fundamental
policy and may not be changed without shareholder approval. The Aggressive
Growth Fund, Asset Allocation Fund, Balanced Fund, Emerging Growth Fund, Growth
Fund and World Fund each may not:
(1) Issue any senior securities as defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940. Purchasing and selling securities and futures
contracts and options thereon and borrowing money in accordance
with restrictions described below do not involve the issuance of a
senior security.
(2) Purchase or retain in its portfolio securities of any issuer if
those officers or directors of the Fund or its Manager owning
beneficially more than one-half of 1% (0.5%) of the securities of
the issuer together own beneficially more than 5% of such
securities.
(3) Invest in commodities or commodity contracts, but it may purchase
and sell financial futures contracts and options on such contracts.
(4) Invest in real estate, although it may invest in securities which
are secured by real estate and securities of issuers which invest
or deal in real estate.
(5) Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes, in an
amount not to exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets at
the time of the borrowing. The Balanced Fund may borrow only from
banks.
(6) Make loans, except that the Fund may (i) purchase and hold debt
obligations in accordance with its investment objective and
policies, (ii) enter into repurchase agreements, and (iii) lend its
portfolio securities without limitation against collateral
(consisting of cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the
United States Government or its agencies or instrumentalities)
equal at all times to not less than 100% of the value of the
securities loaned.
(7) Invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any
one issuer (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the
United States Government or its agencies or instrumentalities)
except that this limitation shall apply only with respect to 75% of
the total assets of the Aggressive Growth Fund, Asset Allocation
Fund, Growth Fund and World Fund; or purchase more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.
(8) Act as an underwriter of securities, except to the extent the Fund
may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the sale of
securities held in its portfolio.
(9) Concentrate its investments in any particular industry or
industries, except that the Fund may invest not more than 25% of
the value of its total assets in a single industry.
(10) Sell securities short (except where the Fund holds or has the right
to obtain at no added cost a long position in the securities sold
that equals or exceeds the securities sold short) or purchase any
securities on margin, except it may obtain such short-term credits
as are necessary for the clearance of transactions. The deposit or
payment of margin in connection with transactions in options and
financial futures contracts is not considered the purchase of
securities on margin.
(11) Invest in interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or
development programs, although the Fund may invest in securities of
issuers which invest in or sponsor such programs.
Each of these Funds has also adopted the following restrictions which are
not fundamental policies and may be changed without shareholder approval. It is
contrary to each Fund's present policy to:
(1) Invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities not readily
marketable and in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven
days. The value of any options purchased in the Over-the-Counter
market, including all covered spread options and the assets used as
cover for any options written in the Over-the-Counter market are
included as part of this 10% limitation.
(2) Purchase warrants in excess of 5% of its total assets, of which 2%
may be invested in warrants that are not listed on the New York or
American Stock Exchange. The 2% limitation for the World Fund does
not apply to warrants listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange or the
Chicago Board Options Exchange.
(3) Purchase securities of any issuer having less than three years'
continuous operation (including operations of any predecessors) if
such purchase would cause the value of the Fund's investments in
all such issuers to exceed 5% of the value of its total assets.
(4) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure
permitted borrowings. The deposit of underlying securities and
other assets in escrow and other collateral arrangements in
connection with transactions in put and call options, futures
contracts and options on futures contracts are not deemed to be
pledges or other encumbrances.
(5) Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
management.
(6) Invest more than 10% (25% for the Aggressive Growth Fund) of its
total assets in securities of foreign issuers. This restriction
does not pertain to the World Fund or the Asset Allocation Fund.
(7) Invest more than 5% of its total assets in the purchase of covered
spread options and the purchase of put and call options on
securities, securities indices and financial futures contracts.
Options on financial futures contracts and options on securities
indices will be used solely for hedging purposes; not for
speculation.
(8) Invest more than 5% of its assets in initial margin and premiums on
financial futures contracts and options on such contracts.
(9) Invest in arbitrage transactions.
(10) Invest in real estate limited partnership interests.
The Balanced Fund and Emerging Growth Fund have also adopted the
following restrictions which are not fundamental policies and may be changed
without shareholder approval. It is contrary to each such Fund's present policy
to:
(1) Purchase securities of other investment companies except in
connection with a merger, consolidation, or plan of reorganization
or by purchase in the open market of securities of closed-end
companies where no underwriter or dealer's commission or profit,
other than a customary broker's commission, is involved, and if
immediately thereafter not more than 10% of the value of the Fund's
total assets would be invested in such securities.
The Aggressive Growth Fund, Asset Allocation Fund, Growth Fund and World
Fund have also adopted the following restriction which is not a fundamental
policy and may be changed without shareholder approval. It is contrary to each
such Fund's present policy to:
(1) Invest its assets in the securities of any investment company
except that the Fund may invest not more than 10% of its assets in
securities of other investment companies, invest not more than 5%
of its total assets in the securities of any one investment
company, or acquire not more than 3% of the outstanding voting
securities of any one investment company except in connection with
a merger, consolidation or plan of reorganization, and the Fund may
purchase securities of closed-end companies in the open market
where no underwriter or dealer's commission or profit, other than a
customary broker's commission, is involved.
Capital Accumulation Fund
Each of the following numbered restrictions is a matter of fundamental
policy and may not be changed without shareholder approval. The Capital
Accumulation Fund may not:
(1) Concentrate its investments in any one industry. No more than 25%
of the value of its total assets will be invested in any one
industry.
(2) Purchase the securities of any issuer if the purchase will cause
more than 5% of the value of its total assets to be invested in the
securities of any one issuer (except U. S. Government securities).
(3) Purchase the securities of any issuer if the purchase will cause
more than 10% of the voting securities, or any other class of
securities of the issuer, to be held by the Fund.
(4) Underwrite securities of other issuers, except that the Fund may
acquire portfolio securities under circumstances where if sold the
Fund might be deemed an underwriter for purposes of the Securities
Act of 1933. The Fund will not purchase securities, including
obligations acquired in private offerings (see (14) below), which
are subject to legal or contractual restrictions upon resale or are
otherwise not readily marketable, if the purchase will cause more
than 10% of the value of its assets to be invested in such
securities.
(5) Purchase securities of any company with a record of less than three
years' continuous operation (including that of predecessors) if the
purchase would cause the value of the Fund's aggregate investments
in all such companies to exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
(6) Engage in the purchase and sale of illiquid interests in real
estate. For this purpose, readily marketable interests in real
estate investment trusts are not interests in real estate.
(7) Engage in the purchase and sale of commodities or commodity
contracts.
(8) Purchase securities of other investment companies except in
connection with a merger, consolidation, or plan of reorganization.
(9) Purchase or retain in its portfolio securities of any issuer if
those officers and directors of the Fund or its Manager owning
beneficially more than one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the
securities of the issuer together own beneficially more than 5% of
such securities.
(10) Purchase securities on margin, except it may obtain such short-term
credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions. The
Fund will not participate on a joint or joint and several basis in
any trading account in securities or effect a short sale of any
security, except in connection with an underwriting in which it is
a participant in the circumstances specified in (4) above. The Fund
will not issue or acquire put and call options.
(11) Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
management.
(12) Invest more than 5% of its assets at the time of purchase in rights
and warrants (other than those that have been acquired in units or
attached to other securities).
(13) Invest more than 20% of its total assets in securities of foreign
issuers.
In addition:
(14) The Fund may make loans only through the purchase in private
offerings of debentures or other evidences of indebtedness of types
customarily purchased by institutional investors, but such
purchases shall be subject to the limitation contained in (4)
above.*
(15) The Fund does not propose to borrow money except for temporary or
emergency purposes from banks in an amount not to exceed the lesser
of (i) 5% of the value of the Fund's assets, less liabilities other
than such borrowings, or (ii) 10% of the Fund's assets taken at
cost at the time such borrowing is made. The Fund may not pledge,
mortgage, or hypothecate its assets (at value) to an extent greater
than 15% of the gross assets taken at cost.
(16) It is contrary to the Fund's present policy to purchase warrants in
excess of 5% of its total assets of which 2% may be invested in
warrants that are not listed on the New York or American Stock
Exchange.
* It is anticipated that any debt securities acquired subject to
"Restriction 14" will be convertible into or carry rights or
warrants to purchase common stock or to participate in earnings,
unless acquired for temporary defensive or liquidity purposes.
INCOME-ORIENTED FUNDS
Investment Objectives
Principal Bond Fund, Inc. ("Bond Fund") seeks to provide as high a
level of income as is consistent with preservation of capital and
prudent investment risk.
Principal Government Securities Fund, Inc. ("Government Securities
Fund") seeks a high level of current income, liquidity and safety
of principal by purchasing obligations issued or guaranteed by the
United States Government or its agencies, with emphasis on
Government National Mortgage Association Certificates ("GNMA
Certificates"). The guarantee by the United States Government
extends only to principal and interest; Fund shares are not
guaranteed by the United States Government. There are certain risks
unique to GNMA Certificates.
Principal High Yield Fund, Inc. ("High Yield Fund") seeks high
current income primarily by purchasing high yielding, lower or
non-rated fixed income securities which are believed to not involve
undue risk to income or principal. Capital growth is a secondary
objective when consistent with the objective of high current
income.
Investment Restrictions
Bond Fund, High Yield Fund
Each of the following numbered restrictions is a matter of
fundamental policy and may not be changed without shareholder approval.
The Bond Fund and High Yield Fund each may not:
(1) Issue any senior securities as defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940. Purchasing and selling securities and futures
contracts and options thereon and borrowing money in accordance
with restrictions described below do not involve the issuance of a
senior security.
(2) Purchase or retain in its portfolio securities of any issuer if
those officers or directors of the fund or its Manager owning
beneficially more than one-half of 1% (0.5%) of the securities of
the issuer together own beneficially more than 5% of such
securities.
(3) Invest in commodities or commodity contracts, but it may purchase
and sell financial futures contracts and options on such contracts.
(4) Invest in real estate, although it may invest in securities which
are secured by real estate and securities of issuers which invest
or deal in real estate.
(5) Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes, in an
amount not to exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets at
the time of the borrowing. The Bond Fund and High Yield Fund may
borrow only from banks.
(6) Make loans, except that the Fund may (i) purchase and hold debt
obligations in accordance with its investment objective and
policies, (ii) enter into repurchase agreements, and (iii) lend its
portfolio securities without limitation against collateral
(consisting of cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the
United States Government or its agencies or instrumentalities)
equal at all times to not less than 100% of the value of the
securities loaned.
(7) Invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any
one issuer (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the
United States Government or its agencies or instrumentalities); or
purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any
one issuer.
(8) Act as an underwriter of securities, except to the extent the Fund
may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the sale of
securities held in its portfolio.
(9) Concentrate its investments in any particular industry or
industries, except that the Bond Fund and High Yield Fund each may
invest not more than 25% of the value of its total assets in a
single industry.
(10) Sell securities short (except where the Fund holds or has the right
to obtain at no added cost a long position in the securities sold
that equals or exceeds the securities sold short) or purchase any
securities on margin, except it may obtain such short-term credits
as are necessary for the clearance of transactions. The deposit or
payment of margin in connection with transactions in options and
financial futures contracts is not considered the purchase of
securities on margin.
(11) Invest in interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or
development programs, although the Fund may invest in securities of
issuers which invest in or sponsor such programs.
Each of these Funds has also adopted the following restrictions which are
not fundamental policies and may be changed without shareholder approval. It is
contrary to each Fund's present policy to:
(1) Invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities not readily
marketable and in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven
days. The value of any options purchased in the Over-the-Counter
market, including all covered spread options and the assets used as
cover for any options written in the Over-the-Counter market are
included as part of this 10% limitation.
(2) Purchase warrants in excess of 5% of its total assets, of which 2%
may be invested in warrants that are not listed on the New York or
American Stock Exchange.
(3) Purchase securities of any issuer having less than three years'
continuous operation (including operations of any predecessors) if
such purchase would cause the value of the Fund's investments in
all such issuers to exceed 5% of the value of its total assets.
(4) Purchase securities of other investment companies except in
connection with a merger, consolidation, or plan of reorganization
or by purchase in the open market of securities of closed-end
companies where no underwriter or dealer's commission or profit,
other than a customary broker's commission, is involved, and if
immediately thereafter not more than 10% of the value of the Fund's
total assets would be invested in such securities.
(5) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure
permitted borrowings. The deposit of underlying securities and
other assets in escrow and other collateral arrangements in
connection with transactions in put and call options, futures
contracts and options on futures contracts are not deemed to be
pledges or other encumbrances.
(6) Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
management.
(7) Invest more than 20% of its total assets in securities of foreign
issuers.
(8) Invest more than 5% of its total assets in the purchase of covered
spread options and the purchase of put and call options on
securities, securities indices and financial futures contracts.
Options on financial futures contracts and options on securities
indices will be used solely for hedging purposes; not for
speculation.
(9) Invest more than 5% of its assets in initial margin and premiums on
financial futures contracts and options on such contracts.
(10) Invest in arbitrage transactions.
(11) Invest in real estate limited partnership interests.
Government Securities Fund
Each of the following numbered restrictions is a matter of fundamental
policy and may not be changed without shareholder approval. The Government
Securities Fund may not:
(1) Issue any senior securities as defined in the Act except insofar as
the Fund may be deemed to have issued a senior security by reason
of (a) purchasing any securities on a standby, when-issued or
delayed delivery basis; or (b) borrowing money in accordance with
restrictions described below.
(2) Purchase any securities other than obligations issued or guaranteed
by the United States Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities. There is no limit on the amount of its assets
which may be invested in the securities of any one issuer of such
obligations.
(3) Act as an underwriter of securities, except to the extent the Fund
may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the sale of
GNMA certificates held in its portfolio.
(4) Engage in the purchase and sale of interests in real estate,
including interests in real estate investment trusts (although it
will invest in securities secured by real estate or interests
therein, such as mortgage-backed securities) or invest in
commodities or commodity contracts, oil and gas interests, or
mineral exploration or development programs.
(5) Purchase securities of other investment companies except in
connection with a merger, consolidation, or plan of reorganization.
(6) Purchase or retain in its portfolio securities of any issuer if
those officers and directors of the Fund or its Manager owning
beneficially more than one-half of 1% (0.5%) of the securities of
the issuer together own beneficially more than 5% of such
securities.
(7) Sell securities short or purchase any securities on margin, except
it may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the
clearance of transactions. The deposit or payment of margin in
connection with transactions in options and financial futures
contracts is not considered the purchase of securities on margin.
(8) Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
management.
(9) Make loans, except that the Fund may purchase or hold debt
obligations in accordance with the investment restrictions set
forth in paragraph (2) and may enter into repurchase agreements for
such securities, and may lend its portfolio securities without
limitation against collateral consisting of cash, or securities
issued or guaranteed by the United States Government or its
agencies or instrumentalities, which is equal at all times to 100%
of the value of the securities loaned.
(10) Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes, in an
amount not to exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets at
the time of the borrowing.
(11) Enter into repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days
if, as a result thereof, more than 10% of the value of the Fund's
total assets would be invested in such repurchase agreements and
other assets without readily available market quotations.
(12) Participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any trading
account in securities.
(13) Invest more than 5% of its total assets in the purchase of covered
spread options and the purchase of put and call options on
securities, securities indices and financial futures contracts.
(14) Invest more than 5% of its assets in initial margin and premiums on
financial futures contracts and options on such contracts.
The Government Fund has also adopted the following restriction which is
not a fundamental policy and may be changed without shareholder approval. It is
contrary to the Government Fund's present policy to:
(1) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure
permitted borrowings. The deposit of underlying securities and
other assets in escrow and other collateral arrangements in
connection with transactions in put and call options, futures
contracts and options on future contracts are not deemed to be
pledges or other encumbrances.
MONEY MARKET FUND
Investment Objective
Principal Money Market Fund, Inc. ("Money Market Fund") seeks as
high a level of income available from short-term securities as is
considered consistent with preservation of principal and
maintenance of liquidity by investing in a portfolio of money
market instruments.
Investment Restrictions
Money Market Fund
Each of the following numbered restrictions is a matter of
fundamental policy and may not be changed without shareholder approval.
The Money Market Fund may not:
(1) Concentrate its investments in any one industry. No more than 25%
of the value of its total assets will be invested in securities of
issuers having their principal activities in any one industry,
other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government
or its agencies or instrumentalities, or obligations of domestic
branches of U.S. banks and savings institutions. (See "Bank
Obligations").
(2) Purchase the securities of any issuer if the purchase will cause
more than 5% of the value of its total assets to be invested in the
securities of any one issuer (except securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities).
(3) Purchase the securities of any issuer if the purchase will cause
more than 10% of any class of securities of the issuer to be held
by the Fund (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities).
(4) Act as an underwriter except to the extent that, in connection with
the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an
underwriter under the federal securities laws; or knowingly
purchase any security restricted as to disposition under the
federal securities laws.
(5) Purchase securities of any company with a record of less than 3
years continuous operation (including that of predecessors) if the
purchase would cause the value of the Fund's aggregate investments
in all such companies to exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total
assets.
(6) Engage in the purchase and sale of illiquid interests in real
estate, including interests in real estate investment trusts
(although it may invest in securities secured by real estate or
interests therein) or invest in commodities or commodity contracts,
oil and gas interests, or mineral exploration or development
programs.
(7) Purchase securities of other investment companies except in
connection with a merger, consolidation, or plan of reorganization.
(8) Purchase or retain in its portfolio securities of any issuer if
those officers and directors of the Fund or its Manager owning
beneficially more than one-half of 1% (0.5%) of the securities of
the issuer together own beneficially more than 5% of such
securities.
(9) Purchase securities on margin, except it may obtain such short-term
credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions. The
Fund will not participate on a joint or joint and several basis in
any trading account in securities or effect a short sale of any
security. The Fund will not issue or acquire put and call options,
straddles or spreads or any combination thereof.
(10) Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
management.
(11) Make loans to others except through the purchase of debt
obligations in which the Fund is authorized to invest and by
entering into repurchase agreements (see "Fund Investments").
(12) Borrow money, except from banks for temporary or emergency
purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests which might
otherwise require the untimely disposition of securities, in an
amount not to exceed the lesser of (1) 5% of the value of the
Fund's assets, or (ii) 10% of the value of the Fund's net assets
taken at cost at the time such borrowing is made. The Fund will not
issue senior securities except in connection with such borrowings.
The Fund may not pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate its assets (at
value) to an extent greater than 10% of the net assets.
(13) Invest in uncertificated time deposits maturing in more than seven
days; uncertificated time deposits maturing from two business days
through seven calendar days may not exceed 10% of the value of the
Fund's total assets.
(14) Enter into repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days
if, as a result thereof, more than 10% of the value of the Fund's
total assets would be invested in such repurchase agreements and
other assets (excluding time deposits) without readily available
market quotations.
FUND INVESTMENTS
The following information further supplements the discussion of the
Funds' investment objectives and policies in the Prospectus under the caption
"INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS."
Selections of equity securities for the Funds, except the Aggressive
Growth and Asset Allocation Funds, are made based upon an approach described
broadly as that of fundamental analysis. Three basic steps are involved in this
analysis. First is the continuing study of basic economic factors in an effort
to conclude what the future general economic climate is likely to be over the
next one to two years. Second, given some conviction as to the likely economic
climate, the Fund attempts to identify the prospects for the major industrial,
commercial and financial segments of the economy, by looking at such factors as
demand for products, capacity to produce, operating costs, pricing structure,
marketing techniques, adequacy of raw materials and components, domestic and
foreign competition, and research productivity, to ascertain prospects for each
industry for the near and intermediate term. Finally, determinations are made
regarding earnings prospects for individual companies within each industry by
considering the same types of factors described above. These earnings prospects
are then evaluated in relation to the current price of the securities of each
company.
Although the Funds may pursue the investment practices described under
the captions Restricted Securities, Foreign Securities, Spread Transactions,
Options on Securities and Securities Indices, and Futures Contracts and Options
on Futures Contracts, Currency Contracts, Repurchase Agreements, Lending of
Portfolio Securities and When Issued and Delay of Delivery Securities, none of
the Funds either committed during the last fiscal year or currently intends to
commit during the present fiscal year more than 5% of its net assets to any of
the practices, with the following exceptions. Investments in foreign securities
by the Aggressive Growth, Asset Allocation and World Funds are expected to
exceed 5% of each fund's net assets.
Restricted Securities
Each of the following Principal Funds has adopted investment restrictions
as non-fundamental policies that limit its investments in restricted securities
and other illiquid securities to 10% of its assets: Aggressive Growth, Asset
Allocation, Balanced, Bond, Capital Accumulation, Emerging Growth, Growth, High
Yield and World Funds.
Generally, restricted securities are not readily marketable because they
are subject to legal or contractual restrictions upon resale. They may be sold
only in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in
effect under the Securities Act of 1933 or in a transaction which is exempt from
the registration requirements of that act. When registration is required, a Fund
may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a
considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the
time the Fund may by permitted to sell a security under an effective
registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were
to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it
decided to sell. Restricted securities and other securities not readily
marketable will be priced at fair value as determined in good faith by or under
the direction of the Board of Directors.
Foreign Securities
Each of the following Principal Funds has adopted investment restrictions
as non-fundamental policies that limit its investments in foreign securities to
the indicated percentage of its assets: Asset Allocation and World Funds - 100%
; Aggressive Growth Fund - 25%; Bond, Capital Accumulation, High Yield 20%;
Balanced, Emerging Growth and Growth Funds - 10%.
Investment in foreign securities presents certain risks, including those
resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates, revaluation of
currencies, the imposition of foreign taxes, future political and economic
developments including war, expropriations, nationalization, the possible
imposition of currency exchange controls and other foreign governmental laws or
restrictions, reduced availability of public information concerning issuers, and
the fact that foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices and
requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic issuers. Moreover,
securities of many foreign issuers may be less liquid and their prices more
volatile than those of comparable domestic issuers. In addition, transactions in
foreign securities may be subject to higher costs, and the time for settlement
of transactions in foreign securities may be longer than the settlement period
for domestic issuers. Each Fund's investment in foreign securities may also
result in higher custodial costs and the costs associated with currency
conversions.
Spread Transactions, Options on Securities and Securities Indices, and Futures
Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
The Aggressive Growth, Asset Allocation, Balanced, Bond, Emerging Growth,
Government Securities, Growth, High Yield and World Funds may each engage in the
practices described under this heading. None of the Funds will invest more than
5% of its assets in the purchase of call and put options on individual
securities, securities indices and futures contracts. In the following
discussion, the terms "the Fund," "each Fund" or "the Funds" refer to each of
these Funds.
Spread Transactions
Each Fund may purchase from securities dealers covered spread options.
Such covered spread options are not presently exchange listed or traded. The
purchase of a spread option gives the Fund the right to put, or sell, a security
that it owns at a fixed dollar spread or fixed yield spread in relationship to
another security that the Fund does not own, but which is used as a benchmark.
The risk to the Fund in purchasing covered spread options is the cost of the
premium paid for the spread option and any transaction costs. In addition, there
is no assurance that closing transactions will be available. The purchase of
spread options can be used to protect each Fund against adverse changes in
prevailing credit quality spreads, i.e., the yield spread between high quality
and lower quality securities. The security covering the spread option will be
maintained in a segregated account by each Fund's custodian. The Funds do not
consider a security covered by a spread option to be "pledged" as that term is
used in the Funds' policy limiting the pledging or mortgaging of assets.
Options on Securities and Securities Indices
Each Fund may write (sell) and purchase call and put options on
securities in which it may invest and on securities indices based on securities
in which the Fund may invest. The Funds may write call and put options to
generate additional revenue, and may write and purchase call and put options in
seeking to hedge against a decline in the value of securities owned or an
increase in the price of securities which the Fund plans to purchase.
Writing Covered Call and Put Options. When a Fund writes a call
option, it gives the purchaser of the option, in return for the premium it
receives, the right to buy from the Fund the underlying security at a specified
price at any time before the option expires. When a Fund writes a put option, it
gives the purchaser of the option, in return for the premium it receives, the
right to sell to the Fund the underlying security at a specified price at any
time before the option expires.
The premium received by a Fund, when it writes a put or call option,
reflects, among other factors, the current market price of the underlying
security, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price, the time
period until the expiration of the option and interest rates. The premium will
generate additional income for the Fund if the option expires unexercised or is
closed out at a profit. By writing a call, a Fund limits its opportunity to
profit from any increase in the market value of the underlying security above
the exercise price of the option, but it retains the risk of loss if the price
of the security should decline. By writing a put, a Fund assumes the risk that
it may have to purchase the underlying security at a price that may be higher
than its market value at time of exercise.
The Funds write only covered options and will comply with applicable
regulatory and exchange cover requirements. The Funds usually will own the
underlying security covered by any outstanding call option that it has written.
With respect to an outstanding put option that it has written, each Fund will
deposit and maintain with its custodian cash, U.S. Government securities or
other liquid securities with a value at least equal to the exercise price of the
option.
Once a Fund has written an option, it may terminate its obligation,
before the option is exercised, by effecting a closing transaction, which is
accomplished by the Fund's purchasing an option of the same series as the option
previously written. The Funds will have a gain or loss depending on whether the
premium received when the option was written exceeds the closing purchase price
plus related transaction costs.
Purchasing Call and Put Options. When a Fund purchases a call
option, it receives, in return for the premium it pays, the right to buy from
the writer of the option the underlying security at a specified price at any
time before the option expires. The Fund may purchase call options in
anticipation of an increase in the market value of securities that it intends
ultimately to buy. During the life of the call option, the Fund would be able to
buy the underlying security at the exercise price regardless of any increase in
the market price of the underlying security. In order for a call option to
result in a gain, the market price of the underlying security must rise to a
level that exceeds the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and
transaction costs.
When a Fund purchases a put option, it receives, in return for the
premium it pays, the right to sell to the writer of the option the underlying
security at a specified price at any time before the option expires. The Fund
may purchase put options in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the
underlying security. During the life of the put option, the Fund would be able
to sell the underlying security at the exercise price regardless of any decline
in the market price of the underlying security. In order for a put option to
result in a gain, the market price of the underlying security must decline,
during the option period, below the exercise price sufficiently to cover the
premium and transaction costs.
Once a Fund has purchased an option, it may close out its position by
selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased. The
Fund will have a gain or loss depending on whether the closing sale price
exceeds the initial purchase price plus related transaction costs.
Options on Securities Indices. Each Fund may purchase and sell put
and call options on any securities index based on securities in which the Fund
may invest. Securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations
in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather than price
fluctuations in a single security. Options on securities indices are similar to
options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options
requires cash payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of
securities. The Funds would engage in transactions in put and call options on
securities indices for the same purposes as they would engage in transactions in
options on securities. When a Fund writes call options on securities indices, it
will hold in its portfolio underlying securities which, in the judgment of the
Manager or the Sub-Advisor, correlate closely with the securities index and
which have a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the securities
index options.
Risks Associated with Options Transactions. An options position may
be closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for an
option of the same series. Although the Funds will generally purchase or write
only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market,
there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist
for any particular option, or at any particular time. For some options, no
secondary market on an exchange or elsewhere may exist. If a Fund is unable to
effect closing sale transactions in options it has purchased, the Fund would
have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and may incur
transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities pursuant
thereto. If a Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction for a
covered option that it has written, it will not be able to sell the underlying
securities, or dispose of the assets held in a segregated account, until the
option expires or is exercised. A Fund's ability to terminate option positions
established in the over-the-counter market may be more limited than for
exchange-traded options and may also involve the risk 35 that broker-dealers
participating in such transactions might fail to meet their obligations.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures
Each Fund may purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options
on those contracts. Financial futures contracts are commodities contracts based
on financial instruments such as U.S. Treasury bonds or bills or on securities
indices such as the S&P 500 Index. Futures contracts, options on futures
contracts and the commodity exchanges on which they are traded are regulated by
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"). Through the purchase and sale
of futures contracts and related options, a Fund may seek to hedge against a
decline in securities owned by the Fund or an increase in the price of
securities which the Fund plans to purchase.
Futures Contracts. When a Fund sells a futures contract based on a
financial instrument, the Fund becomes obligated to deliver that kind of
instrument at a specified future time for a specified price. When a Fund
purchases that kind of contract, it becomes obligated to take delivery of the
instrument at a specified time and to pay the specified price. In most
instances, these contracts are closed out by entering into an offsetting
transaction before the settlement date, thereby canceling the obligation to make
or take delivery of specific securities. The Fund realizes a gain or loss
depending on whether the price of an offsetting purchase plus transaction costs
are less or more than the price of the initial sale or on whether the price of
an offsetting sale is more or less than the price of the initial purchase plus
transaction costs. Although the Funds will usually liquidate futures contracts
on financial instruments in this manner, they may instead make or take delivery
of the underlying securities whenever it appears economically advantageous to do
so.
A futures contract based on a securities index provides for the purchase
or sale of a group of securities at a specified future time for a specified
price. These contracts do not require actual delivery of securities, but result
in a cash settlement based upon the difference in value of the index between the
time the contract was entered into and the time it is liquidated, which may be
at its expiration or earlier if it is closed out by entering into an offsetting
transaction.
When a futures contract is purchased or sold a brokerage commission is
paid, but unlike the purchase or sale of a security or option, no price or
premium is paid or received. Instead, an amount of cash or U.S. Government
securities, which varies, but is generally about 5% of the contract amount, is
deposited by the Fund with its custodian for the benefit of the futures
commission merchant through which the Fund engages in the transaction. This
amount is known as "initial margin." It does not involve the borrowing of funds
by the Fund to finance the transaction, but instead represents a "good faith"
deposit assuring the performance of both the purchaser and the seller under the
futures contract. It is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures
contract, if all the Fund's contractual obligations have been satisfied.
Subsequent payments to and from the broker, known as "variation margin,"
are required to be made on a daily basis as the price of the futures contract
fluctuates, making the long or short positions in the futures contract more or
less valuable, a process known as "marking to market." If the position is closed
out by taking an opposite position prior to the settlement date of the futures
contract, a final determination of variation margin is made, additional cash is
required to be paid to or released by the broker, and the Fund realizes a loss
or gain.
In using futures contracts, the Funds will seek to establish more
certainly than would otherwise be possible the effective price of or rate of
return on portfolio securities or securities that the Fund proposes to acquire.
A Fund, for example, may sell futures contracts in anticipation of a rise in
interest rates which would cause a decline in the value of its debt investments.
When this kind of hedging is successful, the futures contracts should increase
in value when the Fund's debt securities decline in value and thereby keep the
Fund's net asset value from declining as much as it otherwise would. A Fund may
also sell futures contracts on securities indices in anticipation of or during a
stock market decline in an endeavor to offset a decrease in the market value of
its equity investments. When a Fund is not fully invested and anticipates an
increase in the cost of securities it intends to purchase, it may purchase
financial futures contracts. When increases in the prices of equities are
expected, a Fund may purchase futures contracts on securities indices in order
to gain rapid market exposure that may partially or entirely offset increases in
the cost of the equity securities it intends to purchase.
Options on Futures. The Funds may also purchase and write call and
put options on futures contracts. A call option on a futures contract gives the
purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to purchase a futures
contract (assume a long position) at a specified exercise price at any time
before the option expires. A put option gives the purchaser the right, in return
for the premium paid, to sell a futures contract (assume a short position), for
a specified exercise price, at any time before the option expires.
Upon the exercise of a call, the writer of the option is obligated to
sell the futures contract (to deliver a long position to the option holder) at
the option exercise price, which will presumably be lower than the current
market price of the contract in the futures market. Upon exercise of a put, the
writer of the option is obligated to purchase the futures contract (deliver a
short position to the option holder) at the option exercise price, which will
presumably be higher than the current market price of the contract in the
futures market. However, as with the trading of futures, most options are closed
out prior to their expiration by the purchase or sale of an offsetting option at
a market price that will reflect an increase or a decrease from the premium
originally paid.
Options on futures can be used to hedge substantially the same risks as
might be addressed by the direct purchase or sale of the underlying futures
contracts. For example, if a Fund anticipated a rise in interest rates and a
decline in the market value of the debt securities in its portfolio, it might
purchase put options or write call options on futures contracts instead of
selling futures contracts.
If a Fund purchases an option on a futures contract, it may obtain
benefits similar to those that would result if it held the futures position
itself. But in contrast to a futures transaction, the purchase of an option
involves the payment of a premium in addition to transaction costs. In the event
of an adverse market movement, however, the Fund will not be subject to a risk
of loss on the option transaction beyond the price of the premium it paid plus
its transaction costs.
When a Fund writes an option on a futures contract, the premium paid by
the purchaser is deposited with the Fund's custodian, and the Fund must maintain
with its custodian all or a portion of the initial margin requirement on the
underlying futures contract. The Fund assumes a risk of adverse movement in the
price of the underlying futures contract comparable to that involved in holding
a futures position. Subsequent payments to and from the broker, similar to
variation margin payments, are made as the premium and the initial margin
requirement are marked to market daily. The premium may partially offset an
unfavorable change in the value of portfolio securities, if the option is not
exercised, or it may reduce the amount of any loss incurred by the Fund if the
option is exercised.
Risks Associated with Futures Transactions. There are a number of
risks associated with transactions in futures contracts and related options. A
Fund's successful use of futures contracts is subject to the Manager's and the
Sub-Advisor's ability to predict correctly the factors affecting the market
values of the Fund's portfolio securities. For example, if a Fund was hedged
against the possibility of an increase in interest rates which would adversely
affect debt securities held by the Fund and the prices of those debt securities
instead increased, the Fund would lose part or all of the benefit of the
increased value of its securities which it hedged because it would have
offsetting losses in its futures positions. Other risks include imperfect
correlation between price movements in the financial instrument or securities
index underlying the futures contract, on the one hand, and the price movements
of either the futures contract itself or the securities held by the Fund, on the
other hand. If the prices do not move in the same direction or to the same
extent, the transaction may result in trading losses.
Prior to exercise or expiration, a position in futures may be terminated
only by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction. This requires a
secondary market on the relevant contract market. The Fund will enter into a
futures contract or related option only if there appears to be a liquid
secondary market therefor. There can be no assurance, however, that such a
liquid secondary market will exist for any particular futures contract or
related option at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close out a
futures position once it has been established. Under such circumstances, the
Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation
margin in the event of adverse price movements. In such situations, if the Fund
has insufficient cash, it may be required to sell portfolio securities to meet
daily variation margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to
do so. In addition, the Fund may be required to perform under the terms of the
futures contracts it holds. The inability to close out futures positions also
could have an adverse impact on the Fund's ability effectively to hedge its
portfolio.
Most United States futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation
permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. This daily
limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may
vary either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of a
trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of
contract, no more trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit.
The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and
therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may prevent the
liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices have occasionally
moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no
trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and
subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses.
Limitations on the Use of Futures and Options on Futures. Each Fund
intends to come within an exclusion from the definition of "commodity pool
operator" provided by CFTC regulations by complying with certain limitations on
the use of futures and related options prescribed by those regulations.
None of the Funds will purchase or sell futures contracts or options
thereon if immediately thereafter the aggregate initial margin and premiums
exceed 5% of the fair market value of the Fund's assets, after taking into
account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such contracts it has
entered into (except that in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the
time of purchase, the in-the-money amount generally may be excluded in computing
the 5%).
The Funds will enter into futures contracts and related options
transactions only for bona fide hedging purposes as permitted by the CFTC and
for other appropriate risk management purposes, if any, which the CFTC may deem
appropriate for mutual funds excluded from the regulations governing commodity
pool operators. The Funds are not permitted to engage in speculative futures
trading. Each Fund will determine that the price fluctuations in the futures
contracts and options on futures used for hedging or risk management purposes
are substantially related to price fluctuations in securities held by the Fund
or which it expects to purchase. In pursuing traditional hedging activities,
each Fund will sell futures contracts or acquire puts to protect against a
decline in the price of securities that the Fund owns, and each Fund will
purchase futures contracts or calls on futures contracts to protect the Fund
against an increase in the price of securities the Fund intends to purchase
before it is in a position to do so.
When a Fund purchases a futures contract, or purchases a call option on a
futures contract, it will maintain an amount of cash, cash equivalents or
short-term high grade fixed income securities in a segregated account with the
Fund's custodian, so that the amount so segregated plus the amount of initial
margin held for the account of its broker equals the market value of the futures
contract.
The Funds will not maintain open short positions in futures contracts,
call options written on futures contracts, and call options written on
securities indices if, in the aggregate, the value of the open positions (marked
to market) exceeds the current market value of that portion of its securities
portfolio being hedged by those futures and options plus or minus the unrealized
gain or loss on those open positions, adjusted for the historical volatility
relationship between that portion of the portfolio and the contracts (i.e., the
Beta volatility factor). To the extent a Fund has written call options on
specific securities in that portion of its portfolio, the value of those
securities will be deducted from the current market value of that portion of the
securities portfolio. If this limitation should be exceeded at any time, the
Fund will take prompt action to close out the appropriate number of open short
positions to bring its open futures and options positions within this
limitation.
Currency Contracts
The Aggressive Growth, Asset Allocation and World Funds may engage in
currency transactions with securities dealers, financial institutions or other
parties that are deemed creditworthy by the Fund's Sub-Advisor to hedge the
value of portfolio securities denominated in particular currencies against
fluctuations in relative value. Currency transactions include forward currency
contracts, exchange-listed currency futures contracts and options thereon and
exchange-listed and over-the-counter options on currencies. A forward currency
contract involves a privately negotiated obligation to purchase or sell (with
delivery generally required) a specific currency at a future date, which may be
any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the
parties, at a price set at the time of the contract.
The Funds will engage in currency transactions only for hedging and other
non-speculative purposes, including transaction hedging and position hedging.
Transaction hedging is entering into a currency transaction with respect to
specific assets or liabilities of the Fund, which will generally arise in
connection with the purchase or sale of the Fund's portfolio securities or the
receipt of income from them. Position hedging is entering into a currency
transaction with respect to portfolio securities positions denominated or
generally quoted in that currency. The Funds will not enter into a transaction
to hedge currency exposure to an extent greater, after netting all transactions
intended wholly or partially to offset other transactions, than the aggregate
market value (at the time of entering into the transaction) of the securities
held by the Fund that are denominated or generally quoted in or currently
convertible into the currency, other than with respect to proxy hedging as
described below.
The Funds may cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions to
purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to increase or decline
in value relative to other currencies to which the Fund has or in which the Fund
expects to have exposure. To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the
value of existing or anticipated holdings of its securities, the Fund may also
engage in proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which
a Fund's holding is exposed is difficult to hedge generally or difficult to
hedge against the dollar. Proxy hedging entails entering into a forward contract
to sell a currency, the changes in the value of which are generally considered
to be linked to a currency or currencies in which some or all of a Fund's
securities are or are expected to be denominated, and to buy dollars. The amount
of the contract would not exceed the market value of the Fund's securities
denominated in linked currencies.
Except when a Fund enters into a forward contract in connection with the
purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency or for other
non-speculative purposes, which requires no segregation, a currency contract
that obligates the Fund to buy or sell a foreign currency will generally require
the Fund to hold an amount of that currency or liquid securities denominated in
that currency equal to the Fund's obligations or to segregate liquid high grade
debt obligations equal to the amount of the Fund's obligations.
Currency hedging involves some of the same risks and considerations as
other transactions with similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in
losses to a Fund if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or
in a direction that is not anticipated. Further, the risk exists that the
perceived linkage between various currencies may not be present or may not be
present during the particular time that a Fund is engaging in proxy hedging.
Currency transactions are also subject to risks different from those of other
portfolio transactions. Because currency control is of great importance to the
issuing governments and influences economic planning and policy, purchases and
sale of currency and related instruments can be adversely affected by government
exchange controls, limitations or restrictions on repatriation of currency, and
manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These forms of
governmental actions can result in losses to a Fund if it is unable to deliver
or receive currency or monies in settlement of obligations and could also cause
hedges it has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency
exposure as well as incurring transaction costs. Currency exchange rates may
also fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to a country's economy. Buyers and
sellers of currency futures contracts are subject to the same risks that apply
to the use of futures contracts generally. Further, settlement of a currency
futures contract for the purchase of most currencies must occur at a bank based
in the issuing nation. Trading options on currency futures contracts is relative
new, and the ability to establish and close out positions on these options is
subject to the maintenance of a liquid market that may not always be available.
Repurchase Agreements
All Principal Funds, except the Capital Accumulation, may invest in
repurchase agreements. None of the Funds will enter into repurchase agreements
that do not mature within seven days if any such investment, together with other
illiquid securities held by the Fund, would amount to more than 10% of its
assets. Repurchase agreements will typically involve the acquisition by the Fund
of debt securities from a selling financial institution such as a bank, savings
and loan association or broker-dealer. A repurchase agreement provides that the
Fund will sell back to the seller and that the seller will repurchase the
underlying securities at a specified price and at a fixed time in the future.
Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans by a Fund collateralized by the
underlying securities ("collateral"). This arrangement results in a fixed rate
of return that is not subject to market fluctuation during the Fund's holding
period. Although repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with
direct investments in debt securities, each of the Funds follows procedures
established by its Board of Directors which are designed to minimize such risks.
These procedures include entering into repurchase agreements only with large,
well-capitalized and well-established financial institutions, which have been
approved by the Fund's Board of Directors and which the Fund's Manager believes
present minimum credit risks. In addition, the value of the collateral
underlying the repurchase agreement will always be at least equal to the
repurchase price, including accrued interest. In the event of a default or
bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, the affected Fund bears a risk of
loss. In seeking to liquidate the collateral, a Fund may be delayed in or
prevented from exercising its rights and may incur certain costs. Further to the
extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to
repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss.
Lending of Portfolio Securities
All Principal Funds, except the Capital Accumulation and Money Market
Funds, may lend their portfolio securities. None of the Principal Funds intends
to lend its portfolio securities if as a result the aggregate of such loans made
by the Fund would exceed 30% of its total assets. Portfolio securities may be
loaned to unaffiliated broker-dealers and other unaffiliated qualified financial
institutions provided that such loans are callable at any time on not more than
five business days' notice and that cash or government securities equal to at
least 100% of the market value of the securities loaned, determined daily, is
deposited by the borrower with the Fund and is maintained each business day in a
segregated account. While such securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the
Fund any income accruing thereon, and the Fund may invest any cash collateral,
thereby earning additional income, or may receive an agreed upon fee from the
borrower. Borrowed securities must be returned when the loan is terminated. Any
gain or loss in the market price of the borrowed securities which occurs during
the term of the loan inures to the Fund and its shareholders. A Fund may pay
reasonable administrative, custodial and other fees in connection with such
loans and may pay a negotiated portion of the interest earned on the cash or
government securities pledged as collateral to the borrower or placing broker. A
Fund does not vote securities that have been loaned, but it will call a loan of
securities in anticipation of an important vote.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities
Each of the Principal Funds may from time to time purchase securities on
a when-issued basis and may purchase or sell securities on a delayed delivery
basis. The price of such a transaction is fixed at the time of the commitment,
but delivery and payment take place on a later settlement date, which may be a
month or more after the date of the commitment. No interest accrues to the
purchaser during this period, and the securities are subject to market
fluctuation, which involves the risk for the purchaser that yields available in
the market at the time of delivery may be higher than those obtained in the
transaction. Each Fund will only purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed
delivery basis with the intention of acquiring the securities, but a Fund may
sell the securities before the settlement date, if such action is deemed
advisable. At the time a Fund makes the commitment to purchase securities on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis, it will record the transaction and
thereafter reflect the value, each day, of the securities in determining its net
asset value. Each Fund will also establish a segregated account with its
custodian bank in which it will maintain cash or cash equivalents, United States
Government securities and other high grade debt obligations equal in value to
the Fund's commitments for such when-issued or delayed delivery securities. The
availability of liquid assets for this purpose and the effect of asset
segregation on a Fund's ability to meet its current obligations, to honor
requests for redemption and to have its investment portfolio managed properly
will limit the extent to which the Fund may engage in forward commitment
agreements. Except as may be imposed by these factors, there is no limit on the
percent of a Fund's total assets that may be committed to transactions in such
agreements.
Money Market Instruments
The Money Market Fund will invest all of its available assets in money
market instruments maturing in 397 days or less. The types of instruments which
this Fund may purchase are described below.
(1) U.S. Government Securities -- Securities issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. Government, including treasury bills, notes and bonds.
(2) U.S. Government Agency Securities -- Obligations issued or
guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government.
U.S. agency obligations include, but are not limited to, the
Student Loan Marketing Association, Federal Intermediate Credit
Banks, and the Federal National Mortgage Association. U.S.
instrumentality obligations include, but are not limited to, the
Export-Import Bank and Farmers Home Administration. Some
obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and
instrumentalities, such as those issued by Federal Intermediate
Credit Banks, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrower
from the Treasury, others such as those issued by the Federal
National Mortgage Association, by discretionary authority of the
U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or
instrumentality, and others, such as those issued by the Student
Loan Marketing Association, only by the credit of the agency or
instrumentality.
(3) Bank Obligations -- Certificates of deposit, time deposits and
bankers' acceptances of U.S. commercial banks having total assets
of at least one billion dollars, and of the overseas branches of
U.S. commercial banks and foreign banks, which in the Manager's
opinion, are of comparable quality, provided each such bank with
its branches has total assets of at least five billion dollars, and
certificates, including time deposits of domestic savings and loan
associations having at least one billion dollars in assets which
are insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation.
The Fund may acquire obligations of U.S. banks which are not
members of the Federal Reserve System or of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation. Any obligations of foreign banks shall be
denominated in U.S. dollars. Obligations of foreign banks and
obligations of overseas branches of U.S. banks are subject to
somewhat different regulations and risks than those of U.S.
domestic banks. For example, an issuing bank may be able to
maintain that the liability for an investment is solely that of the
overseas branch which could expose the Fund to a greater risk of
loss. In addition, obligations of foreign banks or of overseas
branches of U.S. banks may be affected by governmental action in
the country of domicile of the branch or parent bank. Examples of
adverse foreign governmental actions include the imposition of
currency controls, the imposition of withholding taxes on interest
income payable on such obligations, interest limitations, seizure
or nationalization of assets, or the declaration of a moratorium.
Deposits in foreign banks or foreign branches of U.S. banks are not
covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Fund will
only buy short-term instruments where the risks of adverse
governmental action are believed by the Manager to be minimal. The
Fund will consider these factors along with other appropriate
factors in making an investment decision to acquire such
obligations and will only acquire those which, in the opinion of
management, are of an investment quality comparable to other debt
securities bought by the Fund. The Fund may invest in certificates
of deposit of selected banks having less than one billion dollars
of assets providing the certificates do not exceed the level of
insurance (currently $100,000) provided by the applicable
government agency.
A certificate of deposit is issued against funds deposited in a
bank or savings and loan association for a definite period of time,
at a specified rate of return. Normally they are negotiable.
However, the Fund may occasionally invest in certificates of
deposit which are not negotiable. Such certificates may provide for
interest penalties in the event of withdrawal prior to their
maturity. A bankers' acceptance is a short-term credit instrument
issued by corporations to finance the import, export, transfer or
storage of goods. They are termed "accepted" when a bank guarantees
their payment at maturity and reflect the obligation of both the
bank and drawer to pay the face amount of the instrument at
maturity.
(4) Commercial Paper -- Short-term promissory notes issued by
corporations which at time of purchase are rated A-1 or better by
Standard and Poor's ("S&P") or Prime-1 or better by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or, if not rated, issued or
guaranteed by a corporation with outstanding debt rated AA or
better by S&P or Aa or better by Moody's. The Fund will not invest
in master demand notes. (See Appendix A.)
(5) Short-term Corporate Debt -- Corporate notes, bonds and debentures
which at the time of purchase are rated AA or better by S&P or Aa
or better by Moody's provided such securities have one year or less
remaining to maturity. (See Appendix A.)
(6) Repurchase Agreements -- Instruments under which securities are
purchased from a bank or securities dealer with an agreement by the
seller to repurchase the securities at the same price plus interest
at a specified rate. (See "FUND INVESTMENTS - Repurchase
Agreements.")
The ratings of Moody's and S&P, which are described in Appendix A,
represent their opinions as to the quality of the money market instruments which
they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are
general and are not absolute standards of quality. These ratings are the initial
criteria for selection of portfolio investments, but the Manager will further
evaluate these securities.
Portfolio Turnover
Portfolio turnover will normally differ for each Fund, may vary from year
to year, as well as within a year, and may be affected by portfolio sales
necessary to meet cash requirements for redemptions of Fund shares. The
portfolio turnover rate for a Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of
purchases or sales of its portfolio securities during the fiscal year by the
monthly average of the value of its portfolio securities (excluding from the
computation all securities, including options, with maturities at the time of
acquisition of one year or less). A high rate of portfolio turnover generally
involves correspondingly greater brokerage commission expenses, which must be
borne directly by the Fund. Although the rate of portfolio turnover will not be
a limiting factor when it is deemed appropriate to purchase or sell securities
for a Fund, each Fund intends to limit turnover so that realized short-term
gains on securities held for less than three months do not exceed 30% of gross
income in order to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the
Internal Revenue Code. This requirement may in some cases limit the ability of a
Fund to effect certain portfolio transactions. No portfolio turnover rate can be
calculated for the Money Market Funds because of the short maturities of the
securities in which they invest. The portfolio turnover rates for each of the
other Funds for its most recent and immediately preceding fiscal periods,
respectively, were as follows: Aggressive Growth - 166.9% and 172.9%; Asset
Allocation - 108.2% and 47.1%; Balanced - 22.6% and 25.7%; Bond - 1.7% and 5.9%;
Capital Accumulation 48.5% and 49.2%; Emerging Growth - 8.8% and 13.1%;
Government Securities - 8.4% and 9.8%; Growth - 2.0% and 6.9%; High Yield -
32.0% and 35.1%; World - 12.5% and 15.6%.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE FUNDS
The following listing discloses the principal occupations and other
principal business affiliations of the Funds' Officers and Directors during the
past five years. All mailing addresses are The Principal Financial Group, Des
Moines, Iowa 50392, unless otherwise indicated.
James D. Davis, 63, Director. 4940 Center Court, Bettendorf, Iowa.
Attorney. Vice President, Deere and Company, Retired.
Roy W. Ehrle, 69, Director. 2424 Jordan Trail, West Des Moines, Iowa.
Vice Chairman, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, Retired.
@Pamela A. Ferguson, 53, Director. P.O. Box 805, Grinnell, Iowa.
President, Grinnell College since 1991.
@Richard W. Gilbert, 56, Director. 1357 Asbury Avenue, Winnetka, IL.
President, Gilbert Communications, Inc. since 1993. Prior thereto, President and
Publisher, Pioneer Press.
*&J. Barry Griswell, 48, Director and Chairman of the Board. Senior Vice
President, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, since 1991. Director and
Chairman of the Board, Princor Management Corporation, Princor Financial
Services Corporation.
*&Stephan L. Jones, 61, Director and President. Vice President, Principal
Mutual Life Insurance Company since 1986. Director and President, Princor
Financial Services Corporation and Princor Management Corporation.
*Ronald E. Keller, 61, Director. Executive Vice President, Principal
Mutual Life Insurance Company since 1992. Prior thereto, Senior Vice President,
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company. Director, Princor Financial Services
Corporation and Princor Management Corporation. Director and Chairman, Invista
Capital Management, Inc.
@Barbara A. Lukavsky, 56, Director. 3920 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa.
President, Lu San, Inc.
&Richard G. Peebler, 67, Director. 1916 79th Street, Des Moines, Iowa.
Professor, Drake University, College of Business and Public Administration,
since 1990.
*Craig L. Bassett, 45, Treasurer. Director - Treasury, since 1996. Prior
thereto, Associate Treasurer, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company since
1988.
*Michael J. Beer, 36, Financial Officer. Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer, Princor Financial Services Corporation and Princor Management
Corporation, since 1995. Prior thereto, Financial Officer.
*David J. Brown, 37, Assistant Counsel. Counsel, Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company since 1995. Attorney 1994-1995. Prior thereto, Attorney,
Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hogan, P.C. 1986-1994.
*Michael W. Cumings, 45, Assistant Counsel. Counsel, Principal Mutual
Life Insurance Company since 1989. * Arthur S. Filean, 58, Vice President and
Secretary. Vice President, Princor Financial Services Corporation since 1990.
Vice President, Princor Management Corporation since 1996.
* Ernest H. Gillum, 41, Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice President,
Registered Products, Princor Financial Services Corporation and Princor
Management Corporation, since 1995. Prior thereto, Product Development and
Compliance Officer.
Jane E. Karli, 40, Assistant Treasurer. Senior Accounting and Custody
Administrator, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company since 1994; Senior
Investment Cost Accountant 1993-1994; Senior Investment Accountant 1992-1993;
Prior thereto, Manager-Investment Accounting and Treasury.
*Michael D. Roughton, 45, Counsel. Counsel, Principal Mutual Life
Insurance Company since 1994. Prior thereto, Assistant Counsel. Counsel, Invista
Capital Management, Inc., Princor Financial Services Corporation, Principal
Investors Corporation and Princor Management Corporation.
@ Member of Audit and Nominating Committee.
* Affiliated with the Manager of the Fund or its parent and considered an
"Interested Person," as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended.
& Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is elected
by the Board of Directors and may exercise all the powers of the Board of
Directors, with certain exceptions, when the Board is not in session and shall
report its actions to the Board.
All Directors and Officers listed above hold similar positions with
twenty-seven mutual funds sponsored by Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company.
In addition, James D. Davis, Pamela A. Ferguson, Stephan L. Jones, J. Barry
Griswell, Barbara A. Lukavsky, and all of the officers hold similar positions
with one other Fund sponsored by Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company.
The following information relates to compensation paid by each fund
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
Each Principal Fund
except Principal Each of the Principal
Blue Chip and Blue Chip
Director Principal Utilities Funds Principal Utilities Funds
James D. Davis $1,200 $150
Roy W. Ehrle $1,200 $150
Pamela A. Ferguson $1,350 $150
Richard W. Gilbert $1,200 $150
Barbara A. Lukavsky $1,350 $150
Richard G. Peebler $1,350 $150
* Richard G. Peebler received $1,350 from each of the Principal funds. He
received an additional $75 from Principal Aggressive Growth, Principal Asset
Allocation, Principal Balanced, Principal Capital Accumulation, Principal
Emerging Growth and Principal World due to his participation in the executive
committee of each of those funds.
None of the mutual funds provide retirement benefits for any of the directors.
Total compensation from the 28 investment companies included in the fund complex
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 was as follows:
James D. Davis $32,100 Richard W. Gilbert $33,000
Roy W. Ehrle $30,900 Barbara A. Lukavsky $35,850
Pamela A. Ferguson $35,850 Richard G. Peebler $33,525
All of the outstanding shares of the Funds are owned by Principal Mutual
Life Insurance Company and its Separate Accounts B and C and Variable Life
Separate Account. As of December 31, 1996, the Officers and Directors of each
Fund as a group owned none of the outstanding shares of any of the Funds.
MANAGER AND SUB-ADVISORS
The Manager of each of the Funds is Princor Management Corporation (the
"Manager"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Princor Financial Services Corporation
which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Principal Holding Company. Principal
Holding Company is a holding company which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, a mutual life insurance company
organized in 1879 under the laws of the state of Iowa. The address of the
Manager is The Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392. The Manager
was organized on January 10, 1969 and since that time has managed various mutual
funds sponsored by Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company.
The Manager has executed an agreement with Invista Capital Management,
Inc. ("Invista") under which Invista has agreed to assume the obligations of the
Manager to provide investment advisory services for the Balanced Fund, Growth
Fund and World Fund. The Manager will reimburse Invista for the cost of
providing these services. Invista, an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company and an affiliate of the Manager, was
founded in 1985 and manages investments for institutional investors, including
Principal Mutual Life. Assets under management at December 31, 1996 were
approximately $19.6 billion. Invista's address is 1500 Hub Tower, 699 Walnut,
Des Moines, Iowa 50309.
The Manager has also executed an agreement with Morgan Stanley Asset
Management Inc. ("MSAM") under which MSAM has agreed to assume the obligations
of the Manager to provide investment advisory services for the Aggressive Growth
Fund and Asset Allocation Fund. The Manager pays MSAM a fee for such investment
advisory services. MSAM, with principal offices at 1221 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, NY 10020, provides a broad range of portfolio management services to
customers in the United States and abroad. At December 31, 1996, MSAM managed
investments totaling approximately $72.6 billion, including approximately $54.9
billion under active management and $17.7 billion as Named Fiduciary or
Fiduciary Adviser.
Each of the persons affiliated with a Fund who is also an affiliated
person of the Manager or a Sub-Advisor is named below, together with the
capacities in which such person is affiliated:
Office Held With Office Held With
Name Each Fund The Manager/Invista
Craig Bassett Treasurer Treasurer (Manager)
Michael J. Beer Financial Officer Vice President &
Financial Officer (Manager)
Ernest H. Gillum Assistant Secretary Product Development and
Compliance Officer
(Manager)
J. Barry Griswell Director and Chairman Director and Chairman of
of the Board the Board (Manager)
Director (Manager)
Stephan L. Jones Director and Director and President
President (Manager)
Ronald E. Keller Director Director (Manager)
Director and Chairman of
the Board (Invista)
Michael D. Roughton Counsel Counsel (Manager; Invista)
COST OF MANAGER'S SERVICES
For providing the investment advisory services, and specified other
services, the Manager, under the terms of the Management Agreement for each
Fund, is entitled to receive a fee computed and accrued daily and payable
monthly, at the following annual rates:
Aggressive
Growth High
and Yield
Asset Emerging and All
Net Asset Value Allocation World Growth Balanced Other
of Fund Funds Fund Fund Funds Funds
- --------------------- ---------- ----- -------- -------- -------
First $100,000,000 .80% .75% .65% .60% .50%
Next 100,000,000 .75% .70% .60% .55% .45%
Next 100,000,000 .70% .65% .55% .50% .40%
Next 100,000,000 .65% .60% .50% .45% .35%
Over 400,000,000 .60% .55% .45% .40% .30%
There is no assurance that any of the Funds' net assets will reach
sufficient amounts to be able to take advantage of the rate decreases. The net
asset value of each Fund on December 31, 1996 and the rate of the fee for each
Fund for investment management services as provided in the Management Agreement
for the fiscal year then ended were as follows:
Management Fee
Net Assets as of For Year Ended
Fund December 31, 1996 December 31, 1996
- -------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Aggressive Growth $ 90,105,549 .80%
Asset Allocation 61,631,138 .80
Balanced 93,157,669 .60
Bond 63,386,561 .50
Capital Accumulation 205,018,528 .48
Emerging Growth 137,160,881 .64
Government Securities 85,099,858 .50
Growth 99,611,910 .50
High Yield 13,740,343 .60
Money Market 46,244,249 .50
World 71,682,015 .75
Under a Sub-Advisory Agreement between Invista and the Manager, Invista
performs all the investment advisory responsibilities of the Manager under the
Management Agreement for the Balanced, Growth and World Funds and is reimbursed
by the Manager for the cost of providing such services.
Under a Sub-Advisory Agreement between MSAM and the Manager, MSAM
performs all the investment advisory responsibilities of the Manager under the
Management Agreement for the Aggressive Growth and Asset Allocation Funds. The
Manager pays MSAM a fee, accrued daily and payable monthly, at the following
annual rates:
Net Asset Value of Fund Fee to MSAM
----------------------- ------------
First $40 million .45%
Next $160 million .30%
Next $100 million .25%
Over $300 million .20%
Except for certain Fund expenses set out below, the Manager is
responsible for expenses, administrative duties and services including the
following: Expenses incurred in connection with the registration of the Fund and
Fund shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission and state regulatory
agencies; office space, facilities and costs of keeping the books of the Fund;
compensation of personnel and officers and any directors who are also affiliated
with the Manager; fees for auditors and legal counsel; preparing and printing
Fund prospectuses; administration of shareholder accounts, including issuance,
maintenance of open account system, dividend disbursement, reports to
shareholders, and redemption. However, some or all of these expenses may be
assumed by Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company and some or all of the
administrative duties and services may be delegated by the Manager to Principal
Mutual Life Insurance Company or affiliate thereof.
Each Fund pays for certain corporate expenses incurred in its operation.
Among such expenses, the Fund pays brokerage commissions on portfolio
transactions, transfer taxes and other charges and fees attributable to
investment transactions, any other local, state or federal taxes, the fees and
expenses of all directors of the Fund who are not persons affiliated with the
Manager, interest, fees for Custodian of the Fund, and the cost of meetings of
shareholders.
Fees paid for investment management services during the periods indicated
were as follows:
Management Fees For Year Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Aggressive Growth $491,699 $180,022 $ 53,716 *
Asset Allocation 425,427 272,724 127,034 *
Balanced 420,010 206,614 131,488
Bond 260,242 122,783 72,199
Capital Accumulation 816,437 591,891 637,781
Emerging Growth 606,697 264,411 94,644
Government Securities 360,968 202,554 195,469
Growth 357,833 137,029 24,971 **
High Yield 75,111 64,422 57,369
Money Market 208,822 140,895 125,791
World 376,123 172,258 38,147 **
* Period beginning June 1, 1994 and ended December 31, 1994. ** Period beginning
May 1, 1994 and ended December 31, 1994.
The Management Agreements, Sub-Advisory Agreements and Investment Service
Agreements, pursuant to which Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company has agreed
to furnish certain personnel, services and facilities required by the Manager to
enable it to fulfill its investment advisory responsibilities for each of the
Funds except the Aggressive Growth and Asset Allocation Funds, were last
approved by each such Fund's Board of Directors on September 9, 1996. Each of
these agreements provides for continuation in effect from year to year only so
long as such continuation is specifically approved at least annually either by
the Board of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund, provided that in either event such continuation
shall be approved by vote of a majority of the Directors who are not "interested
persons" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Manager,
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or its subsidiaries, the Fund and, in
the case of the Sub-Advisory Agreement for each of the Funds other than the
Aggressive Growth and Asset Allocation Funds, Invista, and in the case of the
Sub-Advisory Agreement for each of the Aggressive Growth and Asset Allocation
Funds, MSAM, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
such approval. The Agreements may be terminated at any time on 60 days written
notice to the Manager by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by a vote of a
majority of the outstanding securities of the Fund and by the Manager, Invista,
MSAM or Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company, as the case may be, on 60 days
written notice to the Fund. The Agreements will automatically terminate in the
event of their assignment.
BROKERAGE ON PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
In distributing brokerage business arising out of the placement of orders
for the purchase and sale of securities for any Fund, the objective of the
Funds' Manager or Sub-Advisor is to obtain the best overall terms. In pursuing
this objective, the Manager, or Sub-Advisor, considers all matters it deems
relevant, including the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the
security, the financial condition and executing capability of the broker or
dealer and the reasonableness of the commission, if any (for the specific
transaction and on a continuing basis). This may mean in some instances that the
Manager, or Sub-Advisor, will pay a broker commissions that are in excess of the
amount of commission another broker might have charged for executing the same
transaction when the Manager, or Sub-Advisor, believes that such commissions are
reasonable in light of (a) the size and difficulty of transactions (b) the
quality of the execution provided and (c) the level of commissions paid relative
to commissions paid by other institutional investors. (Such factors are viewed
both in terms of that particular transaction and in terms of all transactions
that broker executes for accounts over which the Manager, or Sub-Advisor,
exercises investment discretion. The Manager, or Sub-Advisor, may purchase
securities in the over-the-counter market, utilizing the services of principal
market matters, unless better terms can be obtained by purchases through brokers
or dealers, and may purchase securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange
from non-Exchange members in transactions off the Exchange.) The Manager, or
Sub-Advisor, gives consideration in the allocation of business to services
performed by a broker (e.g. the furnishing of statistical data and research
generally consisting of information of the following types: analyses and reports
concerning issuers, industries, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy
and performance of client accounts). If any such allocation is made, the primary
criteria used will be to obtain the best overall terms for such transactions.
The Manager, or Sub-Advisor, may pay additional commission amounts for research
services but generally does not do so. Such statistical data and research
information received from brokers or dealers may be useful in varying degrees
and the Manager, or Sub-Advisor, may use it in servicing some or all of the
accounts it manages. Some statistical data and research information may not be
useful to the Manager, or Sub-Advisor, in managing the client account, brokerage
for which resulted in the Manager's, or Sub-Advisor's, receipt of the
statistical data and research information. However, in the Manager's, or
Sub-Advisor's, opinion, the value thereof is not determinable and it is not
expected that the Manager's, or Sub-Advisor's, expenses will be significantly
reduced since the receipt of such statistical data and research information is
only supplementary to the Manager's, or Sub-Advisor's, own research efforts. The
Manager, or Sub-Advisor, allocated portfolio transactions for the Aggressive
Growth Fund, Asset Allocation Fund, Balanced Fund, Capital Accumulation Fund,
Emerging Growth Fund, Growth Fund and World Fund to certain brokers during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 due to research services provided by such
brokers. These portfolio transactions resulted in commissions paid to such
brokers by the Funds in the amounts of $15,242, $15,438, $13,692, $29,405,
$2,591, $500, and $3,955, respectively.
Purchases and sales of debt securities and money market instruments
usually will be principal transactions; portfolio securities will normally be
purchased directly from the issuer or from an underwriter or marketmaker for the
securities. Such transactions are usually conducted on a net basis with the Fund
paying no brokerage commissions. Purchases from underwriters will include a
commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and the
purchases from dealers serving as marketmakers will include the spread between
the bid and asked prices.
The following table shows the brokerage commissions paid during the
periods indicated. In each year, 100% of the commissions paid by each Fund went
to broker-dealers which provided research, statistical or other factual
information.
Total Brokerage Commissions Paid
---------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year Ended
December 31,
Fund 1996 1995 1994
----- ---- ----- ----
Aggressive Growth $250,591 $102,404 $ 37,910 *
Asset Allocation 109,360 35,476 40,055 *
Balanced 46,458 18,780 14,596
Capital Accumulation 183,156 142,577 149,871
Emerging Growth 63,355 31,588 7,527
Growth 45,131 28,870 7,280 **
World 156,842 78,939 43,151 **
* Period beginning June 1, 1994 and ended December 31, 1994.
** Period beginning May 1, 1994 and ended December 31, 1994.
Brokerage commissions paid to affiliates during the year ended December
31, 1996 were as follows:
Commissions Paid to Principal Financial Securities, Inc.
--------------------------------------------------------
Total Dollar As Percent of As Percent of Dollar Amount
Fund Amount Total Commissions of Commissionable Transactions
- ---- ------------ ----------------- ------------------------------
Capital Accumulation $6,612 3.61% 7.92%
Growth 438 .97% .86%
Commissions Paid to Morgan Stanley and Co.
------------------------------------------
Total Dollar As Percent of As Percent of Dollar Amount
Fund Amount Total Commissions of Commissionable Transactions
- ---- ------------ ----------------- ------------------------------
Balanced $1,300 2.80% 1.82%
Capital Accumulation 3,650 1.99% 1.48%
World 3,176 2.02% 1.78%
Morgan Stanley and Co. Is affiliated with Morgan Stanley Asset
Management, Inc., which acts as a sub-advisor to two mutual funds included in
the Fund complex.
The Manager acts as investment advisor for each of the funds sponsored by
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company and places orders to trade portfolio
securities for each of these funds, except the Aggressive Growth Fund and Asset
Allocation Fund. If, in carrying out the investment objectives of the funds,
occasions arise when purchases or sales of the same equity securities are to be
made for two or more of the funds at the same time, a computer program will
randomly order the instructions to purchase and, whenever possible, to sell
securities. Securities purchased or proceeds of sales received on each trading
day with respect to such orders shall be allocated to the various funds placing
orders on that trading day by filling each fund's order for that day, in the
sequence arrived at by the random ordering. If purchases or sales of the same
debt securities are to be made for two or more of the Funds at the same time,
the securities will be purchased or sold proportionately in accordance with the
amount of such security sought to be purchased or sold at that time for each
fund. If the purchase or sale of securities consistent with the investment
objectives of the funds or one or more of the other clients for which MSAM acts
as investment sub-advisor or advisor is to be made at the same time, the
securities will be purchased or sold proportionately in accordance with the
amount of such security sought to be purchased or sold at that time for each
fund or client.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE OF FUND SHARES
Growth-Oriented and Income-Oriented Funds
The net asset values of the shares of each of the Growth-Oriented and
Income-Oriented Funds are determined daily, Monday through Friday, as of the
close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, except on days on which changes
in the value of a Fund's portfolio securities will not materially affect the
current net asset value of that Fund's redeemable securities, on days during
which a Fund receives no order for the purchase or sale of its redeemable
securities and no tender of such a security for redemption, and on customary
national business holidays. The Funds treat as customary national business
holidays those days on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed for New
Year's Day (January 1), Washington's Birthday (third Monday in February), Good
Friday (variable date between March 20 and April 23, inclusive), Memorial Day
(last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in
September), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November) and Christmas Day
(December 25). The net asset value per share for each Fund is determined by
dividing the value of securities in the Fund's investment portfolio plus all
other assets, less all liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding.
Securities for which market quotations are readily available, including options
and futures traded on an exchange, are valued at market value, which is
currently determined using the last reported sale price or, if no sales are
reported, as is regularly the case for some securities traded over-the-counter,
the last reported bid price. When reliable market quotations are not considered
to be readily available, which may be the case, for example, with respect to
certain debt securities, preferred stocks, foreign securities and
over-the-counter options, the investments are valued by using market quotations,
prices provided by market makers, which may include dealers with which the Fund
has executed transactions, or estimates of market values obtained from yield
data and other factors relating to instruments or securities with similar
characteristics in accordance with procedures established in good faith by the
Board of Directors. Securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are
valued at amortized cost. Other assets are valued at fair value as determined in
good faith by the Board of Directors of the Fund.
Generally, trading in foreign securities is substantially completed each
day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange. The
values of such securities used in computing net asset value per share are
usually determined as of such times. Occasionally, events which affect the
values of such securities and foreign currency exchange rates may occur between
the times at which they are generally determined and the close of the New York
Stock Exchange and would therefore not be reflected in the computation of the
Fund's net asset value. If events materially affecting the value of such
securities occur during such period, then these securities will be valued at
their fair value as determined in good faith by the Manager under procedures
established and regularly reviewed by the Board of Directors. To the extent the
Fund invests in foreign securities listed on foreign exchanges which trade on
days on which the Fund does not determine its net asset value, for example
Saturdays and other customary national U.S. holidays, the Fund's net asset value
could be significantly affected on days when shareholders have no access to the
Fund.
Certain securities issued by Korean companies may have more than one
quoted valuation at any given point in time, sometimes referred to as a "local"
price and a "premium" price. The premium price is often a negotiated price which
may not consistently represent a price at which a specific transaction can be
effected. It is the policy of Principal World Fund to value such securities at
prices at which it is expected those shares may be sold, and the Manager or any
sub-adviser, is authorized to make such determinations subject to such oversight
by the Fund's Board of Directors as may from time to time be necessary.
Money Market Fund
The net asset value of shares of the Money Market Fund is determined at
the same time and on the same days as each of the Growth-Oriented Funds and
Income-Oriented Funds as described above. The net asset value per share for the
Fund is computed by dividing the total value of the Fund's securities and other
assets, less liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding.
All securities held by the Money Market Fund will be valued on an
amortized cost basis. Under this method of valuation, a security is initially
valued at cost; thereafter, the Fund assumes a constant proportionate
amortization in value until maturity of any discount or premium, regardless of
the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value of the security.
While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may result in periods
during which value, as determined by amortized cost, is higher or lower than the
price that would be received upon sale of the security.
Use of the amortized cost valuation method by the Money Market Fund
requires the Fund to maintain a dollar weighted average maturity of 90 days or
less and to purchase only obligations that have remaining maturities of 397 days
or less or have a variable or floating rate of interest. In addition, the Fund
can invest only in "Eligible Securities" as that term is defined in Regulations
issued under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (see the Fund's Prospectus for a
more complete description) determined by its Board of Directors to present
minimal credit risks.
The Board of Directors for the Money Market Fund have established
procedures designed to stabilize, to the extent reasonably possible, the Fund's
price per share as computed for the purpose of sales and redemptions at $1.00.
Such procedures include a directive to the Manager to test price the portfolio
or specific securities thereof upon certain changes in the Treasury Bill auction
interest rate for the purpose of identifying possible deviations in the net
asset value per share calculated by using available market quotations or
equivalents from $1.00 per share. If such deviation exceeds 1/2 of 1%, the Board
of Directors will promptly consider what action, if any, will be initiated. In
the event the Board of Directors determines that a deviation exists which may
result in material dilution or other unfair results to shareholders, the Board
will take such corrective action as it regards as appropriate, including: the
sale of portfolio instruments prior to maturity; the withholding of dividends;
redemptions of shares in kind; the establishment of a net asset value per share
based upon available market quotations; or splitting, combining or otherwise
recapitalizing outstanding shares. The Fund may also reduce the number of shares
outstanding by redeeming proportionately from shareholders, without the payment
of any monetary compensation, such value at $1.00 per share.
PERFORMANCE CALCULATION
Each of the Principal Funds may from time to time advertise its
performance in terms of total return. The figures used for total return and
yield are based on the historical performance of a Fund, show the performance of
a hypothetical investment and are not intended to indicate future performance.
Total return and yield will vary from time to time depending upon market
conditions, the composition of a Fund's portfolio and operating expenses. These
factors and possible differences in the methods used in calculating performance
figures should be considered when comparing a Fund's performance to the
performance of some other kind of investment. The calculations of total return
and yield for the Funds do not include the fees and charges of the separate
accounts that invest in the Funds and, therefore, do not reflect the investment
performance of those separate accounts.
Each Fund may also include in its advertisements performance rankings and
other performance-related information published by independent statistical
services or publishers, such as Lipper Analytical Services, Weisenberger
Investment Companies Services, Money Magazine, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal,
Barron's and Changing Times, and comparisons of the performance of a Fund to
that of various market indices, such as the S&P 500 Index, Lehman Brothers GNMA
Index, Dow Jones Industrials Index, and the Salomon Brothers Investment Grade
Bond Index.
Total Return
When advertising total return figures, each of the Growth-Oriented Funds
and Income-Oriented Funds will include its average annual total return for each
of the one, five and ten year periods (or if shorter, the period during which
its registration statement has been in effect) that end on the last day of the
most recent calendar quarter. Average annual total return is computed by
calculating the average annual compounded rate of return over the stated period
that would equate an initial $1,000 investment to the ending redeemable value
assuming the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions at
net asset value. In its advertising, a Fund may also include average annual
total return for some other period or cumulative total return for a specified
period. Cumulative total return is computed by dividing the ending redeemable
value (assuming the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains
distributions at net asset value) by the initial investment.
The following table shows as of December 31, 1996 average annual total
return for each of the Funds for the periods indicated:
Fund 1-Year 5-Year 10-Year
- ------------------------ ------- ----------- -------
Aggressive Growth 28.05% 28.05%(4) N/A
Asset Allocation 12.92% 12.95%(4) N/A
Balanced 13.13% 11.57% 12.16%(1)
Bond 2.36% 8.20% 9.55%(1)
Capital Accumulation 23.50% 14.08% 13.08%
Emerging Growth 21.11% 16.64% 17.73%(1)
Government Securities 3.35% 6.68% 8.63%(2)
Growth 12.51% 16.12%(3) N/A
High Yield 13.13% 11.20% 9.89%(1)
World 25.09% 12.83%(3) N/A
(1) Period beginning December 18, 1987 and ending December 31, 1996.
(2) Period beginning March 30, 1987 and ending December 31, 1996.
(3) Period beginning May 1, 1994 and ending December 31, 1996.
(4) Period beginning June 1, 1994 and ending December 31, 1996.
Yield
Money Market Fund
The Money Market Fund may advertise its yield and its effective yield.
Yield is computed by determining the net change, exclusive of capital
changes, in the value of a hypothetical pre-existing account having a balance of
one share at the beginning of the period, subtracting a hypothetical charge
reflecting deductions from shareholder accounts, and dividing the difference by
the value of the account at the beginning of the base period to obtain the base
period return, and then multiplying the base period return by (365/7) with the
resulting yield figure carried to at least the nearest hundredth of one percent.
As of December 31, 1996, the Money Market Fund's yield was 5.00%. Because
realized capital gains or losses in a Fund's portfolio are not included in the
calculation, the Fund's net investment income per share for yield purposes may
be different from the net investment income per share for dividend purposes,
which includes net short-term realized gains or losses on the Fund's portfolio.
Effective yield is computed by determining the net change, exclusive of
capital changes, in the value of a hypothetical pre-existing account having a
balance of one share at the beginning of the period, subtracting a hypothetical
charge reflecting deductions from shareholder accounts, and dividing the
difference by the value of the account at the beginning of the base period to
obtain the base period return, and then compounding the base period return by
adding 1, raising the sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 7, and subtracting
1 from the result. The resulting effective yield figure is carried to at least
the nearest hundredth of one percent. As of December 31, 1996, the Money Market
Fund's effective yield was 5.13%.
The yield quoted at any time for the Money Market Funds represents the
amount that was earned during a specific, recent seven-day period and is a
function of the quality, types and length of maturity of instruments in the
Fund's portfolio and the Fund's operating expenses. The length of maturity for
the portfolio is the average dollar weighted maturity of the portfolio. This
means that the portfolio has an average maturity of a stated number of days for
its issues. The calculation is weighted by the relative value of each
investment.
The yield for the Money Market Fund will fluctuate daily as the income
earned on the investments of the Fund fluctuates. Accordingly, there is no
assurance that the yield quoted on any given occasion will remain in effect for
any period of time. It should also be emphasized that the Fund is an open-end
investment company and that there is no guarantee that the net asset value or
any stated rate of return will remain constant. A shareholder's investment in
the Fund is not insured. Investors comparing results of the Money Market Fund
with investment results and yields from other sources such as banks or savings
and loan associations should understand these distinctions. Historical and
comparative yield information may, from time to time, be presented by the Fund.
TAX STATUS
It is the policy of each Fund to distribute substantially all net
investment income and net realized gains. Through such distributions, and by
satisfying certain other requirements, each Fund intends to qualify for the tax
treatment accorded to regulated investment companies under the applicable
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. This means that in each year in which a
Fund so qualifies, it will be exempt from federal income tax upon the amount so
distributed to investors.
For federal income tax purposes, capital gains and losses on futures
contracts or options thereon, index options or options traded on qualified
exchanges are generally treated at 60% long-term and 40% short-term. In
addition, a Fund must recognize any unrealized gains and losses on such
positions held at the end of the fiscal year. A Fund may elect out of such tax
treatment, however, for a futures or options position that is part of an
"identified mixed straddle" such as a put option purchased by the Fund with
respect to a portfolio security. Gains and losses on figures and options
included in an identified mixed straddle will be considered 100% short-term and
unrealized gain or loss on such positions will not be realized at year end. The
straddle provisions of the Code may require the deferral of realized losses to
the extent that the Fund has unrealized gains in certain offsetting positions at
the end of the fiscal year, and may also require recharacterization of all or a
part of losses on certain offsetting positions from short-term to long-term, as
well as adjustment of the holding periods of straddle positions.
One of the requirements the Funds must meet to qualify as a regulated
investment company under federal tax law is that the Fund must derive less than
30% of its gross income from gains on the sale or other disposition of
securities held for less than three months. Accordingly, the Funds will be
restricted in selling securities held or considered under Code rules to have
been held for less than three months and in engaging in certain transactions to
obtain or close positions in options and futures contracts.
The 1986 Tax Reform Act imposes an excise tax on mutual funds which fail
to distribute net investment income and capital gains by the end of the calendar
year in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The Funds intend to comply
with the Act's requirements and to avoid this excise tax.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY
The Aggressive Growth Fund was incorporated under the laws of Maryland on
August 20, 1993 as Principal Blue Chip Fund, Inc. The Fund changed its name to
Principal Aggressive Growth Fund on May 1, 1994.
The Asset Allocation Fund was incorporated under the laws of Maryland on
August 20, 1993 as Principal Utilities Fund, Inc. The Fund changed its name to
Principal Asset Allocation Fund on May 1, 1994.
The Balanced Fund was incorporated under the laws of Maryland on November
26, 1986. Effective November 1, 1988 the Fund changed its name from Princor
Managed Investment Fund, Inc. to Principal Managed Fund, Inc. Effective May 1,
1994, the Fund changed its name to Principal Balanced Fund, Inc.
The Bond Fund was incorporated under the laws of Maryland on November 26,
1986. Effective March 20, 1987, its name was changed from Princor Corporate Bond
Fund, Inc. to Princor Bond Investment Fund, Inc. Effective November 1, 1988 the
Fund changed its name to Principal Bond Fund, Inc.
The Capital Accumulation Fund was incorporated under the laws of Maryland
on May 26, 1989 as the successor to the business of a fund with the same name
that had been incorporated in Delaware on February 6, 1969 (the "Predecessor
Fund"). Effective November 1, 1986, the Predecessor Fund changed its name from
BLC Fund, Inc. to Princor Fund, Inc. Effective November 1, 1987, the Predecessor
Fund changed its name to Princor Investment Fund, Inc. Effective November 1,
1988, the Predecessor Fund changed its name to Principal Capital Accumulation
Fund, Inc.
The Emerging Growth Fund was incorporated under the laws of Maryland on
February 20, 1987. Effective November 1, 1988, the Fund changed its name from
Princor Aggressive Growth Investment Fund, Inc. to Principal Aggressive Growth
Fund, Inc. Effective May 1, 1992, the Fund changed its name from Principal
Aggressive Growth Fund, Inc., to Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.
The Government Securities Fund was incorporated under the laws of
Maryland on June 7, 1985 a BLC Federal Government Securities Fund, Inc.
Effective November 1, 1986 the Fund changed its name to Princor Federal
Government Securities Fund, Inc. On November 1, 1987, the Fund changed its name
to Princor Government Securities Investment Fund, Inc. Effective November 1,
1988, the Fund changed its name to Principal Government Securities Fund, Inc.
The High Yield Fund was incorporated under the laws of Maryland on
December 2, 1986. Effective March 20, 1987, its name was changed from Princor
High Yield Bond Investment Fund, Inc. to Princor High Yield Investment Fund,
Inc. Effective November 1, 1988, the Fund changed its name to Principal High
Yield Fund, Inc.
The Money Market Fund was incorporated under the laws of Maryland on June
10, 1982. Effective November 1, 1986, the Fund changed its name from BLC Money
Market Fund, Inc. to Princor Money Market Fund, Inc. Effective November 1, 1987,
the Fund changed its name to Princor Money Market Investment Fund, Inc.
Effective November 1, 1988, the Fund changed its name to Principal Money Market
Fund, Inc.
Effective July 1, 1992, the Bond, Capital Accumulation, Emerging Growth,
Government Securities, High Yield, Managed and Money Market Funds changed their
respective fiscal year-ends from June 30 to December 31.
Reorganization
Following is a description of a Reorganization completed by the Capital
Accumulation Fund on November 1, 1989. "Predecessor Fund" as used below means
the Capital Accumulation Fund, which was incorporated in Delaware on February 6,
1969. "Successor Fund" as used below refers to the Capital Accumulation Fund,
which was incorporated in Maryland on May 26, 1989 for the purpose of completing
the Reorganization.
On October 3, 1989, a majority of the outstanding shares of the
Predecessor Fund approved a proposal to permit the Predecessor Fund to transfer
all of its assets and liabilities to the Successor Fund in accordance with an
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Liquidation dated June 16, 1989 (the
"Agreement") between the Successor Fund and Predecessor Fund (the
"Reorganization"). The Agreement was authorized and approved by the Boards of
Directors of the Predecessor Fund and the Successor Fund in accordance with the
laws of Delaware and Maryland, respectively. The net asset values of the shares
were unaffected by the Reorganization.
The primary purpose for the Reorganization was to change the Predecessor
Fund's domicile, thereby eliminating an unnecessary state tax burden for which
the Predecessor Fund was responsible. The state of Delaware imposed a franchise
tax on the Predecessor Fund based upon the assets of the Predecessor Fund.
Payment of this state tax reduced the Predecessor Fund's income otherwise
distributable to the Predecessor Fund's shareholders. Maryland does not impose a
franchise tax but imposes an income tax based upon undistributed net income. The
amount of state income tax for a Maryland mutual fund is low or non-existent
because a mutual fund distributes substantially all of its net income each
fiscal year.
By voting in favor of the Agreement the shareholders authorized the
Predecessor Fund, as the sole shareholder of the Fund prior to the
Reorganization, to: (i) elect as directors of the Successor Fund all of the
Predecessor Fund's Directors at the time of the Reorganization; (ii) ratify the
selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent auditors of the Successor
Fund; and (iii) approve as Management Agreement and Investment Service Agreement
for the Successor Fund agreements substantially identical to the Management
Agreement and Investment Service Agreement in effect for the Predecessor Fund at
the time of the Reorganization.
In the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, the term
Capital Accumulation Fund is used generally to refer to the Successor Fund and
with respect to matters occurring prior to the reorganization to the Predecessor
Fund.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements for the Funds for the fiscal period ended
December 31, 1996 appearing in the Annual Report to Shareholders and the report
thereon of Ernst and Young LLP, independent auditors, appearing therein are
incorporated by reference in this Statement of Additional Information. The
Annual Report will be furnished, without charge, to investors who request copies
of the Statement of Additional Information.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
Description of Bond Ratings:
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Bond Ratings
Aaa:
Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the
smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt edge."
Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin
and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to
change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa:
Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade
bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection
may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements
may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make
the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A:
Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to
be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa:
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal
security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be
lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time.
Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have
speculative characteristics as well.
Ba:
Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future
cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest and
principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during
both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes
bonds in this class.
B:
Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa:
Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or
there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca:
Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high
degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C:
Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and issues so rated
can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
CONDITIONAL RATING: Bonds for which the security depends upon the
completion of some act or the fulfillment of some condition are rated
conditionally. These bonds secured by (a) earnings of projects under
construction, (b) earnings of projects unseasoned in operation experience, (c)
rentals which begin when facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some
other limiting condition attaches. Parenthetical rating denotes probable credit
stature upon completion of construction or elimination of basis of condition.
RATING REFINEMENTS: Moody's may apply numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in
each generic rating classification from Aa through B in its bond rating system.
The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its
generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and a
modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
SHORT-TERM NOTES: The four ratings of Moody's for short-term notes are
MIG 1, MIG 2, MIG 3 and MIG 4; MIG 1 denotes "best quality, enjoying strong
protection from established cash flows"; MIG 2 denotes "high quality" with
"ample margins of protection"; MIG 3 notes are of "favorable quality...but
lacking the undeniable strength of the preceding grades"; MIG 4 notes are of
"adequate quality, carrying specific risk for having protection...and not
distinctly or predominantly speculative."
Description of Moody's Commercial Paper Ratings
Moody's Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability to repay
punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in excess of
nine months. Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be
investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment capacity of rated issuers:
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) have a
superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.
Issuers rated Prime-2 (or related supporting institutions) have a
strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.
Issuers rated Prime-3 (or related supporting institutions) have an
acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.
Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
Description of Standard & Poor's Corporation's Debt Ratings:
A Standard & Poor's debt rating is a current assessment of the
creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This
assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers, or
lessees.
The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a
security, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for
a particular investor.
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources Standard & Poor's considers
reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any
rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The
ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or
unavailability of, such information, or for other circumstances.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:
I. Likelihood of default -- capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with
the terms of the obligation;
II. Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
III.Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the
event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of
bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditor's rights.
AAA:
Debt rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA:
Debt rated "AA" has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest-rated issues only in small
degree.
A:
Debt rated "A" has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt
in higher-rated categories.
BBB:
Debt rated "BBB" is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay
interest and repay principal for debt in this category than for debt in
higher-rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC:
Debt rated "BB", "B", "CCC" and "CC" is regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and
repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. "BB"
indicates the lowest degree of speculation and "CC" the highest degree
of speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and
protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties
or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
C:
The rating "C" is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.
D:
Debt rated "D" is in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment
of principal is in arrears.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "B" may be modified by
the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within
the major rating categories.
Provisional Ratings: The letter "p" indicates that the rating is
provisional. A provisional rating assumes the successful completion of
the project being financed by the bonds being rated and indicates that
payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent
upon the successful and timely completion of the project. This rating,
however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to completion of
the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of, or the risk of
default upon failure of, such completion. The investor should exercise
his own judgment with respect to such likelihood and risk.
NR:
Indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient
information on which to base a rating or that Standard & Poor's does
not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
Standard & Poor's, Commercial Paper Ratings
A Standard & Poor's Commercial Paper Rating is a current assessment of
the likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more
than 365 days. Ratings are graded into four categories, ranging from "A" for the
highest quality obligations to "D" for the lowest. Ratings are applicable to
both taxable and tax-exempt commercial paper. The four categories are as
follows:
A:
Issues assigned the highest rating are regarded as having the greatest
capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are delineated with
the numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the relative degree of safety.
A-1 This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Issues that
possess overwhelming safety characteristics will be given a "+"
designation.
A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
strong. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as
for issues designated "A-1".
A-3 Issues carrying this designation have a satisfactory capacity for
timely payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances than obligations
carrying the highest designations.
B:
Issues rated "B" are regarded as having only an adequate capacity for
timely payment. However, such capacity may be damaged by changing
conditions or short-term adversities.
C:
This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a doubtful
capacity for payment.
D:
This rating indicates that the issue is either in default or is expected
to be in default upon maturity.
The Commercial Paper Rating is not a recommendation to purchase or sell a
security. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Standard &
Poor's by the issuer and obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it
considers reliable. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a
result of changes in or unavailability of, such information.
Standard & Poor's rates notes with a maturity of less than three years as
follows:
SP-1 A very strong, or strong, capacity to pay principal and
interest. Issues that possess overwhelming safety
characteristics will be given a "+" designation.
SP-2 A satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
SP-3 A speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
